Secret Wars: Howard the Human #1 Review

Writer: Skottie Young

Artist: Jim Mahfood

Overview:

Howard, a private investigator, is the only human being in New Quack City. The city is full of random species such as cows, cats, dogs, and even lizards. Howard takes a special case that might be too much for him to handle. How will things fair for him as a human? Writer, Skottie Young, and artists, Jim Mahfood, gives readers their spin on Howard in this Secret Wars tie-in.

Synopsis:

The story starts off in New Quack City. Howard is at Curt Connor's pub and is having a few drinks. Suddenly, he is confronted by the Vulture and his gang. Vulture demands Howard the money that he owes him as he gets ready to shoot Howard.

The story switches to a flash back earlier that day. Howard is investigating a crime scene down an alleyway where he finds a dead possum. Then the Vulture cuts Howard off from his flash back, so Howard fast forwards his story where it gets more interesting.

The story switches to Howard meeting up with the Black Cat (literally) at her penthouse. She asks Howard if he has located the informant that has been spying on her. Howard breaks the news to her that the informant is dead, which displeases her. As her henchman is about to drop Howard from the balcony, Black Cat assigns Howard to find out who murdered the informant before she gets the blame for it.

Later that day, Howard heads to Hen's Kitchen to meet up with Mouse Murdock at his office. They stroll down the streets and discuss about the mystery of the dead possum. As they figured out who put the hit on the possum, Wilson Fisk (who's a giant ape) bumps into them and unleashes the Hand (ninja monkeys) onto them. Howard gets knocked out, but Murdock manages to take out most of the Hand. Murdock gives Howard a note; then, Howard makes his way to Connor's pub where the story started.

The Vulture and his gang are in the state of confusion and tries to figure out the point to Howard’s story. Black Cat and her henchmen enter the bar and seeks to capture Howard. This leads to a confrontation between Vulture's and Black Cat's gang. The cops also get into the mix as they enter the bar. As Howard realizes things are about to escalate, he calls out his buddy in the bathroom if he's done.

PLOT TWIST: Howard's buddy turns out to be the dead possum/informant who was playing....possum all along.

Howard got the gang all together in order to have them all arrested with the help of his informant, Pete.

Review:

While Secret Wars has been dragging on, it does produce some solid stories such as this one. It's nice to see and read a story that puts a twist to the Howard the Duck character by making him human along with Connor's lizard, Hardy's Black Cat, and Toome's Vulture. It would have been nice and more intriguing to see Howard in an all duck world instead, and how he has to deal with it. The dialogue and character interactions was not that quip nor humorous, but the artwork and the story in general made this book a little interesting. I enjoyed Mahfood design on Howard by making him look like he was from the 70's with the hair and mustache. The art design throughout this book had an edgy and graffiti style. However, there were parts in this book that looked weird and out of place. I understand the vision and goal was to make the book look cartoony, but the art could have a bit cleaner and smoother, especially the characters.

Overall, the book was a good, fun read. If you don't mind the weird, edgy artwork and would like to read a fun Secret Wars tie-in, especially a one-shot story, I would recommend picking up this book.

We Stand On Guard #2 Review

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan

Artist: Steve Skroce 

Overview:

Brian K. Vaughan, known for his run on the Runaways and Saga, and artists Steve Skroce have teamed up to create a series that is set in the far future, where the United States has invaded Canada. In the previous issue, Amber, the main protagonist, tries her best to survive and wonders around parts of Canada to search for her lost/captured brother. She later meets with one of Canada's last few militia groups called the Two-Four. How will things play out for Amber as a member of the Two-Four? Will she be able to gain their trust?

Synopsis:

The story starts off in the past around the year 2113. U.S. troops are invading each home in search for hidden weapons or freedom fighters. A young Amber and her brother hides in a dog house outside and witness as an elderly couple are taken away.

Flash forward to the present day in 2124, the Two-Four call in their tank to haul the mech they destroyed in the previous issue, while Chief and LePage stay behind to cover the tank's tracks. Dunn blindfolds Amber as the rest of the group begins their way back to their base.

The story switches to a U.S. military base at Baker Lake where an interrogation takes place. A prisoner, named Mr. Pittiulak, is questioned by a U.S. government official. She is then asked to meet with Colonel Storz for an urgent meeting. She teleports herself to the Ops room where Storz explains to her about one of their decommissioned mechs that was taken out by the Two-Four. She decides to send some infantry soldiers to investigate the issue.

