James Portis's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: On Comics Ground Reviews: 53
8.7Avg. Review Rating

Bendis, I'm being generous and keeping this in the 9's because you seem to be on your A.) game again and it makes me happy to see my brothers and sister again. But if things don't start getting explained I will not hesitate! All in all, Young Justice #1 is a nostalgic yet new beginning despite the questions and lack of continuity making zero sense. A good jumping on point for those looking for a great time. Definitely a good read.

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American Carnage quiet frankly is our real world. It is America in it's truest form. Like previously stated many won't be okay with that truth. But Hill and Fernadez give it to you. I implore everyone who wants a well told and well-drawn story of that truth to pick up this book at your local comic book shop. Because it's more than a good read. It's a needed read for all

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Like previously stated, Bitter Root #1 is a book African Americans need right now. It's also a book everyone needs right now. In a world full of hatred and judgement and corruption this book shows you what happens when it becomes too much, but also shows you that hard-working folks will stand up to that evil. I highly recommend this issue to anyone wanting a good read, but...not everyone will see it my way, and that's fine.

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Fantastic Four #2 is downright Fantastic. That's a dumb compliment by I don't care! This book is everything fans of the first family have missed with Slott & Pichelli showing that they were born to write these character. Hopefully the momentum continues as we get to the throw down and full reunion in the next issue. Highly recommend a pick up.

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Fantastic 4 #1 is everything we wanted it to be and more. It gives you that taste of Nostalgia, while also giving you hope for the future. If you missed your family like many of us have, you will love this title. I highly recommend it and approve it as a Fantastic read and I most definitely meant that pun.

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Tap Dance Killer #1 and #2 are most definitely a solid read. A little speedy so put your seatbelt on. This star is certainly not seeing a curtain call anytime soon. I look forward to seeing what happens next for Miss St Claire as I will be reviewing any future issues and I highly recommend you request this series to be ordered at your local comic shop!

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Justice League #2 is a solid continuation from a powerful first issue. It picks the ball up and builds upon what was already set while not blowing the doors off too early. The interactions with the different members of the league feel great, and with them being the centerpiece of this "New Justice" initiative, they are slowly feeling like the epicenter of the DC universe again and I love it. Combine that with the return of the Legion of Doom, I'm excited for more. This is definitely a good read and it's surely worth the pickup.

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Justice League #1 is an amazing return to form on what Briant Hitch bombed for a beginning of DC Rebirth and what Christopher Priest struggled to deal with after the bomb fell. Now after a weekly event Like No Justice clearing the board for a new beginning for the League, Scott Snyder begins with a familiar lineup and launches the correct type of explosive. That makes people want so much more. Thank God, it's a biweekly book. Highly recommend it but go read No Justice first to avoid confusion.

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Midnight Task Force #1 is a solid start to what looks to be a tightrope of a series.Trying to balance telling a compelling narrative, without coming off too cliche. Besides that though, it is a book filled with an interesting story of a man with a destroyed past trying to survive in his own head and this dangerous future he lives in. It also appeals to those who love cyber punk as well as criminal justice stories. If you're looking for an indie book to add to you're pull list, this is most worth the choosing.

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Here we are, Brother Eye taking over Gotham city and the Bat-family fighting in hopes to end the darkness that has taken over. Brother Tim and his OMAC's are ready to change and create a new future. I've always been afraid when Brother Eye shows up wanting to change or ready to kill everyone. This time coming as a "savior", Brother Eye mocks Batman for his shortcomings and is ready to help Tim Drake get rid of Batwoman for her crimes she has committed in the future. As this issue ends Not everyone in the Bat-family is our for the count and Brother Eye/Tim better be ready to fight back.

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Deathstroke #30 is a very tight and explosive start to what look's to be an impressive arc. Priest and Pagulayan bring their A game as they look to bring a battle between the world's greatest assassin and the world's greatest detective into a new age. Highly Recommend the pickup as it begins this new arc.

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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #25 is a book made with love. A combination of many elements that radiate a fan's gift to his piers. With more issues to come, This event will be bringing in every season, every team in a tribute that shows more respect to the franchise than the sad thing that way the Legendary War in Power Rangers Super MegaForce.

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The Terrifics #1 is the start of a series people have craved for so long. A band of unlikely heroes working together to save the universe.

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Falcon #4 is certainly worth the read. It amazingly tells this first arc well and doesn't beat you over the head with the "Hey I used to be Captain America" plotline. It actually uses it as a thing that could cause the death of Sam if he doesn't get past it. Combine that with the battle of worthiness both he and Rayshaun go through AND amazing artwork, this series is still worthy of being in your pull list. If you haven't read the first 3 issues, definitely check them out and be sure to check out this one as well as Falcon #5 coming soon!

