Review: GREEN LANTERNS #51 Continues the Mystery in Dull Fashion

While the mystery is intriguing, the newest Green Lanterns arc leaves much to be desired.

Last issue we had the beginning of a new creative run unfold for our Green Lanterns. A new threat has come to the DC Universe, and it’s up to the Lanterns to try and stop it. The problem is that it isn’t just an alien force that is causing trouble, but the Green Lanterns’ rings themselves have been turning against them. John Stewart’s ring refused to send out a distress signal when he was being attacked by invaders, causing his defeat. Jessica Cruz’s Ring shortly followed by giving her doubts about the other Green Lanterns, whispering like Sauron in Lord of the Rings. During all of this, however, a new mystery has risen, what Green Lantern would kill a Guardian?

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

As the Green Lanterns of Earth quickly rush the Guardian to a hospital, we see the fleet that defeated Stewart attacking a planet. While the Green Lantern Penelops tries to fight back this threat, the enemy leader Eon murders him. This allows the fleet to begin massacring the people of the planet with Star Wars Empire-esque weaponry. Meanwhile, the other Green Lanterns try to contain the disaster on planet Mogo while the body of the Guardian is being examined. After confirmation from the autopsy, it becomes clear that a Lantern murdered the Guardian.

This issue of Green Lanterns continues the mystery of the Green Lanterns’ ring, and while intriguing at times, overall it comes off being boring. Dan Jurgens appears to be going for a slow burn style with this story, allowing tension to build over time. The problem is that, even if it is a slow burn, a comic needs to entertain at the moment. There is only one scene of ring-slinging action, and it is only to create a dome. Not anything bizarre or creative as expected in a Green Lanterns story, just a dome. This story is trying to be a more subdued tale, with plenty of mystery to keep readers enticed. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make for a particularly exciting issue. Hopefully, things pick up soon because, at this rate, this run might lose the steam that it spent 49 issues building.

Art:

While it’s far from perfect, I have to admit Mike Perkins art is beginning to grow on this reviewer. The darker style that Perkins is going for matches the story, but can still be out of this world. The alien race we follow getting attacked are drawn very well, capturing the aquatic theme of the world. They aren’t the only ones either. All of the Green Lanterns are drawn fantastically but are still subdued enough to fit the narrative. Hopefully, we’ll get more action for Perkins to show off his skill as the story progresses.

Conclusion:

Second issue into the run and this reviewer is already bored. The mystery of the Green Lanterns’ rings is intriguing, but this story needs more. The art is steadily growing, and I feel it could soar if given a chance. We still have a ways to go before the end so let’s hope there is some action next time.

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AVENGERS #5 Review: The New Origin

Dispatchdcu

AVENGERS #5 story by the spectacular Jason Aaron, with art by Paco c, inks by the thorough Juan Vlasco, Mark Morales, and Karl Story, colors by David Curiel, and letters by Cory Petit arrives on shelves this week giving readers the answers they’ve wanted since MARVEL LEGACY. Readers will never guess this backstory or what the Ghost Rider can do now! Let’s jump in.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

AVENGERS #5 SPOILERS TOO!!

The FACTS of Life

Loki opens the issue with a new Marvel History lesson. Afterward, the Ghost Rider helps Captain America escape the Final Host and captures the evil trickster. Meanwhile, Black Panther and Captain Marvel altered their suits energy structures to take down the locust hordes while She-Hulk and Thor arrive back with the blood of Ymir. The two of them eat it to gain immense power growing as large as the Dark Celestials. Iron Man’s God Killer armor arrives from Mars, and the Avengers split up having Doctor Strange battle Loki while the Ghost Rider takes control of a dead Celestial possessing it like his car! Things just got real!

Perfect Strangers

Reading every issue to this point, confusion was starting to set in on the how, where, when, and why of this Avengers Fresh Start. However, this issue by Aaron did a phenomenal job answering all of those questions and more. It turns out, the First Celestial was infected by the cosmic locusts 4 billion years ago and fell to Earth by happenstance. Aaron gives new readers to Marvel, as well as old, an origin story to this universe that was indeed out of this world.

The First Celestial got sick and died on the planet, which was never going to amount to anything… until that day. It spewed out its diseased infection all over Earth. From that disease and sickness came the human race. This Celestial was called the Progenitor. Aaron‘s telling of our creation and being is so dang creative and impressive. This story completely blew me away. But it gets better!

