Hench-Sized Comic Book Reviews – 11/17/12
AvX: Consequences has been cleaning up as the best comic of the week in all the initial Hench-Sized Comic Book Reviews, but DC Comics isn’t about to give up just yet. They launched an onslaught of Batman titles this week (at least 2), playing into their revitalized Joker. Was I impressed? Maybe. Has it changed my opinion at all about the Joker? Well you’ll just have to read on to see. Suffice to say, Batman #14 earns the title of Comic Book of the Week! But don’t count Marvel out completely. They launch new X-Men and Thor comics, possibly for the better. And believe you me, the new Thor may be the best Marvel NOW! has to offer so far!
Yes, yes, we all fondly remember The Dark Knight Returns
Comic Reviews: All-New X-Men #1, Amazing Spider-Man #697, Batman #14, Batman and Robin #14, Thor: God of Thunder #1 and Wolverine and the X-Men #20.
Some More Doctor Whoing! Christmas Special Prologue!
So in all my excitement to post the new Doctor Who Christmas Special trailer yesterday, I missed this minisode prologue!
And it features the return of Lady Vastra and Jenny! Two awesome characters from my all-time favorite episode of Doctor Who. The minisode is a little dark, but I love the imagery. And I definitely love the Doctor’s Victorian era outfit. Cheers!
New Doctor Who Trailer Features Snow!
Fortunately, the snow hasn’t fallen here yet in Upstate New York. But it seems to be a big deal in the new Doctor Who trailer!
I think that’s a pretty good look at this year’s upcoming Christmas Special. I especially like the Doctor’s hat and outfit. Truly smashing ensemble. I’m also eager to see more of his new companion Clara. Is she really the Dalek girl from the first episode of Season 7? I guess we’ll have to wait to find out.
While we’re on the topic of Doctor Who Season 7, what did you all think of it? I was rather disappointed, actually. I suppose the episodes were entertaining enough, though some were downright not good. I was overall let down. The reliance on standalone stories really robbed the show of Moffat’s usual magic. He does a much better job with the serialized, ongoing stories. So I’m hoping the latter half of Season 7 really kicks it up a notch.
Review: Saga #7
Saga is finally back, and it’s…mediocre at best. Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving Saga so far. This epic adventure from writer Brian K. Vaughn and artist Fiona Staples is a fun tale with fascinating characters. But after two months off, this new issue disappoints because not a whole lot happens. And then it cuts off just as it’s getting good. This issue reminds me why I read both Y: The Last Man and Dues Ex, Vaughn’s previous works, in trade paperback form, where there were multiple issues to read through in one sitting. Very little happens in this issue, and especially little to advance the plot.
Saga #7
But at least what does happen is entertaining, as we meet Marko’s parents and they meet their new daughter-in-law and grandchild.
Comic rating: 4/5 Good.
Saga #7 reads like the first section of a larger story, and obviously it is. But that disqualifies it from being a worthwhile single issue. And if I’m going to read Saga in the single issues, I’d like a little more bang for my buck per issue. But again, this is probably just me splitting hairs. I don’t think Saga is meant to be read in the single issues. Those lucky/smart people who are waiting for the trades are in for a treat. Because Saga is just that…a saga. I bet, or at least hope, that this is going to be a great tale overall. But issue by issue, I dunno. I’m still hoping for a little more meat on the bones.
Fortunately, with this issue, Saga does exactly what I hoped it would: it slows down to spend a little more time with its characters. The cliffhanger arrival of Marko’s parents last issue is picked up on almost immediately, and their interactions with their son and his new family are fun, if abrupt. We also get some backstory about Marko growing up, so I suppose that’s nice. We also check in, very briefly, on some of our other characters, though nothing comes of that. This is just a set-up issue for whatever happens next. I just hope it’s more exciting than this.
Join me after the jump for a full synopsis and more review! And you can get caught up with my prior review of the first six issues here.
If Wes Anderson Directed the New Star Wars
I’m a huge Wes Anderson fan, and perhaps so too are members of Conan O’Brien’s staff. Because they put together this funny Was Anderson Star Wars parody. It’s good, but not as good as some other Wes Anderson parodies.
