Cosmic Comic Review #24! The Flash #5 and how I survived the outbreak..

Hey there comic readers,

    It would not be a new year without a visit from one of the many maladies that tend to break out with the arrival of winter. The past couple of days I have been victim to one such outbreak, localized within my household, a nasty cold/sore throat combo. I work outdoors a lot so I suppose this was just a matter of time, but luckily using a combination of Nyquil, gallons of green tea, and hours of gaming, it subsided just enough to make the trip to my local comic shop today to pick up some new reading material. Let’s take a look at what I grabbed this week:

Comic Pull List Jan/25/12

DC

All Star Western #5
Aquaman #5
Batman The Dark Knight #5
DC Universe Online Legends #22
Green Lantern New Guardians #5
Justice League #5
The Flash #5
Teen Titans #5

Yes it was an all DC week for me, but it did keep me entertained. I caught up on All-Star Western because I was curious to learn more about 1800s Gotham, so I grabbed All Star Western 1-5. I am definitely intrigued with it so far and plan to move forward with it. For the review this week I was stuck between three issues, but decided to choose one because of the interesting revelation at the end of the issue. This week I will be reviewing The Flash #5!

The Flash #5 
Written by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art by Francis Manapul

    Issue #5 marks the end of the first Flash story arc, and the conclusion of the fate of “Mob Rule”.  The new Flash villain created at the beginning of the title was not something that grabbed me initially but after thinking it over I have had a change of heart. In my opinion, it’s always interesting to see a villain that has a personal history with the hero. This is exactly what you get with this villain, someone with a history with Barry Allen, and with that history comes all the baggage that follows. The nature of his powers combined with the training he received in his military career, gives “Mob Rule” the potential to be a big threat to Barry, the fact that he has the potential to figure out his identity only adds to this. Manapul and Buccelatto have definitely created a character that can go along way in the New 52 used properly, and this first story arc gave him some needed motivation moving forward. At the end of this issue we also get a glimpse of the consequences of Barry tapping into the Speedforce, which poses some serious risk to everyone around him. I really enjoy the focus Manapul and Buccellato have taken into fleshing out the nature of the Speedforce and the limitations of Barry’s powers as the Flash. For me the Speedforce has grown into this vast unexplained energy within the DC Universe and it is cool to see Barry’s manipulation of the Speedforce being explored since the relaunch. After issue #5 I can safely say that I will be staying current on the Flash, and I recommend others do the same, especially with what looks to be ahead. Two words, Captain Cold. When it comes to art on this issue, I am still enjoying Manapul's pencils on the Flash. I feel that his take on Barry Allen makes the character look and feel like a young Barry paired with the writing. I know some people who will disagree with me, but one thing I love is Manapul’s facial expressions, as they really bring the panels home for me. Overall, not a bad conclusion to the first story arc, considering they brought a new character in to the picture. Look forward to the upcoming issues.

Cosmic Rating 4/5


Good

- Explores more of Barry’s powers and manipulation of the Speedforce
- Good introduction for a new villain with a lot of potential

Bad

- The conclusion to “Mob Rule” was too obvious, not much suspense to what was going to happen

    That is it for the Cosmic Comic Review for this week. I have been reviewing a lot of DC titles lately so next week I will make it a point to do a Marvel title for the Marvel readers out there. Hopefully my pull list will be able to provide but if not I am willing to grab some extra Marvels to make up for it. That’s the kind of comic blogger I am folks, always ready to please the masses. Until next week, take care and happy reading!

Luca “Joriko” Baldassarra

Follow me on Twitter @Lucacosmic AND Check out my fan-page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lucacosmic!

Cosmic Comic Review #23! Batman #5, & Shadowlines News!