Fraggle ROCK!

Aaron turns the start of our world into a love story gone wrong. Looking for his lost Celestial love, another Celestial named Zgreb came to Earth in One Million B.C. only to be defeated by Odin, his first Avengers, and the locust plague that took his beloved. This drew the attention of all the Celestials called the First Host. However, they withdrew from Earth fearing to become infected too. This is where my confusion subsided. Aaron pieced the story together so well and gave the story meaning, purpose, and new history. The time it must have taken him to create a story that connects the old and the new Marvel together is very inspiring for the future of Marvel. Lead the way, Aaron!

As impressive as the story is in this issue, the art by Medina and Mcguinness is terrific. As much detail as Aaron put into the story; this art team did the same with the layout, colors, and design of each panel. From the Celestial sickness of black ooze flowing from their mouth to the Ghost Rider fire billowing out from each freakin’ Celestial he touched, this team draws you into the story with realistic displays and bright, vibrant colors that make this issue come to life.

GOLDEN Girls

The intricate detail, time, and extensive thought to the story to weave Marvel Legacy, the ancient Avengers, Fresh Start, and the future of Marvel was thrown on Aaron‘s back. This issue showed readers that he’s the right person for the job. Aaron‘s experience shined throughout this issue in such an intelligent and mind blowing way, which got me excited for the future of Marvel Comics.

One of my favorite parts of the issue was finding out that Zgreb didn’t die. The locusts infection created a new breed of Dark Celestial and Zgreb went out to find more of his kind and create more Dark Celestials, which is why in earlier issues readers see them falling from the sky. This put a closed circuit on the story. Aaron answered all the big questions and set up readers for the showdown and gave our Avengers a chance. He didn’t trap his heroes in a corner and have them magically win in the end. With them all giant sized, we can see an epic showdown coming, and the conclusions and direction make sense.

Should readers be looking St. Elsewhere?

Absolutely! Questions are answered. Art is fantastic. And, Aaron is on fire guiding new and old readers back into Marvel again. This issue wasn’t filled with a ton of action, but it gave readers a ton of explanation that was drastically needed. Pick this issue up and get the answers you need moving forward.

Should you add this to your pull or do you have a FULL HOUSE?

Totally! Next issue will be an all-out melee battle to the extreme. Our heroes are Mega-Zorded up and ready to roll. The current cast of Avengers are working well together, and Aaron is giving all the heroes something to do. At first, I thought Ghost Rider was getting overlooked but not anymore. And I love the Thor/ She-Hulk team up as well as Doctor Strange and Iron Man. This issue was fun even with heavy explanations. Next issue should be epic. Add this to your pull!

What did you guys think of AVENGERS #5? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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WEAPON H #5 Review: Power Pak

Dispatchdcu

WEAPON H #5 written by Greg Pak, with pencils by Cory Smith drops this week as Pak gives readers some background into what makes up the Hulkverine and throws everything at the beast to see if anything can stop it. Let’s go find out!

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!

WEAPON H #5 SPOILERS TOO!!!

Recap

Roxxon has Weapon H tied up with some elvish supernatural magic since nothing on this Earth can hold the Hulkverine. Dario Agger, the CEO of Roxxon, wants Weapon H to work for him. Clay won’t work for him. So, Agger tries a lobotomy and wants to implant a controller into Hulkverine’s optic nervous system. But, the supernatural chains holding Weapon H wore off, and he’s loose and pissed!

As he tries to escape, Hulkverine comes across Man-Thing and the Brood pilot from the last issue. He frees them, and they make their exit until Weapon H runs into his wife, who happened to track him down to Roxxon headquarters. It turns out, Dario was “kind of” telling the truth. He needs Clay to be Weapon H because he opened a portal to a magical realm that could power our world for millions of years. However, he can’t close the portal, and there is a giant squid monster on the other side who wants to break through and kill the human race. So, it’s up to Weapon H to take care of this monster and save the human race!

What I liked

Smith, Pallot, Champagne, Hanna, and Wong did a tremendous job on this issue. The art was amazing right out of the gate with the opening splash page of Weapon H chained up and alien spikes through his chest. His size is just immense, AND the amount of supernatural chains needed to hold him down are nuts! The detail by the art team creating this beast is fantastic, and the panel layout made the story easy to follow.

