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!
Avenging Spider-Man #6 (Pick of the Week)
Writers: Mark Waid & Greg Rucka
Art: Marco Checchetto
Colors: Matt Holingsworth
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
The comic book dream team of Mark Waid and Greg Rucka brings the noise in part one of The Omega Effect.
The word is out. Anyone that is anyone in the Marvel Universe knows that Matt Murdock has the Omega.
Everyone wants it for their own personal gain including Frank Castle, and he has the assistance of Rachel Alves-Cole.
It originally belonged to the Fantastic Four, so Spider-Man is on the case to get it back, but Daredevil is not letting anyone control it’s fate and is calling the shots. Spidey doesn’t agree with Murdock but he trusts him, while Punisher absolutely hates what Murdock won’t do with the drive, but is still working with him.
The artwork compliments the writing but captures the gravity of a serious situation. Waid and Rucka put this together in a way where you don’t have to be a regular reader of any of these books in order to enjoy this story. Part two takes place in Punisher #10 and should be interesting to say the least.
Grade: A-
Wolverine #304
Writer: Jason Aaron
Art: Steve Dillion, Daniel Acuna & Ron Garney
Colors: Matthew Wilson, Chris Sotomayor & Andy Troy
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Sabertooth is throwing a house party to celebrate his new found status in the criminal underworld.
Wolverine didn’t get an invite, but that won’t stop him from attending and being fashionably late to boot.
If things are not interesting enough, four of Wolverine’s ex-girls get together and the Hellfire Club makes it’s presence felt.
The artwork was pretty quiet compared to previous issues but Jason Aaron’s script was very appropriate in setting up several new story arcs for the new writing team that is coming in next month.
Grade: B
Star Wars: Agent of the Empire – Iron Eclipse #5 of 5
Writer: John Ostrander
Art: Stephanie Roux & Julien Hugonard-Bert
Colors: Wes Dzioba
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $3.50
Jahan Cross is one clever mofo.
Even with the odds stacked against him, he still finds a way to get the job done. He is a very enjoyable character who brings something different to the table in the Star Wars Universe.
Ostrander has created a character that has room to breath since he is not hindered to movie continuity. Stephanie Roux’s artwork flourishes during the battle scenes and one panel in particular when the Millennium Falcon swoops in for the rescue.
A little note at the end of the book reveals Cross’ future and it’s safe to say we will see him again.
Grade: B
Mega Man #12
Writer: Ian Flynn
Art: Ben Bates & Gary Martin
Colors: Matt Herms
Publisher: Archie Comics
Price: $2.99
The final installment of “The Return of Dr. Wily” brings a fun adventure where Mega Man has been turned evil by Wily and it is up to the Robot Masters to stop Wily and save Mega Man if possible.
The book is presented like the cartoon and has all the elements that made the video game so spectacular.
Mega Man 2 was one of my favorite games for the original Nintendo system. I spent hours upon hours playing each day trying to make it to Castle Wily.
Speaking of Castle Wily, we get a cool visual of all the Robot Masters from the first game leading the charge on Wily’s hideout.
Overall its fun read and it’s not hard at all to figure out what is going on if you missed the four previous issues. Oh yeah, Rush is in it too!
Grade: B
Green Lantern #8
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Doug Mahnke & Mark Irwin
Color: Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
Sinestro has upset a lot of people over the years and now the Indigo Tribe wants a crack at him.
Hal Jordan is once again stuck saving him with a severely limited power ring. Things get real interesting real fast as Hal stumbles upon a giant clue that reveals a connection to a deceased Green Lantern.
The last couple of issues were kind of, meh.
This issue was going down that road until the second half where things started to pick up. The art consisted of lots of dark and purple page layouts.
This is a solid issue that builds a bridge to something bigger that looks to be coming sooner rather than later.
Grade: B-
Saga #2
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Art: Fiona Staples
Colors: Fiona Staples
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $2.99
I was worried that Saga would be a one hit wonder since the first issue was beyond awesome, but this issue continues the magic.
Brian K. Vaughn produces Marko and Alana as two characters that you can emotionally sink your teeth into. They are on the run and an assassin has been sent to kill them and bring back their baby, Hazel.
Fiona Staples’ art brings a lot of energy and uncanny details to every page. If you haven’t read this book yet then please, give it a chance.
You’ll be happy you did!
Grade: A-
Hellraiser Annual #1
Writer: Clive Barker, Mark Miller & Brandon Seifert
Art: Jesus Hervas & Michael Montenat
Colors: Space Goat Productions
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Price: $3.99
I remember how eerie my living room felt the first time I watched Hellraiser.
The idea of a labyrinth in Hell filled with tortured souls was intriguing due to the sheer horror of events.
The Cenobite War has taken an evil turn as Pinhead has returned to his human form. He is looking for help in order to fight the new lead Cenobite in a tale that takes many twists and turns.
The writing is good but the art is what truly steals the show as it maintains the dark and grotesque tone of the movies.
If you thought the movies were just ok and are on the fence about this series, why not give this issue a try?
Grade: B-
Batman & Robin #8
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Mick Gray
Art: Patrick Gleason
Colors: John Kalisz & Guy Major
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
This issue shows the depths of one of the most complicated father/son relationships as Damien has murdered Morgan Ducard.
Tomasi put together an entertaining dialog with Bruce telling Damien why killing is wrong.
The book is chock full of emotion because they don’t agree with each other’s views but they are now starting to truly understand where the other one is coming from. Patrick Gleason doesn’t get enough credit in my opinion.
This series has it’s share of intense visuals that depict action as well as it does emotion.
There is a must see depiction of father and son playing catch behind Wayne Manor with Alfred looking on that was shown just right and didn’t feel forced at all. The question now is where do we go from here?
Will Damien kill again and if so, how many times will Bruce let him get away with it before he has to do something radical?
Grade: B
