Seven To Eternity comes back from it’s break in a big way with issue #10. Rick Remender and Jerome Opeña take us back to the Land of Zhal.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Adam Osidis and the Mud King continue their trek following a monumental betrayal by our main hero to his allies. It’s great to have Seven To Eternity back, which wastes no time reminding us that we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the cool stuff this world has to offer.
Not only is the story compelling, but the concept of spending enough time with your enemy that they become a friend says so much more than just a plot device. Adam Osidis’ character arc has been a challenging and surprising one, including some intriguing challenges of self.
Remender has himself another perfectly crafted main character that’s damaged goods. It’s hard to predict what Osidis is going to do at any given moment, it makes for an anxious, thrilling experience.
Seven To Eternity‘s antagonist is also a masterfully crafted character study. He’s as complex as they come, readers will go back and forth on their feelings for him every other issue. The Mud King is a sci-fi Negan with a much larger impact on the world around him.
Jerome Opeña fills this world with characters and creatures that all have such visual depth. Every new addition is a beautifully designed model, layered with creative clothing and weaponry, living in an environment that’s completely fleshed out. It’s so easy to get lost in the world of Seven To Eternity‘s art every single issue.
Our new steampunk-Hydra-balloon-town and it’s soldiers are incredibly fun to look at. Opeña is doing career work filling out the world spilling out of Rick Remender’s head.
Seven To Eternity is a must-read sci-fi comic. Whether you come for the spectacular art or masterful storytelling, you’ll leave satisfied with both. Every inch of this world oozes creativity and grandiose, it’s a delightful masterpiece.
Al Ewing ended his outstanding last issue of Immortal Hulk by introducing Walter Langkowski A.K.A. Sasquatch into the story, but why is he searching for Bruce Banner? Langkowski better be careful because most people that go looking for the Hulk turn up dead.
WRITTEN BY: Al Ewing
PENCILS BY: Joe Bennett
INKS: Ruy Jose
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Cory Petit
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
IMMORTAL HULK SPOILERS TOO!
Summary
Walter Langkowski A.K.A. Sasquatch met up with Jacqueline McGee to help with her story on the Hulk and as a type of liaison with the Canadian Government/Alpha Flight. There search for the Hulk led them to a South Dakota bar where Walter gets stabbed in the back trying to break up a fight.
After rushing him to the hospital, he’s pronounced dead… until the sun goes down. Banner arrives in disguise at the hospital to warn the reporter and the hospital to evacuate. It’s at that time that Walter, who was pronounced dead, emerges as Sasquatch from the table scaring the bejesus out of the doctors. Holy Guacamole, where is this going next?
Banner Bites
There is a ton to unpack from this issue so let me look at just a few delicious nuggets starting with Bruce Banner going to Penn State for a semester. As a PA native, Ewing scores points by having Banner a member of that fine university for at least a semester.
Next, Ewing explains the purple pants! Banner wanted to be more like Einstein so he bought 10 identical suits and researched the color purple, deducing “it’s going into style.” Was it needed? No, but it’s hilarious and the little additions that make this book one of the best in comics right now. Lastly, if Langkowski is telling the truth, Banner sounded like an obnoxious $&@!, which probably led to the Hulk in the first place.
Langkowski’s Backstory
Ewing‘s explanation as to why Department H chose to look into funding Langkowski’s research makes total sense. Department H thought Walter’s strength outmatched Banner’s normally so his gamma monster would outmatch the Hulk. Plus, Langkowski’s laid back attitude would be easier to control. And whether it’s new or old continuity, I love Ewing‘s idea of a dark dimensional demon named Tanaraq taking over Walter at one point making him more of a rampaging monster than the Canadian Government thought.
The Art
Joe Bennett and Ruy Jose’s art is amazing as usual. Their knack for detail and texture adds a sense of realism and weight to all of their characters and their environment. As always, Bennett and Jose’s dynamic art style grabs the readers attention, throws them into the story immediately, and brings the page to life. Bennett shines with his intricate detail to the characters facial expressions, smoothness of lines, and realistic placement of shadows that make the page pop. The panels are easy to follow and Cory Petits lettering guides readers through the issue safely. Nice work team!
Should you buy this issue?
Heck yeah! You get a backstory of the Hulk through the perspective of Walter Langkowski WHILE getting a backstory of Sasquatch at the same time. Ewing gives extra insight into how Hulk maneuvers from town to town, a clue that gamma radiation appears to be emitting anger sensations, and a small tidbit of what drives Jacqueline to want to chase down the Hulk so badly. Readers get all of this as well as Bennett and Jose’s amazing art that’s just next level. You got to pick this issue up.
Should you add this to your pull list?
No doubt! Since Ewing, Bennett, Jose have been doing IMMORTALHULK,the story has been excellent and the art has been so impressive. They haven’t had a single down issue yet. Call your comic shop and add this to your pull list right now!
What did you guys think of IMMORTAL HULK #4? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu. If you would like to read more of my reviews, just click HERE!
The recent Green Lanterns arc has come to a screeching halt.
The Green Lanterns are under attack on two fronts. The first threat comes from deep space in the form of an intergalactic fleet lead by a superbeing named Eon. They begin attacking worlds protected by Green Lanterns and go as far as murdering the space cops. The Lanterns of Earth come to assist, which leads to the second threat. The Green Lanterns’ rings have been working against their wearers. They refuse to send out distress beacons, send Green Lanterns across the galaxy, and have begun to whisper to the wearers to mistrust each other. The Lanterns need help now more than ever. Who will save the corps?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
Right from the beginning, the story feels off. Despite the last issue ending on Mogo, with the Green Lanterns trying to contain a superstorm, they’re now in space fighting Eon. They continue to fight to protect a planet whose Green Lantern was murdered, while the Guardians investigate the ring disturbance. The Guardians try to approach the central power battery, the source of the green light, but it pushes them back. With the Green Lanterns under fire and the Guardians without a clue, there’s not much hope for the heroes. That is until they get back up from the greatest of all the Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan.
Hal Jordan’s appearance only affects the issue by inspiring the other Green Lanterns to keep fighting. While that is fine and dandy for the fight scenes, it doesn’t progress the mysteries that are laid out. We are in the third issue of the arc, and we have learned little about Eon and his army, The Ravagers, and nothing about the ring corruption. While this threat is cool, I’m confident that many readers would like to learn WHY the rings are against their wearers. Hopefully, we will see more development in this story going forward.
Art:
When it comes to art, it has taken a step up from the previous issues. Marco Santucci has taken over illustrating duties for the arc, and it’s an improvement. He can flex his creative muscles, giving us grand space battles and impressive lantern constructs. Hi-Fi contributes with his masterful colorwork, giving the universe of the Green Lanterns life. This was a nice step up from the last issue, and I hope it goes up from here.
Conclusion:
Despite the improved art, I can’t recommend this comic to anyone. Somehow it feels as if we skipped a chapter yet stay in the exact place we left off the last issue. Whether Dan Jurgens wants to follow the war between Eon and the Green Lanterns or the corrupted rings, we need more development. As of right now, this intergalactic story feels lost in space.
Nightwing #47 by Ben Percy, Chris Mooneyham, Nick Filardi and Klaus Janson packs an impressive amount of action and emotion in a beautifully illustrated and taut narrative.
Dick Grayson may want to consider a new career in cyber-security because the major tech upgrades coming to Blüdhaven mean deadly danger for everyone in the city. Nightwing battles the mysterious tech mogul Willem Cloke, who it turns out is just a front man for the real threat—the organization known only as the Dark Web! Time to change those passwords, Blüdhaven!
Nightwing #47 Written by: Benjamin Percy Art by: Chris Mooneyham Inks by: Klaus Janson Colors by: Nick Filardi Letters by: Carlos Mangual
Writing
Nightwing #47 starts with a brawl, and the narrative pace remains relentless the whole time. Dick Grayson fights so much and so fast in this issue, it’ll remind you of the ‘burly brawl‘ in The Matrix Reloaded. Ben Percy also writes one hell of an inner voice for Dick, as the bulk of the issue puts the reader inside Nightwing’s thoughts. It’s a great way to showcase how unique and important Grayson is as a character even though he is a huge part of the Bat-family.
