Destroyer #2 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Cory Walker (Artist), and Val Staples (Colorist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Marvel’s MAX mini-series Destroyer uses a simple, yet effective formula. It takes a cool concept (dying hero wishes to take out as many baddies as he can to protect his loved ones before he goes) and brings it to life with old-school storytelling, attractive visuals, and a dash of the old ultra-violence. While the first issue left a bit to be desired, as Rob points out in his review, I still found myself looking forward to chapter two. Time to find out if Destroyer has what it takes to keep me around for a few more issues.

The Story: The second chapter of Destroyer largely focuses on the details surrounding Keene Marlow’s ultimate goal and what he feels must be done in order to find some peace before dying. The goal’s name is Scar and he’s an enemy that Destroyer believes is the ultimate threat to his loved ones. The problem is that Scar hasn’t been seen for quite some time and Keene knows that it’s going to take some action in order to track his nemesis down. Unless Scar makes the first move…

What’s Good: Robert Kirkman excels at crafting realistic, sympathetic characters and Keene is definitely one of them. You almost have to root for an old guy that has such great character moments. With help from the crisp, clean artwork, the senior citizen superhero manages to come across as both grandfatherly and totally badass all at once. It works to great effect and makes Destroyer feel unique as a series and as a character.

While I wish there was a bit more to the story, it has a certain simple charm that I know will keep me reading until the end. And now with the introduction of Scar, there is a menace in the plot that should ratchet up the tension level. Time will tell.

What’s Not So Good: The supporting cast in Destroyer is pretty weak and it undermines the entire plot in a way. Chapter two only really accentuates that fact. Keene’s wife and his friend seem to be little more than plot devices and it leaves me feeling as though couldn’t care less about what happens to them.

Conclusion: Destroyer, thanks to the character of the same name, continues to entertain despite its fairly simple (sometimes bland) trappings and unremarkable support characters.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

No Hero #5 – Review

By Warren Ellis (Writer), Juan Jose Ryp (Art), and Digikore Studios (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I really like what Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp are doing with No Hero. While the concept of a superhuman drug is nothing new, the story still manages to feel surprisingly fresh. And that’s all thanks to Ellis’ touch for taking into consideration the real world implications of something like (super drug) FX7 and Ryp’s incredibly brutal visuals.

The Story: With the media in a frenzy following the unexpected events that occurred at the press conference featured last issue, Carrick takes some advice and allows Revere to go out for a walk that doubles as public relations damage control. As it turns out, the walk offers Josh his first chance to be a hero. Welcome to The Front Line Revere…

What’s Good: The most impressive thing about No Hero #5 is how naturally it progresses Josh’s (A.K.A Revere) story. Warren Ellis does a great job of revealing both sides of the Front Line coin (public/private) through the events that conclude Josh’s transition from street vigilante to public hero. It makes for an extremely compelling read. A read that is also quite awesome to look at thanks to the impressive artwork provided by Juan Jose Ryp and Digikore studios. It successfully straddles the line between realism and a more traditional comic book style. It makes the action and gore (I dig the hallucinations) feel disturbingly grounded, yet appropriately stylized.

What’s Not So Good: For as much as I’ve enjoyed No Hero’s opening arc, the slow burn storytelling continues to be a tiny bit irritating. Five issues in and the story is still in an “introduce the characters” phase. Interesting characters though they may be, I had hoped some sort of bigger plot would have emerged by this point. Having The Front Line targeted for the past is a premise I can get behind; Ellis just hasn’t done enough with it yet.

Conclusion: No Hero is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I just hope that sooner than later, more is done to really solidify the plot that is emerging.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Broken Trinity: Aftermath – Review

“Paying Debts” – By Ron Marz (Writer), Jorge Lucas (Art), and Felix Serrano (Colors)

“Lessons” – By Bryan Edward Hill (Writer), Tyler Kirkham (Pencils), Sal Regla (Inks), and John Starr (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Broken Trinity, the action-packed event that promised to shake things up the Top Cow universe, proved to be a very solid piece of entertainment. While the storyline ultimately did little more than introduce two new characters and set the stage for an epic fight, the spectacular visuals by Stjepan Sejic made the event worth investing in. In addition, the new characters were interesting enough to be considered worthy additions to the Witchblade/Darkness mythos. I looked forward to seeing more of them. That’s where Broken Trinity: Aftermath comes in…

The Story: “Paying Debts” tells the story of Finn’s rescue of/ reunion with Jackie Estacado (The Darkness). It also sets Finn’s story truly in motion as he talks with Jackie about his newfound power and the information he’s learned. “Lessons” is about Glorianna’s situation following the Broken Trinity battle and what the future may hold for her and her power.

The Good and The Not So Good: As a whole, Broken Trinity: Aftermath works quite well. Short, but sweet, both stories in Aftermath do a nice job of better establishing the characters in charge of the recently introduced ice and fire artifacts. And really, that’s all they need to do. I really look forward to seeing more of the characters in the future (though I’m not sure how much more of Glorianna there is to show…I’ll get to that in a moment). Now, onto the technical stuff…

“Paying Debts” is the more enjoyable read of the two thanks to the way Ron Marz handles Finn. As he did during Broken Trinity, Finn comes across as an extremely likable guy who knows he’s in over his head but is more than willing to make the best of it. Heck, even when killing people as a ice giant, Finn’s personality manages to make an impact. If Finn’s story has a low point, it’s that the visual’s don’t really sync up all that well to the character. While the dark, gritty style works initially, it’s mostly unfit for handling Finn’s ice giant form. With the exception of a striking panel or two, the visuals of the ice giant disappoint.

“Lessons” is told almost entirely through the attractive visuals, but the dialogue that is there proves to be rather compelling in regards to Glorianna’s place in the Top Cow universe. Now as for those visuals…well they mostly involve Glorianna being naked. Before you roll your eyes, the nakedness does fit the story and contributes to one extremely impressive full page shot of her naked body in the center of a giant dragon outline in the melted snow to kick things off. That said, it still comes across as rather gratuitous.

Conclusion: Broken Trinity: Aftermath is a worthy addition to any Top Cow fan’s collection. While the stories included in the one-shot are short, they are each worth a look. Especially considering that Finn and Glorianna may be major players in the universe sooner rather than later.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

The Walking Dead #60 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils & Inks), and Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Sixty issues in and The Walking Dead is still going strong. I continue to be amazed at how well Robert Kirkman keeps adding twists, turns, and depth to a story that initially, seemed extremely familiar (simple, even). I can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve next.

The Story: Rick, Carl, Abraham, and Morgan attempt to elude the massive zombie herd they came across last issue. Meanwhile, Dale begins truly thinking about settling down with Amanda and the kids at a farm that seems almost too perfect for words.

What’s Good: It’s been a while since the zombies truly felt like the massive threat they once where, so the obvious highlight of The Walking Dead #60 is the intensity that is generated by the herd. The less obvious highlights are the quiet moments that the creative team handles so well. The most notable of which is a scene in which Morgan makes a grim, graphic discovery that really hits hard thanks to the fantastic work by Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn. Also worth a mention is how effortlessly Robert Kirkman reestablishes Dale, the kids, and Maggie in the issue. The character moments are quiet, but they will linger in your mind (especially the one with the kids).

What’s Not So Good: Kirkman always handles his characters with the utmost care. That’s why I find the way (new cast member) Dr. Eugene is used so annoying. He seems to speak simply as a plot device and nothing more. His words make an impact, but I feel that they would be more effective if we knew more about the character or his previous situation.

My other complaint has to do with the herd. While I really like the way the herd is used, both as a set piece and a plot device, I wish more time was spent with it. A minor complaint, yes, but still something that disappointed me about the issue. Some hardcore zombie stuff is always welcome and the herd offers lots of potential for it.

Conclusion: As usual, the creative team behind The Walking Dead delivers in nearly every way. Issue sixty is about as solid as they come and serves as a great example of why the series is such a success. Highly recommended.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

Deadpool: Suicide Kings #1

By Mike Benson (Writer), Carlo Barberi (Pencils), Sandu Florea (Inks), and Marte Gracia (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’ve made no secret about how much I like Deadpool. In fact, I’ll pick up pretty much anything the character is in. To me, more Deadpool is a good thing (unless, of course, he gets in the way of the story or is written as though the person writing him is trying too hard…I’m looking at you Duane Swierczynski). So, needless to say, buying Suicide Kings was pretty much a no-brainer for me. Especially since I found Mike Benson’s first crack at Deadpool, the Games of Death one-shot, to be a pretty entertaining read.

The Story: Deadpool, as usual, takes a job thinking he is going to get paid the big bucks. As it turns out, his employer isn’t exactly being all that honest with him. Soon Deadpool finds his face all over the news for performing an act of terrorism.

What’s Good: Mike Benson does a better job of handling Deadpool in the first issue of Suicide Kings than he did in Games of Death. It goes a long way toward making the book an enjoyable read despite the extremely standard set up and the fairly standard execution. Also good about Suicide Kings is a good portion of the artwork. It manages to successfully straddle the line between silly and serious that suits the Merc with a Mouth extremely well.

What’s Not So Good: Well…you read the plot summary above (I hope). Fact is, if you’ve read a Deadpool story before, nothing about the storyline is going to surprise, shock, or even feel remotely original. Sure it is delivered decently enough, but I feel like I already know how the entire mini-series is going to play out. Another negative about the book is that from time to time the artwork makes the characters look very poorly proportioned and quite inconsistent.

Conclusion: Suicide Kings is the start to a serviceable Deadpool story, but don’t go into it expecting anything new. Enjoy it if you are a fan, but it’s far from an essential read.

Grade:  C-

-Kyle Posluszny

Wolverine: Weapon X #1

By Jason Aaron (Writer), Ron Garney (Artist), and Jason Keith (Colorist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: At first, like any sane person, I really wanted to dismiss Weapon X as something that I need not waste my time reading or reviewing. I mean, at first glance, it seems to have all the trappings of what would pretty much be THE ultimate Marvel cash-in series. In my mind I thought, “It stars Wolverine, launches just weeks before a film starring the character hits theaters, and is subtitled “Weapon X” (which just so happens to be an integral part of the Wolverine movie)…yep…” Then I noticed that the creative team attached to the book is the same team responsible for “Get Mystique!” one of my favorite Wolverine stories of all time. Suddenly, Wolverine: Weapon X became a must read series…

The Story: After getting a tip from Maverick, Wolverine heads off to investigate the latest attempt at resurrecting the Weapon X program. It turns out that a private military contractor recently bought Weapon X files off the black market and is looking to give it’s mercenaries a boost. The investigation into the facility hosting the experiments triggers some old memories of Wolverine’s time as part of the program…

What’s Good: Jason Aaron and Ron Garney waste no time establishing the gritty, violent tone Wolverine: Weapon X will have. Both the visuals and the writing do a fantastic job of tapping into the dark side of Marvel’s main mutant. While it’s definitely too early to tell just which directions the first arc will take, it’s obviously going to be a brutal, bloody affair. And I, for one, could not be more pleased about that.

What’s Not So Good: I guess my biggest complaint is that the debut of Weapon X is very much a textbook example of how a standard first issue should play out. The first threads of a plot are introduced, Wolverine’s character is established, and off he goes with a purpose. The formula works, that’s for sure, but I wish the series would have hit the ground running a bit harder. I mean damn near everyone is already familiar with Wolverine on some level, so why not just get to it? Sure, it’s a blast reading Aaron’s take on Wolverine no matter what the character is doing. And sure, I couldn’t be much happier with Garney’s distinct visual style. But I wish things moved forward a bit more from a plot perspective instead of spending so much time establishing Wolverine as a badass…most people already know that he is.

Conclusion: I really like the first issue of Weapon X, especially on a technical level, I just wish it had a bit more substance. That said, what substance there is has some interesting storytelling potential that, under the control of Jason Aaron, Ron Garney, and Jason Keith, should be in good hands. I look forward to see what happens next.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

Deadpool #9 (Magnum Opus Pt. 3) – Review

By Daniel Way (Writer), Paco Medina (Pencils), Juan Vlasco (Inks), and Marte Gracia (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: If you take a minute to check out our “Best and Worst of ’08” feature, you’ll find that “Magnum Opus” was one of my most anticipated things of 2009. Now, with half of the crossover finished, I have to say that it is almost living up to expectations. It’s fast, it’s fun, it’s funny, it’s action-packed, and the conflict between Deadpool and the Tbolts makes for some extremely entertaining reading. The only real problem is that I would much rather have the old Thunderbolts (more effective?) team facing Deadpool as opposed to the new one. I’ve got to say though, the new team is starting to grow on me.

The Story: Deadpool, while attempting to score points with Black Widow II, teams up with the Taskmaster to take on the Thunderbolts. I wish there was more to it then that, but there really isn’t. There is a variety of attempts at different types of humor, a lot of action, and a healthy dose of violence…in other words, business as usual.

What’s Good: The highlight of Deadpool #9 is how Wade Wilson interacts with both Taskmaster and Black Widow II. The exchanges he has with both are, in my opinion, downright hilarious and they are made even funnier by the ever present voice inside Wade’s head. Simply put, Daniel Way brings the funny in the third chapter of the “Magnum Opus” crossover.

Also of note is how great the whole book looks. Paco Medina’s cartoony style is a perfect fit considering the tone and his action scenes are just a lot of fun to look at. Juan Vlasco’s inks and Marte Gracia’s colors deserve to be mentioned as well, because the visuals really are the total package.

What’s Not So Good: For as fun as Deadpool #9 is, both as a visual experience and a reading experience, it definitely has a few flaws worth mentioning. One of them is that everything just feels extremely basic, like Daniel Way is just going through the (very funny) motions. If it wasn’t for the Thunderbolts, the latest Deadpool would feel very much like any other. In fact, it still does, though in nearly any other context that wouldn’t be a bad thing. I guess it’s just that it’s something of a shame to see a crossover so loaded with potential lean so heavily to one side. Also, and I know I can’t be the only one, I continue to be disappointed with how rather easily Deadpool is dealing with his enemies. While it’s fun to see Wade get the upper hand, it also undermines the effort being made to try and have the Diggle Thunderbolts fill the very big shoes left by the Ellis Thunderbolts.

Conclusion: Deadpool #9 works better as an issue of Deadpool than it does as the third chapter of “Magnum Opus.” I found it to be extremely entertaining (hence the high grade), but couldn’t really shake the fact that it didn’t lend itself well to the whole crossover thing. It just seems like “Magnum Opus” could be (or should have been) so much more.

Grade:  B

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #21 – Review

By Tim Seeley (Writer), Emily Stone (Art), and Mark Englert (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’ve made no secret about the fact that I’m quite a fan of the Hack/Slash formula. It successfully blends a variety of genres into one extremely satisfying product. One part bloody horror story, one part buddy action comedy, one part grounded drama, and one part supernatural thriller, Hack/Slash somehow manages to work on nearly every level. While the series has hit a few bumps here and there, it always keeps me coming back for more because the basic concept is just so much fun. Simply put, you should be reading Hack/Slash.

The Story: The latest chapter of Hack/Slash sees Cassie’s past catching up with her in a big way. Longtime fans will either love or loathe the surprise returns in one of the more oddball issues of the series. Let me just say that it features one of the more interesting uses of an old lady in a comic book. Yep…

What’s Good: Story-wise, Hack/Slash #21 scores more points with me for what it sets up than for what actually happens. Though that’s not to say it isn’t a fun and entertaining issue. In fact, it might actually be one of the funniest comics I’ve read in quite some time. The bits with the elderly lady, Muffy, are so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh. Cassie and Vlad even get in on it with some great character moments both humorous and, at times, poignant. Good work Mr. Seeley.

Also worth mentioning is the art team of Emily Stone and Mark Englert. They provide solid visuals throughout the book, with a few extremely stand-out moments. I’ve been a bit hard on Emily Stone in the past (mostly regarding facial consistency and the occasionally sketchy panel), but Hack/Slash #21 features some of her best work. And that work is complimented well by Mark Englert’s effective, quality coloring.

What’s Not So Good: A lot of your enjoyment of the latest Hack/Slash arc will probably rest on what you think of the returning characters. I can easily imagine at least one of them annoying or irritating people, so I can easily imagine his (or her?!) return falling flat. Personally, I think introducing new characters might have been more interesting, but I’m not exactly against how things now stand.

Another not so good thing is that some of Stone’s pencils tend to look a bit sketchy and rough at times. While it doesn’t really distract from the otherwise nice visuals, an extra layer of polish would have helped. I say that especially because Hack/Slash is extremely close to being a consistently good to great looking series as Stone’s solid work continues to improve.

Conclusion: Hack/Slash #21 is a surprisingly funny installment to an extremely entertaining series. While some may find themselves a bit irked by the returns, I believe most will be forgiven by the time they hit the cliffhanger of an ending. I look forward to seeing where Tim Seeley and his creative team take things from this point on.

Grade:  B

-Kyle Posluszny

The Darkness #76 – Review

By Phil Hester (Writer), Michael Broussard (Pencils), Ryan Winn (Inks), and Benny Fuentes (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I bailed on the third volume of The Darkness following the end of the first story arc. And to be honest, I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe it was the different art team or perhaps it was the less than engaging previews I had checked out. Whatever the reason, I decided to jump back on board after the series hit number seventy five and celebrated with a one-shot that offered up a pretty compelling glimpse of a possible future for the Top Cow universe.

The Story: While attempting to walk away from the Sovereign’s orders, Jackie Estacado falls under the spell of a beautiful woman with a red ribbon in her hair. Jackie quickly finds out that there’s more to the woman than meets the eye, and he finds out that there is quite a bit he has yet to learn about the legacy of the Darkness. And it could cost him his life.

What’s Good: For an extremely fast read, The Darkness #76 does quite a few things right. The artwork, though not without flaws, is pretty quite striking at times and does a nice job of visually carrying the story forward when there is little dialogue or narration to help out. The woman’s red ribbon is particularly worthy of note because Michael Broussard and his team do a great job of making it stand out in any panel it’s present in. And the effect helps to create a sense of uneasiness about both the woman and the desperation that drives Jackie toward his destination. As for the writing, Phil Hester effectively adds wrinkles to both the mythology of the Darkness and the character of Estacado. While the conflicted anti-hero is something of a cliché (and has been for some time), Estacado manages to remain compelling regardless of the baggage that the characters of his type tend to carry.

What’s Not So Good: While I didn’t feel ripped off, there is no denying how quick the latest issue of The Darkness ended. Whole pages went by without any dialogue, which really accentuated the inconsistent (sometimes silly) visuals. I mean, Jackie Estacado’s face seemed to change repeatedly throughout the book. At times, his particular case of moody angst seems to give him pouty Angelina Jolie lips. As it turns out, the unintentional hilarity really breaks the somber tone Hester and company seem to be going for.

Conclusion: While the wonky artwork proves at times, distracting, it doesn’t hurt the quality of an otherwise enjoyable comic too much. There is something about the fairly simple story and effective use of color that kept me glued to the pages. It definitely could have been better, but nonetheless, I liked it well enough.

