Pull List for week of August 17, 2016

August 17, 2016
OK,  a little rant first. I like the Rebirth series and I like the fact that the books are $2.99. What I don't like is that the majority of books are bi-weekly and smacks of greed by DC, even though they think they aren't doing it.


DC Comics

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1

The new  Birds or Prey are pretty much the old ones. With the integration of the New 52 into Rebirth, the characters are a combination of both worlds. The Huntress looks a little different but still has the same temperament as before. She's headstrong and motivated by revenge on the Mafia and will kill any who get in her way. BatGirl is the original one and someone is using her Oracle moniker to give info to the criminal underworld. She's the old Batgirl we've come to know these past few years and while Cassandra Cain  was an outstanding Batgirl in her own right, she was more raw power than anything. And Dinah is the voice of reason between these two and it isn't easy.

The first issue continues where the Rebirth issue left off and the story line goes that someone is supplanting the Oracle for helping criminals instead of the heroes. It is strongly implied that it is someone close to Barbara as her identity was known to the Oracle. 

The book has a great feel to it but not a lot of camaraderie, which I assume, will show up in later books. Each of the characters has their skills as well as the ability to fight, but they are not all the same.

The art is stylish and out there as well while the writing seems strong. Hopefully, the new Oracle will be one who isn't a cliched remnant of a villain. This is one the books that will last a while if they can just focus on what the BOP do, and that's help others, instead of seeking revenge. 8/10

Batman #5

The first story arc comes to a conclusion. As I said before, I had hoped that the character Gotham wouldn't become the villain simply because they introduced him. Sadly, that's exactly what they did. This character and his partner had real potential to be the city's protectors besides Batman. But instead, they do what they do with most books when they introduce a "good" character, they make him evil almost right away.

The characters didn't have to be in the spotlight as this a Batman book, but they could have been in the background and helping out Batman and being called into action by him if needed. The fact that he could take the ENTIRE Justice League down shows how much a force for good he could have been if trained properly or even written properly. This trope always annoys me because they want you to like the new guy, but then pull that stunt in the end; it gets tired and repetitive.

The art by Finch is really great and vibrant as well and it was good the JLA in the night even though it seemed like daylight. The writing by King leaves me a little disappointed because of the way Gotham was eventually written. King does write great stuff but this one just left me with a bad taste.

Green Arrow #5

The conclusion to the first story-arc. Ollie attempts to get his fortune back but may have to sacrifice instead.

All the main characters in this book are nuanced to a certain extent. Ollie believes that he can do no wrong but isn't arrogant about it that much, Diggle, who came from the TV show, is actually a little more violent and not as innocent than we are led to believe from before and Dinah is same old Dinah, but the powerhouse of the group. Emi, Ollie's sister, is an enigma for the most part because you are not sure where her loyalties lie but to the reader, it should become obvious. The fact that they changed the history between Ollie and Shado, Emi's mother, is a step in the right direction. I never liked the part where she takes advantage of Ollie at one point in the past because the way they wrote her, she was a strong and defiant woman even though she was tied to the Yakuza. It seemed like the writer at that time was saying that even though she is a strong woman, she still needs a man to complete her self-worth, which I think is ignorant.

Overall, the story was interesting and the villains were someone new for the most part. They were fanatics but they didn't look like the typical ones you're used to seeing. The next story line suggests a dig at the past and it looks more funny than anything. The art by Juan Ferreyra is blending to the environment even though is seems like the characters are stretched out a little bit, almost elongated. The story was a great one because of the subtleties of who the villains were and hopefully we will get see more of them, like the Court of Owls. 8/10

Harley Quinn #2

The wackiness continues. The story is basically a Dawn of the Dead zombie rehash with people being infected by bad meat. 

This looks to be one of those books that clearly throws the line right out the door and just dares to be stupid, putting it lightly. It's not that it's a stupid book, it's that it feels like the antics they do are stupid and the craziness behind it. I liked the recent Harley books because they still had a little heart to them. This one? So far, not so much. I'm guessing with all the wackiness in her life, it was bound to happen that zombies would invade her area. It's a great tongue in cheek book but clearly, it looks like the writer is maybe running out of circumstances to put Harley and the crew in. Hopefully Palmiotti will do a new story-arc not dependent on zombies because they happen to be in right now.

The art is out and loud and bright and just splashes everywhere but in a good way and with that, it looks to be on track to be a very good book. 8/10

Justice League #3

I'm still giving this book a chance even though it's not my favorite> I had hoped Bryan Hitch's story would resonate or hook me more but it just seems like a continuation of the RAO story on the defunct and incomplete JLA book. The art itself is very good and the detail the artist puts in the different pictures is great, but the story just doesn't seem to want to hook anyone into it. I'm sure Hitch is a great storyteller but it just seems like he's rehashing what he used in the JLA because he couldn't finish it. 7/10

Nightwing #3

Nightwing and Raptor have to do a job that NW doesn't like and won't get completed if Batgirl has a say in it.