This story arc, ‘Bleeding Edge’ has also been a strong one plotwise. Having Blüdhaven become what Percy himself called recently a “smart city” is a great way to make the city more unique in the DCU landscape, just like’s its hero. The growing ‘Dark Web’ conspiracy also hints at a larger story being told, one with ramifications not just for Blüdhaven but the whole of the DCU.
Art
This comic was a pleasure to look at. The art by Mooneyham, Janson, and Filardi is able to be both crispy and gritty. Maybe it’s the John Romita Jr variant cover (check it out below) that does it, but the pages have a strong JRJR feel to them. The fight scenes are brutal, yet told with efficiency and energetic line work. The frequent use of black panel borders also highlights the vibrant colors.
For such a text-heavy issue, the word balloons and narration boxes are also well placed and easy to read. This is smooth work by Carlos Mangual.
Conclusion
Nightwing #47 is exactly what you want in a monthly comic. An action-packed, driven narrative with great character moments illustrated energetically and visually appealing.
Variant cover by John Romita Jr., Danny Miki and Tomeu Morey
Julia and Shawna Benson kick off their Green Arrow run by introducing a new vigilante to Emerald City; however, a little birdie told me this new “citizen” tends to take things a bit too far. You’ll never guess which billionaire is next on his hit list. Let’s strap in and find out!
WRITTEN BY: Julie and Shawna Benson
ART BY: Javi Fernandez
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
GREEN ARROW #38 SPOILERS TOO!
Summary
The Benson’s open this issue by introducing Jabal Slade, who is blowing up buildings to put up new homes. Lucky for the tenants, Green Arrow and Arsenal are there to save them right before it blows!
Next, readers find out that Oliver’s going bankrupt and getting sued by thousands because his Qphones and Qpads all blew up during GREEN ARROW ANNUAL #2. And, just as things are looking up for Green Arrow, a new villain/ vigilante emerges on the scene.
The Citizen arrives to fix this city using Social Media Social Justice. He captures Jabal Slade and posts a Live video online to have the web vote to see if he lives or dies. It turns out, the city votes for him to die and they kill him. The issue ends with Citizen announcing his next target; Oliver Queen.
Been There Done That
This feels like it’s been done before. The premise of a villain/ vigilante using the internet to have everyone vote to see who lives and who dies has been something tossed around in the media, films, and TV since at least 2008 with the movie UNTRACEABLE. Granted, that movie was just a straight up killer trying to show how sick and twisted society is where the Benson’s took it one step further and made it a “call to action.”
The idea of looking at humanity under a microscope to see their true colors was even done in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES when Joker made the two ferry boats decide who would live and who would die. Point is: I’m disappointed that Benson’s first shot at Green Arrow turned into plots of movies and possibly TV shows that have been done before. They had an opportunity, like most new creative teams on books, to move in any direction they wanted with new ideas and new directions for the characters. This issue felt more of the same Social Justice angle with plots of movies readers have seen before sprinkled in.
Highlights
I enjoyed the Benson’s continuing the Oliver Queen chili snob connection. It’s a small, silly thing that’s fun and lite-hearted but I love it! However, I’m getting a bit tired of Sanctuary being name-dropped in random issues throughout the DCU. I feel DC is trying hard to push the idea that Sanctuary has always been there by sprinkling it in random issues across their line. It’s kind of like a gradual retcon, and it’s exhausting.
I also loved that Roy is the person Oliver chooses to trust with the box that Martian Manhunter gave him in case he dies. This was where I wanted the Benson’s to take the story. Readers will want to know what’s in that dang box and how it can be used to stop the Justice League. If you have been reading JUSTICE LEAGUEcurrently, we have seen how easy it is for our heroes to lose control, be taken advantage of, or just manipulated by outside forces. Point is: the Benson’s could explore this angle while fighting villains along the way. I would be all in on that story arc!
