Thomas Crawford Comic Reviews

Ultimately, I think this series will read better in the trade paperback format. Although I got a good sense for who these characters were, I didnt wholly understand their purpose. My advice to the curious reader is to catch up on the backstory first. And to those who have been following this series since the beginning, I sincerely hope that your patience is rewarded.

Again, I cant recommend this book highly enough. I was blown away by Atomic Robo: Deadly Art of Science, and you should run to your local comic shop and grab yourself a copy as soon as possible.

Axis: Hobgoblin is a hilarious, inspired take on a Spider-Man villain most readers probably don't give a second thought about. Emmy-nominated Robot Chicken writer Kevin Shinick dug deep to find some of the characters we see in this issue, and all of it is beautifully drawn by Javier Rodriguez. Whether following the main Axis event or not, fans of good comics should be goblin this series up.

So forget what you know about event tie-ins, and forget that you forgot who Hobgoblin was. Axis: Hobgoblin is a spiritual successor to Superior Foes of Spider-Man, striking that same balance of humor, intrigue and comically senseless violence that will have folks reassessing the role a B-list Spider-Man villain plays in their lives.

As I said before, this story was relatively self-contained, but there are many stories in progress in the periphery, and Layman really excels at piquing the readers curiosity with regards to strange messages from space, Soviet spies and -- if Im not mistaken -- vampires. Clearly there is a much larger story occurring here, but this issues ability to stand on its own, especially as a Part 2, has to be commended. When I get a chance, Im going to my comic shop to see about catching up, and I suggest you all do the same. Chew is a real gem.

While Convergence itself has been another in a string of Big Two events, Shazam! has been a welcome change: a simple, fun adventure with Earth's Mightiest Mortal doing what he does best. Whether you're following the event or not, Convergence: Shazam! #1 is a worthwhile read.

This tie-in miniseries is only two issues long, but it's a fascinating read, and it will be interesting to seeing how far Rucka goes with the relationship between The Question and Two-Face. With strong art and stronger character work, the ending of this series is one question audiences won't want to leave unanswered.

Its rare that art can sour a story so much for me, but Parker needs to step up his game if he wants people to return for the remaining five chapters. Otherwise, you may just want to read the novel.

I think as far as team books go, Doom Patrol absolutely nails the dynamic between characters, creating an interesting group of real people that I want to continue reading about month after month.

Dracula: The Company of Monsters #11Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011By: Thomas Crawford Kurt Busiek, Daryl GregoryScott Godlewski, Stephen Downer (c), Johnny Lowe (l)BOOM! Studios I picked this up because it looked like a more traditional (read: non-sparkly) vampire story. In that regard, my expectations were met. This is a tale of vicious blood-sucking monsters and the people who devote their lives to exterminating them. Unfortunately, its not a very good one.

As a thoughtful examination of Marvel's Mutant's, E is for Extinction is a breath of fresh air, encouraging the reader to ask: what's so great about the X-Men? As a superhero fight comic, though, this creative team is still evolving (Not sorry!).

Now that this event is over, odds are a lot of these characters will go back on the shelf, but it was fun watching this team take their turn playing with them, and hopefully they'll be moving on to tell great stories elsewhere in the Marveluniverse.

This book exemplifies the core themes of the X-Men universe. You have a group of teenage outcasts, feared by the world, but still trying to make it better. It is my sincerest hope that this book continues to perform at this level, because if it does it will be a contender for the best Marvel book on the shelves right now.

Now, I imagine when Marvel had the idea for their current Point One initiative, they were imagining stories that looked something like this. Ghost Rider #0.1 gives us the titular characters origin, shows the hero (if you can call him that) in action, and lays the seed for future stories. Or in this case, an upcoming ongoing.

This was a fine end to the opening arc of this series. A beautifully twisted vision of Gotham City and its inhabitants, Gotham by Midnight is a fun, spooky read that should appeal to those readers who want something a little darker than what typical superhero fare has to offer. Especially as the number of books going for $2.99 continues to shrink, you'll have a hard time finding a more satisfying read for this price.

My final recommendation is to go out and grab this the next chance you get. And, if you missed it, see about getting the first chapter, too. This is the sort of comic that reminds you how much fun can be had with this medium.

Another surprise in a book full of them is the inclusion of a short story from Dash Shaw's Fantagraphics series Cosplayers. It's a Ghost World-esque story of two 20-something girls who have a surreal encounter in a comic book shop. It's an odd tale, but one that resonates, as these two girls, who aren't particularly huge comics fans, get caught in the tractor beam of a comic shop owner's rant about the sentience of comic books (specifically Jack Kirby comics in the story). It's bizarre, but anybody who's gone into a shop knows how close this comes to reality. Whether it's true or not, it's an odd little story that feels like a weirdly appropriate send-off to this issue. All in all, definitely worth picking up.SCORE: 10/10

This alliance in this issue will likely be an important plot point in the saga of Max Damage. If youre a casual reader, however, this might be a month to save your $3.99 for something with a bit more meat on its bones.