Grade: B-

-Kyle Posluszny

Gears of War #5 – Review

By Joshua Ortega (Writer), Liam Sharp (Artist), and Jonny Rench (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Being a fan of the Xbox 360 series, the Gears of War comics are something of a guilty pleasure for me. The artwork in them effectively captures the gritty violence of the game’s world and action, while the tough-guy dialogue works well enough to keep the books entertaining enough to read. I wish the Gears series had a bit more story and depth, but then again I had a fairly solid idea of what I was getting into when I picked up the first issue.

The Story: Marcus, Jace, Dom, and Barrick find themselves trapped underneath the rubble of the ruined city of Montevado. With the area unstable and crawling with creatures, the separated COGs must find a way out of the dangerous mess. The situation offers up the opportunity for the reader to learn a little more about Jace as well.

What’s Good: To be honest, there isn’t much about Gears #5 that is particularly memorable. The action comes across well and the situation the COGs find themselves in by the end of the issue is appropriately hopeless (and potentially exciting), but beyond that there just isn’t a whole lot worth mentioning. And that’s something of a shame because the creative team puts in some pretty decent work…

What’s Not So Good: The pretty decent work ultimately fails to amount to much. I understand that for the most part, Gears of War is all about mindless action. That said, it wouldn’t hurt to actually advance the storyline once in a while. I mean, I love bloody action as much as the next guy, but it gets tiresome when it seems as though that’s all that is holding the series together. There has to be some driving force moving things along. Unfortunately, I have pretty much stopped caring what that force is at this point. As a result, I just found the penultimate chapter of the first Gears arc to be quite boring.

Conclusion: While I will be sticking around to see how the “Hollow” story concludes thanks to the fairly strong finish of chapter five, I can’t help but be disappointed with things as a whole. The creative team definitely gets the appeal of Gears and successfully translates it to the page, but the whole thing just feels empty without a compelling story. Maybe things will turn around next month, but I will be sure to keep my expectations in check.

Grade:  C-

-Kyle Posluszny

Thunderbolts #130 (Magnum Opus Pt. 2) – Review

By Andy Diggle (Writer), Bong Dazo (Pencils), Joe Pimentel (Inks), and Frank Martin (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: So far, I’ve had a fair share of conflicting emotions regarding Andy Diggle’s Thunderbolts run. On one hand, the author carries on the mean streak and dark tone that made the Warren Ellis run such a critical success. On the other, I have yet to find Diggle’s new Thunderbolts team all that appealing. The characters have their moments, but the team as a whole lacks the turmoil and dysfunction that made the Ellis bunch so appealing. Thankfully, I have a feeling most of my conflicting emotion will be quickly forgotten as Deadpool brings his unique brand of humor and chaos to a series that currently needs just a little extra jolt of electricity.

The Story: “Magnum Opus” continues as Deadpool, in an effort to reach Norman Osborn for payment (and a bit of revenge), squares off against the Thunderbolts inside Avengers Tower. But all is not as it seems since Osborn has the Thunderbolts pulling punches in order to keep their target alive. Action, violence, and humor are the name of the game in Thunderbolts #130.

What’s Good: It figures that it’d take Deadpool to finally bring out the personality in the Thunderbolts team and make (almost) everything click. Long story short, Andy Diggle does quite a good job handling both his team and the guest of honor. Regarding the T-bolts, for the first time I actually find myself really looking forward to the next issue so that I can learn more about the cast of characters that I am fairly unfamiliar with thanks to the interesting team dynamics on display. As for Deadpool, Diggle effectively picks up where Daniel Way left off and doesn’t really miss a beat in handling the more unique aspects of the crazy mercenary.

Also worth mentioning about the latest issue of Thunderbolts is how damn nice it looks. The creative team does a fantastic job of handling the non-stop, explosive action without ever really letting it get too out of hand. From Bong Dazo’s kinetic scenes and stylish character work to the complimentary inks and vibrant colors that help the work jump off the page, the second chapter of “Magnum Opus” is a lot of fun to look at.

What’s Not So Good: Two key things hold Thunderbolts #130 from earning a higher grade. The first thing is that, while Diggle makes solid strides in bringing out the personality of his team, it still consists of characters that I have little, to no attachment to. While I understand that time is needed for them to grow on me, I had hoped for at least a character or two to really stand out by this point. I highly doubt I’m the only one feeling this way.

The second thing that needs to be mentioned is that from time to time the action gets a little bit too crazy. Either too much is going on, or character positioning leads to a bit of confusion. It doesn’t really detract from the strong visuals a whole lot, but it proves distracting at times.

Conclusion: The latest issue of Thunderbolts restores my faith in the series. I had thought about dropping it following the Deadpool crossover, but now I feel that the new team definitely has the potential to be quite memorable. You’ve got the ball back Diggle, now is the time to run with it.

Grade:  B

-Kyle Posluszny

Second Opinion

Fanboys take note: when somebody asks whether or not you dig the Bong, I promise you it’s okay to say “YES!”  This was my first introduction to artist Bong Dazo’s work, and I was incredibly impressed.  Although I believe his style is a bit to cartoonish and illustrative to be the regular artist for a dark and gritty title like Thunderbolts, it nicely complements Deadpool’s appearance here.  Dazo’s art is loose and flowing, yet incredibly detailed when the moment calls for it, and I hope the industry takes note and sends more work his way!  As for the story itself, I was surprised by how easily Deadpool took down the Thunderbolts, and disappointed by how utterly inept they came off looking.  I enjoyed this issue, don’t get me wrong, but when I finished it the first thing  I said to myself was “wow, why is it I’m reading this title?”  The ease with which Deadpool laid the smackdown on Osborn’s team of covert cutthroats is embarassing, and it makes them look like far less of a threat than Diggle was building them up to be in previous issues.  I hate to say it, but Diggle actually succeeded in making me want to drop this title and resume collecting Deadpool, and that was the last thing I expected to get from this issue.

Grade: C+

-Tony Rakittke

Deadpool #6 (Dark Reign) – Review

By Daniel Way (Writer), Paco Medina (Pencils), Juan Vlasco (Inks), and Marte Gracia (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: With Deadpool #6, the series heads into Dark Reign by putting the Merc with a Mouth on a collision course with Norman Osborn and the Thunderbolts. But first, as revealed last issue, Wade Wilson must deal with Tiger Shark. Should be fun to see how that plays out…

The Story: Deadpool battles Tiger Shark, meets a potential love interest, and comes to the conclusion that someone wants him dead. Also, the titular character cracks jokes and inadvertently becomes part of a hostage crisis. In other words, it’s pretty much business as usual in this issue.

