Kurt Taylor Lane Comic Reviews

In the back of this issue, the Amazing Spider-Mail touts the fact that Marvel has published 36 consecutive on time issues; an important business rule is forgotten here though: quality over quantity. I wouldn't mind waiting for better issues, and this week is no exception.

A one shot that feels like it missed the mark, especially with the four dollar price tag. Save your dough for next week releases.

This run of Batman had a lot of positive momentum going into it, and while this issue wasnt completely dissatisfying, it wasnt a good way to end a great story arc.

For someone who writes stories of less then average slackers achieving their dreams, Kevin Smith does wonders with a timeless comic book icon. My only gripe with this series is the length (i.e., its too short). If this initial issue is as good as the rest of the series, I can only hope for a well-done sequel series sometime in the future.

After some disappointing endings for recent Batman story-arcs, Im predicting that Batman: Cacophony wont leave us flat.

My one real gripe with this series was the length. Only three issues? I mean, it did its job, it got in and out and left us with a more then decent Batman tale. Its not going to make for a great trade with only three issues, but maybe we can hope for a sequel. I believe Batman: Cacophony will stand the test of time as a well written Batman saga.

Its possible that I had unrealistic standards for this book. After all, this was the first issue, and I dont feel its fair to completely judge the series based on just one chapter. I can wait until the next issue until I completely trash this series.

While Paul Dini did wonders for several DC Comics animated series, this RIP chapter of Batman should do exactly that.

Never read an issue of Green Arrow? This is the only case I would almost recommend this issue. Otherwise, we can be optimistic about this alleged New Era for Green Arrow next month or we can be realistic and pray for a painless death for this series.

After the whole Secret Invasion let down, I saw my fellow reviewers dismiss Bendis and all his Avenger titles. At the time, I though it was extremely petty to not at least give the series the benefit of doubt and try to stick with it. This months issue of Green Arrow/Black Canary was the 32-page foot in my mouth. Consider it dropped.

Depending on the company, this year is the time of shape shifting aliens waging world on our beloved superheroes or a clan of gods meeting their demise at the hands of a distant monarch. Give your brain a well deserved vacation into a book where the end of the journey isnt as important as the ride along the way.

I'll be the first to admit that I thought Marvel Zombies 2 was dull at times and lacked a great plot. So far so good with this current undertaking, but let's remember we've only got one more issue left. With the zombies only now invading Earth 616, what kind of grand finale can we expect?

A great story arc for Marvel's Secret Invasion. If you're into the invasion or just a fan of villains, this book is worth it.

Honestly, what more can I say than, "Frank Castle tripping?" Its not a story thats going to blow the roof off your imagination, but its not a bad little adventure. Think of it as Fear and Loathing with the Punisher. Buy the ticket and take the ride.

Punisher is out of S.H.I.E.L.D. custody and all feels right with the world of the Skull Chest Slaughterer for now. With Rampage as a new antagonist for Frank, this book is starting to look up.

If youre a fan of Jim Starlin, youve probably already bought this issue and more power to you, but Im not battering down the door or shattering the windows at my local comic store to get a hold of the second issue. If youre looking for a good space opera, theres always War of Kings or Shrapnel: Aristera Rising.

So far, not so good. Namor deserves a little more then this. The last modern story we got from him had Namor and his people relocating to Doom country. How about a little of that?

Final Words: I kept giving this book between one and one an a half bullets and I finally decided on two. The reason being that after re-reading the issue, you can see some of the hidden potential within the story. The dialogue isnt horrible and the plot has a few interesting parts. Sadly, with all the pacing problems and the fact the zombies look like bad '80s Steven King characters, I think the undead should have just stayed dead.

Im not going to go on and on about this book anymore because if you are a fan of The Walking Dead, you know that this is possibly the best comic book being published today. If not, you are completely missing out.

Aside from a few issues here and there, I've been out of the Marvel loop. Besides catching up on some brilliant work from other publishers lately, I've been waiting for a good Marvel storyline to keep me busy for a while, and I think War of Kings is just what I needed.