Wonder Woman Weekly Round-Up 20/02/2013

Wonder Woman Weekly Round-Up

20/02/2013

 

 

 

 

Rorschach Reviews: Nova 1 Marvel NOW!

Rorschach Reviews

Loki's Latest

Comic book: Nova 1 Marvel NOW!

Creative team: Writer-Jeph Loeb
                         Art-Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines
                         Colors-Marte Gracia
                         Cover-Ed Mcguinness 

Release date: 20th February 2013

Score: 6/10

Pros:-A good but not great first issue that details the main character and his family as well as giving a hint of reason to his becoming a hero.
        -Some sensational yet simple comic book art from McGuinness.
        -Rocket Racoon and Gamora make cameos. Increasing their awareness in lieu of their upcoming feature in the Guardians Of the Galaxy film.   

Cons:-Loeb does not make the new Nova particularly likeable. Although realistic in modern day interpretation, the first issue does not paint Sam in a good light.
         -As with many Marvel NOW! books there is a less emphasis on action, something that can put off casual readers. The kind of readers this book is meant to attract
         -The new Supernovas seem like a riff on The Green Lantern's Corpse unit; the black ops team in the Green Lantern corps.  

Main events: A team of black-ops styled Novas called SuperNovas attack a base and free Rocket Racoon and Gamora, Jesse Alexander recalls this tale to his son Sam, his father is the janitor for his school, Sam does not believe his fathers stories and thinks of him as an embarrassment, Sam is constantly bullied, Sam does most of his fathers work, his father lives outside the house with a map of space and the Nova corps helmet, he starts to bond with a classmate Carrie, Jesse recalls another adventure to his daughter, his last adventure where he was sent off to Earth in the event of a threat that possibly wiped out his team, Sam talks to his mother about his 'loser' father, he also talks to his younger sister but is unable to muster the courage break her 'fantasy' of her fathers heroic adventures, Sam is supended after fighting his bullies, He is in trouble due to his dads disappearance from work, Sam vows to search for his father and gets into an accident, at the hospital he get's two unique visitors; Gamora and Rocket Raccoon.   

Best Quote: 'You have no idea the sacrifices he's made. I hope you grow up to be half the man your father is'-Sam's Mother, Sam sarcastically takes this as becoming half a janitor.

Best Panel:The final panel as Rocket Raccoon and Gamora visit Sam in hospital, the expression on Sam is hilarious.

The new Nova takes off and begins to build the cosmic side of Marvel things in their NOW initiative. The new Nova is one Sam Alexander, he is a son of famed black ops Nova (SuperNova) Jesse Alexander. Jesse left his team 15 years ago during a mission gone awry, his teammates sent him back to Earth to go back to his family. A proud father, Jesse keeps searching to go back to his team mates while getting drunk and telling his adventures to his son and daughter. Sam is force to do his absent father's janitor work, get's bullied and is embarrassed. He's story seems superb in turning the man into a hero, but Sam is written poorly by Jeph Loeb. When the teasers of the issue came out, the interviews mentioned the new character as a cosmic rendition of Peter Parker. Sam is completely off from this description, he is an asshole. I do not understand why new teen heroes are made gritty by turning them into complete jerks.

The art is the best bit of the book. It is ultimately epic and neither flashy or different, set to comic book standards the art is fluid and easy to follow. McGuinness is as good as his prior work with Loeb from Red Hulk and once again even with the multiple dialogues and long script, he outshines his writer. The best is seeing the quirky brand of humour added by the cameos by Rocket Raccoon and Gamora. It's a superb marketing strategy, to gain visibility for the B-List characters who have their own ongoing comic coming next week and movie next year.

These characters with the SuperNovas get a large proportion of the action. However the book does not have alot of action, understandable for the debut of a new character and ongoing book but essentially it will once again hard to attract new readers. The black costumed SuperNovas introuced are splendid but they seem like a copy of the black ops Green Lantern Corpse. With Nova already a slight riff on the Green Lanterns, it's kind of a problem. Hopefully the second issue can up the ante.


