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!
Superman: Earth One Volume 2 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Art: Shane Davis
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $22.99
Superman, the pop culture icon who inspired a generation with truth, justice and the American way, is too boring and unrealistic for people today.
I understand that argument.
He solves the world’s problems with an ease that borders on arrogance. It’s hard to relate to this perfect being that has all the answers.
DC Comics attempted to make him more relatable in the new 52 by creating a slightly less powerful version of the original that comes across as a punk kid instead of Earth’s greatest hero.
Michael Straczynski has brilliantly composed a story about a budding hero who is trying to find his place in the world.
This is a Superman title, but it is Clark Kent who takes center stage in this follow up to part one released two years ago.
Last time, Clark was looking to find his place in the world and felt that a journey with a sense of purpose would be the ticket.
Now, that he has found his path, his struggle for normalcy has become more difficult.
Straczynski’s masterful storytelling goes back and forth between flashbacks and present day events to carefully craft a more emotionally charged Man of Steel. The Superman most of us grew up on was black and white, while this version is filled with shades of grey, and that enables him to be able to make the decisions the original never would.
The more things change, the more they stay the same, and those same things are constructed with more detail than ever before.
Time and time again we’ve seen how government feels about Superman. “We can’t trust an alien” is the usual song and dance, but the script takes the simplicity out of the equation. Military are intimidated over this strange visitor because he is from another world but they feel that someone with so much power can only fight on the side of good for so long until absolute power corrupts, absolutely. The script also shed light on how American’s feel about illegal immigration which justifies the military’s fears because Superman is the ultimate immigrant.
Parasite is the villain this time around and they went with the Raymond Maxwell Jensen version.
Jensen is a thief who craves power. A lab accident turns him into the purple life force stealing monster that goes on a rampage until an encounter with Superman gives him his most satisfying absorption of power. After this, no other source of energy will do; and his insatiable appetite weakens Superman to the point where he could lose his powers permanently.
The execution of this was compelling to a fault because Superman always finds a way to beat Parasite, but this time he is weakened to a point where you wonder how he could ever obtain victory. Clark’s struggle weaves its way into this facet of the story because the possibility of a life without powers may give him the normal life he is looking for.
Metropolis’ most popular residents return while the greatest criminal mind of all time rears his ugly head and a new character named Lisa Lassell shakes up Clark’s love life as his sexy redheaded neighbor.
While the usual suspects have a short but lasting impression on the plot, Lisa’s role is significant and touches upon uncharted Superman territory. You know, sex. It’s is bound to bring up mixed emotions as reading about Superman’s sexual concerns could be revealed to be anything but super. His abilities make it difficult and maybe perhaps impossible to partake in this natural and normal part of life and if he can’t, how can he ever find a sense of normalcy?
So, let’s talk about Shane Davis, shall we?
The best word to describe his art would be “exquisite”. His depictions perfectly convey the emotional tone set by Straczynski on every page. Everything is drawn for a reason and there isn’t a single inch of panel space that is wasted. The action scenes are vibrantly fierce with sharp detail that makes you feel everything is unfolding live and in living color. Davis’s work is not mentioned in the same breath as Jim Lee or Alex Ross, but his work is just as elite and I hope to see him on some monthly titles in the future.
A friend of mine once told me he hated the movie Superman Returns because the title character didn’t throw a single punch in the film. While there are lots of reasons to criticize the film, he brought up a good point.
People want the Superman who can punch Darkseid the length of two continents. While Straczynski’s approach could come across to some as emo, the DC Comics reboot and the reported darker direction of next year’s Man of Steel film heavily suggests the corn-fed Boy Scout is gone. If this version of the last son of Krypton is not the new definitive one fans want, this is certainly the closest to as good as it gets.
No matter which side of the fence you are on, this second installment of Superman: Earth One will receive even more praise and vilification as its predecessor.
Grade: A+
Wolverine & the X-Men #19
Writer: Jason Aaron
Art: Nick Bradshaw
Colors: Laura Martin
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $ 3.99
One of the great things about Jason Aaron’s writing is his ability to insert humor into a serious situation.
With the resurgence of the mutant population, the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning needs a new instructor.
This is a serious problem that met with absolute hilarity as Kitty Pryde interviews various members of the Marvel Universe.
There is a lot going on in this book, but it easy to follow and fun to read. Nick Bradshaw produced some gorgeous artwork that was perfect for the tone of this book.
