Dana Keels Comic Reviews

Detracting from the book though, is the fact that Damian's resurrecting is shrouded in a bit of confusion. How he actually returns, doesn't make too much sense, even from a comic stand point, but what can you do? His return was inevitable, and its obvious the way he returns isn't important. At the end of the day, seeing Bruce pick a fight with Darkseid over the fate of his son is reason enough, as if you needed any more, to pick up this book.

This story in this issue definitely had potential, but unfortunately it all felt flat. The older criminal gang has quite a few potentially interesting members on the roster, but due to the format, we never get to learn more about them, or even come to care for them. Thats the thing with this issue, I just didnt care. It felt a lot like walking into the theater at the end of a summer blockbuster, having missed out on all the set-up and sitting through the final battle. Sure, if you love spectacle, not to mention gorgeous artwork by Eduardo Pansica (Wonder Woman: Odyssey), this is for you. But if you like substance, then you could certainly do better. I would have loved to have learned more about this future because it genuinely seems like an interesting story, but unfortunately we catch only a glimpse.

Above all else, the book has a fun tone, gore, gore and funny gore. Which is only made better by the art from Mirka Andolfo (Fanboys vs. Zombies), perfectly balancing the humor and horror.

What do you get when you take a 16-year old Cyclops, drop him into the present, and then send him into space with his long lost father? An incredible start to a very promising story.

But to its strength, the beautiful artwork from the comic's writer " and legendary fable illustrator " Michael Hague, should be enough to keep you turning the page. But sadly, one would be better off reading the Old Testament for a much more rousing adventure.

Allison does a great job of littering in facts and clues about the various characters backstories and personalities.Lissa Treimans art in this issue is beautifully drawn. The book feels like a very well drawn animated series that knows its a comic. The whole thing has a disney esque feel to it (rightfully so, Lissa Treiman has worked on films like Big Hero 6 and Wreck-It Ralph). Overall, this issue is a magnificent start to what might be one of my favorite books this year. Ill be waiting for class to start once again for the next issue.

Once again, the book is extremely light on plot, and has more in common with a classic Samurai Jack episode or Heavy Metal album cover, if anything. And the result is nothing less than stellar. It may take you less than a minute to get through the book, but as soon as youre done youll want to take that plunge into hell again and again thanks to the beautifully nightmarish visions of hell.

Becky Cloonan (Batman, Conan the Barbarian) and Brenden Fletcher (Batgirl, Assassin's Creed) deserve top marks for this issue. Karl Kerschl (The Abominable Charles Christopher) absolutely murdered this book. His artwork for this issue can only be described as masterful, bringing the characters and the school itself to life. Bottom line, you should be reading this.

Influenced by the popular steampunk movement, Lantern Cityis set in a steampunk world that from beginning to end pops off the pages. The art by Carlos Magno (Robocop,Hellraiser) is gorgeous, to say the least. In fact, his linework has some of the most detail Ive witnessed in a lont time. The premise is as follows: Sander Jorve a member of the lower, and often oppressed, class that makes up Lantern City simply wants to provide for and keep his family safe. But with the looming of revolution in the makings he is soon swept up into a cause that is far bigger than himself. So far, it does nothing too new but, instead, does a grand job at painting a new picture on a familiar genre. Equal parts Star Wars, Bioshock, and everything Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, this story is hard to put down. The ending alone is enough to warrant following this series through the next few issues just to find out how things might pan out, if you werent already sold on the artwork itself.

There's a good deal of set up and it may be hard for the uninitiated to keep up with the plethora of characters in this book. It plays out like a murder mystery, with a lot of characters' identities left a mystery. Let's just hope for a bit of clarity as the book moves forward, seeing how very convoluted it could get.

Ladiona: I definitely agree with my friend Ryan about the artwork of the comic. Acker and Blacker also do a great job with capturing the witty spirit of the dialogue intaction in the new medium. It helps to hear the voices of Marc Evan Jackson and Mark Gagliardi when reading Sparks and Croach, but even in the form of speech bubbles the rhythm of their banter remains intact. Overall, the silly spirit of The Thrilling Adventure Hour is well-captured in the comic book medium and we all have an onus, once again, to the Bens who have made sure that their one-of-a-kind show lives on.

The book does a fantastic job of balancing humor with the plight of these seemingly delusional heroes. Jim Terry's art perfectly suits the story, and it was a pleasure to look at, largely in part to Sean Dove's colors. Towards the end of this issue is when things really start to get more interesting, completely shaking up the narrative that we had gotten used to. I can honestly say I was caught off guard. I'm highly anticipating the next issue, and to see what sort of strange and creepy rabbit hole the title goes down next!

Though for the most part clouded in mystery, this issue gives each member of the Titans " back as the "Teen" Titans " their own time to shine, which serves as a great introduction for the uninitiated. Rocafort's art is gorgeous and very well detailed, even if Wonder Girl's outfit is completely impractical for an adventurer (you DO remember his Starfire, don't you!??). There's no way Cassie would stay in that hyper-red-leather-sexualized outfit for long. Still, this is a highly enjoyable " and very modern " first issue that sets up an even more promising run.

Although gimmicky, this gives the book its own freedom to play around with without the restraints of the actual New 52 continuity. It works for the most part.