Summer Recommendations: What to Watch and Read

Trying to find things to watch or read this summer? Well here is a list of some 5 shows or movies on DVD or Blu-ray and comics in trade paperback to read that I recommend getting for the summer:

DVDs/Blu-ray:

1. Avatar: The Last Airbender Seasons 1-3 – Even though this is a show produced by Nickelodeon by watching a few episodes of this cartoon/anime, it's hard to classify it as one of the two, you would not be able to tell. It is a story about a world that is split into four nations: the Water Tribe, the Air Nomads, the Fire Nation, and the Earth Kingdom. In each nation there are some people called 'Benders' that are able to manipulate the element corresponding to their nation (Waterbending, Airbending, Firebending, and Earthbending). While most 'Benders' can only use one element there is a one person born every generation, called the Avatar, that can bend all of these elements. The story revolves around the latest Avatar a twelve year old named Aang who is the last remaining Airbender, won't spoil why that is, in his quest to stop the Fire Nation who now control most of the world and are trying to control the parts that they don't. This series is split into three seasons, all out on DVD. The show is masterfully done with its epic story, some of the best fighting choreography, and all out stunning animation that you will be hooked on the show.
   
   
2. Chuck Season 1 – Maybe one of the most underrated show that was close to cancellation after its second season this year, but luckily it will come back for a third season. This is a great comedy/action show that center's around an everyman-type character named Chuck, obviously, whose life changes after his ex-friend turned nemesis, or so he thinks, sends him a program that basically installs a computer in his brain with a bunch of government secrets. The CIA and NSA find out Chuck has all of their information and each sends their best agent to protect him, one of which is named Sarah who may be the hottest woman on TV ;). Even though I might not have done the show justice with my brief synopsis of the show it is still a very entertaining show that has some great comedy and action.
   
   
3. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete (Blu-ray) – If you're as big of a Final Fantasy as I am this Blu-ray is a must have. Even though the movie came out on DVD a few years back this new release on Blu-ray actually has 30 minutes of more footage inserted into the film. And all of the CGI work on this movie is just breathtaking. Even if you're not a Final Fantasy fan I can guarantee that this will probably be one of the best looking movies you will have in your collection. All of the CGI work on this movie will make you jealous at how beautiful everything looks.
   
   
4. PSYCH Season 1-3 – Now officially the third season won't be released on DVD until next until next week this is still a great comedy show about a guy who uses his heighten observational skills to make people believe he is a psychic. Even though this is a crime show it is not to be taken as one as the mysteries only help to lead the main characters through some great comedy and should not be taken seriously. And if you're a fan of a lot of 80s and early 90s movies and TV shows this is one show that has a bunch of references to those movies and TV shows which works great with the comedy.
   
   
5. The Spectacular Spider-Man Season 1 – If you are looking for the best comic book cartoon there is, next to Batman: The Animated Series, then look no further than The Spectacular Spider-Man. This is the show that any fan of Spider-Man, young or old, will enjoy. The creators behind this show nailed every aspect that made Spider-Man one of the most popular comic book characters. This show is just pure fun. The first season just came out on DVD which contains all thirteen episodes and is only $20. I definitely recommend buying or renting this show as I sure even the mild Spider-Man fan will enjoy.
   

Trade Paperbacks/Comics:

1. Astonishing X-Me Vol. 2 – For all of its delays Joss Whedon and John Cassaday run on Astonishing X-Men was maybe one of the best X-Men runs in the past decade. This hardcover collects the last two story arcs of their run and for all of the problems with the current X-Men this, along with the first two story arcs, is definitely a must for any X-Men fan. And if you are looking to get into comics and/or the X-Men this is a collection that can get you into these characters without having to buy much more than this and the previous volume/softcovers of Whedon and Cassaday's run.
   
   
2. Batman: Hush – Now I put this trade on the list for new comic book readers than the older ones. Say what you will about Jeph Loeb's current work but there was a time when he was a competent writer and his Batman: Hush storyline is a very good read and a great jumping on point for new readers. Even though the current direction of Batman has someone else under the cowl, Dick Grayson, Loeb's Batman: Hush is a good way to get into comics. And even for Batman fans this is a good storyline that while having its weak moments was an overall well told and entertaining story.
   
   
3. Immortal Iron Fist Omnibus – This omnibus collects all of Fraction and Brubaker's run on this title that was vastly underrated when first released. Fraction and Brubaker do a great job reinventing Iron Fist to be a much more appealing and powerful character than he was before. Through their run they tell a great narrative and if you are a fan of old school martial art movie fan and a shonen manga fan this is a great series to get you into comics.
   
   
4. The Stand Series/(eventual)Hardcovers – While it has been about 6 or 7 years since I read Stephen King's The Stand book this reminded me of everything that was great about that novel. Even though these collections do not hit every plot point from the book, which would be impossible to do in a comic, it is still able to capture the setting and tone of the novel perfectly. With some great artwork by Jae Lee this is definitely a couple trades/hardcovers that will look great in your collection.
   
