Comic Book Reviews For The Week of 6/15/11

Comic Book Reviews For The Week of 6/15/11: "
This should be a huge week for comic books as Green Lantern opens in theaters. Ironically, there aren't any major Green Lantern books out today. We do get to see the flashy Green Lantern banner slapped across the top of the DC's book. Not to be left out, we also have some Marvel comics with the Fear Itself banner/color thingy at the top of some comics. Another surprise is there didn't seem to be a really huge title that came out today either.

Here's what we reviewed today. We tried reviewing more indie books this week. I will admit that Sara and I are heading out a little early to catch a screening of that Green Lantern movie so there might be a couple less reviews this week. Do let us know what you thought of these titles as well as any other issue we didn't get to.

Superman/Batman #85

This is what I want from a Superman/Batman story. I'm not too much of a fan of stories taking place out of continuity but if they're as well written as this, I definitely want more. This is a story that I've always thought should be written. Readers are supposed to have a sense of disbelief but having some moments of reality mixed in makes for a great story that we haven't seen before. Joshua Hale Fialkov is a great writer and here he shows that the superhero genre is one he can easily take on as well. The portrayal of Superman and Batman fits nicely with the time period and I'm left wondering where things are going to go in the next issue. This is a story that readers familiar with Superman and Batman, and those readers that might not be, could easily enjoy.

To read Tony's full review, click here.

28 Days Later #24

Terrible jump-on point for anyone, since this book will not be continuing farther, for now. I loved this issue greatly. It was a wonderful way to end the series, even though I wasn't the biggest fan of the art. The story flowed incredibly well, due to the tight pacing which really captured the feel of the movie. Although it's the last issue, I highly recommend buying the trades and checking it out. It will be well worth your time.

To read Mat's full review, click here.

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #1

While you probably don't need Wonder Woman and the Furies in order to understand the basis of Flashpoint, I think this is an issue all fans will want to read because the story is really good. It's interesting, and its a new take on the famous DC character- what's not to like?

To read Sara's full review, click here.

Uncanny X-Men #538

If you're looking for any loose ends to Whedon's Breakworld story, you will get them here. There were some shockers last issue but everything that happens here, happens very quickly. We know that Uncanny X-Men is coming to an end soon and this issue made me feel like it was meant to be that final issue. Lots of need and tidy endings. We do get to see other X-Men called in. It makes perfect sense that if their home is invaded, anyone with an X-symbol on their costume in the area should come running. The fate of another character was resolved. While I am pleased with the results, I felt a little confused at first but it's something I can happily live with.

To read Tony's full review, click here.

Kirby: Genesis #1

I'm much more excited to see where this book goes than where it's at now. This first issue is barely a first issue at all. I'm right down the middle on this one. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I want to keep reading, but I wish I had picked up the #0 issue to understand what is going on. While I really liked the incorporation of Alex Ross' art in the book, I didn't like the rest of the art. It's a tough book to judge because it's based on some of Kirby's earlier work, but I really feel this first issue falls pretty flat. Kirby fans may like it but I'm not sure anyone else will.

To read Mat's full review, click here.

Power Girl #25

While I have to admit I haven't been keeping up with Power Girl as much as I'd like, this issue doesn't punish me for doing so. That's what the strength of this series has always been: a light-hearted, continuity-light book where readers can just sit back and have a good time.
This is a 'Part 2' of a story, so I'd recommend picking up the first (naturally), but it's a nice, short, beautifully-contained story that manages to showcase the strengths of Power Girl, both physically and in character.

To read Matt's full review, click here.

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1

The Flashpoint miniseries might not all have major impacts in the main Flashpoint series but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be read. Deadman and the Flying Graysons is a solid and fun book giving a glimpse at what could have happened if tragedy hadn't fallen upon everyone involved. J.T. Krul has created an interesting relationship between the characters seen here and it's great seeing what happened to other characters not prominently featured in their own miniseries. I'm not really familiar with Mikel Janin's art but he does a superb job showing the Flying Graysons in action but when they and Deadman are unmasked, it could get a little confusing who each dark haired dude was. It's not just a comic about life in the circus. There is some major bad news coming your way. This is definitely worth checking out to see Dick Grayson, Deadman and the other background characters involved.

To read Tony's full review, click here.

Invincible Iron Man #505

This is still a solid book by any means, but it seems to have toned down the shock and awe from last issue. While I'm not ususally a fan of using death as shock, it was done tastefully to show that Iron Man might not be as powerful in the situation as he'd like. Resting on a pile of stone body parts was just very morose, and I think that's what Fear Itself needs: not necessarily 'shock fear,' but 'emotional fear.'

To read Matt's full review, click here.

Graveyard of Empires #1

Yes, this sounds like an overly positive review, but takes a hit on the 3.5 rating. Honestly, I did like the book, and believe it or not, I actually like zombies. The art is beautiful and unique. The writing is solid and realistic, but the end of the story is a huge bummer. It's a great war story that takes a huge twist which we've seen before. If you love zombie books and war books, then this book will be the perfect fit for you. Even if you just love war books, pick this one up, but at your own risk. I recommend Graveyard of Empires #1, but be warned, it turns into a zombie book.

To read Mat's full review, click here.

Legion of Super-Heroes #14

Legion hasn't exactly given me a reason to start buying their book regularly again, and this issue is no exception. The pacing issues really made the book plod along, and swept the resolution of some ongoing storylines under the rug. The book could really use a 'rest issue' where nothing happens, just to decompress. Perhaps a day at the space-spa?

To read Matt's full review, click here.

Conan: Island of No Return #1

There are a lot of different Conan stories being told from different points in his life. Conan can take on armies but we actually see him on the run from guards in the opening pages. This is a great change of pace as having him simply wipe out all opposing forces so easily can get repetitive. Ron Marz captures Conan's simply way of going wherever his next adventure takes him and Bart Sears easily depicts Conan's essence and energy in his day to day activities. As a two-issue miniseries, this issue doesn't have loads of action since it needs to set the story up. We do get mystery and a nice cliffhanger that will make you want to come back for the next issue to see where this story will take you.

To read Tony's full review, click here.

Batgirl #22

This book won me over as a good purchase: if you're looking for a great Stephanie Brown story with a little bit of foreign flavour injected, this is the place to do it. Sadly, the London story will continue in Batman: Incorporated #9, so readers are going to have to split their collection for the whole arc. A bit frustrating, but doable.

To read Matt's full review, click here.

Alpha Flight: Fear Itself #1

This issue frustrated me because I feel like Marvel wasted a whole '.1' issue explaining Alpha Flight to readers, only to have everything be re-established in this one. It felt like they had no confidence that people bought the .1 at all, and just decided to have an 'introductory' issue anyway. I'm curious to where they take the whole 'Canadian government declares enemies of the state' storyline, and where the betrayal of the Guardian leads.

To read Matt's full review, click here.
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