The Zellner brothers’ Damsel is a whimsical take on westerns which is so far removed what audiences are accustomed to, it distracts from beautiful cinematography and standout moments in the film.
Don’t expect to walk into Damsel witnessing a narrative reminiscent of any number of John Ford’s classics which ignited a generation’s interest in the genre. While the storyline of his westerns was more reminiscent of what audiences loved, there comes the point when those involved with production can get too cute. Damsel desperately wants to stand out from other films, but in the Zellner brothers’ quest to do so, they lost sight of their primary goal of creating something entertaining.
Mia Wasikowska in DAMSEL, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
The film centers around Samuel Alabaster (Robert Pattinson), who is out to rescue Penelope (Mia Wasikowska) from her alleged kidnapper. Alabaster is driven by desire and longs to be with his one true love. As he closes in, it becomes apparent that having backup will be crucial if he’s to rescue Penelope successfully. Alabaster hires Parson Henry (David Zellner) who spends most of his time finishing bottles rather than learning scripture. They set out together to find Mia, along with a miniature horse named Butterscotch. However, what seems like a classic tale of rescuing a damsel in distress becomes something much different.
Mia Wasikowska in DAMSEL, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
The Zellners’ narrative is contrived and full of plot points which are, quite frankly, unnecessary. It’s fairly obvious they wanted to take commonly known Western tropes and flip them on their head. Then why must we spend sixty percent of the film focused on the parson’s proclivity for drinking? Was it necessary to make the town folk just over the top versions of what we’ve seen in other releases? Damsel spends a great deal of the film trying to establish Pattinson’s character as a sympathetic figure and then throws it all away in a five-minute span. Why not just start with the perceived “damsel” being the heroine from the get-go? There comes a point when it becomes too much. Damsel is focused on creating “original” content at the expense of compelling material.
Adam Stone’s cinematography was something that stood out most from Damsel. Stone’s images focused on capturing the natural beauty surrounding these individuals living miles from civilization. The film had countless shots of the foliage, the lush green fields surrounding their cabins, and close shots of any animal they encountered.
The Octopus Project’s music stoked images of a forgotten past and a genre once adored by all. However, even the best musicians can’t overcome mundane performances in what amounts to a meandering tale. Perhaps it was the source material or the direction? Whatever the issues might have been, Damsel does nothing to elicit any recommendation and should be avoided entirely.
Astonishing X-Men gets a face-lift in the form of a new creative team. Lead by writer Matthew Rosenberg and artist Greg Land, this new lineup and direction is a very promising one.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
X-Men fan-favorite, Alex Summers, returns to his normal self. Havok is looking to get back to his heroic ways with a new X-Men team. After a public humiliation at the hands of the Avengers, his search for teammates gets off to a rocky start.
Right away, it feels so good to have Havok back to normal and in his classic costume. His characterization is a bit puzzling at first, he reads more like Jamie Madrox (who Rosenberg is also currently writing on Multiple Man) but there’s only a brief adjustment period. His new attitude sets a light tone that is sure to smack a smile onto the face of every die-hard X-fan.
Matthew Rosenberg has absolutely been on fire recently with his Marvel contributions, this seems to be another great addition to his collection of X-Men work. There’s an injection of joy and excitement that was missing towards the end of Charles Soule’s 12-issue run of Astonishing X-Men. With the heavy dose of humor, there’s also a star-studded cast that bounce perfectly off of Summers as he takes a tour through some of Marvel’s mutants.
The little character moments are fantastic. Alex and Hank talking about superhero fatigue, Kitty phasing through the chalk-board, Havok getting the Stark treatment, etc. Astonishing X-Men #13 has so much charm spread throughout all of the featured characters. Havok’s thirst for being an X-Men and what it means to him puts him right in the reader’s shoes.
Greg Land may be the biggest source of joy in this issue, and not just for the fantastic cover art. Havok looks incredible in his classic costume, his abilities are illustrated in glorious fashion. Land delivers on every character, making them all distinctly different and visually pleasing. Colorist Frank D’Armata has an electric chemistry with the comic’s artist, treating us to some of the finest work for both creators.