The issue wasn’t too wordy. Pak‘s writing was clear, precise, and to the point. His story developed naturally, and it remained unpredictable, which is tough to do in a monster story filled with nonstop action. Pak and his team aren’t holding anything back in this series. Plus, it looks like we get a fight between the Hulkverine and Captain America next issue. Who wouldn’t be pumped for that?

There is just too much to like

Pak finally gives the reader what makes a Hulkverine. He has nanotech adamantium laced bones, Hulk DNA, as well as genetic material from Sabretooth, Wolverine, Lady Deathstrike, Warpath, Domino, and their healing factors. This dude is nuts, and Pak ties him into all of these Weapon X related characters. This comic is so dang interesting! Pak has made an unstoppable masterpiece out of Weapon H. With genuinely untapped power, who could beat this guy?

Pak has truly made the Hulkverine unbeatable. He’s destructive, explosive, but unlike the other Hulks, he has the mind of a highly trained fighter. At this point, who knows if Banner Hulk could stand a chance? Cho Hulk would probably get destroyed easily! What do you think Pak: Cho Hulk or Weapon H? But the next issue will be the real test. How will Weapon H do against a supernatural squid monster from another dimension?

Should you buy this issue?

Yes! It’s still a fun read filled with action, monsters, explosions, and exciting twists and turns. If you pick up Weapon H for something deep and emotional, you grabbed the wrong comic. You’ll leave this issue as well as the past issues saying, “that was freakin’ awesome!”

Should you add this to your pull list?

Absolutely! Pak is on fire with this series, and I want to know how he handles the supernatural, inter-dimensional, squid monster. And how does Cap fit into this? Keep this train going Pak. I’m all in!

What did you guys think of WEAPON H #5? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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THOR #3 Review: Hel Of A Wedding

Dispatchdcu

THOR #3 written by Jason Aaron, with art by Mike Del Mundo, art and colors assisted by Marco D’Alfonso, and letters by Joe Sabino unleashes a battle royal between all of Odin’s sons in a fight for control of Hel. Who will survive? And, did I hear wedding bells? Let’s jump in because you’ll never guess who makes a special appearance on the last page.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

THOR #3 SPOILERS TOO!!

Overview

Tyr played his brothers like the horn of Gandor and used them to free Hela. A fight breaks out with all Odinson brothers brawling amongst one another. Thor kicks the flying feces out of Fenris while the others fight Hela and the traitor Tyr. Eventually, Thor and Loki get the upper hand and the clever trickster Loki develops an idea to help everyone, including Hela.

If Hela and Balder marry, both of their armies of Hel will join together and regain Niffleheim from Sindr. But as the issue ends, Loki kills Thor to send him to Valhalla in hopes to get help from the Valkyrie and the Mad Titan Thanos graces Niffleheim with his presence. Let’s just say he has some choice words for Balder.

The Good

The art by Del Mundo of Fenris was terrific as well as the dialogue between “Uncle Thor” and his nephew, Fenris. The way Aaron’s set up the humorous dialogue between the two characters made it feel like a simple family squabble but between God’s and Beasts. Not to mention, Thori as a flower girl was a great touch.

Next, the Valkyrie splash page by Del Mundo was eloquently drawn and fabulously bright. Excellent choice of vibrant colors by D’Alfonso.

The story didn’t come barreling out of the gate, but it became fascinating towards the end, especially when Thanos was introduced, and Loki killed Thor with a magical dagger. Excitement is building for the next issue now. A dead Thor and a Mad Titan entering the picture are both great cliffhangers to draw readers back into the story.

The Bad

How did we start with a wedding? It was explained later BUT sometimes flashing back or forward can throw readers out of a story if not done well. The wedding was a very confusing way to start right out of the gate. Then, the wordy nature of the story became overwhelming at times taking me out of the issue and away from the art. Sometimes, the pages just seemed too cluttered.

Also, the parts of Del Mundo’s art that were trying to show movement throughout fights with characters looked smudged, which lead to more confusion of what was happening. Next, look at the art when Thor walks out of the poisonous waters of Gjoll holding Fenris. The Beast looked deflated. For every page of art that was outstanding, other pages seemed bogged down with dialogue and objects that looked smeared.

Should readers get this issue?