   
5. X-Men/Spider-Man – This mini-series is one of my favorite mini-series that came out last year. If you are a Spider-Man or X-Men fan this is a great mini that spans the different eras of both franchises from the beginning to the pre-Dark Reign stuff. This is a series that definitely provides the necessary nostalgia and reminds you why you love these character. If nothing else this is a mini-series that is beautifully drawn by Mario Alberti whose art style is a bit reminiscent of how Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko use to draw the characters.
   

This is just some of the things to get this summer and if there is anything on the list that you felt was left of the list let me know.

Green Lantern #43 Review

Creative Team
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Doug Mahnke
Inkers: Christian Alamy
Colorist: Randy Mayor

Story – Blackest Night Prologue: Tale of the Black Lantern

Review
After going through two arcs were it felt as though Johns was phoning it in we finally get a good solid effort by Johns on Green Lantern. The biggest weakness of "Agent Orange" was that it felt as though Johns was stretching a story that was clearly made to be told two issues into a four part story. With all of Johns recent work on Green Lantern I was actually becoming worried that he was losing it and that the pressure of providing the epic story that fans have was getting to him. But issues like Green Lantern #43 made me remember just how good Johns is.

I like that it only took Johns one issue to gives us the back story of the leader of the Black Lanterns, Black Hand, and what dead characters we expect to see become Black Lanterns. Even though we got some of William Hand's, Black Hand, origin story back in the "Secret Origins" arc I thought the expansion Johns made on his origin to be well done. There has already been a creepiness factor built into some of the Red and Orange Lanterns as they possess a horror picture character type feel to them but what Johns did with Black Hand in this issue put Black Hand and the Black Lanterns on a different level. All the scenes with Black Hand in this issue, especially his suicide, all had a creepy vibe to them which the final splash page of the issue just into a sick moment, as can be seen in this week's Legen--wait for it--dary Highlights of the Week.

Doug Mahnke artwork on the issue made the whole story in this issue, especially the ending, even better. Mahnke provided the solid artwork that Green Lantern has been missing. Hopefully Mahnke can stay on schedule as his artwork is a great fit for this title.

Also, while none of the future Black Lanterns where surprising, as DC has spoiled who most of the members are going to be, it thought making Black Hand the Herald of the Black Lanterns, like Ion, Parallax and Predator, was a good move. This puts more of an emphasis on Black Hand and what makes him special within all the star power that the Black Lanterns will have.

Issue Rating
Story: 7.8/10 – Johns provided a solid origin story to Black Hand and the Black Lanterns as he shows he can still do a solid job with one issue stories.
Art: 9.7/10 – Mahke's artwork throughout the issue was excellent. Hopefully he can keep to the schedule as he could do an excellent job with the tie-in issues Green Lantern is going to have with Blackest Night.
Overall: 8.75/10 – Green Lantern #43 was a very good issue that does a nice job setting up Blackest Night. While I have my reservations about the event I fully expect that Johns will be able to deliver with Blackest Night.

Anime Review: Bleach 131 & 132

Ep. 131 – "Rangiku's Tears, the Sorrowful Parting of Brother and Sister"

Review
If there has been anything that these four filler episodes of Bleach have shown us is that this anime does not need Ichigo and his gang to be the primary focus in order to give a good episode. If there is one thing that Bleach has more than other animes, and shows in general, is a deep secondary cast that is just as interesting as the primary cast.

It was good to see Rangiku's character being explored more than just a fan service character. While Rangiku has had some moments were we have seen the big sister/motherly side of her character this arc did a nice job reinforcing that. Also I enjoy seeing her zanpakuto is different from the average zanpakuto that transforms into a different form of a sword or weapon which makes it so a bit more unpredictable.

As for Shota's character for an anime exclusive character I think four episodes was enough for him not to become annoying like certain other anime exclusive characters. He had a nice character arc through these four episodes that felt like it had a nice ending with him rejoining his sister in the Soul Society.

Also this filler arc did a good job showing why Hitsugaya is one of the most popular characters on the show. He had an impressive showing with how strong he is by used his Bankai and spiritual pressure without having the limiter that captains and lieutenants have released. The fight between him and the scorpion Arrancar was good for a filler fight.

Overall this was a nice filler arc that helped give some face time to the secondary cast of this show.
Episode Rating – 7.5/10

Ep. 132 – "Hitsugaya, Karin, and Soccer Ball"

Review
In another filler episode we got an episode that was a Karin-centric. It was a bit weird seeing Karin get her own episode without having her twin sister or Don Kanonji involved. But I guess with her revealing to Ichigo that she has known for a while that he was a Soul Reaper that the anime creative team wanted to give her character more face time to develop her character.

