Thunderbolts #174 – Review

By: Jeff Parker (story), Declan Shalvey (art), Frank Martin Jr. (colors)

The Story: Centurius discovers the secrets of hair growth, to Fixer’s benefit.

The Review: Time-traveling is a messy business, not just within a story, but for storytelling purposes in general.  As much fun as all that period-hopping can be, they usually tend to implode upon themselves, meaning they rarely result in major changes in the status quo.  Frequently, the necessity of preserving continuity (and not ruin things for other writers) means whatever happens, once everyone gets back to their proper time, things are pretty much as they should be.

Last issue delivered a fairly significant twist, a breach of time-traveling protocol so severe that you felt there was no way anyone could escape the consequences.  How does one get away with flat-out killing a person of such influence before their time, particularly when that person is one’s very own self?  Yet despite this, the Thunderbolts do manage to patch things up in the end—which is a tad disappointing, admittedly, but they take some interesting steps to get there.

Thunderbolts #173 – Review

By: Jeff Parker (story), Declan Shalvey (art), Frank Martin Jr. (colors)

The Story: Fixer takes self-loathing to a whole new level.

The Review: There are two common paradoxes that nearly always pop up in these time-travel stories.  In one situation, the future folks seemingly alter the past, only to realize their alterations were necessary anyway.  The other mind-boggler is when the future folks meet their past selves, interact with them, and return to the future, realizing their actions in the past were meant to happen—and yet with no memory of ever having met themselves in the past.

The first paradox already popped up in #167, where the Thunderbolts realized by their actions that they were “Jack the Ripper.”  Here, with all this Thunderbolt-on-Thunderbolt action, the second paradox almost has to be in the making, as we have all kinds of interference happening, to the point that Centurius officially declares their history “destroyed.”  They observe, however, that none of them have yet disappeared or been transformed by their meddling, meaning the changes will most likely catch up to them if and when they return to the present.

Thunderbolts #172 – Review

By: Jeff Parker (writer), Declan Shalvey (artist), Chris Sotomayor & Jordie Bellaire (colorists)

The Story: The T-bolts get the opportunity to beat some sense into their younger selves.

The Review: Perhaps way, way back in the sixties, the premise of heroes fighting other heroes was a novel, engaging idea on its face, but now, it just feels like a lazy way to inject some instant tension to the story.  While both of the Big Two publishers do the hero-on-hero thing far more than either ought, Marvel probably edges out DC in this respect.  They do seem to base a significant number of their Big Events on splashy “civil wars” within the superhero community.

What’s frustrating about these conflicts is there’s little to say about them other than point out some of the more interesting match-ups and maybe, if you’re lucky, discuss the motivating spark that sets off all the infighting.  In this case, the “present” Thunderbolts (for lack of a better description) fight the “past” Thunderbolts (ditto) because of course the thing to do when you encounter your parallel self is to try to beat them down or blast them apart.

Not to say the issue is bad, per se.  There are a couple interesting moments, like present Boomerang raiding his old stash, thereby leaving past Boomerang in the lurch and vulnerable to arrest.  You have a rather grim pause where Fixer recognizes a spot where he’ll one day return again, “[w]ith a sword through me.”  You can also bet Moonstone drawing off her younger self for an intimate chat will probably lead to some paradoxical time-travel nuttiness.

Atlas #2 – Review

By: Jeff Parker (writer), Gabriel Hardman (artist), Elizabeth Breitweiser (colorist), Ramon Rosanas (backup story artist and colorist), Nathan Cosby (associate editor), Mark Paniccia (senior editor)

The Story: The new 3-D Man (Delroy Garrett) is flipping out and his mysterious memories are challenging everyone. Whose memories are right? In the meantime, another Atlas evil empire rebellion is in full swing in Iceland.

What’s Good: Parker’s character work is always fun. Particularly well done are Lao (chewing on a bull hindquarter like I’d chew on a chicken leg) and Hale (who has no end of snappy one-liners and smart-ass remarks). And the tremendous world-building that has to go into every issue of Atlas (the underground culture, the hidden conspiracy-filled past, the weirdness of the characters’ origins, the weirdness of their foes) generates that sense of wonder that I look for in comic books, fantasy and science fiction. It’s the brain-stretching “I-wish-I’d-thought-of-that” feeling. Nice work, Mr. Parker.

Artwise, Hardman, Rosanas and Breitwesier carry a strong issue with dynamic action, expressive faces and gritty scenery. The underground stonework looks textured and stony. Lao looks wrinkled and tactile, as do the zombies with power generators on their back. The art teams make the story look real, which is one of the highest compliments I have for art.

Agents of Atlas #11 – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Dan Panosian & Gabriel Hardman (art), Elizabeth Dismang & Sotocolor (colors), and Tom Orzechowski (letters)

The Story: The final battle is waged between the Agents of Atlas and the Great Wall.

What’s Good: M-11 really comes off as the star of this issue.  In fact, the robot is more fun this month than he’s ever been.  A lot of humor comes from Ken’s placing a personality microchip into the robot, leading to some utterly ridiculous rhyming trash-talk from the usually silent M-11.  The revelation of who M-11 is impersonating was also unexpected and enjoyable.  All the more wonderful still was how the chip ultimately led to M-11 showing perhaps the most sentience we’ve seen from him in the series, proving that there really is a personality and character underneath all the metal.

Naturally, this issue also has a good deal of action, and it’s all gloriously rendered.  A lot of this is thanks to Elizabeth Dismang’s efforts on the colors, making it all take on a particularly fiery hue.  Again though, M-11 steals the show, with by far the best action scene of the book.  The robot brawl/boxing match is all kinds of awesome, with M-11 bringing back some classic Menacer robot quips.

Beyond M-11 though, the other character who really shines this month is Temugin.  The character has spent a lot of the series as uneven, unlikable, and oddly underpowered for his skills, and while the last point isn’t rectified, the other two definitely are, as Temugin becomes a strangely engaging character that I really had no problem cheering for.  I’ve always been a sucker for formerly villainous characters showing heroic qualities, and ultimately transitioning form bad guy to bad ass.  Temugin’s actions are some of the most heroic this issue and the sequence is almost heartwarming.

What’s Not So Good: While he’s a good artist, I still don’t like Panosian on Atlas.  While last month’s issue was glorious thanks to its being heavier on the Hardman side of the team than the Panosian side, the opposite is true this time, and the comic suffers as a result.  Hardman is perfect for the series, and is just a league above Panosian, whose angular, cartoony, and at times pin-up styled artwork just doesn’t jive with the comic.  His angular faces in particular at times feel just a bit too comical.

I also have to add that the first third of the comic is an incredibly frustrating experience overall.  Opening this month’s issue, I actually felt as though I missed a book, and it’s irritating and disorienting.  Last month, Atlas was holding their own against the Wall, but at the start of this issue, Atlas is crippled and near a route.  Huh?  Worse still, last month ended with the cliffhanger of the newly upgraded M-11 showing up to kick ass.  Now, this book opens up as though that never even happened.  Why even bother with last month’s ending and the extended mad scientist scene if the upgrades accomplish nothing and are never even to be shown in use?

Lastly, I’m wholly disappointed with Jade Claw.  As a former lover of Jimmy, she had such potential as a character.  Instead, Parker seems sadly content with keeping her a completely one-note character who sounds like any clichéd female villain.  There’s absolutely nothing that makes her special and the character’s voice is monotonous and unchanging.

Conclusion: Great character moments in a flawed issue that sadly hints at future story-arcs that probably will never come.

Grade: B –

-Alex Evans

Agents of Atlas #10 – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Gabriel Hardman & Paul Rivoche (art), Elizabeth Dismang (colors), and Tom Orzechowski (letters)

The Story: Jimmy Woo and company prepare for round two with Jade Claw and the Great Wall.

What’s Good: This is quite possibly my favourite issue of the ongoing series thus far, as it demonstrates why Atlas is at its best when allowed to dwell in its own fringe corner of the Marvel Universe.  With no Dark Reign, Captain America, New Avengers, or Hulk in sight, this issue is nothing but the sort of unrestrained, pulpy, sci-fi retro chaos that we should be getting from the Agents of Atlas

A key example of this is the scene with Dr. Zu, the mad scientist responsible for many of the Menacer robots.  It’s total mad scientist territory here, with rows of dormant robots and crackling Tesla coils.  It’s a perfect blend of kooky 60s sci-fi and classic matinee horror that reminds us of what this series is capable of.

I also really liked how Parkman paced this series, dividing the book into separate little scenes/ vignettes, each one or two page sequence getting its own title.  It only added to the comic’s already dynamic feel.

