GL Gent Reviews! The Week of 05/01/13

Hello faithful readers! GL Gent is back this week for another round of reviews. I have finished my finals and am raring to go. I was pumped to review Justice League of America for everyone this week but evidently that one is not being released until later. I am replacing that choice with this week’s issue of Aquaman. Coming to you this week I will be reviewing Aquaman #19, Batwing #20, and Shadowman #0. Don’t forget to follow the Comic Gents on Twitter, both myself (@GL_Gent92) and DC Gent (@dc_gent).

Cover for Aquaman #19

Aquaman #19

Author: Geoff Johns

Penciller: Paul Pelletier

Inker: Sean Parsons

Rating: 3.9/5

This issue continues with the Death of a King story line. Arthur is continuing his chase after the Scavenger who holds Atlantean weaponry that he is trying to prevent from making it to the surface world. Meanwhile, Tula and Murk are continuing their quest to free Orm from the surface world’s custody before he faces the death sentence. They take refuge in the abode of Swatt who seems to be an Atlantean that cannot breathe underwater and makes frequent trips to the surface. While Arthur and the Drift are chasing down the submarines operating under the Scavenger’s control, one explodes and they find an Atlantean on an operating table in the other. Mera also is a captive of an old former king of Atlantis who is plotting his own schemes. On the way, she finds a man named Nereus who claims she is his wife. What could all these things mean for the future? This is only the second issue in the Death of a King story line and it has been teased that we will see the return of The Others in the next issue. If Johns continues to do what he does best, this story line could be promising. As it stands though, I felt this was sort of a slow issue and it was being used to set the pins up to knock them down later. As always though, the art of this book continues to amaze. The image of Topo, a big, Cthulu-looking undersea monster was truly awesome.

Cover for Batwing #20

Batwing#20

Authors: Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray

Artists: Eduardo Pansica & Júlio Ferreira

Rating: 5/5

This has probably been one of the best Batwing issues of the New 52 so far. Way to go creative team. Anyway, to continue, Luke Fox has taken the mantle and become the second Batwing for the New 52. The costume changes are completely astounding. I love it. I love the new attitude of confidence and sarcasm he is bringing to the character. It really lightens the mood of the comic because David Zavimbe was way too serious. The comic begins with Luke facing the Marabunta soldiers that dress up as ants to do their evil deeds. He defeats them and takes Lady Marabunta to interrogate her using a derivative of the Scarecrow toxin, which I thought was extremely intelligent. All along the way he has Batman leading him and telling him what to do. Batman reveals that Luke was passed over for the role of Batwing in favor of David because Batman still has his doubts about Luke. One of the main factors that would have hindered Luke from working with Batman, Inc. is his father. Lucius Fox is a hard working strict man that works for Wayne Enterprises and though he may not go about it in the best way, he wants the best for his children, especially his only son Luke. Luke doesn’t let his father stop him and creates a false story about seeing the world after his early graduation from college. This leads him to the big baddie. I believe Lion Mane is one of the most badass villains I have seen so far. I don’t even know what his plans are but the artists really blew it out of the water. I mean who thinks of doing a lion centaur?!? That was awesome. This creative team has really set themselves up for what promises to be a great comic. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Cover for Shadowman #0

