#27: You don't scare me anymore

17th-24th December 2014.

Christmas has just ended. I love its atmosphere and comic book presents underneath the Christmas tree! This year I got a bunch of classic trades including V for Vendetta, The Killing Joke, Dark Phoenix Saga and A Death in the Family. Awesome stuff, can’t wait to read all of them. But returning to new books, recent two weeks, generally speaking, were average, however some top-notch titles were published. Below you can read two short review-recommendations of carefully picked comic books, one from each week.

Batman  #37

Endgame continues. As Snyder claimed it would be the essential Batman story and definitely the best one of his run, I start to doubt it. This arc is an enjoyable read. Scott’s clever writing together with dynamic and detailed artwork by Greg Capullo create an interesting mixture, that after all this time, from Batman #1 to present, begins to no longer surprise us as we get used to it. Court of Owls was amazing, Death of the Family also. But latter Zero Year and current Endgame lack something what their predecessors had. What is it? I’m not sure, but maybe it’s just this kind of team, which should work only up to 20-issue runs… Who knows.

But do not misunderstand me here. Endgame is a darn good comic. In #37 Batman tries to find a cure for Joker’s new virus, which he had released into the city and almost everyone in Gotham is heeheehing. If you know what I mean. Simultaneously, Joker makes a visit to ol’ commissioner Gordon. That goes harshly.

Overall, current Batman is not the one of Court of Owls time, but is still a fun read, that can not be missed by any comic book fan.

Outcast #6

Holy crap, what a creepy and terrific issue! #6 wraps up the first arc of Outcast and I can easily say it’s a great beginning. So many turning points, awesome panels made by Azaceta, questions answered any many more asked. This is how you make a good series, reveal your mysteries inch by inch, so that in the end it can get a specific shape you want it to get.

I wouldn’t dare to spoil anything so will just mention who are our main actors in this book. Not counting Kyle and priest, of course. So, this issue’s plot focuses on two mysterious figures of Mildred and that unknown guy from, possibly, all previous issues, in which he always stood somewhere in the background observing situation. Creepy guy.

Soon the first Outcast trade will come out, so I see of no reason why you shouldn’t buy it. Five normal and one oversized issue for only 10 bucks! Great deal. You won’t regret it!

#26: Watchful eyes

26th November – 10th December 2014.

Time for a little late reviews-recommendations form past three weeks. I chose three books, each from another Wednesday. It went out to be two books from The House of Ideas and one released by Image.

Superior Iron Man #2

With second issue of Marvel’s new flagship series, Tom Taylor has shown he’s still warming up in The House of Ideas, of which his full of. Book by book his writing is getting  more fluent, story vibrant and dynamic. Adding up amazing artwork done by Yildiray Cinray, Superior Iron Man is showing a potential of becoming best Iron Man run in recent years. Issue two has introduced some major story developments including enormous last-page spoiler. I wouldn’t  dare to write about it. But leaving that aside, we’ve finally seen a clash between Stark and Murdock. Nicely and intelligently arranged and beautifully drawn. Tony is constantly showing his new villainous character and undoubtedly great acting skills. Public loves him. Overall, I would recommend this book to literally anyone. It’s a great starting point in comic books, check it out.

Uncanny X-Men Annual #1

While making a list of to-read books, I’ve skipped the first annual of Bendis’ Uncanny X-Men run. A day or two after its release date a friend of mine messaged me and recommended this book. As I’ve recently been unsure of the sense of annuals nowadays, I can now say it would be a great loss, if I skipped this book. It’s a great stand-alone story, which technically will be continued in All-New X-Men Annual. I was stunned by Andrea Sorrento’s artwork, her backgrounds and coloring are second to none. Really, check out this artist. So, Uncanny’s annual focuses on young Eva Bell, who was recently recruited by Cyclops to his new school for gifted youngsters. Eva can control time with her mutant powers, somehow she got confused and whenever she is vulnerable to intense fear, she tends to time travel. Annoying, isn’t it? And these time travels are all what this book is about, many fascinating short stories and each better than the previous one. I am not sure how all of this will affect main timeline, but nevertheless is it a decent book. Worth reading.

The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #2

And last but not least, Tooth & Claw, or should I say The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw. Kurt Busiek is a comic book genius. I am currently reading his masterpiece, original Marvels, and this guy rocks. Tooth & Claw is another project of his, that will be long remembered. Accompanied by Saga and The Walking Dead, this title will be a true bestseller. What differs this series from all other titles? Mythology. Whenever I read The Autumnlands, I can easily sense how big this world is and how much more is to be expanded. Kurt got to spend long months preparing this series from a rough concept to a legend. A myth. Amazing. In issue two we see an aftermath of last book’s catastrophe and the first live appearance of the Great Champion. Wizards also encounter first problems on the land, savage and vast. As Busiek has done great, I’d like to mention tremendous Benjamin Dewey, without whom this title wouldn’t be so awesome. He gives this book life. If you’re not reading The Autumnlands, do not wait and order a bunch of copies. One for you, the rest for your friends for Christmas!