Superman 5

 

Issue: Superman 5

Arc: NA

Writer: George Perez

Artists: Nicola Scott, Trevor Scott

Released: 1/25/12

Rating 20% Rotten (1 Positive 4 Negative)

Critical Consensus: The "new" Superman still seems boring and outdated in this poorly plotted last issue by George Perez.

Comic Vine 2/5 (Rotten) Matt Demers For all the "reboot" is supposed to do, this issue of SUPERMAN just feels like something mired in the muck: little character development, a plot that doesn't have confidence in its readers and a premise that seems too way too early to be going into.

Modern Myth Media 1/5 (Rotten) John Bierly Surely the incoming creative team of Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens will invigorate the book when they take over on issue #7 in March. I feel bad about giving this title such terrible reviews so far, especially given the massive amount of work Perez puts into the scripts. But it's the depiction of Superman as a Man of Steel Magnolias that brings it down, and I hope Perez ends his run next month with an issue that makes it all worth it. It's going to take a lot.

A Comic Book Blog 60/100 (Fresh) This has and continues to be an increasingly frustrating beginning for this “new” Superman.  Perez and Merino’s tenure ends with next issue, and as critical as I’ve been, I’ll be sorry to see them go, because if Superman cannot be rendered well with them, it’s even more frightening to think what other hands will do, even if the name Jurgens is among them

IGN 5.5/10 (Rotten) Poet Mase Superman #5 just feels… strange. Superman doesn't act like himself, Lois spends all of her time within arm's reach of a desk, and we don't know what any of it meant. I admire the sentiment that Perez expresses here by taking the Man of Steel in a different direction and dropping subtexts of xenophobia and facism, but the unlikely combination of over-explanation and general incomprehensibility of his script makes this issue difficult to get behind. Here's to hoping something happens in this first arc's conclusion to magically bring everything together.


iFanboy 2.5/5 (Rotten) Cody Harris This comic would have been fine in a bygone era, but an older and (possibly) more literate readership demographic demands more intelligent storytelling. Simplicity doesn’t have to be a bad thing; rather, Superman just needs a more capable craftsman than Perez in creative control.

Justice League 5

Issue: Justice League 5

Arc: Justice League (Part 5)

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: Jim Lee

Released 1/25/12

Rating 80% (8 Positive 2 Negative)

Critical Consensus: Johns and Lee finally put the Justice League together in this blockbuster issue, but despite all the action, it has its flaws.

Comic Vine 5/5 (Fresh) Tony Guerrero  We are so close to officially having the Justice League in action. With Darkseid on the scene, there is some major destruction. He's proving to be quite an adversary for the heroes in the "New 52" and he barely has to do anything. Geoff Johns continues to develop the characters in their 'early days' and we're already seeing changes and they try to figure out how to get through this battle. Jim Lee and Scott Williams keep the action going with their amazing layouts that remind fans why they love seeing their work.  JUSTICE LEAGUE is like a treat for the fans and I don't want it to end.

CBR 2.5/5 (Rotten) Greg McElhatton "Justice League" in general has had an extremely up-and-down first storyline, and this one is further proof of that. Fortunately we've still got another issue in which to see everything click back into place. I think Johns and Lee can do it, but for now this feels like an unfortunate step backwards.

IGN 7/10 (Fresh) Erik Norris Look, Justice League #5 is still a fun ride, it just doesn't offer much depth -- or, better yet, the depth it does offer is suspect -- and the artwork lacks consistency and feels lazy at points. But I have to admit, I'm still a sucker for the Justice League fighting Darkseid. I always will be. And for that, Justice League #5 was worth my money.

Sciencefiction.com (Fresh) Scott West And Johns’ Darkseid is perfect in the new DCU! Throughout the issue, the uber-villain doesn’t speak a word. But Jim Lee’s art at facial expression says it all. This guy’s expression doesn’t move much beyond mere annoyance at the superhero pests as they try to attack him. Darkseid is a god of his own world… and for the first time in a long while, he acts like it. Darkseid as the enemy is a wonderful way to introduce the League to a new generation of DC fans.

