Comic Book Rebel Reviews for 7/11/12
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 01:00
- Written by Kevin
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With San Diego Comic Con now behind us it is time to get back into the world of comics. This past week saw the release of two comic books that have been overlooked in the face of various events going on in Marvel and DC. These books are Avenging Spider-Man #9 and Batman and Robin #11. Both comic books have been some of my favorite comics on a monthly basis. With all that is going on will the consistency they have shown continue? Or does one or both fall flat on their face? Let’s find out.
Avenging Spider-Man #9
Creative Team
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Artist: Terry Dodson
Inker: Rachel Dodson
Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Story Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Review
It may seem odd that Carol Davers first appearance as Captain Marvel, now ditching the Ms. Marvel title and costume, is not in the upcoming Captain Marvel #1. However, Kelly Sue DeConnick does not let that stand in the way of delivering a comic that is entertaining from beginning to end. While I have always enjoyed DeConnick’s work it has been her writing from the past two years that have shot her up my list of writers that I look forward to reading. DeConnick just has a great sense of how to write classic superhero stories and Avenging Spider-Man #9 is an example of this.
Avenging Spider-Man #9 continues the developing friendship of Peter and Carol that we has gotten a major push the past few years. DeConnick shows a great understanding of what makes each of these two characters tick with Carol showing extreme confidence and Peter showing his nervous comedy. As the issue progresses we are able to see more of both characters voices as they go into hero mode to solve the problem they are in.
What separates this issue from other team-ups Spider-Man has been in is that this one is more about friends hanging out instead of just a team-up between teammates. With the scene in the plane between the two you would think this is an odd paring but the dialogue is shows the reader how these two can easily bounce off one another through there dialogue naturally.
The one weakness of this issue was the new kid that was introduced as the third part of this stories equation. The character was more annoying than interesting and it makes the reader wish we had a more known villain for Spider-Man and Captain Marvel to face. Though her involvement allowed Captain Marvel have a cool Hulk-style moment when she blasted the other bad guy when he said “I ain’t into blondes.” It was the funniest moment of the issue.
As always Terry and Rachel Dodson deliver some phenomenal comic book art style. From making Spider-Man’s moves look athletic to how the Dodson’s make Captain Marvel both sexy and powerful it is a style of art very few have mastered. Their Captain Marvel was the most impressive as they showed how strong the character is while still looking good.
Overall: From the time you open up this comic with the comedic recap page to the ending there is a lot to love about Avenging Spider-Man #9. This issue pushes the friendship between Spider-Man and Captain Marvel as Kelly Sue DeConnick gives us a preview of the voice she will give Captain Marvel in the characters new ongoing. This issue definitely got me more excited to read that series and has me looking forward to the next issue of Avenging Spider-Man. Having Terry and Rachel Dodson on art duties just puts the whip cream and cherry on top of this highly entertaining comic book.
Batman and Robin #11
Creative Team
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Patrick Gleason
Inkers: Mick Gray, Keith Champagne and Tom Nguyen
Colorists: John Kalisz, Allen Passalaqua and Hi-Fi
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10
Review
With the challenge Damian Wayne previously laid out on his predecessors Batman and Robin #11 begins that hunt as he tries to prove he is the best Robin. Not only that but we get to see more of Bruce’s developing relationship with his son as the new Batman and Robin with them facing a new organization. Basically Peter Tomasi delivers yet another issue of Batman and Robin that is layered with a number of stories going on.
Even though all eyes are on what Scott Snyder is doing over in Batman it has been just as much fun to follow what Tomasi has been doing in this series starring the Dynamic Duo. Tomasi makes sure that anyone who picks this series up knows it’s a different type of story than other Batman books. This series is more of a straight up adventure comic that is layered with some family drama. This shows with the sub-plot of Damian going after Dick Grayson, Tim Drake and Jason Todd. The whole opening fight between the Damian and Jason was a great show that highlights what makes Damian both different and the same of his predecessors.
At the same time, Tomasi continues to explore the whole relationship between Bruce and Damian. Throughout their investigation of the new organization trying to get their attention Tomasi highlights Bruce’s continued hesitation of how to handle his wild son and Damian trying to gain his father’s approval. Add in the recent developments from Damian’s side from killing Nobody to challenging his predecessor, it is getting to see how this relationship evolves that is fun about Batman and Robin #11 and this series.
The battle that Batman and Robin get themselves involved in provides that big adventure that Tomasi is going for with this book. The entire story with the new organization using Batman’s symbol as their own to call the Dark Knight out of hiding gives the story a big event feel, even if it is not promoted that way.
What helps get the organization over as big threats is all the great visuals Patrick Gleason is able to provide with his artwork. He gives the entire issue a dark mood as Batman and Robin get further into their investigation but never makes it to dark. In many ways Gleason’s art style with how he draws all his characters and the action sequences reminds me of the Batman: TAS. Both Batman and Robin’s facial reactions are very animated but not to the point it becomes cartoony. The one downside is that because there are so many inkers and colorist working on this issue there are moments of inconsistency between panels.
Overall: Batman and Robin #11 continues to be one of the most underrated comics that DC Comics is currently putting out. Peter Tomasi does a great job exploring the relationship between Bruce and Damian while giving them challenges that test each of their personalities. The addition of Damian’s challenge to his predecessor gives this book just another reason to follow as it is a battle that you want to see.
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Kevin started reading comics as a kid when he watched the first episodes of Batman: The Animated Series and Spider-Man: The Animated Series. After that his parents bought him a few random Spider-Man and Batman comics and he has been hooked ever since. When he is not reading and writing about comics you can find Kevin as the destroyer of worlds, champion of fighting tournaments and ace Madden player on the PS3. You can catch up with Kevin and all his thoughts at the following links:
Twitter: KevinL007
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Avenging Spider-Man