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. This week also features a special interview with writers Matt Fraction and Jonathan Hickman. Be sure to check those out as well.
DC Comics:
Batgirl #18-
Written by Ray Fawkes, Art by Daniel Sampere
“This issue gets readers ready for not only the siblings’ battle but also the return of Gail Simone. Fawkes as done a great job filling in for Simone after DC’s fiasco. Sampere’s art continues to be fabulous.”–Tali
You can read the whole review here.
Batman #18-
Written by Scott Snyder/James Tynion IV, Art by Andy Kubert/Alex Maleev
“With Batman #18 Scott Snyder has once again proven he can deliver a stand alone issue just as well as he can sculpt an arc. His decision to center this book on Harper Row, is both respectful to Pete Tomasi, and a deft creative move in its own right. The art by Andy Kubert and Alex Maleev is excellent across the board, and the issue manages to evoke both Batman stories of old and give us a taste of something very new.”–Bobby
You can read the whole review here.
Batman & Robin #18-
Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Art by Pat Gleason
“If you read, watch, or engage in any stories in search of an emotional response, this is the title for you. Tomasi, Gleason, and the entire crew on this title have tethered your heartstrings to their puppeteers control bar, and are forcibly pulling you down into the pit alongside Bruce. I will stop justshort of calling it a masterpiece, and that is only because my deadlines have not given me the time to properly process everything in this potent a story, but at the very least I can say it is one of the best chapters I have read during my short tenure in the field…well, ever. And while I used to incorrectly look down my nose on the medium for stunting the imagination by providing visuals, it is the stirring emotional gravity of something like this that helps prove just how little I know in the world.”-Sean
You can read the whole review here.
Green Lantern Corps #18-
Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Art by Chriscross
“Personally, I give this one a pass. I’m going to lump it in with the other ‘History’ chapters that are not necessary for the greater story, but those who are curious on learning the ‘Secret Origins’ of the Green Lantern John Stewart, would be hard pressed to find a more concise and encompassing recap issue than this. Hopefully, now that this is out of the way, Green Lantern Corps can start moving forward with its role in the overarching tale of the Wrath of the First Lantern.”–Sean
You can read the whole review here.
Marvel Comics:
Age of Ultron #2-
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Bryan Hitch
“Hmm. I’d say this is a soft buy. The art wasn’t my favorite, and despite a slower pace, issue number two sets the tone and continues to setup the Age of Ultron. Issue three looks like it will be picking things right back up, so why miss out on some key dialog this issue?”–Adam
You can read the whole review here.
Avengers Assemble #13-
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Art by Pete Woods & Mark Bagley
“Avengers Assemble is a great superhero book without getting overly heavy and dark. Despite the issues Natasha is having with her past, the dark themes are paired with Jessica’s witticisms and lizard people. Not too dark, not too light, Avengers Assemble will be a great balance to your pull list. Bonus: if you are a Hawkeye-and-Black Widow fan, you will love the last panel.”–Mara
You can read the whole review here.
Ultimate Comics: Wolverine #1-
Written by Cullen Bunn, Art by David Messina
“It’s worth a try if you are interested. Those who know nothing about the Ultimate line can feel safe jumping in cold from here, as Bunn and the rest of the team do a great job of using small items to bring people up to speed throughout. While you can easily get your Wolverine fix by practically picking up any title with a Marvel imprint, this title (as do most of the newer Wolverine vehicles) is using its difference in approach to separate itself out from the crowd and fill a niche for anyone who may be looking to follow the adventures of Jack ‘Logan’ Ryan styled plotline.”–Sean
You can read the whole review here.
Wolverine #1-
Written by Paul Cornell, Art by Alan Davis
“If you are a fan of Wolverine or looking to jump on board for the first time Wolverine #1 is a very good investment. Writer Paul Cornell gives you the basics of who Logan is, while still managing to fill his story with a lot of personality and emotion. Not only are Alan Davis’s pencils stunning, but his style is unlike any other artist working at Marvel right now. The book does lack plot movement, but it’s so good everywhere else that it belongs safely on your pull list.”–Bobby
You can read the whole review here.