The Two-Four arrives to their underground base of operations, and Amber goes to the locker room to wash up. While showering, she catches Dunn and his dog peeping on her showering, which in his defense, he was checking for scars for implanted tracking devices (good excuse in my book). They both have a discussion and we get a back story about Dunn. After that, they are told that Chief and Lepage are still out and haven't reported back yet. So, they decide to go on a search mission for them.

The story then switches to Lepage and Chief McFadden. McFadden and Lepage are still out patrolling and covering the previous tracks; suddenly, McFadden is spotted and tells Lepage to head out quickly. She is shot down by enemy soldiers, but she is still alive.

Review:

We Stand On Guard #2 overall did not have that spark like it did with it's previous issue, but it was a good read nonetheless. This issue gives readers an idea and visualization of what it's like for the Canadian freedom fighters especially for the Two-Four, which is a huge plus for me because it focuses on the world of this series instead of the characters heavily. However, there were parts in this issue where character interactions occur, back stories are revealed, and new characters are introduced. The story gives a glimpse of how the U.S. operates, their point of view on the war between Canada and U.S., and it gives the readers the impression that the freedom fighters are at a huge disadvantage. Skroce did a stellar job with the first issue. In this issue, he does a good job on portraying the character's body language and expressions especially with character interactions. He also does a great job on portraying the environmental and technological differences between the U.S. and Canada.

We Stand On Guard #2 is a great follow up from the first issue. It has an interesting plot; the story starts slow at first, but I feel it will pick up later. Brian K. Vaughan continues to create a fascinating futuristic, military science fiction with Skroce on artwork. I recommend this issue if you liked the first one.

All New Hawkeye #4 Review

Overview:

Jeff Lemire and Ramon Perez continue their run on All New Hawkeye. Lemire brings his new take on Barton's Hawkeye and Kate Bishop's Hawkeye along with the telling of Barton's past. It seems the creative team have finally got the train going as far as creating a great installment especially when Fraction's run on Hawkeye has finally ended. It still has the comedy and action feel from Fraction's Hawkeye, and to Lemire's credit, he's building up a solid story. In the previous issue, both Hawkeyes have rescued the abnormal children from the hands of S.H.I.E.L.D and Barton's flashback recently showed him encountering with the Swordsman.

Synopsis:

The story starts off with Jacques aka The Swordsman teaching Clint how to shoot an arrow. Jacques gives Clint a few words of encouragement including the nickname Hawkeye. Later, they meet up with Barney Barton at the circus tent. Jacques talks to Barney in private and gives his brother high praises for his arrow skills. He also suggests Barney should start using his certain set of skills, so that his brother and him could stick around with the circus crew.

Later at the carnival, Clint is working at a booth and Barney is behind a tent with his dog and Jacques. Barney lets his dog loose to run free around the carnival. The dog begins to harass some of the people at the carnival. It catches the attention of a woman, then Barney manages to catch up to them. As he is apologizing to the woman, Barney does a slight of hand to snatch the woman's money which Clint notices. As the night goes on, Barney steals more and more money from random people at the carnival.

Barney confronts Clint as Clint is practicing shooting his bow and arrows. Barney pleads with Clint to accept what Barney is doing so that they can stay with the circus crew. Despite being against Barney's pick pocketing, there is nothing Clint can do, so he reluctantly lets Barney continue stealing. A montage ensues; showing Barney stealing money from anyone he bumps into, while Clint continues to improve his trick shooting skills.

Later, the Barton brothers meet up with the head of the circus crew, Ms. Carson. Barney gives the cash that he was able steal to Ms. Carson. However, Ms. Carson advises Clint to obtain the same amount of cash as Barney in order to stay with the circus crew.

Barton and Clint meet up with Jacques and his lady. Jacques tells Clint to stay behind as Barney, his lady, and him go off to do a job.

During the present day, the mutated kids are hanging out at Clint's apartment along with Kate Bishop. Later, Kate puts the kids to bed and talks about the files with Clint, but their dog is alerted by visitors. It turns out that Hydra has infiltrated Clint's apartment. A fight breaks out between Hydra and the Hawkeyes. Kate grabs the kids and makes a run for it to the top of the apartment building. Surrounded and outnumbered, the kids unleash a bright, blinding light to defend themselves and the Hawkeyes.

