1st Impressions: SHADOWMAN # 7 Review

SHADOWMAN # 7
Written by Justin Jordon

Art by Neil Edwards, Matt Ryan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            After Samedi has both Alyssa and Shadowman in his clutches, Dox comes in trying to save them. Samedi, though, gives an offer to Jack. Dox tells him not to take it but Jack and Dox have an intense conversation which leads to an unlikely alliance .. .

            Meanwhile, Darque is doing crazy stuff to get out of the Deadside while the Brethen are trying to get Darque to Earth. Yet, Shadowman jumps into action against the Brethen and their leader, Devereaux, as Dox takes a different approach …

ART:

            Neil Edwards definitely showed his skills this issue.  It has improved this issue as we get some pretty gory stuff as Samedi makes his presence felt big time. The action looks good. The gore looks horrifying. There is some pictures where the faces just looked a little weird cause of distance but over all, Edwards and Ryan bring out some great art. Smooth lines and descriptive faces and backgrounds. Darque, though, does not look that menacing this issue … till the final page.

            Reber does a great job with colors, keeping the book dark and moody, as it should be. It also makes the gore that much more horrific. Reber really does a good job bringing out the best of Edwards and Ryan pencils and inks. Pretty good work from the art team.


WRITING:

            Jordon weaves a good, solid issue. Jack continues to show that just because he accepted the responsibility of Shadowman, all things attached to it are not to his liking at all. Jack’s conversation with Dox was very gripping and resonated with me about young men arguing with their fathers about what they are going through to achieve this “destiny” set upon them.

            We got more of Devereaux this issue which really made him seem more charming. Yet, it gave us a view of The Brethren and their role serving Master Darque. Darque had the single most chilling final page this year (thus far) as he took the soul of *******.

            The pacing was great. The characterizations really gripped me but I was slightly annoyed by 2 things: 1 – No Dr. Mirage … even though she’s on the cover. I still don’t understand what happened to her after what happened last issue.  And 2 – Alyssa, if you were gonna be like “We should be protecting Shadowman” … then why the hell you didn’t tell Dox that in the first place or go with Jack when he left?

            Those were the two things that had me scratch my head but still, Jordon delivers a good issue with this.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Shadowman continues to mix horror with drama and action in a great unique blend. Besides the 2 follies, this was a good issue. It set up the climax, gave a really great exchange between Dox and Jack, show us how powerful both Samedi and Darque are and advances the characters of Jack & Dox. The art is good. The pacing great. Overall, a good issue but there could be some improvement.


RATING:

            I give Shadowman # 7 a 7 out of 10. Buy it. Although it's got a couple of holes, it's a good issue.

Bloodshot # 9 Review

BLOODSHOT # 9
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by  Manuel Garcia, Matt Ryan & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Bloodshot has a showdown with Gamma and it ain’t pretty. Gamma breaks more of Bloodshot’s bones as we find that the kids realize that Bloodshot is there to free them this time … not to keep them captive.

            Meanwhile, Kara takes down Chainsaw Command herself … well, mostly by herself. She ends up helping Pulse as Pulse plays a pivotal role in this issue and setting up what is to come in Harbinger Wars.

            Dr. Kuretich ends up giving a report … to a very familiar face. Bloodshot then has a final confrontation with Gamma and once it is over … not everyone makes it out alive.



ART:

            Manuel Garcia had pencil duties for the entire issue and did a tremendous job with giving the broken body of Bloodshot and the emotions of the characters within the book. Matt Ryan’s ink really help bring out the subtle details and pencils of Garcia in a dynamic way that even broken bones look interesting and fleshed out.

            Ian Hannin provides his usual array of colors that help bring the best out of Garcia’s & Ryan’s work. Visually, the book has been really good. Though, there were a couple panels that may have looked a quickly cobbled together but other all … Garcia & Ryan perform a great job with Bloodshot # 9.


WRITING:

            There is a lot in this issue and Swierczynski does a fantastic job of blending everything together well. We learn more and more about how Bloodshot’s physical body work while he displays who he is becoming now. He wants to do the right thing by these kids. And that speaks volumes.
 

            Kara is becoming more and more interesting as we see her. She really is becoming a core part of Bloodshot’s life and rightfully so. Her own development where she is helping doing the right thing in spite of all the craziness is a very great trait that she has.
 
            Swierczynski writes great vivid characters. Pulse definitely had more impact this issue as she ended up facing her fears. Facing your fears became one of the themes of this issue and really enjoyed how it unfolded. The plot was good. The characters were entertaining. The overall story helped not only set up Harbinger Wars, but great development for the kids and Bloodshot.  It captivates you and makes you look forward to the next issue.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Great amount of action balanced with superb storytelling and plot make Bloodshot that much stronger of a book than what it was when it started. Kara is truly a great character to play off of Bloodshot. The danger felt more real. Gamma was an interesting villain.

            We see great set up for the future here. And I look forward to more. Good art. Strong storytelling. A solid job.


RATING:

            I give Bloodshot # 9  a 9 out of 10. Really great issue that packed a lot but didn’t feel too fast or slow.

Comic Review: Bloodshot #6

BLOODSHOT #6
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia & Matt Ryan (Cover by Arturo Lozzi)
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

     Kara and Melissa are in separate cells while Bloodshot must take on a group of super powered soldiers that Orbeck ordered to take him out. Bloodshot fights his way through the group known as Chainsaw while his nanites work on hacking into Project Rising Spirit's systems.

