Pick of the week 23/11/2016 Wonder Woman #11

I am so massively behind on my books, thats what holidays will do to you, anyway I am slowly but surely catching up. In all honesty theres been nothing to exceptional but the great thing about this week is one book which I have really been wanting to like but struggling with has finally turned a corner and clicked for me and that is my PoTW Wonder Woman #11!

The List;

Wonder Woman #11
Deathstroke #7
Action Comics #968
Teen Titans #2
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #9
Death of X #4
Detective Comics #945
Flash #11
Titans #5
Hellblazer #4

Ok I love the character of Wonder Woman but I have struggled to really get into the current run, I am not sure if its the fact that the swapping between the 2 arcs or the story in general but nothings grabbed me so far, well I am pleased to say thats no longer the case.

What this issue does really well is build the mystery of Themyscira, WW returns with Steve Trevor (hooray!) but everything is different, everyone looks different, even the architecture isn't the same, its all harsher and darker, also theres no General Phillipus. Now the whole two story lines make smuch more sense, introducing you to Themyscira the way they have makes the difference of that Themyscira was and how it is portrayed now much more jarring and intruiging.

I am now really looking forward to seeing how this finally all plays out, I want to give a shout out as well to Liam Sharp on art duties for some utterly gorgeous work and Laura Martins colours are just absolutely wonderful they match the tone of the art and the story perfectly.

4/5

Elswhere in comics;

Deathstroke #7 - I think this is going to be one of the titles I drop, I just don't really care about anything thats happening and I cannot get invested in the story, Superman is in this latest are abd Batman is in the last that should of been great but I just wsnt really bothered at all, its not bad really but its not connecting with me.
Action Comics #968 - These last 2 issues or so have just been ok, I am still intruiged as to wha the feck is up with this new Clark Kent, but this issue didn't really grab me as much as some of the others.

Teen Titans #2 - I am really enjoying this so far, a big part of how much you love or hate this book depends on your view of Damian Wayne, I love the character so I am digging this. Robin in this issue is stil trying to get the team together as it turns out they are being hunted by a  group of league of Assassins students more of this please!
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #9 - Easily still the best Green Lantern book, Hals back as we new he would be ... well sort of. Hes in Emerald space which seems a bit of a rip off of the Speed force, apparently is were Lanterns who have given their lives to corp end up, theres two big reveals here one of them is Hal getting some face time with ABIN SUR! Love  that really nicely done, turns out Hals not dead just close to it, Ganthet is trying to get him out and who does he call on you ask? Only Kyle Rayner, BOOM, really excellent stuff.The other thing thats brillaint about this arc is they are battling fricking Starro and Brianiac love it, 2 classic villains and its a really nice change to see them going against someone other than another team of Lanerns.
Death of X #4- I don't know how to feel about this book at all, the whole point of this story is to find out what Cyclops (who by the way is thge best X-Man.Period) did to make everyone hate him so much. And its nothing he manages to destroy one of the  Terrigen mist clouds and then commits suicide by Blackbolt. WTF. There is an interesting twist though as it turns out he actualy died in the 1st issue and everything we have seen is Emma Frost creating a psychic illusion, I am interested to see how this roles into Inhumas vs X-Men but this issue actually made me physically angry that Cyclops dies off page, I mean what the hell sort of ending is that for one of the Prof X's greatest student and a mainstay in Marvel comics for the last, what, 30 years? Outrageous, personally I am just waiting for X-Men Gold and Blue.
 Detective Comics #945 -  This Victims club arc isnt really grabbing me yet, its ok but its just not clicking with me so far. I will say it is a good premise there is not enough focus on the collateral damage when you have these superpowered showdowns, hopefully things will pick up. One thing this that this issue does which is really well is give some nice fleshing out of the Clayface character. I have to admit I don't care for this Clayface, my Clayface will always be Clayface two, the one who was in love with the manequin, something about that character always freaked me out a bit as a kid so I have a real soft spot for him, and also Dr Phosphorus who scared the dickens out of me.

Flash #11- I really love this book, this issue wasnt amazing but it was solid and the interpaly between Wally and Barry is really well done, we get to see what the deuce is going on with the shade, turns out his insecurities have allowed the shadows he creates to rebel and take over the shadowlands, good stuff, the shadowlands present an interesting chnge of scenery and will create some intresting challenges for the flashes as they look to rescue Iris who the shadows have kidnapped.

Titans #5 - Really enjoying this book, this is a really Wally focused issue that seems him push the boundaries of his speed and take down all of Kadabras dopplegangers, before seemingly push himself too hard and ending up being absorbed into the Speed force. As much as I have enjoyed this though I am ready for this Kadabra thing to be done with, hes never been a villain I really cared for.
Hellblazer #4- I really want to like this but I just havent really found anything in the 1st 4 issues to make it stand out or justify my hardearned cash. Its a shames because John Constantine is a great character, I am gonna give it a few more issues and them possible drop it, if its still not standing out.


