Gears of War #2 – Review

By Joshua Ortega (Writer), Liam Sharp (Artist), and Johnny Rench (Colorist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Common sense leads one to the understanding that you shouldn’t go into a Gears comic expecting something exceptional. With that in mind, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how successfully Gears of War #1 brought the game’s world and conflict to the comic page. Now the question is whether or not a plot can be developed well enough to make the series worth picking up each month.

The Story: The squad fights back against the Locust ambush that began last issue, and then heads back to base for some down time. The break in the action allows the book to focus on character work for a bit before throwing the soldiers back into the fray. I wish I could say a bit more concerning the story, but that’s about all that happens in this one.

What’s Good: When the book focuses on the action and tough-guy personalities, it works extremely well. The artwork effectively brings the violence and war-torn environments to the page, something that I still find a bit surprising. As for the writing, I have to applaud the fact that I could easily imagine John DiMaggio reciting nearly every line of Marcus Fenix dialogue. Sure it’s standard tough-guy, action movie stereotype type stuff, but it is what I expected and (in some ways) hoped for. Simply put, the book delivers the Gears of War experience pretty well. If that sounds appealing to you in any way, then I am sure you will find something to like here.

What’s Not So Good: The attempts to give the characters depth feel forced and, as such fall pretty flat. It doesn’t work all that well in the game and the same goes for the comic. Also worth mentioning is how little actually happens in this issue. I still can’t figure out if a plot is being developed or how any of the events are crucial to the story in Gears of War 2.

Conclusion: Gears of War #2 delivers some good action and style, but it’s severely lacking in the substance department. While it is undoubtedly a fun read for fans of the game, I question whether it really deserves the $3.99 price tag. Something big needs to happen in the next issue to prove that this comic is really something a fan should bother investing in.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #16 – Review

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

The Story: Cassie Hack finally gets a chance to speak with her long lost father face-to-face. Meanwhile, Dr. Herbert West (of Re-Animator fame) continues his experimentation with the body of the Lunch Lady, Cassie’s slasher mother.

What’s Good: Hack/Slash, as a series is at its best when dealing with what made the series a hit in the first place, namely slashers. I mention it because Hack/Slash #16 is definitely at its best when slashers figure into the dialogue or action. Tim Seeley and Barry Keating bring an interesting twist to the slasher formula by attempting to break down their very nature through the discussion between Cassie and her father concerning Mr. Hack’s former line of work.With the well-written guest appearance by Dr. West (I can almost hear Jeffrey Combs speaking his lines), this book serves as a very satisfying read for any horror fan.

What’s Not So Good: The fact that the issue as a whole is extremely hit or miss. The artwork suffers from a few odd angles and the same facial inconsistency that continues to plague the series. I enjoy Emily Stone’s work for the most part, but the same type of artwork snags continue to pop up. On the writing end, my biggest complaint is that Cassie’s reunion with her father falls a bit flat. It feels both rushed and incredibly generic, making it fall a bit short of packing the emotional punch needed to make it resonate with readers.

Conclusion: I was hoping for a bit more from this crossover as a whole, but I have to give credit for how well it is succeeding in advancing the overall plot of the series in a natural manner. There is some good stuff in this issue, and it only looks to get better. I just wish Dr. West functioned as more than just a plot device.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

X-Force #8 – Review

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

The Story: As Warpath continues his journey to his brother’s grave, the rest of the X-Force team hunts down Vanisher in an effort to recover the lethal Legacy virus. It turns out that Vanisher is quite the wanted man, as the team finds that Domino is aiming for the exact same target.

What’s Good: While Clayton Crain’s dark, gritty work is a better fit for the series, there is no denying how nice this issue looks. The violent action flows well and the characters are well done (though a bit shiny). Mike Choi and Sonia Oback make a great team.

What’s also good is the return of Domino and the way the Legacy virus has been injected into the storyline. While I have my issues with how things are playing out, I am interested in finding out where things will go from here.

What’s Not So Good: Simply put, X-Force continues to be an extremely confusing series.  There is little information regarding where the storyline might fit into current continuity, and it seems as though the very concept of the team has been completely forgotten. Angel’s storyline is a complete mess, Warpath seems completely disconnected from the team at the moment, and for a “secret” team, there sure are a lot of people aware of what X-Force is doing.

A lot of stuff is happening in this series, but not enough of it is coming together all that well.