   We get a creepy reunion of Gamma and Melissa and we start to see that Kara can definitely hold her own as she goes up against a member of Chainsaw herself. Yet, when Bloodshot gets to the basement ...


ART:

    For the first time, Manuel Garcia is illustrating the entire issue. And it is good. Blood drenched. A bit gory with Bloodshot's arm being broken with bone piercing through. The imagery in this issue was very vividly gory and dark which definitely fits the mood of the book and the story. Chainsaw definitely were some interesting grunts with an oddly deformed but uniformed look, which definitely keeps with the military way and design. I give props to both Manuel Garcia and Matt Ryan for bringing this fact paced, bloody ride to life. the inks are rich as they need to be for the tone of the book. Garcia's pencils really shine this issue as they stand alone. Ian Hannin's colors really capture the dangers and darkness that this story captures with his darker colors and tones.  Well done by the Bloodshot team.

WRITING:

    Duane Swierczynski, you magnificent bastard I read your book and I enjoyed it. This issue definitely picked up in terms of action and drama and it was paced perfectly. The perils to our hero were very much real and I love that Swierczynski made sure that Bloodshot was not invincible. And all of his work making the nanites into a viable character that readers can care about started to really  shine this issue. There was a lot of smart writing as we got to see Bloodshot, the nanites and Kara really work on their plan. The horror of Melissa seeing Gamma again was awesome.

     This book from the start was gonna be messy, full of danger , perils and more. Swierczynski lets readers go on a fast paced and wild ride as more answers lead to more questions and keep you wanting more. Especially this issue. Great job Swierczynski. And I do not mean any insult to you at all with the bastard comment. 100 points to the person who knows what movie I am paraphrasing there.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

  Bloodshot #6 really picks things up and really holds your attention. The Pacing is perfect. The story is gripping. You want to know more about what happens. The thriller aspects mixed with the mystery and action really work this issue. Definitely one of the best issues of the series to date. Swierczynski, Garcia , Ryan &  Hannin give you an action packed military thriller with super powers. ... and I loved every second of it this issue. Definitely an improvement over last issue.

I give Bloodshot #6 a 4.5 out of 5. It was damn near perfect. 

First Impressions: Harbinger #6

FIRST IMPRESSION


HARBINGER #5
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Khari Evans, Matt Clark, Jim Muniz, Matt Ryan & Sean Parsons
Valiant Comics



FLIPPING THROUGH:

   After leaving for the Harbinger Foundation , Peter finds that he isn't quite fit for the Foundation and another  Harbinger, Eddie, wants him out. After finding out that Harada has his friend Joe killed, Peter goes on a rampage against members of the Foundation.

   After Peter takes down one of his teachers, Peter takes on Eddie for vengeance against killing Joe. But Harada arrives and things get nastier.



ART:

   Evans, Clark and Muniz blend their styles very well together that you can barely tell a difference between them. They all convey feelings, emotions and actions very well. The emotional moments hold impact. The battles are brutal. The inks are fresh and help bring the pencils to life. The colors are distinct, giving this book a flavor of its own. The characters are easily distinguished and you can feel the brutality of the battle. .


WRITING:

   Dysart really gives us a great, super charged skip. The characters felt very real. The stakes were high. Our lead characters is very multifaceted and you do feel for him because of the manipulation at the hands of Harada.

   The other characters have a real voice. I want to know more about these other characters, especially  Livewire. There seems to be a good bit of construction going on with the issue and the series overall but Dysart is using that to create plotlines and character situations that keep readers interested.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

   Honestly, there was not a single thing wrong with the issue. The art was spectacular and original with an almost cinematic flare with classic sensibilities  The pacing is excellent. The characters feel real. The story makes me want more.

 This issue was PERFECT. Seriously . Sure, you need to get the whole storyline to feel the full impact but the payoffs in this issue are amazing.

  Harbinger #5 gets a 5 ... out of 5. 

First Impressions: Bloodshot # 4

FIRST IMPRESSIONS


BLOODSHOT #4 

Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

     At the end of last issue (spoilers) Bloodshot took a bullet in the head from one of the many soldiers after him with the help of a girl named Pulse ... who can give off electromagnetic pulses. Yet, it turns into a mexican stand off real quick as the nurse that was helping Bloodshot (and taken hostage by him) suddenly pulls out a gun; aiming at Bloodshot's persuers.

     With some background that Project Rising Spirit was not only manipulating Bloodshot but have used Pulse to take him down before, Pulse and Bloodshot are done with Project Rising Spirit. After a tense stand off in the hospital, Bloodshot and the nurse, who we come to find out is named Kara, convinces Pulse that they are not the enemy and they all have a common goal .. . taking down Project Rising Spirit.


ART:
 
     It's the 4th issue and Garcia and Lozzi continue to give us graphic and pleasing visuals on Bloodshot. The dramatic moments are full of tension. The blood attacks are as ugly as they should be. Along with Ryan's inks, this creative team are really starting to define the look and feel of this shoot-'em up, conspiracy book. Also, the artists did a great job in making Pulse look younger in the flashback provided in the story.

  The pencils and inks are sharp, distinct and full of life. Every panel matches the tone it needs to in the story. As usual, Garcia and Lozzi deliver in spades.


