Review: "Green Arrow" #1

While I'm generally more than suspicious towards stories that relentlessly keep throwing twists and turns at you, there's something about Green Arrow #1 that makes the whole thing work without ever being pretentious or sensationalist. And that "something" is probably writer Benjamin Percy's ability to keep control of what he's actually telling, grounding "The Death and Life of Oliver Queen" in what has already been established in the series "Rebirth" issue.

The chemistry between the main characters, however, still leaves something to be desired, as conflicts re-emerge without progressing any further towards a solution or change. As a consequence, some of the more comedic elements in Green Arrow #1 also don't always manage to hit the mark (I'm so sorry!!!).

Otto Schmidt's pencils and coloring, while not necessarily outstanding, are still more than solid, as he is able to give the comic's villains a distinct and scary look, while also excelling in the general conceptualisation of Black Canary and her superpower.

With still some room to improve, Green Arrow #1 promises an action-packed story line that will hopefully continue to impress in future issues.

8/10

Further Links:

Green Arrow: Rebirth #1

The Good, The Bad and Something About Comics: "Han Solo" #1

+ Positive       - Negative

A more anxious side of Han is an entirely new take on him. Mark Brooks’ art is positively straightforward and clear. The main story is original, entertaining and sufficiently complex. “Dragon Void” race feels like a great addition to the Star Wars universe. Finally a Star Wars comic that gets the larger space panels right. An amazing cliffhanger.

While going for a true-to-life interpretation of Han Solo, Princess Leia looks nothing like the original. The same old skirmishes between Han and Leia become slowly annoying. Barring one exception, the comic’s supporting cast is hardly worth mentioning.

Apart from some minor flaws, this is still as good a first entry as you could have wished for.

8/10

Keepin' It 360: "Superman" #1

"Rebirth" Superman already find his form in issue #1, as Clark Kent takes up the cape and shield with a visual blast by artists Gray and Gleason. It sets up many potential conflicts and encounters, including some more trademark DC characters. Only young Jon does not manage to convince entirely, as he becomes gradually more inconsistent in his emotions.

7/10

Further Links: 

Superman: Rebirth #1

Action Comics #957

Review: "Star Wars" #20

The "Journal's of Old Ben Kenobi" have been among the highlight's of Marvel's Star Wars comics, and this one continues to fill some vital gaps between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, as Obi-Wan is confronted by the deadly Wookie bounty hunter Krssantan. 

Jason Aaron is dead-on when it comes to how one would imagine Obi-Wan to be as a middle-aged Jedi, finding the perfect balance between wisdom and bravery in his depiction. We get to see a slightly different side of Uncle Owen as well, but unfortunately to the expense of Luke Skywalker himself, as you won't see as much of him as you'd probably like.

Artist Mike Mayhew's sometimes naturalistic approach also visually sets this story apart from the series' other entries. It may not be for everybody (and Krssantan definitely looks too much like a gorilla), but his stunning attention to detail, paired with a range of strong colors, particularly manage to shine in the desert environment of Tatooine. 

Star Wars #20 is a treat throughout, whose minor issues never overshadow the sheer quality in both writing and art.

9/10

Further Links:

Star Wars #19

Darth Vader #21

Obi-Wan and Anakin #5

Keepin' It 360: "Deadpool" #14

It's the inevitable Civil War II tie-in, featuring the "Mercs for Money", which surprisingly offers a more complete package than the standalone series did in its last issues. It's still funny and fast, but not as over-the-top, with less anarchist mayhem and more clear-cut ideas. We see a different, more nuanced depiction of the Mercs, and all for the better.

7/10

Further Links:

Deadpool #12

Deadpool & The Mercs For Money #5

Review: "Star Wars: Poe Dameron" #2

Poe Dameron #2 is a solid and skillfully told comic, but suffers from the fact that writer Charles Soule never comes out of the comfort zone provided by well-established Star Wars tales and characters. 

There is Poe himself, who never manages to rise above the status of "Han Solo 2.0", the charming adventurer who can talk himself out of almost every situation. And Agent Terex is the cunning, opportunistic antagonist who plays by his own rules and only uses the First Order as a means for personal advancement, not because he necessarily agrees with their ideology. It's all well done and mostly entertaining, but fails to stand out compared to other of Marvel's recent Star Wars series. Artist Phil Noto, however, has found a clearer vision of where he wants to go with his art, offering an approach that is clearer and more outlined than in #1.

Star Wars fans will be glad to hear that they do get some additional information on Captain Phasma and the inner workings of the First Order. While we have to keep in mind that the comic is narratively limited by the comparably little information provided by the new Star Wars trilogy, a little bit more risk will definitely help this series going forward.

6/10

Further Links:

Poe Dameron #1

Keepin' It 360: "Black Widow" #4

Samnee's and Waid's Black Widow is still at its best when narrated through the former's stunning art. Even though this homage to old spy movies (including some Soviet stereotypes) lets us finally dig deeper into the Weeping Lion's story and motifs, it's Samnee's ability to use arrangement, pace and composition to deliver another strong entry in the series.

8/10

Further Links:

Black Widow #2

Black Widow #3