ComicList Reviews

The Cleaners #1 REVIEW

2008-11-15T21:01:24Z

Reviews from The Blog From Another World

The first issue of The Cleaners, written by Mark Wheaton and Joshua Hale Fialkov and drawn by Rahsan Ekedal, reads like a cross between an episode of CSI, The X-Files, and the aftermath of a horror flick. Is it a forensic mystery? A supernatural tale? A how-to manual for cleaning up after a mass murder? I'm not sure yet, but the debut issue has definitely piqued my interest.

The basic plot is as follows: former doctor Robert Bellarmine is the leader of a team of trauma scene cleaners in sunny Southern California. When particularly gory or unusual happenings are discovered, Bellarmine Restoration & Associates can be counted on to assess the situation, protect the public from any health hazards, and leave the area spotless in a matter of hours. But who is covering the hotel rooms and neighborhoods of SoCal with blood, and why? Is it something (or someone) supernatural, or can science explain everything and bring the perpetrator to justice?

So far, the mystery has been set up intriguingly, with clues sprinkled throughout for sharp-eyed readers. Plus, I'm enjoying the contrast of the menacing atmosphere with the carefree, California-dreamin' backdrop (Ekedal's depiction of the classic white picket fence drenched in blood is not to be missed).

This is the first of a four-part series, and you can pre-order The Cleaners issues 1 and 2 right here on our site. To further whet your appetite, check out the eight-page story at MySpace Dark Horse Presents!

Once you've read issue 1, come back and post your theories below. Why did Bellarmine stop being a doctor? Is there a connection between the multiple trauma scenes? And, most importantly - what's your favorite fluid solidifier when you're cleaning up gallons of blood?

Written by elisabethf

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Action Comics #871 REVIEW

2008-11-15T21:01:15Z

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Action Comics #871
DC Comics
Johns & Woods

New Krypton rolls on with another issue that doesn’t live up to the opening Special from a few weeks ago. The comic tries to establish the various mindsets of the Kryptonians but the characters themselves have no personalities and, as a result, have little reason for the reader to feel the pain or hate them for their twisted motivations. Perhaps the best part of the comic is what happens at the very beginning. I have high hopes for this arc, but I am wondering now if I can stick this thing out.

The triangle on the front cover says “4”, but the credits on the inside state that this comic is Part Two. According to my stack I have this as the third issue of the arc. So, let’s comprise and just call this “Part Three-ish”.

The issue opens with Kryptonians indifferent to the humans and their needs when a car accident occurs in front of them. Luthor was right: the humans are way too reliant on the Superman to take care of every little problem. I was happy with this scene as it illustrates how lazy people are knowing that Superman can pull every cat out of a tree for them.

Next up is the discussion between General Lane and Luthor. Luthor pontificates about how much he hates Superman and how Luthor will be the one to save the world from the invasion. He thinks he has a partner in Lane until Luthor crosses the line bringing up Lois. This is an excellent scene and really brings tension and a sense of a joining of forces, but only because of the common enemy.

Then, the comic goes downhill quickly as the Kryptonians fight Doomsday. For eleven pages they battle him and utterly crush him. But these scenes manage to downgrade Doomsday into a joke rather than establish any of the new characters. None of the Kryptonians do anything distinct or even noticeable. All I could see was what a waste Doomsday had become. Superman has such a poor rogue gallery to begin with, why destroy one of the best from the last fifteen years with nothing gained? I don’t get it and it cheapened this comic and that already established villain.

The comic ends with two Kryptonians attempting to “free” Zod, but are met with two characters I have no knowledge of in this continuity and, therefore, their significance is lost on me. The last time I saw these characters one of them was Jimmy Olsen in a costume, but whatever.