'Nuff Said

Aneesh Raikundalia    

Rorschach Reviews: Daredevil 23

Rorschach Reviews

Loki's Latest

Comic book: Daredevil 23

Creative team: Writer-Mark Waid
                         Art-Chris Samnee
                         Colors-Javier Rodriguez
                         Cover-Chris Samnee 

Release date: 20th February 2013

Score: 9/10

Pros:-Waid writes another lighthearted yet emotionally impact-full scene, with the darker and grittier atmosphere typical of Daredevil's character. 
        -Samnee's art is splendidly created, at points Waid allows him to take control in telling the story with no or minimal words. 
        -Eventually the issue is important in developing and reaffirming the bond between Foggy and Matt. A friendship that has stood the strength of 500 plus issues among the changing status quot. 
        -A sensational and quintessential Daredevil cover 

Cons:-The story is a little bloated due to it's two important incidents running parallel together. 

Main events: Matt Murdock's accident that gave him superpowers is retold, eventually it is revealed to be a reenactment of the incident for something mysterious, Matt is showing Foggy what Daredevil's world is like, They have reconciled since it seems like Foggy has a few days left to his life, they discuss the mastermind behind the attacks on Daredevil, the men subjected to the acid throwing reenactment crash a thugs party, Daredevil fight's them off and realizes that they have been hit blinded by the same toxins that blinded him, he also discovers that the blind attackers have radar sense like him, Foggy seems worried that Matt wont make it in time for Foggy's check up, Matt doesn't disappoint,  the doctor tells Foggy I am sorry indicating his fate.

Best Quote: 'I'm sorry'-Doctor, it's simple yet emotional and sheds light on Foggy and Matt's friendship. 

Best Panel: The blind man Matt saves removes his shades to reveal that he actually can see, then shown to be part of a seemingly larger conspiracy. 

This week's Harvey and Eisner award series begins Mark Waid's latest arc on his seminal Daredevil run, this is a perfect jumping point for new readers. To be honest as every issue releases of Daredevil, I constantly go back and read all previous ones since this has been the most perfect Daredevil runs/volumes.

One of the most heart wrenching issues of Daredevil ever, as we witness Foggy awaiting news on his chances of surviving. The issue opens up with a comfortable way in bringing new readers, it presents the origins of Daredevil with a shocking twist narrating a larger conspiracy. On the other side Foggy is battling between life and death, with few days left he reconciles with Matt and also wishes to know more about his life as Daredevil.

This is an interesting take but could frankly have been done with seperate issues. Either there was not enough material to carry the emotional weight of Foggy's problems or the conspiracy behind Daredevil's new problem without revealing to much. There is the lighter tone that has followed the current volume but with things coming to head, Waid allows Samnee to take it through.

The page revealing Foggy's condition is wordless but speaks a lot through the expressive and poignant art. This is one of the most epic books, and while there has been enough praise for Waid, his artists have been a sensation specifically Samnee. It's his work that really shows the value of the friedndship between Foggy and Matt that has been a constant part of the book since the first issue in 1964. 

The other aspect of the story seems to be the building mystery surrounding Matt's origins, it is an interesting aspect especially the opening scene. There is already a question lingering on the marksman targeting Daredevil (used to comedic effect in one scene) and now this. An amazing friendship issue that could have been the only center of attention hopefully though the certain problem pervading Daredevil will be interesting. This would be an epic time for any reader to begin reading the best Marvel book (heck it's not even part of Marvel NOW!), although I would suggest to check all issues of the previous volume. 


'Nuff Said

Aneesh Raikundalia 

 

Rorschach Reviews: Captain America 4 Marvel NOW!

Rorschach Reviews

Loki's Latest

Comic book: Captain America 4 Marvel NOW!

Creative team: Writer-Rick Remender
                         Art-John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson 
                         Colors-Dean White

Release date: 20th February 2013

Score: 7/10

Pros:-Once again Remender explores some interesting aspects of Steve's childhood. 
        -The visuals of dimension Z are rendered stunningly
        -Remender also add really good emotional beats to the story. 

