My Pick of The Week 28/05/2014: Southern Bastards #2 (Only 3 days behind schedule)

My Pick of the Week 28/05/2014;

Southern Bastards #2

Publisher: Image Comics

Written by: Jason Aaron
Illustrated by: Jason Latour
Colors by: Jason Latour (Assist. Rico Renzi)
Letters by: Jared K. Fletcher

This had been dropped off my list up until I spoke to one of the guys at my local comic store and he recommended picking it up. I do find myself getting bored of superhero comics every now and then and although I'm a sucker for needing a full "collection" it's hard to drop those titles of the list for another title. But I will certainly be trying to find a spot in my budget for this comic now.

I brought the 1st issue when it came out and I'm always interested in picking up creator owned image titles to see what there like. This issue goes deeper into what was introduced. This comic touches on many things the troubled relationship with ones father, the need to do the right thing, the internal struggle with your own mind both wanting to leave and go back to forgetting this part of your life or staying because you know what's right and what needs to be done. The main protagonist of this comic, although a high school superstar, was always living in the shadow of his father, the hero cop who kept crime of the streets. He never wanted to follow in his fathers foot steps but after having to return after his uncles death to sell the house he finds himself instinctively trying to make things good in the town he used to live.

In the first issue you saw the distinctive weapon that his father carried around with him as he enforced the law, nothing but a stick, and this was buried with him and is what his son believes the tree grew out of. After struggling to hack down the tree at the end of issue one we again find him at the end of this issue having a dramatic monologue with his fathers grave during a storm and by the last page of the issue the tree is struck by lightning and all that is left is a stick. A sign one might feel.

How Jason Aaron finds time to write such fantastic stories with the likes of Thor God of Thunder and now Original Sin is beyond me. But the great thing about this comic is you see a completely different side to his writing, although I know he has done other work previous, that I haven't seen before. Teaming up with Jason Latour for this title was also a stroke of genius, of late Latour has mainly been known for his writing but he has illustrated other comics previously, he manages to bring to life the emotions and the scenes in a illustrative and beautiful way. This will no longer be leaving my list and the first thing I will do this Wednesday is add it back to my standing order. If you want something different to your super hero or sci-fi comics I strongly recommend giving this a go.

My Pick of the Week 21/05/2014: Thor God of Thunder #22

My Pick of the Week 21/05/2014;

Thor God of Thunder #22
Publisher: Marvel

Written by: Jason Aaron
Illustrated by: Esad Ribic
Colors by: Ive Svorcina
Letters by: Joe Sabino

Jason Aaron has been responsible for, in my opinion, probably the best Thor comic series in recent times, with his Gorr the God Butcher and God Bomb, saga shall we say, at the beginning of his Marvel NOW! run. One of the highlights of The God Butcher arc was the portrayal of Thor's from 3 separate points of his past, present and future. But I must make sure I note that it is not just Aaron who makes this comic book what it is it is also the incredibly detailed and gorgeous illustrations and pencil work by Esad Ribic that really brings these stories to life. After dropping off the title during its unofficial but obvious tie in to Thor: The Dark World where Mekelith appeared for a story line, Mekelith the Accursed. I returned with issue 19 the first in the Last Days of Midgard storyline. This issue is the 4th issue in The Last Days of Midgard arc and we once again have current Thor's storyline mixed in with a story from the future with King Thor taking on Galactus.

What makes this issue great is how various previous elements from Aaron's run and also points from other corners of the Marvel Universe are intertwined, really making this Thor story feel its own while still being a part of the greater scheme of things. Within this issue Thor's battle with Roxxon takes one more step towards its dramatic conclusion. But if I am to be honest it is King Thor in the futures battle against Galactus to save a barren and desolate Earth, Midgard which he holds so dear, that I find most compelling. The arrival of his daughters or should I say self proclaimed "Girls of Thunder", Ellisiv, Frigg and Atli each holding a weapon from Thor's past, those of his Warriors Three Fandral and Hogun, the weapon Stormbreaker the weapon of Beta Ray Bill and most recently Jarnbjorn the weapon that can slay Celestials. No matter how strong they fight Galactus it is clear even with there joint might they are no match for Galactus. What really symbolises how dire this situation is, is the final page, beautifully rendered by Ribic, of King Thor reaching into the far reaches of the universe to obtain the only weapon that gives hope for Earth the black weapon of Gorr The God Butcher, and for those of us who have been reading this title since the beginning the implication of this is quite evident.

Although I am enjoying the stories of present Thor and his new romance interest in the forms of a environmentally friendly S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Roz Solomon, who does have some great moments during conversations with Agent Coulson, and there fight to save Broxton where Asgard currently floats above. It is the battle of future King Thor that I am truly thoroughly enjoying. Many like myself have been waiting for a Thor title telling stories epic in proportion and deserving of the character and Aaron is doing a fantastic job of this and fleshing out the character, as far as I am concerned Aaron could write King Thor in his own on-going series or even a limited series. I can not wait for the next issue which will see the epic conclusion to King Thor's battle against Galactus and present Thor's battle against Roxxon and the Minotaur which has been expertly set up with this issue, will this story have a happy ending, "not even a god can save everyone".

My Pick of the Week 14/05/2014: Lumberjanes #2

My Pick of the Week 14/05/2014;

Lumberjanes #2
Publisher: BOOM! Box (BOOM! Studios)

Written by: Noelle Stevenson/ Grace Ellis
Illustrated by: Brooke Allen
Colors by: Maarta Laiho
Letters by: Aubrey Aiese

So as I am writing this I have just read some great news that after the success of the past 2 issues of Lumberjanes it has now become an on-going series. One of the first reasons this is a pick of the week is the fact that I had taken this off of my monthly Pick List, but when seeing it on the shelves again, I just had to pick up the issue as it reminded me how much I enjoyed the first one. This comic is a fun filled, action packed, adventurous bundle of joy. Noelle Stevenson, previously known for her own web-comic NIMONA, has put together a wonderful concept based on the most American of things, Summer Camp, but obviously being a comic this is no normal summer camp.

Only two issues in and Ripley is fast becoming my favourite character, the energetic, go getting, fun loving character who always seems to think outside the box. This issue our group of camp goers are setting off on a relaxing boat trip down the river. Well of course it wasn't relaxing, they get drawn into rapids and then a fantastic battle with a sea creature, who for some reason has 3 eyes. Much like the foxes in the issue before. Drama ensues with Mal being thrown over board and Molly having to save her from the water, while the others take on this river serpent. Just as you thought things couldn't get worse the group head back to camp, but of course as has already been evident with this group it's never that simple. The character who seems to bring the chaos with them brings it once again as their chocolate bar is stolen by a three eyed eagle, seems to be a common theme, and after climbing a tree Ripley falls and upon landing opens up a hidden tunnel into a cave. Well what else does one do when a mysterious cavern is unearthed? Well jump in of course. This leaves us with the group stumbling across a hidden cavern containing statues which may well answer some questions about these three eyes creatures and hopefully we will find out more come the next issue.

Brooke Allen's art is energetic and brings a fantastic life to the characters, portraying pin point emotion, from elation, to sadness and worry. You really feel the adventures with these characters as they take on the stream, the rapids and the monster and find yourselves throwing your hands in the air as they slide down the tunnel into the hidden cavern. Another great little touch with this comic is the small added extras they sneak in, like the cover and song list at the back of the comic for a soundtrack put together by one of the creators. When I head to my local comic store this Wednesday this is a title I will most certainly be getting added to my Standing Order.

My Pick of the Week 07/05/2014: Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man

My Pick of the Week 07/05/2014;

Miles Morales Ultimate Spider-Man #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by: Dave Marquez
Colors by: Justin Ponsor
Letters by: Cory Petit

So I may have dropped off of Ultimate Spider-Man after the end of the epic Venom War and as it linked in with Cataclysm. When I heard that the Ultimate Universe was going to be getting a re-vamp I was excited to hear the new title for Miles Morales solo book, he has been something of a break out character since his first appearance. Now the solicit teased a lot, the return of one of Peter Parker's greatest enemies and a last page that will have all Ultimate Spider-Man fans "Screaming!".

The synopsis did not disappoint, in this one issue a new status quo is set for what I imagine will be the on-going story for some time. The enemy returning after all this time is none other than Norman Osborn himself the Green Goblin, and I must admit this is my first time experiencing the Ultimate Green Goblin, and he has an awesome look, and a pretty explosive entrance to this issue. We get more insight into the developing relationship between Miles and Kate Bishop, who he is currently struggling with deciding whether to tell about his secret identity or not, along with his father being missing, after finding out he is Ultimate Spider-Man. A couple of new villains are introduced at the beginning of the issue, with a slight Spider-Manesque look to them. After all these re-introductions and new introductions and development we get to that last page and the question we are all left asking is, is that the real Peter Parker? It was my understanding that once dead in the Ultimate Universe you stay dead.

This is a really good start to a new era for Miles Morales. I will continue to pick up the series, work out the mystery of the "Peter Parker" that has arrived, with many believing this will be the Ultimate version of the Clone Saga. If there is one thing that is definitely guaranteed with this comic it is great art and stories from a pair of creators that have really fallen in sync with one another. This issue works as a good jumping on point for new readers and I really recommend giving it a go, the Ultimate universe gets a lot of bad press, but the one title that certainly keeps itself at a high standard is Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man work.

Uncanny Avengers #16 29/01/2014 Pick of the Week

Uncanny Avengers #16

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Steve McNiven
Inkerer: John Dell & Jay Leisten
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Clayton Cowles

My Thoughts;

So with a delay to a few titles last week to the UK this was a bumper week. It made it much more difficult to decide my pick, with the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy and All New X-Men and the beginning of there first ever cross over in the "Trial of jean Grey". But even with those two titles I was easily won over by Uncanny Avengers #16.

Rick Remender has really hit the ground running in his current arc on the series "Ragnarok NOW". Bringing Steve McNiven on to this book was a stroke of editorial genius as he illustrates some of the most detailed and energetic action scenes producing easy to read storytelling. McNiven and Remender were a team made in heaven for this arc.

We continue to get the teases of future teams through the eyes of Kang the Conquerer,this time in the form of the "Infinity Watch" from year 3193, that looked to me to be Vision as a host to the Phoenix Force, awesome, and who I imagine is Noh-Varr as Captain Marvel. Will this team also be involved with the likes of Kang's other team his "Chronos Corps" containing characters grabbed out of there times as they were being unwritten. I sure hope so, and while Remender drops these little hints of the possibilities to come he then heads straight into the present and the dire situation his team is currently in.

Thor is the main character in this arc with his past actions and in many ways demons being influential in the events that are taking place. Remender has been writing a perfect portrayal of the character, on par with Jason Aaron's in Thor: God of Thunder, with some great character moments. Portraying the many emotions he is going through throughout the issue, guilt, anger, sorrow. His battle with Uriel is one of the highlights of the issue, showing the lengths he will go to right his wrong.

These pages and sequences once again showing why Steve McNiven is one of the best in the business, I've been enjoying his art since the day I picked up my first comic book the collection of Civil War. However with all his arrogance and strength and thirst for vengeance Thor still shows he is a team player, his sorrow and anger at the loss of his friends is evident along with his respect for Captain America heeding the great tacticians advice to split the apocalypse twins up and battle them singularly.

This battle against the apocalypse twins alone would have made enough for the issue. But we don't just get one great battle we also get to see Iron Man rallying the Avengers to fight the celestial, Exitar the Executioner, who has come to destroy earth. This is a great page where you see the Avengers ascending to the Earths atmosphere to fight and stall the cosmic force while Thor is battling to re-obtain his weapon Jarnbjorn. Thor hopes to reason with the Celestial but should he not be able to he will have to stop it by force.To top it all off the issue ends with Thor getting his revenge by killing Uriel, however he doesn't manage to get Jarnbjorn back just yet as in the explosion the weapon is blown into space. Only to be retrieved by the other Apocalypse Twin Eimin.

