Sunday Reading 10-16-11

Sometimes the best way to get things started is to simply cut to the chase. So this week we’re taking a look at: Ducktales #5, Green Lantern #2, Grifter #2, The Cape #2, FF #10 and The Unexpected #1.

Going to be a fast week for me folks, so for those of you that tune in to listen to my vast wisdom and entertaining ramblings, I’m going to have to disappoint you. For those that skip my comments to just get to the meat of the story, well this week is for you.

Ducktales #5

Robert McSantos gave us a good look a few weeks ago at Darkwing Duck and this week he has found another often overlooked gem from Boom Studios’ Disney line, let’s see what he has to say:
“As promised, I’ll be reviewing Boom Studios’ Disney swan song, the Ducktales/Darkwing Duck crossover. Back when these two shows were on the air, they always took place in a shared universe, but never really had a proper crossover before now. One of Mickey Mouse’s old rouges, the Phantom Blot, has set up shop in Darkwing’s hometown of St. Canard, and he’s begun spreading a transformative ink that gives the usual gang of villains a considerable upgrade. Plenty of character moments and action to go around, this one has it all. If this story ends as strongly as it began, we can at least be comforted that these books went out on a high note.”

Hopfully when these titles are ‘reborn’ they will be handled with such care and continue to be just as interesting.

The Cape #2

Adam Schewie takes a trip to the dark side with this interesting take from the independent world of comics:

“This is a dark, dark, DARK book. The main character is no hero and he proves it over the pages of this book. Last issue he dropped a bear on some police, this issue he attacks his mom, light his brother’s face on fire, crushes a cop with a cinder block and at the end he grabs a chainsaw for what I can only imagine is a leather face slaughter fest next issue. “You’ll believe a bad man can fly” was the tag line for this series and it could not have been more accurate, this is a sick individual doing what he considers to be right by those who hurt him over his lifetime. It’s a dark look into the mind of a madman and a fun twisted read that makes it perfect for this time of year.”

Sounds like a good Halloween offering and from reading his review I’m thinking that this might be a book that really appeals to the Vertigo lovers out there, why not give it a look and see what you think.

The Unexpected #1

Speaking of Vertigo, it seems that Adam is reading books in that vien himself right now (or at least this week. Let’s see what he has to say about this Vertigo anthology:

“This is the sequel to the Strange Tales anthology one shot Vertigo released earlier this year and it is another gem that I fear too many are going to over look. The stories in this book vary in quality but they are all fun and deep when you look at them individually. The talent in this book create some great stories that all beg to be followed up on and one is already being upgraded to an ongoing, Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child. That story in particular is a great read, and I cannot wait to pick the ongoing up. But there is also a great story with new Jill Thompson art that spins zombies in a new way, a Joshua Hale Fialkov story that is a tech nightmare, Dave Gibbons channeling his inner escape artist and some of Brian Wood’s last Vertigo work. If you miss some varied Vertigo concepts and books, or the anthology format in general, I recommend picking this up and seeing just how great the format can be with creators who are let free reign on some cool concepts. The book ends up feeling like a good Twilight Zone episode.”

FF #10

The FF continue to be one of Marvel’s strongest books. When you can have an issue that is mainly an “in-between stories” or “set-up” issue as this one is and still have it be an interesting read then it needs to be spotlighted here on the Bloc. The characters moments between Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman were fabulous and shows a married couple that is well written and interesting. My favorite part though comes at the end when the Thing returns to the team and is smart enough to bring along some friends for what is obviously going to be a hugh threat just on the horizon.  Too often in comics I often wonder why these heroes don’t call in their friends when things get really bad, usually writers just add in some throw-a-way line that they are busy, so it’s nice to see that when needed heroes can answer the call.

Grifter #2

Reutrnign to the DCU we have Adam taking on a more traditional book at DC and he seems to be having fun with it, let’s see:
“When I bought issue one of this book I was giving it a try biased on concept alone, a secret war that only the hero can see that makes him look crazy to those around him. It’s a simple concept that has been used in the past and the first issue was okay, but with this second issue I am enjoying this book more and more as the mystery behind what happened is getting deeper, connections are being made and some good old fashion cool action scenes are taking place on the pages. This is a summer blockbuster type of comic, an espionage thriller and it plays that role very well. CAFU has stepped up his game on this book, evoking an almost Gary Frank style to the action that makes it feel that much more grounded and keep with the movie feel. If you didn’t like issue one or avoided it because of subpar reviews give this one a shot, it shows that a second issue can redeem a mediocre first one and keep you entertained, which is the best thing a comic can do. “

Top Recommendation: Green Lantern #2

When DC was talking about this book with Sinestro in the lead Green Lantern role a lot of people balked at the idea. Well, hopefully those people didn’t stray too far because it may be Sinestro with the ring, but this book is really about Hal. Establishing who Hal is without the ring and showing how much the ring is actually a part of who he is, makes for a really interesting read. Playing it all of Sinestro who could almost be a weird twisted version of Hal adds that much more drama to the book. Really looking forward ot seeing how this progresses.
It seems I’m not the only one who put this one in my best pile this week as Adam chimes in once again with his thought on the issue:
“This issue is, more so than the previous one, an introduction for new readers. If you haven’t been following Green Lantern up ’til now, you might consider checking this out. Its purpose is to illustrate the similarities and differences between our two co-stars, and it accomplishes that admirably. Long time readers may be interested to learn that one of the twists from Blackest Night is brought back. This issue won’t tell them much they don’t already know, but is still worth picking up just to see how the characters got from point A to point B.”

That’s it from me this week oh mighty Comic Bloc readers. I hope you have found your weekly reading just as exciting as we have. Feel free to stop I and tell us what you’re thinking, till next time I’m you host Skip Scherer (lionknight) and I’ll see you on the Bloc.