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