As X-Men: Gold and X-Men: Blue trend more and more into obscurity, irrelevance, and apparent cancellation, Astonishing X-Men emerges to keep X-Men fans satisfied. Between Astonishing X-Men and X-Men: Red, Marvel has their new flagship X-books. It’s safe to say at this point, any time you see Matthew Rosenberg writing mutants you need to pick it up.
Can you think of a better way for comic book fans to celebrate The 4th Of July than a monumental Captain America debut? Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and artist Leinil Francis Yu kickstart a new era for our favorite red, white, and blue soldier boy when we need him most.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Not too far removed from the events of Secret Empire, Captain America finds himself in an unfamiliar setting. His beloved country is broken, it’s people divided and angry, even his trusted allies don’t provide their usual support. Steve Rogers has an American mess to sort out, and it’s got Hydra’s finger prints all over it.
Ta-Nehisi Coates comes out of the gate with a subtly powerful swing on his first Captain America issue. Steve’s world is an uneasy one that could explode at seemingly any minute. This clearly reflects the state of our own lives in this current era we live in, but without beating us over the head with it. If any character can lead us through the dark times with a strong head on our shoulders, it’s Captain America. Coates is well aware of that and isn’t taking this opportunity lightly.
The atmosphere of this issue is murky, unsettling, and anxious. Readers find themselves right along with Steve, trying to find a light to shine on a country full of violence and misguidance. There’s a dark cloud following Cap that he doesn’t know how to shake.
We’re also treated to some classic Captain America moments as he jumps into action, saving lives threatened by patriotic lunatics. Steve’s narration throughout the issue sets the tone of where his head’s at as he sorts through the events of yesterday and today. Coates gives him a strong and focused voice, making it clear that Steve is the man we need him to be.
While this is nowhere near a simple comic book confronting the politics of today, there’s clearly a correlation. Coates masterfully finds a way to craft a Captain America story that could be not only be applied to the state of the world today, but that of almost any era. These fears are not new, they’re just more amplified now.
Captain America comic books haven’t necessarily had much weight to them in recent years. Coates is bringing a perspective to them that is both fresh and dignified. It’s only the first issue, but he’s got the right voice and is ready to make Cap stand for something again. This is the first time in a long time that Steve has read strictly like comic book Cap and not Chris Evans (no disrespect).
Leinil Francis Yu does a spectacular job making this feel like a classic Captain America book. The action is top-notch, the emotional beats carry weight and illustrate character struggles. This isn’t the bright and happy pulp comic that we got from Waid and Samnee. It’s also not the dark and tone of hopelessness we got from Spencer’s run.
Colorist Sunny Gho has a lot to do with balancing out this issue’s art. There are plenty of bright panels, but never does it get into poppy-bubble-gum territory. We’re not hammered into the ground with a dreary and dark pallet of sadness. It’s an effective balance.
This could end up being one of those Captain America runs that finds its way onto essential reading lists for the character. The tone, look, plot, and structure is exactly what it should be. Captain America‘s creative team seems to be up to the task. If this issue is any indication, we’re in for a real great series.
Marvel Studios is searching for a female director for the Black Widow movie.
One name stands out in particular, though.
According to Comic Book Resources, Kimberly Peirce is on the shortlist for the gig. If true, Black Widow would be her first superhero film.
In a CBR.com report, Peirce is just one of a few in contention for the job. The list of candidates comes from a roster of 49 names. Among the names include directors Amma Assante, Maggie Betts and Cate Shortland. Assange is known for directing Belle, and Betts has helmed Novitiate. Shortland is known for her work in indie films like Somersault, Lore and Berlin Syndrome.
Peirce is best known as the director of the 1999 Boys Don’t Cry film. Hillary Swank would win her first Academy Award for playing the role of Brandon Teena. Next, Peirce would make Stop Loss and the remake of Carrie, the latter starring Chloe Grace Moretz. Her films typically revolve around a female protagonist and themes of gender.
