Writer:Ed Brubaker
Art: Clay Mann
Inker: Stefano Gaudiano
Colors: Matt Holingsworth
Letters: VC’s Chris Eliopoulos
Cover Art: Marko Djurdjevic
Editor: Warren Simons
Asst. Editor: Alejandro Arbona
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
Publisher: Marvel Comics: Dan Buckley

Reviewed by: Ryan Broussard : ryanb1114@yahoo.com
Rating: Damn near Flawless!!!
Title: Daredevil #111 : “Lady Bullseye” part 1

When I think of Daredevil’s greatest adversary, I always think of Bullseye.  Not only he is he Daredevil’s best nemesis, but overall out of all the Marvel villains he ranks somewhere at the top.  So to say that I was disappointed that he had joined the Thunderbolts and become some what of a “hero” would be an understatement.  I believe that Bullseye belongs in the pages of Daredevil. Well apparently so does Daredevil writer Ed Brubaker, who proves here if you can have the real deal then create the next best thing; enter Lady Bullseye!

It’s funny how when many people think of amazing runs in comics they seem to forget Daredevil.  Bendis and Maleev had one of the greatest runs in comic history on this title.  Furthermore Ed Brubaker has made the title his own and made an impressive run himself now for going on two years.  Bru has found a balance by going back and fourth from a drama filled court room stories to full on action stories through out his run.  Now after wrapping up a emotional story that was good but seemed long over due, it is time for Bru to open up the flood gates to a brand new story with a brand new interesting villain.

This issue had it all.  It was one of the best set up opening issues for a new story arc I have ever read.  Most writers have problems on the first issue of a new story, but Brubaker really knocks this out of the park.  The new villain, Lady Bullseye, is set up fast and extremely well.  There are flashbacks of Bullseye in action.  There is a cameo by Iron Fist.  But even more so, the emotions between Dakota and Matt were so on point.  What happens with Matt in this issue was such an amazing turn of events for the character.  It was a bit of a shocker and yet it made perfect sense.  It only proves that Daredevil is one of those comics that is very much set in the real world.  Matt Murdock comes off as a real man with real problems and that is a credit to Ed Brubaker. I think Bru is at the top of his game here.

The art by Clay Mann is a perfect match for this book.  Much like past artist on this title like Maleev and Lark; Mann has a gritty style that encompasses the realistic mood of this title in a great way.  I like that his Matt Murdock is a little more buff than past artist make him and Mann portrays women in a very real non-exaggerated way.    Mann’s line work is really impressive and so are his attentions to shadows and clothing creases.  Good stuff!!

Overall, this was an amazing set up issue for a story that I think can only get better.  I love the new villain and I love the new direction of Matt’s personal life.  I have not been this excited about Daredevil for awhile.

What Works:
Perfect set up, flawless character interaction between Matt and Dakota, the art

What Doesn’t:
It pretty darn good!…I dunno

Recommended for:
Bullseye Fans!

Scores:
Story: 5/5
Art:5/5
Final: 5/5

Make sure to pick this issue up at BSI Comics when it hits stands this Wednesday September 24th !

Reviewed by: Ryan Broussard : ryanb1114@yahoo.com

Rating: Excellent!
Title: Runaways #2 : “Dead Wrong” part 2
The Runaways battle a team of Majesdanians out to take down Karolina…

Writer:Terry Moore
Art: Humberto Ramos
Inker: Dave Meikis
Colors: Christina Strain
Letters: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Art: Humberto Ramos
Editor: Nick Lowe
Asst. Editor: Daniel Ketchum
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
Publisher: Marvel Comics: Dan Buckley

I can not speak for the majority of the Runaways fans out, but I for one have felt like the title has been absent for quite some time. In fact, I would say this title has not been on track since its creators Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona departed the book well over a year ago. Since then fan favorite scribe Joss Whedon took on the kids and unfortunately did not fill Vaughan’s shoes and left the title always being late and incredibly disappointing. Now with yet another re-launch, Liberty Meadows writer Terry Moore joins artist Humberto Ramos to try and get this title back to where it belongs. After an average start with issue one, I am pleased to say the new creative team brought this issue back to the basics and was excellent.

In issue one of this series the team, including new comer Klara, have returned to Los Angeles and have begun to restructure their lives back together. However, the welcome home did not last long as their new home was destroyed by a group of warriors resembling the same powers as Karolina. This issue picks up from there and goes to all out Runaways action. The gang work together and try and find out exactly who these warriors are what they want. Turns out they are the same race as Karolina, Majesdanians, and something very very bad has happened to their planet. The problem is they are blaming Karolina for this tragedy. I really like what Moore is doing here. He is bringing back the idea that these kids are not their parents. This was the core theme of the original run of this title and it has been missing. I feel like Moore is bringing back that main aspect of this book back to the characters. I also like the development of Karolina and Xavin’s relationship, which was pretty much absent in Whedon’s tenure on the book.

