It’s hard to describe The Superior Foes of Spider-Man. It reminds me a little of She-Hulk, in the sense that we discover all the additional aspects of being a villain including dealing with lawyers. I just jumped into the series recently and each number is really entertaining.
Boomerang, Shocker, Overdrive, Speed Demon and Beetle may have backstories and very cloudy pasts but knowing them is not a requirement. That’s good because I wasn’t really familiar with any of them. You can read this from scratch and it’s still a great ride. Contrary to what the description says, #7 is is all about the Beetle’s origin. Contrary to the other scumbag members, she’s resourceful and actually plans things ahead.
There’s almost a Breaking-Bad-esque feel about each issue as each member of the “team” constantly aims at backstabbing and conning the others. There’s no redeeming quality and a lot of character flaws that you will identify with. They’re just a lot more believable than the boy scout personality traits of a superhero book.
Heavily recommended.
Welcome to Forever Evil #4. Despite what the description says we don’t really see a battle ensue between him and Lex. Luthor is gathering his forces to gain the upper hand while the World’s Greatest Detective gathers what he knows about the Justice League to come up with counter plans against the Crime Syndicate. They do meet for one instant before Power Ring converges on all of them – along with Deathstroke and a truckload of baddies.
Whatever I say, you’ll probably want to get this issue just because Bruce will don a yellow power ring for a second. It’s literally a second, he does use it but it’s a bit disappointing. However, perhaps that was his plan all along as he attracts the attention of a certain yellow lantern.
I’d only recommend it if you’re already following the Forever Evil series. There’s a lot of grand stands and foreshadowing but I’ve yet to see a battle worth my time in any of these issues. Definitely not a number that makes me want to tell you to jump in, I’m afraid to say.
Legenderry #1 is a the first of a seven-part comic book run that will include some of Dynamite’s best in a Steampunk setting. That’s kind of someone building a trap with my name on it. Unfortunately, I’m not sold on the execution. Welcome to the Big City. Really, the Big City? Couldn’t come up with a better name here?
I appreciate unnecessary gear craft as much as the next steampunk-hungry fan but please don’t put goggles on someone’s forehead unless they have a reason for it? Makes every sense if you’re working on a machine or piloting some sort of vehicle. Makes no sense if you’re a musician or doorman or a police inspector. I did like the design (a little too close to the Court of Owls but it will do I guess) on the assassins. Steampunk motifs on things that otherwise would have a motif are fine. Unnecessary goggles on someone working a desk job are just too close of a cosplay party.
Don’t get me wrong, I love cosplay. I just didn’t like stuff Vampirella wearing that Lolita hat – within a Steampunk world, it just looks forced. I would point to the amazing imagery from old beloved Lady Mechanika for steampunk fashion done right. I’m still heartbroken about that comic book never making it past its second issue.
The art in Legenderry is not what I was hoping for in this first offering. I’m still holding out for the appearance of Kato and The Hornet with hopefully a well envisioned Steampunk version of Black Beauty. The storyline is not intriguing me so far, so I can’t recommend this book based on it’s first issue.
I don’t usually go for a fourth review, but I wanted to end with a good one. New Paradigm Studios’ Watson and Holmes is a re-envisioning of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson for the upteenth time that I think it works. Holmes and all the characters are here. Even the Baker Street Irregulars appear. The comic book is respectful of its source as well as of its environment.
Transferring Holmes to a modern urban setting as an afro-american has its challenges. Holmes is still the odd type that doesn’t recognize current pop culture but at the same time he’s not out of place in 221 Baker Street, Harlem. John Watson is a medical intern that has seen combat and that’s why he carries a piece. I appreciated most of all that the conversion is not forced. There’s no hip-hop references thrown in every five seconds. There’s social commentary on regular everyday situations that arise from the human condition. Holmes and Watson are human, not black stereotypes. Deduction is still very much Holmes’ game and he plays it well. There’s still a sense of a detective story.
Recommended.
That will do for now.
(Source: Comixology)
Never Think Impossible 