8
|
The Walking Dead #133 |
Oct 28, 2014 |
A solid issue! There are a few too many storylines in motion right now, but TWD is in an entertaining place right now. |
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8.4
|
The Walking Dead #132 |
Oct 6, 2014 |
For this issue, I choose to look at the positives and appreciate the masterful second half of this issue. Nicely done… |
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5
|
The Walking Dead #131 |
Sep 14, 2014 |
A messy issue… There is almost no momentum asstorylines seem to be randomly mushed together. There are about 4-5 really nice character moments that are getting lost in the plot mayhem. Why not let us enjoy those moments a little bit? |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #130 |
Aug 20, 2014 |
It seems like things are starting to move forward. There are some red flags in this issue, but I'll reserve judgement until we see what Kirkman is doing with them. |
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8.4
|
Spread #1 |
Jul 14, 2014 |
A very solid first issue. If you're into post-apocalypse fiction, this is worth checking out. |
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7
|
The Walking Dead #129 |
Jul 13, 2014 |
Finally,the story moves into gear… Unfortunately, it seems headed to a very familiar destination. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #128 |
Jun 15, 2014 |
TWD is still a very solid comic. Well written, nicely illustrated, it really drives home how much some of these characters have evolved since issue #1. The pace is a little slow though and there isn't much “WOW!” anymore. I'm sure it will come, but for now you're buying this comic with an eye towards a payoff in 20 issues. |
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8
|
Batman (2011) #31 |
Jun 3, 2014 |
Zero Year is still going very strong. But it is still going. |
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7
|
Velvet #5 |
May 27, 2014 |
Some really solid stuff, but some things to be concerned about too. If the comic is going to involve the men in the story, they need to be developed a little more. |
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9
|
American Vampire: Second Cycle #3 |
May 25, 2014 |
This second cycle is off to a really strong start. It's so nice to have a consistently strong comic like AV back in our lives. |
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8
|
MPH #1 |
May 25, 2014 |
Who knows if it'll be great, but it is a very solid start and it doesn't have any of those edgy Millar tropes that bother some people. |
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7
|
The Walking Dead #127 |
May 20, 2014 |
The new direction is the same as the old direction. Smoothly written and expertly drawn as always. |
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8.4
|
Alex + Ada #6 |
May 13, 2014 |
A strong issue that is still in Act II of the overall story. |
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9
|
Black Science #6 |
May 4, 2014 |
A very strong issue to wrap up the first arc of the series. The characters have all moved away from their initial stereotypes and some interesting storytelling possibilities lie ahead. The art is tremendous. |
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9
|
Lazarus #8 |
Apr 29, 2014 |
Probably my favorite new-ish series of the last few years has another wonderful issue. The pieces are clicking together. Everything about the issue is deliberate and excellent. |
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5
|
The Walking Dead #126 |
Apr 25, 2014 |
After this dull thud of a conclusion, Kirkman has to re-earn some trust before The Walking Dead returns to the most anticipated list. |
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8
|
The Unwritten Vol. 2: Apocalypse #4 |
Apr 23, 2014 |
A puzzling issue, but the answers are there if you work at it. The Unwritten is probably the best thought-out series I've read in a long, long time. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #30 |
Apr 22, 2014 |
Zero Year is powering to an excellent ending. The story is entertaining, beautiful and even touches on some real-world problems. Bravo! |
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9.6
|
American Vampire: Second Cycle #2 |
Apr 19, 2014 |
Another wonderful issue. AV is really back with a purpose. It is so gratifying to pick up a comic and have zero doubts about the contents being excellent. There is never a clumsy sentence or unsteady panel and the story ideas and complex and interesting. |
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9
|
Manifest Destiny #6 |
Apr 15, 2014 |
A typically strong issue of Manifest Destiny adds what might be a compelling over-arching story of alien-invasion at the turn of the 19th Century. |
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6
|
The Walking Dead #125 |
Apr 11, 2014 |
A little disjointed and all over the place. Too many monologues and fake deaths… This event has so far shaped out to be basically entertaining if you aren't too demanding. |
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8.4
|
Black Science #5 |
Apr 8, 2014 |
A strong issue that advances the plot quite a bit. Not as much fantastic action as other issues, but I guess we can't always eat ice cream. |
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7
|
The Field #1 |
Apr 7, 2014 |
A nifty and unsettling issue that teaches a lesson about getting into cars with strangers. Not sure if I'm that intrigued enough to keep reading though. |
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8
|
Alex + Ada #5 |
Mar 31, 2014 |
A nice issue that doesn't necessarily bend your mind, but effectively pivots from Act I to Act II of the story. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #124 |
Mar 28, 2014 |
Solid storytelling, interesting story possibilities, despite the art having trouble keeping up with the schedule… |
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9.6
|
Lazarus #7 |
Mar 24, 2014 |
Just a glorious issue. My life is richer because of comics like this. |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #29 |
Mar 18, 2014 |
A great Batman story keeps getting better. The creative talent on this comic is as good as it gets. |
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9
|
Starlight #1 |
Mar 9, 2014 |
A very emotionally strong first issue. If the whole of the Millarverse is this good, we're in for a treat. |
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9
|
Velvet #4 |
Mar 7, 2014 |
Velvet is just a wonderful comic series. The story is accessible and it is just enough of a twist on a classic spy story to keep it fresh. You really don't feel like you've read this before. The illustration is superb. |
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9.6
|
Chew #40 |
Mar 4, 2014 |
A really strong issue that hits both the funny and touching notes that this series is known for while also re-calibrating the “big story”. |
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8.4
|
The Manhattan Projects #18 |
Mar 4, 2014 |
A nice recalibration for TMP. This series has more weird and interesting characters than any other ongoing series. These guys would be both exhilarating and exasperating to hang with. |
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9.6
|
Black Science #4 |
Mar 2, 2014 |
Great issue. This series seems to be a little inconsistent, but it has the potential to hit a 10/10 issue and you can't say that about every series. |
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9
|
Sheltered #7 |
Mar 2, 2014 |
Another very good issue of a wonderful little series. This is a story of things going horribly wrong. It's about to get very Hobbesian. |
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7
|
The Walking Dead #122 |
Feb 27, 2014 |
This issue is mostly set-up. Other than getting a little to close to explaining the science of zombies, this issue is perfectly fine. |
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9.6
|
The Unwritten Vol. 2: Apocalypse #2 |
Feb 23, 2014 |
The most complex ongoing story in comics is really, really back. Although it is welcoming to new readers, it doesn't flinch from plowing right along with the main story. Every time you stop to think more about The Unwritten, the story makes MORE sense. |
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9
|
Manifest Destiny #4 |
Feb 19, 2014 |
Another interesting issue of Manifest Destiny. There is lots of weirdness going on and it isn't entirely clear what our protagonists have gotten themselves into. I'm enjoying this series a lot. |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #23 |
Feb 18, 2014 |
Some signs that we might be headed for a climax in the story. That's welcome because I think it's time to begin Act 3 of the tale. |
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8
|
The Mercenary Sea #1 |
Feb 15, 2014 |
If you want something different, give this a try. This first issue didn't blow my socks off, but it has a TON of potential to do so. I love the setting, the types of characters and the storytelling style. And the visuals are kinda arresting. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #28 |
Feb 14, 2014 |
Holy sidekicks! A really sharp issue that injects some new possibilities into the Batman story. Great guest art from Dustin Nguyen and team. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #121 |
Feb 13, 2014 |
Factual problems aside, there is a lot of positive momentum to the plot right now. That's a good thing because this story has been in-place for a long time. However, the factual problems and story non-sequiturs do prevent this issue from getting the highest marks. |
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9
|
Lazarus #6 |
Feb 7, 2014 |
Even in a quiet issue, Lazarus shows it's power and how well Rucka knows how to tell a story about class and inequality. There are a few pieces that don't connect yet, but is there really any doubt that they will? It's nice to be able to trust the storyteller…. |
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8
|
Uber #9 |
Feb 4, 2014 |
Another very good issue. It's a great story with art that is 70% of what it needs to be. |
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7
|
Black Science #3 |
Feb 1, 2014 |
This series is off the road and stuck in the ditch. Why you would create a comic series about a crew that hops between realities and then spend more time on the love-lives of the characters and pre-adventure back-story is beyond me. Still salvageable because the art is strong and the basic ingredients are in place, but I think the Remender is just interested in different things than I am. |
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8
|
Chew #39 |
Jan 28, 2014 |
A good issue. I'm just hoping that the small amount of humor that we're sacrificing for the sake of story is worth it in the end. |
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9.6
|
The Unwritten Vol. 2: Apocalypse #1 |
Jan 27, 2014 |
A powerful return to the themes that made The Unwritten great and a great jumping on point. While other comics are fiddling with Legos, The Unwritten is playing with the big-boy toys. |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #27 |
Jan 23, 2014 |
In the end, I don't think it's possible for Batman stories to get much better than this. Simply glorious… |
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8.4
|
The Walking Dead #120 |
Jan 23, 2014 |
Finally, an eventful issue that advances the story. |
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8.4
|
Alex + Ada #3 |
Jan 21, 2014 |
Not the most eventful issue, but still very strong. If you're interested in thought-provoking comics, this is one to keep at eye on because the creators are interested in the right sorts of questions. |
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9.6
|
Velvet #3 |
Jan 18, 2014 |
A very strong issue. Probably my favorite so far because it focuses so heavily on story and character. |
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8
|
Black Dynamite #1 |
Jan 17, 2014 |
If you like your Blaxploitation to be 100% silly and 0% serious, this is the comic for you. I'm just not sure I understand the point of spoofing a genre about social misfortune if you don't bother to remind what that social misfortune was. |
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8
|
Sheltered #6 |
Jan 14, 2014 |
A good issue… I'm just not sure it was a good Sheltered issue. Let's see how the story develops. |
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9
|
The X-Files: Season 10 #8 |
Jan 13, 2014 |
This series is much stronger when Michael Walsh is doing the art. It is a perfect nostalgia trip for lovers of the TV series. |
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9
|
Manifest Destiny #3 |
Jan 11, 2014 |
This comic really has it all. The ideas, dialog and art are all top-shelf stuff. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #119 |
Jan 9, 2014 |
An interesting twist and a change in the dramatic flow of the War. Definitely entertaining… |
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7
|
Rachel Rising #22 |
Jan 7, 2014 |
Still a strong series, but I can see why people prefer to read Terry Moore in trade sometimes. |
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9
|
The Manhattan Projects #17 |
Jan 4, 2014 |
TMP returns to what it does best: characters, zany situations and the outlandish. |
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5
|
The Massive #18 |
Dec 24, 2013 |
The Massive is still frustrating. There are glimpses of an excellent story, but for the most part we get something a lot more boring. |
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8
|
Black Science #2 |
Dec 19, 2013 |
A strong second issue and another interesting world to explore. Just be careful with the stereotype characters that are all pulled from the Nerd Fantasy textbook. |
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5
|
Chew #38 |
Dec 17, 2013 |
Enjoyment of this issue may be hampered by not remembering the story. I'm probably not the only one. |
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8.4
|
Alex + Ada #2 |
Dec 16, 2013 |
A very solid second issue. This is a series to keep an eye on if you like comics that make you think. |
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8.4
|
Lazarus #5 |
Dec 15, 2013 |
Another very solid issue. I love learning more about this world with the confidence that Greg Rucka has probably got the whole thing already figured out. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #26 |
Dec 12, 2013 |
A textbook example of how to avoid the transitional issue. Snyder and Capullo… Powering through quicksand that would swallow lesser creators" |
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2
|
The Walking Dead #118 |
Dec 11, 2013 |
A weird and substandard issue. Almost incompetent in some ways" Like they let their children handle parts of the issue. It's like the Axe Cop version of TWD. Let's just ignore this issue and hope that we return to our regular level of quality in a few weeks" The creators have earned that trust. |
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5
|
God is Dead #4 |
Dec 8, 2013 |
There's not much point to this issue or series. It isn't doing anything adventurous and isn't asking any deep questions. The art is average. Skip it. |
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9
|
Velvet #2 |
Dec 6, 2013 |
How glorious is it to have comics like this on the market? It's a competent and confident piece of work by creators who know what they're doing. |
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5
|
The X-Files: Season 10 #6 |
Dec 1, 2013 |
A pretty good Monster-of-the-Week story (that will be told over two months). It's entertaining, but the art change doesn't do the issue a service. |
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9.6
|
Black Science #1 |
Nov 29, 2013 |
The most exciting new #1 issue in quite some time. Incredible art. Really….. And the story is imaginative and shows some maturity if you're willing to scratch beyond the surface layer. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #117 |
Nov 28, 2013 |
A very solid issue that advances the plot with nothing head-shaking moments for the reader. |
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8
|
Rachel Rising #21 |
Nov 21, 2013 |
A very high quality issue even if there are no major events. |
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8
|
The Manhattan Projects #16 |
Nov 17, 2013 |
A solid, but unremarkable issue of TMP. It's nice to see the story develop an actual plotline. |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #25 |
Nov 15, 2013 |
Another great issue of Batman. You won't find better art in a comic book and it's amazing to think that Capullo has been grinding at this series for 2 years now. He's kinda lapping the field at this point. |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #116 |
Nov 14, 2013 |
Just enjoy the action and go with the flow! There are a few glaring story problems and theywillbother you if you slow down to think about them. But you could do that, or you can just enjoy Negan's plight. |
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8
|
Drumhellar #1 |
Nov 10, 2013 |
The comic is trippy and weird and very pretty to look at. Not sure there is enough story to keep me interested in the long term. |
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9.6
|
Alex + Ada #1 |
Nov 7, 2013 |
A potentially great series. We'll have to see what the creators do with future issues, but this has potential to fill that void of thought-provoking comics that has been vacant since Fashion Beast and Punk Rock Jesus ended and since The Unwritten kinda went awry. Definitely check it out. |
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5
|
Kick-Ass 3 #4 |
Nov 3, 2013 |
This issue is a classic illustration of being in for a penny, so you're in for a pound. Taken alone, this issue doesn't have much to offer, but we don't have much further to go on Kick-Ass' journey… I'm eager to see how everything finishes. |
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8.4
|
Sheltered #4 |
Oct 20, 2013 |
A really good issue and a series not to be missed if you enjoy apocalypse fiction. |
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6
|
The X-Files: Season 10 #5 |
Oct 20, 2013 |
Good and troubling at the same time. |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #20 |
Oct 15, 2013 |
The story in Rachel Rising is really engaging right now. If you dropped away while this book was in its teens, it's probably a good idea to come back now. |
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8
|
Chew #37 |
Oct 14, 2013 |
Not the hottest issue of Chew, but as this series develops more of an ongoing story, transitional issues will happen sometimes. |
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8.4
|
The Manhattan Projects #15 |
Oct 13, 2013 |
A pretty strong issue of TMP. Joseph Oppenheimer is a very sick dude. |
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5
|
The Walking Dead #115 |
Oct 11, 2013 |
Man! This storyline needs to get on with it! |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #24 |
Oct 10, 2013 |
A STRONG return to top-of-the-stack status for Batman. Do more of THIS. |
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4
|
God is Dead #2 |
Oct 8, 2013 |
Meh….this series doesn't seem to want to address the really deep questions. It would rather show a Godly battle with tanks and other Gods. What's more, it doesn't seem to have that hard edge that I associate with a Hickman story. He usually has some point and he is going to poke you right in the eyes with that point…..but I'm not sure what he's trying to say here. |
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8
|
Uber #6 |
Oct 7, 2013 |
Uber keeps telling its own story. I like how the focus is on the impact of a new weapons system rather than on “great power” and “great responsibility”. We've had plenty of THAT, so it's nice to just have a clinical evaluation of how great power can change warfare. |
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9
|
Lazarus #4 |
Oct 4, 2013 |
A few tweaky nitpicks aside, this issue is a great example of why creator-owned comics are so exciting: It's because the creators themselves are more excited about doing them and that passion spills over onto the reader. I can't imagine Lazarus ever dropping off my pull list. |
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9.6
|
The Unwritten #53 |
Oct 1, 2013 |
Very nice. There are some nifty concepts in here and this story could have totally been done without the Fables interlopers. |
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8
|
The Unwritten: Tommy Taylor & The Ship That Sank Twice #1 |
Sep 27, 2013 |
It depends. If you're a long-time reader of The Unwritten, you'll find some of the complex storytelling that the series was known for before the yucky Fables crossover. However, it isnotas complex and thought-provoking as Volume 1 at its best. Whether this is a sign that Volume 2 will be dumbed-down or whether it is merely designed to lure new readers remains to be seen. For new readers, it is a very convenient entry-point to The Unwritten – although Volume 1 is tremendous, you needn't have read that first. |
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8.4
|
The X-Files: Season 10 #4 |
Sep 23, 2013 |
It still feels just like the X-Files. If you loved the TV series, you'll love this too. |
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2
|
Batman (2011) #23.3 |
Sep 19, 2013 |
Save your money. Completely unnecessary. |
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9.6
|
Ballistic #2 |
Sep 17, 2013 |
I think this might now be my new favorite comic. Edgy, provocative and unafraid. Check it out. |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #19 |
Sep 16, 2013 |
A great issue that reveals more depth to the series than I had previously appreciated. |
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8
|
The Manhattan Projects #14 |
Sep 16, 2013 |
More plot, less fun. I've asked for more plot in this series before. Maybe I should take back that sentiment. |
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7
|
Batman (2011) #23.2 |
Sep 14, 2013 |
Not bad. This is a comic that will appeal a little bit to people reading Zero Year and it does feature a different spin on The Riddler. Villains' Month is still kinda silly though. |
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4
|
The Walking Dead #114 |
Sep 12, 2013 |
An issue that shows that the last few issues were nothing more than spinning the tires. It's really patronizing when a comic does that after so many issues. Get on with it! |
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9
|
Chew #36 |
Sep 9, 2013 |
Love how the funniest comic in production is developing a great story too. |
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8
|
God is Dead #1 |
Sep 7, 2013 |
Overall, there is a lot of potential in the concept. This first issue just establishes the overall scenario, so I really have no idea (yet) whether this will be an edgy comic of just something that is derivative of a Big 2 superhero work that uses gods as bad guys (since they're in the public domain). It may turn out to be nothing, but at least the potential for boldness is present. |
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5
|
Batman (2011) #23.1 |
Sep 5, 2013 |
This is a must read if you are someone who had to readeverythingwith the word Batman on the cover. For the rest of us, it isn't a poor comic, but it is extremely skippable. This is precisely the type of comics I wish Marvel and DC would stop shoveling at us. |
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2
|
The Unwritten #52 |
Sep 4, 2013 |
This crummy crossover continues to be very underwhelming. I appreciate the attempt to connect two of Vertigo's worlds but this really isn't the type of storytelling that fans of The Unwritten want. |
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4
|
The Massive #15 |
Sep 2, 2013 |
A troublingly poor issue concludes an initially promising story-arc. I'm very discouraged that this series cannot seem to get any momentum. |
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8.4
|
Lazarus #3 |
Sep 1, 2013 |
Another very solid issue. Even though the themes are a little cliche, it's a very enjoyable comic while we wait for Rucka to drop a big plot twist on us. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire Anthology #1 |
Aug 29, 2013 |
A wonderful anthology without a weak story. Well worth the price tag and a great appetizer for those of us eager for AV to return to regular publication. |
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7
|
Creepy Comics #13 |
Aug 24, 2013 |
Another slightly troubling issue of Creepy where the reprinted classic story puts the modern stories to shame. |
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8
|
Batman (2011) #23 |
Aug 17, 2013 |
A pretty good issue. I think this story is going to be challenging for long-time Batman readers just because we've read too much and it's hard to lever this story into what we already know. New 52 be damned" On the other hand, if you can shrug off that baggage, it is a pretty good issue. And the back-up is aces (how often can you say THAT about a back-up story?). |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #113 |
Aug 15, 2013 |
Not the meaty resolution that we probably wanted, but a very taut issue nonetheless. TWD creates some wonderful atmosphere with the talents of Charlie Adlard. |
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4
|
Kick-Ass 3 #2 |
Aug 13, 2013 |
Not a very strong issue. There is a huge sense of sameness here. I don't doubt that Millar has some interesting stuff to come, but those interesting bits were not in this issue. |
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8
|
The Manhattan Projects #13 |
Aug 12, 2013 |
I guess this issue is a bit of a mixed bag. There are a few things I want to know a LOT more about: Einstein and Oppenheimer. There are a few things that I don't care if I ever see again: Gagarin and Daghlian. This might be a case of “different strokes for different folks”, but I doubt it. Some characters are just more interesting than others. The art is all great and there's a lot of humor to be had too. |
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9
|
G.I. Joe: The Cobra Files #5 |
Aug 9, 2013 |
This is easily the best of the GI Joe titles and this issue is an example of why. |
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8
|
Uber #4 |
Aug 6, 2013 |
A very worthwhile series keeps trucking forward. I appreciate the alternate-history feeling of this story and also the sense of unpredictability. |
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8
|
Batman (2011) Annual #2 |
Aug 1, 2013 |
Hey look! It's an annual that is (a) self-contained, (b) introduces an interesting new character and (c) shines new light on a familiar Gotham landmark. That's really all you can ask from an annual (especially considering how lousy annuals sometimes are). The art is fine even if it isn't excellent enough to merit a higher grade. |
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4
|
The Unwritten #51 |
Jul 29, 2013 |
A light and enjoyable little comic. Maybe “cute” is the word? Unfortunately, the ongoing Unwritten story has been completely derailed by this crossover and replaced with a story that belongs more in the pages of Fables. This story haszeroof the maturity and heft that we are used to from The Unwritten. |
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9
|
Lazarus #2 |
Jul 26, 2013 |
Another very strong issue of Lazarus. It doesn't quite have the originality of the first issue, but the creators deserve credit for moving onto the main story so quickly rather than just playing with their “world” for 5-6 issues. Highly recommended. |
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8
|
Elephantmen #50 |
Jul 22, 2013 |
A little overpriced and the extra material isn't much, but this issue showed me something new about the series and I didn't think that was possible after 50 issues. |
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8.4
|
The X-Files: Season 10 #2 |
Jul 21, 2013 |
Another snappy issue that makes you feel like you're right back to watching the TV show on Sunday night. It feels authentic. I'm less enthusiastic about a story that dives back into the quagmire of Scully's baby though. |
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9
|
Scarlet #7 |
Jul 18, 2013 |
Whether you enjoy the story or not, comics like Scarlet are important. We want creators to feel like they can tackle controversial subject matter and we want them to publish comics that feel personal. I like Scarlet a lot. It's well done, looks nice and scratches the anti-establishment itch in a way that might even make you feel uncomfortable. Those are all very good things. |
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8
|
Rachel Rising #18 |
Jul 17, 2013 |
An okay issue. The art is lovely and you won't see more three-dimensional female characters anywhere in comics. But, this series is starting to show big “writing for the trade” problems and I wouldn't fault anyone who switches to trade on this series (even if that's not how I prefer to enjoy a story). |
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9.6
|
Chew #35 |
Jul 16, 2013 |
Another great issue. This story arc started building Chew from more than just a bundle of laughs into a real story. Still the funniest comic on the market. |
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8.4
|
Batman (2011) #22 |
Jul 11, 2013 |
A very technically strong comic that isn'tquitelighting my socks on fire the way I want it to. |
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9.6
|
The Walking Dead #112 |
Jul 10, 2013 |
The first “Oh Shit!” issue of TWD in a few months! I have a feeling things will get really nasty next issue. |
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2
|
Dexter #1 |
Jul 5, 2013 |
Just stay away. It's not good. Watch the TV show. |
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5
|
Satellite Sam (2013) #1 |
Jul 5, 2013 |
This is going to be a matter of personal preference: Do you like Matt Fraction when he is being really wordy? Are you unbothered by Howard Chaykin's faces on the sides of heads? If so, you might like this comic a lot. However, if you DO like it, we probably just shouldn't give each other comic advice anymore… |
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1.6
|
G.I. Joe: Special Missions #4 |
Jul 4, 2013 |
Avoid like the plague. This storyline didn't advance anything and the art was poop. |
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8.4
|
The Massive #13 |
Jul 1, 2013 |
This issue was an abrupt and welcome switch from the search for that missing ship. I'd be find if that missing ship ended up in the same dustbin of unexplained comic stories along with whatever is in Scarlet Witch's closet. |
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8
|
The Unwritten #50 |
Jun 29, 2013 |
Why? Nobody asked for this crossover and this first issue does nothing to validate this storytelling direction. If I wanted to read an issue of Fables, I would have bought Fables. |
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9.6
|
Lazarus #1 |
Jun 27, 2013 |
A great first issue. This is both Greg Rucka and Michael Lark at the top of their games. |
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5
|
G.I. Joe (2013) #5 |
Jun 25, 2013 |
The story is great, the art is bad. |
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9
|
X-Files #1 |
Jun 23, 2013 |
A very strong first effort. It feels like the X-Files. You will hear the lines being spoken by the original actors as you read. The only thing that'll kill the series is if they stretch each story out over 5-6 issues. No decompression, please. It never took Scully and Mulder 6 episodes to solve the mystery of the haunted carnival or get to the bottom of those pesky bigfoot sightings. |
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5
|
The Extinction Parade #1 |
Jun 22, 2013 |
Okay–I guess. I'm still curious to see how Brooks resolves the vampires' food shortage, but there wasn't any snap to this issue. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire: The Long Road to Hell #1 |
Jun 17, 2013 |
A wonderful issue. Whether you are a longtime AV reader who needs to wet your whistle OR someone who hasn't ever read a page of AV, there is a lot to recommend this issue. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #111 |
Jun 15, 2013 |
Half of the issue reminds me of waiting for a status bar to fill. The other half reminded us what a crackling character Negan is. |
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8.4
|
Batman (2011) #21 |
Jun 13, 2013 |
A really good opening issue. Just don't make my mistake and try to slot the story into all the other Bat-stories that you've read. |
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8.4
|
Rachel Rising #17 |
Jun 11, 2013 |
Same as always with RR; the art and characterization are sublime, but the plot is moving very slowly. |
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9
|
Fashion Beast #10 |
Jun 9, 2013 |
A thought-provoking ending to a very challenging series. I really look forward to a reread because I'm sure this is a story that will just get better and better. |
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8
|
Kick-Ass 3 #1 |
Jun 7, 2013 |
I'm glad to have the series back. If you push past all the violence and outrageous stuff, Millar and Romita are really just showing that it is hard to be a hero and therefore, heroes should be admired. |
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9
|
Elephantmen #48 |
Jun 4, 2013 |
Surprise! Another very strong issue of Elephantmen. This is probably my favorite science-fiction themed comic being published. Pretty amazing that this comic is still chugging towards it's 50th issue. How many series hit that milestone today? |
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8
|
Chew #34 |
Jun 3, 2013 |
Not as funny as normal, but the plot is advanced quite a bit. |
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8.4
|
Morning Glories #27 |
Jun 2, 2013 |
An issue that makes a lot of sense once someone explains it to you. |
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7
|
The Massive #12 |
May 28, 2013 |
This series continues to confound. I love this peri-apocalypse setting that Brian Wood has created, but I'm starting to wonder if Callum Israel's story is the most interesting thing to watch therein. |
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8.4
|
G.I. Joe: The Cobra Files #2 |
May 26, 2013 |
The best GI Joe book being published. It is totally devoid of fan-service and just tells a modern and mature espionage story. |