The story revolves around NW trying to take down the Court of Owls and Raptor is right alongside with him. Raptor is what you would call Batman extreme. The banter between the two is kind of reminiscent of more Damian and everyone else . The story seems to be heading to a very, very big ending, even more than other books.
It's great to see Dick back in the role that really defined him as a stand alone of Batman, even though some might say it's an extension of Bats. It's even great to see Barb banter with them as well. The story will eventually give way to the Court and the art is pretty good and vibrant. 8/10

IDW

Transformers Till All Are One #3

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #56

The Titans return is causing all sorts of havoc for everyone.

I fewel that there will soon be and eventual conclusion to the series, by probably issue 70 but i could be wrong. I like the how the 2 series are so different from each other. Whereas the art in MTME is bright and vibrant, the art in RID is dark and foreboding. Both series have their own appeals and both work. 7/10

Image

A hilarious take on Cons and artists and everything related to it.
Not a Spawn collector but saw this and just had to get it.

It's little Spawn causing destruction at a Con, killing people who he thinks are real heroes. It's very loud and bright and gory as well but made for fun. 

I compare it to the little AvX series a while back. it doesn't take itself too serious and mocks everything and everyone. They are like AvX in the same respect. Hopefully we'll get more of these type of books because we could all use some laughter sometimes. 9/10

Marvel

All-New Wolverine (2015-) #11

Civil War continues and Wolverine and Logan are being hunted by SHIELD. With Ulysses having visions of someone dying, they have to figure out who. Laura has really gotten into her role as Wolverine even though Old Man Logan is still there. And now that she has someone to take of, she makes a good Wolverine. 

Daredevil vs Punisher #4 (of 4)

Ah, the long and complicated history of Frank and Matt. With Frank killing or trying to kill most criminals that Matt defends, they're both sides of the same coin.

Gwenpool, The Unbelievable (2016-) #5

Gwen meets Miles Morales and it's quite funny. 

Star Wars Poe Dameron #5

Trying to get someone out of prison is hard enough. Trying to get a Hutt out of prison is like trying to get a jet out of a well. With Poe and his crew in a prison with their First Order rival, who will get them killed first chance he can. 

Pull List for week of August 10, 2016

August 10, 2016

Reviews coming soon!!!

Dark Horse

Prometheus: Life and Death #3

The engineer has taken the ship to a new planet and woken up another one, but for what reason? The Colonial Marines and scientists are trapped with no safe way out and to make things interesting, a Predator is on their side.
The current Life and Death series is shaping up to be on par with Fire and Stone from a while back. It's interesting to see the Engineer work on his projects and using him ever since he was introduced in the movie makes sense. I'm not exactly sure of the role the Engineer plays even though I saw the movie and it implies he created specific races. A question that gets brought up in the series is "why is so hostile towards others" and it's a great question. Why is the Engineer hostile to other life forms that he may have created? Is he disappointed in them and wishes they were far or less superior than what he's hoping for? I'm not sure if that question is ever going to get answered, well at least not anytime soon.
The artwork is fairly decent and basically the same as all the other Life and Death books and the story is shaping up to have a huge impact on this particular universe. I wonder how of if  they are going to explain the Engineer's plan in regards to this series. Overall, if you liked Fire and Stone, this companion or continuing series is a great read. You don't really need to read Fire and Stone to understand this series but it will at least satisfy your fill if you think it's what you want. 8/10

DC Comics

All Star Batman #1

The big hype for this book is all over the place. Scott Snyder is writing the story and it involves 2-Face. The story involves Batman being chased out of Gotham because of 2-Face, with everyone attempting to collect on the reward.
The brand new arc and comic looks to be more of Snyder's work and writing and the artwork by John Romita Jr is astounding. I've always liked Romita's art for the style of grittiness it shows. He was a favorite of mine on the Punisher series and he is one of the best artists, in my opinion. I love how it just flows to the story and gives it the feel it needs to be great. The book is destined to be one of the better books in Rebirth but sometimes the hype might be what kills it. As long as these continue to work together, the book should do really well. 9/10

Deathstroke Rebirth #1

Slade Wilson is back in his old form and it's great. The story revolves around his past with sons and past associates. 

I've never made it a secret that I've always disliked young Slade because to me, that's not who he is anymore. It may be nice to see his past from time to but to fully keep him that way? Personally, not a good idea. The book looks to still rely on him still being a mercenary but it does bring up his past as well. The artwork by Carlo Pagulyan is pretty good but I've never seen his work before but like I said, it's pretty good. The story by Christopher Priest looks to be interesting and from what of Priest, he is going to take Slade into directions that he isn't going to like.

I got interested in Deathstroke back when his 80's series came out. I had heard of him before that when he fighting the Titans, but it was good to see him in his own book with his own adventures. When he got into it with Green Arrow in the 2000's, it seemed a little out of place as GA didn't seem like the guy who would have Slade as an arch nemesis. Overall, those series defined their relationship a little better and fleshed it out more.

With this new series, I hope that it lasts a while as his other series barely lasted 20 issues. 8/10

Detective Comics (1937-2011) #938

The Rise of the Batmen continues. Kate's father is the one leading the charge to take down Batman as well as Batwoman and her crew. 

