Tag Archives: comics

Justice League #22 Review

DC Comics, , , ,

JL22

Superman is a killer?  No way.  Shazam started a war?  No Way.  Should you be reading this issue, Part 1 of the Trinity War?  Yes.

Pandora is on a quest to eradicate the world of evil.  Only the purest or darkest at heart can open Pandora’s box.  She finds Superman, whom she believes is purest at heart, and shoves the box into his hands.  Instead of the curse breaking, Superman momentarily gains the third eye and attacks Pandora and Wonder Woman.

Meanwhile, Shazam has flown to Kahndaq to spread Black Adam’s ashes across the desert, despite being warned that the government has banned Americans from traveling there.  The Justice League, taking Zatanna with them for her expertise in magic, heads to Kahndaq to investigate.

The Justice League of America (JLA) also travels to Kahndaq, but to bring the Justice League back to the United States.  We learned in the first issue of JLA that each member has been secretly paired with a member of the Justice League.  Their mission is to take down the Justice League if needed.  The JLA members are hesitant about their assignments, but Colonel Steve Trevor tells them they’re under direct orders.  Of course those orders are from none other than Amanda Waller, that woman I love to hate.

The Justice League finds Shazam in Kahndaq, but he is uncooperative.  He even knocked down Superman, but he quickly learned that was a mistake.  The JLA arrives and informs the Justice League they’re escorting them out.

I am stopping my narration at this point because this is where all kinds of hell breaks loose.  It is too good for me to spoil, but I will say that some serious fighting is going on.  But unknowing to them all is that this war has been orchestrated by the Secret Society of Super Villains, led by the Outsider.

In order to appreciate the Trinity War to its’ fullest, I recommend that you read ALL of the issues in this DC Comics major crossover in the correct order (see checklist below).

I also recommend that you read Justice League beginning with the first issue if you haven’t already, so that you can become familiar with the characters in the new DC Universe.  There are also subtle hints and clues in this title leading up to the war.

This title has a mini story about Pandora and a mini series about Shazam.  I especially loved the Shazam story.  Billy Batson is a young, mouthy orphan boy that is given the powers of Shazam by a wizard.  He must defeat Black Adam, an evil antihero.

Trinity War Crossover Checklist

JULY

  • Prelude: Trinity of Sin:  Pandora #1
  • Part 1:  Justice League #22
  • Part 2:  Justice League of America #6
  • Part 3:  Justice League Dark #22
  • Tie-in:  Constantine #5
  • Tie-in:  Trinity of Sin:  Pandora #2

AUGUST 

  • Tie-In:  Trinity of Sin:  Phantom Stranger #11
  • Part 4:  Justice League of America #7
  • Tie-in:  Trinity of Sin:  Pandora #3
  • Part 5:  Justice League Dark #23
  • Part 6:  Justice League #23

I am currently reading all of these titles, except Phantom Stranger.  However I will be reading issue 11, and will continue reading the series if it grabs my attention.

Geoff Johns is the writer of this well written, fast paced, action filled, and constant page turner.  Great character interactions and Johns gets straight to the point.

I especially liked seeing Madame Xanadu in this story, and how she figured out the meaning of trinity.  Too bad she was deceived by Plastique, a member of the Secret Society.  Madame Xanadu was one of the Demon Knights, one of my favorite New 52 titles that was placed on the chopping block.  She is also in Justice League Dark, a title that is also in the crossover.

The creative art team consists of Ivan Reis, Rod Reis, Oclair Albert and Joe Prado.  Visual storytelling at its’ best.  Realistic characters, detailed facial expressions and powerful fight scenes.  I especially love the cover and the two-page spread of the battle between the Justice League and JLA.  The rich and vibrant colors bring it all to life.

I have been reading  Justice League since the first issue, and plan to continue reading this title.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend this DC Comics New 52 title.

Pandora #1 Review

DC Comics, , , , , ,

pandora1

Envy, gluttony, pride, greed, sloth, wrath, and lust. Imagine having unleashed the seven deadly sins out into the world, and not even knowing it. Then imagine getting sentenced to an eternity of pain, suffering and loneliness, and not even knowing why. That is what happened when Pandora opened the box.

