Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Civil War II" #3 / "Spider-Gwen" Annual #1 / "Aquaman" #3

Civil War II #3: Bendis offers up one spectacular revelation after the other, continuing to go all out in this series. The only question is whether he can keep that pace and wrap it up in successful fashion, or falls victim to the comic's evergrowing expectations.

8/10

"Spider-Gwen" Annual #1: It's imaginative, creative, different and absolutely refreshing. The only problem: all this eclipses the actual focal point of the comic, Spider-Gwen herself, who is merely an afterthought in all of this. 

7/10

Aquaman #3: The political dilemma here is not as original and intense as writer Dan Abnett probably thinks them to be, and artist Philippe Briones is not able to convey the emotions necessary to make this all a little bit more grasping. Unfortunately, a small step back for "Aquaman". 

6/10

Review: "Black Panther" #3

The noose around T'Challa tightens more and more in Black Panther #3, as enemies manifest themselves and friends thin out. It's also the first time that the Panther engages in an extended fight scene, and it is here that we see one of the comic's rare shortcomings, as artist Brian doesn't manage to translate the Damisa-Sarki's raw power onto the comic's pages. 

Nevertheless, Coates' storytelling is still brilliant, and the constant change in narrative perspective adds multiple and valuable perspectives to Black Panther's themes, making for an overall exceptional comic experience. 

8/10

Further Links:

Black Panther #1

Black Panther #2

Keepin' It 360: "DKIII: The Master Race" #5

By now, DK III probably considers itself more edgy, important and tough than it actually is, as Miller, Azzarello and Kubert gradually trade in compelling storytelling for big graphic gestures. Don't get me wrong, this is still AAA entertainment, from art to writing, but #5 is the weakest entry so far, losing some of the series' drive and direction.

7/10

Further Links:

DKIII: The Master Race #3

DKIII: The Master Race #4

Keepin' It 360: "Captain America: Steve Rogers" #2

Most fascinating about this comic is just how much it enjoys itself and all the frenzy it has created. "Hail Hydra" is certainly all the literal rage here (just look at the cover), as Spencer meticulously charts just how Rogers became what he had fought all his life, confirming the theory that was most plausible all the time. Comic narration at its best.

9/10

Further Links:

After the Shitstorm: "Captain America: Steve Rogers" #1

Keepin' It 360: "Darth Vader" #22

Only 3 issues to go before we won't have to endure this anymore. Darth Vader has hit another low point with a uninspired, directionless and confusing story. Featuring cheap twists, utterly annoying droids, mediocre art and Darth Vader himself as a mere caricature of his film version, it doesn't manage to convince on any level. "May the farce be with you."

3/10

Further Links:

Darth Vader #21

Darth Vader #20

Darth Vader #19

Keepin' It 360: "Daredevil/The Punisher" #2

It doesn't have quite the pace the first issue, and character dynamics are a bit off, but the comic still shines with its astonishing art scheme. Its black and gray color palette and the realization of Daredevil's radar sense stand out here particularly. While funny at times, it's Daredevil's gloomy inner conflict about right and wrong that impresses most.

8/10

Further Links:

Daredevil/The Punisher #1