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8
|
The Unwritten #49 |
May 24, 2013 |
A solid issue that brings back a favorite antagonist. Not looking forward to the Fables crossover. |
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8.4
|
Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher #1 |
May 22, 2013 |
Make sure to check this out. Even if the story is vaguely familiar, Corben gives it a few twists. Plus, its amazing to see how a masterfully Corben is able to perfectly calibrate the emotional reaction between horrifying and merely unsettling. |
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2
|
G.I. Joe: Special Missions #3 |
May 17, 2013 |
If you want to turn a friend onto GI Joe comics, don't hand them this. This is decompression at its worst, combined with timid storytelling choices. Oh, and the art is lousy too. Yo Joe! |
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5
|
The Dream Merchant #1 |
May 17, 2013 |
I'm not sure if this wasn't a great comic or if it just wasn't for me. To me, it comes off as feigning depth that the story hasn't earned yet, but I've said that about comics before and had hipsters tell me that I was wrong. |
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5
|
Chin Music #1 |
May 13, 2013 |
The art is off-the-charts; the story is almost non-existent. |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #20 |
May 12, 2013 |
Really, really good. This is how a “hero vs. villain” story should be: Get in, do your business for 2 issues and move on. GLORIOUS artwork by Capullo. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #110 |
May 10, 2013 |
A lame first half and a very strong second half. I guess that averages out to “good”. |
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5
|
Ten Grand #1 |
May 5, 2013 |
Templesmith can't save this derivative story. Unless you are super-into demonic possession and hard-boiled PIs, I can't see much to recommend in this tale. I can appreciate people wanting a dose of Templesmith art in their life, but just go buy one of his other classics. |
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8
|
Fashion Beast #9 |
May 3, 2013 |
Still quality, but not close to the stellar quality of the last two issues. |
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8
|
The Massive #11 |
Apr 29, 2013 |
A very intriguing series even if each individual issue is a little odd. The world created by Brian Wood is much more interesting than the plot or the characters. |
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7
|
The Unwritten #48 |
Apr 27, 2013 |
A solid issue. Most of the really deep stuff takes a break this month in favor of pushing the plot forward. Sometimes a series like The Unwritten needs to do that just to make sure that a segment of the readership isn't being left behind. |
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9.6
|
East of West #2 |
Apr 25, 2013 |
A strong second issue. A few things start to make sense, but there is a lot more to wonder about. It's rare to see a comic book with this much charisma. |
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7
|
The Sixth Gun (2010) #30 |
Apr 23, 2013 |
A solid issue without any technical flaws. The only problem is that the series is a little slow. We're taking the country road to the final destination and sometimes it would be nice to hop on the interstate for the final bit of the journey. Go faster! |
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6
|
Mara #4 |
Apr 20, 2013 |
“Unfulfilled promise” would be the unflattering pull-quote. The creators and the concept are there, but the execution is slightly lacking. |
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9.6
|
Chew #33 |
Apr 18, 2013 |
An issue that perfectly illustrates why I love Chew so much. These guys know right where the line between funny and offensive exists. They are unflinching in their approach to the line, but they never cross it. |
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8.4
|
G.I. Joe: The Cobra Files #1 |
Apr 15, 2013 |
A strong restart for the title that has always been IDW's best GI Joe book. If you like murky espionage intrigue, you'll enjoy Cobra. |
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8.4
|
Batman (2011) #19 |
Apr 12, 2013 |
From any other creative team, this issue would be cause to clap maniacally and toss the creators a fish treat! Unfortunately, Snyder and Capullo have spoiled us rotten with mindbending Bat-stories and this isn't quiteup to their lofty standards. It's still good, but it doesn't have thatsnap to it. Keep an eye on the back-up though! |
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7
|
The Walking Dead #109 |
Apr 11, 2013 |
Not a bad issue, but not much happens either. There's no hook to this issue. This is one of those interludes between the big and bloody events; and while I'm looking forward to the payoff, the creators need to be careful that the action doesn't become too dispersed. |
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9
|
Fashion Beast #8 |
Apr 9, 2013 |
One of the deeper comics being published right now. There's plenty here to think about if you set your mind to it. |
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8
|
Uber #0 |
Apr 8, 2013 |
An interesting twist on the bad guys having superhumans during WWII. The art isn't terrible, but it is confusing enough that it holds the issue back in some places. Worth checking out if you want variety in your comic reading. |
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9
|
The Unwritten #47 |
Apr 1, 2013 |
Even a relatively straight-forward issue of The Unwritten has some pretty deep stuff if you're willing to sit and think. This is pretty easily the most thought provoking comic being released right now. |
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8
|
Morning Glories #25 |
Mar 30, 2013 |
A confounding issue. There are no answers here, but the readership should know by now not to expect answers…yet. VERY clever fourth-wall breaking and a stubborn commitment to telling a story on their own terms make it impossible for me not to love this title even if I don't love every individual issue. |
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9.6
|
East of West #1 |
Mar 29, 2013 |
Really good. I didn't understand everything in this first issue, but I don't think I was supposed to. Hickman has created a fabulous world and teased several things I really want to know the answers to. Dragotta's art isfantastic. |
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9
|
Elephantmen #47 |
Mar 27, 2013 |
A great issue of Elephantmen that explains a lot of the action so far in the series. |
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2
|
G.I. Joe: Special Missions #1 |
Mar 24, 2013 |
This series is going to struggle if it looks like this. $3.99 for a decompressed story with poor art is not going to move many units of the second-tier GI Joe book. |
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7
|
Star Wars: Legacy Vol. 2 #1 |
Mar 22, 2013 |
Kinda a dull first issue from a story standpoint, but with this creative team's track record, I think it's safe to stick with the title, especially because it looks so nice. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #108 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
Kinda a weird issue. It does show us even more of the broader world and that's good. But, we step away from some of the bigger philosophical questions that TWD has been playing with–and that's bad. |
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5
|
Batman (2011) #18 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
By the standards of this series…..not the best. All should be fine when the regular artists return. |
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5
|
Lost Vegas #1 |
Mar 10, 2013 |
Not a “bad” comic, but not a particularly compelling one either. Perhaps interesting to people who enjoy watching stories about gambling. |
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9
|
Fashion Beast #7 |
Mar 7, 2013 |
The only negative for this issue is that I don't enjoy the subject matter all that much. But, it's a testament to the creators that they're making me mostly enjoy a comic about fashion and transvestites. In all seriousness, it's nice to read a comic that rewards you for thinking. With most stories, there is nothing more than a surface layer or a clumsily done subtext; with Alan Moore, you never reach the bottom. |
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9.6
|
Witch Doctor: Mal Practice #4 |
Mar 5, 2013 |
This is one of my favorite series. Honestly, it's right up there with Saga. This was another great issue. |
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8.4
|
The Unwritten #46 |
Mar 1, 2013 |
The story is really humming in this ambitious issue. If the art were remotely exciting, this would be an “A”. |
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8
|
The Sixth Gun (2010) #29 |
Feb 27, 2013 |
Another strong issue. Not great, but pretty strong. I wish this wasn't a $3.99 title. Pushing a button that says $3.99 on my iPad hurts my soul. |
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7
|
Mind MGMT #8 |
Feb 25, 2013 |
This series has hit the point where I'm having a very difficult time remembering any of the nuance to the story from month to month. That makes it hard toanticipatethe next issue because I can't really remember what happened last time. But the uniqueness and quality of the art will keep me coming back for awhile. |
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7
|
G.I. Joe (2013) #1 |
Feb 22, 2013 |
Snappy story that takes the Joes in a fresh direction, but this art is extremely borderline for a $3.99 book. How can the same company that publishes this line of “artist editions” that are homages to the best the comic industry has ever seen continue to be cheap on the art in a flagship book like GI Joe? |
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9
|
Creepy Comics #11 |
Feb 20, 2013 |
A very strong issue of Creepy. Because this series only comes out quarterly, a couple of mediocre issues will leave a pretty bad taste in our mouths. THIS issue really hit the ball out of the park. It kinda refilled the heath bar for the series. The stories were all in that A- range and it's rare for an anthology to avoid having a single stinker. |
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8.4
|
Morning Glories #24 |
Feb 17, 2013 |
This issue is typically Morning Glories in that it gives the appearance of providing answers without really explaining much. By now, you either like that approach or you don't. I DO enjoy it. Plus, the issue gets bonus points for focusing on one of its more interesting characters. |
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8.4
|
Batman (2011) #17 |
Feb 15, 2013 |
A very fitting end to the Death of the Family story. The only flaws are those inherent in working within the confines of classic villains who must live to fight another day. |
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8.4
|
The Walking Dead #107 |
Feb 14, 2013 |
Not the most exciting issue, but Kirkman starts a number of small fires burning. Now let's see how he nurtures them into blazing bonfires over time. Lots of subtlety going on here! |
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8.4
|
Dia De Los Muertos #1 |
Feb 13, 2013 |
I've heard other internet commentators appreciate different aspects of this issue, but for me the star was the finale which features a touching story and stunning art. |
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8
|
Snapshot #1 |
Feb 11, 2013 |
The brevity of this review reflects the direct nature of this comic. It's mostly good and if you enjoy crime comics, this is well worth checking out. |
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8
|
Hit-Girl #5 |
Feb 10, 2013 |
A nice ending to this chapter of the Kick-Ass universe. If you love watching Hit-Girl kill folks, this will be fun for you. |
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8
|
Rachel Rising #14 |
Feb 8, 2013 |
Even in an uneventful issue, Terry Moore's quality shines through. I wish the story would move past this middle phase a little faster, but I can't deny the craft of this comic. |
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8.4
|
The Sixth Gun (2010) #28 |
Feb 5, 2013 |
A nice issue that cleans up a kinda messy story arc. |
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9.6
|
The Unwritten #45 |
Feb 3, 2013 |
Brilliant meta-commentary on modern popular culture. This is a comic that keeps revealing more and more the longer you think about it. |
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8
|
Mara #2 |
Feb 1, 2013 |
An ambitious comic that isn't all it could be. |
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8
|
Bedlam #3 |
Jan 28, 2013 |
This comic has moments of brilliance, but it also trips itself up sometimes. This is a great example of how there are two different types of "B" comic books. There are those where the A-level elements average out with the C-level elements. Then there are those that are good, but unremarkable. I'd much rather consume comics that have an chance to be extraordinary and Bedlam still fits that bill. |
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8.4
|
Mind MGMT #7 |
Jan 27, 2013 |
The upshot is: Perfect jumping on point. If you're into “indie” comics, you may have heard of Mind Mgmt because it has gotten a lot of critical buzz. Don't feel like you have to start at Issue #1. This is a perfectly fine place to start. |
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9
|
Chew #31 |
Jan 26, 2013 |
One of the best ongoing comics being published turns away from the darkness for a fun and black-humored new storyline. |
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9
|
Witch Doctor: Mal Practice #3 |
Jan 25, 2013 |
A splendid issue in a great series. More people should read Witch Doctor. Trust me, you'll like it. |
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8
|
Todd, The Ugliest Kid on Earth #1 |
Jan 22, 2013 |
A very well done comic. I won't be continuing with it because it's not quite my “thing”, but it makes me smile that Image provides a publishing avenue for this sort of material about an awkward little boy. |
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9
|
Hoax Hunters #6 |
Jan 21, 2013 |
No need to catch up. Just dive back in. It's a great series. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #16 |
Jan 17, 2013 |
Another excellent Batman issue by the Snyder/Capullo/Glapion/Plascencia team. Just appreciate the excellence. |
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8.4
|
Repossessed #1 |
Jan 15, 2013 |
Ringuet is doing a lot of nifty artistic things in this issue and the story itself is useful if you're into a Ghostbusters-type of tale. |
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8
|
The End Times of Bram and Ben #1 |
Jan 13, 2013 |
A fun and irreverent comic. It won't win any Eisner awards, but it'll probably make you chuckle a few times and that's worth something. |
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9.6
|
Sweet Tooth #40 |
Jan 11, 2013 |
A very strong finale to a beloved series. The only downside is that it teases us with what might have been. The stories in this issue could easily have been expanded to fill 100 issues. |
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6
|
The Walking Dead #106 |
Jan 10, 2013 |
Well, we were overdue for a non-eventful issue. |
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8
|
I Love Trouble #2 |
Jan 7, 2013 |
VERY snappy art and a clever main character. I'm still struggling to find a main story though. |
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9.6
|
Punk Rock Jesus #6 |
Jan 6, 2013 |
A wonderful ending to a series. I loved this and wish we had more comics that were so ambitious. Even though I'm looking forward to Murphy's upcoming collaboration with Scott Snyder, I'd almost rather Murphy got to tell another story of his own again next time. |
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7
|
The Manhattan Projects #8 |
Jan 6, 2013 |
I'm enjoying the weirdness a LOT more than the actual story and the delayed publication schedule isn't doing this series any favors. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire #34 |
Jan 4, 2013 |
A very strong issue. Snyder and Albuquerque could have made this a maudlin and reflective story, but instead they chose to look toward the future. I'm very much looking forward to what AV brings us when it returns. |
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8
|
Mara #1 |
Jan 1, 2013 |
A comic book about volleyball? The fun lies in wondering what Brian Wood will do with this scenario because he almost always has something to say in his comics. |
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7
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #700 |
Dec 27, 2012 |
There are some good elements here, but the plot is smashed into your brain with a club. In case you didn't already know, “with great power comes great responsibility”. Demerits also for using non-essential back-matter to jump the price up to $7.99. |
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9.6
|
Witch Doctor: Mal Practice #2 |
Dec 26, 2012 |
I hate to call things “must read” because internet hyperbole is annoying, but Witch Doctor is as good as it gets in comics right now. |
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4
|
Haunt #28 |
Dec 22, 2012 |
Every “jumping on point” is also a “jumping off point”. The art isn't bad, but it is a change for the worse from Nathan Fox and the idea of crossing this title over with Spawn doesn't excite me at all. |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #13 |
Dec 21, 2012 |
It wouldn't hurt my feelings if the story picked up the pace a little, but it's hard to argue with Terry Moore's delectable artwork and character building. |
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8.4
|
The Unwritten #44 |
Dec 20, 2012 |
High quality storytelling. Unlike a lot of other comics, I don't even mind too much when I get lost. The Unwritten is already earmarked for a reread or two due to its complex and ambitious storytelling. |
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7
|
The Massive #7 |
Dec 19, 2012 |
The introduction of Gerry Brown a few issues ago has helped this series find it's legs. I'm really enjoying Brian Wood's world-building, but am still wondering if there will ever be a central plot to this series. |
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8.4
|
The Hollows #1 |
Dec 18, 2012 |
An effective story that serves as a vehicle for a unique artist to get his work out there. |
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4
|
Change #1 |
Dec 15, 2012 |
If you like stories that are made impenetrable just for the hell of it, be my guest. The art is quite good and could be in a much better comic, but isn't enough to save the day. |
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8.4
|
Batman (2011) #15 |
Dec 14, 2012 |
An outstanding and scary Joker story with fabulous art that is sandwiched around adysfunctionalfamily bickering about secrets. |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #105 |
Dec 13, 2012 |
Very, very strong. Kirkman and Adlard have turned this Negan into a very scary and powerful villain. Rick wasn't in this issue and I didn't miss him at all. |
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5
|
Blackacre #1 |
Dec 9, 2012 |
Not a bad comic and if you're really into possible apocalyptic settings, this might be worth a look. But it isn't a great comic either. |
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8.4
|
I Love Trouble #1 |
Dec 7, 2012 |
Very promising. The art is the big selling point, but it's also fun to have a comic with a useful female protagonist (even if she is kinda sexed up for a mostly male audience). |
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7
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #699 |
Dec 6, 2012 |
Ramos' art saves the day. Slott's story is better, but still buggy as hell. |
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7
|
Bedlam #2 |
Dec 5, 2012 |
A little frustrating after a gangbusters first issue, but this series still has a lot of good karma because that first issue was SO good. |
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9
|
Chew #30 |
Dec 3, 2012 |
Confusion aside, I couldn't be happier with this issue. Pretty rare to find a laugh-out-loud comic. |
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9
|
Planetoid #4 |
Dec 3, 2012 |
This is another great issue. If you like post-apocalyptic stories, don't be scared off by the alien setting. Garing just put his characters on an alien planet rather than having Earth ravaged by a virus or zombies or whatever. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire #33 |
Nov 29, 2012 |
A very fitting end to the first half of the AV story. I'm looking forward to the coda in issue #34. |
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8
|
Comeback #1 |
Nov 26, 2012 |
A nice gritty, time-jumping story. This issue does a nice job of laying out the basics of the story and there will surely be twists and complications in future issues. |
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7
|
Clone #1 |
Nov 25, 2012 |
A capable issue and if you're a fan of clones or Juan Jose Ryp, you might want to check it out. |
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9
|
The Unwritten #43 |
Nov 23, 2012 |
The story is really clicking right now. I have a handle on it, it makes sense and it really entertaining. If you haven't been reading this series, it is highly worth catching up on. |
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6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #698 |
Nov 22, 2012 |
I hate to pee on something that some people will doubtless find “very cool”, but this just wasn't very good. |
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9.6
|
Punk Rock Jesus #5 |
Nov 19, 2012 |
This is the best comic being published right now. From a writing/art standpoint, it might have a few equals, but the fact that Murphy actually has something to say puts it in another class. |
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5
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #697 |
Nov 16, 2012 |
This issue has some basic Spidey fun as we watch the Hobgoblins taking turns fighting with each other and trying to kill Peter and Max. Of course, Peter is a little hamstrung because he doesn't want to divulge his secret identity to Max. But, since Max knows that Peter is designing tech for Spidey, Peter can use all the Spidey equipment as Peter. It isn't really clever, but it is kinda clever. However, this concept also shows some of the weakness of the issue: We've seen this sort of thing before, so no matter how well you do it, it'll have a hard time being GREAT. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #14 |
Nov 15, 2012 |
What a surprise! Another strong and disturbing issue of Batman! |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #104 |
Nov 15, 2012 |
Some pretty big events for Carl in this issue portend explosive action to come. |
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5
|
Freelancers #1 |
Nov 12, 2012 |
No hyperbole needed as this is a very middle-of-the-road comic. If you're looking for a slightly sunny, female character comic, this might be worth checking out. If not, you can certainly skip it. |
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5
|
Storm Dogs #1 |
Nov 11, 2012 |
This is fine. It isn't great and it isn't bad either. If you're desperate for some science fiction in your comics reading or if you're a huge Doug Braithwaite fan, it may be worth a look. |
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9
|
The Manhattan Projects #7 |
Nov 10, 2012 |
Another really strong issue that begins to tell a bigger story with these characters we've become fond of. |
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9.6
|
Sweet Tooth #39 |
Nov 8, 2012 |
Even if the ending is a little expected, it is stillverywell done. Lemire is able to provoke stronger emotions with his work than most creators. |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #12 |
Nov 7, 2012 |
Another splendid issue. If you like non-Big 2 comics, this is must read stuff. And, it is coming out very regularly, so there's no reason to wait until it is over. |
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8.4
|
The New Deadwardians #8 |
Nov 4, 2012 |
A solid ending to a very solid series. The conclusion is satisfying and hopefully they'll sell enough of this in trade that Vertigo will get this guys to creator more. |
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9.6
|
Bedlam #1 |
Nov 2, 2012 |
This was a smoking first issue. It's twisted and unsettling and completely unpredictable. LOVE the art. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire #32 |
Nov 1, 2012 |
A great issue. Several years of great character work with Skinner Sweet pays off in this issue. |
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5
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #696 |
Oct 26, 2012 |
Competent. You decide for yourself if that is worth $3.99. |
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8
|
The Unwritten #42 |
Oct 26, 2012 |
Some very fascinating work that sandwiches a middle that isn't very interesting. |
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9
|
The Sixth Gun (2010) #26 |
Oct 24, 2012 |
A wonderful issue that shows off the excellence that has been a hallmark of the series. |
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9
|
Chew #29 |
Oct 21, 2012 |
Chew is one of those comics where the overall story doesn't really matter. It's more like watching a good stand-up comedian than reading a comic book. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #5 |
Oct 19, 2012 |
Very, very good issue. Action packed, creepy and full of splendid art. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #103 |
Oct 18, 2012 |
A lot of good character work, but “not a lot happens”. Not a particularly happy issue either. |
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4
|
Stumptown Vol. 2 #2 |
Oct 16, 2012 |
Very disappointing. This was a series I was looking forward to since it was first rumored a year or so ago. The story is okay, but specific elements of the art are holding this back. |
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8.4
|
The Secret Service #4 |
Oct 16, 2012 |
Another very solid issue. This is a very enjoyable series and if you haven't been reading this single issues, it'll make a great trade when it finishes. |
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8
|
Morning Glories #22 |
Oct 14, 2012 |
A good, solid and pretty standard issue of Morning Glories. Lots of opaque allusions to time-travel and things like that. At this point, you either like the series or you don't and aren't surprised when you don't get all the answers in a single issue. |
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9.6
|
Punk Rock Jesus #4 |
Oct 12, 2012 |
What a wonderful comic! It's enjoyable just on a surface level and features exquisite art. The depth of the story sets it apart from most other comics on the shelf. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #13 |
Oct 11, 2012 |
The story aspects of this issue are crackling good, but it gets a few demerits for the lesser back-up an the awkwardness of the forced crossover. The Director's Cut of this issue would be an “A”, but until we get that issue… |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #695 |
Oct 8, 2012 |
This was a pretty solid issue. If anyone was wondering if this title had lost its juice after that mediocre Alpha story, this should put those minds at ease. |
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8
|
Creepy Comics #10 |
Oct 7, 2012 |
Even if you aren't a card-carrying member of a Cthulha cult, you can enjoy this issue that pays tribute to Lovecraft. The art is sublime for the most part even if they stories aren't going to light your socks on fire. |
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9
|
Fashion Beast #2 |
Oct 6, 2012 |
Not the most awesome comic ever (yet), but the craft that went into this issue is unmistakable. Percio's art is pretty incredible too. |
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8
|
Sweet Tooth #38 |
Oct 4, 2012 |
An effective issue, but it did leave me a little sad for material that the series clearly will not be addressing given that it ends in two issues. |
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4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #694 |
Oct 2, 2012 |
Not very good. It's hard not to assume that Slott has bigger/better plans for the Alpha story just because weknowthat he is a better writer than this issue shows. However, even if this is a midpoint, it is a pretty flawed one. |
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8
|
The Sixth Gun (2010) #25 |
Oct 2, 2012 |
Not the most happening issue of TSG, but the art is wonderful and I'm sure it's just a matter of an issue or so until the action picks back up. |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #11 |
Sep 28, 2012 |
Another wonderful issue. The mysteries and the story are compelling and the art is outstanding. |
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8
|
Happy #1 |
Sep 26, 2012 |
A very nice issue".especially if you've been itching to see Morrison doing something a little more visceral. |
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8.4
|
The Unwritten #41 |
Sep 24, 2012 |
Another wonderful issue. I really can't recommend this series highly enough. |
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8.4
|
The Walking Dead #102 |
Sep 19, 2012 |
Nothing wrong with this issue that an editor couldn't fix. The subtle interpersonal relationship work is outstanding. |
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6
|
Stumptown Vol. 2 #1 |
Sep 18, 2012 |
A good first issue, but not the greatness I'd hoped for. The creators are reason enough to stick around for issue #2. |
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9
|
American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #4 |
Sep 17, 2012 |
Another great issue. The AV franchise is not showing any weakness as it chugs towards it's 3rd anniversary. |
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8
|
Batman (2011) #0 |
Sep 14, 2012 |
A nice issue that could probably be skipped for longtime Bat-fans, but is very worthwhile for anyone new. |
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9
|
Punk Rock Jesus #3 |
Sep 13, 2012 |
A transitional issue like this is a tall-order for a first-time writer, but Murphy pulls it off pretty well. It isn't quite as smooth as the first couple of issues of the series, but he got the job done and can now drive this story to its conclusion. It also doesn't hurt to have stellar art on a transitional issue. |
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6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #693 |
Sep 9, 2012 |
Ugh"not the best. Surely there is a point to this story beyond introducing a loathsome new character and having a bunch of morality plays for the slower readers? Thank goodness for Ramos and company on art". |
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8
|
Sweet Tooth #37 |
Sep 8, 2012 |
A solid issue. We're just marking time until the final events of this series that will doubtless be horribly sad and uplifting at the same time. |
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9
|
Fashion Beast #1 |
Sep 7, 2012 |
A very good first issue that feels very "Alan Moore" even if it isn't a traditional Moore comic book. |
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9
|
Morning Glories #21 |
Sep 4, 2012 |
A pretty cool issue that introduces some new characters and gives some half-truths. |
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8
|
The New Deadwardians #6 |
Sep 4, 2012 |
Not an awesome issue, but a very good one. Abnett and Culbard have created a fascinating world even if they aren't always exploring the more interesting portions of it. |
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8
|
American Vampire #30 |
Aug 30, 2012 |
A few little quibbles hold this back a bit, but it's still a darn fine comic from an outstanding series. |
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9.6
|
The Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #1 |
Aug 28, 2012 |
This is a great comic. It does everything a first issue should do and the art is superb. |
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9
|
Planetoid #3 |
Aug 27, 2012 |
I can't recommend this series and issue more. In just three oversized issues, Ken Garing has created a very believable and functioning world and some interesting characters. Must read" |
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8
|
The Unwritten #40 |
Aug 27, 2012 |
Not the bestissue, but that's probably because some of the complexity flew over my head. All the goodies are probably there, but I do have to deduct a few points of lack of accessibility. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #692 |
Aug 23, 2012 |
Let's give Slott the benefit of the doubt and trust that the story of Alpha won't veer into predictable territories. |
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8
|
Scalped #60 |
Aug 23, 2012 |
Endings are really hard and this issue falls a little short of being a perfect cherry on top a wonderful series. Still, I can't wait to go back and reread the entire series in its entirety and start giving the trades away to people as presents. Thanks Messrs. Aaron and Guera! It's been a wonderful ride. We'll always have the tension of those early arcs with Diesel threatening to blow Dash's cover, the brutality of that one-armed Hmong dude, thatincredibleissue with the old couple, Dash and Carol standing on a snow-covered road with her struggling to tell him about her pregnancy, the tragic story of Shunka, the shoot-out between Dash and Catcher in the cab of a pickup. |
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8
|
Butcher Baker: The Righteous Maker #8 |
Aug 19, 2012 |
A little rushed feeling, but at least we got an ending and the art is glorious. |
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6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #691 |
Aug 18, 2012 |
A nice conclusion to a pretty good Lizard story. Drop out the hand-wringing about death and it would be a lot better. |
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8
|
Blue Estate #12 |
Aug 16, 2012 |
A fun, humorous and fast-paced crime story with art direction that demonstrates that "multiple artists isn't" something to be afraid of. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #101 |