Review:

I have really been enjoying Lemire's run on Hawkeye since Fraction's run has been hiatus on a few occasions and has finally ended. Unfortunately, Secret Wars will negate the entire run by Lemire. The idea of running two stories that really complement each other was a really neat concept. For example, the interactions between Jacques and the Barton brothers mirrors the interactions with Clint and the kids. Despite no dialogue during the present day, I found that suitable because it kept the modern day storyline short and sweet. There was a good amount of character development in this issues especially with Clint's younger self as we see how him became the marksman and the relationship between his brother and him. Perez continues to draw stunning art for this run. I'm really impressed how he draws the story's modern day artwork which has a great call back to Aja's work on his Hawkeye. His artwork on the Clint's past looks stunning and does a great job on setting the past and present day story apart. However, this might be a turn off for some readers.

It really sucks that this run will be canceled when Secret Wars comes to an end. I would've liked to see where Lemire and his team take this series because it's starting to pick up story wise. If you give a crap about Hawkeye and have enjoyed Fraction's run on Hawkeye, I recommend giving this issue a read. 

Justice League: Gods and Monsters Review

Overview:

Batman vs. Superman may be the hottest thing going on right now over at DC/Warner Bros.; however over at the DC animated department, Bruce Timm, creator of Batman: The Animated Series as well as Superman and Justice League animated series, produced a new DC animated film. This film though gives longtime fans of Timm’s work a new grittier and edgier look for the Holy Trinity of DC comics. Superman in this film is actually the son of Zod and was raised by a family of Mexican immigrants. While Kirk Langstrom literally becomes Batman, but more vampire like. Finally, servant of Ares and bride of a New God, Bekka, takes the role of the Wonder Woman mantle instead. The three superheroes must unit in order to investigate and figure out a series of deaths and deal with the opposition of the government.

Review (Some spoilers included):

It’s been awhile since I enjoyed watching a DC animated film. Son of Batman, Justice League: War, Flashpoint…etc. weren’t films that really wowed me. Bruce Timm’s and his crew have really put the effort and time in making a quality DC animated film. The artwork and the sequences were flawless; I felt like I was watching the old Justice League animated series at its finest. The voice actors did a superb job; however my complaint is Michael C. Hall’s Batman. I don’t think he didn’t really put much emotion into the character. I understand he’s not Kevin Conroy, but he could’ve put more emphasis or emotion into the character.

For the characters, I loved the twists Timm put on each of the characters. Superman had that arrogant attitude, but still had a hint of consideration and sympathy. For the entire movie, I was on the edge of my seat to see if this Superman would go over the edge, but he never really did, which was awesome. The Batman was a total badass throughout this film. I felt they did a great job with his origins. The thing that really stuck out to me was the relationship between Batman and Superman. Not only did they respect each other, they also operated better as team mates unlike their original counterparts. Wonder Woman in this film was more likable and a Wonder Woman I can enjoy watching. She had a strong, arrogant, and savage presence throughout the film. I loved her origins more than Diana’s because it portrayed her going through a tragedy.

I was on the fence on the story of the film after watching some of the prequels, and so I thought it was going to be predictable and the villain was going to have a “meh” vibe. But Timm contradicted all of that by having stellar dialogue and creating a story that really flowed well. If you want to watch a solid DC animated film with a some twists and a thrilling story, I would definitely give this film a watch.

Secret Wars: Runaways #2 Review

Writer: Noelle Stevenson

Artist: Sanford Greene

Overview:

Noelle Stevenson continues this Secret Wars tie-in series after the debut of her Runaways #1. Along with Stevenson, Sanford Greene continues his artwork for this series as well. Stevenson’s Runaways consists of Jubilee, Pixie, Cloak and Dagger (Ty as Dagger and Tandy as Cloak), Skaar, Amadeus Cho, Frostbite, Delphyne Gorgon, and the only original Runaways member Molly Hayes. There was much uncertainty about the first issues debut mainly because majority of the original Runaways weren’t in the last issue. Despite the lack of the original members, Noelle Stevenson gives a nice spin to the Runaways. Last issue was mainly an introduction and establishing the new members from Doom’s Institute for Gifted Youths. In this issue, this group of delinquent teenagers must figure out how they will work as a team for the upcoming Final Exam.

Synopsis:

At the Doom Institute, all the students are gathered in the Great Hall where headmaster Valeria Von Doom gives her opening speech to all those participating in the Final Exam. Later, Bucky Barnes assembles the team of Jubilee, Ty, Cho, Skaar, Pixie, Frostbite, and Gorgon for the initial part of the Final Exam and wishes them luck on the Exam.

As the team enters the arena which seems like a simulation room, Ty and Cho are discussing a plan of attack for the team. Suddenly flash of light appears along with computer-generated enemies. A huge fight then follows. More enemies starts to pop up; putting the team at a disadvantage. Cho manages to find an escape route. Pixie tells Jubilee to fall back, but she seemingly disappears after being shot by one of the virtual enemy.

