Yes, I know it's been a while but with school and going to NYCC, I got backed up.

Pull List for week of November 09, 2016

November 09, 2016

DC

All Star Batman #4

Batman is still escorting Harvey Dent with other criminals looking to kill Dent. The storyline started pretty good but now it seems like a weak plotline going forward. The Talons being in it didn't really help things to me anyway. The artwork by Romita is gritty and just like you expect from him and I've always liked it. 

Pros: Nice artwork by Romita and bright scenery.

Cons: Doesn't really look like the story is moving forward in style or context considering it started pretty strong.

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #4

Batgirl and BOP are on a mission to find the new Oracle and we get an origin story for the Huntress. I like the group dynamic of these 3 and they play off each other pretty well, especially Babs and Dinah. Helena always keeps her distance but when you see her back story, you understand her reasoning for revenge even though you don't approve of it.

Pros: The dynamic of the team flows pretty well and the artwork shows that. The villains are a different sort that I haven't seen in a while but they make them out to be cowards when a couple of issues before, they weren't acting as cowardly.

Cons:  The book's direction is tumultuous as it really has no meaning beyond finding Oracle, as if there's no place to go anywhere else. I understand about plot resolution but it seems the book is going to rely on the whole Oracle story line to see itself thru. Let's hope they fix that. 

Deathstroke #6

The latest issue continues with Deathstroke trying to find out who put the hit out on his daughter.

The pros: Again, I like the fact that Slade is back to his "older" persona and not his younger self, it just seemed off. Even during the New 52 when they first rebooted it, it had Slade as an older guy. The story line is basically classic Slade and brings back Slade to his nastiness. The art work is generally pretty dark and brooding, but for Slade's environment, it works.

The cons: Not sure where the story is gonna lead but it looks like it might lead to more interaction with others in the DC universe since Slade already met up with Batman.

Detective Comics #944

Doom Patrol #3 (MR)

The best weirdest comic is back. This brings back the old style of the late 80's like if Grant Morrisson was still writing. It's such a great book and the end pages of Niles Caulder are hilariously weird.
Pros: good writing, setting up what looks to be a major battle by issue 6.
Cons: The artwork is OK but something about is off. Maybe because it's very bright and not dark and foreboding that you would expect to come from this book.

Earth 2 Society #18

Flash #10

Red Hood and the Outlaws #4

More action with Bizarro Superman. Jason is still undercover at Batman's request and it looks like his cover may be exposed.
When Jason Todd first entered the DC universe, he was killed off within a couple of years. He's had an interesting resurrection and turbulent path at attempted redemption, albeit it seems more of a retribution for him. As an anti-hero, him being the loner generally works for him but sometimes you can't go alone.
The story line seems to be heading to a formation of a new group of Outlaws and it's always good to see Jason play off his "partners" because it humanizes him.
Pros: Shows Jason as an organizer and people person but it's gonna be weird to see him like that. The writer's story will seem to get more complex and the story develops. The art is very out there but in a good way, as it carries the story better.
Cons: It just seems they're throwing just a bunch of random people for Jason to connect with, which would explain Artemis. Not sure how the Bizarro aspect will tie-in but at least in the other series, you knew about Starfire and Speedy whereas here, you kind of know who Artemis is but no so much. maybe it's an attempt to bring into the spotlight. Overall, I think they should have someone more recognizable.

                                                                     
IDW

Batman TMNT Adventures #1 (of 6)

Another Batman/Turtle crossover and this time it's the animated series version.

The premise is pretty much the same as the first one, dimension hopping and such.

Pros: I like the animated style of the books and it brings back the feel of the BTAS in combo to the new Turtles AS. The artwork just flows and it works within the comic.

Cons: Another crossover for these two? We really didn;t need it as it really made no sense since we haven't had a BTAS book in a long time.

Overall, it's a good book for nostalgia and remembrance but it seems like a cheap cash grab as well.

Marvel

Spider-Man/Deadpool (2016-) #11

Penn & Teller of magic fame take over the book this time around. 

I have a certain bias for all those in the book since I've liked P&T for a long time. The story deals with Teller and DP switching places for a day and the shenanigans following that. It's a break from the somewhat bleak, mutant spider that is currently going on. The book needs more levity like this to continue going forward. 

Pros: Interesting story written by Penn Jillette and also because he breaks the 4th wall. Good use of Teller, considering he never talks.

Cons: Overall, it seemed weak in the sense that it was one big magic show on the part of Penn. 

Star Wars Poe Dameron #8

This bok is getting a little better after a bumpy start. Everyone was anxious about it but it has some misfires, such as the prison story line.
But now there's the old story line of "someone is a traitor in my group" and I wonder if the writers could have come up with something more original.
The artwork is pretty good but not on par with the main Star Wars book or even the Vader, which recently ended. That being said, I'm assuming that it's all going to lead up to the next movie as well as some of the past.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Adaptation #6 (of 6)

Basically, if you've seen the movie, by now you know the whole story.

