It has been a reasonable week for comics, but there were a couple of things I wanted to talk about. Firstly Batman’s second issue was quite average and I was disappointed. It lacks that King stamp of interesting personal insights but this Bruce is very stern and non sentimental compared to Snyder’s. I don’t mind that at all but its a stark change and back to a classic basic character. Also the powered heroes in Gotham is an intriguing idea but not very new, so I expect some new approaches. There is a theme developing regarding Batman’s own mortality that may bear fruit. However this issue was only average. Marvels new news brings no excitement for me and I think that is more of my own personal reaction, whether it is cynicism or boredom I am not sure. I am all for a new Iron Man being a teenage black girl but my response is always the same: if it is written well then it will be good but this cannot be a token gesture. The rest of the announcements will garner the same response I am sure. I think it is the continual breaking news that has arisen from Image, DC and Marvel, vying for attention that has be fatigued. Black Science was an odd issue as it changed tonally quite significantly and was a shock to the system. It was a reasonable comic but did little for me from the themes it was addressing previously. Anyway onto the books!
Marvel Codes
Scarlet Witch #8 – FCMTZN1T7Z94
DC
Superman #2
I am unsure of what is actually happening with Superman or should I say the Supermen in the current DCU. But the stories with his son are lovely and as much as they parallel his own youth, having Clark as a father brings new stories. I very much enjoyed how they worked together in this issue, especially seeing Superman take the brunt of his son’s power.
Marvel
Spider-Woman #9 – FCMVIU8RJJN1
This is exactly the kind of comic that Civil War II needs, a ground level discussion delicately balanced around the needs of childcare and yeti hunting! Hopeless and Rodriguez have made this fun and not obsessive around the event that is at hand.
The Punisher #3 – THMFDDTAPMVB
The art on this book is just fantastic and I know I have said that before. Cloonan is bringing out the desperate and most vile in villainy and Dillon is drawing it with passion and violence. The smoke scene and the young girl pages are so well told that you forget how simple stories can make for great art.
Sam Wilson: Captain America #11 – THMYNE46GSKZ
Nick Spencer is always full of innovative ideas and only recently have I seen them fail, but this comic saw a wonderful interplay between the thought processes of Iron Man and Captain Marvel. It was well rendered and the actual Sam Wilson story that follows is enticing.
Independent
Stray Bullets #16
Still fantastic in its continuation of the heist storyline as the calamitous characters end up in a dodgy motel, with a child in the boot and an idiot at the door. It is hilarious how the conversations are voiced and the events equally as amusing but eventful.
Fuse #19
I just find this book so unique and refreshing in its ability to tell a good detective story. I think it is the way in which the characters have the information revealed to us directly and we examine the deductive process first hand with them. Greenwood and Johnstone are very much in their stride.
The Fix #4
There is an impressive interplay of characters in each issue of this book because Spencer focuses upon one story at a time. Whether it is the mishap of the private security Z-list celebrity or the wife of the partner in crime, it is well thought out and brought together in style with humour to boot.
Baltimore: Empty Graves #4
This work continues to impress more and more. Having read the previous arcs, the slow build and deep character insight Mignola provides pays off in spades. The horror element to this particular issue is increased in intensity and for the first time, you genuinely wonder if there is an escape possible.
House Of Flying Scalpels 