The Art
Javi Fernandez does a fantastic job showing facial emotions and expressions in his art. However, his style throughout the issue isn’t as detailed and realistic as I would like. I enjoy more texture and weight to my art, and that isn’t Fernandez’ style. Don’t get me wrong; nothing that Fernandez drew looks bad at all. Readers can tell exactly what they are looking at with little confusion. His layout of panels and flow through the issue makes it easy to follow, but the pages just aren’t very dynamic. Fernandez’ art doesn’t draw me into the story, but it also isn’t taking anything away from it either.
Should you buy this issue?
I’m on the fence with that answer. The premise feels like it’s been done before and the art is just fine but nothing that leaps off the page to grab my attention. So, currently, I would have to say no. My hope is that the story picks up and becomes more interesting, especially if the focus switches to the box!
Should you add this to your pull list?
Here is where I say yes. Each creative team deserves an arc to show what they can do and where they’re going. I will be reading the first Benson arc to give it a more accurate review of what they have in store for readers, and I feel everyone should do the same. A one issue snapshot for a writer and art team is not fair to give a stamp of approval or disapproval. So for now, I’m still in for the first arc.
What did you guys think of GREEN ARROW #43? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu. If you would like to read more of my reviews, click HERE!
Mister Miracle #10 is out today from DC Comics, and it’s another harrowing and surreal snapshot of depression.
After the events of last issue, Mister Miracle is left with an impossible choice to make. Scott can end the war with Apokolips, saving billions of lives, but only by giving up what little happiness he has left.
We’ve been following Scott’s depression for ten issues now, and it’s gone through cycles. We’ve seen the good, we’ve seen the bad, and this issue is definitely more of the ugly. Tom King and Mitch Gerads use Scott and Big Barda to show how our anxiety and depression affects those closest to us, and how it just wants to take whatever little joy we can muster.
We’ve seen this story unfold from Scott’s perspective, but Barda has also had to deal with all the pain and trouble. Moreover, she’s had to be the strong one, the rock. Finally, she gets some much deserved catharsis in this issue, and it ranges from scary to sad. For the first time really, we see her pain. But we also see, like we’ve seen in previous issues, that she loves Scott despite his problems, and scream as she might, she’ll always be there to help him when he needs it.
It’s beautiful in the saddest way. Welcome to Mister Miracle.
Barda’s the dominating force in this issue, and Gerads doesn’t let you forget it. She commands whatever panel she’s in; Scott looks tiny next to her. It’s a brilliant parallel for their relationship. She’s the strong one holding everything together, and Scott just feels small and powerless.
Think about their relationship. They were both raised in hellfire, literally, but it affected them both very differently. They’re both fucked up, but one seems stronger for it, able to harness it and channel it into something positive while the other dwells on it in a negative sense. Again it’s a sharp commentary on the real world. We all live in the same, messed up world, but some of us deal with it better than others.
When reading issue ten, observe the way Gerads frames Barda and the way she stacks up to Scott. Most of this commentary comes through the art. Mister Miracle rewards you for paying attention and truly studying its craft more than any other book on the shelves.
Aside from how Scott’s metal health affects Barda, Mister Miracle #10 is about how depression tries to steal one’s happiness, and how one deals with that. It’s about bargaining and trying to make sense of nonsensical situations, ones that really shouldn’t require much thought at all. Scott considers making a terrible personal sacrifice for the greater good. It’s insane when you actually think about it, but to Scott it sort of makes sense. King and Gerads unpack this struggle in simple but powerful ways and show how our personal demons mess with our thought process.
Also, it’s great to see Scott’s superhero bros pop up for a cameo. The nods to Justice League International solidify this issue as a high point for the run. (Take note of Scott’s credit card and his bank. Again, pay attention, get rewarded.)
Only two issues left of Mister Miracle; what more can King and Gerads throw at us? Darkseid is.