One of the downers for the issue is the inconsistency for the art or its overall direction. The last page is so incredibly detailed its cover material. Yet, some of the battle scenes are blurry and seem to have no or limited line work. Typically I would assume this was a rush job, but somehow I feel the direction was dictating it to be this way for some reason. It almost feels like the fight is taking place in the phantom zone. However, some of the close ups are magnificent and I love the interaction and reactions that Lane and Luthor exchange.

What we have is a good issue, but not a great one. The arc started off with such a bang I guess I expected each issue to “wow” me, but this one just feels like we have a lot of undeveloped Supermen flying around with no real purpose. Some are snakes and some are not, but none have the charisma of Zod or Luthor and none seem to have the personality of a Bizzaro or even a Perry White. I’m looking for more here. I hope this thing picks up.

3 out of 5 geek goggles

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Alan Moore's Swamp Thing REVIEW

2008-11-15T17:53:30Z

Reviews from The Blog From Another World

When I first got into comics as a teenager, Swamp Thing was exactly the type of comic book I would have avoided like the plague. A giant, mobile vegetable? Too gimmicky. Didn't they make a campy movie of this with Heather Locklear? (Why, yes they did!) Isn't this... a guy comic? Bring me my Uncanny X-Men and leave me in peace!

However, after a good friend mentioned that Alan Moore's run on Swamp Thing taught him everything he knew about love and comics, I decided to give it a try. And promptly fell in love. It is a romance, after all - a romance filled with supernatural creatures, classic elements of horror, interspecies sexuality, and space travel, of course.

In the original origin story of Swamp Thing, scientist Alec Holland, while working to develop a formula that could grow vegetation in even the most inhospitable or devastated environments, was sabotaged and blown up by a bomb. After throwing himself into the swamp in agony, he emerged as Swamp Thing, a sentient plant with supernatural strength and intriguing powers. Almost the first thing Moore does is blow that origin to bits, which frees up the character and expands his potential immeasurably.

The six trade paperbacks that make up Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette, and John Tottleben's Swamp Thing run are amazing in their depth of character development, storylines, and artwork. Swamp Thing could easily become a bystander in his own series while fighting the monster of the week, but instead, we're taken on a journey as Swamp Thing falls in love with Abigail Arcane, wrestles with his inner demons, "dies," is reborn, and ultimately finds his place in the universe (literally). It's a gorgeous story, perfect if you've just tackled Watchmen and want to continue your Alan Moore odyssey. But it's also just a plain good comic for anyone who appreciates a captivating tale.

So, who's already read Swamp Thing and wants to school us on the finer points of this award-winning comic book series? And... is the movie worth watching? I want to know! Post your comments below!

Written by elisabethf

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Nightwing #150 REVIEW

2008-11-15T17:46:54Z

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Nightwing #150
DC Comics
Tomasi, Kramer, Leisten & Ramos

An excellent issue. Sure, the arc has been all about Two-Face, but this issue reads so well that it really could be a stand alone. We get a good plot device to drive the action and the crime, plus we get some good character interactions and some great foreshadowing. It’s such a solid issue I would recommend this even if you don’t normally read or follow Nightwing. It’s a very good comic.

The issue begins with Nightwing getting suited up to find Two-Face. Barbara Gordon pays Dick a visit and the foreshadowing commences. Dick’s voice starts sounding like Bruce’s, his body is all cut up and torn apart like Bruce’s and he even looks older and a lot like Bruce in this issue. Draw your own conclusion. The interaction between Babs and Dick is very good and helps to establish a good baseline for the character’s relationship.

Next up is Two-Face fighting with himself, much like Gollum from Lord of the Rings. Two-Face decides he has to find Nightwing and kill him.

Nightwing goes out on a date with his girlfriend when Two-Face springs his intentions on the city. Nightwing leaps into action and it closes the potential for some meaningful interaction with his girlfriend. This could have added more to the story, but instead we get more parallels to Bruce with the no time for the ladies mantra.

The issue concludes with a chase in the air and a good old fashioned fist fight. Nightwing stays true to his character right through the end.

