Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!
It’s a hell of a week for reading comics. Let’s waste no time!
Doomsday Clock #3
Written by Geoff Johns
Illustrated by Gary Frank
I love how this book is turning out.
I know there’s been a few naysayers about it. I can defend it though: Geoff Johns has written a strong and emotional narrative that is also very fluid. He just bravely went where no writer would and I can’t help but admire that.
It also makes it a hard comic book to review because you don’t want to give anything away.
Every issue so far has kept me on my toes and this one is no different. Suffice to say, the story twists here and it’s something I didn’t expect or see coming. It’s the best when that happens. The ending of this is truly awesome.
The art by Frank is the best of his career. Hands down. It’s impressive how easy he makes it look.
He’s got the entire DC Universe down as well as the entire Watchmen universe. Pick it up. It’s a must read.
RATING: A
Batman Beyond #16
Written by Dan Jurgens
Illustrated by Phil Hester
This is the best book Dan Jurgens has written. I don’t know why, but for some reason he really has the characters down. I love the way he handles Terry McGinnis and the story is quite strong.
This is part three of the storyline: “The Long Payback!” The character of Stalker has arrived in Gotham City and he’s got one thing on his mind: he wants to take down the Batman!
Stalker has more training than Batman and not even Bruce Wayne might be able to help Terry!
Will he survive?
Find out here!
The art by Hester is wonderful. This issue is just essentially a huge fight. But what a fight it is!
Hester keeps the pace moving and is a surprisingly good choice for this comic. Pick it up. It’s a heck of comic book for sure!
RATING: B+
Detective Comics #973
Written by James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Jesus Merino
This is the finale of the “Fall of The Batmen” story! I wish it was a bit stronger. There were some “twists” in it I saw coming a mile away. Tynion writes a pretty standard story that didn’t really excite me.
The team of Batmen has been taken apart!
They still have to face a powerful adversary!
Can this adversary be beaten?
All this and Batwoman has to make a decision. That decision may take apart everything that Batman has built!
The art is the best part here. Merino does a really nice job of telling a story. His figure drawing is pretty spot on too as usual.
Still, the issue as a whole is a little boring and flat. Maybe it’ll pick up next issue!
RATING: B-
The Flash #39
Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Carmine Di Giandomenico
This is being billed as the 700th tale of the Flash!
It’s also the start of a brand new storyline!
“The Perfect Storm” begins here and Williamson gives us one hell of a setup for a cool comic book tale!
In this story, Barry Allen wants to make it up to the people he has hurt.
What a guy! But he’s going to be stopped by none other than Gorilla Grodd. This may seem like a simple confrontation but it’s anything but. In fact, it may even have something to do with Barry’s origins with the Speed Force!
The art is fantastic. For my money, Carmine Di Giandomenico is one of the best Flash artists ever. I love his work in general and I love it here. This is one hell of a package.
Pick it up. It’s a must read if you’re a Flash fan!
RATING: A
The Wild Storm #11
Written by Warren Ellis
Illustrated by Jon Davis-Hunt
Warren Ellis is writing some classic comic books right here! I hope you are reading. He has taken these almost forgotten about characters and breathed an intense new life into them. The story feels fresh and new and it’s a thrilling adventure month in and month out.
In this issue the Wildcats have to get into the Hightower site without being detected.
What does that mean?
It means an all out cyber attack on Skywatch!
Who will live?
Who will die?
Why is this comic book so damn exciting?
Find out here!
The art by Davis-Hunt is very good. He can tell a story very well. He can also make his characters “act” incredibly well. Together, with Ellis, they make a heck of a team. Pick this up. It’s excellent.
RATING: A
Doom Patrol #10
Written by Gerard Way
Illustrated by Nick Derington
This is a great comic book.
I love the Doom Patrol.
Gerard Way has such an affinity for these characters you can’t help but fall in love with his take. I am in complete love with what he and Nick Derington are doing here.
It’s a weird storyline for sure. I can’t even tell you I knew where I was before starting the attempt to read this issue. But I went back and reread the last three to refresh myself. You have to. There is such a long wait between issues you can’t read t otherwise.