And for what it was this was an average episode involving her trying to beat some middle school at soccer kids with her friends. It was interesting seeing how the creative team had Hitsugaya become involved in the story. With the interaction between Karin and Hitsugaya, and later with Rangiku, I wonder were her character will go from here as she looks to get some spiritual powers of her own.

Also I found the comedy of this episode worked pretty well. I guess what made the comedy of this episode work was that it did not involve Kon, who has been used as the main source of comedy for the show, and showed that he isn't needed to get some comedy into the show.

Overall this was an okay for filler episode. Though it looks like we are going to get more filler episodes next week with an Ikkaku centered episode next.
Episode Rating – 6.9/10

Legen-wait-for it-dary Comic Book Highlights of the Week 7/8/09

Cover of the Week: Booster Gold #22

Call me a sucker for the old Wolfman/Perez era Teen Titans but I just think this cover for Booster Gold does a good job capturing how Perez drew the Teen Titans and Deathstroke.

Batman #688 Highlights

Well it looks like being Batman won't be working out for Dick Grayson as he gets his ass kicked three weeks into the (DC) future.

"Smile for the camera Batman! You are on Box News."

That is one big cape. It is actually good to see Winnick is addressing the difference between Bruce and Dick's fighting styles, as well as why Dick did not wear a cape as Nightwing. To bad Morrison addressed this last week.

Is this the first sign of respect that Damien is giving Dick? In any case it will be interesting to see were Winnick, as well as all the other Bat-writers, takes this plotline of Dick being the one to train a new Robin.

This plotline of Harvey figuring out that it is not really the original Batman under the cowl but the first Robin is a nice pick up from were Tomasi left the Nightwing/Two-Face story back in Nightwing #151.

Green Lantern #43 Highlights

Black Hand has some weird as fetishes. I don't think those bones consented to the acts Black Hand has in mind.

Just some of the faces we should be looking to see brought back as Black Lanterns. Though no one from this list is surprising.

Well I guess being rejected by a bunch of bones really put Black Hand over the edge and he decided to off himself.

Okay I'll admit while I did not like this issue of Green Lantern this was a pretty badass way to end the issue.

Red Robin #2 Highlights

Damn Tim! Didn't anyone ever teach you manners. Always help a girl up after kicking her in the gut.

Bump........bump........bump! Tim just made a deal with the devil. This is sure to end up well for Tim. NOT!

Legacy Shorts: Comic Book Reviews for 7/1/09

Batman and Robin #2

Creative Team
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quietly
Colorist: Alex Sinclair

Story – The Circus of Strange

Review
After a great first issue this second issue to the new flagship title of the Batman franchise was another fun read. Even though this issue wasn't as good as the first this was still a fun read. After going through Morrison's Batman RIP and Final Crisis it is good to see that Morrison is still able to tell a fun and interesting tale that does not become too convoluted for the reader to follow. What Morrison is doing with Batman and Robin is a great showcase of how talented he is as a writer when he lets loose with all the great ideas he has in his head.

Even though Morrison did not write Dick Grayson's character at all during his run on Batman until Batman RIP he is clearly having fun writing all of Dick's dialogue in and out of the cowl. In these first two issues he is doing a great job showing an evolution of Dick's character as he tries to adjust to his new role as Batman. Unlike the first go around as Batman this time around Dick thinks Bruce is dead and is not coming back. Because of that fact there is more of an adjustment as Dick wants to keep Bruce's legacy alive and doing it in his own style at the same time. It will be interesting to see how long Dick adjust to his new role as Batman and really claims the mantle for himself and not just because he is Bruce's heir.

Also I continue to like the interaction of between Dick and Damien. It is interesting seeing how the roles of Batman and Robin have flipped. It makes things interesting as it is Dick who is trying to get Damien to accept him as Batman and that they have to work as a team and not the other way around. Even though I still find Damien annoying something about having Dick around allows for scenes with Damien to be more balance than his scene's with Bruce and Tim.

Issue Rating
Story: 8.6/10 – Morrison did a great job handling Dick, Damien, Alfred and Gordon's characters and I look forward to seeing how he handles the various relationships between the characters.
Art: 8.5/10 – Frank Quietly art looked as good as always though I he went a little over board with his inking in this issue.
Overall: 8.55/10 – Batman and Robin #2 was another solid issue to the flagship title to the Batman universe. There is plenty for both new and old readers to like about these first two issues.

Captain America: Reborn #1

Creative Team
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artists: Bryan Hitch & Butch Guice
Colorist: Paul Mounts

Story – Reborn

Review
With all the build up that Marvel put into this series I had high expectations for this issue especially with the creative team behind this series. Ed Brubaker has shown to have a great handle of the Captain America franchise and both Bryan Hitch and Butch Guice are great artist with Hitch having always giving his art a blockbuster movie type feel to it. But just like Flash: Rebirth this series looks to be a disappointing return of a fan favorite character: Steve Rogers.