Cons:-Romita's art seems a little off in the close up and facial scenes. He draws all faces too similar and if it were not for the beard, Steve would look like a blonde Ian. 
         -There is not much action upsetting the casual reader
          

Main events: It's eleven years later, Steve has been training Zola's child in a mirror image of his and Bucky's past adventures, Steve admits there are bad and good sides to the child, They are hunting for the tribe which they are a part of, He claims that Ian (the boy) is now his son, They come across a mutate outpost, Ian kills his first mutate with a gun, Steve finds a map of Zolandia and a way out, The Zola controlled scree attached to Steve shows what happened to Ian's true mother, it's 1933 Steve is trying to save his sick mother, she is amnesiac and has some disease, the landlord is pressurizing Steve for money, Steve begs his bullies for help, He ends up stealing from a medical store, The bullies commend Steve on his guile claiming him to be a soon to be Gangster, Steve pays off the rent lying to his mom of a new job, The mother knowing the truth tells him to think about how he has to be honest and good unlike his father, Steve confesses to the store owner and begins to work it off at the store, In the present Steve shows Ian the Zola screen attached to his torso, Ian discovers the truth that Zola is his father, Zola's daughter Jet Black vows to save her brother and finish Captain America 

Best Quote: "Your father let his circumstances change him from a good man to a weak one. You promise me you'll never do the same, Steve. You promise me no matter what you'll be a good and honorable man, no matter the circumstances. It would kill me to see these hard times change you. You're a good person Steve, promise me you'll always keep that intact."-Steve's Mother, after Steve had stolen medicine and money to save them. 

Best Panel: Both Steve and Ian race to catch their food. Jumping together, the full body panel reminds readers of Captain America and Bucky together in WW2. Steve thinks his lucky to have come to Dimension Z, since he would not have met his son (Ian) if he hadn't. While Ian calls Steve pop asking him how the Shield is used. 

Remender and Romita leap forward a whooping eleven years after the startling last page revelation in the previous issue (Spoiler Warning: There is a screen with a Zola virus attached to Cap's torso). In these past years, Steve and Ian (Zola's boy) have become a part of the escaped mutates tribe. Steve has been teaching Ian his tricks making him an image of his former sidekicks mostly Bucky. It is fun to see the partnership between the two, there is a sense of urgency and foreboding concerning Ian's attitude. He is brash, arrogant and sarcastic yet loyal and honorable as Captain America notes. The relationship of father and son allows layers of characterization to Steve Rogers. Including his current condition, Steve goes through the emotional wreck of having telling Ian about his real father as well as the link with Zola making him find out about Ian's mother's condition and torture by Zola.

Using the affected mind of Steve through Zola's actions, Remender once again develops the past of a younger Rogers. Rogers in desperation to save his mother from sickness and prevent from becoming homeless is forced to steal, this shows a side of Rogers that is very unorthodox. It presents that even the honorable and essentially good man has had some pitfalls. In turn Remender thus makes Steve's mother his moral compass in a poverty ridden America soon to go to war. It's a great addition to Captain America's legend, and gives a fresh perspective to the character even after more than 7 decades. 

The art by Romita and Janson is spectacular in the long shots, the visuals of Dimension Z have been nothing but stunning since day one. The use of colors is sharply mixed creating a 60's psychedelic vibe, as mentioned a lot Remender harkens back to the early era of sci-fi Captain Americas adventures. While his writing reminds readers of the Jack Kirby way, he does not copy the style and instead creates his own identity among writers of this iconic character. 

The major problem with the book lies in Romita's close up shot and anatomical drawings, his style of drawing figures have become a little inconsistent. The faces all look the same and without certain changes such as a beard it is hard to decipher between characters. 

This is one of the low key and underrated books coming out of the Marvel NOW! initiative. Remender who has been a little out of the view due to the slow shipping schedule of Uncanny Avengers and the underwhelming (in art especially it's misleading cover) but underrated Captain America hopefully get's the limelight if not through as stronger push in the current books, then with hopefully another core book. Even then Captain America is enjoyable and a superbly going book.

