mini Reviews (Feb 6-12, 2013)

------- DC Reviews

Normally, each issue gets four dedicated sentences, but because Animal Man and Swamp Thing interconnect on such a basic level, I've gone ahead and combined them in one, eight-sentence review that covers the entire "Rotworld: Finale."

Animal Man #17
(w) Scott Snyder & Jeff Lemire  (a) Steve Pugh, Timothy Green III, and Joseph Silver

Swamp Thing #17
(w) Scott Snyder & Jeff Lemire  (a) Andrew Belanger

This week, "Rotworld" finally came to a close with Animal Man #17 and Swamp Thing #17, a one-two punch finale that, unfortunately, succumbs to the law of diminishing returns and just doesn't feel all the satisfying after nearly two years of build-up. Even though the connections between Animal Man and Swamp Thing have only been official over the past six months, these series have been connected since issue one, and the threat of the Rot is starting to become a little long in the tooth. While nearly every other title in the 'New 52' has gone through at least two distinct story arcs, both Animal Man and Swamp Thing have been greatly decompressed to the point where it's hard to imagine either of these series outside their plight against Anton Arcane and the Rot -- when heroes start to be defined by their villains, you know something is wrong. "Rotworld: Finale" just doesn't live up to the hype Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire have been promising for what seems like forever now.

And the truth is, I don't really know why; Snyder and Lemire invested so much time, effort, and energy into crafting this massive crossover that would have lasting ramifications on these characters, yet in the final moments, it all comes down to something that's been in the equation since the beginning. I'm not a fan of "deus ex machina" situations like this where the answer has been sitting there the entire time because that kind of story betrays the intelligence of the characters and, by extension, the readers. I didn't dislike or hate "Rotworld: Finale" as a closing chapter of the ongoing Rotworld saga, but it's just not as explosive as I imagined it would be, and switching out Yannick Paquette for Andrew Belanger for Swamp Thing #17 was a mistake on DC's part because there's now a disconnect between the rest of the arc, which looks beautiful, and this final issue, which looks just passable. I'll continue to read both titles going forward, because Snyder and Lemire have amazing track records with them as well as their other work, but Animal Man #17 and Swamp Thing #17 both dropped the ball when it came to delivering a satisfying conclusion to the months-and-months long "Rotworld" narrative.

GRADE: 7/10 (Animal Man)

GRADE: 6.5/10 (Swamp Thing)


------- Marvel Reviews

Iron Man #6
(w) Kieron Gillen  (a) Greg Land

Kieron Gillen and Greg Land are taking Iron Man into space with "The Godkiller", a story arc designed to preface Tony Stark's membership in the newest iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as provide some proper aftermath to last year's Avengers vs. X-Men. For the most part, Gillen is having fun with Tony in space because it's a setting where the character doesn't have a lot of experience, which means his normal processes -- both on the job and at-play -- have to be adjusted accordingly. Iron Man #6 mostly takes a look at Tony experiencing the wonders of deep space by trying to hook up with a purple alien babe made to look eternally from the 80s by Greg Land. Being the first of only three parts, I expected a bit more plot-wise from Iron Man #6, but it's still an enjoyable issue that fulfills it's goal as a bridge between bigger ideas.

GRADE: 7/10 

THE WEEK (JAN 9-15, 2013) 1

FEATURED REVIEW
The Superior Spider-Man #1

Reviews
Action Comics #16

Earth 2 #8

Fantastic Four #3

Green Lantern: New Guardians Annual #1

Extra! Extra!
Animal Man #16

Stormwatch #16

Swamp Thing #16

Thor: God of Thunder #4

THE WEEK (DEC 5-11, 2012)

FEATURED REVIEW

Avengers #1
(Hickman, Opena)


REVIEWS
Action Comics #15
(Morrison, Morales)

Animal Man #15 & Swamp Thing #15
(Lemire, Snyder, Pugh, Paquette)

Before Watchmen: Minutemen #5 of 6
(Cooke)

Earth 2 #7
(Robinson, Scott)

