Books of the Week – 07/03/19

1. Immortal Hulk #20 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Al Ewing / Art: Joe Bennett with Ruy Jose, Balardino Brabo & Marc Deering / Colors: Paul Mounts
I’m running out of superlatives to describe this book. Did they resolve the ending of the previous issue a bit too easily? Yes. Does it matter? No. Aces.

2. The Walking Dead #193 (Image) ★★★★★
Writer: Robet Kirkman / Art: Charlie Adlard / Colors: Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones)
I’ve never read a Walking Dead book before. Based on this one, that was a mistake. Beautiful writing and gorgeous B/W art make for a compelling and touching experience. Will I go for the back issues now? Perhaps.

3. Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #46 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Ryan North / Art: Derek Charm / Colors: Rico Renzi
Another book, I have never read before, and I loved it. Ryan North writes a wonderfully fun and entertaining story (including delightfully funny footnotes). The art by Derek Charm is very indie feeling, but works well with North’s storytelling style.

4. Fantastic Four: The Prodigal Son #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Peter David / Art: Francesco Manna / Colors: Espen Grundetjern
Very fun Savage Land adventure. Delightful writing by Peter David & beautiful art by Francesco Manna make for a pleasant surprise. Prah’dGul is an interesting character. Looking forward to the Silver Surfer: Prodigal Son issue next.

5. Captain America & The Invaders: Bahamas Triangle #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Roy Thomas / Art: Jerry Ordway / Colors: Jay David Ramos
Entertaining old-timey one-shot Invaders story. Loved baby Cap. The art by Jerry Ordway suited the story perfectly. Very cool.

6. Superman: Up In The Sky #1 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Tom King / Art: Andy Kubert & Sandra Hope / Colors: Brad Anderson
A refreshingly enjoyable Superman story. Loved the Clark & Lois patter. Great writing. Lots of solid emotional moments here. Good stuff.

7. DCeased #3 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Tom Taylor / Art: Trevor Hairsine & Stefano Gaudiano / Colors: Rain Beredo
Nicely done. Showing the emotional toll the zombies are causing to our heroes. This book keeps getting better. A welcome surprise.

8. Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #5 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Paul Scheer & Nick Giovanetti / Art: Nathan Stockman / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Well, that was unexpected. Surprisingly strong not-the-last book. Fun Hulk story as well as a tension-filled final act. Looking forward to the conclusion.

9. Adventures of the Super Sons #12 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi / Art: Carlo Barberi & Matt Santorelli / Colors: Protobunker
Super Sons comes to an end with a fast paced finale that neatly wraps everything up. Lost of fun bits in this one. Gonna miss the Sons, especially with what Bendis has done to Jon.

10. The Long Con #10 (ONI Press) ★★★★
Writer: Dylan Meconis & Ben Coleman / Art: EA Denich / Colors: Fred C. Stresing
Satisfying conclusion to what’s been an enjoyable ride. Plenty of exposition to clear things up, plus a tender(ish) moment between our leads. It’s been a fun ride.

11. Uncanny X-Men #21 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg / Art: Salvador Larroca / Colors: Guru-eFX
Lots of things happening in this book… perhaps too much. It got a bit confusing toward the end. Still, the book has plenty of pop, and has become quite an intriguing story.

12. Savage Avengers #3 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Gerry Duggan / Art: Mike Deodato Jr. / Colors: Frank Martin
Everybody gets involved in the big battle in this book. Great action sequences. Shocks, guests and cool symbiot action. Still, the over the top durability of the heroes sort of kills the mood. There are no stakes if everybody’s invulnerable.

13. Aero #1 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Zhou Liefen (Adaption by: Greg Pak) & Greg Pak / Art: Keng & Pop Mhan / Colors: Federico Blee
A fairly rote book. Both stories tread familiar ground. The art in both is aces though, so it has that. That this story ties into WoR: New Agents of Atlas was a fun surprise.

14. Secret Warps: Soldier Supreme Annual #1 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Al Ewing & Mark Waid / Art: Carlos Gomez & Alex Lins / Colors: Carlos Lopez & Erick Arciniega
Well, I knew these books were coming. Its not a bad story, it just feels so contrived. The art works, but again… It doesn’t feel organic. Just another Marvel cash grab.

15. Doom Patrol: Weight of the World #1 (DC: Young Animal) ★★
Writer: Gerard Way & Jeremy Lambert / Art: James Harvey / Colors: Jeremy Lambert
I was a bit lost, having missed the previous series. Some nice stuff, some rough bits. Couldn’t really connect with it though.