While all the characters were flawlessly written this month, Temugin was done exceptionally well.  Early on, he’s called out for his idiotic, arrogant bravado, but later, his arrogance actually leads to him sounding and acting like a hero in some very well-played outrage.  It certainly helps that he also finally comes off as the legit badass that he is.

Perhaps boosting this issue the most, however, is Gabriel Hardman.  I’ve made no secret of my belief that Hardman is far and away the best fit for this series and also one of the best artists on Marvel’s roster.  Once again, he brings that retro, pulpy vibe that almost makes the comic feel like newsprint, in a good way.  Hardman is just so perfect for this book and everything looks grimy and old school, yet detailed and characterful.

Overall, this book is just pure fun, the sort of fun that is perhaps best encapsulated by its ludicrously awesome final image, which I won’t spoil.

What’s Not SoGood: Unfortunately, Hardman had some help on the art from Paul Rivoche and the frames which see Rivoche’s assistance are occasionally pretty glaring, particularly when they involve close-ups.  It’s not bad or anything, just a bit off-putting at times to see facial features being drawn differently in a couple of frames.

Also, while it’s by no means a major focus, Parker’s hinting and foreshadowing Atlas’ upcoming second feature in Incredible Hercules is a little irritating given that the plot has absolutely nothing with the Great Wall or Jade Claw.  It’s poorly placed self-promotion that feels a bit digressive.

Finally, a minor quibble, but where the hell is Khanata?  We get one image of him getting a massage, and then he disappears.  Even when the team goes to battle, he’s not there.  Did I miss something?

Conclusion: Excellent characterization, atmosphere, and a little bit of good old action make for some of the best Atlas we’ve gotten in some time, proving that Atlas is at its best when allowed to do its own thing.

Grade:  A-

-Alex Evans

Agents of Atlas #8 – Review

By Jeff Parker (writer), Carlo Pagulayan (artist), Jason Paz with Noah Salonga (inkers)

The Story: Jimmy Woo makes Norman Osborn’s black list by returning the gold reserves that were stolen from the government two months ago. But no sooner he get back, he sets off on a private mission to get more information on Suwan and leaves his new ex-SHIELD administrator in charge. Unfortunately, there’s a problem at the Atlas Las Vegas Biolab. It’s gone feral with neglect and managed to annoy the Hulk. Then, it’s Atlas against the Incredible Hulk.

What’s Good: The strength of this issue owes itself in equal parts to art and story.

The art is detailed and expressive. For example, the expression on Bruce Banner’s face when he’s being drugged by the Atlas Biolab, the subtle touch of green in his eyes… simply beautiful. The Hulk’s transformation is fantastic as well. I haven’t seen a lot of artists take on the half-transformed Hulk and do a good job. Jimmy’s hovercar is a nice little retro touch, as is M-11 as always. And without a doubt, Mr. Lao the dragon is a never-miss always feast for the eyes.

The foreground story of the Agents battling the Hulk, was satisfactory, but unoriginal. The luminary part of the book was all the backstory development. Woo’s flashback in the dragon cave was just a conversation between him and Mr. Lao, but the content was so interesting and tense that Parker had me begging for more. The introduction of the Jade Claw was also a tantalizing dvelopment that will have me impatient for issue #9. Lastly, all I can say about Ken Hale the sniper is… cool.

What’s Not So Good: I couldn’t find much to complain about in this issue, but let’s pretend M-11 is forcing me. Then I’d have to say I’m indifferent to Venus. She’s one of the team’s powerhouses, but in terms of personality she’s really just an extra who also happens to be a plot device. That may change and I know there’s some interesting stuff to her (her non-human origin for example), but right now, almost everyone else is way more interesting than she is.

Conclusion: Pagulayan’s art, combined with Parker’s strong, well-paced un-ravelling of ancient and recent mysteries make this a very solid issue.

Grade: B+

-DS Arsenault

Agents of Atlas #6 – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Gabriel Hardman (pencils and inks), Jana Schirmer (colors), and Nate Piekos (letters)

The Story: The team heads to Oceanus to see if they can get something on Osborne from his Cabal-mate, Namor.

The Good: After the balls to the wall slugfest in the last issue, this month gives a really nice change of pace for the series, being more based in political intrigue, personal tensions, and team dynamics. This also allowed for Parker to do some character work, which has always been strong point. As always, every member of the team is distinct and their relationships with one another are front and center. The major conflict of the issue appears to be Namora’s place in Oceanus, her possible departure for the team, and the alliance with the Atlanteans that may result. It’s a very interesting situation that sucked me in far more than the explosions of last month.