Venturing out into the woods to gather berries, Pandora notices a light in the brushes. The light is coming from a skull shaped box with three eyes. Pandora picks up the box and her life drastically changes. Summoned to the Rock of Eternity for judgment, she is cursed with burning scars and must wander the world that has become full of sin. FOREVER.

Many years later, the dying wizard, Shazam, finds Pandora and tells her the Council used poor judgment and that her punishment was undeserving. Before vanishing into thin air, the wizard tells Pandora how to end the curse and rid the world of the seven deadly sins. Only the strongest or darkest of the heart can open the box. Pandora knows who the strongest at heart is, and takes off on a journey to find this person.

This New 52 title is the prequel to Trinity War, a DC Comics crossover. In this issue we learn that Pandora, Phantom Stranger and the Question are the Trinity of Sin. The sad part about it is that Pandora does not know what she did wrong.

I was surfing the web a few days ago and came across a comic I wasn’t aware of, DC Comics – The New 52 FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) Special Edition. The story details the judgments of the Trinity of Sin as they stand before the Council at the Rock of Eternity. I now know who Phantom Stranger is, and why Question became, well, the Question. The comic is free and can be read at Comixology. I highly suggest that you read this comic.

In case you don’t know, the Trinity War is not a fight among Pandora, Phantom Stranger and Question. It is a battle among the three most powerful and dangerous teams in the DC Universe. Justice League, Justice League of America and Justice League Dark. However the war is being orchestrated by a group of super villains.

I am already enjoying this dark fantasy and supernatural series. Even after the Trinity War ends, I plan to continue reading this title.

Ray Fawkes is the writer. Great dialogue. I was sad over Pandora’s judgment, but quickly overcame that sadness when I saw Vandal Savage, one of my favorite characters from Demon Knights, a NEW 52 title that was canceled.

The creative art team consists of Daniel Sampere (pencils), Patrick Zircher (artist) and Vicente Cifuentes (inks). Excellent visual storytelling. The spread showcasing the seven deadly sins is creepy, but awesome. I hope I never find Pandora’s box because I definitely DO NOT want to be the mother of these sinful creatures.

Here is a list of the 11 Trinity War titles:

JULY

  • Prelude: Trinity of Sin: Pandora #1
  • Part 1: Justice League #22
  • Part 2: Justice League of America #6
  • Part 3: Justice League Dark #22
  • Tie-in: Constantine #5
  • Tie-in: Trinity of Sin: Pandora #2

AUGUST

  • Tie-In: Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger #11
  • Part 4: Justice League of America #7
  • Tie-in: Trinity of Sin: Pandora #3
  • Part 5: Justice League Dark #23
  • Part 6: Justice League #23

I am currently reading all of these titles, except Phantom Stranger. However I will be reading issue 11, and will continue reading the series if it grabs my attention.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I HIGHLY recommend this series.

Deadpool #13 Review

Marvel Comics, , ,

deadpool13

If you are attempting to read Deadpool without knowing anything about this character, then you ain’t nothing but a jive turkey.  That’s right, you’re dippin’ and dappin’ and don’t know what’s happenin’.  So let me tell you the real deal.  Deadpool is a mercenary.  He is also a psychopath who talks to a voice in his head.  He will walk up to you, tell you who placed the hit and then shoot you in the face.  He’s witty, talks A LOT and annoys almost everyone, which pretty much sums up why he’s also called the Merc With a Mouth.

This issue is a blast from the past, the good ole days of the afro (my oldest brother still wears a ‘fro).  Deadpool reads a Heroes for Hire ad in the newspaper, and decides to apply for the job in person.  If you know Deadpool, then you know there was some ruckus when he arrived at the office.  Actually it began BEFORE his arrival.  He literally walks through the office door of Luke Cage, aka Power Man and Danny Rand, aka Iron Fist.  They quickly become irritated and annoyed by Deadpool’s presence but the three of them team up to take down The White Man.  Well, Power Man and Iron Fist were hired for the job.  Deadpool pretty much hired himself.

WARNING TO PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN:  Deadpool is mentally unstable, and he is extremely violent.  Please read with caution around your children.  If Deadpool is  involved, then so is violence.