With issue five, writer James Tynion‘s takes a turn on JUSTICE LEAGUE or should I say the Legion of Doom!
Tynion gives readers an interesting taste of what’s been going on from the viewpoint of Lex Luthor and his crew; but what made Luthor turn away from good and will readers ever find out why? Let’s take a look!
WRITTEN BY: James Tynion IV
PENCILS BY: Doug Mahnke
INKS: Jaime Mendoza
COLORS: Wil Quintana
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
JUSTICE LEAGUE #5 SPOILERS TOO!
Summary
Lex Luthor unlocked the key to the known universe after the events of JUSTICE LEAGUE: NO JUSTICE as well as had a revelation of true Entropy. So, Luthor began to form the Legion of Doom by recruiting Sinestro and Gorilla Grodd into the fold.
To succeed in his plan, Luthor needed a military leader to run an army, as well as someone who had controlled a “Force” in the past. Therefore, Sinestro and Grodd are the perfect couple for Lex’s new vision of Doom. Using Lexcorp tech, a mother box, and sheer intelligence, Lex went a million years into the future to see if Entropy indeed was the key to everything. But interestingly enough, Lex wasn’t the first Luthor who went searching for this idea; his father was.
If you remember back in JUSTICE LEAGUE #1, Lex blew up an old Legionnaires Club and found a secret door of his fathers. Lionel already had this revelation and was looking into the very same thing: the Path of Doom. So after Lex’s epiphany, his mother box technology, Lionel’s research, and pure genius, Luthor sought to change the future by bringing Entropy and Doom to the present instead of millions of years in the future.
The Goods
Let’s start with Tynion’s explanations of just about EVERYTHING! Readers get answers to motivations of the characters, as well as answers to why the Hall of Doom is such a good stronghold. From the Skartaris metal, to Felix Faust’s incantations, to Joker torturing himself to make a better interrogation chamber, these are the details readers have needed throughout this series, and even the DCU in general.
Sometimes, writers gloss over the details to get through a story quick and clean. But, Tynion managed to weave answers together so beautifully while still progressing the story forward with little dialogue, creative storytelling, and exciting plot twists. And, Tynion‘s take on Lex was genuinely fantastic. Luthor’s genius and calm, calculated ego are finally back. He’s arrogant and cunning again, and I love it. Don’t get me wrong; I liked good Luthor, but I forgot how much I missed evil Lex. But Tynion not only gives readers the Lex back, but he also gives Luthor the gravitas he’s lost since the New 52.
Tynion does the little things throughout the issue that are so important to this series and the storyline. For example, he gives simple, nonchalant explanations as to why Grodd can’t use mind control on Luthor because he uses blockers and inhibitors. Or, Tynion sneaks into a conversation about how Lex can manipulate time and space to appear by the Source Wall instantly. These are the little throwaway lines to some writers that mean the world to the dedicated fans. Thank you so much Tynion for not overlooking the small things. Thank you for not assuming readers know what’s happening.
The Art
Doug Mahnke and Jaime Mendoza’s art is stunning. It’s detailed and so visually appealing that readers will get immediately sucked into the story. Mahnke and Mendoza’s artwork is the cherry on top of this issue that took Tynion‘s fantastic story and made this issue almost flawless. The panel layout was easy to follow, and nothing seemed too crammed in on each page. Wil Quintana’s colors were bright and vibrant and helped throw readers deeper into the story, especially Luthor’s bright green eyes. I can’t say enough about how awesome this art team did on his issue. Amazing job guys!
Should you buy this issue?
Absolutely! JUSTICE LEAGUE has already been ten times better since Scott Snyder began. However, Tynion‘s issue is by far the best one yet. He has a knack for writing villains, especially Luthor and Grodd. This issue can stand alone and make sense by itself. So, if readers haven’t been following along, you’ll still get enjoyment out of it. However, if you’ve been reading since issue 1, Tynion issue puts some of the pieces together that make this issue so dang good.
Should you add this to your pull list?