Hawkeye #5
(Fraction, Aja)

Thunderbolts #1
(Way, Dillon)

Extra! Extra!
All-New X-Men #3
(Bendis, Immonen)

Amazing Spider-Man #699
(Slott, Ramos)

Iron Man #3
(Gillen, Land)

Stormwatch #15
(Milligan, Conrad)

THE WEEK (NOV 7-13, 2012)

FEATURED REVIEW

Deadpool #1
(w) Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan
(p) Tony Moore
One of America's funniest comedians takes on Marvel's merc with a mouth: it's Brian Posehn writing Deadpool! And it's going to be awesome! Deadpool vs. resurrected Zombie American Presidents? Sign me up.

Action Comics #14

(w) Grant Morrison
(p) Rags Morales
Superman faces off against the Multitude...on Mars! If I've said it once, I've said it a handful of times; Grant Morrison's stories don't have a lot of previews. His writing's too intricate to offer much in the way of sneak peeks.

Earth 2 #6
(w) James Robinson
(p) Nicola and Trevor Scott
It's the conclusion of the first arc of Earth 2 as Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkgirl, and the Atom take on Grundy, the scion of death! James Robinson's parallel Earth series has been fantastic to say the least. To say I'm looking forward to this is a total understatement.

Green Lantern #14
(w) Geoff Johns
(p) Doug Mahnke
Geoff Johns continues this great introduction of Simon Baz that will eventually intersect with "Rise of the Third Army". So far, Baz has been far more interesting than Hal Jordan's been in years. 


Iron Man #1
(w) Kieron Gillen
(p) Greg Land

Extra! Extra!

Animal Man #14
(w) Jeff Lemire
(p) Steve Pugh

Before Watchmen: Moloch #1 of 2
(w) J. Michael Straczynski
(p) John Higgins

Stormwatch #14
(w) Peter Milligan
(p) Will Conrad

Swamp Thing #14
(w) Scott Snyder
(p) Yanick Paquette

Uncanny X-Force #33
(w) Rick Remender
(p) Phil Noto

World's Finest #6
(w) Paul Levitz
(p) Kevin Maguire and George Perez

SHADOWY HAPPENINGS, VOL. 1 (OCT 3, 2012)

This is 'Shadowy Happenings', the (mostly) weekly column looking at DC's "The Dark" line of titles from the 'New 52'. Along with high-visibility titles like Swamp Thing, Justice League Dark, and Animal Man, i'll also be covering the rest of the series included in this category: Demon Knights, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., The Phantom Stranger, Sword of Sorcery, and I, Vampire. This is the side of the DC universe even the regular superheroes tend not to tread.


Animal Man #13
"Rotworld: The Red Kingdom" Part 1 of 4
(W) Jeff Lemire
(P) Steve Pugh and Timothy Green II
(I) Steve Pugh and Joseph Silver

Swamp Thing #13
"Rotworld: The Green Kingdom" Part 1 of 4
(W) Scott Snyder
(P) Yanick Paquette
(I) Nathan Fairbairn

For the next five months, I may as well call this column 'Rotworld LIVE!' because both Animal Man and Swamp Thing will be fully entrenched in their respective Rotworld adventures at least through the first quarter of 2013. Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire have both insinuated that this is bigger than their respective titles - this is bigger, this is more. And that fact comes glaringly apparent in Animal Man #13 and Swamp Thing #13, both of which feature multiple guest stars fighting against the Rot.

Back in August, the "Rotworld Prologue" told us that Buddy Baker and Alec Holland descended into the realm of the Rot hoping to eliminate the decay at it's source. Unfortunately, Anton Arcane - the avatar of the Rot - had other plans, and the Animal Man and Swamp Thing were stuck in the world of death for over a year while the Rot spread rampantly across our Earth. It was a lot to take in - Snyder and Lemire are laying this out for the long haul. Buddy and Alec come out from the Rot (for what felt like only hours to them) to a new world. The Rot has already won; this is no longer a mission of preemptive measures, this is a quest to destroy the evil slowly strangling the planet.

