Comics

Wolverine and the X-Men #4 – Review

I think the best description for this latest issue that it is the Uncanny X-Force Aftermath issue. And that’s an interesting thing about the X-Books post-Schism: the Wolverine books seem to be a lot tighter than the Cyclops books. At the end of the last Uncanny X-Force issue (not counting the recent point one issue meant to be an introduction to Age of Apocalypse), we found out that Fantomex’s Apocalypse clone (Genesis) was to attend Wolverine’s school, that Angel had been mind-wiped by the experience, and that Beast now knew about the new X-Force (something he’d left Cyclops over a few years ago). This is quickly recapped at the beginning of WatX #4, but if you really want to have a great appreciation for the events of this issue, you really should pick up the trades of Rick Remender’s amazing run on Uncanny X-Men.

Interestingly, we have Nick Bradshaw as the artist this issue. Until now it’s been Chris Bachalo and I think his art style has been perfect for the tone of the book. Bradshaw does such a good job imitating his style, that I didn’t even realize at first that it wasn’t Bachalo. If you decided to pick up this issue you’ll want to keep an eye on the background as Bradshaw has littered it with easter eggs. For example, on the second page we see a dart board in the teacher’s lounge with Cyclops’ face on it. Another, later, panel has Quentin Quire trying to set a book on fire. I don’t want to spoil all of them for you, so just keep a sharp eye out as you read the issue.

Catwoman #4 – Review

Catwoman has hit another rough patch with an almost absent storyline and a heroine stuck alternating between two modes: survive and grieve.  Even Batman fails to show up and save this comic from being a bit bland and somewhat forgettable, but not completely un-enjoyable… just far from the cat-tastic performance I would have expected from Catwoman #4.

After showing up at a very bad time with a body, burnt evidence and a hysterical Selina, the police try to show Catwoman a good time before she makes her escape and continues to suffer the after-effects of her friend Lola’s death… as well as the electrifying grip of a new enemy.

Walt Simonson Returns to Marvel for Avengers Vs. X-Men

Beginning with Avengers #25, Brian Michael Bendis will be joined by the legendary Walt Simonson for a story arc tying into Marvel’s upcoming Avengers Vs. X-Men event. This arc, which will focus on the Avengers’ perspective in their clash with the X-Men, will also be Bendis’ final arc on the the title.

First announced on Marvel’s Next Big Thing Liveblog, Bendis and Simonson both expressed a good deal of excitement at the prospect of working together. Bendis was especially happy to be able to work with Simonson after so recently working with another iconic artist, Neal Adams. Few details about their arc together emerged in the live blog discussion, though.

Grant Morrison DJs

Grant Morrison, renowned writer of Batman and Robin, All-Star Superman and several other revolutionary titles, has explored another creative facet of himself in the world of music as a guest DJ on the public radio KCRW (89.9 FM and KCRW.com), whose home base is in LA.

Morrsion stopped by the station and picked five songs that inspired him during a Guest DJ Project.  His Project Set list included: “The Queen Is Dead” by The Smiths,” Mogadishu” by Baader Meinhof, “The Heater” by The Mutton Birds, “Blue Flowers” by Dr. Octagon, and “Joe Public” by The Rutles.

Justice League Dark #4 – Review

I’m going to be honest here: Justice League Dark is getting progressively more difficult for me to review from issue to issue. It just happens to be consistently exceptional. At the risk of sounding redundant, JLD #4 continues the trend. The art is fantastic and the story is well-paced. For the first time, coverage is spread evenly among the would-be magical team mates. This means that instead of giving particular time to getting one character to where he or she needs to be we are finally starting to see all of the members come together as a group.

Batman to get Backups Starting with Issue #8

Starting with issue #8 Scott Snyder will also be penning a backup story in Batman.  These backup stories are going to elaborate on the Court of Owls that has been a thorn in Bruce’s side since the book was relaunched in the New 52.  As part of a great bonus for fans of his American Vampire series, Rafael Albuquerque will be doing the art on these backup stories.  I know I find his work to be just short of dazzling in American Vampire, so it’ll be interesting to see his take on the Dark Knight.  All of this emphasis on the Cour of Owls is leading towards a crossover that will be involving all the Bat-books.  

Static Shock #4 – Review

We have an abrupt but action-packed start to this vastly superior issue of Static Shock #4. After a boring third issue with villains barely piquing any reader’s interest, this issue of Static introduces a slew of new and interesting villains, moves the story forward in a thrilling new direction and makes previously interesting villains all the more entertaining. There are still some problems in the action sequences and artwork, but Static Shock is back to being great, if not the fun, super-charged series it can be.

Static faces off against a steel-skinned baddie while Pale Man contemplates his affiliation. But his change of heart may have come too late, as Piranha, obsessed with a new and powerful drug, decides to test a dangerous chemical on some thugs on the whim of a new and mysterious puppeteer, Doctor Nemo.