Moore has done his homework on these characters. He is starting to develop the characters more and progress the story that Vaughan set up along time ago. I cannot express what a relief it was to read this issue. I have been a Runways fan for a very long time. For a time it was the number one book on my pull list. I hope that Moore can help it get to that point again.

As far as the art side goes it is a controversial one. Seems like most people either despise Humberto Ramos’ style or completely love it. Luckily for me, I love it. His facial expressions and uses of movement are brilliant. I love the exaggerated mouths and wide eyes on the characters. It makes them look younger, which in fact they are. So many people forget that these characters are children for the most part. Personally I feel like this is some of if not the best work I have seen Ramos put out. His line work and attention to detail is very strong. I see a progression is his work as before every character looked extremely similar and now I do not see that as much.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this issue. It is the absolute needed and right step to get this book to be great again. If you are a fan of the original Runaways stories under Vaughan, I would very much suggest this book. I know some people are turned off by Ramos, but I am telling you, his fresh and modern style works wonders on these characters.

What Works:
The action, the story, the character developments, the art

What Doesn’t:
I really want more stuff with Nico, but I am sure that is coming

Recommended for:
Fans of Brian K. Vaughan’s Runaways

Scores:
Story: 5/5
Art:5/5
Final: 5/5

Make sure to pick this issue up at BSI Comics when it hits stands this Wednesday September 24th !

We’re beginning to inventory all of our back issues in order to enter them into our database. The problem is that we have well over 100,000 back issues and that’s a lot of data entry. So, in order to have less comics to inventory we are clearing out as much as we can. Here’s the breakdown for the progressive sale:

September 17-19 = 20% off
September 20-23 = 30% off
September 24-26 = 40% off
September 27-30 = 50% off

This sale is only for bagged and boarded back issues and excludes layaway and the twenty five cent comics (they’re cheap already).

Reviewed by: Ryan Broussard : ryanb1114@yahoo.com
Rating: Good and Hilarious
Title: Incredible Hercules #121 : “Love & War” part 1
Hercules runs into the Amazons…
Writer:Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente
Art: Clayton Henry
Colors: Guru eFX
Letters: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Art: Arthur Suydam
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Asst. Editor: Nathan Cosby
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
Publisher: Marvel Comics: Dan Buckley

Incredible Hercules has become one of the biggest surprises from Marvel this year. I know when it was announced that Hulk was going to be leaving his own book and the Prince of Power would be taking his place, I know I was not the only one to let out a worrisome groan. However, Greg Pak, now along with Fred Van Lente have really made this book a must have of each month’s pull list.

After wrapping up the previous God Squad arc, which was the best Secret Invasion Tie-In to date, Incredible Hercules is now due for some R&R. This issue involves Herc welcoming the warmth of spring and “love” in his own way. Let’s just say Hercules likes women, he likes them a lot. However, this issue proves that some women are not to be taken lightly: enter the Amazons. So throw in a certain ocean king, one ticked off Ares, and enough references to mythology to make geek giggle with delight, and you have an incredibly fun issue.

Pak and Van Lente have a wonderful sense of comedic timing in this book. It has been there for awhile now but this issue really brought it to the fore front. However they find a way to balance it with more character progression, action, and future set up. I really find myself liking Cho, a character I once despised. He makes for the perfect partner for Hercules and furthermore the perfect counterweight for this book.

Also, I have to say that for me to be such a fan of Hercules now is a credit to these writers. I never ever liked Hercules in the Marvel Universe. If he died, I could have really cared less. But now his character has become one of Marvel’s finest. He is your Average Joe of a guy; loving action, beer, women, and his best bud. I guess the only difference between him and the typical male would be that he is the Prince of Power, the hero of strength and the son of a God. He is a great character, that is the bottom line and I can’t thank Pak and now Van Lente for that enough.

Not only does this start a new story arc for Incredible Hercules, but also marks the debut of new ongoing artist Clayton Henry. Henry, best known for his work on Exiles, makes a great first impression here. Honestly I would say this is the best his work has ever looked. His panel structure is easy to follow and they seriously help move the action along. I think his Hercules looks absolutely perfect. His facial expressions along with the design of his figure are a perfect fit for this book. Henry also displays a talent for making women look both feminine and tough, which will play nicely into this story concerning the Amazons. The art really worked and I could not be happier that Henry is the new artist on Incredible Hercules.

Overall, you really cannot ask for a better on going series from Marvel than this. The characters mesh well together and the stories have been more than entertaining thus far. Pak and Van Lente know these characters and have done their homework on mythology to make this a must have book!

What Works:
The characters, The mythology tie-ins, the Humor, the art, the pacing.

What Doesn’t:
I wish this issue had a bit more Cho and Herc interaction, but it still works!

Recommended for:
New Readers, Herc Fans, anyone that wants to have fun reading a comic book.

Scores:
Story: 4/5
Art:4.5/5
Final: 4.5/5

Make sure to pick this issue up at BSI Comics when it hits stands this Wednesday!

James Jean, whose hauntingly beautiful work has graced the cover to every issue thus far of Vertigo’s Fables, has announced on his blog that he is leaving as the role of cover artist for the series to persue personal ventures.

