Gore #6 – Review

By

-

June 28, 2012

Issue: Gore #6
Writer: Alex Crippa
Artist: Emilio Laiso
Colors: Alessia Nocera
Publisher: GG Studio
Release Date: June 2012
Price: $2.99

“Demons invade the Carnival at Venice. These horrible nightmare-reflections of beloved fairytale characters are determined to tear a hole from their twisted world to ours. Demon Hunter Gabriel must force the demoness Cinderella, monster Little Mermaid, and countless others back through the portal before the last night of Carnival – else no one will live happily ever after!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Once upon a time there was a comic book that took your typical Fairy Tale characters and turned them into horrible killing machines, welcome to Gore. This series kind of reminds me of a video game, in that every issue has a “boss” battle, or in comic terms, a bad ass mother $&^#% fight scene! The artwork by Laiso and Nocera in this issue is fantastic, but you can probably tell that from the cover. They really won me over with the decapitation scene, but that is to be expected. The panels are always consistent and the pages shine. This is just a GORE-Geous book (that is the first time that ever worked on 3 levels)! The story in this issue is paced just right. Yes you get a great action scene, but you also get a lot of build taking place. This is the middle of the series and I can tell things are about to take a really good turn. The dialogue though does have one or two moments of confusion, but you have to keep in mind that this is being translated, so that can happen. Overall this issue just adds more great depth to this amazing series. I wish I could go back and review each and every single issue, so you have to take my word for it. There have been some great death scenes in these issues that need to be seen by horror fan eyes. I can easily recommend this book for all fans of horror.

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Gore you can find it at http://www.ggstudiodesign.com

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The Awakened #1 – Review

By

Matthew Sardo

-

June 28, 2012

Issue: The Awakened #1
Writer: Ivan James
Artist: Tim Jensen
Release Date: 2012

“Gabe had a late night craving for some Taco Stix®. His usual order was a sack of Taco Stix® and a large Cola Pop® with lite ice. So he was quite surprised when the universe added a hip hop spell caster and a demon who wants to kill him as well. He should have realized beforehand that satisfying his hunger meant enlisting in an adventure of biblical proportions. He probably would have eaten somewhere else…”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
So what can really go wrong with ordering some Taco Stix®? Apparently a lot, and The Awakened is here to explore just that. Let’s start off simply with the colors, man do they POP off of every single page. I guess in the near future this creative team thinks we are going to be all neon, and well it makes this book so visually attractive. Jensen’s cast looks amazing from panel to panel. I really enjoy the look of the demons, as they come across as almost a half vampire half crazy albino. There are some scenes where things did get a little muddied up, but overall this book looks great. The story was an action packed horror/hero blast that was like a straight punch to the face. James’ writing never slowed down, and it left me on the edge of my seat throughout. I honestly was okay with how the issue ended, because it left me wanting more. So the actual writeup of what is taking place, or the back story, was just icing on the cake (it came at the end of the issue). On every level this book was a winner. It captured my attention and ran with it for a good 20 minutes. I can not wait to see what comes next, lets just hope that issue gets here soon.

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about The Awakened you can find it at http://ivan-james.com/theawakened/

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Review: Amazing Spider-Man #688 – No Turning Back!

By

Roger Riddell

-

June 27, 2012

Amazing Spider-Man #688
Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli [Pencils], Klaus Janson [Inks], Frank D’Armata [Colors]

Coming off of the devastating loss of Silver Sable in the final chapter of “Ends of the Earth,” Spider-Man is desperately needing a check in the “win” column. It doesn’t matter that he just saved the entire world and that Silver Sable’s sacrifice was only one life in comparison–Peter made a vow after the murder of Marla Jameson that, while he’s around, no one dies.

Of course, nobody can live up to that sort of statement, and Mary Jane tells Peter this herself at a party she throws in his honor (cleverly disguised as a “Hey, Horizon Labs helped stop the world from being destroyed by Doctor Octopus!” party). Regardles, Pete doesn’t have much time to let this sink in and relax before his other ex, CSI detective Carlie Cooper, phones him to let him know that Billy Connors’ grave has been robbed.

If you remember, Billy Connors is the son of Dr. Curt Connors, who became the Lizard after a failed experiment with reptile DNA meant to give humans the ability to regenerate lost limbs. Last time the Lizard took over Curt Connors, he decided to destroy his former self once and for all and devoured his son.

Anyways, it turns out Billy’s body was stolen by a certain Horizon-employed vampire/scientist who has found a way to change the Lizard back to Curt Connors again. Is this the win Spider-Man is looking for…or is it?

Jumping back and forth between the present and the hours leading up to that moment, Dan Slott delivers an engaging start to a well-timed story starring the two main characters of The Amazing Spider-Man (in theaters next week!). Instead of feeling like it was just thrown together to tie into the movie by featuring Lizard as a villain, it builds on the Lizard’s character developments from the past two years and feels like the logical place to move on to the character’s next step.

