Adam Normal's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Outright Geekery, Pop Culture Uncovered Reviews: 59
7.0Avg. Review Rating

8
Aquaman (2011) #39

Feb 27, 2015

Aquaman #39 is a really fun book, plain and simple. Pelletier offers up some excellent artwork and character designs while Parker offers up a really exciting script, even if it is a bit lacking in the emotional department.

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7
Avengers & X-Men: Axis #1

Oct 9, 2014

If you have been following Uncanny Avengers since its inception all the way at the beginning of Marvel Now! then Axis #1 is the epic you have been waiting for. If haven't picked up a single Uncanny Avengers issue, then Axis #1 will totally confuse you due to its lack of explanation. Aside from that, Adam Kubert's art is mostly on point and Remender's writing is compelling when he is focusing on his Unity Squad. Unfortunately, it is also annoying when he focuses on everybody else.

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5
Avengers (2012) #34.2

Jan 18, 2015

I know I was kind of hard on this issue in this review, but that is because it failed me so hard. I really wanted to care about Starbrand the way I care about Hyperion now, but this issue only made me dislike the character as opposed to just not caring at all. This issue also wasted about three hours of my life because it made my want to watch some DBZ and that is a crime that is inexcusable, folks.

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10
Batman (2011) #39

Feb 26, 2015

Batman #39 is dark, sadistic, and crazy. In other words, Batman #39 is a great Joker story. Snyder's story is great, but it is Capullo's fantastic art that has me coming back to this issue for more. It is simply brilliant. This is a must read book.

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7
Batman: Eternal #31

Nov 10, 2014

That problem is the pacing. Fawkes decides to shine some light on Spoiler ever once and a while in this issue, and while it does set up the big finale of the Hush storyline, it also derides the pacing of the issue.

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7
Batman: Eternal #32

Nov 14, 2014

I know, I know. Adam, you have done three of these DC Weekly columns and all three times Batman Eternal has been the pick of the week. Well, deal with it. It is the best weekly book hands down, even on its bad weeks.

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8
Batman: Eternal #33

Nov 23, 2014

At least this issue has Fabok. His art is amazing and really saves what is otherwise a very boring affair.

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6
Batman: Eternal #34

Nov 28, 2014

This issue just let me down. I you are going to speed months building up this confrontation, then don't make it last only four pages, guys. I just feel cheated.

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7
Batman: Eternal #35

Dec 9, 2014

So basically, the issue boiled down to me hating the back-story, but loving the main action beat.

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7
Batman: Eternal #36

Dec 13, 2014

Overall, this issue is not as fun as the last one, but it is still alright and does a decent job of wrapping up Bard's story. Plus, it is always nice to see the entire Bat-family together.

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6
Batman: Eternal #37

Dec 19, 2014

The next act of Batman Eternal starts this week, but with not too much of a bang. Tim Seeley's script is mostly workman like in nature and since this is the first issue of the next act, there are none of the spectacles that we have come to expect out of this book.

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8
Batman: Eternal #39

Jan 5, 2015

You can also feel that this book is gearing up for the big finale. Characters have been put into place, now the action just needs to start.

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6
Captain America (2012) #25

Oct 4, 2014

What should have been Sam Wilson's victory lap crashes and burns in the final issue of Captain America. It isn't terrible, but this issue is definitely not as good as it should have been. Not by a long shot. The crux of the issue has been spoiled already, sapping a lot of the fun away, and the rest of it suffers from some sloppy scripting and annoying Avengers. At least the art is pretty…

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7
Convergence #0

Apr 2, 2015

I'm not going to call Convergence #0 terrible. For a massive exposition dump with a disposable story, it is oddly readable. Ethan Van Sciver does his best to elevate this tale with his amazing art, but unless you are completely new to DC and have absolutely no idea what is going on then you may want to just skip to Convergence #1.

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10
Convergence #1

Apr 10, 2015

Convergence #1 is a definite improvement over last week's zero issue. Though it is really similar to a story going on over at Marvel, the core idea here is interesting, especially if it plays out the way I would like it to. The art is also very good and this issue should be a definite buy for those of you that followed Earth 2: World's End.

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6
Convergence: Aquaman #1

Apr 19, 2015

The character stuff is solid as well at the art, though I don't really care for Rauch's coloring. My main problem with this issue is the villain.

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5
Convergence: Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1

Apr 19, 2015

If there was a stinker this week, then this is it.

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7
Convergence: Green Arrow #1

Apr 19, 2015

For the most part, this issue feels like a stroll down memory lane. Everything feels like a Green Arrow book from before the New 52, especially Oliver's inability to actually deal with his own problems.

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8
Convergence: Green Lantern/Parallax #1

Apr 19, 2015

Overall, this wasn't a bad issue that was filled with some good action scenes and character moments.

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6
Convergence: Justice League International #1

Apr 19, 2015

Characterizations are really well done, the art looks great and is sort of a nice throw back. The only thing holding this issue back is the distinct lack of plot.

