Comic Reviews: The Return of THE ROCKETEER!

COMIC REVIEWS!!!

Rocketeer Adventures #1 (of 4)

A day I have long been waiting for finally arrived today: the return of The Rocketeer in comics! The Rocketeer was a film that I watched so much as a kid that my parents had to buy a new copy of the tape. To say I was excited for this series isn't even the tip of the iceberg. I love this character, and desperately want him to get the recognition he deserves, and it looks like IDW feels that way too, as they have brought us Rocketeer Adventures,  a four issue anthology series featuring all new, original Rocketeer stories by some of comic's greatest artists. This issue gives us John Cassaday, Mike Allred, and Kurt Busiek and Michael Kaluta, as well as pin-ups by artists like Hellboy creator Mike Mignola.
Cassaday's story is up first, and his tale in which Cliff Secord (the Rocketeer, in case you didn't know) has to save his girlfriend Betty from some gangsters who have stolen a bomb attached to (what else) a rocket. Cassaday's scripting abilities are surprisingly good here, but it's his art that steals the show. It's been awhile since we've seen Cassaday's art, and his pencils here are fantastic, and the story is filled with the action, charm, and humor that fans of Dave Stevens' original stories would expect.
Mike Allred's story is pretty good as well, although it's pretty light on the action. However, it does serve as a great sequel to Stevens' second Rocketeer tale, "Cliff's New York Adventure". However, my favorite story this issue is from writer Kurt Busiek and artist Michael Kaluta.
The story finds Betty working on a Broadway play, and waiting for postcards from Cliff, who is off in Japan helping the allied soldiers fight in World War 2. While we don't see much of Cliff aside from the postcard pictures, they more than paint a picture of the adventures that he is having over in Japan. We see him battling a giant Japanese robotic octopus, helping his fellow soldiers at the base camp, and fighting off a giant samurai ape with dual kitanas. I'm going to say that again: FIGHTING A GIANT SAMURAI APE WITH DUAL KITANAS! Of course it ends happily, with the worried Betty finally getting scooped into Cliff's arms, and the end of World War 2, this story strikes the perfect balance of fantasy and reality that to me, defines The Rocketeer.
Rocketeer Adventures is a fantastic comic book, and one that was well worth the wait. Whenever someone asks me why I love comics, this will be one of the books that I will point out to them. The book is a stunning tribute to the legacy of Dave Stevens, who tragically died from Leukiemia in 2008, and I hope IDW will be able to keep the character alive for many years to come. Bravo, IDW, bravo.

P.S. Be sure to check out Jetpack Comics for their EXCLUSIVE Dave Stevens variant! 

Invincible Iron Man #504

Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca's Invincible Iron Man runs smack dab into "Fear Itself", and the results are a little lackluster. While it is nice having Fraction (who is also writing Fear Itself) handling the tie-in, the stakes still don't seem very high here.
The issue finds Tony investigating one of the mystical hammers that has fallen all over the world. This one in particular has landed in Paris, and has chosen The Grey Gargoyle as its wielder. What follows is Tony trying to do battle with this monstrously powered enemy, and his reaction to the fact that Gargoyle has turned the entire population into statues is pretty good, and captures the horror of this event very effectively, but Larroca's art is very stiff in the this action heavy issue. Here's hoping the next one is more fluid.

Comic Reviews: Flashpoint!

COMIC REVIEWS!!!!

Flashpoint #1 (of 5)

When DC first announced Flashpoint, I could've cared less. My knowledge of the Flash is at the bare minimum, and to be completely honest, I wasn't really all that into the story or any of the 15,000 tie-ins that DC is putting out.

However, that may change now.

I picked up this first issue mainly because my pull list was below our store's $10 minimum for debit cards, and I've got to say, I'm pretty impressed with what I've been presented with. DC mastermind Geoff Johns presents us with a DC universe that is somewhat similar, but very, very different when examined closely. The plot begins with Barry Allen awakening in a world very different from his own. His mother is alive, Batman owns a series of casinos, and most importantly, the "speed force" that gives him his powers doesn't exist. Also, Aquaman has flooded western Europe with his army, and Wonder Woman has lead the Amazons in a successful takeover of the United Kingdom. Among learning about these two cool nuggets of info, we also see Cyborg attempting to convince Batman to join him and a crew of other heroes to prevent both Aquaman and Wonder Woman from destroying the world. The story is pretty interesting, but I wasn't hooked until the last page, which ensures that I'll be picking up not only the next issue, but probably the Batman tie-in as well.

