FLASH ANNUAL #3

Just a friendly game of “tag” is all..

Let’s move the elephant in the room out-of-the-way right at the start.

What’s most important about this story is not the race of the New 52 Wally West. If that’s your main focus and point of contention, then the Padre feels sad for you. The draw of this issue and all that really matters in the end is the art and writing. Is the story itself good? I say, definitely yes.

This issue, by scribes Robert Venditti (XO-Manowar, Green Lantern) and Van Jensen (Green Lantern Corps) and artists Brett Booth (Backlash, Teen Titans) and longtime vet Ron Frenz (Spider-Girl), spends its time setting up future stories for the regular Flash ongoing. This issue bounces back and forth between the present and the future, where we are introduced to future Barry Allen and future Gorilla Grodd. Hints and revelations abound in both time periods. We meet the New 52 Wally West in the present day, learn his backstory and get glimpses into his personality. For those who remember the young Wally from the Wolfman/Perez New Teen Titans or Messner-Loebs Flash runs back in the day, there are flashes of that old Wally in the little bit of time we spend with Nu-52 Wally. Time will tell how much of the old DCU former Kid Flash/Flash will be present in the new version, who might just prove interesting in his own right without having to carry the weight of past continuity on his shoulders.

Speaking of time, it is a big theme in this issue. From Barry’s head-scratching loss of time early on, to the time-travel that closes out the annual, time is front and center as an important element in this story.

Venditti and Jansen script that appropriately fast-paced story with pretty plainly motivations of each character. Even more so than last week’s issue — which marked the debut of their run — the pacing and level of exposition made it feel like a first issue introduction to the new Flash status quo. The art is split with Booth handling the jaw-dropping scenes of Future Flash and Frenz dutifully detailing the actions in the here and now. No real weak spots art-wise and the frequent transitions between the now and twenty years from now are nearly seamless.

Overall, this was a fun issue with a couple of cool fight sequences, slight revelations, two mysteries in need of solving and enough introductions to whet the appetite for more to come.

3.75 (out of 5) Lightning Flashes.

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So let’s get down to the brass tacks: Rick and Morty is one of the best shows that Adult Swim has put out in a very long time.

This, coming from your latest member of the clergygeek (parish surname TBA; for now just call me Myke), also a big fan of The Boondocks, Robot Chicken, Metalocalypse, and The Venture Bros. While the satirical, yet loving references to everything science fiction is what will grab you, the extremely well-developed characters are what will hold you.

Created by Justin Roiland and Community’s Dan Harmon, R&M: Season 1 chronicles the misadventures of Rick Sanchez, an alcoholic, mad-scientist grandfather and Morty Smith, his awkward, teenaged grandson. If that’s a little hard to picture, just imagine Doc Brown and Marty McFly; except Doc’s an alcoholic and Marty will probably never get into Elisabeth Shue’s pants. Also, this Doc Brown really doesn’t care about scientific merit, or universe ending paradoxes, and he can especially can give a Gazorpazorp’s tail about politically correct.

Whether it’s building microscopic amusement parks in the bodies of homeless people or incepting Morty’s math teacher in his dream to give Morty an A, Rick is driven by…well, what every man is driven by: money, pride, and boredom. What makes every episode’s crazy sci-fi plot work with the show? Rick’s multiple super-scientist inventions are seen as so commonplace, that the family seems almost annoyed by them – like a kid playing with his toys. Rick’s alcoholism and selfishness tends to underplay the fact that he has a portal gun to other dimensions, flies a spaceship around casually, and hoards an infinite collection of sci-fi tropes.

However, Rick isn’t the only family member with his share of flaws…

(Flip the page for the Rick & Morty bible score!)

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ELEKTRA #1

With W. Haden Blackman (Batwoman) helming the script and Michael del Mundo (X-Men Legacy) steering the artwork, it looks like Elektra is getting her first legit run since Frank Miller. The combination of the two is like if Michelangelo did cave paintings directed by Akira Kurosawa. Make sense? Because it should. It is a beautifully composed piece of artwork that alludes to the sordid past of this covermodel assassin.