Despite a few faces taking an extra look or two to get used to, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Klaus Janson, and Frank D’Armata hit the ball out of the park in the art department. The Lizard here feels as vicious as ever, if not more so with Spider-Man’s tattered costume displaying the savage consequences of the battle.

Morbius’ involvement here is sure to be the wild card in this darker Spider-Man tale, as the vampiric scientist’s control over his hunger has often been unstable in the past. I’m not sure where Slott’s taking this after the final page, but it’s sure to be a wild ride if the past is any indication.

RATING: EXCELSIOR!

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A Vs X “Round 6” No More Avengers?

By

Matthew Sardo

-

June 20, 2012

Written By: Jonathan Hickman

Art By: Oliver Coipel

Six issues into A Vs X and the bigger picture is starting to come into focus. I’ve been admittedly hard on this “Event” book since its started. The characterization of Scott Summers as character has been erratic and off-putting enough to make the rest of the story fall flat under its lofty ambitions.

After Iron Mans failure to contain the Phoenix Force last issue ended with the creation of “The Phoenix Five”. Ten Days have passed and The Phoenix Five have done a lot to fix different parts of the Country. Charles Xavier finally accepts an invite from Magneto and Cyclops and this is yet another attempt at beating us over the head with the notion that Cyclops is losing his touch with reality.

Cyclops credits all of this work to be done in honor of Charles and then proceeds to explain to Hope that she didn’t deserve the Phoenix Force after giving it up. He then tells her she isn’t a prisoner and can leave when she wants.Again it all seems forced and while he dialogue is good and it creates a layer of tension and creates a pretty big threat it doesn’t feel fully realized and polished.

There in lies the problem. A few pages later and The Avengers have decided that The X Men must be held accountable for their actions regardless of their intent. I understand that Marvel wants to ground things in reality but must every big event have the President involved? The Avengers are presented as nothing more than pawns of the President in this issue and it doesn’t give a compelling argument as to who your more interested in seeing “win”. Once again Tony Stark creates some cool suits for The Avengers to use and develop a plan. The Avengers decide that Hope is the key to figuring out how to stop the Phoenix and go on a rescue mission to kidnap Hope off of Utopia.

I will say I was very happy to see Oliver Coipel’s pencils this issue. He’s always been able to draw epic action scenes and I actually thought the redesigns of The Phoenix Five looked far cooler this issue than what Romita Jr. had created. I’m hoping he continues to draw the next few issues. Say what you will about how odd the story and plot of this issue were at least it’s pretty.

With a conveniently placed cameo the story progresses in a way that drives Cyclops even further in to the realm of Crazyville. I know that some people may enjoy this series but for me it still continues to show us that good Event Books are few and far between. The story is full of too many characters and with more being added each issue with little to no character development how can we truly care about whats happening in the series at all? I’m really hoping for some last-minute magic here other wise I have to say this is one of the bigger disappointments in recent memory for something that had so much potential coming out of the gate.

Review Score: 5/10

Mike DeVivo

Follow Me On Twitter @pandasandrobots

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Review: SAGA #4 – Keeps getting better and better

By

Matthew Sardo

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The originality of Saga is what makes this book such a great series. When you read Saga #5 count how many times you are surprised by either the story or character designs. Brian K. Vaughan must have read Douglas Adam’s “Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy,” because it looks like Vaughan read it, threw it away and then created his own unique world of craziness.

The book is called Saga, and each issue continues to build on the epic-ness of the first issue and issue four is no different. We find out about Marko’s ex-girlfriend, and Vaughan further develops the loving couple. The ghostly Izabel provides comic relief and Will shows that he is a killer with a heart.

Saga is unique but if you strip down all the special effects from the book, it’s a normal couple in an insane world. Somehow everyone can relate to it in some form or another. I can not think of a time before Star Wars, but Saga boldly takes the science fiction/fantasy genre in a new direction. Vaughan is building up this universe of characters, but it’s only a matter of time before the gut-wrenching emotional lose of life begins.

Brian K. Vaughan delivers on his promise to give the readers an epic tale.

Issue: Saga #4
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Pencils: Fiona Staples
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: 6/20/2012

Mature Readers
Welcome to SEXTILLION, a distant planet where even your darkest fantasies become reality. See why everyone’s talking about this hit new ongoing adventure from BRIAN K. VAUGHAN and FIONA STAPLES!

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Review: Walking Dead #99 – a solid poker face

By

Matthew Sardo

-

June 19, 2012

Issue: Walking Dead #99
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Pencils: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: 6/20/2012

‘SOMETHING TO FEAR’ CONTINUES! The unthinkable happens, as we all gear up for next month’s monumental issue 100!

