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!
Indestructible Hulk #9 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Matteo Scalera
Colors: Val Staples
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
How does Mark Waid make the critically acclaimed Indestructible Hulk even better?
Add the character he won an Eisner Award for writing, Daredevil.
Bruce Banner wants to do some real good in the world and he needs S.H.I.E.L.D. in order to accomplish that goal. Daredevil is his insurance policy in the event that he gets stabbed in the back. This part works beautifully because Matt Murdock is a lawyer, and a darn good one at that, which could cause problems if the green giant went missing.
Matteo Scalera churns out the best artwork of the week with great moments such as a scene in a bar where Daredevil walks in and every gun in the joint is pointed at him. Hulk walks in a few seconds later and they all drop their guns.
Where Mark Waid’s writing shines in this book is the interaction between all of the characters involved. Maria Hill works with Banner out of despising necessity but that doesn’t stop her from having a little fun at Banner’s expense when she pushes him out of a helicopter without a parachute after telling him he doesn’t have to jump.
I have never been the biggest Hulk fan when it comes to his comics, but Mark Waid is making me change my perception of things on this matter.
Grade: A
Star Wars: Darth Vader and The Ninth Assassin #3
Writer: Tim Siedell
Art: Ivan Fernandez & Denis Frietas
Colors: Michael Atiyeh
Cover: Ariel Olivetti
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $3.50
Dark Horse loves putting Darth Vader through the ringer.
Each time out, they push the Dark Lord to his breaking point in some way, shape, or form. This is new ground in some respects because the movies never show the full extent of his abilities.
It’s much easier to accomplish this in the comic book medium because the creators are only limited by their imagination. The gauntlet has been thrown down as a failed assignation attempt on the Emperor puts Vader in seek and destroy mode.
There is ancient dark magic at work, which adds a level of mystery to the story because it unknowing throws Vader off the beaten path when searching for the assassin.
The artwork is filled with bold coloring that makes the imagery pop to a degree that the action feels lively. There is one page where Vader leaps out of his shuttle, into space, and floats towards a completely wrecked Star Destroyer.
The image would make a cool poster, and it was a cool moment to witness because we never knew Vader could do that. The Ninth Assassin looks like something out of the “Knights of The Old Republic” era which gives the character a primordial essence and also tells us that this element has been in play for many years.
Expanded universe tales are open to a lot of scrutiny because of their lack of “Star Wars feel” but if you look at this as a Darth Vader story, you should have no problem enjoying your trip to the Dark Side.
Grade: B
Age of Ultron #10
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Bryan Hitch, Alex Maleev, & Joe Quesada
Colors: Paul Mounts & Richard Isanoye
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
For the most part, the conclusion of AU was disappointing and failed to provide that emotional punch in the gut that makes you feel your time and money was worth the investment.
That’s not to say that this book doesn’t have its bright spots depending on your level of comic book fandom. Comics always build off one another as a way to keep you coming back for more. It was too blatant this time around as each universal seismic shift was followed by an ad for the future release of an ongoing series.
Let’s talk about the ending that was spoiled months ago, for instance.
The heavenly bounty hunter, Angela, has found her way to the Marvel Universe. I had no idea who she was, which made the ending fall flat.
At the same time, this is where the book shines. If you knew who Angela was, then the idea that this massive disruption of space and time could have drawn a character out of any comic book universe makes your imagination run wild with possibilities.
Angela was pulled from the Image Comics’ Spawn realm thanks to Neil Gaiman who owns the character and now works for Marvel.
The artistic talents of Bryan Hitch, Alex Maleey and many more, did a good job of making the book look different as the story went on. I’m normally not a fan of multiple artists working on a single book, but it was appropriate this time around because it helped convey what seriousness the rip in time was since all spectrums were infected, including some in particular from the year 2099.
All in all, Age of Ultron came out swinging and ended on a less than stellar note due to putting the titular character in a supporting role and mainly getting us excited for something that ultimately has more sizzle than steak.
Grade: C
Supergirl #21
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson
Art: Diogenes Neves & Richard Bonk
Colors: Dave McCraig
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
Supergirl is one of those characters that will always have a definite level of popularity that is slightly above average due a certain family crest she wears.
Her comics have always been hit or miss, but the voice she has been given as a result of the New 52 has been one of confusion and loneliness. Kara is having a difficult time getting close to anyone. This is not hard to understand considering she longs for something that is no longer there, but an alien civilization has the means to give it all back to her.
Of course, it’s all a trap which serves as the ultimate betrayal.
Michael Alan Nelson puts together a story that really makes you feel for Supergirl because of the mind games being played on her are simply foul.
Grade: B
TMNT Micro-Series #3 Old Hob
Writer: Jason Ciaramella
Artist: Dave Wachter
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $3.99
Old Hob has been kind of a lackey in the ongoing TMNT series.
While he has been a dangerous foe, his motive has never been divulged until now.
We start at Hob’s humble beginnings as a house cat who loses everything in the blink of an eye and he is subjected to the cold reality of life on the streets.
Dave Wacher’s character work seamlessly pulls the reader into the emotion of these moments as your heart goes out to the innocent kitten thrown out of his home.
Jason Ciaramella makes Hob’s mission in life a painful one as tragedy turns to triumph in matters relating to one Baxter Stockman.
This micro series has done a great job of highlighting what each villain of the TMNT brings to the table. In my opinion, Old Hob’s tale of woe may take the cake.
Grade: A-
Captain Midnight #0
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Art: Victor Ibanez & Pere Perez
Colors: Ego
Cover: Raymond Swanland
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $2.99
Captain Midnight is a World War II bomber pilot and super genius who gets hurled out of a storm in the Bermuda Triangle and finds himself in 2013.
The whole hero out of time thing makes you think of Captain America but there is nothing star spangled about this Captain. Steve Rogers would follow orders in any time period.
Jim Albright, who is the masked man of this story, doesn’t trust contemporary government agents and decides to fight the good fight without their blessing.
Old partners and family come into play which points out the generational gap between his past and present.
The artwork does a serviceable job of making the book feel like you’re reading a comic from yesteryear while the writing of Joshua Williamson makes everything click with characters that feel real with a story that will be a refreshing delight for anyone who chooses to ride with the Captain.
Grade: B+
Here are some titles that didn’t make the list but may tickle your fancy
Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris #26 (Dynamite Entertainment)
This series has had it’s ups and downs but this issue may help them turn the corner for good.
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #24 (Marvel Comics)
Cloak and Dagger tear apart the city while hunting a fugitive but Miles just won’t put the tights back on.
