Legacy Shorts: Comic Book Reviews for 2/4/09

Adventure Comics #0

Creative Team
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Francis Manpul
Colorist: Brian Buccellato

Story - Adventure Comics #247 (reprint); Origins and Omens: Lex Luthor

Review
The first part of this story is a reprint of Adventure Comics #247 telling the first team-up of Superboy and The Legion of Superheroes. It is a nice story to set up the Legion's return to being part of Adventure Comics when it relaunches with the first issue and I am sure many Legion fans will enjoy reading this story again by Otto Binder and Al Plastino.

The back up story is an Origin and Omens story that is going to be running through most of DC's books and this one is about Lex Luthor. This story confirms the fact that the Guardian Scar is working for the Black Lanterns and it will be interesting to see were Johns takes this story over in Green Lantern.

It was an interesting story that sets up a Luthor/Brainiac team. I kind of hope that this forced team up leads to the becoming one being like in JLU cartoon. Though that probably wont happen.

Though probably the big development to come out of this issue is the fact that former Superboy Conner is returning most likely from the dead. I am actually mixed on his return since I think he had the perfect heroic death and he should stay dead. But if he returns as a zombie Black Lantern I may be fine with that since it will add nice drama to Superman, Cassie, and Tim without having to actually to being alive again.

Issue Rating
Story: 8/10 - Geoff Johns did a nice job setting up some of the plotlines for Superman and Blackest Night in the Origins and Omens back up story.
Art: 8/10 - Francis Manapul did a nice job creating a dark mood with his artwork in the Orgins and Omens story.
Overall: 8/10 - With the reveal of Connor's return later in the year and the Adventure Comics #247 reprint this was a nice read from $1.

Amazing Spider-Man #585

Creative Team
Writer: Mark Guggenheim
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Klaus Janson
Colorist: Dean White

Story - Character Assassination: Part 2

Review
Guggenheim gave us two "surprise" reveals with finding out the real identities of the Spider-Tracer(s) killers and Menace. Though the reveals weren't at all shocking it did a nice job rapping up the two storylines that have been going on for the past year in ASM. While fans like me have seen these endings happen many times in ASM many casual fans will still enjoy the multiple endings.

The writing wasn't anything spectacular but what really made this issue great was the fantastic art by John Romita Jr. Romita's is one of the best artist when it comes to letting the art tell the story. The Spider-Man and Menace fight was a crazy battle that has a lot of energy to the pages.

Issue Rating
Story: 6/10 - Gruggenheim did nothing spectacular with the dialogue but he did advance all the various plotlines that have been running through ASM since the start of Brand New Day. It will be nice to see all these plotlines come to an end since they have run there course.
Art: 8.8/10 - When it comes to storytelling ability Romita is one of the best artist to do that as he puts a lot of energy to the pages that jump out at the reader.
Overall: 7.4/10 - While this issue was nothing fantastic it will be interesting to see how Spider-Man escapes being arrested (again) and how the reveal of who is Menace affects Harry.

Terror Titans #5

Creative Team
Writer: Sean McKeever
Artist: Joe Bennett
Inker: Jack Jadson
Colorist: Rod Reis

Story - The Great Destroyer

Review
After 4 issues of senseless gore and a short appearance of Static we finally got a good issue. Even though I have had a problem with all the senseless gore my biggest problem with this mini-series has been the lack of progress with the plot. For the past four issues all we've had is a bunch of teenage superheroes fight one another only to become mindless slaves for the Clock King to use as part of his army. But now we see that complete and the plot finally gets in gear as we see Ravager finally get tired of being one of Clock Kings puppets. Hopefully now that Ravager is done with being part of the Clock King's Terror Titans she doesn't continue to be the drug addict she was in this series and when she was with her dad.

Issue Rating
Story: 7.3/10 - McKeever finally gets the story going though his characters outside of Ravager are all one note villains.
Art: 7.8/10 - Bennett provides some nice dependable artwork that is still inconsistent at times.
Overall: 7.55/10 - With only one issue left in this mini-series all I am expecting is a bloody fight between Ravager and the Terror Titans.

War of Kings: Darkhawk #1

Creative Team
Writer: C.B. Cebulski
Artist: Harvey Tolibao & Bong Dazo
Inkers: Harvey Tolibao & Joe Pimentel
Colorists: Jay David Ramos & Rain Beredo

Story - Haunted

Review
With War of Kings fast approaching I am just eating up everything related to War of Kings. I have always thought Darkhawk had a cool costume and enjoyed it whenever he appeared back in the 90s New Warriors series. Cebulski did a nice job exploring the various parts of Darkhawk's life and how he is trying to maintain a nice home life with his mom and brothers while still doing his superhero thing at Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S and his relationship with his former Loners (underrated series) members. All of this was done in a new reader friendly for those not familiar with Darkhawk's character.