Story: 8/10 • Artwork: 8/10 • Overall 8/10

This is an average issue for anyone who has read Walking Dead. Issue 99 is the set-up to Walking Dead #100, where all hell should break loose. So, with all the hype over issue 100, issue #99 comes off bland. It,s like the power went off half way through a really good movie. This story-arc will read better in trade paper back form.

The book is bland because there is no great cliff-hanger at the end of this issue, but that is the way Kirkman planned it out. Kirkman wants the hype to be insane surrounding issue 100 and you don’t get that if you show your hand to quickly. Kirkman wants Walking Dead fans to burn-down San Diego Comic-Con with excitement. Walking Dead #100 comes out on July 11th, 2012, the first day of Comic -Con.

Walking Dead #99 is the calm before the storm, we hope…

Follow Matthew Sardo on twitter @comicavult

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Batman #10 This Issue Changes Everything

By

Matthew Sardo

-

June 13, 2012

Batman #10

Story By: Scott Snyder

Art By: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion

Wow…there are very few comics out now that have been on a stronger roll than Batman. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo manage to increase the level of intensity this issue while also shedding light on their entire run on Batman thus far.

Batman is now the aggressor this issue after getting a tip from Lincoln March on who is responsible for the Court Of Owls. Snyder writes this issue pretty straight forward at first but as always starts to peel back the layers of the story and his most solid issue since Batman was trapped in the Owl’s maze in issue 5.

There are a few twists this issue. With the biggest reveal coming towards the end of this issue changing not only Batman’s but Bruce’s life forever. I don’t want to spoil the story for you but its safe to say that their will be people who love and hate this plot twist. In my opinion I think it’s a ballsy move by Snyder and shows that he’s willing to play with every corner of Bruce’s life. Hell if it makes things harder for Bruce and Batman as a whole why not?

I’m also completely in love with Greg Capullo’s art. He draws batman this issue full of rage and anger. You get the feeling he’s ready for this whole ordeal to be over but that he’s enjoying playing the role of Batman for the first time in a long while. Whether it’s a well placed bit of sarcasm towards Ms. Powers as he smashes an owl mask against steel bars or increasing anger that builds as he chases the mystery person behind The Court you feel his anger on each page grow.

batman-10-preview-3 — 5 o'clock shadow Batman finally gets his revenge on the court

Jonathan Glapion’s inks also have to be brought to light. He’s just as important to this book. I recommend anyone wanting to see how much he actually contributes to each page to look his name up and you tube and watch one of his time elapsed ink jobs he’s done so far.

The backup story written by James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder this issue serves to drive Snyder’s story home even further while also showing us the fate of Jarvis Pennyworth. It also shows us a side of Martha Wayne I’ve never seen. Long story short I think Bruce may have more of his mother in him than I was ever aware of. It’s all drawn hauntingly and beautiful by Rafael Albuquuerque. The painted style is a nice choice and goes along way to making the time period feel believable.This story is just as worth the price of admission as Snyder’s Court of Owls and both creators should have a long career at DC afterwards.

With the way this issue ends I cant wait to read the conclusion to what may be the best Story in comics this year. I know it sounds like I’m gushing over this book and I am. There is something to be said about a book when you’re at issue 11 and you want to immediately start reading issue one again to appreciate all the smaller nuances to the story you may have missed. This is a rare comic created by people who truly love their source material and are fearless to place their own stamp on Batman . Buy it , Read it , you’ll enjoy every page of this book.

Review Score : 10/10

Mike DeVivo

Follow me on Twitter @pandasandrobots

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Review: Amazing Spider-Man #687 – As the World Burns

By

Roger Riddell

-

June 13, 2012

Amazing Spider-Man #687
Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Stefano Caselli, Frank Martin Jr. [Color Art]

HEY! WAIT A MINUTE!
If you haven’t read the rest of this story arc, this review will spoil a few plot developments, and we wouldn’t want that, would we? The end of this issue isn’t spoiled, though, so you’re safe there.

Victory is once again within Doctor Octopus’ grasp and the only people who can stop him are Spider-Man, Black Widow, Silver Sable, and Mysterio–who switched sides last issue, natch! Unfortunately, they’ll have to go through the (mind-controlled) Avengers first.

The ensuing battle is among the best-written team battles to take place in Spider-Man (or a lot of other books) in recent memory. Dan Slott takes advantage of the various characters involved, as well as plot points from previous issues in the last few years, to showcase everyone (with the exception of Black Widow and Hawkeye, but they were knocked out early on). The Spider-Man/Spider-Woman fight and the bit with Thor’s Mjolnir were nice touches, but the turncoat Mysterio was the true standout in these pages as he showcased his mastery of illusion and quipped about leaving the super villain business for television.