My understanding is that Tynion is not on every issue but every 5th issue. He will be telling the story from the perspective of the Legion of Doom. So, if you liked this issue, you may have to wait until issue 10 to get more of this. However, Snyder has been doing well, and I still recommend putting this on your pull list. That said; if you like what Tynion did here, you should consider adding JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK to your pull list.
What did you guys think of JUSTICE LEAGUE #5? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu. If you would like to read more of my reviews, click HERE!
The Super Sons return with a bright, fun opening to their new maxi-series.
When Rebirth was first announced, one of the new comics announced was Super Sons. The series followed Damian Wayne and Jon Kent as they went on super adventures. While their series wasn’t a very long one, it is a highlight of this era. The Super Sons’ series reminded us that comics could be fun but have enough emotion driven moments to be taken seriously. The series’ ended in May of this year, but Tomasi has more story to tell. We now have a 12 issue maxi-series that will take the sons of Batman and Superman on a new adventure. What trouble will our Super Sons get into?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
The Super Sons return with a bang as they fight a golden statue of Superman before their last day of school. They plan to go on several adventures over the course of the summer, as Jon is staying with Damian. Before they can truly enjoy the summer, however, a new group of villains appears to face them. Lead by Rex Luthor, the group known as The Gang wants to end the Super Sons once and for all. To defeat Superboy, they reveal their secret weapon: Gold Kryptonite.
This was a fun opening issue for the series but had a major flaw holding it back from perfection. The relationship between Superboy and Robin continues to be my favorite part of the series. The fun-loving Jon and ever-serious Damien have such humorous and fun banter; it’s near impossible not to smile. The same goes for everything in this book. The dialogue, the action, the art. All of it gives off the fun vibe that readers of all ages can enjoy.
There is one major flaw with this first issue, despite the fun. The issue felt like a very quick read in terms of storytelling. The action is a ton of fun, but some parts are just skimmed over without explanation. Where are Superman and Lois? Who are these villains? How did they get Gold Kryptonite? This is the first issue, so I don’t expect answers right away, but you can’t just pull out the rarest form of Kryptonite without any explanation.
Art:
As I mentioned before, the art for this issue is just as fun as the story. Carlo Barberi returns as the illustrator, and I can’t imagine anyone else on the job. I especially enjoy his designs for The Gang, mixing threatening but silly in one perfect, cartoony style. The vibrant colors helped these illustrations pop off the page and made the world feel alive.
Conclusion:
While it’s a little rough around the edges, this opening to this new Super Sons maxi-series is good. It’s a ton of fun to read, from the dialogue to the action against the villains. The art matches the tone with fantastic illustration and color, promising a bright series ahead. This is a great first issue, and I recommend it.
Ewan McGregor who plays a middle-aged Christopher Robin in the Disney film of the same name was transformed into a little kid at the world premiere Monday night at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA.
In the latest episode of Kieran’s Movie Space, Kieran delivers his spoiler-free review of one of the years most anticipated movies, Mission: Impossible – Fallout. Does Tom Cruise deliver another adrenaline-filled action movie? Was Henry Cavill’s moustache worth the wait? Listen to the full review below and find out!
Kieran’s Movie Space is an insightful, fun and reliable new podcast for fans of all things cinema. Host Kieran McLean delivers in-depth reviews of the latest movie releases, from small indie movies to massive blockbusters.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout is directed by Christopher McQuarrie and stars Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Alec Baldwin, Angela Bassett, Sean Harris and Michelle Monaghan.
Ethan Hunt and the IMF team join forces with CIA assassin August Walker to prevent a disaster of epic proportions. Arms dealer John Lark and a group of terrorists known as the Apostles plan to use three plutonium cores for a simultaneous nuclear attack on the Vatican, Jerusalem and Mecca, Saudi Arabia. When the weapons go missing, Ethan and his crew find themselves in a desperate race against time to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
Make sure you hit the like button, subscribe and review the podcast! Alternatively, you can subscribe to the Monkeys Fighting Robots newsletter to be notified when new episodes are available, plus amazing content!
