Wednesday Pickups 3/9/11

We've got eight books this week with a nice variety, only half are superhero ;)

Starting things off we have X-Men: Legacy #246, Chapter 3 of Age of X. Legacy (Rogue) remains on the lamb from her fellow mutants and isn't the only one asking questions. Another solid issue in this x-over as Mike Carey's story builds naturally while Clay Mann's pencil's add the perfect amount of grit and grim to this dystopian future/alternate present. Maybe a little dialogue heavy in some places that were unnecessary but other than that no complaints and looking forward to more.

Rounding out Marvel books this week is Hawkeye: Blindspot #2 of 4. Clint starts searching for leads on who killed his former mentor, Trick Shot, while reminiscing about his early days in the Avengers. A descent issue that features some awesome flashback art done by Nick Dragotta and Brad Simpson but the ending "surprise" reveal felt too cliche and formulaic. Hoping Jim McCann manages to use it in an interesting way for the second half of the mini-series but it certainly isn't working for me yet.

Speaking of comics that ended terribly, our first comic from DC this week is Justice League: Generation Lost #21. Each member of the team deals with the death of Blue Beetle in their own way as they decide if they will continue their hunt for Max Lord. I love 95% of this issue (for you nerds out there, this is an actuate percent since I liked 19 of the 20 pages.) Judd Winick nails these characters motivations, which doesn't surprise me as he has been doing it the whole series. What did surprise me was the final page reveal, which I really dislike and for much of the same reasons as I dislike the ending of Hawkeye this week. There are very few ways I can see Winick turning this into something enjoyable but I'm still holding out hope that it won't ruin the rest of the series for me.

Last DC book of the week is Booster Gold #42. Booster appears back in the present, apparently having served his time in future. It was no trip to Cleveland, however, as he tells Rip and Michelle about his disturbing adventure with his cell mate, the Perforated Man. Still enjoying these wacky time tales from Giffen and DeMatteis, even if this issue had a little less humor than usual. Looking forward to the fallout of what was revealed here especially as it relates to the partnership between Booster and Rip.

From Avatar Press we have Captain Swing and the Electrical Pirates of Cindery Island #3 of 4. The captured constable gets a little tour of the island but all hell breaks loose as Brock, the bow-street runner, discovers their location. While I still like the mini, the break between issues really killed any momentum it had going. When the last issue comes out I'll try to sit down and read them all at once, betting it has a lot better flow that way.

Heading over to Image's Shadowline brand we have Twenty-Seven #4 of 4. Will Garland meets up with the mysterious forces that set him on his current path and, surprise surprise they don't get along. Overall I enjoyed this mini series. Its art, done by Renzo Podesta, is consistently interesting while the story done by Charles Soule was oddly paced at some points but still fun to read. I know there is a second mini-series planned for the summer but I think I might pass on it as the ending here really didn't leave me looking for more.

Runner up this week comes from Th3rd World Studios, The Stuff of Legend Vol 2.: The Jungle Part 4. Concluding this arc Maxwell reveals his dark secret to the animal toys while Jester, Princess, and Harmony run into some old friends in the hunting grounds. Another fantastic issue from Mike Raicht, Brian Smith and Charles Paul Wilson III. Great art, engaging story, and unique characters (not just some Toy Story wannabees) make this a must read for me every time. Looking forward to the next volume, The Jester's Tale starting in the summer.

Pick of the week is once again a Vertigo Resurrected title, Finals #1 (a collection of the four issue Finals mini-series from 1999.) Written by Will Pfeifer with art by Jill Thompson, Finals tells the story of five seniors at Knox State University. All of them are working on their senior projects, and since KSU is known for pushing students harder than anywhere else each project is peculiar and more extreme than the last. This college tale of devolving men, out of control cults, and dead time travelers really did it for me as it nailed a lot college personalities (even ten years later) while still being fun and out there. Give a chance if you enjoy a good college romp or are digging the other Vertigo Resurrected books as much as I am.

That is it for this week. Next week should feature a fairly sizable stack but get ready to hear about all the awesome stuff I pick up at C2E2.

Wednesday Pickups 2/9/11

It's new comic book day again but can one truly appreciate new comics if they don't learn from the old ones? No, so as an invaluable service to you the reader here are last week's comics and what I thought of them.