As they’re in hiding, Jubilee notices the bodies of students laying down across the battlefield. In turns out, they were actually battling with other students as they appeared as virtual simulations. Jubilee finds Pixie’s dead body after figuring out she was still in the arena. They also figure out that the Exams are just annual tournament; just to kill of the students no matter what (pretty much like Hunger Games). 

Everyone decides to leave the Final Exam and Doom’s Institute. Jubilee leaves to get another Night Witch member. Ty manages to meet up with Tandy, but she decides to stay behind. Cho finds the head of their Doombot instructor from the previous issue and brings it with them. Jubille finds Molly and brings her with them as well. They all get on an aircraft and fly off just before the Institute’s guards get to them. However, they all notice everyone is on board except for Frostbite.

Review:

The story continues to be interesting including the Hunger Games twist. Stevenson does a great job on characterization in this issue. Jubilee continues to act like a complete jerk, but her moments with Frostbite, Pixie, and Molly gives her a compassionate persona. Stevenson wrote Cho as the character he should be by showing his brilliance and wittiness in this issue. Jubilee, mourning the death of Pixie, is portrayed impressively. Along with the character interactions, the action sequences looked cool; especially the battle in the arena. The art continues to look silly and muddled throughout the book, but it fits the tone of the series. Greene draws the action sequences and character interactions really well. I would pick this up if you are a big fan of the Runaways and would like to pick up a Secret Wars tie-in. 

We Stand On Guard #1 Review

Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Steve Skroce

Overview:

Brian K. Vaughan, known for his writing on Saga, the Runaways, and Y: The Last Man, creates a fast-paced, exciting military story set in the far future. Steve Skroce, who has drawn storyboards arts like the Matrix, Jupiter Ascending, and Cloud Atlas, gives readers a taste on what futuristic war looks like. For an Image Comic, this book has 40 pages of continuous non-stop action, which is impressive. The story takes place 100 years in the future where the United States takes over Canada. The main character must find her captured or lost brother and learn to cooperate with a squad of freedom fighters. Will she able to find and save her brother, and survive in a country full of killer robots….and bigger killer robots?

Synopsis:

In the year 2112, a family from Ottawa, Ontario in their living room watches the destruction of the White House through the eyes of the mother (literally). It is not known who is directly responsible, then suddenly outside their home, the U.S. retaliates against Canada by dropping bombs across the country. A bomb strikes down on their home; killing the parents. Tommy's father in his dying words asks Tommy to watch and protect his sister, Amber.

Twelve years later around the Northwest Territories, an older Amber walks along the snowy parts of Yellowknife. She spots an elk and is about to shoot it with her crossbow, but an American robo-dog spots her and orders her to identify herself. She immediately refuses and shoots her crossbow at the robot. The robot retaliates by blasting it's laser cannon at her and manages to injure her. As it goes in for the kill, the robot is shot down by nearby freedom fighters, the Two Four (Chief McFadden, Dunn, Highway and his dog Hungry, Booth, LaPage, and Qabanni).

Amber discusses with them that she has been searching for her brother for a while. One of the fighters, Booth, gives her First Aid treatment while the others spread out to scout the area around them. During their conversation, Amber notices Booth's Superman tattoo. She wonders why Booth has it since Superman is viewed as an American product. Booth contradicts this by stating that the original artist for Superman was Canadian; thus, making Superman Canadian (It makes sense right?).

Suddenly a larger American robot-dog appears. Two Four team engages the giant robot and manages to incapacitate it. Booth opens the cockpit to check the system's mainframe. Instead, a pilot emerges and shoots Booth out of fear. The pilot quickly surrenders, but the team debates on whether to kill him or not. Chief McFadden orders Amber to execute the pilot to see if she is trustworthy. As Dunn pleads to keep the pilot alive for information and begs McFadden to not let Amber kill off the pilot, Amber with no hesitation shoots the pilot; killing him. Amber replaces Booth and is part of the Two Four.

Review:

Vaughan started off on the right foot by taking an interesting spin on Canada taking on the United States in a far future setting. While Vaughan didn't really focus on developing or making these characters interesting, he does a great job on pointing out notable Canadian references such as, two four (24 case beer in Canada), Superman's original artist being Canadian, Canadian Tire, and Canada's water. Not only that, the book is full of action and the story itself doesn't need much dialogue to explain what is going on. As for the art, Skroce with his previous skills from his movie career contributed to the story telling. The sequences and imagery explained what was going on and there wasn't a moment I felt lost nor found some of the designs odd looking. The panels and scenery looked good; especially the snowy parts of the book. The characters were drawn beautifully; making it look futuristic, but a little modern day. For a $3 book, this 40 page comic book is a steal if you like a futuristic, thrilling action tale. If you are also a fan of Brian K. Vaughan, I highly recommend this book. 