'Nuff Said

Aneesh Raikundalia
     

         


 

Rorschach Reviews: Avengers 6 Marvel NOW!

Rorschach Reviews

Loki's Latest

Comic Book: Avengers 6 Marvel NOW!

Creative Team: Writer-Jonathan Hickman

                          Art-Adam Kubert

                          Cover-Dustin Weaver and Daniel Acuna 

Release Date: 20th February 2013

Score: 7/10

Pros: -Hickman constructs a really interesting character out of the confusing continuity of Captain Universe. 

         -There are some great comedic touches, the language deciphering of Iron Man on the creature created by Ex-Nihlo is hilarious.

         -There is also a sense of Marvel Universe building, Spider-Man is shown to be his superior version. It is hilarious to see his confusion among the placing and respect withing the Avengers and the Marvel heroes.

         

Cons: -While his art is sensational, Kubert falls short of the artistic expectations given from the first five issues by Jerome Opena.

          -The building of the MU is a double edged sword, it seems like a ploy just to present the timeline but also present the new spider-man's visibility and boost Superior Spider-Man's sales.

          -Hickman stated this as his book which would make the Avengers fight constant world ending threats. These usually are similar in tropes making the villains cliche and Hickman shows this in his final panels.  

               

Main Events: Shang Chi is trying to discover more about the host of Captain Universe's power, The host is said to be broken, Spidey on the other hand seems bossy, he starts eating others food without permission, At meditation Shang Chi goes through the history of the host who has manifested herself, Tamara (host) relives her accident with her daughter in the car, Spider-Man talks to Iron Man about the disrespect given by the former X-Men now Avengers; Canonball and Sunspot, He addresses Iron Man as 'Stark' with utter disrespect, Stark is desperately trying to decode the language by the human created by Ex-Nihlo (previous arc's villain), it is revealed that Tamara had been in coma for 10 years, Universe takes over and speaks of a broken world, broken Tamara and broken self, she decodes the language Tony is trying to, she translates and they find out that another world razing event is coming known as the White event.

Best Quote: "You're going to have to do something about those children, Stark...The annoying, ill mannered one's...Bomboy (referring to Cannonball) and Solar-flare (Sunspot)...They decided to rather rudely confront me about eating the leftovers...I wont be spoken to that way by infants."-Superior Spider-Man, presents the typical Ott...sorry spoiler! the new spider-man all new smug attitude and utter contempt of realizing his mantle's position and the respect he commands among the superhero community. 

 

Best Panel:  The brilliant panel showing Captain Universe seated in a meditating position. The background merges with her cosmic like features and smudges transparently onto the wooden dojo background. It is beautifully rendered and crisply Photoshopped.

Hickman may not craft his best book of Avengers yet but he sure gives a bit of comedic one two making this series a little hang one. Frankly I did say I would support the series from the get go and I will, after all Hickman's farther reaching narrative is bound to pay off at some time. The problem is that he has taken six issues in establishing the full status of this team. I understand this was done to accommodate enough new readers on the B-List characters entering the fray, but this could have been done in a multitasking fashion along side the next big threat. After all incoming casual readers are not going to be appealed by the character building issues every other month, they will not wait around to witness this and would rather see stuff blow up (somehow this sucks but it's the way the cookie crumbles). It can be chalked up to the fact, that Hickman had to start of from an issue one and therefore build the blocks within the volume from the beginning. For his writing talent and method this might not be so bad after all, just hope he could speed things up a bit.

He definitely tries to build up the team dynamic using his quirky brand of comedy. Handling the character of the new Spider-Man deftly, without taking off from Dan Slott own Superior Spider-Man series. It's funny to see some inner jokes including Spidey being called evil and reference to his older age as well as scientific status equal to Tony Stark.

The reference to Spider-Man's changes in his own comic, is a double edged sword. It seems a method to show that there is a set timeline to the Marvel Universe comics and possibly boost sales for the slowly decreasing Superior Spider-Man book.  