However, Peirce is also capable of directing action movies. For example, Stop-Loss concerns soldiers in the Iraq War and the lasting effects of PTSD. She is capable of getting great performances out of actors in her films. Such examples include Peter Sarsgaard, Chloe Sevigny, Ryan Phillippe, and Channing Tatum.
Add Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry) to the shortlist of possible directors for Marvel's BLACK WIDOW.
This is the latest sign that Marvel Studios is trying to be more inclusive in Hollywood. In the wake of Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman, the studios have been trying to catch up. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige has interest in more females directing films. He’s also given hints that LGBT characters will show up in the MCU. With Captain Marvel on the way, we could see more female-driven stories in the near future.
One thing is clear; Scarlett Johansson is itching to make Black Widow. Eight years on, the actress has been a staple presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since her debut in Iron Man 2, the demand for a solo film has grown.
She’s liked but not enough to be our #1 Marvel Hero.
In an interview, Johansson says she is game for a Black Widow movie. “I think there is definitely an opportunity to explore the Widow as a woman who has kind of come into her own,” she says. “You know, she hasn’t always had that possibility, so if it fit that criteria, then, yes, I would want to do it.”
Little is known about the plot, but the story could take past in Black Widow’s past. According to her S.H.I.E.L.D file in Winter Soldier, Natasha’s birth year is said to be 1984 (same as Johansson). However, this could be a cover story, as she has been alive in the comics for decades thanks to her biotech enhancements. Theoretically, it is possible for Natasha to be around even longer.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has already given hints of Natasha’s background. Avengers: Age of Ultron and Agent Carter show glimpses of the Red Room, where she would undergo training. The Black Widow program is said to have been the KGB’s attempt to create a super soldier of their own. Agent Carter did reveal the project’s plan had been ongoing since the World War II years. Presumably, Natasha is just one of many Black Widows throughout history.
As part of her training, Natasha’s enhancements did render her unable to have children. This fact is dealt with in Age of Ultron. The themes of identity, gender and self are perfect for a solo film. Peirce’s past work with these themes makes her a great choice for a Black Widow movie.
There’s also speculation the film will show Natasha’s early dealings with Bucky Barnes. The Winder Soldier confirms she has dealt with him before. Natasha is said to have a past with Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye. Aside from her affair with Bruce Banner, her history with Clint is something fans have been wanting to see more of. Besides, having a relationship with the Hulk raises too many problems.
Black Widow might depict the 2003 Budapest incident, which is hinted at in The Avengers. To date, Marvel has yet to reveal the full story of what took place. While the details are vague, it is known something terrible did happen in Budapest. This would leave a lasting impact on Natasha, which plays a big role in her arc. Seeing the event onscreen could be an interesting idea for the film. It would explain her desire to be a better person and redeem herself.
Expect Black Widow to arrive in theatres sometime during Phase Four.
JUSTICE LEAGUE #3 written by Scott Snyder, art by Jorge Jimenez, colors by Alejandro Sanchez, and letters by Tom Napolitano explodes on to your shelves this week as Snyder begins to change the DC landscape forever!
Between Snyder’s nonstop action and Jorge Jimenez’ mind-blowing art, you’ll leave this issue feeling like you just left a Summer Blockbuster!
JUSTICE LEAGUE #3 SPOILERS AHEAD
Snyder open’s the issue by telling us that Sinestro was an archaeologist that found the same symbols that J’onn saw last issue long ago before he was a Lantern. This background of Sinestro was a fascinating and creative way to dive even deeper into the Lantern mythos, which is so entrenched with DC lore.
This opening helps the reader “feel” like these new threats that are engulfing the DC landscape aren’t new at all. When in reality, they first appeared in JUSTICE LEAGUE: NO JUSTICE. What a genius idea.
