Ryan Utterback Comic Reviews

Admittedly, this is the first book I've read that features the art of Nik Virella (that I know of), but I am impressed by both his character designs and his backgrounds, both of which evoke the familiar aesthetic that typify Spaghetti Westerns. Colorist Lee Loughridge is also to be commended for his contribution to this signature style as well.

The writing and art are both solid, and the story transitions well from the conflict with Cyclops to the new (and very surprising) challenge that faces the X-Men. If you are a fan of X-Men and you aren't reading this title, well, then I just don't know what the heck you're doing. Do yourself a favor and pick it up!

It will be interesting to see how Amazing X-Men will fit into the larger scheme of X-books, especially with regard to Jason Aaron's other title, Wolverine and the X-Men. My optimistic prediction is that Amazing will serve as a book to chronicle the various adventures of the Jean Grey School faculty while WATM focuses on the happenings at the actual school with an increased emphasis on the students. While many may ask the question "Do we really need another X-Men book" and be justified in doing so, Amazing X-Men #1 is a solid debut for a new title. This book will certainly be a hit with the many fans of Nightcrawler, one of the most popular X-Men characters. Ed McGuiness's art is strong throughout and the book has a lot of the witty dialogue and situational humor Jason Aaron has become famous for. Overall, I give this book a 7 out of 10 and will continue to read to see just exactly how Nightcrawler will prove the age-old truth that nobody ever stays dead in comics.

Overall, this book is solid but not spectacular. It is typical of the best characteristic of Amazing X-Men, a lighthearted, action-heavy, X-Men story mostly free from the strictures of convoluted continuity, and isa definite read if you have been following the series, as it is one of the most eventful issues of this series since the opening "Quest for Nightcrawler" story arc. It is not, however, a great jumping on point for new readers.

Overall, this issue is a smooth, enjoyable read, and will definitely keep those already hooked on Black Science coming back for more.

All in all, this is a solid start to the premiere X-Men title in the new Marvel universe and is something that any fan of the X-Men will want to pick up. The $4.99 price tag is a little steep, and this book probably should have been priced at the regular $3.99, but this book's importance to the next chapter of the mutants' story makes it almost required reading for fans of the franchise.

This is a solid debut to an intriguing story, one that I'm excited to see play out over the next few issues. Tony Stark is everything you would expect him to be, and David Marquez's art does a great job of capturing the feel of the metropolitan nightlife, a backdrop against which Tony Stark feels right at home. The art is realistic and high quality. Each character's features are distinct and well-drawn, and Marquez gives ample attention to both sprawling cityscapes and intricate components of the Iron Man armor. Overall, this is a great start to what might be the most promising Iron Man story since Warren Ellis's Extremis arc, but only time will tell if the subsequent issues live up to the quality of the debut.

The only downfall this book suffers is that it is only worth reading if you have been reading the rest of "The Black Vortex" event, a problem that plagues almost every tie-in and crossover. While Nova readers who have not been picking up the rest of the issues may find themselves a bit lost in the story, the signature artistic style and humor that have made this book enjoyable should make them feel right at home.

Simply put, this book was amazing. Bendis is at his best here. The world he builds is desolate but fascinating. The characters are dynamic and intriguing, and the plot moves at just the right pace to keep the reader engaged. Andrea Sorrentino's art is gorgeous as well, and she does an impeccable job of capturing the essence of the characters and the universe they inhabit. This is the strongest Secret Wars tie-in issue I've read yet, and it's definitely worth the $4.99 price tag.

Overall, this book is fantastic. The story is great, the art is superb, and I literally cannot think of any reason why a fan of Marvel Comics and its various characters wouldn't find it well worth its $4.99 price tag. I know many readers are suffering from event fatigue, as Marvel has seemingly churned out event after event in the last few years, starting with Avengers vs. X-Men, with each of them promising to change the landscape of the Marvel universe and most of them failing to deliver on that promise. But this one feels different. It feels like this time, they mean it. If you are a fan of the Marvel universe at all, you need to be reading this book. Period.

It kind of goes without saying at this point, but this book is an absolute must-read. Not only is Secret Wars going to change the landscape of the Marvel universe, it's a darn good story in and of itself.

This issue was a great read, even if the series has been plagued by delays to the point of many readers losing interest and shifting their focus to the launch of All-New, All-Different Marvel. Pieces are beginning to fall into place and we are beginning to get a real sense of the world that Hickman has painstakingly created. This issue is much more action-centric than the previous one, which is a welcome departure from the somewhat plodding pace of the series so far. Esad Ribic's art is fantastic as always, which one not would not only expect but demand given the length of time between issues. Overall, this is another solid issue in a series that has been consistently high in quality throughout. If you've become a bit disenchanted with Secret Wars because of the delays, I encourage you to give it another chance and pick up this book.

For my money, there is not a more engaging book on the shelves than Southern Bastards, and Issue #8 is no exception. This book is not just about football. It's about families, it's about tragedy, and it's about what a man will do to achieve greatness in a situation wherethere is so little greatness to go around. This is the penultimate issue of the second story arc, so it's not a great jumping on point for readers who haven't been keeping up with the story, but it does mean that the second trade is just around the corner giving readers a great opportunity to pick up Volumes 1 and 2and catch up on this amazing series.