With the imminent battle between Thor and Eimin for the next issue, well I can't wait to get my hands on it. I begin to get worried when writers are being announced on multiple titles, and currently at Marvel Remender is working on Captain America, Winter Soldier and Uncanny Avengers alongside his creator owned work at Image, Black Science and Deadly Class, but the writer keeps hitting the nail on the head and while teaming up with the best artistic talent is also producing enjoyable and engaging stories. There is one issue remaining of this arc and the story up to now, I imagine it will be an epic last issue to be illustrated by Steve McNiven before the return of Acuna come issue 18.

Deadly Class #1 22/01/2014 Pick of the Week

Deadly Class #1

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Wes Craig
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Rus Wooton

My Thoughts;

Recently I have had to reduce my list, I found I was buying more than I could read, and also several comics I wasn't really enjoying. Deadly Class caught my attention when announced at the Image Expo last year and with a lot of positive feedback from a member of staff at my local comic store I thought I will give it a go. Rick Remender is certainly one of the best writers around right now and having enjoyed the work I have read by him, Secret Avengers, Venom, Uncanny X-Force, Captain America and Uncanny Avengers, along with a few of his creator owned comics there was really no reason not to pick up Deadly Class #1.

Remender has teamed up with Wes Craig and Lee Loughridge on art duties for the title. Wes Craig is a very promising new talent who has already produced work for two of DC's top level characters, Superman and Batman, in Batman Annual #2 and in Adventures of Superman #10. Although his style from that issue to his work in Deadly Class is very different and certainly a step forward, his inventive layouts and use of panels are used perfectly to tell the story. The use of dynamic diagonal panels during the action scenes, layered panels to help portray the chaos during the chase. Also his character work and facial expressions do a great job of illustrating the emotion in the scenes. Loughbridges colours are beautiful and really compliment Craig's work. His use of flat colours, and layering of different shades does a great job of creating depth without having to use gradient colour. My favourite panels are the chase seen coloured in red, catching my eye and immediately making me realise the danger the characters are in.

The three of these creators work perfectly together to introduce the characters and the story. Remender's writing as always is easy to follow and engaging. Introducing the main character, Marcus Lopez, through the use of his journal was a great way to learn about the character even though his back story is harrowing. The characters situation grabs my attention straight away and I want to know how he has got into the position he is in. As we journey with the character through the months, alongside his journal you learn more about the character up until the point where his past catches up with him and we are finally introduced to the other main cast of Deadly Class.

After being introduced to the character comes my favourite part of the comic the arrival of one of the students of "Kings Dominion School of the Deadly Arts" as she saves him from the cops and the superbly illustrated action sequences grab my eyes darting from panel to panel as she systematically saves Marcus and takes down the authorities chasing him. Whether Marcus considers her arrival as positive after he witnesses her kill a cop and then he gets kidnapped. We are finally introduced to the rest of the cast and there teacher. After initially rejecting being offered the opportunity to become the World's greatest assassin, would you really jump at the opportunity? He is persuaded by the female character who saved him to join and attend the school and as we are introduced to the rules of joining we are journeyed to the secret location of the school.

In this one issue Remender and his team have done a great job of introducing us to Marcus Lopez and also introducing the school and setting up the world that I will certainly now be entering each month an issue is released. Remender continues to produce great work, even with such a heavy work load, and with all his other titles currently being released this is certainly going to be a great year for the writer. Wes Craig and Lee Loughridge have combined to create a partnership that could rival and the formidable David Aja and Matt Hollingsworth, and I look forward to opening the next issue and seeing what the two have produced.

Nova #12 15/01/2014 Pick of the Week

Nova #12

Writer: Gerry Duggan
Artist: Paco Medina
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: Albert Deschesne
Publisher: Marvel Comics

My Thoughts;

After taking the reins on Nova from #100 Gerry Duggan is weaving together an intricate storyline for Nova, Sam Alexander, hunting down the helmets of the recently deceased Nova corps. Duggan is doing a great job of portraying a young super hero, who although being involved in several cosmic threats, Phoenix Force, invited to the Avengers by Thor and taking on the threat of Thanos, he is still naïve when it comes to being a super hero.

In this issue Nova stumbles across a derelict Nova Corps ship where he happens upon a "Pirate" who has come into trouble as the dead Nova who was powering his commandeered ship is no longer doing so and requests the help of Sam to power up his ship again. Being to trusting Sam obliges to do this and, showing off somewhat, he re-powers the ship and heads back home. Would you see the likes of Captain America be so trusting of a Pirate who has somehow come across a Nova Corps ship, I don't think so.

It will come as no surprise to you that this spacefaring Pirate wasn't the innocent galactic bystander he made himself out to be and was in fact a slaver on his way to make profit from aliens recently kidnapped from various planets. The big twist in this issue is whose attention this receives, none other than the cosmic interpretation of Thor, Beta Ray Bill who is now on the tail of our inexperienced Nova to work out just why he helped out this evil doer.

It is apparent in this issue that Sam is maturing as a Super Hero and has much better control of his powers taking down the fleet attacking the commandeered Nova Corps ship. Although in his haste to help what he thought to be a fellow Nova he didn't hesitate to assess the situation. Ignorant to the real reason this ship was under attack he mistakenly helped the wrong side.

It is this maturing of the Super Hero that makes Nova one of my favourite monthly books to read. The events of the Nova book up to now have been a great showing of how Sam stumbled upon his fathers Legacy into becoming the new Black Nova and how becoming a super hero doesn't happen in a day. I continue to enjoy reading Sam's adventures and misadventures as Nova and look forward to seeing how Beta Ray Bill helps Nova in taking that next step in his heroing career.

Comic of the Week 08/01/2014: Avengers A.I. #8

Avengers A.I #8

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Andre Lima Araujo
Colorist: Frank D'Armata

Avengers A.I #8 sees the title receive the All-New Marvel NOW! treatment. This is a series which at first I didn't believe would be any good and was just Marvel trying to cash in after the success of the Avengers movie. However, Sam Humphries has created a great series, with a great team and characterisation of Hank Pym. #8 is a jumping on point, but as with many of the .NOW titles they really aren't that easy to hop onto. The good thing for me is that I have been reading the series from issue #1.

