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Giant Size Graphic Breakdown: Vertigo Resurrects Itself with ‘Frostbite’, ‘Batman Beyond’ is Rebirthed & More!

Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown! It’s Wednesday so lets celebrate and talk about comic books.

bg_cv3_dsBatgirl #3 

Written by Hope Larson
Illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque
Published by DC Comics

The Beyond Burnside storyline continues in this issue. Batgirl sets off to Korea for some hijinks. There is a second villain with the mark of “The Student.”

But what does it all mean?

It means this issue and the previous two issue were quite enjoyable if somewhat slight. Larson is a fine writer. She has a good handle on the Batgirl character and surrounding characters.

The art by Albuquerque is the real draw here. He almost seems too good for this book. The storytelling is wonderful don’t get me wrong. But maybe he should be on a more high profile title?

This is a solid book. It doesn’t do anything new, but sometimes that’s okay. I enjoyed it and it is worth the cover price.

RATING: B

bmbreb_cv1_dsBatman Beyond: Rebirth #1 

Written by Dan Jurgens
Illustrated by Ryan Sook
Published by DC Comics

This book was one I was looking forward to. I am glad they are keeping the adventures of Terry McGuinness going as I loved the animated series. This is a great jumping on point, too.

Jurgens actually impressed me as a writer on this title.

It is appropriately nuts and has a bunch of imagination. The ending may have pushed it a bit far (I won’t spoil it) but sure, why not? I appreciate this issue.

The art by Sook is great, and he’s got this world down perfectly. Sook is one of those creators who you wish would have a solid run on something. I hope he comes back often to drawn on this title(I think Bernard Chang takes over next issue)

So a good start. Let’s keep it up. I’ll be cheering this title on.

RATING: B+

ds_cv3_dsDeathstroke # 3 

Written by Christopher Priest
Illustrated by Joe Bennett
Published by DC Comics    

I just love this title. Priest makes the further adventures of Slade Wilson something I haven’t seen before. He makes him relatable. Yet, he is still a fierce killer, not to be messed with.
This is Priest’s fourth issue and I can honestly say this is the best run on Deathstroke ever. The writing is crisp, sharp, and just feels NEW. This issue is a story with Deathstroke and the Ravager. It’s super.

The art by Bennett is capable but nowhere as well done as previous issues. Still, these issues are coming out so fast it would be hard to draw every issue.

This is one of the top titles in DC Rebirth. Check it out now.

RATING: A-

dtc_cv941_dsDetective Comics #941

Story by James Tynion IV and Steve Orlando
Written by Steve Orlando
Illustrated by Andy Macdonald
Published By DC Comics

Steve Orlando. Where did this guy come from? Well, wherever it is, he’s taking DC by storm. His latest is a crossover with all the Bat titles. How is it?

Well, it’s crazy. And I love it. Night of the Monster Men is a nice crossover that’s is full of energy and spark. Orlando really understands these characters and seems to be having a ball putting them through their paces.

The art is pretty bold and fit’s the story like a glove. This is a nice slight Batman tale that, while it won’t be classic, still is a joy and that’s what comics so desperately needs these days.

Good stuff.

RATING: B+

frost_cv1Frostbite #1  

Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Jason Shawn Alexander
Published by DC Comics

Being a Vertigo title used to mean something. Nowadays, not so much. Vertigo used to be a house of amazing writers and artists that created cutting edge comic books. It’s been years since we’ve had that.

Now, it may be a Rebirth of that with this title.

With Frostbite, the Earth has entered into it’s second Ice Age.

Humanity has learned to cope with the frozen landscape. Heat is power, and gangs are looking for it. On top of that, a terrible disease called Frostbite that freezes people instantly.

Once you catch it, there is no immunity, no cure.

Dr. Henry Bonham has found a cure with his daughter.

And they have to travel the landscape to Mexico City to save humanity.

The writing is awesome. It’s intense. And the art is fantastic. This is the Vertigo of old. Full of ideas and passion. This could be be a great start. It’s have more like this.

RATING: A

fls_cv7_dsThe Flash #7  

Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Published by DC Comics

So let me start by saying the cover to this issue is one of the best I have seen in years. I want a poster of it. It’s friggen awesome.

So I started off on a high note. I felt like a kid again. And then I read it. And once again, Williamson did it. This book is great. Well crafted and written. He’s shaping one hell of a Flash run…and on Barry Allen no less!

The Flash fights Godspeed and it’s exciting! This is how the Flash should be! Fast, crazy. That last page though? That’s a stunner.

If you read this Flash run you’re missing out. Come see what I’m fussing about.

RATING: A-

 

ssquad_cv3_dsSuicide Squad #3 

Written by Rob Williams
Illustrated by Jim Lee and Phillip Tan
Published by DC Comics

The biggest waste of comic book space is Suicide Squad presently. Let’s just reboot the whole thing. This is the third issue and I’m so bored with the main story (The Jim Lee one) that I can’t even focus on it. It’s dreadfully dull and the 12 pages in this issue he gives us are a snooze.

The Suicide Squad fight Vandal Savage. Yay. It’s boring. The end of the segment evens ends EXACTLY like the previous issue but with a new villain. Zzzz.

The Phillip Tan portion fares much better. It’s a story of Katana. The story is okay but the art is really good.

Still the Jim Lee portion is so poor I have no choice but to give it this rating:



RATING: D+

 

AND THE REST:

tns_cv3

Titans # 3  
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Brett Booth
This was actually great. Booth keeps the energy up on this issue and it’s a good story. The Titans run is enjoyable as hell and this one ups the ante. Recommended.
RATING: B+

Hal Jordan and The Green Lantern Corps #5   
Written by Robert Venditti
Illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver
Let’s hope they wrap this up soon. Or that Venditti and Van Sciver move on soon to other things. They are both past their expiration date on Green Lantern and it shows. Two talents, both just going through the paces.
RATING: C-

Six Pack and Dog Welder #2 
Written by Garth Ennis
Illustrated by Russ Braun
Garth Ennis continues to tell a wacky tale. I like the title of this book is called “Heckblazer.” I laughed out loud for this. And this was fun. Pick it up.
RATING: B

Wacky Races #4 
Written by Max Pontac
Illustrated by Leonardo Manco
This is like Mad Max Fury Road…you know without any invention, charm or wit. Pity poor Manco, a talented artist who does good work here…with nothing else to inspire it.
RATING: D

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