Yamini C Comic Reviews

Overall, Aaron Kuder's art very competently brings the dynamism and emotion of Pak's script to life. He's joined by the always-impressive Karl Kerschl for two double pages, and though the two artists have starkly different styles, they both have an eye for action-packed layouts that maintain the overall story momentum while keeping the characters very much at the forefront. It's often distracting to have two different artists on a single issue, but the overall effect here isn't as jarring as it could be. Kudos also to colourist Wil Quintana for providing consistency, and also enabling each and every page to pop without deviating from the tone of the plot at any given point.

In Adventures of Superman #50, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro deliver fun, adventure and sweet romance. And they tie it all up in a neat little bow, too. This is a perfect read for anyone who likes their Superman stories to be character driven and to have a positive outlook on life, friendship and love.

This issue doesn't get very far, plot-wise, and it does end on a cliff-hanger. But with its unpretentious storytelling and vivacious art, it's still worth a check out for anyone who wants a lighter Batman comic than the usual fare.

For someone who has been waiting for a long while for Batman and Superman to meet Huntress and Power Girl, this second take by Greg Pak and Jae Lee is satisfying, perhaps even more so than the first in Batman/Superman #8. Pak has a strong grasp on each individual character's voice that never lapses into stereotype or clich, and in this issue, he skilfully balance a fast-paced plot with a lot of character movement and interaction. Jae Lee and June Chung deliver with exceptional art that portrays all four protagonists in their best light, with crisp lines and well-composed layouts. Publishing delays aside, Batman/Superman #9 is most definitely a very solid effort.

Nonetheless, the fully-formed world presented within C.O.W.L. #1 is exciting to fall into. I usually hate "gritty" stories, but this issue achieves that flavour without losing all the fun escapism that is the cornerstone of superhero comics. It feels like the spiritual amalgam of Gotham Central's street-level cop drama and Mad Men's 1960s socio-cultural exploration " with all the intricate plotting and character work of both, and lots more capes (and cowls!) thrown in. And as far as I am concerned, it totally works. Another!

Overall, there is obviously an overarching plot in the works, given the story threads they seem to be laying down, but right now it feels more like a surplus of characters and ideas than a coherent narrative. Don't get me wrong " the world-building is certainly very excellent and detailed, and I'm intrigued enough to want to continue, but I do hope the creative team manage to give us some solid story-telling sooner rather than later, or this novel, unusual idea is going to be as pass as superheroes seem to be in the strange world of C.O.W.L.

It's definitely the characters who are propping this book up right now, but there is great potential in the strange mystery plot, and for the moment at least, I'm happy to continue picking this up every month and watching how the story unfolds.

While I do look forward to seeing how the story of Fablewood's troubles continues to unfold, I hope we'll have less gratuitous female skin (or at least, more gratuitous male skin to balance it out) — and a clearer direction of where the story is headed might help, too. Nonetheless, Fiction Squad #3 isn't too shabby an effort.

Overall, however, Jensen and Vendetti have credibly established their voice for Barry, and vision for this comic, without confusing new readers or jarring long-time ones. The art is not going to win awards, but it's more than serviceable in translating the dense script to page. I don't know that I'd recommend this to readers who are fresh to the New 52, but it's definitely a comic that Flash fans will want to pick up. I'm definitely curious to see where the team take the plot threads they've dangled in here.

Overall, Grayson #4 is an enjoyable break from the darker, more intense previous installments (which have been great), but one which also furthers the reader's understanding of the Spyral world which Dick Grayson has infiltrated. Readers who appreciate character-driven, world-building stories"and who want to see Mr.Grayson have more fun than he's had in the New 52 so far, let's be honest"will want to pick this one up. Meanwhile, I hope DC keeps this creative team together for the forseeable future, f they keep knocking it out of the park on Grayson, as they've done so far, Dick's 75th anniversary next year will be a good one where this title is concerned.

So what, indeed, was the end-pointofGrayson #5? Perhaps to show that Dick will never lose sight of what is important " helping and protecting the innocent? To see that Dick's resolve and priorities remain unchanged despitehis career change? Is this a useful sign for readers to see that the Dick Grayson we know and love remains unchanged or is it ominous foreshadowing of things to come? I'm left with more questions and uncertainty than answers, but there is enough of a hint of an overarching plot here that I'm willing to stick it out a little longer. I'm just not sure most other people who pick up this issue will feel the same. Here's hoping the next issue ofGraysonpicks up the momentum.

