Avi Weinryb's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Comic Book Bin Reviews: 33
8.1Avg. Review Rating

8
All-Star Batman #4

Nov 12, 2016

As always, John Romita Jr.s pencils are a joy to behold. The fight sequences are well choreographed and movement is fluid and bold. The level of detail, from cracks on Batmans helmet, to the graininess of flashback sequences is top-notch. This is an artist who cares about his craft and isnt rushing to hit a page goal. I mean, come on, its Romita Junior. Danny Mikis ink work is understated and dangerously effective. This book is easy on the eyes. Batman fans owe it to themselves to give this series a read. Start with #1 and get caught up.

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9
All-Star Batman #10

May 16, 2017

A back-up tale features Bruce Wayne going deep undercover in a Russian mob (in Russia!) to track some weapons headed to Gotham. It's gritty, bloody and a lot of fun. Readers can look forward to part two of both this story as well as the main event. Written by Rafael Albuquerque and Rafael Scavone. Art by Sebastan Fiumara.

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7
Army of Darkness: Ash for President (One Shot) #1

Aug 21, 2016

Allindo and Pantazis make a great team, with crisp, well-defined scenes enhanced by a strong palette and dramatic use of shadows. The pages pop and action scenes are composed well, allowing Ash to do what he does best -- namely, kick demon ass. If youre looking to see Ash Williams get on the campaign trail and defeat evil baddies, this book is worth a read. If youre seeking out a traditional Ash Williams adventure or some strong political satire, youll have to look elsewhere.

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8.5
Batgirl (2016) #5

Nov 23, 2016

Rafael Albuquerques artwork is instantly recognizable, distinctive in its angular simplicity. Fight scenes, of which there are many, are visceral and gritty. There is an intensity that drives up the stakes of these battles. All in all, Batgirl is a chock full of heartfelt moments as well as heartfelt punches to the jaw. Something for everyone! While the characters nation-hopping vacation is over, the call of duty does not cease. We can all look forward to more from this dynamic character once she gets back to Gotham. But if you had the choice between traveling through East Asia or slumming it in dirty, crime-laden Gotham, which would you choose? I guess that's why this is fiction.

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9
Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 #1

Jan 22, 2017

The dynamic duo theme runs through this comic, from the heroes, to the writers to the artists. David Hahn and industry veteran Karl Kesel are a perfect pairing for this series. Hahns pencils are playful and relaxed, acknowledging the source material, but stylized and on-point, never allowing the abject silliness of the source inspiration to derail the need for strong illustration. Kesel brings his versatile inking abilities and wealth of DC Comics experience to ensure a cohesive visual experience. Some pages have echoes of the retro-style work of the late, great Darwyn Cooke, and all the better.

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8.5
Batman (2016) #11

Nov 18, 2016

Batman is on the hunt for Psycho-Pirate and that means teaming up with Wesker (the ventriloquist responsible for Scarface) to seek him out. In this issue, they team up with Catwoman, who is on the run after being responsible for the deaths of over 200 people. She knows her days are numbered and once captured shell be executed, so this cat is cornered, leading to some desperate moves. Meanwhile, Bane is sulking in his underground lair, waiting for an opportunity to strike, and a punch-up between Catwoman and his goons will lead to a final showdown in which no-one will walk away unscathed. Or at least, thats what were led to believe as this issue nears its cliff-hanging conclusion.

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8.5
Batman (2016) #13

Dec 30, 2016

Tom King delivers another solid issue, bringing us Part 5 of the "I am Suicide" story arc. It contains some delicious twists and turns and offers a lovely throwback to the Knightfall storyline of the 90s. That can't be so easily avoided when you've got Batman and Bane going head to head. But it's more brains than brawn driving the conflict, with sharp dialogue and tidy plotting.

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8.5
Batman (2016) #14

Jan 4, 2017

Mitch Gerads art is a strong fit for this issues dreamlike whirlwind of love and crime-fighting. He can portray scenes of action and explosions as well as romantic embraces and all the complicated emotions it can create.

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9.5
Batman (2016) #15

Jan 19, 2017

Mitch Gerads does some fabulous work in this issue, taking the time to have some fun recreating art in the style of Golden Age Batman as well as some panels inspired by Batman: Year One. This is of course in addition to the modern-day art in this issue, which captures everything from a heated love affair to gritty action sequences. Gerads is a versatile illustrator and his work is excellent. The knowing wink to past milestones in Batman history is a nice nod to fans.

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8
Blue Beetle (2016) #1

Oct 2, 2016

If you are looking to read a new series that doesnt come with the same baggage as some other titles in the DC Comics line, check this series out. The struggle of being a normal kid while having magical superpowers is something weve seen before, but the addition of a superhero mentor, a mysterious legacy, and a growing role for one of DCs great mages makes this an intriguing start to a new series.

