#8: 2nd July 2014

Here we go, new reviews from 2nd of July 2014! I added two new things to the blog: Book of the Week and Cover of the Week. Suppose there is no need to demystify what these phrases stand for.
Reviews from this week, 9th of July 2014 should be posted soon, up to Monday, I hope.

Book of the Week: Moon Knight #5 

In what ways is Moon Knight different from other superhero solo titles? It feels like an early bronze age Marvel book - just one hero, one mission, one issue. There are no team-ups, a plot focuses on a single character and delivers to the reader a pure action and enjoyment. I am a fan of many-issue-arcs and epic sagas like the God Butcher one, but recently I started to miss that old school feel, when a story needed to be concluded in one book. The action advances really fast, and unfortunately this is a thing I started not to see in many other series.

But Ellis is proficient. Our central character, crazy, possessed, god-like Moon Knight is awesome. We get here a real page turner. Sometimes literally, because of not that much dialogues. Issue no. 5 focuses on the kidnappers of a girl, Scarlet. Mark's mission is, of course, to save her, what he eventually does, but the way it was shown, was stunning.

Almost the whole issue was an action packed fight between Spector and his enemies. Drawn by amazing Declan Shalvey (check out this guy above!) this book is unbelievably good. I love the way how Mr Knight is shown - a fearless warrior dressed in white. Cause he's not afraid of anybody. He even wants his opponents to see him coming.

Moon Knight #5, as all previous issues, was great and gets a new on this blog title - Book of the Week. Once again, smashing book. Most of this run's issues are now probably sold out, but a trade consisting of first 6 books has been solicited last month, unless I'm wrong!

Rocket Raccoon #1

I love this character, he's hilarious and Scottie Young's artwork makes him even more adorable. Rocket is a badass raccoon killing everyone, everywhere and having fun from it. His unrealistic nature is so strange, I got confused, when I heard about him for the first time. And I'm glad I did.

Picking up first issues of brand new series, I always try to be cautious about what I choose. But after all thinking-stuff, I decided to give Rocket a chance and I don't know if i regret it or no. It was a really good book, but there is a chance, I will drop this title after #2 or #3.

And do not get me wrong here, this series will definietly have loads of fans, but there are better books, and, unfortunately, my time is limited. I can not allow myself to read comic books all day long, 24/7.

Rocket Raccoon from All-New MarvelNOW is an experiment. A successful one. The whole plot and artwork is done by a talented artist Scottie Young, who previously did a bunch of Baby and Animal variants for this publisher (I have Nova and Superior Spider-Man #1s :P ). I was a little bit worried about the quality of the story, but it was funny, and light, so in artwork's style.

If both artwork and plot suit each other, the book is good, and so is Rocket Raccoon #1. I'll definietly check out #2 and then I'll decide, if I will drop this title or not. Overall, solid issue, nothing spectacular and special, but enjoyable. 

Thor: God of Thunder #24

This issue concluded an epic - The Last Days of Midgard (aka Earth) arc and was it good! Thor: God of Thunder, I'll write it again, is currently the best ongoing series. Each time I pick up a new issue of this title, I am amazed how Jason Aaron redefined Thor as a commited to Midgard god, willing to help people and loving this planet. Aaron shows us how his character has changed after time, writing about three different Thors.

No. 24 wraps up many strands of the story. The most important ones are Asgardians leaving the city of Broxton, agent Solomon cheering up Thor and Dario Agger victoriously planning next movements of his company, Roxxon. Not willing to spoil anything, I will stop now writing about the plot and focus on the artwork, which is very good.

Esad Ribic is out for some issues (he did 2 pages here, but forget it :) ) and #24 was drawn by Agustin Alessio, who we know, for example, from amazing Haden Blackman's Dark Horse miniseries published under the title Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison. Above is a single panel of agent Solomon. This guy is darn good, isn't he. But I couldn't stand to look at his artwork through the whole Aaron's run. For me it's just too intense - perfect for one shots, single issues and up-to-5-issues miniseries, but nothing above that.

Overall, Thor gets better and better, if you haven't read it yet, issue #25 should be a perfect starting point for you!  

Cover of the Week: Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #4