Ray Hilario Comic Reviews

Although Ghost Stories is the second installment of three interconnecting graphic novels, it still reads well as its own story. In fact, I would recommend reading Vol. 2 first (then Vol.1, then Vol.3), as it almost serves as a prequel, since it is set in the past. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to buy the other two volumes and looking for Jeff Lemire's other works.

Ultimate Comics Avengers starts off with a loud bang, and it resonates throughout the rest of the issue. Millar and Pacheco waste no time in setting out and making the Ultimate line likable again; with this fast-paced, awesome-looking book. My only concern is the ending and the secret revealed at the end. I can already hear "really?!" from some readers. Nevertheless, you'll come back wanting and waiting to see how Millar and Pacheco undo Loeb's mess.

With this issue mirroring the previous one too closely, it falls a little flat with its formulaic scenes of heroes rising and dying. Nevertheless, it's still an exciting read that'll keep you wanting more of the Blackest Night.

From the Red Lanterns puking out "RAGE" and "HATE" and "PAIN" to the Orange Lantern crying like a child, "It's MINE…" The battle of all these colors is turning out to be a silly event that fans will second-guess when they finish reading it for the first and last time. But for some odd reason, Green Lantern is a book that's still kinda worth getting. Let's just hope Johns is able to deliver just the way he did in Sinestro Corps and Rebirth, come Blackest Night. Till then, I look forward to the Black Lanterns overshadowing these previous arcs.

It's unfortunate that this book didn't live up to my expectations. I was duped into thinking that this was going to be one serious story with "Identity Crisis like" themes and situations. Instead, I got a book that features a poorly written tale and an article in the end from the writer in which he tries to assure me that what I'm reading is going to matter.

All in all, Batman #675 is like that mandatory pick-up that you don't want to make; because like every issue in any story that Grant Morrison's writing, this book has the potential to be reread another time in the future for some reference. It's disappointing though that there isn't any in depth exploration of Batman's character in this issue or any exciting moments.

Still a cool story, which presents some intriguing dilemmas, but I'm as excited as I was after reading the first issue.

Since there's no indication of Bruce Wayne's resurrection being deeply explored in this issue, this book is nothing more than an entertaining read that doesn't really offer anything important. Is it a must pickup? Sure? I guess it doesn't hurt to read another story about the Dick Grayson Batman.

There aren't a lot of redeeming qualities with Tales of the Corps #3; but since it's the 3 out of 3, you may as well get it. Read it once, slip it back in the bag and board, and marvel at it for a couple of seconds when you connect all three covers. Then pray that Blackest Night #2 comes out already.