Before we get started, let’s do a roll call of classic cameos: Matt Murdock (with sunglasses, minus the red suit), Wilson Fisk (in his white suit), Bullseye, Stick, Sabretooth… Anyway, not to name drop, but… Moving on.

Red Swannin’ on ‘em.

“The Bloodlines” story begins with the Matchmaker (cue Holly Golightly) throwing Elektra a new mission to keep her mind off the past. Ex-boyfriends who think you’re dead can have that effect. New target – Cape Crow.

But it seems she ain’t the only trained killer, after that old bird as the scaly villain The Serpent sends ol’ Bloody Lips on the same trail. With the final glorious frame, Elektra skydives into the next field of battle, the Savage Land. Overall, Blackman and del Mundo craft a brilliant work that visually tells the backstory while the dialogue sets up the future. From the first frame to the last, this series looks like could have the balls necessary to pump some life back into this character (Phrasing).

4.25 (out of 5) Ninja Sais.

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SINESTRO #1

Sorry, Brock. THIS is “the beast incarnate!”

Cullen Bunn (Magneto, The Sixth Gun) writes, Dale Eaglesham (Justice Society of America) handles the art. Together they produce one of the best debut issues to come along in a long time. Sinestro has long been one of the preeminent villains in the DC Universe. Under Geoff Johns, his character grew to be more complex and his popularity continued to blossom right along with it. The ball is picked up here as Bunn continues to show his mastery when it comes to writing complex, not-so-heroic characters that the reader can not only care about, but root for. He delivers a story equal parts engrossing, reflective, revealing, and action-packed.

Bunn has a way of making even the most insane characters somewhat relatable. Lyssa returns to Sinestro’s side with some, uh, let’s just call them upgrades. She’s still a few cubes short of a full ice tray and her ability to push the right buttons hasn’t changed. Bunn uses her to reveal a very cool motivation for Sinestro that gets him to abandon his life of exile and pursue a new mission.

And what a way to charge your ring!

Love for his people aside, Sinestro can still be one cold motherfucker, but not even he is fully prepared for the reunion with the rest of the former Sinestro, now Arkillo Corps, which ends on a big (no spoilers), holy shit of a cliffhanger.

On the art front, flat out, Eaglesham is a superstar. His storytelling and panel layouts are dynamic. From the quiet scenes to full on fights his art is just about as A-game as it gets. In short, this is a first issue that hits it out of the park.

4.75 (out of 5) Yellow Lantern Rings.

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FLASH GORDON #1

Grab your phasers and secret decoder rings, it’s time for the greatest New York Jet of them all (sorry Broadway Joe) to “wha-aaaa save every one of us.” Okay, so I used a variation of that joke when I reviewed the excellent predecessor to this latest Flash Gordon series that just dropped from our friends over at Dynamite. Sue me. Your good ‘ol Padre loves a good gag, tired as it may be.

You know what isn’t tired though? This excellent debut from scribe supreme Jeff (King’s Watch, Agents of Atlas) Parker, artist Evan Shaner (Adventures of Superman, Blood Brothers), and colorist Jordie (The Manhattan Projects) Bellaire. It is a good kickoff to a fun sci-fi romp with nods to the feel of the old Flash Gordon serials. Think of it as modern sci-pulp. It also works as a solid introduction for those who haven’t been following Parker’s Flash in King’s Watch.

Godammizilla.

This comic features detailed, fun artwork from “Doc” Shaner that screams “Comic Book!” — not big screen cinematic wannabe. This is what the medium is about folks: crazy shit exploding on the page hitting all manner of fun buttons, both ridiculous and improbable. There are breathtaking images throughout, from the bizarre creatures our heroes encounter to the lush scenery and landscape of Arboria. Bellaire also continues to prove herself to be one of the best colorists in the business. She mixes the right tones to effectively ground the story when on Earth. Once the space adventure kicks into gear, she dips into the palette and produces the perfect mix of psychedelic kookiness and bright exotic fantasy. The short and curly of it, congregation, is that this is one cool looking comic.

