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!
Star Wars #2 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Carlos D’Anda
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb
Cover: Alex Ross
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $2.99
It is a great time to be a Star Wars fan. J.J. Abrams is directing Episode VII, Han Solo and Boba Fett will reportedly get their own film, and Brian Wood knocked it out of the park with last month’s debut issue that captures the true essence of this franchise and has gone back to press for a 3rd printing.
Deception clouds the Rebel Alliance as a spy is rumored to be lurking about. Princess Leia has been charged to assemble a stealth team in order to flush out the mole so they can find finally find a new hidden base.
The ambitious plot direction, along with the solid art direction, garners your complete attention.
The explosive action of a Rogue Squadron dog fight with the Imperial fleet puts you right in the cockpit courtesy of Carlos D’Anda and the banter between Han and Chewie will make you smile one minute and be concerned the next, as the phrase “Uh-oh” signals that Slave 1 is in their midst.
Wood is all aces when conveying emotion and watching Leia pine over a holonet travel brochure of Alderaan just tugs at your heart strings. Seeing her grieve over the loss of her home world is something we’ve never seen before. Sure, she yelled at Tarkin before he ordered the Death Star to fire, but the mourning period was never shown in the movies. With this story arc taking place two months removed from the battle of Yavin, this may be the first time Leia has had a chance to let it all sink in.
Colonel Bircher, a new character and celebrated pilot, has been given command of Darth Vader’s personal Star Destroyer. Let me repeat that so it will sink in. He has been given command of Darth Vader’s personal Star Destroyer. There can’t be a more un-enviable task in the galaxy, but no one but Bircher actually relishes the opportunity.
This is vital to the development of the plot because Vader is the only main character with nothing to do since he is on the outs with Palpatine and it will makes things all the more intriguing when Bircher screws up and is force choked into oblivion.
The first issue scored a perfect ten and this second offering scored a nine. That is not a knock in the slightest as I had an absolute blast reading this book and in the end, that’s what comic books are supposed to be about. Fun!
Grade: A
Uncanny X-Men #1
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend & Jamie Mendoza
Colors: Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Marvel’s golden boy, Brian Michael Bendis, does it again with the re-launch of the flagship X-title.
Cyclops is on a mission to make sure that the revolution will not only be televised, but prosperous for all mutant kind. Things get off to an auspicious start as an unknown figure confronts S.H.I.E.L.D. with an offer they can’t refuse as it relates to Scott Summers.
Bendis kept an incredible pace as sub-plot after sub-plot kept popping up. Cyclops has been fused with some of Xavier’s and Magneto’s character traits while it is his own radical idealism that drives the boat.
The imagery was some of the best of the week and truly enhanced the excellence that is this issue.
Grade: A
Batman #17
Writer: Scott Snyder
Art: Gregg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion
Colors: FCO Plascencia
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Death in the Family saw the death of Jason Todd so it is natural to assume that “Death of the Family” means something even bigger is going to occur.
Scott Snyder and Gregg Capullo didn’t disappoint as they delivered the vilest inter-operation of the Joker in years. Batman has been shook like never before as a secret, that we weren’t sure he actually kept, has come to life and haunted them all.
As the events unfolded, I assumed Batman would distance himself from his prodigies when all was said and done but it was the Dark Knight who felt the subtle sting of rejection.
The artwork got creepier and creepier as the the Joker’s face showed signs of decay, the table set up in the opening frame looks like something out of a Rob Zombie movie. Synder and company have produced two riveting story arcs with lasting repercussions for all involved with the Bat.
I’m sure I speak for all comic book fans when I say that the sky’s the limit for this creative team. If you do not read this mega event, then you are doing yourself a huge disservice.
Grade: A-
The Walking Dead #107
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Art: Charlie Adlard
Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letters: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $2.99
This issue extremely pissed me off.
I want Negan to get his comeuppance so bad that I can hardly contain myself. There was a glimmer of hope in the opening panel when Rick headbutts Negan in the mouth.
However, it was just a flash of emotion. Kirkman’s interesting character work showed the softer side of Negan which I didn’t think existed on any level. However, his softer side is almost as revolting as his usual self. This sounds confusing, but Kirkman executes this facet of the script with pinpoint accuracy.
Rick’s plan gets closer to fruition, but the surprise ending will either expedite things or place another bump in the road for the Hilltop. This is a slow moving issue, but one that thoroughly entertains.
Grade: B
Mouse Guard: The Black Axe #6 of 6
Writer: David Peterson
Art: David Peterson
Colors: David Peterson
Publisher: Archaia
Price: $3.50
My soul fills with joy when the privilege of reading David Peterson’s Mouse Guard is bestowed upon me.
Celanawe’s quest for the Black Axe brings about an adventurous tale worth of legend. Secrets, emotion, and a difficult decision bring everything to the forefront as David Peterson’s superb writing ties it all together in a nice little bow.
The journey has taken its toll on Celanawe in every conceivable way and Peterson’s artwork displays this in grand detail.
Life outside the mouse kingdom can be dangerous, which amplifies the exploration that has treated readers to a series that is truly one of the best in the game today.
Grade: A-
Fatale #12
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Sean Phillips
Colors: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.50
Ed Brubaker writes another strong stand alone story that takes us to France, 1286. The death and carnage that takes place in the past is linked to that of the present.
We follow Mathilda, who is the Josephine of her time which means whatever Josephine is, she is not the first of her kind to arrive on Earth.
She survives being burned at the stake by a group called “The White Brotherhood.” We learn how powerful Josephine is without her being in a single panel. Brubaker’s writing fuels the imagination of what’s to come because there are potential alliances that could have spanned hundreds of years.
There is nothing that needs to be said about Sean Phillips artwork because it is spot on as usual. Elizabeth Breitweiser takes over the coloring duties for Dave Stewart and fits in quite nicely. This issue serves as a great jumping on point and another jam packed issue for the committed readers of this series.
Grade: B+
Secret Avengers #1
Writer: Nick Spencer
Art: Luke Ross
Colors: Matthew Wilson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
I was reluctant to get on board with a new version of this series because there was nothing wrong with the original.
However, Nick Spencer put the secret in this Secret Avengers re-launch as Hawkeye and Black Widow go on missions that are so highly classified that they have to get their mind wiped on the regular.
This premise is already more intriguing that it‘s predecessor because A LOT of people were in the last group and you had to trust that everyone would be on the honor system and not talk about fight club.
Agent Coulson fans won’t be disappointed and Luke Ross’ art is steals the show, in many ways. The cover is drawn like a manila file folder which gives the book that secretive feel.
Rick Remender’s Uncanny X-Force was the best super team comic book in the Marvel lineup and Nick Spencer has made a solid case for his Secret Avengers to carrying that mantel.
Grade: B+
Here are some titles that didn’t make the list but may just tickle your fancy
Todd, the Ugliest Kid On Earth #2 (Image Comics)
I don’t know if I should laugh or cry when seeing poor little Todd in jail for a crime he didn’t commit.
Shelf Listed (Keep in on the shelf)
Katana #1 (DC Comics)
There is too much going on and it fails on every level to make you care about this character. Nothing to get excited about at all.
