Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!
Well, it’s Thursday so let’s talk comics shall we?
Aquaman #15
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Phillipe Briones
Aquaman has turned into one of the most rousing comic books out there in recent times, and this issue is pretty fantastic as well.
It’s great to see…he’s deserves a great comic book and this is that…a great comic book.
This is the conclusion of “The Deluge” storyline. It’s all been leading to this: Aquaman and his Atlantean army vs. Black Manta and the forces of N.E.M.O. in a final fight for supremacy over the seven seas.
Whoever wins, one thing is certain: only one man will swim out alive!
Abnett’s been knocking them out of the park and the art by Briones is really great.
Add in that Brad Walker cover and you have one heck of a funny book!
RATING: A-
Batman #15
Written by Tom King
Illustrated by Mitch Gerads
Another okay book in the Tom King Batman world! And it is okay. The art is pretty nice but the story is just fair again.
I wish Tom King had more gas in his motor…it’s just falling flat for me.
This special issue is part 2 of his Batman and Catwoman “art piece.”
I get it. It’s supposed to be a series of issues with the characterization would be at the forefront.
Yet, it just feels incredibly one note and Ho-hum.
The art by Gerads is very good again. He’s come a long way.
If it didn’t have word balloons, it may be perfect.
I say this everytime: let’s hope the next storyline King has in store for us is better!
RATING: C+
Batman 66 Meets Wonder Woman 77 #1
Written by Marc Andreyko and Jeff Parker
Illustrated by David Hahn
This issue seems to be the start of something great!
And it is great. It’s a joyous occasion having some of the greatest iterations of these two characters together in comic book form.
What mysteries are hidden in the book Ra’s al Ghul hired Catwoman to steal?
And why does this caper lead Batman down memory lane—to his childhood fight against actual Nazis?
Witness the Caped Crusader’s first encounter with one of the greatest heroes the world has ever known: Wonder Woman!
The story is a good time and the art by Hahn is something special. I can’t wait for more issues of this book and I’ll be smiling ear to ear while reading them.
RATING: A
Superman #15
Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Illustrated by Ed Benes, Ryan Sook, Jorge Jiminez, and Clay Mann
This book is really excellent storywise. This is another “I wasn’t initially a fan of this title”, but boy has it taken off.
Tomasi and Gleason are just great on the writing side of it. They really have an idea of what they want to do with this title and it shows in every single panel.
Superman and New Super-Man fight alongside an army of Supermen from across the Multiverse against the threat trying to wipe them all out of existence!
Plus, Jon and his neighbor Kathy investigate a hidden horror that seems to be growing in their town.
The art is pretty spiffy on this title as well. Four different artists and they are all pretty good.
Overall, one of the better titles in the Rebirth relaunch.
RATING: B+
Raven #5
Written by Marc Wolfman
Illustrated by Diogenes Neves
This is another fine, under the radar book.
It just has something to it that makes my heart happy.
Pick it up sometime and you won’t be disappointed.
San Francisco is on the brink of total disaster, with more citizens being sucked into the giant orb by the minute.
Raven can’t possibly overcome such insurmountable odds…unless she gets a little help from her family!
This book is well written by Wolfman. It’s great.
The art by Neves is something great. The art is fluid and cool. The cover is spectacular too.
Just a nicely packaged book.
RATING: B+
He-Man/Thundercats #4
Written by Rob David and Lloyd Goldfine
Illustrated by Freddie Williams III
Underneath one of the coolest covers I have seen in quite awhile, comes another great fun comic book!
It’s mindless but a heck of a good time for sure.
It’s the battle you’ve waited to see!
With the Ancient Spirits of Evil ravaging Eternia, Lion-O rushes to aid the Masters of the Universe in defending their world. The only thing standing in his way is…He-Man?!
The epic battle between the super-heroic 1980s icons breaks loose as the Sword of Power clashes with the Sword of Omens!
This one you do not want to miss!
The story is what you expect but the art by Williams is something to behold.
It’s just a cool comic book. And it has a cover that I want to be a poster.
RATING: B
And the rest…
Green Lanterns #15
Written by Sam Humphries and Illustrated by Tom Derenick
This book is another substandard Green Lantern book…however the art by Derenick is pretty good. They need to revamp this entire line.
RATING: C
Harley Quinn #12
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Connor and Illustrated by John Timms and Char Hardin
Another week means another Harley Quinn book. This is another fun issue in the line. John Timms artwork is particularly great and he’s going places. Pick it up for a good read!
RATING: B
Lucifer #12
Written by Richard Kadrey and Illustrated by Lee Garbett
This is a nicely drawn book and the story isn’t half bad either. I need to pick these up from the first issue and see the whole puzzle. Right now?
RATING: B-
Nightwing #13
Written by Tim Seeley and Illustrated by Marcus To
It’s a hell of a week for covers this week. This cover is pretty damn spectacular as well…the best in the series. This issue really picked up the pace too. I enjoyed it very much.
RATING: B
Superpowers #3
Written and Illustrated by Art Balthazar and Franco
A peaceful day in Metropolis is interrupted when Brimstone comes to clear a path for Darkseid. This looks like a job for…Supergirl!? Yes, because Superman is out of town visiting his new baby brother! But villainous plots are afoot on New Krypton, too. Is anywhere safe for our superheroes?
Very much a good issue!!
RATING: B
Trinity #5
Written and Illustrated by Francis Manapul
This issue is beautifully illustrated. It’s a shame the story is so thin. I wish there was more meat to it. Still it isn’t half bad. Give it a shot. It’s gorgeous to look at.
RATING: B
