#IReadsYou Review: 2016 SPIDER-MAN #1 Was a Strong Debut

SPIDER-MAN No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS: Sara Pichelli
INKS: Sara Pichelli with Gaetano Carlucci
COLORS: Justin Ponsor
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor
VARIANT COVERS: Mark Bagley and Dexter Vines with Andrew Crossley; Michael Cho; Skottie Young; Adi Granov (Hip-Hop variant)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (2016)

Rated T

In 2011, Marvel Comics and writer Brian Michael Bendis introduced a Black, Brooklyn teenager as the new Spider-Man.  Specifically, Miles Morales, of African-American and Latino heritage, was the new Ultimate Spider-Man, the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler and web-slinger of Marvel’s Ultimate line of comics (or universe).

Miles has starred in two comic books series, Ultimate Spider-Man (or Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man) and Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man.  As part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel, Miles gets a new comic book series, simply entitled Spider-Man.  It is written by Brian Michael Bendis; drawn by Sara Pichelli; colored by Justin Ponsor; and lettered by Cory Petit.

Spider-Man #1 opens with Spider-Man facing Blackheart – “Son of Mephisto” and “Prince of the Underworlds.”  Let's go back a bit.  At Brooklyn Visions Academy, Miles has failed with Julie, the gorgeous girl he wants to date.  He is also failing in school, which angers his mother (!), but does not really concern his father.  Back to Blackheart, who has killed several Avengers, so what's going on?

I really missed Sara Pichelli when she was not the artist on Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man, although David Marquez, the artist on that series, was quite good.  Still, only three pages into Spider-Man #1, and I was reminded of why Pichelli and colorist Justin Ponsor are such a damn good art team.

As for Brian Michael Bendis: the teen Spidey drama is as good as always; there aren't many pages of it, but Bendis does character drama in superhero comics better than it has ever been done – ever.  The action around Blackheart is hugely intriguing, so I have no complaints, just the need for more.

Of course, I am recommending this...

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for information on reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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From Newsarama:  At his C2E2 panel, Jim Lee has indicated that DC Comics will not replace the recently fired Dan DiDio as co-publisher... which leaves Lee as the DC's sole publisher and Chief Creative Officer (CCO).

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Sony Pictures has released 12 new photographic stills from the film, "Bloodshoot," which stars Vin Diesel and is based on the Valiant Entertainment comic book.

From Newsarama:  Todd McFarlane has drawn Spider-Man (the character that brought him to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s) and Spawn (his signature creator-owned character) together for the first time.  McFarlane brings Spider-Man and Spawn together for his cover illustration for the 50th volume of the Overstreet Price Guide, due July 2020.

MANGA TO ANIME - From Deadline:  Funimation's animated feature film, "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising," topped the Wed., Feb. 26th, 2020 daily box office with an estimated take of 1.7 million.

From BleedingCool:  There is more nuance than previously suggested regarding AT&T/Warner Bros., fired Dan DiDio, and DC Comics' 5G/Generation Five.

From BleedingCool:  Is Jim Lee ready to go from co-publisher to sole publisher at DC Comics in the wake of Dan DiDio's departure?

From Newsarama:  DC Comics' "The Sandman" and IDW Publishing's "Locke & Key" will crossover in a publishing event entitled, "Locke & Key: Hell & Gone - A Sandman Universe Crossover Event."

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DAN DIDIO - From BleedingCool: (UPDATE) - So Warner Bros. reportedly fired Dan DiDio as co-publisher of DC Comics for "cause," specifically for fostering a poor work environment.

From BleedingCool:  Dan DiDio speaks about his departure from DC Comics on Facebook.

From BleedingCool:  Co-publisher Dan DiDio is reportedly no longer at DC Comics.  Not much else is known.

From BleedingCool:  Some industry reaction to DiDio leaving DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Some more reaction from industry insiders about Dan DiDio's ouster from DC Comics.
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COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Photos allegedly from the set of THE BATMAN show the new "Batsuit" in the daylight.

From BleedingCool:  Abrams ComicArts announces more titles from its graphic novel line, "Megascope," which is curated by John Jennings.

