Review: "Daredevil" #12

The cover of Daredevil #12 proclaims, quite luridly, that our blind hero is up "against the Inhumans" this time. There's undeniably some ironic boldness in that, even though we get a pretty decent (and entertaining) fight between Daredevil and an Inhuman. 

However, what writer Charles Soule tries to convey more than anything else is that this is not a struggle against something, but for something. In an unusually diplomatic approach, the Man Without Fear tries to build bridges rather than unnecessarily burn them in what is ultimately one of the more clever treatments of the relationship between Humans and Inhumans in a while. The hunt for the wonderfully haunting serial killer/artist named Muse serves here as the perfect platform to show where both sides may find common ground, but also where they ultimately still differ.  

And yes, I've mentioned it before, but I'll happily to it again. Ron Garney's art and Matt Milla's colors combine to what is probably the best looking comic of 2016.


9/10

Review: "Deadpool" #15

The "Civil War II" part here is actually the one that manages to convince least, as the "Mercs For Money" prove that they can even be fun(nier) without their masks. 

But the highlight here definitely has to be the epic "Deadpool vs. Black Panther" fight in the Triskelion, as the two battle it out over almost half the comic. Bawdy but never embarrassing, with a surprising chemistry and dynamic, it's Wade and T'Challa in the most unlikely brawl of "Civil War II". 

7/10

Further Links:

Deadpool #14

Deadpool v Gambit #1

Deadpool & The Mercs For Money #5

10 Things We Learned About "Civil War II" in #1

1. It's absolute high-polish entertainment with first-class standards throughout.
2. Tony Stark's moustache will haunt you in your dreams.
3. The built-up to the comic's main conflict is well-told and superbly interwoven.
4. Think of a Marvel character. They'll be in here. The cast is gigantic.
5. Writer Bendis and artist Marquez know how to stage some strong emotions, especially with Stark and Danvers. 
6. We don't really need any product placement.
7. Marquez' large panels are simply breathtaking. 
8. Luckily, Tony Stark's arrogance never becomes annoying.
9. The action scenes are stunning and among the best in comics this year.
10. Marquez' various art approaches manage to keep the comic fresh at all times. 

    Further Links:

    8 Things We Now Know About "Civil War II"

8 Things We Now Know About "Civil War II" (No Major Plot Spoilers)

With "Civil War II" #0 by Brian Michael Bendis, Olivier Coipel and Justin Ponsor out today, here's the 8 things we now know about Marvel's big 2016 comics event.

1. The conflict that looms on the horizon is not going to be as essential as that in the original "Civil War", but should still make for an entertaining summer.
2. She-Hulk looks and moves like she's in some weird shampoo commercial.
3. There's a lot of exposition going on. You hardly need any previous knowledge to get right into it.
4. Hill is so damn nice. A reason to trust her even less.
5. Captain Marvel is a convincingly conflicted and complex character. A great choice for protagonist.
6. Doc Samson is definitely up to something. 
7. Olivier Coipel's "less is more" approach makes for some great art.
8. Even Brian Michael Bendis can't write an even remotely fresh court scene any more.