Conclusion: X-Force entertains and frustrates in equal measure. It has interesting ideas and attractive visuals, but really it’s making a mess of things from a continuity standpoint. Average at best.

Grade: C

-Kyle Posluszny

Welcome to Hoxford #3 – Review

By Ben Templesmith (Writer and Artist)

The Story: With vicious creatures on the hunt throughout the halls of Hoxford, insane inmate Raymond Delgado fights back. It’s ancient evil versus human evil in a clash that proves just how twisted things can get when two very different types of darkness collide.

What’s Good: This series just keeps getting better and better. Ben Templesmith creates a stylish horror story that creates a conflicting response within the reader in a spectacular fashion. You can’t help but root for Raymond Delgado, the anti-hero of the story, despite the fact that he is pretty much the worst that humanity has to offer. He is a perfect match for the horrors (and inmates) of Hoxford and the only one capable of fully grasping the situation at hand. It makes for one compelling, haunting read.

I also must mention that the other inmates in the cast provide some truly disturbing moments as well. While spoiling anything would ruin some of the more fun moments in the book, let me just say that there are scenes that are definitely not for the squeamish. Templesmith goes out his way to make sure that you don’t forget what type of people are committed to Hoxford and it works to great effect.

What’s Not So Good: As much as I enjoy Templesmith’s visual style, it creates a bit of confusion in this issue since it is so heavy on action. With the unique color palette and copious amounts of gore, sometimes it is difficult to tell exactly what’s happened during some of the more intense scenes. It is obvious bad things are happening, but I wish it was more clear about what bad things are happening. A minor complaint, but worth mentioning regardless.

Conclusion: After a somewhat shaky start, Welcome to Hoxford is quickly becoming one of my favorite stories of year. I highly recommend this one to all horror fans.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #1: Halloween Treat – Review

By Tim Seeley (Writer), Emily Stone (Art), Courtney Via (Colors), Stefano Caselli (Intro Pencils), Sunder Raj (Intro Colors), and Sam Wells (Journal Entries)

The Story: A re-print of the very first issue of the Hack/Slash ongoing series, this “Halloween Treat” is an origin tale loaded with special features. In addition to the the full #1 issue, the book features a peek into Cassie’s diary (useful for catching up on some Hack/Slash history), a “slasher” checklist,” and more.

The origin tale is told as Cassie is bound to a chair and tortured while her skinless captor assesses her psychological state and how she came to hunt down “slashers.” If you ever wanted to know about Cassie’s family, her first meeting with Vlad, or how she became the character she currently is, this is the place to look.

What’s Good: This is how you make a re-print worthwhile for both new and current readers. The #1 issue alone is worth the price of admission thanks to a smart, compelling plot scenario and great artwork, but the special features are what push this one into must-buy territory.

What’s Not So Good: There is no denying that Cassie’s past follows a very familiar trajectory. For a series that succeeds in differentiating itself from the more conventional hero stories, the origin of Cassie is surprisingly predictable. Also, on a more personal note, this re-print made me realize how much I miss Stefano Caselli’s Hack/Slash work.

Conclusion: A perfectly executed re-print, Hack/Slash #1: Halloween Treat is a must have for fans and a great read for those that have yet to give the series a shot.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

The Darkness #6 – Review

By Phil Hester (Writer), Michael Broussard (Pencils), Ryan Winn (Inks), and Sheldon Mitchell (Colors)

The Story: After embracing the Darkness in order to survive being blown to bits, Jackie Estacado faces off against his child, a being borne of nothing but pure Darkness. It is a battle of revenge-fueled rage versus primal, ancient evil as the Empire arc comes to an explosive conclusion.

What’s Good: Pretty much everything. Jackie Estacado continues to be one of the most compelling comic characters around, and this issue of The Darkness is a prime example of why. For a book that focuses almost entirely on the action, this one has a surprising amount of depth. And as far as action is concerned, it doesn’t get much better than this. The epic battle is visually stunning, full of entertaining banter, and it all resolves in a surprisingly clever fashion.

Phil Hester does a fantastic job laying the groundwork necessary to give this battle some emotional impact, and the payoff hits all the right notes. It plays off everything that makes The Darkness such an entertaining series. The main character is at his best, the artwork is better than ever, and the Darkness (both the power and the nature of it) is given a chance to shine.

What’s Not So Good: For as much as I enjoy Phil Hester’s writing, it comes across as a bit melodramatic or pretentious from time to time. His style works to great effect for the most part, but every once in a while a phrase will pop up that elicits a roll of the eyes. It is as if he is trying too hard to add weight to the story.

