Comic Book Wednesday: Hawkeye #1

Welcome to another Comic Book Wednesday! This is a small, bi-weekly, feature I created to help share some comic love and say what I thought about the first issue of a series, why I bought it, and if I would continue it. Of course, since a single issue is, roughly, 30 pages these posts will be relatively small, but if a series can’t suck you in at the very beginning are they worth continuing?

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Title: Hawkeye #1

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artist & Colorer: David Aja (artist) & Matt Hollingsworth (colorist)

Letters: Chris Eliopoulos

Cover: David Aja & Matt Hollingsworth

 Publisher: Marvel (August, 2012)

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Synopsis:

The breakout star of this summer’s blockbuster AVENGERS film and self-made hero Hawkeye fights for justice!With ex-Young Avenger Kate Bishop by his side, he’s out to prove himself as one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!Matt Fraction & David Aja (IMMORTAL IRON FIST) reunite to tell the on-going tales of the Arrow-Avenger! – (Marvel)

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Why I Bought It:

I loved the Avengers movie (2012) and Hawkeye was my second favorite character in the film (after Iron Man), so when I heard a comic series had started recently featuring him I snatched it up. And that was my exciting story for the day (not really).

What I Thought:

In the words of tons of peoples favorite fictional, spunky and wildly red-headed orphan, Annie from the musical Annie, “leaping lizards!” I positively adored this first issue. I have been collecting this series for the character and art (insert blissful sigh), but I haven’t gotten around to reading any of them; which I would be kicking myself for now if I could twist my leg to the correct angle needed for said self-imposed kick. Gah!

The art in this was so spectacular! I loved the designs of the people, the buildings, the cars, the animals and the coloring served to bring everything to fruition – it was really well balanced. It found that happy medium that I really felt brought Hawkeye to life and I really hope the same artist and colorist work on all the future issues.

The writing was also rather awesome. Clint Barton (Hawkeye) was snarky and funny, and has this kind-streak that makes him really endearing, yet with still remaining bada**. The biggest problem I had is that it would change time settings, but gave no real indication of doing so (like writing ‘now’ or ‘then,’ or even more specific times such as ’10:15am: August 26′ in a tiny box or something) and that threw me off a few times. While I found myself checking, at least twice, to see if I missed some pages, I got used to it rather quickly. It probably helped that I had previously watched and enjoyed the anime Baccano! and the live-action television series, Once Upon a Time, which can both also get equally confusing (if not more so) time-wise. Also, did I mention there was a dog?

Would I Continue?:

Is Clint an archer? Of course, I shall continue reading this! I need more Hawkeye in my life.

Comic Book Wednesday: Quantum and Woody #1

Welcome to another Comic Book Wednesday! This is a small, bi-weekly, feature I created to help share some comic love and say what I thought about the first issue of a series, why I bought it, and if I would continue it. Of course, since a single issue is, roughly, 30 pages these posts will be relatively small, but if a series can’t suck you in at the very beginning are they worth continuing?

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Title: Quantum and Woody #1

Writers: James Asmus

Artist & Colorer: Tom Fowler (artist) & Jordie Bellaire (colorist)

Letters: Dave Lanphear

Covers: Ryan Sook, Andrew Robinson, Tom Fowler, & Marcos Martin

Editor: Jody Leheup

 Publisher: Valiant (July, 2013)

Quantum and Woody were created by MD Bright & Priest.

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Synopsis:

Once upon a time, Eric and Woody Henderson were inseparable. Adopted brothers. Best friends. Brilliant minds. Years later, they are estranged siblings, petty rivals, and washed-up failures. But when their father’s murder leads them into the throes of a life-altering scientific accident, Eric and Woody will find themselves with a whole new purpose – and a perfectly legitimate reason to wear costumes and fight crime. Go big or go home, folks! Quantum and Woody are coming! And the action-packed, zeitgeist-shredding exploitation stunt comic you demanded is here at last.

(And, yes, there will be a goat too. Eventually.) – (Valiant)

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Why I Bought It:

I bought this comic because of the adopted brother dynamic. I’ve read many a story involving brothers or half-brothers, but nothing really dealing with adoptive brothers, so that really peaked my interest. Plus, there was a goat promised to come in later issues and I think it may end up being the Quantum and Woody superhero team mascot!

What I Thought:

(I did go a bit more into depth about certain scenes of the comic than I normally do, so if you like to be completely surprised when reading an issue the first time this may take some the surprise out. So, yeah, spoilers, I guess?)