The logic used by Brubaker to bring back Steve feels like a DCU idea and not an idea that fits with the Marvel Universe. The logic Brubaker used in this issue kind of gives this series and the return of Steve's character a rushed feel. It has only been two years since Steve's death and it feels like Marvel just wanted him back in time for the Captain America movie to come out.

Even though Brubaker did a solid job with all of the dialogue in this issue it just feels like this story came to quick and we still could have gotten more stories out of Bucky as the new Captain America. I have even come to enjoy Bucky as Captain America much more than when Steve was in the role.

The big positive that this issue does have going for it is that this is an extremely new reader friendly issue. Brubaker provides plenty of back story for new readers to get into this series and what he has been doing with Captain America. So I'm sure readers who are only getting into Captain America because of this series will enjoy this issue much more than readers who have been reading Captain America for the past few years.

Issue Rating
Story: 5.3/10 – Brubaker does a solid job with his writing though the story falls flat with the logic used to bring back the first Captain America.
Art: 9/10 – As always Hitch provides plenty of great looking artwork and his artwork, with the help of Butch Guice, helps to distract from all of the weaknesses of this issue.
Overall: 7.15/10 – Captain America: Reborn #1 was a disappointing start to a book that got as much hype as Marvel has given it over the past few weeks. Hopefully Brubaker, Hitch, and Guice can deliver in with future issues as there is potential for this story to be a good read.

Invincible Iron Man #15

Creative Team
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colorist: Frank D'Armata

Story – The Danger We're All In

Review
So far "World's Most Wanted" has been a mixed bag for me as there have been both good and bad things about this story. For the most part Fraction has only been mixing different plot lines from other Iron Man stories and has not introduced anything new to Tony that he has not faced before in past. The only thing he has added is that Tony is losing his intelligence which can only be taken so far before it becomes dull. Also it has not helped that Salvador Larroca's art continues to look way to shiny for its own good, though he has been improving.

Also I have not liked what Fraction has done with Pepper. She has become such an annoying character since the beginning of the series that I really do not care what happens to her and just wished she would disappear.

Though I will give Fraction credit for making me like Maria Hill much more than I did before this story. And with her teaming up with Black Widow it is her part of the story that I am finding to be most interested in.

Also I did like that Fraction finally decided to build up a villain for Tony to face as Madame Masque actually looked like a credible villain. I was actually surprised that Fraction provide some good character dialogue for Madame Masque and it will be interesting to see how Tony gets out of the situation he is in.

Issue Rating
Story: 6.7/10 – When not writing Pepper I thought Fraction did a solid job with the dialogue though he has to do this on a more constant basis before I start giving him a higher rating.
Art: 6.2/10 – Larroca's art has been improving as this story has been moving though I am still not a big fan of his artwork.
Overall: 6.45/10 – Invincible Iron Man #15 was an improvement over the last issue. Hopefully Fraction can build off this improvement and deliver back-to-back quality reads which he has yet to do.

Legen-wait-for it-dary Comic Book Highlights of the Week 7/1/09

Cover of the Week: War of Kings #5 Alternate Cover

As has been the case with almost all of the War of Kings alternate covers this alternate cover for War of Kings #5 is just pure awesomeness. It really gives the reader a sense of how powerful the usually silent Black Bolt really is when he let's loose

Batman and Robin #2 Highlights

Already in their first appearance the new Batman and Robin are seen as a different team than the previous Dynamic Duo. How long until word gets out the original Batman died I wonder?

I don't know what is worse: getting shot in the head or being hugged to death by a fat person in a ballerina costume. I'll would just take the former.

I'm glad to see that Dick is actually being shown as the only one that could have taken Bruce's place as Batman and that he has yet to be shown to have to use much effort to take down thugs and villains. Now let see how he does against Two-Face and Ra's Al-Ghul as Batman since he faced them as Nightwing not to long ago.

I like that Grant Morrison is allowing Dick to be Batman in his own style and not just copying everything Bruce did as Batman. And I like the new ride.

Captain America: Reborn #1 Highlights

Nothing like seeing Captain America and the US soldiers going into battle against the Nazis in WWII. It is really the only time seeing Nazis in comics works.

Captain America (Bucky) vs Ares = Sick battle for issue #2. Can't wait!

Damn! Can't believe Norman didn't go all psycho Green Goblin on Arnim Zola after being called a dumbass for not understading what Red Skull and Zola did.

And here we go again. This is were Marvel will now be exploring a Quantum Leap type storytelling to bring Steve back.

Green Lantern Corps #38 Highlights

Do not mess with the Daxamites. Does anyone else get the feeling we may get a war between New Krypton and Daxam.

The Guardians just pulled an Eric Cartman and showed Kyle and Guy why they should not question their authority.

This was a much better set-up to Blackest Night than what Geoff Johns did to set up the event in Green Lantern. After seeing this image I can't wait for Blackest Night in two weeks.