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7
Earth 2: World's End #1

Oct 13, 2014

World's End was an interesting book. Unlike another major event book that came out this week, this issue actually gave some back story to its events so new readers can understand what is happening. Unfortunately, that back story fills up over half the issue and totally ruins the Earth 2 title proper which will most likely anger those who have been following the book since the beginning of the New 52. The art was pretty good for the most part. I just don't think we will get a good feel of this series until the next issue where it will actually tell its story instead of recapping a story already told in another book.

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7
Earth 2: World's End #5

Nov 10, 2014

The art here is not bad, as per usual, but it would give the book a more solid cohesiveness if it wasn't drastically switching art styles every two pages.

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7
Earth 2: World's End #6

Nov 14, 2014

I swear, if the writers could figure out their weird pacing issue and stop jumping from scene to scene like they have ADD then this might very well become my favorite out of these weekly books. As it stands, though, this issue is just okay.

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8
Earth 2: World's End #7

Nov 23, 2014

If the writers gave this book some room to breath instead of throwing thins at us at breakneck speed then this book would be great. With that said, I still really enjoyed myself.

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5
Earth 2: World's End #8

Nov 28, 2014

Every other issue made me feel at least like the plot was heading in some sort of a direction but not here. Its sad.

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6
Earth 2: World's End #9

Dec 9, 2014

Big things are coming soon and I can't wait to read it but the writers and artists really need to iron out these issues before they get worse.

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6
Earth 2: World's End #10

Dec 13, 2014

Things are gearing up in this book really fast and there are a lot of exciting things that happen in here. Mister Miracle, Darkseid, and all of the Apokolips stuff in this issue is fantastic and I cannot wait to read more about it. Not so much with the other half, though.

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8
Earth 2: World's End #11

Dec 19, 2014

There is so much good in this issue and the only reason why the writer were able to do this because they only focused on the story in Apokolips the entire issue. Things flowed naturally into each other and it was great. I highly recommend it.

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7
Earth 2: World's End #13

Jan 5, 2015

The one thing that World's End has that none of the other weekly titles do is how dire the events seem to be. In every issue I read of World's End, I can feel how precarious of a situation the characters are in jumping out at me. Earth 2 is ending and it feels like it.

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5
Flash (2011) #38

Jan 30, 2015

I really want to like this book. The core of the story being told is really interesting, but unfortunately The Flash is moving way too fast for its own good and things are getting lost in the shuffle.

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8
Green Lantern (2011) #37

Dec 6, 2014

It was good. Like really good. Who knew that Black Hand could actually be funny? What's great is that Venditti did it in a way that didn't make Hand seem hokey too.

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5
Green Lantern Corps (2011) #37

Dec 12, 2014

Green Lantern Corps #37 has some really interesting character and story developments that have been missing from Godhead for some time. It is just a shame that the art teams don't mesh well together at all.

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8
Green Lantern/New Gods: Godhead #1

Oct 1, 2014

Overall, this book is pretty entertaining. Kirby's New Gods and Green Lantern are two of my personal favorite parts of the DC Universe so seeing them meet in a story as epic as this one promises to be is just awesome. This isn't a perfect book, though, but the problems that I have with are problems that I've been having with Green Lantern for a while.

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8
Hail Hydra #1

Jul 17, 2015

If you are fan of Remender's run on Captain America, then this issue is a must buy. It connects to the normal Marvel universe more than any other Secret Wars tie-in and serves as sort of a direct sequel to All-New Captain America. Remender's character work here is solid and the art works more than it doesn't. I just wished we saw more of what sets Hydra controlled New York apart from any other dystopia and that Boschi's facial work was a little tighter. This is still a really solid issue and definitely worth a look.

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7
Inhuman #12

Feb 28, 2015

Inhuman #12 is in many ways the cap off to the last year of the title. Many of the title's lingering plot threads are resolved and we actually get to see Black Bolt in action. This title just needs to find its focus now and it can be great.

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8
Ivar, Timewalker #1

Jan 20, 2015

If you are looking for a fun little time travel romp and Dr. Who isn't doing it for you, then tryIvar, Timewalker #1. It has some pretty funny dialogue and some great potential. I'm going to keep my eye on this series and you should too.

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7.5
Justice League (2011) #47

Jan 2, 2016

The Darkseid War is back on the upswing. It still isn't as great as the first act was, but this is a vast improvement from the last two issues. Fabok's return aligns the art with the tone of the story more and what characters Johns does decide to spend time on are all written very well. I just wish some of the newer characters were given more time than they were.

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6
Justice League (2016) #3

Aug 17, 2016

This whole thing will probably read much better in trade; you can tell that the individual parts do something amazing, but the whole of the opening arc isn't fully in focus.

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8
Midnighter (2015) #1

Jun 7, 2015

Midnighter #1 is a very solid introduction of the character to new readers and is filled with all of the over the top violence you can hope for. ACO's art work is fluid and his panel work makes all of the liver punching really easy to follow. If action is your thing, then give this book a chance.