The Source of the Problem
Next, Snyder introduces the reader to the being controlling this new Ultraviolet emotional spectrum, which is an entire Living Galaxy powered by a Sentient Black Sun called “Umbrax”. (I know… heavy right?) Umbrax’s purpose is to move throughout galaxies finding destructive forces and draw them into his galaxy.
With the Source Wall breaking, it released the Totality into our galaxy. By the end of the issue, the Justice League finds out that the Totality IS the destructive force that Umbrax is drawn too. I hope the League is ready because Umbrax-ton Hicks contractions are on the way and who knows what the Totality will give birth to next!
Using the Google Machine, I typed in “Umbrax” and above is what popped up. Is this what you’re shooting for Snyder? Are we revisiting your Magic the Gathering days?
Anyway, John Stewart crash lands back to Earth to take out the Justice League with his new Ultraviolet Powers, which focus off the emotions of shame and hate. He quickly lays waste to almost the entire Justice League until Cyborg boom tubes in to save the day.
Justice League: Divide & Conquer
Meanwhile, Superman & J’onn are sent on their mission by the Justice League to check out what’s inside the Totality. After battling their way through into the epicenter, they find something that resembles the actual Souce Wall. J’onn psychically links to it only to discover that something much darker is looming behind the wall.
From this page on, Jorge Jimenez’ art is phenomenal. Just look at the top of the page above. Jimenez style resembles an actual animated movie at times and gives the reader hints of an anime-type feel. Better yet, the way Jimenez splits the panel with exploding lines of psychic energy is such a creative way to deviate from one panel to another. Snyder and Jimenez are genuinely making a fantastic team and finally getting this Justice League fan excited to read the series again.
Back to the story, the Justice League continues to split up sending Aquaman, Wonder Woman, and Flash to Nowhere, which is located deep in the ancient waters of the ocean. They are in search of the Still Force, which appears to be the opposing Force to the Speed Force. However, the three League members find White Martians that breakout and attack them under the water!
Meanwhile back inside Superman & J’onn, Lex Luthor shrunk down and entered Superman’s bloodstream along with Batman. Well, we find out that the Joker did the very same thing and had been hiding out in Hawkgirl’s ship this entire time.
Jimenez art on this page above is horrifyingly stunning! Just look at the detail surrounding the Joker. His saw looks rusty and drenched in blood. Heck, the scars on Jokers face look infected and bloody, not to mention how sinister he looks.
Jimenez makes Joker look freakishly scary in this picture as he stands behind a Hawkgirl whose helmet appears to be shining from the glow of her console. That’s nuts! The detail on this page with both characters is so jaw-dropping and impressive it could hang on your wall. Better yet, get Snyder & Jimenez to sign it first!
To the Moon Alice!
Snyder ends the issue with a clever explanation that doesn’t go unnoticed by thorough readers. I wanted to know since the last issue how J’onn could blow up the moon with no Earthly repercussions. It turns out, Geoforce has been holding the gravitational pull of the Earth together, as well as the ocean tides, since the moon’s been destroyed. Thank you, Snyder, for the detail. I really do appreciate it.
While the rest of the Justice League are off on their missions, John Stewart and Cyborg are on the moon trying to repair what they can. However, we end the issue with Sinestro stopping by to explain that the Still Force is what unleashed Umbrax, not him, and it’s coming for Earth.
Should you pick up this issue?
Yes! This is the best the Justice League has been in years. YEARS! Be warned: the issue is dense with material and can be heavy to read at times. But, that’s not a bad thing. It means Snyder is being thorough, creative, and changing the landscape of the DC Comic Universe.
Should you add this series to your pull?
Absolutely! One good issue may be luck. Two issues could be lucky. Three issues in a row is a trend. Be a trendsetter and hop on board now. If that doesn’t do it for you, take another look at Jorge Jimenez splash page again with the Joker. Fantastic and gorgeous art are on display every issue. Pick this up now!
