Week of January 25th

Honorable Mention

Aquaman # 5 (DC Comics)

The Mighty Thor #10 (Marvel)

Teen Titans # 5 (DC Comics)

Voodoo # 5 (DC Comics)

...and now for this weeks All-Stars!

Astonishing X-Men # 46

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Greg Pak, Artist: Mike McKone, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg, Editor: Nick Lowe

All-Star Summary for Choice: This book is...still astonishing. The art is awesome and the story continues from lat issue with Cylops trapped in an alternate reality where mutants won the war and now care for the humans...at the expense of the lives of other mutants from other realities.

This book has awesome art and the story is a fresh departure from the norm and brings me back to the days of reading Exiles. Everyone in the book is familiar, but we don’t know who they are. Just when we figure it out and think we have someone pegged...another twist emerges that leaves my jaw dropped on the floor...and my brain anxiously waiting for the next issue.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “We’ll see about that”

Daken: Dark Wolverine # 20

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Rob Williams, Artist: Alessandro Vitti, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit, Colorists: Chris Peter & Rachelle Rosenberg, Editor: Nick Lowe

All-Star Summary for Choice: I’m a fan of the presentation that comes full circle. This book begins at a certain point...and ends at that same point, but with some really good story telling in between which is pivotal to discern the difference between where it begins, and where it ends. The art is very good, especially in comparison to the last artist that was on the book.

Daken is without his healing factor, but not without his attitude that always gives it cause to operate. He believes FBI Agent Donna Kiel and he share a destiny together...and so begins a great story that is as close to being a love story as Daken is likely to get.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “You are a psychopath who has attempted to elevated herself above other psychopaths by catching them.”

Fantastic Four # 602

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jonathan Hickman, Artist: Barry Kitson, Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles, Colorist: Paul Mounts, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice: This book is epic if you’re like me and love huge, galaxy-deciding space battles. The Kree are making their move after the Supreme Intelligence has been resurrected by Ronan the Accuser, but many have stepped up to oppose them. The Human Torch returns from the Negative Zone in command of the Annihilation Wave and the Inhumans bring the city ship Attilan into the fight. With the Avengers defending Earth and the Fantastic Four joining the space battle...it simply isn’t enough, so Reed Richards calls on the ultimate helper.

Spectacular in scope and grand in it’s visuals, this book was stunning from cover to cover. The space scenes are very detailed, yet remain clean and fluid.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “The Celestials have arrived”

Justice League # 5

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Geoff Johns, Artist: Jim Lee, Inkers: Williams, Hope, Irwin & Weems, Letterer: Patrick Brosseau, Colorists: Alex Sinclair with Gabe Eltaeb & Tony Avina, Editor: Brian Cunningham

All-Star Summary for Choice: It’s the Justice League versus Darkseid!!! I really shouldn’t have to say anymore than that. Jim Lee’s art is outstanding and brings this beat down...er, fight...to life. Geoff Johns is one of the industry’s premiere writers and proves it again when we are treated (on page two!) to something of a Superman/Flash race, as they try to outrace the Omega Beams! Not only that, but all hail the return of Darkseid to the absolute badass of the DC Universe villainy wherein we are given good reason why the mightiest heroes fear the mention of his name! This is the type of book you read...and then read again, and again, and again.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Your arm is broken you idiot”

Justice League Dark # 5

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Peter Milligan, Artist: Mikel Janin, Letterer: Rob Leigh, Colorist: Ulises Arreola, Editor: Matt Idelson

All-Star Summary for Choice: Deadman, Madame Xanadu, Zatanna, John Constantine, Shade the Changing Man and Mindwarp are the type of team that deal with those threats the regular Justice League would be...well, out of their league trying to resolve. Magic and mysticism are the roads they travel, and the journey is a hard one. In this issue, they must save the Earth from the destruction caused by the Enchantress, separated from her human host.

The art in this book is simply spectacular. I spent more time looking at the visuals than I did actually reading the book. The action is great and the ideas presented for the effects of magic are fresh and intriguing. A city overrun by a tsunami of obsolete computers? Simply wild!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “A storm of rotten teeth. Going by their stench, they could be poisonous.”

Week of January 18th

Honorable Mention

Avenging Spider-Man # 3 (Marvel)

Battle Scars #1 (of 6) (Marvel)

Fear Itself: The Fearless # 7 (of 12) (Marvel)

Planet of the Apes # 10 (Boom Studios)

...and now for this weeks All-Stars!