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Falcon #3 continues to be an enjoyable read. What feels like a short edition to the series makes up for it in well written story telling and artwork that fits perfectly to what's being expressed. If you've read this series up to this point, definitely check it out. If you haven't yet, I highly recommend picking up the 2 previous issues with it.

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There are a lot of things that can go wrong but that is what makes a comic book so gripping and keeps you hooked for the next issue. The cover art by Woodard is awesome and it shows how dire their situation is. Cabal always delivers good art in all the different settings the comic takes place in.

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Last year, Infamous Iron man began what felt like the start of the return of the fantastic 4 within the Bendis controlled titles at Marvel. With his departure, it seemed as if the first family was destined to stay gone. But with Marvel Two In One continuing Bendis's hard work, Chip Zdarsky shows he's willing to do what it takes to give Marvel it's heart back. Definitely worth picking up.

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Aquaman #30 issue a great issue from a story perspective. We see a great deal of progression and we see what could be the start of an epic climax in the future and even a more developed Atlantis overall for future stories. The art sees a noticeable dive"no pun intended"in quality. Stjepan is achievable of greatness so hopefully he steps up his game moving forward. A solid issue for an outstanding series thus far. If you've been following it, definitely keep going. If not, wait for the trade or be ready to backtrack 5 issues.

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Falcon #2 is a great followup from issue #1 that doesn't lose any steam. Sam is trying so hard to save this city but at every turn forces from the unknown are against him, Even thought what the threat truly is unbeknownst to him, hes still does what needs to be done even when hes knocked down…yes he needed a pep talk from Voodoo to go back out into the fray but who cares. If you picked up issue #1 and were hoping for a great continuation, rest soundly and pick up #2 and fly along on this journey.

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Other than my fanboy sadness him starting back at virtually ground zero, Black Lightning: Cold Dead hands #1 is an amazing start to a mini series that looks to bring this hero back into the collective consciousness of the comic book community and it does it amazingly and just in time for his television debut. Be sure to pick up issue 2

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Black Panther #166 isn't a bad book by any means. But theres barely any sign of our title character with the book focusing heavily on Klaw, and much like allot of the Marvel Legacy material, if you have no idea what occurred before, you will be more confused than a donkey on roller skates. If youre coming from reading the first 18 issues, then this book is very solid. If youre trying to jump on, it will not be that enjoyable.

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This series doesnt slow down. It may appear at if this issue may take a break from the Aquaman part of the story, but it does advance the narrative greatly and revealing things that will be followed up on in future issues. If you were picking up this amazing series thus far, continue to do so. If youre a newcomer, definatelty backtrack to Aquaman #25 or wait for the trade.

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Rugrats #1 is a good start to what hopefully is a good soft reboot in a new era of Tommy Pickles and his friends. My hope is that as we move forward we have continuous done in ones that allow anyone to pick up a single issue and enjoy the stories inside. The next issue is sure to be good!

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In todays current media, Marvel Comics is highly criticized for its lack of proper introductions or just overall writings of diverse characters. Sam Wilson has never been one of them. His entry as Captain America was a welcome change and some even felt that he shouldn't of been removed from the mantle. However with this new start, Sam has a chance to finally be a pillar for the Marvel landscape. If the current plotline continues with the same momentum, The hopes are definitely flying high for Falcon.

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Amazing second issue to a new arc and an almost truer Aquaman than anything we've had in recent years. That's not to say Rebirth so far and the first half of New 52 weren't amazing, but this issue gives me everything a book about a hero from Atlantis should do. I definitely recommend it as well as the previous issue. Also I recommend Justice League #24 for a look into Mera's story during the whole "throwing the ocean at them" thing because other than existing shes just attacking the whole book.

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Aquaman #25 is like I said, an amazing fresh start. Some might say it was done to make Arthur look like Jason Mamoa, but in the same way Lazarus Contract was Dan Abnett's way of retelling Judas Contract, this feels like his attempt at the exile Arthur went throught in the early 2000's. This first issue was simply perfect in every way, ushering in a new age of not just Atlantis, but for Aquaman himself.

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X-men Gold #3 isn't bad by any means. I feel like Marc Guggenheim needed time to get into a stride of storytelling here. Which is fine but it did make the first few issues suffer greatly. Ive seen other titles flow into their first arcs at an amazing pace. This just is the definition of meh from the perspective of a long time X-men fan whos seen crazy starts like Wolverine and the X-men. Now that weve started to get somewhere, Ill stay on for the next arc and see what happens. Oh who am I kidding its X-men I have no choice but to read it.