Expectations where high after the reveal of Hela at the end of issue 2. But, I struggled to get into the story, and the pages seemed oversaturated with dialogue and explanations. It was a down issue for Aaron and Del Mundo overall. If you love THOR and are in the middle of the story, get it. If you think the summary page next issue can clue you in enough, maybe you skip it…

Should you add this to your pull list?

Yes. However not because of this issue entirely. Add THOR to your list because of the success Aaron has had with the character and stories with THOR in the past. This was just a down issue. Plus, Aaron left readers with two huge cliffhangers. Readers must see what part Thanos plays and if Thor can come back from the dead.

What did you guys think of THOR #3? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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DARTH VADER ANNUAL #2 Review: Out With The Old

Dispatchdcu

DARTH VADER ANNUAL #2 written by Chuck Wendig, with pencils by Leonard Kirk, inks by Walden Wong and Scott Hanna, colors by Nolan Woodard, and letters by Joe Caramagna releases this week as Wendig gives readers an entertaining insight into Governor Tarkin, Commander Krennic, Darth Vader, and the events leading up to ROGUE ONE. Let’s take a look!

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

DARTH VADER ANNUAL #2 SPOILERS TOO!

Summary

Governor Tarkin lands on Scarif for a surprise visit and storms into an unauthorized area to find Darth Vader researching “Project Stardust.” It turns out, the Emperor gave Tarkin the power to tell Vader what to do, and this drastically angers the Sith Lord. Not only was he left out of these new project plans BUT some poor shmuck now gets to tell him what to do. Oh, how times are changing, and Vader is pissed!

Tarkin and the Emperor send Vader to Geonosis to find out who is sabotaging this new “Project Stardust.” After looking into leads, he gets a name: Galen Erso. This should sound familiar from ROGUE ONE. Lord Vader looks into Erso’s research, stumbles onto Kyber Crystals and finds a race of Brood creatures within the planet. Vader unleashes his current anger and destroys them all.

The issue ends with a Brood alien confronting Lyra Erso, Galen’s wife, and telling her that Galen is creating a planet killing weapon for the Empire. Surprised by this, she runs off to confront her husband, and they go into hiding, which leads readers right into ROGUE ONE.

Rogue Zero-ish

DARTH VADER ANNUAL #2 was Wendig’s take on the prequel to ROGUE ONE, and it was pretty fascinating. Sure, “Project Stardust” was stated, but it was unexpected to see where it ended, which was a fantastic twist. Wendig turned a Vader story into a prequel and made the idea that it was a prequel the plot twist. Many could argue that readers should have seen it coming, especially since they used words like “Stardust,” “Kyber Crystals,” and readers see Commander Krennic.

Tarkin’s my Patronus

Tarkin is a cocky jerk with the biggest pair of balls any man could possess. He’s seen what Darth Vader has done to thousands of people. He knows the power this man has, yet he still pokes the bear. He has no fear! I absolutely loved this take on Tarkin. Soule has been leading up to this idea with the character, BUT this put him over the edge. If you include issue 18 as well as this annual by Wendig, together both writers did an excellent job elevating Tarkin to badass level.

Out with the Old in with the New

On page 33, Vader confronts Tarkin about “Project Stardust” and tells him that he figured out that it’s a planet killer once he found the Kyber Crystals. But the cunning Tarkin notices something about the Sith Lord; that Vader fears being replaced. Darth Vader thought he was the only technological abomination required to take over the universe. This is what the Emperor led him to believe until Tarkin showed up and devised an even grander plan with Krennic.

Now, the technological abomination that is even more powerful than Darth Vader is the Death Star! Wendig shows readers the fear and worry behind the face of one of the most powerful beings in the known universe without him taking his mask off.

Art and Storytelling

Parts of the issue seemed to drag a bit. Maybe because it was an annual and longer BUT this could have been done better if it was the regular issue length. However, that said, this wasn’t dialogue heavy at all. Thus, it was easy to read. And even though it felt slow moving at parts, the issue was smart, clear, easy to follow, and easy to understand.

The art by Wong, Hanna, and Woodard was nicely done, especially the flashback scenes from Vader. Each time a memory would happen, the art team placed it in red as if Vader himself was visualizing it through his eyes instead of it being through the reader’s eyes. The expressions on the characters faces were detailed so well and are accurate to the situations they were in. Surprisingly, this can be a hard task for artists but not this art team. These artists knew exactly what they were doing.

