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!
Winter Soldier #9 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Michael Lark, Brian Thies & Stefano Gaudiano
Color: Bettie Breitweiser
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $2.99
In a world where $3.99 priced books are topping the charts, Ed Brubaker provides what maybe the best value in comics today.
It’s kind of sad since Brubaker announced he is leaving Winter Soldier with issue #15 in February.
Bucky and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Jasper Sitwell, hunt down Leo Novokov who is a former sleeper agent trained by Bucky years ago. Novokov has brainwashed The Black Widow and plans on using her in a plot to assassinate the first lady. The fluidity of the story is awe inspiring from beginning to end as everything is carefully crafted.
Throughout the book, Bucky can’t wait to get his hands on Novokov.
This builds up to the brawl that would make a fight or wrestling promoter proud. Instead of selling tickets, Brubaker sells tension, drama and heartbreak all wrapped up in a nice little bow.
This book also gets artwork of the week in my opinion as the confrontation between the two was excellently depicted.
There is one panel where Bucky elbows Novokov in the jaw with his bionic arms that made me cringe, in a good way, of course. There was one moment with the Black Widow that felt as if it was way too easy for her to overcome, and it turned out I was right.
Twists and turns go hand and hand in this breath of fresh that is the Winter Soldier.
Grade: A
Justice League #12
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Jim Lee, Ivan Reis & Joe Prado
Colors: Alex Sinclair & Tony Avina
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
This is the issue everyone is talking about.
Superman and Wonder Woman make out and become a couple according to Geoff Johns.
The main story in the book serves as the conclusion of the Alan Graves saga. The League is able to battle back the ghosts of their loved ones, but the damage is already done. The world doesn’t trust them and Green Lantern quits, which makes complete sense if you read this month’s Green Lantern Annual. I
found this interesting because the Justice League has been a team where none of the members can check their ego at the door, with GL being the worst offender.
All of sudden he quits for the good of the team?
This is kind of confusing, but it is clear Justice League is not meant to be a complicated story with a lot of heart.
It’s like a Michael Bay movie.
So what about that kiss?
While I’m still not sure they are going to be an actual couple, I like the direction they are going in. It didn’t make sense from a storyline perspective since they have had very little interaction in the new 52. However, the sexual tension between the two has been evident for years. Lots of fans, including myself, have always wanted to see what life would be like with this super couple and now it appears we are getting our wish. I just hope they don’t get one of those stupid names, like “Brangelina”.
Grade: B-
Green Lantern Annual #1
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Ethan Van Sciver, Cam Smith & Pete Woods
Colors: Hi-Fi & Tony Avina
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99
The Guardians’ journey towards the darkside is complete as they use Black Hand and summon the First Lantern to construct The Third Army.
The writing in this book is Geoff Johns’ finest.
The architecture behind this plan contains many facets and is fueled with layers upon layers of hatred, contempt and arrogance. The Guardians want to rewrite the universe in their own image, and they need to wipe out every Lantern Corps in order to do it.
The artwork by Ethan Van Sciver sets a marvelous visual tone that truly conveys the gravity of the situation everyone will face in the months ahead.
Did you notice the cover? Yes, someone dies in the book. While we all know what to expect from comic book deaths, this one makes the story more intriguing on multiple levels.
Grade: A-
The Flash Annual #1
Writer: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Marcus To, Scott Kolins & Diogenes Neves
Colors: Ian Herring Mike Ativeh, Hi-Fi
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99
I usually avoid Annuals like the plague because they tend to be written by different writers and have little to do with the main story arc. However, the string of Annuals released by DC Comics this week is making me change my stance on these oversized books.
Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato take a break from their art duties and focus solely on the writing while a trio of different artists bring their talents to an entertaining comic book.
We are treated to four chapters that further expand on the many subplots going on in the pages of The Flash.
Do you want to know how and why the Rogues got their powers?
If so, you will not be disappointed in the slightest.
The grand finale serves as the ultimate holy shit moment that brings a set of insurmountable odds that the Fastest Man Alive might not be able to out run.
Grade: B+
Skullkickers #17
Writer: Jim Zub
Art: Edwin Huang
Colors: Misty Coats
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.50
This is the most fun I have had reading a comic book all year.
This goes without saying but if you are not reading this series then please start immediately.
Reading the previous issues will help you understand the story better but I believe this could serve as a jumping on point. The artwork makes you feel like you have been transported into a cartoon.
If you’re still not convinced, you will find yourself aboard a pirate ship with a unique crew who is currently under mind control and face-to-face with a giant white Octopus.
There is a fair amount of fighting and violence inside the pages of this book but there is a lot more depth to the story.
Grade: A-
The Sixth Gun #24
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Art: Brian Hurtt
Colors: Bill Crabtree
Publisher: Oni Press
Price: $3.99
Cullen Bunn’s work on The Sixth Gun produces some of the best storytelling going on in comic books today. Brain Hurtt’s pencil work is in a league of its own and brings a sense of adventure unlike any other. Bill Crabtree’s coloring is the cherry on top of the sundae made by Oni Press.
We visit the Sword of Abraham which is a religious group trying to prevent the apocalyptic nightmare “the Six” could bring.
A warning from the grave accelerates their plans while Becky Montcrief and Drake Sinclair travel together seeking shelter and assistance. The book’s cover properly conveys the perilous weather conditions they face along the way.
Weve heard so much about the actual Sixth Gun that we forget about the other five. Drake reminds readers of their existence as he uses them to escape great danger.
If this is a series you haven’t checked out, then please give it a chance. You can download the first issue free on Comixology with your smartphone, desktop and tablet device.
Grade: B+
Green Hornet #27
Writer: Ande Parks
Art: Ronan Cliquet
Cover: Phil Hester & Stephen Sadowski
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Price: $3.99
The conclusion of the Outcast story arc brings about a subtle bang that brings everything together nicely.
You can tell from reading this that Ande Parks firmly knows the direction the story is going in. Hornet battles a doppelganger while Century City hangs in the balance.
The book is simple, fun and worth every penny. The crux of the story is Britt Reid trying to clear his name before it’s too late.
Ronan Cliquet’s art accomplishes what it needed to do while depicting action, action and more action.
Grade: B
Here are some titles that didn’t make the list but may just tickle your fancy.
Bionic Woman #3 (Dynamite Entertainment)
How does one sink a cruise ship filled with bad guys? If you name is Jaime Sommers, you simply kick a hole in the wall that lets the water in.
Aquaman #12 (DC Comics)
This book was razor close to making the list. “The Others” story arc takes a dramatic turn and a pretty neat ending too.
Star Wars: Darth Maul Death Sentence #2 of 4 (Dark Horse Comics)
A decent plate of meat and potatoes served with a tasty side of Carbonite.
***This particular edition of The Pull List marks my one year anniversary with Forces of Geek.com. I have thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the comic books we all love and cherish. None of my friends are comic book fans and while I chat every Wednesday with various people at my local comic book store, this is the outlet I use to express how I feel about comic books. I want to thank Stefan Blitz for giving me the opportunity and the platform to talk, rant, scream and shout about one of my favorite pastimes!