Shadowman #0

Author: Justin Jordan

Artists: Roberto De La Torre and Mico Suayan with Lewis LaRosa and Neil Edwards

Color Art: David Baron

Rating: 4.6/5

I have been wondering since I began reading Shadowman why Master Darque was so powerful and where he came from. Lucky for me and anyone else that was wondering it, Shadowman #0 delivers in the wonderful way it has been delivering since the series started. Master Darque was born in Louisiana in 1812 and he had a twin. Their birth names were Nicodemo and Sandria. Their father taught them the Art from an early age. While studying one day, Nicodemo made Sandria’s rabbit explode because she wasn’t studying. He tried to bring it back but their father reveals that once something is dead, it cannot be brought back to its original form. He told them that there is a way to learn that though at the Lyceum. This is the source of all of the Art and the place where one can truly learn to control all aspects of it. The twins promise to help their father reach this place together. They had the grand veves drawn on them to better connect to each other and their gifts and on their 18^th birthday, they were ready. During the ceremony, they realize their father was just betraying them to get to Lyceum himself using them as the necessary sacrifice as with all thing in the Art. Nicodemo stops him by drawing all the life force from everything around him and restores his sister to a shell of what she formerly was. That is when she knew how truly powerful he was. Shadowman was thrown at me as a bit of a surprise and I have loved every minute of it. I can’t wait to see more struggles between Shadowman and the Abettors against Master Darque as they try to keep him from crossing the Deadside into the world of the living. The art is dark and edgy making it the perfect iteration of Shadowman and this world. It is highly recommended that you read this series.

Review: The Movement #1

Spoilers!

Cover for The Movement #1

Writer: Gail Simone

Penciller: Freddie Williams II

I can’t understand why DC wasn’t promoting The Movement very much for the past few months, because I feel like this first issue of the series is one of the strongest first issues I’ve read since the beginning of the New 52.  I guess there’s something to be said for letting quality work stand on its own, but since this book isn’t titled Batman Presents: Superman and the Movement, I think it needs (and most definitely deserves) more publicity. But that’s enough of an introduction, let’s get into the issue itself.

The concept of The Movement echoes sentiments of political unrest without choosing a side between the left or the right, and for that I applaud Simone. Instead of being a story about Occupy or a Tea Party fever dream, Simone presents us with a story about a “movement” that anyone and everyone can get behind: fighting back against oppression. What I really enjoyed about this first issue is that The Movement (as the actual movement is known) isn’t composed of only metahumans, but features normal, everyday people as the majority of the group. This aspect of the group is vital, because it means it isn’t a bunch of super-powered teens abusing their powers, but rather its normal people, rallying behind heroes, standing up for what is right. That being said, I loved the metahumans introduced in this issue. In one issue, I already care about Burden (a kid who is either has schizophrenia or is literally possessed) and his past, and want to see him fight to regain control of himself and his powers. Another standout is Virtue, an “emotion rider” that shows promise as a steadfast leader. But outside of The Movement itself, I actually found myself caring about someone they’re fighting against. The captain of the police force proves himself to be an enemy of corruption as well, but also someone who believes in doing his job and protecting his city the only way he knows how. I think its a testament to Simone’s writing skills that with one issue, I already feel attached to members on both sides of the conflict.

On the art side of things, Williams provides some truly stunning scenes. Of particular note are the opening scene, in which dozens of Movement members stop some dirty cops from engaging in sexual harassment of a minor, and the scene in which Burden enters the church. The opening scene in the alleyway is drawn in such a way as to demonstrate the true power of The Movement without having to use any actual “powers,” but instead relying on a truly intimidating presence. And Burden’s “transformation” in the church…completely haunting.

Simone’s and Williams’ The Movement is on pace to be a new favorite of mine within the New 52, and comics in general. Hopefully this title will get the attention and recognition it deserves so that we’ll get a long and stunning run from this creative team.

Rating: 5/5

GL Gent Reviews! The Week of 04/24/13

Cover for Deadpool #8

Cover for Justice League Dark #19

Cover for Teen Titans #19

GL Gent Reviews! The Week of 04/17/13

Review: Red Hood and the Outlaws #19

Spoilers

Cover for Red Hood and the Outlaws #19

Writer: James Tynion IV

Penciller: Julius Gopez

James Tynion IV steps into the writer’s chair for this title with this issue, following a fantastic and emotional issue from Scott Lobdell. And based on the quality oozing out of this book, I feel comfortable saying that this will be a smooth creative transition that will lead into an epic run.

We pick up after events we haven’t seen yet (but will be seeing next month in Batman and Red Hood #20), focusing on Jason venturing into the Acres of All on his own while seemingly leaving Kori and Roy without a trail to follow. I love that Tynion is picking up on the All-Caste story Lobdell seeded into his issues early in his run, because I don’t think they were ever fully realized. Essence and Ducra are such interesting characters, so I’m glad that it looks like we’ll be seeing them fleshed out in the coming issues. And while I’m talking about the Acres of All, Gopez’s art for the scenes taking place there are breathtaking. I’m still missing Rocafort’s art on this title, but I think Gopez will be able to capture that same gritty/rough feel.

