AVENGERS #677 MARVEL COMICS
Part 3 of the Avengers Epic Event throws all the confusing yet overwhelming battles and new characters to the back burner and chooses instead to focus in on … Quicksilver??? Two evil teams, a missing Earth, natural disasters, Jarvis in the hospital and we decide to shelf that so we can take a close look at one of Cap’s Kookie Quartet? A character that couldn’t make it as an X-man, an Avenger, or an Inhuman?! And the worse part of all of it, is that even in this time to shine moment, Waid, Ewing, and Zub still treat him like Charlie Brown. But the whiney, pouty, Flash wannabe has been doing this since his first appearance in 1964, so this is nothing of interest. I give it a 5 out of 10 Grahams.
FLASH #39 (#700) DC COMICS
Arrrrrggggg! This is the perfect example of one of my pet peeves in comics. According to the variant cover, issue #34 is the 700th issue of the Flash. First off, this is why renumbering sucks! Second, (yes I am talking to you DC) you can’t even proudly point this out on the main cover? You have to make a variant cover? Next, we are treated to a look back at this current Flash’s backstory. Big whoopty-do! Remember when a big number anniversary issue was epic. A Manchurian Candidate storyline! The finally of the Blitz and Terminal Velocity storylines! The possible alternate reality where the lightning and chemicals simply burned Barry Allen and the Flash is all his mind! Williamson an Di Giadomenico do a good job continuing the existing storyline but this is not an issue 700. I give it a 4 out of 10 Grahams.
DOOMSDAY CLOCK #3 DC COMICS
Wow! This is an explosion of easter eggs that will do any long time reader good. Geoff Johns puts his money where his mouth is and gives us a worthy follow up to the original series. Random characters interact as if they belong together. The Comedian’s return, the little slips that exposes Ozymandias growing flaws ever since his master plan failed. The interaction between Batman and this new Rorschah is fascinating! But like I said earlier, its the easter eggs that steal the show. Things to keep an eye out for … Nathaniel Dusk, Dr. Jace from the Outsiders, a Suicide Squad reference, a Global Guardians reference, an original Doom Patrol history reference, along with Sgt. Rock and Easy Company, All-Star Squadron members! Oh my Giddy Aunt! I give it a 10 out of 10.
FRANKENSTEIN ALIVE, ALIVE! TRIO IDW COMICS
A wonderful reminder and tribute to the master of horror art, Bernie Wrightson with the help of the epic tale, Steve Niles! It came as a great loss when we lost Bernie Wrightson toward the end of 2017. This collection of the first three installments of these men great vision reminds us not only of their expertise in their chosen fields but at the pain and pathos at the heart of Mary Shelly’s stirring novel. An amazing presentation and worth reading or even rereading! 9 out of 10 Grahams.
COMIC BOOK HISTORY OF COMICS #2 IDW COMICS
More of the amazing history of comics in easily explained comic form. Thought you knew a lot about the fight to take back their creations from the corporate giants. You’re wrong, read about the continuing battles of Kirby, Simon, Robinson, Gerber, Wolfman, DeCarlo, etc. And then find out how those various lawsuits would create havoc overseas. Again, Van Lente and Dunlavey do the homework so that we can just sit back and enjoy. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
RAVEN DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS #1 DC COMICS
Marv Wolfman is back with his co-creation Raven and they still make a fine pair. The story title alone is a wonderful tie-in to Raven’s cartoon persona. And while this is not your dad’s Raven (more battle armor style than seductive long black dress with a slit) the character is still intriguing. And Wolfman brought along his old pal, Baron Winters to show up. The story is solid and Pop Mhan’s art style works in both the straight forward scenes in Baron Winters’ house and in the more youthful style of the beach scenes. A nice little story with no crossover liabilities or earth shattering consequences. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
DOOM PATROL #10 DC COMICS
Gerard Way and Nick Derington have managed to revisit all that was good about the Doom Patrol series of the 1980’s and brought us back our beloved Mr. Nobody. And now he’s got a daughter. Madness, crazy hijinx, oh and perhaps the end of the world! Plus colorist Tamra Bonvillain really breaks out the wacky, neon, colors for the insane world of $#!+ to heighten the mood. How’s Danny the Ambulance going to handle this blessed event? I give it a 10 out of 10 Grahams.