Review: Saga #18
As finales go, this one was a bit anti-climactic. As cliffhangers go, this one was fantastic! We come, once again, to another Saga finale. After every major volume, Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples take a few months off to get caught up on the next volume. And for art as good as Staples’, I’m more than willing to give the Saga team some time off. Fortunately for us, they don’t end on too much of a nail-biter, but you better believe I can’t wait for the next volume after that last page. Plot lines get wrapped up, characters are forever changed, and the world of Saga just got infinitely bigger, my friends.
Saga #18
Saga #18 feels like it should be a major turning point in the ongoing adventure, but something about the action just seems a bit anti-climactic, especially considering how much actually happens. Regardless, the issue is as bombastic as they come, and that final page will leave you squealing for joy.
Comic Rating: 8/10 – Very Good.
The cliffhanger in Saga #18 is unlike any we’ve seen in the series to date, but it’s so simple and obvious, I can’t believe I didn’t see it coming from a long ways off. It definitely took me by surprise. I won’t spoil it until we get to the synopsis, but this opens up the world of Saga in so many ways. It makes Saga a whole new series, an even more exciting series! I know I say it all the time that I can’t wait to see what Vaughn comes up with next, and trust me, this cliffhanger makes that more pertinent than ever before. But no spoilers until later.
The issue itself is an exciting one. The fight that started last issue picks up right away, and nearly every character gets a chance to shine. We also get the first encounter between Gwendolyn and her ex in this series, as well as Marco’s new flame. It’s a fun moment, as good as I could have hoped, considering how long Vaughn has been building towards it. The characters have always been the biggest draw of Saga, and Vaughn handles them well in this tense moment. The issue is strong, but I can’t help but feel that some of Vaughn’s choices for some of the characters weren’t the best. The Will does not fare well at all.
We’ll see what it all leads to in a couple of months. For now, join me after the jump for a full synopsis and more review!
I May Have to Take Back My Support of Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor
Screen Junkies have hit the nail on the head for why Eisenberg might not be the best choice for Lex Luthor.
I’m still going to keep an open mind and hope for the best though.
Hench-Sized Comic Book Reviews – 2/1/14
Happy Groundhog’s Day Eve, everybody! Are you all ready for the groundhog to pop his head out of the hole to look for his shadow? Do you international readers celebrate Groundhog’s Day? It sounds terribly American. Nonetheless, it’s happening, and I’m excited. I might even break out my Groundhog’s Day pennant that I don’t actually own.
It also feels like there’s something else important going down this weekend, but I can’t put my finger on it…
At any rate, let’s talk comics! This week, I picked up new issues of Aquaman, Spider-Man and Thor, and decided to take another peek at Red Lanterns. Feels like I haven’t checked in with them in awhile. But all of those titles were blown away by the latest Annual issue of Batman and Robin. Peep your eyes on this one, Robin fans, it might be the greatest Robin love letter we’re ever going to get from DC Comics. It easily wins Comic Book of the Week.
Especially if they kill off Dick Grayson, those meanies!
Comic Reviews: Aquaman #27, Batman and Robin Annual #2, Red Lanterns #27, Superior Spider-Man #26, and Thor: God of Thunder #18.
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Jeremy Irons as Alfred; The World is What It Is
Breaking news in the world of superhero movie casting: Warner Bros. announced today that Jesse Eisenberg has been cast as Lex Luthor, and Jeremy Irons will be Alfred in the upcoming Superman vs. Batman movie. This is the kind of news that’s going to send fanboys foaming at the mouth. And after casting Ben Affleck as Batman, the fanboys are already up in arms about this flick.
Personally? I’m cool with it.
Eisenberg, of course, famously playing Mark Zuckerberg in that Facebook movie, whose name escapes me. But he was awesome in that film, and how much you want to bet that performance is what landed him the role of Lex Luthor? He’s going to be a young, smarmy, too-smart-for-his-own-good sort of Luthor. I’ll grant you, he doesn’t really give Luthor any gravitas, and Eisenberg probably isn’t very imposing, but so what? I think it’s easy to see what the studio is going for here, and I think they can make it work.
Though he’ll probably look like a twerp bald.
Speaking of bald.
Of course, Jeremy Irons is Jeremy Irons. No explanation necessary. He’ll probably do as good a job as anybody.
Here’s what Director Zack Snyder said today, officially:
“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940. What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman. Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.” The director added, “As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure. He is an absolutely critical element in the intricate infrastructure that allows Bruce Wayne to transform himself into Batman. It is an honor to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.”
I’m down with both of these casting decisions. Bring’em on.
Now hurry up and cast Dick Grayson already!
The LEGO Movie is Almost Here!
Oh man! The LEGO Movie comes out next week! I can’t wait, so why not enjoy this last minute new trailer!
A Man of Steel parody, nice.