Hey there comic readers,

    A quick personal blog this week then straight into the comic review. I am currently finalizing the acquisition of tables for the Toronto Comic Cons on March 10-11 and April 14-15. At this comic-con I will be debuting the comic I have written known as Shadowlines. Other Shadowlines merch will be available as well, on top of the four issues that have been released so far. The Shadowlines Iphone game, should be available in the next few weeks on the Apple Store. The first version of the game is absolutely 100% FREE! A paid version will debut in the Spring. If Shadowlines interests you, and you live in the Toronto area, more information will be provided as I am informed. With that out of the way let’s check out my Pull List for the week of Jan/18/12:

Comic Pull List Jan/18/12

DC

Batman #5
Captain Atom #5
Catwoman #5
Diablo #2
Green Lantern Corps #5
Nightwing #5
Red Hood and the Outlaws #5

Marvel

Amazing Spider-Man #678
Avenging Spider-Man #3
Carnage U.S.A 2of5
Ghost Rider #8
Uncanny X-Men #5

    This week my choice for what to review was very much not debatable. This is not to say that the other comics were bad. I was pretty satisfied with my pulls this week, but this comic just made me completely rethink how a story can be delivered to the reader. Without further delay, this week I will be reviewing Batman #5.

Batman #5
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Greg Capullo

    It is not often that we get to see a vulnerable Batman. Over the years Batman has proven himself to be a master tactician, incredibly well organized, and someone who is capable of defeating even those who greatly outmatch him, mortal or immortal. In this issue we not only see Batman in a vulnerable situation, but we see him in a pathetic state that completely goes against this image of “Batman the Badass“. Scott Snyder breaks down the bat in a way that completely surpassed my expectations. Not only does he establish just how big a threat the “Court of Owls” is, but also how overwhelming they can be on their victims both mentally and physically. Batman is driven to depths we rarely see, and the comic portrays this desperate behaviour in a way that is not only believable but uses the art to place that dread on you, the reader. Greg Capullo and Scott Snyder have definitely proven that they are a formidable duo and deserve to be on this title. It is one thing to draw a character that is vulnerable and weak, but to use the comic medium in a way that the reader actually feels the confusion the character is experiencing, it is just another level of story telling. This issue is a visual experience. I have complete confidence that this issue is the best issue of 2012 to date to come out of DC. Batman #5 deserves to be read by comic fans, even if they have not been following this run. I very much look forward to what Snyder and Capullo have in store for us with issue 6 and beyond.

Cosmic Rating 5/5

Good

- Snyder writes a Batman that is not only vulnerable, but broken down into the man that he really is. A Batman we rarely experience, done extremely well.

- Capullo sets the bar by making using the pages themselves to bring the reader into the story. A fantastic collaborative effort, worthy of praise and respect.

- This is an issue to read if you truly appreciate comic books. I would recommend that those not currently following Batman do so now, this issue will sell you on it.

Bad

- I honestly don’t know how issue 6 will be able to top this.

    That is it for this weeks review, thanks for reading and I will be back next week. If you have any comments or questions feel free to post them on my Facebook page or Twitter, both posted below. Until then, take care and happy reading!   


Luca “Joriko” Baldassarra

Follow me on Twitter @Lucacosmic AND Check out my fan-page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lucacosmic!

Cosmic Comic Review #22! Green Lantern #5, & Youtube?!

Hey there comic readers,

    Just another week in 2012, and the comics have come to usher in a new week. I mean really, Monday is not very welcoming, and Tuesday just can’t compare. To me, Wednesday is the first day of the week, new comics and all. Enough of that though, let’s take a look at my pull list for the week of Jan/11/12:

DC

Batman & Robin #5
Green Lantern #5
DC Universe Online Legends #21
Deathstroke #5
The Ray #2
Superboy #5

Marvel

Journey into Mystery #633
Scarlet Spider #1
The Amazing Spider-Man #677
The Incredible Hulk #4
Wolverine and the X-Men #4

I am pretty sure this week is the most even split between Marvel and DC I have had in a long time. It’s funny how my pull list has evened out recently. I’m glad to see both companies pumping out some interesting reads, hopefully these trends continue as we go deeper into 2012. As for me, I am in the process of booking booths for the comic-cons around Toronto in 2012. The first cons are set for March 10-11th and April 14-15th. I will be selling my first comic book, Shadowlines, at both venues. If you live in the Toronto area and are interested in meeting me or checking out my work, more information will be posted here as well as on my Facebook page as I get them, so stay tuned! Enough of news though, let’s move onto the Cosmic Comic Review for this week. This week I will be reviewing Green Lantern #5!