STORY:

    The slower pace really worked for the story. The characters are really starting to get fleshed out as Pulse got a lot of development as well as seeing a different side of Bloodshot this issue . . . the charming orator that will sway you to his side.

    Swierczynski delivers a great chapter in this ongoing saga with Bloodshot.Yet ... there was a misstep this issue. Kara. Kara seemed to want to stay away from Bloodshot after everything that happened in the previous issues. Her defending Bloodshot out right and not just stop anyone from moving seemed off. Otherwise, Kara aligning with Bloodshot seemed to be a natural progression. Just seemed a bit too easy. Even with the deal that Bloodshot and she made in the issue, it just felt a little off.

   Otherwise, this was a strong issue.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

    Bloodshot #4 was a good issue. The creative team gives a good showing with great art and an intriguing story with strong character development. Besides the one character misstep. Overall, Bloodshot delivers and delivers well.


I give Bloodshot #4 a 4 out of 5. 

First Impression: Bloodshot # 3

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

BLOODSHOT # 3
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia,Arturo Lozzi & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics



INTRODUCTION:

  If you want an idea of what happened last time, check out my review of Bloodshot #2.


FLIPPING THROUGH:

   Bloodshot is on a mission to figure out who he really is and what is going on. Dr. Kuretich is on a mission to expose the secrets of Operation: Rising Spirit and uncovers a buried town that was used for weapons research. Dodge leads a team after Bloodshot with another human weapon, a female who can give off electromagnetic pulses.

    Bloodshot threatens to kill people in order to get his answers. He sees one of his faux memory kids when Dodge's goons are near and all of a sudden, his hostages attack him. He calmly tells everyone to run the hell away from the town and . . . Oh MY GOD!!!


ART:

   Lozzi and Garcia are continuing to prove their artistic dominance; being able to switch from quiet moments to moments full of action and blood. While this issue is no where near as blood soaked as the previous issue, it opened a lot of things up. Artistically, you can feel the emotions of all the people involved. There is fear from the hostages. There is a sense of urgency mixed with angry with Bloodshot. There is this profound discovery that Kuretich displays that are all rendered well thanks to Garcia, Lozzi and the rest of the Bloodshot art team.

  Everyone looks distinct. There are clear mysterious that we are getting to see play out visually. And the final panel packed  the impacted that it needed with such easy and disturbing beauty. Matt Ryan's inks and Ian Hannin's colors really bring out the panels to make them feel very much like a feature or television show with some old school comic sensibilities.  As usual, the Bloodshot art team is bringing their A Game.


WRITING:

   Last time, I said the only thing that was a problem with Bloodshot was the breakneck pace of last issue. That is not the cause for this issue and it great. Swierczynski is able to slow things down enough for readers to catch their breath for a few minutes before getting on the run with Bloodshot again (who literally does run ... well, he drives but you get my point).

  The moments of Bloodshot holding up one of the women that were his 'wife' were filled with tension, fear and a sort of frustrated wonder cause you wanted to know what was going on. Bloodshot's confusion seems palpable because of his search for the truth about what happened to him.

 Kuretich's crusade is already bearing fruit but still leaves a lot unanswered. And that is one of the great things about this book. We are learning interesting aspects with each of the characters and have an odd sympathy for Bloodshot because his mind has been so messed up that he cannot truly trust no one at this point. No one but himself an his nanites. And this situation was not something brought upon because of Bloodshot himself but because of what Project: Rising Spirit and Kuretich did to him.

  Kudos to Swierczynski for making the main character so complex and sympathetic at the same time while holding people hostage and threatening to shoot their children. That takes tremendous skill. Dodge seems to be a yes man who understands his mission while we don't know much about the new female who can discharge EMPs but she was already seemingly sympathetic cause she was being forced to do this against her will. All these things are showing how big and deep the mysteries and games of Project: Rising Spirit really are and it makes readers want to read more and more to uncover the truth. Exceptional job by Swierczynski.

OVERALL:

   Seriously, the art is amazing and makes you feel things. The writing is fantastic with strong characters who are multi-faceted with wide ranges of emotions and situations. The characters feel very real. The pace was right on target. There is nothing wrong with this book except you not buying it. Buy this book now.

  Bloodshot continues to be a strong book with stunning visuals, grand mysteries and complex characters that will make you feel multiple things for many of them. I give Bloodshot # 3 a 5 out of 5.

 Thank you for the memories Bloodshot!

First Impressions: Bloodshot # 2

FIRST IMPRESSION


Bloodshot # 2
Bloodshot Part 2: Get Your Gun
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics


Reviewed by Frankie Rodriguez

INTRODUCTION:

  To find out what you need to know about the first issue, look at my Bloodshot # 1 review.



FLIPPING THROUGH:

   Bloodshot is getting shipped to a military base ... still his delusions, which he realizes are delusions during the course of the story ... make him wake up and take down his captors. And why I say taking down his captors ... he literally rips off the arm of one of them and forceably crashes a plane. His former handlers in Project Rising Spirit decided that he was too dangerous to stay alive; Mr. Oreck orders that Bloodshot and Dr. Kuretich to be taken out. So, it looks like they are about to send out a ... mysterious woman after Bloodshot.

   Meanwhile, Dr. Kuretich goes over the data that he and his men swiped from Bloodshot's brain; revealing another horrifying secret about Bloodshot and what Project: Rising Sun has done with him. And Bloodshot "commandeers" an ambulance ... along with a nurse.


