The "New 52": Six Months Later (The Flash #6 Review)

One of the most highly anticipated titles of the "New 52" was The Flash. It was also one of the most criticized prior to it's release, because of untested writers Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato.  Issue #1 showed us right out of the gate that this title was going to be AWESOME! The artwork is the main hook for this title, both beautiful and intricate....even if there were no words, I'd still collect The Flash just for the artwork!

Manapul and "Booch" have proven that they are not only astoundingly talented artists, but that they can write as well. The opening arc centered on Mob Rule, and was entertaining and interesting.  The beginning of the second arc featuring the"new" Captain Cold is "off the hook"!

Sales are up from the previous Flash title, and it's been a Top 10 seller since the "New 52" began, it boasts the best artwork in DC Comics right now, and the writing is good as well, so Citizen's Grade: AWESOME!

On to the review of issue #6.....

Thief of Thieves #1 (Review)...and a little ranting

I've heard a lot about Robert Kirkman; star creator of The Walking Dead, though I admit I've never read anything of his before. I hadn't even heard about TofT's until a week before #1 was released.....just happened to be on Image Comics' website checking out previews for Saga & Manhattan Projects.  I've heard a lot about Nick Spencer as well, but haven't read anything of his either (he writes a lot of titles for Marvel Comics, but I haven't read any Marvel title except The Incredible Hulk since J. Michael Straczynski left Thor a few years ago).  But they are two very recognizable writers/creators, and I did enjoy the Ocean's Trilogy & love Hudson Hawk......so I gave it a try!

This first issue is as you would expect for a brand new title with a brand new concept, it's all about introductions.

Conan The Barbarian #1 (Review)

I try to like Conan, I really do.....I was excited when I heard of the new Conan The Barbarian series by Dark Horse Comics, following on the heels of the Conan movie (that I enjoyed).  The announcement that Brian Wood (who wrote the acclaimed Northlanders series from Vertigo) would be writing and that Becky Cloonan would do artwork further perked my interest. Then I opened and read issue #1.......

It's well-written, well-drawn, and entertaining. Robert E. Howard's "Queen of the Black Coast" story is one of the most-requested, highly anticipated arcs from the legacy of Conan, and it does not disappoint.  However, it just didn't "do it" for me.  I don't know why.....

Conan The Barbarian (Film Review)

Born on a battlefield, raised as a Cimmerian warrior, witnesses the death of his Father, & becomes a Barbarian.  A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Conan soon turns into an epic battle against equally barbaric rivals, horrific monsters, & impossible odds! Conan soon realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from the dark Khalar Zym & his witch daughter Marique.

The secret to victory & vengeance for Conan is the lovely Tamara, for within her blood is great mystic power to unlock the mysterious mask that Zym seeks for ultimate power and the return of his wife from the dead.  Tamara's destiny; however, is tied to a barbarian who will deliver her from this evil.....enter: Conan!!

The "New 52": Six Months Later (#6 Reviews: part one)

It's six months later....and time to grade the "New 52", and how it's going so far.....I started the "New 52" collecting 11 titles, but have dropped a few (BM: Dark Knight, Mister Terrific & I, Vampire), one is being cancelled (O.M.A.C.), and a few have been relegated to Graphic Novel collecting (Aquaman, Green Lantern, GL Corps, GL: New Guardians, & Justice League), to save $$$ or just have in book form.  Overall, that puts me at -1, but that number will probably go up as a few of the titles are on the fence for various reasons (possible cancellation, financial concerns, or just not interested in where the title is going).  The drop is largest for me in the monthly category (-4 when O.M.A.C. ends), with Image Comics quickly filling 3 spots & Conan The Barbarian (Dark Horse Comics) the other.

In Part One, I have #6 reviews and 6-months-later grades for Deathstroke, Green Arrow, O.M.A.C., & Red Lanterns.......I also have further thoughts about how DC Comics is doing so far at the very end of the post as well.

Book of the Month February 2012

The Tao Speaks: Whispers of Wisdom is one of the most thought-provoking "comic-book style" books you will ever read.  Written and illustrated by Tsai Chih Chung & translated by Brian Bruya, it collects the wise writings of Lao Tzu....considered the "founder" of Taoism.

Although I'm a Christian & not a Taoist (pronounced Dow-ist), I love reading books on other cultures and religions....and this one was fun, enlightening, and thought-provoking.  The artwork is entertaining  and illustrates fully the wisdom and simplicity of one of history's most mysterious and popular figures.

"Not-so-New 52": Issue #5 Reviews (part two)

In our second installment following the "New 52" titles I collect on a monthly basis, we find Aquaman in the desert, The Flash thawing out prison guards, the New Guardians exploring planets within a mysterious vessel, and The Savage Hawkman dealing with the undead!


Which was my favorite of the month?
I'll give you a hint.......

On to the reviews.....and nevermind the mop in the background! lol.