FILM TO COMICS - From Newsarama:  The original version of the screenplay for the 1987 film, "Predators," will be adapted into a five-issue comic book miniseries by Dark Horse Comics.  "Predator: The Original Screenplay" will be based on the script entitled "Hunters" by brother John and James Thomas.

From SyFy:  Rising "Blerd" (Black nerd) star and comics creator, Che Grayson, talks to "SyFy Wire."

From ANN:  A doujinshi (amateur) manga artist in Japan has won her lawsuit against an IT company that operates doujinshi manga piracy sites.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Actor Ben Affleck says that he dropped out of his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne ("Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," "Justice League") for a number of reasons including his struggles with drinking alcohol.

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics is launching a young adult (YA) imprint, "Scoot."

COMICS TO TV - From Deadline:  Oscar winner Taika Waititi and Oscar-nominee Jude Law considering a TV adaptation of Oni Press' comic book, "The Auteur."

From Newsarama:  Mark Waid has been named publisher of Humanoids, the American publisher that reprints classic European comics.

From BleedingCool:  The 100 most ordered comic books ("Wonder Woman #750") and graphic novels ("Absolute Carnage") for January 2020.

From MissState:   Comic book writer, Benjamin Percy, will be a writer-in-residence at Mississippi State University.   Percy had a long tenure on DC Comics' "Green Arrow" and will be writing Marvel Comics' new "Wolverine" series.

From CBR:  Who are the 10 richest manga creators in Japan?

From GoodReader:  Digital manga sales increased by almost 30 percent in Japan in 2019.  Print sales declined for the 15th straight year.

From THR:  Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, two of the producers on the classic 1990s animated TV series, "Batman: The Animated Series," are writing a six-issue miniseries, "Batman: The Adventures Continue."  It will act as a continuation of the TV series.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Matt Reeves has a camera test of actor Robert Pattinson wearing the "Bat-suit" for the film, "The Batman," which is due June 25, 2021.

From Newsarama:  An oral history of the "X-Men" will be presented at SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, Texas on March 13.

From Newsarama:  The project that Marvel Comics was teasing is a new ongoing comic book series from Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross, and Yildiray Cinar.  It is "The Marvels," a team-up series that will span the entirety of Marvel Comics' publishing history and continuity.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  For his performance as the title character in the hit film, "Joker," Joaquin Phoenix won the Oscar for "Best Actor" at the 92nd Academy Awards.  That was one of two Oscars the film won - the other being for "Best Original Score" by Hildur Guonadottir.

DC CINEMA - From ComicBook:  Warner Bros. is apparently renamed "Birds of Prey" (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" to "Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey" which opened at the box office lower ($33.2 million) than expected ($40 to $50 million).

DC CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  The site has a list of comic book creators who were "thanked" for the contributions to the recent DCEU film, "Birds of Prey."

From TheLantern:  Apparently, Ohio State's "University Libraries" has the largest manga collection outside Japan.

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IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Longtime Archie Comics editor Victor Gorelick has died at the age of 78, Friday, February 7, 2020.  Gorelick started working in the art department at Archie Comics right out of high school.  He would go on to become Archie's editor-in-chief.

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From Lionstooth:  Cris Siqueira interviews cartoonist and publisher, Eric Reynolds, of Fantagraphics Books, in a wide-ranging (but not too long) and fantastic interview.  Fans of alternative and small press comic books will find it quite informative.

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FOX MARVEL U - From Newsarama:  There is a new poster for "The New Mutants," the last of 20th Century's Fox's "X-Men" movies.  The poster apparently sports the new "20th Century Studios" logo that Disney created to rid itself of the "Fox" name.  The film is still due April 3rd...

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DC CINEMA - From CBR:  The "Black Adam" film is rumored to introduce "Cyclone," the daughter of the original comic book version of "Red Tornado."

From BleedingCool:  No American has ever written for the "Doctor Who" TV series, and if one did, author and comic book writer, Joe Hill, would not be the first... according to a story Joe Hill tells.

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From BleedingCool:  Silenn Thomas, the CEO of Frank Miller's production company, has some kind of "beef" with DC Comics.

JACK KIRBY - From CBR:  Jack Kirby died 26 years ago (Feb. 6th).  "CBR" takes a look at ten "forgotten characters" that "the King" created.

