Wednesday Number Ones 8/30/11

Wednesday Number Ones is a weekly feature here at Top 5 Comics. We take the books that are premiering a first issue from that week and give a quick opinion on them. From time to time we may also include more than issue number ones in this feature. If a noteworthy one-shot or the first issue of a new story arc is released, we may talk about it in this feature as well.

This week, we will cover:   Angel & Faith #1, Epoch #1, The Rinse #1, Ultimate Comics Hawkeye, and Vescell #1.

Justice League #1

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jim Lee
Company: DC Comics

Well, the wait is over...Here comes the Justice League.  Much has been speculated over these past few months, these oh so long months, since DC announced a relaunch to their entire Universe.  There have been skeptical comments, hushed whispers of problems behind the scenes, so many people making fun of popped collars, and of course, the great debate of whether or not Wonder Woman will have pants or sport her more classic attire.  Now though, the wait is over and we finally get to see just how Geoff (Green Lantern) Johns and Jim (X-Men/Batman: Hush) Lee set sail in this new and magical DCU.

So, now the big question:  How was it?

Batman Incorporated #8

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Scott Clark & Dave Beaty
Company: DC Comics

Word around the internet is that this issue of Batman Inc. is in fact the weakest, and for a finale, it doesn't do the book much justice.  On both of these counts, I am going to have to disagree.  Batman and Oracle running around in a digital world called Internet 3.0, fighting evil zombie-like malware icons while trying to save a group of financial backers from being turned into brainless lumps of life.  What's not to like here, folks?  Truthfully, Morrison really is a fantastic idea man.  Fun boils up in the strangest places, and excitement and enthusiasm are things that are always so prevalent in his work.  It's true that sometimes his execution is a little off though, and while I do think there are a few rocky moments with this issue, the

Wednesday Number Ones 8/24/11

Wednesday Number Ones is a weekly feature here at Top 5 Comics. We take the books that are premiering a first issue from that week and give a quick opinion on them. From time to time we may also include more than issue number ones in this feature. If a noteworthy one-shot or the first issue of a new story arc is released, we may talk about it in this feature as well.

This week, we will cover:   Bionic Man #1, Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Tales The Legend of Drizzt #1, Superman Beyond #0, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, and Ultimate Comics Ultimates #1.

Week in Review 8/23/11

Captain America #2
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve McNiven
Company: Marvel Comics

A better overall outing than the first issue, Brubaker continues his trip through Captain America's secret history while at the same time putting together a story filled with action and solid character moments.  It still feels a little less than stellar than it probably should, but being able to delve into his World War II days and see a few familiar faces certainly pops, and the reveal towards the end is fairly notable and fun.  In a lot of ways, the book exudes a very classic comic book feel, hearkening back to the Gruenwald days of yore.  McNiven may in fact be the bigger draw here, however.  His

WE3 Deluxe Edition HC

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
Company: Vertigo

It had been awhile since I had delved into the emotional and slightly unnerving depths of WE3, but it was almost a forgone conclusion when they solicited this deluxe hardcover version that I had to purchase it.  Not only is Grant Morrison one of my favorite writers, the story is damn good, and Quitely's art...Well, Quitely's art is sensational, startling, and a downright blood bath of entertainment.  For those who already have a copy of the book adorning their shelves, I will say that this collection is worth venturing out and picking up.  Not only is it in the oversize format, but the additional material that's packaged inside, everything from breakdowns to insight into the many crucial scenes of the book, is impressive.  Being able to hear

X-Men Schism #3

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Daniel Acuna
Company: Marvel Comics

What is Schism?  Tough question, as this series, which brings back the threat of the Hellfire Club and introduces some pint-sized villains that are bent on world domination, feels a little disjointed.  We've constantly been hearing that this is where the split between Cyclops and Wolverine will happen, that that is a huge issue that this book will deal with.  If that is the case, it's happening at a snails pace.  Sure, we've seen a few quibbles between the two characters as Sentinels run crazy around the world, but nothing that feels like it would mean the end for these two friends.  So again, what is Schism really about?  Well, let's delve a little deeper into the issue, Emma Frost style, and see what's what.  And no, I won't be wearing the outfit.