The interplay between the three main characters is solid as well, particularly during the space-plane chase sequence. Parker throws in natural quips that don’t feel like fluff or attempts at garnering cheap heat. His characterizations of Flash (cocky, heady confidence), Zarkov (unapologetic drunk, cutting edge genius, sardonic wit beyond compare), and Dale (sarcastic, tough as nails, unapologetic, and quick on her feet) really infuses the story with life. Ming, as expected, is believably and effectively merciless as well.

All in all, this is an entertaining adventure story debut. This is the Flash Gordon book the Padre has always desired — and absolutely cannot wait to see where the rest is headed. Or beheaded.

4.75 (out of 5) Ming the Merciless Heads.

(Flip for a pair of All-New reviews from The Apostle!)

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The Fistful!

IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON #1

What can I say? I love me some kung fu. I’ve been a fan of the Immortal Iron Fist and Shang-Chi for about as long as I’ve been reading comics. Both have had great runs of comics, but Iron Fist seems to get the better portion of that. Is this another of those?

Street Fight THIS, Capcom.

Certainly. Kaare Andrews (Astonishing X-Men) did the work and then some. He’s put together a comic that is just head and shoulders above countless others out there. This is a kung fu comic like the days of old, and it’s printed to look like those old newsprints we used to tear through as kids and read fifteen times just to get the feel for Danny Rand.

And that’s what Kaare has done. He has the feeling of Danny Rand flowing through these pages. Danny is an outsider to everything. He’s a lost puppy. He’s a lonely man getting older by the day and he can’t talk to anyone because.. he’s a warrior and a simple guy with simple pleasures. You know, kicking the crap out of zombie ninjas, it just so happens, and also having a glowing fist that can take out a helicopter.

Chinese Cereal.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just all chop suey and kung fu. There’s a story to be told. Not only are we looking deep into the heart of Danny Rand, we’re going back to the beginning. The story of his youth. The story of his father’s death. The story of everything that lead him to K’un Lun. The story of how he got to be the Iron Fist. And that’s the only problem I can see coming up in this book. I’m not a fortune teller and I can’t see the future, but we know that story. We’ve heard it. Numerous times. Done by people like Larry Hama and Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker and countless others. The tale of Danny’s father and the tale of how Danny got stuck in K’un Lun is an old story.

What I want? I want the future of Danny Rand. He’s been to hell and back. He’s fought dragons. Held off the Phoenix from defeating the entire universe. He has done so much and I think going back is not the right choice.

Still, I loved it. The feeling of The Living Weapon #1. The way the pages look like the old school comics. The callbacks and the knowledge of the past. The art and story and everything Kaare is doing is cinematic and incredible. The origin tale is what keeps this new All-New Iron Fist from being the perfect comic.

4 (out of 5) Bibles.

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The Fistful of Comics!

This round is courtesy of GHG‘s Master-of-all-things-DC — Minister Gabe! Which means, we’ve got a bunch of DC stuff, an Image comic, and … a Spider-Man comic?? How does everyone’s friendly neighborhood property of Mickey Mouse hold up? Read on.

Jump to:
-Action Comics #30
-Detective Comics #30
-Ultimate Spider-Man #200
-The Field #1

AQUAMAN AND THE OTHERS #1

I’m a pretty big fan of the underrated Aquaman, even to the point where I got some grief for putting his big story arc on my DC Top 10 for 2013 list. With that, I was excited to see the King of Atlantis getting a second book; though I was a little worried about him sharing it with his mini-Justice League — The Others — since the group is relatively new to the DC Universe, and not all that recognizable.

