4 Razors

The Flash #20

/ / Comics

The Flash #20The return of writer/artist Francis Manapul marks the beginning of a new arc as Barry Allen returns to work at the police station, although in the Paper Morgue rather than the Crime Lab, puts the past behind him and recommits himself to his relationship with Patty Spivot, investigates a weird artifact that is somehow powered by the Speed Force, and begins looking into the deaths of Albert and Marissa who the police suspect was killed by Gomez.

Although the villain makes only a cameo at the beginning of the issue to kill Marissa, The Flash #20 officially kicks off the Reverse-Flash arc (complete with the villain’s awful New 52 makeover). Barry’s only lead is the lightning symbol which mistakenly believes is tied to Kid Flash not the hero’s greatest villain who he has yet to meet.

It’s great to see Manapual and his beautiful art of the Flash in action return. Next month offers the first meeting between Flash and Kid Flash and you have to wonder with the unseen villain targeting those who were temporarily trapped in the Speed Force how long it will take Barry to realize Iris is likely his next target. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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XIII – Pong

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: XIII – Pong
  • tv.com: link

XIII - Pong

XIII (Stuart Townsend) awakes in a cargo container on the Chinese docks just outside of Shanghai. His continued survival will depend on convincing the warring factions within Xu Cooperation and the Chinese Government that he’s their agent Victor Gong, beginning by trying to convince Victor’s girlfriend Ai Ning (Sarah Lian). Although M. Pong (Ho Chow) is willing to let “Victor’s” memories come back naturally and lead them to the third and final Tesla letter, government stooge Winslow Wong (Jack Yang) is less patient and far less convinced that Victor is who he says he is.

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Scarlet Spider #17

/ / Comics

Scarlet Spider #17Given a reprieve months ago by the Assassins Guild who agreed to leave Kaine alone in exchange for the former killer doing one job for them in the future, the new Scarlet Spider’s time runs out when he’s contacted with his target – Wolverine. Unwilling to let her friend march into the Jean Grey School School for Higher Learning alone, Aracely dons a her brand new super-hero costume and Kaine trades in a Spidey-stealth suit for his Scarlet Spider costume and heads straight into the lion’s den.

The story works well, as the Guild honestly doesn’t care who wins he fight between Kaine and Logan as long as one of them turns up dead. Aracely’s help gets Kaine through the students (by largely underestimating her own powers) for Kaine’s one-on-one brutal fight with the headmaster that leaves one of them dead on the floor.

Scarlet Spider #17 continues to make use of the fun relationship between Kaine and Aracely as well as the self-deprecating narration of our hero. This issue is full of action as “Red Ninja Spider-Man” takes on Beast, Ice Man, Kitty Pryde, before his fight with Logan. Best of the week.

[Marvel, $2.99]

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Daredevil #26

/ / Comics

Daredevil #26Bruised and beaten Daredevil returns home from his encounter with Ikari still unsure who the warrior is working for and who is behind the constant attacks on his life. An increasingly paranoid and fearful Matt Murdock turns to his best friend who helps Matt work through what’s happening to him and uncover the old enemy responsible for his current troubles.

After figuring out a way to escape the enhanced senses of Ikari, and quickly dispatching Lady Bullseye, Daredevil is brought face to face with the invalid mastermind, once the deadliest assassin in the world now unable to move a single muscle. The choice of Bullseye certainly works, but I was hoping for something a little more imaginative from writer Mark Waid. Even after finding Bullseye, Daredevil still has Ikari to deal with, and as we’ve already seen that’s easier said than done.

The extra-sized comic also includes an unnecessary back-up story involving Foggy’s time in the hospital. It has a nice message but feels tacked on mainly to boost the pages, and price tag, of the latest issue. Worth a look (for the main story).

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Fatale #14

/ / Comics

Fatale #14After a series of one-offs featuring other characters, Fatale #14 catches up with Josephine during WWII where her curiosity about her unique condition leads her into Romania and, despite the warning of a woman she trusts completely, to seek out Hitler’s mystic priests known as the Thule Society.

Captured by the group, Josephine is to be sacrificed during the Convergence, but thanks to the timely arrival of a solider entranced by a map which drove his other comrades mad, the femme fatale manages to get out of Romania alive. With the punch of some sly humor and action, the comic gives us a glimpse at the series of events which led to the happiest period of her life, but not blissfully happy as the series of events inside the mountain had left unforgettable knowledge that monsters do indeed walk the Earth and they have a keen interest in her above all others.

I’ve enjoyed the one-offs, but I’m glad to see the comic pick up thread of Josephine’s story once again. Worth a look.

[Image, $3.50]

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