This Week In Comics: 09/09/2004

[Clayface]

Welcome to this week in comics! This is the place to talk about the books you purchased this week (September 9th - September 14th). Feel free to talk about anything you got, whether it be a brand new title or old back-issues. It's all fair game. Want to share your thoughts on any current news that's happening in the industry? You can mention it here too. All we ask is that you please use spoiler brackets in the event that your comments get too detailed concerning a particular storyline. This way the book won't be ruined for anyone who hasn't read it yet.

For a list of the new stuff shipping this week, please consult Diamond Comic's Shipping List.

To find a comic book store near you, check out the Comic Shop Locator Service.

Comic store too far away from where you live? Want to support Toon Zone? We've teamed up with Things From Another World to provide an avenue for you to buy comics. Click here to see a listing of this week's comics being offered by TFAW.

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Highlights of the Week!





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[Clayface]

If you've been coming to this weekly thread with any regularity in the past, you already know I've got a thing for Peter David's Fallen Angel (that's the cover of the new issue in the "Highlights of the Week" up above). I think it's an amazing book that everyone should be reading, and I'm always trying to get more people interested in the title before its poor sales end up getting it cancelled. So, along those lines, I'd like to point out this news ticker item I put up yesterday: DC Provides Free Copies of "Fallen Angel" #1 to Retailers. That's right - this week retailers are getting free copies of this title to give out to customers. Haven't tried the book yet? Now you've got no excuse not to - it's free for gosh sake! Check with you local comic book shop, see if they've got any copies in, and give it a shot. Please?

[ArtificialIdiot]

hmm, let's see... assuming I can post these here (hey, people might care what Batman stories british collectors editions are running! Who knows? )

Batman: Legends 12.
(contained within:
HUSH Chapter 12 - I dunno, this felt a bit hollow. As if

Spoiler:

Riddler was thrown on at random at the end. I dunno... nice interaction though, I guess...

3 out of five, as I liked the art and interaction. But it was average I guess...


Penguin Dreams - Wow. That was pretty fantastic. The art for some of the characters is a bit off at times imo (what WAS Tim's face in that one pannel?). But over all, very inventive. And it's actually making me fall in love with the Penguin. I hope they continue printing this run, it's the highlight! Definatly! 4.5 out of five.

Bruce Wayne -- Rest in Peace - Hmm, not sure how old this is. And it's hard to judge it as it's obviously a build up to a Ra's storyline. However, some of the logic is a bit dodgey.. but hey, logic is overrated

Robin: Death Point - Eh? What? Where did this come from? It seems they just decided to drop a Robin story in for the sake of having a Robin story, and instead of starting with the begining of the story arch... started at the end of it? Eh? What? Also, who in the blazes are Terri and Lilith? )

Overall, It was pretty good. I'm still annoyed they don't even mention the animated series in the character profiles.. but what can you do?
They are starting to print the "Broken City" story next month though... is it any good?

2000ad Prog 1405 - Haven't read this yet. But it's early days with this title yet.

[Clayface]

Hrm. My comic shop knew absolutely nothing about the free Fallen Angel issues I mentioned above. Anyone else find it at their shop this week?

Anyway, here's what I picked up this week:

100 BULLETS #53

FABLES #29

FALLEN ANGEL #15

GOTHAM CENTRAL #23

MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #6

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE VOL 3 #6

PUNISHER #11

TEEN TITANS #15 - Didn't really like this storyline. A lot of psuedoscientific mumbo jumbo was used to explain how Garth was "cured", and now this wrap up felt abrupt and very anti-climatic. I told myself originally that I was going to drop the book after the return of Raven storyline. Guess I should stuck with my gut feeling, cause this last storyline just wasn't worth the cash. Unfortunately, the next storyline doesn't look any better (Superboy and Legion - two not so great tastes that taste even worse together, IMO). 1.5 out of 5. Book dropped.

ULTIMATE X-MEN #51

X-MEN: THE END - DREAMERS AND DEMONS #3 (Of 6) - We're on issue #3 of 6, and I realized today that I have absolutely no interest in this story. I don't care about the characters, I don't care about the plot. I don't know where this is going, and, well, I just don't care. I used to thrill to Claremont's X-men books when I was younger. What the heck happened to this guy? 1 out of 5. Book dropped.


DC CLASSIC ANIMATION MAQUETTE: THE JOKER (BTAS STYLE) - The latest addition to my collection of statues, and my very first Joker statue. Excellent paint job (I especially like the black around the eyes), and very nice sculpt (man, what a nose this guy has!). Very, very sweet. The online images don't do it justice. 5 out of 5

[theodoreLogan]

I called my shop immediately after I read your post, but they had heard nothing, nor recieved any copies of this promotional issue much to my chagrin. I too read this series and enjoy it thoroughly and the prospect of a second printing of the book--a free one, no less--piqued my curiosity. Hopefully it was simply delayed for a week, I'll have to keep an ear out for any info...

[Clayface]

I called my shop immediately after I read your post, but they had heard nothing, nor recieved any copies of this promotional issue much to my chagrin. I too read this series and enjoy it thoroughly and the prospect of a second printing of the book--a free one, no less--piqued my curiosity. Hopefully it was simply delayed for a week, I'll have to keep an ear out for any info...

Odd. I just checked DC's website, and they have the announcement up here. Looks like someone messed up somewhere.....

I hope it comes out - I was wanting to pick up a copy or two to hand out to friends.

EDIT: Hmmm, no mention on Peter David's site of it being delayed or not shipping this week....

[Nick K.]

DC

JLA #105
Teen Titans #15
JLU #1

Marvel

Avengers #501
Astonishing X-Men #1 - 4
X-Men: The End #3

Ultimates

Ultimate Spider-Man #65
Ultimate X-Men #51

Comments Later!

[Jor-El]

My shop had a free copy of Fallen Angel already in my pull-box, but I wasn't sure I saw any copies on the shelves available to non-readers (or even non-pullers) of the series.

That said...

Fallen Angel 15
JSA 65

[Clayface]

My shop had a free copy of Fallen Angel already in my pull-box, but I wasn't sure I saw any copies on the shelves available to non-readers (or even non-pullers) of the series.

Really? Hmmm. I guess it did ship afterall. Wonder why my shop (and apparently others) didn't get it.

[randomguy]

This week's haul...

Gotham Central #23: Part 1 of "Corrigan". Yes, that Corrigan. In fact, before I address the issue itself, I'd like to talk about something related to Gotham Central, and maybe the entire DCU.

A few issues ago, there was talk of a Jim Corrigan working CSI for the GCPD. It was just background chatter, and we didn't hear anything else about it. Nevertheless, Corrigan was mentioned in every issue of the "Unresolved" story arc.

Naturally, I'm a little thrown off by this. Apparently, there's a fellow named Jim Corrigan working for the GCPD. For those of you who don't know, Jim Corrigan was the name of the previous human host for the Spectre, a cop murdered in the thirties. He's served that role quite awhile, only recently being replaced by Hal Jordan. He's supposed to be dead and in Heaven. At first, I figured it was maybe just a coincidence. On further reflection, though, that can't possibly be right. Brubaker and Rucka are smart guys, and they're not going to name somebody Jim Corrigan without it meaning something. I'm quite curious as to what that something might be. Familial relation? Or something even more esoteric? Is it possible that one of the first tie-ins to "Green Lantern: Rebirth" would appear in the pages of one DC's most fringe titles? Who knows? At any rate, I considered this interesting enough to pass along to folks who don't read Gotham Central, even though it has no direct bearing on the quality of the issue itself.

Oh, and the GCPD's Jim Corrigan looks exactly like the Spectre did under his veil, right down to the red hair. Curious...