Overall, the creative team have managed to pack in a whole lot of mythology building, plot development and character study into a story that is both emotional and exciting. My hope forGraysonin 2015 (his 75th year of existence!) is that Seeley, King, Janin & Co. get to stay on the book and tell the stories they want to, because creatively it's been a long time since Dick Grayson had it this good: this first issue of the year has gone above and beyond in delivering a nuanced, evocative and fun tale. Fingers crossed they can keep up the momentum in the next two issues before we hit the Convergence hiatus.

Overall, while Hacktivist #4 doesn'tquitematch the energy of its predecessors, it's a solid effort. Given that most of the major climaxes occurred in issues #2 and #3, and that the political themes explored within this series are heavy, difficult subjects to close the book on, finishing it was never going to be easy. Nonetheless, this is still a satisfying ending to a very well-executed and underrated mini-series, and it certainly feels true to the characters and themes presented within. Intelligently written and beautifully illustrated, Hacktivisthas been an engrossing, action-packed read from the first page, and I hope that it finds a second lease of life in trade.

Certainly, there are a lot of things happening in Ivar, Timewalker, but the comic never feels overly busy or helter-skelter.It all fits in with the chaos of time-travel and the charisma they've imbued in Ivar thatmakes the reader very much want to go along on adventures with him (even if Neela is sensible enough to be skeptical). It's still early days, but if Van Lente and gang can keep up the momentum, I might just end up liking Ivar, Timewalker more than I like that other story about a time-traveling loner and his long-suffering human companion.

Changing history through time-travel is a concept that has been exhausted thoroughly across multiple media, but by slowly unveiling the intense emotional component of the story, van Lente, Henry, et al., ensure Ivar, Timewalker #4 stands out as an exquisitely crafted and evocative take on an old idea. If the creative team continue pushing moral and philosophical quandaries with such thoughtfulness, wit, and heart-racing action, they'll quickly have a veritable modern classic of time-travel on their hands.

Overall, this one-shot is a great introduction to this Jack Kraken and H.I.M. It has all the best components of a good book: action, humour, a hint of underlying darkness; all with a twist to keep this fresh and unlike most other superhero ongoings out there. As a reader, I am definitely left satisfied and wanting more Jack Kraken adventures " and from a $3.99 comic, one can't ask for much more.

Overall, Justice League United #0 has credibly established the makings of an upbeat sci-fi adventure team book that will take its heroes across the universe " from the isolated locales of Moosonee, Canada, and all the way into the far-reaches of space. Based on the strength of this issue alone, I will definitely be seeing through the entirety of the five-part "Justice League of Canada" arc, at the very least.

If nothing else, Lumberjanes #1 delivers enough action and plot to show the reader what kind of comic it aims to be: one depicting young women with agency, having them work together " and never against each other " to unravel mysteries and have adventures. It also shatters any artificial boundaries dictating who should or should not be reading comics. With its quirky cast of characters, relatable summer camp setting and theunderlying theme of friendship,Lumberjanes will likely appeal to anyone who wants a fun, positive, all-ages story to look forward to every month.

But all in all, this is a great follow-up. I have to admit I was left personally ambivalent by last month's debut issue " even as I could see its merits, and how it might appeal to others " but this issue has certainly gone above and beyond to dispel any doubts I had. This is perfect reading for kids, adults, and anyone who just wants an exuberant, entertaining comic full of friendship and fun. I can't wait to see what happens next for our eponymous Lumberjanes, and I'm glad we'll have a few more issues in which to follow their magical summer camp adventures.

For that same reason, I think Lumberjanes #9 is a great introduction for any child to the 'verse, more so than the first eight issues. Here, you don't have to worry about keeping everyone's names straight, or following the plot/narrative. It's just a bunch of friends hanging out, telling stories and having fun against the backdrop of a scenic summer night, and that's something that anyone of any age can be drawn into, and find enjoyment in. If nothing else, this issue is a great showcase ofLumberjanes'charms, and I can't wait to see what future issues have in store for us.

Art wise, Carolyn Nowak remainsa greatfill-in for seriesregular Brooke Allen, with Maarta Laiho's colours providing a neat sense of continuity. Crazy chase sequences are handled with the same aplomb as the Lumberjanes hanging out in one of the camp's cabins. The writing, too, seems to be getting better and better: less busy/more snappy, less silly/more thoughtful. Overall,Lumberjanes #12 continues the tradition of friendship, fun and summer camp magic, and that's more than okay with me.