The series itself is progressing quite nicely and it's interesting to see a Batman book that doesn't have Batman as the main focus. I kind of feel this might have made a better book if they had introduced as a new one and not in the pages of Detective. Overall, I like the flow and it is really good to see a different side to Clayface, which I'm mentioned before. Orphan, or Cassandra, is a great character who is a powerful ally because she is more dangerous than the entire team, maybe even Batman. The banter between Robin and Spoiler seems reminiscent of a possible relationship outside of the team dynamic and BatwomanThe problem lies in the fact that Kate's father knows most of all the player's identities so it's just a matter of seeing how it will play out.

The story by James Tynion is really good and I'm interested to see the ending, though I have a feeling someone will die. James hasn't really had a chance to flesh out the characters because they were thrown into the mix right away. He does show a little back story as to Kate's father possible motivation but it could be a throwaway. The art by Al Barrionuevo is flush with multiple action sequences and connection to the other panels, it really flows pretty well. Going forward, it will be interesting to see the conclusion to the story. 8/10

Earth 2: Society (2015-) #15

The Ultra Humanite is hurting the heroes and they have been hit hard! After last issue's revelation that the Ultra Humanite was the villain and that one of his wards was Batman's on, things go off the rails.

This version of Earth 2 came from the Future's End series a while back and it may end soon. I like the stories because it's set on a parallel Earth but I feel there isn't really a lot of stories left to tell for some reason. I just feel it. But overall the books has characters who are variants of their Earth 1 counterparts and they are nothing like them, which is good. It's good to see a character straddle the line between good and evil like Fury because she isn't really good or evil, just committed to their cause, which can be worse. The other characters like Superman and Power Girl have a tenuous relationship at best which really hasn't been explained. The devotion Huntress gives to Batman is dangerously touching with a hint of too much devotion. 

The story seems to be progressing pretty well, but again, I feel it's going to end soon. The artwork was a little new and hadn't seen it before and honestly, it looked a little cartoonish to me. 7/10

Flash #4

The Flash must deal with new, multiple speedsters caused by an unknown entity. But he has some help as well. 

The story by Joshua Williamson is moving along nicely and smoothly and with the artwork by Neil Googe is a sight to behold. The way the characters flow within the Speed Force is really nice and Neil makes it work for the book. I look forward to more of them working together on future stories. 9/10  

Flintstones #2

The Flinstones is slowly becoming one of my favorite books. This most recent issue takes a stab at commercialism and it is hilarious. I love how the book took stabs at people obsessed with buying everything, which was labeled "crap", which itself was ingenious. It also took shots at religion and the whole vitamin scheme. I won't spoil it for you, but it was a really good read.

I love how the writer is taking shots at commercialism in such a nuanced way, it could fly over people. Fred seems kind of aware and it was funny when he freaked out when he saw the TV for the first time. Fred is just a simple person and even though he jacked up all muscular like most books, which I think is a mistake, you can tell the writer is trying to interject the old Fred from the cartoon. Pebbles make an appearance and it's hilarious how he's introduced and Barney has a little father-son bonding time. Again, it's funny and pokes fun at certain things but I won't give it away.

The art is very stylish and bright and all the vibrant colors give a good feel to the characters and everyone else. 

One last thing, it's a surprise at the end and it makes you appreciate the comic a little bit more, especially if you grew up watching the show. 9/10

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1

The Red Hood is back and he's going dark. The past comes back as well but not what you would think. 

I wonder how this book is going to perform with just Jason in the lead right now. It seems like they may add others, so we'll see. I like Jason when he has someone to bounce things off because it makes him more relatable and a little bit more likable as well. Until the book really gets going, you can't really get a good read on where the story is going either. Right now, it's been said but there is a vagueness to it. 7/10

Marvel

Darth Vader (2015-) #24

The penultimate issue! One more issue and the series is over but not Darth Vader's story. 

Has Vader been neutralized? What do you think?

I will keep saying it that this series has been one of the best series in the past 2 years and will be sadly missed. It's not easy to give Vader an essence of that makes you feel sorry for him as well as rooting for him. As the series progressed, it delved into most of the things we know about Vader and some things we don't.

The storyline coming out of Episode 4 is expanded and given flesh, so to speak. It shows how Vader is the powerhouse he is and not to be taken lightly. Even the recent Vader Down crossover shows what kind of power Vader really has. There have been other stories about Vader in the past, but a majority of them dealt with when he had just become Vader, so even though he was powerful, it was used more as a blunt instrument and not with such precision as now because Vader has had time o hone his skills. His arrogance pays off because he KNOWS he's is going to win and that's what makes him even more dangerous, As for Dr. Aphra, I really hope we see more of her as she makes for an interesting character. She knows she's dealing with the devil and knows the eventual penalty awaiting. The artwork is very bright and flows into every panel and it also tells the story written. We all know Vader will show up in other issues, it's just a matter of when. 9/10 

Deadpool and Mercs For Money #2

The Mercs are in it now. First, they got their collective butts handed to them by a teenage girl and now have to deal with Radioactive Man. 