First up this week is Widowmaker #4 of 4. This sordid-spy tale comes to a conclusion as Black Widow faces her ex-husband while Hawkeye, Mockingbird, and Fortune are left to deal with an active volcano and an army of nationalist ninjas. Did not care to much for this issue as both writing and art felt very bland which I mainly attribute to this creative team handling issues 2 and 4 while a different one handled 1 and 3. I am holding out some hope for the next Hawkeye mini (entitled Blind Spot) since I think it will have a steady creative team or at least only Jim McCann writing it. If you were going to pick this up in trade, I have to recommend passing on it as the book just never blends into one solid story.

Next up from Marvel is Ultimate Captain America #2. Steve wakes up after having his butt handed to him by Frank Simpson (aka Vietnam Era Captain America) last issue and doesn't exactly play by the rules when he's told to stay on the bench and let the black ops team handle Simpson. I really like how Jason Aaron handles Ult. Cap, writing him as more of an arrogant jerk than his regular universe counter part, giving him a unique flavor. Ron Garney's art goes well with it, presenting some strongly defined close ups but leaving it a little rougher for the action sequences. Looking forward to the rest of this mini and the different kind of Cap story it's telling.

Staying in the Ultimate Marvel U, we have Ultimate Avengers vs. New Ultimates #1 (its also under the Ultimate Death of Spider-Man event banner but since nothing in the book seems to be related to him I'll just leave that be.) The New Ultimates (with two new additions to the main team) stop a train supposedly carrying stolen super soldier information but what they find is something a bit darker. I've never been a huge fan of Lenil Yu's art but once again it manages to work on these ultimate characters, the grittiness of it complimenting the style of the world. Mark Millar's overall story has been building nicely since the first volume of Ultimate Avengers but to someone just picking up this issue it probably seems like an excuse for a hero vs hero fight. Definitely going to pick up the next issue but if I continue to just find it ok, I might try to drop the title before getting sucked into this arc.

Heading over to DC, we have Justice League: Generation Lost #19. Max continues to torture and experiment on Jaime (the Blue Beetle) while the rest of our band of outsiders finally tracks down his location. Another fantastic issue from writer Judd Winick, the way he is handling these character keeps me chomping at the bit for more every time. Not to be outdone though, Fernando Dagnino's art (and Dustin Nguyen's stylish cover) provide the book with some compelling and action packed visuals. Going to be interesting to see where the books moves from the ending of this issue.

Rounding out DC comics is Red Robin #20. Crossing over with Teen Titans, Tim fails to stop Catman from recovering Unternet access and has to call in the reinforcements when he discovers a world-wide network of Calculator androids. I enjoyed Marcus To's pencils, as always, with Guy Major's colors filling them out nicely. The story here, written by Fabian Nicieza, seems like it could really be handled in one title and doesn't need the crossover gimmick, but we will have to wait and see how it wraps up in J.T. Krul's Teen Titans.

Getting into the non-capes and tights books, we have Uptight #1 from Fantagraphics Books. Written and drawn by Jordan Crane, this anthology title features two stories (Below the Shade of Night and Keeping Two) dealing with the loss of loved ones. Overall, I enjoyed Crane's illustrated shorts. While I wasn't too crazy about the art the stories were interesting enough to keep me going and I really like the cover design. I think my local shop had the next few of Uptight so you might see those make an appearance here soon.

From Image we have Hack/Slash jumping from mini-series to full blown on-going with Hack/Slash #1. Cassie and Vlad have been tracking slashers without rest leading them to Louisiana and a meeting with an old friend while Cat Curio's investigation leads her to Emience, Indiana and the man who put her into a coma. Great start for the series, even for readers like myself who aren't caught up on all the prior Hack/Slash mini-series. As usual with a Hack/Slash book, we are treated to some great cheesecake art (this time done by Daniel Leister) and Tim Seeley's deadly yet funny universe. Hoping this series has a long run.

Moving over to Image's Shadowline department, we have Twenty-seven #3. Will Garland further explores what the magical box in his chest can do and meets up with a famous rocker to learn more about the 27 club. Still enjoying the story in this book (written by Charles Soule) and its take on the whole "9" thing but I can't say the same for the art of Renzo Podesta. Its alright but sometimes it's loose backgrounds and emotionless faces just distract me from really getting into the book. I know their is more comics to be set in this universe after the mini but I don't think I will be sticking around for them if their drawn by Podesta.