Aug 16, 2012 |
Maybe the group didn't have the crisis of leadership that I expected this issue, but I enjoyed reading every page as it unfolded. After 100+ issues, this series keeps my on my toes even when it isn't being outstanding. |
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9
|
Punk Rock Jesus #2 |
Aug 13, 2012 |
Murphy has created a bunch of interesting characters and maneuvered them into positions where they'll have to make some choices. The rest of this series should be a joy. |
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3
|
The Massive #3 |
Aug 12, 2012 |
I'm not dropping this series. Brian Wood has told me too many entertaining and challenging stories for me not to give The Massive the benefit of the doubt. But this series isn't working at all yet. No need to keep reviewing it until it turns the corner. |
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8.4
|
Godzilla: Half-Century War #1 |
Aug 11, 2012 |
I can see this being a polarizing issue. If you're just a Godzilla fan, I'm not sure it's going to do that much for you because the story is pretty routine (so far). But, if you're a fan of unique and incredible comic art, it's a "must buy" because Stokoe is just that cool and special. |
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7
|
Batman (2011) #12 |
Aug 10, 2012 |
A very solid first half that has great art and introduces a cool new character. Unfortunately, the execution on the last few pages kinda drops the ball. |
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8.4
|
Harvest #1 |
Aug 8, 2012 |
Gosh"a crime story that isn't trying to mix in any cults or demons or ghosts! Mix that with good art and you have a winner. |
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8.4
|
Mind MGMT #3 |
Aug 6, 2012 |
Another wonderful issue. Honestly, if you're a fan of Vertigo ongoing series, there's no excuse to not be reading this. |
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9
|
iZombie (2010) #28 |
Aug 4, 2012 |
A fairly satisfying conclusion to a pretty solid series. Given the circumstances of this series, this was probably the best we could hope for. |
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8.4
|
Sweet Tooth #36 |
Aug 4, 2012 |
Even though it feels a little rushed, this series is still hitting a lot of solid notes. It's also causing the reader to think and speculate in a way that few comics do. |
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8
|
The New Deadwardians #5 |
Aug 1, 2012 |
Pretty good issue. Disappointed to not get a glimpse of zombieland England, but really enjoying the work that Abnett and Culbard are putting into the story. |
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8.4
|
Everybody Loves Tank Girl #1 |
Jul 30, 2012 |
Buy it. It's $3.99 and even ifyou don't love it".you can say your horizons were broadened. |
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6
|
Debris #1 |
Jul 29, 2012 |
Not bad, but nothing great either. Rossmo's art is kinda neutered by the coloring. The story will serve some people just fine, but I didn't find anything wonderful enough to come back for issue #2. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #690 |
Jul 27, 2012 |
Dan Slott seems to have really enjoyed writing this issue. Lots of fun even if the art can't quite keep up. |
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9
|
American Vampire #29 |
Jul 27, 2012 |
Another one of those months where I could almost use a Control-V for my review: American Vampire is great and this is another example of why it's one of the best ongoing series on the market. It hasn't had an issue that was even "just okay" yet. |
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8
|
Fatima #2 |
Jul 24, 2012 |
Very different from the usual fare. This is not only a major change of pace from superhero comics, it's also quite different than most material published by other "major indie" publishers like Image and Vertigo. |
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8
|
The Secret Service #3 |
Jul 24, 2012 |
A very solid issue. It isn't great, but you won't remotely feel ripped off by it. It'll make a great summer movie one day. |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #9 |
Jul 22, 2012 |
A very good issue that answers a lot of questions. |
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9
|
The Unwritten #39 |
Jul 19, 2012 |
Every time I get a little bored with The Unwritten, it cranks out an issue where it recaptures its mojo. This was that issue. We learn a LOT about how various events from the series tie together and are also treated to some wonderful art. |
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5
|
Eerie Comics #1 |
Jul 17, 2012 |
I wanted to love this, but it's a big, fat "meh". This blending of old and new is foolish detracts from both. I'd really rather see Dark Horse consolidate their new material in one publication, rather than smearing it across two series and including old material to fill out the issue. |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #11 |
Jul 16, 2012 |
A great capstone toan all-time classic Batman story. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #2 |
Jul 14, 2012 |
In a very tight race, thismightbe pick of the week. I'll have to review my notes because there are so many good comics this week. What sets this issue apart are (a) Snyder's deft handling of "Dracula" and his powers and (b) Nguyen's diverse and excellent art. |
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9
|
Punk Rock Jesus #1 |
Jul 14, 2012 |
A wonderful first issue. The basic concept for this story is clever and inventive, but Murphy has gone a level beyond that to create a tapestry of rich secondary characters. |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #100 |
Jul 12, 2012 |
This was the brutal issue that we knew was in Kirkman's quiver. Powerful and filled with images that will stick with us for a long time. |
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7
|
Haunt #24 |
Jul 8, 2012 |
Some good elements, but the delay has kinda killed the story momentum. Still, the series has enough built-up good will and the creators are talented enough that this series deserves some flexibility. |
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6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #689 |
Jul 7, 2012 |
Some good, some mediocre. |
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9.6
|
Mind MGMT #2 |
Jul 7, 2012 |
A wonderfully fresh and novel series keeps chugging. I can't wait to see what happens next. |
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8.4
|
Morning Glories #20 |
Jul 7, 2012 |
Another strong issue of MG. True, it isn't answering all of the questions and is tossing out a lot of misleading things, but that's kinda how real life works too. I'm still waiting for another "knock my socks off" issue, though. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #688 |
Jul 3, 2012 |
A few little flaws hold this back from the highest grades, but the overall story is interesting and I don't really know what'll happen next. That's always a good thing. Plus, there are some bonus points for not having a weepy wrap-up issue to Ends of the Earth. |
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8
|
Fatima #1 |
Jul 3, 2012 |
Fans of the Hernandez brothers were probably already aware of this, but if you're looking for something a little different, you could do worse than sampling a 4-issue story from a modern master of indie-comics. Heck"even if you don't LOVE it, you'll get some street cred with the cool kids at the comic shop who won't touch an X-Men comic. |
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9
|
The New Deadwardians #4 |
Jul 3, 2012 |
Another wonderful little issue. If you aren't reading this, it's well worth checking out. |
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9
|
American Vampire #28 |
Jun 30, 2012 |
A very comfortable issue that returns us to a familiar set of characters in a setting from the first AV story cycle. |
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8.4
|
Scalped #59 |
Jun 30, 2012 |
Maybe not the definitive ending I'd hoped for in this penultimate issue, but still a masterpiece of violence. |
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9
|
The Secret History of D.B.Cooper #4 |
Jun 26, 2012 |
A wonderful series keeps chugging along. |
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7
|
Elephantmen #40 |
Jun 24, 2012 |
Outstanding production values and pretty art, but it still feels a little disjointed from what's been going on in recent issues. |
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6
|
The Unwritten #38 |
Jun 23, 2012 |
Not really feeling it, to be honest. If you are, I'd love to hear it in the comments below. This series has "lost me" before only to rise back up, so it wouldn't surprise me if everything feels more squared away in 4-5 issues. But, for now".it's not great. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #99 |
Jun 21, 2012 |
This issue was mostly reminding us of a bunch of characters who will probably die in issue #100. It's all prologue. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #687 |
Jun 19, 2012 |
A pretty strong issue that wraps most of the Ends of the Earth plotlines (nothing on the MJ thread though"). |
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8.4
|
Planetoid #1 |
Jun 19, 2012 |
A very worthy first issue. Ken Garing has created an interesting world and the art is tremendous. Check it out. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #10 |
Jun 16, 2012 |
Another great issue. Not sure how this twist on the Wayne family will play out in the future though. Of course, there's always a chance that Snyder is pulling our chain. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #1 |
Jun 14, 2012 |
Great issue. There isn't a single flaw in the book. Great art. Great story concept. Great pacing. Great writing. Satisfying for new readers and established readers alike. Reviewing AV is like grading the homework of the gifted children at school: you expect more but they still impress. |
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7
|
The Massive #1 |
Jun 13, 2012 |
A frustrating first issue. We have a neat setting and some interesting characters, but I need a better sense of what the characters aredoing before I can get really excited. Still, given Brian Wood's track record, I'm not too concerned about the series. |
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7
|
iZombie (2010) #26 |
Jun 11, 2012 |
At this point, there isn't much reason for new readers to hop onboard. But, if you're an existing reader, you'll find this issue to be pretty much like the rest of the series: Too many interesting characters for the pages allotted with wonderful art keeping you interested. |
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8
|
Morning Glories #19 |
Jun 9, 2012 |
A very well-done comic that might have killed the wrong character. Brave. |
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8.4
|
Sweet Tooth #34 |
Jun 9, 2012 |
A good issue with wonderful guest art, but I question the need for a flashback issue as the series is wrapping up. |
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9.6
|
Glamourpuss #25 |
Jun 5, 2012 |
Leaving value judgments aside, Dave Sim continues to show why the world is a more interesting place with him in it. |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #8 |
Jun 5, 2012 |
Even though I wish this series would snap to it a little more, it remains one of the best comics on the stands. Don't "wait for it to come out in collected edition". Read it now. |
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9
|
The New Deadwardians #3 |
Jun 3, 2012 |
This is another wonderful issue of Deadwardians. Even though it lost some of it's differentiating cleanliness, it is still a very good comic. Why is this just a miniseries? I'd love a 30-issue run of this stuff. |
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8.4
|
American Vampire #27 |
Jun 2, 2012 |
A nice capstone on a 2-issue story that introduces some new critters to the AV universe. |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #98 |
May 31, 2012 |
Another a strong run of issues for TWD. We're building to something big and bloody here, but that shouldn't let us think that characters can only die in issue #100. |
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9.6
|
Mind MGMT #1 |
May 28, 2012 |
Wonderful first issue. This is why I read comics. |
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9
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #686 |
May 26, 2012 |
Very good. Excited to see how this story ends after the plot twists herein. |
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8.4
|
Dancer #1 |
May 21, 2012 |
A very strong first issue. If you're looking for some modern-day espionage fun, this is a book to check out. |
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8
|
Saucer Country #3 |
May 19, 2012 |
Not the most eventful, but it's still a quality "advance the story" issue. Lots of series fumble the ball on the middle issue of a story arc, but that didn't happen here. |
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8.4
|
Scalped #58 |
May 17, 2012 |
Only two more issues to go. These characters aren't going to get a Shawshank ending. |
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8.4
|
Batman (2011) #9 |
May 12, 2012 |
A few hiccups, but still a pretty fine issue. |
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8.4
|
The Walking Dead #97 |
May 10, 2012 |
Lots of plot development in this one. No big explosions of action, but any TWD reader knows not to expect that until issue #100. |
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9
|
Sweet Tooth #33 |
May 5, 2012 |
Formatting weirdness aside, this issue does a splendid job of wrapping the last year's worth of action and sets the stage for future stories. |
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7
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #685 |
May 4, 2012 |
Not an awesome issue, but still pretty strong, The path forward for Spidey and friends is very clear for the rest of this story arc. |
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8
|
A Game of Thrones #7 |
May 1, 2012 |
This remains to be a good series to pick up for a non-comic fan who enjoys Game of Thrones. By playing the material and the art very straight, it will give new readers what they expect and perhaps make them fall in love with comics. |
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8
|
Supercrooks #2 |
May 1, 2012 |
Pretty good comic. It isn't a new story and it is formulaic, but they execute on it well. Plus, I kind of appreciate that they're not trying to trick us into believing that a classic story is "new" by adding some twist. |
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6
|
Rebel Blood #2 |
Apr 30, 2012 |
The execution is a little lacking, but the art and story concept are strong and that is a good place from which to start. But, it's hard to enjoy a story when you don't know who some of the characters are. |
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7
|
Spaceman #6 |
Apr 28, 2012 |
Some hiccups in the visual storytelling are holding this story back. We shouldn't have to work so hard to tell characters apart. |
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9
|
The New Deadwardians #2 |
Apr 27, 2012 |
I'm really enjoying this world. It's a very fresh take on the zombie apocalypse. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire #26 |
Apr 26, 2012 |
A wonderful issue that opens up some exciting new avenues for the AV story. The timing is great as well as we're about 2 years into the series. Just the right time to jiggle the status quo a little in case the readers were getting too comfortable. |
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7
|
Rachel Rising #7 |
Apr 24, 2012 |
A kinda quiet issue that takes time to develop a few characters while also giving us a big cliffhanger at the end. |
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8
|
The Manhattan Projects #2 |
Apr 23, 2012 |
This is clearly going to be a sharp series for Hickman and gang. Hop on now and enjoy! |
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8
|
The Secret History of D.B.Cooper #2 |
Apr 23, 2012 |
A really good issue that dials back the crazy a little bit to give us more background on the central character. |
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8.4
|
Prophet (2012) #24 |
Apr 22, 2012 |
Another really sharp issue of Prophet. Probably notquitethe tour de force that the first three issues were, but it's no slouch either. Can't wait to see where this series takes us. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #684 |
Apr 21, 2012 |
The story makes a LOT more sense than the last several issues and the addition of Ramos on art turns a "meh" book into something that is very good. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #8 |
Apr 20, 2012 |
A great kick-off to the event that plays “Aliens” to the previous arc's “Alien”. Incredible art (again). |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #96 |
Apr 20, 2012 |
Even though nothing really happened, TWD has a positive direction and a looming danger for the first time in year or so. That's good enough. |
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8
|
Haunt #23 |
Apr 18, 2012 |
Haunt has found it's second wind after the departure of Kirkman and Capullo. It isn't the "greatest comic on the stands" but it's enjoyable every month and Fox's art is just tremendous. If only the story would stick in my brain after I close the book" |
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6
|
America's Got Powers #1 |
Apr 16, 2012 |
This is nice. If you're looking for a unique superhero story with swell art, this might be for you. But, it doesn't look like there's any hint of greatness here and I could do without the attempt to make statements about society's tastes in entertainment. |
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8
|
The Unwritten #36 |
Apr 16, 2012 |
Lots of good elements, that don't quite come together to match the excellence of previous Pauly Bruckner stories. Doubtless there are readers who connected the dots better and enjoyed it more. This issue was like a joke where you didn't understand the punchline and therefore feel left out. |
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8
|
The Secret Service #1 |
Apr 14, 2012 |
The pitch for this was probably: James Bond + Wanted + Kick-Ass. If you enjoy those, you'll probably come to enjoy this series even though the first issue was mostly introduction. Plus, quality art from a classic artist we don't see enough of nowadays. |
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8.4
|
Secret #1 |
Apr 12, 2012 |
The hook is set! Due to its skillful use of pliers and Hickman's past track record, there's no reason not to come back for the second issue. Violence and conspiracies are a powerful mix! |
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9
|
Northlanders #50 |
Apr 11, 2012 |
It may be disappointing that we didn't get a more powerful send off for the series as a whole, but this was still an outstanding ending to this story arc. I'll miss Northlanders a lot. |
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9
|
Glamourpuss #24 |
Apr 10, 2012 |
The art is stunning and Sim has some things to say too. It's not a comic story in the traditional sense, but spending $3 on something like this that will never be sucked into an "event" and gives you a glimpse into the mind of one of our greatest living drafts people is well worth it. This comic makes a lot of other comic art look like garbage. It's also an intensely person comic. You get the idea that Sim is just making this and doesn't give a damn if anyone even buys it. |
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8
|
iZombie (2010) #24 |
Apr 9, 2012 |
A nifty little issue. I'm not sure it was what the series really needed with only a handful of issues left, but it is what it is" |
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5
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #683 |
Apr 7, 2012 |
There are nice moments in this issue. Al Gore getting punched in the face was sweet. But, those nice moments aren't enough to overcome the problems presented by a very stale set of villains. Can't Spidey fight against someone new instead of fighting these guys for the upteenth time? We know how this turns out so there is no drama. |
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8
|
Sweet Tooth #32 |
Apr 5, 2012 |
This series just keeps on trucking. Lemire has concluded another chapter with a bittersweet moment and left a lot of room for future stories. |
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8.4
|
Creepy Comics #8 |
Apr 4, 2012 |
And, that is part of the problem with this new Creepy series. Jennifer was first published in 1974 in Creepy #63. Dark Horse has been consistently plucking gems from the old Warren Publishing Creepy Magazine and I can't fault them for that too much. I DO have the issues, but most people don't and it probably encourages people to buy the collected editions. But if you cherry-pick masterpieces like "Jennifer", they make the modern stories look "meh" in comparison. In some ways, it isn't really a fair comparison because "Jennifer" was better than most of the contents of Creepy back in 1974 too. An interesting issue. The new material has some bright spots, but the hands-down star is an almost 40-year-old work. I'm not sure publishing current stories with all-star material from day's past is the best publishing move. |
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9
|
Elephantmen #38 |
Apr 3, 2012 |
A really strong issue of Elephantmen that ties together two eras of storytelling and opens a lot of exciting possibilities for the future. |
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6
|
Choker #6 |
Apr 2, 2012 |
If you're a Templesmith fan, it's probably worth checking out this series in trade since he doesn't do a lot of comic work anymore and the dude has a very unique style. But, for a single issues reader, it's really hard not to give this issue massive demerits due to the delays that sapped any emotional resonance that might have been there. |
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8.4
|
The New Deadwardians #1 |
Apr 2, 2012 |
Vertigo has another winner. I'm a little disappointed that this is only an 8-issue series because I'd love to see more of how Edwardian London would deal with the zombies. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire #25 |
Apr 1, 2012 |
The AV team brings this arc to a rousing conclusion that is fun and adds to the AV mythos. Nice job (again). |
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6
|
The Walking Dead #95 |
Mar 29, 2012 |
I guess this was okay. I mean, I'm not in any danger of dropping TWD, but this issue (and other recent issues) are going to be really disappointing for us folks telling fans of the TV show, "You have to read the comics. The comics are so much better." |
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9
|
Prophet (2012) #23 |
Mar 28, 2012 |
Another great issue. Even if I have a hard time describing it, I don't have any qualms about recommending it. |
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8
|
Kick-Ass 2 #7 |
Mar 27, 2012 |
This was a pretty good ending to this miniseries. I like these characters and I enjoy the story. Plus, it's nice to see someone who is such a veteran of the industry pointing out how foolish superheroes really are while also telling a "never give up" story. |
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8.4
|
Rebel Blood #1 |
Mar 25, 2012 |
Well-worth checking out unless you're just opposed to apocalypse stories on principal. This has all the mystery and danger that make these sorts of stories fun and it is drawn by an outstanding artist. It's hard to go wrong with that combo. |
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8.4
|
Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2 #1 |
Mar 25, 2012 |
Another great example of IDW giving Rocketeer fans some great material. It's hard not to be impressed with the respect that IDW gives to properties like the Rocketter. |
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9
|
Supercrooks #1 |
Mar 25, 2012 |
This story overcomes a lot of things with me (derivative story, art more realistic than I typically like, etc.) to be a very satisfying first issue. I'm very eager to see what happens with Millar's gang of criminals as they try to pay back the mob. My only complaint is that the comic has atouchof plastic-y, artificialness to it" As if an excellent meal was prepared from a recipe" But the execution on this issue is impossible to ignore. |
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6
|
Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #1 |
Mar 24, 2012 |
It makes me sad that I don't like this more and can't say nicer things about it. I wanted to, but the comic just didn't give me much to work with. The art of Denys Cowan will keep me around for a few issues to see if the story starts to click, although lovers of New Orleans voodoo culture may love this. |
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6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #682 |
Mar 22, 2012 |
This was a nice first issue to a story arc, but that's it. It's probably not as good as I'd hoped for, but that's to be expected when I'm not really digging on the art. But, that's a personal taste issue more than anything else. |
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8.4
|
Batman (2011) #7 |
Mar 22, 2012 |
Another very strong issue. Probably not as powerful as issues 5 and 6, but for the sake of drama we needed a calm moment before whatever crazy finale the guys have in store for us this summer. Isn't it splendid to justknowthat it'll be awesome?!? |
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9
|
Blue Estate #10 |
Mar 21, 2012 |
This is a really hard comic to review every month because the story kinda defies description; there aren't "major events" to discuss or worry about spoiling. The art is tough to review too. While all the art is wonderful, it's hard to drill down on an artist when each guy is only doing 2-3 pages. But". if you're not reading this, you're missing out. Just the craft in this comic is incredible and it makes you angry that more comics can't exhibit this type of professionalism. I can't decide if Kalvachev is the next great cover artist or the next great managing editor. |
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9
|
The Unwritten #35 |
Mar 18, 2012 |
Great climax to a story that has been holding my interest for several years now. |
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9.6
|
Northlanders #49 |
Mar 17, 2012 |
Just a great issue. It tells a wonderful story that is full of power and subtlety. And Zezelj is one of those artists to look out for because he brings his A-game every issue. |
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9
|
The Secret History of D.B.Cooper #1 |
Mar 17, 2012 |
Go buy this because it's great. I really can't think what else I'd want this comic to do. It starts with a modern myth (DB Cooper) and winds a funky story around it. I kinda hope this is what really happened with Cooper because it's much cooler than thinking he merely died in the wilderness after jumping from the plane. |
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6
|
G. I. Joe: Cobra Command #11 |
Mar 14, 2012 |
This story arc is almost over and it's time. It has some interesting ideas, but we when a publisher screws up the length of the arc, you DO have to work to see the positives. Why must everything be long? How many times in comics have we said, "Gosh! That ended too fast!" and even if that DOES happen, the publisher can always revisit the material later. Still, I think the Joe books are worth checking out. They're entertaining and have stakes and that's enough for me. |
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9.6
|
Rachel Rising #6 |
Mar 12, 2012 |
Another great issue. This is rapidly becoming on of my "top 5" comics due to the art and intriguing mysteries. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #681 |
Mar 10, 2012 |
Hey, guess what? Another very strong issue of Amazing Spider-Man! Going back to #600 (including the two .1 issues), they've had 77/84 be really strong. That's quite a run! |
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8.4
|
Sweet Tooth #31 |
Mar 10, 2012 |
A really good issue. This sets things up for a pretty powerful finale as just about all of our characters are in perilous spots. |
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8.4
|
Avengers: Children's Crusade #9 |
Mar 8, 2012 |
A very nice miniseries comes to an end. It turned out to be a very good and beautiful Young Avengers story. I'm a little disappointed that it didn't become a great Marvel Universe story, but I probably got my expectations too high. Well worth checking out! |
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9
|
The Manhattan Projects #1 |
Mar 8, 2012 |
A very promising first issue. The idea of Hickman toying with the lost secrets of WWII research is tantalizing AND there is that whole "other plot twist" thing that introduces some conflict to the story. This should be a very good series. |
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8.4
|
Orc Stain #7 |
Mar 5, 2012 |
I wish we could have Orc Stain every month, but that's just not going to happen. So, we just have to enjoy the beautifully illustrated adventures of One-Eye whenever James Stokoe chooses to grace us. This is an excellent and unique artistic showcase. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #680 |
Mar 3, 2012 |
A few, jaunty issue of ASM that has a few little teasers of events to come. |
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7
|
The Walking Dead #94 |
Mar 2, 2012 |
A little slow. I know there'll be a big explosion of stuff around issue #100, but I really don't want to wait 6 more issues for something to shake this book up. I need an appetizer before the meal. Nevertheless, a weaker issue for TWD is still pretty good. |
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8.4
|
Scalped #56 |
Mar 1, 2012 |
It's bitter sweet. The series is about to end and I don't want it to go, but it looks Aaron is very committed to giving the characters a proper sending off. |
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8
|
The Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred #2 |
Feb 29, 2012 |
I'm still not sure what the heck the main story is about, but I quite enjoy the flashbacks to comics from a simpler time when children were allowed to read whatever they wanted, back before parents and government officials worried about the damage being done to their poor minds! Wonderful and unique art too. |
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9
|
American Vampire #24 |
Feb 27, 2012 |
Another very strong issue. Itisissue 3 out of 4 in this story arc, so it doesn't have any stunning revelations but that's to be expected. But, it is well-written, well-conceived and well-illustrated. If you aren't reading AV, you're doing it wrong. |
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7
|
Cobra #10 |
Feb 27, 2012 |
Every time the GI Joe books cycle back around to Cobra is a high point for the overall story. The bad guys are just more interesting than the good guys. Honestly, I wouldn't mind just reading about Cobra a la Secret Six. |
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8.4
|
Morning Glories #16 |
Feb 24, 2012 |
Another very solid issue. Sure, it gives us more mysteries just as it is answers questions that we weren't asking, but that's kinda the point of the series and we are slowly getting some answers about what the Morning Glories Academyisn't. Check it out. |
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9
|
Prophet (2012) #22 |
Feb 23, 2012 |
Image has a hot one here! Unless you are slavishly devoted to "superheroes only" or cannot enjoy a comic without photorealistic art, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this comic. |
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9
|
Hoax Hunters #0 |
Feb 22, 2012 |
How to get it:It's probably too late for a comic shop to pre-order the issue from Diamond, but you can check with your comic shop and have them set aside any issues they've ordered for the shelf. Or you could be all modern about things and read it on a digital device where Image is doing same-day digital releases. |
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8.4
|
Glamourpuss #23 |
Feb 18, 2012 |
The art is incredible. You won't find better realistic linework in comics today. If artists are going to draw in a realistic fashion, THIS is what is needs to look like (unfortunately, most artists aren't as talented as Mr. Sim). And the story is just the biggest pile of nutty that you're going to find. If you like comics to be a little different, you really should spend $3 every couple months when Glamourpuss comes out. |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #6 |
Feb 16, 2012 |
Batman is almost defining it's own grading scale for me. I actually think this isbetterthan Batman #5 because it lacks gimmicks and succeeds purely on its comic brilliance. This is the best superhero comics I'm reading right now. |
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7
|
Snake Eyes #10 |
Feb 14, 2012 |
The story is pretty straightforward, but the art is a big improvement from last issue. These are difficult issues to draw and the addition of a separate inker seems to have helped the final product. |
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8
|
The Unwritten #34 |
Feb 12, 2012 |
While I wish this series would pick up the pace a little bit, this is another high quality issue. It will be interesting to see how the final few issues of this War of the Words arc play out. |
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8
|
Thief of Thieves #1 |
Feb 12, 2012 |
This comic has all the proper elements to be successful: excellent writing talent and snappy art that is appropriate for the subject matter. The only thing holding it back for me is the subject matter (cerebral thieves), but your mileage may vary. |
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9
|
Northlanders #48 |
Feb 9, 2012 |
A very solid issue that basically takes a classic clash between the old man of the family and the young buck and transports it into Viking times. Wonderful art from Zezelj. I wish we got more art like this. |
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9.6
|
Severed #7 |
Feb 9, 2012 |
A great finale to this miniseries. I hope we haven't seen the last of these characters and creative team. You won't find a better told and illustrated pure horror story in recent comics. |
