New 52 Trade Reviews! (Flashpoint Vol. 1)

FLASHPOINT VOLUME 1

WARNING! There will be a bit of spoilers here. Even though it is three years since this trade has been out, I am certain there are some who have not yet checked it out. So you are officially WARNED!

This is a great series. The artwork is beautiful with only the panel where Barry runs and ends up at his mom’s house in the final part gave me pause because his left leg is a little too high for someone who is running. Seriously, this one of the best examples of art in comics I have seen.

The story else is good since it is about Barry Allen waking up to finding his world changed and that he needs to find a way to change it back before the memories that the Barry of this world overrides his memories of the original world. There are also a bunch of neat twists to differentiate between this world and the original. Like Thomas Wayne being the new Batman and Bruce being killed. Or the fact that Captain Marvel is now Captain Thunder, which was gonna be the original name but wasn’t due to copyright issues, who is a group of kids merge into one.

You will have to check out the tie-ins to fill in on more of this world, but what has been served is satisfactory enough. I won’t go into anything too spoilery about how the world is changed, since again there are people who probably have not read Flashpoint and somehow have not learned that from other people. The whole Batman reveal doesn’t matter since it is made in the first 30 pages or so and it is important for the best scene in the comic.

Speaking of great scenes, I love the part where Barry tries to get his powers, he doesn’t have them in this reality, and ends up looking like what person struck by lightning would like. It is a fun experience of reality ensuing in comics.

The best scene is after Barry fixes everything and turns in a letter to Bruce from the Flashpoint Thomas Wayne. Is a very emotional scene with Bruce taking off the cowl and just reading the letter as himself and crying tears of joy over it. I really love it.

Now, for one negative, other than the odd panel I mentioned at the top. Namely, the fact that this is suppose to be an event comic. And it doesn’t actually read as one. Not to mention that is suppose to tie up the old DCU and lead the Nu52. In fact the only reason this leads to the Nu52 is a single splash page where a woman, later revealed to be Pandora, tells Barry to converged three separate timelines into one so the world has more heroes and the that universe will be more structurally sound against an upcoming evil.

It has been over three years and we still haven’t seen this supposed dreaded evil yet. Well, maybe it is the upcoming Darkseid War. We will find out soon enough. In any case, yeah a great Flash story arc that should have stayed as a Flash story arc. Not that turning story arcs into event is always a bad thing since Blackest Night is an example of that done right.

In summary, great comic with great writing and art. Just not epic enough to support this being the lead in to the Nu52. Still recommended as a story by itself at least.

Overall, this is 8.5 lightning bolts out of 10.

Next week, I begin reviewing the actual Nu52 in order of trades that are published. So, Animal Man Volume 1: The Hunt.

And come back on Monday for the start of an entire week of reviews of comics from the 2099 universe! Don't worry, all other reviews will be done on time and as scheduled.

Ultimate Marvel Trade Review (Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1)

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1 Power & Responsibility

I am gonna say it right off the bat and say that Ultimate Spider-Man is my favorite series out of the entire Ultimate universe. I love every issue of it! So I expected to be still wowed away when I read this again especially since I actually reviewed this on another site and gave it a high score.

To my amazement, I wasn't so excited. I still like it, it's got a lot going for it. The characters are still great and the art is fantastic. Hell, the art is the only thing my opinion hasn't changed and with good reason. Mark Bagley is a superb artist and there is a reason he and Bendis wrote Ultimate Spider-Man for 110 and a half issues which is the longest Marvel run for a single creative team since Stan Lee and Jack Kirby on Fantastic Four.

Is it the best artwork on Spider-Man? That depends on your taste but it is certainly wonderful in any case. And I still like Bendis take on Peter Parker, his Uncle Ben, and Green Goblin. Who I remember being weirded out by when I first read this but have since accepted as a great version of Green Goblin.

This trade also holds one of my favorite Ultimate Spider-Man issue of all time, #5. That was Bendis and Bagley at their best. Since it has been around 15 years since then, it's basically the aftermath of Uncle Ben being killed and Pete looking for the killer.

We have a depressing and sobering account by Aunt May to a police officer on what happened. Then Peter angrily searching the city for the killer and finding him in an abandoned warehouse. We get nice updated panels of the original origin story without trying to outright copy them. And finally having Peter realize the killer is a thief he could have stop and finally understanding that with great power comes great responsibility.