At any rate, this is a solid introductory issue. Gotham Central's got such a large cast that it usually chooses to focus on only a couple of cops per arc, and it appears "Corrigan" will center mainly around Allen and Montoya. Threads from "Half a Life" are built nicely upon this issue, and there's a completely non-obnoxious reference to "War Games". The highlight is a tense action scene featuring The Spider, and it's a really gripping little sequence that should please gun battle fans. The dialogue is as strong as usual, the art is very evocative. And the trademark Gotham Central Cliffhanger rears its beautiful head at the end. This arc could go in almost any direction, and that's pretty exciting. Looking forward to next issue. Grade: A

Marvel Knights Spider-Man #6: Part Two of "Venomous". This issue is both well-done and very, very annoying. For one thing, don't be fooled by the cover and the solicitation text. The Astonishing X-Men team is not in this issue. In fact, the only X-Man that appears is Rachel Summers. Bad Mark Millar. The cliffhanger from last issue also turns out to be rather throwaway, much like the cliffhanger from #4 (which was dealt with in the most annoying, dismissive, and unsatisfactory way ever). At least Lt. Lamont (from the pages of Amazing) makes a nice cameo. There's an Osborne sequence which is more confusing than chilling, and a Jameson bit that doesn't really work. So what does work? Only one scene, and it's at the end, but it's quite a tease and very, very interesting. It involves Venom. That's all I'll say. The art is the strongest work the Dodsons have ever done on this title (although I like Frank Cho a little more than I do them), and there's a bit with MJ which is all right. Decent continuation, with a good cliffhanger, but somewhat unsatisfying. Grade: B

Ultimate X-Men #51: An okay issue, but regrettably Vaughan's weakest yet, primarily because not a heckuva lot actually happens. Gambit and Rogue get a little development, and that's about it. Well, that and a twist towards the end that I won't give away (though it shouldn't surprise people who read the last few issues). It's all okay, but nothing really goes down, and this issue seems like filler leading up to the next. At least Kubert's art is really strong, including a Wolverine visual that's both grotesque and hilarious. Grade: C

The Walking Dead #10: No comments here. Just that it's good, perhaps even moreso than sex. Start reading this book, or you're stupid. Grade: A

Comics Creators on Spider-Man: For those of you who haven't heard about it, this is a neat little book featuring interviews conducted by Spidey-scribe Tom DeFalco with a number of Spider-Man writers and artists. It's an excellent collection of indepth conversations that gives valuable insight into the art of comic books, Spider-Man and his world, the state of Marvel itself, and other items of interest. The interviews are excellent, and cover a broad spectrum of creators. Stan Lee, John Byrne, John Romita Sr., Brian Michael Bendis, Gerry Conway, Marv Wolfman, Howard Mackie, Todd McFarlane, and Sal Buscema are just some of the people DeFalco talks to. Honestly, if they've ever mattered to Spider-Man, and they're alive, they're covered here. There are three exceptions: Steve Ditko, JMS, and John Romita Jr. The first one is no surprise, since he's more reclusive than Bill Watterson, but the last two (which skipped out due to their busy schedules) are dissapointing. Still, a great, authoritative look at Spider-Man, covering every era of the character's life. If you consider yourself a hardcore Spidey fan, you must read this. Grade: A

[Clayface]

The Walking Dead #10: No comments here. Just that it's good, perhaps even moreso than sex. Start reading this book, or you're stupid. Grade: A

LOL! Well, now I feel stupid...

Actually, I've been debating whether or not to check out this book for a long time. I keep hearing good things about it, but I'm kind of burnt out on the whole zombie-filled apocalyptic world thing right now, since I've read so much of that sort of thing in recent titles by Steve Niles.

[randomguy]

Actually, I've been debating whether or not to check out this book for a long time. I keep hearing good things about it, but I'm kind of burnt out on the whole zombie-filled apocalyptic world thing right now, since I've read so much of that sort of thing in recent title by Steve Niles.

I can most definitely understand that. What with IDW's stuff, 28 Days Later, and the Dawn remake (and corresponding comic book), there's a whole lot of zombie out there right now. I think the strongest case I can make for The Walking Dead is that it's probably the first zombie story I've ever read that's more about the survivors than anything else. Most zombie works tend to focus on allegory and the widespread social impact, but The Walking Dead is a very character-centric book with strong development. That's really the best thing about it. And, like Y or Ex Machina, it packs twists-a-plenty and is very imaginative.

I'd really recommend the trade paperback, which collects the first six issues in a nice package (well-bound, great cover) for only $9.95. Give it a shot, and if you like it, cool news, and if you don't, no big deal. For that price, it's worth a try.

