Written by Johnathan Hickman
Art by Walker, Caselli & Deodato * Colors by Frank Martin
Fantastic final issues for each, show us each side of the coming Secret Wars event -the Illuminati and Doom's group. I was riveted by each reveal, each set-up, and can't wait for what's next.
Written by Robbie Thompson
Art by Stacey Lee * Colors by Ian Herring
Silk squares off against the Black Cat, and afterwards a famous fab four (no, not the Beatles... I wish!) shows up on her doorstep with an offer of help. Reviewer Edward Wendt from “Graphic Policy” summed up my thoughts when he wrote… “The new wave of girl focused titles has claimed another victor in the pages of Silk. Only three issue in, the series is already establishing itself as different from what has come before. It takes a little of the past, mixes in a modern twist and the sum ends up being more than its parts. It is a series with a lot of heart that puts the character first.”
Written by Kelly Sue Milano
Art by Lisa K Weber * Color Assistance by Samantha Carrasco
While looking around Comixology for something new to read, I happened upon this 99 cent gem. Hex is a new, small publisher run by women and their first title is a winner. It's about magic and dirty politics. The characters are personable, the plot gripping and the art has an animation cell look to it. I like the design work, and I like how when spells are used, they look digital…. Which is different from the norm – glad I stumbled on this fun (though sometimes violent) series.
Written by Jeff Parker
Art by Evan “Doc” Shaner * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
The creative team from Dynamite’s dynamite “Flash Gordon” series were the perfect choice to helm this 2-parter. It’s smart, spirited fun, pays homage to the Marvel Family’s past and doesn’t get so bogged down in the event that you can't enjoy it on its own. And that art… WOW! Shaner and Bellaire have created a beautiful and bright golden age look to these pages.
Written by Jason Latour
Art by Robbi Rodriguez * Colors by Rico Renzi
This series just keeps getting better and better. The third issue opens with a nice relationship defining father/daughter conversation, and moves into some explosive action which will likely have dire ramifications for our heroine.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Kris Anka * Colors by Antonio Fabela
Bendis gave us character defining moments for Jean/Emma and the Summer’s Brothers last month. This time out he visits the relationship between Magik and Kitty, which is just as warm and wise and funny, and defines what the X-Men are all about. Anka’s art was solid (love that first double page spread with the monsters), except for the faces; I dislike the needle nosed, sharp angled expressions he gives these women.
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Writer Cullen Bunn has quietly crafted one of Marvel’s best titles and one of Mags best ever stories. While this issue does rehash certain themes, the nightmarish script is strong and the final pages are devastating - with Walta’s expressive, gritty art adding much to the power of that heartbreaking sequence.
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Chris Burnham * Colors by Nathan Fairbairn
Speaking of horrifying, check out the final page in this issue! And the book in total blew my brain matter to smithereens. If you like freaky Morrison, frightening, detailed art and scares that’ll have you waking up in a cold sweat. I’d recommend grabbing this miniseries.
Written by Jay Faerber
Art by Scott Godlewski * Colors by Ron Riley
This sets up the next arc for the sci-fi western series. I'm really enjoying these characters, the politics that surround them and the dusty locales where they dwell. The first arc was just collected in TPB form, and at a good price ($9.99 retail). It is well worth picking up.
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by Cinar & Watanabe * Colors by Guru-eFX
It recycles a plot point from the horrid (and unbelievable) Osborn bests Stark era. Never the less I was captivated by the mental chess match between Tony present and Tony past and Pepper. The 7th issue says a lot about the character of Tony, and the inevitability of this path he’s on (even without Axis). I also liked the little touches (Tony with mustache, the way the sleeves of the armor roll up on the arms and legs, like they did in days of old). The 8th issue shows just how far this current Stark has fallen.
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Cully Hamner * Colors by Dave McCaig
I originally passed on this because I have little to no knowledge of this version of the character. But after reading good things about it I picked it up, and I'm glad I did. Of those I've read, this was the jewel in the Convergence crown. Top notch storytelling and character work from Rucka and Hamner. And so nice to have that history lesson in the back matter, that really helped.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting * Colors by Elizabeth Breitwesier
The shadowy, realistic art helps amp up the tension in this incredible, nail biting story that sees Velvet on the run and outnumbered, with no easy out. Bru give us a surprising plot turn at the end, and then an epilogue that twists the knife even further.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips * Colors by Elizabeth Breitwesier
Ed Brubaker is at the very top of his game, and I feel this title is one of the best-scripted books on the shelves -- with a dark, layered plot and rich characterization that puts it on par with Chandler, Hammett and the work of other noir masters. Art wise, Phillips and Breitweiser are essential storytelling partners. The expressions, body language and moody coloring breathe life into these people, this world and the era they inhabit.
Honorable Mentions
Marvel: Spider-Woman #6 * Ant-Man #4 * Captain Marvel #14 * Uncanny Inhumans #0 * Amazing Spider-Man #17.1
DC: Convergence Catwoman, New Teen Titans and Wonder Woman #1 * Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #31 & Wonder Woman ’77 #4-6 (Digital Firsts) * Effigy #4 (Vertigo)
Image: Rat Queens #10 * Revival #29 * Wayward #7
Boom: RoboCop #10
Graphic Novel Read
Writer of the Month: Ed Brubaker (The Fade Out, Velvet)
Artists of the Month: TIE: Epting & Breitweiser (Velvet) and Shaner & Bellaire (Convergence: Shazam!)
Art Panel of the Month
To May 2014
Back to March 2014
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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