This issue sees the start of the new big arc originally teased during the original All-New Marvel NOW! teasers at the end of last year. This sees the Uncanny Avengers join Pym and his A.I Avengers to take on Dimitrios. After what took place in the previous issues with the destruction on the oil rig, Dimitrios taking control of a super advanced Sentinel and the believed "death" of Victor, the team, who work closely with S.H.I.E.L.D., have now gained the attention of Captain America and his Unity Squad. You continue to see Victor's retreat from Dimitrios with a fellow A.I. in the Diamond, who helps Victor lie low with a group of Anti-Dimitrios A.I's. Pym knows that Victor is alive and has hatched an elaborate plan to retrieve him much to Captain America's apprehension. Humphries portrayal of how A.I's only get stronger and cleverer, thanks to our dependence on technology is clearly represented during the revelation that Dimitrios was behind the creation of an app to find cheap fuel which everyone starts using, before he destroys all the oil rigs and limiting the fuel supply forcing people to use the app to find cheap fuel as prices have risen sky high with possible rationing. Thanks to this dependence on the app Dimitrios manages to use this to somehow manipulate humans and cause uprisings across the country. This leads to another great moment where Cannonball from the main Avengers team alerts Captain America of the current trouble. These appearances of the other Avengers teams showing up is fun to see and confirming they do communicate with one another is great. Dimitrios has forced their hand and Pym, Vison, Cap, Rogue and the Doombot are forced to use Pym's tested, technically un-tested, equipment to transport themselves to the Diamond and confront Dimitrios. It comes as no surprise that when they finally arrive there they are not exactly welcome, enter cliffhanger.

This issue is the introduction to the upcoming arc and does a great job of setting up what is inevitably going to be the team taking the battle to Dimitrios. From the solicitations to the next issues and what has been set up here this looks like it should be a great arc and is quite clearly what Humphries and Araujo have been working up to since the beginning of the series. There continues to be a great balance between action and comedy while allowing the plot of the storyline to continue. One of the stand out characters of the series for me has been the repurposed Doombot bringing some brilliant dry humour to the series expertly written by Humphries. Araujo's art continues to be a joy of the series, his style suiting the title, there is an almost Artificial Intelligence look to his art, with the line work being so "pin" point and creating 3D looking characters. He also does a great job of creating interesting panels and layouts. Some of the highlights being Doombot being plugged in and trying to attack and nullify  Dimitrios' virus alongside the great panels for Pym's entrance into the Diamond. Humphries ability to continue to make the characters work together, considering there rag tag look, makes for some great moments between the original squad and also some brilliant moments between Rogue and the Doombot along with some touching moments between Pym and Cap remembering when they first teamed up together.

Avengers A.I. is currently my favourite Avengers title on the shelves and continues to be the the best thing to come out of Age of Ultron and I am looking forward to grabbing the next issue. Humphries and Araujo are clearly putting there heart and soul into this series and from the beginning of the series to the start of this big arc it is clear to see the title is benefitting from this and only goes from strength to strength.

Deadpool #17 My Comic of the Week 25/09/2013

Deadpool #17

Marvel Comics

Writer: Gerry Duggan/ Brian Posehn

Artist: Declan Shalvey

Colourist: Jordie Bellaire

Well this title is currently delayed by a week in the UK and will not be with us till this coming Wednesday. But I have been enjoying this Deadpool tale so much I could not wait that long and grabbed myself a digital copy on the Marvel Comics App.

This story seems to be going from strength to strength from all aspects from writing to the art. This is another action packed issue where you get to see the team up originally promised of Deadpool, Wolverine and Captain America. This is not a team up you would expect to work but with a great script by Duggan and Posehn brought to life by Shalvey and Bellaire it just does and there are great moments between the three and also the supporting cast of X-Men clones.

After the revelations from last issue of these clones being produced by Butler for the North Korean military and having found both Wolverine and Captain America in some form of cryo stasis Deadpool releases the two of them and explains the situation. The camp bringing back memories for Cap, displayed in the earlier panels, realises he has to do something and with the help of Deadpool and Wolverine they work to capture the camp and release the captive X-Men clones.

How does this begin, well with Deadpool knuckledusters of course and a new rhyme "One... Two... Three... Four... I declare an actual War." During this fight for freedom comes some brilliant moments with Wolverine attempting to teach the cloned Colossus and cloned version of himself a signature move the "Fastball Special" which results in hilarity. The difference in how the three main characters deal with the task at hand, the insanity of Deadpool, the savageness of Wolverine and the disciplined military nature of Captain America gives some great lines, culminating in my favourite panel of the issue. A full page of the three characters with lines that help to distinct there personalities bizarrely through how these differences complement each other so well. Oh and when your reading the issue make sure to keep an eye out for the kitten plaster, need I say more?

The underlying story driving this book is Deadpool's fight against the main antagonist Butler, and even though with all the action and great character moments this is always evident, does Deadpool have a daughter? Is it a surprise he can't be sure? This is why he needs Butler for answers. By the end of the book you know more about Butler's motives and Deadpool also now knows where to find him.

I could quite happily review this comic panel by panel from each great illustration, conversation, moment of comedy and so much more but all you really need to know is that this is turning out to be one of the best Deadpool stories in a long while, definitely that I have read and with the addition of Wolverine and Cap is turning out to be one of the greatest team-up books I have read in some time. Duggan and Posehn don't just possess a great way of portraying and writing Deadpool's character from the many sides he has from the personalities, comedian, to the assassin but they also write fantastic dialogue for both Wolverine and Captain America bringing the character's and personality to life so well.

But with great scripts you need a great art team and Posehn and Duggan have that in Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire. The panelling of the issue is easy to read and illustrations pace and play the story out in a great way from the conversations to the action scenes, that solitary shield announcing the beginning of the battle. Declan does a great job of drawing action helping you to imagine the movement of the characters. This is an aspect of Declan's work I have loved from Venom to now, the energy in the line and the posture he creates for the characters he draws to life and with the help of Jordie on colours this brings even more life to this already buzzing book. From small things like the colours of the background displaying how time has gone by throughout the comic to the colours used in the explosions, destruction, laser blast, fire and characters bring the story to life even further, the textures and palettes are just gorgeous to look at.

