FF #4

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artist: Michael Allred

Before jumping into the fun that is this issue, things get very serious for a moment in the Baxter Building, when Alex Power confronts Ant-Man about his real motivations for wanting to strike Dr. Doom. It would seem that a scene like this is out of place given the campy theme of the book, but it actually grounds it, and reminds everyone what's really underneath the otherwise light mood of the title. Then there's the fun stuff. She-Hulk goes out on a non-date with her old flame Wyatt Wingfoot, while the moloids, aided by Bentley-23, try in vain to ruin the evening for the pair. In the best style of a sitcom, the evil plan of the little ones not only fails miserably at every step, but makes things turn out even better for "The Jen" and her beau. The whole thing is a hoot that visually peaks on the dancing floor; Allred is simply a genius. The issue ends with the focus on another odd couple, but if you know your history well, it makes total sense.

Medusa, Ant-Man, and Ms. Thing by Michael Allred and Laura Allred

Uncanny Avengers #4

Writer: Rick Remender

Artist: John Cassaday

It's Havok and Scarlet Witch against the Mighty Thor! With all the delays this title has suffered, it is a relief that Remender is not wasting time setting up the conflict; instead, he throws readers right into the middle of the fight, and it is a great choice. Alex and Wanda work amazingly well together, and being almost family, let's hope they develop a close relationship. John Cassaday does not miss a beat in his interpretation of the battle, and the colors are breathtaking. The Red Skull, in the meantime, tries to demoralize Cap into switching sides using an argument that taken to face value, would make sense, but fails to account for the positive aspects of society, a point the Star Spangled Avenger makes clear in a heroic fashion. The issue offers great moments between Havok and Cap, Wanda and Rogue, and a surprising and moving Thor-Wolverine interaction. As if this isn't enough, the story jumps momentarily into the near future to see the return of O... MG! It's a good tease!

Havok and the Scarlet Witch by John Cassaday

Batman Inc #8

Writer: Grant Morrison

Artists: Chris Burnham and Jason Masters

Trying to stop his mother from spreading chaos throughout Gotham and the world, the Boy Wonder makes his last stand against the forces of Leviathan. Of the many members in the Bat-family, Morrison chooses Nightwing to be the one who gets to have a final interaction with Robin before the end, and it is pure gold. Damian is finally at peace with himself, and the convoluted emotions inside him have receded, which allows him the opportunity to make his last actions those of a true hero.

     

Covers by Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn

Strangely enough, Batman is mostly absent from the story, which in hindsight is the right move as not to take the attention away from the real star of the issue. Chris Burnham does not hold back, and makes Robin's sacrifice as cruel and mean as possible; it is graphic indeed. Jason Masters provides a brief collaboration for Red Robin's sequence, which is superbly choreographed  Whether this is a true change in the status quo remains to be seen; I tend to believe it is not a permanent situation, and before a year's time, we'll see Damian again. Great tale, though.

Batman by Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn

The Most Viewed in February 2013

And the most checked reviews in February by the followers of this blog were:

1. Batman #17

2. New Avengers #3

3. Wonder Woman No More

4. Batwoman #17

5. Avengers #3

6. Dark Knight #16

7. Uncanny X-Men #1

8. Robin Dies

9. Aquaman #16

10. FF #3

Daredevil #23

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Chris Samnee

Someone out there is sick enough to put a group of men through the same horrific accident that took away Matt Murdock's sight and gave him his amazing abilities. That same individual is unleashing these crazed men into the city, and it's up to Daredevil to stop them. Amidst this crisis, the man without fear also stands next to his best friend Foggy Nelson, as he is about to face one of the most nerve wracking moments anyone can experience in their lifetime. Waid and Samnee orchestrate a great story that mixes the heroics everyone loves with the mortifying hours prior to Foggy's doctor appointment. All the anxiety, silly joking, and false optimism are perfectly played out in the dialogue and the visuals, while Rodriguez's colors make a huge contribution to the different moods of the book. The issue is also an excellent jump-in point for new readers as Daredevil's origin is retold parallel to the still unknown villain's plan.