Green Lantern #5 
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne

    This issue was definitely something I was excited to read. We were left in issue four with both Sinestro and Hal Jordan in a very bleak situation. Not only had Sinestro armed the entire population of Korugar with Green Rings, as he did for Hal, but the citizens of Korugar made it very clear that they would not follow him. This issue however, gave as much as it took for me. Don’t get me wrong, I really like where Johns has taken Green Lantern. From Rebirth to Brightest Day, I really enjoyed the place Green Lantern is now, mainly because it has so much to offer in the right writer’s hands. After issue four, I was very interested to see what Johns was planning for Issue five. To be honest, at the end of it though, I could not help but feel upset. In this issue, Johns manages to give the reader a lot more insight into what exactly Sinestro is capable of, both as a leader of his own corps, and as a Lantern. It has definitely been solidified that Sinestro is not a Lantern to take lightly, even if he is a reluctant Green Lantern. As for Jordan, this issue for the most part, completely writes him off. Hal ends up in a position that can go virtually anywhere, but I felt that his character did not receive as much care as Sinestro had. If you’re looking for epic showdowns, this issue could also be a downer for you. Like I said, there is a lot to be said for the cool things introduced into this issue, some good ground work was laid in this first story. I can’t help but feel cheated slightly out of things that I had assumed were coming. Just can’t have your cake and eat it too I guess.

    As for art, Mankhe is definitely no stranger to the GL titles. As expected, he brings some stellar pencils to the table. I am going to go out and say, that his Sinestro is my favourite version artistically. Something about the way he draws Sinestro’s facial expressions just makes those scenes that much better. If there is one thing about this issue I can’t find a problem with is the art. You get exactly what you expect from all the artists in this book, Green Lantern fans should not be disappointed.

Overall, as I stated before this issue offers some great ground work moving forward. Johns has completely redefined the power of a Green Lantern in the New 52, as such the possibilities are limitless. However, as for how this story was concluded, it left much to be desired. Aside from the art from Mahnke, Alamy, and Champagne, I have to say that don’t expect fantastic things from this one, but it is still worth picking up.

Cosmic Rating: 3/5

Good

- The art is true to form, great panels and spreads
- Sinestro and his capabilities once again redefined, the most dangerous Lantern in the universe

Bad

- Hal not given as much spotlight as I would have liked
- The conclusion of the Korugar occupation was not what I expected
- Johns seems to be setting up something here, as such the issue is somewhat rushed

    That will end another week of the Cosmic Comic Review. I have been thinking about how to improve the blog over the past few weeks, and I have decided that at some point in the next few months I will start a youtube channel. I have started researching ways to bring comic news to you in a way that would best entertain and inform. I need your help! Let me know what you would like to see from my youtube channel so that I can bring it to life right. I have already found a place to record my videos which will provide experienced audio engineering as well as video production. I shall keep everyone informed as soon as production begins. Visit my Facebook page in the link below and leave your comments! Until next week, take care and happy reading!

Luca “Joriko” Baldassarra

Follow me on Twitter @Lucacosmic AND Check out my fan-page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lucacosmic!

Cosmic Comic Review #21! Red Lanterns #5, first review of 2012!

Hey there comic readers,

    The first Wednesday of the 2012 has arrived, and as expected the first batch of new comics has made its way from my local comic shop to my house for some much anticipated reading and reviewing. So buckle up boys and girls, this is the first Cosmic Comic Review of 2012. Let’s take a quick look at my pull list for Jan 4/12:

Comic Pull List Jan 4/12
 
Dark Horse

The Goon #37

DC

Action Comics #5
Batman Detective Comics #5
Red Lanterns #5
Stormwatch #5


Marvel

Uncanny X-Men #4

    I really like the choices I had this week, it was a very tough call. All in all, it was a great way to start my comic reading year. Lots of action and great story in this week’s pull. Sadly, I can only review one comic so this week’s review will be on Red Lanterns #5!

