Honorable Mentions: James Bond #4, Amazing Spider-Man #8, Invisible Republic #9
Written by Jen Van Meter
Art by Roberto De La Torre * Colors by David Baron
There’s a stand-off, ultimatums are made, risky counter plans set into motion as we ready for next issues finale. Loving this series and Hwen and Shan's relationship.
Written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV
Art by Tony S. Daniel * Colors by Tomeu Morey
I like the issues that dig into the past, as this one does with Bruce uncovering Mother’s tragic origins. The story says a lot about who Batman is by comparing and contrasting him with his foe... especially in how it relates to Harper. Great art this week as well.
Written by Jason Latour
Art by Chris Visions * Colors by Rico Renzi
The art was scribbly and Gwen’s barely in her own book. But the story’s a grabber, with supporting characters taking center stage. We are shown how friends and family are looking out for our heroine. Their words and deeds say a lot about Gwen’s character and the loyalty she inspires in others. (Save for one former pal)
Written by Robbie Thompson
Art by Veronica Fish * Colors by Ian Herring
Silk springs back! I’ve not enjoyed this arc as much as the first, but this issue gets it back on track with some rock solid writing which tied up plot threads neatly, and art that delivered on the action, but most especially in those quieter, character moments. Plus, Helen Chen’s killing it on covers.
Written by David Walker
Art by Stanford Green * Colors by Lee Loughridge
There’s a lot of history grounding this top notch character piece. It feels warm and familiar, but not stale or -aside from Danny- stuck in the past. These folks are a bit older, though not always wiser. Great villain set-up, it makes the re-teaming more believable. (Oh, BTW - when did Danny become such a wingnut? It is cute how the writer acknowledges this dual nature by having Luke mention that he and Jessica prefer the quiet Iron Fist, to this Chatty Cathy version. I agree with them)
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Gerardo Zaffino * Colors by Dan Brown
It took a while, but we finally got a second issue. It’s chock full ‘O violent action and philosophical musings that address choice and spiritual destiny. Good, filling material for both the eyes and brain.
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Russell Dauterman * Colors by Matthew Wilson
All of Asgard is in upheaval! Sharp character development is on hand this issue. And I just love how brash Jane is, how she bends her knee to no man, or God. Odin needs a serious ass kicking, and that amazing final panel teases the hope of this. Malekith is full out distasteful: first the wholesale slaughter of light elves, and now using magic to force a marriage.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting * Colors by Elizabeth Breitwesier
Steve Epting kicked ass with those cinematic panels. What a white knuckle thriller! And what a foe Damian Lake has become. As good as Velvet is at tradecraft, he’s better
Written by Dennis Hopeless
Art by Javier Rodriguez * Colors by Rachelle Rosenberg
Jessica is another one of modern Marvel’s great female characters. Like Kamala, Carol, Jane Foster and Laura Kinney, she’s a real, flesh and blood hero we can admire and relate to. In this issue we bear witness to her fierce spirit and loving heart. Motherhood looks good on her.
Written by Mairghread Scott
Art and Colors by Kelly & Nichole Scott
This spin on Macbeth reaches its stunning conclusion. Yeah, we knew how it’s going to end, but the interplay and insightful dialogue made it stand out.
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Delcan Shalvey * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
The game’s a foot as Headland touches base with his old gang to help combat forces of evil. It takes a genius to write a genius with such conviction. And Ellis is the right genius for the job.
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art and Colors by Juan Doe
Azz is a giant when he delves into the darkest regions of humanity. Aided by Juan Doe’s styled art (which reminds me of German expressionism, with maybe a touch of Bauhaus), Brian is fleshing out this small town and connecting the relationship dots between characters. We have a collection of every day folk (warts and all), cruel villains (who cry over dead pets), a potential anti-hero (who is more likely the worst villain of them all.) And a wanna-be hero, in way over his head. While we are only 2 issues in, I’m sensing something unforgettable is in the making.
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick
Art by Emma Rios * Colors by Jordei Bellaire
This comic is operating on a whole different plane of creative existence – it’s an apocalyptic poem: both beautiful and terrible and wise.
Written by Tom King
Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
The thinking man’s superhero comic: Vision continues to be a work of elevated genius. There were moments in it that were sweet, some that were sad, and much that was creepy as hell. Walta’s art is so soulful, and he’s able to show a gamut of expression, even through cold, white, synthetic eyes.
Writer of the Month
Artists of the Month
Gabriel Hernandez Walta & Jordie Bellaire (The Vision)
Page of the Month
From Spider-Woman #4
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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