Retro Comic Book Review: Marvel Comics 1977 Star Wars #1

Dark Horse has published Star Wars comic books since 1991. The company made a lot of waves last week with the release of their new ongoing series written by the critically acclaimed Brian Wood. Star Wars #1 sold out in less than 24 hours, and a second printing has already been ordered.

Marvel Comics was the first company to publish Star Wars comics in 1977. This particular treasure was hiding out at my local comic book store, and it was interesting to read through it for a variety of reasons.

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Superior Spider-Man #1 Review

Superior Spider-Man #1 | Writer: Dan Slott | Art: Ryan Stegman | Colors: Edgar Delgado | Publisher: Marvel Comics

I should warn you now; this is not the Spider-Man you are used to. Gone is the humble scientist who aspires to live up to his Uncle Ben’s inspiring words. Enter the arrogant mastermind who has a second chance to make a new impression. Recent developments have Otto Octavius now inside Peter Parker’s body. Big changes are always met with mixed feelings, and now we get to see the maiden voyage of this new journey.

It’s fitting that Otto’s first combative strife is against the new Sinister Six. The irony of this encounter not only spoke to his ego but the violent nature of his character. The old Spider-Man was as violent as he needed to be to get the bad guy behind bars. This new version is as violent as he wants to be and pulls it off with a certain je ne sais quoi.

Ryan Stegman produced some strong visuals that did a great job of capturing Slott’s vision. The best way to compare Peter and Otto is that of a magician who can put someone in a box and cut them in half without killing them.

The difference is that Peter would not even consider taking a life, while Otto would relish the fatality.

Something similar to a conscience overtakes Octavius when he is about to go past the point of no return. Is there someone more to this, or is the once sinister doctor finding a new groove? Either way, Dan Slott created a wonderful first issue that shows promise, intrigue, and a unique sense of adventure.

Grade: A-

The Amazing Spider-Man #700: The End Of An Era

One of the most popular comic book series of our generation has come to an end. Unless you have been living under a rock, it was almost impossible to avoid the spoilers since they were released three weeks in advance. If that wasn’t enough, Dan Slott received very descriptive death threats for the tangled web he’s weaved.

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Dueling Review of Masks #1 & 2: The Comic Book Cross Over You’ve Been Waiting For

Dynamite Entertainment has been putting out some highly entertaining books over the last couple of years. Despite this, they don’t get too much love compared to the other independent publishers. There have been so many titles over the last twelve months that were razor close of being my pick of the week and it’s only fitting that the collaboration of Roberson and Ross finally brings Dynamite to the forefront.

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The Joker’s Mind Games in Batman #15

Batman #15 | Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV | Art: Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion | Colors: FCO Plascencia & Dave Baron | Publisher: DC Comics

The “Death of the Family” story arc rolls on, and The Joker has the entire Bat Family on edge. Scott Snyder’s writing has done a wonderful job of accentuating the fear of our clown-faced villain. Every superhero has an arch nemesis, or ten, and despite the trials and tribulations, they are confident they will win the day.

Batman is probably the most intelligent and savvy crime fighter in the game today. This would make you assume he, too, is confident that he will stop The Joker. However, he’s not confident at all. In fact, he is so unsure of the final result that he keeps his cards close to his chest.

Speaking of cards, one card in particular has brought to light a shocking revelation regarding The Joker’s potential intrusion into the Batcave many years ago. Dick, Jason, Barbara, and Damien are beyond upset this was kept from them and are convinced The Joker knows their secret identity.

Bruce believes he doesn’t know their identities and is just playing mind games. Dick notices that Bruce doesn’t sound so sure of himself, and this leads to a four-on-one tension-filled argument that is almost uncomfortable to watch, in a good way, of course.

The backup story written by Talon scribe James Tynion IV spotlights The Riddler, who makes his “New 52” debut. Instead of the dangerous riddles we are accustomed to, Tynion brings his intelligence to the forefront.

Not being rattled, in the slightest by The Joker’s antics while locked up in Arkham Asylum paints the green menace in treacherous light and he will no doubt; bring The Dark Knight some serious problems in the future.

Grade: A

Baltimore: The Play Review – A Comic Horror Masterpiece

Have you ever read something so good, you didn’t want to finish it because the story would be over? That was my experience while reading Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s Baltimore: The Play, a perfect example of horror done right for the comic genre.

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Batman #14 Review

Batman #14 | Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV | Art: Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion |Colors: FCO Plascencia & Dave Baron | Publisher: DC Comics

Have you ever heard the term thrown for a loop? If you have, be prepared to be thrown for several loops if you read this book. “Death of the Family” rolls on as The Joker ups his game to sinister proportions.

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Colder #1 Review

Colder #1| Writer: Paul Tobin | Art: Juan Ferrevra | Colors: Juan Ferrevra | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.99

One look at this cover, and you will no doubt thumb through the pages. After that, your wallet will be four dollars lighter because this book is eerily irresistible.

We start out in the past and make our way to present-day Boston where antagonist, Jack Nimble works his devilish charm to satisfy his appetite for unsuspecting souls.

Nimble is a thin and creepy-looking individual who can contort his body in uncanny positions.

The lead character is a female nurse named Reece who cares for a live-in patient named Declan, who Nimble is drawn to.

As good as the writing it, and believe me, it’s good; the artwork is even more amazing.

The smile on Jack Nimble’s face scares me a little bit because of the evil intentions behind it. It’s a special type of talent to capture such essence in facial reactions. The simple stuff that we normally don’t pay much attention to in comics is drawn in vivid detail, such as the living room in Reece’s apartment.

Dark Horse has a sure-fire winner on its hands; the first installment of this psychological thriller has all the makings of an instant classic. This was ridiculously close to being my pick of the week.

Grade: A

Superman: Earth One Volume 2 Review

Superman: Earth One Volume 2 | Writer: J. Michael Straczynski | Art: Shane Davis | Publisher: DC Comics | Price: $22.99

Superman, the pop culture icon who inspired a generation with truth, justice, and the American way, is too boring and unrealistic for people today. I understand that argument. He solves the world’s problems with an ease that borders on arrogance. It’s hard to relate to this perfect being that has all the answers. DC Comics attempted to make him more relatable in the new 52 by creating a slightly less powerful version of the original that comes across as a punk kid instead of Earth’s greatest hero. Michael Straczynski has brilliantly composed a story about a budding hero who is trying to find his place in the world.

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