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5
|
Alpha Girl #1 |
Feb 7, 2012 |
A funny comic with some nice cartoony art. The humor isn't really my style, but I know a lot of people will problem enjoy it. The more problematic issue was that the story spent more time on less interesting things instead of showing us the protagonist (who has potential). That's the type of thing that can be address in later issues if folks stick with it. I'm dropping this for now, but could be talked into reading future issues if the story-telling structure improves. Not a bad comic, but (as I said) this comics landscape is SOOOO crowded that there is no call for reading books that don't have a spark of excellence or that stumble in certain areas. |
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8
|
iZombie (2010) #22 |
Feb 7, 2012 |
You won't find comics that are much more pleasant to look at than I Zombie due to the artistic contributions of Michael and Laura Allred. I enjoy the story too, but in a long-term kind of way. This is a series that probably reads a better in trade format than in single issues that cause a break in the action every 20 issues. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #679 |
Feb 3, 2012 |
This is another example of why Amazing Spider-Man was my pick for 'Best Ongoing Series' for 2011. It delivers great things to long-time readers, but is accessible to new readers and won't make them feel like they're left out. Dan Slott is clearly putting in this extra work to make this title complex, yes accessible, with every issue. Of course, it doesn't hurt to get art from one of the best in the business in Humberto Ramos. When he (and his team) are handling the art, it's almost hard to have a crappy issue. |
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8
|
Sweet Tooth #30 |
Feb 3, 2012 |
A pretty good issue with a lot of solid points. I do feel a little bit like this story could've been wrapped with one 30-page issue, so this one felt like it has a little too much stuff in the middle chapter. But that's comics. Still a great series" |
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9
|
Rachel Rising #5 |
Feb 2, 2012 |
This is another very good issue in a wonderful new series. Enjoy the creepy and deep storytelling and the wonderful art. |
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8.4
|
American Vampire #23 |
Jan 30, 2012 |
Lots of fun. We ease the pace of our story a little to give us some background, but it's all good: well written and wonderfully illustrated. Not only is the “present day” story interesting, but finding out how we got to this point will be fun as well. |
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7
|
The Walking Dead #93 |
Jan 25, 2012 |
After sucking wind for a few issues, TWD has a nice bit of forward momentum again and that's great. This series has a wonderful quality where Kirkman could probably just ad lib for years because we'll always want to know what happens next. Still, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if they stepped on the gas a little bit. |
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8
|
Hack / Slash #12 |
Jan 24, 2012 |
Another solid issue of Hack/Slash. If you're an adventuresome reader who has an affinity for old horror movies and bodily function jokes, this is a series you shouldn't be missing. This issue is even is decent jumping on point. |
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6
|
Cobra #9 |
Jan 23, 2012 |
This is a really good story that is being let down by below-average art. It's a shame, but it shows how hard it is to do a high quality comic book. |
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8
|
Superior #7 |
Jan 21, 2012 |
Light, enjoyable and not to filling. This will make a fun movie when it comes out and I'll be right there in line to pay my money and then complain that it wasn't edgier. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #678 |
Jan 20, 2012 |
Another great issue of Spider-Man. Slott started his Big Time – Spider Island mega-arc with a string of 3 or 4 “A” issues and he's doing it again here. Slott gets that Spider-Man is supposed to be FUN and Ramos' art is the perfect compliment. |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #5 |
Jan 20, 2012 |
A real masterpiece of a comic. Most comics you read and just kinda toss them to the side. This issue is full of visual moments that will stick with you for a long time. Wonderful storytelling by the whole creative team. But, let's not make digital readers leave the comic and go into the iPad's settings to be able to continue the experience. |
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8.4
|
Morning Glories #15 |
Jan 20, 2012 |
A really strong issue that benefits from the more focused story. We don't so much learn the answer to the mysteries of the series, but we DO learn a lot more about the personality of one of the main characters. Zoe is fully three-dimensional now. |
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5
|
Snake Eyes #9 |
Jan 16, 2012 |
Enjoyable enough for Snake Eyes fans and it does advance the Cobra Command story a little bit. The art is pretty solid. But, there's nothing in this issue that gets above the level of “average comic book”. So, buy it if you love GI Joe and skip it otherwise. |
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5
|
Pigs #5 |
Jan 15, 2012 |
I want to like this series more than I'm actually enjoying it. Usually when I lose a plot thread it means that the story is taking too long to get from point A to point B and I really want to know the answer to that mystery from Issue #1, but I don't feel like we're headed in that direction. Isn't this a six-issue miniseries? I feel like we should be close to a climax, but we don't seem to be. |
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9
|
Severed #6 |
Jan 15, 2012 |
This is a great miniseries and I fully expect the creators to nail the landing next month. If you haven't been reading the single issues and you like horror, the collected edition is a CAN'T MISS. Scott Snyder teased that they may turn this into an ongoing series. Not sure how they do that, but hope that it happens. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #677 |
Jan 13, 2012 |
This was another pretty hot issue. Issue-for-issue, I don't think there are many things better than ASM on the stands right now, especially when you consider the number of issues they crank out. There's really nothing to find fault with in this issue: fun story, well executed team-up and splendid art. |
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8.4
|
Scalped #55 |
Jan 12, 2012 |
We'd been waiting for this fight for nearly 40 issues now, and it was pretty much what we've wanted. Plus, big events in other facets of the story. The only thing holding this issue back was the muddy coloring that stole some of the magic from that fight. |
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9
|
The Unwritten #33 |
Jan 12, 2012 |
This was kinda the issue we needed from The Unwritten to kick this storyline into gear. It is fast-paced, delivered a lot of answers and promised more exciting things in future issues. Very well done. |
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9.6
|
Rachel Rising #4 |
Jan 8, 2012 |
This is a great new series. I'm both eager to learn what is going on and wholly enjoying the journey to the answers. It'll be a fun couple of years. |
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9
|
iZombie (2010) #21 |
Jan 7, 2012 |
Jumping on point?: You probably could jump in here, but I wouldn't really recommend it. As with all of these series, the beginning is the place to start. And if you're just looking to sample the series, an issue with a guest artist probably isn't the best. |
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8
|
Sweet Tooth #29 |
Jan 5, 2012 |
A nice return to normalcy for the series that also gets the story jump started in a big way. |
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8
|
Haunt #20 |
Jan 2, 2012 |
Jumping on Point?: Sure, why not. You'd miss a little bit by not reading issue #19, but it wouldn't be a tragic blow and you could go find that issue if you enjoyed what you got in this #20. |
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9.6
|
Witch Doctor: The Resuscitation #1 |
Jan 2, 2012 |
Jumping on point?: This would be a great issue to pick up if you were interested in sampling the series. You needn't have read the preceding 4-issue mini to know what's going on. |
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8
|
Kick-Ass 2 #6 |
Dec 30, 2011 |
Another good installment of the second Kick-Ass story. Even through all the slicing and dicing, blood and guts there are actually some smaller points that Millar is making about the true nature of heroism. He's not being very subtle about it, but it is effective nonetheless. The big finale in the next issue should be fun. |
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9
|
Spaceman #3 |
Dec 30, 2011 |
Another really strong issue. This series is succeeding because of itssubtlety. Much like great TV shows like Breaking Bad don't pause to make sure that the audience understands what just happened, Azzarello and Risso are confident that their audience can figure some things out for themselves. My only concern is how “finished” is this story going to feel after only 9 issues?? |
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9.6
|
American Vampire #22 |
Dec 28, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Even though it'd be best to start AV at the beginning, this is the best jumping on point since the series began. There are some minor links to the past story arcs and more might pop up over the next few issues, but this is very new reader friendly. If you've been listening to the accolades, but were looking for a place to begin, this is it. |
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8
|
The Activity #1 |
Dec 28, 2011 |
Jumping on Point?: They don't get much better. Even for a #1 issue, it is especially good at introductions. |
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8
|
The Last Battle #1 |
Dec 28, 2011 |
It's a shame the "story" isn't gangbusters because Dan Brereton has worked his ass off making this a pretty book. It isn't a bad value and if you're into Roman history or just enjoy fictional stories set in that timeframe, there will be something here for you. Also, do you know how much a 65 page, fully-painted sketchbook would usually cost? This is a chance to own a lot of lovely Brereton art for not much money (story be damned). |
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5
|
G.I. Joe: Cobra Civil War #8 |
Dec 26, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: This really takes place after the climax of the Cobra Civil War and the new Cobra Commander is in place. This isn't a bad place to hop on to try the next story cycle. |
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8.4
|
Lady Mechanika #3 |
Dec 23, 2011 |
You won't find many comics that look nicer than this one. Glorious linework, interesting layouts and wonderful coloring make this a book not to be missed. The script is a little too verbose, but the story is very straight forward and I'm curious to learn the mysteries of Lady Mechanika over the next couple years. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #676 |
Dec 22, 2011 |
Jumping on point? This is a GREAT jumping on point. Even without Spider-Man appearing, it does a great job of establishing where the Spidey-villains are going in 2012. |
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7
|
Atomic Robo: Ghost of Station X #4 |
Dec 22, 2011 |
Note:One of the highest compliments I can give Robo is that I've gone 100% digital on this series and I still read it the week it comes out. My pull list get's pretty extensive and I've found that as I switch titles to the "digital" side, it's easy to defer them because I also have OGNs and back issues I'd like to read and those digital issues will never "sell out" and necessitate hunting on eBay. And once you defer a comic, it's amazing how few you truly miss. Atomic Robo is never in that category. I always download it and enjoy it shortly after it comes out". not because it's on my pull list at the comic shop and the owner will think I'm a dick if I don't buy it, but because it's good and I really enjoy it. A LOT of superhero comics are going to struggle in digital for this precise reason, but Robo will be fine. |
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8.4
|
Batman (2011) #4 |
Dec 22, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Nope. You could read this issue alone, but you'd be a little confused. Best to start with issue #1. |
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3
|
Snake Eyes #8 |
Dec 21, 2011 |
Jumping on Point?: - No way. You should either go back to issue #6 (which is the beginning of this Snake Eyes/Duke story) OR read the whole Cobra Civil War (which is great) OR just wait until the Cobra Command storyline starts in a month or so. |
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9
|
Blue Estate #8 |
Dec 18, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Sure, why not. Of course, you're missing out if you don't start at #1, but this issue kinda starts a new phase of the story and the overall story is secondary to the spectacle anyway. |
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9.6
|
Severed #5 |
Dec 18, 2011 |
Well, this creative team has made it so I don't let my child talk to strangers. Screw that guy with the Salvation Army bucket and his bell. Dude could be a cannibal for all we know. Seriously, this is an outstanding comic book (and series). Can't think of the last time such a sense of dread filled every page. It'd make a great movie too (hopefully some producers are hovering with option checks). |
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6
|
The Unwritten #32 |
Dec 18, 2011 |
I like this story. The art is lovely and it is very well written. But….it needs to pick up the pace. All anyone wants to see right now is Tom fighting the Cabal. There is a time for character development, but it should not be taking place during the climax of a story. |
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9
|
American Vampire #21 |
Dec 16, 2011 |
Nice ending to this 3-issue back-story for Sweet and Book. It told us a quality story about two friends choosing separate paths for their lives while adding to the AV mythos and giving us a chance to see sequential art from a living legend of the artform in Jordi Bernet. How can you lose with that? |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #92 |
Dec 15, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: If you don't mind being a little confused, you could totally jump on here and figure it out. Of course, you'll understand much better by starting at the beginning or at least backing up to around issue #85 or so. |
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8.4
|
iZombie (2010) #20 |
Dec 14, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: As with all Vertigo series, you'd be best served by starting at issue #1 or with the first trade. But, if you are too lazy to read a few trades to catch up, this is a pretty decent place to jump into the middle even if you'll be a little confused. |
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8
|
Sweet Tooth #28 |
Dec 13, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: No way. They don't get much more inaccessible than this one: final issue in a story arc within a larger story that has been going on for 28 issues. And with a guest creator to boot. It's a good issue, but NOT a jumping on point. Maybe come back next issue or start from the beginning. |
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6
|
X-Club (2011) #1 |
Dec 13, 2011 |
This was fine. It mostly floats on the strength of Dr. Nemesis' dialog and some very solid art. If “they” manage to tie up all the subplots nicely, this could be a high quality miniseries. |
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6
|
X-Men (2010) #22 |
Dec 10, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: You could probably pick this issue up and manage just fine because there's nothing too confusing going on with the story, but the first issue of the story was in X-Men #20 so it really isn't intended to be a jumping on point. |
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8.4
|
The Avenging Spider-Man #2 |
Dec 9, 2011 |
Another really strong issue for this new series. I'd probably be happier if these were going to be 1-2 issue stories so we could get more mileage out of this new “Marvel Team-Up”, but I'm always happy to have Joe Mad art and some funny dialog written by Zeb Wells. The only thing holding it back is that the story doesn't have quite enough heft to really challenge for an “A.” |
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5
|
Bomb Queen VII #1 |
Dec 7, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Definitely! There's enough info in there to get a newbie acquainted with either Bomb Queen or Shadowhawk. The only caveat might be that it isn't a very traditional BQ story, so someone wanting to "check this out" might not get what they're expecting. For those folks, go check out any of the previous BQ minis. |
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8
|
Defenders (2011) #1 |
Dec 7, 2011 |
Pretty good, but the art is doing a LOT of the heavy lifting on this issue and there are some worrying problems with inconsistent characterizations. Fraction has had a tendency to write characters however he pleases in the past, so if you like consistent characterization".well".this might not be the book for you. But if you just want jaunty fun, it looks like that might be possible. And again, great art. |
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5
|
Haunt #19 |
Dec 7, 2011 |
Jumping on point?:This should have been a jumping on point, but it really wasn't. On the other hand, it also isn't much of a continuation from the old material, so I can't really recommend any of the past issues as the “perfect” place to jump in either. You'll have to figure this out yourself. |
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8
|
Spaceman #2 |
Dec 7, 2011 |
It's a slow burn, but it still rides high on the reputations of the creators. If this was a couple of new guys, I probably wouldn't have faith that it would turn out so well, but since it is Azzarello and Risso, I'm in for the whole 9 issues and they can take their time. It's got a lot of things going for it: weird future, mysterious protagonist, violence, great art… |
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3
|
X-Men: Legacy (2008) #259 |
Dec 3, 2011 |
An okay comic, but it feels really out of sync with where the other X-comics are right now and it isn't clear what direction it is going in. This comic is stuck in the past whereas the rest of the X-office if moving forward. |
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8.4
|
Daredevil (2011) #6 |
Dec 1, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Even though this is not the beginning of a story arc, you could totally hop on here if you wanted to. The story is managed in that classic way that “each issue can be a jumping on point”. |
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6
|
Uncanny X-Men (2011) #2 |
Dec 1, 2011 |
Not bad at all. The Mr. Sinister story is pretty fresh and fun. But this issue fails to really shine. Part of that is due to the art being nothing special and part is that it feels like just another X-Men story rather than the second issue of a “brand new era”. |
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8
|
Vescell #4 |
Nov 30, 2011 |
It's a shame that this comic isn't getting more hype because it is a really strong offering. It has an interesting concept, it's sexy and is unafraid to push boundaries. |
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8.4
|
Captain America (2004) #624 |
Nov 27, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: It's actually a pretty good spot to hop on. The last story cycle was all about Bucky and the Invaders, so this is the first issue of Bucky as Cold War Winter Solder. Hope on and revel in the art. |
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9.6
|
Secret Avengers #19 |
Nov 27, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Definitely! You can read this and enjoy it without having touched the last few issues. It might help to have a passing familiarity with the characters but it isn't necessary. The only reason it isn't an ideal “jumping on point” is that this issue is kinda the antithesis of what we consider a “jumping on point” because this isn't the ongoing story of the Secret Avengers….it's just a great done-in-one. |
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9.6
|
Wolverine and the X-Men #2 |
Nov 27, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: I guess you could jump on here and not be too horribly confused, but it also wouldn't kill you to get issue #1 which is probably still on shelves and is also available digitally. |
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8.4
|
Fantastic Four (1998) #600 |
Nov 24, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Clearly this book is intended as a jumping on point and it mostly does a good job. New readers are likely to be confused by the Kree/Inhumans stuff, but I've been reading FF for a long time and I was confused by that too. |
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8.4
|
iZombie (2010) #19 |
Nov 24, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: It isn't a perfect jumping on point because a series like this is really structured around reading from #1 onward, but you could pick up this issue and not be horribly confused. If you like it, you could probably read it from here while also catching up on the back-matter. |
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9
|
Scalped #54 |
Nov 24, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Hahaha. No. You really need to start this series at the beginning or you won't appreciate what is going on. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #674 |
Nov 20, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Even though Slott makes every issue pretty accessible, this is a really good place to jump on. Not only is it a new arc, but it is the first arc coming out of an event. Surely this is where Slott will start building towards the next BIG thing he's got in mind. Maybe for #700? |
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8
|
Morning Glories #14 |
Nov 20, 2011 |
Jumping on point: I guess you could jump in here. On one hand, you'll be confused. But people who have read since the beginning are confused too. You could probably read this issue and see if you like the narrative structure and art. If so, pick up the trades for find it digitally. |
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8
|
Avengers (2010) #19 |
Nov 18, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: This is a great jumping on point for new readers. Start here and enjoy the next story cycle. In fact, probably the reason why we have no action in this issue was so that Bendis could make it accessible to new readers. |
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9
|
Batman (2011) #3 |
Nov 18, 2011 |
A cool and kinda creepy story about what Bruce Waynedoesn't know about Gotham! Great art. |
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3
|
The Walking Dead #91 |
Nov 16, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Not at all. We're smack in the middle of a trade paperback, so this isn't the place to hop on. You'd honestly be best served to start with the first issue and read forward from there (it's a great ride), but if you're really stubborn, you could probably start after at issue #49 which is where the second phase of TWD began. |
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9.6
|
Loose Ends #3 |
Nov 13, 2011 |
Unless the creators shit the bed in the final issue (which I doubt), this is your miniseries of the year. This is a wonderful example of what comics can strive to be and it makes the rest of my comics pile look pretty bad in comparison. |
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8
|
The Unwritten #31 |
Nov 12, 2011 |
New reader friendliness: Okay. It is beginning a new story arc, but you'd be much better served to start a series like this at #1 by buying the trade paperbacks or reading them digitally via Comixology. |
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4
|
Uncanny X-Force (2010) #17 |
Nov 12, 2011 |
Jumping on point?: Nope, not by a long shot. Not only is this issue 7 of 8 in this story, it also builds strongly from the first two story arcs of Uncanny X-Force and the 90′s Age of Apocalypse storyline. Try coming back in two issues. |
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8
|
Point One #1 |
Nov 10, 2011 |
Lots of good teasers here. While it's clear where to follow the Scarlet Spider, Ultron, Age of Apocalypse and Defenders stories, I'm not sure where the others will be. So, that's kinda a miss. And I guess there isn't anything in this issue that isn't anything you couldn't learn online, so this issue is very skippable. But, it does a nice job of teasing upcoming action and features some great art. If you're a Marvel fan and have room in your budget for the $5.99 price, it's probably worth it. |
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9
|
The Avenging Spider-Man #1 |
Nov 10, 2011 |
A few quibbles aside, this was a very well done and welcome return for the Spidey team-up book. Keep it up! |
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8
|
X-Men (2010) #20 |
Nov 8, 2011 |
A really nice first issue of X-Men under the Regenesis banner. It's just nice to see a discrete team of X-Men sent off on a real mission without having the team get polluted with extra characters. Love the new “piss off” attitude from Team Cyclops too. |
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8
|
Avengers Academy #21 |
Nov 5, 2011 |
It's a shame this series doesn't have higher sales because it was been consistent quality since issue #1. This is a pretty decent place to hop on as the Academy is starting a new direction and I'm sure it'll be awesome. |
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7
|
Sweet Tooth #27 |
Nov 5, 2011 |
A very key issue in the Sweet Tooth series as it seems to reveal what happened to cause the apocalypse and Matt Kindt's art is beautiful. The issue is a bit slow-paced to get the highest grades though. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #673 |
Nov 3, 2011 |
A very worthwhile coda on Spider-Island. |
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8.4
|
American Vampire #20 |
Nov 3, 2011 |
Middle chapters in stories have a hard time being "the best", but this one does pretty well by telling a compelling story of vampire origins in the USA and finishes with a big HOLY CRAP moment. Nicely done (again). |
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9.6
|
Secret Avengers #18 |
Nov 2, 2011 |
Bad cover aside, this was a great issue. But, that really shouldn't be too surprising when you combine a Grade A writer and allow him to do done-in-one stories and a Grade A artist. |
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8
|
Uncanny X-Men (2011) #1 |
Nov 2, 2011 |
A pretty good start to a new series. I'm not personally much of a Sinister fan, but I'm in the minority there and he's certainly got enough gravity to kick off the first story of the relaunch. Gillen has found a good tone for this series and writes all the characters well, but you can't get an “A” from me without better art. |
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6
|
Scalped #53 |
Oct 31, 2011 |
A good issue with one great scene, but it also has some flaws. However, the flaws are 99% those imposed by reading this in single-issue format and not things that make it a bad story. But, we can only grade it and review it in the format they publish, so… |
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8
|
Spaceman #1 |
Oct 29, 2011 |
It still isn't really clear what the plot of the story will be, but all of the elements are compelling and it is well written and well drawn. This is a definite “buy” if you're a fan of non-superhero comics. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #672 |
Oct 27, 2011 |
We could use some more events of this quality. It featured an entertaining story with good integration of the tie-in material and wonderful art all around. This finale issue was all you could really ask of a ending. |
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7
|
Hulk (2008) #43 |
Oct 27, 2011 |
Another fun issue of Hulk. It feels fresh, has off-beat guest stars and pretty strong art. Check it out. |
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8
|
Superior #6 |
Oct 27, 2011 |
Nothing too earth-shattering, but there's nothing wrong with a well-told morality tale with nice art. |
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6
|
The Walking Dead #90 |
Oct 27, 2011 |
This is shaping up to be the weakest TWD storyline ever. There's still a lot of good dialog and character stuff and Kirkman may pull a rabbit out of the hat, but we need something cool to jiggle up life in Arlington. Have Michonne decide she can't take it and run off on her own…. Have a serial killer on the loose in the community…. Have the stress get to someone such that they decide everyone would be better off dead and blows up the fence…. Have them try to sail a boat to the Bahamas to see if island living would be zombie-free…. TWD is like a shark: it needs to keep swimming forward to stay alive. |
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5
|
Xenoholics #1 |
Oct 25, 2011 |
This wasn't a bad comic by any stretch and it'll really hit a sweet spot for some folks. It has a clever concept relating to alien visitation and that isn't a theme that has been pounded into the ground in comics. However, it committed the sin of not being as good as it's marketing. For me, it fell into a “liked it but didn't love it” category, which means that future issues are going to be wait-and-see– and that's the true beauty of digital comics on your iPad, there's no rush. |
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7
|
Avengers (2010) #18 |
Oct 22, 2011 |
A pretty good issue. The art's better than the story, mostly because the story is moving too slowly. But, this is still a fairly high quality title month after month. Put some worse art on this and the story flaws would really start to show up. |
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8
|
Batman (2011) #2 |
Oct 22, 2011 |
A little confusing in places, but Snyder and Capullo are so good that they can just push through those weaker parts and still make you want to read more. Love watching Batman taking on a new villain rather than these dusty old rogues that he's fought a million times before. |
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2
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #544 |
Oct 22, 2011 |
This series deserved a better send off. It's really frustrating to have to complain about Land's art month-after-month, but when that is the chief problem with the book month-after-month, that's what a reviewer does. The good writing can't save a pedestrian concept and the art is really problematic (again). |
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2
|
Fear Itself #7 |
Oct 19, 2011 |
It's over. Marvel did a lot of damage in this one. Nothing happened in this event except for a couple of temporary deaths. Bad job. |
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8.4
|
Fear Itself: Hulk vs Dracula #3 |
Oct 16, 2011 |
A rare event tie-in miniseries that was really good and had a purpose. The basic story of the vampires fighting the Hulk was very fun and the creators also introduced us to a new vampire super team: the Forgiven. How cool is that? Hopefully this isn't the last we've seen of them! Wonderful art by Stegman too. |
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8.4
|
Morning Glories #13 |
Oct 16, 2011 |
This series is really finding it's footing after a small rough patch and the story is humming along nicely. If you drifted away, it's time to come back because this is a very well written and drawn series. |
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8.4
|
The Unwritten #30 |
Oct 14, 2011 |
Another strong and powerful issue of Unwritten that gives us a few reveals and makes us look forward to what's next. |
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7
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #671 |
Oct 13, 2011 |
Good quality comic. It isn't without its flaws, but pulling off a 28-issue event over 2 months is really ambitious and the Spider-creators/editors have mostly kept all the plates in the air. Recommended. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #5 |
Oct 13, 2011 |
Rousing conclusion to a great miniseries. It tells a very engaging story and also creates a lot of new material to play with. My only regret is seeing Sean Murphy leave the AV universe. |
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4
|
Irredeemable #30 |
Oct 13, 2011 |
Some cool concepts and Waid is pulling few punches in this exploration of morality. This series will always have relevance as long as Waid is willing to take it to places that Marvel/DC wouldn't touch. There's good stuff here, but the art and visual storytelling are holding things back a little bit. Better art makes this a solid B book. |
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2
|
X-Men: Regenesis #1 |
Oct 13, 2011 |
A serviceable story that is undone by really poor art. This is rapidly becoming a theme for the X-books and I don't understand why the X-office has to be the dumping ground for inferior artists. Still, this is important reading if you want to understand why characters are choosing one team over another and it has left me excited for the new issues. |
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9
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #164 |
Oct 12, 2011 |
Great stuff all around, but that's what we've come to expect from Thunderbolts which hasn't had a poor issue in a LONG time. This is one of the best and most consistent titles that Marvel puts out. |
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9
|
Vescell #2 |
Oct 12, 2011 |
A very exciting new comic series that is really flying under the radar with everyone prattling on about the new 52 from DC. That's a shame because whereas DC is really just shoveling the same material at you that you either enjoyed (or didn't) for the last few decades, Vescell is actually telling an innovative story and doing it very well. But it. |
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9
