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Review: DC Universe Rebirth

DC Comics $2.99 Writer: Geoff Johns Art: Gary Frank, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis & Phil Jimenez Well, before I began to read this I had a long outline planned out. Best laid plans and all that... It's difficult to discuss in depth without giving away many, many spoilers. However, over the last few days one of these spoilers has been widely publicized, Wally's back. The real Wally West. So let me start with what I can write about. The rumor mill has it that this is the last book being written by amounts for some time. And as a long time DC reader and fan (hitting 50 years of comic collecting in 2016) it was a gift. While the "New52" had its moments (only a few), I thought characters that I'd loved for years were gone for good. Johns sets up multiple story lines all having to do with the return of DC's legacy. Apparently this is just the beginning of a 2 year story arc that will course correct from the "New 52". While I don't want to say much, I would like to thank Johns and DC for this gift. The art; being a fan of the realistic Neal Adams style I absolutely love the art in this book. All four artists blend together near seamlessly. What I will say is that as I read through this book, I did so with a large grin on my face. Once I post this review I will begin a 2nd read through. And I will be grinning even wider. It's rapidly approaching midnight, so many of the surprises will be out shortly. Please avoid them, read the book and enjoy the ride. If you are a long time DC fan you will not be disappointed. One last footnote. I abhor killing off characters. I feel it's an easy out for writers. However there is a death here that serves as a perfect metaphor for what has happened the last 4 years and where DC is going from this point. Again, giant grin on my face. Reviewed by Mike H.

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Our cosplay contest judges: Rattle and Burn & Emma Kye Cosplay - http://buffalocomicon.com

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Exclusive Wonder Woman poster for Batman V Superman!

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Comic artist Jim Steranko at Queen City’s Buffalo Comicon, October 2015

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Agent Carter cosplay at Queen City’s Buffalo Comicon, October 2015

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Beth Greene cosplay at Queen City’s Buffalo Comicon, October 2015

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Supergirl Cosplay at Queen City’s Buffalo Comicon, October 2015

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You put those guys in a fight, it’s over quickly. It’s like, ‘Well, we have the Hulk on our side.’ Oh, fine, then.

Christopher Markus on Why Hulk Really Couldn't Be In Civil War via CinemaBlend

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DKIII The Master Race Book 1, DC Comics - $5.99

Story: Frank Miller & Brian Azzerello

Pencils: Andy Kubert

Inks: Klaus Janson

I’m just going to come right out and say it… When I heard that DC was doing DKIII I thought, “"here we go, money grab”. I didn’t care for the sequel and thought it was hacked out. I was intrigued when I heard that Azzerello was involved. Some rumors have it that Frank Miller had little to do with this story. Either way it works.it has a very “Miller” feel to both the story and art, but seems to be tempered with a little more common edge to it. In my humble opinion this was needed as “Dark Knight Strikes Again” was a little over exaggerated.

Story wise I’m very intrigued by the introduction of Wonder Woman and her children. This is the plot point that really has me interested. This as well as Batman’s identity are the two big questions that come out of this first part.

I loved the format of the book within a book. The Atom story fit in perfect with the main story and, for me, began to redeem the use of the character in this series. I also love the Atom / Kandor plot line. It’s one of those ideas that when you see it, you wonder why no ones ever done this before.

I’ve read through this book twice and will give it at least on more pass before issue two. It does look like DC got this one right as opposed to “"The Dark Knight Strikes Back”. You need to read this, plain and simple.

Reviewed by Mike H.

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The Amazing Spider-Man  #1, Marvel Comics - $5.99 This week begins the flood of number 1s from Marvel. What better book to start off with then with Marvel’s flagship character, Spider-Man. The first thing that catches your eye is a beautiful cover by Alex Ross. I’m pleasantly surprised that there are minimal changes to Spidey’s costume. Jumping right into the story I was once again surprised to see another device from the “old” days return… The Spider-Mobile. While no longer a webbed out dune buggy, it’s a great device that if used sparingly can be awesome. On to the story, Slott immediately addresses what I thought was going to be my biggest issue in the new Marvel universe. That is that Peter Parker would be a carbon copy of Tony Stark. There are a couple plot devices that make the comparison even more similar but Slott breaks away quickly. There are menu threads that are also picked up from the previous volume. Some resolved, some leading to new problems for Spidey.I was scared prior to this read that it would no longer be the character I’ve loved for decades. But that’s not the case. If I have a criticism it’s that, in action, he’s not drawn as “flexible” as when drawn by Ditko, Mcfarlane, J.R.Jr., etc. However I’m more than willing to give this a long time to get used to it.Also included are several backup stories that lead to individual #1 titles. The one i find the most intriguing is the final story featuring Miles Morales. I will be doing something I very rarely do, re-read this at least one more time. This is a must read and a great jump on point for the new Marvel Universe.