Well, what did you guys think of JUSTICE LEAGUE #3? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
AVENGERS #4 story by Jason Aaron, Paco Medina, and Ed McGuinness, inks by Juan Vlasco & Mark Morales, colors by David Curiel, and letters by Cory Petit infiltrates your comic shops this week as Aaron reshapes the very origin of humanity, Midgard, and the direction of the Marvel Universe.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
AVENGERS #4 SPOILERS TOO!
Aaron, Medina, and McGuinness open the issue with Odinson and She-Hulk getting a trip down memory lane from Odin. Odin reminisces about his time battling with the First Celestial and even hints at a little “brown-chicken-brown-cow” with Phoenix.
Thor & She-HULK
Odinson begs his father to tell him how to beat the Final Host and is led to a secret door holding the Blood of Ymir. We aren’t told how this will help or what it will do BUT Odin believes it will either destroy everyone or save everyone.
For Thor to survive the cold of the First Ice Colossi, who is the Father of all Frost Giants, She-Hulk warms Thor with one huge radiated kiss. Imagine that Marvel Team Up!
Also, take a look at the art above during that gamma powered kiss. Juan Vlasco, Mark Morales, and David Curiel do a fantastic job on this splash page showing so much detail to the moment they share.
Notice the lightning crackle in the background AND the steam of radiation coming from She-Hulk’s eyes. Lastly, look at the immense size of Jennifer Walters man-handling the God of Thunder. This art team painted the reader a picture that many will never forget. I loved this page, as well as the art throughout the issue. Great job team!
Doctor Strange & Iron Man
Next, Aaron’s and his crew show us the Avengers team up with Doctor Strange and Iron Man at Olympia; the home of the Eternals. For those that don’t know, the Eternals claimed they were chosen by the Celestials to watch over humanity.
Watch it burn more like it!!
However, when Doctor Strange and Iron Man arrive, they find them all deceased. We aren’t told how or why BUT they are all dead. It looks like some type of mass culling. Just replace the Kool-Aid with lots of stabbing and death.
Captain America & Ghost Rider
Our next group of Avengers places Captain America at the North Pole captured by Loki and surrounded by the Final Host and Celestials. It turns out; our story didn’t begin millions of years ago. It starts 4BILLION years ago with the death of the very first Celestial; the Alpha Celestial.
Now again, look at the art above with the decaying Alpha Celestial. Vlasco, Morales, and Curiel do a phenomenal job showing how large these Celestials are compared to our First Avenger in Loki’s glowing orb.
It’s hard to put into words how huge of a threat this is until you see the gargantuan size of these unearthly beings. I also love the intricate detail of the decomposition on the Alpha Celestial’s face. The page was a bit wordy, but the bottom panel really hit home for me.
Ghost Rider uses his car, with a suped-up Celestial & Demonic engine, to track down Captain America and wait in the wings until the time is right. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers (Black Panther & Captain Marvel) are working in the Alpha Flight space station to figure out what this bug infestation is and how to exterminate them. It turns out; these giant cosmic locusts are also erupting from inside the Celestials that fell from the sky and are here to wipe out the Earth.
However, the part that stood out the most in the issue was that Loki clued Captain America into what I feel is the root of this entire opening arc. Loki screams at Cap calling the whole human race “a large cosmic mistake.” I understand that this means something but this part confused me.
How does the Alpha Celestial, the First Celestial, and the Final Host all connect? And, how does this make humans, as Sheryl Crow would say, “my favorite mistake”?
The Twist
Even though I left this issue feeling a bit confused, I still enjoyed the ride. I had a difficult time connecting all the pieces with the Celestials and how the human race was some type of cosmic mistake. But, the main confusion hit me, like a large mystical hammer, when I saw the cliffhanger.
When Odin fought the First Celestials 1 million years ago, everyone died but him. According to the freaking awesome splash page above, it looks like even the Phoenix died! So, I know we can’t get all the answers we want immediately but here are my big questions after seeing this final page:
1) Did Odin make a deal to save Midgard?
2) Otherwise, how did he stop the Celestials alone?
3) How are the bugs and Celestials connected?