Avengers # 21

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist: Renato Guedes, Inker:  Jose Magalhaes, Colorist: Jason Keith, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice: The Avengers are under attack by H.A.M.M.E.R...and it doesn’t look like their going to survive. Spider Woman and Hawkeye fall to Hulked-out H.A.M.M.E.R agents. Red Hulk and Storm are felled by Wasped out H.A.M.M.E.R agents. Iron Man’s armor has been compromised and he unwillingly has to take down The Protector. Giant-Men H.A.M.M.E.R agents are sent for Captain America...and the outcome isn’t pretty.

With good artwork and cover-to-cover action, this issue is an adrenaline rush...Avengers style. The bad guys are winning and options for saving the day are dwindling fast. Hail H.A.M.M.E.R.! 

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Tell Osborn the mission was successful. Captain America is down.”

Batman # 5

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Scott Snyder, Artist: Greg Capullo, Colorist: FCO, Letterer: Richard Starkings, Editor: Mike Marts

All-Star Summary for Choice: The Batman has been missing for eight days, captured by the Court of Owls and placed within a maze that seems to have no end, but ever growing additions. With no food and water presumed to be drugged, Batman is slowly losing his mind...and death is lurking near.

This book is great in it’s presentation. The art very distinctive, but also very fitting for the book giving visuals often contrasted between the shadow and the light, adding a sense of “interrogation” to the story. The book make you feel you’re going insane with batman as it turns into a flip book halfway through...then turns completely upside down and has to be read backwards!

The final splash page is one to remember!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I hate to say it, Commissioner, but it’s been eight days. The Bat isn’t coming.”

Kirby Genesis - Dragonsbane # 1

Company: Dynamite Entertainment

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Robert Rodi & Alex Ross, Artist: Fritz Casas, Colorist: Salvatore Aiala, Letterer: Simon Bowland, Editor: Joseph Rybandt

All-Star Summary for Choice: The Norse mythology hasn’t looked this good since The Mighty Thor. Be prepared however, this isn’t any version of Thor you’re used to, but every familiar element is present. Sigurd Dragonsbane answers the call to bring justice and peace to those in need...and he’s bringing Balduur, Heimdall and Honir with him!.

The art is wonderful and the setting of all the mythologies being simply the land next door is an interesting perspective. Everything feels familiar in this book, but at the same time feels all brand new...and that is an incredible feat to pull off!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I am called Sigurd Dragonsbane. And I assure you, I have earned the appellation...”

Lord of the Jungle # 1

Company: Dynamite Entertainment

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Arvid Nelson, Artist: Roberto Castro, Colorist: Alex Guimaraes, Letterer: Simon Bowland, Editor: Joseph Rybandt

All-Star Summary for Choice: The classic story of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs seems to finally have been adapted into comics in true “All-Star” form. It’s rare these days that we get the origin of a hero right from the beginning, but this book does just that...in spectacular form. The story is enthralling and tragic, simple to read...and yet stayed with me long after I put the book down. I specifically took notice of how the book begins and ends with the same visual...but not the same picture.

The art isn’t the best ever, but it certainly isn’t bad...and of course, the cover is simply spectacular as is all work done by Alex Ross. I never pictured myself ever being interested in Tarzan, but just the fact the title of the book isn’t “Tarzan” piqued my interest. I’m glad I gave it chance...and look forward to the next issue.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “What are these things?! They’re not apes, they’re not men...what are they?!”

Moon Knight # 9

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist: Alex Maleev, Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit, Editor: Stephen Wacker

All-Star Summary for Choice: Moon Knight hears voices in his head...but not just any voices. Living with him inside his mind is Spider-Man, Captain America and Wolverine. As if that wasn’t crazy enough, he’s going toe-to-toe against Count Nefaria, a villain with enough power to fight the entire Avengers without any help from anyone else. In fact, he has several times!

This book epitomizes the idea of the “underdog” and as Moon Knight utilizes his bag of tricks copied from the heroes in his head, it’s clear things are going to get a lot worse before they get better...if they get better at all. The art is not clean and there is a lot of shadowing used, but this particular style works for the tone of this book.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “You vex me Moon Knight. What kind of a madman starts a fight he can’t possibly win? You’re like a puppy picking a fight with a lion.”

Week of January 11th

It seems there will be many weeks wherein there are a number of great books to chose from...so, I guess I’ll start an “Honorable Mention” section before the All-Star posts.

Honorable Mention

Grifter # 5 (DC Comics)

Invincible #87 (Image Comics, Inc)

The Shade # 4 (DC Comics)

X-Factor # 230 (Marvel)

Wolverine # 300 (Marvel)

...and now for this weeks All-Stars!