|
iZombie (2010) #18 |
Oct 9, 2011 |
A great done-in-one issue that gives some back-story on a minor player in the I Zombie universe. Grade A art from Jay Stephens and Laura Allred. |
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9
|
Sweet Tooth #26 |
Oct 8, 2011 |
Maybe we're finally getting some answers in Sweet Tooth? Even if the story remains mysterious, this story does offer promise for revealing some of the secrets of the series and the artwork by Matt Kindt is just glorious. |
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7
|
Hulk (2008) #42 |
Oct 7, 2011 |
Even though I miss Hardman & Breitweiser, this series just keeps chugging along. The new story we begin here is contemporary and fresh and the art's pretty good as well. |
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3
|
X-Men: Schism (2011) #5 |
Oct 7, 2011 |
This series and issue got us from Point A to Point B, but it wasn't great and I question the art choices in this final issue. But, it does open up a bunch of possibilities for the X-Men. Going forward we can still have the SF based stories that we've enjoyed (without Wolverine in every story) AND cover some new ground with Wolverine's group. |
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7
|
The Walking Dead #89 |
Oct 5, 2011 |
No slow-burn here. Kirkman goes straight to climax and that's a good thing even if some storylines get neglected in this issue. |
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8.4
|
Elephantmen #35 |
Oct 4, 2011 |
Typically great art and the story is an engaging addition to the Elephantmen back-story that will doubtless ripple through to the series' present day. |
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8
|
Kick-Ass 2 #4 |
Oct 2, 2011 |
Very well done, but a little too icky and disturbing. I applaud Millar for pushing the boundaries of good taste, because without pushing it you'll never learn where the boundary is. But this was too much for a mainstream comic. It was a good comic, but I'd never recommend it to anyone and feel kinda bad having it in my house. |
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8
|
Rachel Rising #2 |
Oct 2, 2011 |
Two issues in, it looks like we're in for a creepy and unsettling ride. If you're a fan of longer-form, contained stories like we tend to get from publishers like Vertigo, you should really check this out. Track down the first couple issues and hope aboard. |
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9
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #670 |
Sep 29, 2011 |
It's so nice to see an event that is humming along and not making you feel like you're wasting your money. Spider-Island has been really good and in this issue it takes a turn for the more ominous. The final few issues should be a lot of fun. |
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5
|
Secret Avengers #17 |
Sep 29, 2011 |
These issues since Ellis took over are just what Secret Avengers needed. They read just like his Global Frequency series set in the Marvel Universe. Even though this issue missed a little bit, it doesn't squelch my enthusiasm one iota. |
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9
|
American Vampire #19 |
Sep 28, 2011 |
Really, really good. Love the story and LOVE the art. Bernet is really a living legend and it is such a pleasure to enjoy contemporary work from him. |
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4
|
Incorruptible #22 |
Sep 28, 2011 |
Not the strongest issue, but it does promise big things to come. |
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9.6
|
Witch Doctor #3 |
Sep 27, 2011 |
This series got a fair amount of buzz with issue #1 a few months ago, but I hadn't seen much chatter since then and it's a sad comment on the comic industry that we're more interested in hyping what is NEW than what can maintain our interest beyond a catchy first issue. Witchdoctor is awesome. Cool story with big ideas and incredible art. Check it out! |
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7
|
A Game of Thrones #1 |
Sep 26, 2011 |
If you're a fan of the novel, this will be a fun graphic adaptation with nice linework. It isn't going to set the world on fire, but you could find much worse things to read. |
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8
|
Avengers: Children's Crusade #7 |
Sep 24, 2011 |
It's a shame that this series couldn't quite continue the upward trajectory of last issue, but it still seems like big things are happening in this series. Make sure to tune in and see what becomes of the Scarlet Witch. |
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9
|
Hulk (2008) #41 |
Sep 24, 2011 |
I'm sure Jeff Parker has written stinkers in the past, but he's got his two Marvel books humming along now. He's transformed Rulk from a scorn worthy character (Really???? A red Hulk??? How creative….) into a fully fleshed out and very compelling character. Huge kudos to Hardman and Breitweiser for helping him to tell the story. The new artist has big shoes to fill! |
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6
|
Avengers (2010) #17 |
Sep 23, 2011 |
Another nice tie-in by Bendis and Romita, but I'm really ready for Fear Itself to go away. |
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2
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #543 |
Sep 22, 2011 |
Any issue drawn by Greg Land is going to have trouble getting a good grade because it loses a full letter grade immediately. Gillen does a bunch of little things that I don't like and one big thing that kicks ass. I guess that averages out…. |
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8
|
X-Men: Schism (2011) #4 |
Sep 22, 2011 |
How much you enjoy this issue is probably going to depend on how hung up you get on the problems. Even though they bugged me, I thought the positives outweighed the negatives and I like seeing a story rounding into shape in an era when Marvel spoils everything with their marketing and solicits. Can you imagine how cool this would have been if it wasn't spoiled? Then it might have gotten some buzz NOW instead of buzz back in the spring. On the other hand, if the flaws really bug you…..I wouldn't argue with those wanting to give this a lower score. I'm just so positively disposed towards Alan Davis that it leaves me in a good mood. |
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9.6
|
Batman (2011) #1 |
Sep 21, 2011 |
This is the best of the new 52 issues I've read so far. With a creative team like this title has, we should be in for an outstanding run on this new Batman. I can't wait! |
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8
|
27: Second Set #1 |
Sep 20, 2011 |
Not as funky as the first miniseries, but still a very human story of a guy trying to get his mojo back. |
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8
|
The Unwritten #29 |
Sep 18, 2011 |
Good quality issue. Well-written, nicely drawn, glorious cover, a few reveals" I can't wait for the next one. |
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7
|
Pigs #1 |
Sep 17, 2011 |
Slow at first, but this issue has a GREAT "Oh Crap!" No Way!" reveal on the final page that'll hook you. |
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8
|
Uncanny X-Force (2010) #15 |
Sep 17, 2011 |
Great art. I mean it…..GREAT art! The story is fun and well written, but is a bit of a frenzied jumble at this point and it needs to wrap up because I'm getting more confused with every passing issue. |
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9
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #669 |
Sep 16, 2011 |
Another great issue. I wish all events had this blend of energetic art and cool story. |
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8.4
|
Scalped #52 |
Sep 16, 2011 |
Although there is a small part of me that wants to fast-forward to the end and just learn who dies, the journey is a lot of fun because the tension in Scalped is becoming tangible. |
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4
|
Fear Itself #6 |
Sep 14, 2011 |
The art is still pretty good, but it can't make up for a story that is too lightweight to be called an “event” and some cringe-worthy dialog (“Man Down!”). On the positive side, it is almost over and you can be pretty sure that something will happen that is important to the Marvel Universe. |
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8.4
|
50 Girls 50 #4 |
Sep 12, 2011 |
A nice combination of fun stories and attractive women. If you missed the single issues, keep an eye out for the collected edition or buy it digitally. Hopefully we'll get more 50 Girls 50 in the future. |
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8
|
Atomic Robo: Ghost of Station X #1 |
Sep 11, 2011 |
If you're not reading Atomic Robo, you're doing it wrong. Every comic fan should find a place in their pull list for this little gem because it brings you a sense of fun and amazement that is very rare in comics. |
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8.4
|
Morning Glories #12 |
Sep 11, 2011 |
This was a breath of fresh air for the series as we met a pretty optimistic seeming new character and got some answers, even if they weren't the answers we were looking for. The art remains a real plus for the series due to the characters' wonderful acting. |
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8
|
Sweet Tooth #25 |
Sep 11, 2011 |
Another strong issue that wraps up a pretty uneventful arc and foretells more exciting things in the next bit of the story. One wonders how long we'll have Sweet Tooth with Lemire writing a few series of the New 52 at DC. Hopefully he can stick with it because he has to have his plate full with writing 3 ongoing comics and drawing one of them too. Does he ever sleep? |
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9
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #163 |
Sep 11, 2011 |
Consequence: Earlier in the week I talked about how Hulk (Parker's other Marvel title) has hit the point where you just know it'll be good. Well, Thunderbolts is at that point too. We're up to ~20 good issues in a row. The story is always fresh, exciting and attractive. It's a shame Marvel isn't pushing either of these titles heavily in the digital market because I have a feeling they could be very attractive to new readers. |
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9
|
Hulk (2008) #40 |
Sep 9, 2011 |
It is so rare in today's comic market to know that a comic is going to be good before you open it, but Jeff Parker has taken Hulk to that level. He's been on this title since issue #25 and every issue has been between strong and outstanding and when Hardman is on the title too, it just goes to another level. Can't wait until next issue to see what happens with this interesting cast of characters. |
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5
|
Men of War #1 |
Sep 9, 2011 |
I really enjoyed the parts of this comic that were content to be a war comic, but the inclusion of superpowers means I'll stay away from issue #2. I'm not interested in reading the perspective of the guys who get mauled every time a super-villain goes on a rampage. |
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7
|
Irredeemable #29 |
Sep 7, 2011 |
Yeah! The band is getting back together. If you were wondering what happened to all those cool and flawed characters of the Paradigm, look no further. They're back and that bodes well for future stories. It really is amazing how this series has grown legs for the long term after starting as “Superman turns evil”. |
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7
|
Butcher Baker: The Righteous Maker #6 |
Sep 4, 2011 |
Visually very appealing, but not a whole lot going on in this issue. However, this is in no danger of being dropped from my pull list. |
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8
|
Elephantmen #34 |
Sep 4, 2011 |
Refresher information for newer readers and very intriguing fresh meat for long-time fans. And, of course, we have the wonderful art and design that we expect from the series. |
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8
|
Spider-Island: Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #1 |
Sep 4, 2011 |
If you love Shang Chi or are an art nut, this is a must buy. Otherwise, you can probably skip it because the story itself doesn't seem that vital to Spider-Island. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #668 |
Sep 1, 2011 |
Slott and Ramos nail it. With the excellence of this issue, I suddenly don't feel so upset about having all 28 issue of Spider-Island on my pull list. Fun story and great art. This is what I expected coming into the story and after a bit of a disappointing opening, we're back on track. |
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8
|
Incredible Hulk (2009) #635 |
Sep 1, 2011 |
The main story is a wonderful capstone on a great run on Hulk for Greg Pak. Hopefully Marvel will give this the Omnibus treatment someday and also get the entire run available digitally, because these are stories that have the potential to be evergreen. Jason Aaron has some big shoes to fill. |
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8
|
Kick-Ass 2 #3 |
Aug 29, 2011 |
A fun and very professionally done issue. The story is streamlined enough that the long delay since issue #2 doesn't really matter. Can't wait for next issue when it looks like some pretty hot things might happen. |
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8
|
New Mutants (2009) #30 |
Aug 28, 2011 |
Very nice issue of New Mutants. The quickest way to turn a B-list title around is to put some A-list art talent on the title. |
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8
|
American Vampire #18 |
Aug 25, 2011 |
If this is as bad as it gets, you can see why this series has won so many awards. Even though I was disappointed in a few aspects of this issue, typing them up makes me feel really petty and trite. Oh well… Can't wait for next issue. This is still the most consistently good series on the market right now. |
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8
|
Astonishing X-Men (2004) #41 |
Aug 25, 2011 |
A nice ending to a pretty good story. This gave us a lighter hearted X-Men story and there's certainly a place for that among the ~10 ongoing X-titles. Really sharp art from Bradshaw and Rosenberg too. |
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5
|
Incorruptible #21 |
Aug 25, 2011 |
Not a bad comic, it just needs a little more “snap” to it. On the other hand, it is telling a very deep tale of personal redemption and that isn't something that makes it into many superhero comics these days (at least not this nicely handled). Even when this series has an “average” issue (like this one), it has tons of room to move up in future issues. |
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3
|
X-Men: Legacy (2008) #254 |
Aug 25, 2011 |
A much anticipated storyline doesn't quite hit its mark. Die-hard X-readers should read this, but otherwise it has enough issues with the story structure and the art that I can't really recommend it for general consumption. |
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7
|
Avengers Academy #18 |
Aug 21, 2011 |
Another quality entry in what has been a very solid series since the beginning. If you're missing “new characters” in your superhero comics, you should check this one out. |
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9.6
|
Loose Ends #2 |
Aug 21, 2011 |
Not only is this a great comic, but it has me extremely excited for the rest of this series. Even though the first issue was great, this issue kept the pedal to the metal and showed us that #1 was no fluke. If this series ends as strongly as it has begun, this should be on a lot of year-end, best-of lists. Compelling story and electric art! |
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8.4
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #162 |
Aug 21, 2011 |
Another rollicking fun story with lots of great action and story crammed into one issue. The art isn't bad, but does make me miss and appreciate the series' regular artists. |
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8.4
|
Hulk (2008) #39 |
Aug 18, 2011 |
Kinda a quiet issue that allows the art to shine. You won't find better art anywhere in comics and that includes the “masters” like JH Williams and Darwyn Cooke who grace us with art once per year (whereas Hardman and Breitweiser are doing it monthly). Jeff Parker should get to teach a breakout session at the next Marvel retreat on how to introduce new characters. |
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7
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #542 |
Aug 18, 2011 |
Not great, but a pretty good issue showing that Gillen is a font of ideas about creative ways to use the X-Men's powers. That bodes well for the future! Greg Land does a pretty nice job, but screws it up by giving all the women the same face (again). |
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8.4
|
Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #3 |
Aug 17, 2011 |
Another very strong issue of one of the best series on the stands. |
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8.4
|
Spider-Island: Cloak & Dagger #1 |
Aug 17, 2011 |
If you're into Cloak & Dagger, this will be an enjoyable read that is pretty true to the characters and has wonderful art. Not too bogged down in Spider-Island, so you can enjoy this alone if you wish. |
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5
|
The Walking Dead #88 |
Aug 17, 2011 |
Not the hottest issue, to be honest. Maybe launching a new comic series (The Infinite), having a second season of TWD coming up on TV with all the hooplah around Frank Darabont getting fired, having a TWD novel coming out, having a TWD board game coming out and having a TWD video game in development (in addition to writing Invincible) is taking it's toll? This issue isn't “bad”, but it is mostly uneventful and features some storytelling that doesn't sit quite right. |
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7
|
Morning Glories #11 |
Aug 15, 2011 |
Another good and mysterious issue. We're a year into the series now and still don't really know what is going on. When this series reveals its mysteries readers will either be (a) blow away or (b) angry that they read so much for a payoff that they don't think is worth it. But hey, it's a creator-owned series and it is kinda cool to see a writer who is clearly doing things 100% his way and is confident enough in his story to tell it this way. |
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4
|
The Red Wing #2 |
Aug 15, 2011 |
I was really looking forward to this series and am a little disappointed so far. Based on Hickman's track record of having written some incredible stories, I still have faith, but if an unknown writer had created these first two issues I would drop the series. And the art is holding things back due to my personal preferences, but if you are a huge Darrow of Bodenheim fan you might really dig it and thereby enjoy the entire series more than I am. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #3 |
Aug 12, 2011 |
A great example of highly talented creators working their butts off. Neither Snyder nor Murphy ever takes the easy way out and we love them for it. |
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9.6
|
Detective Comics #881 |
Aug 12, 2011 |
Wow. Endings are so hard to pull off. For every cool concept we see in comics, probably only about 10% end up with a really solid ending. This run by Snyder, Jock and Francavilla is a modern classic and better than any Bat story I'm familiar with in the last 20 years (inclusive of Long Halloween). If DC isn't selling hardcovers of this story for years, there is something wrong with their marketing department. This really sends Detective Comics off with a bang! Everyone should be sure to catch these creators on whatever they're doing next: Snyder on the new Batman & Swamp Thing (and American Vampire, of course), Francavilla on Black Panther and Jock on whatever he does next. |
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7
|
The Unwritten #28 |
Aug 12, 2011 |
A good issue, but this series has been carrying these mysteries for a long time. It may be unfair, but it is easy to feel shorted by any issue that isn't paying off some of the mysteries. I'm sure it will read wonderfully in collected editions, but it wouldn't hurt to put a little more consideration into making the single issues a meatier read. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #667 |
Aug 10, 2011 |
A pretty good start to this event with an interesting story and very nice art, but there are some mild warning signs of a bloated event. |
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8
|
Rachel Rising #1 |
Aug 9, 2011 |
This is a meatier first issue than you'll initially give it credit for, but it is still the first chapter in a much, much longer story so it isn't appropriate to compare a single issue to the entirety of Echo or SiP. But, if you like smart comics that won't serve up everything on a platter for you, this would be a good one to try. |
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8
|
iZombie (2010) #16 |
Aug 7, 2011 |
This series really tantalizes with its possibilities. I LOVE the art and enjoy many of the concepts, but too often it is like trying to drink from a fire-hose with the way the story is presented. It's entirely possible this is a series that will read better in collected form. |
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8
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #161 |
Aug 6, 2011 |
This is getting to be routine now, but another very good Thunderbolts issue. Jeff Parker is the only Marvel writer who has taken the bull by the horns and made Fear Itself service his own stories instead of passively letting the oncoming train run him over. And Declan Shalvey is great. |
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8.4
|
Hulk (2008) #38 |
Aug 4, 2011 |
Jeff Parker shows how to use a line-wide event to serve his own storytelling goals. Bravo! And Elena Casagrade shows that Marvel is incredibly adept at finding excellent new(er) artists. |
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6
|
The Infinite #1 |
Aug 4, 2011 |
Not a whole lot to say about this one. It seems like we've got a very solid time-travel concept coupled with a writer who has told us some very entertaining stories in the past. Even if this first issue didn't blow my socks off, I'm certainly going to give this another chance. |
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8
|
Irredeemable #28 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
A very strong issue. The initial Plutonian rampage that the series began with came out of the blue. Now we'll see what happens when the Earth's heroes are somewhat prepared for him. |
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8.4
|
Scalped #51 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
Classic Scalped. There are about 10 ways the action can explode from this issue and I expect at least 9 of them will pay off. |
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8
|
Sergio Aragones Funnies #1 |
Jul 24, 2011 |
I really don't need to go on and on about this issue. It's really good and this will be on my pull list for as long as Aragones wants to publish it. Adults will chuckle at it, but then you should hand it to a kid, because they'll love it just as much. |
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7
|
Hack / Slash #6 |
Jul 22, 2011 |
A good funny/scary issue of Hack/Slash that fills a very unique niche on the comic shelves. |
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9
|
Hulk (2008) #37 |
Jul 22, 2011 |
Hulk is great again. Wonderful art and Jeff Parker showing that event tie-ins don't have to disrupt your ongoing storylines. |
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8.4
|
Elephantmen #33 |
Jul 20, 2011 |
Great choice of guest artist and a great choice of story. Elephantmen continues to be a really good read. |
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6
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #541 |
Jul 20, 2011 |
Pretty good. Gillen gets a lot of X-Men into action against an old-time X-enemy and he doesn't even resort to using any hairy Canadian heroes! Too bad that we still have Greg Land drawing this series. People who care about art less would probably give this a higher grade. |
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9
|
Loose Ends #1 |
Jul 18, 2011 |
Wow, what a great issue! We need more crime comics, especially when they can be as gritty and raw as this. All fans of crime comics should track this down asap and make sure to pre-order future issues. |
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5
|
The Red Wing #1 |
Jul 18, 2011 |
This comic didn't blow my socks off, but I was probably expecting too much out of the #1 issue and I really don't have any doubts that we'll have a fun story before the series wraps up. So, although this issue isn't getting a stellar grade, the series is in NO danger of being dropped. If anything, I'm frantically looking forward to the rest of the series because that's where the cool reveals will be. |
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6
|
The Unwritten #27 |
Jul 18, 2011 |
This is another quality issue of The Unwritten, but any issue that doesn't have a reveal is going to feel lightweight at this point. It's time to let us in on the big secrets. |
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8.4
|
Detective Comics #879 |
Jul 16, 2011 |
Another really strong issue. We'll have to see how the story ends over the next month or so, but so far the Snyder/Jock/Francavilla run on Detective has all the makings of something that DC will be able to sell as a hardcover collected edition for years and years to come. That's a pretty rare thing in the world of utterly disposable superhero stories. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #665 |
Jul 15, 2011 |
Another great issue of Spidey that showcases the essence of Peter's character with great art by an up-and-comer! |
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9.6
|
American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2 |
Jul 13, 2011 |
Another glorious issue of American Vampire goodness, but that's to be expected when you combine two “don't miss” creators. Neither Snyder or Murphy has ever done a bad issue as far as I can tell and they even have Dave Stewart doing the colors. What more could you want? |
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8
|
Blue Estate #4 |
Jul 13, 2011 |
Hip, fun and fresh. A very different look at a Russian crime story with great art. |
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6
|
Lady Mechanika #2 |
Jul 13, 2011 |
Great art. Seriously, this is some of the best art you'll see in comics today. And the general premise of the comic is very interesting. But this comic is too wordy to get a really high grade. |
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8.4
|
Elephantmen #32 |
Jul 12, 2011 |
A fun homage to Conan with great art by Axel Medellin. |
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7
|
iZombie (2010) #15 |
Jul 10, 2011 |
Lots of good stuff. Still a little toobusy, but this crazy comic about all sorts of creatures is coming close to a pay off. Great art (again)! |
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8.4
|
Hulk (2008) #36 |
Jul 9, 2011 |
Another strong issue of Hulk for Parker and company. Folks really should be reading this. I know a lot of people think they don't like Hulk stories, but I haven't met a single person who has read Parker's Hulk run and been anything but really impressed. |
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8
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #160 |
Jul 7, 2011 |
Being an event tie-in is a handicap for an issue, but this is about as good as it can be. Parker advances a few Fear Itself plots while continuing to play with some of his ongoing Thunderbolts themes. Really nice art from Shalvey and Martin. |
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8
|
Irredeemable #27 |
Jul 6, 2011 |
Some of this ends up not really mattering, because the upshot is that Plutonian is on Earth with his gang of villains, but if those panels aren't going to be clear, we could have used those panels to touch base with the folks on Earth. |
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3
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #540 |
Jul 6, 2011 |
Average story & below average art. There's nothing Earth-shattering in this issue. There are those who complain when comic events screw up the “normal stories”, but I like these tie-ins because it doesn't make any sense for the X-Men to have “normal stories” when the world is getting destroyed in Fear Itself. The biggest problem with this issue is artistic. I really don't need to see any more of Greg Land's art on this series. He has an interesting look and it is cool the first time you see it, so why not rotate him around the Marvel Universe because we X-fans have seen it all over the last several years. |
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8.4
|
Avengers: Children's Crusade #6 |
Jul 4, 2011 |
Wow! A BIG event happens in this comic that is out of left field. What happens in this issue is bigger than anything that has happened in Fear Itself so far. Don't be a dope and wait for the trade on this because it could be 6-9 months before that happens and people will be talking about this series before then. |
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8
|
Butcher Baker: The Righteous Maker #4 |
Jul 4, 2011 |
This title has successfully turned the corner from “shocking and fresh” to “quality story”. I plan on staying tuned as long as Casey and Huddlestone plan to publish this title. |
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9
|
Creepy Comics #6 |
Jul 4, 2011 |
Another great issue of horror anthology goodness. You'll never view clowns at a kid's party the same way again! |
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8
|
Scalped #50 |
Jul 4, 2011 |
A real achievement to get to 50 issues. Let's have a round of applause for Team Scalped! It is a very strong issue that doesn't quite get the emotional reaction they were shooting for, but doesn't come off as preachy either. Maybe we have another 50 issues coming? I doubt it, but we can hope. |
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8.4
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #539 |
Jul 1, 2011 |
Early returns on Gillen's Uncanny run are pretty good. He get's these characters and is portraying them the way I like to see them. Nice art from the Roberson/Charalampidis team. |
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7
|
The Walking Dead #86 |
Jun 30, 2011 |
The slow burn to the next explosion has begun because we just know that the story won't end with Carl sitting in a rocking chair as an old man, safe inside the Arlington compound with grandkids running all over the place. The question is what kind of nastiness will happen that prevents that possible future. Just enjoy the ride. |
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9
|
Detective Comics #878 |
Jun 29, 2011 |
Another really strong issue of creepy, Batman detective action. Wait until you see the final page! I honestly didn't know they could get away with that in a mainstream DCU title. |
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7
|
Incorruptible #19 |
Jun 29, 2011 |
A much better issue because it brought back the twisted edge to Incorruptible that it needs to differentiate it from an overcrowded superhero marketplace. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire #16 |
Jun 27, 2011 |
Another outstanding issue of American Vampire. The creators are really starting to establish their own grading system because I'm really not comparing them to other comics anymore…..just to the excellence of last issue of AV. Buy it, read it… |
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5
|
Hack / Slash #5 |
Jun 27, 2011 |
A perfectly fine issue of Hack/Slash. Satisfying if you enjoy the series. |
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7
|
All Nighter #1 |
Jun 26, 2011 |
This will stay on my pull list because it hits a couple of spots that just aren't well represented in today's comic industry. First, it's a slice of life comic and we need more of those (just like we all need to eat more vegetables). Second, it is black-and-white and I love comics that will tell their stories with nothing but words and lines. And, even though this issue didn't blow my socks off, Hahn is telling an interesting story of losers trying to find their way in life. |
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5
|
Dark Horse Presents (2011) #2 |
Jun 25, 2011 |
Not bad, but not great either. This issue was just kinda "blah". |
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3
|
New Mutants (2009) #26 |
Jun 25, 2011 |
Not the strongest second issue to a run for Abnett and Lanning. This title has a lot of potential to be something more than a comic that X-fans just buy out of a sense of “buy everything”, but it needs to ramp up the pacing, ramp up the crazy and have slightly stronger art that is more willing to experiment. One of my biggest frustrations with Big 2 superhero comics is when 3rd tier titles (which is what New Mutants is) seem willing to settle for being mediocre. Abnett and Lanning gave us a cosmic bromance between an anthropomorphic raccoon and an ambulatory tree in Guardians of the Galaxy. C'mon guy! Go for it! This standard story pacing and predictable story isn't going to boost New Mutants to “must read” status. |
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8
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #159 |
Jun 23, 2011 |
A very solid issue that expands the events of Fear Itself on the Raft. |
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3
|
X-Men: Prelude to Schism #3 |
Jun 21, 2011 |
If you needed a character study of Cyclops, this is for you. Otherwise, just wait for the Schism miniseries for the main course. |
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8
|
Gladstone's School for World Conquerors #2 |
Jun 20, 2011 |
A bright, shiny breath of fresh air. I'm really enjoying this comic after two issues and it'll be fun to see the creators continue to flesh out this universe. Perfect art for this type of story too! |
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8
|
That Hellbound Train #1 |
Jun 20, 2011 |
A really nice first issue if you're into period comics or the supernatural or Faustian bargains. You can't beat the art and the scripting is smooth as well. Definitely recommended. |
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5
|
Undying Love #3 |
Jun 20, 2011 |
