Comics

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series #4

/ / Comics

tmnt-micro-series-4-leonardoIn much the same way Marvel’s “.1” comics have futhered filled in stories and focused on aspects not covered in the main title, IDW’s “Micro Series” has done the same for their current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series.

Each issue of the series has centered around one of the Turtles. With issue four we finally get to the team’s leader, and my favorite TMNT, Leonardo. This issue picks up where the current series has left off with Splinter captured by Old Hob. While out on patrol alone, Leonardo finds himself ambushed by an entire army of Foot Ninjas at an abandoned construction site.

You definitely get your money’s worth in terms of action as almost the entire comic showcases Leo’s fight with the ninja and their mysterious leader (who may, or may not be the Shredder). In terms of writing and art I don’t think it measures up to the the main title. However, if you have a favorite Ninja Turtle, this series has given you a chance to grab a comic centered solely around them. That’s not too shabby, even if it is slightly overpriced. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series #4 Read More »

Moon Knight #12

/ / Comics

moon-knight-12-coverWhen comic nerds talk about B-list and C-list heroes it’s characters like Moon Knight we’re often referring. Sure, sometimes they make a splash and end up on one of the big teams (although usually it’s the modest Secret or West-Coast version), but more often than not they find themselves without a book of their one, floating near the fringe of the bigger comic universe.

With this twelve-issue run, which ends all too soon, Brian Michael Bendis not only gave us fun stories month after month, he reminded us Moon Knight is a pretty good hero. Whacked out of his mind, sure, but also a pretty good hero.

The final issue of the series deals with Moon Knight’s final confrontation with Count Nefaria (who still can’t believe he was taken down by Moon Knight), an appearance by the Avengers (the real ones, not just those in the hero’s head), and a rather casual conversation with Tony Stark about the impending Robot Holocaust. In other words, classic Bendis’ Moon Knight. Worth a look – in fact pick up the whole series in trade paperback. You’ll be glad you did.

[Marvel, $3.99]

Moon Knight #12 Read More »

Captain Atom #8

/ / Comics

captain-atom-new-52-8-coverCaptain Atom finds himself pulled into the timestream with alternate versions of himself, including a future version who warns of the impending end of the world. Unable to change their past, without possibly ending their own existence, the other versions must instead help Captain Atom alter his future in order to save the world.

Once again writer J. T. Krul gives us big ideas brought marvelously to life by Freddie E. Williams II’ art. Captain Atom’s tour of the future leads him to old friends and new enemies including a look forward at what his attempt to help Ranita may lead to quite a few unforeseen consequences.

Far on the outside of the DCU, and with a focus far from your usual super-heroics, Captain Atom is a title you need to be reading. However, it’s by far one of the most ambitious projects of the New 52, and continues to be one of it’s most pleasant surprises. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

Captain Atom #8 Read More »

Justice League #8

/ / Comics

justice-league-new-52-8-coverThe latest issue of Justice League is basically one long joke as Green Arrow keeps showing up to help the Justice League and keeps getting turned down when he asks to join. It gets old pretty quick. However, what’s more infuriating is the real reason so many of the leaguers are against adding another member to the team is relegated to a single splash page that isn’t even explained.

In the back-up story, “The Curse of Shazam Part 2,” Billy Batson meets his new foster family which includes a bossy Mary and (for some odd reason) a blond Freddy Freeman. As we got last issue the main point of the story is for Billy to act like a little prick and be put in his place by those who know better. Yeah, he’s got hero written all over him.

The main story has some nice one-liners from Batman and Green Lantern, and an intriguing offer by Steve Trevor for Ollie, but it’s pretty forgettable. The only saving grace in the Shazam story is the introduction of Mary’s pet rabbit and slightest glimmer of hope that someday we just might see Hoppy the Marvel Bunny. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $3.99]

Justice League #8 Read More »

Nightwing #8

/ / Comics

nightwing-new-52-8-cover“Night of the Owls” continues as Nightwing receives Alfred‘s call for help and sets out to save the Mayor from a Talon attack. Issue #8 is a little different from what we’ve seen of the title so far as most of the issue isn’t presented from Nightwing’s perspective, but from that of a character who will only appear on the final page.

Most of the issue is narrated flashback of William Cobb, retelling his life story including his early days with Haly’s Circus and his recruitment into the Court of Owls. Nightwing is able to save the Mayor by defeating one of the Talons, but our final panel gives the arrival of another, far more deadly Talon (Cobb, who arrives to kill his descendant).

For an issue where Dick Grayson’s voice is largely absent the story still works, although I’m not sure we needed this much of Cobb’s backstory. I’m more surprised, however, by the continued level of smart aleck banter from the zombie-ish Talons. Who knew the undead were so talkative? Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

Nightwing #8 Read More »