What’s Good: While it certainly isn’t the deepest comic on the stands, the sixth issue works well because the creative team knows exactly what makes a character like Wade Wilson work. On the writing end, Daniel Way’s script revels in dark, offbeat humor and graphic (sometimes gratuitous) violence, while still managing to keep the character thoroughly fun to follow. And with the addition of a possible love interest, it’s almost impossible not to want to root for the main character. As for the art, it continues to be perfectly suited for the tone of the book. Paco Medina and his art team make Deadpool’s world (and the events that take place in it) slick, stylish, and loaded with personality.

What’s Not So Good: Despite the fact that there’s a lot to like about Deadpool’s encounter with Tiger Shark and the chaos that ensues, Deadpool #6 might be the weakest issue of the series so far; considering how strong the others are. But don’t take that as a big negative. The biggest problem is that it feels as though a few parts of the issue only exist to get a laugh. Now I;m not saying I have something against the style of humor Way employs, but this time around some of it just simply gets in the way. For example, a nearly four pages are spent on Tiger Shark’s encounter with a guy in charge of the shark tank at an aquarium. Was it funny? Sure, to an extent. But it feels like the pages could have been used for something much better.

Conclusion: While not quite as strong as other issues, I still consider the Merc’s latest story a hell of a fun read. In addition, it serves as a nice, lighthearted appetizer before the Deadpool/Thunderbolts crossover takes the series into darker territory. Check it out.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

The Walking Dead #57 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils & Inks), and Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’m definitely digging what Robert Kirkman is doing with the new cast members, especially in regards to Abraham. His standoff with Rick and subsequent breakdown left me itching for more. So without further delay, allow me to just get on with the review process.

The Story: The survivors find a good place to rest for a few days near an interstate highway, and Rick suggests taking a trip to the police station he worked at to look for supplies. He eventually heads out With Carl and Abraham, and as expected the group runs into a major problem along the way.

What’s Good: Unfortunately, I can’t go into a whole lot of detail about what makes The Walking Dead #57 so effective without spoiling anything. However, I can say that the issue has a certain intensity about it that has been lacking for some time. Instead of a quiet or subdued character moment, Kirkman delivers one that hits with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.It works brilliantly, especially considering that it plays upon a timeless question that nearly every parent must ponder at some point.

What’s Not So Good: I rarely say this, but a few panels this time around look a bit rushed. While it doesn’t really diminish the issue as a whole,  it’s noticeable enough to warrant a mention. That said, the detail is there when it absolutely counts the most, so I can’t complain too much.

Conclusion: Some way, some how The Walking Dead just keeps getting better and better. As a result, I’m quickly running out of ways to praise the series. Oh well, I’ll keep doing it as long as the quality is there. Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn have put together a story that definitely deserves all the acclaim it can get.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

X-Force #10 – Review

By Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost (Writers), Mike Choi (Art), and Sonia Oback (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: X-Force is one series that I can’t help but root for. While inconsistent and far from deep, there is almost no denying it’s appeal. A team of X-Men assigned to take down various villains from “X” lore by any means necessary? As an X-Men fan, I find the concept almost impossible to resist despite it’s inherent (or inevitable?) flaws. X-Force #10 marks the conclusion of “Old Ghosts,” the second arc of the series that’s doing a lot to build my confidence in the long term viability of a concept that, admittedly, seems quite shallow at first.

The Story: Warpath and Ghost Rider deal with the rampaging Demon Bear as the rest of the cast battles Cameron Hodge’s Army of the Right over possession of the deadly Legacy virus. I really can’t go into much more detail without heading into spoiler territory since the issue relies so heavily on its twists and turns.

What’s Good: While I still think that the artwork by Mike Choi and Sonia Oback is a bit too slick considering the gritty, violent tone of the series, that doesn’t change the fact that X-Force #10 is one nice looking book. And it’s a good thing too, because the visuals definitely go a long way towards making up for the somewhat lackluster storytelling throughout the issue. That said, there are still enough good plot seeds planted to make the whole thing worth reading despite its hang-ups. In fact, now that I think about it, the future looks pretty bright for X-Force, especially considering that the Messiah War “X”-event is fast approaching.

What’s Not So Good: From start to finish the conclusion of “Old Ghosts” feels rushed. It’s as though Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost were more convinced about delivering in the future than in the present. There is just far too much action, explanation, and set up for the future crammed into twenty-two pages. As a result, the quality of the arc as a whole takes a hit and the individual issue feels less than satisfying.

Conclusion: X-Force #10 is definitely what I would call a (very attractive) mixed bag. Why? Because it disappoints as an ending, but succeeds as a beginning. I like where the series is headed, I just wish it didn’t have to frustrate so much on the way there.

Grade:  C

-Kyle Posluszny

Kick Ass #5 – Review

By Mark Millar (Writer), John Romita Jr. (Pencils), Tom Palmer (Inks), and Dean White (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Mark Millar, John Romita Jr., and the rest of the creative team can rest easy knowing that Kick-Ass does indeed kick some serious ass (so far). And it’s a good thing that it does or else I would have to go on some sort of rant about how the wonky release schedule is testing both my patience and my memory. In all honesty, as long as Millar and company continue to prove the old adage about how good things come to those who wait, I can forgive the months between each installment.

The Story: Kick-Ass #5 is all about the new hero in town. He calls himself Red Mist and is the media/Internet darling taking up the spotlight once owned solely by Kick-Ass (A.K.A. Dave Lizewski). With frustration mounting and the feeling that his pride is at stake, Dave decides to reach out to Red Mist in order to find out what the deal is.

What’s Good: While a bit slower than previous issues, the latest (and greatest) chapter of Kick-Ass does just about everything right. Truth be told, I was a bit concerned about how Mark Millar would handle the other homemade superheroes in the series, especially considering how over the top the introduction of Hit Girl is, but he pulls it off spectacularly in regards to Red Mist. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the new character proves to be great for both the series in general and the title character.

For the series, Red Mist helps to keep the story grounded in reality thanks to personality traits that are all too relatable. As far as Dave Lizewski is concerned, the dynamic between him and Red Mist brings a lot of much-needed depth to the character. While I won’t go into detail in order to avoid spoilers I will say that I finally felt truly comfortable rooting for Dave the hero and Dave the teen by the end of the issue. And that, readers, is a pretty big deal.

Visually, I have no complaints at all. While I’m sure the style isn’t to everybody’s liking, I feel it’s a perfect fit for the tone of the series. John Romita Jr. and his team continue to do great things with both the action and the character work. Particularly impressive is how highly expressive the characters are, as it goes a long way towards making them feel (and look) that much more alive.

