Matt Garza's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Rhymes With Geek, Multiversity Comics Reviews: 24
8.2Avg. Review Rating

Another wonderful installment in an already spectacular series.Overall, Lazarus #15 is another wonderful installment in an already spectacular series and I'm definitely interested in the next issue, as Rucka promises that it will be somewhat different from the rest of the series. I've mentioned before how geeked out I get when creators experiment in the way they tell their stories, so as long as the quality of the story remains the same I am down with whatever this creative team throws at me.

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It's really no secret at all that I love everything about this book. I'm very sad that we only have one issue left, but if any of the past 14 issues are any indication, I have high expectations and confidence that Kot and company will stick the landing, and give us a series worth talking about for years to come. Unlike the other Avengers titles, Secret Avengers managed to take some of the sideline characters and truly make them shine. Who would have ever thought that M.O.D.O.K would be one of my favorite characters to read about this past year? It's a testament to the great work that has gone into producing this book. I hope you all are reading and if you're not there is still time to catch up before the last issue arrives next month. I'm sure we're in for one wonderfully bizarre ending.

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Jeff Lemire obviously excels in the sci-fi genre, and this tale of a lonely robotic boy is certainly no exception.Jeff Lemire obviously excels in the sci-fi genre, and this tale of a lonely robotic boy is certainly no exception. When I first heard about this series I was curious as to why Lemire wouldn't illustrate himself, as he did with Trillium. But as it turns out, his pairing with Dustin Nguyen was a wonderful choice. The two just seem so in sync. I mean as I've said, the pacing is brilliant, splicing Tim-21's memories into his current predicament. It adds a high level of tension that will surely certainly leave readers craving more. I can't wait.

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Like Criminal, or Fatale Brubaker and Phillips have another hit on their hands here. This creative team definitely knows how to create a suspenseful and thrilling mystery. The fact that each character is being slowly carved out, with their own arcs is what also makes this team winners in my book. I'm beyond excited to have this series back after their break and you can count on me keeping up with the story month after month as time goes on. This tale of corrupt movie executives and murdered Hollywood starlets seems to be shifting into gear and I hope it continues in the same fashion as its predecessors. I'll be along for the ride.

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After much waiting American Vampire is back and still as great as ever! Join Pearl, Skinner, and Cal as they infiltrate the last stronghold of the Vassals of the Morning Star in order to stop the greatest evil the world has ever faced. With breathtaking art and long overdue character payoffs, this series soars to its former glory.

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East Of West has been nothing short of a wild ride for the last 18 issues. Hickman and Dragotta have built an enormous world now it feels like they've chosen to take their time in playing in it. As is the case with most of Hickman's work, much is being asked of the reader. There are many plot threads to follow, character motivations and their development are not always clear at first, but usually the payoffs are worth it. I'm really excited to see where Hickman is taking us. I've been impressed thus far, especially since Year Two of the Apocalypse began and I hope the streak continues.

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Aside from my usual gripe that if you haven't been reading this book it will make absolutely no sense, I have no other qualms with this issue. Things are really starting to amp up, in action and in story. Don't forget we now know the real identity of Rabum Alal, and he most certainly has a plan up his sleeve, so maybe there's hope? Probably not as the Beyonders specifically say that extinction is the only way to conclude their experiment. I only hope that we get a better understanding of the Beyonders' motivations, why they wanted this, or if they do it because they simply are "beyond us." No matter how this series concludes I've been along for the ride thus far and I plan to see where Hickman leads us going into Secret Wars.

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Secret Avengers #12 is truly a wonderful comic. Not only is it fun, but Ales Kot and Michael Walsh continue raise the stakes for our heroes and villains (?). This series is building towards something great and I cannot wait to see where the story leads us.

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Overall, I'd say Marvel is doing well with their newly acquired franchise. I think this book surpasses Aaron's Star Wars only because I find Darth Vader to be a far more interesting character, at least in this part of the continuity, than Luke and company. Plus we don't have to deal with any idiotic comments from C-3PO, which is always a plus for me. I'm interested in Vader's quest as well as his reaction when he eventually finds that Luke is his son. Will Gillen show the Sith Lord conflicted, is it only after their first confrontation that Vader begins to let go of the dark side of the Force. I have burning questions and I sincerely hope that Gillen can provide some stellar answers and shed new light on a character almost forty years old. As Vader says in this issue, "have faith" folks, I'm sure we'll be rewarded.

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Neil Gaiman and J. H. Williams III once again bring us back into the magical world of Dream of the Endless. This comic is beautifully crafted with a solid story arc and breathtaking art. It really deserves multiple readings. Truly a great comic.