Overall, Memetic #3makes for a nihilistic takeon the contemporary social media paradigm, much like it's preceding two issues, but nonetheless a very fascinating and thought-provoking one. Anyone looking for a solid resolution will be disappointed, but that would be missing the point of this comic. The best horror stories are the ones that can tap into the beating pulse of society and turn everyday issues into something truly terrifying — and with this conclusion to theMemeticmini-series, Tynion and Donovan have accomplished just that.

The combination of Helena's new look, Mikel Janin's art and fun scenes, like that aforementioned zeppelin takedown, is potent enough to have me cautiously looking forward to Grayson #1. There are also some very interesting ideas to play with regarding Spyral, the highly mysterious spy group that uses scary mind-erosion tactics, which has even Batman freaked out. Overall, despite my reservations about putting Dick at odds with Bruce and sundering him from his family, I can't wait to see where the Grayson ride takes him " and us. Nightwing #30 has convinced me that the first and best Robin's brand new direction could indeed turn out bold and exciting.

Ody-C #2 lays down the law: you don't need to be familiar with Greek myth, the Trojan War, or The Odyssey to follow this comic, because in the vein of the best remixes and reinterpretations, its marching to the beat of its own drum.So now that we've had our introductions and our myth/world-building, hopefully it's onward to adventures in next month's issue! And I can't wait to see how that takes shape under the bold stewardship of Matt Fraction and Christian Ward.

Overall, Ody-C continues to bea compelling, colourful and poetic take on a beloved epic poem. There are more nuances than I can cover in the scope of this review, particularly with how the "feminisation" of the cast throws everything into a newer, far more interesting light than the overly male-gaze-y origins of the myth, but I'm hoping I still have time, because Fraction and Ward are clearly in it for the long haul. I look forward to delving into all these nuances further as we continue to follow Odyssia and the Ody-C on what will certainly be anadventurous, cosmos-spanning journey back to Ithaca.

The Odyssey has always been densely verbal and textual, but through sequential art, Ward and Fraction renew the wonder, adventure, and escapism of the original myths. "Genderbent Odyssey in space" as a premise is by itself enough to get me interested, but what they've created here, and continued with Ody-C #4 is art. Art that drawsthe reader in, encourages them to think deeper,and reminds them just why these stories are as enduring as they are, even in such a vastly different form. All I can say is: more, please.

You're not going to get exciting genre action here, or even much about the titular pawn shop, but if you like character-driven tales, you're not going to mind at all. I definitely recommend Pawn Shopfor anyone who just wants a good yarn to lost in.

You aren't going to get much in the way of plot intensity inShe-Hulk #4; certainly no apocalypses or game-changing catastrophes. And that's fine, because plenty of other books deliver on that front. What Soule, Pulido & Co are continuing to produce here is a unique comic that depicts its titular heroine as more than the sum of her lawyer and superhero parts " but with all the grit, determination, heart and superhero shenanigans you could hope for in any protagonist, much less a female lead. I'm just happy to keep tagging along for the ride.

Overall, Superman/Wonder Woman #7 suffers from filler-issue syndrome, questionable characterisation and a more shallow depiction of the titular relationship than we've seen thus far from Charles Soule. Given that this $3.99 comic featuring two of DC's flagship trinity, I do expect more. But it's an effective prologue to Superman: Doomed and certainly has me intrigued enough to consider sticking around.

Overall, it's great to have another all-ages title join the DC line-up, even if it's just for six issues in total. This is definitely one to read with the kiddos in your life.

Like the best science fiction, Trees, even in the infancy of its debut issue, is clearly not just about creepy space men or their weird technology (though those elements are as riveting as they should be). There are obvious parallels to be drawn between here to stories like Under The Dome, which also involve alien objects wreaking havoc on Earth for reasons unknown, and which also use this underlying concept to cast a lens upon human society. But in the hands of Ellis and Howard, the concept does not feel so much derivative, as unsettling and fascinating. A clear plot has yet to show itself, but there seems to be a commitment on the story-tellers' parts to observe human beings, our relationships with each other, and with the world around us. This promises that the journey they want to take us on in Trees will likely be just as interesting as its end " whatever that may turn out to be.