Taking to the high seas, we have The Unwritten #22. Tommy continues his search for Moby Dick but finds a different "monster" while Lizzie and Savoy begin playing parts in someone else's plans. Initially I thought there was a large gap missing between this and last issue until I realized I missed #21 (whoops). Still consistently great, like The Unwritten always has been, Mike Carey and Peter Gross world of "real" and powerful literature is among the top books on the stand. If you still haven't checked it out, you really should.

Pick of the week should be no surprise, Matt Fraction and Fabio Moon's Casanova: Gula #2. Zephy begins taking down her assigned targets very sexily, while the Casanova's crew continue their search for him. I've written a lot about this series in previous post so I won't rehash it all but I love pretty much everything about this book. The sci-fi/spy world, the oddball references, the multiple WTF moments, and the art done by Fabio Moon (or Gabriel Ba from the first volume) are all fantastic. Hopefully with the rising popularity of all three, this book will get into the hands of more fans soon enough.

That is it for this week. You know the usual routine; comments, criticisms, or suggestions can all be left below or set to talesofthegeeklanterncorp@gmail.com Now if you'll excuse, I am off to search for the illusive The Unwritten #21.

Wednesday Pickups 1/26/11

Another large stack of comics this week, so let's dive right into them:


Kicking things off (sorry I couldn't resist the easy set up) is Skull Kickers #5, the conclusion to its first arc One Thousand Opas and a Dead Body. Baldy and Shorty do battle with the demonic horde, which turns into battle with a giant ugly demon! Spectacular letters by Marshall Dillion and great pencils by Edwin Huang lead this title but Jim Zub's story isn't to shabby either. Keeping with the humorous and outrageous tone it's set so far, the book finishes it first arc in good fashion and even plants a seed or two for the future. Really looking forward to next issue, a collection of short stories about our two favorite warriors but put in the hands of other creators besides Zub and Huang.

Heading over to DC, we have Justice League: Generation Lost #18. Max Lord continues his experiments on the Blue Beetle while his new mind control minion, Power Girl, takes the rest of the league down a peg or two, seeing them Superman and crew turned evil. Another fantastic issue from writer Judd Winick, this time with pencils by Aaron Lopresti, that leaves us craving the next issue. Really enjoying how Winick opens each issue with a scene from the past that informs readers where these heroes are coming from but also relates to what their about to face. Still keeping my fingers crossed that this book turns into a regular monthly title after Brightest Day concludes.

Finishing the DC titles for the week is Teen Titans #91. Most of the titans face off against the genetically altered teens who took their school hostage while Ravager and Robin are left to deal with the remain student body that have been turned into mindless thugs. Solid issue by J.T. Krul (writer) and Nicola Scott (penciler) that wraps up their beginning story-line on the book nicely. Nothing too flashy or epic but good character development and interaction, something I have always enjoying Teen Titans books. Next up is a cross over with Red Robin which, being a huge fan of that book, I am really looking forward to.

Concluding the non-Marvel books is Vertigo's American Vampire #11. The two part The Way Out finishes up here as Pearl and Henry battle some bootlegging blood suckers while Hattie tracks them down for a not so friendly reunion. Not my favorite issue of the book but still a good one none the less. Mateus Santoluco's art keeps it visually interesting but isn't quite as dynamic as series regular Rafael Albuquerque. Scott Snyder's tale continues to be the best regular does of vampire around.

First up from a large selection Marvel books this week is Ultimate Avengers 3 #6. The finale of Blade Versus The Avengers is here, as the two stand together against an overwhelming force of vampires. While I voiced my doubts about this volume of the series, this issue brought it all together for me. The book straddles the line between over the top hilarity and groan-worthy cliches until this final issue where it sets its self firmly on the side of the former. I could sell this issue to you in one sentence, SPOILERS: Someone get stabbed with a plane! So if you skipped out on this series, make sure to correct that when it gets collected in TPB form.

Continuing with the avengers, but moving over the regular marvel universe, we have Secret Avengers #9. Steve Rodgers and crew cook up a plan to get Sharon Carter back from the Shadow Council but will they be able to do so without losing another member? The art by Mike Deodato and Will Conrad compliments Brubaker's shadow ops story well, filling tons of panel space with shadows but still conveying action convincingly. Not sure how the arc is going to wrap up next issue, but I am definitely looking forward to it.