Peace out bitches

Pick of the week 16/11/2016 Superman #11

Ok for my money Superman is the best comic going today, I havent been able to say that since... well ever to be honest. I have always loved Supes but previous runs whilst enjoyable haven't blow me away but HOLY SHIT this whole Rebirth run has been fan-bastard-tastic, so this should have been an easy pick, only it wasn't because Aquaman is just SO good I really wanted to pick that, in fact that was pick of the week right up until I read Superman (I saved the big S for last just incase).

The List;

Superman #11
Aquaman #11
Uncanny X-Men Annual #1
Batman #11
Trinity #3
He-Man/Thundercats #2
Nightwing #9
Suicide Squad #6
Justice League #9
Green Lanterns #11
Green Arrow #11

This issue is just wonderful, I had a huge grin plastered on my face through the whole issue it was just excellent, excellent stuff, Peter J Tomasi is just getting better with every issue.

So as you can guess by the cover and by the ending of the last issue, this is focused on Damian and Jonathan, their respective Super fathers are putting then through a boot camp to learn how to work together and as you can imagine it doesn't go smoothly.

The interplay between the 2 super sons is excellent throught the issue, they are presented with several trials to earn their capes and insignias back, they fail at them all because they just cant work together, I really thought I was going to find Jonathan Kent boring as hell and was hoping he would be written out somehow but to my surprise the character is a lot of fun, I have always loved Damian so theres no surpises for me digging his character, though I find not all writers get him quite right, this take is perfect. So the trials are set up so they have to work together to proceed, but even when they try to they just can't stayon the same page. Supes and Bats call time on the trial as their last failure almost leads to the getting splatted, they all return to the cave where the Superdads are attacked and supposedly incapcited by what appears to be Clayface? but he is referred to as Mister Squish? Anyway its another set up and FINALLY the two work together, this looks to be leading to a nice warm and fuzzy ending, right up until the final page when they the dads leave the kids to their own devices for a moment and when they turn around the boys are trying to murder each other with an axe and saw respectively, this last page is just so perfect it actually made me belly laugh out loud, the look on Clark and Bruce's faces is pricelss.

The chemistry between the two supersons is hilarious and I forgot to mention, you also get to see Damian Wayne get hit in the face by a fish, I shit you not. Frankly if there is anyone reading this who could buy this and not be entertained then I find you suspicious as a human being.

Buy this if you like fun.

5/5

Elsewhere in comics;

Aquaman #11 this book just continues to be blood excellent, I am really enojoying this run and am totally invested in the story, I really loved seeing the League come see Arthur when he was in hospitla it was a really nice seen, and it made the ending that much more effective. Uncanny X-Men Annual #1 really strong issue, I am interested in seeing Elixir back amongst the living, this was an interesting development, and maybe a way for Prof X to return, as Elixir now seems to be able to raise the dead, they are still keeping Magneto on the right side of anti hero, dont you dare turn him villain again Marvel.

Batman #11 I should like this way more than I do, it may read more coherently if read in once which I will do when this arc finishes. Trinity #3 I really want to like this but its not grabbing me yet.

He-Man/Thundercats #2 big stupid fun with big swords and monsters, whats not to like

Nightwing #9 great issue reminding us again what an important character Nightwing is, and how in many ways he is like a cross between Batman and Superman. Supes is in town and hijinbx ensue.
Suicide Squad #6 Starting to keep my interest, this mini story in the back though is really grinding my gears I want more main story thank you very much!

Justice League #9 This is really moving in the right directions.
Green Lanterns #11 as is Green Lanterns, I'm actually quite enjoying this arc, well done.
Green Arrow #11 I am still really enjoying seeing Ollie and Dinah together and long may it continue!

Right thats yer lot, get lost.

Pick of the Week 09/11/2016 The Flash 10

This was an ok week for comics, there was nothing bad, but for some reason nothing really blew me away either, and there was only one book that really jumped out at me, everything else was just good or ok.

The List;

The Flash #10
Action Comics #967
Red Hood and the Outlaws
Supergirl #3
Uncanny X-Men #15
All Star Batman #4
Detective Comics #944
New Super-Man #5
Hal Jordon and the Green Lantern Corp #8
Deathstroke #6
Womder Woman #10
Superwoman # 4

The Flash has been a conisistently excellent book since the Rebirth Launch (albeit with some jarring art changes) and this issue is no further, firstly the cover is wonderful, this issue introduces the new big bad for the new arc and its a big return for a character we don't really see a lot of...The Shade.

This is not a character I have read an awful lot about, I know hes been both anti-hero and villain, well Rebirth finds him staying camp badguy for the nexy little while. We are introduced to him straight away in a really nicely done prologue, I really enjoyed that bit, he doesnt really raise his head again till the end and we see hes been through quite the redesign, hunched and monstrous looking I really dig it.