The Last of the Greats # 4

Company: Image Comics, Inc

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov, Artist: Brent Peeples, Colorist: Eddy Swan, Inker: Nick Nix, Letterer: Troy Peteri, Editor: Rob Levin

All-Star Summary for Choice: The plot thickens as we find out that the Last is not in complete control of himself. Seems that the absorbing of the essence of his race has come with a minor price...resulting in a major fit of rage by the Last.

There are books that come along that provoke a profound reaction from the reader. Then there are books that are so shocking and...dare I say, disturbing, that the effects have a lasting impression...possibly even invading the readers dreams. This book is THAT book. This issue isn’t for everyone...but I can say with certainty that it will not be forgotten by anyone that reads it.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I love you so much Charles”

NOTE: This book has sexual themes and adult language.

Magneto: Not A Hero # 3 (of 4)

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Scotti Young, Artist: Clay Mann, Inker: Seth Mann, Colorist: David Curiel, Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos, Editor: Nick Lowe.

All-Star Summary for Choice: Joseph is back! Surely you remember Joseph...Magneto’s clone, and he hasn’t come back alone. He’s brought the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants with him...well, their clones anyway. Some balk when they even here the word “clone” (thanks Spider-Man), but the battle between Magneto and the Brotherhood is brilliant and refreshingly reminiscent of the way Erik used his power in X-Men: First Class.

The story has been steadily building to this point and, as expected from a limited series, things have just about reached the apex. Joseph has a master plan, but Magneto has resources now that he’s hooked up with the X-Men. The opening sequence hooked me and the continued build up for the last issue has me waiting in anticipation.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I knew you were still in there, Erik. You just needed a little inspiration.”

New Avengers # 20

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist: Mike Deodato, Colorist: Rain Beredo, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Editor: Tom Brevoort.

All-Star Summary for Choice: Remember when I said I have a passion for books with cover-to-cover combat? Well, grab some popcorn and enjoy the show! It’s the New Avengers versus the Dark Avengers and expect to be surprised and entertained when this group of heroes faces off against this group of villains...dressed as heroes.

I’m very much impressed with the art and wish that the pattern holds true for any future Avengers movie with Harry Osborn in it. Don’t know what I’m talking about? The Ultimates comic had Nick Fury drawn to resemble Samuel L. Jackson...so somebody should check Tommy Lee Jones schedule should Harry Osborn turn up in the next Avengers movie script!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Always wondered what would happen if I Iron-Fisted a Hulk.”

Punisher Max # 21

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jason Aaron, Artist: Steve Dillon, Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit, Editor: Sebastian Girner.

All-Star Summary for Choice: This is it!!! The Punisher versus the Kingpin...and it’s brutal, bloody, and full of jaw-dropping imagery that stays with you long after you put the book down. After walking right into a trap, the Punisher simply refuses to go down and insists the Kingpin’s men precede him into the afterlife. Once they’re dispatched....Wilson Fisk and Frank castle pull out all the stops on each other.

The art of Steve Dillon is...expected, but still brilliant. I say “expected” because there is little variation from one character to the next...at least it seems that way since he has a very distinctive style, especially with faces. However, it’s brilliant because he conveys emotion through expression flawlessly...and is a master at rendering crisp and clean-lined graphic scenes making them...more graphic!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Your city. My world.”

NOTE: This book contains profanity and EXTREME VIOLENCE.

Suicide Squad # 5

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Adam Glass, Artist: Federico Dallocchio, Colorist: Val Staples, Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher, Editor: Pat McCallum

All-Star Summary for Choice: The Squad must stop a prison riot in twelve minutes...where every tenth prisoner has metahuman powers. With a micro-explosive implanted in their skulls set to explode in the event of failure or non-compliance...this mission sounds like suicide to me. To make matters worse, the Squad isn’t together, they are in different areas of the prison when all hell breaks loose.

The visuals are excellent and this issue delivers some of the recipe of earlier Suicide Squad stories as one member...won’t be going on any more missions due to a severe...extremely severe, case of death!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I’m gonna need more bullets.”

Week of January 4th

  I must say that this week was a very large one for me, and there were much more than five books that are worthy of being “All-Stars.” Unfortunately, only five can make the final cut....so I’d like to just mention those books that didn’t make the cut this week...but are every bit a great read:

Artifacts # 13 (Top Cow Universe)

Avengers Sanction # 2 (Marvel)

Batwing # 5 (DC Comics)

Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes # 3 (Boom Studios)

Vampirella vs. Dracula # 1 (Dynamite Entertainment)

Wolverine and the X-Men: Alpha & Omega # 1 (Marvel)

...and now for this weeks All-Stars!

Punisher # 7

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Greg Rucka, Artists: Michael Lark, Inker: Stefano Gaudiano, Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Editor: Stephen Wacker.