Even hilarity is included in Tony trying to decipher Ex-Nihlo's language through his creation. But this is where once again the problem occurs, the human is actually warning the Avengers of the coming of a 'White Event'. This is another world razing and apocalyptic event, something that has a small set of cliche features and thus can get tiring if constantly repeated.

The main body of the issue takes an under covering of the new host for Captain Universe. As mentioned it could have been played through the action, but the best thing is that Hickman gives an easy solution to an confusing B-List 80's character.

Anyhow even with it's apocalypse event, Hickman's next issue seems like it will move on towards the next big battle. Hopefully we see a balancing of character beats with action and good use of the multiple characters in the book. I will still continue reading on.

'Nuff Said

Aneesh Raikundalia       

 

 

 

 

Rorschach Reviews: Justice League of America 1

 

 

Rorschach Reviews

Loki's Latest

 

Comic Book: Justice League of America 1

Creative Team: Writer-Geoff Johns
                          Art-David Finch
                          Colors-Sonia Objack and Jeremy Cox

Release Date:  20th February 2013

Score: 8/10

Pros:-The chopping between discussions scenes and recruitment scenes are slick and cool, reminding readers of good heist films like Ocean's eleven.
        -The underlying Justice League chase and end reveal is also surprising in bringing things to head for the upcoming Trinity War
        -Johns is careful to give space to each member and point out the reason for their recruitment.
        -Both Wallers and Trevor's characteristics are reminiscent of their pre-New 52 versions but also have added layers to make them refined.   

        
Cons:-There is not much action, either in the recruits montage's or in the chase sequence. This seriously hinders the issue as it is a number one and must use the action tropes to buy in new readers

Main Events: Masked man being chased, Steve Trevor and JL liason from Argus Amanda Waller discuss a new Justice League for America, to convince Steve; Amanda shows him a picture of his ex Wonder Woman with Superman, Steve agrees to join as leader, They go on to discuss the team candidates and there reasons to be there, The reason the team is coming together is to stop The Original Justice League, Martian Manhunter agrees to joining and the masked man is revealed to be Green Arrow and his chasers; The Secret Society.

Best Quote: "If you want someone who can take on Batman, you need someone who knows him as well as I know Wonder Woman." Colonel Steve Trevor, affirming why Catwoman should be part of the team.

Best Panel: The long-shot board panel that presents each member and their respective opponents in The Original Justice League  


It's not everyday that you get a thought of forming a superhero team without a big visible threat blowing up the world causing them to forget their differences and come together, but JLA establishes a new covert method instead in bringing this rag tag band of heroes (anti-heores?) together. 

The comic has little space for any action, instead it follows much of Steve and Amanda discussing the team. It moves slowly with a mysterious hooded figure chased through the woods by somewhat familiar looking folks. It takes time to even get a glimpse of team members since Steve himself needs convincing to join the squad. A lot of monologue and fact giving after, produces different montages on each selected hero. This gives some specific insight into each character and their reason to be there, it's fun to see spotlights on the B and C-List characters. Johns who has previously worked on Hawkman and Stargirl, makes you realize how amazing he knows how to handle them and other characters not in the league (pun intended) of the well, Justice League.

While it is essentially a beginning story to establish the status quot for this team, it's reason as mentioned previously have not been revealed. The link for this book leads towards the dynamically and heavily promoted event that is The Trinity War. It's been a fun week with Johns Justice League books, as both give some stunning surprise endings. 

It's really fun to see cult fan favorite character Steve Trevor get a book with him as leader (although maybe not lead character) and it's fun to see Johns use established pre-New 52 characteristics for Waller and Trevor. He however does not rely on only this and adds layers of depth, making Waller the stiff and stern logical government agent while Trevor is the one who is more of a soldier with respect, emotions and loyalties over his team members (his former team and ex Wonder Woman and the league).

It might be a bit tame with the no action scenario, but Johns begins the book with a sense of mystery and develops both the coming event and tension. This might allow most readers an interesting point to jump on, however the lack of action packed beginnings hinders the chances for new casual readers to get really into it. 

