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!
Batman #13 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Scott Snyder
Art: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion
Colors: FCC Placentia
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Knock, Knock.
Who’s there?
Fear!
Fear who?
Fear for your life as the Joker returns to Gotham.
I can’t even begin to tell you how well this book was put together by Snyder and company. We knew for months the Clown Prince of Crime would reemerge in October which is fitting on many levels.
Most times, the reintroduction of a villain comes with some terrible act to let everyone know that “I’m baaaack.”
A different approach was taken this time. The horror and magnitude of what The Joker brings to the table was deliciously emphasized. There was one moment where Commissioner Gordon is beyond horrified the second he realizes who turned the lights off inside of the police station. You will feel a little guilty when you see this unfold in the panels because Greg Capullo captures this moment in breathtaking fashion.
The entire Bat-Family, and even Harley Quinn, are intimidated and on high alert as things are about to get very interesting.
Voltron: Year One #5
Writer: Brandon Thomas
Art: Craig Cermak
Colors: Adriano Lucas
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Price: $3.99
This is a must read for any Voltron fan who wants to know about life before what occurred in the cartoon.
Throughout the last four issues, Team #686 has been sabotaged from within and the question is: who’s to blame?
We finally get our answer this issue.
Commander Sven confronts this individual, and this is where Brandon Thomas treats us to the most tension filled game of “can you top this”.
One minute you think there is no way the traitor can top the edict laid down by Sven and next, the traitor indeed tops it and you feel there is no way Sven can’t do any better until he does.
They hate each other and it makes things even more challenging when they are forced to work together.
The art is what you would expect from a Voltron book and it does the job quite nicely. If you haven’t read the previous issue, please do so.
You will appreciate everything a lot more when you do.
Grade: A-
AvX: Consequences #1
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Art: Tom Raney
Colors: Jim Charalampidis
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Consequences is a very appropriate name for this book because it deals with exactly that. Humans, Mutants, Avengers and X-Men have suffered different sets of consequences in the wake of the Avengers vs. X-Men event.
Cyclops has the biggest cross to bear.
While imprisoned, he realizes he has become the very thing Charles Xavier fought against. This is interesting on many levels because Cyclops was the most powerful being on the planet a week ago and now he is locked up like a common criminal while being beat up by correction officers and his mutant powers have been rendered dormant.
Kieron Gillen doesn’t stop there; Wakanda is in shambles and humans are terrified at the resurgence of the mutant population.
I wonder if this series has the juice to remain important during its limited run but it is off to an amazing start.
Grade: A-
Stumptown #2
Writer: Greg Rucka
Art: Matthew Southworth
Colors: Rico Renzi
Publisher: Oni Press
Price: $3.99
Detective stories are nothing new in comic books, but Stumptown does it with a style and energy that just draws you right in.
The fact that Greg Rucka can write a drama filled story about a missing guitar speaks to his talents as a writer.
Dex Parious, the protagonist, continues her investigation until she comes across a D.E.A. sized road block and discovers her client has not been entirely truthful.
Southworth’s depictions are very appropriate for this type of story and the coloring of Rico Renzi gives the book a funky cool, rock and roll vibe that brings it all together.
This comic may sound like something you would normally not read but this is my pick of the week if you want a break from the capes and cowls.
Grade: A-
Uncanny Avengers #1
Writer: Rick Remender
Art: John Cassaday
Colors: Laura Martin
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
It’s a new world in the wake of the Phoenix Five’s devastation.
Captain America takes a good look at things from a different point of view and realizes he hasn’t done enough to help mutants.
He forges a new Avengers team comprised of humans and mutants working side by side. It’s no secret who’s in the group considering they are all on the cover.
However, Cap’s choice to be the mutant face of the group is an interesting one for a variety of reasons.
All of them play an important part in this issue as they all grieve over the passing of Charles Xavier.
Rick Remender’s run on Secret Avengers hasn’t been as good as Warren Ellis’ run so I was worried about this series.
I’m happy to report Remender does a fantastic job from beginning to end. John Cassaday’s art does an equally fantastic job in telling the story.
The final page provides the ultimate holy shit moment that will intensify your anticipation for the second act.
Grade: A
The Creep #2
Writer: John Arcudi
Art: Jonathan Case
Cover: Ryan Sook
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $3.50
Oxel’s investigation uncovers a connection between Curtis’ suicide and that of his friend, Mike’s earlier suicide.
When Oxel interviews Mike’s mother, Laura, it comes across like an awkward conversation that is uncomfortable to listen in on but at the same time, you can’t pull yourself away.
Arcudi’s script is like a fine piece of BBQ that is slowly cooked. Its tastes good even though you know you shouldn’t eat it. Jonathan Case is great at depicting character emotion which only magnifies the story being told.
It’s a little bit of depressing story because nothing good is going on in the lives of the characters.
This is a great read with intricate details that leave a lot of clues.
Grade: B
Think Tank #3
Writer: Matt Hawkins
Art: Rahsan Ekedal
Letters: Troy Peteri
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.99
David Loren doesn’t want to make things that kill people anymore but he doesn’t have much of a choice.
The military has him in a corner considering they have his “friend with benefits” help captive.
The refreshing thing about Matt Hawkins plot is how David finds an ingenious way out of no win situations.
The military knows he is a super smart guy so they have to up the ante when dealing with him and it looks like they have cover every angle until David finds the angle that is hiding in plain sight.
Rahsan Ekedal’s artwork delivers the goods as always and we are treated to another comic book cliffhanger that will ensure Image gets another $3.99 from fans next month.
Grade: B+
Here are some titles that didn’t make the list but may tickle your fancy.
Executive Assistant Assassins #4 (Aspen Comics)
The main character, Sophora is as violent as she is sexy. Good jumping on point if you are new to the series.
Green Lantern Corps. #13 (DC Comics)
Guy Gardner has been promoted by the Guardians but it’s all part of their vile plan. Also, a deceased Green Lantern may return.
Evil Ernie #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
If you are looking for a book to help usher in your Halloween spirit, you’ve found it. Jason Craig’s artwork steals the show.
Batman & Robin #13 (DC Comics)
Some quality father /son time that only Bruce Wayne could afford to pull off leads to some zombie filled action.