It's a kinda unwanted origin, so while I didn't love this issue, I still really enjoy the series and am looking forward to its conclusion. |
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9
|
Graveyard of Empires #1 |
Jun 19, 2011 |
This was a really strong first issue. It's hard to escape comparing this comic to 68 (Image's current miniseries focusing on zombies during the Vietnam War), but this is a superior comic to 68. The characterization is spot on and the art is really strong. I highly recommend this comic! |
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5
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #538 |
Jun 17, 2011 |
I'm glad to have Kitty back, but this wasn't the strongest ending to a story arc that began so powerfully. Not bad, but not great either. |
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8.4
|
Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #2 |
Jun 16, 2011 |
Another really tight issue featuring some kids and B-listers. I'm really enjoying a few of them (Thor Girl, Cloud 9 and Ultragirl) and hope they can stick around in the Marvel U after Fear Itself. |
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8
|
Hulk (2008) #35 |
Jun 16, 2011 |
The Planet Red Hulk part of this comic is great. Didn't love the transition back to Earth quite as much, but I'm willing to give Parker the benefit of the doubt. Really great linework in this issue too! This is a really great comic that everyone should be reading. |
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9.6
|
28 Days Later #24 |
Jun 15, 2011 |
Bravo to Boom! and Michael Alan Nelson. Not only did they bring us 2 years of great stories in a compelling world, but they nailed the ending. Now that it's finished, this would be a great read in collected form. |
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8
|
Alpha Flight (2011) #1 |
Jun 15, 2011 |
A really strong first issue of Alpha Flight. It isn't without a few problems (few comics are), but it succeeded very well in (a) not sucking and (b) recapturing that early 80"s Alpha Flight feel. |
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6
|
Fear Itself: Deadpool #1 |
Jun 15, 2011 |
Hardly essential reading unless you were dying to know what Deadpool did during Fear Itself, but it'll whet your whistle if that's what you're looking for. |
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2
|
Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #1 |
Jun 15, 2011 |
There are bound to be a few crummy tie-ins for every event and this seems to be one. Not a bad premise, but the execution is kinda lacking. I have hope that it'll improve on the next issue when the art situation is a little more settled. |
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8
|
Blue Estate #3 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
I've lost the story thread, but this comic features strong enough storytelling and the art is stylish enough that I don't care very much. |
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6
|
Incredible Hulk (2009) #630 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
Not a perfect issue, but if you want a fun comic with solid art that comes without pretentions of grandeur, you could do a LOT worse that reading Incredible Hulks. |
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7
|
Morning Glories #10 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
Another well written and well drawn issue of Morning Glories. I really don't know what is going on, but I am enjoying the experience for the most part. |
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6
|
X-Men: Legacy (2008) #250 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
Different characters and different stories. I don't know about you, but I get plenty of Wolverine in my other Marvel books. Your level of enjoyment will probably be linked to how much you love (a) Legion or (b) the Starjammers, but I applaud the X-office for giving us a different sort of book. Now just let Carey tell his story and not get yanked into the crossover de jour. |
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9
|
Scalped #49 |
Jun 11, 2011 |
Boom! That's the bloody climax I wanted. The shoot-out in the truck will go down with the curb-stomp and the eyeball removal as lasting images of Scalped. Great issue. |
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8
|
Screamland #1 |
Jun 11, 2011 |
A cool, hip and different take on an “After the Glory” tale. It could have moved a little faster, but I'm definitely interested in the second issue. |
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5
|
Fear Itself: Spider-Man #2 |
Jun 9, 2011 |
If you're all-in on Fear Itself, this is a worthwhile seasoning for the main event. It's kinda like adding a dash of pepper. It isn't a strong seasoning though (like hot sauce). If you're just reading the main series, you'll be fine skipping this with feeling any regret. |
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10
|
American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1 |
Jun 8, 2011 |
It's June, so it isn't too early to start thinking about “issue of the year” and we have a new clubhouse leader! Sorry, Amazing Spider-Man #655! That's the one with the death of Jameson's wife with Marcos Martin art. That was good, but American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1 is even better. This will be very hard to knock off its perch because you'll rarely find such a harmony of art and story. Must read. |
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8
|
50 Girls 50 #1 |
Jun 7, 2011 |
A nice blend of cheesecake and space opera. Two of my favorites" |
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8.4
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #158 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
You can tell how good a writer is by seeing how well they can integrate someone else's idea into their own work. Jeff Parker had been just blasting along with the Thunderbolts, but he incorporates the Fear Itself story without missing a beat. |
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9.6
|
Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #1 |
Jun 1, 2011 |
A great first issue. Series like Criminal are what the comic industry needs. You could hand this to your dad or your boss and they'd enjoy it because this is proper adult fiction, not something for overgrown fanboys with nostalgia issues (of which I'm one). |
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9
|
Irredeemable #26 |
Jun 1, 2011 |
Very nice issue. Odd that we're starting to cheer for Plutonian as he becomes more heroic and the heroes back home start to look more flawed, but I'm pretty sure that is the point of the whole series. |
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9
|
Hack / Slash #4 |
May 29, 2011 |
A really bang up issue! All the action and sense of humor that we've come to expect from Hack/Slash. This is a comic that all fans should be finding a place for on their pull lists! The Hoax Hunters back-up story is very promising too. A little hard to get into at 2-pages a month, but it fits thematically with H/S and has pretty nice art. |
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9
|
Butcher Baker: The Righteous Maker #3 |
May 28, 2011 |
Crazy and willing to offend. Bravo! This comic also has some of the best and most unique art I've seen in a while. |
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8
|
Strange Adventures (2009) #1 |
May 28, 2011 |
While it didn't have a “holy crap” awesome story, there really aren't any turds in this anthology and a few stories are quite promising. There's also the bonus that the whole comic is sci-fi themed and that isn't something we get enough of in comics today. Hopefully Vertigo will sell enough of these to keep this series going for a LONG time because we need more anthologies on the shelves. |
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5
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #662 |
May 27, 2011 |
Not a bad story, but not up to par with what ASM has been giving us recently. It also is sapping some momentum from a really good story that Slott is working on. Mostly it is guilty of not being what I wanted it to be. |
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9.6
|
Detective Comics #877 |
May 27, 2011 |
If DC doesn't find some way to keep the Snyder/Jock/Francavilla team together doing Bat-books for awhile, they are morons. When you find a creative team that is this tight and cranking out A-level books month after month you need to find a way to keep them together until the readers start to say that they're bored with it. This is another issue of great street-level Batman with awesome art. |
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9
|
American Vampire #15 |
May 26, 2011 |
Very strong issue that cranks up some of the action that Snyder and Albuquerque having been building towards for a few months. They also unveil some new mysteries and the reader has no clue what will happen next. And, you're not going to find better art anywhere. |
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4
|
Incorruptible #18 |
May 25, 2011 |
Honestly, this story is slipping for me. While I don't mind the story about “the search for redemption”, I don't want to read about it in the context of the urban renewal of a town called “Coalville”. Give these characters something more important to do. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #85 |
May 25, 2011 |
A really good quiet issue that shows Kirkman's characters dealing with the aftermath of the huge zombie battle of last issue and making plans to rebuild their community. The slow burn to the next climax has begun! |
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9.6
|
Rocketeer Adventures #1 |
May 22, 2011 |
This is a must buy for comic art fans. I'm so glad that IDW got this level of talent to dust off the Rocketeer who hasn't been used much (or at all) since creator Dave Stevens died years ago. I think Stevens would be happy with this effort. |
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9.6
|
The Li'l Depressed Boy #4 |
May 22, 2011 |
This is a great slice of life comic. I'd bet that it will hit emotional chords for 99% of male comic readers. Maybe we haven't done everything that LDB goes through in this story, but we've all at least done some of it. |
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8.4
|
Namor: The First Mutant Annual #1 |
May 20, 2011 |
A really nice ending to a very strong story. James Asmus is to be commended for telling a good tale while working with three very different artists. It is really nice to see Fiumara get a little more time at Marvel too! |
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8
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #157 |
May 20, 2011 |
Another strong and fast paced issue from Jeff Parker and his team of artists. Nothing ever gets stale in Parker's world and if you long for the way comics “used to be” when stories kept chugging along like a high-speed train, you really should be reading this. |
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6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #661 |
May 19, 2011 |
This is a pretty good issue and I'm glad to see the Avenger's Academy kids getting some play. Hopefully this issue gets them some more readers because I think that series is great. But, this was a classic “liked it, but didn't LOVE it” issue. |
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9
|
28 Days Later #23 |
May 18, 2011 |
A really strongly plotted story is coming to an end. Even if you don't hop on now, the two films and the series this comic series that bridges the gaps are well worth your time. |
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9
|
Hulk (2008) #33 |
May 18, 2011 |
This is one of the best titles Marvel is publishing right now. Parker is probably the most exciting storyteller in superhero comics right now and Hardman is probably the best artist cranking out a monthly book. Put those together and you're going to get a LOT of high marks. |
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8.4
|
Elephantmen #31 |
May 17, 2011 |
The middle of a 3-issue “recap” to allow new readers to hop on is also enjoyable for existing readers because of the thoughtful storytelling and wonderful art. Everyone should find a place for Elephantmen on their pull lists because it is one of the most consistently good titles on the market. |
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8
|
Undying Love #2 |
May 17, 2011 |
This was a pretty good issue with lots of well-scripted and drawn action. Coker also makes use of photo reference to do the things that this style excels at (accurate anatomy and postures) without falling into the BAD things that can happen when lazy artist use it (using screen grabs of celebrities). If you like modern/gritty vampire stories, this will be a winner for you. |
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3
|
Astonishing X-Men (2004) #37 |
May 16, 2011 |
This poor title just can't get out of it's own way and seems cursed when it comes to release dates: 37 issues in SEVEN years. If this title had shipped monthly, we'd be on issue 80 something. For comparison's sake, Uncanny X-Men was on issue 444 the month that Astonishing launched (and it's up to 536 now). It just kills a title when you open it and can't remember the ongoing story because it has only released a couple of issues this year. If the X-editors could get Pichelli so stick around for art duties, this title has some promise, but otherwise, we probably have enough X-titles on the shelves right now. |
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8
|
Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #1 |
May 16, 2011 |
Having McKeever write younger characters and having Norton drawing anything is a recipe for success. If you're having trouble picking between all the FEAR ITSELF tie-in series, this looks like it will be pretty good and add a lot of depth to the main series. |
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7
|
The Unwritten #25 |
May 13, 2011 |
A good jumping on point (provided you also intend to read the collected editions) that also resets things nicely for ongoing readers. Not a huge about of new stuff though. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #660 |
May 12, 2011 |
My personal issues with misdirection aside, it is still a pretty strong issue with clever dialog and lots of fun action. Nice art too. McKone would certainly fit in the rotating stable of Spidey-artists. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the bad guys get their asses handed to them for invading the Baxter Building and can't wait to see the neat traps that Slott and Van Lente come up with that'll be part of the FF's security system. |
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8
|
New Mutants (2009) #25 |
May 12, 2011 |
A pretty promising start to a new direction for the New Mutants. Abnett and Lanning can do a lot of good stuff just showing alternate takes on the good X-stories. Hopefully they'll get to tell them and not be pulled into constant crossovers the way this series has been for the last year or so. |
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8
|
X-Men (2010) #11 |
May 12, 2011 |
A nice stand-alone X-Men story that re-establishes Jubilee's place in the X-universe and tells a jaunty tale of Young Charles Xavier in Africa. |
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9.6
|
FCBD 2011: Amazing Spider-Man #1 |
May 11, 2011 |
In a perfect world, Humberto Ramos could draw two complete issues of Spider-Man a month and he and Dan Slott could just do this title for a few years because they are a perfect combination for ASM: fun, funny, action based, etc. This is a great issue that I and many other people got for free that was good enough that (a) I reviewed it without really having any previous plans to do so and (b) was my “pick of the week”. See if you can track down a copy. |
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8
|
Avengers Academy #13 |
May 10, 2011 |
Another strong issue of Avengers Academy. Considering that this is a B-list title and it is one year old, it says a lot that I've never once considered dropping it. It's been just that strong. Even though I think people make WAY too big of an issue of “jumping on points”, this is a pretty good issue for the uninitiated. Trust me, you'll like it. |
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3
|
Annihilators #3 |
May 9, 2011 |
Good art can't save a really talky issue where the story varies from disappointing to boring. |
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8
|
iZombie (2010) #13 |
May 8, 2011 |
Great, great issue (and series) from a visual standpoint. The story is enjoyable too, but I really don't think it would hurt to streamline some more. It's a shame because all of the story elements are really cool, but it is kinda like drinking out of a fire hose. |
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5
|
Fear Itself: Spider-Man #1 |
May 5, 2011 |
A pretty good issue that sells the concept of FEAR ITSELF. The story has some macro issues (like FEAR ITSELF still seeming a little dorky as a concept and that hasn't fully been explained in the main event book) and micro issues (continuity issues), but it is still a decent Spider-Man story that shows off his sense of responsibility for people he doesn't even know. But, based on this reading, I'm probably not getting the final two issues in the miniseries. |
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5
|
Irredeemable #25 |
May 4, 2011 |
A fun and enjoyable issue in the middle of a bigger story. Waid continues to do little deviant things that make this series stand apart and not be “just another superhero story”. |
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5
|
X-Men: Prelude to Schism #1 |
May 4, 2011 |
Great art comes to the rescue of a kinda slow story that doesn't really tell us what is going on. Hopefully things will pick up from here. |
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8.4
|
Scalped #48 |
May 1, 2011 |
The build up is just about done and we should be getting lots of explosion from here on out. This is a wonderfully written and plotted series. |
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8
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #536 |
May 1, 2011 |
Gillen really has a good handle on the X-Men characters and that means that this franchise is in good hands. Based on early returns, he should have a pretty good run on the title. |
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8.4
|
American Vampire #14 |
Apr 29, 2011 |
Minor quibbles aside, this is another really strong issue of AV. This series hasn't slowed down a bit since it started over a year ago. How many series (creator-owned or superhero) put out 14 consecutive issues that all grade out at a B or better? That's why you should really be reading AV. It's right up there with The Walking Dead and Scalped as the most consistently outstanding series on the market right now. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #659 |
Apr 28, 2011 |
There are so many good things in this issue that this review could have been a lot longer. But, this is a really good issue that has all of Dan Slott's fun plotting, combined with a typically erudite script from Fred Van Lente. Nice art from Stefano Caselli too. The only thing dragging this down were the kinda average back-ups that served to diminish the whole package. For my $3.99, I'd have rather just had the main story. |
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9
|
Detective Comics #876 |
Apr 27, 2011 |
Snyder and Jock have another great beginning to a Batman story. This is easily the best Batman book out there right now and also one of the best superhero comics period. |
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9.6
|
The Walking Dead #84 |
Apr 27, 2011 |
A really triumphant issue for the Walking Dead. |
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7
|
Hack / Slash #3 |
Apr 24, 2011 |
Although it seems like I've harped on what's bad a lot, the good vastly outweighs any problems this series has. I just think it's only fair to be very specific about problems I'm having rather than giving vague criticism. You should still be picking this series up: It has zombie pets, murderous slashers returned from the "dead", scantily clad seductress slashers, plucky teen-female heroines, an intrepid demon dog that sniffs butts and talks and that's before we even get to the wonderful central characters of Cassie and Vlad. |
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9
|
Super Dinosaur (2011) #1 |
Apr 23, 2011 |
If you have a young boy, you should really give this a try. It reminds me of a cartoon as no other comic has in a LONG time. The downside is that there isn't a lot here (besides the pretty art) to hold an adult's attention. |
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8.4
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #156 |
Apr 22, 2011 |
Parker keeps juggling the roster for the Thunderbolts and that keeps things fresh. Combine that with his ability to maintain a crisp pacing while telling two stories at the same time and Kev Walker's generally awesome art and you have another winner! |
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5
|
Generation Hope #6 |
Apr 21, 2011 |
This is a well-told story with very clean and straightforward art. I do have a couple of problems with the basic story set-up because I just can't imagine the Lights being sent on these missions. |
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8
|
28 Days Later #22 |
Apr 20, 2011 |
A really great series is wrapping up in a way that is still new-reader friendly. Just buy issue #21 and this one and consider it like a 4-5 issue miniseries. The writing and storytelling have both been top notch throughout! |
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8.4
|
Hulk (2008) #32 |
Apr 20, 2011 |
Good things happen when you smear together the work of three must-read/see creators. Hulk is just a fun romp of a story and has been one of the most consistently good Marvel titles over the last 6 months (when this creative team came aboard). |
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8
|
Butcher Baker: The Righteous Maker #2 |
Apr 16, 2011 |
Hey look! There is an actual story under all that shocking stuff from issue #1. It isn't a hugely deep story so far, but there is something there. The big attraction to this issue is Mike Huddleston's art because this issue looks like nothing else on the shelves right now. |
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6
|
Infinite Vacation #2 |
Apr 16, 2011 |
When this issue is exploring the nature of self-determination and the impact that choices and consequences have on our lives, it is Daytripper-good. Unfortunately, it spends too much time in an average reality-jumping, conspiracy story that isn't bad, but isn't anything terribly compelling either. Ward does some great graphic design, but I'd suggest that the creators skip the fumetti in the future. |
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9
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #535 |
Apr 15, 2011 |
It's a new day for the Uncanny X-Men as Kieron Gillen hits the ground running with a fun and well-drawn tale that recalls the great days of Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men. I probably speak for a lot of readers out there when I say that I want Uncanny X-Men to be a really awesome read month-after-month and it looks like Gillen has a chance to make that happen. |
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9.6
|
The Unwritten #24 |
Apr 14, 2011 |
This is probably the strongest issue of Unwritten since issue #12, and that is even accounting for the last few issues, which have been very powerful. One of the things that make this series great is that it is written for smart readers, BUT it doesn't commit the cardinal sin of just being deliberately obtuse. The story is just served up and the work on the surface is enough to have a fun story with, but it has another level that allows you to think and ponder the meaning of everything. |
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4
|
X-Men: Legacy (2008) #247 |
Apr 14, 2011 |
The mystery is out of the way and we're set up for a big finale. I honestly am not wild about the story now that we're learned what is going on and have some serious concerns about the way this could end up (based solely on my anticipation). Still, if 90s X-Men and “battles of the mind” are your thing, it's worth checking out. |
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9
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #658 |
Apr 13, 2011 |
How long can Mr. Slott keep this up? He's now pumped out 11 issues of ASM without hitting a single “meh” issue. He is just killing it with Peter Parker and getting the most out of his highly talented art team. Slott has done such a good job that it is almost hard to grade because I end up comparing this issue to past issues that have received the “A” grade. ASM almost has it's own scale at this point. |
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6
|
Green Wake #1 |
Apr 11, 2011 |
Not a whole lot to say. Career-best work from the uber-talented Riley Rossmo is more than enough to keep me reading this series, but I wish the story made more sense or was just a straight-up crime story. |
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8.4
|
Blue Estate #1 |
Apr 10, 2011 |
A very cool, hip and fun entry in into the detective/crime/mob genre with very stylish art. Worth a read! |
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8.4
|
iZombie (2010) #12 |
Apr 10, 2011 |
A good stand alone with wonderful guest art by the awesome Gilbert Hernandez. |
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7
|
Nonplayer #1 |
Apr 9, 2011 |
A pretty interesting first issue with great art. It doesn't quite live up to the hype with this issue, but often series that are this heavily hyped DO turn out to be pretty good even if you can't really tell it on the first issue. |
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4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) Annual #38 |
Apr 7, 2011 |
Really strong linework and a fun story can't save me the thought that I wasted $3.99 on this issue. The story presented in this issue is neat enough if you just want a fun, unencumbered Spider-Man story, but you're going to have to buy the Deadpool and Incredible Hulks annuals to read the ending. Boooo! |
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8.4
|
Irredeemable #24 |
Apr 7, 2011 |
Irredeemable puts out another great little issue where half of the really cool things happen outside of the written script and aren't even explained. I love comics that make you say, “No, wait, don't move on with the story. Let's go back and look at that again!” |
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8
|
X-23 (2010) #8 |
Apr 4, 2011 |
If you set aside the stupid crossover with Daken (the series, not the character) and the presence of Gambit (who is dumb and just following X around in story), you have a neat story that fits X-23′s character really well combined with awesome art by Ryan Stegman & Michael Babinski. Well worth checking out! |
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8
|
Incognito: Bad Influences #5 |
Apr 3, 2011 |
A nice ending to a strong Incognito story. It nicely sets up the next story and I'll be looking forward to seeing that in a year or so. |
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8
|
Kick-Ass 2 #2 |
Apr 3, 2011 |
All in all, Kick-Ass 2 is a very worthy read. Millar takes a very clever scalpel to superhero tropes by transplanting them into the real world. |
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7
|
Scalped #47 |
Apr 3, 2011 |
Another really good issue of Scalped that again shines a light on the depressing lives of some of these characters we've grown to love. Not the best issue-to-issue story flow, but at least we have Carol back into the mix. |
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7
|
Undying Love #1 |
Apr 3, 2011 |
A fresh story with very stylish art. Coker & Freedman are really just using the vampire genre to tell a story of man-and-woman-in-love-and-on-the-run. They happen to be running from vampires, but this story could just as easily be a crime/exploitation tale of freeing a prostitute from her pimp. It wasn't an “awesome” first issue or anything like that, but you can tell by reading the first 5 pages that it is going to be pretty good and possibly great (as it does have a LOT of buzz behind it). |
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9
|
American Vampire #13 |
Apr 2, 2011 |
American Vampire trots out another great issue. This is also a wonderful jumping on point if you've been missing out on the fun. Secret missions in WWII involving vampires and secret societies! What could be more fun? |
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9.6
|
Butcher Baker: The Righteous Maker #1 |
Apr 2, 2011 |
One of the most in-your-face openings to a comic in the last couple of years. I LOVE comics that aren't pulling any punches and that clearly have nobody suggesting that something be toned down a little bit. Great art. |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #83 |
Apr 2, 2011 |
Wow! The anything can happen vibe is back in The Walking Dead! And in a BIG way. The events of next issue are going to be very pivotal to the futures of some of our major characters. |
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3
|
Age of X: Universe #1 |
Apr 1, 2011 |
This just wasn't very good. There are some interesting things here, but this feels really tacked onto the Age of X crossover. On the plus side, there is nothing here that is vital to Age of X, so you can skip it if you're just following the main story. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #657 |
Mar 31, 2011 |
Great issue. If you can believe it, this is a better Human Torch send off than we got in Fantastic Four. Slott has a pretty mean streak going on ASM so far too as the “worst” issue has still been B+ material. |
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9.6
|
Detective Comics #875 |
Mar 31, 2011 |
About as perfect of a done-in-one Jim Gordon story as you'll ever see. Snyder and Francavilla cover so much ground, tell a great story AND set up future material. Even if you don't follow Batman, you should read this issue. |
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8.4
|
Haunt #14 |
Mar 28, 2011 |
Another stellar art performance by Capullo. The story isn't pretty good too and it is fun to learn more about the rules of this universe, but the art is the major attraction here. |
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8
|
Lorna: Relic Wrangler #1 |
Mar 28, 2011 |
A fun one-shot that has promise for a 4-issue miniseries. Not the tightest story, but the art on the main story more than makes up for it. If you like art that is on the Darwyn Cooke (who does an awsome cover for this issue) or Amanda Conner side of cheesecake, you'll love this. |
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9
|
The New York Five #3 |
Mar 28, 2011 |
This was another tour de force by Ryan Kelly with a very capable slice of life story by Brian Wood. |
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8.4
|
Alan Moore's Neonomicon #4 |
Mar 27, 2011 |
An ending of the chapter, but not the whole story. Hopefully in a few years, Moore comes back to this story because there is more to tell and when he gets there, I'll have my money out. This was a very good ending to a well done and disturbing series. |
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8
|
Creepy Comics #5 |
Mar 24, 2011 |
Four very strongstories should satisfy any B&W horror fan, but missing that single awesome story. |
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3
|
New Mutants (2009) #23 |
Mar 24, 2011 |
The mysteries get a little out of control in this issue and the art can't save the day. But, after three previous issues in Age of X that were quite good, I still have high hopes for the crossover. |
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9
|
Bomb Queen vs. Hack/Slash #1 |
Mar 21, 2011 |
Succeeds wonderfully it what it sets out to do: providing a primer on both the Hack/Slash and Bomb Queen universes. Honestly, there should be a lot of cross-pollination between the two anyway, but this should help to sell fans of one series on the other. Take the “Mature Readers” tag seriously because this is one comic that you'll find yourself stashing in the bottom of your reading pile so no one sees it. Very naughty. |
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8.4
|
Avengers Academy #11 |
Mar 20, 2011 |
Gage keeps the goodness coming in this issue that shows the Academy kids dealing with a villain who is WAY too powerful for them, but he comes up with a neat way to make the kids more competitive and give us additional reasons to care about the kids. The art is fine and give that this title is hitting its ship dates like clockwork. |
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8
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #155 |
Mar 18, 2011 |
Another great issue of Thunderbolts for Parker and gang. He's really showing what kind of chops he has as a writer by doing such a great job with this team book (think of all the writers who stink at team books). It's also worth a shout-out to the editorial staff on this book because they are allowing/encouraging Parker to write great single-issue comics. This is not a series that is written for the trade as it is just telling one big, run-on story. This issue (again) has about 3 issues worth of story and really strong art. |
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9
|
Uncanny X-Men (1963) Annual: Vol. 2 #3 |
Mar 18, 2011 |
A fun, lively and jaunty story that had me laughing out loud in a few places coupled with some seriously badass art. Why can't we have Asmus and Bradshaw do monthly Uncanny and just dial back the detail on the a little bit (to make it work for a monthly book)? |
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9.6
|
The Unwritten #23 |
Mar 17, 2011 |
Great! Awesome! The revelations keep coming in this series that is headed towards a climax. Wonderful art if you like fine linework! |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #656 |
Mar 16, 2011 |
Even with a few quibbles on the story, this is another strong performance on Slott's run on ASM. If you aren't reading ASM, you really need to stop what you're doing and go pick up these issues NOW and catch up because, 9 issues in, it is shaping up to be a historic run on the title. |
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7
|
28 Days Later #21 |
Mar 15, 2011 |
