CAPTAIN AMERICA #700 MARVEL COMICS
While some interesting concepts are brought out and some underlying humor and self mocking, this big time 700th issue doesn’t do much for such a milestone. We get the ending to the Out of Time storyline as well a short tale with Mark Waid teaming with the great work of Jack Kirby but its not enough. And while I can appreciate Cap’s refusal of using the cliché only way out and his comments which point out Marvel’s failing in using this cop-out, in the end he has no choice. A lot more could have been done here and just wasn’t. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
EXILES #1 MARVEL COMICS
An interesting start to an all new Exiles series. And while the line up is not as diverse as I’d like to see it (Valkyrie from Thor Ragnarock and and adult version of the new Ms. Marvel, eh), all of the key elements are back. The Tallus and Blink are back. A combination Nick Fury/Watcher character called the Unseen is hoping the Tallus can do the job again. And watching Kang get inhaled by a smoking Galactus skull was definitely cool. I only wonder how long a new Exiles series can last and dodge the pit falls that brought it’s predecessors down. I wish the talented crew well. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
IMMORTAL MEN #1 DC COMICS
A definite weirdie from DC Comics’ New Age of Heroes. Not an overt amount of new ideas but a cast of characters that are providing very intriguing. The enemy has destroyed the safehouse and now the survivors have to track down the young man who is destined to save everything. Unfortunately, the story is a bit slow going and we don’t get much backround or what the stakes are. Still the creative teams artwork really highlight the story. Looking forward for more details and plot line expansion. I Give it a 7 Out of 10 Grahams,
THE ARCHIES #6 ARCHIE COMICS
Another stellar guest appearance in the pages of an Archie comic! With their record on the line, the members of the Archies put away their differences and come together to work with Debbie Harry and Blondie! With a heart to heart with Betty and Veronica and a jam session with Debbie Harry herself, it’s all coming up roses for the gang. However, waiting in the wings are their musical nemeses, Josie and the Pussycats! But best of all Joe Eisma’s version of Debbie Harry is spot on. Rate this one as very cool. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
BROTHERS DRACUL #1 AFTERSHOCK COMICS
An enjoyable retelling of the early days of the most famous vampire of them all and his family. All from the pen of Cullen Bunn! Bunn’s narrative is spot on and Mirko Colak’s art works well in this medieval setting. And I’m betting colorist Maria Santaolalla was going mad finding variations of the color red. An all around good read. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.