Reviewed by Mike H. 

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Doctor Fate #4 DC Comics - $2.99

I feel I need to start this review with a disclaimer. This is not an impartial review. Let me explain; when I first saw solicitations for a Doctor Fate book I knew I would love it. After all Doctor Fate is one of my favorite characters of all time. And Paul Levitz is one of my favorite writers. I figured two outta three ain’t bad. Then I read issue #1 with Sonny Liew’s art. Having never been exposed to him I was a little apprehensive. But with each issue his art blows me away.

Doctor Fate has been reimagined several times within the last decade or so. My expectation was more of the same. However Levitz is crafting a wonderful tale based in Egyptian lore. Khalid/Kent’s journey of discovery has been fascinating. Typically, being an OG comic reader, I look for quick story lines but I’m really enjoying what is shaping up to be a great ride.

This is a book that gets placed to the top of my reading pile each month. That says a lot since those books are usually long standing favorites. I beg everyone who reads this review to buy this book. The last year has been a little rougher on circulations than the prior few years. Please buy Doctor Fate and keep it alive. None of us will regret it.

Reviewed by Mike H.

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Review: Captain America: White #1 Marvel Comics - $4.99

With December’s solicitations listing issue #5, it looks like we’ll finally see this complete story. Issue #1 also contains the previously issued #0, originally released in 2008. Issue #1begins to deal with Cap’s emotional struggle of waking up after years frozen in ice and realizing he failed Bucky. Taking place immediately after waking up with flashbacks to WWII, reading through I realized the 7 year delay may have been the best thing for this book. This will appeal to a wider audience thanks to the MCU. I, personally, have not been a huge fan of Tim Sale in the past. However his art work here fits the Cap/Bucky relationship perfectly. This is shaping up to be a great story for “OG”s like myself as well as younger readers. Pick it up and enjoy!

Reviewed by Mike H.

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Review: Quake #1 Marvel Comics - $3.99 So let me start out by stating the obvious. This is Marvel’s attempt to fit a character from the TV series into the main comic universe. And they have succeeded. Quake is what the TV show and the MCU would be like if they were tighter entwined. In issue number one, Daisy/Quake goes on her first mission with the Avengers. Hand picked by Cap she wonders why she was included. Threw out the battle she is still lost as to her presence. Events transpire and even once the mission is complete she still has questions. That is until Cap reappears…

This book flowed very smooth and was aided by the excellent art. My only knock is that Marvel placed a house ad insert in the middle breaking up a beautiful two page battle spread. A little more planning by the marketing team would have been nice.

The new era of Marvel begins now and it’s off to a pretty good start.

Reviewed by Mike H.

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Review: Miracleman #1 Marvel Comics - $4.99

The long awaited Neal Gaiman/Mark Buckingham story is finally here. Was it worth the wait? He’ll yeah! Over the last year and a half I have been re reading the reprints by the “"original writer”. Being fresh off those stories this first issue blended in perfectly as Book Four: The Golden Age. I have always been amazed at Gaiman’s creativeness ever since Sandman over 25 years ago. He continues to amaze me here. There have been many stories over the years depicting a superhero turning into a god. This story tackles that from the point of the worshiper. Buckingham’s art fits right in with the previous stories and doesn’t disappoint.

This book is a must read. And re-read, and re-read, etc. Please pick this up and enjoy. You won’t regret it.

Reviewed by Mike H.

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Review: Hank Johnson, Agent of Hydra #1 Marvel Comics - $3.99

Unfortunately for most people our budgets limit us from buying every book we would like. Fortunetly for me I had the honor of reviewing this book, one which I would otherwise never have grabbed off the shelf. Parody books have been making a comeback lately and Hank Johnson is one worth picking up. I rarely laugh out loud while reading but caught myself chuckling several times throughout this book. Hank is a Hydra agent by day and your average hen-pecked husband and father at night. The art is solid and borrows a bit from Jim Steranko. While this is a one-shot it’s leaving me wanting for more. Hank is the Ralph Kramden of Hydra (If you’re under 35 google it).

Reviewed by Mike H.