The art was a bit inconsistent for my tastes. At the very beginning there is a flashback to Eric and Woody’s high school days and Woody looks like he could be in his early forties. There is also a point, about halfway through, where the facial styles just seem to change, I believe there was only one artist and colorist working on this issue so it just felt kind of strange. I mean, the change wasn’t that dramatic or anything, it was subtle, but still… I don’t know, it could just be the way the facial expressions are done. There was also two or three times were we only saw the whites of Woody’s eyes which made him look extremely murderous in one case (pg. 13, I believe, when he is being interrogated). I was just meh on the art really, yet I think my biggest reason for that was the facial expressions.

As far as the story goes it was okay, it wasn’t as humorous as I thought it would be and some parts left me going, “really?” For example: Eric is eating at a 24 hour diner and a man walks in, comes up behind a waitress and tells her to give him all the money, and no one will get hurt; Eric acts in a way I think most people would expect a guy like him to act – he incapacitates the supposed threat! However, it turns out that he is the boyfriend of said waitress and was only joking and Eric is kicked out of the joint and threatened by the waitress who says she will call the cops (I am assuming it is the waitress that says this as we only get a glimpse of the aftermath of the incident from what Eric says as he is leaving the diner). Honestly, who pretends to be an armed robber in a public place like that and doesn’t expect any negative repercussions!? Then there is a family photo that was taken when they were in high school after they got in major trouble for a fight that was shown throughout the issue, which I didn’t feel was as bad as the diner fight, but I thought it weird that they would take a photo then.

The rest of the story was decent. It had some mystery and some nice wit from Woody, but there was nothing that really blew me away about it. Quantum and Woody #1 was interesting with the fact that the comic started with what’s to come and ended with how they may have gotten said abilities. It was average overall, yet it just may have a slow start. I can see potential in this.

Would I Continue?:

I think I will give this series another issue, but if I don’t feel like there is an improvement I may drop it entirely or wait for the trade.

Comic Book Wednesday: Adventure Time Candy Capers #1

Welcome to another Comic Book Wednesday (Well, Thursday, I am posting it late. Sorry about that.) This is a small, bi-weekly, feature I created to help share some comic love and say what I thought about the first issue of a series, why I bought it, and if I would continue it. Of course, since a single issue is, roughly, 30 pages these posts will be relatively small, but if a series can’t suck you in at the very beginning are they worth continuing?

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Title: Adventure Time: Candy Capers #1 (out of 6)

Writers: Ananth Panagariya & Yuko Ota

Artist & Colorer: Ian McGinty (artist) & Maarta Laiho (colorist)

Letters: Hannah Nance Partlow

Cover: Magnolia Porter (Cover B – the cover above and the one I have)

Editor & Assistant Editor: Shannon Watters (editor) & Whitney Leopard (assistant editor) 

Designer: Stephanie Gonzaga 

 Publisher: Kaboom! (2013)

Adventure Time was created by Pendleton Ward.

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Synopsis:

A SUGARY WHO-DONE-IT IN THE LAND OF ADVENTURE TIME! Something rotten is afoot in the Land of Ooo, and someone’s gotta sniff out what it is! When Finn and Jake are suddenly kidnapped, Princess Bubblegum deputizes two of her most trusted citizens…Peppermint Butler and Cinnamon Bun?! The crime movie homages come hard and fast in the Candy Kingdom that never sleeps, written by acclaimed cartoonists Yuko Ono and Ananth Panagariya (JOHNNY WANDER)! Don’t miss the newest hardboiled addition to the ADVENTURE TIME comic book family! – (Kaboom Studios)

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Why I Bought It:

I really enjoy Adventure Time cartoon on Cartoon Network, so I thought I would try one of the comic adaptions and since this one just started, was a mini-series, and starred Peppermint Butler, I thought I would give it a try.

What I Thought:

When Jake and Finn go missing the Kingdom of Ooo is in trouble, but don’t you worry Peppermint Butler and Cinnamon Bun are here to crack the case behind this mysterious disappearance and save the day! Reading this comic is a lot like watching the show (without the animation, of course) and I liked that about it. It stays true to the series and it’s source material. Candy Capers is actually reminiscent of the episode “BMO Noire,” in which BMO tries to find Finn’s missing sock through detective work – to some degree.