Andy Kubert's pencils are fantastic here, and makes me wish he drew more comics more often. I think the last thing I've read that he's drawn was Grant Morrison's Batman and Son. However, I'm sure if he was all over the place I'd not be as grateful when he does pencil things. Flashpoint's opening issue sets up a lot of potential stories, many of which I'm sure will spin off into the other tie-ins, but I do get the sense that one wouldn't necessarily have to pick up any of the fifteen spin-offs to completely get the story. For now, Flashpoint looks to be a pretty fun alternate history for the DC universe, much like Marvel's Age of Apocalypse, and should not be missed by those at least partially interested.

Mega Man #1

Archie Comics has finally branched out from Sonic The Hedgehog and added Mega Man to its stable of video game based comics. It's amazing to me that more publishers don't try to get the licensing for classic game characters, as it seems to guarantee the ability to print money. Anyways, the opening issue for the Mega Man series is definitely a good fit for the young 'uns, but older readers will probably want something more substantial. However, the plot is kept at a brisk pace, explaining the origins of not only Dr. Light and Dr. Wily's rivalry, but also the creation of Rock into Mega Man. While I won't be keeping up with the title, it's good to know that there's a book I can heartily recommend to parents and young kids for good, comic book fun. 

To Me, My Hammer!

Movie Review! 

Thor (2011)
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman
Directed By: Kenneth Branagh

This past Friday saw the release of the latest Marvel Studios production, Thor. The god of thunder himself has finally graced the silver screen, and his celluloid adventure is the best Marvel adaptation yet. Seriously.

I should preface the rest of this review by stating that I’ve always been a casual Thor fan. While I consistently read his adventures in Avengers, I had always picked up his solo book every now and again, although his Avengers:Disassembled tie-in and “The Ballad Of Beta Ray Bill” rank as some of my favorite Marvel stories of all time. This being said, I walked into the Regal Cinemas expecting some great action, but was expecting some liberties being taken with the character and his fellow Asgardians. Needless to say I was plenty surprised when I walked out of the theater two hours later, as the film definitely blew my brain to the back of the theater.

The film is the basic origin of Thor, albeit a combination of the original Lee/Kirby story and the “ultimate” version of Thor. Chris Hemsworth owns the screen as Thor, a feat that is really stunning when you consider the fact that his only previous role was as Kirk’s father in the first five minutes of Star Trek. His Thor is not only powerful, but very charming as well, and watching him go from being an arrogant son ready for war to a noble warrior who learns the value of others is extremely fun to watch. 

Of course, just as much fun to watch are the action scenes. Director Kennneth Branagh (yes, THAT Kenneth Branagh) proves many doubters that he can ably handle action scenes with Thor,  with the battle between the Frost Giants and Thor and the Warriors Three being a major highlight at the beginning of the film, and the battle on the Bifrost Bridge being another. Also, seeing Thor spin his hammer on the big screen, in live-action caused one of the best geekasms ever to come from my nerd heart.

Now I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Tom Hiddleston as Loki, who does a PHENOMENAL job in the role as the villain. For my money, Hiddleston’s Loki is nearly exactly on the money with the character that appears in the books, and I hope the rumors that he will appear in The Avengers will be proven true. Hiddleston is an actor like Hemsworth that came out of nowhere and blew me away in this movie. And yes, Anthony Hopkins is just as awesome as Odin that you would hope he would be.

All in all, Thor is a great start to the summer movie season, and has definitely set the bar pretty high for Green Lantern, X-Men: First Class, and of course, Captain America. However, if any of those movies are eve a fraction as good as this one, then we are in for a treat. Thor is a film that will appeal to both comic fanboys and non-fanboys, and it’s a definite must-see for Thor fans.

Four Mjolnir Throws out of Four

*Sidenote: Yes, you should DEFINITELY stay after the credits.

The Reviews of Khonshu!

COMIC REVIEWS!!!

Moon Knight #1

Yes, Marvel is once again restarting the schizophrenic adventures of the vigilante Moon Knight, except this time Marc Spector is in L.A., "moonlighting" (see what I did there) as a TV producer. However, when Captain America, Wolverine, and Spider-man show up at his party and tell him that he's going to need to start patrolling the west coast for them, Moon Knight is called back into action.

While this may sound like a regular start to yet another short lived Moon Knight series, what makes this stand out from the pack is the creative team behind the book: Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev. Yes, the team that made Daredevil one of the most critically acclaimed Marvel series is behind the adventures of Marc Spector, and I'm happy to say that I'm hooked.  The idea that supervillains and criminals would start to move out to the west coast where there are fewer heroes is a pretty genius idea, and one that I'm surprised no one has thought of before. This issue delivers both the standard Bendis dialogue heavy scenes as well as some excellent action. Plus we also get two pretty awesome mysteries presented to us, but I won't spoil them here.

