Category Archives: Reviews
Comic Review: Teen Titans Annual #2
I am a huge fan of hyperbole. It makes everything better. So believe me when I say this is probably Scott Lobdell’s finest Teen Titans comic in the entire New 52 era. I’m not entirely sure why Teen Titans gets an Annual issue on this Fifth Wednesday with a total status quo change right around the corner, but whatever. I can go with the flow. I don’t mind reading new comics, especially when they’re this solid. I daresay, Teen Titans should have been like this all along.
Comic Rating: 7/10 – Good.
Teen Titans Annual #2 gets to be Lobdell’s finest Titans issue for a few simple reasons: there’s an extended sequence of the Titans hanging out as civilians, the super-villain actually ties into an earlier comic that I liked, and there was some legitimate characterization and development. This issue isn’t about to break the mold or convince DC to not Rebirth Teen Titans, nor is it going to make me forget the past few years of crumminess. But considering we’re just killing time until Rebirth, it’s nice that Lobdell gets another chance to go out on a high note.
Honestly, I had completely forgotten about the unresolved plot thread in this issue. The Annual picks up from the encounter with Professor Pyg way back in December in Teen Titans #15. I liked that issue, and I like this one. That’s probably the best we can hope for with the Teen Titans, for now.
Join me after the jump for the full synopsis and more review!
Hench-Sized Comic Book Reviews – 6/25/16
How did I get so lucky that all of my favorite comics come out in the same week? As a comic book fan, that’s great! As a comic book reviewer who is having a pretty busy week at work, that stinks! I managed to read a few of my favorites for sure this week, but I’ll be missing out reviews for the likes of Doctor Strange and Totally Awesome Hulk! I’ve also already blown my promise to try out some of the Rebirth titles, since I didn’t get around to reading Aquaman or Wonder Woman.
Guess I’ll just have to make due with the likes of Harley Quinn, Mighty Thor, Ms. Marvel, Power Rangers, and instant Comic Book of the Week, Power Man and Iron Fist! I should be so lucky as to have comics this good all in one week!
I’m sure Aquaman and Wonder Woman were fine too.
Comic Reviews: Detective Comics #935, Harley Quinn #29, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #4, Mighty Thor #8, Ms. Marvel #8 and Power Man and Iron Fist #5.
Comic Review: Teen Titans #21
Huh? Are we still here? Is this comic really still plugging along? Weird. We just got the new solicitations from DC Comics the other day that the Teen Titans will switch into Rebirth mode in September, so it looks like we’ve got a handful more issues to trudge through before the end. Writer Tony Bedard seems like he’s going to try and make the most of the time he’s got, and I’m not going to blame him for giving it the old college try.
Comic Rating: 5/10 – Alright.
After the extremely silly last issue, where Bedard proved he has little understanding of Internet memes, we pick up this issue with a battle between the Teen Titans and the Brain and Monsieur Mallah. They’re classic Titans villains, but not in the New 52, so I think Bedard is just having some fun — and he does. With theoretically nothing to lose or waste or cost, I think Bedard just decided to write a fun Brain and Mallah story. He delves into some interesting Mallah characterization that makes me think Bedard had a couple giggles writing this one.
As an issue of Teen Titans, it’s harmless. There’s nothing more to say or do with this team. We already know what happens next, and we’ve already seen that Tim Drake alone moves on to something bigger and better. So there’s no tension in what Bedard does to the team or the characters. We get a really pointless cliffhanger at the end of this issue, and I kind of want to roll my eyes.
But Bedard and artist Miguel Mendonca make the most of a meh situation.
Hench-Sized Comic Book Reviews – 6/18/16
I was presented with an interesting conundrum from this week’s comic books, one that strikes to the very heart of the comic book market these days. Which was the better comic this week, Batman or Patsy Walker? Batman or Patsy Walker?
I bet that’s a question I never thought I’d ask myself.
We’ve got some very fun comics this week. Astonishing Ant-Man goes full Ocean’s Eleven. Justice League tells a fun story about Robin’s first meeting with the team. And Civil War II assures us that it’s probably safe to ignore all of Marvel’s hype for this year. But the real battle comes down to an exciting, almost cinematic start for writer Tom King’s Batman run versus one of the most delightful issues of Patsy Walker a.k.a. Hellcat yet!
Though it’s probably no surprise which issue wins Comic Book of the Week from me.
Batman doesn’t have problems with locks
I just can’t help myself. Greatness is greatness. Also, that’s Jessica Jones, for those of you wondering. We can only hope they recreate this scene in Jessica Jones Season 2 on Netflix.
Comic Reviews: Astonishing Ant-Man #9, Batman #1, Civil War II #2, Justice League #51 and Patsy Walker a.k.a. Hellcat #7.
Movie Review: Warcraft
Warcraft was my most anticipated movie of the year. I’ve been playing the games since the first, Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, and have been an on again/off again World of Warcraft addict for more than a decade. Warcraft could very well be my favorite fictional world in all of storytelling. I loved the trailers, I loved the clips; you better believe the hype was building.
But sadly, the new Warcraft film does not live up to all that hype. It’s still a good, solid, enjoyable movie, and I am pleased with the result. But director Duncan Jones and his storytellers made some really weird choices.
Movie Rating: 7/10 – Good.
Warcraft has already pretty much bombed with American audiences, but thankfully, China and the international market have saved the production. So my hopes for a sequel have already been lit. The world could use a new, non-superhero franchise, and Warcraft has more story, lore and characters than 10 films. There is a lot that could be done with a sequel, and hopefully Jones and the producers will take all of the criticism they have received and try to make a better product next time. There’s no reason to throw in the towel.
Heck, I hope they release the rumored Director’s Cut, which has tons of additional footage.
Warcraft definitely feels like a film where a lot of material was cut for timing. Storylines and characters feel rushed. The editing is quick to jump from one scene to the next, doing little to lay groundwork, while doing much to throw all sorts of names and concepts at the audience. At it’s heart, there are a few very simple, very meaningful stories being told. These stories are entertaining, and could really have an impact.
But Warcraft stuffed itself full of a bit too much, then apparently went through a fitful editing process.
At least the CGI orcs are amazing. That’s the most important thing. Expect FULL SPOILERS below.