The comic is a Slapstick, pardon the pun, of a book. The characters are all mercs but act like children sometimes. With Deadpool developing a conscious, it makes it hard for him to do the things he used to so willingly.

I'm not sure that the book works as stand alone book, considering it's a collection of misfits. At one time, most of these characters had their own books but all that has changed. I believe they work more as a limited series and even appearing in other books. I do like the art of the book even though it seems like it's all over the place, but that's what makes it work somewhat. I'm not sure the story works out as the whole bringing people in for experimentation thing is going to work out. 8/10

Old Man Logan (2016-) #10

Logan future and present collide and it gets bloody. Someone who Logan will eventually kill is here now and has Lady Deathstrike tied up, which is no easy task.

With the book ending soon, I wonder how they will actually do that. Will they send Logan back to the future with the knowledge he's acquired? Or will he go back and it be stripped from him?

The story is one that brings a lot of the previous series into it and it will be interesting. The art by Andrea Sorrentino is gritty but not really dark, It seems kind of close to Romita as if the artist was honoring him but not enough to copy his style. 8/10

Spider-Man 2099 (2015-) #13

A Civil War tie-in. Ulysses has a premonition of  something happening in the future and Miguel has to find out what. Plus a special appearance by a couple of 2099ers. 

I love how this and other books are connecting to the 2099 universe even though that line mostly failed. The story seems all over the place, though. Not sure how to get a bead on it. The artwork is fine and dark and bright at the same time, bouncing back and forth to 2099. 7/10

Spider-Man/Deadpool (2016-) #8

The bromance seems dead, doesn't it? Well considering Parker is mad about being killed, I could understand. The story jumps back in after the previous issues bouncing around everywhere. Glad it's back.

The dynamic between these two is a combination of witty banter and even more witty banter, with them getting even more aggressive. The villain is someone I've never seen so it's just a matter of time to when he's fully revealed. 

The relationship between these two is or was pretty solid until recently. I feel if that whole Deadpool killing Spidey hadn't been there, this would make a great comedic book. The current story seems like it will last another 3 or 4 issues before they move onto something else. 

Hopefully, the book will evolve into the great buddy book I hope it will be. 8/10

Pull List for week of August 03, 2016


DC Comics

Batman #4

The Monster Men are coming and it is up to Batman and others to stop it. But first, he must deal with his new partner Gotham, who has been mind-controlled by Psycho Pirate.
The new series is setting up a crossover event with other Bat titles for the Monster Men event coming later this year.
The issue itself is well written by Tim King and since I'm getting used to his writing, I am liking it a lot more. Usually, the writer to me isn't the one that grabs my attention as opposed to the story. The artwork is really a dark setting and it works for the series, but of course Batman works at night, so it's a given. There is also some brightness of the surrounding buildings which blends into the outlying of the backdrop.
I just hope that when they do the crossover with the other titles, it's not one of those things that take on a lot of books.
9/10

Batman 66 Meets Steed and Mrs Peel #2 (of 6)

Two classic shows of the 60's are teaming up to solve cases. I loved the whole Batman 66 series because it brought me back to watching that whole campiness it had. By joining with another famous show, the appeal is interesting. I never watched The Avengers TV show because it wasn't my thing but the book is pretty light hearted with all the campiness and seriousness of both shows combined as to from what I've heard of the Avengers show.
The art is drawn in the style that makes the characters appear very lifelike and not like a cartoon character and that's what gives it's nuances and specialty. It's a great book and basically. because it doesn't take itself too serious, it makes it all that more fun to read. 8/10

Batman Beyond (2015-) #15

Oh, what a shocker on how this issue ends. I won't spoil it for you, you'll have to find out for yourself
as well as this being the next to the last issue.
Ever since Batman Beyond first aired, I've always been hooked on the show and its art. The majority of the stories were great with new Batman villains created were very original for the most part. The kids book was one I never read but I heard it was a great read as well.
Ever since they threw Terry McGinnis into the DC universe with the Future's End series, I feel he could have gone on to great things. After his death and Tim Drake taking up the mantle, it's been a great book as well. The Drake Batman definetely brings a different style to the mix as Tim has been a Robin a lot longer and has actually trained more than Terry, so Tim's method are similar to an older Bruce whereas Terry's was similar to a younger Bruce. With the series ending and then going to Rebirth, it will be interesting to see how they handle Tim being in the present with the new team Batman recently put together. All in all, a good read and the writers are setting things up for a climax most people didn't see coming. The art is little electric, so to speak, but because the way Gotham is portrayed in the future, it works it in so well. 8/10