With every passing issue, I feel that each character gains a stronger voice. This idea is widely evident in this issue, as the cast’s personality traits grow onto you; from Venus’ optimism and supporting attitude, to Gorilla Man’s humorous interjections, and to Namora’s pained history… I also continue to enjoy Parker’s depiction of the Uranian’s psychic powers. Bob continues to exude this weird aura of surreal menace, and his powers in this issue manage to share that. More importantly, however, is that this also leads to Bob not being “just another Marvel psychic;”  his abilities are all his own.

Gabriel Hardman’s art suits this new, more subdued tone perfectly. One part retro and one part noir, his dark and shaded work is a sight to behold, also making the structures of Oceanus at once beautiful and pulp. Hardman continues to be a perfect fit for Atlas, giving this unique comic the equally unique artistic feel that it needs and deserves.

The Not-So-Good: Agents of Atlas #6 threatens to cement several changes to the Atlas formula that take some getting used to, or at least a willingness to accept. Firstly, while Hardman’s art is great, until now, his art has been very appropriately limited to the flashback sequences and 1950s parallel stories. Seeing his art now being applied to the present day is a bit off-putting at first, given how it’s come to be associated with the past. It is a good fit, but it takes some getting used to.

Also, after lamenting the absence last month, it looks like I’m going to have to say goodbye to the parallel story structure. I do miss it, but thankfully, this issue showed me that the comic is capable of standing up without that gimmick.

In the end, this is a very good comic, but truly enjoying it requires one to leave behind the creative status quo that the series had established for itself in the past issues.

Conclusion: Agents of Atlas #6 is a much more nuanced, subtle issue. Which isn’t a bad thing. Certainly, a more intelligent story is the best way to get readers to accept a simpler creative method (one artist and one story instead of two of each).

The Grade: B+

-Alex Evans

Agents of Atlas #5 (Dark Reign) – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Carlo Pagulayan (pencils), Jason Paz (inks), Jana Schirmer (colors), and Nate Piekos (letters)

The Story: Atlas takes on the New Avengers in one big, mighty brawl.

The Good: Well, after how awkward the whole Captain American debacle was last issue, I expected this to be a complete disaster.  After all, if one non-Atlas character was poorly written and out of place, surely the presence of that character’s whole team would only make for an even worse affair, right?

Well, that should be the case, but thankfully, Parker writes a fantastic Spider-Man.  Spidey sounds like and acts like Spidey and his naturally humorous character and zany edge actually make him a very good fit in an Atlas comic.  Parker seems to realize this and also appears to recognize that Spidey is easily the Avenger he is best able to write.  As a result, Spider-Man probably says more and does more of consequence in this issue than the rest of the Avengers combined.  And that’s just fine.  Parker is just fore fronting his strengths and hiding his weaknesses.  The Spider-Man/Atlas dynamic is funny and superb; watching a lovesick Spidey be hypnotized by Venus or hearing Gorilla-Man yell threats at him is just funny.

Also, I really enjoyed Parker’s use of Spider-Man’s spider-sense here.  If Atlas is faking, how would this work with this power?  It’s a very, very clever and interesting situation.

Other positive things going on in this issue were Temugin beginning to cement his place on the team and M-11 recognizing Wolverine’s voice from the team’s run-in with Logan in Cuba in 1958 (way back in issue 1).  Seeing Temugin cooperate made him strangely likeable and creates a more interesting, less directly adversarial.  Meanwhile, the M-11/Wolverine thing was just damn smart.  I knew they’d be facing the New Avengers this issue, but I’d forgotten that they’d already met Logan once before.

Art-wise, Pagulayan’s pencils are solid, pretty, and sleek.  Nothing groundbreaking, but they get the job done.  The real star though, is Schirmer’s work on the colors, which take Pagulayan’s art to the next level.  Everything is bright, beautiful, and glimmering; making the art go from solid to very good, while managing to add a more unique look.

The Not-So-Good: Well, giving Spider-Man the heaviest place on the Avengers works well, because while he does carry it, there are still moments where Parker has trouble writing the other Avengers.  Luke Cage in particular, though only saying 2-3 lines, has some particularly poor moments, especially at the beginning of the issue.

