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!
Superior Iron Man #4
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Yildiray Cinar, Cory Hamsher, Tom Palmer
Colorist: Guru-Efx
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
The vanity of Tony Stark reaches new heights as Tom Taylor expands upon this narcissist tale of outer beauty over inner beauty.
Normally, I want more armored warrior than billionaire genius, but the titular hero is the second lead here, and it works on so many levels. The people of San Francisco got a taste of Extremis and they want it even more. Some can pay, others can’t, and this creates the kind of societal chaos that gives Stark carte blanche to invade people’s privacy.
Taylor has also written Daredevil in a fashion that I dare say rivals Mark Waid’s outstanding work with the character.
Gaining his sight back in the last issue due to Extremis was unacceptable because for him, this gift he has been deprived of is worth losing for the greater good, which is stopping the egomaniac Stark. The way Stark treats Teen Abomination really got under my skin and made me wish for TA to backhand Stark out the window.
Yildiray Cinar’s artwork is something special and really digs deep in the pivotal moments of the story. Daredevil being contained in the Iron Man armor felt chillingly claustrophobic because he was able to illustrate how constricted Daredevil was in his movement. Other things such as Teen Abomination’s head hanging down in sorrow and Tony Stark’s arrogant “I got this” smile derives the proper sentimentality of the moment. The entire creative team is doing great work on a title which seamlessly makes the reader want the good guy to fail.
However, is Iron Man really the bad guy here? That is the underlying question this series explores as doing more good is doing more harm in the process. Is that the fault of the creator or is he entirely to blame because he know show this was going to all unfold and simply doesn’t care.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
Batman/Superman #18
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Ardian Syaf, Sandra Hope
Colorist: Ulises Arreola
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Now this is what I’m talking about! A good story that truly keeps Superman and Batman on their heels while putting their unique friendship on full display, is what makes this series blossom.
“Who is Superman’s Joker” is the theme of this arc.
It puts the Man of Steel in uncharted territory because he has never dealt with such a crazy and sadistic villain.
Bad guys like Lex Luthor and Darkseid are about hurting the man. This new threat is about eroding the Super in his name by showing him what he can’t do.
Greg Pak has done a wonderful job with this series now that it’s fully instilled in the present and makes the reader wonder how it will all unfold. Batman’s plan of using Lois Lane as bait is predictable, but there is one piece of the puzzle he forgets to mention.
The surprise of this revelation is strengthened by the reveal of the untraceable bullets used by the mystery assailant because they really can’t be stopped, except by the source which is still unknown.
The combined talents of Ardian Syaf and Sandra Hope produce some awesome visuals that show heart and intensity. Ulises Arreola’s colors make the illustrations standout. Every palette is flawlessly bold and complements the characters and the story Greg Pak is telling.
The ending has a silver-age flair that should create an interesting dynamic going forward. I don’t think I could have asked for more with this book.
Score: 4 out of 5
Rumble #2
Writer: John Arcudi
Artist: James Harren
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $ 3.50
A guy walks into a comic book store and asks for the newest issue of Rumble.
The manager says “Ha, Ha, Ha…really?” That was my lot in life this past Wednesday as many stores were sold out of this rising hit before lunch.
A giant weird looking cat with rooster eyes and an ancient I.O.U for $75.00 coupled with the most outrageous form of hellfire and brimstone is what makes this series tick.
I was concerned that this was going to be a first issue wonder but that is not the case.
Weird is a natural part of life in the world of Rumble because seeing an elderly man playing fetch with his six-headed pet snake has a sense of normalcy that is easy to accept.
John Arcudi’s writing of Rathrag, the big guy on the cover wielding the huge sword, is captivating on so many levels. He is the supposed hero of the story and seems to be doing the right things. It is only at the conclusion of some of his acts that he comes off as a villain which makes you think “Oh yeah, I guess he didn’t really need to kill that thing.”
James Harren gets my vote for artist of the week as his illustrations, from the look in someone’s eyes to the entire landscape of a page layout, conveys a multitude of sentiments. Dave Stewart is in a league of his own when it comes to color treatment and his assortment of orange colors emphasize the book’s eccentricity and presents a fierce tone during action sequences.
To wrap this up nicely, Rumble is as carefully crafted as it gets. It just might be my new favorite comic book.
Score: 5 out of 5
Rocket Salvage #2 (of 5)
Writer: Yehudi Mercado
Artist: Bachan
Colorist: Jeremy Lawson
Publisher: Archaia
Price: $3.99
Promo Rocket and his family break into a space prison to free a former friend, in order to find the weapon everyone is so worried about.
Primo used to be the end all be all of intergalactic race car drivers until a crash ruined his career.
Now, Primo, along with his son Beta and daughter, Zeta, are on the run from alien and robot federation who are looking to wage war with one another.
The narrative has a quirky vibe that shines during the more serious moments. Seeing Primo and Beta argue about the quality of their relationship as they are about to be incinerated was simply priceless.
Zeta is a young super genius who wants to race just like her father. The stakes are raised as her importance is revealed in a somewhat surprising twist. The artwork compliments the wild tone of the story with great detail and highlights all sorts of weird creatures.
The coloring is gorgeous and has a similar scheme to the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo which augments the presentation of the junk filled future theme. I’m surprised at how much I’m enjoying this series so far.
This fun cast of characters makes Rocket Salvage worth investing into a different kind of mystery that is fantastic in every way. Trust me, going back to read the first issue to fill in the blanks will be money well spent.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Rocket Raccoon #7
Writer: Skottie Young
Artist: Filipe Andrade
Colorist: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
The creativity of Skottie Young and the hijinks of Rocket Raccoon are a perfect match that can’t be denied.
The diversity of this series is produced like a variety show that has something for everyone. In this particular outing,
Rocket and Groot and stranded on the dreaded Winter Planet. Groot is angry at Rocket for breaking off a piece of his body to use as firewood.
Sure, the furry Guardian didn’t ask permission, but that’s ok, they need to stay warm. Ice giants looking to clobber the two outlanders halts the humorous banter.
Fun action turns into a grave situation for Groot. Young seamlessly tears away Rocket’s tough exterior as bravado is replaced with gut-wrenching concern for his best friend.
“I don’t need no stupid ice ninja’s help” is a spit in the face of adversity when the locals try to convince Rocket that Groot will not survive.
Filipe Andrade’s artwork is fun to examine works extremely well with the stories multi toned approach due to his expressive style. This is a pivotal stop on Rocket’s journey towards a redemption of sorts.
The thought of losing the one constant in his life after discovering he is the last of his kind drives him to new heroic heights.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