Special addition this week, is the book most comic fans are talking about, Fantastic Four #587. Spread out and all in dangerous situations, one of the fantastic four members meets their end in the conclusion of the Three arc. Not going to say which member it is (in case you have somehow managed to avoid spoilers from major media services and the online comic-fan community) but I will say I enjoyed the issue. Been meaning to check out Jonathan Hickman's FF since it started but kept pushing it off and then never grabbed the trades. Definitely going to rectify that soon though, after seeing the quality of his writing on this book matched with Steve Epting's great art.

This brings us the the huge amount of mutant books this week (yeah, I might be a mutantholic), and we'll start them off with Age of X: Alpha one-shot. Written by Mike Carey (and with art from and army of talent) this book drops us in the world of Age of X and hits the ground running. Instead of taking the usual approach and showing how the world got this way, this first entry just gives us the back story of a few of the main mutants and promises to reveal over time why this world is different from the one we know. Digging the story so far and looking forward to more when it takes over some of the regular X titles in February.

Next up is Namor: The First Mutant #6 with a fantastic cover from Phil Noto. Starting a new arc titled Namor Goes to Hell well... Namor goes to hell or at least his own version of it while his allies work on trying to bring him back but end up getting a visit from one of Namor's oldest friends. Surprise surprise, another spectacular issue from Stuart Moore (writer) and Ariel Olivetti (artist.) These two just manage to get everything about the character and his surroundings/supporting cast right. It might be a little early to call it, but I think there run is my favorite out of any Namor title.

Getting into the team books we have X-Men #7. In their new initiative to make every one love mutants, Cyclops sends a team to New York to deal with a problem some might classify as street level. After the first arc, Curse of the Mutants, being barely satisfying and this new one, To Serve and Protect, not seeming to interesting I think I'm going to take a break from this book. While I love the Terry & Rachel Dodson covers, I never really liked Chris Bachalo's art (interior artist) and Victor Gischler's writing isn't helping either.

Rounding out the regular X-men books is Uncanny X-Men #532. Emma, Kitty, and Fantomex continue to deal with Sebastian Shaw; Angel's group tackles the Collective Man and Sublime's Designer X-Men; and everyone back on Utopia continues to suffer from the mutant flu. Featuring splendid art (both inside and out) by Greg Land, this issue brings the title back a little bit from the past few crowded and convoluted issues. While Matt Fraction and Kieron Gillen (the writers) still have a lot going on here, its improved a lot in presentation and pacing making for a more enjoyable read.

The penultimate book this week, missing the top spot just barely, is New Mutants #21, the conclusion to Rise of the New Mutants. General Ulysses has released the Elder Gods spelling doom for both Limbo and our world but Magick hasn't performed her last trick yet and may still have a shot at stopping them. This issue brings a fitting end to they story the Zeb Wells has been telling since the book started and manages to send us out on a bang but also with a few new story-lines hanging to be pulled on later. Not sure if Wells and partner in crime, artist Leonard Kirk will be returning to the book after Age of X but I certainly hope so as they have proved they can make it one of the best titles Marvel has to offer every month.

Pick of the week should come as no surprise since its been here a couple times already, Uncanny X-Force #4. The Apocalypse Solution concludes as Archangel and crew decide the final fate of Kidpocalypse. Another frakking awesome X-conclusion and another awesome issue from Rick Remender and Jerome Opena, this issue brings a perfect ending to this new groups first adventure with many more to come. I seriously can't recommend this book enough, both for its great story and art, and if you missed out on the single issues make sure to grab it when its collected in TPB.

And thus brings us to another thrilling conclusion of Masterpiece Myster... I mean Wednesday Pickups. Any comments, critiques, suggestions, or questions can be left below or sent to talesofthegeeklanterncorps@gmail.com . I know it's a little late this week but that was actually a test. Everyone should have been so busy checking out Multiplex (see the article below this one) that they shouldn't have had time to read this till now. Most of you passed, barely.

Wednesday Pickups 1/12/11

Great week of floppies, so lets dive right into them:


Kicking it off is Justice League: Generation Lost #17. Max now has Blue Beetle, and given his track record on having someone with that name in his possession, it doesn't look good. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang tries to track him down only to get a visit from an old friend who was definitely built for speed and comfort. Another solid issue from Winick and crew, that gets into what Max has been planning but doesn't give it all away just yet. Next issue, looks to be a battle of DC heavyweights and I for one can't wait to see.