Thankfully with Deadpool seeming to be coming out twice a month its only a two week wait for the next issue. This has become one of those books that I can not wait for the next issue of. I have been showing this story to my friend who has recently got into comics and plan to nag him until he reads it, much like I did with passing my copy of Civil War around for friends to read, for me this is a must have comic and I look forward to issue 18.

My thoughts on Knuckleheads #1 to #3

Knuckleheads #1 to #3

Writer: Brian Winkeler

Art By: Robert Wilson IV

Colours: Jordan Boyd

Letters: Thomas Mauer

What happens when you let a lay about, video game playing, tv watching, pizza eating, slob get implanted with some sort of jagged crystal knuckle duster that channels the power of “The Crystal Light”. Well you get Trevor K Trevinski . We are introduced to Trevor as he goes about what is clearly his usual day to day life this new found power from the crystal attached to his knuckles only used to cheat on Video Games and get free Netflix, seeing as I would probably have done exactly the same thing I like how Trevor thinks. The sidekick position seems to have been taken up by Trevor’s roommate Lance who, as most would, questions why on earth would aliens give this power to a bum like his friend. Also we get introduced, who I at first only thought of as being an extra, to the Pizza Guy. There is great chemistry between these three characters.

Knucklehead isn’t your usual super hero comic; in fact I am not sure it contains a Super Hero. Why do I say this? Well Trevor is only led to help the city against the giant Godzilla like alien invader because it cuts the power to his apartment, therefore not allowing him to carry on mooching about and playing video games. The moment he confronts the monster he immediately scarpers like the coward he is, well at least until he realises there is a damsel in distress and once again this is no heroic act other than an opportunity to save a sexy lady. Whether meant or not when reading this I felt that the support cast are the real heroes helping to point Trevor in the right direction in turn creating this unconventional hero. It is the supporting cast that gave me many of my favourite moments, Lance’s evil glare of hatred at Trevor, the Pizza Guys explanation for being late with the pizza when Trevor was trying to get the pizza for free, to when it turns out the Pizza Guy carries around both pepper spray and condoms, enter improvised mace grenade with the line “Go, Condom, Go!” Out of these two characters it is Lance who does more of the pushing of his friend towards the heroic path, also clearly showing Lance would have been a much better host for this crystal knuckle.

Inevitably Trevor rises to the occasion, unlocking the power of his crystal knuckle duster who would have thought he could fly? and beats the monster saving the Damsel in Distress and in turn the city he lives in. Is this his trigger point to become a hero? Well we won’t find out till next issue but clearly this was the most exercise Trevor had done in some time as the moment clearly took its toll on him throwing up on the woman he had just saved and collapsing much to my amusement as I am sure once you throw up all over a woman your chances of getting lucky are incredible low. What adventures will these characters be moving on to? That’s not quite clear but there is one thing for sure there will be pancakes.

Brian Winkeler does a great job of writing a relatable character giving a realistic view of what many would do if they suddenly received this power, I mean without that Uncle Ben moment or your Parents being murdered in an alley what reason do you have to become a hero? Brian incorporates some fun pop culture reference, the video game obsessed hero channelling his power through a Wii remote is a favourite of mine. Let’s not forget the art from Robert Wilson IV, this is the first work of his I have seen and teaming up with colourist Jordan Boyd the duo create some great visuals and action packed scenes. The use of panelling is done great to pace the story from the big panels containing action scenes to the smaller panels following conversations. Incorporating several of the sound effects for the ensuing action into the scene’s is great from the “KRASH” to the “SPLOSH”. The colours from Jordan Boyd really helping to bring Wilson VI’s art further to life, with the constant reminder of the destruction on my mind with the oranges and dots of yellow on the horizon, the fires throughout the city caused by the battle. There is also a great little 2 page look at how they came up with the covers from Robert, explaining how they came up with the first cover plus the logo. How to make a digital comic stand out in that small stamp on a page full of many others, described by Wilson VI the stamp sized image shows everything they needed to say about the hero in Knuckleheads “bathrobe, superpowers, pizza, pants optional!” and I agree.

I really enjoyed these three issues and whether you think Trevor is a hero or not, Trevor, Lance and Pizza Guy really make a great team, and they make for one funny comic and one fun heroic adventure. Three issues in, alien beaten and clearly the cast set up I truly hope that they keep these 3 dudes together and something tells me we will see more of the damsel in distress. 

My Thoughts and Review for Deadpool #15

Deadpool #15

Writer: Gerry Duggan/ Brian Posehn

Artist: Declan Shalvey

Colourist: Jordie Bellaire

Since reading the Zombie President’s arc at the beginning of Deadpool’s Marvel NOW treatment I have continued to hear good things about the series and with issue #15 I decided to hop back on the title and I am very glad I did.

Deadpool has always been a favourite character of mine since I started reading his Secret Invasion title and his on-going that continued out of that. He is a character that provides humour that at times inappropriate or an ice breaker I find to be refreshing in a comic and Posehn and Duggan do a great job of interpreting this side of the character. This issue is filled with laughs, although the serious undertone and situation Deadpool finds himself in still manages to come through.

The title “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”, considering the characters in this arc, is genius and Deadpool’s interactions with his X-Force team mate Wolverine, and Captain America bring some of the funniest moments while still managing to contain plot development throughout.

Another part of Deadpool’s character that really stood out to me, and which I may have noticed sooner if I continued to pick up the title, is his new found ‘Female Intuition’ seeing as he now has the mind of his S.H.I.E.L.D. minder to join his already fun filled over active thoughts.

So some of my favourite moments to follow, one being when Deadpool  goes all Downton Abbey on us for his meeting with Wolverine. Infiltrating the hotel Wolverine is staying in, in a butler costume, to request his help. This leads to one of my favourite moments in the comic with Deadpool’s short but sweet interaction with Storm, “Bye Storm”, and his woman’s intuition’s opinion. That Storm should know better don’t you know? The interaction between Cap and Deadpool during a fight with some A.I.M goons is a joy to read, the thought of Cap needing a “Shrink” which turns out to be his barber is brilliant.