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8
Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1

Aug 29, 2016

There are few titles out there with the potential this one carries. Previous titles featuring this character have come and gone, but an earnest continuation of this tale looks poised to honour the legacy of former series while delivering on the promise of something fresh. This iteration is worth a shot.

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8
Cyborg: Rebirth #1

Sep 8, 2016

If youre looking for a fun read that promises more to come, pick up this book. Its the start of something new, bringing an often second-fiddle character back into the spotlight.

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8.5
Detective Comics (2016) #943

Nov 2, 2016

It's my hope that the dynamic pencil and ink duo of Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez continue to work on a Batman series for years to come. Characters are excellently depicted, action is crisp and realistic, and there is an elegant quality in how the panels are laid out. This issue holds the promise of a great story arc.

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7
Detective Comics (2016) #944

Nov 12, 2016

This issue is well illustrated, with engaging action and strong, consistent likenesses of the characters, all of whom have a wide range of emotion. There are some well-composed depictions of movement, such as when Luke Fox jumps out of a building, transforming into Batwing before he hits the ground. The First Victim villain is creepily presented, with a textured look others dont have. Its almost as if everyone was digitally inked and she or he (we dont yet know) is a watercolor. Its a creative move, however it was actually achieved.

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7.5
Detective Comics (2016) #945

Nov 25, 2016

All in all, there's a lot to enjoy here, even if the plot itself was put into motion via the cliched demands of a new villain. Readers should look forward to seeing how James Tynion IV concludes this arc. We're rooting for him to stick the landing and leave us with something worthy of the time invested in the proceedings. With a salty mix of characters and some solid dialogue, the inconsistent art can be overlooked this time. The next piece of this story arc can't come soon enough.

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8.5
Detective Comics (2016) #948

Jan 16, 2017

Ben Olivers art is very pleasing to the eye. Characters are very well composed, with a real feel that makes heroes look like hardworking people in costumes and not the rippling gods we sometimes see in these books. Composition is excellent with creative panel distribution providing economic storytelling with flair. His pencils are pristine, offering a light touch with his inks, allowing the art to breathe. The colorwork is textured and varied, betraying details other artists might have overlooked.

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8.5
Detective Comics (2016) #950

Feb 12, 2017

Batman and the Bat-family have been well represented across the various Bat-titles for the last while and this issue is no exception. Heres to future milestone issues! And all that comes between.

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8
Green Lantern (2005) #26

Jan 1, 2008

Anyone following the current Green Lantern storyline will want to continue picking this title up. For those unaware of the current state of affairs in Green Lantern, hit up Wikipedia, and then decide for yourself. Its a solid start to what will be one of the defining comic events of the near future.

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8.5
Green Lantern (2005) #40

Apr 30, 2009

Green Lantern fans better put on their blue rings and hope the quality of this book continues unabated. Looking back at earlier issues in this volume's run, it is clear that Johns has an organized approach to the ongoing story, and has been setting it up for some time. The pay-off is (hopefully!) just over the horizon.

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7.5
Green Lantern (2005) #42

Jun 30, 2009

As all theelements fall into place to allow for the Blackest Night event to occur,readers continue to enjoy the lead-up to the main event. This issue of GreenLantern has a few twists and turns, but it lacks the spark of its predecessors.It can be forgiven largely due to its service as a bridge, leading into nextmonths big show.

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8
Green Lantern Corps (2006) #1

Jun 14, 2006

The verdict? If you are a GL fan, give this book a shot. If you are not into Green Lantern, you should still take a peek " you might just like what you see. As an added bonus, many retailers have a free plastic GL power ring to give away with each copy sold. Ask your comic shop about it if you make a buy. Im wearing mine as I type this. Im wearing my GL shirt too, but thats just a coincidence " I swear!

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8.5
Green Lantern Corps (2006) #33

Feb 16, 2009

I'd like to take a moment to publicly congratulate Adam Schlagman. He recently got upgraded from assistant editor to 'Editor' on this title, and before all that, he got his start at DC Comics as an intern. It's really nice to see a publisher provide that kind of growth and continuity among its staff. Congratulations sir.

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8.5
Green Lantern Corps (2006) #37

Jun 30, 2009

The GL Corps title continues to entertain, and its a monthly installment of a ride I do not seek to see end any time soon. Lots of action, drama, and laughs " I dont expect anything less from a mainstream superhero monthly. If you are not in the Green Lantern camp yet, do some catching up and join up.

