This week was most certainly a filling week, which seems ludicrous given how many books actually made the list. It is odd to say Justice League felt like filler given its the penultimate issue, but quite frankly I was bored and lost with what was going on. The final battle is looming and I am excited to see it but it has taken a long time and the impetus has gone. DKIII continued in the same vein, just a boring and uninventive story with some nice artwork. It almost seems sacrilegious saying this but the Batgirl insert was just unsightly. All New Wolverine suffered the same fate a lot of Marvel titles do in that there is an unnecessary guest star. This time it is Squirrel Girl and I think it is time Marvel realise that featuring popular characters do nothing to enhance an already good book. Outcast was a surprisingly dull affair, even though there was some character exposition and some important events, it was not any more than an average. Each run has to have its slower issues. Injection is always an odd read because it starts with multiple characters and their stories and then filters to a couple. Now it begins to expand again with Ellis’ classic metaphorical hyper linguistic style and it just loses you. Hey, at least the art is beautiful. It is not often that I criticise Low but this issue came from nowhere. The run is already very blocky in its story telling and each family member has a whole issue to themselves. For the first time the sisters have time together and for some unnecessary reason a character exposition turns into a story of betrayal featuring a cast member we know nothing about. It is terribly forced and distressing for the sake of it. I love the art still but sometimes it does not all have to be doom and gloom. And finally Batman. The final issue from Snyder and Capullo was sweet and touching in many ways. It was a deep breath to finish it all and it was nice. I appreciate the sentiments but a complete restoration of status quo, with Bruce stronger than ever, is not interesting. In fact it is quite annoying. My love for this book waned a long time ago so this is not a surprising comment. Let us see what made the list!
Marvel Codes
All New Wolverine #7 – FCMZ0PH5W1YY
Marvel
Avengers Standoff Omega #001 – FCMVQRMPPC8V
This had all the hallmarks of a comic I wouldn’t like, i.e. multiple artists and big giant superhero fighting, but I did. Spencer is a solid storywriter and the work with the Captain America family was great and I was glad to read the twists and turns. Plus it was short, so there is that!
Sam Wilson Captain America #8 – THM1MZYFDMYD
For similar reasons above, I very much enjoyed this comic. This has the heart of the Cap family beautifully portrayed, especially between Sam and Bucky. The final pages a delightful in how Steve manages Sam and the importance of being Captain America. There are few friendship groups as tight knit and as full of love as this one.
Ms Marvel #6 – FCMC1YFK3RVX
This tweet explains it all:
Old Man Logan #5 – FCMBSGX82H5G
It was a little weird and the parallels of him looking after and falling in love with a young girl, doesn’t quite fit but it was a good issue. Logan trying to come to terms with his past is all important to this book and this issue took strides towards that. However it really did not need the twist it has at the end.
the unbeatable Squirrel Girl #007 – FCMDRNUTFS9C
Legitimately innovative and fantastic. The create your own story element works so impressively with humour and joy. The way the plot diverges to allow you to try to beat the bad guy is so much fun. This book deserves all the plaudits it receives and many more in its bravery and ingenuity.
The Ultimates #6 – FCM8L5J58S81
Galactus and Molecule Man have a conversation in his bachelor pad living room. That metaphor is enough reason to read this book.
Spider-Woman #6 – FCMU3UD2LNMS
Jess attempting to meet her doppelganger from an alternate universe was surprisingly original and very well written. But the highlight was definitely seeing Joelle Jones on a superhero book because her style, especially in drawing women is empowering yet beautiful.
Doctor Strange #7 – FCMC5RQL2IMX
The origin story of the evil scientist guy was clearly that of Kal-El but that doesn’t mean it was not superbly done. The anti-magic rhetoric is a novel idea and one that brings amazing motivation to the antagonist. Bachalo is fantastic as always in drawing the magicians with such vigour and passion.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #6 – THME4JFC9TL9
This comic is pure unadulterated teenage joy. The love you have for Moon Girl is so pure as her character is clever and charming at the same time. Devil Dinosaur is a great adjunct to the personality and seeing her in action, especially with her sidekick is so great to read.
Independent
Four Eyes: Hearts of Fire #4
This issue did lose me a little from an art perspective but the story had me gritting my teeth. It was incredible for an arc to end in such a dark manner and I applaud the bravery of the creators for this. I look forward to future issues and am genuinely excited to see what happens.
Velvet #14
The slow escalation in subterfuge and plot twists end up at the top of it all, the president of the United States. It is quite entertaining at how how believable the story actually is. Once again Epting and Breitweiser combine to produce one of the best looking books out there.
4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #1
Where did this comic come from? It is such an unusual name and premise that it was quite an intriguing read. It combines that youthful arrogance and petulance with amusing dialogue and well thought out characters. The art is simplistic and effective and the story moves at interesting pace whilst delivering a sinister undertone.
