I had another wonderful Sunday morning fishing with my brother-in-law George. We started just before 5 AM and quit at 8. Twenty-five nice fish were landed and released in that time with umpteen getting off the hook. That’s just too much fun. I’m sure my laughter woke up some people. Sorry about that folks.
Punisher #12 – I like how W-Greg Rucka uses Frank’s military background in this book. His current relationship with Marine Sergeant Rachel Cole-Alves is a great way to bring that to the fore. The next two issues will not be drawn by A-Marco Checchetto and I will miss his beautiful moody work until his return.
Before Watchmen: Comedian #1 – Alan Moore’s Watchmen started with the death of this character if I recall correctly. Eddie Blake/the Comedian was my least favourite character in the book but W-Brian Azzarello and A-J. G. Jones have changed my opinion about this misogynistic rapist and that’s not an easy task. This is the third mini of the Before Watchmen series to hit the racks but it’s the first time that I felt like I was reading a prequel to the original graphic novel. The connection between Eddie, JFK and Marilyn Monroe’s death placed this story clearly in the sixties before the Nixon administration of the book. I will definitely finish out this 6-issue story.
Mars Attacks #1 – This is the latest offering from IDW based on another nostalgic property that refuses to fade into obscurity. You will like this W-John Layman and A-John McCrea creation if you remember the old trading cards with fondness. They just made me go eeewww.
Avenging Spider-Man #8 – This loving tribute to Silver Sable is the epilogue to the “Ends of the Earth” story. Ws-Ty Templeton and Dan Slott tell a flashback triple team-up tale of Spider-Man, Silver Sable and Dr. Strange thwarting one of Dr. Doom’s nefarious plans. I don’t think for a second that this is the last we’ll see of Silver Sablinova of Symkaria.
Fables #118 – Theresa’s ordeal takes a turn for the worse as her subjects repel her brother’s rescue attempt. I wonder what price Bigby will have to pay for help in finding his missing cubs.
Elephantmen #40 – Different universe, same character. The Silencer = the Comedian.
Astonishing X-Men #51 – Why couldn’t they have gotten married in Ottawa? If they did, the public service ad for getting hitched in New York City would have not been so meaningful. If Manhattan is good enough for Reed and Sue and Peter and Mary Jane, it’s good enough for Jean-Paul and Kyle I guess. At least Alpha Flight was invited. This is the issue where Kyle and Jean-Paul/Northstar become husband and husband. Gay marriages don’t happen very often in comic books and this one didn’t get the media in a frenzy like Marvel wanted, but it did get some attention. If I had been reading this book regularly I might care enough about the shocking ending to this issue to ache for the next issue.
Daredevil #14 – The cover screams Daredevil versus Dr. Doom but W-Mark Waid had a more insidious fate for Matt than that in this Latverian adventure. Meanwhile back in Manhattan, the worst kept secret identity in the Marvel U may have ominous repercussions to the law offices of Nelson and Murdock.
Nancy in Hell on Earth #3 – This issue has more T&A than Tarot, Witch of the Black Rose. I didn’t think that was possible.
X-Factor #238 – I’m not a fan of rotating artists on a book, so seeing A-Paul Davidson’s work here was disappointing. I did warm up to his style as I read along but he needs to improve his facial expressions for me to become a raving fan. W-Peter David did his usual stellar job of delivering an amusing and entertaining story.
AVX #6 – When I first heard the term ”no more Avengers” I was hoping for the return of the Scarlet Witch and the AVX brain trust delivers here. The lovely art by P-Olivier Coipel and I-Mark Morales made this an extra special read. I really like how the writers made the escalating conflict believable with both sides seeming justified in their actions.
New Avengers #27 – W-Brian Bendis and A-Mike Deodato are cooking with gas in this issue. It has been a while since I’ve enjoyed reading an issue of New Avengers as much as this.
The Shadow #3 – W-Garth Ennis knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men and he’s letting us know too. Man, this is some mighty fine reading material.
Saga #4 – This is the best comic for your money on the racks right now. For $2.99 you get a terrific story and a letters page that rivals Cerebus, Powers and X-Factor for fun and enlightenment.
Uncanny X-Force – I hauled out all the copies of this series from my “to read” boxes and I noticed that W-Rick Remender had someone calling somebody else a son of an bit off toe nail in almost every issue. What’s up with that?
Silver Snail Ottawa Store
391 Bank Street, Ottawa
613-232-2609
Now on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/SilverSnailComicsOttawa
