by Aaron Lightfoot, Comic Columnist
Batman/Superman #28
Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Robson Rocha, Dexter Vines,
Wade Von Grawbadger, and Norm Rapmund
Bruce Wayne hasn’t been Batman for quite a long time, Batman/Superman #28 rectifies this. This issue goes back to when Bruce dawned the cape and cowl and the world didn’t know Clark Kent is Superman. The duo seems to go really well together as they investigate a crime scene on the moon. It seems like the new direction will focus a bit more on Superman rather than Batman though.
The biggest problem I have with this comic is the fact that there seems to be no connection between issue 27 and issue 28 of theseries. In Batman/Superman #27, Gordon is still Batman, and in Batman #47, Bruce is still trying to remember who he is. The random way that the comic series has turned makes me not want to enjoy an otherwise great start to a new story arc.
Rating: 7/10
All-New X-Men #3:
Written by: Dennis Hopeless
Art by: Mark Bagley, Andrew Hennessy, and
Nolan Woodard
The X-Men have always been designed to speak to those who are considered outcasts. Even with this in mind, it’s really hard for anyone to relate to the Ghosts of Cyclops group, regardless of how hard Hopeless tries. Although Hopeless does a good job of sparing people the headache of what is going on elsewhere in the X-Men universe, I still feel like this issue is difficult to follow.
I can’t fault the creative team on this series too much, I would like to see a stronger display that will make me want to get back into reading an X-Men series. The time-travel issue from recent X-Men comics and the fact the younger and older versions of the X-Men are together makes me struggle to understand what is going on, and if it doesn’t get rectified it will be a while before I pick up another X-Men comic.
Rating: 6/10
Red Sonja #1:
Written by: Marguerite Bennett
Art by: Aneke
Bennett is a name that I am beginning to see everywhere. Whether it is her work on DC Bombshells or Earth 2 World’s End, I am starting to notice how prevalent she has become. Not seeing Gail Simone’s name on this comic made me hesitate to read it; however, due to Bennett’s previous record, I was willing to give it a try, and I was not disappointed.
After the long tenure of Simone and Walter Geovani on Red Sonja, seeing a new creative team make this series their own was a pleasant sight. The new team is able to give Sonja a new look and still keep her as strong of a female character as ever. Although the first issue didn’t hook me entirely, I am still very intrigued to see how the duo will develop as the story goes on.
Rating: 8/10
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0:
Written by: Kyle Higgins
Art by: Henry Prasetya
Very much like reading the Archie reboot, I was ready to laugh at this comic. I was surprised to see this series may be one that I will have to follow when it begins to release in March. Being able to keep the spirit of a popular, cheesy kids show sounds difficult, however Higgins is able to put a story together that lets everyone keep what makes them unique without having to be to over the top on everything.
Prasetya does a great job in making everything look very similar to how many remember the show. Although it isn’t perfect, due to the challenge of making a truly realistic comic, he is able to put his own little twist that makes it great to look at. The question is if the team can keep it up when they begin the actual series. If done right, this series could become one that lets people reclaim their childhood. As Jeff Lake said in his review on IGN, “With the story now in motion and a great creative team in place, it’s definitely Morphin Time.”
Rating: 8/10
Walking Dead #150:
Written by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Charlie Adlard, Stefano Gaudiano, and
Cliff Rathburn
Reaching the great milestone of 150 issues is no small accomplishment. Making the 150th issue worth remembering is a much more difficult task. Although not as memorable as the first appearance of Neegan in Walking Dead #100, this issue is still able to keep you on the edge of your seat. Nothing seems more incredible to me than what has happened in this series – having a world overrun by zombies. However, if you think that the zombies are the only problem then you are greatly mistaken.
Although I have not watched the television series, I am drawn to give my full attention to everything Walking Dead due to the vast character development that has taken place in the comics. Even though this issue is a milestone, it also benefits from the fact that it feels like just another issue instead of a show of grandeur that was supposed to make everyone need the comic. The story seems to flow really smoothly, and I am ready to see what follows this issue.
Rating: 8.5/10