ART:

    Oh  my god the art! The art in Bloodshot # 2 is just as good as the first issue. Like the first issue, it dazzles you with bits of human scenes and lots of violent gore. This book is NOT for the squeamish. There are panels where Bloodshot literally pulls off a soldier's arm. And it is not pretty. And that ... THAT ... is what makes the book stand out. Garcia and Lozzi's pencils are very vivid; full of emotion and mood. Sure, there is gore. But  the pencils and inks by Matt Ryan help bring new dimensions to this story with images of people that Bloodshot 'supposed to " have loved amongst the carnage.
 
   The imagery is very gruesome yet the art team does a great job bringing forth great images. There is a action movie/ conspiracy flick feeling to the book that Garcia, Lozzi, Ryan and colorist Ian Hannin excels at bringing readers.  From touching moments, to dark secrets to action ... this book's art team gives us what we want in spades; tailoring scenes that were fit for movies.




WRITING:

    Duane Swierczynski's writing is extremely strong this issue. For all the blood soaked action, there is a lot going on. So much so that readers may not catch it in the first read. From the heart-tugging, yet horrific beginning, to the pulse pounding action, to the revelations given, Bloodshot # 2 brings you a deeper scope of how bad they messed up Bloodshot and how far Project: Rising Spirit is willing to go.

   The touches with Bloodshot's powers were also a very clever revelation as we got several uses of his nanites other than healing this issue without being straight out told what Bloodshot's powers work. Kudos for Swierczynski for that.

 My only issue with this comic is that this comic is a whirlwind. There are so many visuals of violence and so much is happening. It feels like a full issue but you really do not slow down till towards the end of the issue. The revelations, the escape, Project: Rising Spirit's scheming . . . readers will be a bit daunted on the breakneck pacing of the issue. Still, Swierczynski gives us a character that is deeply troubled; wanting answers about his past with readers along for the ride. Readers know more than the title character because of what Dr. Kuretich found. And with Bloodshot looking for answers, Swierczynski guarantees readers a ride they will never forget.


OVERALL:

    The breakneck pacing of what happens in this issue is the only real thing that holds this book back. Otherwise, Bloodshot # 2 was a solid read. The art was amazing. The writing was really good. If you are not a fan of military conspiracies or gore, this might not float your boat. Yet, if you look along with everything that goes with it, you will find a complex story, full of raw human emotions being tampered with alongside deep secrets that you just want to see revealed; and a main character you may both empathize with and be horrified of. And that is a truly rare mix.


  Bloodshot # 2 gets a 4 out of 5. While not  perfect, a great follow up to the stunning first issue.

PREVIEW: Bloodshot # 2

 Here's Bloodshot #2.

Valiant Preview: BLOODSHOT #2

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot #2, from acclaimed writer Duane Swierczynski and the fan favorite artistic duo of Manuel Garcia & Arturo Lozzi! 

 

Waking up inside a body bag is no way to start the day. But that’s where you are, and worse yet, you’re 35,000 feet above the desert, guarded by the some of the toughest soldiers on the planet. You’re being flown back to the people who created you, who may have even betrayed you. You’re having a hard time separating your false memories (of family, duty, country) from the grim reality (of bullets, blood, screaming). Who’s really on your side? Why were you created? And where does the “real you” end and the killer known as Bloodshot begin?

 

Reset. Rebuild. Then reload. The white knuckle thrill ride into the mind behind Project Rising Sprit's billion dollar killer continues this August 15th in Bloodshot #2 - hitting stores the same day as Harbinger #3!

BLOODSHOT #2 - ON SALE AUGUST 15th!

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI 

Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI (JUN121328)

Variant Cover by ANDY BRASE  (JUN121329)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

BLOODSHOT #2 - VARIANT COVER
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #1
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #2
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #3
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #4
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #5
 

#41 - JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL : THE SIGNAL MASTERS

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL
#1 - 5
Storyline: The Signal Masters
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Aaron Lopresti & Matt Ryan
Colors by Lopresti (issue 2) &  HI - FI

by Frankie Rodriguez

TALE OF THE TAPE

            Welcome again to another review as we continue to enjoy Justice League Month. As we continue to look at things with the Justice League, we are gonna take the time to look at the second Justice League title that has come out in the new 52; Justice League International. Now, the original Justice League International run was beloved by many fans. There was slapstick with great adventure and serious plots mixed together to be one of the most beloved incarnations of the League. Come 2010, Justice League Generation Lost actually dealt with some of the most popular members of the JLI together to face off with their former benefactor and manipulative, murdering bastard, Maxwell Lord.

            Yes. I am NOT a fan of Mr. Lord. Why? First, he manipulated the Justice League into getting UN status and adding members, then he was good, then we became evil and lost his body and became the NEW Lord Havok. After that, he some how got his body again and was a good guy . . . again. Yet, that changed once he got on Checkmate. Max proceeded to kick off everything from Infinite Crisis to Final Crisis to even Justice League Generation Lost. Max Lord proceeds to SHOOT TED KORD, the former and much beloved Blue Beetle, in the head to kill him. Sure, he ended up manipulating Superman and forcing Wonder Woman to kill him. Yet, Max gets resurrected ... only to manipulate the JLI back together; who ultimately defeat Max but not without cost.