What Culture! 4.5/5 (Fresh) Jamie Slough I think Justice League has finally hit its stride through finding the right balance between character moments, humor and all out blockbuster set pieces. This is a defining moment for the series as it finally shows that the book has a strong heart beyond its initial appearance and that the creative team is genuinely beginning to hit their stride. I’m certainly hoping the series will continue and expand on the tone established in this issue and run with it for the next few years to come.

Batman News 7/10 (Fresh) Andrew Asberry I have my problems with Justice League? Yeah, but not to an offensive degree. I want it to be more of a TEAM book and the characterization could be better for some people, but the art and the action are too good to stay mad for long. It’s an energetic, fun book and I think anyone could pick it up and find something to appreciate as long as your inner child isn’t dead. It’s the comic book equivalent of a kid bashing their action figures together which is a book that can only succeed if it’s drawn by an artist as good as Jim Lee. Also, if you enjoyed last month’s STAR LABS secret files supplemental material you’ll be pretty disappointed by what this book has to offer: New 52 character designs—essentially what we’ve seen at the back of every DC New 52 book for the past 5 months.

Comic Book Movie 8/10 (Fresh) Overall, Justice League #5 was a bit underwhelming. The writing just isn't that great, when it could be much more smart. Some of the characters are there just to be there filling up the space. They better do something big in the next issue, cause it seems only Hal and Batman are getting fleshed out right now. However, it's still a blockbuster issue with some great action and stellar art.

Weekly Comic Book Review  C+ (Rotten)  At some point, this issue ceased to be about a team and more about a couple guys and their tagalongs.  Johns has to rectify this soon, or this title will soon lose its credit and reputation.

Bleeding Cool (Fresh) Rich Johnston  This is a comic about powerful people who have never really been defeated by something, coming smack bang against something that is so above their power levels, they are completely helpless, the only possibility is that they and think their way around an alien intelligence. Superhero comics are so often about hope, this sees that hope dashed again and again and again.

Inside Pulse 8/10 (Fresh) Grey Scherl At the end of the day, flaws aside, this issue was ridiculously fun. It’s constantly going from start to finish, and really, that’s what I wanted out of this book. I wanted my to get my moneys worth, and I wanted it in the form of action, and thankfully that’s what I was given. I think this first arc is going to make an awesome trade.

Fantastic Four 602

Issue: Fantastic Four 602
Arc: Forever (Part 3)
Released: 1/25/12
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Barry Kitson

Rating: 100% ( 5 Positive 0 Negative)

Critical Consensus: Hickman and Kitson churn out another large scale Fantastic Four epic with a surprise team up.

spidermancrawlspace.com 3/5 (Fresh) Shaun Martineau  The script has some truly great moments with characters like Sue Storm, but has some truly bad dialogue with characters like Ben Grimm. In the end though, Barry Kitson’s art saves this issue and gives the oomph it needed to break even of coming directly in the middle of a rating.


Comic Vine 5/5 (Fresh) Sara Lima This is a very interesting book. Our heroes are not only faced with a huge problem, but they decide on a very unlikely solution to that problem. The question remains, will the plan backfire? I think that it will be interesting to see if Hickman delves deeper into the emotional and physical scars that the Negative Zone events may have had on Johnny. I felt that the Barry Kitson and Paul Mounts artistic team was perfect for this space adventure. Both artists did a fantastic job. I am definitely looking forward to the next issue.


CBR 3.5/5 (Fresh) Greg McElhatton "Fantastic Four" #602 kicks the current storyline into high gear, and just in time. If this momentum continues, we should have a fairly satisfying "Fantastic Four" epic when all is said and done.

