DC Comics Reviews for 3/26/2014

SUICIDE SQUAD – AMANDA WALLER #1
Writer:  Jim Zub
Penciller:  Andre’ Coelho
Inker:  Scott Hanna
Colorist:  Andrew Dalhouse
Letterer:  Carlos M. Mangual

What I Liked

This one-shot did a great job of introducing Amanda Waller to readers who may not be familiar with her.  She is front and center, and her internal dialogue from Jim Zub allows her personality to come through.  It was smart to leave the Suicide Squad out of this book.  Keep the focus on Waller.

The art team of Andre’ Coelho, Scott Hanna, and Andrew Dalhouse matches the “DC House Style”, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  I enjoyed the combined work of all three gentlemen.  I’m learning that books that have Dalhouse on as colorist really appeal to me.  Dalhouse and Brett Booth work together regularly, and I’m a big Booth fan.  Coelho, Hanna and Dalhouse visually made the New Mexico blizzard an extra factor in the story.

What I Didn’t Like

Nothing stood out to me as a negative.  As a one-and-done story, it did what it intended to do.  Show Amanda Waller as an intensely-focused leader of men and women, who isn’t afraid to make the tough choices.

Rating: 4 out of 5

FOREVER EVIL – ROGUES REBELLION #6
Writer:  Brian Buccellato
Artist:  Scott Hepburn
Colorist:  Nick Filardi
Letterer:  Taylor Esposito

What I Liked

Forever Evil – Rogues Rebellion has been my favorite Forever Evil spinoff book.  I tried “Arkham War” and “A.R.G.U.S.” but they didn’t do anything for me.  But Brian Buccellato really knows The Rogues from his work on The Flash.  Plus, The Rogues come off as these lovable losers that you want to root for.   They have a code that they abide by, and they watch each other’s back.  They really are a family.

The overall story jumped all across the DC universe big city staples, from Central City to Gotham.  So many guest star, from King Grodd, to Parasite, to Crime Syndicate members Johnny Quick and Atomica.

What I Didn’t Like

What will happen to The Rogues following Forever Evil?  There will be some readers who believe that they could sustain their own monthly comic book.  Would DC be willing to take that chance?  It would all depend on the sales for this mini-series.

Rating:  4 out of 5

AQUAMAN #29
Writer:  Jeff Parker
Penciller:  Paul Pelletier
Inker:  Sean Parsons
Inker:  Norm Rapmund Pg. 20
Letterer:  Dezi Sienty
Colorist:  Rain Beredo

What I Liked

Paul Pelletier drew the entire comic.  This hasn’t been the case over the last few issues.  The seeds have started to be planted for a crossover with Swamp Thing, which should be interesting.  Besides that crossover, Aquaman is also encountering other subcultures in the DC Universe….namely the Greek Gods and Hercules.

What I Didn’t Like

I hate to admit it, but I haven’t been loving Aquaman since Jeff Parker took over for Geoff Johns.  The high school reunion issue was so far the best.  But watching Aquaman fight random sea monsters hasn’t gotten me excited.  This fight against Hercules shows promise, along with what’s coming up with Swamp Thing.  I’m going to stick with it and hope for the best.

Rating:  2 out of 5

RED LANTERNS #29
Writer:  Charles Soule
Artist:  Alessandro Vitti
Colors:  Gabe Eltaeb
Letters:  Dave Sharpe

What I Liked

This is a fun team book.  Charles Soule has taken what could be a stale concept (the Red Lanterns) and turned them into his own superhero version of “Sons of Anarchy”.  He’s inserted Guy Gardner as the lead character, Skallox and Zilius Zox have turned into a comedic duo, and Supergirl has even been added to the mix.  The crazy keeps increasing.

And when you involve Supergirl, you know her cousin Superman can’t be far behind.  Soule smartly waited a few issues before getting him Superman involved.  Thankfully, the tried and true method of having Superman get in a fight with the Red Lanterns didn’t happen.  Supergirl didn’t try to fight everyone either.  Soule had a few moments of violence, but the big confrontation was mostly dealt with verbally.

Alessandro Vitti and Gabe Eltaeb let loose in a couple of panels, displaying Supergirl’s red rage.  My favorite images are closeups of Guy Gardner’s new mustache.  Guy’s entire look has changed since he became a Red Lantern.  New hair and newer, more bikerish-looking jacket.

What I Didn’t Like

This was such a fun issue, that nothing stood out to me as being bad.  The story has moved from how will the Red Lanterns deal with their newest wildcard member (Supergirl), to their former leader Atrocius being back and out for revenge.

Rating:  4 out of 5

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

Timdogg

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE