So five of my top ten Secret Wars books came out last week, I mean they could have spread it a little more over the month. Some ended well and some not so well but at least they made the least, books such as Renew Your Vows an Red Skull petered out even worse. There was nothing fundamentally wrong with either but Spidey was all too average and un-noteworthy and Red Skull really needed another issue to cement down the parallel between Skull and Magneto. Elsewhere Action Comics was disappointing for the first time in Pak’s run. There was an odd path for the story to take as Supes’ villain just backs down and the action just ends. I was quite taken aback by the anti-climax, despite loving Kuder’s artwork. To be honest there was a huge amount of good work this week that even the books not making the list were solid, just not great (e.g. Fuse and Ninjak).
Marvel Codes
Secret Wars: the Amazing Spider-Man #5 – THMWJ9WTY2EZ
Secret Wars: Red Skull #3 – THMG58UDQSSZ
DC
Gotham Academy #10
I am never bored by this comic even though the trials and tribulations of teenagers may seem a bit droll at times. Cloonan and Fletcher have this amazing ability to make the troubles of Olive very real and personal, whilst keeping the light hearted touch with her friends. Just a perfect balance. Check my thoughts on the art here.
Batman #44
Read this book because Jock’s work is just stunning.
Marvel
Secret Wars: A-Force #4 – THMTEJ3WAG4N
I have accused this book of dabbling with all sorts of scenarios and losing plot consistency, but maintaining the high quality each issue. This issue remedies that to a degree and the reveal of the traitor is pretty impressive, let alone the way she is defeated.
Secret Wars: Mrs Deadpool & The Howling Commandos #4 – THMCZJTIWCTH
I have really come to adore the work of Espin in drawing a tomb raider-esque Shiklah but also the comedic caricature goons. The humour is maintained and the action sequences are great, with a dark twist as you have come to expect from a Deadpool comic.
Secret Wars: Planet Hulk #5 – THM0P34EU9X3
There is one reason why this particular issue is the stand out one of the run: It gets the ending of Hulk. All stories involving the big guy will never end happily and neither does this one. That may be a spoiler of sorts but the twists and the writing are just mind-blowing.
Secret Wars: Ms Marvel #18
Alphona’s art is just wonderful for Ms Marvel but also for her family. I love her lanky her brother is, how massive her father’s head is and how short her mother is. The love between them is so clear and that is the bond that this book depicts so lovely.
Secret Wars: Giant-Size Little Marvel AvX #4 – THMWW4VVSRVV
Okay so I am stretching it a little because this is essentially the same book each issue with a new set of heroes! This does build to an amusing finale but I just love the artwork….always.
Secret Wars: Civil War #4 – THM2GBK90G4A
Though I wonder why a war is so imminent, the way in which the art is so raw and gritty makes me want to see it all the more. I wonder if the finale will live up to the build, as it has taken an odd twist, but it will look fantastic no matter.
Independent
Phonogram – The Immaterial Girl #2
Check the site later this week for a review!
Injection #5
The craziest of ideas are slowing bearing fruit. Sometimes Ellis gets lost along the way but I love the balance between folklore and science, or rather that which cannot be explained yet. Shalvey and Bellaire on art are in tune and bringing such life to this book.
The Wicked + The Divine #14
The cruel dark twists of this book continue but this time with Woden, and its a horrid one. McKelvie is amazing on art but it is Matt Wilson that really brings movement, emotion and intensity with his colouring. So incredibly novel and imaginative.
The Legacy of Luther Strode #3
The dynamism and eccentricity of the artistic movement is exemplary, with some of the most exciting fist fights and gunplay you have seen in comics. I do not exaggerate here because it is truly wondrous. The story is relatively average and a little repeated but that really does not matter.
Deadly Class #16
I feel this book is about to reach it’s conclusion…even though that wont happen until December. However the characters are set for a dramatic showdown, with some deaths certainly expected, we know Craig will give a helluva show. Oh and this issue shows some classic Marcus mistakes leading to yet another ridiculous situation.
Outcast #12
I think it is about time we saw some kind of sense with the shenanigans of this story. It becomes all too harrowing with Kyle’s family being involved, but his resoluteness and determination is finally bringing some hope to the most desperate and terrifying artwork.
Suiciders #6
Just when you thought the story was a little incomprehensible, the final part makes sense of it all. And it is one of those twists that instantly makes you wish to re-read it from the beginning. I have rarely seen better Bermejo work anywhere.
House Of Flying Scalpels 