Bloodlines (2016-) #5 (of 6) The Devil You Know

The Bloodlines saga is almost finished and our protagonists are getting closer to the source of their infections and powers. With the whole town turning against them, can they make sure their powers don't corrupt them like it has others?
I am surprised by how much I like this current series and hope it will lead to a recurring one as it seems there is so much to explore from it.
As I also stated that I liked the first go around of this series, I am glad they were able to showcase new characters as well as hark back to the original one with some characters who are similar to those showcased in the original series. They are not the same exact people but more of an updated version.
The artwork is very good but I'm not sure who is the main artist so I can give them proper appreciation. The writing again harks back to the original story but on a smaller scale. The original stories had more of a global threat but here, it starts in a small town, kind of reminiscent of the old 50's movies where the invasion starts in one area and then expands. Overall, it is a good series for someone to start with in the hopes of seeing new heroes and villains outside of the norm of the standard DC characters. 8/10

Green Arrow #4

Betrayed and left for dead in the previous issue, Ollie must now try to save Dinah from the Inferno all the while having a frenemy along. The Diggle character from the show is fairly new to the DC Universe and as opposed to the show, here is more on an old acquaintance of Ollie and not really a friendly one.
Again, I am liking the way the Green Arrow series is being handled in regards to the New 52. The art seems a little dark but Ollie's world has always been at the edge or dark and light and the writing of the story is real fresh. This is a new villain for Ollie and it looks like they might be around for a while as bad guys don't tend to disappear, only reappear at a much later date. By bringing Shado in the mix as well as his half-sister, Ollie has to struggle between not really hurting them or doing what's right and necessary. 8/10

Harley Quinn #1

REBIRTH Issue. Harley doesn't get the standard Rebirth prequel like the others and the book is more designed as a flash back to when she was a doctor and the circumstances and relationship between her and the Joker. It answers a lot of questions people may have not known about her.
It's a great book with all her current friends and some of her past ones and it's a great book to start off with if you are starting with reading Harley books.
Once again, Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner are back on the book and it shows what a great pair they make when showing us about Harley. I feel that they should be the definite Harley comic book people because they have written and drawn her to where she is a phenomenon. As long as the stories are good and the art is as well, this will be one of the flagship DC books that isn't Supes or Bats related. 9/10

Harley Quinn and Her Gang of Harleys (2016-) #4 (of 6)

Harley Sinn has Harley in her secret island lair and puts her thru some a hellish VR world.
The gang of Harleys is kind of like the Mercs for Money, a bunch of people emulating the primary person and do deeds for money or whatever they feel like. I do like the variety of the Harleys and like the fact that they all have something different to contribute, like the Mercs.
This series is just an extension of the book and it's been a fun read so far. Having a villain who was possibly once a Harley auditioner is interesting but a little cliche as well. Oh, the bad guy is someone who's been rejected by our star? That's been done a million times but it works here because of the wackiness of the book. All in all, it's a good series and even takes a shot at the current political climate (won't spoil it) and hopefully the gang of Harleys get their own book like the Mercs did but I believe their adventures would be a lot stranger. The artwork is great as Amanda Conner is a great artist and Jimmy's writing of the Harley book has always been a great read. I've met both of them at Cons and they are the coolest people and it seemed like Jimmy knew Amanda was a bigger deal now but he was OK with that. 8/10

Justice League (2011- ) #2

"The Extinction Machine” part two!
Massive earthquakes shake cities to the ground as the ancient intelligence only known as the Awakened takes control of the people of Earth, forcing them to turn against anyone with superpowers—including the Justice League! Unable to fight a war on two fronts, Batman asks for help from the one man he trusts less than anyone.
I have to admit, I'm not really a big Justice League book fan and it wasn't until recently that I came to like the book. I'm a fan of some of the characters, but as a group, I feel that even though they seem to be more powerful, I feel it's the opposite.
Bryan Hitch's recent Justice League America was actually a good book that sadly was never finished. The Justice League United book was a good book to me because it had a bunch of other characters that weren't the main core of the group, with the exception of Martian Manhunter.
Hopefully, the series will progress a lot more than recent JL books and it was really surprising to see Hitch get another JL considering he was always late with JLA.
Overall, the pacing and writing and art are very sharp and it flows pretty well with not a lot of dark spots, except the ominous tone of the threat they face.
Maybe, in the end, the book will convert me to a new series as long as the book continues in the path it is going. 8/10


Nightwing #2

Nightwing has a new partner and he's a lot more demanding than Batman. As he is secretly trying to take down the Court of Owls and they might actually be aware of his ploy.
I'm glad Dick is back in his Nightwing persona after he gave up his life to save the world. I became a Nightwing fan after going back and reading his 1st series.
The artwork flows pretty well and the issue I have is that it seems like they are overusing the Owls just to make a story. 8/10
IDW

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Amazing Adventures #13

More mayhem in the comics just like in the show. The Dimension X Turtles are a little bit different than the original turtles. Don creates a new project and it's water based, what could go wrong?
There's a secondary story of the guys forming a band.
The comic follows in the same way as the show with it's lighter tone than the original Turtles title.
 I like the fact the comic is mostly drawn in the same style of the show but for this issue, they got a different artist. I like this book even though it may be considered a "kiddie" book, but Batman Adventures was the same kind and look how popular that book became. I will only give a 7/10 only because of the art of the issues which seems meshed together and not really cohesive.

Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2011-) #55

Will not do a review of this issue as I am behind on the series as a whole. I am actually behind all the way to issue 49 so this may appear in another post.

