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!
Daredevil #26 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Chris Samnee
Colors: Javier Rodriguez
Cover: Chris Samnee & Paolo Rivera
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
If the Eisner award winning Daredevil #7 is Mark Waid’s Mona Lisa, then Daredevil #26 is his David sculpture.
Breathtaking ingenuity is found on every page, every panel, and every word balloon.
Matt Murdock is coming off the absolute worst beating of his life. He is scared out of his mind and has to put it aside to make it to Foggy Nelson’s first session of chemotherapy. The one dollar price increase of this book is well justified as it is our hero who gets invaluable help from his friend who needs it the most.
Chris Samnee’s artwork knows no bounds when it comes to the “Man Without Fear” and this issue puts the exclamation mark on that statement. The old school flavor tied with the intricate nature of his depictions marvelously augments the story from beginning to end.
We also get a back story where Foggy is asked to spend time with children who share his illness. He feels silly being there because he feels he has nothing to offer them but he soon discovers that it is them who have something to offer him. Mark Waid has written a plethora of amazing comic books over the years.
However, there is something about this Daredevil run that is completely enthralling. I don’t know if it is just the right creator with the right character, but speaking as a comic book fan, it is a true privilege to read, examine and explore. My imagination is better off for doing so. Pick of the Week? Maybe Pick of the Year.
Grade: A+
Green Lantern #20
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy, & Keith Champagne
Colors: Alex Sinclair & Tony Avina
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $7.99
Geoff Johns says goodbye to sector 2814 with an outstanding 80 page epic.
Sometimes, milestone comics are either done just to be done, or it is forgotten why a series and a character are so remarkable.
None of that will be found here as every element that expanded the vibrant universe of Green Lantern is weaved into the story in order to take down the dreaded First Lantern.
Within the book, you will see well wishes and accolades from John’s contemporaries that added to the enormity of the moment without being overbearing because this is truly the end of an era in comics.
After the main story is wrapped up, Johns leaves us with some hints as to what the future brings for Kyle Ryner, John Stewart and others. In a way, in every Green Lantern arc, when the dust settles and the smoke clears, it all boils down to two men. Hal Jordan and Sinestro. “The tragedy is, we’ll always be friends” was Sinestro’s response to Hall Jordan’s questioning of their friendship. It was a powerful moment that was well done and really cemented their tumultuous relationship. Superman and Batman are the two cornerstones of the DC Universe. Wonder Woman is the sentimental third piece of the puzzle.
I think it is safe to say that Green Lantern has taken that spot and it is all thanks to Geoff Johns.
Grade: B+
Occupy Comics #1
Writer: Alan Moore and a whole host of others
Art: David Lloyd and a whole host of others
Cover: Mike Allred
Publisher: Black Mask Studios
Price: $3.50
Occupy Comics is a collection of short stories with a message about the Occupy movement while rising funds to support it.
This may not be your cup of tea if you don’t like mixing your political beliefs with into your comic book routine.
Those who don’t mind such things will be treated to some intelligent work from some of the finest creators in the industry. The best stories are the ones that make you think and this one did just that as they touch on a wide array of topics within the movement including how we get our news on this subject from the 1%.
If you are looking for something different to pick up off the shelf this week, you might have found it.
Grade: B-
The Green Team: Teen Trillonaires #1
Writer: Art Baltazar, Franco
Art: Ig Guara & JP Mayer
Colors: Wil Quintana
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
It’s funny that I go from talking about a comic book that demonizes the rich to one that paints them in a positive light. The story revolves around a group of young one-percenters who use their wealth to gain access to superpowers through invention.
When reading this my first thought was, “why do you need more rich people trying to save the world when DC already has one who dresses as a Bat?”
I think it sends a message that not all people who’ve amassed a fortune are the scum and villainy they are portrayed to be on the nightly news.
They are in a position to do some great things in the world and spare no expense in trying to do so. Of course, there are some hiccups along the way, but that is what makes this cast of characters likable.
Technology seems to be the key to unlock the answers to the world’s problems. While I’m concerned about the longevity of this series, things are off to a great start.
Grade: B
Journey Into Mystery #652
Writer: Kathryn Immonen
Art: Valerio Schiti
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $2.99
As of late, Journey into Mystery is an extremely well put together book. I think the name itself is classic and epitomizes what this series is all about.
The All-Mother becomes suddenly ill and no one knows why or how. Sif is trying to handle the situation while trying to deal with the emotional elements that come into play, such as Jane Foster and her ex-boyfriend, Beta Ray Bill.
Kathryn Immonen’s clever work on this issue reverberates from beginning to end. Everything has a purpose and nothing is wasted.
Artwork of the week goes to Valerio Schiti whose gorgeous work makes me never even want to think of picking up a pencil.
This title is one of the unsung heroes of the Marvel catalog. It has everything a comic book fan could ask for, and more.
Grade: A-
The Flash #20
Writer: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Francis Manapul
Colors: Brian Buccellato
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato have put Barry Allen through the ringer.
He thinks he has a moment to catch his breath but Reverse Flash has arrived and is killing anyone with a connection to the speed force.
There was more focus on the civilian side of things so it was a little light on the action.
That doesn’t prevent this from being a fun read in the slightest. Barry is finally able to open up to his girlfriend while trying to figure out his feelings for Iris West.
A lot of the character debuts in the new 52 rest on the laurels of past incarnations.
They didn’t do that with the inclusion of Reverse Flash. Fear was the driving catalyst that sold how dangerous he is going to be in the months ahead. In conclusion, the fastest man alive crosses the finish line with another great showing.
Grade: B
Titles that didn’t make the list but may tickle your fancy.
Uncanny Avengers #8 AU (Marvel Comics)
Kang is in this book. Is there anything else I need to say?
Justice League #20 (DC Comics)
The prelude to Trinity War heats up as The Atom and Martian Manhunter steal the show.
Mind MGMT #11 (Dark Horse Comics)
The mystery within the mystery is paramount to everything Meru is about to discover.
