Louis Otero Comic Reviews

Even if you're not a huge Superman fan, this issue is definitely worth picking up. In a way, it not only celebrates The Man of Steel, but superheroes and comics in general. There's no better way to celebrate Superman's birthday.

At the center of this storyline has been one question: Will Batman finally get to be happy? He is one of the most tragic characters in literature, and one that his fans are deeply connected to. So, it shouldn't be surprising that we do want him to be happy. Instead, this issue just assures us that the next 50 issues of King'sBatman will be more of the same.

While it has some structural issues, Cry Havoc has some amazing talent behind it.

The seeds have been planted, but while it's an enjoyable read, what follows will need to be more narratively focused and character-driven.

The final panels of this issue make for a very enticing cliffhanger. You will be begging to see how Deathstroke retaliates. As this arc approaches its midpoint, attacks like these will need to escalate. The fight must become more personal. If it does, we could very well be reading the definitive tale of these two characters.

This story has not always been a sure thing. After this third installment, however, Deathstroke is a must-buy. This is finally becoming the Batman vs Deathstroke story that fans have always wanted. The new addition of a vital character at the end of the issuepromises to bring tons of drama to an already high-stakes feud. We are now about halfway through this arc and, while its unlikely to affect Batman in any major way, this issue makes it apparent that Deathstrokes life could change dramatically. The momentum is all there, Priest just needs to bring it home in the last half.

This issue sets up the finale in a grand fashion. Batman and Deathstroke will finally confront each other in the next two issues. However, Priest is clever in creating a conflict that could be solved simplythrough the characters talking. Batman is too stubborn for a such a conversation and Deathstroke is too cautious. It's unlikely that Deathstroke really is Damian's father. However, that doesn't really matter the way you expected in the beginning. Even if Batman isn't biologically related to Damian, it's made abundantly clear where their allegiances lie. The remaining question is how Batman and Deathstroke will settle the dispute and by the end of this issue, you'll be begging for the answer.

In all, this book is a fun read. Not all of the logic really adds up and the conclusion does feel a bit convoluted, but this arc has delivered what was advertised. The war between Batman and Deathstroke was sprawling and epic. Hopefully we will see Priest tackle these characters again soon under different circumstances. He clearly has a deep understanding and respect for both.

If you haven't started reading it yet, Doomsday Clock is more than worth checking out. So far, this story is every bit as poignant and relevant as the original series. This issue's inability to move the plot forward can be frustrating. However, if you are patient with it and get to know its characters, it will reward you with a story that you never knew you always wanted.

Its hard to believe that we arent even at the half-way mark of this series yet. The 12 issue series, which is set one year after the current DC Comics continuity, was intended to catch up with the other series in the DC lineup this November. However, these delays mean that clearly will not happen. In fact, the next issue is taking an even longer break, releasing in August. Surely it will be a long Summer, especially after this ending. Of course, the series is still excellent, but its hard to deny that these delays have lessened the reading experience.

Having said that, the art in this book is decent. The gore is drawn with cartoon-y verve, but the design of the monster is fairly bland as you usually only see it's head and looks like a regular shark otherwise. However ,none of this is enough to makeup for the poor storytelling found here. Do everything you possibly can to avoid this one, folks. It is a waste of time, and often more insulting than entertaining.

Huck's characters and beautiful artwork make the new series fun and exciting, but some new story elements hinted at in this issue could prove to be problematic going forward.

This is the best instalment yet thanks to the incredible art and tonal shift of the book.

While the basic premise is getting a bit old, this issue sets up some exciting plot-points for the future. Definitely one to watch!

I Hate Fairyland's first story arc fizzles out in this barely mediocre issue

While it may be a bit much to ask of a series that primarily relies on out-of-place gore and humor that ranges from irreverent to gross-out,I Hate Fairylanddoes have room for better, more linear story telling. You can see that Young certainly has the chops for it. This issue does little to progress the actual plot, but it is still very fun. Gertrude's antics as Queen lead to plenty of fun gags and great one-liners from the supporting cast. Likewise, the art of this book was an absolute home run. From the gore, to the cartoon characters everything jumps right off the page. It's enough to keep you engaged on its own. Although marginally disappointing, this issue still leaves the series teemingwith potential.

Mythic's 6 issue marks a slight improvement over the series's mediocre past.

Pretty Deadly's second story arc has been troubled and this is no exception. But the series' charm is still in tact.

In all,the fourth issue ofThe Goddamnedis one of the best books you will pick up this month. If you were at all shaky on the first three issues, it's definitely worth giving another shot. Hopefully, this book will continue to impress in the coming months, and finish strong as the series wraps up its first story arc.

Theres a lot of potential here, but The Man of Steel #1 is a lackluster debut from Bendis. You cannot deny the immense talent that went into this book, but it still doesnt make for an engaging story. Instead, youll find yourself clinging exclusively to the characters. Theres nothing necessarily wrong with that if Bendis intends to bring those character-heavy moments to the center of the plot, but the uninspired villain will make that all the more difficult. It would be great to be proven wrong in the next issue, but there are plenty of better comics running right now and this issue makes it hard to justify adding this series to your pull list.

The next issue is likely to be the big showdown that was teased at the end ofAction Comics #1000.A large action set-piece will be a nice change of pace, but one can only hope thatThe Man of Steel manages to maintain this emotional depth during the violence. We are left here with more questions than answers, but far more of a reason to come back next week.

Man of Steel hasn't quite become a slog just yet, but it's come very close to doing so. In fact, each issue so far has more or less ended the same way. Bendis' refusal to capitalize on this ending is worrisome and could mean that the battle we've been heading to won't be as impactful as teased. Still, there is fun to be had here. Superman fans will no doubt eat this mini-series up. However, if you're not a big fan of the character, this story may not be enough to hook you.

Maybe this story will play out better in a collected edition. However, as it is right now,The Man of Steelis not worth the hype and certainly not worth picking up every week for a month in a half. If you're wondering if you should justwait for Bendis'Action ComicsandSuperman stories, you can rest assured that you're really not missing too much over here, aside from some enticing cliffhangers every now and then.

By now, youve likely already decided if youre going to be reading Bendis Superman and Action Comics. Even though this story is quite coming together, the potential for the writers take on the character is apparent. Hopefully, even if The Man of Steel doesnt get it together in the end, it will leave us all with something to explore in future stories. Its just unfortunate that this is the most we can hope for from the series. If you still can, you should wait on this one. It will almost definitely be more effective in a collected edition,but we won't know until next weeks final issue if this story will offer us a satisfying ending to this exhausting tale.

Superman's new status quo leaves him and his family in a peculiar but exciting new position for the coming stories Bendis plans to tell. Who's been starting the fires? Why does Jor- Elwant Jon? When the hell does any of this take place inThe Man of Steel'scontinuity? Now that we finally know the answers to these questions, it is clear that Bendis has crafted an effective intro to his Superman run. Filled with levity, amazing character work and expressive art from Jason Fabok, thisinstallment is exactly the finalethat this series needed. Hopefully, Bendis will effectively capitalize on the work done here in the months to come.