Marvel

Deadpool (2015-) #16

The Mercs are stuck in a vault so time for story telling.
Solo recounts the time as Deadpool where he says he saved Washington from the dead presidents a while back.
Ever since Deadpool had his Mercs for Money outfit going on, the wackiness ensues. The book is always going to be a Deadpool and with the Mercs for Money book out, the Mercs can fend for themselves.
And ever since the movie came out, Deadpool has been a hotter property than ever. As long as they continue to write good stories with all the wackiness surrounding it, it should be good.
Problem with the last couple of books is that it's supposedly crossover with Civil War II but it doesn't even hit on it at all. It's smacks of cheap promotions and Marvel should know better. I know they are losing to DC because of the Rebirth event, but come on Marvel, you should be better than that. 7/10

Deadpool vs. Gambit #3 (of 5)

Gambit and Deadpool, two people you would think would never hang out are hanging out.
The book brings a comedic style not shown before and it's all on Gambit. If you read it, you can see that Gambit is really the comedian and Deadpool is the straight man this time around. Sure there are some of Wade's jokes in there, but for the most part, everything Gambit does in the book is done to comedic effect and plays off his lothario image.
It's a fun book where you can see mayhem and laughs at the same time and the art is pretty good as well, though I've never seen the artist before. 8/10

The Punisher (2016-) #4

The Punisher's past continues to come back at him at the most inopportune times. On top of being chased, he has a little girl with him who has a bomb strapped to her.
I've been a fan of the Punisher for over 30 years, even with that angel misstep. When he was reintroduced with Steve Dillon in Welcome Back Frank, his art is very stylized and very distinct. The features are very sturdy and rugged for all the characters and Becky Cloonan's writing is setting up a great storyline that most likely promises an explosive finish, as most of Franks's stories usually end up. I feel that Dillon is or should be the proverbial Punisher artist going forward and even though I've never heard of Becky until now, I feel she has handled the Punisher pretty good. With the combo of her and Steve, I believe this book will continue to be a strong one. 9/10

Pull list for July 27, 2016



Dark Horse

Predator vs. Judge Dredd vs. Aliens #1

Three very dangerous groups fighting for the first time! This will get bloody and messy. Dredd did fight the Predators in the past but when you mix the Aliens in there, you just know it's going to get crazier than before.
The story starts with a Predator being hunted (twist?) by a group man/animal hybrids. As the Judges are looking for someone, they are told that going in a particular place way past Mega-City One is too dangerous for even them.
I've always liked the Predator stories in general, more so then the Alien stories, even though I love the majority of the movies they were introduced in. The story line is too early to tell exactly what is going to happen, even though you know the characters involved.
Dredd has been around longer than both of the other characters so I would give him the advantage slightly because he  can be just as deadly and aggressive as the Predators and Aliens. The books also follows the tradition of the "VS" category that Dark Horse has been doing for a long time.
Hopefully this will be a slam bang action type of book.
The story written by John Layman will probably seem like all the other VS books they have had in the past and as this point, it's more in how they flesh out everyone. The art seems nice but it seems reminiscent of another artist but I can't place my finger on who.
These books have always been a fun ride and I don't see this being any different. 8/10


DC

Batgirl #1

Rebirth continues. When Barbara and a friend go to Japan, it's going to be a culture shock, to say the least. Barb wants to see if she can visit an old time Japanese crime fighter from the 40's and runs into some other trouble on top of that.
The artwork for the series is pretty much the same as the New 52 series towards the end of it. The art itself seems to be more "juvenile", which is harsh, but it seems to be drawn in a way that doesn't seem out there. The story lines themselves were pretty well written but as for the art, I'm a little gun shy about it. 8/10

Detective Comics (1937-2011) #937

"Rise of the Batmen" Continues. The new group of Batman's helpers are attempting to fight the BatMen. It was revealed that BatWoman's dad was the leader of the group in the last issue. The book doesn't seem to be so serious as the other Bat titles and I think that's because of the group dynamic of its'  members.
Clayface has always straddled that fine line but when you think about it, he's a man in a monsters' body and probably feels that the world hates him for his appearance instead of his personality.
Orphan, or Cassandra Cain, has finally been put back in the DC universe and whether or not she'll take up the mantle of Batgirl remains to be seen. She seems to be the deadliest and fiercest fighter of the group and let's hope she hone those abilities better.
Red Robin is the techie of the group but still a competent fighter in his own right. The issue I have here is that Tim Drake is also in the future in the Batman Beyond title so it will be interesting to see that resolved.
Batwoman, I'll tell you, I don't really know a lot about her and until recently, I wasn't even aware she was related to the Wayne family. She seems like a good enough leader as long as she isn't trying to prove something to Batman or overshadow him.

