Welcome Back

Hello All

I will be reviewing, at least, Wonder Woman over here.

Wonder Woman #2

Continuing from last issue, Wonder Woman, Zola, and a wounded Hermes travel to Paradise Island where WW can consult with the Amazons on what to do.

After last month's very action oriented issue, this issue hits the breaks big time. These are the kinds of issue that make me very aware that we're reading a 20 page story, and not a 22 page story. A lot of scenes felt rushed to me. We have a whole new dynamic to explore on Paradise Island, not the least of which is Hippolyta's relationship with her daughter, and WW's relationship with the other Amazons.

I've never really read a WW story before, so all of these characters are already new to me. Ares apparently has a sister, I'm not sure if she's a new edition to the book or has always existed. I also had to check if she appeared in classical mythology, but indeed she does.

There's a huge bombshell in this issue as well. Hippolyta is blond now. I was floored.

The art really fits the book. Diana is all power. Her stances constantly depict a strength It's such a simple art style, and yet I've never really seen another artist, even more detailed ones, depict Diana so well. It also reminds me a lot of the classic Greek art I've seen.

The story is still intriguing, even though it felt a little rushed. This as a set up issue. But it leaves me wanting to know more.

I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Blackhawks #1

I was on the fence about this book, so I waited for the price to drop to $1.99 on the digital store to check it out.

In a way, I'm glad I did. I want to like this book, but there's something missing in the execution. Obviously, it's another set up book, but one that doesn't take itself too seriously. Everyone in the book has code names, but none of the code names make sense, like the guy named Irish who was born in Russia, or the guy named Canada who's from Atlanta...

The book is all over the place. The Blackhawks are a covert military operation, and it opens with them in the middle of a job. Then it's back to base to meet the team, and then we see just how hard it is to keep black-ops military team on the down low when everyone and their mother has a smart phone and can upload images to the internet in the blink of an eye.

It's a decent story. The art is also just decent. In some panels the people all seem very rigid and stiff. I'd like to see less posing and more fluid motion in a book that's going to be this kinetic.

Overall, I would give is a 6 out of 10.

Animal Man #3

In case you haven't noticed yet, I love this book. It's one of the most refreshing books in the new DC line-up, and it does an excellent job of taking just the right amount of what came before and reworking it to deliver something new and interesting.

In this issue, Maxine and Buddy continue to talk with the animal totems, while the enemy (now being called the Rot) goes after Buddy and his family.

I don't want to spoil too much more of the story than that. You really have to go out and read it.

The writing continues to be excellent. This is a horror story in so many ways. yes there are gross monsters scaring the protagonists, but the horror goes deeper. Buddy has to confront the reality that his young daughter is destined to be a warrior, and it scares him. The book tugs on your emotions in all the right ways.

The art in this book is very different, but fits the tone of the book amazingly. The horrific monsters are detailed in their twisted appearance. As Buddy's world turns inside out, so does he. Facial expressions do an amazing job of conveying weight and emotion. My one complaint was that the animal totems are like something out of Pan's Labyrinth, but are so heavily inked and colored that they lose their impact. I would have preferred a much cleaner and robust depiction of the totems.

But it's a small complaint. All I can say is READ THIS BOOK!

Wonder Woman #3

Okay, by now you should all realize that this is a top 5 book for me. Even still, this issue falls a little flat. Diana deals with the ramifications of her new heritage, and really, that's all that happens.

it's not much of a review, is it? Well, it's not much of a comic either. Don't get me wrong, the comic handles everything well. The emotions are touching and come through on all levels. But this installment does nothing to advance the overall plot really. And that's a shame because this book still has the potential to be the best book in the new 52.

The art remains beautiful. At one point Diana grabs hold of a torch and spreads its flames with her breath. It's a beautiful panel.

As for the story, each scene is well written, and taken individually is excellent. But when summed up into one comic, all I could say was "that's it?" when I got to the last page.

I hope that issue 4 sees the action and plot return to this book!

