Eat Sleep Geek

Well here we go once more I bring you my thoughts and opinions (whether you want them or not) on some of the comics I have recently picked up, this edition will be a little DC heavy but fuck it it’s my review column. So sit back and enjoy the ride; it’ll be over before you know it.

First up is Batman The Widening Gyre # 1 by Kevin Smith (yes it’s that Kevin Smith) and his buddy Walter Flanagan. Now while I love all things Kevin Smith (be it comics or movies or short Internet films, doesn’t matter I’m all over it like a fat kid on a cupcake) I’m not entirely sold on this mini series yet. It was good but not as good as I was hoping for (maybe it’s just that this week was a really really good week in comics for me so I might be a little bit judgemental) but writing aside we are I guess treated would be the word or maybe not I’m unsure, to Kevin’s long time friend Walter Flanagan’s art style. Now, if you look out there in the web, there`s a mixed reaction to Walt’s work; some hate it and curse him, others like Flanagan`s take on the Dark Knight. And while the art here is decent; in fact, the half and full-page panels look great. Some of the small panels lack the amount of  detail in the larger panels, but it doesn`t affect the story too much. The story itself seems to take place before Batman’s death (since he’s alive and kicking here in this book) and has him facing off against Baron Blitzkrieg, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc and The Demon Etrigan. We are also (briefly) given a glimpse of a new hero whose name is unknown and has come to `The Bats` rescue. So If you like either Kevin Smith`s work, or are curious about Walt Flanagan`s take on Batman and his Rogues Gallery, pick up this book; it’s a nice start and bound to get better. 7 out of 10 Batarangs.

Next another Batman title, this time it’s Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely giving us Batman and Robin # 3. Now I was a bit quick to judge this title after the first issue; as I recall, I spent my time and energy cursing up a storm over the villain and the campy feel of the book. Well after the 2nd issue my fears began to wane ,and after reading the final story in this arc they are all gone. As far as current books on the shelves go, this one`s a winner. The art (as always) is spot on and the scene where Professor Pyg does his dance/ strip tease for Robin is about as frickin creepy as you can get, this is a very sick man… really. The story itself is shaping up to be a great run, with the capture of Pyg, Batman (Dick Grayson) seems to be coming to terms with the mantle of the Bat and gets the vote of Commissioner Gordon. As well at the end of the book we see the Return of The Red Hood (could this be the return of Jason Todd; god I hope so. Another battle between him and Dick would be astounding) I couldn’t be happier with this title and hope they keep Bruce dead for a while longer, so this title gets a real shot. 8.5 creepy doll-like people out of 10.

Next Flash Rebirth # 4 this is another comic I have been taking a shit on in previous posts; I have even gone so far as to say that Geoff Johns is butt-fucking Barry Allen in this comic book (harsh words I know, and I truly felt that way in the first 3 issues) but in # 4 all that changes.   We finally get to see some real action and see why the people who carry the mantle of the Flash are so great. And in issue 5 I know we will get to see just how awesome Barry Allen truly is. This issue has the Reverse Flash trapping Barry in the speed force as he goes off to attack Barry’s family and friends. The issue ends with Barry finding out what the Speed Force really is and the Flash (Allen) escapes from it along with an old friend Max Mercury. Once again Ethan Van Sciver does a great job on this book.  So despite all the negative things I have said, I’m giving this book a 9 lighting bolts out of 10 (maybe this will teach me not to doubt Geoff anymore. My hats off to you on this one Geoff. Sorry for all the flack).

This brings me to my last book and the biggest let down to date, X-men Forever # 6. The story is still sound (well, as sound as it can get what with killing off Wolverine) and in the previous issues Tom Grummett’s work was great (even though it has been under appreciated by some). So for all you whiners out there, while Tom is taking a breather ( I hope it’s not to long) Paul Smith and Terry Austin fill-in, and this turns out to be a huge let down. The only way for me to describe it would be to say it’s like being on the receiving end of a nut-shot delivered by David Beckham. Now I know that will seem really harsh, but when you go from this (Grummett) to this (Smith) there is no other way to describe it . I mean what the fuck; if you are trying to kill your comic this is the way to do it. The cover is great but to buy this just for the cover is not gonna happen. No matter how much I may have liked this comic, I’ll probably pass next time I see it on shelves (unless Tom is back). I’m giving this 4 claws out of 10. It’s not the story for me it was the art it was just too much of a hump to overcome. I walked away from this comic 3 different times and read something else. The art bothered me that much. But then again it’s your 4 dollars.

So until next time this is Cool Terry reminding all of you

“Just because a guy reads comics doesn’t mean he can’t start some $@#%!”
— Brodie Bruce (Kevin Smith)