A bit of a depressurized issue that shows our main characters getting a much deserved break. I'm sure it is only temporary and they'll be back into the frying pan asap. |
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9
|
Elephantmen #30 |
Mar 15, 2011 |
This is almost the perfect Elephantmen issue for me because it emphasizes what I want this series to be about: the relationships between these huge brutes and the people they care about. Medellin really settles into the art and pulls off a killer issue. |
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9
|
The Li'l Depressed Boy #2 |
Mar 14, 2011 |
This comic is succeeding in doing something really hard in comics: Tell a happy story! We really need more comics like this that aren't trying to one-up each other on the grim-n-gritty scale. |
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8.4
|
iZombie (2010) #11 |
Mar 13, 2011 |
I think there is a real chance that Allred and Roberson have a very special series here. It has taken them a while to establish their universe, but this world is so rich that they have a LOT of possibilities going forward. Great art and lettering. |
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9.6
|
27 #4 |
Mar 12, 2011 |
A rare thing: A great ending to a fun series! If you didn't catch this in single issues, make sure to catch the collected edition. This is one of the early leaders for “best mini series of 2011″. |
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8
|
Sigil #1 |
Mar 11, 2011 |
A pretty strong first issue. Very new reader friendly. I imagine there are some goodies here if you're familiar with previous versions of Sigil, but prior knowledge isn't necessary. And….it has NOTHING to do with Fear Itself. Isn't that refreshing? |
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8.4
|
Starborn #4 |
Mar 9, 2011 |
I've said it a few times, but this is so the best of the new Stan Lee titles at Boom! In fact, I got bored and stopped reading Soldier Zero and The Traveler, but I think Starborn is wedging itself onto my pull list because it is telling a Space Opera-type story that I can't really get anywhere else. It's true that we have Marvel Cosmic, but that is mostly a known universe. The fun of Space Opera is learning what is possible in a storytelling universe and that can only come with a new series. |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #82 |
Mar 9, 2011 |
The plot thickens. Pretty sure that not everyone is getting out of this alive, but it's going to be entertaining to watch it get sorted out over the next few months. You won't find a comic that better combines tension and human moments. |
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6
|
Joe The Barbarian #8 |
Mar 7, 2011 |
Great art. Seriously. Joe the Barbarian has some of the best comic art I've seen in the last year. Unfortunately, the story wasn't quite as powerful as the art and lost what power it did have due to the delayed release schedule. It is very hard to grade comics when there is such dichotomy in quality between the art and the story. |
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8
|
The Intrepids #1 |
Mar 6, 2011 |
This was a strong first issue for a promising new series. It isn't the greatest comic I've ever read, but I'm going to keep getting the series based on this and I think it's worth picking up if you're interested in slightly whacky super-powered kids who battle mad scientists and their robo-bear henchmen. The throwback-like art is a big plus! |
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7
|
Incognito: Bad Influences #4 |
Mar 5, 2011 |
I'm a little confused by a few plot elements, but the generally good writing and very good art pick this issue up. This is also very much an Act II story where nothing too huge will happen and I'm ready for Act III. |
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6
|
Annihilators #1 |
Mar 3, 2011 |
Although this is a must-buy for Spaceknight fans or Marvel Cosmic fans, it isn't without it's problems. This issue exists mostly on the promise of what is to come in the future issues. |
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9.6
|
Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth #1 |
Mar 3, 2011 |
Buy this comic and read the webcomic. If you don't like this, you must have had your soul sucked out somewhere along the way and I feel very sorry for you. Enjoy this wonderful blend of zany story and great art before young Malachai gets old enough to be self-conscious. |
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9
|
Irredeemable #23 |
Mar 2, 2011 |
Irredeemable has regained its sick and warped “edge”. If you're sick of reading superhero books that play it safe, you should really check out this series from Boom!. It's a great tale with very capable art. |
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8
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #154 |
Mar 2, 2011 |
Probably a lot of readers could have used a little more background on the Man-Thing and this fun story gives us that background without resorting to boring exposition. |
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7
|
Atomic Robo: The Deadly Art of Science #4 |
Feb 28, 2011 |
Not the most exciting issue of Atomic Robo, but this is still a comic that folks interested in different sorts of comics should be trying out. It never fails to be fun and humorous and tells some very good stories. |
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9
|
Morning Glories #7 |
Feb 27, 2011 |
Morning Glories is one of the great on-going series right now. I love how the mysteries keep building. Eventually Spencer is going to have to start paying off some of those mysteries, but I'm not growing bored yet. |
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5
|
New Mutants (2009) #22 |
Feb 27, 2011 |
A strong story continues in the second chapter. We still don't really know what is going on, but that's a good thing because I'm in no rush to get to the (probably) boring middle act of the story. The art really isn't pleasing to my eye and that holds back the grade for this issue quite a bit. |
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7
|
Scalped #46 |
Feb 26, 2011 |
Really glad that we have a truly ongoing story back in Scalped. While I have a few little personal nitpicks with this issue and there are a few things reducing my enjoyment of it, it is so well done that it still is getting a pretty high grade. |
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8
|
X-Men: Legacy (2008) #245 |
Feb 26, 2011 |
A thought provoking first chapter that is loaded with mystery and a creative way to bring mutant oppression back into the X-universe. Hard to grade this issue with confidence without knowing more about the true story. |
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8
|
American Vampire #12 |
Feb 24, 2011 |
Another strong issue that emphasizes that Skinner Sweet and all the vampires are people out of time. Time moves on, but they stay they same. This is such a good series and every comic fan would be well served to squeeze this onto your pull list! |
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9
|
Detective Comics #874 |
Feb 24, 2011 |
Grim and moody. For my money this is the best Batman title out there right now. I love that Snyder is bringing a psychological-horror vibe to Gotham city and the art is fantastic. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #655 |
Feb 23, 2011 |
Stick this issue off to the side because it should be on a LOT of “Best Single Issue of 2011″ lists and it is going to highly piss me off when those lists are all comprised of issues that came out in November that can't carry this issue's jock strap just because people have short memories and don't keep notes. Slott and Martin have collaborated to make an issue that is emotionally touching and drills right to the center of who Peter Parker is. |
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7
|
Incorruptible #15 |
Feb 23, 2011 |
This continues to be a good series. Knowing Waid, we know that something is going to happen in Max's journey. I just wish I knew when that would be. |
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8
|
X-Men (2010) #8 |
Feb 23, 2011 |
Eight issues in this series is shaping up to be a worthy member of the X-cast. I'm always complaining that they need fewer X-titles, but I can think of several that I'd eliminate before this one. Love that the X-Men are incorporating a Spidey story because I want the X-Men to be a bigger part of the overall Marvel U. Great art! |
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8
|
Avengers Academy #9 |
Feb 21, 2011 |
Another very strong issue of Avengers Academy. Love the heavy focus on Finesse since she is the best character in this book. |
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8
|
Memoir #2 |
Feb 20, 2011 |
The creepfest continues! How memorable this story will be long term is going to depend on the next few issues, but McCool and Cook definitely understand how to tell a unsettling story that takes advantage of our fear of the unknown. |
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7
|
Marineman #3 |
Feb 19, 2011 |
One of the most visually distinct comic on the shelves right now. Unfortunately, the story isn't quite keeping up. It isn't bad, but I sorely want the story to be the equal of the art and it just hasn't hit that mark yet. |
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8
|
Spider-Girl (2010) #4 |
Feb 18, 2011 |
Minor art issues aside, I'm really enjoying this series. Having Anya square off against Ana Kravinoff is perfect and it gives us another chance to see more of that impish devil of a character who was the big bright spot from the Grim Hunt story line in ASM. |
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5
|
Hulk (2008) #30 |
Feb 17, 2011 |
Not a bad issue, but you could skip this one and not miss much. I'm very much looking forward to getting the regular art team back and returning to the main story. |
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9
|
Thunderbolts (2006) #153 |
Feb 17, 2011 |
This is how you write a Big 2 team super-hero book! Keep it snappy and give all of the characters something to do. Kev Walker's art is great. This is probably IMHO the best team book that Marvel is publishing right now. |
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8
|
27 #3 |
Feb 14, 2011 |
Still going strong 75% of the way to the finish. This comic has been weird-fun and shows no signs of letting up. |
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8
|
Atomic Robo: The Deadly Art of Science #3 |
Feb 14, 2011 |
Atomic Robo is always fun. This issue has a bit more character development for the metal guy without losing the trademark sense of humor that this series is known for. |
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8
|
Haunt #13 |
Feb 14, 2011 |
The new story is very promising even if it didn't get fully fleshed out in this issue, but the art is (again) just beastly good. And, at $1.99 for this first issue, how can you justify not picking this up. This series has consistently been fun and has had wonderful art. |
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8
|
The Li'l Depressed Boy #1 |
Feb 14, 2011 |
Yippie for a happy comic book! I wouldn't want to read 60 comics per month in this genre, but I do need a few comics where there is no spandex and no one being disemboweled. Try it. It'll make you smile. |
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8.4
|
Incognito: Bad Influences #3 |
Feb 12, 2011 |
A great transitional story in the middle of a great story. Make sure to check out Incognito. It's the best thing that Brubaker is writing right now and Phillips and Staples are doing incredible things with the art. . |
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8
|
Hack / Slash #1 |
Feb 11, 2011 |
A very strong first issue of the second volume of Hack/Slash. Friendly to new readers without making loyal readers feel dumped upon with the bloody/sexy art we've come to expect from the series. |
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7
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #654 |
Feb 10, 2011 |
This arc isn't as strong as the initial Hobgoblin story, but it is still a very solid Spidey-story with good action and a very cool twist on Spidey's secret identity problems. |
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9
|
The Unwritten #22 |
Feb 10, 2011 |
A bang-up issue. It is sooooo nice to have this series back to hitting on all cylinders as the creators continue to examine the nature of storytelling. |
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5
|
Starborn #3 |
Feb 9, 2011 |
This remains a very promising series, but this issue was a bit slowly paced. Strong art and coloring from Randolph and Gerads keeps me from even considering dropping the series. Starborne remains the best of the three “Stan Lee” titles at Boom!. |
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8
|
The Walking Dead #81 |
Feb 9, 2011 |
Great tension and the beginnings of a pay off of something that Kirkman has been building for a LONG time. |
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8.4
|
Hulk (2008) #29 |
Feb 7, 2011 |
Fun story (again) from Parker combined with draws-everything-well art from Hardman. These guys still have the right to gesture at their fellow-collaborators that they have the “championship belt” of best ongoing Marvel/DC superhero book right now. Love the writing and art on this issue and the creepy new Spider-MODOK. |
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8.4
|
Doc Macabre #3 |
Feb 5, 2011 |
If you're a fan of monster movies, this is a “must buy” whenever IDW collects this. I love Bernie Wrightson's art, but credit is deserved all around in this issue/series as Niles has written a fun monster story and served up a few softball-pages for Wrightson to just crush. Check it out. Well worth the pricetag. |
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8.4
|
She-Hulks #4 |
Feb 3, 2011 |
A GREAT miniseries. If you haven't been keeping up, buy this when the trade comes out. You won't be disappointed. It is a wonderful and mostly fun story paired with some outstanding art. Keep an eye out for the creators on their next projects (Stegman is drawing an arc of X-23) because they've both pretty hot. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #653 |
Feb 2, 2011 |
Great use of the Avengers backing Spidey up. I love seeing a Spidey who is a more important (and powerful) member of the Marvel Universe. Fun story and writing by the Slott/Van Lente team. ASM continues to impress! |
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8
|
Irredeemable #22 |
Feb 2, 2011 |
Nice to see this series get its mojo back. It isn't a perfect issue, but I'm happy that it has rediscovered its slightly deviant nature because we have plenty of edgy superhero stories from Marvel/DC. But those big publishers usually won't do deviant and that creates a niche for this book. |
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8.4
|
Echoes #2 |
Jan 31, 2011 |
Creepy and disturbing. Definitely one to check out if you're into surreal, psychological horror. |
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7
|
Scalped #45 |
Jan 30, 2011 |
The beginning of another slow burn. Aaron introduces a LOT of interesting elements in this issue and we'll enjoy watching it unfold over the next couple of years. |
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8
|
The New York Five #1 |
Jan 29, 2011 |
Another great comic from Vertigo. Nothing new about that. If you are looking for a change of pace from superheroes or if you just have little sisters who you love, I urge you to check this out. The story is interesting slice-of-life stuff that a lot of people can identify with and the art is incredible. |
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8
|
Chaos War #5 |
Jan 27, 2011 |
A really good Herc story comes to a close. This might have been miscast as an event, but some big things did happen including some changes for Herc and the return of some lost heroes. I'll be curious to see how things continue in the new Herc ongoing this spring. |
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9.6
|
Detective Comics #873 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
Just AWESOME. This is so the best Bat book out there right now. It is smartly written, has great art and because it is focusing on Dick (and not Bruce) it can explore and do more experimental stuff. Bonus for telling a story in 3 issues and not dragging things out to make a better trade paperback. |
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5
|
Incorruptible #14 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
There's nothing really “wrong” with this issue as long as you understand its transitional nature. So, it's not the most exciting. That happens in drama. Next issue should really kick ass and I do love the story even though I really can't give this single issue too high of a grade. |
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8
|
Superior #4 |
Jan 24, 2011 |
It's a transitional issue, but the creators do a very nice job of moving pieces around for the end-game. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how this series wraps up in a few issues. |
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9
|
Memoir #1 |
Jan 23, 2011 |
If you like creepy, psychological horror, this is going to be right up your alley. Go get it because, McCool and Cook have a really good first issue here! |
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8.4
|
Wolverine and Jubilee #1 |
Jan 21, 2011 |
A really good story that paints Wolverine in my favorite light: The crusty old mentor for the teenage girl. Plus, do not miss quality art from Phil Noto. |
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2
|
X-Men: Legacy (2008) #244 |
Jan 20, 2011 |
Not very good. It pains me to say that because Mike Carey has been telling really good stories in Legacy over the last ~4 years. Enough so that I kinda wish they would let him “drive the mutant bus” for a while now that Fraction is leaving Uncanny. But, this wasn't a great issue due to some story problems and art that I didn't enjoy. Still looking forward to Age of X though. |
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8
|
28 Days Later #19 |
Jan 19, 2011 |
A really good change of pace issue for this series that makes me feel really good about its long-term prospects. It is also a nice jumping on point for fans of the film. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #652 |
Jan 19, 2011 |
Dan Slott is off to a really good start to another story arc on ASM. Life is just happier when ASM is snappy and good. And what a battery of artists they've had on this title?!? Talk about not missing a beat! |
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6
|
Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #514 |
Jan 16, 2011 |
I think your enjoyment of this issue is going to come down to how much you like T'Challa as a character. I've never been a huge fan and this story isn't causing me to frantically go on eBay looking for back-issues. But, your mileage may vary. I'm basically an optimist and think this story has a number of things going for it. One, Francavilla's art is not to be missed. The last Francavilla sketchbook I purchased cost over 10 dollars, so I could be happy with this even without words. Two, I love watching newer writers break into mainstream comics as they learn to adapt to the unique medium. Three, if you're a Daredevil fan, you know he will eventually be back in Hell's Kitchen and dealing with whatever happens in these Black Panther stories. So, for all those reasons, I'll be keeping this on my pull list. |
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8
|
Chaos War: Dead Avengers #3 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
Most event tie-ins make you feel like a chump for plunking down $3.99. Not this one. This was worth reading (and seeing) even if it does have some limitations in story-telling placed upon it being a tie-in. Well worth tracking down at your LCS or in back-issue bins in the future. |
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8
|
The Unwritten #21 |
Jan 13, 2011 |
Unwritten is back. I am ready for the story to ramp it up a bit, but it is so nice to have this series back after a little wander in the wilderness. This is one of the smartest and most literary titles out there and one you can hand to any naysayer who sneers at you for being an uneducated boob when you mention you read comics. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #651 |
Jan 12, 2011 |
Not as good as the last three issues, but still a damn fine comic book. Amazing Spider-Man is in outstanding hands because Dan Slott really get's what Spider-Man is about and what kinds of stories show off this character and his supporting cast. Incredible art throughout this arc by Humberto Ramos. I kinda feel sorry for the next artist. I wouldn't want to follow this art. |
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8.4
|
Starborn #2 |
Jan 12, 2011 |
This is the best of the Stan Lee titles that Boom! has recently launched. My only complaint is that it could move a little faster and that I might have a feeling where the story is headed, but what we're getting right now is just great stuff. And Randolph is doing my favorite art that I've ever seen on a Boom! title. |
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9
|
Marineman #2 |
Jan 10, 2011 |
This is a real gem of a comic book. I don't think a comic has made me smile this much since…well…. never. It is just an intensely happy story with glorious art. Jump on now and don't miss and issue! |
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5
|
Soulfire Vol. 2 #9 |
Jan 10, 2011 |
Your appetite for dragons and magic is really going to determine how much you enjoy this comic. They're not my thing personally, but the story is well-written and the art is attractive, so if it is your thing"this would probably be a good bet for you. That being said, there is nothing about this title that really elevates it above its genre. |
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6
|
iZombie (2010) #9 |
Jan 8, 2011 |
I really enjoy this series and like reading about Gwyn, but we just need to have a little trimming of the fat on this series. I'm not remotely close to dropping this title, but I wonder if it would benefit from putting some of these characters and storylines away for an arc, THEN get them back out once other items are resolved. It helps a lot that the Allreds are performing at the same high level that they have been for the last decade. They're just awesome. |
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8
|
Irredeemable #21 |
Jan 5, 2011 |
21 issues in and showing no signs of slowing down. This issue is light on actual events, but foreshadows the hell out of what we can expect over the next year. I'm looking forward to it. |
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8.4
|
The Walking Dead #80 |
Jan 5, 2011 |
The good news and the bad news are both that Kirkman has teased the hell out of us. While I'm feeling a little penned up and frustrated, I know it'll make for a better story in the long run. And, he uses the new status quo to do some great character work. |
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9
|
Scalped #44 |
Jan 4, 2011 |
This series never takes a bad step. I'm curious to see the direction Aaron takes this series after he's had a few months to lay some groundwork in the non-central parts of his story. This issue was an outstanding look behind the curtain at a man who has been on the periphery of this series since the beginning, but hasn't really been featured before. Agent Nitz is definitely going to be born again hard after the events of this issue. |
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9.6
|
The Bulletproof Coffin #6 |
Jan 4, 2011 |
A real gem. THIS is why you buy miniseries from Image and other smaller publishers because it makes all the “neat concept – mediocre ending” comics that you wade through worth it. This is also the kind of comic that could make me completely stop reading most superhero fare. Nothing DC or Marvel does is remotely this clever or original. |
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2
|
Chaos War: X-Men #1 |
Dec 30, 2010 |
When you go “all-in” on an event like I have with Chaos War, you know that some tie-ins will be gems (Dead Avengers) and some will stink. Unfortunately, this is one of the stories that stinks. Doug Braithwaite does do a very nice job with the art, but when the story is this lacking good art isn't enough. |
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4
|
Nemesis #4 |
Dec 30, 2010 |
Not a “bad” comic, but very guilty of getting our mouths ready for something juicy and off-the-wall and then serving us a vanilla anticlimax of an ending. I do think that Millar and McNiven can go back to this universe in the future and tell some very fun stories now that the premise is out of the bag, but it made my reaction to the entire series into, “Awww, man! C'mon…” |
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9
|
Detective Comics #872 |
Dec 29, 2010 |
A really good middle issue of Snyder's debut story arc on Detective Comics. Middle issues are hard, but he keeps the action moving along and plays to the strengths of the embarrassment of riches he has in the art department. Can't wait to see how this wraps up. |
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8
|
Superior #3 |
Dec 27, 2010 |
Minor art quibbles aside, this is a very solid comic about a young boy getting superpowers. It also looks like it is just starting to get rocking and I'm looking forward to the next issue. |
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8
|
Haunt #12 |
Dec 26, 2010 |
Haunt is just fun comic books. Even in the few places where Kirkman has too many toys out at one time, the basic story is clear and easy to follow. It was also neat to see a story-arc kinda wrap up and I'm definitely interested to see this new story. And as always Capullo's art rocks! |
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9
|
Alan Moore's Neonomicon #3 |
Dec 24, 2010 |
If you think you're too desensitized to get emotionally worked up or bothered by a comic book, just take this series for a spin. I dare you. Just please don't leave it where kids can find it, okay? |
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4
|
X-Men (2010) #6 |
Dec 23, 2010 |
Not terrible by any stretch, but the X-franchise is so bloated that Marvel should only be launching new titles if they have stories that they just don't have time for in Uncanny X-Men or Legacy. This story was fine, but nothing special and there's no reason at all it couldn't have been the next story arc in Uncanny or Legacy. Time to cut down the number of titles to 2-3. |
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8
|
28 Days Later #18 |
Dec 22, 2010 |
Bad stakeout techniques aside, this is another strong issue of one of my favorite series. I can't wait to see what happens next month and find out why this guy has a grudge against Selina. |
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8
|
Proof: Endangered #1 |
Dec 21, 2010 |
If you've been looking for a place to jump onto Proof, the creators have given us a nice starting point that probably isn't too much review for existing readers (who are probably just happy to have the series back). So dig in and enjoy a fun story about Bigfoot and Rossmo's uniquely good art. |
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2
|
Chaos War: Thor #2 |
Dec 20, 2010 |
It is a shame that some of the Chaos War tie-ins are weak because the event itself is quite good. But, of all the tie-ins so far, this is the worst. |
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8.4
|
Strange Tales II (2010) #3 |
Dec 19, 2010 |
Awesome end to an anthology series at Marvel. If you haven't been following this, buy the trade when it comes out so Marvel continues to be interested in doing projects like this. Marvel takes a lot of deserved crap for grunting out too many Deadpool, Wolverine, X-Men and Avengers titles, but you have to hand it to them when they do something really cool stuff like this. |
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6
|
Chaos War #4 |
Dec 17, 2010 |
I'm still very optimistic about the finale of this event. This issue just can't be all that exciting because it is a penultimate chapter, but Marvel could have paced this event better because the abundance of tie-ins is making me lose the narrative a little. |
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7
|
The Unwritten #20 |
Dec 17, 2010 |
The Unwritten is back. This wasn't a contender for “issue of the year” or anything like that, but it did make me feel that this title has its feet back under it after a couple of shaky issues. Even with a few odd things about this particular story, I feel a lot better about the future of this series than I did a month ago. It is also probably an example of why “trade waiting” on some of these Vertigo series isn't a bad idea because if you were reading these in collected editions I doubt you'd even notice the lull. |
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8
|
Velocity #3 |
Dec 17, 2010 |
When Rocafort is doing the art, the story basically needs to just not vomit all over itself and you'll have a good comic book. Even though the story is perhaps staggering a little bit, it is very uncomplicated and easy to follow. And, Rocafort's art is just simply outstanding. He's on my list of people to do a search through Previews for every month and see if he's drawing anything. |
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6
|
Soldier Zero #3 |
Dec 15, 2010 |
This is shaping up to be a very solid title for Boom! It fills a niche and reminds me of one of my favorite childhood comics (ROM). The art is correct and proper and I strongly doubt that Boom! will ever do a crossover with these titles. So, it has a LOT going for it, but it isn't knocking my socks off and that can be a problem in crowded marketplace. Better than average. |
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8.4
|
Mystery Society #5 |
Dec 14, 2010 |
A very strong ending to this first Mystery Society series. I hope there is more where this came from because I'd buy it. If you haven't been keeping up, this is one to seek out in trade because it is a sweet, fun and different story with outstanding art. As a side note, when is IDW going to stop charging $3.99 per issue? You'd have to think sales will suffer with Marvel and DC largely retreating from the $3.99 price point. Hmmm". |
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9
|
27 #1 |
Dec 13, 2010 |
This comic has gotten a lot of hype for being “sold out” and is currently commanding above retail prices on eBay. And, for once, that hype is justified. This is a really good and unique comic book. I can't wait to see how this story unfolds and will be keeping an eye out for future stuff from these creators. |
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5
|
Incredible Hulk (2009) #618 |
Dec 12, 2010 |
An average Hulk story with a mix of good and bad. It get's mixed marks for continuity and has great Hulk-smashing action, but the art does get a little unclear in places. Better than most event tie-ins. |
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8.4
|
Lady Mechanika #1 |
Dec 11, 2010 |
Nothing to not like here. We have a good story with a mysterious hook, steampunk atmospherics and great art. Give it a try. |
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7
|
Halcyon #2 |
Dec 10, 2010 |
The story is very solid and promising. It offers what I want in a non-Marvel/DC superhero comic: something different. The art will be fine with a little tightening. |
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8
|
What If? Wolverine: Father #1 |
Dec 9, 2010 |
A competent What If tale that rises from the heap of similar stories on the strength of Tocchinis art. This is one of those books thats worth $3.99 just to be a sketchbook. |
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8.4
|
Marineman #1 |
Dec 7, 2010 |
What a pleasant surprise! I heartily recommend this to anyone seeking something crisp and refreshing in their comic reading. It is also completely different than anything else on my pretty extensive pull list and I'm all about variety. And the art is beautiful. Hopefully the story will become clearer in future issues. |
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8.4
|
Taskmaster (2010) #4 |
Dec 7, 2010 |
A really strong issue that wraps what has been one of the best miniseries of 2010. If you haven't been following the single issues, don't miss the trade when it comes out. |
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6
|
Chaos War: God Squad #1 |
Dec 4, 2010 |
Fun for me, but I love the character of Venus. It also explores some interesting ground in the Chaos War itself making a rarely meaningful event tie-in. But it those good parts don't outweigh the boringness brought on by Wakanda & pantheons of gods I don't care about. |
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6
|
Heroes for Hire (2010) #1 |
Dec 3, 2010 |
This is just the first issue, so we have a lot more story to go, but I'll be getting the remaining issues mostly on trust of the creators rather than the excellence of the first issue. |
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9.6
|
American Vampire #9 |
Dec 2, 2010 |
If you aren't reading this comic, you should be. I think it's the best new comic of 2010 in a pretty crowded category. If you're reading it with me, I challenge you to find something at fault with this issue. That's what the comments section is for! If you're not reading it, catch up now before you get too far behind. |
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2
|
Vampirella #1 |
Nov 30, 2010 |
False advertising. Change the name and cover on this, and this title could find an audience with the folks who are starved for more strong female heroes. In fact, I might have liked this better if it didn't have the Vampirella name associated with it because this just isn't Vampirella. I would say that it is unfair to hold the book to the standard of that name, but they chose to license the property and use this story. |
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7
|
Chaos War: Alpha Flight #1 |
Nov 28, 2010 |
Tantalizing. Not a great comic on its own, but Marvel could easily bring Alpha Flight back from this point (especially considering that Puck is featuring in Wolverine's current story arc). I'm sure Marvel is watching sales on this title, so go pick it up. |
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5
|
The Traveler #1 |
Nov 28, 2010 |
Solid, but no wow. I have faith based on Mark Waid's name being attached. |
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5