Star Wars, Agent of the Empire #1

Okay, after a few weak outings from Dark Horse on their Star Wars comics, namely the recent mini-series staring Qui-Gon Jinn and anything with the words Old Republic in it... Dark Horse appears to have redeemed itself.

Set in the hey-day of the Imperial Empire, we first meet Jahan Cross revealing to a corrupt Imperial General that Jahan has learned of the corruption. Jahan is a very interesting character, definitely an homage to James Bond. There's even a "Q Division" where experimental gear is tested for Jahan to use, with comical results. It's hard not to like Jahan, even though he works for the evil Empire. It's going to be interesting to see if Jahan will remain that way and truly is the Empire's man, or if he's just there because it's convenient and the only place for a man of his skills.

Two Star Wars regulars make an appearance. It's a great cameo and helps cement this as a Star Wars book.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes Star Wars!

I really think that most of the best, most gritty stories from the SWU are set during or after Episodes 4-6. Anything else before has not grabbed my attention. Maybe because I DO NOT LIKE Anakin Skywalker... Hmmm. And I thought Luke was whiny at times...

I heard about this. Think I'll check it out.

you should check out Dark Times. It's awesome and set between Episodes 1-3 and 4-6. This is also set between the two periods. Both are good!

I have! They are pretty good stories. I wish there were more out there that showcase the good old bucket head DV in all his BA glory. I will probably wait for the TPB as I have been a bit tight on cash, though.

Wonder Woman #5

There may be some spoilers, but nothing crazy.

I'm slowly starting to lose interest in Wonder Woman. It seems as though this book will just never hit the inciting incident that gets the characters to stop talking and start doing. The book opens with a cool scene, but it makes no sense and the signifigance isn't really explained. We then move to our main characters talking over breakfast. A stranger approaches them and I thought, "will this finally be how the action starts?"

But no, it is not. We see a few more of the gods and yeah, they look cool. But that's about it. Perhaps next issue will finally feature some action.

The art is done by a fill in this month, and I really am sorry not to see Cliff Chang. The fill in work is not that good, and the coloring looses the moody effect of the first 4 issues.

Overall, it feels like we're watching a chess match. But not a speed one. A very slow chess match played by snails, chained up to two ton boulders, trying to figure out how to move the chess pieces without hands...

Green Arrow #7

Okay, I don't know who Annie Nocenti is, but she's absolutely OUT of her mind! And as a result, this book is fantastic!!!

Green Arrow opens with him talking to himself on a rooftop. And he gets attacked by tiny arrows in a swarm. The book doesn't let up from there. it just gets faster and faster. The pace of this book is insane. And the tech ideas are fun, interesting, and fit the tone perfect. it's pure comic book science in its raw form.

The art is wonderful too. It's fluid and graceful and matches the writing perfectly.

I think I'm hooked on Green Arrow!

The first time I heard the name, it was over 20 years ago. Assistant Editor's month at Marvel. I don't know if she wrote the story in question but the offering in the Incredible Hulk that month was a fourth-wall breaker: Bruce Banner pops into the Marvel offices and has a conversation with the assistant editor on his title—Anne Nocenti.

Now I wasn't a Hulk fan. IIRC, I got the comic in a party loot bag and read it because, hey... bookworm. I wasn't even into comics much. I MIGHT have been watching the cartoon on TV at the time. Or maybe I was reading the newspaper strip and wondering why the comic was calling him Bruce instead of David Banner.

I do remember loving the story though.

I was debating whether to get GA when I heard she was coming onboard. You've inched me a bit closer.

honestly, everyone should check it out. It's almost like reading a Grant Morrison book, but slightly more grounded. It's kooky and fun, but also linear. Really, check it out.

Ann Nocenti wrote Daredevil in the late 80's, most issues between #236 and 291. John Romita JR drew a lot of the comics she wrote too. A great run that was under rated and definetly very different. This wasn't your typical Kingpin/Bullseye/Elektra/The Hand DD stuff, no no it was very unique. It wasn't everyone's cup of tea that's for sure but I loved it.

She also created the character Typhoid Mary during her run.

Check out the trade Daredevil Lone Stranger for some of her DD run. It's probably still around to buy.