4) Since we find out that these cosmic locusts are now erupting from inside the dead, fallen Celestials, are they working together or against them?
5) Which time is correct? Are the First Celestial and the Alpha Celestial the same?
6) If so, is Odin lying about the timeline? Odin says 1 million years ago he fought those Celestials, but Loki said 4 billion years ago. Are they different events? Are they the same events?
I could think of more, but my point is, I’m confused. Maybe someone else can make more sense of it than me, but I’m lost right now.
Should you pick up this issue?
YES….. BUT… I think it’s a bit confusing. You see; I sometimes need to have my handheld. If I’m left to overthink, I get lost and confused. But, the art was pretty good, and the story is creative and exciting. I genuinely think something big is about to happen. I just need some guidance more than anything.
Should you add this series to your pull?
I still think it’s worthy of being in your pull especially because I feel it’s definitely on the verge of changing the landscape of the Marvel Universe going forward. This means it will affect EVERY book. So, if you want to stay in the “know,” you’ll need this series.
Well, what did you guys think of AVENGERS #4? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
IMMORTAL HULK #2 written by Al Ewing, pencils by Joe Bennett, inks by Ruy Jose, colors by Paul Mounts, letters by Cory Petit & Travis Lanham arrives this week as Ewing mesmerizes the reader with another radioactively weird tale that gives our green behemoth a sense of direction.
Ewing has found a way to take elements from all aspects of the Incredible Hulks character throughout the years and morph them into his own version of the character in such a masterful way. He’s taken a destructive character known for smashing and made him so much more emotional and human. I’ve never felt sorrier for the HULK than I do now BUT I’ve also never felt more terror, sheer strength, and purpose. Let’s take a look!
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
IMMORTAL HULK #2 SPOILERS TOO!
Ewing throws the reader into the story by showing us the struggles that Banner continues to deal with daily to fight off the HULK. Banner takes solace in the little things that he can control, which are mainly only his five simple senses. A simple meal or comfort of a bed is all he has to look forward to anymore. Otherwise, he’s fighting off the urge of releasing the HULK. But, everywhere he looks, he sees the Green Goliath. Everywhere he turns he feels the itch.
Beastly Justice
Ewing shows the reader that as much as Banner tries to hide, he can’t. The pull from the HULK is too strong. Starting in the last issue and continuing throughout this one, the reader is given the impression that Banner is trying his best to control the beast within BUT he helps keep him at bay by using him just enough for Justice.
Above, Ewing shows the reader Banner solving the mystery that’s been plaguing this town: radiation sickness. Every person who visits the grave of this boy eventually gets sick with radiation poisoning. Banner tries to call it in, but no one will listen until he gives his real name to get their attention.
Will there be any repercussions of this? Meaning, the world now knows he’s alive! So, who’s coming for him next?
Ewing sets the foundation of his run in this issue. We get the book’s direction and purpose for the HULK. It’s like taking your dog for a walk around the block or letting it loose in your yard for a bit. It’s still an animal, and it has urges. Your dog needs time to be an animal. It needs time to feel free. We see Banner deal with his inner beast the very same way.
Ewing is letting the reader know that Banner can keep the HULK at bay for only so long by stimulating his senses and staying calm. But what helps, is allowing HULK to come out to play. Banner’s logic is to channel the behemoth in the direction of Justice. If HULK is going to destroy something, why not be something evil or villainous? In the picture above, the “itch” from the HULK draws Banner to the source of this radiation sickness.
Incredible Art
As I’ve pointed out so far, Ewing’s writing has been “incredible.” But what makes a genuinely fantastic issue is a combination of writing and art. The story is remarkable as well as the art. Joe Bennett, Ruy Jose, and Paul Mounts are what set this book apart. Just look at the page above.
Bennett draws so much detail in his HULK making him appear more like a monster than a human. He looks more feared, more relentless, more destructive, and more uncontrollable than ever. Also, look at the fear in the Doctor’s face. When this page began, the radioactive Doctor felt like he was in control. But as the panels progress, Bennett shows the horrifying transformation into the green beast.
