Review: "Deadpool v Gambit" #2

It's definitely a positive to see Deadpool being so "meta" again in a comic, something that was unfortunately missing from recent issues. And even though it's solid fun, with writers Acker and Blacker creatively justifying that their Deadpool story is less violence and more intrigue, it is let down considerably by its narrative execution. Constant jumps in time and holes in its story create a substantial lack in terms of coherence, denying the reader a more pleasant experience.

6/10

Furter Links:

Deadpool v Gambit #1

Review: "Daredevil/The Punisher" #3

Did I mention how awesome this comic looks? Probably, but I'll just do it again. Szymon Kudranski and Jim Charalampidis do a thoroughly impressive job in creating a beautifully dark and washed out New York City at night, adding massively to the comic's atmosphere of constant threat. 

But not just the art is AAA here, as writer Charles Soule knows how to build up chemistry, not just between Daredevil and Blindspot, but also between Daredevil and the comics villains, which exceeds mere cheeky combat bon mots. A complete success throughout.  

9/10

Further Links:

Daredevil/The Punisher #1
Daredevil/The Punisher #2

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

Review: "Daredevil" #9

Probably nothing sums up this brilliant comic better than when Spider-Man tells Daredevil

"You've gotta do stuff like that every once in a while. Find the joy in what we are and what we can do."

It's pure, unadulterated fun as a hilariously out-of-character Daredevil and an in-form Spider-Man chase a mysterious briefcase over the rooftops of Macau and Hong Kong. It's all wonderfully rendered by artist Goran Sudzuka and colorist Matt Milla, as they create a night scenery of darkness and light which serves as the perfect backdrop for Daredevil's and Spider-Man's joyride. A catharsis of sorts not just for the comic's heroes, but also for writer Charles Soule, before Daredevil returns to the dark alleys of NYC again in the next issue. 

9/10

Further Links:

Daredevil #8

Daredevil/The Punisher #1

Daredevil/The Punisher #2

Review: "Detective Comics" #936

Just when I had almost given up Detective Comics, writer James Tynion IV finally remembers that he's actually one of the best Batman writers in recent time (go ahead and read the Batman/TMNT crossover). 

In this issue, he finally taps a bit deeper into some of the main characters' minds and motivations, while streamlining its main story transforms the comic into a highly entertaining, surprising and gripping affair. Alvaro Martinez' art and Brad Anderson's colors make for an impressively dark and menacing Gotham, thus completing the comic's positive overall impression.

8/10

Further Links:

Detective Comics #934

Detective Comics #935 

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

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