Conclusion: The Darkness #6 is easily one of the strongest issues of the long-running series. It is sure to please fans and action-junkies alike. Highly recommended in every way.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny

Deadpool #3 (Secret Invasion) – Review

By Daniel Way (Writer), Paco Medina (Artist), Juan Vlasco (Inker), and Marte Gracia (Colorist)

The Story: Deadpool fights a Super Skrull and works to complete the mission that was assigned to him by Nick Fury. Violence, witty banter, and general wackiness ensues in a way that only “The Merc with a Mouth” can deliver.

What’s Good: The third issue of the new Deadpool series is the best yet and ends in such an intriguing fashion that I find myself eagerly anticipating what is going to happen next. In every way, Daniel Way and Paco Medina have taken a fairly limiting story situation (the Secret Invasion) and made the absolute most of it. The jokes (a mix of dry humor and slapstick) hit far more than they miss, the artwork perfectly matches the energetic tone of the story, and most importantly, the book is just plain fun. Deadpool is now easily one of the most entertaining and vibrant books that Marvel puts out. If the creative team can keep it up, Deadpool may have a long and successful future.

What’s Not So Good: The fact that this series is still stuck within the Secret Invasion for this issue. I have definitely had my fill of Skrulls, no matter how entertaining the book they are in is. It is time to move on to different (probably better) things.

I also feel I should mention that the tone of this book may not be to everyone’s liking. Daniel Way goes little bit overboard trying to make a joke at every opportunity and Paco Medina’s stylized, cartoony artwork may be a bit much for some. Personally, I am a big fan, but I know many prefer comics with a darker edge.

Conclusion: By injecting some (much needed) fun into the Skrull invasion, Deadpool joins Ms. Marvel and Black Panther as a prime example of how to use event trappings to the fullest. Well worth picking up.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

Gears of War #1 – Review

By Joshua Ortega (Writer), Liam Sharp (Artist), and Johnny Rench (Colorist)

The Story: Taking place roughly two months after the end of the first Gears of War game, hero Marcus Fenix and a new recruit, Jace, are out on patrol searching for any survivors of a brutal Locust attack. They find a few, one a familiar face, and kill quite a few Locusts along the way.

What’s Good: How well the creative team nails the feel of the Xbox 360 game. The art, dialogue, and story all do a wonderful job of using the atmosphere and characters to great effect. If you’re looking for a story about tough guys killing monsters using excessive violence, you can’t do much better than this. As a fan of the game, I couldn’t be more satisfied.

What’s Not So Good: As you probably guessed, this isn’t exactly the deepest comic on the stands. The characters are your generic military tough guys, the violence may be too much for some to handle, and the comic never really rises above its videogame roots. Also, the storyline is written assuming that you have played the game at some point, so those unfamiliar with Gears may find themselves wondering about certain references.

On the technical side, the dark coloring muddies up and confuses a scene or two, but this is only a slight annoyance in an otherwise good looking book.

Conclusion: Action junkies and Gears fans should really take the time to check out this comic. It faithfully translates everything that made the game such a success into an enjoyable, visually impressive book. A mindless, yet pleasant surprise in every way.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Marvel Zombies 3 #1 – Review

By Fred Van Lente (Writer), Kev Walker (Artist), and Jean Francois-Beaulieu (Colorist)

The Story: The zombies invade the Marvel 616 Universe and quickly make their presence known by striking at The Command, Florida’s state Initiative team. In response, The Alternate Reality Monitoring and Operational Response Agency (A.R.M.O.R.) enlists the help of Machine Man to find a cure before the zombie contagion spreads beyond control. But alas, not all is as it seems…

What’s Good: Fred Van Lente and Kev Walker ably pick up where Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips left off by delivering the camp, humor, and gore expected from the Marvel Zombies stories. Simply put, if you liked it then, you should like it now.  One thing I noticed is that by placing the zombies within the proper Marvel Universe this time around there is an added weight and urgency to the storyline. It goes a long way in making sure the issue avoids feeling like nothing more than a cheap cash-in or overplayed gimmick.

What’s Not So Good: The fact that the first part of the storyline deals strictly with the “C” (or even “D”)-list heroes of the Marvel Universe makes this not so good. I have nothing against playing around in the Marvel sandbox (Avengers: The Initiative is one of my favorites), but the threat loses a bit a credibility when it seems as though the major heroes couldn’t be bothered by something as trivial as alternate reality zombies.

