***Book of the Week***
Blackest Night #3Writer: Geoff Johns / Artist: Ivan Reis
Everything I wanted was delivered in this issue. The first two issues were great, but they were mostly just drawn out fights and moments of horror. Well Geoff Johns fills us in on some of the Black Lanterns' motivations, powers, and weaknesses in this one. Finally! I know how to defeat a Black Lantern and the answer is rewarding and simple. Also, we at last get to see the Indigo Tribe in action. For years, fans have been waiting for the emergence of the last lantern corps, and their appearance does not disappoint. I look forward to finding out what they've been up to and how they know the answer to everything in future issues. Even though Johns takes the time to flesh out the story a bit more, he still delivers some incredible action. The fight with Firestorm is absolutely incredible and provides one of the most emotionally intense moments I've ever read. Ivan Reis's art is a sight to behold. All panels are beautiful, dark, flowing, and engaging. I can't find one thing bad about this issue. Blackest Night #3 totally rocks.IGN - 8.7/10
Comic Book Resources - 5/5
Amazing Spider-Man #605
Writer: Fred Van Lente, Brian Reed / Artist: various
Van Lente has been on fire lately. He really shows his diversity with this issue. The Chameleon stories were great for their suspense and narration, but this one excels with humor and exposition. As a matter of fact, there is zero action to speak of; the whole thing is dedicated to Peter's love life. His roommate/girlfriend is awesome and I hope she continues to be a presence and annoyance in the series. We also get to see Pete try internet dating and going on a "date" with one of the girls he rescues. The premise sounds lame, and maybe it is, but the whole thing is hilarious. Also, Mary Jane's reasons for returning are explained in a short story. It's well written, but mostly uninteresting. Overall, this issue is highly insignificant, but very fun to read.IGN - 8.4/10
Comics Bulletin - 3/5
Captain America: Reborn #3
Writer: Ed Brubanker / Artist: Bryan Hitch
From now on, I am no longer going to mention my reluctance to bring Steve Rogers back. Not only has that been well documented on this site, but Reborn has won me over. Every issue gets better and better. Some people might be a little dissatisfied with reading some of Rogers' key moments in history, but I absolutely love them. His narration perfectly captures the torture he feels and his willingness to do nothing so that he can preserve history speaks volumes of his honor. But Cap is a master strategist too, and he may have come up with a solution to his predicament this week. I look forward to seeing how it plays out. Not much else happens except for Bucky's escape, which I found disappointingly easy. At least Hitch's art continues to shine. His style is progressively getting closer to the tone Ross, Guice, and Epting used throughout the series. The duo of Hitch and Brubanker may be the best thing to happen to Steve Rogers. Let's bring him back already!IGN - 8.3/10
Comic Book Resources - 4.5/5
Comics Bulletin - 3/5
Dark Avengers #9
Writer: Brian Bendis / Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.
The strangest thing about this book is that it's a Secret Warriors story. Heck. The Dark Avengers don't even appear until the end. And when they do, we're subjected the poor characterization of typical "Bendis banter." None of that matters though, because the Secret Warriors part is phenomenal. Nick Fury is cool, the Warriors are appealing, and Ares is terrifying. I absolutely loved the twist in the Fury-Ares confrontation. Mike Deodato Jr.'s art is amazing as usual. He continues to innovate panel layout and his use of shadows is always appropriate and brilliant. Even though this issue doesn't have anything to do with the Dark Avengers, except for a lame cliffhanger at the end, the book is impressive and highly enjoyable.IGN - 7.9/10
Comic Book Resources - 3.5/5
Comics Bulletin - 3.5/5
Dark Reign: The List - Daredevil
Writer: Andy Diggle / Artist: Billy Tan
Boy was I disappointed. Coming in to this issue, I was expecting something significant to the greater Marvel Universe. After all, this series is supposed to usher in Osborn's eventual fall from grace. Absolutely nothing happens. There's a fight between Bullseye and Daredevil and that's it. The fight isn't even really a fight. They never actually engage in combat. Daredevil just chases Bullseye around until he kills a bunch of people and makes Daredevil feel pretty crappy about his life. Lame. Billy Tan's art doesn't even come close to Michael Lark's brilliance in the Daredevil series, although his action sequences are pretty nice. Still, the book is insignificant and boring. What a waste.IGN - 8/10
Comic Book Resources - 4/5
Comics Bulletin - 3.5/5
Invincible Iron Man #18
Writer: Matt Fraction / Artist: Salvador Larroca
I'm starting to grow a little frustrated with this series. It's still well-written and Larroca's art continues to improve, but the plot is so drawn out that I completely forgot some key aspects of the story. What the heck is Maria Hill's mission? So far she's done nothing but fight the Controller and get Black Widow captured by HAMMER. I don't know what Pepper's job was either. She's on HAMMER's helicarrier though, in a plot twist that makes me angry. (SPOILER ALERT) How the hell did she best Madame Masque in combat? (SAFE NOW) At least Stark has an armor and a plan now. Next issue is the last of the arc and let's hope it reminds us why this story was so great at the beginning.IGN - 8.4/10
Mighty Avengers #29
Writer: Dan Slott, Christos Gage / Artist: Khoi Pham
Nothing important may ever happen in this series, but that doesn't prevent me from enjoying every minute of it. As a matter of fact, Mighty Avengers is the only book I read that doesn't really tie in to the greater Marvel Universe. Dan Slott does a great job here showing a pissed off Loki. He completely ravages the Young Avengers. The plot jumps forward by the end of the issue too, but I fear the series will be busy with the Unspoken before it progresses beyond that. The conflict with Unspoken is only moderately entertaining compared to Loki, but it shows some potential. Pham's art is a great fit for the series. His style is a bit quirky, a nice mix between the cartoony style of old and the realistic modern style, and his action is clean and easy to follow. The same description can be used to describe this series too. For all those reasons, Mighty Avengers is a very fun book to read.IGN - 6.7/10
Comic Book Resources - 2/5
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