IGN 9/10 (Fresh) Joshua Yehl This issue is where all of the planning, conversations, and positioning of past issues turn into epic battles, fiery explosions, and game-changing events. It's a credit to Hickman that he has elevated the Fantastic Four to such heights that even the Avengers assembled together in all of their might are hoping Reed Richards will find a way to save them. 


Crave Online 8.9/10 (Fresh) There's so much going on in HIckman's story that it takes two seperate comics to encapsulate it all, and it still feels really busy.  But it's big-thinking, high-minded stuff dabbling in the cosmic realms, and that's always admirable. 

Aquaman #5

Issue: Aquaman 5
Arc: Lost (Part 1)
Released: 1/25/12
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis

Rating: 100% (5 Positive 0 Negative)

Critical Consensus: With great art from Ivan Reis, the second arc of Aquaman starts out with a look at the mysteries of Atlantis.

Comic Vine: 5/5 (Fresh) Mat Elfring Super-awesome, amazing, fantastic, and other positive adjectives book! This book keeps getting better and better, and it's become one of my favorite on-going comic books from any company. I loved the story in this issue and how we get to see more of where Atlantis came from.


CBR 4/5 (Fresh) Doug Zawisza Plenty of mysteries and plot threads are started for the upcoming issues as the mystery of Atlantis continues to deepen. This title is a fun read with outrageous adventures that, as this issue proves, are unpredictable. Johns and company have found the way to make “Aquaman” a great title, and they’ve even done so without relying on any of Aquaman’s traditional foes.

IGN  8.5/10(Fresh) Erik Norris While I enjoyed the end of "The Trench" storyline, I will admit that the series lost a little bit of steam by the end of that story. Thankfully, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis have managed to suck me back in with the start of their latest story arc. Aquaman #5 is an incredibly well drawn comic that sets up an sure-to-be epic storyline.

comicbookmovie.com 9/10 (Fresh) This issue is mainly a set-up for the larger story Johns is telling, and I'm certainly interested to see where the story will go. Although was a little disappointed with how Aquaman escapes his situation(he just gets rescued), its still a great survival issue featuring some nonlinear story-telling. Overall, this series continues to show great art from Reis, and Johns starts to reveal the scale of his story. 

My Humble Review (Fresh)  Readers will also find they are being smoothly bridged from one arc to the next as the mystery behind the sinking of Atlantis is introduced.  Great issue, and even better yet will be the next one when Mera goes solo!

The Walking Dead 93

Issue: The Walking Dead 93
Arc: A Larger World (Part 1)
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Charlie Adlard
Released: 1/25/12

Rating: 100% (8 Positive 0 Negative)

Critical Consensus: The new Walking Dead story arc gets off to a rip-roaring start with plenty of character development and new conflicts.

dailyblam.com (4/5 Fresh) Cassie Rose Despite a lackluster set of prior issues, Kirkman is once again on track with his Eisner Award winning series, armed with a new arc that is poised for a gripping story line and equal parts mystery and drama.


acomicbookblog.com (90/100 Fresh) Rick's attitude is starting to get downright creepy. This is making for a great start to an arc that will very likely have surprising and potentially shocking revelations and conclusions.


complex.com Jason Serafino (Fresh) It’s not The Walking Dead's most action-packed issue ever, but this story sets up some interesting conflicts for the rest of this storyline, which could wind up as one of the most important in the series' history.


Wizard is Oz Tyrone Bennet (8/10 Fresh)  I truly enjoyed this issue it had just the right emotional tone allowing the reader to see that things are changing while the art gave a great interpretation of the writing. There are few comics that I enjoy as much as Walking Dead and I believe this issue, like the rest within the series, is worth the read and it will definitely be in my library of comics.


Horror Haven Reviews Shaun Daniels (Fresh) The survivors are standing at a fork in the road at the dawning of a new era for mankind.  It is up to their fearless and borderline crazy leader Rick to decide which path they take, that of self-destruction or self-preservation.