It is a powerful issue and I still love it. So with those praises, why am I not so wowed? Because that was the only issue where Bendis was at his writing best with only some of those moments sprinkle throughout here and there. The very beginning had Osborn telling a random worker about the myth of Arachne and then followed by stupid and contrived events to explain why Peter gets bit a genetically enhanced spider later in the story.

There is also the typical Bendis writing that goes along the lines of characters repeating what the others say. Not only do humans not speak like that, especially with so many different people, it comes off as just padding to justify why this is around 7 issues long. You could probably cut out enough material to make a still pretty good 5-6 issues.

Also, there was a scare where after Peter accidentally broke Flash's hand, he just got his powers and didn't know how to hold back his strength yet, where Flash's parents were going to sue the Parker family if they don't pay for the hospital bill. We don't know what happened afterwards as it just served to make Peter angrily shout at his aunt and uncle and to later set up even more guilt for Pete when Ben dies. If it were followed up anyway, like Flash's parents dropping it because Ben died soon after the call, I would be cool with it.

So overall, good first trade collection worth recommending just for the art and the fifth issue included. And the problems with the book just making it not great but still good.

I give Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1 7.5 spiders out of 10.

Come back next week, when we look at an ultimate take on the most uncanny group of them all.

And come back tomorrow when we take a look at a story that started a controversial decision from DC comics.

REVIEW DAY! 3/5/2015

REVIEW DAY!

Welcome to the very first review day, where I take one issue from Dark Horse, DC, Marvel, Image, Valiant, and bonus one from one of the many publishers. Here we got some great comics, with one of them losing some points for being underwhelming in what was promise but is still worth a read, and one comic that isn't so great. Come and find out which one falls under which category!
1. Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. #4 (Dark Horse)

This issue was great. In fact, this entire miniseries so far is great. To those who never heard of this one before, I would be surprised if you didn't recognize the name Hellboy though, this pretty much tells the story of Hellboy's first field mission.

And things, as they oh so usually are, aren't as they seem. What was thought to be a spirit killing people in the countryside turned out to be something wackier but in an awesome way.

I don't want to spoil anything so I will say that it involves a Hellboy villain. One that I have only seen before in a one shot story very long ago. And you will see why I recognize him despite it being years since I read a short one shot once you read this series.

It only focuses on two heroic characters, Hellboy and a B.P.R.D. vet named Archie, who work well together what with Archie helping the currently inexperienced Hellboy on what is going on and against some undead husks.

It is also interesting to see a Hellboy who hasn't yet become the badass demon Nazi-fighting monster hunter that we are familiar with today trying to get through his first field mission and still managing to out fight a monstrous husk who also happens to weird an axe.

The art is also great and sort of resembles Mike Mignola's art but still clearly its own. I love it and it fits the series perfectly.

So yeah, I got nothing to complain. With what info I have above, people can probably still get into this despite being so late into story and hopefully want to check out the other Hellboy books. The only negative I have is concern that people will be turned off by the wacky elements I mentioned and alluded to. It is not the norm for Hellboy but shows up just enough that veteran readers won't raise an eyebrow but the same can't be said for new readers.

So with that, I give Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. #4 9 chain smoking monkeys out of 10. Oh, I forgot to mention there is a monkey that is smoking a cigarette. It's not really important, only there for two pages and is more of a background character, but it amuses me.

2. Green Lantern #40 (DC)

This a pretty good finale to the old ways of the Green Lantern. But it has some problems both in art and story. Not that there are any plot holes and the art isn't terrible. Not to mention, this doesn't actually give a good reason for the other Green Lantern titles to be gone.

At the very least the Green Lantern Corps could have continued and showcased several of the other minor Lanterns that aren't from Earth. I really don't spoil what happens, so I will say Hal has a plan to get the Corps reputation in good shape again.

And it involves him fighting Kilowog. Who is in on it but isn't happy that the best plan Hal can come up with is this. Kilowog and Hal talk throughout the whole fight with the former trying to get Hal to either stop this or take Kilowog with him. It is a very interesting fight and a little sad as it is basically two friends saying good bye to each other.