Also worth mentioning is the different visual style used for Marvel Zombies 3. While Kev Walker’s work is both visually attractive and suitably violent, it lacks the punch that made Sean Phillips’ work in Marvel Zombies 1 and 2 so memorable. The first Zombies stories, while definitely entertaining, became something more thanks to the unique, stand-out artwork. Now, unfortunately, Marvel Zombies 3 looks like it could be any other Marvel book on the stand.

Conclusion: Marvel Zombies 3 is off to an entertaining, though unremarkable start. You pretty much know what you are getting into when you pick up a book like this.  Keep in mind that the introduction of the proper Marvel Universe could be reason enough for even the most skeptical readers to at least give this one a try.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

Only a fool would try and recreate the magic that Robert Kirkman conjured with the previous installments of this series. Unfortunately, Fred Van Lente is charged with the task and fails to succeed.

With the absense of the core zombies characters Marvel Zombies 3 falls flat on its face. I dig Kev Walker’s art, no doubt about that. His Floridian swamps scenes are hauntingly beautiful. Having a small scene with Man-Thing is great and the inclusion of Morbius into the story is a nice touch, but ultimately, it’s just not enough. There’s too much set up, exposition, and pointless dialogue to keep this one interesting.

Marvel Zombies is not Shakespeare. It’s messed up fun! And all the charm that made its predecessors such a gory delight is disturbingly absent. Please fix this!

Grade: D+

-J. Montes

Welcome to Hoxford #2 – Review

By Ben Templesmith (Writer and Artist)

I had somewhat mixed feelings about the debut of this new Ben Templesmith series, but I just couldn’t resist another look at the deranged inmates residing in the twisted Hoxford Reform Facility. And after reading this issue, but am I glad that I did.

While the bulk of the first issue was spent establishing characters and Hoxford itself, the second wastes no time creating a focal point between inmate Raymond Delgado and Doctor Ainley and a conflict between ancient evil with a taste for human flesh. The premise is the darkest that humanity has to offer finds himself face to face with the darkest that history has to offer. And you know what? It works far better than I had expected. While I am not entirely sure how long you can really go with such a fairly limited concept, I am more than willing to go along for the ride.

Ben Templesmith is really impressing me with his work on this series. Raymond Delgado is an incredibly compelling (and completely insane) anti-hero that really wouldn’t work unless the setting, atmosphere, and concept was just right… and it is. Simply put, I don’t think he could work in any other environment or storyline, and that alone makes him unique and interesting enough to warrant following. Delgado’s reality (and Hoxford in general) is dark, dreary, and disturbingly violent – a fact that is reinforced by some incredibly gritty and surreal visuals. From a creative standpoint, everything just comes together extremely well.

I really don’t have anything truly negative to say about Welcome to Hoxford at this point, but feel that it really is being written for a specific type of audience. I can’t (in good conscience) make a sweeping recommendation, but those into the horror genre or the concept of the anti-hero really must give this one a try. (Grade: B+)

-Kyle Posluszny

Conan the Cimmerian #3 – Review

By Timothy Truman (Writer), Tomas Giorello & Richard Corben (Art), and Jose’ Villarubia (Colors)

Now this is more like it! While I enjoyed the first two issues of this series, I was a bit let down by the way in which Conan was sort of pushed by the wayside in favor of the extremely compelling, horror-tinged tale of Conacht. While (somewhat surprisingly) Conacht returns this month to star in another tale, Conan is featured much more prominently and does, well, what I always figured Conan was supposed to do.

While traveling through icy, dangerous terrain on the way back to Cimmeria, Conan has a chance-encounter with a childhood friend, Caollan. The reunion doesn’t exactly go as Conan had hoped and the two quickly find themselves fighting off an angry band of Aesir that was hunting down Caollan for abandoning a wedding arrangement. Some action and a daring escape later, the two find themselves taking refuge in a cave where Conan tells a tale about Conacht while the Aesir prepare to escalate the hunt.