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FEBRUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  February 2020 comics solicitations for 25 publishers
From Newsarama:  01: First Second for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybook for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for February 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for February 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Random House for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for February 2020

MARCH 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  March 2020 comics solicitations for 23 publishers
From Newsarama:  :01 First Second for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Artists, Writer and Artisans for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Book for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for March 2020

APRIL 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Media for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Devil's Due for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2020


MAY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  A full-list of titles available for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" on May 2, 2020.
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Aspen for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Complex for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publihsing for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2020

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Review: THE WILD STORM: Michael Cray #1

THE WILD STORM: MICHAEL CRAY #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Warren Ellis
WRITER: Bryan Hill
PENCILS: N. Steven Harris
INKS: Dexter Vines
COLORS: Steve Buccellato
LETTERS: Simon Bowland
COVER: Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz with Steve Buccellato
VARIANT COVER: Gene Ha
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2017)

Rated “T+”

Michael Cray created by Jim Lee and Brandon Choi

“Michael Cray – Chapter One”

Started by Jim Lee and Brandon Choi, WildStorm Productions was one of the founding studios of Image Comics.  The WildStorm Universe was the fictional shared universe of comic books published by WildStorm and debuted in WildC.A.T.s #1 (cover dated: August 1992).

Jim Lee sold WildStorm Productions and his intellectual properties to DC Comics in 1999, and eventually the WildStorm Universe was folded into the DC Universe (DCU) proper.  It can be argued that the most interesting and perhaps, most influential comic books to come out of the WildStorm Universe came after that sale.  Those books were written by Warren Ellis (StormWatch, The Authority and Planetary).  Ellis is currently relaunching the characters, concepts, story lines, etc. of the Wildstorm Universe in his comic book, The Wild Storm, with artist Jon Davis-Hunt.

The first solo spin off series in the relaunch of “The Wild Storm” is The Wild Storm: Michael Cray.  It is written by Bryan Hill with Warren Ellis contributing story.  The series is drawn by N. Steven Harris (pencils) and Dexter Vines (inks); colored by Steve Buccellato; and lettered by Simon Bowland.  Michael Cray also known as the professional assassin, Deathblow, first appeared in the comic book, Darker Image #1 (cover dated: March 1993).

Michael Cray seeks revenge against International Operations (I.O.) for the death sentence with which its has basically trapped him.  The Wild Storm: Michael Cray #1 finds Cray with an offer of help.  Christine Trelane will give him support, resources, medical aid, and a home, but she has targets that she want Cray to take out.  It starts with that sociopath Silicon Valley billionaire, Oliver Queen.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first issue of The Wild Storm: Michael Cray.  One reason is that in terms of story pacing and in graphical style, Michael Cray is like The Wild Storm comic book.  Writer Bryan Hill writes a script that allows the story to breathe, which in turns allows the reader to enjoy the surprises and shocks and the edginess the script delivers.  Just the Oliver Queen segments are quite enjoyable and enjoyably tart.

N. Steven Harris' compositions and the sharp inking Dexter Vines lays on them are similar to Jon Davis-Hunt's clean drawing style in The Wild Storm.  Harris and Vines deliver good storytelling while graphically tying their work to Ellis and Davis-Hunt's flagship title.  I like The Wild Storm: Michael Cray #1 and will be back for more.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 11, 2017

