PULL! Mithrandiel's Comic Reads - Week of 9/29
By: Mithrandiel
Woo - got a heavy pull this week so let's get right to it!
Amazing Fantasy #3 [Kaare Andrews]
Things go from bad to really bad in this latest issue, which continues the high-octane adventure in a savage and unpredictable world! Captain America, Spider Man and Black Widow all play their parts exceptionally well, and the narrative runs from triumphant highs to crushing lows. Great art and dialogue further seal the deal on a run that has been loads of fun to read so far! Excited to see how the run wraps up.
Rating: PULL!
BRZRKR #5 [Matt Kindt/Keanu Reeves]
The Immortal Warrior begins to piece together more of his life, recounting many tales of heartache and loss - for the sake of science. Certainly more contemplative than previous issues, it still doles out a fair share of violence in its pages. I've continued to be pleasantly surprised by this series, which I initially clocked as a fun foray by Reeves but likely not much of substance. Barely halfway through the full tale and I know I'm hooked. Eager to see what comes next.
Rating: PULL!
Crossover #8 [Donny Cates]
Well, after a fun and wild detour with Chip Zdarsky, we have returned to the proper plotline of Crossover. Things aren't looking too hot for Ellie and company, as Ryan is brought into the police station to presumably face charges - but instead is brought face to face with an unexpected challenge. The narrative didn't pick up quite as quickly as I would have liked, but I'm still invested in the story - though it may be dwindling slightly. We'll see if issue 9 can up the action!
Rating: PULL!
Darkhawk #2 [Kyle Higgins]
Loving Higgins on Darkhawk like you would not believe. Great expansion on the foundation laid in the premiere issue, with some devastating revelations that put our hero back on his heels. Always fun to see Miles swinging through other series, and his cameo here is no different. Fantastic issue, and just a solidly fun series to follow.
Rating: PULL!
Department of Truth #13 [James Tynion IV]
I am seriously struggling to understand one simple thing coming out of this week's Department of Truth issue: how in the hell does Tynion do it? How does he continue to refine an already top-tier narrative and make the world richer and more addictive with each new issue? This week we learn more about Black Hat, as well as uncover a startling theory around Lee - is he really who he says he is? Cole confronts literal demons from his past as issue 13 jumps off of the page and sends us careening into the next arc. The narrative developments are laid out well, and each revelation falls into place like the proper puzzle pieces that they are. Brilliant, brilliant work.
Rating: For the love of God - PULL! PULL THEM ALL!
Die #20 (Final Issue) [Kieron Gillen]
Well, all good things must come to an end. Or, in the case of Die, all hauntingly beautiful and melancholic adventures must come to a close. For nearly the last 2 years we've accompanied Ash and her companions through grueling trial after tribulation. Victories won were brief, decisions made that were crushing. The revelations and reflections, personal insights and discoveries were convincingly conveyed, and with more than enough healthy nods to current pop and nerd culture to keep Dungeons & Dragons nerds on their toes. In my conversation with many creators I've found that it's very easy for someone to start something, but the act of completing a story is altogether different, and vastly more difficult. Bravo to Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans for a proper, brilliant finish.
Rating: PULL!
Inferno #1 [Jonathan Hickman]
Well, it's all led to this. While Hickman's departure from X-men may be a tad early, the conclusion nonetheless is shaping up to be quite drastic, and threatens to envelop all that the mutants have built on Krakoa in unforgiving flame! The immortal mutant, Moira MacTaggert has issued Xavier and Magneto an ultimatum in exchange for her assistance in destroying The Forge, but in attempting to follow through, the former enemies turned allies find themselves face to face with a mutant that can unravel everything they've striven to accomplish. With Mystique ready to upend the council, how will the X-men navigate the coming storm? This first issue spends quite a bit of time re-visiting Moira's retconned backstory from House of X, so it may be a tad disappointing to have a chunk of this issue re-treading that narrative. However, other than that it maintains quite a healthy pace. Very excited to see what's next, and how Xavier, Magneto and Moira can attempt to keep their secrets hidden.
Rating: PULL!
Something is Killing the Children #20 [James Tynion IV]
As if this week's killer Department of Truth issue weren't enough, Tynion brings more heat with another fantastic entry in Erica Slaughter's backstory. Defying the odds, Erica successfully contains her demon, and the adults of the Order that have taken her in have an earnest celebration. She also meets The Dragon and is briefly introduced to the structure of the House of Slaughter (incoming new series...! Get ready for it!) With some fantastic dialogue, terrific art from Dell'edera as usual, and great pacing, Erica's backstory is approaching a proper conclusion as things seem just a little too chipper for the brooding heroine we've come to know and love. While I wince in anticipation of what's around the corner, I also can't wait to see how Tynion delivers in the coming issues.
Rating: PULL!
Thor #17 [Donny Cates]
Well, I'm gonna be honest. A bit bummed with this week's Thor issue. The narrative moves a bit slow, like walking on a treadmill for the better part of it as Thor's mother and sister show up and they have a properly dysfunctional family reunion. While Thor finally comes out and shares his sincere fear over his recurring dreams with Thanos, outside of that there's not much that you can recognize as proper plot movement. Throg makes his return in the coming issue, so maybe there will be some more fun to be had...
Rating: Pass.
That's it for this week! Stay tuned for more new comic reviews to come!