The story is OK but then you wonder why hasn't someone done something like this in the past. It has been addressed that Batman's weapons have been found every time he has fought and you wonder why he would make such a careless mistake as to leave it when he fought others. It would only make sense that someone would try to reverse engineer it.
The art is very good even though I don't know who he is. I'm used to the old school guys myself.
That being said, the book looks like a fun ride and hopefully it won't turn out to be one of the old tropes they use, like Clayface turning on them or something like that. 8/10

Deathstroke (2014-) #20

The last issue of the series before Rebirth. Slade Wilson must fight for his family against Ra's Al Ghul and also fight against the man who betrayed him.
The biggest issue in general I have against Slade is the fact that they made him younger, like they did with some other New 52 characters. Slade is a grizzled, war vet and he shouldn't be portrayed as a young man. The way they gave him back his youth seemed like a cheap ploy and really didn't work for the comic. I liked him when he had his own series back in the 80's and then when he was put in the Green Arrow book, that was a great story arc. It all harks back to the Identity Crisis series where those two came to blows and Ollie stuck an arrow in Slade's eye. Hopefully with the Rebirth series, their old rivalry will come back into play.   7/10

Flash #3

The creation of new speedsters continues. Flash and his fellow police partner have new problems to worry about. First is how his partner got the Speed Force and now that a majority of people seem to have acquired them as well. The dynamic between these two characters makes for an interesting book. Whereas Flash mostly plays the straight man, his new partner is the jokester.
Finding out who has the power to make people have access to the Speed Force and we also get introduced to a new character as well.
I like how the story is but having too may speedsters does seem to mess up things. Will these people age too quick and not use their use powers? Some have already used it for breaking the law, I'm sure there will be others. The art seems pretty good and again, I'm not really familiar with a lot of new artists. I see how the Flash has electricity around him and that is relatively new. Overall, I like how the story is progressing and we will have to wait until the really big bad shows up. 8/10

Future Quest #3

More of my favorite cartoon characters are given their limelight. Growing up with these cartoons , you sit back and can just feel the nostalgia. 

The first story revolves around Birdman and him fighting the supposed source of the first 2 issues. 

The second story revolves around one of my personal favorites, The Herculoids. Until now, I'm don't think I've seen or heard their origin story. Apparently, their home world was a very technologically advanced and they built robots to help them in society. Of course, the robots turned on their masters and wiped out everyone, but not before the Herculoids escaped to a planet with no technology. It seems like such a cliched story, I wonder why they even bothered with it. It takes pieces of the Matrix and Terminator movies and makes it their back story. Kind of lazy if you ask me.

As for the artwork, I love the vibrant colors of the issue. For something that's supposed to be destroying the universe, there's not a lot of darkness on the pages. The writing seems a little distracting but I understand it's all a matter of introducing the characters and then most likely having them meet each other in the end to do battle against the grand threat. 8/10

Harley Quinn (2013-) #30

Last issue before Rebirth. Every since Harley was introduced, she's always been a fan favorite. Why the didn't start sooner with her when New 52 was introduced, we'll never know.
Harley' book is one that never really took itself serious with all the wacky adventures she has and the effect is has on people she hangs out with. It was good to see her take on the Joker and "attempt" to resolve their issues, but you just know the Joker isn't going to let it go.
The issue deals with Harley trying to save a tree and going on to various places to get help. She finally gets Poison Ivy to help and if you're like me, you sense a little bit more of what kind of relationship is going on between them. It's not a bad thing, it's just there.
The artwork seems a little cartoonish but with Harley it works. It does seem familiar to the late Darwyn Cooke's art, especially towards the end. Probably a homage to him.
Overall this series has been a great one and one of the few bright spots of the New 52, where everything else seemed like doom and gloom. Not sure what the new series will entail but if it's a lot like this series, it will be a fun ride. 8/10

Nightwing #1

Rebirth continues. Dick Grayson is back in his old Nightwing suit and he feels better than ever. Dick is undercover in the Court of Owls after the events of the Robin War. He also gets a new "teacher", if you could call them that, and it doesn't go very well.
I liked the New 52 series of Dick's a lot even though I didn't get his 90's series. (stopped in 93, picked up in 2001) He had a carefree attitude that was just opposite of Bruce. Even when Bruce died and he took the mantle of the Bat, Damian as his Robin sidekick was the more serious one.

Red Hood and the Outlaws Rebirth #1

Rebirth continues. Jason Todd, the perennial "Robin who kills" is one of those characters that you like but can't really seem to figure out why. He's cocky and arrogant but it may be a front from actually dying a while back.
The new story line involves Jason being asked by Bruce to investigate some issues at City hall and Bruce believes a new player is in town. The book shows some of Jason's past, including his death and rebirth and his path going forward. I liked the previous RHATO series because of the group dynamic between Jason, Roy and Khori, It was fun to see Roy move past that whole Arsenal shtick and see a lighter side of Jason as well. Apparently, the new team hasn't been introduced as of yet so we will have to wait for the new series to who is joining Jason.
The artwork of Dexter Soy is very appealing and it flows pretty well. The writing by Scott Lobdell, who had been writing the other books for a while, seems to humanize Jason when others think he's just an angry soul. Jason still is an angry soul, mostly because he was killed by the Joker and resented Bruce for a while, but it seems like Scott is writing him to be something bigger. 8/10