IGN Jesse Schedeen 7/10 (Fresh) Walking Dead #93 is a solid entry for the series, but not necessarily as fast-paced or exciting as it could have been. The plot only lightly pushes forward by the end. Given how slow the book has been moving since the end of "No Way Out," it's more than time for Kirkman to kick things into gear again.

Unleash the Fanboy 3/5 (Fresh) Steve Lernlek This book is alright…not great…but alright. Once I finished reading, I realized that The Walking Dead suffers from a few lingering issues, most notably its heavy handed dialogue. I’m a huge fan of using realistic conversation in comics. In fact, I think it’s one of the main reasons that the medium has been elevated to ‘art’ in the past 20 years, but Kirkman tends to abuse it. A plot development that should only consume a few pages will become extrapolated into a 10 page affair in these books because of his use of muddling dialogue.

Weekly Comic Book Review (Fresh) Dean Stell After a slow story arc, Robert Kirkman uncorked a promising new concept in his last issue that may jiggle a status quo that has become stale.  I’m pretty intrigued by the idea of clusters of survivors remaining separate and interacting with each other like the old Greek city-states.  Plus, you justknow that something BIG will happen this summer in issue #100 and it’ll probably start building now.

Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint #1

Issue:Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint 1 (This World We Live In)
Arc: Flashpoint
Released:
Writer: Rex Ogle
Artist: Eduardo Francisco
Penciller: Paulo Siqueira
Inker: Roland Paris

Rating: 67% (4 Fresh 2 Rotten)

Critical Consensus: Obscure character Traci 13 gives a more human perspective on the Flashpoint Universe in this above average tie-in.

IGN 7/10 (Fresh) Jesse Schedeen The Flashpoint Universe is still a strange and unfamiliar place, but it's books like this that will help readers feel a little more at home in the setting as the event continues through the summer.

CBR 2/5 (Rotten) Doug Zawisza  The characters presented in this issue are less compelling than their “true” counterparts. I’m not sure what role Traci Thirteen is going to play in the resolution of this storyline, but given DC’s recent announcement of the ambitious relaunch of their entire line of superhero titles, I think it is safe to say that Traci doesn’t quite help put things back the way they once were. Where she puts them and how that affects everything else remains to be seen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t remain to be seen with any urgency.

Weekly Comic Book Review D (Rotten) Minhquan Nguyen Merely competent art can’t save a script riddled with forced emotions, thoughtless plotting, scant information, and shallow characterization.  This may be the tie-in intended to get you into other tie-ins, which may be the least valuable use of a comic book of all.

Sciencefiction.com (Fresh) Brian Tudor Of the four Flashpoint tie-ins out this week, The World of Flashpoint was the one I knew the least about, but was looking most forward to reading. I am happy to say I was not disappointed.

Acomicbookblog.com 90/100 (Fresh) Phillip Carson The title of the book does not disappoint.  Unlike some of the other mini’s, which seem to be more about telling What If stories set in the Flashpoint world, this book actually deal directly with the events of the main series, and promises to have an impact on it as well.

iFanboy 3.5/5 (Fresh) Daniel Hobson Funnily it’s turned out to be my favourite of the Flashpoint stories so far. I like the character of Traci and the dynamic with her father. I thought that this was set up pretty damn well.

Sorry, I could only find six reviews, and Comic Vine didn't have a staff review of this issue. Check the sidebar for earlier reviews and be on the lookout for the Aquaman and Deathstroke spinoffs soon.

Flashpoint: Abin Sur, the Green Lantern #1

Issue: Flashpoint: Abin Sur- the Green Lantern 1 (Emerald Isolation
Arc: Flashpoint
Released: June 1, 2011
Writer: Adam Schlagman
Artist: Felipe Massafera
Colorist: Rod Reis
Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Rating: 100% (10 Fresh 0 Rotten)

Critical Consensus: Schlagman and Massafera do a wonderful job telling a "What if" type story and shedding light on Abin Sur, Hal Jordan's inspiration.