Deadpool’s living conditions are not much to be desired, bunking down in Crime Scenes overnight, which really gives us a good idea of Deadpool’s mental state and also provides yet more great interaction between Deadpool’s own thoughts and those of his knew tenant, Preston, in that crazy brain o’his.

Well this is a Deadpool comic so there has to be some gun toting at some point queue the arrival of Wolverine and then the imminent arrival of Deadpool’s abductors and some great action sequences as Wolverine and Deadpool commence to take down the heavily armed abductors. This issue finishes on a great little cliff hanger, despite all his fight and Wolverine’s help Deadpool still gets caught and we see him all test tubed up. This is a well-paced issue, with plenty of laughs and great action, an encouraging start to this new arc from the creative team.

Let’s talk art shall we? Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire, well known for their cover work together most recently on Winter Soldier and Venom, now given the opportunity to work together on interiors. If you know me you would know I am an avid fan of Shalvey’s and Bellaire’s work. Declan brings his A game to this book with his energetic line and style for great action sequences. It also helps when you can draw a great Cap and Wolverine along with your lead character illustrating fantastic interaction sequences between them. Bellaire’s colours are superb. I’m no master when it comes to art and colouring but having previously been a painter like to think I may see a technique or two. There is something to the layers of colour used by Bellaire and the painterly style that I see in her work that really draws me to it. The great use of shades of colour from dark to light to create the depth and shape to the scenes, objects and characters.

At first I was buying this comic to support some of my favourite creators in Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire. But having enjoyed issues 1-6 from Duggan and Posehn originally also helped me to return to the title. The writers bring a great humour to Deadpool, and I now really regret having stopped picking the title up after #6 till now and certainly have some catching up to do. They bring the humour and action you expect and teamed with Shalvey and Bellaire this has potential, and if this first issue is anything to go by, to be a great Deadpool tale.

Infinity #1! My Thoughts on Marvel Comics First Installment For Their Most Recent Event!

It’s finally here! Marvel’s Infinity event kicked off this week from the team of Jonathan Hickman and Jim Cheung and let’s not forget colours by Justin Ponsor. This event has been built up to for some time, within both Hickman’s flagship Avengers titles, the 5 issue limited series Thanos Rising, and other plot points taking place within Guardians of the Galaxy and FF. I have the luxury of collecting all but one of these titles, which has definitely helped me in having a better idea of what is taking place and characters involved. Because of this it is hard for me to judge whether this is new reader friendly, Marvel usually attempt to make these events readable without having to have been keeping up with the past 2 years of Marvel Universe history, but it certainly did help having read many of the new Marvel NOW! titles up to now.

This comic contains The Illuminati, The Builders, The Avengers, Inhumans and also Thanos and the first appearance of his Black Order. Along with several different space faring species among them the Skrulls and also the Space Knights of Galador, who I will be honest I had no idea existed till I read this comic.  All in all going by the introduction to the cast this issue contains 44 characters along with the groups. It is no secret that this title involves Thanos, he has been all over the promotional material and this is his first real major appearance in the comics since his cameo at the end of the Avengers film, not counting his appearance in Avengers Assemble.

The comic opens within the same event from New Avengers #6, there has been another incursion and the Illuminati have to destroy the world to save their own, if you have been reading New Avengers you would know that the incursions have begun to happen more frequently. This is what has been the main plot point throughout Hickman’s New Avengers run. Not much is really given away about why this is happening within Infinity #1 and to get a real understanding it is certainly worth picking up issues 1-8 of New Avengers.

We then get to a new chapter within the story, that was originally released within the Free Comic Book Day issue in May, the first appearance of Corvus Glaive and his Outrider scouting for secrets and worlds that must pay Thanos’ tribute. Corvus Glaive would appear to be the senior within Thanos’ Black Order and is clearly immensely powerful having beaten the Champion of Ahl-Agullo, a planet recently raised to the ground by his master showing the true devastation that can be caused by Thanos and his Black Order. Is this the fate that awaits Earth?

These first two chapters appear to form a prologue for the issue introducing us to several characters and plot points that will feature within the future of the story. This chapter format really is vital in helping to introduce the different aspects to the story, weaving an intricate tapestry, and also the new characters that will be pivotal to the on-going plot.

After this prologue you are hit with the movie like double page introducing the title and credits, followed by an extensive billboard of who is who within this epic. You are then introduced to one of the main antagonists The Builders, introduced within the first arc of Hickman’s Avengers run. However, even if you have not been following Avengers this issue does a good job of introducing the characters and their intentions. Originally created to help create life the Builders have turned and are now systematically destroying Civilisations and planets, they helped to create, on a route that takes them on a crash course with Earth. Within this chapter we are introduced to even more new characters the Space Knights of Galador and in turn their planet currently being destroyed by the Builders. The Space Knights gallantly fight on but to no avail, confirmed by the arrival of Captain Universe who affirms that there is no saving Galador, she is there to witness the beginning of the end.

“Orbital” we finally see the appearance of Earth and the heroes we all know, the Avengers, being called in to supervise a threat that turns out to be Skrull Refugees, what could be forcing these aliens to seek refuge on Earth? The Builders or Thanos? We are then introduced to yet another group the Inhumans and also the purpose of the Outrider who is seeking secrets from within the mind of Black Bolt, what secret does he hold that Thanos seeks? The Avengers are made aware of the threat of the Builders from a distress call sent by the Kree from one of their secret outposts under attack. Here a character with a similar look to Ex Nihilo is visible confirming the Builder threat and also leaving Ex Nihilo confused as to why this is happening. This course of events leads to the Avengers deciding that they must head into space to meet the impending Builder threat leaving only Iron Man and a handful of heroes back on Earth. With Earth in his sights this is pleasing news for Thanos to hear that Earth has no Avengers, queue evil grin.

There is a lot to take in within this first issue, the amount of teams and characters involved. The most important being the Builders, Thanos, Inhumans and Avengers. This issue has definitely left me wanting more and having read the issues of Avengers and New Avengers up to this point I do have a greater understanding of the characters involved. This issue does a great job of the different threats facing Earth and the possible outcom, seen through both the destruction of Ahl-Agullo by Thanos and Galador by the Builders. With the Avengers having left the planet to attempt to stall or stop the Builder threat this leaves Earth to the mercy of Thanos and his Black Order and if anyone knows anything about the character these two scenarios coninciding leave the Earth in peril and can only, and hopefully, lead to an explosive event.