Thankfully, they’re great characters (all created by DC Demigod Geoff Johns). And if you’re the least bit curious, Aquaman & The Others #1 is quite obviously the perfect introduction. Each member eans about 3 or 4 pages to highlight their personality and how they react in a fight, all the while still remaining relevant to the main storyline.

We’ve seen Ivan Reis (the cover artist for this book) as an artist on the initial run of New 52 Aquaman, and Lan Medina (Fables, District X) does a nice job of emulating Reis’ art style. Writer Dan Jurgens (Booster Gold, Death of Superman) sets up the “Thousands of years ago” premise at the beginning, and introduces each character nicely. When they all get in the same room, a much larger plot is quickly and concisely relayed without letting the dialogue suffer. The little jealous banter between Aquaman and the jungle woman Ya’Wara is fun, and sets up the continuity from Curry’s previous adventures with The Others.

The general plot? Each of The Others has a piece of Atlantean ancient tech that they rely on for various reasons. When they’re each attacked, they realize their particular relic isn’t working. Aquaman brings them all together to find out who’s attacking them, and why their tech is malfunctioning. It’s a pretty basic plot, but like I said, for generally obscure characters all getting their own monthly book, it’s a good introduction, and a fun read. Jurgens is a strong dialogue writer, and he juggles this large cast of characters well.

Now that the basic intro stuff is out of the way, “Legacy of Gold” is only destined to get more intricate, providing Aquaman will have more room for ass-kicking, trident-stabbing action!

3.75 (out of 5) Tridents.

(Flip the page for 2 more mini-reviews!)

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I also found this weeks Sunday Stash’s picks synonymous when talking HOTlanta and the Devil’s favorite tramping ground Georgie. This week, we deal with an All-New Ghost Rider, two heroes coming back from “death”, a psychedelic surf ride that takes us to planets that would give Can Emed (Renaissance painter of hell) a ride for his imagination on demons, and another Avengers comic thats so bad it deserves to burn.

So buckle up, grab your prettiest 2nd cousin and let’s tackle these All-New Marvel NOW issues deep-fried Southern style.

JUMP TO:
-Silver Surfer #1
-New Avengers #16.NOW
-Superior Spider-Man #30/Amazing X-Men #5

ALL-NEW GHOST RIDER #1

As a LA resident and muscle car gearhead, call me pretty excited about this new addition to the Ghost Rider saga. Rise or cancel, the All-New Ghost Rider returns to the cursed leather jacket, now having American muscle spewing out hellfire at every turn. Through the years the legacy of the pail rider has seen many variations, but quite nothing like this.

At least his headlights work.

As a fan who began with the Danny Ketch Dusaki and Spirits of Vengeance-driven 90’s, it’s been quite a shame to witness the series — aside from the massively underrated Jason Aaron run on the ol’ flamed head — hit a rapid decline. Even Rob Williams’ female Rider Alejandra was ill received, and anything tangled up in flame since was seemingly headed towards the pearly gates.

Thanks to the talents of Marvel newcomer Felipe Smith (Character Designer on Nickelodeon’s TMNT) and artist Tradd Moore (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, Deadpool) the newest rider has arrived on the line. Welcome East L.A. mechanic Robbie Reyes, who, in true Marvel fashion, is a down-on-his-out good guy who starts his journey by standing up for the downtrodden and taking a chance on fate for a better life. The latter involves pulling a Need For Speed move with racing for cash that ends in fire. Unfortunately…

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To the Fistful!

REAL HEROES #1

Roll call. Cue the exclamation points. Olympian! Tiny Titan! The Patriot! Longbow! Velocity! Hardware! Avengers Assemble! What? Oh… Real Heroes is the latest creator-owned comic project of Bryan Hitch (Fantastic Four). Right there, you get an idea of what this book is in a nutshell. Imagine the Ultimates as a book about a bunch of actors playing the fictional Ultimates, who then really real for reals become the Ultimates. Part Galaxy Quest, minus the outright ridiculousness, but incorporating a bit of that film’s general theme into “What If the cast of the Avengers were granted their on-screen powers and really did have to save the world?”

