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Happy Valentine’s Day, Grave Diggers! I hope you find some way to enjoy the day. But if you’re reading one of MY blogs on its publish date, you must be very bored. ^_~
I want to touch on a bit more news that I glossed over last week that someone asked me about. Beyond Watchmen. A series of prequel titles that focus on the most prevalent characters of the series. Yes, after two decades, more Watchmen stuff comes out… without the vision or direction of Alan Moore. This is your first warning sign right there. Now, I admit. I’m far from calling myself a Watchmen fan. While there are good things about the book, it felt like there were many more bad things about the book as well. I can’t help but wonder if this is really necessary. Do we really NEED these stories? Only the most die-hard of Watchmen fans are really going to eat it up and only a few of their tales are probably worth looking into. The titles are as follows, courtesy of IGN.
Rorschach. I think this is the one everybody will eat up, but won’t be the one that is the best of the bunch. I don’t think Rorschach is a character who needs more backstory and this could end up just being a cash-in on the most popular character of the series.
Minutemen. This one has potential since they weren’t drastically touched on in the comic. There was information, but we didn’t see a terrible amount of characterization. This one can go either way.
Comedian. Again, lots of potential to flesh out the backstory, but who really wants to learn more about a raping, unbalanced, murderer? ‘Nuff said.
Dr. Manhattan. Just… no. Dr. Manhattan was one of the most boring, uninspiring, frustratingly dull characters I’ve ever been introduced to. He was, in the end, a plug in character made for atmosphere. He just needed to be there, be powerful, and be willing to stay out of things long enough to not be able to end the story in one chapter. In the end, someone like him was simply unenjoyable, uninteresting, and, perhaps in the end, unnecessary. Much like many of these titles. Hell, he had an entire chapter dedicated to him which was all about his history. Isn’t that enough?
Nite Owl. As boring as I called Dr. Manhattan, I fear that this book may end up as boring. My biggest concern with this one is that they may think too much like Batman with this guy. Every superhero is different and it’ll be up to the writers to find out and highlight the more subtle nuances of the character. This title has some upside to it, but it’s all still just potential at this point.
Ozymandias. This one could be quite compelling. Ozy was one of the best characters in Watchmen and this one probably has the most pure potential. If you were to talk me into one of the characters books to read, this one might be it… but that still doesn’t mean I’ll be reading it. Plus, at six issues, it’ll be one of the longer titles.
Silk Spectre. As much as I’ll run down Dr. Manhattan, at least he HAD characterization and backstory. Silk Spectre was basically just arm candy and she felt like she was just there to have a female character in the mix. This will be her one chance at redemption in the annals of comic book history. I expect the effort to fall flat on its face, but as always, I hope for the best. Still expect the worst.
So, yeah, I’m not interested in these books. When they come out, please don’t ask me my thoughts on them, don’t ask me to review them, just don’t ask me about them. At this juncture, I’m not interested. At all. Of course, if it changes any, I’ll let you know in my Back Stacks.
For now, let’s talk about books I AM interested in!
Batgirl #6 was a very nice issue. We play on the dynamics of Barbara and her relationship with Batman, which is rather touching. There is a line mid-book where Bruce tells Barbara that she was always meant to be Batgirl which may rub fans of Cassandra Cain and/or Stephanie Brown the wrong way. It shouldn’t, though, because Bruce isn’t saying that she was the only one who had the right to be called Batgirl, but rather that her being Batgirl was something that should have happened. It’s a lot more touching than I’m making it sound, but it is a nice scene. Batgirl finishes her fight against Gretel and we learn more about her unfortunate history. I won’t spoil it, but it isn’t a case that you’ll want to root for her because she’s still a big villain. Good issue, glad to see Gail Simone s hitting her stride with this. I was worried for a second.
Verdict – Recommended
Batman & Robin #6 continues a disturbing trend of covers that don’t match content. This one advertises Batman vs. Robin, but we get no such thing. Instead, we get backstory in regards to Batman’s history with Nobody and the Draucan family, and I apologize if I spelt that wrong. It also shows Robin beginning to enter into and quickly regret his decision for splitting from his father. We see Batman show genuine concern for his son and the scene in the end where Nobody is obviously torturing Robin, right after we hear Robin justify his split from Nobody by saying that Batman is his father, his words, is especially gripping as Batman yells out his son’s name as he hears the obviously brutal torture of his seed over the communication frequency. You can truly feel Batman’s pain and when a writer does something like that, you definitely succeeded in your craft. The artwork truly compliments the mood and setting of the book and overall, it becomes a very good issue.
