Written by Jay Faerber
Art by Scott Godlewski * Colors by Ron Riley
While this Sci-Fi Western treads on familiar ground it's capably told and I enjoy a good mystery. But what I like best about it are the characters, they are an interesting lot. Brought to life by the expressive art.
Written by Fred Van Lente
Art by Smith & Cunha * Colors by Mauricio Wallace
I suspected this is where we were going plot twist wise, but Van Lente does a good job relaying the shock and anger when Magnus finds out for himself the grim facts of his existence. It’s powerful, raw moment. For a lighter moment, we get a couple of funny scenes from H8R (doing his Kool Aid Man impression). Once again there are 2 credited artists and that’s the issues lone failing.
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Walter Geovani * Colors by Andriano Lucas
Red mixes it up with a wizard who curses her, later she happens upon a bad dude from her past. This is start of the final arc and overall I’ve enjoyed the tongue in cheek humor, the interactions with her traveling companions and the way Gail has written Sonja as a complex, flawed –but likeable- figure.
Written by Tim Seeley
Art by Mike Norton * Colors by Mark Englert
Not big on scares this month. But it was aces when it came to the drama and character work. There is also some mystery revealing sequences. Step by step the pieces are coming together – but we also get a new mystery added to the mix (we now know who the puppet is, but who is the puppet master?)
Written by Joe Harris
Art by Eman Cassalios * Colors by Aikau Oliva
Joe Harris writes Coop as a Lord of Nightmares, he explores his stage persona, and the shady business side of Rock; which is run and operated by silver tongued Devil’s who make deals that are scarier than anything seen in ACs act.
Written by Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher
Art by Karl Kerschl * Colors by Geyser, McCaid and Rauch
Secrets and mysterious goings on at the School keep things interesting for the second issue. I am curious as to what happened with Olive and her mother, how it’s linked to Batman (at least that seems to be what’s being hinted at). Maps has a cute personality, she keeps things light and fun. There are a lot of small details in the art, clues perhaps?
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by Yıldıray Çınar * Colors by Guru e-FX
Marvel released this twice in November. Yay! Tony’s a right bastard, true, but he’s an interesting one with an over the top personality that’s hilarious. I couldn’t help but laugh at what a creep he was. And make no mistake; this is no anti-hero doing bad things for the right reasons… Na, he’s a pompous ass - but I had a wicked good time watching him act this way. Each issue ended with gobsmacking cliffhangers. Give me more of this… quick!
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips * Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser
The story shifts gears and focuses on the studio head and the actress who is taking over Val’s role. Through them we see the traps, the secrets and lies, the intoxicating lure of fame as well as the ugliness under all that Hollywood gloss. It’s not a pretty picture but it is absorbing, especially when it’s written as perceptively as this is.
Written by Warren Ellis
Art and Colors by Jason Howard
Through the character of the old artist we learn what this invasion is really about: Power, money, politics and the social stratum. While Warren is less preachy than last issue, I still felt his hand on the back of my neck. He’s got a lesson to impart and he’s going to make damn sure we hear it! Still, It is often a fascinating lesson –and visual arresting, as in the missile attack (wow, stunning imagery there, see below) but the part that hit me the hardest, the most horrifying undercurrent, was the revelation at the research facility… the Trees are ready to speak!
Written by Genevieve Valentine
Art by Gary Brown * Colors by Lee Loughridge
This is a seriously well-written comic – complex, intelligent and mature… it weaves an intricate plot that has Selina working a tricky balancing act – she has to say and do certain way in public, while her interior thoughts speak differently. She has a play, though she can’t show her hand just yet. Also: we are introduced to the new Catwoman.
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Michael Lark * Colors by Santi Arcas
The political intrigue is great but it’s the character work that sets this apart. We get to see the Lazarai interact, which humanized them (even if they are more than human). Forever is such a complex figure… she’s wise in the ways of war, but naive in other matters, such a romance. How sweet to see her and Joacquim share a first kiss. And how strange to see Papa Carlyle treat her with sweetness and light (I’m suspicious, is he working an angle?) Rucka’s writing has never been better and Lark is an incredible storyteller, and brilliant with subtle expressions.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting * Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser
What a humdinger! This spy story heats up as Velvet puts her plan into action. I love this lady; I love her confidence and her cool resolve. She even makes me laugh in this issue during a scene where she beats up a guy (she’s not trying to be funny, winking at the camera like Roger Moore’s 007. It is simply Velvet being Velvet… telling a tough guy to stop whining after she breaks his arm and whatnot). Epting is at the top of his game art-wise. The book is draped in shadow and looks amazing.
Honorable Mentions
Image: Alex + Ada #10 * Wayward #4, Sheltered #13
Boom: RoboCop #5 * Deep State #1
DC: Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #16
All-Star Writer and Artists of the Month
Ed Brubaker (Velvet & The Fade Out) Steve Epting (Velvet) and Elizabeth Breitweiser (Velvet & The Fade Out)
Velvet is perfection in writing, art and color, so as I did last month -when I put the spotlight on Wonder Woman’s skilled trio- I’m doing for the Velvet Underground (two of whom, also did some bang up work on The Fade Out)
Art Panel of the Month
Trees #7 with Jason Howard's heart stopping missile attack, and...while Gilbert Hernandez’s light and off-beat story in Sensation Comics was not a complete success, it offered a hilarious scene where a squabbling Mary Marvel and Wonder Woman throw Supergirl at one another like a weapon… better than using a boulder I gather?
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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