Pick of the Week:
Captain America #698 continues to cleanse us from the Hydra Cap debacle. Found it interesting that Rampart created a corrupt world governed by classicism and ultra patriotism in 7 short years. The tank designs reminded me of the Metal Slug tanks. The evil empire visually remind me of the military from FMA. This is an interesting dystopia in the sense that the general population still have access to basic “modern” technology and it is not set in some far flung future. Steve’s despair when he was unable to save that young man was tangible and felt like the Cap most fondly remember. I must say that Samnee’s art is amazing to the point that I joined his newsletter to get more of that visual goodness.
Invincible #144 ends the American Sayian Saga in a very satisfying way. Mark feels like a combination of Goku/Naruto with the way he reaches people and changes them for the better. He proved to be a more capable leader than Nolan and brought his people to a better place culturally. I am also glad that Eve’s genetics allowed her to remain at Marc’s side. The fight between Marky and Mark felt like where Naruto & Boruto would have headed if not for Sasuke. It continued that Shonen vibe with the way we saw the characters age and how the torch was passed to the next generation (Marky becoming Kid Invincible).
Worthy Mentions:
Avengers #680 reminds us that Rogue is a sleeping dragon and villains “try” her at their peril as the Black Order found out. Seems like people forgot that Rogue took out the Avengers by herself. This issue felt a little combat heavy almost like a shonen. I must say that I wished that Pepe continued as the main artist (not because Jacinto isn’t a great artist) because I prefer Mega Events that have the same artist throughout the entire event.
Shade the Changing Girl Wonder Woman #1 upped the ante from the last issue. They stripped Diana off her spark and turned her into a devious mockery of her former self. These villains took iconic heroes and warped them to their core. I felt that the art for this issue should have been the art for the entire Milk War event because it fit the overall theme the best.
Slots #5 makes me wonder what AMC is waiting for? I want to watch a Slots series yesterday!
Youngblood #9 has to be the best Liefeld series revival since Ellis’ Supreme series.
Rumble II #3 shows us a warrior who has lost his purpose after he finished his request. Rathraq has no direction and is completely aimless. He reminds me of Billy from Adventure Time for some odd reason.
Despicable Deadpool #294 is a Cripes! I thought Grant Morrison’s Animal Man was put through a blender. The crucible that Wade is enduring would have broken most men. Life continues to toss so many lemons his way that he’s drowning in acidic lemon juice.
Marvel Two-In-One #3 makes perfect sense, just like the four elements are connected and are necessary for a balance, Johnny + Ben need Sue + Reed. Dr. Rachna seems like she would be an ideal mentor for Valeria for some odd reason.
Old Man Hawkeye #2 revealed that Logan wasn’t the only one that suffered a soul crushing tragedy. I am not sure who endured the most horrid circumstance.
The Meh Pile:
Nothing that horrid & foul has polluted the pull list.
This review was written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found on their website: www.popculturenetwork.com
