#25: Illuminati uncovered

After two solid weeks, the time has come for a weaker one. Having read one Image and four Marvel issues, my level of disappointment has risen surprisingly high. So many promising books, some of which my top faves, and all average or worse. I decided to just write shorter notes about each of the books. If this post-style passes time test, I may keep it in future uploads.

Invincible #115

Invincible recently has become a victim of numerous delays and after months of waiting we get a filler issue. No Mark, no Robot, no anyone-who-we-care-about. Mr Kirkman, why? After some unforgettable installments, which have given me again hope for this title, we are served a naive issue about Thragg, Viltrumite ex-leader, Battle Beast and his… lover, whose dumbness seems to be unlimited.  At the end we see one panel that may affect main storyline in the future, but overall even Ottley’s artwork and new colorist could not save this issue. That's a shame. Guess we can only hope Mark will return according to schedule in December in better style.

Daredevil #10

Purple Man, Purple Kids, recently everything is purple in the life of attorney Matt Murdock, who is also publicly known as a vigilante Daredevil. As #10 wraps up purple arc, if I may call it like this, this issue wasn't bad, Waid didn't forget to insert into the book heroism, adventure and action. Theoretically it should, and was, a fun read. But an average fun read. This run is a long-time bestseller and it just can not be just good. I require from Waid something exceptional. Soon he will have two chances to prove he's a great writer – the last arc of his Daredevil and debuting miniseries about Princess Leia by Marvel. However, Chris Samnee is the man to be glorified up here. His artwork is gorgeous and I wish he stayed longer with Matt than only for the next arc. Overall, Daredevil recently has become an average book with stunning artwork. But whatever I have told bad about this series, it's still a series that should be read.

 Uncanny  X-Men #28

Booooring! If this issue lasted any longer, I would fall asleep. Literally. As I consider Bendis to be one of world’s best comic writers, his recent X-titles, both All-New and Uncanny, start to show decreased quality of storytelling. I do understand he tries to build a proper background for future issues, but releasing books like this one should be forbidden. Terrible artwork by Chris Anka together with never-ending existential dialogue between Summers and his new powerful mutant friend mix and create sheer boringness. Uncanny from the very beginning has been a leading Marvel title, but is currently going through a crisis. Despite everything, there is one general truth above this series. If you want to be up-to-date with mutants, you'll read it anyway. Good luck.

Avengers #38 & New Avengers #26

These were probably least disappointing issues from the 19th of November. The countdown keeps going and Hickman’s machine starts being fully operational. Soon all his plans will be revealed and there will be a final showdown between Illuminati and Avengers. Both Avengers and New Avengers issues were solid, nothing exceptional happened, but reading these books you can easily feel full control that Jonathan Hickman had had while writing his complex script. That’s why I respect him so much. This guy is amazing and, again, writes a Book of the Week, which is New Avengers #26. Highly recommended.

#24: Be Superior

12th November 2014.

What a week! This time I got to read a colossal pile of seven books including Walking Dead, Wytches and Outcast from Image, Batman from DC and Thor, All-New Captain America with Superior Iron Man from Marvel. I could easily recommend almost all of them. Almost, because new Thor doesn't feel as good as ol’ good God of Thunder and restarted Cap is still ridiculously boring. As Bruce Wayne believes in Gotham, I can surely say one thing. I do not believe in Rick Remender.

But forgetting about what was bad let’s focus on what was good. I decided to write more about new Iron Man series. That should be a great starting point for new readers, so feel free to check out Superior #1’s review below!

Superior’s plot comes straight from the pages of Axis, current Marvel event. If you haven't read it, do not do it. And I mean it, I can't think of any recent series this crappy. Not knowing what happened in Axis, you shouldn't have any problems in understanding Superior Iron Man. Marvel’s editors have done a really nice job by explaining on the first page what happened to Stark earlier and how he ended up as a villain. Yes, villain.

Stark has always been a man, that could easily be converted into a bad guy. From alcoholism to Civil War, Tony sometimes has behaved in a way, in which his motives might have been doubtful. In the age of Marvel Now, the first person to witness his evil is Pepper Potts, his long time companion. Stark, having moved to San Francisco, has released a new version of Extremis virus, Extremis 3.0. Anyone owning a mobile device may download his app and somehow, do not ask me how, inject him- or herself Extremis becoming beautiful, healthy and strong. Tempting, isn't it? And that's what Stark knew perfectly. His app became popular, it was downloaded almost be everyone in San Francisco. For free. But why would Stark do this? Releasing his genius perfecting virus for free? What he didn't mention, Extremis was highly addictive. In issue one, which happens a bit after the release, Stark ends his free trial of Extremis app. From now on, anyone who wants to have Extremis, needs to pay a daily fee totaling 100 bucks! 99 to be precise. Is it evil. Without a daily dose of virus, users become sick and weak.

We can not forget about Daredevil, Matt Murdock, who recently also moved to San Francisco. He is confirmed to have a leading role in the opposition to Tony. Generally speaking, Tom Taylor has done a good job on his first big Marvel series’ debut. His fluent storytelling, known so well from Injustice and Invasion, together with a solid artwork by Yildiray Cinar has created something exceptional. After boring Gillen’s run we may finally get a good Iron Man ongoing. Superior #1 is at least promising. If you're a fan of Stark or Murdock, check this title, there is a high chance you will enjoy it.