Alex Maleev's pencils are top notch here, and his handle on the action scenes definitely stand out. However, I still don't get why his version of Mr. Hyde would choose to only wear a cape and pants, but then again, if I had Mr. Hyde's powers, I'd probably do the same. The fight between him and Moonie was one of the many highlights of the book, but it's not all action from Maleev either, as the scenes with just Spector talking with Cap, Wolvie, and Spidey prove that he hasn't lost his touch in the art department. Moon Knight is a solid take on a very underused character, and a great jumping on point for new readers looking for something to purchase this upcoming Free Comic Book Day.

Fear Itself #2 (of 7)

Well that was a quick read. After setting the seeds last issue, the latest issue of Fear Itself wastes no time in setting up "The Worthy", the army leaders of The Serpent. The issue begins with Odin and the other Asgardians arriving in a new Asgard, and Odin chaining Thor to prevent him from trying to protect Earth. We then get a few scenes of the Serpent's hammers arriving to Earth, and some of "The Worthy" are revealed, even if we've known about Hulk and Juggernaut gaining these hammers since Fear Itself was announced. Then everything goes to crap as Steve Rodgers attempts to summon the Avengers.
 
If that seemed like a quick summary, then that's because that's really all that happens in this issue. It seemed to me like Matt Fraction is just padding out the story so that it fits three issues. While this is nothing to keep me from keeping up with the series, it's disappointing to read a filler issue in something that's supposed to be Marvel's big event.  

The Mighty Comic Reviews!

COMIC REVIEWS!!!!

The Mighty Thor #1

The god of thunder has a movie coming out next week, which of course means that Marvel is going to be launching a new Thor series, with a new number one. Mighty Thor acts pretty much as a continuation of Matt Fraction's previous run on Thor, which doesn't strike me as making this issue as new-reader friendly as Marvel would like.
The issue begins with some pretty stellar scenes with The Silver Surfer and Galactus, with the customary dialogue that has become a staple of any appearance by the Surfer. As a fan of the guy, anytime I get to see him in a book I'm happy, and I'm curious to see how his and Galactus' inclusion here plays out in future issues. We then change places to a Broxton, Oklahoma church, in which the local pastor is giving a pretty interesting sermon regarding man's place in a world filled with gods and super-powered beings. I found these parts of the book to be very interesting, and I actually wish they lasted a little longer.
After this, we then switch to Asgard, where much of the issue takes place. Picking up from Matt Fraction's previous story, Thor and Sif must travel to the root of the world tree and pluck out its seed for Odin. This proves to be easier said than done, as the tree uses "anti-body" type creatures to help battle intruders. As Thor and Sif become overwhelmed by the world tree creature, Loki (still in child-size) arrives to assist his brother, which allows him to retrieve the seed.
Matt Fraction dialogue is killer here, ably shifting from introspective (for the scenes with The Surfer and the pastor) to witty and charming (Thor's reactions to Sif and the creature, Loki). However, I wish there was more of a reason for why the Surfer is bookending this issue, and being featured on the cover. The art by Oliver Coipel is phenomenal though. His layouts are breathtaking. While it may not appeal to newbies who are walking out of the cineplex, Thor followers will get a kick out of this issue.

Avengers #12.1

Now THIS is an Avengers book! Brians Bendis and Hitch deliver the latest ".1" issue, and it's a doozy. Steve Rodgers sends out a search and rescue team to find Spider-woman after she goes missing on an assignment for S.W.O.R.D., and what they find is a whole new threat that has given birth to the return of an old enemy, who makes all of Earth's Mightiest Heroes tremble. Bryan Hitch's art here is fantastic, and a HUGE step up from John Romita, Jr.'s rush jobs of late. I had been considering dropping Avengers after the last storyline, but not now. I'm fully on board for this, and can't wait to see the reveal here pay off down the road.

War of the Comic Reviews!

COMIC REVIEWS!!!!

Green Lantern #65 and Green Lantern Corps #59

This week we'll be looking at the latest installments of the ongoing "War of the Green Lanterns" story arc that has been running through Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, and Emerald Warriors. Where we last left the Corps, the fallen guardian Krona has taken control of the central power battery by re-inserting the creature Parallax, allowing him to control all of the Green Lantern members. The only members unaffected by this are Kilowog, Guy Gardner, John Stewart, Ganthet, and of course, Hal Jordan. The reason for their immunity is due to the fact that they were all once possessed by Parallax. When we last left these members, Kilowog was captured, John and Kyle removed their rings so they couldn't be tracked, and Hal and Guy had it out on the planet known as "The Green House".