Comic Vine 4/5 (Fresh) Tony Guerrero Even though I knew about this mini-series for months and that it would feature Abin Sur, it wasn't until I started reading that I thought about how crazy things could be. It's often said that one little incident that happens differently could greatly affect the outcome of things, Abin surviving does away with Hal being a Green Lantern. The thought of everything he was involved in as a Green Lantern makes you wonder how it all turned out. This issue does try to give us glimpses of some of those huge events but it starts to give you a feeling of too much. This issue has the task of catching us up on this new world along with where the mini-series will go. I felt like I had to pause to catch my breath after reading. Lots of cool things here. My fingers are crossed the next issue blows me away further.

IGN 6.5/10 (Fresh) Jesse Schedeen No doubt this series will gather steam as it veers away from simply showcasing alternate takes on familiar GL concepts and more directly intertwines itself with the events of Flashpoint. But with only two issues remaining, Schlagman has precious little time in which to pick up the pace.

Acomicbookblog.com 95/100 (Fresh) Phillip Carson Overall, this was the tie-in I enjoyed most this week.  Being able to cull Green Lantern’s rich mythology to create a universe where the Black Lanterns are still tearing things up, the Red Lanterns are still prophesying  on Ysmault, and Abin Sur and Sinestro are still GLs reminds you just how vast that mythology has become in recent years.

Cx Pulp 3.5/5  (Fresh)Blake Petit There are good moments here, but not great ones, although the tie-in to the Flashpoint: Hal Jordan miniseries is appreciated.

Weekly Comic Book Review B- (Fresh) Minhquan Nguyen If you’re looking for an illuminating glimpse into one of the most mysterious Green Lanterns of all, this title doesn’t really give you that, but you still get a mildly engaging premise for his one chance in the limelight.

Sciencefiction.com (Fresh) Brian Tudor I am a big fan of this Flashpoint tie-in and it promises big things in the remaining two issues of the mini-series. I’m also guessing Abin Sur’s time as a Green Lantern in this timeline is short, but wow! I wonder if perhaps some of his spirit was left in the ring on some sub-conscience level to influence Hal Jordan to become the greatest Green Lantern. And loudest voice of dissension to the Guardian’s hands off approach to spreading their brand of order to the Universe.

Cosmic Book News (Fresh) Matt McGloin If you are on the fence about picking up the Flashpoint titles for fear they may be meaningless, take off the Yellow Power Ring -- and don the Green! Flashpoint: Abin Sur - The Green Lantern #1 should be on the pull lists for all Green Lantern fans!

CBR 3.5/5 (Fresh) Doug Zawisza   Staying off of the world of “Flashpoint,” this story offers just enough of an “Elseworlds” feel to be enjoyable, and save some distinctions otherwise could easily be a tale from the adventures of Abin Sur before he died and passed the ring of Sector 2814 to Hal Jordan. This issue is an intriguing glimpse at what could have been, given a surreal focus when directed through the lens of designs of the “Green Lantern” feature film.

Inside Pulse 6.5/10 (Fresh) Grey Scherl Adam Schlagman is an assistant editor at DC Comics, and to my knowledge, this is his first full length job as a writer. I believe he does a fine job both with the universe building as well as with the characters. By no means is it perfect, but it is definitely enjoyable…far more so than I anticipated. If you’re a fan of the Green Lantern Corps, or a fan of What If?! stories, or, like me, a fan of both; then this book is for you.

iFanboy 3.5/5 (Fresh) Ken Goach The story was a mixed bag. It was interesting and I like how it tied in things from Blackest Night and the Red Lanterns. I liked the changes, which are what an Elseworlds-like event should have. But there were two things I did not like. I thought Abin Sur striking Sinestro was sort of out of character, despite the insults and painful past events. Also, the "Prophecy of the Flashpoint" just sounds dumb. Not another mystical Lantern prophecy!

Next: Flashpoint's Wonderful World