Review: "Black Panther" #2

You should be happy to hear that Black Panther #2 ties up some of the loose ends of its inaugural issue. And you should be delighted to hear that for every mystery solved Ta-Nehisi Coated will give you at least one new. 

Always engaging and never satisfied with itself, Black Panther constantly expands on the lore and people of Wakanda, whose distinctiveness in the Marvel universe is impressively visualized by Brian Stelfreeze's art and Laura Martin's colors. This is a classic in the making. Believe the hype!

8/10

Further Links:

Black Panther #1

Keepin' It 360: "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" #6

Is this really over!? Yes, "for now" it is. The Batman/TMNT was a success throughout, as writer James Tynion IV creates a tireless dynamic between the protagonists that's boosted by Freddie E. Williams' sketchy and washed-out art. This issue in particular though is too rushed and generic at times, wishing for a more epic finale to one of 2016's best comics.

7/10

Further links:

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5
Batman #52
Detective Comics #52
DKIII: The Master Race #4

Review: "Batman" #52

Who would have thought that seeing Bruce Wayne as Batman chasing an eccentric criminal through Gotham could be so refreshing? But after a year of Commissioner Gordon as the Caped Crusader and Scott Snyder's final issue last month, which was more of a love letter to Batman and his fans than a classic Batman story, this just feels so good. Writer James Tynion IV has already proven that he can pen some excellent Batman stories in the past, and this one is no exception.

Initially, the frequent flashbacks to the time right after the murder of Bruce's parents up until his return to Gotham seem like the same old story told all over again, but Tynion focuses on the parts of the story that are less well documented, offering an intriguing (even though sometimes a bit too sentimental) take on Bruce's trauma. He also takes the opportunity to introduce Crypsis, a brand-new Batman villain. What stands out most about this small-time thief with the ability of short-range teleportation is the surrealism and eeriness artist Riley Rossmo composes him with.

In general, Rossmo manages to bestow everything in Gotham, from Batman himself to its architecture, with an aura of unrest and uneasiness. The new Batsuit and the comeback of the Batmobile continue to impress, while Rossmo adds some additional grit and drama to their presentation. Hopefully Tynion will continue his great take on the Dark Knight with his run at the "Detective Comics" series after the DC rebirth.


9/10

Further links:

DKIII: The Master Race #4

Batman #51

Review: "Star Wars: Darth Vader" #20

It's good to see Darth Vader being back in good shape again. After the bland and mediocre "The Shu-Torun War" story line, which both writer Kieron Gillen and artist Salvador Larroca didn't know how to handle or conclude properly, the start of a new adventure for the Dark Lord of the Sith is an opportunity the whole creative team has taken advantage of.

Dealing with the aftermaths of the Shu-Torun War, Cylo's betrayal and Emperor Palpatine's overall scheme, Darth Vader #20 ties up some loose ends from earlier issues while offering a rare glimpse into the Emperor's mind. Gillen does a particularly good job of building tension between Palpatine and Vader, convincingly pointing out how Vader, despite being the Empire's enforcer, is only just a pawn in his master's game. And Vader's later encounter with Thanoth shines with a deep and complex characterization of Vader's old antagonist and a surprising conclusion. 

Larroca's art unfortunately still falters when drawing larger, more swarming panels, but is outstanding on a smaller scale, where his reserved approach is able to deliver drama and excitement like few other can. And the Emperor hasn't looked that good in comics for a long time.

Triple-Zero and Beetee, however, are still some of the worst and most annoying sidekicks in the galaxy, thus making the "Misadventures of Triple-Zero and Beetee" bonus short-comic by Gillen and Mike Norton nothing to fuss about. Going forward, this is a great basis for what will be the last Darth Vader story line before the comic will be end (for now) in August. I'm looking forward.

8/10

Further Links:

Star Wars: Darth Vader #19
Star Wars #18

Comic of the Day 15/5: "Deadpool" #11

When the Deadpool/Sabretooth dynamic started to wear off in #10 last month, the fear started to creep in that writer Gerry Duggan might just not manage to drag this story across the finish line. And even though he does, the ride turns out to be a lot harder and uglier than anyone could have wished for.

The more serious and thoughtful tone here neither suits the narration nor Gerry Duggan's or artist Matteo Lolli's strengths, diminishing the otherwise prevalent satire and and in-your-face humor that usually make Deadpool comics such an enjoyable affair. The fact that Duggan has hardly any idea of how to conclude this somewhat cohesively makes for a more than fragmented narrative experience. Only when Sabretooth exits does the comic find its groove back, with a convincing Doctor Strange appearance and a finale that will make you laugh out loud (finally).

"The End, Thank Odin."

5/10

Further links:

Deadpool/Masacre #1
Deadpool & The Mercs For Money #3
Deadpool #10