            And now the new 52 happened. The Justice League International was chosen as one of the titles chosen as the first wave of relaunch. And look: We got several big JLI alumni with Booster Gold, Fire, Ice & Guy Gardner. We got new Rocket Red Gavril Ivanovich, JL alumni Batman & Vixen and brand new members Godiva and August General In Iron. Yet, how does this team function? Do they live up to the old JLI legacy?

CLASH FACTS

            Justice League International begins with a discussion between Andre Briggs, UN Head of Intelligence and several members of the UN. Briggs states that they need they own team of heroes. Heroes who don't hide behind secret identities and heroes they can control. The UN agrees to it. We cut to a UN research team in Peru where they are checking on semic activity when they all fall into a big hole that just appears out of nowhere. Booster Gold arrives to see groups of protestors in front of the Hall of Justice against this new Justice League as Gold talks to Briggs. Briggs tells Booster to ignore the people when he says no and tries to calm the people down. One person in the crowd says that the UN has crossed a line and that they are gonna take measures. Briggs tells Booster that he's been chosen to lead the new League and we get a reaction we know and love from Guy Gardner . ..

   "YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME?!"

            Ice and Rocket Red tell Guy to give Booster a chance when Guy just leaves. On his way out, Guy runs into Batman. Batman actually endorses Booster as leader but Guy just waves Batman off and flies away. The rest of the JLI has introductions as Briggs shows them their new jet which starts the first of many snipes between Rocket Red and August General in Iron. Red goes over to Booster saying he can't work with August General but Booster isn't hearing it. Booster tells Briggs he wished the team had more raw power but Briggs just goes on to blame Booster for not keeping him on the team. Booster shoots back that he just met the team and has no information on their abilities but Briggs says that it should not matter for a real leader.

  Yeah . . . Briggs . . . you are kind of a douche.

   the team head out with a surprise . . . Batman being already on board. Booster Gold immediately thinks that Batman thinks he can't cut it as leader but Batman reassures him quickly that he's here to lend a hand and give a connections between the JLI and the Justice League. As the newly assembled (seriously, they just met literally 5 minutes ago and they are thrown into this mission) JLI head for Peru, some of the protestors decide they don't like the UN and their idea of a JLI so much ... they'll blow up the Hall of Justice. Yay. 


    The JLI lands in Peru where they start a search as Godiva decides to show how uncomfortable she is by being snarky. Booster tells the team to split up in pairs which Godiva decides to remind him (& the readers) that Booster JUST met them. Suddenly, from the ground, the JLI are attacked by demonic looking ... Gotsumon?!  Um ... I am serious. They look like red, scary Gotsumon. *sigh* 


    As they fight, Godiva proves her snarkiness again after BATMAN tells her to get more involved in the fight.

 "Sod off, Bats. Lethal rock creatures aren't my style." 


    Godiva .. . you make me miss the Beefeater!! THE FRELLIN' Beefeater!!! 


   The rock creatures retreat only to give way to big ole giant . ..Um . .. It looks like a cross between the Iron Giant and Monarch. And he's huge. The JLI try to fend off the first of the Signal Men (hmm ... not the most original name. Honestly, it would sound better if the Signal Men were fighting Dr. Who) but . .. with little luck. Between Rocket Red's failed attempt at talking to the Signal Man through his techno-telepathy ability (new but very welcome), Godiva make sure she sticks out like sore thumb and Brigg's deciding to berate Booster and the team, we get to see Booster and the league get cut down to size. After the Signal Man smack them around and nearly kills Ice, Booster (against complains from Vixen & Rocket Red) calls a retreat. By the way, Briggs showing up early decided to tell Booster that they are televising the League against the Signal Man. And it was televised world wide ... which ends up having Guy throwing a fit at a bar when he sees Tora getting hurt. 


  The team returns to Booster getting berated immediately by Briggs till he sees Batman and says . .. *laughs* 


 Briggs : "You . .. You have no Authorization to be part of this . . "  Hahaha. You told Batman he can't be there. To pilfer a joke from comic book reviewer Linkara: He's the God damn Batman. He'll do what he wants.

   Only to have Booster stand up to him, making it known that he is leader of this team. Rocket Red snaps at Booster for not being a real leader but Booster defense himself till Guy flies in. Guy insults Booster, asks to be made leader and checks on Ice with in seconds. Ah ... nice to see Guy has really grown as a person. Booster is about to walk when August General in Iron gives a vote of confidence to Booster. Batman and Godiva do the same. Briggs opens him mouth again but its ignored and Booster continues to lead. Great! Just in time for things to get WORSE. 3 more Signal Men show up and start blasting entert to the sky, each as big as the first one the JLI met. And in space, we get to see our main protagonist for the first time ... Perax . .. Perac ... Peraxes? No, that's not it. Peracola? Nope. Not it either. Peraxxus. 


  Peraxxus has a sort of Jack Kirby look to him and has the original Batwing color sheme of light blue and purple. Yay. The JLI splits up into pairs, going for a classic team up route as each pair checks on the Signal Men and a way to stop them. Vixen and Fire go to South Africa. Godiva and August General end up in Canada. Ice and Rocket Red end up in the depths in Russia with Batman and Booster Gold back in Peru. Each team end up in caves only to find themselves swarmed by more . ..  evil Gotsumon. Seriously. 