Should I buy this issue?

You bet! Wendig’s annual adds fantastic lore to the Star Wars universe by building up Tarkin and surprisingly tearing down one of the most feared beings in the galaxy. Wendig shows readers a transfer of power and adds so much more to both these characters. Get this issue!

Should I add this series to my pull list?

Absolutely! Now, keep in mind Charles Soule has been writing the series, not Wendig. However, Soule is doing a spectacular job. Look no farther than last week to issue 18. That may be his best issue yet!

What did you guys think of DARTH VADER ANNUAL #2? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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The INFINITY COUNTDOWN Concludes, Time For Cosmic Chaos!

Brandon J. Griffin

The clock for Gerry Duggan’s cosmic Marvel event, Infinity Countdown, reaches zero. It’s final chapter sets up next week’s Infinity Wars Prime #1. One thing is clear with this issue, we’re ready for the damn thing to start already!

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

All of our players are set and aware of each other on the board. Doctor Strange, Adam Warlock, Black Widow, Drax, Captain Marvel, and Turk Barrett (former Stilt-Man) all have an infinity stone–now let’s light up this big batch of cosmic fireworks.

It feels like we’ve beating around the bush forever with all these tie-ins. We still have no idea who the mysterious infinity figure is from all the promo art, or how Thanos fits into everything. It’s extremely reassuring to see that we only have to wait one more week at the end of Infinity Countdown #5.

Writer Gerry Duggan has become the cosmic mastermind recently and he’s got us on edge. The fact that there’s this much excitement surrounding a strictly cosmic story at Marvel is a testament to the great work he’s done (beginning with All-New Guardians Of The Galaxy).

It’s also a wonderful feeling to go into an event with no idea what’s going to happen. This spoiler culture we live in, especially if you pay attention to comic book solicitations, doesn’t usually allow for excitement to grow through mystery and impatience.

Infinity Countdown #5 doesn’t really do all that much to actually set up what’s coming in Infinity Wars Prime. What we do get is Doctor Strange beginning to assemble all the infinity stone wielders to sort out the inevitable impending threat. For the record, it’s awesome that Stilt-Man has an infinity stone.

As much as we’d all like our beloved 2008 GOTG teammates to reunite, Duggan puts Adam Warlock and the Guardians all at odds with each other. There’s plenty of distrust between Warlock, Quill, Gamora, and now Drax. Also, Groot is still speaking full sentences. Gerry’s knack for writing these characters allows him all the rope he needs to tell this story. In Gerry we trust.

The big surprise from all of Infinity Countdown has been the involvement of Hank Pym, trapped inside the Soul Gem with a piece of Gamora’s soul. Marvel has been on a roll recently, resurrecting longtime staples of the 616 continuity. Pym would not only be welcomed back, but would make for some interesting stories given that Ultron has been running around wearing his face for a few years.

Duggan pulls a fast one on us in a fantastic scene where Hank Pym seemingly meets his end (again). Whether or not this is really the end for the original Ant-Man, it was a clever scene that is sure to get a reaction out of readers one way or another.

Aaron Kuder continues to perfectly accent Duggan’s strength for these cosmic characters. These two are the only creators that have managed to deliver a Guardians Of The Galaxy comic book since the success of the MCU films. That bleeds over into every corner of Marvel’s cosmic landscape. They balance the humor, heart, and absurdity that’s necessary to make the post-movie versions of these heroes compelling.

Mike Hawthorne also contributes some wonderful art. He focuses mostly on Doctor Strange’s investigation into what the hell is going on. Hawthorne gives us a more classic looking Doctor Strange. He’s more weathered and exhausted by sorcery supremacy than recent incarnations–it’s appreciated.

Infinity Countdown is now over, Duggan has us ready and rearing to go–bring on Infinity Wars!

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JUSTICE LEAGUE #4 Review: Snyder and Jimenez are on Fire

Dispatchdcu

JUSTICE LEAGUE #4 well written by Scott Snyder, dynamically drawn by Jorge Jimenez, splashed with colors by Alejandro Sanchez, and eloquently lettered by Tom Napolitano hits your local comic book shop this week. Snyder and Jimenez blow your mind with intelligent writing and art that will knock your crocs off… and the jibbitz too!

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

JUSTICE LEAGUE SPOILERS TOO!