This issue, as I stated above, is what I have come to expect from Adventure Time. Humorous and out there. I find Peppermint Butler and Cinnamon to make a intriguing team: one is innocent and only wants to help, while the other is conniving and underhanded. I find this is a good time to mention that I have only seen most of season one in full and tons of episodes from other series (whatever I caught on Cartoon Network really), so I may have missed an episode where they had worked together, but I found this team dynamic to be a great collaboration so far.

The art is just like what you would find when watching the show and so is the coloring. However, in all honesty, I feel Adventure Time transfers better on screen than it does on paper. The animation just adds that extra something. I admit, this preference could just be because I am so used to watching the series. If you love the show I would recommend giving this comic a go. If you have tried the television series though and you disliked liked it, yet thought of giving the comic a try because it may carry a different feel – I would say avoid it. As I said before, this issue holds a very similar feel to that of it’s source material.

Would I Continue?: 

I do plan to finish this mini-series, but I don’t know if I will buy anymore Adventure Time comics. As I said above, I prefer it animated, but it still holds the Adventure Time charm. I don’t know. It’s 50/50.

Comic Book Wednesday: Batman ’66 #1

Comic Book Wednesday is a now a bi-weekly, hopefully, feature I created to talk about the comics I am reading. It has gone through many different revisions already, though this one should be the last (fingers crossed). As of now I will be talking about my first impressions on a series after reading the first issue.

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Title: Batman ’66  #1

Writer: Jeff Parker

Artist & Colorer: Jonathan Case

Letters: Wes Abbott

Cover: Michael and Laura Allred

Editor: Jim Chadwick

 Publisher: DC Comics (2013)

Rated: E (Everyone)

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Synopsis:

Put on your go-go boots and get ready to “Batusi” back to the Swingin’ 60s as DC Comics reimagines the classic Batman TV series in comics form for the first time! These all-new stories portray The Caped Crusader, The Boy Wonder and their fiendish rogues gallery just the way viewers remember them. In this first adventure, The Riddler’s out to steal some valuable artwork from under the noses of Gotham’s police. But Batman gets help from an unlikely source: a certain femme fatale dressed in feline finery!  – (DC Comics)

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Why I bought it: 

It was so bright and vivid. No, seriously. I am so used to seeing Batman in super dark colors and tones (and personality) that when I saw this, I thought I would be blinded. It was awesome!

What I thought: 

Golly gee, this was great! I practically loved everything about this issue from the art and coloring to the dialogue, especially the dialogue:

“Batman: Besides don’t you want to make use of that daytime driver’s license?

Robin: I sure do!”

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“Alfred: To the Alf-Pole, heh-hmh!”

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“Batman: Thanks to Catwoman’s Complying with the fire marshal 

and having accessible extinguishers placed in her club!”

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Batman ’66 felt over the top and that was definitely it’s charm – it had me smiling non-stop. Some of the action noises were way out there too, like CAT-ZAM!

I will say, this issue to me longer to read then a single issue usually does, but that was because I adored it so much that I kept rereading pages or just staring at it to admire it as a whole. This comic reads sort of like a children’s action cartoon: light, fun,and bright. It was also inspired by the classic Batman television series (which I’ve seen about five minutes of, yet enjoyed what I saw) and that is probably why I liked it as much as I did. I tend to like things that are considered cheesey and old-fashioned.

Would I continue?: 

Gosh, I couldn’t imagine not continuing this series – it makes me so happy. This one is certainly being added to my pull list on my next trip to the comic book store. I would even say this is a series I would collect all the single issues of (maybe even different variant covers of) as well as the trades. I guess this just proves justice always prevails!

Comic Book Wednesday: Captain Midnight #0

Comic Book Wednesday is a now a bi-weekly, hopefully, feature I created to talk about the comics I am reading. It has gone through many different revisions already, though this one should be the last (fingers crossed). As of now I will be talking about my first impressions on a series after reading the first issue.

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Title: Captain Midnight #0

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Victor Ibanez & Pere Perez

Colors: Ego

Letters: Nate Piekos

Covers: Raymond Swanland (front) and Steve Rude (back)

Publisher: Dark Horse (2013)

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Synopsis:

A genius inventor, Jim Albright was one of the world’s greatest minds and one of America’s great intellectual resources. Prohibited from officially enlisting, his intelligence too great an asset to risk, Albright became Captain Midnight, a mysterious hero who would suddenly appear in the nick of time to help the Allies in battle against the Nazis.