Daredevil by Chris Samnee and Javier Rodriguez

Green Lantern #17

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artists: Doug Mahnke, Dan Jurgens, Phil Jimenez

Even though Rise of the Third Army was a somewhat weak arc, Peter J. Tomasi was able to bring it to a solid, exciting conclusion; however, that effort is reduced to crumbles with two single panels during the first chapter of Wrath of the First Lantern. What was intended to be a menace deadlier than the Black Lanterns, is turned to ashes in almost a footnote; a move that feels very much like an editorial mandate to wrap things up. Phil Jimenez pencils the opening sequence of the issue, that in plot and art is an intentional nod to Crisis on Infinite Earths, signaling the approach of something big for the DCnU. Simon Baz is again the highlight of the book, thanks to his introspection, his encounter with Black Hand, and his eventual fate inside the black ring. Everything involving Volthoom, the First Lantern, does not fare as well, and actually comes off looking a lot like Parallax in Zero Hour. Not the best issue of this run.

Green Lantern Simon Baz by Doug Mahnke

Avengers #6

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artist: Adam Kubert

In the third spotlight issue of this series, the past of Captain Universe's human host is explored with some help from Shang Chi, the Master of Kung-Fu. Perhaps because it is not presented in the context of an Avengers mission or action-heavy sequences, Zen and the Art of Cosmology does not have that wow factor that the previous issue had, despite being the most emotional of the three stories. On the other hand, Zen allows Shang Chi to have some panel time after being just a background figure for five installments. As it was mentioned in a previous review, the Captain Universe character is too similar to that of Sentry: extremely powerful with an extremely damaged, fragile host; it seems too soon to use the same plot device. One point this issue wants to make clear is that going forward, readers and Avengers will be dealing with the Superior Spider-Man, rather than the Friendly Neighborhood one. Overall, both, writing and art suffer a bit when compared to the exciting issue dedicated to Smasher; however, the larger story keeps moving along, which is good.

Captain Universe by Adam Kubert and Frank Martin

The Black Beetle #2

Writer and Artist: Francesco Francavilla

Don't ever say that perseverance doesn't have its rewards. After working for several years on a character of his own making, releasing self-published ashcans, and posting pages and tidbits in his blog, artist Francesco Francavilla hits the jackpot with the first mini-series for his creation, The Black Beetle. Debuting in the anthology series Dark Horse Presents, The Black Beetle is a mysterious crime fighter whose adventures are set in the 1940's and take place in the equally enigmatic Colt City. No Way Out, the name of this first mini, follows the hero as he tries to solve the puzzle behind the death of two major mob families. By making use of the main character's voice to narrate the story, low-key lighting, dramatic shadow patterns, and Labyrinto, an antagonist that in many ways represents the almost-alive Colt City, Francavilla and his award-winning artistic style invoke the most fascinating elements of the noir period. From the beautifully made teasers emulating cinema lobby cards, to the captivating pages of the final product, this one is a must have.

"No Way Out" series teaser. Art by Francesco Francavilla

Justice League #17

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artists: Ivan Reis and Paul Pelletier

Another story that comes to a titanic conclusion is Throne of Atlantis, the crossover between the Justice League and Aquaman books. As if the previous chapter had not been explosive enough, this fifth installment takes the action to yet another level with a three-factioned war involving Atlantis, the League, and the Trench. Regardless of the outcome, the true winner is Orm, a.k.a. Ocean Master, because in just a few issues, Johns was able to develop his character to make him complex, multi-layered, and easy to sympathize with; not a trace of the stereotypical villain he used to be. Another one who takes the glory with Throne is Ivan Reis; there is no limit to his versatility. From the stormy first page focusing on the lighthouse in Amnesty Bay, to the breathtaking spread featuring the reserves against everyone else, to Arthur and Orm's moving expressions at the end, Reis shows why he is an invaluable asset to DC. The satisfying resolution to this story proves that crossovers and big arcs need to be the ones doing the talking, and not the hype around them.

The Justice League by Ivan Reis