BATMAN INCORPORATED #1 DC COMICS
Ed Brisson has huge shoes to fill since Grant Morrison’s stellar series in 2010. He does give us an interesting (yet easy to solve initial) mystery to solve as someone is killing off the great teachers of the Batman (and Ghost-Maker)! But he fills the story with side characters, secondary Bat-People, personalities, and just a little humor. And for once, I can accept a new Bat-Family title in the midst of so many. John Timm’s art seems to bounce between art styles which does enhance the different locations and characters. World-wide locations, clever boobytraps, and the highlighted similarities and differences between Ghost-Maker and Batman make for a entertaining story. And yes, I totally agree with Jiro … Batman Japan is lame. Can somebody get this poor guy a real code name?! I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
GODZILLA MONSTERS & PROTECTORS ALL HAIL THE KING! IDW
Only marginally better than the last Monsters & Protectors series from back in April, IDW continues the storyline started there in a more kid friendly format. And while I could certainly offer this title to younger readers, I really can’t highlight it to Godzilla fans. With the more Godzilla type features being levelled out by kid orientated story elements. That is not to say that this is all bad. Having the aliens use a dream machine to force Gabora into everyone’s dreams is a stroke of genius and the anti-pollution message mentioned highlights such films as Godzilla vs the Smog Monster. Which shows writer Erik Burnham has some knowledge of classic Godzilla films. But with pages of 8-bit art and the annoying alien Agent Dragon who’s job it is to troll our hero on line is definately in there for the younger generation. With a sneak peak to reveal King Ghidorah is showing up soon, I hope we can find our way back to a more adult based storyline. Again, not bad … just not as good as it could be. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
HACK/SLASH HOT SHORTS #1 IMAGE COMICS
Since 2004, Vlad and Cassie have been a excellent source of horror and suspense that has wide appeal. So welcoming them back with Tim Seeley AND Jim Terry at the wheel, I expected a lot from this title. And … I GOT IT! Starting off with a wonderfully touching tale of dishsoap and garden hoses, this initial offering is by far one of the best Hack/Slash stories not involving violence and bloodshed (well, sort of)! And then we go full bonkers with a epic out of left field crossover with some of the baddest women in comic horror currently. Lovebunny & Mr. Hell! Vampirella! Purgatori! Eva! Featuring some magnificent pinups (both live model and 2D!) and a up to date time line for the saga of Cassie and Vlad, this was a Hack/Slash dream! (Really?! 6 Omnibuses! Jaw-dropping!) This issue has Halloween fun written all over it. Highly recommended! 10 out of 10 Grahams!
EXCITING COMICS #24 ANTARCTIC PRESS
‘ New and current stories continue to entertain 24 issues in. Continuing the unique and refreshing stories of Marvelous, Nothing-Man, Fallen Justice, Camilo Wallace, and Weirdo are great examples of characters that belong in an old time anthology series. While Camilo Wallace has super-powers, he reminds me more of the classic fighter/boxers like Joe Hercules and Boom Boom Brannigan. The dialog and style that Jamaal Simpson, Jason Fernandez, and Carlos Raphael have worked into part 2 is touching and humorous at the same time. Dan Sehn’s Weirdo! definately shows promise and a love of Burt Reynolds movies. Fallen Justice and Nothing-Man show no signs of slowing down. Five stories for the price of one comic, how can you go wrong. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.