What’s Not So Good: While I definitely enjoy Dave’s narration throughout the book some of the namedropping in regards to comics and pop culture come across as a bit much from time to time. On the plus side, it adds to the sense that the story is taking place in “our” world. But on the negative side it makes it seem as though Millar desperately wants the series to get mainstream attention. A little subtlety in that regard would be welcome.

Conclusion: In my opinion, Kick-Ass #5 is the best issue of the series yet. While not as flashy, extreme, or shocking as the others it makes an impact by proving that the series has more than enough personality, character, and depth to be worth investing in. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again (and, if the creative team keeps this pace, probably again and again): Kick-Ass kicks some serious ass.

Grade: A

-Kyle Posluszny

Gears of War #3 – Review

By Joshua Ortega (Writer), Liam Sharp (Art), and Johnny Rench & Carrie Strachan (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Gears of War has been a surprisingly entertaining series so far, even though it’s really a “for fans only” type of thing. While it isn’t breaking any new ground and hasn’t yet done anything essential for the overall Gears storyline, the comic definitely succeeds in translating the gritty violence and machismo of the game to the page. The biggest flaw is the fact that nothing of consequence has happened so far. Furthermore, there doesn’t really seem to be much in the way of plot development. Sure the mindless action has been pretty fun, but it runs the risk of becoming tiresome. Maybe Gears of War #3 will prove to be something of a game-changer and give the series the direction that it has been sorely lacking.

The Story: Jace barely manages to land the plummeting helicopter, and the group of soldiers find themselves a long way from home. During the long walk from the wreckage, Marcus, Dom, and company come across an outpost full of “stranded” people that were unable to reach Jacinto, left struggling to survive in the aftermath of Emergence Day. With the stranded needing protection and the soldiers needing a form of transportation, the two groups come to a mutual agreement. Also, lots of Locusts meet a violent end throughout the issue…as expected.

What’s Good: That Joshua Ortega finally manages to work in some plot development in between all the action and violence. It does wonders for a series that has been incredibly shallow for two issues. With the group now in charge of protecting someone other than themselves, maybe Ortega can actually begin to work in the character depth necessary to put together a story that provides more than just a mindless action fix.

What’s Not So Good: That it is still totally up in the air whether or not the Gears of War comic series will actually connect to the game in any meaningful way. The initial previews said that the series would lead into the plot for Gears 2, but I don’t see any signs of that happening yet. That might wind up being the biggest factor surrounding whether or not I stick with the title to the end.

Conclusion: A step up for the series, Gears of War #3 provides what the comic adaptation has so desperately needed. On the other hand, I am still not sure whether or not early promises are being kept. At least the action delivers and it all looks pretty nice.

Grade:  C+

-Kyle Posluszny

Deadpool #5 – Review

By Daniel Way (Writer), Carlo Barberi (Pencils), Juan Vlasco & Sandu Florea (Inks), and Marte Gracia & Raul Trevino (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I am loving what Daniel Way and his art teams are doing with the new Deadpool series. In fact, while I have never found myself to be particularly impressed by any of Daniel Way’s previous work (outside of, shock of shocks, the Wolverine Origins arc that featured Deadpool), I think I can safely say that he may have found his calling. And in my opinion, this is a very good thing; considering how nice it is to have a Marvel book offering an alternative from all of the overly serious stuff the company has put out as of late.

The Story: Captured by the zombie-creating Dr. Lovosnos, Deadpool learns the true nature of his mission. In short, Wade was sent by Zeke to the doctor as payment for the procedure done to his buxom blonde wife. And what does the doctor find interesting about Deadpool? Turns out a person that can regenerate flesh is quite useful to have in handy when you have a whole bunch of hungry zombies around!

What’s Good: Once again, I’m going to have a hard time thinking of a book that’s more fun to read and look at than the most recent Deadpool. You’ll find that one of the most impressive things the issue is how Daniel Way’s clever script puts Wade Wilson’s unique powers and traits to great use. In addition, the frantic, lively visuals are an excellent fit for the off-the-wall zombie story. Truth be told, I couldn’t be much happier with this one.

What’s Not So Good: I can’t really think of anything negative to say about Deadpool #5 other than the fact that, it’s definitely not a book for those who can’t really appreciate the style of humor used in it. Humor is a pretty subjective thing and as such, I’m fairly certain there are a number of people who are just going to flat out hate how the book is handled from a writing standpoint. I am not one of those people, but it is worth mentioning.

Conclusion: What else can I say? The latest issue of Deadpool worked for me in every way. I highly recommend it.

Grade: A

-Kyle Posluszny

The Walking Dead #56 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils, Inks, & Cover), and Cliff Rathburn (Grey Tones & Cover Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I really can’t say enough about how much I am enjoying the current Walking Dead arc. Robert Kirkman continues to put on a clinic about how and when to toss a twist or bit of information into a long-running story to make sure it hits with maximum impact. And now that I have the next chapter in my hand, I can’t wait to see what comes about as a result of the intriguing notion that the zombies may be slowly starving to death and Maggie’s apparent suicide.

The Story: Unsurprisingly, The Walking Dead #56 is a fairly slow, character-driven issue that centers around Maggie’s actions. I’ll keep from going into more detail to avoid heading into spoiler territory, but I can say that the events that take place allow Kirkman to put a spotlight on the tensions inherent in the eclectic group of survivors. In particular, the dynamic that exists between Rick and Abraham, the most prominent of the new cast members.

What’s Good: If you are a regular to this site, chances are you already know what I am going to say in this section. Robert Kirkman continues to do what he does best by delivering another issue driven almost entirely by the incredible strength of his cast. Obviously, Maggie’s actions have a huge impact on the simmering group, and reactions are written in a way that is both extremely effective and unquestionably realistic. I continue to find myself amazed by the depth of The Walking Dead.

Visually, the issue is pretty much business as usual. Don’t take that as a negative though. Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn continue to display an impressive visual range with their character work and their handling of the action beats.

What’s Not So Good (Possible Spoilers Ahead!!): I have little doubt that many longtime readers will find some frustration with how things play out in the book. It’s a classic Walking Dead moment, for both good and bad. While I have no real problem with it personally, it definitely warrants mentioning as a negative because similar things have happened a few too many times before. In short, your reaction to the opening few pages will probably play a large part in how you feel about the issue as a whole.

Conclusion: The Walking Dead #56 is another strong chapter in a series that continues to impress, but some may find themselves a bit irritated by it. I can’t say that I blame you if you do.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

Some great character moments here, but Rick leaving himself open while he takes a piss seems a bit out of character. I love what Robert Kirkman is doing with Abraham. Conflict and tension is what drives this book (with the zombies taking a secondary role as the background threat), and it’s clear that an emotional basket case like Abraham is going to cause lots of trouble for our team of survivors. We’ve been so focused on a new direction and the zombie menace that we forgot how many loonies there are in this bunch! Bring it on!