The colors above by Jose are perfect. The style is meant to be dark and terrifying yet the greens of the HULK pop off the page against the vibrant nuclear look of the Doctor. Jose’s detail of shadows in the cave should also not go unnoticed and should be commended. This page, down to the lettering by Cory Petit & Travis Lanham, helps paint a picture of fear, anger, and uncontrollable rage. Well done team!
Is HULK the curse?
The story continues with us finding out that the Doctor used Banner’s research to try to find a cure for cancer. He injected himself with the radioactive serum and noticed enhanced abilities. So, he gave it to his son who instantly died in a horrific way with radioactive blood oozing from his eyes. The Doctor laid his son to rest and the radioactivity surrounding his corpse continued to poison those who visited and offered up a slow death, like a walking ghost.
The story ends with HULK filling his urge for Justice, tearing off the Doctors arms, and burying him alive in the mountain where he was hiding. Meanwhile, the police took Banners advice a dug up the body of his son who was also glowing with bright green radiation and looked ALIVE.
Not only can Banner never die or never escape the beast within, but his research will continue to haunt him and the world until the end of time. He views HULK has a curse. But, I left this issue wondering if Banner is the real curse.
Should you pick up this issue?
100 times YES! Al Ewing is pulling off one shots that are interesting, thought provoking, insightful, and truly depict the HULK in as realistic a way as he could be. The art team is also drawing out of this world and taking this book up to another level.
Should you add this series to your pull?
1000 times YES! We are getting a true monster tale about a character we all love. As the reader, we feel compassion for Bruce but also see what feels like an addiction to the HULK. It’s a creative telling of this character that I feel we’ve all been waiting for. Add this book to your pull list and I have no doubt you’ll love it.
Well, what did you guys think of IMMORTAL HULK #2? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
Batman #50 by brings us to the much built up and highly anticipated wedding. But as has been the case with King’s run, there are many layers; there is a lot more to it than ‘do they or don’t they’.
Batman #50 Written by: Tom King Art by: Mikel Janin & Various Artists Colors by: June Chung Letters by: Clayton Cowles
It’s the wedding you never thought you’d see! The Batrimony is real as Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle are set to tie the knot in a can’t-miss, extra-length milestone issue that will reshape Gotham City. All their friends (and a few enemies?) will be party to a comic book coupling for the ages.
Superstar scribe Tom King officiates the sure-to-be-offbeat nuptials, joined by an all-star lineup of guest classic Bat-artists doffing their hats to the lucky couple in a series of pre-wedding flashback scenes sure to set the romantic mood.
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS!
Writing
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room. The outcome of the wedding was spoiled over this past weekend and most everyone knows that the Bat and The Cat (as they have been affectionately calling each other since King’s run began) do not get married. However, we still have some fantastic emotional beats between the characters that will move longtime readers. And not just Selina and Bruce. The scenes between Alfred and Bruce are especially touching. And Kite-Man fans will love the opening pages!
King also uses two letters, the bride and groom writing to each other, as the narrative structure. This allows him to really get inside the heads and more importantly hearts of these two (and showcases the excellent lettering by Clayton Cowles).
Art by Clay Mann
ONE MORE TIME…SPOILERS!
But honestly, the fact that they don’t is not as important as the REASON they don’t; the devil in that detail is Bane, who has hovered like a specter since the early days of King’s magnificent run. King, in the already classic ‘I Am Bane’ storyline, elevated Bane into a threat both physical and mental. With the reveal that Bane manipulated events to have Selina turn into a runaway bride, it makes the villain an emotional threat as well. The man who broke Batman’s back has now also helped to break his heart. His final line of “He is what I made him. The Bat is broken” (you can see it below) is truly chilling and sets up a confrontation you can’t wait to see.
Art
If you are a Batman fan, then this issue is an artistic treat. The always great team of Mikel Janin and June Chung handle the present day parts with their usual flare for creative page composition, panel placement, layouts and dynamic colors. Janin also kills it with his facial expressions, which in this issue are a huge part of the storytelling.
