John Pumpernickel Comic Reviews

This issue is a mixed bag. You get a cool character like Machine Man, who has been all over the place in terms of writing, and a tie-in to the Iron Man 2020 event. Writer Christos Gage has some good ideas going but the issue never feels like it really gets out of neutral. The book has two stories and while the first is good, it ends before I could really get pulled in. It left me wanting but not in the good way. It definitely could have used the extra pages. Tom DeFalco writes the second one and brings back his "Midnight Wreckers" from the past Machine Man books but nothing really gelled in that story either. Again, space issues.Machine Man 2020 #1 has potential but a weird split makes it hard to be invested. Thumbs in the middle.

Absolute Carnage looks on its way to becoming a big deal in the Spidey universe and a "must buy" book for fans.

A very good issue that will make many happy but for those looking for a clean break, this isn't the time.

Grab this one and enjoy from start to finish.

A fun issue with some neat storytelling and excellent art. Give this one a read!

With everything Spider-Man has become, he's due to have off-issues. Slott and co-writer Christos Gage miss on this one and with one issue left, I'm wondering how they'll stick the landing.

Perhaps the biggest "surprise" is the return of Mary Jane as a romantic interest. Too soon to call and something that will play huge in the future.

A good issue but, for me, Spider-Man is starting to lose his luster.

Peter Parker/Spider-Man take a backseat but return to the front in an uneven backup story. At the end, fans of Kraven can take heart that he might be getting the story he's deserving. Good enough to grab this issue.

This is a great issue to jump on and signals good things to come.

While not quite "Must Read", "No Surrender" is a solidly good book with a twist of "hope things pick up next issue".

Avengers: No Road Home #10 is a good, not great issue, that wraps things up in the usual "event style" way: a set up for future stories. A soft recommendation.

It would be easy to sleep on this issue but I've found it to be one that has remarkable re-reading mileage. A hearty endorsement to grab this one up.

Without spoiling anything, Batman #50 isn't the finale but a chapter in Catwoman and Batman's life together. In the world they live in it makes sense and is a nice reminder of what's at stake and how well they know one another.

While the furor over Batman #50 is still fresh, don't make the mistake of dropping the story while it's still baking. King has a grand vision and his work with artist Lee Weeks is some of the best on the stands. You won't be asking yourself, "What's next?" but rather, "I can't wait to find out what happens next!"

In a world filled with multi-issue, mega-crossover books, this was refreshing and much needed.

A must for any Batman fan and very highly recommended for comic book fans in general.

Batman/TMNT II #1 is best for purists and fans of each but don't be surprised if you get deja vu while reading it.

An OK issue that could have been awesome with a couple of tweaks.

Creature of the Night is a satisfying book, even if you're not a Batman fan or think you've seen every type of Batman story told before.

An OK book but never elevates itself to fulfill the promise it had.

Go into this book spoiler-free as possible. The art set up is cinematic in nature and the ending will stick with you.

Captain Marvel #1 is a nice, safe issue for new fans but the ending may throw them off the path in the name of keeping older fanboys intrigued. Good, not great, but even after all that, I'll check out the next issue.

Catwoman #1 is an interesting issue and one that helps make the adjustment to the her new surroundings. After anticipating a life with Batman, audiences will quickly take to the new arc Selina is about to take on. Solid issue and I'm definitely anticipating the second issue.

A swing and a miss for a book that I had high hopes for.

Dark Nights: Metal is overly ambitious but well worth the price of admission.

Mild recommendation and enough to bring me back next issue.

Grab this one at your comic book shop today, read it, and share it.

When you also get a nice chapter in the Batman and Robin relationship, this one is an easy one to pick up at the comic book shop.

A solid issue that can be read by itself and gives a nice spin to a cold character. A nice thumbs up.

Writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Scott Godlewski deliver a solid story with some stellar artwork that makes me think I need to keep Detective Comics in the rotation. It has a good mix of action, character building, and, best of all, Batman being a detective!

Simone crafts an excellent story and one that I'll easily follow as it looks like Domino will finally come out and be able to shine without the aid of her more famous Liefeld created siblings.

This is a more personal issue than the ones before and Doomsday Clock #4 deserves several re-readings but based on the first go around, we're in the midst of something special.

While I've read some are waiting to get this as a collected book, there's something to be said for reading this in chapters, letting the story marinate until the next issue. Doomsday Clock is sprinkled with brilliance waiting to be discovered.

Doomsday Clock keeps the intrigue high and another issue that builds excitement for the conclusion.