This issue is wonderfully illustrated by Jim Cheung with beautiful colours by Justin Ponsor which really help to give a character to the different corners of the Marvel Universe. Hickman’s choice to segregate the story into various chapters really helps to introduce us to the vast mix of characters and also the different plot points that are clearly important as they have been given their own chapter to be brought to our attention. Dustin Weaver and Jerome Opena will be illustrating the next issue, previews are already available on Comic Book Resources for issue 2 and as to be expected the art is of the same standard as Cheung, clearly Marvel have a lot invested in this title with the team put together for it.

You don't have to wait long for more Infinity action as Hickman continues his event is Avengers #18 released this week with interiors from Leinil Yu, yet another book that is sure to look great. From reading this first issue I would strongly recommend that if you are to pick up any tie-ins to this event I would be sure to pick up Avengers and New Avengers by Hickman as these are bound to hold important moments alongside the main story in Infinity, along with if you have the chance to catch up with all Avengers and New Avengers up to now to give you a better background regarding the new characters in both the Avengers and New Avengers I would really think it would be worth it.

I for one am very pleased with this first issue, reading it several times over, and I look forward to what comes next. How is this going to play out? Who is going to protect the Earth? Which is the real threat? This first issue does a great job of setting up this event and now I just want to see what happens!  Please don’t let me down Hickman and make me realise what a great Marvel event can be again.

My Pick of the Week 07-08-2013

Trillium #1

Publisher: Vertigo Comics

Writer/ Artist: Jeff Lemire

I went into the store this week with the opinion that even before reading this title it would be my Pick of the Week. Having only recently read Jeff Lemire's work, surprisingly one of the first comics I read by him was the digital first Adventures of Superman issue which is certainly worth a download for 69p.

Theres something about Lemire's unconventional drawing style that make his comics appeal to me, the illustrations just suit his stories so well, his Essex County collection for example, the hand drawn style that tells a story in itself like someone illustrating their own life as the time goes by. Although if you are to read Essex County I strongly recommend the advice I did not take, which is be prepared to feel a little low and down afterwards. Lemire's previous work I have read has mostly been black and white but here he adds his own watercolours to his illustrations, giving it that more personal sketchbook tone.

This issue is a bit mind bending and so very cleverly formatted being in the style of a flipbook introducing us to two very different characters who should never have met, each character starting at either end of the comic, further displaying the distance between them but through the events of each of their  stories and some incredible circumstance they end up meeting once you hit that centre page.

Minor spoilers from this point forward. Our first character a female human from the future,Nika, desperately scouring the universe for the only element, a flower known as Trillium, which can save the human race from a disease that is hunting down and constantly adapting to kill them. This leads her to a planet where these flowers have been found within a ancient culture and homestead of an alien race. Nika is granted entry into what is clearly a Mayan/ Aztec ruin which leads to some trigger travelling her through space and time as she explores these ruins. The male character, William, we meet fighting in World War One, Lemire dramatically illustrating the horror that was the trenches. This then leads to him at some sort of Museum exhibition where events lead him on an expedition and field trip to find a ruin mentioned by this Archaeologist and adventurer who curated the exhibition. Throughout his field trip he has flashbacks of his time in WWI, and during the course of this expedition William and his team are attacked by natives, queue more flashbacks and frantic running and evasion which end up with him arriving at the ruin and meeting a certain time travelling Nika from the future who has somehow just stumbled out of this ruin. You can feel their eyes meet as you reach the center page and the end of each of their stories for this issue

This format is so so clever, the stories running parallel to one another and both characters meeting once you hit the middle of the book, by the end of this first issue I felt I knew about the perilous position of Nika and her mission to save the Human race and also the sad history of William and his inner demons caused by fighting in WW1. I really hope that although these two have now met and are together the book will keep the same format going throughout this limited series. A very fun and interesting way of doing a point of view take on characters.

I was intrigued by this comic when it was announced and after familiarising myself with Lemire's work since its announcement sometime back I had high hopes for this title and it didn't disappoint. If you haven't picked up Trillium yet and fancy trying something a little different to your mainstream Marvel and DC titles I strongly recommend you visit your local store and grab a copy now!

My Comic of the Week 12-06-2013

Superman Unchained #1
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Jim Lee

So its been over a week since this was released, and I've been a little behind on updating the blog recently. Been a busy few weeks.

In a week which was dominated by the Man of Steel with the film out the Friday after Superman Unchained was released. For me this comic faired much better than the film.

Snyder has sold this as being the one Superman story he would tell if it was his only chance to write a Superman book, and this is a strong start! Effectively ending on a cliffhanger, which has already itched my interest and I can not wait for issue #2. After the dissapointment of the the Superman titles since New 52 I'm really looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

If you were dissapointed by Man of Steel then I recommend you pick this up for your Superman fix! And with Batman/ Superman #1 being released at the end of the month this could finally be the saving grace for Superman in the New 52!

My Comic of the Week 05-06-2013

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Robert Venditti
Artist: Billy Tan

There were several titles vying for my comic of the week this week, Avengers, All New X-Men, Winter Soldier and East of West. It was a strong week, but for me Green Lantern is my comic of the week as after deciding to give this new creative team a shot, I was not entering this book with any hope of actually enjoying it but I did. Since the beginning of the New 52 I had hoped to be able to start reading some of the titles from characters I have always wanted to read more about. The new creative team of Robert Vendetti and Billy Tan have brought me a book that really feels like the Green Lantern book I was hoping for at the start of the New 52. I have not read much by Vendetti or Tan, but both the story and art the art were very enjoyable to read. Tan draws a great Green Lantern and also the coloring of his work really helped the images to stand out the way I always imagined a Green Lantern book to look. Vendetti has began his story introducing a new villain Relic, who you don’t learn much about, but is obviously a great threat to the Corps. Hal Jordan is back and is now the leader of the Green Lantern Corps as the Guardians leave to make sense of the recent events that have taken place. Hal’s first test an attack of Oa by Larfleeze, who is hoping to steal the treasures from Oa, and with the state of the corps as it is Hal is forced to send rings out to find new recruits as he begins the defense of Oa against Larfleeze and eventually as hinted at the beginning Relic. I will continue to pick up this title and hope that it still manages to peak my interest, and this being the beginning of a complete creative reboot of the Lantern-Verse if this is anything to go by positive seeds are being laid and there could be hope yet.