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Once again Jonathan Hickman brings us into his sometimes disturbing world of mad science with the help of Nick Pitarra and Jordie Bellaire. While I wouldn't say this issue properly introduces new readers to the series, it certainly gives fans something to chew on. Already Hickman is planting seeds for a larger plot thread and I am glad to be along for the ride to see what this creative team has in store for Yuri. As we see in the issue, his journey to finding his faithful companion Laika is certain to get a whole lot more complicated and should have plenty of laughs and jaw dropping moments in store for us.

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"Venom" #6 ends with a bang. With wonderful art and an engaging story with great character beats, this series continues to impress and has quickly become one of Marvel's best.

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Overall, I thought this book was highly enjoyable and it's caught my curiosity. I'm curious as to what plans Mr. King has in store for our heroes. Will they succeed in robbing the biggest convention of them all, or is Mr. King pulling an even deeper con on our B-Listers. Only time will tell, but I'll definitely be picking up the second issue of this one, I can guarantee you that.

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With only five more issues to go and a slew of dangling plot threads, Hickman and Dragotta have a lot to do to draw this story to a satisfying conclusion. Though the art is on point thanks to Dragotta's line work and Martin's mood-setting colors, this issue felt a little stagnant, almost like the set up for the maelstrom to come. Having said that, I have no doubt that the creative team will ultimately stick their landing.

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I've called Lazarus somewhat Shakespearean, which i still believe it to be, but if someone who had never read this before asked me to describe the plot, I'd say it's a futuristic likeness to Game of Thrones, only instead of dragons, and magic, we're grounded in a plausible world, with enhancements in science and the utter dissipation of the middle class. Again, I'll say that you'll definitely get your money's worth with this title.

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Brian Wood and Greg Smallwood continue their saga of Moon Knight. With Khonsu's powers bestowed upon another, how can our hero hope to stand any chance of escaping. Filled with action and suspense, this issue will surely keep readers at the edge of their seats begging for more.

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Marguerite Bennett and Co. have definitely piqued my interest and "MMPR" will continue to be on my monthly pull-list, however, this issue suffered from some from heavy exposition and a jarring start to a new storyline, not meant for a new readership. I do look forward to where our heroes go next and what they discover within "The Void" as their time for survival dwindles.

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I'm sure Weisman will answer these questions and more, as we head into the next issue.While I really like the book, I do have some concerns with the series moving forward. Much like with the other Star Wars comics we all know what's coming. Yes, Kanan eventually becomes the man we see in the TV series, but as I've said in my Darth Vader review, it's more about the journey than the end result. My other concern is just how long this series can actually run. Will we see Kanan meet the rest of the Ghost's crew? What happens to Billaba, does she die on Kaller or do the pair escape and continue Kanan's training in secret? I'm sure Weisman will answer these questions and more, as we head into the next issue and their "loyal Clone Troopers" turn on them after Executive Order 66. I will say that the Force has given this book much potential and I'm looking forward to reading more.

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Ant-Man #1 is fun and full of strong character moments. Because this is a first issue, the book still has to establish its tone and place within the Marvel Universe at large. Scott Lang is a normal "working man" just trying to make a good life for his daughter. Nick Spencer and Ramon Rosanas deliver a great first outing and I'm excited to see where the story goes.

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As time continues to wind down, The Avengers have some internal issues to sort out before they can get to save the world from a cataclysmic multiversal event that will eventually culminate in Secret Wars.

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As far as first issues go, this isn't one of Tim Seeley's strongest outings, but again, that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading it. While it's no Revival or even Grayson, it definitely has my curiosity.

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We've gotten a glimpse of what the Beyonders are, how they operate, but we don't know much else. They seem to be the cause of the world incursions, and from the final panel, things don't look to be weighing favorably for our heroes. At this point so late in the game I don't know how to really feel about this series. I still love it, but I'm left with more questions and with only two months to go before "Time runs out" and we get the inevitable incursion between the Ultimate Universe and 616 Universe, my excitement for this series, as well as Avengers is still there. I just hope it delivers.

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Let's face it, if Bill and Ted does not tickle your funny bone, this book probably isn't for you. Like I said I mostly enjoyed it for nostalgic reasons and really didn't feel like I had to invest much into the story. It's a very similar feeling I get when watching the movies. So in a way it's somewhat successful. There are some truly funny moments when the creative teams manages to pull off the landing, but this book almost feels unnecessary. I do love that Wyld Stallyns have a cover band called wild stallions though, and for that I'm on board for at least another issue.

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While this issue successfully brings Damian Wayne back into the fold, has great character moments and plenty of action, this ultimately comes with too high of a price tag and is somewhat of an anticlimactic ending to an otherwise fantastic story arc.

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