paladinking Comic Reviews

This has officially reached the top 3 of Marvel NOW for me.

A perfectly adequate Avengers comic book that hits all the right buttons, but it never really rises above “adequate,” nor does it really seem to attempt to.

I really wish this was better than it was, but as it stands, paying $4.99 for this made feel as though Marvel had straight up robbed me.

The ending is a bit frustrating, honestly. That said, Hickman's Avengers is still a refreshing read that dazzles with its scope and ambition.

While the art is a mixed bag, I think that overall, this was an improvement, despite my opening remarks. This is largely thanks to Hickman giving us an issue that was perhaps easier to become invested in than his prior outings, with the focus on Hyperion in particular giving something a bit more meaningful to latch onto.

Hickman gives his Avengers book some much needed heart – a substantial improvement all-around.

It's not as good as the last issue, but a decent outing nonetheless with art that comes as something of a relief.

Fantastic, in your face stuff that's unlike any Captain America comic you've ever read. Already a stand-out amongst the Marvel NOW crop.

Creepy fun that continues to expand Daredevil's horizons with strong, distinctive artwork, Daredevil continues to be a showcase for Waid's unbridled creativity.

Fraction and Bagley show they have the tools for a solid run and lay some solid groundwork, showing that at the very least, this should be a good run. Whether it's great or not depends on where we go from here.

Fantastic stuff and quite possibly the most effective “horror” issue of Fatale yet.

Far and away the most fun you'll from any comic this week, guaranteed. Improving exponentially with every issue, the sky is the limit for FF and I'm already salivating for issue 4.

The Flash is a really interesting book in that it truly is a case of the art carrying a book but not just in the sense of making things look pretty; the art completely changes how the story is relayed, the emotions it elicits, and even the ambition and creativity of the ideas presented in the script. Sadly, Manapul only drew part of it.

I had trouble writing this review because I kept using the word “fun.” I probably still used it too much. The problem is that there's just no better word to describe Matt Fraction's Hawkeye. This is an amazing experience and everything a comic book should be. If you aren't following this book, you are really, really missing out.

A really human story with a big heart and the kind of thing that could only work within the pages of Hawkeye.

It's still early days for the Marvel Now! relaunch but I feel confident in proclaiming Iron Man to be the best thing to come out of it so far. Its recipe for success is simple enough: no gimmicks, just great character work and an intriguing story that's sure to test our hero to his limits. From the evidence of the first issue alone the early signs are good that this run could look to equal Matt Fraction's notable achievements on The Invincible Iron Man, such is the swagger and verve Gillen has displayed in his opening gambit. A great introduction to the character for new readers and a satisfying interpretation for long-time fans, Iron Man #1 ticks nearly every box I can think of that would mark it as an essential purchase.

Reading this and then looking back on Fraction's final arc just makes me sad. Hopefully, it gets better now that Gillen is returning to conventional story-arcs.

A really fun, wild ride that rips by so quickly and with such energy, that you'll forgive the little slips in the art.

A fun enough issue for most, but a real treat if you're a Powers fan.

The best issue of War Zone thus far, but it's still completely undercut by thoroughly unimpressive artwork.

Again, your mileage may vary on this one. However, if you're up for a trip down memory lane in the form of a tribute to comics of days gone by, all in a modern setting with slick, modern artwork, you'll enjoy this one for sure.

A shadowy and edgy tone instantly distinguish Uncanny and set the stakes for the book. This was definitely a strong effort and yet another sign that Bendis has truly come out of Marvel NOW a revitalized writer.