IDW

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #60

Is Splinter dead? Betrayed by a member of the team , Splinter appears to have been killed by the witch held in the house. Also, has  Apoyex betrayed the Turtles and Master Splinter?
Now that Shredder is dead, one has to wonder the purpose of the turtles. I didn't like the cheap sellout story of "killing" a member who actually wasn't dead and it seems like something they wouldn't do. And is the Shredder TRULY dead because the witch sure plans to make sure he isn't.
All in all, this book continues to amaze me with the flow of the stories being told. I believe the book will get better as it goes on as well. I do wish Eastman would do more besides the alternate covers, I've always liked his style because of the grittiness feel to it.
Again, here's hoping.      9/10

Transformers Titans Return #1 (One-Shot)

THE LAST AUTOBOT! Once he ruled CYBERTRON with a brutal (and literal) iron fist... left for dead four million years ago, SENTINEL PRIME is back. But in a world where STARSCREAM rules CYBERTON, OPTIMUS PRIME has invaded Earth, and MEGATRON is an AUTOBOT-SENTINEL doesn't like what he sees! Bullet points: The story continues in TRANSFORMERS #56 and MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE #56 next month, and expands to TILL ALL ARE ONE this fall! For the first time ever-Scott, Roberts, and Barber working together on one story! Plus the powerful noir art of superstar Livio Ramondelli! After OPTIMUS is hailed; after the LIGHT dies... the next phase of TRANSFORMERS comics starts here!

Sentinel Prime returns! 

Sentinel was killed long ago by Megatron and he has come back and doesn't like what he sees. Autobots and Decepticons living in a somewhat fractured peace? Not on his watch.

I've always loved the Transformers since the first time I saw them in 84. This series and others like it are for a good read and they flesh out a lot of the backstory of everyone, or they at least try. and it makes for good reading. It seems they are taking it up a notch with each story arc and I have a feeling the book will end soon. Just a gut feeling.

The artwork is something to get used to as it isn't the typical style that I've seen before. It's dark, foreboding and somewhat outlined more than usual. 

The issue ties or begins the next arc which is a crossover series, The Road to Revolution. I still like these titles and hope they go for a long time. 8/10

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye (2011-) #55

The battle against the DECEPTICON JUSTICE DIVISION is finally over, and for the few AUTOBOTS left standing, all that's left are words. Four words, to be precise. Four terrible words, millions of years old, that gave the DECEPTICONS their name. Bullet points: An unexpected ending? Or the most unexpected ending? The crew of the Lost Light has never seen higher stakes! Setting the stage for TITANS RETURN-and beyond! 
I always like The Transformers for a loing time, starting with their animated series.
The art is always dark and flashy at the same time and since Megatron has "reformed", it's been interesting to say the least.  8/10
Marvel

Howard The Duck (2015-) #9

Howard is back in NEW YORK CITY! And on his strangest case yet: A missing person! His client? The missing person! WHAAA-? * Join us as Howard encounters aliens, Brooklyn and network television with a SPECIAL GUEST STAR so SHOCKING that I am STILL SHOCKED that we're ALLOWED TO DO THIS. * SERIOUSLY. 

Can you say "special guest star Lea Thompson"? Yes, the actor who played in the movie starring Howard is playing herself in the book. After last issue's gut wrenching moments, Howard is back and in need of a case. In comes Lea. It seems she can't remember dozing off at certain times and hire Howard to help her find out why.
This book is a homage to the movie and also the characters as well. It's a book so absurd that you can't help but to take it serious. It's one of the better obscure books Marvel puts out and I'm glad that it's not an X-this or an Avengers-that or even Civil War tie-in. With the series ending soon, I wonder what Marvel is going to do with Howard once again. 8/10

Old Man Logan (2016-) #9

Ever since alternate timeline Logan has returned, he's getting into more trouble than before. I know he wants to fix certain things so they don't or will happen in the future, but his future catches up too him pretty quick.
The artwork is gritty and dark and the new story line introduces some new characters that were/are a part of his past/future.
The thing about a Wolverine comic is that you know Marvel wasn't going to keep him dead for long, albeit by doing it, they brought one from the future. It makes me wonder if Secret Wars was this whole backwards plan to do that since Old Man Logan was in it.
Wolverine is their money maker and you don't kill one off unless you have a replacement. 8/10

Star Wars Force Awakens Adaptation #2 (of 5)

The saga continues! * Desert scavenger Rey and ex-stormtrooper Finn are being pursued by the evil First Order! * But can they escape Jakku in an old 'hunk of junk' YT-1300 freighter? * And what new threats will they find in a galaxy far, far away? 9/10

X-Men '92 (2016-) #5

An X-TRA special and X-TREME one-off tale featuring the best romance the '90s can offer! * Scott Summers and Jean Grey want nothing more than a quiet, romantic getaway. * But time for 'romance' and 'quiet' doesn't exist when you're an X-Man! * Something Sinister this way comes for our two lovebirds!!!
 The XMen92 to me, was a great time. With the series showcasing the flashy 90's series, it acts like an exaggeration of itself, loud and everything.