I am still enjoying this Marvel NOW! title.  Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn are the creative writers of this funny, but violent series.  I LOVE this throwback issue, especially Deadpimp.  Deadpool is so hilarious.  There were a few times where I said, “Will you shut up?”  or “You talk extremely too much and too crazy!”  This well written script is funny and is filled with page turners.  If you weren’t born until after the 70’s then you won’t be able to appreciate this story to its’ fullest.

The creative art team consists of Scott Koblish (artist) and Val Staples (colors).  These two did an amazing job.  I love how the coloring of the page borders, especially the edges, replicate those of an aged comic.  I like the afros, bell-bottoms, costumes and Deadpimp and The White Man’s pimp suits.  And I love that pick in Deadpool’s hair on the cover!

I couldn’t help but reminiscence about the good ole days while reading this story.  I was a child but I remember it well.  My oldest sister had a white t-shirt that read, “Jive Turkey” on the front.  I remember using the phrase, “I’m hip” (my brothers and I still use it occasionally) and my sister and I won dance contests (remember the dance called the “bump”).  There were street parties, no disrespecting our parents or any other adults, and we played outside from sun up til sun down.

But enough of my shuckin and jivin.  I’m getting ready to play some old school music.  Parliament, Rose Royce, Ohio Players, KC and the Sunshine Band, and the Sugarhill Gang.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I recommend this Marvel NOW! title to mature readers only.

Superior Carnage #1 Review

Marvel Comics, , ,

supercarnage1

The word carnage is defined as the killing of a large number of people. It is synonymous with slaughter, massacre and butchery. So the title, along with the cover art, was more than enough for me to know what this Marvel comic was about.

Cletus Kasady, aka Carnage, is a serial killing psychopath with an alien parasite in his bloodstream. Residing in a maximum security prison for super villains, each and every kind of hell breaks loose when a mind controlled guard releases all of the prisoners, including Carnage. After witnessing the bloodbath at the prison, the Wizard attempts to gain control of Carnage’s mind. But little does he know, Carnage had undergone a lobotomy!

WARNING TO PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN: Carnage is definitely not for young eyes. Please exercise caution when reading this comic around your children.

Kevin Shinick is the writer of this well written script. This debut issue is a great opener, and I especially like the character and narration of Ted Connelly, the convict with the brown underwear (you’ll understand when you read the story). I also liked how one of the guards stood his ground against the Wizard, even poking fun at him. And the characterization of Carnage is frightfully awesome.

I cringed when I saw this comic on the shelf at the comic shop.  The cover caught my eye.  I thought, “Oh my gosh” as I held the book in my hands. There’s a couple panels where the look in Cleatus’ eyes told me that I should have waited until daylight to read this story. Carnage is one terrifying creature. I shivered while reading this constant page turner. I gasped at some of the panels, and I actually jumped out of my chair with fright near the center of the story. YES I JUMPED OUT OF MY CHAIR.  That’s because I didn’t know what to expect.  This was my first time reading a Carnage story.

And who is to blame for this adrenaline rushing, blood pressure rising art? Stephen Segovia (artist), Jay David Ramos (colorist) and Clayton Crain (cover art). The art in this issue is terrifyingly perfect. This is one story that does not require any text. And it’s 3D without the glasses.

Am I going to read the next issue? HECK YEAH. My heart was beating fast as if it was running in a marathon, but it was worth it. I watched Psycho, Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby on television as a child. So as an adult, I’m sure I can handle Carnage. The entire team deserves a round of applause.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I recommend this title for mature readers of gory fiction and Carnage fans.

Quantum and Woody #1 Review

Valiant, , ,

quantwood1

This is one comic that I am glad to have jumped on.  Amusing and adventuresome from page one, I can honestly say that this debut issue has lived up to its’ media hype.  I am a new reader of Valiant, and I’m already planning to add this title to my pulls at the comic shop.

Eric and Woody Henderson are estranged brothers and rivals.  When Eric fails to inform a carefree Woody of their father’s death, Woody shows up at the funeral and causes some serious hell to break loose, which lands them both in jail.  They are interrogated by Detective Cejudo (I don’t trust her) and released.  Suspecting that their father was murdered, Eric and Woody breaks into his lab to investigate.  While engaged in a scuffle inside the lab, a scientific accident occurs that causes life altering effects on the siblings.