The problem is, and is actually the only problem with the story that I mentioned, this lasts almost half the issue and they end up repeating dialogue. The other problem is Hal's face. It doesn't look like right most panels, being too shaded in the areas of the eyes, to the point I thought it was suppose to be a clue someone is impersonating Hal Jordan. Though it is only Hal who has this problem and everyone else is great adding more to the confusion.

There are also a couple of pages dedicated to the Templar Guardians which basically just them saying "We were planning on doing something to bring up Corps morale, but Hal beat us to it and did so in a way that only he could have done." Basically, more proof that these guys were as useless as the last ones but are at least more well-intended.

So overall, good departure, just could have been spruced up a bit and you don't actually have to read the last two issues to jump into this so that's a plus. I am certainly excited for when Hal returns in a status quo this June.

I give this chapter 7 broken Lantern rings out of 10.

3. Saga (Image)

This series is still great as ever. In fact it's so great, I will say the one negative here to get it out of the way. Which is that this issue isn't as reader friendly as I thought it would be. And these reviews and the recommendations from Monday are meant for both people who follow comics are people who haven't yet read them.

So yeah, it is gonna be a little confusing and will need a good look on wikipedia to understand what is going on or whoever everyone. Or just read it from the start. That is as good a move as any.

Anyway, this is just another stepping stone in the overall story and several character arcs. We get great moments from every group, right now it is following three, and one of the villains, who is a father who lost his son and lost his sanity, is starting to realize that he is making a terrible mistake, and get a look at another villain, who is temporarily in a truce with one of the main characters, and how his own personal loss is affecting him.

The artwork is beautiful and is the best I have seen in everything I review so far. Including the reviews from today and the ones for the next two days. I dare anyone to find fault with it.

The story is also progressing nicely, juggling three plots very well and with a nice surprise turn at the end of the issue that shows just how dour the life of the afflicted character in question has turned.

I give Saga 9.7 broken robo TV heads out of 10. Seriously, I have nothing real to critique and it is all so great. The whole series as a whole is a 10/10 right now.

4. All-New Hawkeye (Marvel)

Another great series by Jeff Lemire! This part one of a part five story arc, and I am curious what will be coming our way. This chapter basically balances two stories. One that gives the origin of Clint and his brother Barney. And the other being about Clint Barton and Kate Bishop, both with the code name Hawkeye, having to get a weapon cache from HYDRA.

At first, I wasn't impressed with artwork. Thinking it to be too muddled. Until I learn that is just for the past, and the art being very different for the present. So, I decided it works and it actually blends well.

Seriously, at one point it actually blends with each other perfectly in a single panel, with a scene of the past being shown in a window Clint of the present is running past. I am really surprised by how well these two different art styles can work so well together. And trust me, it usually doesn't work so well.

The two different stories don't blend with each other that well though. The origin story is just an origin story. There are some elements of the past that harkens to the present and vice versa but not enough so far to justify showing it like this. But I have faith Lemire will show why in time.

I give All-New Hawkeye #1 8 soaring arrows out of 10.

5. X-O Manowar #34 (Valiant)

The solicitation lied! This is not a jumping on point! As I mentioned a couple issues ago, this is for both new readers (Whether to comics in general or just the series that is currently being reviewed) and longtime readers. And this is in no way friendly for new readers.

The recap at the beginning doesn't do enough to give all the details necessary. I honestly can't imagine someone just jumping into this and not being confused But fortunately, despite the fact that you need to read Planet Death and Armor Hunters to understand the plot, it's still a good start.

The plot is simple, Aric needing to go to space to save an alien civilization from a threat that belonged to a recent foe of his. But the enemy isn't which is to be expected since they are a offshoot of the Armor Hunters. A group dedicated to saving the universe from the Armor virus at any cost.

We get a look at other Armor Hunters and hints of even more possible confrontations with another threat. Aric shows how much he has change over the series by willingly to leave his people in charge of a friend and going off to save another civilization that he wasn't friendly with in the first place. And being shown how deadly the Dead Hand who do something very up on the oh crap meter.