The wait it worth it though. The story is completely delightful. The art by Derington is amazing. He’s one of the best artists in the field and his art truly pops.
Pick this up. It’s a weird and wild ride for sure. It’s also wonderful and it’s what good comic books are made of.
RATING: A
Suicide Squad #34
Written by Simon Spurrier
Illustrated by Fernando Pasarin
This is another fine issue written by Simon Spurrier. I prefer him writing Suicide Squad as he is more grounded in his writing than Rob Williams was on this title. He could do some really great things here. Let’s hope he sticks around for a good healthy run.
This is the finale of the storyline “The Chosen Juan!”
Harley is out of commission!
Deadshot is out of commission!
Killer Croc is out of commission!
And only one person stands in the way of the alien armada!
That would be the criminal known only as Juan!
Can he do it?
The story is fast and fun. The artwork is pretty damn good as well. Pick this up. I hope this is the beginning of a new era for the Suicide Squad. I’ve enjoyed these past few issues.
RATING: B
Gotham City Garage #8
Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly
Illustrated by Ming Doyle and Colleen Doran
This is a great alternative take on the DC universe. I have been enjoying each and every issue immensely. Pick this up and give it a shot.
The issue starts off with a Tula Lotay cover. Lotay is one of my favorite artists and the cover image is beautiful.
Then, you read the story within. Diana and Kara go on a trip in this issue. It’s funny and quite a good time overall.
The art is good too.
It is great to see Doran on this title as well, even if her contribution isn’t huge. She still makes an impact.
This was a good issue. Pick it up and enjoy it!
RATING: B
The Ruff and Reddy Show #4
Written by Howard Chaykin
Illustrated by Mac Rey
This book makes me laugh out loud. Howard Chaykin writes a fun tale that makes you chuckle and think. It’s smart. But what else do you expect from Chaykin?
This book is about betrayal. Ruff and Reddy do the unthinkable! They betrayed the one person who actually believed in them. And now?
Now, there’s going to be hell to pay!
And they have to be prepared to pay over and over again!
The art by Mac Rey is perfect for this book. He and Chaykin work well together.
Pick this book. It’s a heck of a lot of fun and I have been enjoying it immensely.
RATING: B+
Imaginary Friends #3
Written by Tim Seeley
Illustrated by Stephan Molinar
So, what if your imaginary friends were indeed real?
That’s the premise behind this book. And it’s okay.
I wish the writing was stronger. It is a throwback to old Vertigo comics. It just doesn’t work as well as those classics.
Agent Melba Li and her imaginary friend Polly Peachpit continue looking for a missing child. A conspiracy is unfolding in front of them.
Can they solve the mystery in time?
And will things be the same after?
The story is decent enough. The art of pretty good. It’s not a bad read overall. It’s just not as thrilling as I hoped it might be.
RATING: B-
Raven: Daughter of Darkness #1
Written by Marv Wolfman
Illustrated by Pop Mhan
Marv Wolfman is back writing Raven and all is right in the world again. I love his take on the Titans and man, did I like this comic book. Nobody can write like Wolfman and he still writes one hell of a comic book.
This book follows up the previous Raven miniseries which was pretty damn good as well. Raven is now going against another super supernatural threat.
Over the course of the first issue, the threat is introduced. We also see Raven’s allies. But are they allies at all? Wolfman’s writing is sure to keep us guessing.
The art by Mhan is strong. He needs the right book for his artwork to shine. This is the right book. This is a good first issue.
I eagerly await the rest of the twelve issue miniseries.
RATING: B+
Titans #16
Written by Marv Wolfman
Illustrated by Tom Derenick
And speaking of Marv Wolfman doing some writing, here he is again!
This time he’s writing on a Titans book! I feel like a child again! This is some good stuff and I enjoyed it very much!
A villain has taken over the minds of the people of San Francisco! That villain plants an idea into their minds: Destroy Starfire!
This leads Kory and her team to try and save the people and find out who this villain might be!
The story is great! I’m sad it’s just a one off for Wolfman as he writes an awesome story.
The art by Derenick is wonderful as well. Pick this up! It’ll put a smile on your face and make you nostalgic.
RATING: B+
