Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!
It’s a very good week to be reading comics! Here are a few titles from DC hitting stores today!
Batman #39
Written by Tom King
Illustrated by Joelle Jones
Tom King has done a nice job examining the Dark Knight’s relationships to other heroes in the DC universe.
By doing so, he has shown us new aspects of Batman that we have not seen before.
This is the latest chapter of the “Superfriends” storyline!
This issue focuses on Batman and Wonder Woman’s relationship. King shows us a new slant on it that I wasn’t expecting. He handles Wonder Woman quite well. It’s a a refreshing storyline overall.
The art is very good as well. Jones can draw Batman anytime as far I am concerned.
This was quite an excellent issue that I can recommend to readers.
RATING: A
Aquaman #32
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Riccardo Federici
This is part two of the storyline “The Crown Comes Down!”
Writer Dan Abnett has stepped up his game these last ten issues or so. There’s been some new artistic talents on the book, and Abnett has really been delivering some incredible stories for them to draw.
Aquaman has gotten his resistance against King Rath really going!
But then, there’s a wild card! There’s a new Kingpin of Crime! And his name is King Shark! Who’s side is he on? Find out here!
The art is very exciting to look at. They have really done a nice job over at DC giving this title a distinct visual look. I’ve been enjoying this very much.
Give it a read. You’ll enjoy it.
RATING: A-
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #3
Written by James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Freddie Williams III
This book is nothing but fun. You have to go into it and shut your brain off.
No, I mean REALLY shut your brain off.
Are you there yet?
Okay, let’s go!
Batman and the Turtles launch an attack against the dastardly Bane! Bane is weakened from not having any venom in the world of the Turtles!
But Baxter Stockman may have the solution for Bane’s woes. Can they defeat Bane before he gets his Venom?
The story by Tynion is a tad silly. But I just sat back and enjoyed myself. The art, as usual, is the real treat here. It’s wonderful and Williams should be a bigger star.
It’s a good time for sure with nothing much deeper.
RATING: B
Bombshells United #11
Written by Marguerite Bennett
Illustrated by Mirka Andolfo
I really enjoy reading a comic book by Marguerite Bennett. She has a way of telling a story that is quite good. This is another fine issue. It’s very interesting overall and suspenseful.
The Bombshells are trapped in a maze in this issue.
They have to make their way through it before it collapses on them. They also have a secret that they can’t deal with until they are safe.
Can they do it?
Andolfo is a good artist. There is good figure drawing and composition in the art.
Overall, this is another fine issue to read and enjoy. Give it a shot and tell a friend!
RATING: B
Injustice 2 #18
Written by Tom Taylor
Illustrated by Xermanico
This issue was awesome!
It was well written and I was glued to the pages! That, and it’s Illustrated by a person named Xermanico!
What’s an Xermanico?
Find out here!
Batman is gathering an army to fight against Ra’s al Ghul. The catch is, he’s going to the Phantom Zone to gather them!
So, he needs to go to the abandoned Fortress of Solitude to go through the doorway. The problem is, the Fortress might not be as abandoned as he once thought!
The story is mighty fine.
And the art?
Well, Xermanico is a talent. The storytelling is great and I just loved it. I hope to see more from Xermanico!
Pick this up! It’s certainly excellent!
RATING: A-
Future Quest Presents #6
Written by Phil Hester
Illustrated by Steve Rude
Hey, if you put Steve “the Dude” Rude on a title, I’m buying it. And you should, too.
Rude is one of the best artists this industry has ever seen. His work is still stunning and unlike anything out there. This is no different.
This issue delves even deeper into the life of Birdman. It shows us a lot of previously unknown knowledge. It also shows us the creation of Birdman’s deadliest foe, Mentok the Mind-Taker! It’s not what you expect either.
I’m not a huge fan of Phil Hester the writer (I love his art) but he seems to have an affinity for these characters and it shows. It makes the story pleasurable to read.
Pick it up. It’s very good.
RATING: B+
Damage #1
Written by Robert Venditti
Illustrated by Tony S. Daniel
This is a comic based on the character that was introduced in the Metal book!
DC is getting new characters out there from that storyline and as a result we get this.
How is it?
I liked it! It’s a guy who causes Damage!
What’s not to like?
Ethan, the guy who becomes Damage, has no control of when the monster takes him over. He struggles daily not to become the beast and destroy everything in sight. Then, the monster inexplicably can get free one hour each day.
It’s up to Ethan to try to stop the Damage he may cause.
The story by Venditti is just basically a spin on the Hulk. But who cares! It’s fun! The art by Daniel is great! I can’t think of a better artist to draw monsters and destruction.
Pick it up if it’s your cup of tea. I liked it.
RATING: B+
Superman #39
Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Illustrated by Barry Kitson
This is another really nice issue from co-writers Tomasi and Gleason. They have written a very simple issue that tugs at your heart strings. I didn’t mind at all and it was very well done.
In this issue, Superman visits a children’s cancer hospital. He decides to give the kids a day of wish fulfillment.
Therefore, he takes them to the Justice League’s Watchtower. He introduces them to the Justice League. He also does a few other things.
The story is a nice one and it isn’t overwrought. It also has a nice healthy dose of humor.
The art by Kitson is nicely done. Kitson is one of those artists that is always solid but you might take him for granted. He does nice work here again.
Pick this up. It’s another great issue in a fine run.
RATING: A-
Super Sons #12
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Illustrated by Tyler Kirkham
The storyline “The Super Sons of Tomorrow” ends here!
It’s been a hell of a nice little crossover! This issue starts off with a nice cover image and continues a good story in the main book. This was well done.
Superboy and Robin have to come to terms from all the events that happened in this crossover. It was highly emotional for them.
They have to see how they are going to relate to the rest of the DC Universe now that it’s over.
And they also have to see how they are going to deal with each other.
The art by Kirkham is wonderful. I really dig how dynamic it was. This book has been picking up steam. It seems like they have created a starting point here for new readers.
You’d be well advised to jump aboard now.
RATING: B