DC COMICS

APR170432    ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY HC VOL 01    $75.00
AUG170183    ACTION COMICS #989 (OZ EFFECT)    $2.99
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AUG170195    BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY #15    $3.99
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JUN170380    BATMAN FLASH THE BUTTON DELUXE ED HC (REBIRTH)    $19.99
JUN170381    BATMAN FLASH THE BUTTON DELUXE ED HC INTL ED (REBIRTH)    $19.99
AUG170286    BOMBSHELLS UNITED #3    $2.99
AUG178149    DARK NIGHTS METAL #2 (OF 6) 2ND PTG    $3.99
JUL170304    DARK NIGHTS METAL #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
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JUL170471    DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS TP VOL 05 DEATH OF ILLUSION    $16.99
AUG170365    DCTV THE FLASH 06 THE FLASH SEASON 3 AF    $28.00
JUN170400    DEATHSTROKE THE TERMINATOR TP VOL 03 NUCLEAR WINTER (RES)    $24.99
JUL170457    DEATHSTROKE TP VOL 03 TWILIGHT (REBIRTH)    $16.99
JUL170472    DEMON BY JACK KIRBY TP    $29.99
AUG170211    DETECTIVE COMICS #966    $2.99
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AUG170178    FLASH #32    $2.99
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JUL170473    FLASH BY MARK WAID TP BOOK 03    $34.99
AUG170275    GOTHAM CITY GARAGE #1    $2.99
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AUG170219    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #30    $2.99
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JUL170479    INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR FIVE TP VOL 03    $16.99
MAY170345    JUSTICE LEAGUE AN ADULT COLORING BOOK TP    $15.99
MAY170344    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARKSEID WAR SAGA OMNIBUS HC    $75.00
APR170428    JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL OMNIBUS HC VOL 01    $99.99
APR170462    JUSTICE LEAGUE MOVIE AQUAMAN STATUE    $150.00
AUG170233    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #16    $2.99
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AUG170293    MISTER MIRACLE #3 (OF 12) (MR)    $3.99
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AUG170237    NEW SUPER MAN #16    $3.99
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AUG170285    RAGMAN #1 (OF 6)    $2.99
AUG170243    RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #15    $3.99
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AUG170305    SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #18    $3.99
AUG170306    SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #18 VAR ED    $3.99
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AUG170245    SUICIDE SQUAD #27    $2.99
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JUL170465    SUPER SONS TP VOL 01 WHEN I GROW UP (REBIRTH)    $12.99
AUG170249    SUPERGIRL #14    $3.99
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JUN170359    SUPERMAN & MISERABLE ROTTEN NO FUN REALLY BAD DAY HC    $14.99
AUG170257    SUPERWOMAN #15    $3.99
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AUG170281    WILDSTORM MICHAEL CRAY #1    $3.99
AUG170282    WILDSTORM MICHAEL CRAY #1 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170265    WONDER WOMAN #32    $2.99
AUG170266    WONDER WOMAN #32 VAR ED    $2.99

I Reads You Review: AMAZING X-MEN #1

AMAZING X-MEN #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Jason Aaron
PENCILS: Ed McGuinness
INKS: Dexter Vines
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC’s Joe Caramagna
COVER: Ed McGuinness and Marte Gracia
36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2014)

Rated T+

“The Quest for Nightcrawler” Part 1 of 5

There is a new X-Men comic book series.  It is entitled Amazing X-Men, and the creative team is writer Jason Aaron and artist Ed McGuinness.  There are two things about Amazing X-Men that are noticeable.  The first is that classic “New X-Men” character Nightcrawler is the focus of the book, at least for the first story arc.  The second is that this title has a humorous bent.

Nightcrawler was created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, although the character first existed in Cockrum’s sketchbook before the artist “gave” the character to Marvel Comics.  Nightcrawler debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover date May 1975), the comic book which reintroduced and re-launched the X-Men comic book series.  I did not know it, but Nightcrawler was killed off during the “X-Men: Second Coming,” event storyline in Uncanny X-Force #26 (cover date April 2010).

Amazing X-Men #1 opens “somewhere beyond the realm of the flesh,” where we find Nightcrawler.  He does not seem as happy as one would expect of someone who has received the heavenly reward he believed would one day be his.  Nightcrawler may feel conflict, but his paradise is about to see some conflict.  Enter Azazel!

Meanwhile, Angelica Jones, the mutant known as Firestar, is trying to start her first day on the teaching staff of the Jean Grey School.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, is so busy.  It seems that something of a furry blue invasion of the school has commenced.

The X-Men starring in Amazing X-Men are Wolverine, Storm, Beast, Warbird, Angel, Iceman, Rachel Grey, and Firestar with Nightcrawler coming soon.  I’m inclined not to like this book.  It is silly instead of funny, and the adventure is strained and phony.  I do like that writer Jason Aaron is playing with the idea of Wolverine and Storm as friends/teammates with benefits. (whether that is “true” or not).  Aaron seems as if he has some good ideas about how to use Beast and Warbird.