Dark Horse/Image/IDW/Valiant Comics:
Blood-C Volume 1-
Adaptation and Art by Ranmaru Kotone
“Blood-C volume one is a great manga to pick up if you love rounded female characters. Saya is not obsessed with boys, takes her job seriously, and is incredibly likeable. For new manga readers, this is a good place to start. The style in Blood-C is similar to comic book artwork. Many of the kawaii elements are absent in this volume, giving it a more serious tone than other female-led action manga like Sailor Moon. Be sure to check out Blood-C from Dark Horse!”-Mara
You can read the whole review here.
Bloodshot #9-
Written by Duane Swierczynski, Art by Manuel Garcia
“Buy. It’s a decent jumping on point before Harbinger Wars and is packed full of action. The story progresses more in this issue than it did over the past several issues, so you definitely will get your money’s worth. Swierczynski shows us just how fun Bloodshot and these Valiant books can be.”–Adam
You can read the whole review here.
Buddy Cops-
Written by Nate Cosby, Art by Evan Shaner
“I’m taking a chance on this, because the humor is very broad, and the characters very big. But Buddy Cops is one the few laugh out loud books I’ve ever read. Nate Cosby has a sharp wit, and Evan Shaner brings a style and fun that is delightful to behold. So, if you enjoy Archer, Lionel Richie and onomatopoeia like “MONSTERSWAT” get this book!“-Bobby
You can read the whole review here.
Emily and the Strangers #2-
Written by Mariah Heuhner & Rob Reger, Art by Emily Ivie
“If you have a teen, young adult or even a ‘tween’ who enjoys comics, this is a really entertaining, cute story. The art is colorful and polished. Emily is charming in an eccentric way and her friends bring their own charms to the table. I have a 11 year old niece who races through comic books and is always on the hunt for something new, so I’ll definitely be picking this one up for her. No adult language, nudity or violence thus far so I could see this series being appropriate for any age that can read.”–Melissa
You can read the whole review here.
Ghost #4-
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Art by Phil Noto
Needless to say, Ghost #4 is not a stand-alone, but requires the lead-in chapters to provide the proper context. If you’ve been reading Ghost from the start, this final issue will “send you out of the theatre happy”. If you haven’t been reading this series (I did try to clue you in ahead of time!), you have missed a marvelous re-tooling of a heroine that had been long relegated to the “fond memory” file, and Ms. DeConnick and Mr. Noto are to be applauded for resurrecting Elisa Cameron and her ghostly alter-ego for this new era.-Bob Reyer
You can read the whole review here.
Moon Girl-
Written by Johnny Zito & Tony Trov, Art by Rahzzah
“It’s gorgeous, raw, action packed and ridiculously bad-ass. These are not your daddy’s heroes and villains, these are violent and mentally unstable characters with giant balls. I simply love this story and I can not wait to see what these creators produce next.”-Melissa
You can read the whole review here.
Peter Panzerfaust #10-
Written by Kurtis Wiebe, Art by Tyler Jenkins
“While not my personal favorite of the series, Peter Panzerfaust is still a buy. The second arc concludes here, and it continues to bring a lot of heart and develop characters we like and want to read. The art suffers a little, but I have faith it will bounce back next ish.”–Adam
You can read the whole review here.
Sledgehammer 44 #1-
Written by Mike Mignola & John Arcudi, Art by Jason Latour
“If you’re already a fan of Mignola and Arcudi’s work than you’ve probably already bought this comic. However, if you’re looking be deafened by the sounds of steel clashing against steel, or perhaps play hide-and-seek with death as you seek cover beneath a demolished hostel look no further.Sledgehammer 44 #1 isn’t just big on bashing in Nazi skulls, it’s big on bashing in the skulls of Nazi robots and so much more. C’mon, admit it, I sold you with that last line, didn’t I? Ammo up and enjoy!”-Steve
You can read the whole review here.
Star Wars #3-
Written by Brian Wood, Art by Carlos D’Anda
“Star Wars continues in its engaging story with issue #3. The advantage to the comic book is its ability to give third person information into what the characters are thinking. It’s wonderful to see inside their heads, to get the feel of what makes them tick, to see what drives them. While there are books that explore these characters in-depth, this new comic series is a great place to start for movie fans to explore the Star Wars universe outside of the silver screen.“-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!