Moving right into it's solo character connected title, we have Booster Gold #40. Titled "The Life and Times of Michael Jon Carter", this issue examines the high jinks of Booster through the eyes of one of his recent enemies. From his lackluster beginnings up through his "cash for Gold" days, this issue presents a fun re-telling of his origin but also manages to begin a new story. Bang up job by Keith Griffen, J.M. DeMatteis (writers), Pat Olliffe, and Rich Perrotta (artists) who manage to create a great jumping on point for the title as well as tackle an issue of Booster's past that seems obviously overlooked through out the years (or at least to my limited knowledge.) If you've been thinking about giving the book a try, now is the perfect time.

Taking a break for a friendly meal, we head over to Red Robin #19 (Yum!) Tim and the gang wake up in a world that isn't quite right, granting the readers a chance to dive in and take the Red Robin pill. Writer Fabian Nicieza and artist Marcus To bring us a wonderfully whimsical issue that is certainly one of their best yet. Even if your not a regular reader of the title, you may want to give this issue a shot as it is a slice of golden age fun set in the modern DCU.

Last up from DC is T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #3. This issue tells the back story of NoMan, the invisible/immortal member of the original T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, who has come out of retirement for this rescue mission. Making him out to be part Dr. Manhattan and part The Vision, Nick Spencer (writer) and Cafu (artist) give us another wonderful issue of this series that examines what is sure to happen when "people" like that live long enough. Looking forward to next month's issue, which I have a sneaking suspicion will focus on the new Lightning.

First and only book from the Marvel universe this week is Widowmaker #3 of #4. Mockingbird and Dominic Fortune infiltrate a Russian army base while Black Widow and Hawkeye go the more traditional route of intel gathering and hit up a Japanese Geisha brothel. A descent issue, that had a few laughs and cool moments, but overall I have been less impressed by this mini-series the more I see of it. Still going to pick up the final issue but not really expecting a whole lot out of it and would definitely recommend passing on the series.

From Image comes Hack/Slash: Me Without You one-shot. Featuring great art by Daniel Leister along with Tim Seeley's awesome narrative, this comic tells the tragic origin of Vlad right up until the moment he first met Cassie and became her slasher killing partner. The perfect companion piece to the recent My First Maniac mini-series, this great one shot gives just the right amount of personality and history to the character without over doing it. While it might be more enjoyable for fans of the Hack/Slash series, I think it can still be fun for those new to the book or who have never read it.

Runner up this week comes from the Marvel imprint Icon, Casanova: Gula #1. Starting another chapter in this wacky/sci-fi spy world, writer Matt Fraction (along with artist Fabio Moon this time) brings us almost more absurdity than a reader could handle. Almost. After a mission gone wrong (maybe?) Casanova Quinn is missing in time and everyone, including a sexy sometimes six-armed blue woman from the future, is looking for him. Meanwhile, his alternate reality sister, Zephyr makes new criminal friends who have some sweet digs and hair styles. Its is hard to explain what exactly I love about the Casanova books but a big part of it is Matt Fraction's bravado to make the story whatever he wants it to be, most of the time fighting against a sensible narrative. In addition to that, it is consistently well drawn (whether by Gabriel Ba or Fabio Moon) and is the one comic that has me choking out "WTF?" in between the constant laughs. Normally I would recommend tracking down the first mini-series (and you definitely should at some point) before jumping into this one, but this series is so twisted you won't be much more lost than every other reader if you just start here.

Pick of the week goes to the latest comic from Image, The Infinite Vacation #1. This comic is about a guy named Mark, or many Marks depending how you look at it, as he sells and buys his way through the lives of his doppelgangers throughout alternate realities. Everything is going... well... not great but ok until suddenly a lot of the alternate Marks Mark has been start dying. This comic blew me away! Spectacular art by Christian Ward with a unique and bizarre story by Nick Spencer, this one has sunk its hooks in and is pulling me deeper into the rabbit hole as I write this and flip through it again. I think the advertisement that got me in called it a blend of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, (500) Days of Summer, and Inception which after reading it I completely agree with. So if you some how skipped this book last week make sure to pick it up this time, as we need awesome comics like this to sell through the rough.

That it for this week. Usual deal leave comments, critiques, suggestions either below or email them to me at talesofthegeeklanterncorps@gmail.com. Now if you'll excuse me I off to search eBay for an alternate reality Geek Lantern that is either shacked up with Tricia Helfer, Taylor Swift, or both.

