4 Razors

Daredevil #6

daredevil-6-coverAfter being beaten dumped overboard by Bruiser, Daredevil works his way back onto the boat to save Austin Cao before he (and his former boss) are killed by representatives of five terrorist organizations (A.I.M., HYDRA, Agence Byzantine, Black Spectre, The Secret Empire) to tie up any loose ends by removing anyone who might have knowledge of the Omegadrive.

The Omegadrive contains billions of gigabytes of information about each of the terrorist organizations, which has now fallen into the hands of Daredevil. After defeating Bruiser, and finding himself and the two hostages, Matt Murdock realizes he can’t fight his way out of the situation so he changes tactics and makes an argument for their release the terrorist agents simply can’t refuse.

Whether or not these vast terrorists organizations coming together (or being willing to give their data up to their competitors) is feasible, the comic works well in wrapping up this story arc and painting a bright new target on Daredevil’s back. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

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Covert Affairs – What’s the Frequency Kenneth?

  • Title: Covert Affairs – What’s the Frequency Kenneth?
  • tv.com: link

covert-affairs-whats-the-frequency-kenneth

While keeping up appearances at her Smithsonian cover Annie (Piper Perabo) is approached by an agent (Tony Curran) of MI6, who, not knowing who Annie really works for, tries to recruit her to work for the British Government. Annie takes an immediate shine to Kenneth (Curran) and, with Joan’s (Kari Matchett) approval, gets her first taste of life as a double-agent.

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Usagi Yojimbo #142

usagi-yojimbo-142-coverThe rabbit ronin’s wanderings lead him to cross paths with a quartet of ice runners who he finds under attack by a gang of bandits.

After lending his help Usagi Yojimbo learns the from the remaining ice runners that they are carrying ice from the frozen mountains (in the middle of summer) for their Lord Ito who will present the ice as his gift to Lord Hijiki who will be visiting the province the following day.

Not only is the honor of the their lord at stake, but the Lord Ito has made a wager with Lord Motooka on his clan’s ability to deliver the ice, and, as Usagi knows far too well, Motooka doesn’t mind playing dirty.

Usagi offers his assistance to the remaining runners. Although he isn’t able to save their lives when they are attacked again, he is able to deliver the ice and save their clan’s honor.

Another great tale by artist and writer Stan Sakai. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.50]

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The Flash #3

flash-new-52-3-coverThanks to a super EMP whammy Central City in a total blackout, every electronic device including cars and planes are non-functional, and so its up to the Flash to save 3.5 million people from the dark.

As the Flash races around the city the clones of Manuel close in on the original and Iris West‘s trip to Iron Heights prison, now in dark lockdown, gets the intrepid female reporter far closer to one of the Flash’s Rogues than she ever wanted.

Once again Francis Manapul gives us a strong story to go along with some absolutely beautiful art. There are also a couple of fun moments here including Barry on horseback and some early narration explaining how the Flash learned how to use his speed in various ways (and why he never drinks coffee).

Fans of the Golden Age should also pay attention to the mention Keystone City, especially now that we know some form of an Earth-2 Justice Society of America is scheduled as part of DC’s New 52. Best of the week.

[DC, $2.99]

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Melancholia

  • Title: Melancholia
  • IMDB: link

melancholia-posterIt begins, and ends, with the end of the world. The latest from writer/director Lars von Trier is a bleak examination at the lives of two sisters in the days before the arrival of a mysterious planet on a collision course with the Earth.

We begin with Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Michael (Alexander Skarsgård) who are late to their own wedding reception. At first this cute occurrence of a limbo driver not being able to navigate the narrow drive to where the event is held seems nothing more than a mildly diverting challenge for the new couple to navigate. We soon learn, however, that the newlyweds have all kinds of problems they will struggle through on this night.

Over the course of the evening Justine, already stressed by the wedding, is pressured by her husband sister to act normal, her boss Stellan Skarsgård) wants a slogan for a new campaign, her sister’s husband (Kiefer Sutherland) wants her gratitude for the gala he’s paid for, and her mother (Charlotte Rampling) is complaining constantly at the absurdity of marriage.

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