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REVIEW: “Batman: the Dark Knight” #25

(DC Comics, 2013)

Review by Zakk Saam

Written by Gregg Hurwitz
Artwork by Alex Maleev
Color Artwork by Dave McCaig
Lettering by Carlos M. Mangual

Clayface is back in Batman: The Dark Knight #25. While there seems to be an influx of Clayface stories in the past six months, this is one of the better ones in my opinion. In a story carefully crafted by Gregg Hurwitz (Vengeance of the Moon Knight, Penguin: Pain and Prejudice), Clayface has broken out of Arkham Asylum Continue reading

AgeOfUltron2Cover

REVIEW: “Age of Ultron” #2

(Marvel Comics, 2013)

Review by Chris Ambrosio

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrator: Bryan Hitch
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Cory Petit
Editor: Tom Brevoort

Hey guys I’m back with a review of Age of Ultron issue #2!

I reviewed this issue quite quickly because I am working on a very large review coming sometime next week a double issue review on issues #16 and #17 of Deathstroke. Hope you guys like a little Slade Wilson.

The first astonishing issue of Age of Ultron left the readers with many unanswered questions, which we find out the protagonists and supporting characters are pondering themselves. Ultron’s extreme onslaught brings on a feel that is like no other we have seen before. Continue reading

REVIEW: “Moon Knight” Issues #1-7 (2011 Collection #1)

(MARVEL COMICS, 2011)   -   Reviewed by Feral Fang

MOON_KNIGHT_1_CoverMoon Knight is a character I grew up seeing in multiple guest appearances, team-ups, and more.  I always thought he was interesting (kind of like a mix between Batman and the old Ragman comics), and whenever he has popped up in his own series or mini-series, I’ve bought them and enjoyed them.  Seems I missed the boat on this one, but luckily Marvel has put it into a trade collection, and 1 of 2 total!  This series only lasted to issue #12, which might speak to the fan response to this title but, like some of my other “odd favorites” like ‘Power Man & Iron Fist’, ‘Deathlock’, DC’s ‘the Spectre’ and ‘Deadman’ - well these have never really been popular characters, even with Power Man hanging around the Avengers as Luke Cage.  So, back to this series.  I really enjoyed it!  It has a weirdly played out premise in where Moon Knight/Marc Spector is living in LA, working as a ‘Soldier of Fortune Consultant’ for a television show based on Moon Knight’s origin and story - “Legends of the Khonshu”.  He has four personalities in his head (did I mention he’s kinda crazy in this?  Well, he is.), himself, a Wolverine, a Spider-Man, and a Captain America.  They all talk to him in their individual character personalities (Wolvie wants to tear everything up, Spidey is always cracking jokes and being silly, and Cap is the usual stick in the mud boy scout we all know and love), so that adds a nice touch.  Some of the conversations the ‘other personalities’ have together is priceless, especially when they go against type during some tense scene or two.  Another trick based on this idea is that he can more or less ‘become’ these three, sometimes one at once, sometimes a mixture.  You’ll have to learn how that’s possible when you read it, as I thought the way it was handled was perfect and wouldn’t want to spoil the fun.  Along the way, he picks up some actual back-up in the likes of the superhero Echo, and his ex-SHIELD buddy Buck Lime, who now works on the same TV show designing the weapons Spector orders up for use.  Also along the way, Spector comes across a now-defunct Ultron body, which he takes the head from.  Needless to say, trouble boils up and eventually the real Avengers show to ponder why such a B-List character (as they constantly remind him, as well as people in the streets not knowing/guessing who he is) would have come across something so dangerous.  Anyway, my love for this book has me rambling!  This is a fun read, with a script by Bendis that both makes fun and is in awe of the main character, and Alex Maleev’s artwork is one of the exact styles I’m always obsessed with - a little Bill Sienkiewicz, some line work that reminds me of John Romita Jr., and round it off with a bit of early Jae Lee, and hit “blend”.  That might come close, but Maleev still has an individualism in his art that makes it feel fresh and new.  All as one package, I can see why this writer/artist team has gotten their share of awards, including the Eisner.  They work so well together, it really keeps the book moving strong, pausing a bit when needed.  My favorite scene (not really much of a spoiler) is when Buck Lime wakes from a nap on his couch to find a very angry Bullseye there to question him.  When Lime doesn’t give anything up, it’s revealed it was actually Spector in the Bullseye get-up, testing Lime’s resolve.  Awesome, fun, and maybe not for everyone as it is a bit kooky.  I’ll just leave it at this - I’ll be getting collection #2 just as soon as I can.  Can’t wait to see where this ends up.

- 4 out of 5 Borrowed Super Powers.

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