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.

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.

My Comic of the Week 24-04-2013

Ultimate Comics Ultimate Spider-Man #22

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Sara Pichelli

Colors: Justin Ponsor

First things first, this is not an issue that anyone should plan on reading in public or on public transport, especially if you care for this character, no there are no inappropriate images, there is a moment that will hit you in the gut, and well I teared up and got some very funny looks from fellow passengers on my train. This was a tough week to make the pick with several other titles right up there as well but Ultimate Spider-Man has been one of the comics I pick up every month and enjoy every month since its 1st issue which received very different reactions from fans across the world. Brian Michael Bendis has done a great job of developing this character and his network of family and friends which helps to develop a fondness for this character which makes you care what happens to him, Miles Morales, and that is why this issue hit so hard. I have read this 3 times over and at the same point in this issue I have the same reaction every time. This issue is action packed, drawn superbly as always by Sara Pichelli. But it is written in a way where you just do not expect what happens to happen, the next issue's title makes so much more sense now and I am eager to get issue 23 in my hands so I can check on how one of my favourite characters is coping. If you haven't given this title a chance yet, Venom War may be a great way to jump on. 

My Comic of the Week 17-04-2013

Nova #3

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeph Loeb

Artist: Ed McGuinness

Inker: Dexter Vines

Colorist: Marte Gracia

Another Month, Another Marvel Comics, Another issue of Nova, and once again it is my pick of the week. This title is really turning out to be one of the highlights of the Marvel NOW initiative. Jeph Loeb is managing to create a lovable character, with an engaging story and origin. He is a master of writing the meetings between Sam Alexander, Rocket Raccoon and Gamorra. Sam's reaction to these characters continually appearing is priceless and Rocket Raccoon's humour is one of the highlights of the issue. This was another great issue, and with the ending I look forward to issue #4 landing on my lap in a months time.

My Comic of the Week 10-04-2013

Uncanny Avengers #6:

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Rick Remender

Artist: Daniel Acuña

So I have been waiting for this moment to happen, and also been trying to avoid it, where my One to Watch also managed to become my Comic of the Week. But there was no doubting that this would be my comic of the week. After all the delays to this book it has finally managed to find its place and hit the ground running and Remender is back to his best. Cassaday has unfortunately left on interior art, but stays on covers, or is it unfortunate? The artistic talents of Daniel Acuña have been brought to the book and boy does this bring a whole new energy to this title. There are some superb panels in this Thor dominated issue. Thor vs Apocalypse, well what more could you ask Thor. A new addition to the history of Thor, introducing a new weapon with a new name, and oh my does it pack a punch. This contains just the sort of gripping and rewarding story I expect from Remender and I could not be happier with the art work on this book and hope that Acuña is here to stay for some time. The wheels have been set in motion for the next big story arc for this flagship title of Marvel NOW! And also this may contain possibly the most rewarding, re-working of a famous Marvel character quote ever written which left me both smiling and chuckling on my train into work. All my disappointment over the delays of this title are forgiven.  I can't wait to pick up the next issue which is out in two weeks. My comic of the week Uncanny Avengers #6! 

My Comic of the Week 03-04-2013

Green Lantern #19:

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artist: Andre Sorrentino

We are now 3 issues in to Lemire's and Sorrentino's run on Green Arrow and what a turn around this is for the title. The art work is stunning and the story is gripping. Oliver Queen is a character at the lowest of the low fighting an enemy more skilled than he is with answers to questions that he wants answered. And in this issue as many questions questions are made as questions are answered, how his father died, what his fathers role with the island he got stranded on is, but still who is Komodo and what his is role in his father's death? This title continues to keep me wanting to come back for more and I will certainly be picking up issue #20. If you still have picked up this new run on Green Arrow you really should.

My Comic of the Week 27-03-2013

Young Avengers #3:

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Artist: Jamie McKelvie/ Mike Norton

Colorist: Matthew Wilson

Young Avengers is definitely one of my favourite series to come out of Marvel NOW! and this is another issue that does not disappoint. Gillen is writing relatable characters matched with McKelvie's incredible art. Every cover released is one of the first that grabs my eyes on the shelves. This issue had me when Loki was describing himself as being like Tyrion from Game of Thrones, a likeness that I can quite clearly see, its these associations with current popular culture that makes this title so appealing. This is the title I wait for each month and this is the title that I can see quite firmly staying on my pull list. If you have not given Young Avengers a try yet you really ought too!

My Comic of the Week 20-03-2013

Nova #2:

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer:Jeph Loeb
Artist: Ed McGuinness

Colorist: Marte Garcia
Inker: Dexter Vines

I have found it very difficult to get into the Marvel Cosmic universe in the past. But they are now doing great things to introduce you to, and gain a new audience to this great corner of the Marvel Universe. Nova #2 is still introducing us to the main character Sam Alexander, with an appearance from Gamora and Rocket Raccoon of soon to be Guardians of the Galaxy fame, and what a great origin this is. This is turning out to be one of my favourite titles to come out of Marvel NOW! With a heartfelt story, great art and a main character who is as easy to relate to as Peter Parker, yes I went there. I don't want to give to much away, but I recommend anyone looking for a new book to pick up,  and only being 2 issues in, this should be on the top of your list! Keep up the good work Jeph and Ed!!

My Comic of the Week 13-03-2013

Uncanny X-Men #3:

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer:Brian Michael Bendis
Artist/ Colorist: Chris Bachalo
Inker: Tim Townsend

Bendis got me into the Avengers comics and Bendis has now got me into the X-Men comics. I am currently loving his run on All New X-Men and Uncanny does not disappoint either. We are now 3 issues in and it’s about time Cyclops was brought to justice for his crimes, enter The Avengers. Some great new mutants have been introduced, there powers and power levels are exciting and I love the way one of them, who has a flash back of idolising Captain America, is used in this issue. This series has a great supporting cast, new and original, I even find myself enjoying the way Cyclops is portrayed, however annoying he sometimes can be. I always found it hard to jump into the X-Universe but post AvsX it’s now never been easier to jump in.