I really can’t say enough about the creative team working on this series, as they provide us a compelling issue that manages to find a nice balance between the main Conan story and the adventures of Connacht. Timothy Truman’s writing is spot on for this type of book and it delivers just what I had hoped for when I decided to start reading about Conan. The storytelling has a classic feel to it, the darkly humorous dialogue is entertaining, and the introduction of Conacht helps to keep things from getting stale. As for the art, both distinct styles (one for Conan and one for Conacht) do a fantastic job elevating the stories being told. Tomas Giorella really brings Conan’s gritty environment to life, while Richard Corben gives Conacht’s story a surreal, unnerving tone that makes me think that his tale may once again dabble in the horror genre. Both artists are complimented by some fantastic color work by Jose’ Villarubia.

What else can I say? I really enjoyed the latest issue of Conan the Cimmerian, and I think you will too. While I wish there was a bit more substance to the overall plot at this point, I can’t act as though I have not been thoroughly entertained. Another strong issue from what looks to be a strong series. (Grade: B+)

– Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

This book is definitely worth checking out simply because it stands out from other comics. It’s one of the few good sword and sorcery books, and it somehow manages to carry a horror tone as well– thus making it a distinguishable book of its genre. From swords and barbarians to blood rituals, you might want to consider peeking through this book.

My only complaint is that it’s still tough to see where things are going. Conan’s returning home to Cimmeria, but why? Conan’s fought raiders, saved a childhood friend and presses on deeper into his homeland. But so far there’s no villain, no Thulsa Doom, or the like with an evil plot to foil. Conan the drifter is fine, and definitely works in the context of this story. But sooner or later I think I’ll want to see him pushing towards a goal rather than killing raider after raider. And for the record, Conan, Conacht, and Caollan– just because you’re a god-dang Cimmerian, it doesn’t mean your name has to start with the letter “C.” (Grade: B+)

-Ben Berger

The Walking Dead #52 – Review

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

After the phone call mindbender last issue that seriously called into question Rick’s mental state, I was surprised to find the latest chapter of The Walking Dead to be both a welcome return to form and an indication that the story has truly come full circle.

While I had no problem with (and really enjoyed) the effective slow burn storytelling of recent months, I’d be lying if I said the good old-fashioned zombie killing is this one wasn’t a breath of fresh air. Well, this issue really brings the series back to its survival-horror roots. Rick and Carl search for supplies, encounter (and dispatch) some zombies, are found by a survivor/returning cast member (it’s apparent on the cover). After a brief reunion, the cast tries to get a grip on what has happened and what to do next. It’s a fairly simple plot (especially considering how far we are into the series), but it really taps into what makes The Walking Dead so enjoyable in the first place, proving that sometimes the most basic plot situation can be something special if handled by the right. And it’s been handled right more often than not.

At this point, how much more can really be said about the technical aspects of this book? Robert Kirkman once again shows that he is a master storyteller who knows how to bring depth and personality to what could easily be just another gore-filled zombie romp thanks to some excellent character moments (the driving scene that opens the book is brilliant). Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn make the most of a black and white color palette, producing one of the best looking books on the stands. They prove in spades that graphic violence isn’t necessarily dependent on the color red.

While I could potentially knock this one for heading back into some extremely familiar territory, it works so well and is handled so skillfully that I can’t possibly allow myself to do that. Why you ask? Because, in my opinion, this is The Walking Dead at its best. (Grade: A)

– Kyle Posluszny

Deadpool #1 (Secret Invasion) – Review

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

After quite a hiatus, the “merc with a mouth” is back in his own series and I, for one, couldn’t be happier. That said, Deadpool’s return leaves a bit something to be desired because it is saddled with the unfortunate burden of debuting during the Secret Invasion. Maybe it is just event-fatigue kicking in, but I really didn’t feel like reading another story about attacking Skrulls meeting, discussing, and then battling unexpected resistance.

Let me just get it out of the way now and say that Deadpool #1 is pretty much exactly what I expected it was going to be. Skrulls attack a baseball game, realize there is some anomaly located in the stadium, and find themselves facing off against a well armed, armored mascot. As you have probably guessed, the mascot suit is being donned by none other than the ever-sarcastic Wade Wilson. While nothing particularly special, the Deadpool factor is what makes this book worth a look. His personality, mental instability, and taste for the wacky keeps things light and fun; something missing from a lot of Marvel books these days. While I would have preferred for this series to have debuted outside of the Secret Invasion stuff, the ending in this issue (only possible in a Deadpool series) gives me hope that the best is being made of a frustrating editorial situation. As a side note, I must mention that little is done to introduce Deadpool as a character. His personality takes front and center, but those unfamiliar with his history or completely new to the character might want to do a little research first.