My favorite aspect of this issue is how Tynion seems to have a solid handle on how to write Roy Harper. He seems to effortlessly capture the cocktail of sarcasm, cynicism, self-deprecation and loyalty that makes Roy Harper who he is. These traits can be hard to pull off without making Roy seem like a jerk, but throughout the issue you only ever get the sense that Roy truly cares about Jason and Kori, but uses his sarcasm as a mask. Essence also allows us to see into Roy’s subconscious while he tries to accept the darkness within him, and based on the teases we see there I believe that Tynion will be building towards some really interesting plot points in the future that are related to Roy’s past. I guess these aspects are what I’m most excited about for Tynion’s run on this title; the potential to learn more about what makes these characters tick, while at the same time delving into how close their relationships have become.

Throughout this review, I’m sure I’ve mentioned the word “building” several times, and that is primarily because this is a setup issue. But it is without a doubt a setup issue done right. It looks like we’ll be seeing a more emotional and relationship focused take on these characters with this run, and I have every confidence in Tynion’s ability to accurately capture them and present them to the readers. That’s not to say I’m expecting less action though. On the contrary, if Tynion’s run on Talon is any indication, we can expect some bombastic action to accompany the pathos, and that has me extremely excited.

The excellent Month of Tynion continues, and I’m sure his hot streak will continue well into his obvious future in this industry.

Rating: 5/5

GL Gent Reviews! The Week of 04/10/13

Review: Green Lantern #19

Full Spoilers Below

Green Lantern #19 Cover

Written by: Geoff Johns

Art by: Szymon Kudranski (Pencils and Ink), Adrian Syaf (Pencils), and Mark Irwin (Ink)

So here we are at the penultimate chapter of Geoff Johns’ epic run on the Green Lantern title, and you can really feel the significance of the issue. We get a hero dying, a planet exploding, and the return of Sinestro the Fear Lantern. But plot points aside, how much did I enjoy the issue?

I need to preface the rest of this review by saying that I have not read the entire nine years of Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern tale, so when Korugar is destroyed at the hands of the First Lantern, I didn’t feel an immediate emotional impact from the event. However, through an excellent storytelling, particularly on the part of the pencillers, once I saw tears falling from Sinestro’s eyes, I was instantly able to empathize with him. This was his home, and despite his less-than-ideal means in the past, all Sinestro ever wanted was to protect it. The creative team was able to overcome my lack of pre-New 52 history with the title using some emotional artwork and great scene-framing, and for that I applaud everyone involved.

Over in the world of the dead, we pick up where we left off last issue with Hal preparing himself to leap off a cliff to kill himself, thus allowing him to (hopefully) harness the power of the Black Ring and escape. Johns actually succeeded in faking me out, as I was convinced at the end of last issue he would jump, but throughout this issue and Tomar Re’s monologue I thought Hal had reconsidered. Then he jumps, landing such that a pool of blood forms around him. I don’t know whose artistic choice it was to make this Dead World’s color palate be strictly monochrome with heavy shadowing, but I think it was a stroke of brilliance that really sets the tone for the scenes, and in conjugation with the emotionally-heavy image of Hal dying it makes the reader feel the impact even more.

With the end of the issue, we see Sinestro at the end of his rope and willing to do anything to have his revenge. This is when he’s once again presented with his old friend, the Yellow Lantern, and consequently, this is the moment I got extremely excited for the conclusion to his event. I’ve been wanting to see Sinestro wield the power of fear for almost two years now, and I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Add that to Hal potentially becoming a Black Lantern, albeit for a short time, and you’ve got a definitive recipe for an epic conclusion.

However, I couldn’t help but feel like this issue was lacking a “wow-factor,” that something special that leaves me stunned. And because of that, I’ll dock it half a point. But I know Johns won’t let me down for his last issue on the title, so do yourself a favor and don’t miss it.