Also, I really do miss the parallel 1958 flashback story.  The parallel story structure was what made this series unique, and it all feels a little more typical without that element.  I truly miss it.  The last couple of issues have seen the 1958 portion as probably the most interesting, so it’s a shame that it’s gone at the moment.  I really hope that this removal isn’t permanent.  The parallel stories really added something unique, both from a writing and art standpoint, particularly as I enjoyed the art in the flashbacks more as well.  The longer the 1958 segments are removed, the more I worry about this comic getting lost in the shuffle.  The interlocking stories were probably the freshest part of this comic, and they need to be brought back.

Conclusion: A really fun comic.  The Spider-Man/Atlas dynamic is no small amount of fun and the action sequences are definitely enjoyable.  I’m really looking forward to the very logical conflict with Namor next issue.  With Namor and Dark Reign, it makes a lot of sense.  That said, with this issue, I can’t overstate how much I missed having a 1958 story.  I feel like the comic, while still having the same great characters, has lost a part of what made it special.

Grade: B

-Alex Evans

Agents of Atlas #4 – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Gabriel Hardman & Clayton Henry (pencils and inks), Jana Schirmer & Elizabeth Breitweiser (colors), and Nate Piekos (letters)

The Story: Atlas battles Captain America and Bob & company take a trip into Bucky’s mind.  In 1958, the mystery of the ghost pilot comes to its conclusion as the team travels “the Dragon’s corridor.”

The Good: The art is absolutely amazing.  This is a beautiful comic and also one of the most distinct looking books being put out by Marvel.  The 1958 portions look like a comic pulled out of a time machine while the modern portions look slick and bright with a grain of old school sensibility.  Both sides look completely opposite from each other, and yet both completely succeed.  Cap’s “dream sequences” are also really spiffy and introduce yet a third art-style into the issue.

The resolution of the mystery of the ghost pilot is nothing less than a gut-punch.  It’s a really satisfying surprise that’ll make you slap your forehead for not having seen it coming.  Really clever work here by Parker.   I also continue to enjoy Parker’s depiction of the Suwan/Jimmy relationship in 1958.  It comes off as cliché, but this is obviously a self-conscious throwback to classic, sensationalist comics (at one point, as damsel in distress, she’s literally being tied to a tree).  I also love how distinct and well-defined every member of the team is, and this month is no different; Bob’s aloof “eccentricity” is particularly well-highlighted and Ken’s regretting his attack on Cap was a nice touch.

A special mention must also go to how well Parker juggled the modern day and the 1958 sides of the issue.  At one point, the two sides of the comic even fuse, with the modern day Jimmy and Ken entering a 1958 scene we just saw in order to watch themselves; Parker is clearly not satisfied with a simple “Side A/Side B” dynamic and my mind was blown.

The Not So Good: Agents of Atlas is one of the most unique titles put out by Marvel.  Unfortunately, this also means the comic ends up in the somewhat awkward position of being an indie comic in the middle of the Marvel Universe.  The characters just seem to belong somewhere else.  This wouldn’t be a big deal if they were placed on the outskirts of the Marvel Universe, like Punisher MAX or perhaps Ghost Rider, but of course, without any big names on the team, this is not conducive to sales.  As a result, Agents of Atlas has “Dark Reign” slapped on its cover, Captain America showing up, and a showdown with the Avengers next month.

It doesn’t work and this may very well be the most awkward Dark Reign tie-in on the shelves today, which is a crying shame, as it’s a good comic.

Captain America’s reasons for attacking Atlas are still weak at best.  Sure it “makes sense,” but it doesn’t have anything at all personal behind it.  Furthermore, Cap is written terribly in this issue, coming across as an incredibly bland and even bumbling character.  Cap fighting Atlas just looks absurd and it isn’t convincing.  Atlas is just doesn’t fit in the central Marvel Universe, and as a result, you get unintentional comedy like Captain America getting sucked up by a flying saucer’s tractor beam or Cap whining about a “Day the Earth Stood Still-esque” robot’s arms hugging him too tightly.  It just looks ridiculous and doesn’t work in the slightest.

The Bottom-Line: The 1958 side of the issue is lots of fun, but the modern day portion is a laughable mess.   That said, this is still a relatively enjoyable issue in an incredibly unique title and the art is more gorgeous than ever.  That said, considering how bad Cap was, I’m really not looking forward to the battle with the Avengers next issue.

