Well, it was around 11 AM, and I was just about to do some comic reviews ... but ... the lights went out. Nine hours later, they finally came back on. Needless to say, the Chinese buffet and Sharis was packed with people wanting dinner tonight.
And, Merry Christmas to all, before I get on to my reviews.
Sergio Aragones Funnies #6
Another fantastic issue, and this book just keeps going higher and higher in my recommendation list. It's just Sergio doing some of the cartoons that made him famous with Mad Magazine; and, with each issue, he gives us a humor tale from his past. (Those tales are the highlights. The man could easily do a whole trade paperback full of them, and I'd run out and buy it in an instant.) We get a little bit of a Christmas theme with this issue; but, the two main stories have nothing to do with that. First, we get a type of supernatural story about the Kachina Prophecy. It was rather predictable; but, still a fun read. Then, the gem is the story from Sergio's childhood about a time he and a boyhood friend used to play on the trains.
Incredible Hulk #3
While I'm not exactly hooked on this book yet, I do find it a nice change from what Pak was doing. Hulk needed a change from what we've been reading for the past five or so years. My problem lies with how they've given us a new Hulk persona that doesn't exactly gel with how I would picture Banner and Hulk being separated in my mind. Still, I found myself liking the two monsters that battled Hulk in this issue; and, I found the ending a bit sad.
Not a huge recommendation; but, like I said, Aaron is doing something a bit different.
Wonder Woman #4
Boy, I want to like this issue more than I did. I think Azzarello is a fantastic writer; but, as this story keeps going on, I find my interest waning. There just isn't much emotion with the characters; and, maybe part of the problem is that he's given us too many character thrown throughout various scenes. It definitely doesn't flow well.
I'm becoming more and more disappointed with the New 52. My initial excitement with a bunch of the issues is fading fast. Heck, I think I've dropped over 10 of the comics so far; and, some more might not last past the first storylines. I know I'll keep up with this book, though, simply because I think great stuff can come from the writer. I am curious if other people are becoming more disappointed, too.
Fantastic Four #601
Johnny is back, older, and more of a bada$$. The book has my interest; but, I'm still more excited about what the kids are doing in FF. Still, a good amount of action, and it seems like all the years of build-up might be paying off finally. (Of course, I still expect Hickman to just add more crap to the mix in a few issues, without wrapping up this one.)
Generation Hope #14
This is just a decent book. It hurts that Indie isn't with the group any longer; and, No-Girl is not an adequate replacement. (The new version of her didn't do much for me, either.) I just feel like the heart and soul of the team is missing now. Still, like I said, it's decent. And, I am interested in who the mysterious bomber is. (My guess is Unus The Untouchable.) A mild
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PunisherMax #20
No matter what comic Aaron is working on, it never compares to this. Another great issue, all which is leading up to the final showdown with the Kingpin. In this issue, it's Frank vs. Elektra. I hate that this book is ending; but, I hold out hope that Aaron might do a mini series somewhere down the road.
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Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes One-Shot
A mixed review here. I LOVED the first story, featuring Batgirl (Stephanie). It made me realize even more how much I miss her. Barbara Gordon just doesn't compare. We don't get any real explanation where she's gone now, if her time as Batgirl has been erased in the New 52. It's just sad, because this story shows the huge potential she had for some really good stories. (Heck, that first part might be my favorite issue of all the Batman Inc. stories that Morrison wrote.) Sadly, I didn't feel the same excitement with the second part of the story. It kind of jumped around a lot; and, it all is just a teaser for what comes later in 2012.
The first story alone makes this $6.99 comic worth it for me.
Butcher Baker, Candlestick Maker #6
One more review before calling it a night. I had to get this one out, because it's one of the best The Boys stories to come out in some time. Readers finally got the backstory on the main Boy, Billy Butcher. After finding out last issue how his wife died, this issue we see the formation of The Boys. It's a must-read for any Boys fan; and, gets me more excited about this final year or so of that book. I want to see The Seven (and Homelander, especially) brought down even more.
Huge kudos to Ennis on this mini.
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