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The Suicide Squad is supposed to get rid of basically anyone that isnt Deadshot, Harley, or Boomerang. Here, we have the entire movie cast minus El Diablo for some reason and theyre doing the job, but the missing factor of expendable forces still remains. Regardless I feel comfortable recommending this book. Very well done.

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Now with Lazarus Contract, we have a golden opportunity to break new ground on a story that yes was told in a different universe, but now can be told without creepy statutory rape, and without the needed involvement of plot threads like Brother Blood or Terra in general because her existence has no bearing on this story from what can be seen. So we can have a new continuity with a new retelling of one of the most impactful stories in DC Comics history, and so far it has been being executed excellently.

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Spider-man #16 is an essential read for any new reader to Miles Morales, especially if youre adding this to your pull list until its eventual cancellation due to the approaching Marvel Legacy. The story is well done, the one major action scene is something I haven't seen in a comic in awhile, and I'm very excited for the future of Spider-man. So much better than Amazing. Dont read Amazing. Peter Parker isnt cool anymore.

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Look. At the end of the day, This is a good book. No matter how you view the Captain Hydra situation, this is a very well built up, very well executed event that honestly has me confused and excited for more. For instance, finding out why Odinson, Scarlet Witch and Vision are aligned with Hydra will be a great discovery unveil. If you're a Marvel fan and have wondered if Secret Empire is worth your time then rejoice. It's compelling, confusing, and enjoyable for the comic reader with enough context to understand and enjoy it. Until issue 2 and the impending tie ins, I can honestly say, Hail Hydra. A new day has come.

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This issue is a great jumping off point for old Black Panther fans but not the best for new ones. The old comic reader idea that you can just hop on a book at the beginning of a new arc really doesn't apply here. The story so far has been so intense that if you jump on now, youll be lost. I recommend picking up the trade paperbacks volumes 1-3 if you wish to catch up. The art is good and compliments the story well enough that it doesn't hurt it, but Brian Stelfreezes style is absent here and it worries me that hes left the title. Other than that, if you have been following this series, keep going, if not, back track in the trades it's definitely worth it.

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This isnt much of a new beginning but more of an epilogue to the Sittin in a tree crossover that just occurred, but it's so well done that I really wanted to begin my review series with this issue because of how well it does its job of storytelling. Its not essential to read this issue before #16, but I highly recommend it.

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This is indeed a return to form. Amazing writing combined with phenominal art (other than one weirdly drawn Boomerang head) makes for a comic that Im glad I paid full price for. Thanks for shooting the breeze with me.

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Rehash Gold #2 is the definition of Meh. you feel like you got X-menish things out of it, but nothing felt intrguing nothing inivative. Its the kind of thing that makes people leave mainstreem comics. They see nothing but the same thing, but to this degree of rehash is almost shameless. If youre an X-men fan youll enjoy it, but its not the kind of thing a casual person would enjoy.

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There's not much more to be said about X-O manowar #2. Part of me feels off giving books 10/10s but like I have said, it's so well done and such a departure from the norm of not just previous stories but comic books in general, that you cant help but love it immensely. I highly reccommend this comic along with issue #1. Issue 2 comes out this week on Wednesday, April 26th.

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Again, this conclusion is very well done, there are twists and turns and Amanda Waller is back on the throne where she belongs. It was a nice arc. I honestly dont think in the history of comics, Waller has died on the job and if she has, I have no memory of it. Where this books falls is John Romita Jr. I feel as if that if they had let Eddy Barrows do the art for the entire issue especially when Romita Jr makes an armatrary change like give Waller sunglasses at the begining that she didnt have at the end of the last issue in Barrowss panels, it Im very excited for the future of this series and I cant wait to see what happens next.

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Titans #10 is a good wrap up, but not as good as I thought it would be. Somewhat anticlimactic but not necessarily bad. It was enjoyable and an average end to a 3-part story. With a 3-book crossover coming up, maybe this was meant to be contextual filler I dont know but Ill accept it. COMMENCE THE EVENT!

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Like I said this is a one shot. Meaning until Valiant says otherwise, there wont be anymore. So, for a one issue book, its very good. It rewrites a little history for the sake of the valiant universe and I can honestly say if youve been hesitant to get into Valiant, this might convince you to consider titles like Archer and Armstrong, Ivar Timewalker, and Eternal Warrior. So definitely check this out.

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Again, its hard not to go into this book with high expectations because of all the torment the X-men have gone through because of movie rights that shouldnt affect comic books. The stories not bad but its average. The only really intriguing parts are the growth that characters have gone through like Storm, Kitty, and Rachel especially. Though the random hate for mutants again thats justified by oh they have different genes so lets hate them is so odd. Especially nowadays with a million and one metahumans, and Inhumans running around daily. It just seems weird. Hopefully this series goes from average to amazing because right now, its what Marvel needs to honestly secure my money.