 Briggs pitches a fit about the JLI being a media disaster and that they found that the controller of the Signal Men are out in space. Guy eavesdrops and heads into space where Peraxie gets the drop on the Green Lantern. Each set of the League tries to break free but are captured and teleported to Peraxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxus, who is beating Guy Gardner around like a rag doll. Then we get the reason why Pera-mydius ( Gold Ranger: I call on the power of Peramydus, HIYAH!!!) Godiva, after coping a feel on Batman with her hair, grabs a laser from his utility belt and frees the team. The 9 heroes gather together to face off against Peraxxus only to find that he pressed the button . . . which made him transform into a even more gruesome monster ... WAIT! NO! That didn't happened. No, Peraxxus presses a button to make the Signal Men light up faster . .. which actually sets about the end of the planet.
  
   Do our heroes stop him? Sure! How? With the power of Friendship, Heart of the Cards . .. blah blah blah. 


No. That's not what happened. But if you really want to know what happened . . .




CLASH TACTICS


   Okay. This was one of the new 52 books. How do I think it faired? I am getting to that.  Artistically, Aaron Lopresti is drawing some of his best work here. He seemed to have gotten a real hold on a majority of these characters when he did Justice League: Generation Lost, pre New 52. Yet here, he's making some spectactular panels. Matt Ryan's inks are really making Lopresti's pencils stand out alongside colors from HI-FI, giving us something visually appealing on each page. Ever character is distinct. Ever emotion is capture. There are a lot of different characters in this book and this team is really show casing them all artistically. Which gets me to the writing for the book. 


    Dan Jurgens is swimming in somewhat familiar territory. You see, back in the early 90s when the JLI reform both its American and European Branches after the landmark Breakdowns crossover, Dan Jurgens has wrote Justice League America which featured Booster Gold, Guy Gardner, Ice, Fire and more. And while these characters are almost the same, there are some differences in characterizations. The character interplay with the team has been excellent, helping to flesh out personalities and really give us a feel that this is a new team, a new time and a new place. Particularly enjoyable have been the interactions between Rocket Red & August General in Iron and Godiva's lovely interactions which reveal her nervousness to this whole grand stage that is the JLI. These character bits make the book truly enjoyable. The pacing was excellent. Every breather had a reason. Every battle great in scale. But so did our heroes. My only real issue with this story is the fact that the first 2 issue felt very much like Booster Gold guest starring the JLI. I know that Jurgens had literally just finished his run on Booster Gold prior to the new 52 and I guess that the fact that Booster had so much focus as leader was a good thing. But this is still Justice League International. The balance between all the characters didn't really happen till issue # 3. Batman was being a different kind of mentor to Booster Gold which was a far cry from the original JLI days. And while the majority of the League got some great development, Vixen was the character that was least developed; I think she was the casualty of Booster's "I'm the Leader" subplot; hence the balance of characterizations leaning heavy on Booster but lighter on Vixen or Jurgens did not feel comfortable with her. I'm not sure. Hopefully, this will change over time.

  Overall, Justice League International was and enjoyable ride from start to finish. The threats felt imaginative and grandiose. The characters were fleshed out well. The plots were moving along at a great pace and it made you want to know more about these characters and the status of the team. Evil Gotsumon aside, Lopresti, Ryan & HI-FI give some of their best work with JLI. It is something for them to be proud of. Jurgens gives us a fun book that retains the spirit of the original and yet, different. While it does seem that Booster really overtakes the first two issues, Jurgens breaks down the other characters the remainder of the storyline. I know he'll do well cause Jurgens is the writer that had Blue Beetle Ted Kord beat a Darkseid level like villain, Starbreaker, with his brain. 
 
With all that, I give Justice League International (#1-5): The Signal Masters, an Intercontinential Champ Contendership (4 out of 5). Besides the heavy Booster focus and lack of character balance the first 2 issues, this is a great read. You can pick up all 5 issues at either your local comic shop (like I do) or get them digitally from Amazon or DC.


NEXT WEEK: The Justice League Enters the Dark Side when we go JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK!

VALENTINE'S DAY REVIEW SPECIAL # 2: X-MEN # 30 (THE WEDDING OF SCOTT SUMMERS & JEAN GREY)

VALENTINE’S DAY REVIEW # 2

 X-Men (Volume 2 aka X-Men Legacy) # 30

“The Ties That Bind”

Written by Fabian Nicieza

Art by Andy Kubert & Matt Ryan

Marvel Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez

TALE OF THE TAPE

   Ah. Welcome to another Valentine’s themed review. This time, we are gonna go in the way back machine to the 90s. Yes. The 90s. Where big guns and artist reigned surpreme and the X-Men was the biggest comic book franchise! Between the 90s cartoon and the comics, the X-Men were household names. And it was at this point and time that the X-Men comics were really milking as many mutant as possible . .. well, until the recent Regenesis that is. 

  Before Emma Frost became the premiere love of Scott Summers’ life, there was one other. The love that Scott Summers was meant to be with . .. at least according to many fans at that time. Jean Grey. Yes. Marvel Girl or Phoenix, Jean Grey was a character who really brought you in with her warm and made you awe in her badassery ( yes I just made that word up.)

