Sunday 29 January 2017

Pick of the week 18/01/2016 Aquaman #15

The List:

Aquaman #15
Justice League vs Suicide Squad #5
Justice League #13
Superman #15
Batman #15
Green Arrow #15
Green Lanterns #15
Night wing #13
Justice League of America Rebirth: The Ray
Trinity #5
All New X-Men #17

So this was the easiest PoTW so far, not so much because the quality was bad with the other books but because this book was SO DAMN GOOD! So for the 2nd time Aquaman attains the prestigious honour of being my Pick of the Week.

 So issue 15 sees the end to the exceptional Deluge story arc, this run so far has been an absolute joy to read, its this and Superman that I really look forward too every fortnight. Abnett work has just been exceptional here, I have said it before but it bears saying again he has absolutely nailed it with this book it seems crazy that we live in a world were the Aquaman book is better than Batman but that is the truth so far at least.

So this issues marks the end of the Deluge arc wherein Black Manta took control of N.E.M.O and using their substantial assets created a war between the US and Atlantis, Arthur has been put through hell, the league and the US don't trust him, hes doubting himself and so are his people, with all of that the pay off had to be good, and this is so often where books fall down *cough*Convergence*cough* but happiliy as he has done for the 14 previous issues Abnett knocks this out of the park. The last issue ended with Aquaman busting into N.E.M.O's lair what follows in this issue is 9 ages of action where Arthur beats the holy hell out of Manta, I loved this, theres no talking, no attempt to reason Arthur is just hear to kick Manta's butt, its cathartic and just super satisfying. The action ends when Manta blows up his base seemingly killing himself, Arthur of course is fine.
Next taking Mantas helmet he goes before President Obama and makes him see what has been happening, to cap things off and end the conflict Atlantis surrenders! A joint press conference follows and all is good and well, Superman and Aquaman have a really nice moment afterwards where  Superman tells Arthur how much he admires him and hands him a  new Justice League Card (he lost his last one teleporting Shaggyman into space) I can't wait to see what comes next but Dan Abnett must never be allowed to leave this book!

5/5

Elsewhere in comics;

Justice League vs Suicide Squad #5: This was really good, using the Justice League who are under his thrall Maxwell Lord conquers the US. Theres a problem though, Eclipso is an evil son of a bitch and as the issue progresses he is slowly twisting Max's intentions and sowing chaos death an destruction, the issue closes with Batman and the rest of the Suicide Squad along with Lobo who managed to grow his head back (naturally) arrive to throwdown with the JL, as this happens the sun is completely eclipsed and Eclipso pushes Maxwell Lords mind to the side and takes full control over his body, you just know that isn't ending well.

Justice League #13: Spinning off from the pages of JvS this issue focuses on Steve Trevor, its actually a really good issue, most of the people in the city are under Eclipsos control and this issue is all about Steves attempt to fight his way home to his sister and her children, theres a cool element to this book where Eclipso for whatever reason hasnt been able to take control of Steve I quite liked that, he manages to only to get to his sisters find they have been taken over, there's a swerve where you think everyone will be ok but then Eclipso takes control of EVERYONE.

Superman #15: Multiplicity continues and its pretty cool, Supes and the Justice League Incarnate are using the Ultima Thule (Final Crisis!) to traverse the Multiverse, this ship is awesome it was created out of frozen music for gods sake, thank the stars for Grant Morrison eh? They decide to take the fight to Prophecy only at the last minute Superman decides to spare everyone and goes it alone teleporting them all away, he confronts Prophecy who is having trouble detecting Superman and theres a classic Superman bit at the end which is just wonderful.


Batman #15: This is pretty good, I did think the last issue should have been a stand alone story but I was wrong this works. So Catwoman we find out didnt kill all those people it was Holly Robinson, she, she tries to Slit Batmans throat and nearly succeeds, Catwoman saves the day and then disappears leaving Bruce to be tended to by Alfred. One other thing to mention is the books starts brilliantly as they Bruce and Selina try and remember how they met and you get some flashbacks to the golden age of comics which I thought was a really nice touch, well played Mr King well played.

Green Arrow #15 This was really good Ollie takes on a team of ex cops who are taking the law into their own hand killing criminals, they get the drop on him but Red Arrow saves the day! Special mention to Juan Ferreyra whose are here is simply gorgeous.

Green Lanterns #15: This was fine, its a nice one and done issue really focussing on Jessica and her daily battle with anxiety. I really like that they are not sweeping this under the rug and being likes "shes fixed now" anxiety is a battle every day and its nice to see that recognised. There are some really nice moments with Simon as he tries his best to understand what shes dealing with, the issue ends with  Batman calling them both in setting up the GL Batman crossover.

Nightwing #13: This was just ok,  I haven't really loved this arc, its nearing its end here we find out that the bad guys is in fact Mr Nice who we met earlier (well d'uh) its been fine but I am hoping the next arc is better.

Justice League of America Rebirth: The Ray: This is our introduction to the Ray, the issue is fine but they try to do an awful lot in a small amount of pages. Ray is battling with 2 issues his sexuality (hes gay) and the fact his powers mean he has never left the house, he cracks and escapes into the world the theme of isolation is a bit heavy handed but its still an interesting read.

Trinity #5:  I feel like I should like this more than I do, I am thrilled to see Mongul in the house but so far this entire arc (barring the excellent 1st issue) has left me rather cold. I just wanna see Superman and Wonder Woman punch Mongul in his face, is that too much to ask?

All New X-Men #17: A supplement to IvX young Ice man travels to Attilan and he and his boyfriend attempt to flee and escape the law. This was ok, I did like how the theme of Bobby and his BF being trapped between 2 warring factions was executed.

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