#23: Magic is failing

5th November 2014.

This is the first week in a very long time, in which I did not read any new superhero book. From new releases I've picked up only 2 issues: Marvel's Men of Wrath #2 and Tooth & Claw #1 form Image. And were these books good! Can't think of any week, that had an average quality of such high standard. Amazing. 

Since the very announcement I've been interested in this series. A 5-page preview, that we were shown was at least promising. When I picked up this issue last Wednesday, I had no idea who it was written by. And there was this jaw-dropping moment: "Man, it's by Kurt Busiek, guy form Marvels!". Little did I know about Tooth & Claw, but by then my level of excitement was overloaded. I've read some of Busiek's works and never been disappointed.

As it is a creator-owned project, Busiek has created a new world full of magic, mystery, various creatures and beautiful landscapes. I'd risk and say it's a mixture of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.  If you like any of those, you should already know to pick up Tooth & Claw. If not, there are much more reasons why you could do so. Busiek creates here a mythology, a turning point in the history of our characters.

In The Seventh City there is held a some kind of magic convention. Sorcerers and magicians from all Cities and lands gather to contemplate and talk about newest techniques and spells in the world of magic. The first speaker, Gharta of Daiir, a powerful magician, decided to touch a delicate and crucial subject. As he said, "Magic is failing". It's potential is waisted and with time may completely disappear. Gharta during his speech has proposed an idea, forbidden idea, which in religious themes would make him a heretic. He wants to found a team of most powerful sorcerers and build a spell, that would bring back Great Champion and, simultaneously, balance once again to magic. Some disagree, but some understand a history needs to be done. And a theory becomes an act.

What happens later, should be found out by each reader individually, but I assure you, good stuff is coming, so brace yourselves. Fluent and fascinating script is not everything what this series has to offer. Gorgeous artwork by Benjamin Dewey will amaze all critics. This man has mastered anatomy of many animals and shows his skills on each panel. I can't wait for oversized hardcover of this series. That will be a hit. Overall, Tooth & Claw is one of these titles, that in my opinion may defeat Saga in the future. It's another great installment to Image's catalogue. I will definitely pick up issue 2. Highly recommended.

#22: The legend of Rasputin begins

29th October 2014.
Let's go to Russia of late 19th and early 20th century.

Rasputin #1

Image Comics widens its catalogue each week. We've reached the moment when retailers finally get new #1s of books announced on both Image Expo and Comic Con International San Diego. Here I'd like to mention Robert Kirkman's Outcast, Zack Snyder's Wytches, newest Rasputin and there's much more. Next Wednesday Image will be shipping the premiere issue of highly anticipated Tooth & Claw. But let's go back to today's star, Raputin #1.

It's always hard to review a book after only 22 pages. Despite the fact Rasputin has slightly more, it's still a great unknown. Written by Alex Grecian, Rasputin is quite sure to be well written. I've never been disappointed by this guy. Issue one of our new series focuses on young Rasputin and his family. A family full of violence, anger and magic. And magic here is crucial for the story. That's probably how Rasputin will find his way to power and make numerous enemies willing to kill him as fast as possible. And in issue one we are served a very first attempt of murdering out "hero".

Reading Rasputin it is impossible not to notice gorgeous artwork done by Riley Rossmo. I need to check out this guy more carefully and read some of his past works. The way how he captures all landscapes, facial expressions and dynamism in beautiful panels is stunning. 

Rasputin is worth reading not only for its artwork. Solid script should get more entertaining with time and introduce us to Russia of early 20th century. I'll definitely pick up issue two and then decide if Rasputin is really worth spending my time on reading. For now, I'm in.

#21: Those who roam

22nd October 2014.

Robert Kirkman's famous run keeps going and feels well.

The Walking Dead #133

Creeeeepy! Walking Dead is getting more intense with each single issue. Finally something awesome happens after dissapointing ending of 10th anniversary All Out War event. As Governor's act ended with a big bang, in Negan's act any bang was hardly noticeable. But a new threat was revealed in last issue and from now, series seems to get only better.

It's still quite early after #132 release and describing #133's story without spoiling anythig is kind of impossible, but I will try to do my best. Overall, plot is divided into two parts - inside and outside the camp. What happens in the latter one shall remain a sweet mystery. If you want spoilers, google them, or, preferably, purchase these books and fully enjoy Kirkman's and Adlard's genius both plot and artwork.

Action inside survivors' camp may seem to be less interesting, but we are served here some major character developments (if it's still possible after 130+ issues). Carl makes his first steps into the world, where girls are not the same as boys... and tries to fight on two fronts! While talking and "smiling" to Sophia, young Grimmes exchanges letters with another girl friend (space intended!), Anna. At least it looks like this. Definietly Anna wrote to Carl a love letter, but what's in his response, no one knows. Rick is to deliver her this message.

Simultaneously, Andrea gets to know her new "friends" better. Not sure if it's only me, but this new group will be in future good buddies with Rick and his team. But that's just my guess. Summing up everything, I numerously wrote about quality of Adlard's artwork. Nothing has changed, so let's skip it, shall we? #133 is another great installment to this series. Shame it's a monthly title, I could read it daily! Future events are promising and Kirkman should cope with giving us new awesome issues. Can't wait!