  Scott and Jean had gone through so much to be together before they got married: particularly the revelation that Cable was Scott’s long lost son, Nathan who he gave away to Mother Askani (aka a future version of Rachel Grey Summers) back in X-Factor #68. The recent crossover with the other X-teams during X-cutioner Song and Bloodties (which featured the Avengers). Wolverine had left the team to heal from having his Adamantium ripped out of his body by Magneto. So the time was ripe for the couple. Which brings us to  “The Ties That Bind”

CLASH FACTS

   Our book opens with a lovely little letter from Logan and there are 2 things I notice right away: 1 – feminine hands holding it & 2 – while the paper of the letter looks pretty beaten up . . . Logan’s got some pretty handwriting. Seriously, that is the best cursive I had ever seen from a guy. The letter is addressed to the wedded couple to be as it was a bit awkard sounding “I’ve never been too good at what I feel inside . . .” to oddly poetic “You go together like fire and ice …like a hurricane and its eye . .. “ all leading that they should look with new eyes as they take the next step in their lives.

  Not bad Logan. Then we get some narration that we are not quite sure who it’s from at first but admits that he’s effected by the day. And honestly, so was I. When this first came out, I screamed at the pages “It’s about time.”  Give me a break. I’m a lover AND a fighter. Back to the comic.

  Jean is complaining about breathing in her dress as Storm and Jean Grey’s mother hit at Jean’s nervousness. Jean admits she wished Logan was there (and with most X-Men fans now, they wished he was there too . .. to take you away from Scott) Storm reminds her best friend (and yes X-fans, Storm and Jean are best friends. People seem to forget that.) that Logan needs time to heal his wounds and while he’s not there physically, he’s there in spirit. Or so you think Storm … or so you think.

 Jean has a heartwarming moment with Ororo as Jean’s mother says to stop hugging or they will never get done. Jean goes on about how her mom is one in a million, Elaine Grey retorts that so is Jean with the genetics to back it up. If only Jean could have seen her mother about a decade later … (That will be a review for another time)  Jean talks with Rachel, who recently fixed their very broken relationship. Jean hugs her future daughter warmly, proud that this day could very well lead to Rachel being born one day.

*grabs a tissue for my eye* I’m not crying. I swear. There was something thrown into my eye.

The narrator continues and while it does not flat out say it, the moment when the narrator says Robert instead of Bobby for Iceman, I figure it was the Professor. Bobby comments how Storm came through for Scott and Jean today with a sunny, 70 degree day . . . in January. (in Upstate New York mind you). And then Bobby points out how embarrassing it would be for the bride to be ready before the group. And we see Scott sitting on a chair with his brother Alex (Havok) across from him, huddled by the other 3 original X-Men, Beast (Hank), Archangel (Warren) and Iceman (Bobby). Beast goes on to say they have “encountered an opponent far more dangerous than Magneto, more devious than Mr. Sinister, more dastardly . . .”

 FOR THE LOVE OF FRELL HANK! IT’S A BOW TIE!

Oh wait, Warren echoes my sentiment while Alex teased his big brother that this is the first day of the rest of his life. (Rest of her life maybe …) Bobby replies that marriage is a death trap while Warren and Hank STILL can tie the bow tie. The narration from Professor X tells of how big the day is starting to sit with Scott when the Professor reveals himself to his students; immediately chiding Bobby for his cynicism. And Charles easily slides in, grabbing to bow tie from his Warren and Hank , admits that this day has him nervous as it clearly shows that they are adults, while he finishes a bow tie and ask if they need the “old Prof” anymore. Scott asks if that was a set up but Charles admits he stumbled upon everything. Scott admits his nervousness with the normal grace you come to expect from ole Cyke:

  “Truth to tell Professor, without you by my side, I’d feel safer walking into the Danger Room alone and naked right now rather than face what’s coming next.”

And Havok immediately chants what the majority of fans were thinking: “Gee. There’s an image that’s stuck in my head now fro the rest of the day . .. “ THANKS CYCLOPS! *facepalm*

 Professor Xavier gives a speech about moving forward and taking the next step and the Heart of the Cards, blah blah blah.  Oh hey. I did that right.

 The Groom, best man and groomsmen all begin to walk out the door as Professor’s narration reveals that while his speech seemed to calm and help out his students a great deal, it did little to give him solace. He goes on about how he’s afraid of losing Scott and Jean forever and wishing he had a better social life so he had some kind of frame of reference. As Charles was transferring himself from his hoverchair to his wheelchair (can’t show all the civilians the fun and wacky Shi’ar tech) he drops his own note from Logan which Rachel picks up. Charles comments that he’s yet to read it and Rachel points out “Goodbyes are always tough . . .especially if you think there’s still a lot left to be said before parting.”

 Charles says he’ll read it later when he catches a glimpse of Jean. You know, this is made creepier when we find out that Charles was in love with Jean himself. EEEEWWWWWWWWW.

  We go outside to see Scott and Alex stand on the altar with the priest with Scott being nervous with all eyes on him. Alex points out the obvious to Scott : “Of course they are. We’re Standing in front of them” and tells his brother to look at them all. Xavier narrates how much satisfaction and pride he has at seeing the X-Men and most of the groups of the X-Men extended family are there for this joyous occasion. He also reveals Scott’s pride in the X-Men and what they stand for when . ..

 Ororo comes out as the Maid of Honor, motion for the wedding march from . . . DEATHKLOK?!  . ..

 SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKKKKKKKKKKKEEEE!!!!

  The wedding band is lead by musical artist and mutant Lila Cheney. Geez! You couldn’t bring back Alison (Dazzler) for this occasion? Ah well. Charles, being the upper class guy that he is reveals that he was never a fan of Lila’s music … until now. Storm walks by when Gambit says how good she looks and finds Scott there: telling her he’s ready to explode.

 Storm taunts that they couldn’t have that and that he’s about to sent to another world where whatever she’ll or anyone will say won’t matter. When he’s about to ask . . .

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNN!!!

 After Jean’s father hands over his daughter to Cyclops, the minister starts a great ceremony that the Professor was kind enough to let us hear. They used a sash as a way to symbolize wedding ties and exchanged rings till the minister proclaimed them husband and wife and tells them “Let’s see a kiss now.”

  Then the couple and the rest of the X-Men gets down to boogie with Professor Xavier still narrating the whole peace. As Xavier oohs and ahs over the happy bride and groom, Lila reveals that the song the couple have chosen was “One” by U2.  Scott and Jean got good taste.

  While the X-Men are having fun, a metal gloved and mouth covered Sabertooth just goes on about how dumb the X-Men are and thinks about making trouble . .. till he is send face furst into the snow with a small little note saying: Don’t Even Think About It!

  Back with the X-Men, Jean throws the bouquet at a stunning collection of X-Men: Storm, Polaris, Domino, Boomer,Wolfsbane, Jubliee, Psylocke and nd more when . .. Rogue flies up to catch the bouquet.  Then Scott takes out Jean’s garter belt when she asked why they agreed to it. Scott answers that Hank told him that Guido (X-Factor’s Strong Guy) would sulk for a week; Jean promises a lecture to Guido latter and Scott throws. Quicksilver, Archangel, Beast, Forge, Guido and more dive for the garter belt .. . if for nothing else but to slip it on Rogue. And with an explosion . .. Gambit ends up holding the belt.

   Gambit’s reply: Now, Mes Amis. Y’ Didn’t think I’d give anyone ELSE a chance t’slip this on the little lady, did you? I t’ink not.

Smooth Gambit. Really smooth.

   And just when you and the professor thought the festivities were over . . . Jean saves the last dance for Charles. Charles protests at first, worried about people who don’t know about their gifts …  HEY CHARLES! Why not start with protesting when Rogue flew the catch the bouquet. Or when Gambit used his powers to make sure he got the garter belt. Or when you have Beast, Nightcrawler and Warren there .. . all with blue skin.  A LITTLE LATE TO WORRY, AIN’T IT CHARLES?!

  Jean says she wants to dance with the Professor and makes it happen with her telekinesis. And after Charles’s start to protest comes one of the best lines I have ever read in an X-Men comic from Jean Grey:

  “ .. . And what if they did know about us, Charles? That I’m a mutant? Or that I’m a woman who wants to celebrate the best day of her life? If dancing with you is what makes me happy and if being a mutant gives me the opportunity to do that then there’s nothing in this world I would rather be than a mutant. And I’m proud to dance with the man who taught me that being one should in no way limit the happiness I can enjoy or the love I might share with those I’m blessed to call my family.”

 . . . I seem to have . .. something in my eye again . ..

 Charles and Scott have a quick exchange, partially on how Havok is coping with the loss of Madrox (look at X-Factor # 100) and then Charles going on about how a great guy Cyclops has grown to become. Cyclops gives the credit to being the man that he is because of Charles, telling the professor than he loves him then leaves the room. And our comic ends with Xavier looking over some papers, opening Logan’s note that simply says:

  “Dear Chuck,

    Lighten up.

   Yer Ol’ Pal,

   Logan “

And again, Charles reflects the same reaction I did to that note .. . laughter.

CLASH TACTICS

   I admit. I am a sucker for a good wedding. And, even with my knowledge of what will happen to this couple, this is a GREAT wedding. The combination of Xavier’s evolution to mentor to friend with the great character bits throughout the issue were fun, insightful and enjoyable.

   It was so good that so many things were touched up on while at the same time making sure it did not affect that pace of the book. And while sure, this was a Cyclops, Jean heavy issue, it was great to see everyone from Rachel, Cable to Wolfsbane and Quicksilver having lines in the book. Nicieza made this issue a stunning wedding cake in comic book format. Layers and layers of sweet, wonderous goodness with a topping of some great Jean/Scott on top. This wedding seemed to really signal a lot of things for the X-Men and these characters.

  Andy Kubert’s art is near breath taking during must of the book and he and Matt Ryan’s inks when Jean came in was a showstopper. There were not inconsistencies artistically as the team renders a beautiful wedding issue. The only real issue I have with X-Men # 30 is Charles’s whole . .. what if the people who don’t know we’re mutants see us. That really seemed to be very misplaced cause he should have said it a lot sooner. I doubt they all had image inducers. And while I love Jean’s speech that spawned from Charles’s line, it was out of place in my mind.

 So overall, a great solid wedding issue. And while it is not the best wedding issue I have read, it is certainly one of my favorites. Even though we know Scott is a man slut.

  X-Men Vol. 2, # 30 gets a Intercontinental Title Spot ( 4 out of 5). It was a strong issue but just that misstep opened a hole bigger than what could be ignored.

And that is all for this particular Valentine’s Day Review. Check out our other Valentine’s Day stuff here on Comic Book Clash and on J1 Studios. Till next time, Keep Clashing.