PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER MAN ANNAUL #1 MARVEL COMICS
It’s good to know that Chip Zdarsky knows how to write a classic Spider-Man tale. Not to say this is some sort of flashback issue. Although, we do get a couple of glances back, this is well told story set in the current age of Spider-Man. It’s also great to see Michael Allred applying his talents to Spider-Man. And while I don’t want to give anything away, the last page of the main story is a tear-jerker and adds class to the life of ole JJJ himself. Meanwhile, Mike Drucker and Chris Bachalo give us an example of one of “those” types of days in the life of our favorite wall crawler. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
ARCHIE’S SUPERTEENS VERSUS CRUSADERS #1 ARCHIE COMICS
I hate it when the book I was looking forward to all week doesn’t live up to my expectations. I am always hyped when Archie Comics rolls out their old superhero characters from the MLJ days. It is amazing the amount of heroes and villains the company has but unfortunately not many of them appear in the actual story. And while it’s nice to see Archie and the gang’s Alter Ego, they too are almost immediately taken out. If this were an on going series, I’d say this was a good beginning but this is only a two issue mini-series. Sorry to say that this doesn’t even wet the whistle. I give it a 6 out 10 Grahams.
LOST CITY EXPLORERS #1 AFTERSHOCK
A definite refreshing breath of fresh air. Zack Kaplan has done his research and has crafted a story filled with1970’s “In Search of” topics with a flair of 1960’s explorers groups. A multidimensional water source, a cover up and a group of family and friends up against big business interests make for some fascinating reading. This title (along with Aftershock’s Riders of the Storm series) is once again proving that comics can be educational (to a degree) and a pleasure to read. You can’t pass this one by. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
if this is any indication
You know you are in trouble when you go to pick up the review books and the store manager is waiting for you. And while my assorted colleagues I hate to disappoint requests. So for Jim …
TONY STARK IRON MAN #1 MARVEL COMICS
Briefly, this one should have called Robert Downey Jr, Iron Man #1. After the abomination of the Thor reboot from the previous week, Marvel is quickly proving that the movies work on screen and not on the comic page. Am NOT looking forward to the new Captain America reboot. 4 out of 10 Grahams.
X-MEN GOLD #30 MARVEL COMICS
It is impossible to review this book without giving spoilers. The good news is that is that somebody beat me to the review. The good news is that this is the finale on another X-Men title. The truth be told is that even with the couple of cameos and the surprise twists, this one really has no substance and turns out to be the prologue for a new series. Yawn. I give it a 3 out of 5 Grahams.
BATMAN #49 DC COMICS
And let the wedding begin! No, wait, not just yet. And while this wonderfully introspective and borderline philosophical tale appeals to my educated side, I can’t help but say stop with the one-shots and brief interludes and get to the wedding already! 7 out of 10 Grahams.