The FACTS

Wow! So much happened during this issue but let’s cut it down to just the Facts shall we? Luthor and Joker manage to take control of Martian Manhunter and Superman’s bodies while inside the Totality. Meanwhile, Grodd uses a 4th generation baby Turtle (Flash’s original villain) to control the Still Force while Sinestro destroys John’s lantern ring and creates an Ultraviolet Ring Corps. From start to finish, this was an enjoyable issue. Snyder, please don’t blow this.

What was Good

Snyder and Jimenez did a tremendous job with nonstop action followed by continuous twists and turns. This was a very vital issue and here is what stood out:

Batman finally seemed like BATMAN! Thank the Maker! Sure, the Legion currently has the upper hand BUT Snyder’s narration of Batman figuring out what’s going on seemed reminiscent of a great detective and the cunning fighter he once was.

What was Great

Aquaman seems like a dude no one should mess with. He’s kicking names and taking ass! When he’s fighting the White Martians, Aquaman is slaughtering them! Even in Aquaman’s small part, Snyder and Jimenez did a fantastic job showing off the character.

The overall story made sense. From one page to the next, Snyder and Jimenez unraveled a thorough, connected, and cohesive story. Questions are logically answered. Readers know why the Justice League is doing everything and it makes sense. The jumps from team to team flow so well. But the best part of the issue; every League member feels essential like they have a task to do.

ART was the Best PART

Jimenez, keep doing what you’re doing. Snyder has been writing well, but the art is what’s throwing this book to the top of my pull list. It’s the cherry on top that elevates this book to a must read each release.

For example, when Lex and Joker take over Superman and Martian Manhunters bodies, notice the facial change in the characters. Their faces look so sinister. They kind of look like Luthor and Joker.

How about John’s face as his ring is destroyed? OR take a look at the sheer size of Grodd with (in all seriousness) a cute baby attached to him. The color of the Still Force coming off Grodd by Sanchez and the placement of the lettering by Napolitano, as well as the unique lettering for Grodd, really drives this issue.

Concerns

This issue was outstanding from beginning to end HOWEVER Snyder has been prone to painting himself into a corner and figuring out a magical way to escape in the last issue (see METAL). Snyder, please gradually take some time showing our heroes finding a way. Give the Justice League some wins along the way. This way, it seems more realistic when they win.

For example, the Justice League has no Green Lantern, Batman lost his ship and was eaten by a parasite, Wonder Woman and Aquaman are fighting each other thanks to Grodd’s Mind Control, Superman and J’onn are being controlled by villains, the Flash can’t move, and who knows what Joker did to Hawkgirl. My point: all looks lost. Don’t flip it around in one issue. Maybe Batman finds a way to FINALLY be who he used to be and escapes from inside Superman’s body and slowly takes back the Justice League.

But, notice the only thing worth nitpicking is something NOT in this issue. It’s something Snyder has done recently but who’s to say he’ll box himself in again? Recent research points in that direction, but we can only hope he doesn’t go down that gopher hole. As for THIS issue, gosh it was good! Keep them coming!

Should you pick up this issue?

Yes. But you’ll be lost if you jump in now. So, read JUSTICE LEAGUE #1-3 first. It won’t take long. You’ll have a blast. Trust me.

Should you add this to your pull list?

Four issues into the run and we have excellent pacing, fantastic art, amazing layouts, reasons that can be explained, action, adventure, a task for almost every member of the Justice League, and it’s just a fun read. Yes! If you haven’t added it yet, you’re just late to the party now.

What did you guys think of JUSTICE LEAGUE #4? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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Review: GUNDAM BUILD DIVERS Episode 16

Anthony Wendel

It’s Tuesday which means another episode of Gundam Build Divers is here to review. This time the team battles with an entire island at state.

Summary

The Build Divers must face off against Ayame’s old team in a battle to see who gets an island as their new base.

Review

While the previous episode was dedicated to simply showing off the new abilities of the Gundam 00 Sky, this episode decides to keep things light and ups the comedy. It features Ayame meeting with her old team which had potential for a dramatic and angst ridden experience. All the episode needed to was have her former teammates guilt trip her about deciding to stay with the Build Divers. If the creators had gone this route the melodrama would have been too intense. Instead it goes in a totally different direction and makes the episode mostly an amusing battle as the two teams play capture the flag. It’s a refreshing actually as legitimate laughs come out of the episode. The punchline at the end at the climax of the battle cements just how light and comedic the episode was supposed to be.