Those comparisons are just surface elements though. The story itself is filled with some fun, realistic dialogue and entertaining characters that draw the reader into the world that Hitch is building. It begins with a recognizable, still painful tragedy as we see one of the main characters grow from that event into the man he is today: the actor who plays the beloved superhero icon Olympian in one of the biggest sequels of the year. I don’t want to spoil too much, as the issue really is a fun ride that should be enjoyed with every turn of the page.

Now, Solomon Grundy can fly!

For a new writer, Hitch handles things well, presenting us with a tight, focused story that is highlighted by witty interactions and some clever twists. I found the way he changed the tone and tenor of the dialogue — when we are supposedly watching scenes from a film to less cheesy real world (well as real as the speech of Hollyweird actors can get) talk — very well done. It really separated the “on-screen” happenings from the rest of the story.

The visuals, of course, are classic Hitch. Big, bold, summer blockbuster scenes. Even the interaction between characters have that right mix of Hollywood storyboard and Neal Adams bombast. All in all, this is a satisfying debut that throws out some pretty cool shocks and twists that will have you hooked.

Bring on the Academy.

Bring on issue #2.

4.25 (out of 5) Bibles.

(More featured reviews on next page!)

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One thing that I love about my travels is that it allows me to experience geekdom on numerous coasts and other countries, and this Richmond trip was no different. Located near the VCU campus and easily accessible in the downtown area, Velocity is the place to be. Pat and his staff are knowledgable and their Hellboy party helped open up a whole new part of the Geek Coast to yours truly.

DAREDEVIL #1

Speaking of whole new worlds, what better way to segue into this Sunday Stash‘s main dish than with Daredevil #1.

This series finds our favorite blind crime fighter in a new location out on the west coast of San Fran. Thanks to the storytelling duo of Mark Waid (The Flash) and Chris Samnee (The Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom) — who continue their red-devil run with a brand new number — you can think of this comic as Marvel’s second season of a great show that wanted to toss a little change-up.

Netflixed.

Seeing how this creative duo has acquired such a loyal fan base (Moody among them), one would have to wonder why a brand new relaunch was needed besides the obvious selling of more comics. Well, Waid and Samnee thankfully — and masterfully — answer this and more with a new setting, a new status quo, a new non-tight wearing profession, and a new mystery to bewilder Matty’s world.

Following fans and new readers jumping on the hornhead express will be treated to a real gem. Not only is Waid able to entertain with his typically colorful take on DD, but new fans will find a very easy jumping-on point for the Man Without Fear. I even found myself learning new bits and pieces of the origin thanks to a brief intro that smoothly transitions to new happenings. Maybe the coolest moments of the comic, however, was witnessing the usually relaxed Murdock (who was always able to traverse the New York City skyline with ease) discover frustation with this new and far more challenging terrain. This leads to the return of fan favorite Kristin McDuffie, who now plays a lesser love interest and more reliable (see: oracle) sidekick.

Mall Security these days!

Other than some signage. Wrong, but tasteful.

And, you know, since the 3-year run of Waid on Daredevil, I have learned to appreciate the artistic talents of Samnee. His elegant portrayal of DD’s world works primarily in his use of simple lines, while colorist Javier Rodriguez’s (Guardians of the Galaxy) palette choices in this premiere issue help bring life to the sight of a blind man. With vivid colors that help paint the surreal life of seeing through vibrations, Javier scores.

If smart readers pick up the latest on Frisco’s newest hero — number change or not — it’s quite obvious that they will too.

4.25 (out of 5) Blind Billy Clubs.

Photos courtesy of The Other Murdock Papers and Marvel.com.

(Flip the page for 3 mini-reviews from our Priestess Eva!)

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