Verdict – Highly Recommended
Captain America #8 picks up with the mystery of Captain America’s waning Super Soldier powers. There isn’t a whole lot to say here, other than Tony Stark is working on a solution and Shannon Carter goes to confront the Machinesmith about it. There is one scene that bugged me, though. When Captain America tries to talk down a mob who is tearing up the streets, they seem to listen to him until he begins to lose his Super Soldier form and shrink back into regular pre-war Steve Rogers. They immediately turn on him instead of looking to their hero and seeing what is wrong. Mad or not, they responded to Captain America’s presence, but when he shrinks down before their eyes, they go nuts again. Maybe it goes back to that whole thing from Men in Black where K told the eventual J that “a person is smart and people are dumb.” Good issue nonetheless though.
Verdict – Recommended
Deadpool #50 wasn’t particularly funny, but the story does have some moments as we begin to learn more about the man who has an anti-mutant power serum that can supposedly halt Deadpool’s healing factor, which resulted in Evil Deadpool’s supposed demise. Lots of cameos here and good artwork, but like I said, it isn’t especially funny since we get the more suicidal emo Deadpool in this one. Don’t get me wrong. This issue is much better than a lot of recent issues, but it’s still not up to par with Deadpool vs. Hulk or other recent angles.
Verdict – Cautiously Recommended
In a nice return to form, Demon Knights #6 was a rather enjoyable, if not overly action-oriented, issue of a title that I hoped big things for after some reviews by Linkara. Like Captain America, there isn’t much to say, but this one feels like there is a lot more going on and the pacing throughout is well handled. Next issue promises a final battle, but this is still good setup for that.
Verdict – Recommended
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #6 was just okay this month, but it sets the stage beautifully for the next story arc. We get a lot of good backstory as to the greater DC Universe. As we know, Superman, considered the first active superhero, has been active for five years. Frankenstein and his ilk, however, have been active for far longer than that and throughout the 20th century. We learn this as we hear about the original Creature Commandos. In the meantime, S.H.A.D.E. has begun to create automated bodies, but it seems at least one of them has gained sentiency and is leading a charge to take S.H.A.D.E. over. Good issue and I’m expecting the next few issues to be even better.
Verdict – Recommended
Green Lantern #6 proved what we knew all along… the Guardians of the Universe are the next big-bads of DC. When Sinestro realizes this, he goes to Hal Jordan, who surprisingly is willing to give up being a Green Lantern in the name of moving on with his life. Sinestro isn’t buying it and we set up the future story arcs which will hopefully see the end of the Guardians as the leaders of the ultimate police force in the universe. Because, really, who in their right minds would work for them? Lots of good characterization for Hal and Sinestro and the stage is set for what should be one of the biggest events in DC.
Verdict – Recommended
The Incredible Hulk #5 begins to answer a lot of the questions that we’ve had from the beginning in regards to the separation of The Hulk and Bruce Banner. I gotta admit, while I believe with earnest that Dr. Doom is easily capable of separating Hulk and Banner, I didn’t expect him in the least. I know, HUGE spoiler with that one, but it’s spelled out in the first couple pages, so I don’t care and you shouldn’t either. The issue is about the deal as a whole, not a lot of lead-up to the reveal. Incredible Hulk is picking up steam from the first few issues and I’m glad to see it. Greg Pak made me a huge Hulk fan and this new guy, whose name I unfortunately forget, while nowhere near as eloquent with Pak, is starting to win me over too.
Verdict – Recommended
Journey Into Mystery #634 was a lot less exposition heavy and had a better pace than previous issues. Unfortunately, what suffers, is pacing. While it was still an enjoyable read, I felt some areas were just a bit dull while others were pretty good fun. It continues post-Fear Itself whatnot, but the story, as you may guess, isn’t terribly memorable and probably won’t be one that is remembered in the years to come. However, there is enough to keep one entertained and some good banter between Loki, Leah, and Hellstorm (whom I’ve decided to not call Son of Satan since, well, Hellstorm sounds more heroic and he’s SUPPOSED to be a good guy, after all).
Verdict – Cautiously Recommended
Unfortunately, our run of good luck comes to an end with Mega Man #10. Ian Flynn strikes again, folks. This man is quickly becoming my absolute least favorite writer. This time, Mega Man plows through Heat Man and Crash Man. While we see Mega Man struggling again with some malicious program Wily snuck into him, the only Robot Master being done any favors is Quick Man, who beats up Mega Man again. Yes, the hero should be strong, but as Stan Lee once said, a great villain is someone who is the equal or better of the heroes. Why do you think Batman’s, Spider-Man’s, and Flash’s rogues galleries are so memorable? Because the villains at least match up to the hero. Yes, even the mighty Batman has equals and, in some cases, betters. Ian Flynn is truly failing with his use of Mega Man’s adversaries, beloved and iconic villains from once upon a time whom fans either were able to fight with relative ease or consider it a milestone accomplishment when you beat them. This is not only insulting to me as a Mega Man fan, but this is insulting to me as a comic fan. Mega Man is a hero who rises above a daunting legion of enemies in true challenge. Here, he’s a guy who said “Hello, bang, you’re dead, next.” This is a waste of great source material all in the name of a cookie cutter 4-issue made-for-trade arc with no heart or soul.