Still, this book is superfluous, which is a word I can also use to describe Ed McGuinness’ squishy, marshmallow-y art.  McGuinness can draw pretty, but, here, his compositions yield bland storytelling.  Honestly, it is Marte Gracia’s colors that make this art pop off the page.

I’d like this book to be good, so I think I will try another issue...

C

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Review: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 9 #6

"Nikki the Vampire Slayer"
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 9 #6
DARK HORSE COMICS

WRITER: Andrew Chambliss
PENCILS: Georges Jeanty
INKS: Karl Story
COLORS: Michelle Madsen
LETTERS: Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt
ALTERNATE COVER: Georges Jeanty with Dexter Vines and Michelle Madsen (Cover A by Phil Noto)
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 is a comic book series that debuted in 2007 and ended in 2011. Produced by the creator of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series, Joss Whedon, the comic book expanded on the events of the TV show’s last televised season, which was Season 7. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 is a sequel to Season 8, and both series are canonical, meaning that the events in these comic book series are part of the television series’ universe and continuity.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #6 (“On Your Own” Part One) opens in New York City in 1973, where it finds the Pam Grier-like slayer, Nikki, and her Watcher, Crowley, dealing with vampires. Nikki, however, has an even bigger problem that may actually be more complicated than dealing with slaying vampires.

Back in the present, Spike stands in for Buffy. The bleached-blond vampire assists San Francisco Police Department Detective Dowling in dealing with zompires, and also gives the cop some information on vampires, in general. Meanwhile, Buffy’s own personal problems lead her to Nikki’s son, Robin Wood, and a momentous decision.

I think that it’s been about five years since I’ve read a Buffy comic book, although I did read an issue of Angel & Faith last year (which I liked). I doubt that this ninth issue of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 will create many new Buffy fans (if any), but I think Buffy fans will likely enjoy it.

This story isn’t necessarily about slaying, although there is some slaying. On Your Own is a story of mother and child, and it is a bit surprising, even poignant. It shows the dramatic side of Buffy, and the character drama is what makes Buffy the Vampire Slayer like no other vampire thing.

B+

I Reads You Review: ANGEL AND FAITH #1

ANGEL & FAITH #1
DARK HORSE COMICS

WRITER: Christos Gage
ART: Rebekah Isaacs
COLORS: Dan Jackson
LETTERS: Jimmy Betancourt
COVER: Steve Morris (alternative cover by Jo Chen and 25th anniversary cover by Georges Jeanty, Dexter Vines, and JD Mettler)
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Angel & Faith is a new comic book series that ties into Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine, and both reportedly will run for 25 issues. Angel and Faith are characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the television series created by Joss Whedon. Angel (portrayed by actor David Boreanaz) is a vampire whose soul was restored as punishment for his crimes. Faith Lehane (played by Eliza Dishku) is a Slayer, a girl endowed with supernatural abilities who battles evil creatures like vampires and demons.

Angel & Faith #1 (“Live Through This” Part One) opens after the events of Twilight, which saw Angel kill the Watcher, Rupert Giles. Now, with access to the Watcher files, Angel is picking up Giles’ old cases with rebel Slayer, Faith, along for the fun. Meanwhile, two figures from Angel’s Twilight past, Nash and Pearl, are looking for some serious payback.

You don’t have to be familiar with the recent Buffy or Angel spin-off comic book series to enjoy or understand Angel & Faith, although knowing even a little about the two characters helps. First, I should say that I enjoyed reading this… for the most part. The art by Rebekah Isaacs is well-drawn and the storytelling is good. The writing by Christos Gage is technically good. Why technically?

Like most comic books published over the last decade (and longer for some publishers), Angel & Faith #1 is the first chapter in a serialized “graphic novel” or story arc that will eventually be published in a trade paperback edition. This first issue hops around from one subplot to the next, and there are multiple points of view or narrators. There is so much exposition and dialogue that one could see this as an illustrated short story or chapter of an illustrated novel more so than it is a comic book. Still, I must emphasis that this is a good comic book, but it’s like reading a part of a story instead of being a story.

B