The fourth part of the story focuses more on Hal and Guy (fitting since this is Hal's book), on the "Green House" planet, which looks more like Hoth and less like a Wal Mart outdoor nursery. As always, Geof Johns has a great handle on the dialogue, especially when he lets slip some Empire Strikes Back jokes about the planet. The plot moves pretty briskly, setting up the status of Kilowog's fate, as well giving us a glimpse into the whereabouts of Ganthet(hint, it's not good for the little guy). Guy and Hal quickly find the jet that Hal built for these kinds of emergencies, and find their way to John and Kyle, where Hal presents them with a choice that will certainly shock readers (if they didn't pay attention to either of the issue's covers).

Green Lantern Corps picks right up from the end of Green Lantern, and finds our "former" Green Lanterns defending Ganthet from an assault from the brainwashed GL's, while at the same time trying to control (and understand) their new powers. Tony Bedard's script, while not as good as Johns', still keeps the action going, albeit while focusing on member John Stewart. The "new lanterns" ably try to defend their true guardian, but things get a little trying when Mogo, the effing PLANET Green Lantern, shows up, and guess what? He's also under Kronos' control.

The art is handled by Doug Mahnke in Green Lantern, and Tyler Kirkham in Corps. I've always been a big fan of Mahnke's style, and there is no difference here at all. Kirkham's art however, has a more cartoony look thank Mahnke's, and it makes the transition a little jarring. However, I do commend DC for letting the different creative teams of the books handle the individual chapters instead of just having Johns and Mahnke take over Corps and Emerald Warriors for the story arc. While "War of the Green Lanterns" is no "Sinestro Corps War", it's definitely the shot in the arm the series needed after the rather lackluster "Brightest Day" tie-in storyline, and one of the finest storylines going in comics right now. If you are looking for action, these should be the first things you pick up.

Comic Reviews Carnage

COMIC REVIEWS!!!!!

Uncanny X-Men #535

Well, apparently I'm not immune to the Marvel ".1" initiative, as I'm now picking up the newest issue of Uncanny X-Men after picking up last week's 534.1, in which a PR team is sent in to work on Magneto's image before the public finds out about the former villain being a member of the team.

This issue, the second written only by Keiron Gillen, is in many ways a sequel to Joss Whedon and John Cassady's Astonishing X-Men run, where the X-Men traveled to Breakworld and did battle with their evil race. This issue serves as a nice introduction to the story, and sums up the previous journey Breakworld for those unfamiliar with it. The opening of the issue is very well done, with Colossus and Kitty Pride sharing a "romantic" lunch, despite the fact that Kitty has been trapped in her intangible form since she was brought back to Earth in a giant bullet (yes, you read that right). The X-Men have been holding onto said bullet, and Magneto is getting antsy because he can't figure out why he cannot control it. Conveniently the head of S.W.O.R.D. shows up and requests the aid of the X-Men, as Colossus defeating the Breakworld leader has caused a vaccuum in power on the planet.

Terry and Rachel Dodson handle the art issues on the book, and since their work is some of my favorites, it factored heavily into my decision to pick this issue up. The characters look great, and I particularly like their version of Magneto. Gillen and the Dodsons have finally given me a reason to pick up Uncanny X-Men again, and my hope is that this issue is the start of something good.

Carnage #4(of 5)

Wait, what happened in the previous issue of Carnage? Making this miniseries a bi-monthly title is killing it.
Oh that's right, Cletus Kasady was revealed to be alive and well. The penultimate issue of the return of Carnage reveals how Cletus survived being ripped into shreds by The Sentry, and it's a pretty cool revelation. Essentially the symbiote allows his lungs to use carbon dioxide to breathe, which in turn allows the symbiote to survive. Unfortunately, Carnage's dialogue in this issue is pretty terrible. Maybe it's Zeb Wells' script, but the "quips" that Carnage makes while attacking Iron Man and Spidey are some of the worst I've ever read.
Bad jokes and quips aside, this issue offers some pretty cool revelations regarding Carnage, and the armored guards who showed up in the previous issues. The company that employs them was also the same company that recovered Carnage when he returned to Earth. Of course, being greedy scientists, they decided that the smart thing to do would be to harness parts of the symbiote to power their armored suit technology. Of course Carnage can realize this, and proceeds to rip them apart. We also get more of Shriek and Doppelganger Spider, as well as a revelation regarding a certain "bundle of joy" on the way. Although I'm pretty sure the already forgotten Toxin fulfills that character slot in relation to Carnage.
  The art by Clayton Crain is great at first, but once Carnage absorbed himself into one of the other guards it became very messy and hard to follow.  Despite this, there are some great action scenes, like when Iron Man drops the truck on Carnage,  are great, and if you've already picked up the previous three issues, there's not point in stopping now. Even if you may need a few minutes to remember what happened when issue 5 comes out.