Books of the Week – 10/10/18

Books of the Week - 10/10/18

1. Avengers #9 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: David Marquez / Colors: Justin Ponsor
Definitely the best book of the new Avengers run so far. Gear action, a huge shock, and a wonderful take on Namor. David Marquez’s art is beautiful. Hopefully he sticks around.

2. Immortal Hulk #7 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Al Ewing / Art: Joe Bennett & Ruy Jose / Colors: Paul Mounts
Story & art are top notch. The story is full of surprises as well as great little moments. Killer ending. This title keeps getting better and better.

3. Captain America #4 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Ta-Nehisi Coates / Art: Leinil Francis Yu & Gerry Alanguilan / Colors: Sunny Cho
The whole book is an extended battle sequence. Wonderfully executed. Awesome stuff!

4. Sandman Universe: The Dreaming #1 (DC / Vertigo) ★★★★★
Writer: Simon Spurrier / Art: Bilquis Evely / Colors: Matt Lopes
Fascinating new world to explore, with beautiful art and a compelling story. Plus that cover!

5. Domino #7 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Gail Simone / Art: David Baldeon / Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Fun set-up for a new adventure. Great action & beautiful art as always by David Baldeon.

6. X-Men Black: Mojo #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Scott Aukerman, Zac Thompspn & Lonnie Nadler / Art: Nick Bradshaw, Andre Lima Araujo & Geraldo Borges / Colors: Guru-eFX & Rachelle Rosenberg
Mojo Story was a great looking, fun read. The Apocalypse story was interesting as well. Nice rebound.

Books of the Week – 10/03/18

Books of the Week - 100318

1. Asgardians of the Galaxy #2 (Marvel)
Writer: Cullen Bunn / Art: Matteo Lolli / Colors: Federico Blee
Another great book! The art is beautiful and the story very compelling. I need #3 ASAP!

2. Adventures of the Super Sons #3 (DC)
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi / Art: Carlo Barberi & Art Thibert / Colors: Protobunker
Very fun book! Art by Carlo Barberi is spot on (again) and the story has a couple of great twists.

3. Champions #25 (Marvel)
Writer: Jim Zub / Art: Sean Izaakse & Max Dunbar / Colors: Marcio Menyz & Nolan Woodard
Just when I thought this series was out of gas, they turn out two great issues. This one features gorgeous art by Sean Izaakse & Max Dunbar (hope they stay on), and a very interesting take on the title characters. Writing hits all the right notes. Fun!

4. Infinity Wars: Sleepwalker #1 (Marvel)
Writer: Chad Bowers & Chris Simms / Art: Todd Nauck / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
This book has a bit of everything, beautiful art & layouts by Todd Nauck, and some great writing too.

5.Shatterstar #1 (Marvel)
Writer: Tim Seeley / Art: Carlos Villa, Gerardo Sandoval & Juan Vlasco / Colors: Carlos Lopez
Solid, attractive art by Carlos Villa, Gerardo Sandoval & Juan Vlasco. Story has a pleasant, retro feel. Nice first person narrative.

Books of the Week – 09/26/18

Books of the Week - 09/26/18

1. Fence #10 (Boom! Box) ★★★★★
Writer: C.S. Pacat / Art: Johanna the Mad / Colors: Joana Lafuente
Best issue of the series. Drama, great fencing action, plus a wonderful ending.

2. Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #310 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Chip Zdarsky / Colors: Chip Zdarsky
Beautiful and moving sendoff for longtime PPSSM writer Chip Zdarsky, who did the art for this issue too.

3. Moon Knight #198 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Max Bemis / Art: Paul Davidson / Colors: Matt Milla
Picked up MK issues 195 thru 199 this week. I enjoyed all of them, but this book (released 08/29/18) was especially powerful. It’s a fascinating take on the mental illness haunting MK, plus the art was beautifully grisly.

4. Extermination #3 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Ed Brisson / Art: Pepe Larraz / Colors: Marte Gracia
Action! Great read. Series really kicking into high gear.

5. Domino Annual #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Gail Simone, Fabian Nicieza, Dennis Hopeless & Leah Williams / Art: Victor Ibanez, Juan Gideon, Leonard Kirk, Natacha Bustos & Michael Shelfer / Colors: Jay David Ramos & Jesus Aburtov
Nice combination of stores with a solid framing narrative. Great koda for the Topaz storyline.

6. Heroes In Crisis #1 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Tom King / Art: Clay Mann / Colors: Tomeu Morey
Love it or hate it, the art in this book is beautiful. Will definitely keep reading.