In Animal Man #13, Buddy is forced to fight the Rotling Hawkman before being saved by Steel, Beast Boy, and Black Orchid (who looks to be a regular, recurring character now that she's part of the Justice League Dark). In Swamp Thing #13, it's Poison Ivy and Deadman that show up to lend a helping hand to Alec Holland. And in both titles, these guest characters begin criticizing their respective protagonists about being gone for so long. Both Buddy and Alex have to explain their situation to their newfound friends before being fully trusted.

If I have any complaint about the "Rotworld" crossover thus far, it's that Animal Man and Swamp Thing are mirroring each other too much. This month, both titles literally have the exact same set-up and pay off when Buddy and Alec reach the Red Kingdom and Green Kingdom, respectively. Both the Red and the Green - the power of the flora and fauna - have created physical strongholds on the Earthly plane to better stand against the spread of the Rot, and by the end of the issue, both the avatars have reached their kingdoms. I understand the need to cohesion, not only on a grand scale, but on a scale such as this, but this stunt takes things a bit too far. I don't feel like I read to separate comic book issues this week pertaining to "Rotworld". I mean, if Snyder and Lemire are going to stay so parallel, why not just combine the series for five month, have them travel together, and make it more exciting and high-stakes?

At the moment, "Rotworld" has been a lot of build-up. Both series have been at least foreshadowing this event since their first issues. A lot of time and effort has been put into this so far, but all into the 'prologue' part. Now is the time when we really get to see how "Rotworld" will pay off, from a narrative perspective. Unfortunately, "The Red Kingdom, Part 1" and "The Green Kingdom, Part 1" are such mirror images of each other that I wonder if all the hype has been worth it. Are these stories going to have the same narrative cues for the next five months? Because if so, I'll just read one series and get highlights from the other. It's no fun to read the same comic twice in a row (usually), but Snyder and Lemire and dancing dangerously close to the phenomenon of being uninventive, and that's not acceptable from two of DC's best writing talents.

STORY: B (AM), B (ST)
ART: A (AM), B- (ST)

UPCOMING REVIEWS (SEP. 5-11)

Action Comics #0
(Morrison, Oliver)
- Grant Morrison takes us back in time! to give us a story about a boy who steals Superman's cape. There's got to be some connection to the overall Morrison story, so it'll be interesting to see how a carefree-sounding story might incorporate more complex elements.

Earth 2 #0
(Robinson, Giorello)
- Since Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman died in the opening pages of Earth 2 #1, this month's 'Issue Zero' will focus on their heroic adventures before the invasion of Apokolips. Plus, more connections will probably be made between E2 and World's Finest.

Green Lantern #0

(Johns, Mahnke)

- It's about damn time we get an introduction to BAZ! the newest member of the soon-to-maybe-be-extinct Green Lantern Corps. He's looking bad-ass, and probably won't get any training, which is a great set-up to the epic "Rise of the Third Army" starting next month. And maybe we'll get some insight into the fates of Hal Jordan and Sinestro.

Hawkeye #2
(Fraction, Aya)
- My review of Hawkeye #1 last month for PopMatters.com examined how Matt Fraction aimed to make Clint Barton more akin to the 1970s embodiment of Green Arrow, a hero who fought for the common man and the underscored in our society. Let's see if Fraction can keep it up.

The Phantom Stranger #0

(Didio, Anderson)

- After a fantastic and tragically cut short run on O.M.A.C., - not to mention a three-part "Challengers of the Unknown" arc on DC Universe Presents - Dan Didio returns to writing with The Phantom Stranger straight out of the pages of The New 52 #1, the 'Free Comic Book Day' issue that introduced us to the Trinity of Sin. If past work is any indication, Didio's take on the Stranger will be campy and awesome.

World's Finest #0
(Levitz, Maguire)
- After a less-than-stellar first arc, Paul Levitz takes us back to Earth 2 to a time when Karen was Supergirl, and Helena was Robin. They were two of the eight 'wonders' of Earth 2 before the Apokolips invasion destroyed everything. Just like Earth 2 #0, it's likely more will be revealed about the nature of the multiverse and how the two Earth's connect.

