Welcome to the Review Round-Up! We here at Talking Comics release a lot of reviews every week, but sometimes a review can go unnoticed or get buried beneath all the news and other features we have on a weekly basis. That’s why we decided to gather all of our week’s reviews into one post and put it out there for you to enjoy.
Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to check out this week’s Talking Comics podcast, which discusses all things comic related and more.
DC Comics:
Batman #17-
Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Greg Capullo
“If Court of Owls was about the power of history then Death of the Family has been all about identity. Who we pretend to be, who want to be, and who we really are. Why did the Joker remove his face? Does he know who Batman and co. really are? Does he even care?
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have done what very few creators have ever done, stick the landing on a series with impossible expectations. In fact, they achieve this feat by taking those expectations and completely subverting them with a powerful, scary and yet subtle conclusion to their examination of the Joker. By focusing on personal relationships and true consequences Batman #17 is the example for what all event should strive to be.”-Bobby
You can read the whole review here.
Katana #1-
Written by Ann Nocenti, Art by Alex Sanchez
“Overall, the book is a solid first issue. Not amazing, but it does a great job of establishing the character and what her motives are from the get-go. And for any A or B-list hero, that would be enough; but Katana is in a position that it has to dazzle readers from the beginning, and that is where the issue falls short. It’s entirely unfair that it is held to a different set of standards, but in the current marketplace, that is the reality it faces. So, while it looks to be a good start to a longer story, here is hoping it has the time to fully explore the directions it needs to excite readers and allow it to thrive as a unique and different setting within the DCU.”–Sean
You can read the whole review here.
Marvel Comics:
Avengers Assemble #12-
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Art by Pete Woods
“You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t jump in on this issue. One of the biggest selling points of Avengers Assemble #12 is that readers don’t need background knowledge on any of these characters. DeConnick lays out all the necessary information without dragging anything out. Woods’s artwork is clean, simple, and makes for a great comic book; he can convey so much underlying emotion with a single panel. Avengers Assemble is a comic book series well suited for both the hardcore Marvel fan and the new comic book reader.”–Mara
You can read the whole review here.
Secret Avengers #1-
Written by Nick Spencer, Art by Luke Ross
“Spencer has given us a fun first issue with the foundation leading to a bigger mystery. I enjoyed this issue, but I can’t make a firm “you have to buy this” claim. If you are into covert stories and the duplicitous nature of the spy life, then you might want to check out the first issue of Secret Avengers. This title doesn’t appear to be linked to the other Avenger titles, so if this is the only Avengers title you are reading; you can enjoy it without the worry that you are missing part of the story.”-Adam
You can read the whole review here.
Uncanny X-Men #1-
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Chris Bachalo
“Uncanny X-Men #1 is a great new beginning for the flagship title that shouldn’t be missed by anybody. Brian Michael Bendis has crafted an intriguing and well written story that blends action, humor and drama quite well. Add in Bachalo’s fantastic art, which is second to none when it comes to action, and you have the start of something great. While some things might be lost on those not familiar with the current ongoings of the X-Men universe and Bachalo’s style might be too cartoonish for some, that hopefully shouldn’t detract too much from a book that really should be read by anybody who has an interest in Cyclops and/or the X-Men.”-Travis
You can read the whole review here.
Image/IDW/Vertigo/Valiant Comics:
Dia De Los Muertos #1-
Story and Art by Various
“Yet another super sweet, luscious piece of comic book candy from Riley Rossmo. Buy it and read it and eat it up like your mama’s baked mac and cheese. Maybe I’m just hungry, maybe I’m too excited about a new series that I love. Either way, take my advice and you will find happiness.”–Melissa
You can read the whole review here.
The End Times of Bram and Ben #2-
Written by James Asmus & Jim Festante, Art by Rem Broo
“Definitely check it out. With the schlock-for-shock from the first issue out of the way, Asmus, Festante, and Broo can really settle into the satire of End Times. And settle in they do with a comic that is refreshingly hilarious and intensely intelligent in its parody.–Joey
You can read the whole review here.
Fatale #12-
Written by Ed Brubaker, Art by Sean Phillips
“Without any hesitation, I strongly recommend this comic and this series. If you’ve been reading Fatale or not, Brubaker and Image promised four stand-alone, reader-friendly jumping-on-points, and issue #12 continues that trend. Fatale is a series founded in genre-bending and innovative storytelling. As a single issue, #12 captures all of that ingenuity in 24 story-packed pages. Check it!”-Joey
You can read the whole review here.
Manhattan Projects #9-
Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by Nick Pitarra
“I’m quite aware that The Manhattan Projects is not aimed at everyone, but those that do find purchase in its lunacy will find a fun and engaging story contained within. Like a meticulously planned stream-of-consciousness, it is similar to a child telling a story with its loose grasp on logic; but backed up with the firm understanding of a skilled writer and a solid framework to hold all of the insanity together.”-Sean
You can read the whole review here.
The New Ghostbusters #1-
Written by Erik Burnham, Art by Dan Shoening
“If you are looking for a light, fun story to read with several lead female characters, then you might want to give this a shot. If Ghostbusters isn’t your thing then pass this up. IDW does a great job with providing fans of different licenses some fun adventures. Fans of Ghostbusters should enjoy seeing the adventures continue in The New Ghostbusters.”-Adam
You can read the whole review here.
Peter Panzerfaust #9-
Written by Kurtis Wiebe, Art by Tyler Jenkins
“If you aren’t reading this series you are doing yourself a huge disservice. Pick up this issue alone just for the art. The almost animated feel of the pages from Jenkins is amazing, and Wiebe continues to deliver some stunning characterization.”-Adam
You can read the whole review here.
Star Wars #2-
Written by Brian Wood, Art by Carlos D’Anda
“Issue two builds nicely upon issue one without being overly wordy. The threat of the Imperial force is intensely felt as the Rebels navigate the war after their first major victory. Leia has to hold everything together as she copes with the loss of Alderaan and the people she served. All the while, the spy continues to feed the Imperial army information and threaten the Rebels’ existence.”-Mara
You can read the whole review here.
Well that does it for this week’s edition of the Review Round-Up. Also be sure to check out Steve Seigh’s Favorite Comic Book Covers of the Week, which showcase some of the week’s best covers. What were your favorite books of the week? Least favorite? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll see you next week!