Uncanny Avengers: Ultron Forever

Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Alan Davis

Overview:

Doctor Doom has assembled earth's mightiest heroes from past, present, and future to save the timeline from the Avenger's arch nemesis, Ultron. The Avengers, lead by Doom, takes out Ultron's forces and the Thors were able to take out Ultron. However, Doom actually was using the Avengers to defeat Ultron in order to use Ultron's operations and minions. How will the Avengers strike back? Ewing continues with writing as he turns this Ultron driven plot into a Doom centric plot point. Alan Davis continues his work as drawer for the artwork. This is the last installment for the Ultron Forever storyline.

Synopsis:

After a few hundred years, Doom builds an empire of his own after the defeat of Ultron. He controls all of the satellites, bio-slaves, the Ultron bots (turned to Doombots), and the once Ultron throne.

Meanwhile the Avengers are able to send themselves, thanks to the Thors, to Asgard where they meet future Thor. Vision tries to persuade the Avengers to let him talk to Doom; however, due to the turn of events the team does not agree. So, the Vision ghosts away.

They find out that the other Asgardians are imprisoned. The prison is draining the Asgardian's power and neither Thors can break it. Suddenly a Doomship arrives to Asgard, and unleashes an army of Doombots. All but Iron Man engages the Doombots, while Rhodes figures out how to break the barrier.

During the battle, Danielle Cage asks Old School Hulk to do the “fast-ball special” with her to the near Doomship (Hulk is confused at first because it was Colossus and Wolverine that originated the “Fast Ball Special”). Captain America is able to get into the Doomship after being thrown.

Vision ghosts himself inside the Doomship to aid Captain America capture the ship. After capturing the ship, there are two more Doomships heading their way. They control the ship they're on into one of the other Doomships; thus, destroying it. The Thors are able to take out the other ship with their combined efforts.

Back at the Asgardian prison, Rhodes figures out along with Beta Ray Bill on how to disrupt the barrier encasing all the Asgardians. Ray's hammer, Stormbreaker, is also powered by solar energy, so Rhodes uses his blasters to provide Ray's hammer the energy in needs to break the barrier.

Captain America and Vision help out the rest of the Avengers on the ground. Suddenly, more Doomships appear and the Avengers seem to be outnumbered. But then, Iron Man and the rest of the Asgardians come to the rescue and even the numbers; a large fight occurs between the Doombots and the Avengers/Asgardians.

As the battle rages on, Widow and Captain America are beginning to fatigue and Iron Man's suit has a limited amount of power left. Vision asks the Thors to transport them to Doom's headquarters. The Thors hesitantly transports the Avengers to Doom's headquarters.

When the Avengers confront Doom, Vision identifies Doom as a Doombot. Vision remembers this certain Doombot that was part of the Avenger's A.I. team. Vision persuades this Doombot return as the hero that he was back then. But the Doombot was reprogrammed to carry on the legacy of Doctor Doom. Vision believes the Doombot is a free to follow anything he wants to and not Doctor Doom. The Doombot finally agrees and surrenders to the Avengers.

Doom releases his controls over the bio-slaves and agrees to work with the Asgardians on developing a world with peace and order. The Avengers are sent back to their respective timelines. In the last pages, Captain America punches Gold Skull's in the face and reunites with her Avengers.

Review:

For an Ultron/Avengers story, it was structured really well. The only gripe that I have is the the fact that Marvel was trying to advertise their Age of Ultron movie and at the same time steer readers away from the Age of Ultron graphic novel, which was probably a smart move on them because Age of Ultron was pretty bad. As for the story, I wasn't really surprised by the plot twist from the previous issue (the Avengers trusting and following Doom's orders? Who didn't see that coming?), and then the Doombot plot twist. I wished Ewing would've focused on Ultron as the main villain that the book hyped about, but I guess it was a way to make a cool Avengers story. In addition, Ewing does a great job at creating and developing characters and their interactions. The story also is very concise and flows well. The dialogue has the 1960's-1970's Avengers feel; it feels like it was written in the Silver Age of comics. The artwork for the books have been done really well. It was drawn in detail, the colors looked beautiful, and the page layouts looked awesome. Readers that would like to read an old school modern day Avengers book, I would give this book a read along with the other Ultron Forever books.