Verdict – Pass
Red Sonja #63. This was good if for one reason. Red Sonja finally gets back in her classic chainmail bikini! Now, you may call me a sexual deviant or something worse of that ilk, but hear me out. Costumes can become a hero. While a talented artist can give you a new outfit that you can grow to love, a lot of times, when a character gets a new costume, it ends up being a complete misfire. While I do think that Sonja’s chainmail cutoff and leather skirt was more practical for combat, I can’t say it was terribly efficient or interesting. It felt terribly generic to me. While the chainmail bikini doesn’t offer much protection, it offers mobility. Red Sonja isn’t the tank paladin who fights with brute force. She’s more speedy and nimble if anything. While I’m sure there are light armors she could use, the bikini DOES give her free movement of her arms and legs with no constrictions. Then again, sometimes she has those fancy shoulder pads, so that argument may be out the window. As for the issue itself, it continues Sonja’s trek across the Egyptian-esque lands of the arc’s new big bad, who has proven, in contrast to Mega Man #10, the hero’s better. The city she and her traveling companions arrive in is a very grim place and you can really feel the danger of the challenge that awaits them. Even if you don’t buy my theory on why Sonja uses the bikini and why it’s better than her cut-off, I hope you go beyond the cheesecake covers and give this one a shot, especially if you’re into swords and sorcery-esque settings.
Verdict – Recommended
Wolverine and the X-Men #5 had its ups and downs, but I think of it more positively than I would other issues. While we are still having a lot of fun with Wolverine having a school, we get some more characterization and foreshadowing of how each character is going to play. We get a bit of the epic in Wolverine and Kid Omega going into space, the bizarre in Kitty Pryde being “pregnant” ‘with a swarm of baby alien Brood, and the potentially tragic in Genesis faced with the potential that he could become the new Apocalypse. What suffers, though, is again, the pacing. Things feel out of place at times and sometimes we wonder why it’s even there. The series is still good, but it’s definitely one of the weaker issues. If you want good old fashioned superhero action, stick with Uncanny X-Men. Otherwise, this is okay as an alternative.
Verdict – Cautiously Recommended
X-Men #24… was just not good. While still a better read than Mega Man #10, X-Men #24 was a dull, boring, monotone snooze. We see Jubilee suffering from blood deprivation (she hasn’t fed on blood for a while now) and beginning to show her primal vampire instincts. The vampires who have taken her in, known as the Forgiven, seem to worry about her, but this is probably not going to end up well for her. What hurts more is seeing Jubilee act, well, easy. She comes onto two guys during this book, even though one was just for blood, but that could just be an after-effect from the depravation. While this is surely set-up for a big pay-off, it was just uninteresting this month.
Verdict – Pass
We end on a trade-paperback I picked up. Sonic the Hedgehog Archives Volume 17. This is during a time that some Sonic fans consider a down point, but really, a lot of old Sonic lore was born here. Nate Morgan, the comic-universe creator of the power rings, Ixas Naugus, who now haunts the book as the usurping king of New Mobotropolis, the Sand Blasters, the madness of King Acorn, etc. The stories collected here are a decent collection, even if it isn’t my favorite artwork in the series. The one stand-out is a Sin City parody called Sonic Spin City, simply because of how bat-snap crazy it is seeing a KIDS BOOK parody SIN CITY. For the most part, it’s handled well for a kids book and, aside from Bunnie doing undercover pole dancing, I’m sorry, robotic arm dancing, it’s harmless. Then again, Bunnie always said she was the “Sax-Cymbal” of the team! Uhhh… it’s a Sonic the Hedgehog #8 reference… it’s funnier in context… Good book and it shows that it wasn’t all doom and gloom during Ken Penders and Karl Bollers’ tenure as some of Ian Flynn’s die-hard fans would have you believe. In fact, I credit them for being able to maintain a story for multiple issues and make continuity a prevalent part of the series, started by Mike Gallagher, the first writer for Sonic. There are much better collections from earlier in the Archives line that I could recommend, but if you’re looking at this one, give it a shot.
Verdict – Recommended
So that ends another Back Stack. I hope you take a look at this list of comics from last week and maybe consider something you overlooked. It’s been a fun few weeks in terms of stories with, thankfully, more good titles than bad. Next Week is going to be a very extended edition of the Back Stack as there will be a TON to review. Hope to see you then!
Cheers;
Master Graveheart
#SaveDerpy
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