Wednesday Pickups 11/10/10

Its that time of week once again, where one can enter their local comic shoppe and be treated to the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes(?) of new comics. Here are the books that I checked out from last week that you might be interested in: (Yeah, they are one week old but their still so cute at that age)


First up, we have Marvel's Avengers: The Children's Crusade #3 of 9. Continuing the quest of Scarlet Witch's possibly re-incarnated children (the two Young Avengers Wiccan and Speed) to find her, this issue finds Quicksilver and Magneto jockeying for leadership and trust of the children and reveals where Wanda is. Still really enjoying this limited series. While the presentation of Wolverine seems a bit over the top, everyone else is spot on especially Quicksilver and Magneto. Allan Heinberg (the writer) and Jim Cheung (the penciler) are truly showing they can handle the rest of the Marvel Universe with the same skilled that have handled the Young Avengers.

Jumping over to the Ultimate Marvel U, we have Ultimate Thor #2. Continuing to unveil the history of the Norse god, this issue sees the Asguardians celebrating their victory over the Frost Giants in ancient times with gladiatorial games and the beginning of the Frost Giant's revenge (led by Zemo) years later during WWII. I'm enjoying the triple narrative in this title, even if it gets a bit confusing here and there. Judging by the ending of this one, some epic battles will be taking place next issue that should be a spectacular sight to see.

Heading over to DC, we have one of my favorite comic double features of Justice League: Generation Lost and Booster Gold. In JL:GL #13 Magog and Captain Atom mix it up in a battle that's sure to leave a mark on the city while Max Lord continues to pull the puppet strings. Said it many times before but I'm really digging this book. The art, story, and humor are doing it for me on all levels and I feel like I can never wait for the next issue. Judd Winick and friends are keeping this one of my favorite team books.

Over in Booster Gold #38 (the tie-in for those not in the know is that Booster is a member of JL:GL) Booster is taking care of business and knocking out Nazis! Rani, the young girl Booster saved from the distant future a few issues back) steals a time machine and goes back in time to WWII with a special mission in mind. Another fantastic issue from the team of Griffen, DeMatteis, Batista, and Perrotta. If your looking for a fun super hero book with hi-jinks and hilarity you can't go wrong with either of these two.

Next up is Comic Book Guy: The Comic Book #5 of 5, finally the final issue. While the initial issue showed a lot of promise, the mini-series quickly deteriorated into length jokes that didn't pay off and the occasional one-liner that barley got a ha. The issue wraps up this sorted tale of course revealing the not so final fate of our favorite Android's Dungeon shop owner. If you were waiting for a collection of this, I highly recommend you just skip it all together.

Heading into the Vertigo books we have The Unwritten #19. Tommy and crew begin their search for their own personal white whale while Mr. Pullman drafts a new recruit in his quest to end Tommy's story once and for all. Another solid issue of this comic and Mike Carey and Peter Gross show no signs of letting up. If your still not reading this series do your self a favor and pick up the first trade paperback collection.

Taking a trip out to the early days, and also from Vertigo, we have American Vampire #8. Police Chief Cash McCogan finds out exactly who his visiting federal agents while tracking down the dying off investor's in the dam and Pearl Jones, back in California, is visited by similar agents. Scott Snyder (the writer) and Rafael Albuquerque (the artist) consistently present an awesome vampire story that doubles as a great period piece.

Lastly and pick of the week, we head back to DC for Red Robin #17. An epilogue to "The Hit List" arc, this issue follows Red Robin as he touches base with various allies. This issue does a great job of showing who Tim Drake has become since donning the Red Robin persona, in how he deal with the aloof former Batgirl Cassandra, the part temptress/possible enemy Lynx, and his mentor Batman back in action. Hint Hint: With this chapter coming to a close Issue #18 would be a great spot to jump on the title.

That's it for this week. Usual routine, comments of any kind are appreciated below. Now to get to reading this week's books (I actually already started you can look forward to an interesting creation of Holy Water.)

Wednesday Pickups 10/13/10

Ton of books this week, as you can see below, so let's get right into it.


We start off this week with Oni Press' Frenemy of the State #3. While not the greatest title out, its still a pretty fun book. The topic of under cover agents has been done to death but this title breaths some fresh life into it with its clever "pop princess" dialogue and the unique ways our protagonist maintains her cover.