Red Lanterns #5
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Ed Benes & Diego Bernard
Colors by Nathan Eyring

    If you have read my previous review on Red Lanterns #4, you will see that I was very excited for how Milligan was directing the story. I really love an issue that sheds light on to the history of characters. When it comes to Red Lanterns, who are generally considered mindless, this opens a whole new world of possibilities for what can happen in this book. After this issue, we now see several sentient Red Lanterns. Atrocitus is no longer alone in his mission to enact a crusade of rage fuelled vengeance across the universe. The Red Lantern Corps just got a whole lot more interesting. Milligan definitely raised the bar in this issue, and has me so excited for what is to come. The addition of personal perspective and motivation among the Red Lantern Corps members adds a whole new dimension to Atrocitus’ corps. What were once mindless followers, is slowly becoming a group of cunning and merciless Red ring slingers who will actually question their leader. If you enjoy it when Hal goes A.W.O.L., imagine an A.W.O.L. Red Lantern. Did I mention we see a new Red Lantern too? From a little place in Sector 2814. Dex-Starr just got a partner. Don’t think I have forgot about the art in this issue, Benes and Bernard keep the action rolling with some beautiful pencils. From Ysmault, to flashbacks, to Red Lantern recruits, you are treated to some great panels from page to page. Eyring meets there skill with some impressive colors as well. I especially love Skallox’s flashback, notably the final scene. My only problem with this issue, involves the seemingly ignored member of the Red Lantern trio that was recently enlightened. I hope that Milligan will cover his back story as well soon, though it kind of frustrates me that it was not done this issue. Overall, I am very pleased with this issue and the promise of things to come from this title. Check it out!

Cosmic Rating: 4.5/5

Good
- More Enlightened Lanterns
- A Corps no longer single minded. How will this effect Atrocitus?
- More Lantern Lore! New Red Lantern!

Bad
- Somewhat rushed pace, some flashbacks left unexplained. 
- Uneven spotlight.


    That will conclude the Cosmic Comic Review for this week. I hope that everyone had a great holiday and is ready to kickstart 2012 strong. Should be a big year for the Cosmic Comic Review as I have a lot of plans in store for improving the content and quality. I’ll do my best to keep providing enjoyable and informative reviews! Until next week, take care and happy reading.

Luca “Joriko” Baldassarra

Follow me on Twitter @Lucacosmic AND Check out my fan-page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lucacosmic!

Cosmic Comic Review #20! Green Lantern New Guardians and a Happy New Year!

Hey there comic readers!

    Some of you may be thinking that this comic review is a bit late, but I’m here to set the record straight. I was informed last week by my LCS that the comic pulls would be a day behind. My thoughts? Apparently being a resident of the Great White North means that I don’t like to stay current with comics. Whether it was the dog sleds behind schedule or the mountains of ice and snow, the comic gods felt it necessary to keep me in anticipation of this weeks releases and for that I apologize. The moral of the story is, on the week where I found myself with a lot of free time (on account of being home for the holidays) I was forced to wait a day. It sucked. However, life moves forward, and as always I am here to present to you yet another thrilling Cosmic Comic Review! Let’s take a look at my pull list for the week of Dec28/11, the last pull of 2011!

DC

Aquaman #4
Batman: The Dark Knight #4
DC Universe Online Legends #20
The Flash #4
Green Lantern New Guardians #4
Teen Titans #4

Marvel

Uncanny X-Men #3

    Not a big haul of comics for the last week of the year, but with the holiday sales abound I took the time to grab a bunch of graphics on titles such as Walking Dead, Annihilation, and Ultimate Spider-Man. I am sure for those intrepid enough to master their internet, they too can track down the many comic shops around the world who are offering their customers great deals and fair prices and will be more than happy to answer any and all questions curious readers may have that websites like Indigo, Amazon, Chapters and other big retailers would just simply lack the knowledge to assist. So get out there readers, track down back issues and get caught up, now is the perfect time. Enough of my rant about supporting local comic shops, let’s get to the review shall we? This week I shall be talking about GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #4!