The Unbelievable Gwenpool,(2016-) #8

The continuing misadventures of Gwenpool. With other worldly assassins after her as well as the police, Gwen has to make interesting decisions and doesn't really know who to turn to for help.

The issue is full of visual sight gags and somewhat witty repartee, but I gotta be hones, I'm getting tired of this book. Something about it just hits me wrong and I 'm not sure what it is.
It seems funny enough but something is missing. Yes, I know she's a "flavor of the week" but it's like SquirrelGirl, it gets kinda tiresome.

PULL LIST FOR OCTOBER 5TH
WAS CANCELLED

I WAS IN NEW YORK FOR NYCC

Pull List for week of September 28, 2016

September 28, 2016
DELAYED BECAUSE OF TRIP TO NY FOR NYCC

DC

Batgirl (2016-) #3

Batman Beyond Rebirth #1

Deathstroke (2016-) #3

Detective Comics (1937-2011) #941 (monster Men)

The Flash (2016-) #7

Harley Quinn and Her Gang of Harleys (2016-) #6 (of 6)

Six Pack & Dog Welder Hard Travelin Heroez #2 (of 6)

Teen Titans Rebirth #1

Wacky Raceland (2016-) #4 (of 6)

IDW

Mask Revolution #1

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye (2011-) #57

Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2011-) #57

Marvel

Deadpool (2015-) #19

Deadpool  Annual

Spider-Man/Deadpool (2016-) #9

Star Wars (2015-) #23

X-Men '92 (2016-) #7

Pull List for week of September 21, 2016

September 21, 2016

Dark Horse

Aliens Life and Death #1 (of 4)

The next chapter in the Life and Death crossover event. 

The Colonial Marines and some scientists are stranded on a planet with Aliens and Engineers. Luckily they have a "friend" with them, a Predator.

So far the series isn't as great as the Fire and Stone that came out a while back. Even though it does do expand on it, it just seems lazy for the most part, not as fleshed out as the previous series. The story seems the same, Aliens vs Predator vs Engineers with humans in the mix. Overall, it's a fun read but nothing too compelling about it. The next one should hopefully stand out a little more.  6/10

DC

Batman (2016-) #7 (Monster Men PT 01)

From a cryptic message way back in previous issues, the monster men arrive. Though for the life of me, I don't know why a monster story line would work within the comic, Batman is really out of his element with this, I think, and it seems more of a job for the JL. But it does revolve around Hugo Strange so it will be interesting to see how it goes. The art is OK but nothing really stands out and the monsters just look "eh", for the most part. It is interesting how they are making Strange the big bad as even though he is dangerous, he's never been taken seriously before. The new Rebirth titles have so far been amazing but this crossover just seems like it doesn't really need to be there. 7/10

Green Arrow (2016-) #7

Continuing a story revolving around Ollie's sister, it's a pretty decent one. It shows some back story of when her and Ollie were dealing with the Clock King and her current journey to Japan.

I do like how she strikes a balance for Ollie that helps him as well as hinders him. The are is pretty decent and the writing seems OK but the book is supposed to be Ollie's, even though they should flesh out other characters. 8/10

Harley Quinn (2016-) #4

The craziness continues with the aftermath of the previous story. This time out, Harley has to convince others the food isn't tainted. 

With Conner and Palmiotti's writing, the book is becoming a sleeper hit for DC. The book is constantly in the top ten for sales but the storylines seem forced lately as if it reaching its' apex of craziness. How many stories about craziness can you write? Overall, the book is a fun read because it never takes itself seriously and Harley has started to do the whole "Deadpool page reference" thing that he does. They should really stop that and give Harley her own unique brand of crazy and not have to emulate others. 

On a side note, the variant cover for this issue was very beautifully drawn and I would recommend  getting it. 7/10

Justice League (2016-) #5

This book surprised me because it's actually a good book, and I'm not a JL fan for the most part.

The group dynamic is what makes the team work and it's a shame Martian Manhunter isn't in the group. Overall, Hitch has written a good story and artwork is the same as the recently cancelled JLA book. Overall, I probably won't go back and buy back issues of this group's history and will just end this book when it does.

Nightwing (2016-) #5 (Monster Men PT 02)

Part 2 of the Monster Men crossover. Again, this crossover seems forced to us as I don't think it has any real value to the Bat family of stories. Overall the art is nice and OK but the monsters seem "eh" to me. Hopefully this will resolve quick and we can get back to Nightwing busting the Court of Owls.

6/10

Suicide Squad Most Wanted El Diablo & Boomerang #2 (of 6)

I don't know much about the characters in the Suicide Squad but being the bad guys working towards good is a pretty good concept.

The 2 separate stories within the book is what makes it interesting , as we get to see Diablo and Boomerang in their own little misadventures.