In 1944, he disappeared…  

(Description from the inside of the cover)

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My Thoughts:

The reason I picked up Captain Midnight was because his character description and past reminded me of a combination of Marvel heroes Iron Man and Captain America, so I was expecting to be pretty impressed and I was. Captain Midnight  certainly seems like he is going to be an interesting character with his smarts and habit of attacking at midnight, not to mention him having to adapt to a new time period. As far as other characters go, I really hope Rick, an aviator pilot and Captain Midnight Fanatic, end up having a major or at least a recurring role.

This issue certainly packs on the mystery! What did the piece of technology that the Secret Squadron was protecting do and what is the ‘truth’ Joyce Ryan was talking about? I’m looking forward to it all unraveling in later issues!

Would I continue this series?: Yes. Yes, I would.

Comic Book Wednesday: Post #5

Comic Book Wednesday is a weekly post where I will talk about comics I am reading or have read and will also contain the comic purchases I made over the week.

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Title: Mighty 7: Issue #1

Concept: Stan Lee

Writers: Tony Blake, Paul Jackson, and Stan Lee

Artists: Alex Saviuk, Bob Smith, John Workman, and Tom Smith

Publisher: Stan Lee Comics

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Quick Thoughts:

I picked up the first issue of Stan Lee’s Mighty 7 on a whim while making my weekly adventure to the comic store. Honestly, I’m not sure how I felt about this issue. In some aspects I liked it, but on others I just felt kind of ‘meh.’ Of course, this is just the first issue and I can see this series getting better as it progresses, so I think I am going to continue it for another issue or two before deciding if I am going to drop it or not. (I already have a ton of series I am following.)

I really liked the idea that the story is taking place in a fictional ‘real time,’ so people whom we are familiar with are incorporated with the fictional characters. The characters themselves, obviously, haven’t had much revealed about them yet, but it does appear that Blastok will have a very interesting back story. I need to know why he is no longer part of the task force. I also really liked how the story jumped from Stan Lee’s point of view on earth to that of the superhero characters in space and I’m eager to see how they will combine together in issue two.

I’m hoping that this comic and these heroes turn out to be just as great as Spider-Man or Iron Man. I can already feel a difference between the ‘classic’ heroes and these new guys and I wonder what surprises they will bring in the future. At least, I am hoping they will bring surprises and not turn stale anyway.

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What I Got This Week:

Nothing new this week. I worked today, so I didn’t have time to go pick up any comics. 😦

Comic Book Wednesday: Post #4

Comic Book Wednesday is a weekly post where I will talk about comics I am reading or have read and will also contain the comic purchases I made over the week.

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I, unfortunately, did not get any comic reading done this week, but I did get tons of new stuff! I’m really excited about all my new comics and hope to get some wonderful comic reading done in the next week. I am not really sure how that will work out with Thanksgiving and Magical Friday both happening, but I am going to try. Also, I am hoping to have another book review up this week as well. Anyway, on to the new comics!

I got several back issues on top of the recently released stuff this week. I’ve been trying to catch up on The Avenging Spider-Man series and I just had to have Iron Man: The End when I saw it.  I have a hard time resisting Iron Man things, I even got a decal for my car this week that reads, “Stark Industries.” I was thinking after I got it though that maybe I should get some Hulk decals for my car too, you know, because it’s green. Yes, I’m a geek like that.

My birthday was also this past week, so I picked up some trades. I’ve been wanting to try out the DC Universe and the book store was having a buy two get one free sale (which they forgot to apply),  so I was able to pick up a few. I figured I would start with the New 52 comics and just picked up the three heroes that sounded the most interesting to me. Honestly, I’ve always seemed to have a soft spot for the Flash. I’m also dying to crack open Avengers vs X-Men and can only hope that is as good as A-Babies vs X-Babies!

Okay, this last purchase isn’t comics per say, but it’s related to comics. I’m a huge fan of The Avengers movie and just had to have the book about the art. I’m super excited about it, It’s such a lovely book! The print next to it was something that my comic store was giving out for free and I had to grab it. I’m a sucker for the Marvel babies. Come on, look at how cute they are!

Well, that’s it for this week.

This is Chimneywriter signing off!

Comic Book Wednesday: Post #3

Comic Book Wednesday is a weekly post where I will talk about comics I am reading or have read and will also contain the comic purchases I made over the week.

Title: Marvel Now’s Deadpool #1

Writers: Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn

Artist: Tony Moore

Colors: Val Staples

Publisher: Marvel

This comic is my first true experience with Deadpool outside of the world of fanfiction and a brief appearance he made in a cartoon, and it was really close to what I was expecting. The presidents of the past have been revived from the dead and have acquired killer intent during their should have been eternal nap. America is in trouble, the Avengers (especially Captain America) can’t help, so there is only one person the can turn to… Deadpool!