Invincible Iron Man #15 Highlights

Didn't Tony read Barney Stinson's "The Bro Code" book. Not cool Tony. Not cool. It's bad enough that Tony banged his dead best friend ex-wife but now he does not even remember him. That is harsh man.
I'm surprised this doesn't happen to Tony every week with how many ex-girlfriends and chicks he has banged.

Hey I like my chicks crazy too, but I do not like them looking all shiny which is standard for Salvador Larocca's artwork of people.

So we are finally going to see what is behind that mask. How much do you want to bet that she looks so beautiful that she couldn't stand it.

War of Kings #5 Highlights

Even while fighting a war a guy should always make time to play with his dog.

And that my friends is Vulcan being told to grow a pair or die. Great moment and makes me like Talon even more.

Well I guess Vulcan decided to take Talon's advice to grow a pair and decided to end the war personally.

I don't know what I would like to see more Vulcan vs Black Bolt or Crystal vs Medusa. Is their any chance we can get both in the next issue?

Do not mess with Gladiator. I almost forgot how powerful Gladiator was and man this is one guy you do not want to piss off.

In this one scene Rachel got more development than she has had in about a decade.

Cannot wait. Black Bolt vs Vulcan has been the fight we have all been waiting for. The fight between these two powerhouses should be epic.

Legen-wait-for it-dary Comic Book Highlights of the Week 6/24/09

Alright I decided to move up the highlights of the week to come out a bit earlier. So now I'll be posting the highlights of the week on either Friday or Monday after the release of new comics.

Just to start things off this weeks Highlights of the Week were else to start but pay homage to the greatest music video ever:

Thriller (Remastered) @ Yahoo! Video

Whatever Michael Jackson may have done in his personal life, like Elvis Priestly, he will always be one of the best musical performers that we have had. Anyways, on to this weeks Comic Book Highlights of the Week.

Cover of the Week: Avengers/Invaders #12

Just like last weeks cover of the week Alex Ross always provides some awesome covers and this cover for Avengers/Invaders #12 was just another poster worthy cover.

Amazing Spider-Man #598 Highlights

This scene just cracked me up with what Spider-Man made Bullseye say.

Man, can't Norman just keep it in his pants. I wonder if Harry will tell his baby brother that he banged his half brother's mom.

Wow!! That is pretty hardcore for Spider-Man.

"Harry Osborn, Suit Up!" --Barney Stinson

Daredevil #119 Highlights

Why do ex's always feel like they have to mess with your life even in death.

Matt really needs to grow a pair and finally show some backbone.

Why do I get a bad feeling that this story won't end well for Dakota? I really liked her as a character but just like any woman that gets close to Matt she may become another victim of "Women in the Refrigerator" syndrome.

Green Lantern #42 Highlights

Hal finally stops with all the self-doubt and builds his own Green Lantern Corps.

Never sleep with the enemy John. Well unless they are as hot, or hotter, as Fatality then it is okay.

Is Hal one step closer to becoming a White Lantern? Hmmmmm!

I just thought this pic was much better rotated this way. Great spread.

Wonder how the Blue Lanterns will feel after finding out they were sold out by the Green Lantern Corps Guardians.

Let the Zombies rise.

Guardians of the Galaxy #15 Highlights

This is one of the first times since War of Kings #1 that I have seen Black Bolt show any emotion.

Easily the moment of the week. Cosmo is awesome.

Only Rocket Raccoon can go from kicking ass to crying and still be awesome.

Nova #26 Highlights

It's great to see Richard Rider back as Nova Prime. Everything is right with the universe now. Oh wait, War of Kings is ripping the universe apart. My bad. At least Richard is back as Nova.

Hey if I was Ko-Rel I would be complaining about dying because Richard couldn't keep his woman in line.

I guess Robbie doesn't need big bro's help. Or does he?

Teen Titans #72 Highlights

"Must not give into temptation" --Jaime

Who knew Aquagirl was so kinky. My kind of woman.

No better way to learn the teenage way of life than playing some DDR.

The return of the Fearsome Five. This story arc does look like it has a lot of potential.

Wolverine: Weapon X #3 Highlights

Wolverine is the king of the Columbian jungle.

Man the Strikeforce X members do not mess around. The guy Wolverine captured ripped out his own eye just so that Wolverine wouldn't be able to track him. Hardcore!

Legacy Shorts: Comic Book Reviews for 6/24/09

Amazing Spider-Man #598

Creative Team
Writer: Joe Kelly
Artists: Paulo Siquieira & Marco Checchetto
Inkers: Siquieira, Checchetto, & Santos
Colorist: Jeromy Cox

Story - American Son Part 4 of 5

Review
"American Son" continues to be one of the best Spider-Man stories we have gotten in a long time. Joe Kelly is just delivering everything you expect of a Spider-/man story. He provides soap opera drama, comedy, and action. And really this is how comic book stories should. This story feels like it is a game changer for Amazing Spider-Man. Not the Marvel Universe. Just Amazing Spider-Man.