Besides, I bought the Fallen Angel TPB. You owe me!

[Clayface]

I can most definitely understand that. What with IDW's stuff, 28 Days Later, and the Dawn remake (and corresponding comic book), there's a whole lot of zombie out there right now. I think the strongest case I can make for The Walking Dead is that it's probably the first zombie story I've ever read that's more about the survivors than anything else.

I'm curious: have you been reading the mini-seires Remains at all? I'm wondering how they compare, since they sound sort of similar. I'm enjoying Remains, and it's because of the similarities that I've avoided The Walking Dead thus far.

I'd really recommend the trade paperback, which collects the first six issues in a nice package (well-bound, great cover) for only $9.95. Give it a shot, and if you like it, cool news, and if you don't, no big deal. For that price, it's worth a try.

Besides, I bought the Fallen Angel TPB. You owe me!

LOL! Fair enough. I actually almost ordered that trade the other day when I putting in an order at amazon for some other stuff. More than likely I'll pick it up eventually. It's just a question of whether it'll be sooner or later.

[PaQ]

Pretty good haul this week for myself. I almost went yesterday instead of today, I keep forgetting about the holiday factor.. 4 DC, 2 Marvel, only 1 back issue, and I stayed away from Action Comics.

Ultimate X-Men #51 - Interesting twist resulting with Rogue trying to escape from Gambit's clutches. I wonder who those two are and why they want her to be a spy.
Teen Titans #15 - Good issue. BB taking the virus to revert back to himself and take out that mad doctor guy.
Ultimate Fantastic Four #10 - Wow. Fantasti-issue.
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #183 - Robin returns to Batman.. Cue awkwardness.
JLA #105 - WW almost dies, Supes consoles her. Great scene with MM.
Nightwing#97 - Dick freaks out. Tim doesn't understand that Bruce isn't mad. Tarantula is accepted for the time being, and Barb doesn't like it one bit.

Almost got Fallen Angel. Been tempted by all the great comments and reviews of it. I'll have to look at a friends copy and see if I like it or not. But I probably will start getting that one.

[Parallax]

Fables #29
JSA #65
MK Spider-Man #6
She Hulk #7
Ultimate X-Men #51
Fantastic Four #517
Ultimate X-Men Vol. 8 - New Mutants
Shonen Jump #22
Toyfare #86

Maybe I can remember to post my thoughts when I get them in the mail Monday.

[Spider-Man]

It was a pretty light week for me, but a good week nonetheless. This week I picked up:

Spectacular Spider-Man #19 (talkback)
Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #6 (talkback)
Fallen Angel #1

I'll have more comments as I get through all of the issues.

[wonderfly]

I got:

Captain America #31: Okay, I'll be honest. This story arc has grown on me. It's so stupid, I like it. How's that for a backwords compliment? Really, the whole arc is pretty pointless though, (though it does have a few good laughs, such as the superhero discount for the "apartment repair service"). But really, everyone has been reduced to simple charicatures of their true selves...it's annoying. The SHIELD coup subplot went nowhere, and the Red Skull's plot is still insanely simple, (and thus stupid). Good thing this ends next issue. Grade: C

The Pulse #5: Well, I liked it overall. Mark Bagely apparently cannot finish 2 books at a time, (this and Ultimate Spidey) and they had to have someone come in and do finishes to his pencils. Alas, because I like his artwork. But the advertisement for this issue said "Luke Cage vs. the Green Goblin!!!" And that's not entirely what we got...I mean we did, but we didn't. Oh well. And Norman Osborn's "Fall from Grace" does not match perfectly with his "Fall" as seen in MK Spiderman #1 a few months back...wierd...Grade: B-

MK Spiderman #6: Speaking of wierd, here we have this issue. And yeah, just where were the Astonishing Xmen this issue? I mean, you can see them in one panel walking in the street outside the window where MJ and Peter are having lunch...but...eh, I can't figure this all out. It's the subplots that are making this enjoyable so far. I'm wondering what's going on with the Dr. Octopus, Green Goblin, "The police are experimenting on us poor supervillians!" subplot...but Randomguy is right: the last few pages with Venom make this issue all worth while. So I'm just waiting to see where all of this is going. Grade: B-

