Author-wise, a bunch of writers made my favorites list twice.. Cullen Bunn, Greg Rucka, Charles Soule and Jonathan Hickman.
Writer: Jonathan Hickman * Artist: Nick Pitarra
“Einstein the Barbarian” is a quieter story, more character driven, but one of the series finest. It’s both hilarious and imaginative, as we find out just what has happened to Albert in that other world(s) and how he responds to Albrecht (they man who sent him there). BTW Albert has immediately become my new favorite; he’s a contemplative, easy going genius with a thoughtful sense of humor… who can now add action hero to his resume.
Writer: Greg Rucka * Artist: Toni Fejzula
What a strange, mysterious book? It’s hard to describe: All of the dots have yet to fully connect to one another, and I am left with more questions than answers. But I find the whole thing intriguing. Veil has me in her spell.
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis * Artist: Chris Bachalo
I like those Stepford Sister’s, and the scene where they dig into Maria Hill’s mind is one of my favorite sequences this week. Right behind that would be the ‘Mystique as drug dealer’ moment… a sick page that is aided by Bachalo’s brilliant pencils and colors. The book looks great - though there are 6 inkers credited, and some do better work than others.
Writer: Jonathan Hickman * Artist: Nick Dragotta
Death was nowhere to be found as this was all about gathering the political chess pieces, fleshing them out a bit and offering some choice dialog (it's not who bites first, but who bites last). Dragotta’s designs and costuming continues to impress.
Writer: Warren Ellis * Artist: Declan Shalvey
It’s a lean story, not a whole lot of extraneous dialog from MK. But it didn't need it. The rather experimental visual arrangements said it all. Book looks amazing, the action was cinematic and pulse pounding. It is thin on character building, though Ellis does draw a connection between hero and opponent.
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick * Artist: David Lopez
While I didn't care for the cover, Carol's goofy smile does convey the exhilarating fun to be had within the book. This thing is a kick. I don't like Star Wars, so that whole 'referencing' gag thing could get tiresome after a spell- but it was hilarious that Carol brought her cat Chewie on the trip. And that cat is a star, as enjoyable as Pee Gee's feline, Stinky. Lopez's interior art is rock solid, he gets the job done in both design and expression... he makes that much-derided helmet look decent.
Writer: Cullen Bunn * Artist: A. C. Zamudio
With its likable protagonist, creepy baddie, and colorful descriptive dialog, this rural horror from Cullen Bunn gives me the Goosebumps.
Writer: Charles Soule * Artist: Javiar Pulido
I love this comic for its weird wonderful eye for detail; its imagination, and the characters that populate the book. The story? Kristoff, the son of Doom is seeking asylum. Which soon becomes a race against time (and Doombots) as the duo make their way to the courthouse. The whole affair had me in stitches. Soule has scripted one hilarious book, and Pulido's sight gags and comedic timing make him the perfect creative partner
Writer: Jason Aaron * Artist: Esad Ribic
This is a great contrast of stories: You get the epic battle between King Thor and old Galactus (and by God, how did Esad Ribic not get an Einser nomination? His colorist rightly did, but not Ribic? Baffling!) The other tale pits modern Thor against Roxxon, who fight dirty and in a manner the hammer can’t contend with.
Writer: Haden Blckman * Artist: Mike Del Mundo
What an unconventional but utterly fascinating comic. I expected a straightforward, Tarantino-esque, blood and guts action/assassin story. But this is like a fever dream, one that feels displaced in time and space. Blackman’s writing is literary. The keen dialog is descriptive and beautifully phrased. And each character has a distinct voice and personality. The art by Mike Del Mundo has this unfettered, loose kinetic energy. It’s very painterly and while some of the color was a bit too diffused for my blood, mostly it works. It creates a unique tone that matches the story.
Writer: Charles Soule * Artist: Alessandro Vitti
Who knew Bleez could be so philosophical? And that she had a ‘big sister’ side to her? It was refreshing to see her NOT get catty with Kara and actually talk with her… wisely, soberly, and be a mentor and friend to her. I’m impressed Mr. Soule. Character work and dialog continues to sparkle (Bleez and Zox both shine in that regard).
Writer: Chris Roberson * Artist: Dennis Culver
A hilarious Count Vertigo knock-off named Vlad Naseum opens the book. After that a ‘Legion of Superheroes’ type team shows up to express their admiration for our protagonist. This was all a kick, until it turns somber when Rex learns the nature of his legacy. Smart, funny and sad. This was one of the very best issues from this series (Oh, and Cerebella is one cold, scary lady)
Writer: Cullen Bunn * Artist: Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Cullen Bunn parallels Erik’s past with his present. There’s a grim irony in the way he sees himself as a Mutant freedom fighter, but uses tactics he learned from his Nazi oppressors. The dialog is thoughtful, self aware, smartly phrased and I like that Bunn doesn’t try to soften up his title character. Its terrible and cruel the violence he does. Walta and Bellaire’s art reflects all of this. It’s raw, dirty, and horrific. The character’s body language and expressions -- the action sequences, all are powerfully depicted.
Writer: Greg Rucka * Artist: Michael Lark
Greg Rucka has expanded our view of his world and the comic is all the better for it. While Forever’s character development continues to impress, and the scenes with her as a young girl are heartbreaking and say a lot about the woman she is to become, I’m also completely invested with the Barret family and their sad trials. Rucka also reveals how these two stories (Forever’s investigation and the Lift) are connected. And the book would be nothing without Michael Larks ability to bring all that emotion, drama and intrigue to life.
Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Cliff Chiang
Azzarello establishes who First Born is and what he means to do. It explores Wonder Woman’s new leadership roles, and how her sister Amazon’s come to (reluctantly) enter a new stage in their lives. There are several wonderful character moments; I especially liked the scene between Diana and Zola on the beach. And lets not forget Strife… she hasn’t strayed far from this drama.
Batman ’66 Chapter #33 (DC) - The Joker/Catwoman team-up was a slow starter, but it finished with a bang. There was much humor but it’s also laced with melancholy as Dr. Holly Quinn makes the ultimate sacrifice. Saving the day but losing her mind in the process.
also...
Amelia Cole #14 (Monkeybrain)
Ms Marvel #3 (Marvel)
Red Sonja #8 (Dynamite)
All-New X-Men #25 (Marvel)
Pandora #10 (DC)
FBP Federal Bureau of Physics #9 (Vertigo)
Bandette #7 (Monkeybrain)
Suicide Risk #12 (Boom)
Letter 44 #6 (Oni)
To May 2014
Back to March 2014
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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