So lets get the obligatory Rebirth conversation over with quick sharpish! Action Comics did little to reveal changes to the continuity but had a nice Lex Supe tag team against Doomsday. Aquaman was weak with respect to the somewhat heavy handed writing and inconsistent art, the story is reasonable enough. Detective comics was a fine comic but the underlying premise is not one I subscribe to and there was little to forward the actual plot. However I did enjoy Wonder Woman and Flash, but there is more on that later. I want to mention how the good Marvel books are still good even though crossing over with Civil War II and that is testament to the creators. Or you could just ignore it like Totally Awesome Hulk did! Otherwise the independent scene was a little quiet this week with only four in my pull. Without further ado, lets get to the better reads.
Marvel Codes
Scarlet Witch #7 – FCM5VBT6T3IX
DC
The Flash #1
The writing is a little to self exploratory and indulgent with Barry reacting to his guilt complex a little too much. The art maintains a decent standard and I do enjoy the fact that the new 52 Wally is in this title. A reasonable first issue with an interesting new character.
Wonder Woman #1
I am not too sure about the Steve Trevor aspect of this story but I am happy to see how it progresses. The art was sublime with some amazing fight sequences, even Diana’s refusal to fight was handled delicately but with anguish and vulnerability. I am interested to see where this title goes.
Marvel
The Ultimates #8 – FCMC7AV3PB3Q
This was an important issue because it built up how The Ultimates tried to take out Thanos using Ulysses. The main title made it sound more frivolous than it was, especially considering Thanos has been part of the ongoing storyline. Kudos to Al Ewing!
Power Man and Iron Fist #5 – FCMKT3PHHTD0
Who even noticed that Flaviano was drawing this issue? The penciling and exaggerative features were all there and the colouring from Raunch was great. Excellent one shot issue with a hilarious story and differing perspectives to a simple street level crime.
Doctor Strange #9 – FCM8THY1HE79
The end of magic is nine issues in and for precisely that reason, it seems to actually mean something. Aaron is very clever in highlighting how important magic was to the everyday people in society, and how it impacts at every level. Its such an impressive build meaning that the fight against the oppressors is actually so pressing.
Ms Marvel #8 – FCMPQ5Z6W7H0
This is the kind of story that is integral to the Civil War II premise. A ground level story of why punishment before the crime is morally unjust. It is built well enough that you instantly know the naiveté of Kamala will bring out the true moral to the story.
Sam Wilson Captain America #10 – THM7M6GLHS5R
Spencer also plays a nice side story to why being Captain America is important to the death of a fellow hero. The mourning of Rhodey is really well handled with a eulogy fit for any Captain America. I enjoy the way Nick portrays Sam as Cap as an unpopular public figure but with modern day inflections.
The Mighty Thor #8 – FCMMPHE5ZNZW
There is a feeling that Jane Foster is about to be found out. Not only is that part of the actual story arc but there seems to be a time limit approaching fast, and I wonder how it will end. Dauterman and Wilson are wonderful together and really impress a powerful God in the way Thor is drawn.
Independent
Pretty Deadly #10
Such a fantastic finale to this story arc and there is a delightful play off between fear and courage. It is hard to express how well these creators work together because they are in total harmony and produce a perfect book. The way in which the art tells the story is mesmerising and I now look forward to another volume.
The Autumnlands #11
This book maintains its plot of exploration and adventure, without any obvious end in sight. Where it continues in enthusiasm are the creatures encountered and the stone women in search of a master and exceptionally eerie and just drawn with such richness and texture.
House Of Flying Scalpels 