Grade: B+

– J. Montes

Mesmo Delivery – Review

By Rafael Grampa (Writer & Artist) and Marcus Penna (Colorist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I decided to pick up Mesmo Delivery after seeing the slick looking preview pages and hearing nothing but good things about the book for the past month or so. So is Rafael Grampa’s first solo work a true indie gem or is it a victim of the dreaded hype machine? Read on to find out.

The Story: Mesmo Delivery follows two men, a burly truck driver and a company hand, as they make their way through a rural town to deliver a package to its intended destination. The only company rule is that the back of the truck must remain closed so that the package cannot be seen by the driver or anyone else. As you might have guessed, things don’t exactly go smoothly. Rufo, the truck driver, finds himself in way over his head upon accepting a bet with a local and soon all hell breaks loose in two very different ways.

What’s Good: Part mystery, part thriller, and part gory action-horror story, Mesmo is one trippy trucker tale. It easily overcomes a few generic plot points by providing a mystery laced with a number of unexpected twists and buckets of well-executed gore. Trust me when I say that, in both style and execution, you haven’t seen anything quite like Mesmo Delivery.

Rafael Grampa’s kinetic, well-choreographed visuals offer a unique mixture of meticulous detail, the surreal, and disturbing hyper-violence. As strange as that may sound, the style proves to be a perfect fit for a story that definitely takes a few readings to fully appreciate. By revealing some, but not all of the necessary information, Grampa manages to transform a fairly basic trucker tale into something incredibly compelling.

What’s Not So Good: Simply put, Mesmo Delivery is not a book for everyone. The insanely graphic violence and a few odd shots featuring the female anatomy keep it strictly for a more mature audience. In addition, I can easily imagine more than a few readers being frustrated by the obtuse story and the lack of any concrete resolution, especially for a comic that goes for around twelve bucks.

Conclusion: While it is almost certain to be one of the most divisive releases of the year, there is no denying how impressive the presentation and artistic execution displayed in Mesmo Delivery. Personally, I found the book to be an imaginative, cinematic mix of genres that worked on a number of levels. As such, I highly recommend it to mature readers looking for something quite a bit different from the usual Marvel or DC fare.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny

Thor: Man of War #1 – Review

By Matt Fraction (Writer), Clay Mann (Pt. 1 Pencils), Victor Olazaba (Pt. 1 Inks), Paul Mounts (Pt 1. Colors), Patrick Zircher (Pt. 2 Art), and June Chung (Pt. 2 Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: For as much as I enjoy the more personal, down-to-earth Thor series, I find that the epic Matt Fraction one-shots better fit the bill for what I’m looking for in a Thor story. And why is that? Simply because the brutal action and sense of scale provide the perfect fix for a casual fan of the character like myself. Time to find out if Thor: Man of War lives up to the bar set by Ages of Thunder and Reign of Blood.

The Story: The destruction caused by Thor’s anger-fueled rampage catches the eye of his father, Odin. Feeling that he must respond in some way, Odin summons the Valkyrior warrior Brunnhilda to get Thor under control. Battling as adversaries but soon united by the need to survive a Storm Giant attack, Thor and Brunnhilda give Odin a reason to take matters into his own hands.

What’s Good: Everything that made Ages of Thunder and Reign of Blood creative successes is present in Man of War. If you liked the first two Fraction-helmed one-shots, then I am sure you will enjoy the latest one as well. Both parts of the story feature fantastic, action-driven artwork and fun, yet weighty, narration.

What’s Not So Good: The only thing negative I can say about Man of War is that it doesn’t feel like it holds quite as much substance as the chapters that preceded it. A lot of that has to do with the action-heavy storyline, but it is still worth mentioning. That said, the artwork during the action scenes mostly make up for any complaint about substance.

Conclusion: Fans of a more legendary take on the classic character will find something to like in the final chapter of Fraction’s epic. I highly recommend it, but be sure to track down the other two parts first.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #17 – Review

By Barry Keating (Story), Tim Seeley (Story & Script), Emily Stone (Art), and Mark Englert (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: While I have enjoyed the Hack/Slash crossover with the Re-Animator for the most part, I can’t help but be slightly disappointed by how Herbert West continues to feel like more of a plot device than a distinct guest star. I give credit to Barry Keating and Tim Seeley for making West’s appearance feel right at home within the overarching plot of the series. However, the last two issues have left me wanting more interaction between Cassie Hack and Dr. West. That said, if the ending of last issue is any indication, the conclusion should deliver what I’ve wanted since I first heard about the crossover arc.

The Story: The re-animation of Cassie’s mother means the return of the Lunch Lady. With her emotions cranked up to eleven as a result of the re-agent used on her by Dr. West, the Lunch Lady picks up right where she left off in an effort to regain her former appearance. Cassie, Vlad, and Dr. West are the only ones that can stop her before more victims are added to her “stew.”

What’s Good: Despite my qualms with the way this crossover was used, the violent, character-driven conclusion is actually quite satisfying. It’s tough not to feel for Cassie after seeing how things play out. Also, I must once again mention how well Tim Seeley writes Dr. Herbert West, as it comes extremely close to bringing Jeffrey Combs’ iconic performance to the page. It definitely leaves me wanting more.

What’s Not So Good: Visually, Hack/Slash #17 is average at its very best. While there are a few good looking moments and some particularly nice panel layout near the end, the book just seems to lack any sort of polish whatsoever. The characters look inconsistent, some of the pencil work looks downright sloppy, and the coloring makes everything look muddy. Disappointing in every way.

Conclusion: If you can ignore some of the glaring artwork issues, you are sure to find a lot to like here if you are a fan of Hack/Slash or The Re-Animator. While not everything that I hoped for, the conclusion definitely makes up for the arc’s slow start.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

Welcome to Hoxford #4 – Review

By Ben Templesmith (Creator, Writer, Artist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Welcome to Hoxford has been one of the biggest surprises of the year for me. Gory and disturbing, yet driven by an extremely compelling anti-hero, Ben Templesmith’s latest has definitely satisfied the horror fan within me far more than I ever expected. I can’t wait to see what happens to Raymond and the inmates next.

The Story: It’s Raymond Delgado and the few remaining survivors against a pack of ancient beasts in the blood, action-packed conclusion of Welcome to Hoxford.

