Check out what I checked out this week.Whether the comics are inspiring or disappointing, I read them all.
Welcome to The Pull List.
And, as always...Spoilers ahead!
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Art: Patrick Gleason & Mick Gray
Colors: John Kalisz
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
The hype surrounding this issue involved the appearance of Carrie Kelley.
However, the meat and potatoes involves Red Robin and Frankenstein.
One of the things Batman is known for is being cool under pressure no matter how bad things are. Damian’s death has not been easy. In fact, it is making him act irrational for the first time, in a long time.
He is emotionally scarred and he “enlists” the help of Frankenstein in order to resurrect his fallen son. Using the Lazarus Pit would have serious repercussions so using a science he can understand is the way he wants to go, even if it is unnatural. Batman is super smart so he knows the ill effects of using Dr. Frankenstein’s methods. This means Batman can be completely taken over by emotion, and it took the death of his son to do it.
That would do it for just about anyone but it’s surprising to see such crazy behavior from The Dark Knight because he is usually the voice of reason when others are on the brink of madness. Another continuity question regarding the New 52 emerged as Batman mentioned how he and Superman died and came back to life. Now, Batman and Green Lantern were the only characters whose pre-New 52 characters were completely left intact but the lettering inside the word balloon was bold for only Superman’s name which could be a telling sign that Doomsday has, or will be a factor in this current universe.
Despite what you see on the cover, Carrie Kelley presence in this story doesn't suggest in the slightest that she will be the next Robin. Still, she was an important part of the story as her connection to Damian pretty much guarantees we haven’t seen the last of her. I don’t want to spoil what her character brings to the table, but it creates a wow factor that opens up a whirlwind of possibilities while creating more questions at the same time. Tomasi and Gleason deserve a standing ovation for their spectacular work on this book as it is a crescendo of action and superb storytelling.
Grade: A+
Writer: Brian Wood
Art: Carlos D’Anda
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb
Cover: Alex Ross
Price: $2.99
Personally, this is one of my most anticipated titles of the month.
Brian Wood has done something very special here. He expands on the mythos that make this franchise so amazing while keeping its familiar and celebrated voice firmly intact. In The Shadow of Yavin, the Rebels are looking for a new base location but the Empire shows up at every turn and every scouting mission.
This leads Leia to the obvious conclusion that there is a spy among their ranks. Wood’s script shows a perilous sense of danger for the rebellion because no matter how many secret protocols are created, a fleet of Star Destroyers appear in the blink of an eye.
Leia is running out of options and you start to feel that she may never find a new home base. That is a testament to how well this book is constructed, because you know they eventually find the planet Hoth, and yet it completely sucks you in. Han and Chewie’s escape from an imperial garrison on Coruscant while flying through the planet's lower levels. Everything about the chase, from the dialogue to the art direction, made me feel that I was watching this unfold in a movie.
I've said it for the last three issues and I’m going to say it again. If you are not reading this series, you are doing yourself a huge disservice as a comic book or Star Wars fan. Read it now!!!
Grade: A-
Writer: Duane Swierczynski
Art: Eric Nguyen
Colors: Michelle Madsen
Cover: Raymond Swanland
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $2.99
This Rated-R crime story is about a vigilante who kills mobsters in a brutal fashion. We don’t get to meet the man behind the mask, but that doesn’t stop readers from enjoying the blood splattering imagery of Eric Nguyen.
Still, one might think getting to know the person who exploits your reading helps you care about a little more about the entire process.
Not to worry. See, the bad guys are the scum of the earth, and seeing them getting their comeuppance is more than enough to sink your teeth into.
While I worry about interest in the long term, Duane Swierczynski has written a great first installment that is worth going out of your way for.
Grade: B
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