Is is a good thing the comedy lands properly because the episode doesn’t really advance the plot much. The mysterious individuals who are after Sarah haven’t made an appearance yet so the next major plot point has yet to start to unfold. Hopefully it will get going soon as this series is already more than half way done. While it has been an above average ride for the most part, a successful ending would cement the series as actually being essential watching for the Gundam fans. It will also help to solidify anticipation in fans for more content in the Gundam Build universe.

Gundam Build Divers is streaming on the Gundam Info Youtube Channel and Crunchyroll.

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Injustice Vs. Masters of the Universe #1 Review: Seeley Doesn’t Hold Back!

Dispatchdcu

INJUSTICE VS. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #1 written by the terrific Tim Seeley, art brushed by Freddie E. Williams II, colored brightly by Jeremy Colwell, and letters displayed nicely by Wes Abbott throws Eternia and the Injustice DC Universe into a blender and spits out an exciting smoothie that looks like it’s going to be a fun time.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

INJUSTICE VS. MOTU #1 SPOILERS TOO!

The DENSITY of the issue

He-Man was missing for three months in which a robot faked to be him and instilled a Dictatorship over Eternia. However, his people kind of liked things the way they were under the imposter.

Swamp Thing and Zatanna capture Prince Adam and plead for his help. He-Man didn’t believe our Injustice heroes immediately BUT, since Eternia seemed pissed at him anyway, he decided to leave with Captain Teela and Orko to the Injustice DCU.

Meanwhile back on Earth, Superman is controlling the planet using Pre-Cognitive technology from Brainiac and working with Skeletor and another Batman to make it happen. Superman’s plan is to search the multiverse for all magical artifacts in hopes to gather and destroy them. Other than Kryptonite, magic is all that stands in his way. However, the issue ends with Darkseid gracing readers with his appearance. What in the world does Seeley and Williams II have in store next?

GREAT SCOTT!

Other than the first couple pages of catching the readers up to speed, Seeley and Williams II did a great job laying out the foundation of the run ahead. Readers are given a quick reason as to why our Injustice heroes are in Eternia AND why He-Man can jet for a bit to help our DC heroes out. Magic is the key to this mini, and I’m excited to see where it’s going to go from here.

The first example of my excitement comes in the form of Moss Man. Moss Man is connected to the Green is a well-done addition by Seeley. I don’t know if that’s a new thing or not BUT the idea that Moss Man is Swamp Thing in Eternia is terrific and pure genius!

THIS IS HEAVY

The intrigue doesn’t end there. New and old readers to Injustice will love seeing an evil Superman, especially one using Brainiac Tech. But seeing another Batman hooked up to the Pre-Cognitive technology was an exciting twist by Seeley towards the end of the issue. Who is that other Batman? Superman calls him Bruce. If he’s Bruce, then who is the Batman with He-Man? My interest is peaked!

After reading the HE-MAN/ THUNDERCATS crossover event and wondering what happened to Skeletor, it was cool to see Seeley reintroduce the character into the mythos. What would He-Man be without Skeletor? Readers find out that Injustice Superman picked him up while searching for magical artifacts. Again, Seeley did a fantastic job weaving the HE-MAN/ THUNDERCATS mini into Tom Taylors INJUSTICE world nicely.

He’s also giving readers Shazam in the Injustice Universe! We get a glimpse of a boy’s shoes that have a lightning bolt on them. It’s got to be Shazam, mainly because it looks like the background of Seeley’s mini is again magical artifacts. And what would a DC comic event be without Darkseid? Darkseid is, drawn so well by Williams II. The last splash page has so much detail, and Williams II draws him in a ruthless and menacing, the way Darkseid is supposed to be.

Hello McFly!

It’s hard to nitpick a comic that is basically out of continuity implying that practically anything goes, BUT Orko gave Cyborg dreadlocks…

Really?

AND Batman laughs at Orko’s joke and wants him on the team because he makes him laugh.

Come on…

Some of the Williams II’s art was also a bit off. Batman is drawn HUGE! As in, bigger than Superman HUGE! And, his painted style isn’t bad it just makes the characters appear less real and more two dimensional, which isn’t my style.

Did this issue hit 88mph?