Books of the Week – 09/19/18

Books of the Week - 09/19/18

1. Batman: Damned #1 (DC: Black Label) ★★★★★
Writer: Brain Azzarello / Art: Lee Bermejo / Colors: Lee Bermejo
Beautifully written by Brian Azzarello with gorgeously gritty art by Lee Bermejo, the story hooks you straight away and doesn’t let go. I almost didn’t buy this book – that would have been a big mistake.

2. Mr & Mrs X #3 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Kelly Thompson / Art: Oscar Bazaldua / Colors: Frank D’Armata
The fun continues in this limited series. Incredibly fun 4 Page battle sequence, plus sparkling dialog make this a must read. Kelly Thompson & Oscar Bazaldua continue to shine.

3. Multiple Man #4 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Matt Rosenberg / Art: Andy MacDonald / Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
Another book that shows off the strengths of a limited series. The fun is back after a somewhat disappointing issue 3. Andy MacDonald’s art remains a joy. Can’t wait for the finale!

4. Immortal Hulk #6 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Al Ewing / Art: Lee Garbett / Colors: Paul Mounts
Why can’t I quit this book? It keeps sucking me in with its great visuals and addictive storytelling. After reading this issue, I’m all in.

5. Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Saladin Ahmed / Art: Garry Brown / Colors: Lee Loughridge
A return to the fave Marvel Annual tradition, this book takes a look back at the early days of Spidey’s symbiot suit. Told from the symbiot’s point of view, it’s a wonderfully dark and gritty story by Saladin Ahmed with art from Garry Brown.

6. Thor #5 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Christian Ward / Colors: Christian Ward
Stunning story and art by Jadon Aaron and Cristian Ward. A lot of comic crammed into a single book. Epic battles abound!

Books of the Week – 09/12/18

Books of the Week - 09/12/18

1. Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #309 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Chris Bachalo with Livesay, Al Vey, Tim Townsend, Victor Olazaba & Wayne Faucher / Colors: Chris Bachalo
Another beautiful book with art by Chris Bachalo. Excellent story & writing by Chip Zdarsky. Great ending.

2. Champions #24 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Jim Zub / Art: Sean Izaakse / Colors: Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega
Beautiful & moving book on an important issue. Didn’t take sides or preach. I admit I was worried going into it, but I didn’t need to be. Wonderfully done.

3. Domino #6 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Gail Simone / Art: David Baldeon / Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Great wrap up to ‘Killer Instict’ storyline. Beautiful art with nice action sequences.

4. Captain America #3 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Ta-Nehisi Coates / Art: Leinil Francis Yu & Gerry Alanguilan / Colors: Sunny Cho
Nice action issue. Great use of narration to flesh out the story. Art top notch. Big improvement.

5. Journey Into Mystery: Birth of Krakoa #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Dennis Hopeless / Art: Djibril Morissette-Phan / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Interesting old-school mystery comic. Nice to see the Howling Commandos. Solid read. Awesome cover.

6. Fantastic Four #2 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Dan Slott / Art: Sara Pichelli with Elizabetta D’Amico / Colors: Marte Gracia
I loved everything until the end. Still bothers me that they’re ignoring 2-in-One continuity. The art is aces though. Love Val & Franklin as teens.

Books of the Week – 09/05/18

Books of the Week - 09/05/18

1. Asgardians of the Galaxy #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Cullen Bunn / Art: Matteo Lolli / Colors: Federico Blee
Brilliant book. Cullen Bunn’s writing sparkles and Matteo Lolli’s art is perfect for this refreshing take on cosmic conflicts.

2. Cosmic Ghost Rider #3 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Donny Cates / Art: Dylan Burnett / Colors: Antonio Fabela
The fun continues as this book continues to shock and surprise.

3. Adventures of the Super Sons #2 (DC) ★★★★★
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi / Art: Carlo Barberi & Art Thibert / Colors: Protobunker
Another fun title, with wonderful art by Carlo Barberi. Twists galore!

4. Ant-Man and the Wasp #5 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Mark Waid / Art: Javier Garron / Colors: Israel Silva
Great book, despite all the hi-tech wordiness. Wonderful art by Javier Garron and a fun ending. Nice finish for this limited series.

5. Silver Surfer Annual #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Ethan Sacks / Art: Andre Lima Araujo / Colors: Chris O’Halloran
Nicely done one-shot. Lovely art by Andre Lima Arujo compliments spot on writing by Ethan Sacks. Nice take on the Surfer, a character I often dislike.

6. Quicksilver: No Surrender #5 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Saladin Ahmed / Art: Eric Nguyen / Colors: Rico Renzi
A satisfying conclusion to a very compelling story. Hopefully this leads to improvement in the Quicksilver character going forward.