My Comic of the Week 29-05-2013

Publisher: Vertigo

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Sean Gordon Murphy
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth

Later than usually scheduled, but my comic of the month for last week is The Wake by Snyder and Murphy. I have been waiting for this title since it was announced some time ago. Having recently really got into American Vampire to then find out it is having a 'holiday'. I was intrigued to see that Snyder was slated for this title, considering he is currently writing the critically acclaimed Batman and the upcoming Superman Unchained. Some of Snyder's best work has been his American Vampire series at Vertigo.

The Wake does not disappoint and as first issues go it does a great job of introducing the characters setting up plot points. The art in this issue is gorgeous, and really helped by Hollingsworth's colours to create a great sense of atmosphere. I enjoyed Sean Gordon Murphy's art so much I went out and bought myself a Trade Paperback copy of Punk Rock Jesus, which I am saving for a rainy day. If you're looking for a comic with a great story, from one of the best writers in the business, great art and coloring then The Wake is your place to go. I look forward to learning more about this Sci-Fi/ Horror and look forward to seeing what this life threatening danger is lurking at the bottom of the ocean, what is that sound that sends chills down the spine of our lead character?

My Comic of the Week 22-05-2013

Daredevil #26

Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Chris Samnee

Daredevil is a title I have heard a lot about and have regretted not picking up since it first came out 3 years ago. Issue 26 marked the 3 year anniversary of the first issue of Mark Waid's run. I have recently been catching up by reading the Trade Paperback format of the title, and I can see how this has won the awards this has, but could not help pick up this bumper special, and I can certainly say this will now be added to my Monthly Pick List. This issue contains a shocking twist, the answer to who has been making Matt Murdock's life a living misery of late. A lot has been said about Chris Samnee's art and well it is all justified, this comic looks gorgeous! Mark Waid really writes a great Daredevil, and after reading this it makes me look forward to when the issue finally arrives with Daredevil making an appearance in another of Waid's titles, Indestructible Hulk. I will certainly be picking up Daredevil from this day forward!

My Comic of the Week 15-05-2013: Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #23

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #23

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Colorist: Justin Ponsor

This has been one of the standout titles for me from Marvel, when they rejigged the Ultimate Universe of comics, I picked up each one and this is the only title of this Universe I am still collecting. Each month this title consistently has me laughing, gasping, tearing up, Bendis has created such a relatability to the lead character. This issue sees us jump ahead a year after the devastating conclusion to #22. Miles' is "Spider-Man No More", although several different supporting characters are urging him to return to being the costumed hero he is. Marquez is back on art, I always think it must be hard to come back onto an arc after Sara Pichelli but he does a great job. This issue is all about convincing Miles to return to heroehood, and also gives us a little more insight into his now girlfriend, Ultime Kate Bishop, and also more about the relationship between him and his father post issue 22. The finale of this issue sees the introduction of some new teen heroes on the streets, fan favourite characters from the regular Marvel Universe, Cloak and Dagger, and it's great to see their Ultimate counterparts get an introduction. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this arc plays out, the arrival of more teen heroes, will this be enough to see the return of Ultimate Spider-Man!

My Comic of the Week 08-05-2013

Batman #20

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo

The past two issues of Batman have been a welcome break from the 5-6 issue storylines of late. Don't get me wrong those storylines have been incredible, but this did feel like a much needed change of pace. Issue 20 concludes the two part story begun in last months gatefold issue 19. A classic Batman detective comic, with help of fan favourite supporting characters and a very heartfelt moment of a father's grief for his son. This two parter saw the first real appearance of Clayface in the New 52, as he had never been seen before and this villain was used to create a very intriguing and exciting detective thriller. Capullo continues to impress on art, and just seems to get better each issue. This murder mystery, suspense, thriller was a great read. The other highlight of these past two issues has been the support story which highlighted and defined the friendship between Superman and Batman, a friend wanting to be there for a friend when needed most. This has really ramped up my anticipation for Greg Pak and Jae Lee's Batman Superman title. If your brain had felt beaten and bruised from Scott Snyder's huge, epic and fantastic storylines since the beginning of his Batman run in the New 52 then both this and issue 19 would be a great way for your mind to get a little welcome rest but with a very rewarding story. The next issue marks the beginning of Batman Zero Year and after this I can not wait to see what comes next from Snyder and Capullo and how they will be using the rest of Batman's villain catalogue.

My Comic of the Week 01-05-2013

Winter Soldier #18

Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jason Latour
Artist: Nic Klein

There was sad news that came with the July Solicitations, there will be no more Winter Soldier and June sees its final issue. So with this being the penultimate issue of the series I had high hopes and I was not dissapointed.

We are treated to another artistic masterclass from Nic Klein, who brings his best to yet another issue. Klein's art has been one of the true highlights alongside this engaging story from Latour.

This issue focuses more on the antagonist of this story arc than Winter Soldier himself. You finally learn more about the girl who witnessed the Winter Soldier murder her parents and how she became the woman she now is, Electric Ghost. Nic Klein masterfully draws her memories as she speaks with Winter Soldier about her past. This leads us to the end of the issue, with an unexpected twist, which can only lead to a fiery conclusion to this superb team's time with Winter Soldier.

I dropped this title three issues in to Ed Brubaker's run, after having high hopes for the character and really not enjoying it. Latour's Winter Solider is the Winter Solider I was hoping for and I will be so very sad to see this come to an end. The only positive is Marvel have confirmed that Latour and Klein will be moving to new books, but after proving to be such a formidable force I really hope they get a chance to collaborate on something again! And if you have not had a chance to check this out yet I strongly recommend you do when it is released.