Oraclechele's Reviews

Joker's Asylum Two-Face

What would a Two-Face tale with a Twillight Zone twist be without the theme of duality? Nowhere. Another strong book featuring a bat villain met readers this week. Two-Face exacts some "coin flipped" violence on a Gotham man who after being burned in a fire goes to the villain and offers him someone to speak too. Seems the villain doesn't care for human kindness and forces the man to play a twisted game of 'who dies". A strong tale by David Hine should keep readers flipping the pages. Andy Clarke's art is good but perhaps not entirely perfect although the use of color is wonderfully psychological. As the dark tale bends deeper and deeper the bright sun colors of the earlier panels slowly slip away. If only DC could find a way to get this title going.

Read It.

Huntress Year One #6

The final issue of this limited title hit stores this week and it shouldn't be the last issue. With a gaggle of perfectly inserted guest stars and a compelling tale that walks the line between darkness and light this limited series is one of the best DC offerings in recent time. Of course this doesn't feel like saying much but it's certainly meant as a compliment. The story by Ivory Madison captured Huntress inner torment and fierce independence throughout the six issues in a way that has been lacking of late in Birds of Prey. In the art department, Cliff Richards blending of Gotham history is satisfying with quite a few strong splash pages that tell the story without the need for words.

Must Have

Catwoman #81

There she is. Doesn't it figure, with only one issue to go Catwoman finally feels like herself again. She's witty, rambunctious, and downright deft. She's defiant and kicks ass. Will Pfeifer finally has her down and the end is near. It's so sad - but way to end it on an up note.

Must Have.

Sgt. Sausagepant's Reviews

Skaar: Son of Hulk #2

I really loved the Planet Hulk storyarc, but so far, I have to say I'm not terribly impressed with Skaar. It's nice to see the continuation of the story of planet Sakaar, but all we've seen is him rampaging around, mindlessly. I know there needs to be some setup on this, to tell the story, but right now it's just not as fascinating as Planet Hulk was. At this point, if I wasn't already buying it, I'd just wait for the trade, which is sure to be better as the story picks up.

Skip it

Justice Society of America Annual

The JSA has been fantastic this year and the annual is no exception. We get to see where Power Girl went after Gog 'sent her home'. Earth 2! Things aren't as she left them, however, and her reception is... interesting, to say the least. Personally, I'm just happy to see a reality where Jade is alive. I miss her.

Read it

Guardians of the Galaxy: Legacy

This issue of Guardians of the Galaxy collects the first two into one volume, and if you haven't been reading the series up until this point, BUY THIS. Following the events of Annihilation and Conquest, the Guardians are a team of remarkable beings set on stabilizing the galaxy and preventing the next big catastrophe. The lineup is fantastic too. Adam Warlock, Quasar (minus her lover, who died in Conquest, I'm afraid), two green skinned baddies, Star Lord, a tree guy, a psychic who knows the future, and a talking Raccoon.

You saw that right. Rocket Raccoon, who wise-cracks and carries an enormous gun. Oh, and they live in the head of a dead Celestial that floats in the space at the end of the universe, which is run by a talking Russian cosmonaut dog.

The story follows their journeys to protect the universe, and is interspersed with their debriefing logs, in the same way a reality show would be. The formula works well. This book is hilarious and amazing so far. You are highly recommended to start reading it.

MUST HAVE

Jonostarsmore's Reviews

Locke and Key #6

This issue marks the end of the intro story arc, and what a fantastic treat this has been. I've fallen head over heels for Gabriel Rodriguez' stylish art, which is oftentimes juxtaposed against the gritty, violent realism that Joe Hill's story calls for. I wish I had the chance to read this all in trade paperback for the first time, but I can always re-visit the story whenever it is published in that format. The issue concludes rather ambiguously, and part II is already planned for a far too distant "Winter 2008".

MUST READ

Ms. Marvel #28

Brian Reed and Brian Bendis need to sit down and have a chat because there are some serious issues involving continuity between the main Secret Invasion series and Ms. Marvel's solo book. In Secret Invasion, we see everyone and their mothers getting their asses handed to them on a platter by the Skrulls, including Ms. Marvel. In fact, she was even mistaken for a Skrull by Tony in the last Secret Invasion book and was severely beaten down. So why the hell is Ms. Marvel frickin' Superman in her solo series? I'm serious! She's taking down Skrulls left and right with nary a superhero in sight. She has time to beat the crap out of all the Skrulls in New York, save the humans, and take everyone to Riker prison...all before her meet up with Tony Stark in Secret Invasion #4...right. The book isn't horrible, it's just confusing. Check it out for the surprise twist at the end...but other than that, you might as well SKIP IT.

SKIP IT

Wolverine # 67

Old Man Logan is supposed to take place 50 years in the future...which would make Hawkeye (assuming he's about 30 now) around 80 years old. Now, factor in that in this issue we find out he has an at least 18-year-old daughter (at least I hope so...the way she was drawn) with the youngest daughter of Peter Parker. Peter Parker is what, in his early 30s as well? So let's say he did have a daughter now in the current Marvel Universe. When she turns 18, Hawkeye will be 58. I know, creepy right? Anyway, throw any logic out the window and you can sort of enjoy part 2 of Old Man Logan. I'm in love with Steve McNiven's art, but this chapter suffers severely from "filler" status. I've said it before and I will say it again: Mark Millar has brilliant, high concepts, but he tends to fail in the execution of the ideas.

SKIP IT

Secret Invasion Fantastic Four #3

Coming into this book, one little fear seemed to dwell in the back of my mind. I had a strong suspicion that this would happen, but hoped it wouldn't. This issue ends with "To be continued in Secret Invasion." After all the stuff with Lyja, they pretty much leave everything up in the air and throw Johnny and Ben back into the main storyline. I'm hoping it does not become another unfulfilled storyline. We'll see when the FF get back in the Secret Invasion action. Until then, this dangling plot thread gets a

Skip It

Reign In Hell #1

Some of those "living" in Hell are beginning to revolt and unsurprisingly, the one in charge isn't too happy about it. Meanwhile, Shadowpact is feeling the effects in Gotham as many of the people tied to hell are having strange reactions. The main story really wasn't that interesting; I actually found the backup story more interesting, but overall the book isn't worth it.

Skip it

Superman/Batman #50

Thomas Wayne and Jor-El meet in before either of their sons were born, and we find out a little more about why Jor-El chose Earth for Kal-El. Honestly, the part about the two of them meeting seems a bit contrived, but in the end it serves to further Superman and Batman's relationship. Because of that, I did like it, lame notwithstanding.

Read it

Batman: Death Mask #4

Finally everything comes together, Batman's connection to his visions in the past; the man behind the death mask and how it relates to a friend of Bruce Wayne's is all explaned. I've totally loved this series, and while I question some bits of how it fits into continuity (or whether it's supposed to), it's most definitely worth the read.

Read it.

That's it for this week, and stay tuned next week for Moment of the Week.