Avoid spoilers at all costs but make your way to your local comic book shop to grab this one now.

I can't say enough good things about this book or this series. While I'm down that it has to come to an end, I've loved the journey to get here. With two issue left, we still have more to cover and I can't wait!

If you've been in this for the long haul, this, like the others, is a must read. While someone off the street would overlook this, #11 is the top of the hill, right before the epic down slope to finish.

At the end, I'm left disappointed in how things wrapped up and, sticking with my no spoilers rule, we're left with wondering how different things could have been. I'll freely admit that I've been influenced by the superior show but its only crime was giving me a glimpse of the potential these characters hold and this series squandered.

That's just the tip of the iceberg and this story is begging to be read and relished. I'll keep it simple: Pick up this issue.

As a series, Extermination answered a number of questions but did so in a way to set up what's next. Good, not great.

Like I mentioned, I'm a huge Fantastic Four fan so I'll be back in issue two but this is a pretty solid stumble out the gate for the book. I'm really hoping things pick up considerably in issue two.

Fantastic Four: Grand Design takes everything we know and love about Marvel's First Family and presents it in a new way in a book that's just right for new readers and has enough juice in it that long time fans will feel right at home.

Balancing present day action with flashbacks, this one issue lays out things on Apokolips for the audience better than just about any other series.

While it will be easy to wait for his to be collected and read it in one swoop, this is a nice issue to pick up if you've been away for a while and need to be reminded how cool the Flash can be.

This issue gets a shrug from me and I'm not sure where it fits in or where it's necessary.

This issue does plenty of juggling but sets up the series on a path that I want to travel. A solid tweak for old fans and a welcoming new start for those just discovering Green Lantern for the first time.

A great book with great visuals. Grab this one from your comic book shop.

Having just picked this book up with no background, I found it"OK.

Hawkman #1 more than delivers in setting up the new status quo and making you care about the character and the next issue. For the first time in my life I can say that I'm a fan of Hawkman.

I enjoyed Heroes in Crisis #6 and if you've been following the series, you will too.

Really like the series and can live with the ending. Solid work all around.

The first issue here is a perfect, all-knowing, all-encompassing, all-awesome look at Marvel's wild and wonderful history.. Bravo Mark Waid and Javier Rodrguez, who cover everything in dynamic detail.

For now I'll give a begrudging thumbs up and a half-hearted "wait and see".

While I'll be coming back for issue 3, the luster is definitely dimmed on the series but nothing that can't be fixed. Is this issue essential reading? No. And for a storyline this grand, that's not a good thing.

Invaders is one of those books that could overlooked on the crowded stands but I'd give it a good recommendation as being a solid book. Good writing and art with a good look at a character that's destined for bigger things.

A final issue isn't hard to rate. If you were a fan of Invincible at any point in its run, you owe it to yourself to pick this up. If you haven't heard of the book or ever read it, you owe it to yourself to pick up an issue and find out what you're missing. Either way, #144 is a worthy send off to a great superhero.

Like him or not, Bendis believes in his vision and created a number of "moments" in his stories. He set the table properly for the next writer to have a lot of fun with and the reader's with a sense of hope for entertaining future adventures.

With all the success Joker has found at the box office, this is a perfect companion book at those wanting to get more into the head of the Clown Prince of Crime. Just be careful you don't stay too long.

If you've been keeping up with things, Snyder has really focused on the heroes doing heroic things. This issue hits all the marks and attempts to make sense of how the story was impacted by other events in the DC universe.Overall I enjoyed the story Snyder and the team told and believe it will age well in the future.

A good first issue, even if uneven, and I'll be back for issue 2.

The art is gorgeous but it's time to take off the shackles and let the Legion truly lead the way into the future.

The issue is a hodge podge of ideas and while some might tell me that I have to look at the big picture, this issue doesn't work for new fans. Nothing has me excited or anticipating something greater.

This is a pretty funny book. Writer Daniel Kibblesmith and artist Carlos Villa give it light tone that delivers where it counts. A refreshing read in a glut of overly serious and glum comics.

A good issue and makes me want to go back and see what I missed.

I found myself shrugging after reading this issue, thinking this was a number of rejected ideas from the 90s come back to remind us of the best (and worst) of that time period.

This book is not what it seems and when I put it down my first thought was, "This book has no business being this great!" J'onn has long been a part of the DC universe but this is the first time I felt he truly belongs.

Writer Gerry Duggan and artist Roge Antonio have a firm handle on the character and layout a believable premise for the book. It's an easy, fun read with the only real drawback is perhaps too quick a read. We have plenty to explore in this new world and I'm along for the ride to see where they take it.