4-Sentence Reviews
- Animal Man #0
- Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #3 of 4
- Dial H #0
- The First X-Men #2 of 5

4-SENTENCE REVIEWS (AUG 1-7)

Animal Man #12
(Lemire, Snyder, Pugh)

DC promoted Animal Man #12 as a recap of the series for new readers before Jeff Lemire and Scott Snyder dive into the "Rotworld" story arc in October. Buddy Baker does reminisce about some things that have happened to him in this run, but the idea that this is a recap is somewhat of a mislead - indeed, this issue spends most of it's time uniting Animal Man and Swamp Thing, giving them each a visceral and concrete reason to help the other. It's nice that Lemire and Snyder are working together on these issues - you can even see Swamp Thing's artistic influence throughout Animal Man - for the sake of cohesion and general story advancement. Along with Swamp Thing #12, the "Rotworld Prologue" does a fine job of getting us ready for the event readers have been waiting for since each of these series started last September.

GRADE: A

Before Watchmen: Nite Owl #2 of 4

(Straczynski, Kubert)

Brian Azzarello's Comedian aside, this whole Before Watchmen thing is coming along pretty well, and Nite Owl has been giving readers a lot of insight into the Watchmen's earliest days. J. Michael Straczynski's palpable take on Dan and Rorschach's relationship is spot-on, playing their different methods and pathologies against each other while also showing how their situation gets results; both Nite Owl and Rorschach had traumatic lives growing up, but it's their choices in how they dealt with that trauma that defines their adult selves and how they view the world. Kubert & Son falter this month, unfortunately, as Joe's pencilling looks severely rushed, coupled with Andy's apparent obsession with facial line work that makes characters in their mid-twenties look like they're ready to move into a home. However, the story more than makes up for awkwardly shaded breasts and Were-Nite Owl (seriously though, those face lines are everywhere!), meaning Nite Owl gets a pass this week in hopes the Kuberts can step it up next time.

GRADE: B-

Red Lanterns #12
(Milligan, Sepulveda)

For a series that's supposed to be all about rage, Red Lanterns has been wallowing in it's own pity for quite some time now - lot's of "poor me"s and "we are victims!" talk going around. Fortunately, things are looking up this month for Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps, as Peter Milligan finally delivers the rage-filled ones to their rightful place as a fully-powered Corps. Atrocitus' first experiment in creating the Red Lanterns, Abysmus, is finally throwing down and Atrocitus isn't taking to kindly to the beating, until Jack Moore (a.k.a. - Rankorr) shows up and ignites the spark of rage in Atrocitus once again. The Red Master grabs a 'rage seed' (or something. It's honestly not that important) from the belly of his first, hideous mistake, and uses it reboot the Red Lantern battery.

GRADE: A

UPCOMING REVIEWS (AUG 1-7)

Action Comics #12
(Morrison, Bryant)
- With Grant Morrison's announcement that he'll be leaving AC after issue 16, we now know that his sprawling, revamped origin for good old Superman actually will have a conclusion! This month, Morrison continues his tale of "The Forgotten Superman" as well as another back-up - this time featuring Perry White - that will again add more depth to Superman's world.

Animal Man #12

(Lemire, Pugh)

- Now that Buddy Baker and Alex Holland are finally teamed up, it's time to dive into the realm of the Rot. Unfortunately, this "Rotworld: Prologue" will mostly be a recap of the last year's events in both Animal Man and Swamp Thing.

Avengers vs. X-Men #9 of 12
(Someone, Kubert)
- As we enter Act III of Avengers vs. X-Men, the Phoenix Five's weakness has been revealed and Namor is down for the count! How will the the Scarlet Witch use her newfound ability to excise the Phoenix to turn the tides for the Avengers? I know this is completely out of left field, but as a Young Avengers fan, I want to see some Patriot, Wiccan, Hulkling, Stature, Speed, and Hawkeye II! Hey, a guy can dream.