I think as to many writers in this era are trying to make their stories universe changing event instead of building on what has been told before in that book. And by doing that many stories do not feel like they deliver like they should, which is what is hurting a lot of Dark Reign stories. But what Joe Kelly has done with "American Son" is use the current status quo of the Marvel Universe as only a backdrop for his story that really does not build on Dark Reign but on the stories all the Amazing Spider-Man writers have been telling this past year. At no time do I feel like it will affect the greater Marvel Universe. This story only feels like it affects Amazing Spider-Man which is how all stories in comic books should feel like.

I love everything Kelly is doing with Peter, Harry, Norman, and even Norah. All these major characters feel important to the story and all get great character development during the issue. There are plenty of moments that I enjoyed in this issue that I could mention but the my favorite scene out of the whole issue has to be the short interaction between Peter and Bullseye. That scene was just plain funny.

The only thing that I did not like is the storyline with Lily and the true father of her baby which was unsurprising. Though the reveal feels more of an apology by Marvel to fans for screwing over Gwen's character. But still the real reason I hate what is going on with Lily is that I just have never liked the character and this only makes me dislike the character more.

Issue Rating
Story: 9.4/10 - The Lily story aside, Joe Kelly is doing a great job telling a phenomenal Spider-Man story. Kelly just has a great handle for Peter, his supporting cast, and all the villains involved in the story.
Art: 8/10 - Siquieira and Checchetto provide plenty of solid artwork for this issue. The only gripe I had with the art was with how they drew Invisible Woman.
Overall: 8.7/10 - Amazing Spider-Man #598 was another solid issue. And if you have yet to pick up, or re-pick up, Amazing Spider-Man I highly recommend getting "American Son" when it comes out in trade format as it has been a great Spider-Man story

Green Lantern # 42

Creative Team
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Philip Tan & Eddy Barrows
Inkers: Jonathan Glapion & Ruy Jose'
Colorist: Nei Ruffino & Rod Reis

Story - Agent Orange Part Four

Review
It may be because Johns has been so focused with Blackest Night but over these past few months the quality of his work has really dipped down. Green Lantern is still one of my favorite titles to get every month but Johns has really taken all the fun out of this title with these past few story arcs. "Agent Orange" while a fun concept just feels like it dragged on one to many issues and it should have been only three issues and not four.

There are some fun concepts like Hal gaining control of the Blue Lantern ring and creating his own construct of Green Lantern Corps, the scene between John and Fatality, and what is going on in the hunt for the Anti-Monitor. But just something about how Johns put these storylines together just feels disjointed and he really rushed through each storyline to get it over with.

It also does not help that the art for this issue was not very good either. Both Tan and Barrows are good artist but working together on this book, with two set of inkers and colorists, did not help the book to feel less disjointed. It actually felt worse as it just looks like they rushed this issue out.

Issue Rating
Story: 4.2/10 - While Johns dialogue was okay in this issue the way he has told this "Agent Orange" story arc was not well told and not up to the standard of his previous work.
Art: 5.5/10 - While seperately Tan and Barrows are good artist together they just did not work well and gave us a sloppy looking issue.
Overall: 4.85/10 - Green Lantern #42 was a very disappointing end to what was already a boring story. "Agent Orange" is a completely skippable storyline that readers looking forward to Blackest Night do not need to read at all.

Guardians of the Galaxy #15

Creative Team
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Artist: Brad Walker
Inkers: Victor Olazaba & Livesay
Colorist: Jay David Ramos

Story - War of Kings Tie-In

Review
While this was not the epic action packed issue that I was expecting DnA provide plenty of great action and character develop that further develops the overall War of Kings storyline. From the looks of this issue this story takes place right after War of Kings #4 and right before issue #5.

What has been great about Guardians of the Galaxy is that it has returned to being just a fun space opera/action book that it should be. DnA understand the perfect times when the characters should be serious and when to insert some comedy. All the action with the Guardians, Inhumans, and Shi'ar was all well done and help show what these characters act like during crisis. All the characters were handled well and it makes me look forward to what will happen in War of Kings #5.

The only complaint I had with this issue was Walker's art towards the end of the issue. While all the art was great for about 2/3 of the issue the last 1/3 just did not look good especially Rocket Raccoon. Rocket just looked ugly and like he had rabbies.

Issue Rating
Story: 8/10 - DnA continue to have a great handle on all of the characters involved in War of Kings and they know how to use all the fighting to provide great character work.
Art: 7/10 - Walkers art was good for most of the issue and it was just the end of the issue that the art really looked horrible.
Overall: 7.5/10 - Guardians of the Galaxy #14 was another exciting issue that adds a lot to what is going on in War of Kings.

