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THE PULL LIST – NEW AVENGERS #16.1, AQUAMAN #1, SUPERMAN #1 & MORE!

Check out what I checked out this week.

Whether the comics are inspiring or disappointing, I read them all.

Welcome to The Pull List.

And, as always…Spoilers ahead!

New Avengers # 16.1 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Neal Adams and Tom Palmer
Color: Paul Mounts
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $2.99

Jessica Jones, Spider-Man, Thing and the rest of our heroes are enjoying a nice big breakfast on their day off.

Steve Rogers makes the call for the New Avengers to escort Norman Osborn to another prison as he awaits trial for international crimes and just like that, the mood changes in the mansion. H.A.M.M.E.R. and the cult-like followers of Osborn put into action a series of events that are not to be missed. Oh, and one of Osborn’s followers manages to piss off Wolverine. I mean REALLY piss him off. This the first chapter of a brand new story that sets up the return of the Dark Avengers.

I loved everything about this book because it has everything a comic book fan could ask for. Bendis did a wonderful job of writing the perfect blend of levity, humor, suspense and action into this book. Paul Mounts’ color treatment really makes the art work pop off the page, especially when Norman receives a visit from an old friend and when that poor, poor soul upsets Logan……when will people learn?

Grade: A-

***

Justice League Dark #1
Writer: Peter Milligan and Mikel Janin
Art: Mikel Janin
Publisher: DC Comics
Price $2.99

The world is in utter chaos and Madame Xanadu sees no light at the end of the tunnel.

June Moone, just a normal person who appears to be innocent, seems to be going crazy due to events she can’t explain.

Superman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg investigate a small farm house where Enchantress is shaping reality in her own insane image. The super trio soon find out they are outmatched against her dark magic. Zatanna and Batman look on in horror at what is happening to their colleagues. Batman decides they should act, but Zatanna makes a decision that the Dark Knight will not like. Shade confronts Madame Xandu about what is transpiring and she tells him he must find others who have magical powers in order to stop a future with grave consequences.

I always had a hard time reading Vertigo titles so I was hesitant to pick this up. I’m glad it did because it was something different that I feel people will enjoy if you are looking for a little variety. The artwork and color are very fitting for this type of story. I’m going to stick around for issue two for sure.

Grade: B-

***

Aquaman # 1
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
Color: Rod Reis
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

Aquaman isn’t the most popular superhero in the court room of public opinion.

This does not stop Aquaman from saving the day when danger strikes.

Arthur has renounced the throne of Atlantis and wants to live his life on the surface. Meanwhile, an enemy from the deepest depths of the ocean, The Trench, rise to the surface in order to fulfill their atrocious desire. Johns did a great job introducing Aquaman to new readers. He is a brave hero with a big heart despite dealing with the fallout of his personal decisions. Ivan Reis and Joe Prado’s art work compliments John’s writing in this issue. There is one panel that brings the character to light is when patrons at a seafood restaurant are shocked to see the King of the Ocean walk in while he is standing underneath a mounted swordfish.

Great first issue that makes me excited to see what is next since you know The Trench are bound bring Aquaman back to Atlantis.

Grade: B

***

The Amazing Spider-Man #670
Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Victor Olazaba
Color: Edgar Delgado
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price $3.99

The 4th installment of Spider-Island shows the horror of the virus as the infected go from enjoying their new found abilities to turning into life sized spiders.

Jonah Jameson has turned into the very thing he swore to destroy and Eddie Brock has the answer to everyone’s problems, but it will come at a personal sacrifice. Spider-Man is one of the most entertaining comics of all time but I hate spiders. I know, kind of weird. This should serve as a warning for those who share my fear because there are lots of giant spiders in this book and some of them take up the entire page.

The writers have done a great job at keeping an exciting and interesting pace as every book is a must read in this event. There was less color in this issue then the previous parts which is understandable since everyone is starting to look the same. My only gripe is there seems to be little to no concern from people who have not changed yet. I mean wouldn’t you be afraid if you saw everyone you know going through a horrible transformation and say “Damn, what if that happens to me?”

Grade: B-

***

Ultimate Spider-Man #2
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Sara Pichelli
Color: Justin Ponsor
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price $3.99

Bendis does it again in the second part of Miles Morales journey to become something bigger than himself.

Miles is running around testing out his new found abilities. He is also scared that he is a mutant which is not a popular thing in New York City.

Bendis’ dialog is at its best during the father/son chat with Miles and his Dad, as well as when Miles sees his best friend to help him figure out what happened to him. I know it’s only the second issue but I am still rooting for Miles and can’t to see what lies ahead for the series.

Morales appears to be younger than Peter Parker was when he became Spider-Man which makes his character arc very interesting. The art work in this issue is the same as the first issue and the best work is on the last page when Miles discovers a particular ability that gives him a very big clue as to whether or not he is a mutant.

Grade: B+

***

Superman #1
Writer: George Perez
Art: Jesus Merino
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

Finally, we get a clear and current picture as to who this Superman and Clark Kent are.

The first adventure of Earth’s greatest hero shows that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

At his core, he is the Superman we grew up with. On the surface, he has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and he is not afraid to speak his mind instead of standing by and letting things take their course.

Perez penned a great conversation with Lois and Clark where they talk about the new owner of the Daily Planet and the changes that are in store. The old Clark would have said “Lets give him a chance” while this new incarnation will say “I smell a rat” and is quick to voice his opinions. Perez nailed the conviction Clark displayed in his beliefs.

The artwork and color in this issue is strong, bold and stylish. While Gotham is looking to be the city of the future, the future is now for Metropolis. Its citizens are quick to blame the Man of Steel if things appear to be going wrong. However, if he saves the day then everyone loves him. The panels that display this sentiment shows that Superman has not completely earned the people’s trust. Superman goes to battle with a fiery foe whose actions reveal that the Last son of Krypton is responsible for his appearance.

This is a very solid issue if you are a hardcore Supes fan and a great introduction if you have never picked up a Superman comic book before.

Grade: B+

***

The Flash #1 (Shelf Listed: Disappointment of the Week)
Writer: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Art: Francis Manapul
Publisher: DC Comics
Price $2.99

I like the Flash.

Millions of people all over the world like the Flash.

If you’re a hardcore collector, your not going to leave a Flash #1 on the shelf, especially with the all the reboot hype. I’m speaking to the person who only has a certain amount of money to spend on comics every Wednesday.

Pick another title.

Yes, we find out if Barry remembers the old universe. Yes, we find out if Wally West made it to the new universe. Yes, the hooded woman from Flashpoint #5 makes an appearance that is the equivalent to “Where’s Waldo”.

Trust me, the whole thing is very underwhelming.

The dialog was not bad as it was meant to introduce the character to new readers. The art was not bad either but the style in the book would not be my first choice when depicting the fastest man alive. Some people were disappointed that Johns played it safe with Justice League #1. I believe that was the right move.

Playing it safe with Flash was the wrong move. They could have gone bigger and better with this one. Flash was the reason why the universe shifted into its current form. I felt this book would have been a step in the right direction to turn DC Comics big two (Superman & Batman) into the big three. Bad form all around.

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