On the technical end, let me just say that the creative team knocks this one out of the park (pun intended). Writer Daniel Way absolutely nails the goofy, off-the-wall tone necessary to keep the Invasion aspects from feeling stale. He perfectly hits a comfortable sweet-spot somewhere between cheesy/silly and genuinely funny. As for the artwork, the bright, vibrant and surprisingly violent visuals couldn’t be more fitting.

I strongly urge all Marvel fans to at least give Deadpool #1 a look. The book does a nice job reintroducing a fan-favorite to the masses, and the it’s refreshing and unique despite the fairly predictable Secret Invasion framework. While I do have my complaints, there is something to be said about a book that is just flat-out entertaining…and this one is. (Grade: B)

-Kyle Posluszny

Kick-Ass #3 – Review

By Mark Millar (writer), John Romita Jr. (pencils), Tom Palmer (inks), Dean White (colors)

Just when I thought this book might be falling a bit too comfortable with itself, Mark Millar (and John Romita Jr.) shock the hell out of me. The first half of this book covers the worldly reaction to Dave’s last costumed outing where he dispatched a thuggish group of Puerto Ricans. He revels in the spotlight in secret while trying to keep his normal persona as grounded as possible.

Because there’s no real way to hide the damage his body takes, Dave takes the impression that his schoolmates think he’s the kind of hardened soul who refuses to ever go down in a mugging. Even the girl he’s fond of, Katie, seems to have taken a liking to him. But when word reaches Dave’s ear that everyone thinks he’s a poor gay boy who’s beaten for sex every other night, he uses it to his advantage, playing upon Katie’s sympathies.

The first half of this book feels like it’s going through the motions of the previous issue. We know it’s eventually going to build to something, but we, like Dave, have to keep things real by day before we can go play at night. And it’s not that these “out of costume” scenes are boring, we’re just dying to see what happens to our hero next. This build up and anticipation once again serve the book in spades as we are eventually presented with one of the most shocking moments we may ever see in a comic book. I mean, really – I knew that coming into this series we’d get some hard-edged violence, but what happens in the last five pages of this book will make you gasp, wince, and drop your jaw to the floor. It affected me so much that I grabbed Daniel (the other WCBR editor) out of his room and made him see these pages for himself (to which he ran away screaming about spoilers)! I’m an evil bastard.

I remember listing to an interview with John Romita Jr. saying how he had to be careful with what he did with this series because of his relationship with Marvel. I’m guessing he threw that all out the window with this issue, because not only is this (most likely) the first time I’ve ever seen nudity from Romita Jr., but the scale of violence on display here is off the charts. I honestly never knew he had it in him, and it’s great to see him break out of his standard mold.

Just when I thought I’d be safe and happily entertained with this book, Mr. Millar throws a huge monkey wrench into the story. And yet, what happens to Dave seems so obvious, as if we should have seen it coming. This one really pushes the envelope. It’s also one of the few comics that have made me yell, “Oh shit!” out loud. Kick-Ass is, dare I say it, treading into Garth Ennis territory now. (Grade: A)

A Second Opinion

Let me just say that I am not against something featuring a bit of the old fashioned ultra-violence. In fact, if put in the right context, I believe some graphic violence can serve a story well by creating a special kind of emotional or gut-level response to the action taking place. I say this because the final pages of Kick-Ass #3 shock in a way that both serves and elevates an already compelling story. Simply put, Millar and Romita Jr. have taken Kick-Ass, and, dare I say, comics in general, to an entirely new level with their brutal, controversial, and uncompromising vision.

I am extremely pleased with Millar’s writing for this issue, as main character Dave finally feels like a sympathetic character worth rooting for. While I had been enjoying this series, especially the concept, I never really had any emotional attachment to Dave. Millar has finally given me a reason to care for Dave as he is given some much needed complexity and depth that adds a lot to the story. If I have one small complaint, and it is indeed very small, it is that occasionally it feels as though some of the edginess is a bit forced.

As for the art, there really isn’t a whole lot I can add to what was already said in the main review. John Romita Jr. knocks this one out of the park. The violence actually brought to mind The Walking Dead, which is always a good thing. I always wondered what that series would look like in color and now I have a pretty good idea. As for the characters, expressions are spot on and, as weird as this sounds, I never realized how much well drawn eyes can bring to a story. The level of emotion Romita Jr. conveys through the eyes alone is pretty incredible. As for pacing, the action from panel to panel is spot on, whether things are slow or hectic. In short, this is some pretty great stuff.