The whole issue did a good job showing why Darkhawk will part of War of Kings and it will be interesting to see were Cebulski takes the sudden appearance of another Darkhawk and a cosmic threat. Also the first issue of Darkhawk series that told his origin was a great extra and it was a fun read to get familiar with how Chris was before he was Darkhawk.

Issue Rating
Story: 8/10 - Celebulski did a good job building up Darkhawk who is sure to be a major player in War of Kings.
Art: 7.4/10 - Tolibao and Dazo did an alright job with the art though it was inconsistent at times. Though I did enjoy how they drew Darkhawk's cyborg armor.
Overall: 7.7/10 - This was a good issue that helps readers not familiar with Darkhawk who will be part of War of Kings. Also the re-print of the first issue of the first Darkhawk series was a nice extra to help justify the $3.99 cover price.

Invincible Iron Man #10 Review

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

Story - World's Most Wanted Part 3: No Future

Review
After the Iron Man/Spider-Man team up issue I was thinking of dropping Invincible Iron Man but because the other Iron Man title was canceled in favor of a War Machine and Tony largely being taken off most titles he use to appear I thought I would give this new Dark Reign direction a shot. The first two issues of "World's Most Wanted" weren't anything spectacular, or something we haven't seen Tony go through, this new arc has shown some promise. This new issue while not great or horrible I found to be boring.

For the most part this was a pure setup issue. And after three issues that is unacceptable since we get no new information in this issue other than Pepper getting her own Iron Woman armor. It doesn't help much that we continue to get some stiff art by Salvador Larroca. While I like how Larroca draws all of the various Iron Man suits all of his characters facial reactions are highly inconsistent. And I don't blame D'Armata since all of his work over on Captain America and other titles show that he is a highly talented colorist. It just seems that Larroca's painted type art doesn't give D'Armata much room to work with when doing the coloring.

The big problem I have with this new arc is that this is nothing new to Tony's character. We have already seen what happens to Tony when he lose his company at least once in the comics and recently in the Iron Man movie, both times to Obidiah Stane. The way this story arc is structured it seems that Fraction is going to give us a Michael Bay car chase scene, that we have seen been done to death.

Also it seems that Fraction has kind of rushed the Pepper development taking her from someone that hates the fact she is only alive by the same tech that kept Tony alive for a long time to taking off in the Iron Woman armor Tony built for her. Even though I get that she needed to escape from H.A.M.M.E.R and the armor was her only way out it just seems rushed that she quickly accepts becoming the same as Tony now. I hope that Fraction actually explores Pepper hesitation of wearing the armor as she thinks she is becoming more machine than human instead of just accepting her new role.

And after finally getting a chance to read Thunderbolts and Dark Avengers and how both Norman and Ms. Hand are portrayed in those titles Fraction's version is nothing to write home about. They both come off as evil versions of Tony and Pepper, which is not a good thing. I just don't get the fact that someone as smart as Tony would just leave a whole stock of Iron Man armor behind for Norman to get his hands on without doing something. Maybe I am wrong but it just seems like a dumb move on Tony's part.

The one thing I will give Fraction credit for is that he has turned Maria Hill from an unlikable bitch that she was before Secret Invasion into a much more likable character. While she still has her bitchy side it is more acceptable with everything going on and it will be interesting to see how Hill will be able to dodge all of the H.A.M.M.E.R agents after her since unlike Tony or Pepper she only has her SHIELD training to fall back on.

Also I have enjoyed the fact that Fraction has brought back the playboy Tony that we haven't seen a few years ago. While I don't know about the whole Tony and Maria thing I kind of smiled at the fact that after sleeping with Maria Tony just left her in the bed with only a note telling her to escape. It was classic Tony.

Issue Rating
Story: 5.7/10 - Fraction continues to give us another setup issue to set up the status quo of all the characters that wasn't needed after already getting two issues, and Secret Invasion and Dark Avengers, of this.
Art: 5/10 - Outside of the way he draws the Iron Man armors all of Larroca's art continues to be stiff and inconsistent.
Overall: 5.35/10 - With the average writing from Fraction combined with Larroca's art this was a pretty boring issue. Hopefully Fraction and Larroca can step up there game in future issues.

Anime Review: Code Geass: Lealouch of the Rebellion R2 10

"When Shen Hu Wins Glory"

Review
For the past few episodes we have seen the mecha fighting take a back seat to all the various characters setting up what is looking more and more like a World War. While this episode continues that development this episode brings back the mecha fighting to the forefront.