This series has been a consistently enjoyable read so far and this issue is no exception. It's been confirmed that this series will end as Secret Wars takes over pretty much the entire Marvel line, with Issue #9 being the last issue appearing on Marvel's solicitations. I for one will be sad to see it go, as it is by far the best thing to come out of the Axis storyline. If you've been reading and enjoying Superior Iron Man so far, you will enjoy this issue. If you haven't been reading it, I definitely recommend picking it up in trade format.

Slott really set this book up to be a disappointment with his bold claim about its controversial nature and effect on the Spidey landscape. Fortunately, he was not overselling by much. This issue is a game changer for Spider-Man and the reader can't help but wait with much anticipation to see what will happen next. If you've been on the fence about Superior Spider-Man, I urge you to pick it up. Slott has had very few misses since the launch of this title.

Coming on the heels of the paradigm-shifting Issue #9, this issue contains nothing shocking, but serves as a solid foundation for Doc Ock's adventures going forward as Spider-Man.

This book was a fun read and sets up the next adventure for Spider-Man. It seems as if the Goblin King, who we saw at the close of Issue #10 will be looming in the background for a little while longer at least, indicating that this is an arc that Slott plans to make part of his long game for the series.

If you haven't been reading this book for whatever reason, I urge you to pick it up. Slott has been telling a magnificent story with Ock as Spidey and you need to read it while you have the chance. By that, I mean before Peter gets back. Which will happen. I promise. So stop freaking out and enjoy a good comic that offers a fresh, well-written twist on an old favorite.

Writer Dan Slott really stepped up his game in this issue. He is always promising huge things in SSM and did not disappoint in this issue. As always, Ryan Stegman's art was spot-on and added a great visual style to Slott's surprisingly dense substance. I give this issue a 9/10, it's definitely a book that any fans of Spidey will want to pick up.

A good read if you've been following the series, but potentially confusing for new readers.

It is going to be controversial to Talon fans, and I am a bit skeptical myself. However, I will continue reading to see what lays in store and urge readers to do the same.

Overall, this issue serves its purpose of leading to the climax that we have been waiting for - the battle between Thor and Odin and, more importantly, the unmasking of the new Thor, which Jason Aaron promises will happen in the next issue. Did Jason Aaron show his hand too early in this issue and give away that Roz Solomon is the new Thor, or was that simply a red herring? Hopefully the latter. Not that Roz wouldn't be a good Thor, but I'd hate for the big unveiling of Thor's identity to be the seemingly obvious answer. Aaron's writing is up to his usual standard in this book, and each character has a unique voice and tone that give each of them a distinct personality. Dauterman's art is great as well, as it has been throughout the pair's run on Thor.

It's a solid read and sets up a new storyline that seems intriguing, but inconsistent art detracts a bit.

I am excited to see how the new mutant agent affects the relationship between the X-Men and S.H.I.E.L.D., and what role the new agent will play in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s gathering of intelligence. Also, maybe we'll find out just what the heck was going on in Atlanta and, more importantly, if David and nameless girl ever sorted out their communication issues and saved their relationship.

I have really enjoyed Battle of the Atom from the beginning. Each issue has been an enjoyable read and has left me anxious to get to the next installment. Chapter 8 is no different. Bendis has crafted a great story and Chris Bachalo turns in some of the best artwork I've seen from him in a while on this issue. If you haven't been reading this series, I urge you to track down the issues and catch up before the final two installments come out. If you can't do that, you'll definitely want to pick this book up when it comes out in trade format.

If you've been reading Wolverine and the X-Men, nothing in this issue will surprise you. If you haven't been reading, I urge you to consider it if you're looking for a fun read. There are so many great comics with intricate plots being produced now, which is a great thing. However, I fear that some may forget that comics are first and foremost an entertainment medium. Although this book doesn't offer the complexity of, say, Hickman's Avengers, I haven't read very many issues that I didn't find entertaining.

It is a bit of a gap filler, but the solid art and a nice sprinkling of humor make for a fun read.

This issue is a great jumping-on point for new readers, as it kicks off the Hellfire Saga arc that will be the focus of the book for the next several issues. Wolverine and his faculty and students have been plagued by the Hellfire Club in the past, but now it seems as if it is all coming to a head. This book does a good job of setting the stage for the next arc, and the writing is what we have come to expect from Jason Aaron on this book: smart, funny, and well done. The Hellfire Saga sure looks promising if the quality of the rest of the issues measures up to the prologue. 8/10.

It was critical that this issue hook readers into wanting to continue reading the Hellfire Saga. This is the biggest storyline that this book has seen so far, and, in my opinion, Jason Aaron did a wonderful job making it something that readers will want more of. If you have been a fan of this series, you will love this issue. If you haven't been reading it, I encourage you to pick up this issue and start doing so because you are missing out on one of the most fun books on the shelf.

This is going to be my shortest review yet because rather than sitting here reading what I have to say about this book, you should be out buying it. The art is great, the story is great, the dialogue is great. If you are a fan of the X-Men, I can guarantee you will not be sorry you took my advice. 10/10.

These two books made for a very strong beginning of an event that seems poised to have lasting effects on the X-Men universe. Bendis has been knocking it out of the park since taking over the X-titles and his writing continues to be spot-on in these issues. For an added bonus, the super-talented Frank Cho lends his beautiful artwork to the first issue. If you are a fan of the X-Men, or just a fan of great stories, you really need to pick up these two books right away. I know Marvel's propensity to focus on events and crossovers wears thin on some, but this one is definitely going to be one you won't want to miss. I give these books a 10/10. Together, they make up an excellent opening for an epic story.