|
Invincible Iron Man #32 |
Nov 26, 2010 |
Good, but these 8-12 issue story arcs are a real drag because you aren't getting a satisfying hunk of story for your $3.99. 6-issues tops! |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #649 |
Nov 25, 2010 |
There are a few Spidey-fans out there who have sworn off ASM since Brand New Day, but I strongly encourage you to come back. You're only hurting yourself and are missing out on a really good story line by Slott and Ramos. |
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8
|
28 Days Later #17 |
Nov 24, 2010 |
A rare “take time to breathe” issue of 28 Days. Of course, we're going right back into the meat grinder, but it was fun to see the characters kick back a little bit. Nice art change. I wouldn't mind Salas being the permanent artist on this title. |
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9
|
Detective Comics #871 |
Nov 24, 2010 |
Snyder “get's it” and is writing a uniquely Dick Grayson detective story. Jock and Francavilla are delivering awesome art. Must read! |
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5
|
Incorruptible #12 |
Nov 24, 2010 |
I enjoy this title, but this wasn't the strongest issue. It did establish Max Damage as a hero (and that is important), but the storytelling was a bit frantic and disconnected from the art in places. |
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5
|
Haunt #11 |
Nov 22, 2010 |
Outstanding art + disjointed story = average. I have high hopes this will bounce back next month. |
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7
|
Osborn #1 |
Nov 20, 2010 |
Deconnick and Rios have created an interesting world of possibilities for Norman Osborn. |
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8
|
Spider-Girl (2010) #1 |
Nov 20, 2010 |
Very good debut issue. Major villain issue aside, it hits all the right notes for this kind of comic book. Fun, spunky, teenaged heroine takes down villains with really nice art! Yeah! |
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8.4
|
Chaos War: Chaos King #1 |
Nov 18, 2010 |
Any time you get a chance to buy a 30-page comic drawn by Mr. Kaluta you should jump on it. I always scoff at folks who grade the "story" and the "art" separately, but Kaluta is one of the very, very few artists who can single-handedly make the story almost irrelevant. We also should be rewarding Marvel for hiring the guy and voting with our money that we want more of this in the future. It would be supercool if we could get one Kaluta event tie-in for each event. This comic can't get an A, but with average comic art we'd be looking at a below average comic. |
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8
|
Soldier Zero #2 |
Nov 17, 2010 |
A HUGE improvement from issue #1. If you read issue #1 and said “meh”, you should give this a second chance. It appears to be a modern reimagining of a ROM-like story and that is something that has really been missed in comics. |
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8
|
X-Men (2010) #5 |
Nov 17, 2010 |
Complaints aside, this issue is a lot of fun. It's been a few years since we got to see the X-Men lay down an organized butt-kicking. They've had skirmishes with groups, or small groups of mutants getting into fights, but nothing on this scale since the Messiah CompleX storyline. |
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8
|
Atomic Robo: The Deadly Art of Science #1 |
Nov 16, 2010 |
An excellent non-Marvel/DC comic that we should all support. Like all issues of Atomic Robo, this issue has fun all over it. This is the classic example of, If you don't like this, you are allergic to fun. |
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8.4
|
Cowboy Ninja Viking #10 |
Nov 16, 2010 |
This issue (and series) were a real joy. The original concept comes to a nice resting point by the end of this issue and the art is to die for. |
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8.4
|
Morning Glories #4 |
Nov 16, 2010 |
Another very good and fun issue of one of the breakout hits of 2010. The weirdness is ramped down a lot in this issue and we get a lot more story. It seems like Spencer is going to be paying off some of his mysteries very soon. I can give this a definite “must buy” rating for your Wednesday visit to the comic shop. |
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9
|
American Vampire #8 |
Nov 13, 2010 |
Outstanding. The story is interesting and well told and the art is spectacular. |
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5
|
Halcyon #1 |
Nov 13, 2010 |
An interesting concept that has a lot of promise, but the lack of excitement in this first issue placed it very much in the “average comics” category. Probably worth seeing how the next few issues are reviewed before jumping in. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #648 |
Nov 10, 2010 |
Perfect comic book. For those bitching about $3.99 comics, you won't mind if they are all this good. |
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6
|
Mystery Society #4 |
Nov 8, 2010 |
Fun, but slightly clich. Fiona Staples' art is the real star. |
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9
|
Taskmaster (2010) #3 |
Nov 8, 2010 |
This is probably the leader on the course for best superhero miniseries of 2010. Taskmaster probably just needs to par the final hole to win the title, but I'll bet that this creative team will go for an eagle. Very, very good. |
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7
|
28 Days Later #16 |
Nov 2, 2010 |
Not quite as riveting as the last few issues, but it is a bit of a transitional story as Nelson get's out a few new toys to play with. One does wonder how long this series will remain at its current status quo before Selina and “the journalist” try to get out of infected Britain. Still, even with a few parts of this issue that weren't flat out awesome, this is a great series and a highly recommended issue. |
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8.4
|
Creepy Comics #4 |
Oct 30, 2010 |
Darn it! My bloated pull list has grown! But, that is a good thing because Creepy is pure goodness with unsettling stories and top-notch art! |
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7
|
Detective Comics #870 |
Oct 30, 2010 |
A very satisfying Bruce Wayne story for those who want a break from what Morrison is doing. Not without flaws, but Hine has created a very cool new villain in Winslow Heath. Hopefully, he'll be back sooner rather than later. |
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9
|
Scalped #42 |
Oct 29, 2010 |
We should just set up a hot-key that says, “Another outstanding issue of Scalped. This is one of the top 5 books on the shelf right now and you must read it.” |
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7
|
Teen Titans (2003) #88 |
Oct 29, 2010 |
A pretty good first issue that is very new reader friendly. It has probationary status on my pull-list based on this issue. |
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9
|
Incognito: Bad Influences #1 |
Oct 28, 2010 |
A really good kick off to a new volume. I wish these guys could sell enough of this and Criminal that they could quit their Big 2 work and do nothing but this stuff. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #646 |
Oct 27, 2010 |
The world is better when Spider-Man comics are good. This is the final issue before Dan Slott and Humberto Ramos take over ASM for the “Big Time” story line. Let's have a round of applause for the creators and editors who made the thrice-monthly ASM (mostly) a huge success. |
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8
|
Incorruptible #11 |
Oct 27, 2010 |
Solid and a very nice change in art should help this series reach new heights. |
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7
|
Skullkickers #2 |
Oct 25, 2010 |
Much improved from issue #1. Good action, fast pacing and solid humor. |
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7
|
Turf #3 |
Oct 25, 2010 |
Not without a few flaws, but still very enjoyable and it is hard to go wrong with Tommy Lee Edwards doing the art. |
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6
|
Carnage (2010) #1 |
Oct 23, 2010 |
Nice Spidey-Shellhead team-up. Disappointing if you expected to see Carnage though. |
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8
|
Haunt #10 |
Oct 23, 2010 |
Worth buying for the art alone, but there is also a lot of set-up for the next 5-6 issues. |
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7
|
Chaos War #2 |
Oct 22, 2010 |
If you didn't like issue #1, but do generally like the godly characters of the Marvel U. or enjoy cosmic-scale action, this might be worth another look (at least the main event series). This wasn't “awesome”, but it was good enough to warrant picking up the third issue. The tie-ins are probably a no-can-do at this point unless you really like a particular creator who works on one of those projects. |
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8.4
|
Kick-Ass 2 #1 |
Oct 20, 2010 |
Millar has done it again, creating the faithful, honest and brutal Kick-Ass sequel that works whether you read the first book, saw the movie, or both. |
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5
|
Soldier Zero #1 |
Oct 20, 2010 |
Not a bad first issue, but there isn't enough story here to really judge if this series will be awesome or not. Cornell is a gifted writer (so it has that going for it), but this Stan Lee-created concept is very close to some clichd territory. It's probably worth seeing how this series is reviewed for the first 4-5 issues before adding it to the pull list. |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #78 |
Oct 20, 2010 |
This is simply another great issue of The Walking Dead. This series couldn't be in a better place to coincide with the launch of the TV series on Halloween. |
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8
|
Superior #1 |
Oct 18, 2010 |
See, Mark Millar isn't all politically incorrect jokes and violence! He has written a very understated and touching first issue about a handicapped boy getting his wish. And how often do comics leave you completely not able to guess the general direction of a story? |
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8.4
|
Irredeemable #18 |
Oct 15, 2010 |
If you are sick of reading superhero comics that chase their own tails, this is the series for you. Constantly fresh and imaginative. |
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8.4
|
The Unwritten #18 |
Oct 15, 2010 |
Another great issue of Unwritten. Where have you heard that before? |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #645 |
Oct 14, 2010 |
First “good” issue of Amazing Spider-Man in a couple months. Thank goodness! The world is just better when the Spider-Man comics are good. |
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4
|
X-Men (2010) #4 |
Oct 14, 2010 |
A misstep in this previously fun X-Men vs. Vampires story. Hopefully next issue will iron out some of these issues and bring the story home in grand fashion, but this issue (while far from terrible) just wasn't doing it. |
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8
|
Invincible Iron Man #31 |
Oct 13, 2010 |
Fraction at his decompressed best. Eagerly anticipating next months finale. |
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8
|
Lady Mechanika #0 |
Oct 11, 2010 |
An intriguing first chapter. Worth a look when the #1 issue comes out. |
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3
|
Nancy in Hell #3 |
Oct 11, 2010 |
A sad example of how a very cool #1 issue can change too much away from what it originally promised. |
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9
|
Orc Stain #5 |
Oct 11, 2010 |
Unless you simply cannot be bothered to read anything that doesn't have men and women covered in skin-tight spandex, you should check out Orc Stain. It is among the best comics put out by any publisher. |
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9
|
Alan Moore's Neonomicon #2 |
Oct 9, 2010 |
Outstanding, even if you will feel like you need a Silkwood shower after reading it. |
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8
|
iZombie (2010) #6 |
Oct 9, 2010 |
More background work and nice art, but it would be nice to advance the story too. Surely that is just around the corner. |
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9
|
American Vampire #7 |
Oct 6, 2010 |
One of the best comics on the stands. This issue really takes things to another level. Must read! |
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8
|
Franken-Castle #21 |
Oct 4, 2010 |
A fitting end to a fantastical journal for a Marvel character who can get a little one-note. Bravo to Remender for going for it and doing something new. Even if you didn't personally love Franken-Castle, creators who aren't afraid to try new things should be rewarded and the fans should remember that even if not all character experiments work out to their liking, without experimentation characters get stale pretty fast. |
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7
|
Gotham City Sirens #16 |
Oct 4, 2010 |
A strong entry for a series that had been having trouble doing better than "average" for several months. Shame about the butch Selina Kyle. |
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8
|
Detective Comics #869 |
Oct 3, 2010 |
A very well told and illustrated Bruce Wayne detective story. |
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8
|
X-Men: Curse of the Mutants (2010): X-Men vs. Vampires #1 |
Sep 30, 2010 |
An enjoyable anthology that misses only by failing to have an exceptional story. But, a worthwhile read if you are enjoying the Curse of the Mutants storyline. |
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9
|
Velocity #2 |
Sep 26, 2010 |
Must see this issue. Rocafort is a member of the must buy club until he screws something up. |
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8
|
Whatever Happened to Baron Von Shock? #3 |
Sep 20, 2010 |
Once you get past all the fun adultness of the issue, there is a nice and well-told story to enjoy. Bravo! |
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8.4
|
Daytripper #10 |
Sep 13, 2010 |
A perfect topper to an excellent series. If you haven't read this in issues, I strongly urge you to find the collected edition when it comes out. You'll treasure it, read it over and over and be able to share it with non-comic fans for years. |
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8
|
Invincible Iron Man #30 |
Sep 11, 2010 |
Back on track. I was worried for a few issues, but Fraction has righted the ship and is once again telling a fun Tony Stark story. |
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8
|
X-Men (2010) #3 |
Sep 10, 2010 |
Despite my ire at yet-another-X-book, this has been a fun story so far. Honestly, I'm enjoying this vampire story more than anything going on in Uncanny or Legacy right now. |
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8.4
|
Irredeemable #17 |
Sep 8, 2010 |
Another month, another inspired story from Irredeemable. |
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7
|
Stumptown #4 |
Sep 5, 2010 |
This series set a very high standard with earlier issues and didn't quite close the deal as strongly as I would have liked. |
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6
|
Detective Comics #868 |
Aug 29, 2010 |
Like movie popcorn: Fun, but not filling. |
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8
|
X-Men: Curse of the Mutants (2010): Storm & Gambit #1 |
Aug 28, 2010 |
Surprisingly good story that adds meat to the Curse of the Vampires story. Great Bachalo art that is messed up by the inkers in a few places. |
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8.4
|
The Bulletproof Coffin #3 |
Aug 21, 2010 |
The magic is still working. If you like weird comics, this is one for you to try. |
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4
|
Web of Spider-Man (2009) #11 |
Aug 21, 2010 |
Buy it for the first story if you're a Spidey completist, but the lack of execution on the Jackpot story makes this very skipable. |
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6
|
Batman: Streets of Gotham #15 |
Aug 19, 2010 |
I knew I'd enjoy Ivan Brandon's work, but was surprised how much I enjoyed this tale of Two-Face with art by Bachs. Still, this isn't must read material, by any stretch. |
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6
|
Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #2 |
Aug 19, 2010 |
This was another fun little issue. It's only a 4-issue miniseries and I encourage you to pick it up. It won't be discussed in the same hushed tones as Watchmen in 20 years and that holds back the overall grade, but it isn't doing anything provocatively dumb either. |
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2
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #640 |
Aug 18, 2010 |
Who is supervising Joe Quesada? This arc should have never gotten off the drawing board. OMIT is a big turd so far and that's a shame considering that ASM had been good/great for ~40 issues beforehand. |
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8.4
|
Daytripper #9 |
Aug 17, 2010 |
“Along for the ride” is a very overdone phrase in reviewing periodical stories, but it is very true in this case. Ba & Moon are spinning a wonderful tale that allows us to not only sit and watch, but also think about how it connects to our own life. |
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7
|
Dungeons & Dragons #0 |
Aug 17, 2010 |
It looks like IDW is doing a nice job with yet another licensed property. Probably worth checking out if you're an old-time D&D fan who doesn't have 6 geeky friends and hours of idle time to actually play. |
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7
|
The Unwritten #16 |
Aug 13, 2010 |
This is still a good series, but I felt a lot of anticlimax after reading this issue. On the other hand, it is still about as intelligently written and drawn as any comic on the market and that makes it hard for the issue to stink too badly. |
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5
|
X-Men (2010) #2 |
Aug 13, 2010 |
Fun if you unplug your higher reasoning and just roll with it. Not essential reading unless you really like the X-Men though. |
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7
|
Invincible Iron Man #29 |
Aug 11, 2010 |
Despite the lack of Iron Man and a few dull story threads, the presence of Pepper and her new armor really spiced this issue up and restores my hope for this title. Things are looking up. |
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8.4
|
The Walking Dead #76 |
Aug 11, 2010 |
Another really good issue of this series that just deservedly won the Eisner for Best Continuing Series. |
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5
|
Iron Man: Legacy #5 |
Aug 5, 2010 |
Okay, but when “okay” is your high water mark after 5 issues, it might be time to go back to the drawing board. |
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8
|
Irredeemable #16 |
Aug 5, 2010 |
Still going strong, Mark Waid has established another compelling status quo in this series and I'm eager to see how it develops. |
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6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #639 |
Aug 4, 2010 |
I don't like the general premise of this story-arc and think it is unnecessary, but I do think I understand where they are going and it opens some interesting possibilities. |
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6
|
28 Days Later #13 |
Aug 2, 2010 |
A fun and enjoyable series, that is starting to strain credulity. |
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8
|
Haunt #8 |
Aug 2, 2010 |
This series has gotten light years better since its debut last fall where the nicest thing most reviewers would say about it was “disappointing” and some used words like “self-indulgent”. It's evolved into a really good read that I encourage you to pick up. |
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2
|
Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #4 |
Jul 31, 2010 |
After a really good first two issues, RoBW has really gone into a tailspin. This issue stinks. Unless you're committed to reading the entire series in issues, you might want to lay off and see if things improve. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Black Cat #2 |
Jul 28, 2010 |
GREAT art and definitely worth picking up if you enjoy Black Cat. |
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6
|
Incorruptible #8 |
Jul 28, 2010 |
Some good story elements here, but the art and convoluted story hamper the overall effect. |
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7
|
Alan Moore's Neonomicon #1 |
Jul 26, 2010 |
If you contain your expectations, this is a very good horror/crime comic. Just cover up the place where it says Alan Moore on the cover and you'll probably have lower expectations and enjoy it more. |
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4
|
Batman: Streets of Gotham #14 |
Jul 25, 2010 |
There is nothing in this book that screams “good” or “bad”. It is thoroughly “blah”. |
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3
|
Web of Spider-Man (2009) #10 |
Jul 25, 2010 |
Half of this issue was good, half was not. Unsure where this title is headed. |
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9
|
The Walking Dead #75 |
Jul 21, 2010 |
Great issue! These plots have been simmering for awhile and Kirkman and Company know how to make it all pay it off. |
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8
|
Lady Robotika #1 |
Jul 19, 2010 |
A whacky-fun change of pace! Way more than I expected it to be. I'm buying the next few issues without question. |
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9
|
Orc Stain #4 |
Jul 19, 2010 |
You need to be reading this. Stokoe is really brilliant in this book. |
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7
|
Invincible Iron Man #28 |
Jul 14, 2010 |
The story is coming around on this arc, but I wish we had more stuff blowing up. |
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6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #636 |
Jul 12, 2010 |
Not terrible, but a bit of a let-down from the last few issues. |
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2
|
Iron Man: Legacy #4 |
Jul 12, 2010 |
Unless you really, really need to see armor battles (and you might since there haven't been any in Invincible Iron Man for years), there isn't much reason to buy this comic. |
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5
|
Irredeemable #15 |
Jul 7, 2010 |
This was just a pretty average issue. It seems like I'm mostly criticizing, but that's only because this series has been so much better than this. The last few months have had a lot of average issues in this series and it needs to step up. |
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4
|
Gotham City Sirens #13 |
Jul 3, 2010 |
Very average story with challenging art. |
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6
|
Turf #2 |
Jul 3, 2010 |
A promising second issue, but this comic has lost momentum with the delayed release. However, it is hard to hate too much on a comic with art this nice because in a year…. that art will remain and no one will care about the screwed up release schedule. |
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8
|
Invincible Iron Man Annual #1 |
Jun 30, 2010 |
A very solid grounding for one of Iron Man's classic villains. I doubt Marvel will need to do another “origin of the Mandarin” for a LONG time. Bonus points that you can fend off muggers with this weighty tome! |
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9
|
Sea Bear & Grizzly Shark #1 |
Jun 29, 2010 |
Track down a copy and when you're done with it, pass it on to a friend. |
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7
|
28 Days Later #12 |
Jun 28, 2010 |
If you like The Walking Dead, this is definitely something to add to your pull list. |
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8.4
|
American Vampire #4 |
Jun 26, 2010 |
This is a really good series. Now that the novelty has worn off, it is clear that it has staying power and some story to tell! |
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5
|
Batman: Streets of Gotham #13 |
Jun 25, 2010 |
An enjoyable, but unspectacular story about a Gotham B-lister. |
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2
|
Iron Man: Legacy #3 |
Jun 25, 2010 |
There just isn't much to recommend this issue. Or this series for that matter. I look in the crystal ball and see this getting canceled after about 6 issues. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #635 |
Jun 23, 2010 |
Amazing Spider-Man has been really strong recently and this issue sets a new high-water mark. |
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6
|
Incorruptible #7 |
Jun 23, 2010 |
This is still a very compelling series and leaves me always wondering, “What will happen next?” |
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4
|
Age of Heroes #2 |
Jun 21, 2010 |
Nice, but hardly required reading. This is mostly a reminder by Marvel that Young Allies #1 and American Son #1 are coming out. |
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5
|
Pale Horse #1 |
Jun 21, 2010 |
A solid start to a Western comic, but nothing too special. |
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2
|
Shuddertown #3 |
Jun 21, 2010 |
Confusing story and “where have I seen that guy before” art. Not good. |
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8
|
Web of Spider-Man (2009) #9 |
Jun 20, 2010 |
“Unfortunately” if you like good Spider-Man stories, you'll want to keep getting Web of Spider-Man because it's pretty good right now. |
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4
|
Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Black Cat #1 |
Jun 19, 2010 |
A serviceable story, but a misfit in terms of tone with what is going on in Amazing Spider-Man proper. This is saved by good art and a great back-up story. |
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9
|
Forgetless #5 |
Jun 19, 2010 |
Unless you're a prude, you'll love this. If you haven't been following it, I'm pretty sure there is a hardcover coming out pronto, and you should definitely check it out. |
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9
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #633 |
Jun 17, 2010 |
Really, really good! A great harmony of storytelling and art. |
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9
|
Daytripper #7 |
Jun 13, 2010 |
It is really hard to find better storytelling than Daytripper and this is one of the best issues to date. |
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8
|
Hack / Slash: My First Maniac #1 |
Jun 13, 2010 |
I've been looking forward to this issue and even if it was a little slow, it didn't disappoint and I'm looking forward to reading this monthly. |
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4
|
Invincible Iron Man #27 |
Jun 9, 2010 |
This series has really squandered a lot of momentum and gone from a stellar, monthly must-read to a mediocre book really fast. |
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8
|
Robert E. Howard's Hawks of Outremer #1 |
Jun 8, 2010 |
Over the top and fun. Verging on silly/pompous, but effectively never quite going there. |
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5
|
Codebreakers #3 |
Jun 6, 2010 |
Not bad, but average. There's nothing here that would make you hand it to a buddy and say “Hey! You have to read this!” |
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6
|
7 Psychopaths #1 |
May 31, 2010 |
An interesting concept that needs to pick up the pace. |
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8
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) Annual #37 |
May 31, 2010 |
Can a really fun story with awesome art make up for a mediocre I-can't-finish-this second story? I say yes, but your mileage may vary. |
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7
|
Incorruptible #6 |
May 31, 2010 |
A good issue. We know who Max Damage is now and it looks like he is going to start busting some heads. |
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4
|
X-Men: Second Coming - Revelations: Blind Science #1 |
May 31, 2010 |
This tie-in doesn't add anything to Second Coming and misses the characterization of one of its main characters. |
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9.6
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #632 |
May 28, 2010 |
One of the best superhero comics I've read in a LONG time. It will be hard for the finale to this Lizard arc to live up to this issue, but we can hope! |
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9
|
American Vampire #3 |
May 22, 2010 |
This is a really strong offering from Vertigo. Pick it up now! |
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7
|
Batman: Streets of Gotham #12 |
May 21, 2010 |
A pretty good issue that has a few flaws on the production side. If you're interested in checking out what is going on in Gotham besides Batman, this is the title for you. Just don't expect a consistent narrative month to month. |
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6
|
Invincible Iron Man #26 |
May 19, 2010 |
I do like most of the characterization of Tony Stark even if I'm not thriller (yet) with the storyline. |
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8.4
|
Daytripper #6 |
May 16, 2010 |
Even though I now have a theory, I'm still not entirely sure where this series is going, but you cannot deny the craft going on here. This is a definite “buy.” |
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7
|
The Unwritten #13 |
May 16, 2010 |
A nice return to the main Unwritten storyline, even if it was a bit busy. |
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8.4
|
Web of Spider-Man (2009) #8 |
May 16, 2010 |
Publishing issues aside, this had a good story to tell. |
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5
|
Iron Man: Legacy #2 |
May 15, 2010 |
This is a decent fun comic, but isn't anything noteworthy yet. |
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8.4
|
Orc Stain #3 |
May 10, 2010 |
GREAT art and some good off-color fun. A guilty pleasure! |
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6
|
Secret Six Vol. 2 #21 |
May 10, 2010 |
It pains me to bash on this book a little bit because this is one of the titles that I absolutely love and Ms. Simone might actually bring it all back together in the next issue, but this story arc has lost the most fun thing for the Secret Six. There are a million places to see a badass guy viciously gutting enemies, but NOT so many places to get this level of character development and dialog in a superhero book. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #630 |
May 5, 2010 |
This was a really good Spidey issue. We get to see Peter happy right about the time that Lizard is going to screw thing up for him. |
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2
|
Garrison #1 |
May 2, 2010 |
Good art can't rescue a boring story. |
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8.4
|
Incorruptible #5 |
May 2, 2010 |
This is definitely a series to pick up. You really have no clue what will happen next as this series doesn't have many lines it won't cross. |
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5
|
Gotham City Sirens #11 |
May 1, 2010 |
A cute start to a story-arc, but nothing too impactful. |
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3
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #629 |
Apr 29, 2010 |
This could have been a lot better. At least we only have to wait a week or so to rinse the bad taste of this one away. |
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6
|
Invincible Iron Man #25 |
Apr 28, 2010 |
A great jumping on point, but not a great issue. |
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9
|
American Vampire #2 |
Apr 25, 2010 |
If you're sick of how the douchebag Twilight fans have hijacked our vampires and made them all pasty-faced, angst-ridden teenagers, this is the comic for you. |
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7
|
Batman: Streets of Gotham #11 |
Apr 22, 2010 |
Foibles aside, this was a fun issue because they let Damien loose. Just wish they would have let Damien do a little more to Zsasz. |
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8.4
|
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #628 |
Apr 21, 2010 |
This title has been like a rock for the last year where I just expect it to be good every issue. I can't wait until next week to see the conclusion! |
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8.4
|
Daytripper #5 |
Apr 18, 2010 |
Another really strong and emotional story. A bit sad and I just hope that this issue has a bigger purpose in the series. |
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9.6
|
The Unwritten #12 |
Apr 15, 2010 |
This is simply the best issue of The Unwritten yet. |
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3
|
Iron Man: Legacy #1 |
Apr 14, 2010 |
Not a very auspicious start for a new series. Especially when you consider that Invincible Iron Man is one of the best superhero comics on the shelf. I know this is intended for movie fans, but it's kind of a dirty trick to give them this and then have them find out they're reading the inferior Iron Man title, huh? I'm going to hang on for the first arc at least and hope it improves. |
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8.4
|
Irredeemable: Special #1 |
Apr 13, 2010 |
My on gripe: In a recent interview with Mark Waid, he described this special as a kind of recap/jumping on point for new readers as well as giving some new info to existing fans. I don't see this as much of a jumping on point. It was really focused on addressing minor questions from the Irredeemable Universe. This isn't really an “annual” issue because it's normal length. Not sure why we have to have a separate issue and have to skip a month on the main title. Nevertheless, this is a fun issue for existing readers; but if you want to jump on, just start with the first trade. |
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8.4
|
Turf #1 |
Apr 12, 2010 |
This is a unique story that hasn't been played out 100 times already. Pick up issue #1 now! |
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5
|
Codebreakers #1 |
Apr 11, 2010 |
This wasn't a bad book, but it was a little unremarkable. I'll tune in next month and see how the story has progressed. |
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4
|
Cloak and Dagger (2010) #1 |
Apr 5, 2010 |
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4
|
Gotham City Sirens #10 |
Apr 5, 2010 |
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