Teen Titans #72

Creative Team
Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
Artist: Joe Bennett
Inker: Jack Jadson
Colorist: Rod Reis

Story - Child's Play: Ring Around he Rosie

Review
It may be because my expectations for Teen Titans have rellay been lowered a lot over the past year and a half but this, and the last, issue have been good issues. This issue had some great interaction between all of the Titans and it finally feels like this is a team again as the various characters are finally able to get to know one another. I just like how all the Titans, sans Cassie, were able to just go out and hang out like friends not just teammates. This is something that has been missing from this title for a long time.

The Titans have always been more like the JSA than the JLA as the Titans have always been more of a family than a bunch of individuals fighting together. And it is nice to see them do this again. I especially loved the little love triangle going on between Jaime, Traci 13, and Lorena. It definetely lead to some funny moments in this issue.

Also the back-up with Ravager was farely entertaining and I am looking forward to seeing what McKeever has in store for my favorite Teen Titan character.

The only complaint I have is continued deevolution of Cassie's character. Instead of interacting with the team she just continues to distance herself from the team. And with the return of Connor I get the feeling that any developmet with Cassie will be thrown out in favor of her returning to being Connor's girlfriend. Which is a shame since Cassie's character does have room to grow but it just doesn't feel like the writers of this title know that.

Issue Rating
Story: 7.6/10 - Miller does a nice fill in job as he understands what makes the characters tick and McKeever does a good jo with the back-up story.
Art: 7.7/10 - Barrows provides plenty of solid artowork though there were times where the artwork had some inconsistencies.
Overall: 7.65/10 - Teen Titans #72 was a solid issue that brings back the fun this title has been lacking for a long time.

Wolverine: Weapon X #3

Creative Team
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Ron Garney
Colorist: Jason Keith

Story - The Adamantium Men Part 3 of 5

Review
If it wasn't for this weeks Amazing Spider-Man issue Wolverine: Weapon X would have been my book of the week. Aaron is doing a great job just telling a solid Wolverine story.

Aaron understands that he does not have to reinvent the wheel and that he just needs to put his characters, in this case Wolverine, in fun and interesting situations and let the character be him/herself. "The Adamantium Men" is not a new story that Wolverine has not been in before but it is just a fun story that brings the character back to his roots.

The cat and mouse game between Wolverine and Strikeforce X in the Columbian juggle provide plenty of solid action, though not as good as the last issue, that Garney does a good job illustrating. While most of the Strikeforce X characters are your generic villain soldier villains they are at no point boring characters. And I like the corporate executive that is behind the hunt for Wolverine as he is just your good old fashion corporate sleeze ball looking for any way to profit.

Issue Rating
Story: 9/10 - Aaron continues to have a great handle Wolverine's character and build a nice villain organization for our hero to go up against.
Art: 8/10 - Garney provides plenty of solid artwork and I especially dug his artwork for the Columbia jungle scene.
Overall: 8.5/10 - Wolverine: Weapon X #3 was another solid issue and if you are looking for a good Wolverine title to read this is the only Wolverine title that is worth reading at the moment.

Legen--wait for it---dary Comic Book Highlight for 6/17/09

Check out my reviews for last weeks comic book cartoons, Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem #1 and Invincible Iron Man #14 over at Rokk's Comic Book Revolution. Also I posted a new poll here on the Legacy to see if I should change the day of when I post the Highlights of the Week or keep them on the same day. So let me know what you think by voting on which day I should post them. Now on to the highlights of this week.

Cover of the Week: Captain America #600 (Alex Ross variant)

Even though I am not a big fan of Alex Ross's interior artwork I always love his cover's. He always knocks it out of the ballpark with his covers and this one for Cap #600 is no difference. Wouldn't mind having this as a poster in my room.

Captain America #600 Highlights

Nothing like seeing the original Avengers team to remind you how good the Avengers used to be as a team and not a group of individuals.

Got to wonder what this gun actually did to Steve: Did it transport him to an alternate world? Into the past? Future? Or something else?

Nothing like some good old training with some friends.

Well Red Skull we will find out starting next week during Captain America: Reborn.

Bump...Bump...Bump!

Nice to see how Steve touch people outside of the superhero community.

Rich people like to collect things to.

Invincible Iron Man #14 Highlights

Nothing like returning to the old reliable suit when on the run from the US government.

And the award for lamest superhero name goes to: Pepper Potts and her superhero name of 'Rescue.' Congrats Pepper! You just became 5x less interesting.

Maria Hill sure knows how to be subtle when trying to get someone's attention.

Madame Masque was a able to use her "Masque Senses" to locate Tony. At least that is the explanation that Fraction gave us.

Superman/Batman #61 Highlights

Nothing like some good old fashion superhero summer cleaning!

A nice moment for Bruce/Zatanna (Bratanna?) shippers before it is taken away.

Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem #1

To really see how bad the Ultimatum disaster was you Ultimate Spider-Man has been the place to see it not the actual Ultimatum event title.

'Counterintuitive'? I barely knew 4 syllable words in high school. Gotta be impressed with MJ's interview skills at the young age of 16.

Good to see that Bendis does actual know that Tony is a superhero. Now only if he realized this about the 616 version of the character.

I feel ya Pete, tuition is a bitch to get and pay.

After finally admitting that Spider-Man is a hero Jonah learns that CNN is reporting the Spider-Man is dead. Talk about irony!

Legacy Shorts: Comic Book Reviews for 6/17/09

Captain America #600

Creative Team
Writer: Ed Brubaker (main story); Paul Dini, Roger Stern, Mark Waid, Joe Simon, and Stan Lee (back-up stories)
Artists: Butch Guice with Howard Chaykin, Rafael Albuquerque, David Aja, and Mitch Breitweiser (main story); Alex Ross, Kalman Andrasofszky, Dale Eaglesham, and Al Alivison (back-up stories)

Story - Captain America Origin (Reprint), One Year Later (main story), In Memorium (back-up), The Persistence of Memorabilia (back-up), My Bulletin Board (letter), and Red Skull's Deadly Revenge (Reprint)

Review
After all the build-up for this issue Marvel didn't do themselves any favors by allowing spoilers for the issue to come out on Monday when most comic shops, mine included, did not get the issue till today, due to extra shipping cost being to high for one-day shipping. Most of the excitement for this issue was really taken away do to the spoilers all over the Internet.

Still in any case Captain America #600 was a good read that would have been much better if we did not get the spoilers so soon. The best part of the issue was the main story that Ed Brubaker wrote. It was a well told story that let us catch up with all of the main cast, both hero and villain, of this book. The thing that hurt the main story was the artist by committee used for some of the character spotlights which did not mesh well with Butch Guice's main artwork. Still the main story did a good job telling us were all these characters are One Year Later and build the mystery of the "return" of Steve Rogers.

For the back-ups they where each okay stories but were not very interesting as they only served as a way to let old Captain America writers to write a story. The stories did not add anything to the overall story Brubaker is telling in the book but did not detract from it either which I guess is all a person can ask for back-up stories.

The extra's of Dini and Ross reprint of the Captain America (Steve Rogers) Origin story, Joe Simon's letter, Stan Lee and Al Avision old WWII Red Skull reprint, and the 600 cover gallery were all nice little extras that I'm sure older Captain America fans will enjoy but I did not find all too interesting.

Issue Rating
Story(s): 7.8/10 - The main story that Brubaker wrote was just as good as the rest of the series has been but the back-up stories just weren't as interesting as Brubaker's story.
Art: 6.4/10 - The artist by committee really hurt the flow of some of the issue which is the first time that it has happened to this series.
Overall: 7.1/10 - As far as anniversary issues go Captain America #600 was not bad and loaded with a bunch of extra content. But Cap #600 was hurt by the early spoilers that where leaked a few days before this issue was released to most comic shops.

Superman/Batman #61

Creative Team
Writers: Michael Green & Mike Johnson
Artist: Francis Manapul
Colorist: Brian Buccellato

Story- Mash-Up Part 2

Review
The first issue of this two-part story was entertaining but not really a story with much depth. The second, and final, part of this "Mash-Up" story falls under the same boat. But as far as quick two-part elseworld stories go this wasn't bad. This issue starts by introducing us to the villain amalgams (BrainyCat, Penguello, Jimmy Two-Face, The Ventrilomaker, Lana Quinn) along with Doomstroke and Lex Joker who we meet in the last issue. Also unsurprisingly the Terra (Terranato) from this world is also a traitor working for Doomstroke.

From there we get a brawl between the Justice Titans and the Brotherhood of Injustice which is beautifully illustrated by Francis Manapul. Manapul's artwork in this issue was even better than in the last issue and has me thinking of getting Adventure Comics just for his art.

Anyways the twist that Green and Johnson was not all that surprising but, not going to spoil it here, it was nice to see the villain back in comics again as it has been a while since I have seen the character involved in a storyline.

My favorite part of this issue was the little dream sequence involving Bruce and Zatanna. It was a little bit of a sad moment that Green and Johnson were able to inject into the story that makes you feel bad for both characters. And I'm sure that the Bruce/Zatanna fans will enjoy.

Issue Rating
Story: 7.5/10 - Green and Johnson do a solid job with this two part story and were able to give us a nice touching scene in the issue.
Art: 9/10 - Manapul's artwork was just awesome in this story and his art alone is a reason to pick up this two-part story.
Overall: 8.25/10 - "Mash-Up" was a good elseworld story that will probably be enjoyed by fans like me who have not read to many elseworld stories than does that have. But in any case this was a nice quick story that is worth the read as both writers and artist do a solid job with.