Though unlike other anime were the mecha fighting is just some senseless fighting Code Geass has proven that anytime there are big mechas fighting it is more about the strategy than the actual fighting. The difference from this battle to all the other battles in Code Geass I found it hard to root for one side over the other. Xingke ha quickly become one of my favorite characters and he definitely moved up the bad ass ladder in this episode. Not only is he a great Knightmare pilot that can go toe to toe with Kallen but he is also a brilliant strategist that he was able to go tactic to tactic with Lelouch. Though it seems that with his illness (Leukemia?) it may be foreshadowing that he may be a casualty of the war.

And speaking of Xingke able to out strategize Lelouch this episode, with the last episode, we have started to see Lelouch get raddled more than previously seen. While deciding try and get back Kallen at first glance seems like an uncharacteristic decision I actually think it is in line with Lelouch's character, especially in R2. It is moves like this that remind the viewer that for as brilliant as Lelouch is that he is still a teenager and continues to allow his emotions over power his mind. With that decision it lead to the Black Knights to be back into a corner and it will be interesting to se how they get out of it. Also it will be interesting to see who Lelouch has posing as himself in Ashford.

Episode Rating - 9.2/10

Legacy Shorts: Comic Book Reviews for 1/28/09

Daredevil #115
Creative Team
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artists: Michael Lark, Tonci Zonjic and Stefano Gaudiano
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth

Story - Lady Bullseye: Conclusion

Review
This was a heck of an issue that was basically one big martial arts brawl between Matt, Master Izo, Daniel vs Lady Bullseye and the Hand. While Michael Lark's art can be inconsistent at times his gritty artwork work well in this issue.

Up until this point Brubaker has done his best by building up Lady Bullseye and the Hand. For a long time now The Hand were reduced to nothing but some evil ninja's Wolverine, Daredevil and other street level heroes in the Marvel Universe would easily take care of (reminiscent of the Putties from Power Rangers). Though like everything Brubaker has touched recently he has been able to reinvigorate The Hand into the threat they used to be. Overall, while I am not a fan of derivation characters, "Lady Bullseye" has been a very enjoyable martial arts arc. Even though this issue was the concluding issue of this arc it looks like Brubaker has big plans for Matt and the gang.

Issue Rating
Story: 8.7/10 - While this arc started of slow Brubaker seems to building towards a much bigger story and this action pact issue was well choreographed.
Art: 7.6/10 - While I am not a big fan of his art, Lark provided a lot of energy to the action and his art fits the tone of this book.
Overall: 8.15/10 - This was a great conclusion to the "Lady Bullseye" arc and I can't wait to see the return of the Kingpin in "Return of the King."

New Avengers #49
Creative Team
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Billy Tan
Inker: Matt Banning
Colorist: Paul Mounts

Story - Secret Invasion Aftermath

Review
I understand that Bendis has his pet characters but he seems to forget that this is an Avengers title and not a Luke Cage of Spider-Woman book. I know that Bendis is trying really hard to make these two A-listers but the fact is both Luke Cage and Spider-Woman will never be better than C-list characters. And after 49 issue of New Avengers the most notable thing Luke has done is to go from being Luke Cage to being Luke "Vagina Kicker" Cage. Even though Luke gets his shot to beat down Bullseye and Venom I still can't take him seriously as a character and if this was any other writer Luke would not have stood a chance against those two villains.

With that said I am interested to see how the New Avengers stand up against the Dark Avengers. It will be interesting to see what approach the New Avengers will take since a if they take a direct confrotation they will only get their asses kicked.

Issue Rating
Story: 5/10 - No matter how hard Bendis tries Luke "Vagina Kicker" Cage will never be Avengers material.
Art: 7/10 - I don't know if it was Tan's drawings or his colorist and inkers but there were certain scene were the art was very muddy. I expect more from Tan's artwork.
Overall: 6/10 - This was just an average issue though it nicely sets up the New Avegers vs Dark Avengers fight for the 50th issue.

Nova #21
Creative Team
Writers: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Artist: Wellinton Alves
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colorist: Guru eFX

Story - Brand New World

Review
Just when it looks like DnA can't pact Nova with more twist they continue to do it. The ending with Richard Rider's power as a Nova Centurion being taken away was came as a complete surprise to me, especially since I thought that Richard would play a major part in War of Kings. But now I wonder what DnA have up there sleeves for Richard next now that he is now part of the Nova Corps.

DnA have really made Worldmind into the Marvel version of the Guardians of the Galaxy. And it seems that Worldmind has some sort of endgame in mind with how quickly he rebuilt the Nova Corps. While it was obvious that Richard was not completely at his best but what Worldmind did seems to be part of a greated plan he has in mind. Now I wonder how all the Nova Corps members will react to Worldminds actions and if they will continue to loyaly follow his orders.

