Watchmen opens and comics rule!

In a world where sub-par entertainment stands tall atop the media mountain, the few intelligent people on this planet look to my reviews for answers and they shout out “Save us!” and I look down upon them and I reply “no.” Just kidding. If you didn’t catch the reference, it was from Watchmen. A film that I wholeheartedly endorse. I judge a film in one way: Would I be proud of the film if I made it? For Watchmen it is a resounding yes. All in all it was a good week for nerd media, from Watchmen dropping in theaters to a very entertaining line up of new comics. Without further turd-stew… STACK ATTACK!

Superman: World of New Krypton #1, Secret Six #7, The Boys #28, Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk #3, Batman Cacophony #3

I get a serious sense of wonderment any time I read a Superman comic lately. Superman has abandoned Earth to live on New Krypton in hopes of making a difference in the Kryptonian’s lives. He has denounced all affiliation to Earth including his adopted mother and his wife. The pacing for this issue is perfect. We as the reader follow Superman as he goes through his first day on New Krypton. We learn about the Kryptonian cast system and how it still enforces a world of second class citizenship. Superman stands for truth, justice, and the American way so he did not take too kindly to the rules.

The art is so/so. It didn’t blow me away but it didn’t distract. It was a good read worth picking up.

Just when I counted this story arc out it delivered in the final act. The hunt for the “get out of hell free” card culminates in an all out battle royale on the Gotham bridge. Deadshot, thought to have betrayed his comrades, was merely trying to spare their lives and make himself the only target. The rest of the Six, thinking they’ve been screwed, make it their mission to kill Deadshot. Great action. Great writing. Great 7 issue story arc. The finale totally pays off and the twist at the end will have you intrigued for the next arc. Track down the individual issues or wait for this to come out in trade.

If you have read my article before, then you know I occasionally get pissed at a title and drop it. I am dropping The Boys. Garth Ennis is too crass, disgusting, and down right insulting to humanity. I for one am sick of reading about the basest of life forms. Ennis’ books leave you feeling bitter towards humanity. Fuck him and fuck his garbage lazy writing. To borrow a page out of pretty much any one of his comics, he can stick The Boys, Back to Brooklyn, The Punisher, and even most of Preacher up his pastie, Irish arse.

Took quite a while but it was worth the wait. I was entertained by the first 2 issues and I was extremely disappointed when issue #3 never came out. Marvel has learned a valuable lesson from it’s past experiences: if the fans like the book, no matter how much time has passed, finish the series. The writing is sharp and witty but can sometimes be too cute and wink at the reader a bit too often. The art is great. The action is fast paced and the panel work follows a consistent flow. I love both the characterization of Wolverine as well as the semi-controlled Hulk.

Marvel should take a page out of DC’s book (literally?) and force Kevin Smith to finish his scripts before they start releasing issues. Cacophony didn’t do anything mind blowing or world altering but it did something very few comics today are capable of handling, it delivered a clean, clear, concise, enjoyable read. It had action, witty dialogue, and Batman vs The Joker. It didn’t try to be anything more than a comic. It was three solid issues. It was worth the price of admission. Will people be praising this mini-series in years to come? Probably not, but will I be dusting this bad boy off some time down the line to enjoy myself? You bet.

Thanks for tuning in this week. Check out Watchmen. Read comics. Buy actions figures. Embrace your nerd.

-Nick Gregorio