Category Archives: quick reviews

Quick reviews of other comics released ths week (10/06/09)

Deadpool #11 (Marvel)

The cover (which is cover of the week without a doubt) should give you some idea about the contents, as Deadpool and Hawkeye continue their Battle Royal. Its slapstick with the emphasis on slap, and there are lots of meat cleavers and scenes in abattoirs and a guy who looks like the big bald guy who got in the way of an aeroplane propeller in Raiders of the Lost Ark. As well as all that, you get a glimpse of Deadpool and Hawkeye (aka Bullseye) in their school days, and Wade gets to fulfill a boyhood dream. It’s funny and throwaway, like I thought it would be. That is not a bad thing, in case you are wondering. Warning – this comic contains a meat suit. Yes – a meat suit
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The Strange Adventures of HP Lovecraft #2 (Image)

This is a seriously good read. Lovecraft struggles with the mystery of the murdered seaman, a catatonic Mother, his own frustrated desires and the growing unease at what he may be unleashing. The art is beautiful, the dialogue and script pitch perfect and the the whole package is a real treat. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful – and spellbinding and creepy. If you have any interest in HP Lovecraft, horror fiction or you just like to be surprised by GREAT comics, then get this, and issue 1.

Batman 687 (DC)

As a belated companion piece to last weeks rip-roaring debut ‘Batman and Robin’, and as the epilogue to ‘Battle for the Cowl’, this works just fine. It really feels like the beginning of a new era, with Dick Grayson finally taking on the massive challenge, and upholding the nature of the Batman. The action is fairly low-key, apart from the new Robin and his headstrong impulses (the tension he brings is interesting and should provide a key element to the new pairing with the new Batman), but the ending is a classic. There is also plenty of room for Alfred, and space for his sadness to really hit home. Excellent stuff, looking forward to how this new era pans out.

Reviews – Herogasm #1 & Punisher #5 (2009)

The Boys: Herogasm #1 (DE)

The run of excellent form on The Boys continues with this first spin-off. Basically a massive p*ss take on the ‘event’ and the ‘cross-over’ that are now synonymous with the summer comics of the big 2, Ennis peels back the lies to reveal what really goes on during the summer months for the supes. The Boys are there, staking out, but their purpose is still vague at the minute. Debauched, wild, a definite ‘mature’ rating – Herogasm #1 is a sex, drugs and rock n roll riot. If I draw a comparison with the best pop songs, this issue is a complete head rush, exciting, fast and SEXY. 9 out of 10.


The Punisher #5 (Marvel)

Pizzas, Ant-Man costumes, Microchip, guns, death, explosions, the Hood and the dead Dormammu. As exciting as the last 4 issues in this series, Remender and Co. keep serving up the thrills. The pace is RELENTLESS, though a bit more serious and a bit darker than the other 4. The bit with the pizza delivery is priceless though. One of the best of the Dark Reign titles. 8 out of 10.

Review round up for this weeks comic book releases (06/05/09)

Deadpool #10 (Marvel)

The ‘merc with a mouth’ is making some enemies in high places (ie Norman Osborn), so Osborn despatches his Dark Avenger Hawkeye (AKA Bullseye) to get rid of him. Prior to their showdown you get Deadpool undertaking a job that will make all High School Jocks think twice in future. Even his (Deadpools) robberies are more entertaining than 75% of all other comic book action this week. Fact…Funny, with pulsating action (and the worst stitch up job complete with dodgy video evidence eve seen in a comic book. You will fear the new USA of Norman Osborn. Meanwhile, this issue gets 9 out of 10.


Marvel Zombies 4 #2 (Marvel)

This story is very different to the last iteration of the MZ franchise, with its technological vs the supernatural theme. This time around the atmosphere is thick with fog and gloom, devils and demons and the demonic, the undead and the cursed against the hordes of revenants. With an appearance from The Hood and his own brand of killer with dry humour character, plus undead head of Deadpool and Simon Garth making a winning combination. It is as good as issue #1 of MZ4, with the art being a real treat this time. I hope they give MZ5 to this creative team (Fred Van Lente & Kev Walker), because they are surpassing the Kirkman original for inventiveness and entertainment. 8.5 out of 10.


Terror Inc. Apocalypse Soon #1 (Marvel Max)

The new Max title has Chris Lapham (Young Liars) telling a tale that reminds me a little of the Rolling Stones song ‘Sympathy for the Devil’. It certainly has the ambition, scope and epic feel of that classic song. ‘Terror Inc.’ incorporates the Bubonic plague, treachery in many forms, revenge, orgies and modern day Experimental Camps hosting killer viruses. The one constant is a certain Mr Terror, a grotesque, lecherous immortal killer. If this all sounds good, then believe me it is. Lapham knows how to weave a tale around the listener, and mixes horror and humour without it being too jarring. Some of the story is a bit tough going emotionally, but when would you expect David Lapham to pull punches? A great first