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!
Revival #2 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Tim Seeley
Art: Mike Norton
Colors: Mark Englert
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $2.99
I walked into the comic store last month and every employee asked me if I read Revival.
Fast forward to last Wednesday and the same thing occurred as stock boys, cashiers and the manager inquired, with excitement in their eyes, if I read Revival.
Hardcore comic book fans are a hard bunch to please, and those who work in the industry are more difficult to impress.
So when my comic peers show genuine excitement for something, you bet your sweet bippy I had to grab this book from the rack ASAP.
Revival shows readers, through the lens of a small Wisconsin town, what happens when the dead comes back to life.
Some attempt to resume their old life, while others have no memory of their passing. None of them can be killed. These resurrected are called “Revivers” and everyone from government officials to religious parishioners have mixed views on the subject which you would expect in a situation like this.
The heart of the story lies with police officer Dana Cypress, who was removed from the “Revitalized Citizen Arbitration Team” by her father, the chief of police. She is also looking after her little sister who is revealed to be a Reviver in the last issue and trying to keep is a secret. A solid comic book in every way and it makes me want to find out more.
Grade: A
Daredevil #17
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Michael Allred
Colors: Laura Allred
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $2.99
Mark Waid treated us to a splendid flashback issue that chronicled an important event in the life of Matt Murdock that we never knew about until now.
I don’t want to spoil it here, but it has to do with his sight. The other cool thing that happened is that Daredevil fought Stilt-Man. Yes, Stilt-Man. During their brutal battle, the Man Without Fear loses pieces of his costume while trying to subdue his long legged menace.
It’s a very small sub-plot that has no bearing on the overall story but I thought it was a nice touch as it showed how close Daredevil was to losing.
So, let’s talk about Mike Allred.
He does a fantastic job with the art and there is nothing else to say about it. I hope he sticks around. Another great issue that everyone should go out and buy right now.
Grade A-
Fatale #7
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Sean Phillips & Dave Stewart
Colors: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.50
Part two of Fatale’s second story arc reveals some interesting developments regarding Josephine.
Brubaker has written a lot of side plots to this creepy noir. All of them captivate you, but the meat and potatoes is all about the mysterious femme-fatale. The intricacy in storytelling oozes greatness with every turn of the page.
Each issue brings us one step closer to uncovering the mystery surrounding Josephine while providing more questions at the same time.
Sean Phillips & Dave Stewart share the art duties this month and I couldn’t tell the difference one bit.
I believe that shows how in sync the entire creative team is. While Fatale’s run ends with issue 15, comic books fans still have many more months of comic goodness ahead of them.
Grade: B+
Green Lantern #12
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Renato Guedes & Jim Calafiore
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
If you are a fan of both Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps, read GLC #12, which also came out this week, first.
Otherwise, there is no point in reading what is going on with the Corps this month.
Black Hand finds a startling message written in the book of the black that he can’t even begin to fathom.
Geoff Johns carefully crafts a good book that leaves more bread crumbs as we head to the “Rise of the Third Army” story arc in October. This has been one of the consistently great books DC Comics has produced since the universe reboot.
When you can maintain a high level of entertainment in Hal Jordan and Sinestro butting heads – buddy cop style – for one year, you can consider that a mission accomplished!
Grade: B+
Jennifer Blood #15
Writer: Al Ewing
Art: Kewber Baal
Cover: Tim Bradstreet
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Price: $3.99
This is one of those times where I want to talk about this book all day but I want you to read it even more.
What I will tell you is that Jen Fellows is the absolute last person on the planet that you want to piss off.
If you cross her family in the slightest, well, let’s just say revenge is her specialty.
If I were married to her, I wouldn’t dare be late for dinner.
Speaking of her husband, Andrew, he trapped in a next to loveless marriage with Jennifer and unaware of her exploits.
What he found out about her extracurricular activities?
Make no mistake about it, this issue is a game changer for this happy home.
There is a lot going on in Al Ewing’s script but he makes it work beautifully as the tension builds to the books suspenseful conclusion.
Grade: A-
Before Watchmen: Rorschach #1
Writers: Brian Azzrello & Len Wein
Art: Lee Bermejo & John Higgins
Colors: Barbara Ciardo & John Higgins
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Rorschach is one messed up individual.
But you didn’t need me to tell you that. He is anti-hero or anti-heroes and can justify anything while trying to do what he believes is right. This is hard to do in a world where very little right takes place.
This was the Before Watchmen title I was looking forward to the most and I was right to be so excited.
Rorschach’s narration drives the story at its core because it is different than most comic narratives. It is written in the form of a journal entry and he is careful with his thoughts when putting pen to paper.
Often, you will find certain words in a sentence crossed out and replaced with a most poignant verbiage.
The other books featuring Watchmen characters have a unique mix of good a bad things going on in their life. There is nothing good at all about Rorschach’s life.
Lee Bermejo has an eerie ability to make darkness and despair look beautiful and is the icing on the cake of this gritty title.
Grade: B+
Saga #6
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Art: Fiona Staples
Colors: Fiona Staples
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $2.99
I’m sick and tired of reviewing Saga.
Why, you ask? Because each issue just keeps getting better and better and I’m almost out of good things so write about this intergalactic love story.
Marko and Alana get some assistance in the Rocketship Forrest and…… I’m going to stop right here.
Rocketship Forrest?
Come one now. If this was written by any other writer or drawn by any other artist, no one would take this story seriously.
The talents of Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples make the ridiculous completely believable and look normal.
The main characters have still not met each other which make current events even more interesting. Problems began for Prince Robot IV in the previous issue and escalate to immense proportions in this issue. I refuse to talk about Fiona Staples depictions.
I know it’s amazing, you know it’s amazing and everyone knows it’s amazing.
Nothing else to say except throw down your hard earned $2.99, like, yesterday.
Grade: A-
Here are some comic books that didn’t make the list but may just tickle your fancy.
Wonder Woman #12 (DC Comics)
This was razor close to making the list. Slow at times but a good read. Never read a Wonder Woman book? You might want to give this one a chance.
The Walking Dead #101 (Image Comics)
SPOILER ALERT……This issue deals with the emotional aftermath of Glenn’s death. Nothing seems like it will ever be the same until the reveal on the very last page.
Avengers vs. X–Men #10 (Marvel Comics)
Hope finally throws down with Cyclops. Besides that, nothing else newsworthy occurs. This is a decent filler issue but still worth getting for a collector.
Pathfinder #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
If you like role playing games then this is right up your alley. Pathfinder is a potluck of fantasy, action, and adventure that would make any card player proud. This is coming from a guy who hates RPG’s but don’t let that sway your opinion. A lot of hard work went into this new title.