Next up is Bongo Comics' Comic Book Guy: The Comic Book #4 of 5. Not much to say about the book really. The art the same as the television show, neither better nor worse, and the story/humor have been in a steady decline since the first issue. It still has some funny moments but overall not worth the price of admission. Due to my collecting illness I will probably pick up the last issue when it comes out but I really recommend passing on it if your not already invested.

Kicking off a swarm of DC books we have Justice Society of America 80-page giant 2010. Overall an awesome one-shot of short stories. Didn't care to much for the tale of two Wildcats or Liberty Belle's story but the rest were great, with Christian Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis' Cyclone story being my favorite. Art from everyone was fantastic but I especially enjoyed Mateus Santolouco's Dr. Fate work (except for his velociraptor-like Power Girl.) A must check out for any JSA fan (especially of these characters) even if you have gotten away from the regular books recently like I have.

Up next is another DC one shot, Untold Tales of Blackest Night and I for one wasn't nearly as impressed with this one. While the art was good just like it was consistently through Blackest Night, but most of the stories just felt like scrapped ideas from it. Really enjoyed Ethan Van Sciver's Karu-Sil's story and the actual deleted scenes from Blackest Night, but the rest just left me unimpressed. If you want more of Blackest Night I can recommend it as your only current source but if you felt satisfied with the story there is nothing absolutely necessary here.

Rounding out these DC one-shots we have Bruce Wayne: The Road Home, Red Robin. I was pretty hesitant about picking this up, mainly because I thought this series of The Road Home one-shots would leave you feel like you were missing something if you only picked up one. I am really glad to say, that is no the case. While it ties in elements from both the other Road Home books and the Red Robin monthly title, it also tells an accessible stand alone story of Tim and Bruce testing each other. If you have ever been a fan of this particular duo, definitely recommend picking it up as it gives a nice perspective on where each of them is now.

Getting into the regular DC titles we have Green Lantern # 58. Solid issue, Doug Mahnke's art kills it as usual while Geoff Johns' story continually growing. Really enjoying Atrocitus getting to flex his vocal cords and his quoting of "The Dark Knight" film.

Heading over to another Brightest Day tie-in we have Justice League: Generation Lost #11. Another series that continues to pump out great issues. Featuring the Metal Men, this one turns into a hero vs. hero slobber knocker, which may seem a like a tired plot but is both fun and funny here. Quickly becoming one of my favorite super hero books that I hope continues for quite a while.

The perfect compliment to the last book in both characters and style is up next, Booster Gold #37. Giffen, DeMatteis, and company continuing tales of the greatest hero you've never heard off never cease to entertain an amuse me. Featuring a sexy prison break, Blue Beetle being eaten, and Booster solving the problem he got into from time traveling by traveling forward in time; this issue delivers another helping of awesome.

Moving over to the my only Marvel book this week, unless you count the Icon imprint, X-Men #4. Have to start off by talking about the gorgeous cover by Adi Granov. His portrait of vampire Wolverine is affective and bone chilling. On the matter of the actual comic, it is good but nothing spectacular. I enjoyed Paco Medina's art but find the story to be predictable while aiming for just the opposite, never been a big fan of that. I could end up eating my words if the story drastically changes but I doubt it.

Getting back into one-shots, this time from Image, we have Hack/Slash: Murder Messiah Annual. Per the norm for Hack/Slash, the cover and art are fantastically gory and sexy. The story was also really good but might probably isn't the best for any one to join in on or new comers to the universe such as myself. While I enjoyed it and just wanted to known more about these characters, I could see someone having the reverse reaction and totally losing interest in the book. Hopefully going to track down some early volumes of this book soon.

The almost but not quite pick of the week is The Unwritten #18. Just when we have figured out most of what is going on in The Unwritten, Mike Carey and Peter Gross open up a whole new and delightful can of worms. Spectacular art and story as always with yet another engrossing cover. Can't recommend this book enough, so if your still not checking it out rectify that immediately.

Lastly, just barely beating out The Unwritten, is Casanova #4 from Icon. What more can I say about this book that haven't in previous posts? Amazing art from Gabriel Ba, a Silly/Sci-Fi/Spy story by Matt Fraction, and even special features via an interview at the end of every issue. While I know not everyone will like this book, I am enjoying the hell out of it!

Well that is it for this week, and since this is going up late I can already tell you there are some great comics for next week. See you back here in six days (going to try to get this on a normal schedule of every Wednesday.)