She-Hulk #7: More fun stuff. Best part of the issue was Jennifer playing "Cosmic Judge"...the case between the Sloggs and the Blurzz was hilarious! Still, this is distracting from the main plot of Southpaw....of course, maybe all this wackiness will help out in the rehabilitation of Southpaw. And artist Bobillo's depiction of Beta Ray Bill is both a travesty and yet funny as hell! I may never look at old "Horse face" as an equal to Thor ever again... Grade: A

Spectacular Spider-man #19: And the madness continues...Paul Jenkins, what have you done to my hero Captain America? Hefty doses of continuity flaws, a villian that fails to warrant interest, and lot's of Parker/Spider vomit all add up to this storyline not doing anything for me. Well, it's ticking me off...but that's not good! Grade: D

The Punisher #11: I have mixed feelings about this whole arc. On one hand, it's just another excuse for Garth Ennis to go on and on about the problems in Ireland, a topic which is apparently of great concern to him. That's great and all, it's always important when a writer touches upon issues that are hit close to home. But on the other hand, where is the Punisher amidst all this?!!? Hell, talking about falling into the background...but that's not entirely a bad thing, given how enjoyable many of the characters are...too bad most of the characters will be dead next issue. Best scene in the issue was the old man getting his revenge, (though why do I feel that should've been saved for next issue)? Grade: B

Thor: Son of Asgard #8: I'm strangely enough really starting to enjoy this title. Not only does it provide an actual reason for why in some old flashbacks Sif had blonde hair as a kid, (yet in other flashbacks she had black hair)...beyond that, this series really has a whole anime style to it that actually works here, (the European style artwork actually blending quite well with it). I mean, this is really starting to feel like Ranma 1/2, (without the zaniness)! Teenage rivalry and love...who would've thought these things could work in a comic about a Norse God?!?! Grade: A

Reviews to follow as I read them.

[Eddie G.]

Ultimate Fantastic Four #10, Very good. I really have to say that what they did in this in this issue blew my mind, I would have never thought of this take on Dr. Doom. And also the issue is one of the funniest issues of the series... "I think I broke the fantasti-can."

A-

Y: The Last Man Vol. II, I actually didn't buy this one, don't got the cash. But after I read vol. I my dear ol' pa picked it up and fell in love with it so now he's basically going to collect as many TPBs as he can and I get to read them when he's done. Great situation here.

Anyway this one was great but I thought wasn't written as well as Unmanned. Sure there are some great plot twists, actually the twist at the end is amazing. But I just felt my mind wasn't as blown as it was with vol. I. Still funny and exciting,

A+

Walking Dead-TBR. I probably will be picking up Walking Dead later in the week and not just because I want RG to think I'm a smartie. I was actually in a comic shop today deciding if I should pick up the issue today or eat. I'll be picking up the next issue over the weekend or next week maybe and put up a review. The book really is amazing though, I've only read a few issues so far but the book has one of the best blends of great writing and fantastic (and seriously creepy) art. And keep in mind it almost beat eating.

[halinar]

Ultimate X-Men : Ok, funny how Wolverine can talk with 1/2 his jaw muscles blow away. Ok book, better than most of the others so it stays.


MK Spiderman : This one is starting to get close to the drop point for me. The whole build up at the end of 4 that was fake "I recognize that face(4) Wait, no I don't (5). I'll give it 2 more and see how this run pans out. It would be much easier to swollow if it wasn't $3.

Teen Titans : Lord that was a horrible cover. I had to look inside to make sure that wasn't the real art. Very bla story until the end when Robin shows back up again....

Outsiders : Still sitting on my shelf, didn't have time to read it yet.

[Clayface]

Upon suggestion from Ace the Bathound, I added another Highlight of the Week: Warlock #1.

They are starting to print the "Broken City" story next month though... is it any good?

I thought it was great. If you're a fan of the grim and gritty style Batman, you'll love it. Azzarello and Risso's work reminds me very much of Frank Miller's work on Sin City, and that's good thing.