I love Deadpool’s character just as much as I thought I would, which is a lot. He has great commentary and I love how he interacts with others both enemies and ‘allies.’ I also really loved President Lincoln’s part at the end. The irony of it was fantastic! Overall, my opinion on this series, based of the first issue, is rather high and I hope it maintains this quality or raises above it. I’m really looking forward to the insanity in the next issue!

I wrote to the Marvel crew that had a hand in this issue to say how much I enjoyed it. It was a special fangirl moment. Unfortunately, I didn’t read a lot this week, but hopefully next week there will be more on what I am reading!

What I bought This Week:

Until next Wednesday:

Chimneywriter signing off!

Comic Book Wednesday: What I Got This Week (and Last Week)

So, I figured I would try to divide Comic Book Wednesday into two parts: What I got and a review. Not sure if I will be able to do both every Wednesday, but I will certainly attempt one each week. So without further ado, here is what I got both this and last week!

 

 

I’m trying to catch up on all the issues already released for Avenging Spider-Man and I’m nearly at my goal!

Comic Book Wednesday: Avenging Spider-Man: My Friends Can Beat Up Your Friends by Various

Since my comic book/manga reading has increased I’ve decided to create a meme called Comic Book Wednesday. Each Wednesday I will post about a comic book series I’ve read or am reading. It’s generally the same as My Thoughts, but geared towards comics/manga. I hope you enjoy!

 

Title: Avenging Spider-Man: My Friends Can Beat Up Your Friends

Writer: Zeb Wells

Artist: Joe Madureira, Greg Land, Leinil Francis Yu, and various others

Publisher: Marvel

This trade contains the issues #1-5 for the currently running series, Avenging Spider-Man.

Will most likely contain spoilers.

My Thoughts:

When I was growing up I was never really able to get into the superhero comics, but than this past summer happened. I got together with some friends and we ended up watching Marvel’s 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger, needless to say, I fell in love. While we were watching the movie I found out The Avengers was also out in theaters, so a couple days later I went to go see that, loved it, and went to see it again. Now, add on the new Amazing Spider-Man movie, a re-watch of some of the older films (Fantastic Four and Spider-Man 1 and 2), and you have a fangirl. So, it was after the viewing of most of these movies that I decided to give the comic book world of heroes another try.

I picked up this trade while out with a friend and, despite my reservations, I was not disappointed. The first three issues are mainly about Spider-Man teaming up with the Red Hulk to free the enslaved mole people under the streets of New York, as well as rescue the captured J. Jonah Jameson (the guy whom gives Spider-Man most of his bad reputation). It was an interesting team-up to say the least. I like how it showed that brute force isn’t always the answer and that you shouldn’t turn your back on someone just because that would be the easy way or because they did something to you in the past. The art in this three part story was top-notch too!

Now, onto issue number four! In this part Spider-Man teams-up with the ever lovable Hawkeye against  the Serpent Society. This issue really reminds me of the reasons I love Spider-Man. He is such a great guy who is willing to do things for his teammates so they aren’t hurt physically or emotionally. I liked the art for this issue, but not as much as I liked the art in 1-3.

Lastly, we have issue number five in which we have a team-up with Captain America. Now, this story is rather sweet with a side of action. Peter (Spider-Man) wants Captain America to remember whom he was before the serum and to continue the passion (comic drawing) he had before donning the red, white, and blue costume. When the team goes after Sidewinder, Spider-Man volunteers to go with Captain America in hopes of connecting with him, however, he is sort of pushed aside. Peter, though, still tries to open the other’s eyes that you don’t necessarily have to give up one thing for the other. I felt like this story had more to do about connecting with a teammate than the other 4. (The other four dealt with that a bit, but not as much.) I had similar feelings to the art in this one as I did to issue number four.

What I really like about this trade though was that Spider-Man’s personality stayed consistent (it probably helped that the writer was the same for all five).  His humor was like a breath of fresh air from what I am normally used to reading and so was his understanding. I’m really happy that I started my trek into the land of Marvel Heroes with this trade and I’m looking forward to reading more of the Avenging Spider-Man comics in the future. I would recommend this one to people who have at least a little background on the characters because it doesn’t really go into depth about how anyone got their powers or their pasts in general. It’s certainly a good read.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5