Comic book icon Bryan Hitch took the Justice League to new cinematic heights in the relaunched “Justice League of America.” (Artwork by Bryan Hitch; Property of DC Comics)
Welcome back to Jake’s Comics Review!
Every month, I dive into some of the hottest titles that both DC Comics and Marvel Comics have to offer.
In this edition, I look into two spinoff series from the House of Ideas’ massive crossover event: Secret Wars and the latest chapters from the DC universe.
(By the way, Spoilers are ahead! You have been warned!)
Justice League of America (Vol. 4) #1
Creative Team: Bryan Hitch (Writer/Pencils); Daniel Hendriques/Wade von Grawbadger/Andrew Currie (Inkers); Alex Sinclair & Jeremy Cox (Colorists)
The Justice League is back! Comics superstar Bryan Hitch’s latest book for DC Comics focuses on the relationships between the DC’s Super Seven (Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, Flash, Green Lantern, Superman and Wonder Woman). Up first, the team must deal with the Man of Steel’s one of most dangerous foes, Parasite, who almost wipes out the entire team. Meanwhile, a science group called the Infinity Corporation has stumbled on a catastrophic event that will be caused by Superman’s death. Hitch’s debut issue is a cinematic masterpiece that should be on the Silver Screen and not in comics. The art was impeccable and was superbly detailed, due to all of the inkers that were involved with project. In addition to the Parasite battle, fans will be satisfied with the multiple two page spreads that were sprinkled into the story and might be surprised with the potential villain that was revealed in the cliffhanger. Can’t wait for check out the next issue! A
Dr. Doom and Dr. Strange have deputized countless “Thors” to be the sworn protectors of Battleworld! (Artwork property of Marvel Comics)
Thors #1
Creative Team: Jason Aaron (Writer): Chris Sprouse (Pencils); Karl Story (Inker) Marte Garcia (Colorist)
All throughout Secret Wars, readers discovered that Doctor Doom and his deputy, Dr. Strange, have ordered countless Thors from multiple timelines to protect the massive realm from dangerous outside forces. Thors prominently feature Ultimate Thor, Beta Ray Bill, Throg, Groot Thor, Stormborn, Destroyer Thor and other versions of Asgard’s favorite thunder god! Writer Jason Aaron’s strong knowledge of the God of Thunder’s history will intrigue the reader from the very beginning, while the art team of Sprouse, Story and Garcia brilliantly bring Aaron’s visions to life. In addition, viewers were treated to a cameo by the God of Mischief and the mention of Lady Thor aka longtime Thunder God ally-Jane Foster. If Aaron and his team continue to deliver outstanding work, Thors might be another flagship title for the House of Ideas post-Secret Wars. B+
Longtime Batman ally James Gordon donned an armored version of the cape and cowl in the pages of “Batman.” (Artwork by Greg Capullo, Danny Miki & FCO Plascencia; property of DC Comics)
Batman, Vol. 2 #41
Creative Team: Scott Snyder (Writer); Greg Capullo (Pencils); Danny Miki (Inker); FCO Plascencia (Colorists)
The Batman we all know and love “died” side-by-side with Joker at the end of Endgame a few months back. Now, a new Dark Knight has been chosen and it is…Commissioner James Gordon? The former Gotham City Police Department commissioner has been handpicked by Geri Powers, the CEO of Powers International, to become the next Caped Crusader. While we see that Gordon is slowly accepting responsibility of becoming Batman, someone returns that could bring back the true Batman on the prowl. I have come to trust Scott Snyder as a storyteller and I absolutely love this new direction. By giving the cape and cowl to Gordon over familiar faces like Dick, Jason, Tim and Alfred, unlocks new adventures that both the former GCPD Commissioner and the audience can experience. In addition, the art team of Capullo, Miki and Plascencia continue to be one of best collaboration teams in the comic book industry. I know this is late, but I am giving Batman, Vol. 2 #41–my Book of the Month award! A+
Old Man Logan #2
Creative Team: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer); Andrea Sorrentino (Artist); Marcelo Maiolo (Colorist)
This Secret Wars spin-off highlights the further adventures of “Old Man Logan,” a character introduced by Civil War architects Mark Millar and Steve McNiven. “Old Man Logan” successfully climbed over the barrier that contained his world and transferred over to the Age of Apocalypse, where he encountered that world’s version of his old friends and adversaries. Bendis continues to use his magic touch as he brilliantly continues the legacy that Millar started. The art team of Sorrentino and Maiolo blend the lines between action and horror superbly and is one of the reasons why this book remains a success with fans. B+
Secret Six #3
Creative Team: Gail Simone (Writer); Dale Eaglesham (Artist); Jason Wight (Colorist)
Remember the old saying: “Good things come to those who wait!” For Secret Six fans that were waiting very patiently for the third issue of the fan-favorite franchise to drop, they were finally rewarded and will not be disappointed. The third issue showcased the newly team as they settled into their new home in suburbia. As bonds continued to form between teammates, a new threat emerged as one traitorous member revealed his true colors and contacted Mockingbird, who was revealed to be one of Batman’s deadliest foes. While it may have been a couple of months since we have seen the Six, Gail Simone did not skip a beat with her insightful dialogues between the members. Also, I think fans might enjoy both Porcelain and the Ventriloquist’s uncanny friendship and the formation of Black Alice and Big Shot’s father figure-daughter relationship. Both Dale Eaglesham and Jason Wright continue to deliver home runs with their visually appealing artwork and I hope that these three creators remain on the title for months to come! A