Art by Jason Fabok
The icing on the wedding cake here is the Who’s Who of artists that create beautiful one-page splash images showcasing key moments between Batman/Catwoman (both from their rich past and stuff from King’s run specifically.) It’s a true gamut of creator and style; Arthur Adams, Becky Cloonan, Tim Sale, Frank Miller, Amanda Connor, Andy Kubert, Tony S. Daniel, Paul Pope, Lee Weeks…and many more. Part of the fun is turning the page and finding a new artist.
Conclusion
If you have been reading Batman since King began writing it, you no doubt know that he has been running a ‘long con’ and we are merely at the halfway mark of his trick. Spoiled or not, this issue works. A good story is never really about what happens, but about why and how it happens. And on that front this chapter delivers.
The new episode of Gundam Build Divers decides to take a moment from the intense combat of the previous episode to do a bit of self reflection. Does it go on for too long though?
Summary
Riku must find out what to do about the 00 Diver after the previous battle.
Review
Riku looks for a inspiration for a new Gundam. This is basically the entire plot of this episode. He weighs the options on whether or not to just simply rebuild or start with an entirely new model while visiting people he has met since joining GBN. In the end he decides to split the difference by upgrading the model with a lot of parts from another suit (which appears to be mostly the Gundam Destiny on closer inspection).
It’s also worth pointing out, Ayame introduces herself to the team in the real world. This is annoying for a few reasons. First off, there is the fact the audience has to look past the “of course she lives nearby” aspect. It’s not like they have described the GBN as a worldwide network with people playing from all around the globe or anything. Second, there are no repercussions for her actions and she does not receive any punishment for what she did. She was a spy and intentionally put her friends at risk for her own selfish needs but the team has absolutely no problem with forgetting her because “friendship is magic” or something. Ugh.
This feels more like a episode of Gundam Build Fighters Try which was a lesser quality series than the original Gundam Build Fighters. Luckily there is likely a possibility of a new enemy coming out who plan to target Sarah. Which is good because something needs to be added into the formula to move forward.
This whole episode is one step away from being a recap episode just to introduce Riku’s new suit. There isn’t even any combat involved to show it off properly. Still it is too early to put the series in the same category as Gundam Build Fighters Try but this episode isn’t helping to define it as exceptional.
Gundam Build Divers is streaming on the GundamInfo Youtube Channel.
When Ruby goes missing, Steven and Amethyst go look for her.
Review
Have you seen this gem? Goes by the name Ruby. She’s short, red, and apparently is going to be a cowboy in the future. It will be interesting to see how events lead to such a point.
After the big reveal of Single Pale Rose, someone in the cast finally does the most logical, natural, and human thing: Asking Steven how he feels about it all. This news shook up the entire fan community and the cast of the show itself when it was dropped but there has been little to no time for Steven to think about what it all means and how it affects him. This deep emotional discussion comes from the least likely sources or if you really think about it, the most appropriate one.
All three of the original crystal gems have helped to serve a purpose in Steven’s growth as a character. Garnet has served as the wise teacher, helping to give deep knowledge the boy has used to mature. Pearl is the uptight caretaker has done everything she could to make sure his needs were taken care of. Amethyst though has been something else entirely. As she works to cheer Steven up this episode it’s revealed she’s a bit angry about the news of Rose herself but instead of letting it out she chooses not to. She doesn’t want Steven to know how she feels because Amethyst knows he has enough to deal with and he needs to approach his problems first before taking on anyone else’s. Amethyst acts as a mature older sibling trying hard not to dump anymore on someone they care about before they have had time to properly comprehend a major life change. This demonstrates a very deep side to her character. As Steven says, “Your the most mature Crystal Gem.”
Thought it has no action to speak of this episode of Steven Universe still takes the time to actually ask how a character is doing. It’s realistic emotional moments like these which help to make the show so enjoyable.
Batman #50