It’s safe to say Jason Aaron is at the helm of the most entertaining X-Men book going today because he is able to bring something different and exciting to the table each and every month.
Grade: A
Batman: Li’l Gotham #1
Writer: Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs
Art: Dustin Nguyen
Colors: Dustin Nguyen
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $0.99
I’m usually not a fan of seasonal comic books, but this comic is fun, fun, fun.
This digital exclusive is a steal at only one lousy dollar.
It is Halloween night in Gotham City and Damian goes trick or treating for the first time while Batman explains the origin of this candy seeking holiday.
Villains such as Bane and The Riddler are able to enjoy the festivities without drawing attention because everyone is in costume.
One of the many illustrations that will put a smile on your face is Damian holding up a piece of candy in disdain because it was the only piece he was given.
This is the first of a series of digital comics that will be released around the holidays and this Bat-fan will be back on turkey day!
Grade: A-
Fatale #9
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Sean Phillips
Colors: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.50
Just like Mark Waid’s Daredevil, I keep waiting for the day where Fatale will finally fall below expectations.
Ed Brubaker’s luck has to run out sometime, right?
Not this time.
The Method Church has murdered poor Suzy, but Miles and Josephine don’t know that. This makes their search for her interesting to watch unfold because the reader knows something they don’t.
Each issue moves one step closer towards the discovery of Josephine’s secret while throwing out more questions at the same time.
No one depicts dark and creepy better than Sean Phillips and his work in this issue is just another example of why he perfectly complements Brubaker’s script.
If you haven’t read Fatale yet, then please do so, like yesterday. All you will get is quality storytelling and quality art in spades.
Grade: B
Star Wars – Darth Maul: Death Sentence #4
Writer: Tom Taylor
Art: Bruno Redondo
Colors: Michael Atiyeh
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $2.99
If you need to be reminded how evil Darth Maul is, look no further because you found it right here.
While this miniseries provided no monumental shift in the Star Wars universe, it did the job it set out to do.
Darth Maul duels with Jedi master Judd, who looks like a mix, between a blue dinosaur and a young Jedi whose hands he chopped off in the first issue.
Seeing this injured peace keeper make fun of Maul’s robotic legs, as the Sith lord gets madder and madder, was a sight to see.
This is Darth Maul you are making fun of. Do you remember that he lopped off his hands with a single swipe of his light saber?
Grade: B
Happy! #2
Writer: Grant Morrison
Art: Darick Robertson
Colors: Richard P. Clark
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $2.99
We pick up right where we left off in the first issue.
Nick is trying to escape a mob hospital while coming to terms with the fact that a blue, buck tooth unicorn named Happy is real.
This was a good head scratcher because it makes the reader question if Happy’s existence is fact or fiction.
If it wasn’t for Happy, the story would be bland at best. Darick Robertson’s art is the best of the week and depicts an ugly world with no redeeming qualities.
It’s odd that Happy, who looks like a children’s cartoon character looks surprisingly normal among all of the grit, swearing and blood splatter.
Mr. Grant Morrison is two for two with this new creator-owned series.
Grade: A-
Winter Soldier #12
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Butch Guice & Brian Thies
Colors: Bettie Bretweiser
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $2.99
This is a tension filled issue that has everyone in panic mode.
Bucky’s dilemma has caused him to revert to his old Winter Soldier programming in exchange for Black Widow’s life.
Captain America called Wolverine in to assist with slowing down Bucky while S.H.I.E.L.D. can determine what the programming wants Bucky to do.
Wolverine is the narrator and it was refreshing to hear an outsider’s prospective of things.
Butch Guice’s noir style images are solid as always.
Overall, I’m really going to miss Ed Brubaker when he leaves this series as I can’t picture anyone else doing this series justice.
Grade: B+
Here are some titles that didn’t make the list but may just tickle your fancy.
Masters of the Universe: The Origin of Skeletor #1 (DC Comics)
This book dives into Skeletor’s life before he ruled Snake Mountain and the tragedy behind his skull face.
Bedlam #1 (Image Comics)
A serial killer story about crazy guy named Madder Red who slaughters people simply because he can. Solid first issue but I’m wary of the books staying power.
The Rocketeer Cargo Of Doom #3 (IDW Publishing)
The Rocketeer soars into action to subdue Dinosaurs trampling all over 1930’s Los Angeles.