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Im not going to even beat the dead horse of the art. If you want to know how I feel, see my Suicide Squad #11 review. the story however is very well done, Flagg and Katanas capture and the persuasion of Rustam, Harleys sadness of the betrayal of Deadshot, the surprise ended that has me stuttering in confusion. Very good read, I cant wait for the next issue and I cant wait to be rid of John Romita Jr off my book.

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This series is still very good and very solid, and just great synergy between the team like the amazing camaraderie with Wally and Dick and theres even a bit were The Titans use Arsenals wisdom of addiction, almost as if being a villain is an addiction, and they use it to decide their next move in regards to the Fives intentions. I will always recommend this series for anyone who enjoys a consistent comic and loved old DC Comics history.

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This was a nice little arc. It ended not as I wanted, but it ended in a way that could build on events moving forward which I enjoy. I love stories that take pieces from the past. So, I will recommend this issue as well as the 3. This arc is very well written just a little anti climatic in my opinion.

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Overall, I give X-O Manowar issue 1 a perfect score. Rarely will you everEVER give a book a perfect score, but its so well written, so beautifully drawn, and it makes you crave more the minute you read that last panel. I cant wait to see where this story goes from here and I am so thankful for the return of my favorite hero from Valiant Entertainment.

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The artIt sucks. I know that a good amount of people enjoy Romita Jrs artwork but honestly, the only semi good quality about it is the fact that he isnt the one coloring so it doesnt look as bland as it usually does. The way he draws the characters is horrendous, the laziness in the detail is bothersome, and it makes me miss Jim Lee on this title more than words can describeApparently Romita Jr is going to be the artist for the next 4 issues so I shall try to not let his art affect my rating next.

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Hopefully this story picks up and ends up having a good ending. The wall is gone and the team is falling apart especially with the reveal of a spy within the ranksI gotta stop spoiling stuff.

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I can honestly say that Im enjoying this new direction and Im enjoying this new villain hopefully he can be a good threat moving forward. Till we find out more I feel very good about this issue. No real major flaws. A nice flash forward to see what kind of threat Aquaman is going to face but also showing the progression of peace that is continuing. And Aquafans. Gotta love em.

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All things considered, It was pretty good nothing over the top but solid with allot of development. No new plots are introduced, nothing goes out of its way to confuse readers and thats good. Very solid filler. Thanks for reading and Ill catch you guys next time

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At the end of the day, the arts great and the story progresses so well that other than the forgetting certain characters in the general whole of the book, its still a very good book and I cant wait till one of my favorite villain teams comes back into the spotlight in issue 9. Oh snap did I say that?

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So, I feel proud to give this book for being a solid read. It wasnt over the top, but it was a great start to a new chapter for Aquaman with some amazing artwork. Hopefully this next arc isnt longer than the last.

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Suicide Squad #10 is a short but good epilogue to the crossover event this title just came off of but, also gives some backstory about Amanda Waller. The art isa little odd. Not bad but there were random things. Like excess crying from Coretta, Deadshots hair being the longest Ive ever seen it that if Waller wouldnt have called him Deadshot I would have thought it was a different villain all together. So, the art was average to me. One big thing that Im concerned with is that yes enchantress was not in this issue, but besides Harley, Deadshot, and Captain Boomerang, the rest of the squad should be expendable warriors. Were getting to a point that Task Force X is having a staple cast when it shouldnt. So hopefully this changes as the comic Continues. I feel comfortable giving this book was a very good read and it expanded the story with some okay artwork. Catch you folks next time.

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U.S. Avengers is a lot of exposition with a little bit of humor. It goes in depth about the villain and where he and this futuristic Captain America come from and builds well making him a pretty good new low class enemy with a somewhat larger scheme. The art by Paco Medina is very stylized. Much like Brett Booth, penciler for DC's Titans, I love when artists dont try to hard and give me comics that have a stylized touch that lets you know theyre drawn characters but arent trying too hard to simulate real life or so animated that it feels too much like a television show. Wish all this in mind I deem US Avengers #2 a very good read. Catch you guys next time and God bless the USA.

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When picking up this book, I thought it was just going to be that "'Murica eff yea" book that everyone was asking for. But on the contrary not only does this give us a fresh batch of Avengers, it also gives us people who feel they have a right to be American. No matter what their differences are. Well except for Maverick, he's as white and privileged as it gets. But that's the point. This country is such a melting pot that this book is kind of what we need. It just didn't do a good job publicizing that.

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