The comic has some interesting developments, such as the conversation Two-Face has with Nightwing. It appears he knows Nightwing’s identity, or at least that he was Robin. This helps set up the possibility that if Dick were to become Batman, Nightwing would have to “die”.

The artwork was tremendous. Dick shows the confidence of Batman and the tired look of someone who is driven past the point of exhaustion. The coloring is also incredible. The comic mostly takes place at night, but the coloring gives the illumination as if the moon is lighting up the sky the whole time. It tells an excellent visual story for the battle scenes. Dick’s will to defeat Two-Face is all over his face. It’s brilliant.

This is a fun read and is worth the extra buck for the padded page count. I’m pleased with the story and the execution. The only thing I can think of that makes this tie to RIP is that it hints very heavily on the fate of Nightwing. I highly recommend this comic.

5 out of 5 geek goggles

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Zinc Alloy REVIEW

2008-11-15T17:17:04Z

Suspended Animation Review

Zinc Alloy, published by Stone Arch Books, 40 pages, hardback.

As a parent, I want my children to enjoy reading. As a comics fan, I want more young readers drawn to the hobby. Zinc Alloy could help on both counts.

Zack Allen is your typical, small, nerdy boy. A favorite target of bullies, noogies and wet willies are a regular occurrence. Zack is also extremely intelligent, however. He must be, since he manages to build a giant robot, primarily for the purpose of teaching said bullies a lesson. Instead, he ends up becoming a hero.

Though Zinc Alloy is a graphic novel for elementary readers, I'll admit to my own initial excitement at finding it on the shelf of my local library. After all, actual graphic novels for children are still rare, despite increasing acceptance of the literary form. My kids love it. And, I think parents will enjoy reading it to their children, due mostly to it's light-hearted fun and potential life lessons.

Revealed! (Graphic Sparks, Zinc Alloy)
by Lemke, Donald

Super Zero (Graphic Sparks, Zinc Alloy)
by Lemke, Donald

Author Donald Lemke has created a character in Zack Allen to which most young children will be able to relate. He has also produced a story that is brimming with action, humor and the potential for great learning.

As younger readers are apt to be drawn into a story by the illustrations, artist Douglas Holgate is to be commended for his ability to translate Lemke's story into exciting visual form. His characters have individual personalities, and his robotic protagonist will no doubt illicit plenty of responses like "Cool!" and "Awesome!". Hey, children getting excited about reading - that's what it's all about, right?

Additional features include a glossary of words used in the book, a short history of comics, and discussion questions that parents and/or teachers can use to drive home important points.

Zinc Alloy is highly recommended for young readers. Parents should buy it for their children, and libraries should stock it. Find it at bookstores, online retailers (Amazon lists it for under five dollars.) and at www.stonearchbooks.com .

Review by Mark Allen

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Lone Ranger #15 REVIEW

2008-11-15T12:42:26Z

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Lone Ranger #15
Dynamite Comics
Matthews, Cariello & Cassaday

The Scorched Earth arc wraps with a really strong showing. The comic has good detective work, good drama, great artwork and a couple of character moments to move things along. The arc was so-so, but the wrap up really ramped things up. This is a good comic.

The Lone Ranger and Tonto rode off to confront the killer at the end of the last issue and they do that in grand fashion in this issue. The Ranger seeks in on the killer who was about to do something to the little girl in the coma (more on that later). The Ranger confidently gives his evidence. As the Ranger shows his cards one by one the killer’s confidence doesn’t really go down, instead he gets snippy with the logic that the evidence wouldn’t stick on him.

Realizing this situation, the killer runs, but first by tossing some acid at Tonto’s face. The Ranger calmly finds some base and relieves Tonto.

The remainder of the issue deals with the town’s reaction to the killer and whether or not to believe the Ranger. The comic ends with a bitter sweet type of justice and the Ranger and his sister-in-law have a bit of a moment together.

It’s a very strong issue. The comic still toys with the relationships of Tonto and the Ranger and Linda and the Ranger, but both are very complicated to begin with. The comic makes good use of the Ranger’s assets as his education plays a role, his dealings with the law have some impact and even Silver makes his presence known. Perhaps the best aspect of the story is the twist with regard to the little girl. It’s a good way to tie the whole arc together.

The artwork is excellent as always. The panel setups really create a widescreen movie atmosphere and the settings definitely have that vintage old west feel to them. Some of the highlights in the art are the looks that the Ranger gives from behind the mask and the clever shot of the killer tossing the acid at Tonto. It’s a creative way to have the action jumping out of the page without making it 3-D.

The only drawback with the issue is the dealings with Cavendish. With no recap or dialogue to clue in readers about his dealings any new reader would be lost with regards to his scenes. With the slow burn of his involvement in this series there needs to be some way to recap what exactly he’s up to.

A solid issue for the Lone Ranger. Perhaps the arc was an issue too long but the detective work and the new law the Ranger is laying down really helps makes this issue work well. I enjoyed it.

4 out of 5 geek goggles

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Wolverine #69 GEEK GOGGLE REVIEW

2008-11-15T03:34:15Z

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Wolverine #69
Marvel Comics
Millar, McNiven, Vines & Hollowell

The first three issues set the bar extremely high for this series. They were brilliant in establishing a new time period, reestablishing classic characters, introducing new ones and effectively setting a tone along with a long reaching story arc. This issue provides none of those things. Thankfully the artwork was above and beyond the incredible standard set in the first three issues. The disappointment of this issue was also a factor of the two month layoff coming into this issue and then the two month layoff after this one. I expect way more from this creative team.

Here is pretty much what you get: six pages of the escape, three pages of chase, four pages of another escape, four pages of driving and six pages of a conversation that sets up the conversation for the next issue. And it sounds way more exciting reading it here then it did reading it in the comic.

About a third of the comic has two word balloons or less per page and those pages that do have some dialogue advances virtually nothing in terms of plot.

The cliffhanger from last issue was the scene where Spider-Woman was about to kill Hawkeye (his own daughter) and Logan decides to play hero. This issue barely touches on this. It left me thinking either a) this was all a ruse (which would be cool) or b) there was no further way to involve Spider-Woman without making Wolverine fight and it’s too early in the arc for that.

We are also treated to more moloids and more of the whole “I’m not that man anymore” bit that Logan has been playing all along.

It’s a filler issue. Plain and simple. It will read great in a collected edition, but this as a stand alone issue was just useless story-wise. Some of the information in it is also puzzling, such as the addition of Wyoming to the Midwest. Add in the wait for the issue to come out and I was left very dissatisfied.

However, the artwork is amazing. Page after page the artwork tells a story that isn’t even there. It makes me wonder whether this issue should have just been a silent issue, because the dialogue provides little purpose. Some of the incredible visuals include the fate of Loki, the new Mount Rushmore and Logan flying through buildings in the Spider-Mobile. Even some of the characters, like Spider-Woman, look so detailed and well thought out that you would think they’ve been around for decades.

A dog of issue is worth picking up if you really like visual stories that have incredibly detailed line work and amazing shading and coloring. Beyond that you might want to skip this one and pick the next one when Logan will allegedly tell his story (finally). If you do pick it up you should be prepared for a very light story.

2 out of 5 geek goggles

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Wolverine #69 BFAW REVIEW

2008-11-15T03:31:17Z

Reviews from The Blog From Another World

Old Man Logan continues as Hawkeye and the former X-Man continue their journey through the Kingdom of the Kingpin to New Babylon in Wolverine #69. I was psyched to get my grubby mitts on the book this week. It seems like it’s been forever since Wolverine #68 came out, and the ending of that issue left me chomping at the bit.

Mark Millar and Steve McNiven continue their awesome run on Wolverine and bring us one step closer to Hawkeye’s payday and, hopefully, answers to some of our biggest questions:

* What package is Hawkeye delivering?

* What happened to Wolverine all those years ago?

* Who’s running the country in this messed-up future?

It’s been a wild ride so far, and I hope that these guys can keep it up! Like the story so far? Think it’s too far out there? Let us know what you think!

Written by Josh@TFAW

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Geek Goggle Weekly Rankings For 11/12/08

2008-11-14T11:33:27Z

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Weekly Rankings For 11/12/08

Here are this week’s comics ranked prior to reading them:

7. Lone Ranger #15
6. Action Comics #871
5. Green Lantern Corps #30
4. Mice Templar #6
3. Nightwing #150
2. X-Men: Magneto Testament #3 of 5
1. Wolverine #69

Here are the rankings after the first read through with a mini-review:

7. Wolverine #69

Millar, McNiven, Vines & Hollowell

The filler issue of the arc wasn’t worth the wait and isn’t much of an issue. The saving grace for this issue was the art. Given virtually no story to work with the artwork carries pages and pages of nothing and adds depth and charm to them. The issue spends six pages with Wolverine riding the Spider-Mobile through buildings to rescue Hawkeye with virtually no dialogue. Then they are chased for three pages – again limited dialogue. Then four pages escaping the moloids and then four pages riding across the country and six pages setting up a conversation that will take place next issue. This issue was completely forgettable. I recognize that in the middle of a trade it will read nicely, but we waited months for this and it simply didn’t give us anything in the story department.

6. Action Comics #871

Johns & Woods

A fairly good issue. Although the inside credits list this as “Part 2” by my count it’s Part 3 and yet the triangle on the front depicts it as “4”. Editing gaffs aside, the issue quickly advances the idea that the Zod supporters will be up to no good. It feels rushed but the Kyptonians are already breaking ranks. The fight with Doomsday is so ridiculous I cant imagine the status of this character has plummeted this much. The interaction between General Lane and Luthor is outstanding and is the highlight of the comic. The artwork had highs and lows and suffers from some consistency problems. The issue ends with the appearance of two heroes (depicted on the cover) whose importance is lost on me as I’ve never seen or heard of them before. It’s a nice issue but this is two underwhelming issues in a row after a fantastic opening one.

5. Green Lantern Corps #30

Tomasi, Gleason & Buchman

A good issue. There are two stories here. The Guardians visit the sapphire lanterns on a peace seeking mission while Kyle and some lanterns investigate the baby stealing Sinestro Corps member. The mission with sapphires has good tension but it was a little strange. Did the Guardians really think they would say “cease and desist” and the sapphires would obey? I’m still not even sure what the sapphires were doing wrong in the first place that led the Guardians to investigate them. Of course, the Guardians get there and find some stuff to complain about, but that’s another story. The artwork made brilliant use of color, as always, which made the issue a very good visual story. It’s a strong issue in this series yet again.

4. Mice Templar #6

Glass & Oeming

After a long, long wait, we get the conclusion to the opening story. The priests try to convince Cassius to take Karic under his wing. Karic unknowingly unleashes some proof that he is the chosen one. Meanwhile, we get some insight into the world of the rats, mouse king and the politics of the whole story. It’s an interesting situation for the ruling government. The comic is a full read as it is packed with information page after page. The artwork continues to have its points where it is difficult to identify one mouse from another. I enjoyed the comic. If only it would ship regularly.

3. Lone Ranger #15

Matthews, Cariello & Cassaday

The arc concludes with a very satisfactory story. The Ranger solves the crime in court room drama fashion. They deliver their own style of justice and everyone goes home happy. The town’s folk have their own plans for the newly discovered murderer though, which shows just how much of an uphill battle the Ranger is fighting. The arc felt one issue too long but this one really tied up the story nicely. It’s a solid read and you really don’t need the previous issues in the arc to catch up to speed as the Ranger pretty much recaps it when he delivers his evidence.