James Asmus is the writer of this superb script.  Constant page turner.  Hilarious dialog throughout the entire issue.  Easy to read and appropriate for all ages.  I love the character interactions, especially Woody.  He’s a carefree, conniving thief that has led a mischievous lifestyle since childhood.  The scenes with his brother are amusing, as Eric is the complete opposite.  Asmus did an excellent job with the setup for this story, which includes flashbacks on the boys’ lives and interactions with their father, a great way to introduce the characters to its’ readers.

The art team includes Tom Fowler (artist) and Jordie Bellaire (colors).  You don’t really need text to know what’s going on in this story.  Great visual storytelling.

I was amazed by the characterizations of Woody and Eric.  Eric is African-American and the biological son of Derek Henderson.  Woody is Caucasian and adopted.  As a black female that is stereotyped in the workplace and other public places on a daily basis, I knew for sure that Eric was going to be portrayed as a thuggish rogue.  But I was proven wrong.  Eric is a member of the armed forces, and has always been the backbone for his brother.  Strong, level-headed.  Woody, on the other hand, was the typical orphaned kid that thrived on mischief.  In the flashbacks of the boys getting into trouble as kids, Woody was always the brother at fault.  He would laugh it off and go on with his carefree life, until time for his next shenanigans.  This is not what I expected.  I was blown away after reading this story.

Quantum and Woody is an adventure that everyone should be a part of.  It’s a light and fun read.  Although this type of story does not fit my current personal taste, there’s something about it that makes me want to read more of it.  I’m not going to dwell on it because I definitely plan to continue reading the series to see where it’s headed.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I recommend this series for all ages.

Fearless Defenders #6 Review

Marvel Comics, , ,

feardef6

It turns out that Valkyrie used to be a Doom Maiden after all. The Maiden of Rage. And rage is what she was full of in this issue. She took down all the Shield Maidens, most of them with her bare hands. Keep in mind the Shield Maidens are the some of the strongest female superheroes in the Marvel universe, so that should tell you how strong and powerful she is.

But there was one Shield Maiden in particular that was strong in a different way. Knowing that Valkyrie was possessed by an unknown evil force, Annabelle Riggs stood against the Maiden of Rage to save Valkyrie. But at a hefty price. I won’t spoil what happens, but I will say that the sassy, but feisty Misty Knight sucker punched the heck out of Valkyrie for what happened to her friend, Dr. Annabelle Riggs.

And yes, Caroline Le fay is still in the picture. She fled the battlefield to develop more evil plans which includes choosing new Doom Maidens. So I don’t think she’s going anywhere for a while.

I am still enjoying this Marvel NOW! series and I list all my reasons in prior posts of this title. I am surprised at the outcome of Annabelle. I knew that Annabelle was going to play an important role in Valkyrie’s life, but I didn’t know for how long. And I was just beginning to really like her. But this series is set up for characters to come and go. Remember this is not a team. And I can only imagine what’s going to happen to the rest of the Shield Maidens. Who’s next to leave? Who’s next to join? I want them all to stay because from looking at the pictures of female villains on Caroline Le Fay’s monitor, it’s going to take the entire group of badass Shield Maidens (remember Misty Knight hired more than the required amount) to take them down.

Cullen Bunn is the creative and talented writer. Superb dialogue and the interactions among the diverse characters are breathtaking. Fast paced but not hard to follow. I like how the names appear next to the heroes. That’s especially good for readers that are either new to comics, or for those who may have forgotten a name or two (tapping foot, looking around whistling). I can’t wait to see what Bunn has in store for us in future issues. RED SHE-HULK WAS CANCELED SO I HOPE TO SEE HER MAKE AT LEAST ONE APPEARANCE IN THIS TITLE. (yes I was a reader of that title)

Excellent artwork by Will Sliney (art) and Veronica Gandini (colors). There are several images, since the first issue, that I would love to have either the original art or a print. The characters are so realistic and I especially love the fight scenes, brutal punches and choke slams. The lighting on those panels is intensifying. And I LOVE the cover art by Mark Brooks. This comic ALWAYS has great artwork and covers. A good scripts needs good visuals. This title has not disappointed me yet.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

This is a great series and if you haven’t read it yet, then you need to start because I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.