The artwork for X-O Manowar is great as always, if it weren't for the Green Lantern review above you would probably think that I just think all art looks great by now, although I find it weird of a...okay I have no choice to spoil this just show my opinion. At one point Dead Hand, a group of robots designed to destroy the armor Aric of Dacia has, form into a giant planet like object with a face on it. Odd, but the artwork doesn't do that much justice as in my opinion the face looks goofy.

So yeah, otherwise the story is still interesting and good, and the artwork is great except for a single panel. I highly recommend you buy the entire series, or get it from a friend, and catch up to what promises to be another great story arc.

I give X-O Manowar #34 7.8 Barbarians in business suits out of 10. Okay, that only makes sense for the original 90's X-O Manowar series, but get off my back, the only I could think of is just a generic armor. That and the event that shows how deadly Dead Hand is and I didn't want to spoil it.

6. Cluster #2 (Boom! Studios)

So far, it's good. The opening series puts importance on our main character. And gives reason for the people in charge to look for our protagonists after they crash landed last issue.

We get a couple of action pages as they face a giant monster that is native to the planet they are on. Although, as one of them points out, it was a waste time. Especially since the government implanted a charge in all convicts that will kill in a certain amount of time if they don't return to camp.

There is also an interesting twist that shows other convicts, that aren't the main group, taking actions to get out of their sentence. Plus a bit of backstory for the characters.

You probably just noticed that I deliberately avoiding names. That is because I just read the story and I completely forgot everyone's names, even our main protagonist. Which pretty means they are forgettable, even the most interesting character who is an actual alien and not just a human like the rest of the cast.

The art is okay, not drawing my attention all that much. It could be worse, but it also could be better.

So yeah, the story is interesting, but without interesting characters to invest in, it isn't worth following. Combined with average artwork, makes me decide that this story might not have been so well deserved of a recommendation. But hey, who knows. Maybe it will turn around in the future issues.

I give Cluster 6 exploding convicts out of 10.

I wish I read The Woods instead. That is a series I highly recommend to readers. That is a good book from the same publisher.

Another Secret War Tie-In and a new Avengers trailer!

http://www.avclub.com/article/exclusive-marvel-announcement-1872-takes-secret-wa-215939

This time in Secret Wars, superheroes meet the Old West! It isn't exactly a new concept, Marvel has some characters from the Old West meet the Avengers both in the past and the present before, but it is still fun to imagine these characters if they were in another time period. Plus, there is mention of a first story arc, so this could be an ongoing. But that is pure speculation, and we will have to wait for the solicitations for June to see if that is the case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6NXxMlfCnQ

Also, new Avengers Age of Ultron trailer! Definitely on must watch list of this year!

Two more Secret Wars tie ins! One is another old comic crossover and the other is... weird.

http://comicbook.com/2015/03/02/exclusive-marvel-announces-x-tinction-agenda-with-marc-guggenhei/

This one is from yesterday, but I didn't see it until today. I added it here because I found it along with another Secret War tie in that was more recently announced. In any case, after reading up what X-Tinction Agenda is about, only heard of it vaguely before this, I think this could be a sequel to the original if nothing much happened after the original to change what came out of the crossover.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/03/03/secret-wars-weirdworld-comic-book-exclusive/24309241

This comic is basically described as being weird in an awesome name. Namely because it harkens back to an old comic of the same name that is an anthology comic of fantasy stories. Unlike Marc Guggenhei, I have heard of Jason Aaron and in fact enjoyed a couple of recent comics from him. Thor: God of Thunder, the current Thor ongoing, and Southern Bastards. All great books. So this one is gonna be on my list of books to watch out for.

Anyway, I need to look for news that aren't Secret Wars related. Something that is just general news. Hmm...I wonder if there are any confirmations on who will be directing the new Spider-Man movie. I saw something about it, but it appears to be just a rumor and I don't want anything to do with rumors for this blog.

Also, I have the Ultimate Marvel Trade Review and New 52 Trade Review already written, so you can expect those Friday and Saturday and I have started on 2099 week for next Monday, with two filled out. So, you can expect those despite the warning of possiblity of not updating on time due to a busy shecdule as it will be just a case of copying and pasting.

Review day is a bit iffy because I can't prepare them in advance as the reviews are for comics that come out Wednesday meaning I will have to get 6 comics, read them, and write out reviews on that very day just so I have time to post them Thursday. Plus, there is editing whenever I have time.