Rating: 4.5/5

– DC Gent

GL Gent Reviews! The Week of 04/03/13

Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening (whichever applies)!

GL Gent here! This will be my first written/typed review as we return to the normal format of my friend, DC Gent’s, blog. I am excited to be continuing this blog with my friend and I will try to contain my sarcastic comments and be as professional as possible (TRY…). I have been hearing some good things about some of this week’s comics and am anxious to read them. This week I have chosen to review Swamp Thing #19, Phantom Stranger #7, and Superior Spiderman #7. So without further ado…here are my thoughts on these comics for this week. Oh and if you didn’t know….*Spoiler Alert*……

Swamp Thing #19

Author: Charles Soule

Artist: Kano

Rating: 5/5

With Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette gone, I am saddened. This quickly became one of my favorite comics and the creative team did extremely well with it during their run, but fear not folks! Charles Soule and Kano have stepped up to the plate and started strong. Soule weaves a wonderful dialogue that really delves the reader into what the Green means to Swamp Thing and how he feels while in communication with it. I feel torn even calling him Swamp Thing because he struggles with his identity now that he is totally made of the Green. I think this creative team actually made Swamp Thing more of a badass than he was. This team really capitalizes on just how powerful Swamp Thing can be through their intense visuals and intense yet sometimes flippant dialogue. I am also happy to see that he is becoming more involved in the larger DC Universe with the inclusion of Scarecrow, who if you read Justice League of America #2, was getting into some interesting evil storylines that will be developing further later. I also think Kano did well in representing Swamp Thing in relation to the environment he was in, such as making him a cactus while in the desert. I believe this creative team is putting a large focus on the Green and Swamp Thing’s interactions with the Green, which I think is one of the most interesting relationships of the DC Universe and that excites me. Overall, this was a great issue and even if you are sad and a little angry that Snyder and Paquette left, don’t let it detract you from this great comic.

Phantom Stranger #7

Authors: Dan Didio (Plot) & J.M. Dematteis (Script)

Artists: Zander Cannon (Layout), Gene Ha (Pencil/Inks), & Andrew Pepoy (Inks)

Rating: 4/5

This comic has been going back and forth for me from the beginning. Some weeks it is great. Some weeks it feels like it is just trying to keep going. This week I feel like it was somewhere in between. This is quite a creative team and I feel that since they have all been together, the comic has been improving. I feel like the Jack Ryder story was a bit of an interruption though the Stranger was doing what his master commands and that is his purpose on this Earth. I felt like it was an abrupt interruption to him looking for his family. The art serves a good purpose in grounding this character. The Stranger seems to be quite a powerful force that is trapped on the human plane. The art seems to ground him in this trapped realism and I believe it adds to his character. I am excited to see what is in store for the future because the last pages give quite the confrontation with The Question. I feel like the Ryder story was a bit of an injection that didn’t really serve to push the story much farther forward but hopefully there will be something later to tie back to this. I will give this comic a 4/5 this week just because I felt like there could have been more here.

Superior Spiderman #7

Author: Dan Slott

Artist: Humberto Ramos

Rating: 4/5

And now, I will give some of my love to Marvel with Superior Spiderman #7. I have been pretty vocal about this if you were tuning into the short run of our podcast, but Spiderman is one of my favorite Marvel heroes. I have been a bit hesitant of Otto hijacking Peter’s body. It seems though that slowly Peter has been making some headway towards getting his body back. This issue made some major leaps in this respect and it made me happy to see this. This issue is the second issue showing the Avengers noticing something is wrong. It is obvious that Otto has messed up and gone crazy town banana pants. He is hurting lesser villains and even a relatively harmless vigilante in the form of Cardiac. He has killed and the Avengers will be having none of that. They call him in and shit goes down. I have been very happy with Ramos’ depiction of Spidey and the art has been very solid and compelling. He has been doing a great job on this series. This issue has made some pretty decent developments and has set up for a huge confrontation in the next issue. We will have to wait until next time to see how it plays out.