Books of the Week – 08/29/18

Books of the Week - 082918

1. Catwoman / Tweetie & Sylvester #1 (DC) ★★★★★
Writer: Gail Simone / Art: Inaki Miranda / Colors: Eve De La Cruz
Ridiculously fun read! Delightful art, and a surprisingly good plot. Thufferun’ Thoccotach!

2. Extermination #2 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Ed Brisson / Art: Pepe Larraz / Colors: Marte Gracia
Excellent read with great art. The story moves at a brisk pace, and is a good example of why I like limited series. Cyclops shines.

3. Marvel Two in One #9 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Ramon K. Perez / Colors: Federico Blee
Nice action by the powerless Johnny & Ben. Lots of things happening. Great ending.

4. X-Men: Second Genesis #2 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Ed Piskor / Art: Ed Piskor / Colors: Ed Piskor
Ed Piskor crams a lot of History into this book, most of which I was unfamiliar with. Looking forward to The X-tinction in 2019.

Books of the Week – 08/22/18

Books of the Week - 08/22/18

1: West Coast Avengers #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Kelly Thompson / Art: Stefano Caselli / Colors: Triona Farrell
Fun silliness with some great art too. Color me surprised.

2: Daredevil #607 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Charles Soule / Art: Phil Noto / Colors: Phil Noto
Great set-up issue. Some fun twists and solid art. A nice change of pace after the previous gritty storylines.

3: Amazing Spider-Man #4 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Nick Spencer / Art: Ryan Ottley & Cliff Rathburn / Colors: Laura Martin with Peter Pantazis & Jasen Smith
Wasn’t planning to buy this series, but word of mouth had me give it a try, and boy howdy, am I glad I did (I bought #2 & 3 as well). Great writing, and twists galore! I just wish I enjoyed the art more. Spidey looks great, Peter so-so.

4: Mr & Mrs X #2 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Kelly Thompson / Art: Oscar Bazaldua / Colors: Frank D’Armata
Fun book, with some nice art, but it feels like the title characters are guest starring in a Deadpool book. I mean, I like Deadpool, but c’mon.

Books of the Week – 08/15/18

Books of the Week - 081518

1. Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #308 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Chris Bachalo with Townsend, Vey, Faucher & Livesay / Colors: Chris Bachalo
Beautiful, quirky issue. Nice change of pace after the recent storylines. Interesting art for a Spidey issue by Chris Bachalo. Listed as a Part One. Looking forward to more.

2. Extermination #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Ed Brisson / Art: Pepe Larraz / Colors: Marte Gracia
Grabs you from the get go and doesn’t disappoint. Nice mix of quiet moments and action. I’m a sucker for a limited series.

3. Thor #4 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Mike Del Mundo / Colors: Marco D’Alfonso
Great wrap-up to the Battle of Hel storyline. Wonderful mix of action & humor throughout this run. Mike Del Mundo’s art brings a distinctly otherworldly feel to the story that suits it perfectly. Quickly becoming my favorite book.

4. Fence #9 (Boom! Box) ★★★★
Writer: C.S. Pacat / Art: Johanna the Mad / Colors: Joana Lafuente
After a couple of slow issues, it’s a welcome return to the main story in addition to the usual fencing matches. Things are happening!

Books of the Week – 08/08/18

Books of the Week - 080818

1. Quicksilver: No Surrender #4 (Marvel)
Writer: Saladin Ahmed / Art: Eric Nguyen / Colors: Rico Renzi
Great series! The penultimate book hits all the right notes and shows a side of Pietro we rarely see as well as one we see all too often. Looking forward to the conclusion next month.

2. Fantastic Four #1 (Marvel)
Writer: Dan Slott / Art: Sara Pichelli, Simone Bianchi & Skottie Young with Elizabetta D’Amico / Colors: Marte Gracia, Simone Bianchi, Marco Russo & Jeremy Treece
Sure it has its flaws (the publishing schedule being the biggest), but the main story delivers all the feels, with just the right amount of cheese. I could have done without the Doom story though. Hopefully that won’t continue. Skottie Young rules!

3. Daredevil #606 (Marvel)
Writer: Charles Soule / Art: Phil Noto / Colors: Phil Noto
Solid read that continues to build on the tense, gritty storytelling that kicked off with the Mayor Fisk storyline back in DD #595

4. Domino #5 (Marvel)
Writer: Gail Simone / Art: Michael Shelfer & David Baldeon / Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Entertaining read. Spot on dialog. Guest artist Michael Shelfer (filling in for the excellent David Baldeon) does a fine job.