It is so incredibly rare for an event tie-in book to be produced with this level of quality, butInfinity Gauntletis clearly a labor of love, with all parties working to produce the best story they can. With most events, even the best tie-ins fade over time to be remembered as background details in a grander story. Even the most devoutSecret Wars collector, however, will likely remember this series as a powerful work of fiction that stands all on its own.

Five issues in,Injectionis shapingup to be one of Ellis's best works, in league withPlanetary orThe Authority. While it's mostly sci-fi, this story also effortlessly blends elements of fantasy, horror, and spy thriller to create a singularlyunique tale told by a master of his craft at the top of his game.Injection has the makings of a magnum opus, so be sure to pick thisup.

Im going to recommend trade-waiting this one. As part of a larger story, this is an important issue thats a great example of how to set up conflicts. As a single issue, though? This particular book seems like a pretty thin read.

I dont think this comic is necessarily award-worthy, but it is a fine example of comics done right. We could use more books like this on the shelves, and I recommend you go out and pull a copy of Irredeemable off of one the next time you get a chance.

This is fantasy writing at its best, and the mouse civilization is a clever conceit. If youre craving swords chivalry, you need to be buying this title.

This is a strong start for Moon Knight's new creative team. Wood, et al. sink their hooks in deep and don't let go. With a gripping story, dynamic art, and a clear creative vision, Moon Knight has a very bright future ahead of it.

Moon Knight is a very well-drawn, well-colored, even well-lettered book. Watching Marc Spector continue to practice his "your fist to my face" style of superheroics is always great, but this current storyline creates a moral ambiguity that asks the reader who they should really be rooting for. And any superhero comic that forces you to examine your own values goes above and beyond the standards for books about men in tights.

This is a smart issue, and all parties involved are putting forth their A game. It seems fans will have to wait until next month to find out if Moon Knight hits rock bottom, but the longer this run continues, the higher it seems to climb in quality.

This month marks the end of Moon Knight's conflict with his mysterious doctor, and after all the torture she put him through, it's gratifying to see him overcome it. Even if the end of Doctor Warsame's story feels like a cop-out, Moon Knight himself is in fine form doing what he does best: overcoming impossible odds to save the day.

Bunn seems more inclined than previous writers to embrace the impossible side of Moon Knight's adventures, which means there's more possibilities to explore. Based on this first issue, readers can expect things to get pretty wild for our hero. Exciting possibilities await, which is really one of the best things about superhero comics. So if you're not too jaded on the spandex scene, Moon Knight is definitely worth a read.

Moon Knight #14 has carved itself out a niche as the seedy back-alley of the Marvel universe. Even though this isn't the strongest issue to date, the series still possesses a creepy charm that makes it a blast to read each month.SCORE: 7/10

Since this title relaunched, it's been largely done-in-one stories that serve asparts of a thematic whole. As stand-alone stories, most of these have been entertaining, and have done a great job of highlighting Marc Spector's awesomeness. After sixteen issues, though? It's starting to get a little stale. Part of being a hero is having a mission, or an opponent. So far, Moon Knight hasn't really met anyone who's a match for him. While this single issue by itself is great, the series needs to find its focus soon, or it risks losing reader interest.

This is a series worth keeping an eye on. Based on the current rate of improvement, by issue five we'll be calling it the next Watchmen. Secret Six is a series rife with potential, possessing a clear vision, smart dialog, and a definite tone. The ingredients are there, but somehow it's not being mixed quite right.

This series was off to a rough start, but this month's issue should give long time fans hope that lightning can strike twice. Simone's team of misfit malcontents may not be back to their full glory yet, but this is definitely a step in the right, yet very wrong, direction.

Another fun issue from Simone and co. is in the bag, and the team moves one step closer to the inevitable train wreck they continue to make of their lives. It's a lot of fun to watch, and I'm sure the bloody finale to come will serve to remind folks why fans of this series love it so much. Get in while you can, because Secret Sixis going to be a wild ride.

This series continues to pickup steam with a second arc that's taking readers off the beaten path for these characters. It's very exciting to genuinely not know where this story is heading, and it's clear Simone and co. are just getting warmedup.

