Ernesto Valenzuela Comic Reviews

Overall,All-NewGuardians of the Galaxy #6provides thrills, kills, and something that doesn't rhyme with those other two words; a real character driven story with a lot of emotional stakes. The book doesn't look bad either; gorgeous art and coloring just makes this even better than it already is. I have no problem withAll-New Guardians of the Galaxy,and I look forward to reading it for a long while.

While it did feel a bit short in it's length and didn't move the main story forward all that much, it was still great to see the bond between these misfits grow, and I personally cannot wait to see what happens next to these characters.

The Art by Jim Cheung and inks and colors by Mark Morales, G. Ortega, W. Wong, R. Isanove, and R. Beredo are also visually pleasing, with tons of different colorful panels adding more to the story and making this issue an exciting and interesting read. Overall,Astonishing X-Men #1puts the series off to a great start, and leaves me ready and more than willing to pick up issue 2. The story itself seems promising of adventure and psychological thrills like no other X-Men book, and to top it off with excellent art? Count us in.

In the end, despite having a fantastic writing team behind it as well as talented artists, Dark Days: The Forge suffers from being a bit of an overcrowded issue and throwing too many things at once at the reader. The story to be told in the upcoming METAL is still promising enough though, thanks to the story that they manage to tell in this issue as well as its shocking closing pages.

By the end of the issue, you end up with more questions than answers, but in the best possible way; Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have a truly epic story on their hands, one that could change the DC Universe as we know it. After a gripping and amazing first issue, we're looking forward to moreDark Nights: Metalto see Scott Snyder's grand plan unfold.

Overall, thanks to some stunning art from Greg Capullo and some fantastic world building and setting up of the story by Scott Snyder (not to mention the rest of the brilliant team behind the event) Dark Nights Metal #3 is the strongest issue of the series yet, and with us being only 3 issues in, you could tell that we are in for a wild ride. It will certainly be interesting to see how the rest of the event turns out, especially with the shocking ending of issue 3, which I strongly recommend reading this issue if you want to find out. -

The art by Greg Capullo is as excellent as ever, with the artwork in this issue highlighting the title of METAL more than ever.

Despite moving at a slower pace than previous issues as well as not moving the story forward all that much, DOOMSDAY CLOCK #4 is still an excellent issue that manages to tell an extremely interesting story.

Overall, Doomsday Clock picks up the series in stakes and story, making it the best entry in the story yet. While some characters like the comedian are sidelined and not utilized well, the issue ends on a cliffhanger that will leave fans excited for the next chapter, but the two month wait will definitely be felt after this issue more than others.

Overall, this issue had great pacing to it and while it didn't handle it's balancing of characters as well as it usually does, it doesn't take away from the fact that right now Guardians of the Galaxy is one of Marvel's best books right now. Add to that a shocking surprise reveal at the end of the issue, Guardians of the Galaxy #147 leaves Readers in high anticipation for next Month's issue.

Duggan's inspired writing bleeds through this whole issue and is the cherry on top, moving the story forward and providing some truly great character dynamics throughout.

Although I was disappointed that the Guardians of the Galaxy was coming to an end, Infinity Countdown #1: Adam Warlock managed to fill my appetite for Marvel's cosmic side, as Duggan brings all the charm, wit, and gravitas to the story that he has brought to Guardians and all other books he has written. Add to that the sense of wonder and nostalgia that Michael Allred's art brings to the book with splash pages that will take your breath away, this is absolutely a book that you can't miss.

As the pieces continue to fall into place, Infinity Countdown Prime #1 is another exciting installment in this new Marvel Comic event, and It has been obvious since All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1 that Gerry Duggan aims to tell a cohesive and engaging story with compelling and interesting characters, with some great comedic moments and action-packed set pieces as well.

The issue comes to close on a great cliffhanger, and overall Justice League: No Justice #1 is a fantastic start to the event, and although it may be filled with traditional clunky Snyder dialogue, it is still brought together and saved by his fantastic and creative story, new and interesting team ups of heroes and villains alike, as well as some beautiful art to top it all off.