A lot of the focus this week is on Wally and his journey to becoming  hero and his clashing with Barry as the Flash being a strict mentor, the interplay between Flash, Wally and Iris is good and believable and its not bugging me like I thought it would, Wallys a believeable teenager rebelling against his elders, but with his heart in the right palce. The other thing I liked about this book is it is one of the only titles that is still talking about the Rebirth mystery, it seems the Shade knows what has happened as well which is interesting, I am honestly happy with the slow burn, before the payoff I just hope its not anticlimatic. Overall this is just a really good book, art, pacing and characterisation are spot on and its left me genuinely interested to see how this is going to play out...kudos.

4/5

Elsewhere in comics;

I'm not sure if I was just in a funk but little else really grabbed me to be honest, I enjoyed Uncanny X-Men #15 the focus is really on Psylocke and Mystique this time round and we leave with the intersting ending of Psylocke curing Mystiques crazyness. New Super-Man #5 Gosh darned it this title is just a lot of fun! I really like all the characters and the tone of the book, this wasnt an amazing issue but it was a fun read neverless. Hal Jordon and the Green Lantern Corp #8 so whi thinks Hals dead?  No-one? Good just checking.

PS
OK DC and Marvel I am not kdding around anymore hurry up and bring back Prof X, Cyke and Black Adam, dont't make me come over there...

Pick of the week 02/11/2016 Superman #10

This week it was down to 2 books Nightwing #8 and Superman #10 it was a reasonably strong week though with good offerings from Green Lanterns, Aquaman and Justice League, I am finally digging JL and GL books!

The List;

• Death of X #3
• Justice League #8
• Green Lanterns #10
• Batman #10
• Green Arrow #10
• Aquaman #10
• Superman #10
• Nightwing #8

Ultimately for the 2nd time since I have been doing this my pick goes to Superman, man I just loving this book at the moment the last 3-4 issues in particular have just been SO much fun, this book based on the cover seems to be the premise of  Super family squaring off against the Bat family, in truth however this is an issue where Damian and Jonathan take the centre stage. Damian takes it upon himself to take Jonathan down as he's too dangerous and doesn't trust him. I love the art here it suits the story perfectly, using Goliath and stealth Damian takes Jonathan down and kidnaps him taking him to the batcave much to Batmans dismay, when he findsout what Damian has done he tells him to take him home before its too late, which it innevitably alreadys, Supes busts in all ready to bust heads, but cooler heads prevail you have some nice moments where the the too discuss the challenges of parenthood, the kids are left to their own devices to chillout but they cant help themselves and before they are going at it again, which leads to the superdads breaking things up and theres a great moment at the end when the two super-sons look up at the toweing sillouettes of their dads and say uh oh. This is leading into a story called bootcamp which I am assuming is going to progress into the Supersons title which I wasnt going to buy but now I think I might.

In the end there's no re-inventing the wheel here, and certainly nothing edgy, but its effective fun story telling, what is great is that Patrick Gleason cleary has an excellent grasp of these characters and their interactions and dialogue all feel really right. I have a real soft spot for the Damian Wayne Robin and I do enjoy it when he is as much of a jerk as he is here. Superman is now becoming one of the titles I really look forward too,which really is as it should be.

Nightwing #8-This book continues to be excellent, this is ultimately the end of the Raptor arc, Raptors true intentions are revealed as he kidnaps Bruce Wayne and in one of the most excellent things I have read this years outs him in a classic Bat villain death trap that will see Bruce die by silver spoon to the heart when share prices reach a certain amount, fantastic! This issue and the series so far has done an excellent job of reminding us what a greay and important character Dick Grayson is! There is also a really touching scene at the end between Bruce and Dick.

 
Death of X #3 - I continue to really enjoy this mini-series and this issue prominantly features Magneto so I was always gonna at least want to like it, I think I can enjoy this more than maybe some people as I havent been reading any X-Comics in the last 24 months so this is all pretty new to me.

Justice League #8 - It's taken its time but this book is finally clicking with me again, it was always going to be tough to follow Johns stellar run on the book but its getting there.

Green Lanterns #10 - We have a new villain whos been very effectively fleshed out and the new GL's for whatever reason arent grting on me any more so kudos! 

Batman #10 - Ok this issue is just weird! I'm not sure if I wasnt paying enough attention but I don't really get what was going on with Bats repeating the same words over and over again,  essentially demanding Bane turn over Pyscho Pirate or he breaks his back, he repeats it even when Banes not there, its very odd. Bats ends up with an almost broken back again in fighting a de-venomed Bane he fixes it rather grusomely and escapes his cell because hes Batman and lets his Bat-Suicide Squad in, one good thing is the whole issue hs a Catwoman monologue runing through it and we find out about the 200+ homicides referenced before.