Marvel Comics #1000 will get its share of buzz and headlines thanks to the creative line up but it stumbles with the gimmick.

Find the first issue and get caught up on one the best series that you can't escape from.

I've had a hard time recommending this book to friends because it comes off as so much hype that the book couldn't possibly live up to it. All I can do is implore you to start from issue #1 and find out for yourself.

I enjoyed Old Lady Harley #1 thanks to its entertainment factor and the books commitment to not take itself too serious.

While a book about Grey might find success in the future, it most likely be from the ashes of this one.

Like any first issue, The Return of Wolverine #1 is more about set up than answers. It's good for what it is but I wouldn't rush out for this issue.

Shatterstar #1 takes a character with tons of possibilities and sets up an interesting premise that has me excited for the future.

This book is an easy recommend and represents a high mark in the history of Shazam.

A solid first issue with great promise for the future.

I can't say enough about the art and coloring, as it's the finest the Silver Surfer has looked in recent memory. A great start to what looks like what will be a great series.

It's an OK start to the miniseries and I'll check to see if the second issue can rebound things a little. Otherwise, this is a misfire from a pretty promising team.

We all know how it goes. We know it by heart. Putting the "real time" frame on it gives old events a new twist. Chip Zdarsky and artists Mark Bagley and John Dell deliver a solid book but it never quite reaches the wow factor it's hook inspires. The flow of the book is uneven at points but there's enough meat on the bone to bring me back for the second issue.

A good start and good enough for me to seek out more information about Star. Thumbs up.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this issue and it's stirred to to seek out some previous issues to see how they handle Vader. Surprisingly solid!

As far as a first issue, it wasn't the strongest but has enough meat on the bones to get people talking about the possibilities.

If it came out before we could at least get a look at what to expect. This book just falls flat and is an easy pass. Unless you're a hardcore Star Wars fan who needs to own every piece of Star Wars literature out there.

If you've been on the fence about Bendis' Superman, do yourself a favor and pick up this issue.

Superman: Up in the Sky #1 is a smart move on DC's part as it's a story that needs to be read by more people. Grab it at your local comic book shop.

The parts can't overcome the sum but Batman fans will enjoy the parts that work.

Another near perfect issue from DC and another issue that you need to add to your pull list asap.

I don't want to ruin the issue so it makes writing a review near impossible but suffice to say that the ?Batman Who Laughs: gimmick has more miles to run that you think.

Even if you haven't been keeping up on the Mighty Thor, issue #706 is the kind of story that can stand on its own. Anyone who has lost a loved one will connect with it. A fine piece of literature that speaks to the heart of each of us.

Once the team finds their legs and their identity away from Metal, this could be a solid book.

Kirkman does give us a great set up, including the new "baddie" in Stephanie, and a pretty awesome reveal at the end. A great issue to jump in if you've been away.

I'm not spoiling this one but I marvel that this book still finds ways to make me gasp and tune in to see what happens next.

I don't want to give anything away as far as plot points but this is an easy recommendation and delivers real excitement for the future.

Tony Stark: Iron Man #1 is a good, if not great, issue but it still holds plenty of promise.

A hearty thumbs up and another one to add to the pull list.

I'm torn on this book. I'll give it a hesitant thumbs up and will give it another shot next month.

While the issue feels like it's setting up the board, it gives you enough to taste to make you excited for what's about to come.

The flow of the art and story are a little off but nothing too distracting. Writer Kevin Panetta and the art team of Kendall Goode and Serg Acua hit all the right notes in introducing her to the reader and why we should care.A thumbs up from me and a nice addition to mark a great time to be a wrestling (and comic book) fan.

While this doesn't hype this years Wrestlemania like you'd expect, it's a worthy pick up for fans of wrestling and shows how far we've come with capturing the fun it can be on the printed page.

It's a different line-up but it works well and it's a mix that I look forward to following. X-Men Red is definitely worth a read and you should pick it up at your local book shop!

Anthology books are a tough sell. Usually you get one good story and a lot of filler. I'd rather they go all in one well done tale from a special creative team instead of breaking it up and squandering the opportunity.

Plenty of event issues crowd the rack but this is one book worth picking up.

The big drawback, which may or may not be a big deal, is that the Wonder Comics line is aimed at the younger crowd. It feels that way but it also has a lot of nostalgia that will attract longtime fans. It's a great jumping on point but I don't see this being the book that will open the door to the new masses.