Comic Reviews

Superboy #3 – Review

Superboy #3 is another weak issue with average art, a poor story and an averagely written character that should be so much more entertaining. But the issue has some fun moments thanks to Superboy – who still has his fair share of problems.

After his first unsuccessful mission, Superboy must try to escape with his life before suffering death a mile under the earth from molten rock and lava. But even if he ;ives, will he be able to survive outside his virtual reality and avoid N.O.W.H.E.R.E.?

Moriarty: The Lazarus Tree #6 – Review

Moriarty #6 is not only the worst issue so far in the “Lazarus Tree” story arc, but the weakest issue so far in the entire series. The story and characters are very involved and it is easy to get confused. Most of the information we are given is useless and just highlights writer Daniel Corey’s superior intellect. If only he could take that intellect and form an entertaining story, but Moriarty continues to intrigue.

While under cover, Moriarty finds out more about the mysterious disappearance of his old friend and uncovers a mysterious link between a series of killings, a mass-murder in the jungle and a drug-trafficking ring.

The Incredible Hulk #2 – Review

After an initial issue that ended up raising more questions than anything else, this second entry in the new The Incredible Hulk series attempts to give some answers. Specifically, the aim of this book seems to be showing what Bruce Banner’s life has been like since his nasty break up with the big green guy and, more importantly, what his current motivation is. I’m sincerely glad to see that the writer is working towards answering these questions after a cool, but very confusing first issue for the series. Unfortunately, if these are the kinds of answers we’re going to get, then maybe the questions are better left unasked.

As I said, this book puts the focus on Bruce Banner, the genius puny scientist that the Hulk spawned from. Up until recently, they were sharing a body. Now that they are finally separated, Banner must have everything he ever wanted. Right? Yup, there he is on page one, chilling on a tropical island with his gorgeous resurrected wife who can turn into a gorgeous red giantess, which has the added benefit of ripping her bikini in all the right places. Yes, good old Bruce must be pretty pleased- Oh, damn, he’s brooding. That’s right, the issue starts with several pages of the beautiful Betty Ross, the love of Banner’s life and one of his primary sources of motivation, telling him how fortunate he is now and proving his fortune, just by standing there. But Banner isn’t having it. He wants to go look at radiation and Red She-Hulk bails. Somehow, the guy who used to be the likeable hero is now an irredeemable prick.

Suicide Squad #3 – Review

The Suicide Squad’s strength lies in our lead anti-heroes Deadshot, Harley Quinn, El Diablo, Black Spider and King Shark.  This issue gives us more great interactions between all of them, but introduces several new characters that have not made very interesting first impressions.  The story manages to be somewhat interesting, but the order in which it takes place is unnecessarily confusing and the artwork is nothing special with only one or two moments that stand out, and not in a very good way.

The Squad are about to be evacuated, but Deadshot runs into an old acquaintance – the mercenary Mad Dog, whose priority is to steal the Squad’s package and who is Deadshot’s only chance to be cured of a zombie disease he may have contracted last issue.

Deathstroke #3 – Review

After the last issue of Deathstroke, which was filled with bloodshed, bland characters, and a poor story, this issue tries to make small improvements but instead is even more boring than the last issue despite some changes that should have been beneficial. The story is boring with the mysteries only making the reader confused. It rouses no emotions from the reader, the characters are uninteresting, and the bits of violence are still not as fun as they should be.

Deathstroke continues to put himself into the line of fire to find the people behind the mysterious continents of a suitcase that threatens his life. More blood is shed as Deathstroke combats two new opponents with strikingly similar costumes who are trying to send him a deadly message. These deadly enemies are known only as Legacy.

Swamp Thing #3 – Review

Scott Snyder has officially made Swamp Thing the greatest series it can be for this new generation. The older series is still missed, but the story and other horrific elements of this issue make it the best issue in this new series. The only complaints are the alienation older readers may get from reading it, an alienation even I feel. But I cannot deny that this series has quickly become great and sets-up the next issue wonderfully.

Alec Holland comes face to face with the creature’s lover, Abigail Holland, only to have her start shooting. With his green thumb Alec fends her off only to discover she needs his help saving a young boy who has the power to destroy the world.

Red Lanterns #3 – Review

After the mediocrity of Red Lanterns #2, I wasn’t certain if I would bother looking at Red Lanterns #3. I want very much to like this book. The art by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter is terrific and the writer, Peter Milligan, is also currently working on Justice League Dark, which I’m a huge fan of. Unfortunately, this issue is, once again, so humorless that I can’t help laughing at it.

Static Shock #3 – Review

Static’s review score and my hopes for the series continue to plummet in this third installment.  The previous issues were enjoyable, but this one was hard to get into.  Virgil’s interactions during his non-super powered life are much more interesting and easier to follow than when he is Static.  The action is confusing to follow as well as the story, and the Slate Gang continue to be bland.  The issue as a whole was disappointing, but had a share of good qualities that will have me coming back one more time to see if Static can keep his title going.

Static continues his fight against the Slate Gang and their powerhouse Virule, who discovers Static’s powers could turn him into a small army.  The police make another unscheduled appearance and show Static the New Yorker love of superheroes by trying to blast him and the Slate gang to pieces.  Virgil has to manage this, school, and his cloned sisters at home.

Justice League International #3 – Review

Still giving a great presentation, writer Dan Jurgens and artist Aaron Lopresti continue to make the members of the JLI as enjoyable as they were in the last issue.  While still lacking memorable action scenes, the characters are still interesting with only slight, stereotypical problems.  The story is shaping up to be an interesting, but not epic sci-fi adventure and the artwork and colors are somewhat unique from the usual New 52 title.

Under Booster’s orders, the team has split up, two members distracting each of the giant robots that have popped up all over the world.  But something more terrifying is brewing underground as the teams are attacked by rock creatures, and above as an alien spacecraft emerges with ties to the robots.

Batman: The Dark Knight #2 – Review

After the less than impressive first issue, Batman: The Dark Knight has an entertaining and fascinating story despite some issues with plot points, some out of character behavior and some lackluster exchanges of dialogue. Does all of this Stop this issue from being good? No, but it keeps it from being as great as it should be.

After a brawl with Two-Face, Batman discovers several of his other iconic enemies have also been given some steroid-esque bodies. He begins to learn more about the drug causing this transformation and follows his only lead – a mysterious white rabbit.