What more can I say? Kick-Ass #3 steps things up in every possible way and I really couldn’t be much happier with the result. Pick this one up. (Grade A)

-Kyle Posluszny

Kick-Ass #2 – Review

By Mark Millar (writer), John Romita Jr. (pencils), Tom Palmer (inks), Dean White (colors)

If you read Secret Invasion #1, the pacing of Kick-Ass #2 will feel all too familiar. The story commences at a slow pace, but once the Millar / Romita train gets rolling, there’s nothing that can stop its momentum. And as per usual, the creative team delivers another frantic issue that’ll tickle your funny bone, make you gasp in disbelief, and make you nod your head in that “Well, what did you expect would happen, you idiot?!” sort of way.

Our hero, Dave, goes through months and months of rehabilitation after getting beat up, stabbed, and hit by a Mercedes. We see the emotional trauma he goes through, but even worse, we see how his foolishness has devastated his father. And it’s really Mr. Lizewski who’s the real hero of this story. He occurs tons of debt after paying for Dave’s multiple operations and other medical expenses. When Dave finally comes home from the hospital, his father spares no expense in making sure his son has the very best of homely comforts.

Dave, it seems, has finally realized the pain he’s inflicted on his father and intends to make things right. He swears off stupidity, burns his comics, and eventually makes it back to school. But like a recovering alcoholic, there’s never a real cure for the sickness. It’s a fight you have to stave off everyday. And Dave’s real weakness is exposed when he puts the tights back on.

Again, Mark Millar does what he does best. He mixes violence, controversy, and human drama into a tight package. Yes, there’s another brawl this issue, and this is where the controversy may come in. Is sheer will-power enough to tackle a group of grown men twice your size? Or is it just dumb luck? I don’t have an answer for you, but in a demented way, it just works and it’s completely acceptable.

If anyone does any real ass-kicking this issue, it’s John Romita Jr. Naysayers will silenced not just by his storytelling, but by his action sequences as well. There’s no gratuitous single or double page splashes filled with crazy over-extended limbs. In fact, there’s not any real gratuitous violence in this issue at all. It’s just real. This is where the sure brilliance of the creative team comes into play. Showing a lot of restraint, they keep the action grounded. When Dave’s on the ground being beat, he doesn’t do some crazy move to get back on his feet, he flails his legs and arms just hoping he’ll connect with a devastating blow. And that’s what this creative team does: They connect with us on a primal perverse manner. It’s we, the readers, who are the gratuitous ones. (Grade: A+)

– J. Montes

Kick-Ass #1 – Review

By Mark Millar (writer), John Romita Jr. (pencils), Tom Palmer (inks), Dean White (colors)

Everything you’ve heard about this book is true. It’s gritty, real, and violent. For those not in the know, the book’s premise is simple: A high school kid who’s a big comic book fan wonders why no one ever dresses up and does the “super hero thing” in the real world. He decides to be the first and is (literaly) hit with a grim reality.

What’s so fascinating about this book is not just how grounded in reality it is, but also how it comes to its conclusion. I know there’s more issues coming, but from the catastrophe we witness, you’d think there wouldn’t be much left for a second issue. What also surprised me is just how much narrative we’re given. I was expecting a “silent” type of book where Millar and Romita take us out on a day with this kid. Instead, we get a complete origin story. This isn’t a book you’ll breeze through in a few minutes – there’s a lot to read!

Mark Millar does an excellent job getting us into the shoes of the “hero” and learning about the world he dwells in. His references to other comics aren’t distracting either – this is stuff comic book geeks really talk about! And John Romita Jr.? What’s there to say? He’s a god. This is easily the best art he’s produced in the last few years. If you were expecting the rushed look he did in World War Hulk, you’re in for a big surprise. The world he draws is completely alive and full of detail. His storytelling is spot on perfect, and when things get frantic, he steps up to the plate and hits us a home run. Romita’s portrayal of violence stings and there will be moments that’ll genuinely make you cringe. Because it’s all real. And reality hurts. (Grade: A)

– J. Montes

A Second Opinion

I knew little about the book, but I like that it’s based on reality, not the Marvel universe of superheroes. Love the nerd references, lots of funny moments. This is a truly great origin story.

I didn’t expect the ending as well. How does he get to be a superhero if he’s almost dead? I can’t wait for next issue! Every comic book fan needs to buy this comic, it’s about you! (Grade: A)

-Daniel Yanez