May was also for Mike Allred's Batman '66 variants (to celebrate the bats 75th anniversary). See them (with ones that didn't see print) here - allredart.blogspot.com
Writer: Warren Ellis * Artist: Jason Howard
Fascinating set-up issue concerns a unique alien invasion, of course with Warren Ellis there will be many layers to the story (with sub-text a plenty). We are introduced to a lot of characters and while we have no plot just yet, the alien presence is unsettling and thus far, unknowing.
Writer: Jonathan Luna & Sarah Vaughn * Artist: Johnathan Luna
This series continues to be a wise, warm and amusing reflection on what it means to be human. Though tonally laid-back, there is a sense of building tension: In Alex’s heightened carefulness so as not to stumble into harms way for breaking the law and giving sentience to his robot, But also in Ada’s thirst for discovery and freedom, which sets up a cliffhanger that’ll have me biting my nails for a month.
Writer: Cullen Bunn * Artist: Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Once more Erik’s past is reflected in his present. The book and this issue succeed on a visceral and philosophical level, and while I wonder what his ultimate goal is (its not peaceful coexistence, it’s longer segregation and he’s seen the folly in being the conqueror), wherever this journey takes our brutal protagonist, as long as Cullen Bunn acts as raconteur, I’ll be there to see him take every step.
Writer: Kurtiz J. Wiebe * Artist: Roc Upchurch
The raucous, raunchy DnD adventure returns with a transitional issue. Wiebe touches on key plot points (giving us one horrific closing panel) but primarily uses this the issue for some bonding and to flesh out character, even Dee, who has been a bit of a cipher, is finally coming into focus.
Writer: Fred Van Lente * Artist: Michael Broussard
The best FCBD offering was an original, fully old tale that kicked off Dark Horse’s new crossover event. Written by Fred Van Lente with eye catching pencils from Michael Broussard, it’s a smart story that teams Brain Boy and Captain Midnight, who go against Ape X.
Writer: Ed Brubaker * Artist: Steve Epting
What a heart breaker... Brubaker delves into Velvet's past and delivers a cliffhanger that hits like a George Foreman right cross to the jaw. Velvet is one of the best, most well rounded characters in comics. And the story is one of the best of the spy genre I've ever read. Epting's art bring a tangible realism to the page and Breitweiser's warm colors add to that effect.
Writer: Tim Seeley * Artist: Mike Norton
As always, there’s a good mix of horror, drama and a dash of humor wrapped around small town life. This ish really popped for me. We get a few changes (Dana leaving town for one) and there were several great character driven sequences. I especially liked the thoughtful conversation between Em and the kid who dresses up like Jesus (though he really is a dumbass, and I agree with her side of it. It was great to see her laugh… I just hope she doesn’t turn into a dumbass too). That Jenny Frison cover is a classic!
Writer: Jonathan Hickman * Artist: Nick Dragotta
Politicos sitting around a table arguing… Only Hickman could make that thrilling. It’s a treat for the brain as tangled conspiracies and personal agenda’s make for fascinating political intrigue.
Writer: G. Willow Wilson * Artist: Adrian Alphona
Funny, heartwarming and refreshingly unique as Kamala isn’t taking on large-scale über villains in a bloated company wide event. This is quieter, more intimate and character driven.
Writer: Haden Blckman * Artist: Mike Del Mundo
Our title character is rather like Clint Eastwood’s “Man with no name” in those great spaghetti westerns, a bit of a mystery, laconic… deadly. Del Mundo’s painterly art is the perfect compliment to this strange story - it’s otherworldly and the violence is a ballet.
Writer: Jason Aaron * Artist: Esad Ribic
Sometimes there’s nothing better in comics than a thrilling knock-down, drag-out… and when Frigg uses Stormbreaker to smash Galactus in the mouth… well sir and madam, that’s a blood pumping, heart soaring, breath taking WOO-HOO! Moment. I loved the Girls of Thunder. Meanwhile Avenger Thor is in a tussle of a different –and just as interesting- kind. As for King Thor… well I wouldn’t want to spoil that awesome last panel, now would I?
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick * Artist: David Lopez
I’m an unabashed member of the Carol Corps, and I think the comic is even stronger in this second volume. DeConnick’s characterization is a big reason for this. Carol is a fully formed personality, honestly presented, warts and all. And while the plot travels down some familiar sci-fi routs, it takes enough left turns to offer up fresh surprises.
Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Goran Sudzuka
In January, DeConnick’s Pretty Deadly was my #1 comic. Since then, Diana has dominated, and has earned the top slot 4th months running. My admiration for Azzarello’s writing can’t be understated. The characterization and plotting is smart, layered, and ultimately… human. And we are given a villain who is a nightmare come to life. What he has done to Hell is sickening and steeped in irony. Diana shows off why she is truly a Queen and Goddess… she’s an intelligent, compassionate leader. Suds fills in for King Chiang this month and does quality work.
Miss Fury #11 (Dynamite) - An outstanding close to the series -- It did rush about a bit (and I'm not sure why we even needed to introduce "The Mob" into the story at such a late date... what did he even really bring to the tale?) But those are minor nits. The story touched on all the major plot points and characters, It explained just what Miss Fury was and why she was able to do what she did as a time traveler. It tidied everything up with a neat bow -- and a final scene that made me happy
also...
Nightcrawler #2 (Marvel)
Cyclops #1 (Marvel)
Moon Knight #3 (Marvel)
Uncanny X-Men (Marvel)
Veil #3 (Dark Horse)
Batman ’66 (DC)
FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #10 (Vertigo)
Amelia Cole #15 (Monkeybrain)
Red Sonja #9 (Dynamite)
Red Lanterns #31 (DC)
To June 2014
Back to April 2014
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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