Issue Rating
Story: 8.6/10 - DnA continue to do an excellent job with Nova and it will be interesting to see what they have in store for Richard.
Art: 8.3/10 - Alves provided some great artwork. His artwork perfectly fits the cosmic setting of Nova.
Overall: 8.45/10 - Nova continues to be a great cosmic action/adventure title and it will be interesting to see were this title is headed with War of Kings coming up.

Teen Titans #67
Creative Team
Writer: Sean McKeever
Artist: Fernando Dagnino
Inker: Raul Fernandez
Colorist: Rod Reis

Story - The New Deal: Born in Blood

Review
In this "Faces of Evil" issue we see the return of Brother Blood. While Teen Titans continues not to be in the same level it was when Geoff Johns was writing this title this was one of McKeever's stronger issue on this title. This was actually the first issue that it felt that it was his own story and not something he picked up from previous Titan writers. With that said there was still nothing to impressive about this issue since we still don't have an official Teen Titans team yet which is what has been killing this title for the past few issues since Ravager left. Also while it was one of McKeever's stronger issues I have never been a fan of Brother Blood, in any of his incarnations, and I particularly find this teenage Brother Blood particularly annoying. I just hope this recruitment arc ends soon since it has already gotten old fast.

Issue Rating
Story: 6/10 - McKeever turned in an issue that was better than the last few this title is still missing a character that is more than a one-note hero.
Art: 7.4/10 - Dagnino provided some nice artwork and he did a nice job showing off the various power sets of all the characters.
Overall: 6.6/10 - While not a completely terrible issue the continued fact that there still is not an official Teen Titans team hurt this, and the past, issues.

Monthly Poll

This month I decided to start something new here at the Legacy. Every month I will try and put up a new poll about different topics. And with movie season coming up I have posted a poll see which movie everyone is most excited to see this year.

Captain America #46 Review

Creative Team
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting
Colorist: Frank D'Armata

Story - Old Friends and Enemies: Part 1

Review
While this issue says that it is part one of a new story it is just a continuation from the last arc. From the looks of it Brubaker is doing the same thing that he did with "Death of Captain America" arc. Were he will be using small arcs that are all interconnected to build up to a much larger event in this book.

The initial story of this book was all about Steve's final missions as Captain America up to his death and all of his friends dealing with the death, Bucky taking up the mantle, and all of Steve's friends and allies getting revenge on the ones who killed him. But this new story is all about Bucky and building him up as the new Captain America by introducing new villains that are from his past as Cap's partner in WWII and as Winter Soldier. I am interested to see more of Professor Chin and the Man With No Face and what there plan is and how it involves Bucky.

Brubaker does a nice job writing the relationship between Bucky and Namor. For as bad as most people try and make Namor out to be he is still a character that cares about the people close to him and that he respects. And it was nice that Brubaker shows that even though Bucky has just come back and taken up the role as the new Captain America, Namor still considers him a friend, and one of the few people he calls a friend, and shows that he still has a lot of respect for Bucky. Even though Bucky was hesitant to ask Namor what he thought of him as the new Captain America the moment were Namor breaks his silence and says that Bucky was the right choice to pick up the mantle goes a long way for both Bucky and the reader.

I also continue to enjoy the relationship between Bucky and Natasha. Even though they do not appear together in this issue it is good that Brubaker address the issue of them being an official couple by having Natasha reject that guy in the bar and saying that she will get the answers she is looking for in another way (poisoning his drink). Though I kind of wonder what her position is within the Marvel Universe is now since Norman has taken over and SHIELD being no more. I hope Brubaker addresses this fact soon since it would be nice to see what is her standing within the Marvel Universe.

While I would like to see Sharon and Falcon being a part of the story I am fine with Brubaker wanting these next few issues being about Bucky and him excepting his new role as Captain America. And I am sure we will be seeing those two soon enough since this book is coming close to the 50th issue.

Also while all of the artist on this title have done a great job maintaining the consistency of this title on the art side there is nothing like Steve Epting's Captain America art. Epting's perfectly matches the espionage tone of this book. And he does a great conveying the emotions of each character throughout the issue.

Issue Rating
Story: 9/10 - Brubaker continues to do a great job building from the momentum from the last arc. The team-up of Bucky and Namor was great to see and shows that these two are life long friends no matter how long they have not interacted with one another.
Art: 9.4/10 - It is good to see Epting back on this title. He does a great job with both the talking heads, which was took up most of the issue, and the action scenes.
Overall: 9.2/10 - It looks like we are going to get another big long storyline that will incompase many small arcs. The difference is that this storyline feels more like Bucky's own story and not the story of Steve, Bucky, and all of Captain America's supporting cast.