Green Lantern New Guardians #4
Writer: Tony Bedard
Pencils: Tyler Kirkham
Colours: Nei Ruffino
    This weeks GL: New Guardians brings us a massive confrontation of the Seven Corps on Oa . This title follows the adventures of Kyle Rayner and his group of companions representing each of the seven Lantern Corps, which from the last issue led them into a heated confrontation between them and the Guardians. Bedard starts this issue off with a  bang, sending Larfleeze against the Guardians. In this issue we get a glimpse of the team working together and what they are able to accomplish when they are not fighting amongst themselves. More importantly we get to step back and get a view of the big picture, the overarching threat that this team will face in the coming issues. The art on this issue really keeps the pace moving, with lots going on in this story Kirkham’s art kept me in the action. Ruffino must have had a rough time colouring this one, considering we basically have a war of light from page to page. GL fans should definitely give Ruffino some respect on this issue, as the colouring was fantastic. From hidden allies to hidden enemies, with a sprinkle of hidden abilities as well, this issue is definitely a great pick up for anyone who wants to get more of Kyle Rayner and the other corps. I really hope Bedard keeps the ball rolling on this one, as I have stated in the past I see a lot of potential in this title and would love to see it cross over into the main GL title as soon as possible.

Cosmic Rating: 4.5/5

Good

- Lots of action, a mini War of light!
- First time we see the New Guardians team working together
- First glimpse at the new threat the team will face, and I love the “leadership” for the team
- Great art by Kirkham and Ruffino

Bad

- The other lanterns did not have much speaking lines, wish they had more input in the dialogue.

    That shall be it for the Cosmic Comic Review for this week, and evidently for the year of 2011. It has been a great 2011 for me this, I published my own comic book, finished school, and have high hopes and aspirations moving into 2012. I hope those of you who have found me on the internet have enjoyed my reviews as much as I have enjoyed writing them. I shall continue to review comics weekly in 2012 and my wish is to see more interaction between myself and my readers. So please, feel free to comment on the blogs themselves and contact me through my Facebook fanpage or Twitter. Both can be found on the post below, don’t be shy. To everyone who reads this, I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year. I’ll see you in 2012, until then take care and happy reading!


Luca “Joriko” Baldassarra
 
Follow me on Twitter @Lucacosmic AND Check out my fan-page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lucacosmic!

Cosmic Review #19! Red Hood and The Outlaws #4 and words of wisdom from Dan Slott!

Hey there comic readers!

    I am back with another week of comic reviewing. I apologize for being a day late as my Wednesday evening was spent distributing Xmas gifts and going over some very important information related to the coming weeks. The holidays can be hectic, but the reviews must go on! This week was such a great pick up for me, I had tons of titles to read through and it was such a huge task that I actually fell asleep trying to read them all. If any of you have not been aware, I have written and produced my own comic book. Yesterday while at work I thought it would be fun to tweet a variety of comic writers asking them an interesting question (that they probably get all the time) which was, “Any advice you could offer an aspiring comic book writer who just self-published his own book?”. I sent this tweet to Francis Manapul,  Rick Remender, Gail Simone, Brian Michael Bendis, and Dan Slott. While I did not receive replies from Manapul, Remender, Simone, or Bendis, Mr. Slott responded to me almost instantly with an answer that got me thinking quite a bit.

    “Look both ways before crossing the street. Drink lots of fluids. And always swim with a buddy.”