Grade:  C+

-Alex Evans

The Incredible Hercules #124 – Review

By Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente (writers), Clayton Henry & Salva Espin (artists), Raul Trevino & Lee Loughridge (colorists)

The Story: “Love and War” continues with this hilarious issue that pits Hercules, Namora, and Athena in a battle royale with the baddest Titan of them all, Atlas.  Amadeus uses his love of refined sugar and hot Gorgons to escape from the Amazons, but with the heavy hitters preoccupied, Artume is free to pursue her vendetta against the world of man.

The Good: Some of the gags in this issue are the funniest to date, and I applaud Pak and Van Lente for making this a consistently amusing title.  From George Washington’s bizarre visions and Namora showing Atlas where the capital of Thailand is, to Hercules being bludgeoned with the Washington Monument and visions of everyone’s fondest desires, you’ll be hard pressed not to chuckle when you read this one.

The Not So Good: I was satisfied with this issue up until the end when I realized that, no, “Love and War” still wasn’t over yet, and I would be forced to endure what has proven to be a string of wonderful gags and ideas held together by a mediocre story. This plot about the Amazons’ quest for yet another reality-changing MacGuffin who isn’t nearly as interesting as say, their initial quest to find the hidden location of Atlas.  In fact, the Amazons themselves are easily the most boring part of this story, and I had hoped Pak and Van Lente would end “Love and War” with this issue. However, I was wrong. Now I’ve officially had enough of it.

Conclusion: An issue of great ideas that could have ended the storyline on a satisfying note, but chose to drag it on instead.  Since Pak and Van Lente seem to be writing this for a graphic novel release, you might be better off waiting to read that instead.

Grade:  C

-Tony Rakittke

Incredible Hercules #123 – Review

By Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente (writers), Clayton Henry and Salva Espin (artists), Raul Trevino (colorist)

Is it just me, or has 2008 been the year that Marvel Comics finally did right by their B-list characters?  Incredible Hercules has by far been one of the most entertaining titles I’ve read this year, and I never thought I would say that about about a comic starring a man wearing a skirt and leather stockings.

This issue is part three of the “Love and War” storyline, which so far hasn’t been the strongest arc in the series.  Having just rescued his uncle Poseidon from a gun-toting Amazon with the help of Namor and Namora, Hercules learns the nature of Hippolyta’s plans against the world of man.  Meanwhile, Amadeus is still imprisoned on board Hippolyta’s submarine as she and her Amazons race towards the artifact that will grant them control over the axis of the world. However, that doesn’t stop him from finding the time to score with a youthful Gorgon.

Something about this storyline seems underwhelming, especially since Hercules just got done beating on a Skrull god in the earlier Secret Invasion tie-in issues. But I have a feeling that’s going to change soon when the cast finally reaches the Axis Mundi.  Even if the action is a bit more subdued, Pak and Van Lente still know how to pen a really entertaining story, and that’s where Incredible Hercules succeeds.

This is a title that delights in huge action and fantastic villains, where Hercules and Amadeus seek adventure with a wink and a smile.  Artists Henry and Espin perfectly convey that lighthearted tone with clean art that looks like animation and does a great job of expressing emotion.  What can I say?  Incredible Hercules is a pleasure to read!

Grade: B+

-Tony Rakittke

Superman #682 – Review

By James Robinson (writer), Renato Guedes (pencils), Wilson Magalhaes (inks), David Curiel (colors)

The Story: The newly arrived Kryptonians are becoming a major problem. Though they’ve been ordered to aid Superman by capturing villains from the American prison system, the altercations they get into by doing so leaves many humans dead (or murdered if you want to look at it that way). The sad part about all this is the arrogance and apathetic nature of the Kryptonians.

You’d think after being held in captivity for so long they’d grow to appreciate the lives of others. Here, it seems to not be the case. Despite their best intentions, Superman’s “people” are doing more harm than good.

The Good? The dilemma Superman faces with the Kryptonians is escalating a brisk pace. To be honest, I was expecting a slow simmer, but James Robinson is wasting no time putting forth the threat of these aliens. Also, I’m happy to see that while the Science Police are still fodder, their pressence continues to be a part of this book. The reappearance of Atlas and The Guardian also shed some light on where things may be headed in Metropolis. For $2.99 you’re getting more than your money’s worth with this densely packed, and entertaining story. The art is equally as good.