While Diablo's is serious, Boomerang is more light hearted. It's good to see the two characters out on their own for the most part, to see what kind of trouble they can get into.

Overall, it's a good book if you're not a Squad fan and you don't have to be to like it. The art and writing are pretty good and I would recommend it. 8/10

IDW

Revolution #1 (of 5)

The new crossover event starts here!

Someone is manipulating all those involved and it will be a big fight to which many may not survive.

With GI Joe, ROM, the Transformers, MASK and the MICRONauts, that's a lot of players. 

We'll just have to wait and see how the story goes because it's vague at best in the best. 

It is kind of nice to see all the 80's TV shows together for this adventure and  I have high hopes for this series. 7.5/10

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #62

This series just keeps getting better and it looks like it will get darker in tone as well.

Has Splinter somehow been infected with the awful legacy of the Splinter? His actions would make it seem so.

The turtles are at their best when they are together and when Mikey still refuses to be with them, the friction is noticeable. The prelude involving Casey is a wonder to behold as Casey proves he's not some dude with a stick. 

The writing is very dark in tone and the art reflects that. The interesting part will be what comes next for them? It looks like Splinter is changing and it may look like his sons may have to fight him..

We will see...9/10 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Amazing Adventures #14

The animated adventures of the turtles continues. I have to say it, the cartoon is better than the comic book as the book isn't really that interesting. It's got comedic aspects but it just seems like a dim comparison to the show. Maybe because all the stories aren't really well written in my opinion, but if they could get more like the show, it might work out.

The old TMNT adventures comic was a great series which took the Turtles to different adventures and even though it had some serious stories, it worked for them. Here? Not so much. 6/10 

Transformers: Till All Are One #4

The last issue of the series and what was really answered? Nothing for the most part. The series started out strong then just delved into some nonsense about secrets and other random things. It's great to see if StarScream is hiding something, but leave that for the regular series. This series left me serious misgivings about future mini series. The regular books themselves have stood out for their writing and direction.  6/10

Marvel

All-New Wolverine (2015-) #12

So basically another cash grab for Marvel with the Wolverine name on it.

Man, Civil War is a mess and I don't a mess that you want to read either.

This book could have stayed out of it and the book would have survived.

Now that Old Man Logan is told to stay from them, Laura and Gabby will move on to the next chapter of their lives.

I do like the new Wolverine as she brings a different persona to the Wolverine name. She's more hotheaded and more impetuous, but for her it works. Hopefully the stench of the Civil War crossover will leave and it will be better off. 8/10

Deadpool vs. Gambit #5 (of 5)

The final book of the series and it's been a crazy ride. Again, I never thought these 2 would ever be in a book that would make sense. Good thing it doesn't have to.

As the mastermind is revealed, every storyline is wrapped up as well. It's been a good book to these 2 play off each other and they whtier limitations. Overall the story seemed forced and the art was a little less to my liking, but it worked in the book. 7/10

The Punisher (2016-) #5

Becky Cloonan's Punisher series is a great example of writing gone right.

The book puts Franks somewhat out of his element but it doesn't stop him from doing what he has to do. Steve Dillon brings such a great force of presence on the pages, it's hard to see why he shouldn't be the definitive Punisher artist. I'm not knocking the previous artists (except that whole Frank/Angel thing), but overall everyone who's drawn the Punisher does a great job. That being said, Dillon brings a sort of realism to Frank in the way he draws him. The square jaw. The swagger. The broad shoulders. I hope Dillon will continue to draw Frank for future projects, no matter who the writer is. Cloonan's writing is very reflective of Dillon's art and vice versa. Cloonan writes Frank like she knows him personally and it shows. The scene with the little girl and the scene with the police officer come to mind. Overall, to me this is one of the best series around but probably won't get the attention it deserves because it doesn't have an X or an A in the title. 9/10

September 14, 2016

Dark Horse

Prometheus: Life and Death #4

DC Comics

All-Star Batman (2016-) #2

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey (2016-) #2

Batman 66 Meets Steed and Mrs Peel #3 (of 6)

Deathstroke (2016-) #2

Detective Comics (1937-2011) #940

Doom Patrol #1 (MR)

Earth 2: Society (2015-) #16

The Flash (2016-) #6

Red Hood and the Outlaws (2016-) #2

Marvel

Deadpool (2015-) #18

The Unbelievable Gwenool(2016-) #6

Old Man Logan (2016-) #11

Spider-Man 2099 (2015-) #15

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Adaptation #4 (of 5)

Pull List for week of September 07, 2016

September 07, 2016

DC

Batman (2016-) #6

Batman Beyond (2015-) #16

Bloodlines (2016-) #6 (of 6) Ground Zero

The Flintstones (2016-) #3

Green Arrow (2016-) #6

Harley Quinn (2016-) #3

Justice League (2016-) #4

Nightwing (2016-) #4

Marvel

Deadpool & The Mercs For Money (2016-) #3

Star Wars Poe Dameron #6