-Dan Slott

Now it could just be me trying to be positive or looking into this way too much, but this response really got me thinking about my experience over the past year while writing the comic. So humour me for a bit while I go over an interpretation or just skip down to the review, whichever you prefer. For me the words of wisdom given to me by Dan Slott really hit home with me in a lot of ways. So let’s break down this response into its three parts and my thoughts on them:  

“Look both ways before crossing the street” seemed to me that he was telling me “Don’t rush”, work things out with your story, and don’t be content with a first or even second draft. Try to get perspective on your story and look at it from the point of the reader. As an independent comic book, my story will always be viewed in the shadow of the big publishers and therefore it requires an extreme amount of care to get readers to take the chance and pick up something that may be out of their comfort zone. If you rush, your only setting yourself up for a big hit.

“Drink lots of fluids” reminded me of the many late nights I spent pouring over drafts before submitting them to the artists, coffee was a powerful ally.

“Always swim with a buddy” to me means never feel that you have to work alone. It is only fair to admit that your work, no matter how long you spend on it or how well received past work has been, is always subject to the criticisms and judgement of the reader you are writing for. Some will love it, some may hate it, it is an undeniable truth that all writers must learn to accept. In the end the obstacles you’ll overcome by accepting this will far outweigh the criticisms you will likely endure along the way. Friends, family, and fans all have something to offer in terms of insight, perspective, and praises but in the end the pen is controlled by you, the writer. My comic is just another story in an infinite sea of literary works and it will be the feedback I receive, and more importantly how I use that feedback that will determine my success or failure in the future. It’s sink or swim out there, and I intend to swim for as long as I am able.

     I just want to thank Dan Slott for his time for responding to my question and I hope that my interpretation of your tweet is not too far off from the message you were trying to express. Since we are on the subject of Dan Slott, for any of you who have not read ASM #676 this week I definitely recommend picking it up. The issue featured some awesome conflict that will definitely give people a glimpse of what to expect from ASM in 2012. I know that I am really excited for the new story arc and I can’t wait to pick up the next issue! Now that we have spent a sizeable portion of this week’s post on my personal thoughts let’s move on to what you all came here to see, Cosmic Comic Review #19! This week I shall be taking a look at Red Hood and the Outlaws #4, but first a quick look at my pull list for the week of Dec 21/11:

DC

Batman #4
Batman Incorporated (One-Shot)
Captain Atom #4
Catwoman #4
DC Universe Online Legends #19
Green Lantern Corps #4
Justice League #4
Nightwing #4
Red Hood and the Outlaws #4

Dynamite

Bionic Man #5

Marvel

The Amazing Spider-Man #676
The Incredible Hulk #3
Venom #11
Wolverine and the X-Men #3

    A big pull indeed, great Christmas present to myself. Now without anymore delay let’s review Red Hood and the Outlaws #4!

Red Hood and the Outlaws #4
Written by Scott Lobdell
Art by Kenneth Rocafort

    Once again this week I am reminded why Red Hood and The Outlaws is my favourite book of the New 52. The issue is full of action, dialogue, and gives another slice of info on the Outlaws that keeps me interested and excited to keep following. Lobdell has discussed in various interviews how he intends to give glimpses into the each members past and reasons for staying on with the Outlaws. If you have stayed away from this title because of the negative press it received after its launch I urge you to reconsider and catch up now while there is still only four issues, this book is definitely something I see myself staying on board with indefinitely going into 2012. In this issue we see Jason moving forward in his quest to avenge the All-Caste with Starfire and Arsenal alongside him. This issue brings two threats to the team, one in the form of an ancient and powerful being, the other an alien hunter driven by revenge. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and loved the action in this issue. The art by Rocafort is something I have really grown to love. Since issue one I really felt that his style fit perfectly with the story, his pencils have a sort of crispness that I can’t really explain. For me, it really sets the mood that the story is portraying, and defines it from the other Batman with a darkness and edge that is all it’s own. Between the opening bar scene, and the various confrontations and fight panels throughout the issue, I was fully immersed from cover to cover. The ending has us ready for some major action next issue and I can not wait to get my hands on it. Seriously, read this comic and see for yourself!