The Not So Good? Some may complain that too much is going on at once, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. This is a chaotic situation that’s quickly spiraling out of control.

Conclusion: Superman under the hands of James Robinson and Renato Guedes continues to be a stellar title. Get on board before you’re left behind!

Grade: A

Superman #680 – Review

By James Robinson (writer), Renato Guedes (pencils), Wilson Magalhaes (inks), Hi-Fi (colors)

I am gushing over this book. And while its ending comes abruptly, it’s easily one of my favorite stories of the year. It’s Krypto versus Atlas and boy, does this dog know how to hold his turf!

It’s a brutal fight. Anyone who’s been attacked by a dog may cringe and anyone who loves their dog will want to hug him/her after reading this. Me? I couldn’t believe what I was reading and seeing. I think I laughed out loud five or six times over the course of the reading just from the visuals alone!

A titan among super villains being owned by a pooch? Say it ain’t so! Krypto being punched in the face? Good lord!  James Robinson pours tons of nobility and hilarity into Krypto as he fights for his defeated owner. This gives time for Superman to regroup and figure out a way to defeat Atlas. His solution is a smart one, but the way the book closes is just too abrupt for my tastes.

I’m hoping this isn’t the end of the Atlas story arc, but something tells me he’s done for. As for Krypto, he needs to be in more Superman books. What he does here is just too much fun. This is the Old Yeller of superhero comics and not to be missed. The art is excellent and the story is simple and fun-filled. What’s not to like? (Grade: A-)

– J. Montes

Superman #679 – Capsule Review

By James Robinson, Renato Guedes, Wilson Magalhaes, Hi-Fi

This Atlas storyline keeps getting better and better. Not since his original bout with Doomsday have I seen Superman take such a beating. It’s a brutal battle and Atlas continues to display that he is a foe not to be taken lightly. Perhaps the only thing that’s keeping this new villain from being more interesting is his true motivation. Sure, it’s been explained he’s a basically a conqueror, but it’s also clear that he’s being manipulated behind the scenes. Until this is all explained it’s going to be hard to gauge where this guy falls in Superman’s rogue gallery (or even if he belongs there!).

In the meantime, James Robinson and Renato Guedes are pulling out all the stops to make this one hell of a storyline. But what makes this issue such a blast to read culminates on the very last page; it made me laugh, gasp, and cheer all at once. This arc is a proof that there’s plenty of good Superman stories left to be told. Keep it up, Mr. Robinson! (Grade: A)

– J. Montes

Superman #678 – Review

By James Robinson (writer), Renato Guedes (pencils), Wilson Magalhaes (inks), Hi-Fi (colors)

Okay, so maybe I was wrong. The Metropolis Science Police Force is still around and still playing a role in this story arc. Granted, none of these characters are being fleshed out and they feel like nothing more than cannon fodder, but it’s nice to know they’re still around. Maybe this will develop into something bigger down the line.

As for the big fight we were expecting, sadly it takes a back seat to Atlas’ backstory (I’ll get into that in a bit). This first round between Superman and Atlas is just a few measly pages. They go at it like the big, heavy brawlers that they are, but the collateral damage on display is disappointingly kept to a minimum. I don’t even know why it’s called “Round One”, because it honestly feels like a brief skirmish with each character testing the other.

The real meat is Atlas’ backstory which feels a bit atypical, but almost expected when you consider a being bearing such an iconic name. Despite this, what really sells the story is Renato Guedes’ art. When we go back in time, Guedes puts on a Jack Kirby-esque performance that is incredibly fun and nostalgic. We’ve seen a lot of this from Marvel where artists will do flashback sequences complete with faux Zippatone effects while aping the old Marvel house style.  What makes Guedes’ art stand out more is the blocky Kirby style that he mimics and pulls off brilliantly. In fact, just about every page in this issue looks beautiful. It’s easy to tell when a city backdrop’s been blatantly photocopied or traced, but that’s not done here. Metropolis looks wonderfully realized and the coloring by Hi-Fi deserves a lot of credit for bringing Guedes’ vision to life.

It’s hard to imagine myself buying two Superman books on a monthly basis but it’s finally happened. I can’t wait to see Atlas and Supes duke it out for real next month. This may just be his most formidable foe (on a physical level) since Doomsday. Please make this epic and give us more Krypto! (Grade: B)

– J. Montes