In the previous two issues a couple of major things have occurred, the capturing of Dale by the hunters and the arrival of the rest of the crew at Gabriel's church. A big twist occurs related to one of those two things at the beginning of the issue, but it is the character moments, which Kirkman has become famous, that make the issue something special.
At times it has felt like some characters in the story were being completely ignored but lately and in particular in this issue everyone has something compelling going on; imagine Kirkman spinning plates, go ahead it is a funny image. Even characters like Abraham and Michonne who some could easily write off as one trick ponies continue to have more layers and depth added to them. Having said all that, this is still Rick's book and his leadership skills are once again given the chance to shine here. If I were those hunters I'd be a little bit worried right about now.
Action Comics # 880
The Codename: Patriot cross-over got off to a solid start last week in Superman WONK, but I was nervous about the second installment in Action Comics. I was a big fan of the first couple issues but Barrows leaving the book and a general lag in storyline have made me lean towards dropping the book after this issue.
A lot of important characters pop up in this issue, and the writers did a good job of balancing all the different story arcs contained within the cross-over. The most enjoyable scenes were those involving General Lane who will hopefully get spotlighted more as the overall story in the Superman line moves forward. Scenes dealing with Superman's return to Earth were dealt with nicely albeit exactly as one would have expected. Unsurprisingly the parts of the issue I find myself feeling most "blah" towards were the ones involving Nightwing and Flamebird; whatever appeal these characters had seems to have worn off.
While this was a solid installment in the cross-over and new artist Julian Lopez is an improvment don't expect to see any more reviews of Action Comics for the time being.
Uncanny X-Men #514
The special which kicked off the Utopia cross-over was promising but since than my interest in this mini-event has seriously waned. Uncanny X-Men #514 was the final nail in the coffin.
Art aside this comic was just not good, AT ALL.
Barely advancing the overall narrative? CHECK
Needlessly reminding us about the two Dark teams not getting along? CHECK
Cyclops standing around watching other people fight? CHECK
Drawn out and boring battle against some robots? CHECK
Fraction is better than this so hopefully with the rest of this cross-over he can remind me what he is capable of. And hey, if he doesn't there is always Invincible Iron Man.
Marvel stuff
Daredevil - What the hell happened to this book. Seems like it never comes out anymore. It is a shame Brubaker killed the momentum right before the big 500th issue.
Iron Fist - Hearing rumors that after the one-shots are done Fraction is returning to the book ... count me in.
Captain America Reborn - Second issue was a big improvement hopefully this stays on schedule and continues to get better.
Excited about Marvel's lack of a big event policy since they haven't had a half decent one in years hopefully they stick to their guns about that. Overall though haven't been too pumped about anything coming out of the House of Ideas lately.
DC stuff
Jesus, Blackest Night is fucking amazing. Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps tie -in issues have been great too. Really don't know what else to say, fuck.
Batman and Robin is already one of the best books being published, Morrison haters can suck a dick.
Flash Rebirth is MIA, WEAK. Nothing will kill a book I was only so-so on like some big delays. Good job guys.
Superman line is hit or miss lately. That last issue of Superman ... yikes. Real fucking bad. WONK and Supergirl have been consistent though.
James Robinson on the JLA ... should be good but didn't like what I heard from him on the ifanboy.com interview where he said the book will have a large cast with different characters appearing depending on what is going on in the book. I would like to see a smaller and more consistent team on a regular basis to have the characters develop deeper relationships with one another over a hopefully long run.