If you don’t evacuate for Gustave, be sure to head down to the Bean Gallery at 637 N. Carrollton Ave on Friday August 29th from 6pm-9pm for an art show for several artists including two of our customers, Robby Musso and Wendy Warrelmann.

Wired has coverage of hard core fans from SDCC that sport comic themed tattoos.

Lastly, while we had hoped for a while to see the much anticipated Preacher HBO series, it looks like it’s a no-go. Straight from Mark Steven Johnson,

“It was a very faithful adaptation of the first few books, nearly word for word,” says Johnson, who directed Daredevil and Ghost Rider. “They offered me the chance to redevelop it but I refused. I’ve learned my lesson on that front and I won’t do it again. So I’m afraid it’s dead at HBO.”

If I learned one thing at ComicCon 2008, it’s that the Watchmen movie of 2009 will be huge.  HUGE.

Jason re-reads Watchmen every 18 months or so.  That coupled with the hype of the movie AND having learned that one of the characters was named Rorschach (yes, as in ink splotches), I took the plunge.  It didn’t hurt that we sat behind Watchmen’s illustrator, Dave Gibbons, at the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund auction (I even connived a way to touch the back of his collar without him noticing!).  And in the event you have not yet read Watchmen, fear not, there will be no spoilers in this review.

The opening scene has a man being thrown out of a window to his death.  And from such a beginning, the tale is off on a classic whodunit.  Except the victim and the ones suspicious are hooded avengers.  Not “superheros” per se, because, except for one noticeable character, these avengers have no special powers; they can’t fly or see through walls or disappear or leap tall buildings in a single bound.  No, they are regular folks that had had enough of crime and took matters into their own hands.

The story begins with the laying of a very solid foundation.  This was a bit confusing for me because you are introduced to many characters and there are flashbacks of the same characters when they are younger and so it’s even more faces to keep up with.  Their outfits help on this front.

Early on you get the sense that every scene has meaning.  That there are clues being left for you in the panels to unravel this mystery without having to have it spelled out for you.  So even when the theme switches to the pirate comic a guy is reading beside a news stand, you get the feeling that that pirate story has relevance.  And it will, so take heed.

And before too long you find you are drawn in to the world written by Alan Moore and visually effected by Dave Gibbons—a 1980s United States with an alternate history.  It feels real.  The writing and dialogue are so smooth and flawless; one’s suspension of disbelief is effortlessly given.

But Watchmen is not a simple whodunit.  Soon enough you a presented with a world that is on the verge of war, where politicians aren’t motivated simply to serve their country, where distrust of the police and even the hooded avengers is high (there is a repeated message of graffiti on a wall of “who watches the Watchmen.”)  Sound familiar?  Funny how 20 years can pass and a comic can still touch on themes that are every bit as relevant today as they were then.

When I finished reading Watchmen, my immediate reaction was, “Hmm, that was good.  Not, like, amazing, but solid.”  The next morning, my mind kept returning to key points of the plot and whether such a story is truly plausible in this post-9/11 world we live in.  I still am not sure.  The following day, my mind returned to that pirate comic.  And the extra materials at the end of each chapter—arrest records, reports of various kinds, newspaper clippings, advertisements, old photographs.  And Rorshach’s journal entries. And by the third day of having finished reading Watchmen, I finally understood the true genius of it.  Yes, genius.  It is the very structure of the novel.  There are so many layers in this novel.

One very effective technique Moore uses is to have the dialogue in the pirate comic overlap with scenes from the main story (or the other way around).  To do this in one or two panels would be an interesting technique.  To do it over and over throughout the entire novel is brilliant.  Imagine even creating two concurrent story lines that appear to be completely separate but whose dialogue can interchange—seriously, that is almost an impossible task to do and not have it feel forced.  And then to have this second story in fact have significance, bearing, symbolism, to the main story?  Genius.

Other techniques employed by Moore are the use of Rorshach’s journal entries and those other materials at the end of the chapters.  Layers.  There is not one thought bubble in this novel.  Instead, you get into the minds of the characters by these other materials.  Far more subtle and yet very effective.  The result is more thoughtful than your typical comic.

Yet another technique used is symbolism, and this novel has lots of it.  And what makes it nice is that it is okay if you don’t get it all (I am positive I missed a lot of things, especially in the beginning—I now understand why my husband has reread it so many times; each rereading garners you more fine tuning).  If you don’t figure out the mystery for yourself, it is given to you.  There are no real loose strings; no cliffhanger ending begging for a sequel.  But it WILL leave you thinking . . . about crime and punishment, war and peace, good and evil, right and wrong, truth and lies . . . as well as politics and laws and forgiveness and utilitarianism—you know, the greatest good for the greatest number.

But, hey, you don’t need to get all phylisophical to enjoy this great work.  It has plenty of intrigue and action and mystery to carry the day.  Just don’t say you haven’t been warned that it may leave you thinking a bit harder than you expected.