What’s Good: Since the final chapter of the series is so focused on the mayhem caused by the clash between man and beast-men, there really isn’t a whole lot to it. The set-up called for action and now it’s delivered. That said, there are a few surprises regarding the nature between the hunters and the hunted as the story makes its way to a satisfying, brutal finish.

What’s Not So Good: As much as I enjoy Templesmith’s stylish artwork, it really doesn’t work that well during scenes heavy on action. And there is a lot of action in this one. The heavy use of gore and dark coloring makes the events more muddled and confusing than gruesome. Templesmith’s art style fits the book well, but a little clarity and direction would have gone a long way.

Conclusion: Welcome to Hoxford #4 is a visceral, slightly disappointing, conclusion to a well executed horror story. While the artwork leaves a bit to be desired while all the action is taking place, it shouldn’t deter anyone interested from giving the series a shot. There is a lot to like about a visit to Hoxford.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

X-Force #9 – Review

By Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost (Writers), Mike Choi (Art), and Sonia Oback (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Despite the problems I have with X-Force from a continuity standpoint, I have found the series to be entertaining and visually impressive enough to keep reading. That said, I am feeling a bit let down by the latest arc. Maybe the addition of Domino will change my opinion of things…

The Story: The latest issue of X-Force juggles a number of story threads at once. One of them follows Warpath as he comes face to face with the Demon Bear and gets a little unexpected assistance from someone who knows a thing or two about taking down a demon. Another gives a brief glimpse of Wolfsbane’s current and worsening situation. The main plot however, is told through Domino’s perspective. It offers a glimpse inside the character as Vanisher informs the team about what really happened to the Legacy virus.

What’s Good: Despite jumping around all over the place in order to fit all the necessary characters into the story, X-Force #9 proves to be mostly satisfying both visually and plot-wise. Domino’s narration is a large part of the reason why. She is written in a way that benefits her (in catching people up with the character) and the team (in relation to the events taking place and her past). Great work all around by Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost as far as Domino is concerned. My verdict concerning the Warpath and Wolfsbane segments is still up the air at this point, but at least they provide some nice-looking artwork. Speaking of which, props to Mike Choi and Sonia Oback for the bloody, brutal fight scene in the issue as well.

What’s Not So Good: I have two main complaints with this issue. The first is that it attempts to fit far too many things into too few pages. For example, the segments featuring Elixir, S.H.I.E.L.D., and Wolfsbane feel more like distractions than additions to the plot. The second complaint is that the artwork, while extremely nice, just doesn’t feel right for the book. While it doesn’t effect my score in any way, I feel it is worth noting. The artwork by Mike Choi and Sonia Oback just feels too…I dunno…pretty and polished.

Conclusion: While it isn’t breaking any new ground or amounting to more than the sum of its parts, X-Force is a solid, dependable source of entertainment for X-Men fans. This is continues that trend.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

The Walking Dead #55 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Creator & Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils & Inks), and Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones & Cover Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: A few months back, I started to get a bit worried that The Walking Dead might be stuck in neutral. After last issue, Robert Kirkman officially made it clear that it’s not. The return of some old faces and the introduction of a few new ones injected both life and a world of possibilities into what is, in my opinion, one of the best survival stories ever put to print. It will be interesting to see what happens with all these new plot parts now in play.

The Story: The crew of survivors come across an interesting zombie while on a supply stop. Also, Rick continues to battle his mental instability as he once again picks up the phone to speak to his dead wife. To be honest, that’s about all that happens outside of the surprise ending. The issue as a whole is more focused on character work and adding pieces to the zombie puzzle.

What’s Good: While some may find The Walking Dead #55 a bit slow (and lacking in forward plot motion), the incredible character work and interesting bit of information regarding the state of the zombie outbreak more than makes up for the lack of action. Particularly great is how Robert Kirkman handles Rick’s struggle with his deteriorating mental state. It’s next to impossible not to have an emotional investment in a character that has gone through (and lost) so much.

What’s Not So Good: Some may be put off by the lack of action in the issue. Then again, those reading the series solely for the zombie action are pretty much missing the point entirely. It has always been about the characters and will continue to be about the characters.

Conclusion: Another month, another great chapter of The Walking Dead. Fans of the characters will find a lot to like in this one.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny

Conan the Cimmerian #5 – Review

By Timothy Truman (writer) Tomas Giorello and Rochard Corben (art), Jose Villarrubia (colorist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I was actually quite hesitant to pick this one up. While I have enjoyed the series for the most part, my interest is definitely beginning to fade. Conan’s “trip back home” arc has gone on long enough in my opinion, but seeing as though it is going to run through issue seven, I figured I might as well just stick it with it a bit longer.

The Story: Conan and Caollan find themselves on the defensive, as Horsa’s group moves in for the woman. Luckily, a recent acquaintance shows up just in time to provide some support so Conan can continue on the path back home. As for Connacht, he finds himself on board a slaver’s ship in a situation ripe for a revolt.

What’s Good: While I have little doubt that this story arc will read much better as a collection, each installment is still entertaining and visually pleasing enough. Conan’s journey has a weight and urgency to it that allows for some nice character work among all the action. Connacht’s tale also proves worthwhile, as events and decisions made in his time continue to be subtly reflected in the present. Also good is the fact that the ending of the issue means that the next will bring a very welcome change to the somewhat stale proceedings.

What’s Not So Good: Some of the action in the book is marred by awkward or confusing direction. While the artwork is strong as a whole, I found myself a bit confused on the flow of events on more than one occasion. Also, it is worth mentioning that Timothy Truman’s storytelling structure is probably better suited for a collected format. I consider this “not so good” because, while the bigger picture improves every month, the chapters ultimately feel as though they are lacking the instant gratification that most people read monthly comics for. Conan The Cimmerian #5 is no exception.

Conclusion: The latest chapter in the Conan the Cimmerian series is entertaining, but I can’t say that it is necessarily worth the cash. If you have been enjoying watching the bigger picture come together, then by all means pick it up. But if you, like me, have been a bit frustrated by the arc’s pacing, you may want to skip it.

Grade: C

-Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

I agree with Kyle that this story will probably read better as a collection. I get the sense that once the second half of the story starts, all the previous issues will feel like filler. Everything is entertaining, beautifully written and drawn, but it feels like these five issues could have been cut down to two or three. Nevertheless, I respect the meticulous setup of Cimmeria and the reintroduction of Conan. Mission accomplished. Now I’m ready for things to get started and to move away from all the walking and little battles.

After seeing these little glimpses of his life, anyone else really want a Connacht series?

Grade: B

-Ben Berger