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7.5
Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps: Secret Files #1

Jan 4, 2008

Are you a Green Lantern completist? If so, you already have this book. Otherwise, you may want to give it a peek and see if it is your cup of tea. For any followers of the current storyline, this book is a worthy addition to your collection.

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8.5
Hellblazer #256

Jul 10, 2009

The art team does a great job making characters look unique and interesting. A blue haired alchemist looks cute and mysterious, and a Babylonian god leaps off the page in a frightening show of smoke and fury. A few of the pages seemed reminiscent of work by Frank Quitely, which I found very curious. The team offers a clean style which stands in the face of the gritty look often seen in older Hellblazer issues (and alluded to on the issue's cover). It's a refreshing change, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this storyline goes.

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8
Hellblazer (2016) #5

Jan 2, 2017

Simon Oliver is no stranger to the character of John Constantine, having written the much-loved limited series Hellblazer Presents: Chas - The Knowledge. In this issue, he introduces a promising villain and offers some great Swamp Thing lines. Overall, this entry contains a lot of getting to know you dialogue among characters and doesnt excite, but its clear this will lay the groundwork for a fulfilling story arc. The lack of Constantines inner monologue is sorely missed. His projected thoughts were almost a staple in his original series and without it he comes across as a bit player in a larger tale. When hes the most potentially intriguing character around (save for ol Swampy), this is a missed opportunity and a disappointment.

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8
Justice League (2016) #8

Nov 4, 2016

Bryan Hitch has crafted a simple but pleasurable introduction to a new story arc. It will be fun for readers to explore just how deep this rabbit hole goes. There are some smart bits with Cyborg thinking he has outsmarted the virus only to discover that its actually playing him for a fool, digging deeply to undermine our young hero. At the same time, were treated to an extended scene of Bruce Wayne, in a batsuit but no cowl, fighting side by side with everyones favourite butler, Alfred, in an effort to stay alive as every Bat-plane, boat and car attempts to kill them. Their repartee is especially enjoyable -- and when Alfred fires a shoulder mounted missile into the caves resident dinosaurs head, you can be sure Alfred is smiling from ear to ear. Yes, you read that correctly.

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7
Justice League (2016) #9

Nov 22, 2016

Strange, hollow characterizations aside, Bryan Hitch has thrown together a decent, by-the-numbers story. The artwork, if it can be compared, is stronger than the writing. In the capable hands of Neil Edwards and Daniel Henriques, readers are treated to some cracking scenes of mayhem, all creatively composed. Characters are boldly portrayed in a wide range of action, with all of the Justice Leagues heroes flexing their powers in dramatic fashion. The series knows it is a Justice League book and has a good time rotating through the iconic characters and the never-ending drama they face as crimefighters. This issue is a good time, even though Bruce Wayne is a heartless jerk.

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5
Superman / Batman (2003) #59

May 10, 2009

There have been some fantastic Superman/Batman books in the past, but this issue does not cut it. If you are looking for some respite from the main DC Universe's current upheaval in the Superman and Batman titles, this book is usually a good choice. But be warned - you just might want to skip it this time around.

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8
The Brave and the Bold (2007) #13

Jun 2, 2008

Ordways art is solid in this issue. He takes great pains to depict a jaw-dropping Batcave filled with goodies and relics, and every action sequence is well defined and never messy. Characters are living and breathing on the page, and combined with some strong inking by Koblish and McLeod, this is an attractive book well worth reading.

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9
The Flintstones #5

Nov 3, 2016

This title was not what I expected at all. Judging only from this one issue, the title seems to be capitalizing on the Hanna Barbera brand in order to tell a very different story while triggering pangs of nostalgia in an audience that has grown since the Saturday morning cartoon days. If youre looking for something fresh and off-kilter, this comic will do it for you.

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9
The Flintstones #6

Dec 13, 2016

Undoubtedly the most clever and enjoyable part of this book is when writer Mark Russell draws attention to the absurdity of a classic Flintstones trope; living creatures serving as household objects. If you are scratching your head, just think back to the classic Flintstones cartoon scenes of a birds beak serving as a record player needle, pausing to look at the audience and say something like Hey, its a living!. Well, in this issue, an armadillo bowling ball and a pygmy mammoth vacuum cleaner actually stop to commiserate about their mutual suffering and loneliness as indentured slaves. Its a brilliant bit. Is this my life?! Is this all I mean to the universe?! the little armadillo shouts to the heavens. It seems like every character is in full-on crisis mode in this bizarre take on a classic property. Its a yabba-dabba doo of a time.

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8
The Flintstones #7

Jan 22, 2017

The Flintstones continues to amaze. This could have been a retro remake, like Batman 66, but instead it is its own beast.

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