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9
Omega Men #1

Jun 6, 2015

The Omega Men #1 has a great story and great art. Unfortunately, you may have to do some work to truly appreciate what Tom King has done here because this issue is a little light on the dialogue. Nonetheless, you should definite give this book a chance. It isn't for everyone, but those that do like it will most likely end up loving it.

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9
Omega Men #7

Jan 1, 2016

The Omega Men continues to impress as it begins its second arc. Kyle Rayner becomes much more of a presence in the book. The Omega Men is still a smart, funny, and thrilling story with some fantastic art. There is a reason why this book is on so many best of lists for this year and you would be a fool to not check it out. Oh, and when will DC every give Tom King a Green Lantern book? That just seems like a match made in heaven.

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8
Power Man and Iron Fist (2016) #1

Feb 22, 2016

If you want a deep and engaging plot, then this isn't the book for you. If you want to see some friends argue and make fun of each other with some really engaging dialogue then buy this book right now. Walker really gets characters of Power Man and Iron Fist and plays them off of each other to hilarious perfection. It almost reminds me of all of those great buddy cop movies from the 80's. If Walker upped his story game and Greene took a few more chances with the art, then this would be an amazing book. Right now, though, it will just have to settle with really good.

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8
Quantum and Woody Must Die #1

Jan 28, 2015

If you are looking for hilarious banter, some nice action, and a book that won't break your bank because it is a mini, thenQuantum and Woody Must Die! #1 is what you are looking for. The plot may be a little slow for some, but I really enjoyed myself and I think you will too.

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6
Secret Six (2014) #1

Dec 6, 2014

Overall, this is not a bad first issue. Simone does some nice character work with Catman and has already made Strix and the Ventriloquist favorites of mine. This book just needs to tighten up its story and art a little more and it should be great.

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5
Sinestro #7

Dec 6, 2014

I'm not going to call this issue bad because what actually works in this issue really does work well, but it is no where near great. Just meh really.

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8
Spider-Man / Deadpool #2

Feb 13, 2016

Joe Kelly puts in some solid character work in Spider-man/Deadpool #2. Now he just needs to give these characters a story worth while to be in and this book would instantly become a modern classic in the making. Ed McGuinness also delivers some fantastic art here. All in all, I will consider this one a winner.

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9
Star Wars: Darth Vader #1

Feb 14, 2015

Darth Vader makes his triumphant return in this issue and I cannot wait to read more. Glillen's characterization of Vader is perfect and the art for Larroca and Delgado is cinematic and beautiful. What more can you want from a Star Wars book?

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9
Swamp Thing (2011) #40

Mar 7, 2015

Overall, Swamp Thing #40 was a satisfying conclusion to the series. The art, like always, was perfect and completely on point. I just wish Soule took a little bit more time to focus in on some resolution instead of introducing new plot threads that will never be seen again.

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9
The Dying and the Dead #1

Jan 31, 2015

The Dying & The Dead #1was a really interesting read. Sure, you see some of the same themes and iconography that you have seen in other Hickman stories, but it is still a very good read that sets up what will hopefully be a great story. If only this thing didn't cost so much…

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6
The New 52: Futures End #27

Nov 10, 2014

That's right, folks, the moment you have been waiting for since the beginning of Future's End is finally here. I'm sure next issue will delve into this more, but man that was good to see.

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5
The New 52: Futures End #28

Nov 14, 2014

Talk about stall tactics. Yeah, the action in Future's End has ramped up drastically over the past month or so and it is a much better book because of it, but the writers still insist on playing hide and seek with the most interesting bits of the story.

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7
The New 52: Futures End #29

Nov 23, 2014

There are still some places this series needs to go and all of these various stories need to connect somehow before the end, but it is still really nice to actually see some plot progression in this book.

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8
The New 52: Futures End #30

Nov 28, 2014

Keep this up and you might actually redeem yourself in my eyes, Future's End. I don't have much faith in you, but I have been wrong before.

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7
The New 52: Futures End #31

Dec 9, 2014

All of these various stories seem so far apart I really don't see how the writers will make it all come together and not make it all feel shoehorned together. Still, this was a solid issue.

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3
The New 52: Futures End #32

Dec 13, 2014

This issue is just Future's End's return to its crappy norm.

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5
The New 52: Futures End #33

Dec 19, 2014

Basically, Future's End #33 is the series returning to its old status quo after a month of greatness and it is really disappointing.

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7
The New 52: Futures End #35

Jan 5, 2015

Overall, this issue wasn't what I would call spectacular, but it is definitely a step in the right direction for the series. Too bad its a little too late for Future's End to make any real changes.

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6
Uncanny Avengers Vol. 2 #2

Mar 1, 2015

DanielAcua's art is Uncanny Avengers #2 is amazing and almost worth the price of admission all on its own. Unfortunately, Remender's unfocused and almost Avengers free script do not live up toAcua's work. At least the High Evolutionary had a pretty nice speech.

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8
Wolf Moon #1

Dec 5, 2014

Wolf Moon #1 has someexcellentart and enough of a twist on the werewolf mythology to make it worth picking up, even if the actual story isn't as interesting as it should be.

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