This being the final part of the story arc, Spider-Man does finally confront the still-dying Doc Ock in his underwater base (where do these guys get the funds for this stuff?). Octavius’ intentions are, indeed, to purge the Earth using his Octavian Lens, and with the doctor so close to death and the Rhino still on Ock’s side, Spider-Man’s pact of “no one dies” may finally be forced to end. The people who (seemingly) die here just aren’t the ones you’d expect.

Overall, Slott gives what is thus far his best Spider-Man “event” story a fitting end. The action stays on point, the dialogue stays fresh while referencing previous issues, the (seeming) deaths don’t feel meaningless, and several threads are left open for later. In particular, it will be interesting to see whether or not Horizon Labs was ever able to figure out that a lot of Ock’s tech was developed by them–and Peter Parker, in particular–and what repercussions that may have. Stefano Caselli and Frank Martin, Jr. continue to deliver the goods as well, especially with what might be the most menacing-looking incarnation of Doc Ock.

As with every other issue of this arc, if you haven’t read it, GO BUY IT NOW!

RATING: EXCELSIOR!

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Review: Planetoid #1 – We want issue two!

By

Matthew Sardo

-

June 13, 2012

Issue: Planetoid #1
Writer: Ken Garing
Pencils: Ken Garing
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: 6/13/2012

Silas, an ex-soldier turned space pirate, finds himself stranded on a mysterious planet in alien territory. As he explores the long-abandoned industrial ruins of the planet’s surface he will have to fend off rogue mechanical creatures, roving cyborg militias, and a hostile alien military with a bounty on his head. Silas will have to rely on resourcefulness and bare-bones survival tactics in order to stay alive and ultimately unlock the secrets of a planet where survival is a luxury and escape an impossibility.

Story: 8/10 • Artwork: 9/10 • Overall 8.5/10
Planetoid has one of the most generic main characters in the universe (orphaned, ex-military, space pirate, secret weapon) but Ken Garing’s artwork and overall story-arc make this book work. Garing’s story is simple, a very tough guy trapped on an even tougher planet. Now that the plot is out-of-the-way bring on the battles!

Garing’s artwork has an early 80’s, gritty, Japanese feels to it. The layouts worked really well to convey action and story. Four pages into the book the reader has a firm grasp on the dire situation that Silas has just landed into. Yet it is easy to show the planet, but to explain the planet and Silas’ origin it takes the entire issue. This double origin tale does lead to the reader wanting more action by the end of the issue. Also, the first issue could have used a better cliff-hanger ending. Garing needs to work harder at grabbing a hold of the reader and not letting go.

The best part of Planetoid #2 is the seven-page battle between Silas and a giant robotic worm. Garing’s layout and colors are amazing. There is a slight call back to the sand worms of “Dune” or the graboids from “Tremors,” but that lends to the feels of the book. The battle flows very well and continues the story without forcing it.

The hope for this book is that Garing has the ability to develop his characters and expand the universe because Garing has an attention to the details much like Jonathan Hickman, and that is a good thing.

Everything that was great about 80’s science fiction oozes out of Planetoid #1.

Check out Planetoid #1 six-page preview here.

Follow Matthew Sardo on twitter @comicavult

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Dial H #2 Further down the Rabbit Hole

By

Matthew Sardo

-

June 10, 2012

Dial H #2

Written By: China Mieville

Art By: Mateus Santolouco

Last issue introduced to us to Nelse and his new-found powers brought on by the mysterious Phone Booth. This issue picks up immediately after last. Nelse is busy figuring out his powers while his best friend still sits in the hospital from his recent attack and his ex girlfriend still doesn’t give him the time of day.

It’s an interesting take on an already unique comic. Nelse’s obsessive behavior has now bleed into his use of the Dial. Through Nelse’s notes we find out that he forgets who he is every time that he changes and takes on the memories of each Superhero he inhabits.

On the subject of Superheroes China Mieville creates more than enough fun and interesting characters for Mateus Santolouco to draw. Shamanticore and Ctrl-Alt-Delete being my personal favorites this issue. Mateus’s art once again provides enough atmosphere and tension on each page. He also draws the comic with a very kinetic sense of action and creates new and inventive ways to make each page visually striking.

DIALH_2_1 — A few of the new Superheroes introduced in this issue of Dial H

The pacing of this issue is a bit broken but it still provides enough fun along with more questions as to who is chasing Nelse. The mystery behind who is after Nelse and his friends is still just that. With his friend place back into danger he goes back to the hospital and bites off more than he can chew. It leaves Nelse in a weakened state as he runs from his attackers with another figure waiting for him at his Dial. China Mieville and Mateus Santolouco deliver another solid issue. DC’s Dark line of books are proving to be the most surprising aspect of DC’s New 52 Relaunch.

Review Score 8/10

Mike DeVivo

Follow me on Twitter @pandasandrobots

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