Hopefully JLA is not just a turn in bringing Trinity War to the forefront and get's established after the event. Wait! who am I kidding, this is a Geoff Johns book so it's bound to work.


'Nuff Said

Aneesh Raikundalia      

  

Rorschach Reviews: Justice League 17

 Rorschach Reviews

Loki's Latest

Comic Book: Justice League 17-Throne of Atlantis Finale

Creative Team: Writer-Geoff Johns
                          Art-Ivan Reis
                          Colors-Rod Reis and Nathan Eyring

Release Date:  20th February 2013

Score: 9/10

Pros:-Johns put's Aquaman center stage and really changes the hero in this arc.

        -Spectacularly crafted action with tough emotional beats

        -Menacing undertones end with the exploding final reveal

        
Cons:-In all cases, DC promised this issue as a conclusion to The Throne of Atlantis event. The surprise ending cut's short on a proper and whole conclusion for Aquaman (the lead character) and leaves things hanging for Johns next arc. 

Main Events: Dr. Shin reveals Vulko as the betrayer and perpetrator to the act's against Atlantis and America, Aquaman questions his leadership as he feels he is the cause for Orm's war against Earth, the Atlantis army subdues the reserve Justice League members, Orm and Aquaman battler whilst revealing their own inhibitions, Aquaman beats Orm and forces him to yield the throne, Vulko gives in, Aquman leads Atlantis and the Justice League against the trench, Aquman sends back the trench and imprisons Vulko, He also makes Orm go into exile in a human prison, Aquaman leaves to Atlantis but Mera stays, Boston mistrusts Aquaman, Waller pushes the JLA operation and the Justice League decide on new recruits beginning with Scarecrow!

Best Quote: "We open our ranks, It's time for recruitment...starting with the scarecrow!"-Batman, to the Justice League 

Best Panel: A long panel fitting in little TV like boxes presenting interviews on Boston people claiming to mistrust Aquaman post the Atlantis attack. 


Johns completes his latest and most wide reaching arc on the New 52 Justice League, he presents to avid readers and casual fan why even through all the jokes; Aquaman has remained a staple of the DC line for more than 7 decades. It is kind of a dissapointment that neither do the readers get a fully covered emotional closure to his arc and involvement in the war enacted. Aquaman's next few issues however, will plunder deep into the seas for his newly enacted status quot. 

The crux of the story lies in the final battle with Aquaman stuck between his lineage deep in Atlantis, his loyalties to the League and the fear of the oncoming swarm of The Trench. The shock reveal from the previous issue is easily discovered but, it's the method that allows Arthur to still see the seething hatred Orm has for humans even if one of the Atlanteans caused the war.

The final face off between the brothers is an interesting one and sheds new light on the remorseful King Arthur that Aquaman fears of becoming. There are a few tidbits regarding Mera's condition, either I missed something from prior Justice League and Aquaman issues or this is a secret left for another day. 

Ivan Reis never let's his art get into the way of the narrative, he keeps it simple. At times it feels good to see normal comic book art after being bombarded with stylistic pencils from Coipel (Avengers Marvel NOW!), Francis Yu (Indestructible Hulk) and Chiang (Wonder Woman New 52). That does not mean his art is just flat, in fact there's a dynamic sense of tension and drama as we see Aquaman beating down his younger brother. His also aptly supported by his other artists and colors team of Reis and Eyring in bringing an epic scope to the Atlantis take over's and the much more somber yet shocking conclusion.

The shocking conclusion which seems will be setting up Johns next explosive arc The Grid or maybe the heavily promoted Trinity War, he also leaves not stone unturned in defining Justice League perception in order to give reason to the newly released Justice League of America comic, whose review you can read here. 

PS: Warner Bros. If you ever decide to create an Aquaman movie or Aquaman in Justice League movie, then this would be an arc to mine and explore. Although it does seem a little close to The Avengers; Orm (Loki) takes over while Aquaman (Thor) and his Justice League (Avengers) stop him and his army and the trench (Chitauri) controlled by Vulko (Thanos). A little bit. 

'Nuff Said

Aneesh Raikundalia