First up is The Suicide Forest #2 from IDW. Alan is brought in for questioning by the police due to his friendship with a few people that died, while Ryoko gets chewed out by her boss for following the old/spooky customs of her father. This issue takes steps towards setting a firmer horror tone for the book but still leaves the reader a bit in the dark, which I liked about it. Still not sure if I will be picking this up every month, but I will be getting the next issue so its on its way to becoming a regular.
Next up, comes from Image and is another second issue, Twenty-seven #2 of 4. Picking up right where we left off, with Will surround by ghosts, this issue sees the now dead professor explaining the ritual he tried and speculating as to what the gizmo in Will's chest is really capable of. After this issue, I think I'm sold on the entire mini. Charles Soule's story is interesting and complimented quite nicely by Renzo Podesta's brash art. Looking forward to figuring out what this "9" creature is all about and seeing how much deeper they dig into the 27 club.
Finishing out the smaller publishers this week is Radical's latest book, Earp: Saints For Sinners #1 of 5. Taking the ideas of Wyatt Earp's old west and putting them into the near future, this book treats us to a bloody, bank-robbing, dueling America where cash is king. The recently retired Wyatt is looking forward to the quite life of owning a casino with his good buddy Doc Holiday rather than being the most famous U.S. Marshall of all time who is probably responsible for creating just as many celebrity criminals as he captures. This peace is cut short however, as his younger brother Morgan comes to him for help and brings a full helping of trouble right behind him. I was definitely surprised at how much story ended up being packed in this first issue, and not in a bad way. It manages to create a compelling world that is fully realized while still telling us about the characters and their place in it. Art in the book is in Radical's usual fashion (gritty and realistic), but fits the books like a glove. Can't wait for the rest of this series and to fully immerse myself in the world it creates.
Heading into the superhero fare, we have Avengers: The Children's Crusade #4 of 9. Wiccan being captured last issue leads everyone and their super powered mothers to Latveria resulting in an all out, battle royale at Doctor Doom's castle. Meanwhile said prisoner tries to get the Scarlet Witch to remember who she is. Another beautiful issue from Jim Cheung (penciler), with the only downside being Allan Heinberg's story seems to be moving too fast for a 9 issue series. I am hoping this doesn't turn out to be the case but I could easily see a few of the issues becoming filler and not adding to the story, but I have been known to under estimate writers before.
Jumping over to DC, with their symbol based covers this month, we have Brightest Day #17. Firestorm finds himself in an unwelcoming place, (no longer) Deadman visits with an old relative, and we catch up with hawk family fighting for their lives on Zamaron. This great issue manages to balance the action on Zamaron well with the personal developments in Deadman's life. Art is good, as usual, with the Brand reunion being particularly moving. Hopefully they keep this balance up for the remainder of the series.
Hitting the fast forward button, we head into the DC future with Batman Beyond #1. After the recent events in Gotham City (aka Dick Grayson's clone tearing it up and killing old bat-villains) things have calmed down for Terry and allowed him to enjoy more time with his family and friends. Nothing good lasts forever though as the Justice League comes to town, chasing a thief that's holding the entire mall hostage (including Terry's mother and brother.) Awesome first issue from Adam Beechen (writer) and Ryan Benjamin (penciler), that shows they will keep expanding the universe but aren't going to shy away from characters established in the television show. If you enjoyed the recent mini-series or the TV show from years ago, you really should be checking out this book.
Pick of the week goes to a new mini-series starting up from Marvel, Ultimate Captain America #1. We open with Cap being held hostage and about to be executed in the coming minutes. This gives way to a flashback of 6 weeks ago in North Korea as Steve is on a covert mission to sabotage their Super Soldier program, only to meet someone who bears no love for the stars and stripes. Phenomenal comic from Jason Aaron (writer) and Ron Garney (artist), this first issue really re-ignites the spark of life in the character. Portraying Cap as the hard-headed, ignorant symbol, Aaron sets up what looks to be an interesting, politically-charged tale about the Ultimate universe's super soldiers that will set them apart from their regular Marvel universe counterparts. In addition, Garney's art kicks all kinds of butt while depicting all kinds of butt kicking. Definitley looking forward to more of this mini, as it reminds me of the promise the ultimate marvel universe once showed in things like Ultimates vol. 1 & 2.
That's it for this week, and as of now I am totally caught up on all my comics to be reviewed (or at least until I go and buy the new books out today.) Comments, critiques, and book suggestions can be left below or sent to my email (talesofthegeeklantencorps@gmail.com) Now if you'll excuse me, my talents are required at my X-Box as the Joker has taken over Arkham Asylum and needs to be stopped.
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