All in all, if you can forgive the eyesore some marketing idiot dropped in the middle of this comic, Secret Six #34 is a must-read for anyone who likes comics. And if you cant, this is still a story worth buying. So go get it.

This is an excellent series, and with Marvel once again gearingup for things to never be the same, there's no guaranteehow many more issues it has left. Get it while the getting's good, or risk missing out on some truly excellent comics.

While this may not be the perfect issue, it has the beginnings of a very engaging and exciting story arc. Im really looking forward to seeing where this issue goes, and if youre looking for a title to round out your pull list, Soldier Zero is a strong candidate.

I feel like this series is starting to find its legs, and in a few months will turn into something really cool. Until then, though, your collection will be no poorer for this titles absence.

Superior Foes of Spider-Man has been Marvel's little series that could, and the world of comics will be sad to see it go. Even if this wasn't the strongest issue of this series, it's setting up a very gratifying conclusion in the months to come.

This entire series, beginning to end, has been a thing of beauty. It's a real labor of love, and it shows in every page (literally on the cover, as the cast sit around laughing while Nick and Steve smile in the background). It's a brilliant book that offers heists, laugh out loud funny gags, and memorable characters. To that end, fare thee well, Superior Foes of Spider-Man, you shall be remembered fondly.

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents is a series a lot of people are talking about, and more and more people seem to be reading. I recommend this issue, and the series, to anyone who loves comics, anyone who likes comics, or anyone who is just curious. The long and short of it is: Buy this book.

Thus ends Multiversity, but as Morrison points out, it's never really over. This tour of the DC multiverse has been a wild ride, with unforgettable characters and adventures that will resonate with comic readers for years to come. In other words, as Morrison might say "Read this comic! Your world depends on it!" That is, if you want your world to be awesome.

Multiversity continues to be an amazing ride of a series, and it is the most anticipated book on my pull list. Even this issue, while not exactly groundbreaking, was still a real delight to read. Grant Morrison has always been hailed as a writer with great ideas, but here he shows he's also a master of world-building. If you're not following this series, you're missing the most creative work coming from the Big Two.

Thunderworld may not be the best comic ever, it may not be the best chapter of Multiversity, but it's a strong entry for the best Captain Marvel story. Morrison and the rest of the creative team have created another rich world for future creators to explore, and brought life to characters we haven't seen too much of since the New 52. This issue reminds us that comics can be more than fun, they can be happy and uplifting. Finishing this book, one can certainly recognize the talent that went into it, but also the positivity which it inspires, and the world of Captain Marvel should always be an inspiring one.

Morrison and Co. went above and beyond with this story. The Multiversity has been one brilliant issue after another, but this truly takes everything to the next level. It's a visionary's masterpiece, distilled into a mere 40 pages. With such a clarity of vision, it's almost impossible not to read this with the same enthusiasm with which one imagines it was written. If you haven't been following The Multiversity, or even if you haven't been following comics period, you need to read Ultra Comics #1, as it is quite possibly the best, most original single issue story Grant Morrison has ever produced.

If you like this series, you wont mind adding this issue to your collection. But since the funny moments arent quite enough to outweigh the rest, Id recommend waiting until next month if youre still on the fence about buying this normally excellent series.

As previously stated, Trees is a slow burn. It's a beautiful world, populated by fascinating characters, but if nothing happens, these characters and this world will have a hard time sustaining an audience's interest. That said, it's a safe bet that when this series is collected, it'll be a totally brilliant read.

Trees is a unique book, to be sure. Part conspiracy, part politics, part science fiction, Ellis has built a rich and thriving world, whose collapse is beautifully rendered by Howard. Ellis has spent the last three decades sculpting a powerful body of work, and Trees is destined to be remembered as one of his more daring contributions.

While this issue isn't much to write home about, the series as a whole has been engaging in its exploration of how humanity reacts when they no longer feel in control of their lives. Like all good media, it makes the readeruncomfortable and challenges them to look at the world in new and critical ways. In other words, this may not be the best single issue of a comic, but it's gosh darned good science fiction.

This is a strong start to what looks to be a fascinating series, and I hope some it generates more buzz. Because, as it stands, this book is a lock for my pull list.

Xombi #5Posted: Monday, August 1, 2011By: Thomas Crawford John RozumFrazer Irving, Wes Abbott (l)DC Dear reader, sometimes I worry you dont take my opinions seriously. Way back when this series debuted, I lavished it with praise, (some of which, Im proud to say, was used as a pull quote in DCs blog). Do you understand, reader? Do you understand why Im distraught? This series was offered the chance Firefly fans dream of, and all we got was six issues, of which this is the fifth. Still, Ive given you enough grief for not buying this terrific series, so lets get down to business.