2. X-Men: Magneto’s Testament #3 of 5

Pak, Di Giandomenico & Hollingsworth

Magneto’s family is chased to Poland and then the Nazis show up and things get really bad. First they run and hide and then they are put in the ghetto and then starved and finally pushed to the breaking point. All the key holocaust facts are in here. The death trains, the gas chambers, food rationing, the Star of David armbands, etc, etc. It’s a horrifying read. Magneto shows real signs of his mutation at the end, but it’s such a side note compared to the entire issue. This historical account could be more gruesome but it restrains (for now) from being too vulgar. Still, I find myself bracing for the worst page after page. It’s an excellent story.

1. Nightwing #150

Tomasi, Kramer, Leisten & Ramos

Another round with Two Face! This comic is great because it gives so much foreshadowing about Nightwing’s coming fate. He has some great interaction with Oracle and he has a terrific battle with Two Face. The comic has fantastic artwork as it appears to really age Nightwing into manhood. The scene with his battered and scared body is very Batman-esque. The story may be part of the larger arc, but this story is almost entirely self contained. The character has really matured and seems ready for the next step. If you have room in your budget then check this one out.

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Cable #8 REVIEW

2008-11-08T21:57:45Z

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Cable #8
Marvel Comics
Swierczynski & Olivetti

Cable has to drop the hoe and pick up his gun as he goes from peaceful farmer back to the soldier he usually is. While Cable fights for his life (and the kid’s life) in the future, Bishop is being tortured in the present by Emma. I enjoyed this comic very much as it had the right mix of humor and drama. When you think about things too much, though, you have a bag full of things to complain about. The artwork isn’t my taste, but I felt it was good with only minor spots where I really disliked it. This is a fun comic in what is shaping up to be an interesting series.

The US government enters the New Liberty town in the future and tells everyone to come out of hiding and that all is well. Cable doesn’t believe it and begins to plot an escape. When he figures out the kid is missing he is confronted with a soldier. A short fight reveals the soldiers are a hybrid of roaches and men. Cable needs to figure out how to kill a bug and believe it or not, you can’t just kill them by taking their heads off. This fight with the bug had me laughing as the bug’s dialogue is a crack up. Cable enlists the help of another farmer to help him fight off a couple of other bugs.

Bishop gives away part of his plan to Cyclops. It seems he has planted bombs around the world to destroy entire continents in hopes of limiting where Cable and the kid can hide in the future. Now I don’t want to dissect the problems with this time travel situation but this plan has some holes in it. Cyclops enlists Emma to destroy his mind through torture to find out where the bombs are hidden.

The comic ends with Cable digging up his weapons and deciding instead of running, to stand and fight for everyone there instead of just the kid.

Some of the details of the comic are odd but raise interesting questions. Why would Cable, a trained soldier, bury his weapons? Especially knowing Bishop is out there hunting him. If it is to make a compromise with his wife then he must really love her so why does he need convincing from the girl to save her?

Also, if Cable is so tough on people in terms of trust when it comes to the nameless kid then why is he living in a big community? In conjunction with this, how is that the bugs round up everyone except Cable? Don’t they notice some the other bugs are dead?

The artwork does one thing really, really well and that is how time has aged Cable. Cable is old and he looks beaten down. I can feel his bones crack when he moves too quickly. I did find some depth issues with the artwork or its direction when Cable was hiding (seemingly three feet) from the bugs. The scene looked odd visually. Overall the art told a good tale.

The comic is good because it makes you think about the plot as described by Bishop and it has you second guessing the decisions made by Cable. I realize this story might just be a guilty pleasure of mine but I found this comic to be funny, thought provoking and loaded with mysteries to be solved. You really don’t need to be too into the X-Men continuity to like this comic.

4 out of 5 geek goggles

Original post blogged on ComicList.