Comics

Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow #20

/ / Comics

snake-eyes-and-storm-shadow-20-coverTarget: Snake Eyes comes to and end as Snake Eyes and Helix‘s recuperation comes to a screeching halt when Storm Shadow shows up to destroy an entire aircraft carrier just to get his hands on his traitorous sword brother whose recent actions have gutted the once proud Arashikage Clan.

There’s a little too much of everyone else here including Scarlett and a whole host of various other JOEs as the comic is at its best when it stays with the fight we’ve been waiting to see ever since the crossover began: Snake Eyes vs. Storm Shadow. The fight itself is good, I just wish the rest of the story didn’t keep encroaching on it.

The fallout leaves the JOEs minus one aircraft carrier and another apparent “death” for our title character. It also, in an interesting choice by writer Chuck Dixon, gives Storm Shadow the smallest semblance of victory. With the crossover now finished and Snake Eyes once again missing in action, it will be interesting to see what new direction the comic takes next month as it appears the comic will continue to give both characters title credit. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #15

/ / Comics

red-hood-and-the-outlaws-15-coverDespite the fact that we’re in the third month of Death of the Family this is the first (and likely only) time the Bat-book crossover truly makes its presence felt in Red Hood and the Outlaws. The issue isn’t great, but compared to most of the subpar storyline so far about the Face-Off Joker hitting the Bat-Family where they live, it’s not too bad (and far better than last month‘s wasted appearance by Superman).

After the Joker gives Isabel an overdose of heroin the Red Hood sets out for payback only to be drugged and beaten again by the man who killed him years ago. Despite the comic staying with Joker teasing knowledge about the Bat-Family and his hand in crafting Jason Todd’s destiny there are a couple of good moments here including an appearance by Harvey Bullock (who thankfully hasn’t been given a New 52 revamp) and some nice back and forth with Starfire and Arsenal.

The comic finally gives us a confrontation between the Joker and the Red Hood. Even if it’s not as good as I hoped, at least the crossover feels legitimately underway. For fans.

[DC, 2.99]

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Daredevil #21

/ / Comics

daredevil-21-coverDaredevil‘s fight with the Coyote concludes as our hero is able to get enough information to prove the innocence of Foggy‘s client and make it out of his lair alive. Although he doesn’t find out who hired the super-villain to create havoc with his life, Matt Murdock gets enough to confront his former partner and hash things out once and for all.

Although I liked the idea of the Coyote, I’m glad to see this increasingly creepy storyline put to rest. I’m also happy to see Matt finally get the opportunity to tell an ashamed Foggy off. It looks like although the city of New York is willing to discount Foggy and Kristen McDuffie‘s (pretty damn baseless) concerns, McDuffie isn’t quite so willing to let the matter rest. Sadly for our hero, she has called in help to deal with Daredevil.

I like the idea of Spider-Man guest-starring in the next issue, but with what writer Dan Slott is doing with the character I’m pretty sure it’s going to be far less enjoyable than the Spidey & Black Cat crossover from earlier this year. For fans.

[Marvel, $2.99]

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Winter Soldier #13

/ / Comics

winter-soldier-13-coverIt takes the combined efforts of Daredevil, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Wolverine to take down down the Winter Soldier who has been brainwashed by the Soviet sleep agent Novokov to kill Daredevil.

If you didn’t know writer Ed Brubaker’s near insane love for the character of the Winter Soldier you’ll certainly get the message loud and clear here as the combined efforts of three pretty damn formidable Avengers (and Hawkeye) struggle to prevent the brainwashed Bucky from carrying out his mission.

The fight has its moments, and it’s certainly well told, but by the end of the issue we’re right back to where we were an issue-and-a-half ago with no movement on the search for the brainwashed Black Widow or the ultimate goal of Novokov. Even if Brubaker seems to be milking a story that doesn’t make any sense with what’s going on with the rest of the Marvel Universe (as Black Widow isn’t reprogrammed in The Avengers or other titles in which she’s also appearing), it’s still worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

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Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific #5

/ / Comics

atomic-robo-she-devils-5-coverAlthough the final issue of Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific is certainly packed with action, it’s not quite the level of insane fun that I was hoping for in the mini-series’ sendoff.

Most of the comic deals with the final battle between the She-Devils and Chokaiten, the secret organization created by the brightest scientist and military minds of Japan who have set their sites on attacking the United States with Earthquake Bombs.

Most of the action is pretty straightforward, but the comic’s best moments come in the battle’s aftermath when Atomic Robo looks to see what his involvement with the women has cost the She-Devils (and his own company). We also get a sweet epilogue set years into the future as the granddaughter of one of the She-Devils discovers her Gramms has lived a far more exciting life than she ever dreamed. It’s this final scene that really ties a nice bow on the entire series and sends it off in style. Worth a look.

[Red 5, $3.50]

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