A new Secret Wars series revealed! This time, the Korvac Saga!

http://www.newsarama.com/23670-dan-abnett-on-korvac-saga.html

Newsarama got an interview with Dan Abnett, who wrote the modern Guardians of the Galaxy series that inspired the hit movie of the same name, about a brand new Secret War tie-in series which draws from the original Korvac Saga series. The Korvac Saga is on my list of series to read and once I get around to collecting and reading it, I might put up a review of it. It sounds like something to look out and the only thing that could make this news better is if Andy Lanning is drawing it. But hey, can't get everything you want.

Recommended comics for this Wednesday!

I know that I mentioned yesterday that I won't be doing anything this Thursday, except for any news I felt like should be shared, but I decided to add in something I forgot to mention. Namely, recommendations to buy this week. These will be typically comics that I am planning on reviewing on Thursday. But who knows, I might decide that one company has two comics that are definite must buys. The week after for Marvel has a few that I think should be given a look at.

1. Dark Horse Recommendation: Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. #4 (of 5)

Okay, this is a little late in the mini-series, but I really recommend that you get the last three issues or just wait for the complete trade because this is really good. There has been lack of Hellboy in the Hellboy universe as of late, it is kind of a spoiler for why so I won't say here, so it is good to have a miniseries about him even if it is a flashback. And as always, the story is pretty damn good. If you get lost, Hellboy is on his first field mission with the B.P.R.D. and they find a monster is attacking everyone. And there is a monkey trying to kill people involved. The story should be easy to follow if you keep that in mind.

2. DC New 52 Recommendation: Green Lantern #40

There are a few titles I think are worth reading this week, Batman Eternal, Superman, and Grayson just to name a few. But I decided that Green Lantern is gonna be the most wanted to read for me, if only because it will show why the Green Lantern franchise is getting revamped and set up the stage for the new status quo in June.

3. Image Recommendation: Saga #26

I just love Saga. It is one of my favorite comics overall, and I am a major fan of superheroes and books like Walking Dead. So yeah, Saga is not exactly the norm for what I usually read, but there is a reason for that and why so many other people read it whenever it comes out. Seriously, go get the collections and see why so many people rave about this book if you haven't already.

4. Marvel Recommendation: All New Hawkeye #1

If you haven't read Jeff Lemire's Green Arrow, you should go check it out already. After the lame six issues and the terrible issues #7-16, his run was a breath of fresh air. I expect for him to do just as great a job for Marvel's resident archer. If anyone can take over for Fraction's excellent Hawkeye run, it's Lemire.

5. Valiant Recommendation: X-O Manowar #34

Okay, Valiant is gonna be one of the easier companies to recommend issues for and to chose what to review for every week. So why is it on the list instead of Boom Studios, IDW, Vertigo, or Dynamite Entertainment? Because it is company that needs more love. Now, I chose X-O Manowar instead of Imperium because I am far more excited for the former. The last arc was basically just filler, basically giving Aric of Dacia some breathing room before unleashing the Dead Hand. Something that appears to be designed as a last resort should the Armor Hunters should be destroyed. So who knows who will live and who will die in just two days when they come to Earth!

6. BONUS RECOMMENDATION: Cluster #2 (Boom Studios)

The first issue is decent, but that is because it is just setting up the premise. Namely, a bunch of convicts who are sentenced to life or death are given a chance to have that sentence reduced. Namely fighting a war against an alien species where death is almost certain. Sounds neat and the first issue is neat. So hopefully the second issue will pick up the pace what with the decent cliffhanger and that most of the exposition is out of the way. I also came close to recommending Robocop instead, but it seems to be stuck on the same villain that I am sick and tired of already. I want to see Robocop go beat up other criminals already! Also, none of the title from other studios I want to recommend because I either I have not read them so not sure if they would be good as Cluster and don't interest me enough, or are just to far into the story to recommend without the reader potentially being lost.

The above recommendations where I say I need to buy some of the past books isn't because I think you will be lost otherwise or won't be able to enjoy the story at all without it. Heck, you could probably just look it up on Wikipedia or just ask me or any other person who reads comics what happened so far. It is just because I am that passionate about the series to the point that I think that people need to read more than just the single issue.