A weekly column in which Jake gives short blurbs about the comics he’s picked up that week. Reviewed in the order read, which varies but generally by increasing anticipation. Disclaimer: he knows very little about art, at least not enough to considerably honor such tremendous undertakings, so… yeh, there’s that.
DC Universe: Rebirth #1
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Gary Frank, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Phil Jimenez
Inkers: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis, Matt Santorelli, Gary Frank
Colorists: Brad Anderson, Jason Wright, Hi-Fi, Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
DC
So first off, let’s get to the price of this book and number of pages: being $2.99 for 72 pages is a
damn good price, especially for the beginning of an…event? Era? It’s not exactly clear what
Rebirth means for the DC universe(s) suffice to say that change is coming. Or rather, change
will be undone. You see, Wally West (old, ginger Wally West, not new, black Wally West) has
been stuck outside time and space ever since Flashpoint and during that time he witnessed
something steal away ten years from the new universe after the aforementioned event. And
now he’s trying to get back to the current universe to warn everyone about the something.
That’s a bit of an intentionally vague recap for what is actually a pretty enthralling and tense
story from Geoff Johns and a bevy of artists. Wally’s narration keeps us grounded as the story
rapidly from point to point and the emotional climax of the issue is wonderful in terms of both
story and art. While the epilogue reveal might be a bit controversial, of the dramatic Big Two
reveals this week it’s probably the lesser of two evils. Still, with a strong start such as this,
things look bright for the Rebirth of the DCU. Which is fortunate timing, considering the news
coming from Marvel…
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #8
Writer: Ryan North
Artist: Erica Henderson w/Andy Hirsch
Color Artist: Rico Renzi
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Marvel
Isn’t it weird how the only two Marvel books on the PL this week are books where nothing truly
terrible (almost) ever happens? *knocks on all the woods* Anyway, speaking of terrible, this
issue, Doreen tries out internet dating. I mean terrible for her; it’s hilarious for us. I don’t know if
it’s because I’m trying to find every ray of light I can in such a dark time but I think this might be
one of the funniest issues yet. As always, story and art combine for a near pitch perfect comedy
issue, resulting in one of the best USG books in recent months, which is certainly saying
something.
Ms. Marvel #7
Writer: Willow Wilson
Artist: Adrian Alphona
Color Art: Ian Herring
Lettering: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Marvel
Don’t let the banner fool you: aside from the last few pages, this issue has little to directly do
with Civil War II. Instead, it focuses on a tri-state science fair with Kamala and Miles’ schools
competing against each other (Spoilers: Nova actually has almost nothing to do with this issue)
with humorous results. Wilson and Alphona’s penchant for shenanigans is on full display here,
as the setting is rife with opportunities for Alphona’s famous sight gags and Wilson’s humorous
and wonderful plotting. Honestly, the issue is just pure fun, which is a refreshing change of
pace coming off the last, stress-heavy arc. Much as the same with other books, one can only
hope that Ms. Marvel’s involvement in Civil War II doesn’t derail her extremely enjoyable book.
So what did you pick up this week?
Agree or disagree with anything said here?
Let us know in the comments.
Labels: Comic Books, Comics, DC Comics, DC Universe Rebirth, Marvel Comics, Ms. Marvel, the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl
