Another week, another stack of comics.
I read them all.
The good and the bad, so you don’t have to.
Welcome to The Pull List.
And, as always…Spoilers ahead!
Velvet #1 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting
Colorist: Elizabeth Breitweizer
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.50
If you read the legendary run of Captain America by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting, you know that this collaboration is going to produce a fun, though provoking and stylish comic book presentation.
Unlike the amazing Fatale series, Brubaker takes this dark noir in a different direction by going the spy route instead of a horror-infused story.
Everything is seen through the eyes of the titular heroine, Velvet Templeton, who gets back into the field after an agent she held in high esteem is killed in the line of duty. Mystery and suspense are specialties of Ed Brubaker, and Steve Epiting’s artwork serves as the perfect compliment.
Velvet is not is a perfect ten model, but the strength and tenacity she exudes on a daily basis makes men easily ignore the gray streaks in her hair and enjoy her company. Her complicated nature is a perfect match for the complex world of espionage that Epting elegantly delivers.
The twist at the end is kind of given away by the cover, but the narrative makes you wonder and eventually convinces you the story is going to head in a different direction, only to leave you amazed by the outcome and excited for the future of this series.
Justice League #24
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado & Oclair Albert
Colorist: Rod Reis
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Forever Evil is showing us what happens when the bad guys rule the world.
It is only fitting that we learn more about the leader of the Crime Syndicate as Geoff Johns arrives with a new origin story for Superman’s Earth-3 doppelganger, Ultraman.
Johns piles on layers of hate and contempt as everything shapes who Ultraman becomes from his brief time on Krypton to his life in Metropolis.
This guy never had a chance of being anything but an agent of evil, which is scary when you compare and contrast the loving upbringing Superman had.
The artwork has a lot of great imagery that produced the desired result at various points of the story.
Seeing Ultraman hold Jimmy Olsen’s hands as he remarks on how a photographer needs them was eerie because you knew what was coming next.
Forever Evil is not only making a lasting impression in the DC universe, but it also paints the Earth-3 baddies in such a despicable light that is makes you jones for the day when the Justice League returns for the epic showdown that this is building towards. Being emotionally invested to such an extent that you want to see the battle and not just the result is a good sign that Johns, Reis and Prado are creating something that fans are having a blast with.
Grade: A-
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #28
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Colorist: Justin Ponsor & Paul Mounts
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
The conclusion to “Spider-Man No More” presents a predictable story that also sends a strong, but familiar, message.
Uncle Ben’s famous words that inspired Peter Parker finally resonate with Miles Morales. It’s not that someone has to give him a pep talk, or even him dealing with the tragedy of personal loss, but the realization of what his powers can do for mankind is what reignites the fire within.
There is nothing else that needs to be said regarding Bendis’ work on this series as he consistently puts a lot of heart in to these carefully crafted stories. David Marquez gets my vote for artwork of the week as his clean depictions really made the action sequences enjoyable, and even made me hold my jaw a few times when some crony received a jump kick to the face.
It’s a shame this might be the “last issue” depending on how the universe ending Cataclysm story pans out. Miles Morales is currently the only Spider-Man that is truly a good guy, since Spider-Ock, and somehow bringing him to Earth-616 would just give this character even more depth because of the challenges he would endure. I hope this isn’t the end but if it is, it was a good way to out.
Grade: A-
Uncanny #4
Writer: Andy Diggle
Artist: Aaron Campbell
Colorist: Bill Crabtree
Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Price: $3.99
This issue sees Weaver and Maggie pulling off a robbery until someone or something throws a monkey wrench into their plans.
Andy Diggle focuses a lot more on the action this time around as the heist is paramount to everything that occurs. Aaron Campbell’s car chase sequences are laid out just right and gives you that feeling you’re watching it all unfold on a TV or movie screen. The whole book is intense from start to finish which is a nice change of pace for the series.
That is not a complaint by any means. Uncanny thus far has been a cleverly put together suspense thriller and now we get a cleverly assembled action.
Grade: B+
Sex Criminals #2
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Chip Zdarsky
Colorist: Christopher Sebela
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.50
I was worried that this series would falter after an excellent debut.
While it isn’t a grand slam like the first issue, a three run homer is nothing to roll yours eyes at. The artwork is not my cup of tea but there are some interesting images such as the “Ass Jeeves” search engine and new porno flick called “Black to the Pooper” in the titular font of a classic time travel film.
Suzie was the focus of last issue and Jon takes center stage this time around. His story is not as interesting as Suzie’s but it works because Fraction’s exploration of Jon’s teenage years makes it easy for a guy to relate to him.
The story kept me interested for the entire 32 pages.
Sex Criminals doesn’t take itself too seriously in the sense that there is a degree of normalcy when certain things occur like a penis glowing like E.T. or being the king of “Cumworld” naturally rolls off the tongues of these characters.
This is the series biggest asset and should produce some even more interesting issues down the line.
Grade: B+
Red Lanterns #24
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Alessandro Vitti
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
The second to last installment of “Light’s Out” keeps everything moving forward at a light speed pace.
Guy Gardner is a perfect fit for the Red Lanterns.
Rage is where they get their power from and who has more of that than Guy?
Most red ring bearers are affected by the some sort of affliction that turns them into lunatics. Being in a bad mood is common place for Gardner so the ring has no negative affect on him.
He wants to be a Red Lantern and take over their reigns which is fascinating to watch unfold.
Alessandro Vitti’s artwork is impressive and the half page shot of Guy delivering a bloody sucker punch to Hal Jordan would make for a cool screen saver or poster.
The Red Lantern Corps will play a pivotal role in the outcome on next month’s event finale. They have been given their own voice which has been missing for almost a year now. One thing is for sure, no matter how it all plays out, the Reds will make it anything but predictable.
Grade: B