Although the pacing of the issue is a bit all over the place, Jason Aaron manages to make the most of the whopping 58 pages he is given, providing a huge sense of scale in his storytelling, which is compliment well by Esad Ribi's art. Marvel Legacy #1 is a fantastic starting out point for the future of the Marvel Universe, and after faltering the past few years, it seems that Marvel is back in full force and ready to tell some great stories.

Overall, the only complaint one would have with Packs of the Low Country is the cheesy dialogue the characters have with one another at certain times, although it does fit with the overall aesthetic of the comic. This independent comic shows a rare example of original and creative storytelling that manages to keep you at the edge of your seat throughout, keeping the reader guessing until the very last page. I myself want to see more of Bastions story, and whats next in this new and interesting world that Johnathan Dudley and Crew have created.

Overall, the only complaint one would have with Packs of the Low Country is the cheesy dialogue the characters have with one another at certain times, although it does fit with the overall aesthetic of the comic. This independent comic shows a rare example of original and creative storytelling that manages to keep you at the edge of your seat throughout, keeping the reader guessing until the very last page. I myself want to see more of Bastions story, and whats next in this new and interesting world that Johnathan Dudley and Crew have created.

After almost a whole year of buildup and slow paced Captain America issues, seeing Captain Americas plan come together as he successfully takes out all the major heroes who could oppose him in a matter of seconds is strangely gratifying. One thing is for sure, SECRET EMPIRE #0 is not your typical prologue or zero issue, and is a fantastic start to the event with great pencils and coloring done with the artwork and phenomenal writing from Nick Spencer, with themes surrounding humanity and decisions they tend to make when they are in fear or doubtful of themselves, and one mans betrayal and use of that fear. These are absolutely fantastic elements that I cant wait to see continue to unfold in future issues of Secret Empire.

Secret Empire #2 manages to impressivley build off the previous issues before it in new and interesting ways, with more characters being added to the mix that will sure to provide some interesting scenarios.

SECRET EMPIRE #4 manages to hit all the right beats in terms of story and art, with pencils by Leinil Francis Yu providing some raw and intense artwork this issue. A lot of lower tier characters also manage to get their time to shine, as well as some sweet callbacks to previous events. Overall, Secret Empire #4 is fantastic issue, and Secret Empire as a whole has been a fantastic event that has me excited for the next issue that comes out.

Nick Spencer manages to continue to find the perfect balance between Drama and Action in thisSecret Empireevent, and with only four issues left, it is bittersweet to watch it end, as it is sad too see that the event is coming to a close but also exciting to watch an event of such an epic scale to unfold.Secret Empire #6is another home-run for Marvel and Spencer, and yet another astounding issue inSecret Empireas a whole.

With the Emotional stakes at an all time high for the series, Secret Empire is set for what seems to be the most intense and action packed conclusion to an event yet.

Overall, Secret Empire #8 is a fantastic issue thanks to the change in tone in both story and art, as well as being able to set the stage for an epic last two issues of Secret Empire.

Despite what some have said about the supposed "negative" message it was delivering, Secret Empire #10 demonstrates the triumph of good vs evil, of strong and righteous moral values overcoming corrupted and evil intentions, and not being afraid to stand up for what you believe in, and to fight for what's right. It's this inspiring message that makes Secret Empire a triumph of Marvel Comics, and a representation of what the stories they tell are made for.

With some great art by James Harren and great narration written by Jason Aaron, The Mighty Thor #701 is a great start to a new arc featuring one of the best fights in this current run of Thor with the return of a class and intimidating villain, and leaves me excited for what comes next.

X-Men Gold #3, while sporting some beautiful (but not very intricate art) and an uninspired simmered down story, still has some strengths with the development of Kitty Pryde as a Leader and the statement made about the status quo of the mutants at the end of the issue provides impactful and relevant themes to todays society, and shows that there is still hope for X-Men Gold yet. Next issues 'Gambit' story arc should hopefully put this team in a better position than this issue did.