Chirpin’ Tuesday Reviews 01/30/19

Action Comics #1007 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. I liked the Jimmy Olsen part of the story, as I feel he’s an under-utilized character in Rebirth. I’m also intrigued by the Leviathan story so far. But, what I found odd was Lois’ decision to reveal to her father that Clark is Superman.
NickZ: I hope Lois discussed it with Clark before dropping that potentially damaging bombshell!

Age of X-Man Alpha #1 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: Your primer for the newest mutant event that sets up the other titles but this was actually a worthwhile read and now I’m interested in a few of the titles coming from this.
NickZ: Marvel is never going to duplicate the magic of the Age of Apocalypse but this was interesting nonetheless. Jean and Bishop as a couple on the other hand, is a hard NO!

The Amazing Spider-Man #14 (Marvel)
NickZ: To all ungentlemanly callers, do not try to take advantage of Aunt May! She is not having any of that tomfoolery!

Black Panther vs Deadpool #4 (Marvel)
NickZ: His name is Pantherpool and nothing will ever be the same!

Bloodshot Rising Spirit #3 (Valiant)
Infinite Speech: Kevin Grevioux and Ken Lashley are giving fans what they’ve been waiting for with this series!

Books of Magic #4 (Vertigo)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Tim Hunter’s story has so far been removed from the “Sandman Universe” & the Dreaming, but that looks like it will be changing next issue. Tim’s journey so far has been interesting, if a little slow, but this issue has some really intriguing scenes.

Captain America #7 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: Daughters of Liberty?? Yes! Hurry up and bring on the next issue!

Dead Man Logan #3 (Marvel)
NickZ: Captain America finally learned his lesson to butt out and trusts the X-Men to deal with their own!

Detective Comics #997 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. An improvement in the storyline, with really great art. This issue features a cleverly written “escape from the death trap” story, & includes a guest starring role by Thaddeus Brown, the guy who trained Mr. Miracle & Batman to escape traps. Fun!
NickZ: Thaddeus and Bruce are forced to pull a few miracles to get out of their current predicament. Mahnke, Mendonza, and Baron did an awesome job on this cover too!

Flash #63 (DC)
Infinite Speech: Barry’s breakdown regarding Wally was the best part of this issue. The Forces Quest is over and it was a bit of a letdown but hopefully something good comes out of it.
Martin: 4/5 stars. Finally, after months, this issue deals with Barry learning what happened to Wally at Sanctuary. In addition to that, we get the “end” of his Forces Quest, which was a bit of a disappointing end, but sets up a lot of future stories and characters.

Flash Annual #2 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Another great annual (see my tweet about the Justice League Annual #1) that seems integral to the overall story arc of the Flash, rather than a separate stand-alone story. The scenes with Barry & Iris discussing Wally are really great.
Infinite Speech: Looks like 2019 is going to be a good year for Flash fans but not Flash!

Fight Club 3 #1 (Dark Horse)
NickZ: Tyler Durden is back but is it to stir up more trouble or help stop it? The flies and throw up really help set a disgusting atmosphere for this story.

Heroes in Crisis #5 (DC)
Infinite Speech:
How do y’all disrespect Barry by letting Booster Gold get the drop on him?? That last page with Harley should also make you question your “Joker/Harley” relationship goals too. Damn it was emotional
Martin: 3.5/5 stars. Lots of good parts, like Superman’s speech, Booster & Beetle together, & the opening sequence of Booster’s trauma. But, some not-so-good parts,, like Batgirl’s characterization. They better not make the killer who I think they’re trying to!
NickZ: Whether you love or hate this book, you have to admit that it has some great writing and fantastic art! That double page spread of Booster and Blue Beetle with the hidden title was damn clever!

Justice League Annual #1 (DC)
Infinite Speech: The Justice League is constantly screwing up! This entire galactic mess is their fault and I’m loving every minute of it!
Martin: 4.5/5 stars. This issue shows just how epic the series can be, in terms of both the scope of the story and the multiple double-page spreads. This one truly feels like an Annual that needs to be read to understand the entire JL Sourcewall story.
NickZ: The Justice League just f***ed the universe even worse than before! I think this maybe their greatest failure of all time!

Justice League Odyssey #5 (DC)
Infinite Speech: Why are they shocked that Darkseid lied to them?? It’s what he does!!
Martin: 3/5 stars. This series just hasn’t gelled yet, in terms of storylines or the team. Somehow the mismatched team of JL Dark works much better than here. While a lot of secrets & background are revealed this issue, it’s all a bit of a mess.
NickZ: Now that Darkseid’s true agenda has been revealed, lets hope this “team” can keep from tearing itself apart long enough to stop him.

Sparrowhawk #4 (Boom! Studios)
Martin: 4.5/5 stars. A truly heart-breaking issue, as Artmesia makes choices from which she seemingly can’t recover, in particular forgetting the one person that we know she probably has forgotten, but were hoping that somewhere deep inside, she would remember.

Star Trek IDW 20/20 #1 (IDW)
NickZ: Peter David penned the iconic first meeting of Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Howard with that perfect, realistic art that only J.K. Woodward can provide!

Star Trek the Q Conflict #1 (IDW)
NickZ: Every Star Trek fan of any of the first four TV shows needs to be reading this book! One issue in and it is already a classic!

Sword of Ages Hardcover vol 1 (IDW)
Infinite Speech: This world of sword and sorcery and adventure is perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the tights and capes for a while!

Teen Titans Annual #1 (DC)
NickZ: One of the Robins gets beat like a redheaded stepchild. (Hint, It’s not the redheaded stepchild)

The Terrifics #12 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Java actually makes a really fun, unexpected villain! Who would have thought the caveman bodyguard to Simon Stagg could be this creative and menacing? The best part of this issue is the Plastic Man sequence with his son, but the whole issue is good.

West Coast Avengers #7 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: The creative team keeps doing everything right with this series and I’ve now made it a permanent addition to my pull list!
NickZ: This is probably the funnest team book currently at Marvel!

Wonder Woman #63 (DC)
Martin: 4.5/5 stars. The most fun I’ve had reading a DC comic for months, if not years. I laughed out loud while reading it at my local pub. But the characterization & dialogue are that good, coupled with Lupacchino’s visuals. And – I’ve eaten at Old Ebbitt Grill in DC!

X-Force #2 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: Shatterstar has the right idea because I don’t trust new Cable either and why isn’t Sam leading this team?
NickZ: This style of art does not work with this kind of story.

arnab@comicattack.net
infinitespeech@comicattack.net
martin@comicattack.net
nickz@comicattack.net

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