Before Watchmen: Nite Owl #2 of 4

(Straczynski, Kubert)

- Last month, Nite Owl saw the first meeting of the group that would become the Watchmen, including the first team-up between Nite Owl and Rorschach. This month continues Dan Dreiberg's journey to prove to himself that he's worthy of the Nite Owl mantle.

Earth 2 #4
(Robinson, Scott)
- Now that we've been properly introduced, it's time to see Earth 2 Flash, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl in action! Also, the Atom of Earth 2 makes his debut, along with more insight to the Grey and this universe's Solomon Grundy. James Robinson has stated that he intends to build up this world before putting the JSA together, and he's doing a fantastic job so far.

Justice League International #12

(Jurgens, Lopresti)

- It's the "Funeral of Rocket Red" as the team deals with the fallout of their adventures thus far. Seeing as this is the last 'official' issue in the run - not counting the Annual issue later this month - Dan Jurgens will be pulling out all the punches to send out this fantastic series in style.

Swamp Thing #12
(Snyder, Paquette)
- All DC has released for press info is that this issue "continues from Animal Man #12" which is just a recap. Hopefully, we'll get to see some actual action happen here. If both issues turn out to be a recap, a single review will be written for both Animal Man and Swamp Thing.

4-Sentence Reviews
- Dial H #4
- First X-Men #1 of 5
- Hawkeye #1
- World's Finest #4

(THE WEEK) JULY 4-10, 2012 [update]

Action Comics #11
(Morrison, Morales)
- "The Death of Clark Kent" continues with the revelation of Superman's new alter-ego! And the back-up story by Sholly Fisch answers the question, "where did all those 'S' t-shirts come from?"

Animal Man #11
(Lemire, Pugh)
- The war between against the Rot was supposed to start last month, but it was more of a prelude than anything. Hopefully, this conclusion of "Extinction Is Forever" will bring about the actual warring!

Avengers vs. X-Men #7 of 12
(Fraction, Coipel)
- Matt Fraction picks up where Jonathan Hickman left us last month, with "No More Avengers!"

Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1 of 4
(Wein, Lee)
- I'm actually extra-excited for this series, as Ozy' was the villain of Moore's original Watchmen - it will be interesting to see how his past is framed.


Dial H #3
(Mieville, Santolouco)
- Nelson's situation gets a little bit better when he gains an ally! Check out one of the best series going on right now!

Earth 2 #3
(Robinson, Scott)
- Last month's thrilling cliffhanger started the cogs turning for the revamped origins of Earth 2 Green Lantern!

Justice League International #11
(Jurgens, Lopresti)
- As JLI winds down, "Breakdown" comes to a conclusion with some deaths, apparently! Let's see how DC plans on dismantling one of the best teams of the 'New 52'... :(

4-Sentence Reviews

The Cape: 1969 #1
(Hill, Ciaramella)
- Last years fantastic The Cape series surprised everyone with it's dark take on the concept of gaining powers and deciding how to use them. Now, Joe Hill takes us back in time to the Cape's origins in the thick of the Vietnam War!

Detective Comics #11
(Daniels, Benes)
- Tony Daniels announced his stepping fown from Detective Comics after issue 12, so I'll be interested to see how he handles Hypnotic and the connection to Wayne Industries before his run ends!

Powers: FBI #1
(Bendis)
- I've always been intrigued by Powers, but never took the plunge into the ongoing series. Now that it's getting a reboot at the federal level, I'd like to give it a shot and see how I like it. Who knows - maybe it'll inspire me to read the first three volumes!

Red Lanterns #11
(Milligan, Sepulveda)
- I have really covered Red Lanterns before - mostly because I cover every other GL title - but things are starting to move a little more, and I want to take a look at how things will unfold as "Rise of the Third Army" gets closer and closer.

World's Finest #3
(Levitz, Perez)
- Paul Levitz brings us a big more history from Huntress and Power Girls' last five years on Earth Prime, along with their hunt for the mysterious assassin who came through the boom tube all those years ago!