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!
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #14 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: David Marquez
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
The second installment of the “Divided We Fall” story arc finds Miles Morales at a crossroads.
He is an easily likeable kid who wants to do some good in the world. Captain America thinks he is too young to be a superhero, while the family of Peter Parker wants him to choose a different path; not simply to do the opposite of what Cap says, but to do something that is self-defining.
Miles also gets a pretty cool gift from Aunt May that will make every fanboy giddy with joy.
While Sara Pichelli is the authority on all art related to Miles Morales, David Marquez delivered some serious competition to her throne.
His depictions pulled every emotion out of the reader from joy to anger to full out excitement. For example, the panels with Miles playing with his new gift are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
With rumors of various writers leaving the comics that they made famous or brought new life to, it’s hard to imagine a world where Brian Michael Bendis is not writing Ultimate Spider-Man. Month after month, he creates something special that is nothing but a pleasure to read.
Grade: A
Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm #1
Writer: Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman
Art: Damian Couceiro
Colors: Darrin Moore
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Price: $4.99
$4.99 for a Planet of the Apes comic book seems a little high considering all of the other Apes books are $3.99.
Well, if you read the carefully crafted 32 pages written by Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman, you will not mind putting down the extra dollar.
The story takes place eight years before Colonel Taylor fell from the stars. A long lost nuclear war head has been fired at the moon and the pieces of Neil Armstrong’s conquest come crashing down on Ape City killing thousands.
The ingenuity of the script reverberates through the entire franchise.
Doctor Zaius hates humans because of the destruction and the fact that the bomb was man made. He is bound to find this out, if he doesn’t already know. Knowledge is power and this will strengthen his resolve to no end.
Grade: A-
Detective Comics #0
Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Art: Tony S. Daniel
Colors: Tomeu Morey
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Gregg Hurwitz takes the reader on a journey that examines the life of Bruce Wayne before the cape and cowl.
Inspiration is key for the legacy Batman has left in the world and training is equally as important. The life lessons he learns shape and mold him into the man he eventually becomes.
Love, happiness, all emotion are up for debate as to whether or not they are needed.
Tony S. Daniel’s writing run on this series has ended and he only did the artwork for this issue. The action scenes were fun to look at and the scene where Bruce and his love interest are looking at the clouds in the sky. They both see different things until Bruce see a string of pearls that reminds him of that horrific night in crime alley.
While there was no Earth-shattering reveal in this issue, it is still a fine read with lots of entertaining content.
Grade: B
Think Tank #2
Writer: Matt Hawskins
Art: Rahsan Ekedal
Letters: Troy Peteri
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $2.99
This could be Image Comics’ best new series of the year.
The first issue hooked me like no other and could be an early front runner for best single issue of the year.
Dr. David Loren is being held against his will by the very military he works for.
Loren no longer makes weapons, but they can’t just let him go. He knows more than most and they can’t afford to let him lead a normal life. His prize invention has been confiscated and with no escape in sight, his most brilliant plan has emerged.
The detail in Rahsan Ekedal’s art is something any artist would envy. The pacing of the story makes you not want to put the book down and will leave you wanting more.
Grade: B+
Hawkeye #2
Writer: Matt Fraction
Art: David Aja
Colors: David Aja
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $2.99
Act two of the Arrowed Avenger proves the outstanding story in the first issue was no fluke.
Matt Fraction delivers a thrilling comic book that shows Clint Barton’s time away from his famous super team.
Real world problems can be boring to read about in a comic book, but this book is anything but boring. Kate Bishop was a splendid addition to the mix. She helps keeps Clint grounded and she is arguably his equal in skill with a bow and arrow.
I can’t think of a single positive word to describe the art of David Aja, because all of the good ones apply.
The pencil work and coloring are unlike anything being produced in comics right now.
The page where the creator credits are normally listed is creative because it is hidden in a newspaper that Barton is reading. Still not convinced this is a book you should buy immediately? Ok, let me tell you what this issue is about. Clint and Kate attempt to steal from thieves who are stealing from New York’s criminal underworld.
Now I know your convinced. Buy it right now!!
Grade: A-
Green Lantern #0
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy & Keith Champagne
Colors: Tony Avina & Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
Simon Baz is the new Green Lantern on the block and Geoff Johns makes him a character you can get behind.
Baz has fallen on hard times and is doing some illegal things in order to make ends meet. He hates the fact that he has to commit any crime but he sees no end in sight. He steals a car and it turns into more than he ever imagined.
Muslim stereotypes play a major role in the interrogation of Baz.
He is able to overcome great fear by not confessing to the terrorist crimes he is accused of and a Green Lantern ring enters his life.
The artwork is solid as always and the storytelling kept you interested from beginning to end.
It will be intriguing to see how much of a role Simon Baz will play in the ‘Rise of the Third Army’ story arc.
Grade: B
Jennifer Blood #16
Writer: Al Ewing
Art: Eman Cassalos
Cover: Tim Bradstreet
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Price: $3.99
Andrew Fellows is having the absolute worst week ever.
He just found out that his wife is the murderous Jennifer Blood.
He knows how little she really thinks of him and all hell is about to break lose.
As a married man, I couldn’t help but wonder how I would deal with the knowledge that my wife is a serial killer who can justify any murder. It is kind of scary to think about but imagine how Andrew feels because this is a reality for him.
Al Ewing gives new meaning to the term domestic abuse as Jennifer will let nothing stand in her way and the art of Eman Cassalos follows the usual Dynamite Entertainment style of action, drama and more action.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Grade: B+
Here are some comics that didn’t make the cut but may just tickle your fancy…
Action Comics #0 (DC Comics)
Superman’s very first adventure in Metropolis is not a necessary read but a fun one
Harvest #2 (Image Comics)
Dr. Benjamin Dane has gained a conscious about illegally harvesting organs as the worst possible time.
Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist #6 (Dynamite Entertainment)
Do you want to see Adolf Hitler put in his place? You might want to check out the second to last issue of this great mini series.
The Punisher #15 (Marvel Comics)
Greg Rucka’s run on the Punisher is coming to an end and this issue is a loud calm before a big storm.
Thief of Thieves #8 (Image Comics)
Conrad’s heist did not do completely as planned as his son, who is newly released from prison, has some serious problems that may make him wish he was still locked up.