Cosmic Rating: 5/5

Good
- More spotlight on Arsenal and Starfire
- Tons of action, and the first look at “The Untitled”
- Not one but TWO villains, with great action scenes.

Bad
- I wish I had issue 5 now.


    This is without question the longest post I have written to date. Thank you for staying with me all the way to the end. As it happens, this weekend shall be filled with all sorts of festivities, relaxation, and time spent with family and friends. To all of you out there who see this I wish you a very Happy and Safe Holidays. Take some of the free time to catch up on some back issues, track down some holes in your collection, and enjoy your free time! Until next time, take care and happy reading!

Luca “Joriko” Baldassarra

Follow me on Twitter @Lucacosmic AND Check out my fan-page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lucacosmic!

Cosmic Review #18! Carnage U.S.A and Deathstroke don't ever change!

Hey there comic readers,

    This has been a HUGE week for me. A project I have been working on for over a year is very near complete. Today I got to hold the finished product in my hand and the experience was nothing short of amazing. Right now I am working on the final steps before revealing it, and I could not be more excited for 2012. Aside from the personal news, we have a some other stuff too…..the Cosmic Comic Review. This week was not a huge pull list for me, however it was definitely not lacking content wise. Let us take a look at my pull list for the week of Dec/14/11:

DC

Batman and Robin #4
Deathstroke #4
Green Lantern #4
The Ray #1
Superboy #4

Marvel

Carnage U.S.A 1 of 5

    This week was the beginning of the new Carnage mini-series, Carnage U.S.A. I don’t know what it is with the Spider-Man or Spider-Man related titles, but Marvel has definitely taken a big interest in the hero and his rogues. It seems to me that some of the most enjoyable titles that I currently read from Marvel are all somehow related to Spidey in some way. On that note this week’s review will be on Carnage U.S.A, so let us get started.

Carnage U.S.A
Written by Zeb Wells
Art by Clayton Crain

    I really enjoyed the first Carnage mini that came out earlier this year that was also written by Zeb Wells. It is nice to see that many others enjoyed it as well, as Carnage U.S.A picks up right where the other mini left off. In this first issue we see Carnage invading a small unsuspecting town in the U.S. As one would expect of a character like Cletus Kasady the results are far from pretty. Zeb Wells definitely has something big in store for us in this mini-series. If you followed the first mini, then you know that Cletus has come back and is as insane as ever. Now imagine what happens when the Avengers arrive to stop him, trust me on this one it will not be what you expected. The biggest tease in this issue definitely the final page where “Project Liquid” is revealed. As a first issue I say this one sets up a big start to the series, lets hope that issue two can keep the momentum going. I have nothing but respect for Clayton Crain and his art on this issue. I really think his style fits for Carnage and I love how he draws the symbiote suit. The colours Crain uses I think are my favourite aspect of the book, it feels like I am looking at a painting of each scene. It is a very enjoyable visual experience that is paired well with the story. In the end it all comes together to create a great first issue to what is hopefully a fantastic series, I have high hopes for this one.

Cosmic Rating: 4/5
 
Good
- Great visuals, highlights the symbiote suit
- Really enjoyed what Wells did with the first Carnage mini, this mini seems to be taking that same path

Bad
- Wish the fights would have been a tad longer
- Big ending, I don’t know how this can be done in five issues.


    That concludes this week’s comic review. I am hoping that next week can bring more for me to read through, as much as I liked this week’s selection I do enjoy a large pull more often than not. I am almost done the fourth book of the Game of Thrones Series and with the recent release of the Season two trailer, I am very eager to get started on book five. I will be writing a short story over the next few weeks to investigate on some writing methods I have thought up. I will be posting the short story on the blog of course, I hope that my readers can take the time to read and critique it as the feedback would help me immensely. Until then, take care and happy reading!

Luca “Joriko” Baldassarra

Follow me on Twitter @Lucacosmic AND Check out my fan-page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lucacosmic!