All-Star Summary for Choice: Punisher has always been a man of few words...and this book takes that to an extreme. He doesn’t say a word. In fact, he’s barely in the book at all. If not for the flashback scene with him fighting Daredevil, he would never have made an appearance. So, why then, is this book so good? The writing, pure and simple.

The art isn’t as crisp as I prefer, but it’s still very good and adds a grit to the story that makes the book work. Without question, this is a story driven issue and the ride is excellent. Detective Oscar “Ozzy” Clemens and his partner, Walter Bolt, steal this issue...and never give it back. Ozzy seems to be as capable of a detective as Batman and the interaction between him and his partner displays a chemistry normally scene in the best cop movies on the big screen.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I know what you’ve been doing. I know you’ve been passing information to the Punisher. It stops now. It stops.”

Star Trek/ Legion of Super-Heroes # 4

Companies: IDW/ DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Chris Roberson, Artists: Jeffrey Moy, Inker: Philip Moy, Colorist: Romulo Fajardo, Letterer: Shawn Lee, Editor: Chris Ryall.

All-Star Summary for Choice: I can just see the puzzled look on your face...but just think “chocolate and peanut butter” and you’ll see this is in great taste. How do I know? I had the same reaction...and used the same rational. I like Star Trek, I like the Legion of Super-Heroes....so, why not together?

This isn’t the first time the crew of the Enterprise has teamed up with heroes from other universes. Kirk and crew met the X-Men in Star Trek/ X-Men and Picard and crew met them in Star Trek Next Generation/ X-Men: Second Contact. I’ve always been entertained by how the different universes mesh together when they collide.

This book is no exception and I just love how the characterizations play out. Spock and Braniac 5 comparing notes on the problem, Dr. McCoy with his apprehension to Saturn Girls telepathy...and of course, Kirk trying to add the color blue to his skin color repertoire of conquered women in an opening line to Shadow Lass (see the  All-Star Quote below). This book is wild fun...and I just can’t stop looking at the cover!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Ladies, may I say that you look absolutely stunning in those? You know, I don’t know if I’ve ever met a woman with skin quite that shade of blue...”.”

Stormwatch # 5

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer:Paul Cornell, Artists: Miguel Sepulveda, Colorist: Allen Passalaqua, Letterer: Rob Leigh, Editor: Pat McCallum.

All-Star Summary for Choice: Right out the gate I’ll say the artwork in this book is fantastic. When I say that, I mean the pencils AND the coloring...simply wonderful. It’s rare when you read a book so visually pleasing that the story really doesn’t matter...rarer still when that story includes a deepening mystery...and a serious fight to satiate the need for gratuitous violence. The greatest sword fighter in history versus the greatest tactician...gotta love it.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “You actually surprised me! I’m going to enjoy crippling you!”

Uncanny X-Force # 19.1

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Rick Remender, Artists: Billy Tan, Colorist: Jose Villarrubia, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit, Editor: Jody Leheup.

All-Star Summary for Choice: Anyone who’s read the Age of Apocalypse storyline is familiar with these characters. Anyone who hasn’t...should! Humans are an endangered species and Wolverine has now taken over the mantle of Apocalypse. The days of the good guys always winning or saving the day don’t exist in this universe...and it never did.

With nice artwork that compliments the hopeless feel of the book, this issue digs a sizable hole for our heroes until they hit rock bottom. Then...it keeps digging. It’s one of those books that makes you angry you have to wait thirty days to find out what happens next. 

It’s also the kinda book that will have you racking your brain to think about who can make an appearance that isn’t already dead...as characters fall with each turning page.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Humans can do anything mutants can.”

Uncanny X-Men # 4

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Keiron Gillen, Artists: Brandon Peterson, Colorist: Justin Ponsor, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Editor: Nick Lowe.

All-Star Summary for Choice: The art is magnificent and the story, although the idea is nothing new in Pop Culture, is equally great made so by the particular details shared with the reader.

An alien is trapped on Earth and trying to get home...seen this a thousand times. However, we’ve never seen it from the point of view of The Phalanx. From the very beginning the whole idea of them being “evil” is thrown out the window, since perspective is everything. Blissful peace is the existence and happiness is the offer until something “sinister” happens...:-)

There’s no question the issue is a good one if it can make you feel sympathy for one of the most notorious X-Men villains. There is a saying (mine actually) that goes “Every angle cannot be seen until there is commitment to turning the shape.” This issue turns that shape...and reveals to us an angle that hasn’t been seen, and won’t soon be forgotten.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “He cut me in places I didn’t even realize existed. He colonized my undiscovered countries with pain.”