This sucker may not be nuclear, but Seeley’s going to give us some serious $&@$! out of the gate: He-Man, Swamp Thing, Evil Superman, possibly Shazam, and we end with Darkseid. The best part is; since this is not in continuity so he can go NUTS!

Should we come BACK in the FUTURE?

Absolutely! Jump in now, especially if you love He-Man, the Injustice Universe, or just the DCU in general. I left the issue confused on one thing: Harley calling Batman “baby bat.” Why? Does this explain the two Batmen? If you’re reading this Seeley, can’t you clean that part up for us? However, it’s just another reason to continue with the series to find out.

What did you guys think of INJUSTICE VS. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #1? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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Review: THE MAGIC ORDER #2 Casts A Spellbinding Narative

Manuel Gomez

The Magic Order #2 from Mark Millar, Oliver Coipel, and Dave Stewart raises the stakes as it introduces a frightening villain.

The Magic Order #2
Written by: Mark Millar
Art by: Oliver Coipel
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Letters by: Peter Doherty

We live in a world where we’ve never seen a monster, and The Magic Order is the reason we sleep safely in our beds. Magic meets the mob in THE MAGIC ORDER, as five families of magicians—sworn to protect our world for generations—must battle an enemy who’s picking them off one by one. By day, they live among us as our neighbors, friends, and co-workers, but by night, they are the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect us from the forces of darkness…unless the darkness gets them first.

Mild Spoilers Below!!!

Writing

The Magic Order #2 starts with the following line, spoken by Cordelia Moonstone: “I guess I’ve been an escapologist since I escaped my own abortion”. A shocking piece of dialog like that is classic Mark Millar and is the perfect example of what you get in this fantastic issue. The narrative in Magic Order #2 is split between the origin of Cordelia and the continuation of the present day attacks on the various families. Both elements though help to push the overall arc forward, as we get some more crucial information on both fronts. In the past, Millar sheds more light on the darkness that surrounds the Moonstone family (infidelity, abuse, dysfunction) and in the present, we get the introduction of a nightmarish new villain, The Venetian (who’s masked visage makes me think there is someone important behind the mask). Millar’s imagination is unbound in both sequences, and fans of his high concept ideas will love a lot here; cars magically filling with water, a castle hidden in a painting, and a floating fetus transplanting itself in another womb are just a few examples of what you will get. It’s all incredibly inventive and entertaining.

Art

Once again Coipel and Stewart create a beautiful set of pages. Coipel’s fluid line work, along with Stewart’s atmospheric colors, create a book that can be filled with shocking moments (that floating fetus again!), but still feels elegant and beautiful to look at. The panel work is subtle but coupled with some dynamic layouts and gutter breaks, also give the reader a very consistent, narrative pace. This comic just looks so fucking good.

Conclusion

The Magic Order is setting up what seems like a fantastic world and a relentless story. This second issue dives right into both and is absolutely a must-read book.

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While the mystery is intriguing, the newest Green Lanterns arc leaves much to be desired.

Story:

Art:

Conclusion:

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

AVENGERS #5 SPOILERS TOO!!

The FACTS of Life

Perfect Strangers

Fraggle ROCK!

GOLDEN Girls

Should readers be looking St. Elsewhere?

Should you add this to your pull or do you have a FULL HOUSE?

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!

WEAPON H #5 SPOILERS TOO!!!

Recap

What I liked

There is just too much to like

Should you buy this issue?

Should you add this to your pull list?

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

THOR #3 SPOILERS TOO!!

Overview

The Good

The Bad

Should readers get this issue?

Should you add this to your pull list?

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

DARTH VADER ANNUAL #2 SPOILERS TOO!

Summary

Rogue Zero-ish

Tarkin’s my Patronus

Out with the Old in with the New

Art and Storytelling

Should I buy this issue?

Should I add this series to my pull list?

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

JUSTICE LEAGUE SPOILERS TOO!

The FACTS

What was Good

What was Great

ART was the Best PART

Concerns

Should you pick up this issue?

Should you add this to your pull list?

Summary

Review

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

INJUSTICE VS. MOTU #1 SPOILERS TOO!

The DENSITY of the issue

GREAT SCOTT!

THIS IS HEAVY

Hello McFly!

Did this issue hit 88mph?

Should we come BACK in the FUTURE?

Mild Spoilers Below!!!

Writing

Art

Conclusion

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD