"Clover Comics Gazette" comic book reviews for Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Hello everyone and welcome to a new week of comic book reviews brought to you by "The Clover Comics Gazette". Only three books to review for you today so let's go ahead and get started!

"Superman / Batman #71"

Two super heroes to go along with two villains, caught in a battle in the vastness of space! With a space ship headed for Earth and more specifically towards Metropolis can these two heroes avert disaster on Earth while saving themselves?

This is the fourth part in the "Casualties of War" story arc for "Superman / Batman" and for myself as a monthly reader of the book, this one continues to not impress me. This series is one of the first comics I picked back up after returning to the love of comic books and easily became one of my favorites. Unfortunately it feels like the stories are tired and the effort is no longer there for this series.

The writing by Joe Casey paints an interesting picture of the relationship between Superman and Batman; a relationship that is great for team work and horrible for mind set about the world and humans. The team up between the two heroes has definitely been interesting, however it feels like the story is mostly about SUPERMAN and less about litte old Batman. The franchise here is tired and I am actually considering stopping my subscription to it. This one is a pass.

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it

2 out of 5!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Azrael #7"

Michael Lane aka Azrael is spread pretty thin dealing with two seperate lives. Michael having to deal with being an ex-cop who is ordered to see a shrink who may not be who she says she is, is making Azrael a better choice than Michael's real life. Azrael and Michael are coming to terms with the fact that no one can really understand what he is going through and that only escalates the crack in his mind that may be driving him insane!

If you have read multiple opinions about this book you will probably find alot of negative feedback, however in my opinion this book is definitely worth a try so that you can judge yourself. For a book that is only seven issues old in its new reincarnation I think the book has constantly delivered. Michael Lane is a great fit for Azrael and it's nice to see the occurences of an "Every Man" who is chosen to carry a heavy burden. The story is a great mix of history and present; and the lore of "Azrael" is written to not be that overwhelming.

The cover art by Francesco Mattina is in your face and brilliant to look at. The story written by Fabian Nicieza is interesting and well informed. Though the story art is a bit lack luster the story by Fabian does more than the lion's share to keep the story going. I would say bump the critics and give this book a try, you might find you disagree with the masses. Only seven issues so definitely a great time to jump on board!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

3 out of 5!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pick of the Week!

"Batman: Streets of Gotham #11"
To find out more about Dustin Nguyen you can click the picture above!

Zsasz continues his killer ways always looking to add another mark to his skin to signify another kill. An unlikely hero with a , let's just say, SPLIT personality may be the help that Batman and Robin need to deal with super villain Zsasz this time around. Heavy is the head that wears the crown and Dick Grayson is finding that out the hard way. Though it won't get any easier with Damian running around as "The Boy Wonder" with an appetite for violence.

The story by legend Paul Dini does a great job of taking a small subject and making a great story. Always nice to see, not well known, Batman villain Zsasz back on the loose after his appearance in the "Arkham Asylum" video game from 2009. This story above all the others definitely does a great job showing the uncertainty of Dick Grayson and him feeling not up to the mantle of "THE BATMAN". Of course Dustin Nguyen is one of my favorite illustrators and has provided yet another great cover to this series. Unfortunately it feels like DC is kind of grasping at straws right now and impatiently waiting for "The Return of Bruce Wayne". This series is still very young and with the help of Paul Dini writing the stories that can only help. Out of the Batman books this week, this one is the definite buy!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

4 out of 5!

To find out more about writer Paul Dini please follow him on Twitter: @Paul_Dini or on his Facebook: "Paul Dini Facebook" 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Definitely a small week for my comics pull list and very similar to the same let down I've been having with the third Wednesday of every month. So needless to say I'm ready for "The Return of Bruce Wayne" and great stories each and every week!

You can visit the official "Eaglemoss" website by clicking the photo above!

This week however did bring a new Eaglemoss brand lead figure from the DC collection. This weeks was "Huntress"! Definitely for an affordable collection these lead figures are a great choice. Hand painted and include a book detailing the history; past, present, and future of each character. At right around $15.00 a pop you can't go wrong with these!

If you would like to guest blog, debate, or discuss anything please feel free to email me CloverComicsGazette@hotmail.com, Twitter follow me: @CCGNerdNews or reach me on Facebook: Clover Comics Gazette!

For the:

"Gotham City Gazette"

this is:

"The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure

signing off!

P.S. If you want any of the items you saw today please find a store in your area by visiting:

"Comic Shop Locator!"

What an amazing week: Comic Book Reviews for April 14, 2010!

Hello everyone and welcome back to another week of comic book reviews from "The Clover Comics Gazette!" Thank you so much for reading and I have four amazing books to review for Wednesday, April 14, 2010, so let's get to it!

"Brightest Day: Flash #1"

The Flash aka Barry Allen is out of witness protection and back on the police force in Star City! Things have changed in the police force since Barry's departure and return; and results are the only things that matter now. Trickster and the Rogues are back in town to go along with a mysterious dead body and a visit from "the law" of the future. The Flash is back and in a whole heap of trouble!

To learn more about Geoff Johns you can follow him on twitter by clicking the "Flash Ring" picture above! Visit his unofficial fan page HERE! Or his website HERE!

Obviously I'm not a huge fan of the Flash or of any super hero with powers. However I decided to give this one a shot and it was nice to receive a free Flash Ring to go with my purchase. Needless to say I was pleasantly suprised by the book and amazingly shocked to be looking forward to #2. Obviously you have industry legend Geoff Johns penning a story that is gripping, gritty, and real in a fictional environment. For someone like myself who enjoys more vigilante style stories, Flash #1 isn't too far above my liking! Cover by Tony Harris is in your face and keeps the main character in the forefront along with story art by Francis Manapul fits perfectly with Johns writing style. Manapul has amazing full page art that reminds me of Freddie Williams II's work on Flash in 2008 and 2009.

I would say definitely pick this one up, even if your not a fan of the Flash.

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

4 out of 5!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Batgirl #9"

Follow cover artist Stanley Lau on Twitter by clicking the cover art above!
Batgirl aka Stephanie Brown is tasked with saving a train full of passengers from an unknown villain who has a bomb strapped to his chest! Luckily Batgirl has the help of Barbara Gordon aka Oracle to swing the advantage in Batgirl's favor. "The Calcultor" is back and is using some kind of mind control to take over the citizens of Gotham. "The Calculator" has plans to "log off" Oracle for good, can Batgirl save the day, and what do the Calculator's son and daughter have to do with it?

Both in the first nine issues of "Batgirl" and the change to "Batwoman: Detective Comics" DC has done a great job of filling the DCU with lots of strong female characters to take away from the countdown til the "Return of Bruce Wayne". In this next volume of Batgirl played by Stephanie Brown it's such a great progression from her being "The Spoiler" to now being "Batgirl" add in the fan favorite of the Oracle and you have  yourself a winner.

The story written by Bryan Q. Miller is the first part in a four part story arc and he does a great job with entering tons of new information while staying true to the lore of "Batgirl". The Cover art by Stanley Lau is amazingly beautiful and looks more like a photograph rather than a drawing. The story art by Lee Garbett, Jonathan Glapion, and Richard Friend; does a great job of including a vast amount of art detail, while craming as many panes of story as possible on each page. Great story, great art, definitely pick this one up! First of a four part story arc, so it's a great time to jump on in!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"
gives it:

4 out of 5!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Batman #698"
Please follow story art artist Guillem March's blog by clicking the cover art above!


The weight and stress of wearing the cowl is wearing thin for our Batman step-in Dick Grayson. To go along with that a copy cat killer is loose in Gotham and while Batman seems baffled he is being out done by none other than "The Riddler" going by Edward Nigma now. With no clue, has Batman come to a case he can't solve and has his best ally fallen victim to the copy cat killer?

Very interesting story, as someone looking in from the outside, to see the stress that comes with stepping in as "Batman". One of my new favorite comic book professionals, Tony Daniel, pens the story and drew the cover of a book that simply sits you right inside of the boots of Dick Grayson. Guillem March does the inside art which is provocative and interesting and keeps the story moving. With the addition of my favorite villain "The Riddler" this story is engrossing and compelling. The great part is; it's only the first part in the story arc. The cover art displays a "Reformed Riddler" who really doesn't seem reformed at all, his eyes tell the whole story. Great read, great author, great illustrations, definitely pick up this first part today!

"Gotham City Gazette"
gives it:

5 out of 5!

Please follow Tony Daniel's blog by clicking HERE!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PICK OF THE WEEK


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Rise and Fall: The Fall of: Green Arrow #32"

Green Arrow may have fought his last fight as the Emerald Archer as a murder charge takes him from hero to zero. Unmasked and alone Oliver McQueen is set to face the angered citizens and law of "Star City". Has "Star City" set it's fate in motion by imprisoning a hero that has protected them for so long, all the while just recovering from their city being completely destroyed? Only time will tell but, one thing is for sure, "Star City" will never be the same again!

Though I love comics and they are such a great escape for me I usually don't become too emotionally involved in fictional stories. However this story really gets my blood pumping. This story emphasizes every reason why I have a complete dis-taste by the genetically altered heroes and a complete love for the more vigilante side of justice. J.T. Krul has done a great job writing the stories for "Green Arrow" and this books takes the cake. The book makes you feel the shame and disappointment that comes with being a hero on the wrong side of the law. To be so alone that not only your friends and other heroes but, your wife doesn't even want to associate with you. One of the best stories I've read all year.

The cover by Mauro Cascioli is well drawn as far as Green Arrow is concerned, I however dislike the fact that a "Lantern" is on the front cover. I personally have no definition of any Lanterns that says Hero, they are a sad excuse for heroes and you might as well lump Flash and Black Canary in there as well. For them to turn your back when things get rough is something that only a super hero would do, not a vigilante.

Great story and a must read, if you can only get one comic this week this is the one!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"
easily gives it:

5 out of 5!
Please follow writer J.T.Krul on twitter @JTKrul or fan him on Facebook HERE!


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


All I can say is that it has been a great week in comics and I find myself looking more and more forward to each and every Wednesday! Come on everyone go read DC books they are the real stories!

For the:

"Clover Comics Gazette"

this is:
"The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure
signing off!

Do you want to write a guest blog or debate my reviews please email me CloverComicsGazette@hotmail.com, follow me on Twitter @CCGNerdNews, or fan me on Facebook by clicking HERE!

If you would like to find a comic book shop in your area please visit: Comic Shop Locator!

New Comic Book Day Reviews for April 7, 2010

Hello everyone and thank you for reading the "Clover Comics Gazette"! I'm a little late this week on my reviews but, I have four books to review for you today and I hope you enjoy!

"Batman: Confidential #43"

If your marked to die by greater forces than yourself is there any way to cheat that fate? Can Batman save the girl while protecting everyone else? Batman's emotions may get the better of him this time, but you will have to read to find out in the conclusion of the "Ghosts" storyline.

Quite frankly I'm very relieved to see the end of this storyline and hopefully the end of this style of illustration in one of my favorite books. Though I have to say that out of all of the comics in this storyline #43 is by far the best. Though I still disliked the illustrations the story is actually gripping at the end. Interesting concept and was a nice conclusion to the story line. So Sam Kieth is able to deliver this time for me, though I hope this is the end of his run on "Batman: Confidential"

If your collecting the book I would say pick it up; just for the cover, put it down; and a jumping off point this won't take the cake. So glad it's the end, but it gets a better score than all the rest!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

3 out of 5

"Red Robin #11"

Packed with all the characters you love and all the ones that you love to hate this is an action packed ride through the third part  of a four part story arc. How long before the world knows of the imposter posing as Bruce Wayne and can Red Robin, Robin, and Batman protect all of their companions from falling to the great Rhas al Ghul? Going to have to read to find out, no one is safe this time!

This story is shaping up to have a blockbuster conclusion! The amount of Gotham City notables jammed into this story arc is incredible and Christopher Yost does a great job fitting them all in to his story. The cover by To and McCarthy highlights the three heroes and definitely makes you want to pick up the book! The story though heavy with thought boxes from all the various characters does not get in the way and is actually a pleasure to see inside their heads. This book has just been stellar and this is a definite must buy!

"Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it

4 out of 5

"JSA: Allstars #5"

You can follow Freddie E. Williams on twitter by clicking the photo above!

A mysterious woman by the name of Anna Fortune arrives in time to save the day using both her fighting skills and magic. The JSA are greatful but, concerned if this help will come at a price. Star Girl and Atom Smasher are in an unknown location and no tunnel of safety is in view, however the love between the two of them is easily visible. Anna Fortune tempts fate a bit too much and it looks like the JSA will suffer. Pick this book up today to find out the details!

Quickly becoming one of my favorite books "JSA: Allstars" is filled with twists and turns but, also keeps you on track. Lots of characters with lots of locations is worded perfectly by Matthew Sturges accompanied by always incredible artistry by Freddie E. Williams II. From Freddie's enthralling cover to the amazing life sized visuals inside, he never seems to lack in greatness.

Provocative and edgy this is turning into a great story line, though I suggest if you want to start reading this you start with #1. We are only on #5 so it is a great time to catch up! Pick this book up today!

"Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it

5 out of 5

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The pick of the week is:

"Batman and Robin #11"

The story of the Wayne family tree gets increasingly full of branches in this latest book. Dick Grayson in Batman's place starts to discover more and more about the history of the Bat for the Wayne's. The lies start to unravel for this masked man who helps rescue Damian while Grayson is down in the crypt. Who is this masked man and how deep is the rabbit hole for the "Batman"? Read this book and find out more!

This book has all the things I love about Batman! The foreshadowing text on the cover that reads "The Return of Bruce Wayne Begins Here" is enough to get my heart racing. Along with the magnificent story telling of Grant Morrison who always seems leave his readers on the edge of a cliff. Just enough to keep you invested and have you building a time machine that will bring you to the release of the next chapter. The cover by Frank Quitely and Andy Clarke is simple and to the point, sometimes simple is better. Along with the inside illustrations by Andy Clarke and Scott Hanna that brings this amazing story to life.

Go get this book today and continue counting the seconds til "The Return of Bruce Wayne"!!!

"Clover Comics Gazette"

easily gives it:

5 out of 5

Another great week in the DCU and the time continues to tick away towards the "Return of Bruce Wayne", I can not wait to start reviewing those story arcs and I'm sure everyone else is just as excited. Thank you so much for reading and I will be back this Wednesday, April 14, 2010 with more comic reviews!

Do you want to guest blog, debate my reviews, or suggest a blog topic please feel free to email me at: CloverComicsGazette@hotmail.com, Twitter @CCGNerdNews, or on Facebook by clicking HERE!


Til next week this is:

"The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure

signing off!

P.S. to find a store in your area please visit: http://www.comicshoplocator.com/

Guest Blog #1: Kyle Willis writing about the life and times of Michael Turner

Hello everyone and welcome to The Clover Comics Gazette! This blog is the first in a number of guest bloggers. Kyle Willis is the guest blogger for today and a good friend of mine! Kyle Willis is an excellent artist and writer; which is not hard to believe with the article below. You can find Kyle Willis's facebook page HERE or his art fan page HERE!

The topic today is the life and times of legendary artist Michael Turner!

Read more about Michael Turner by visiting his Wikepida by clicking the picture above!


"When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men."

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

In his youth Michael Turner had no reservations about being an artist of any kind. He appreciated art and was always doodling something or other, but his initial dream was to become a doctor in the footsteps of his stepfather. He attended the pre-med program at the University of Tennessee and while there he worked hard. Michael was a huge sports buff; adept at Tennis, Tae Kwon Do, Golf and even basketball. He often traveled the country, Skiing in Aspen, Colorado and playing volleyball throughout the Western United States. He was also known to spend time winning awards in barefoot water skiing. After an injury on the road which brought him back to his Tennessee home, Turner decided that his dream of being a doctor was misguided and not a passion that was born to him. Turner and brother Jake relocated to California to see what the state had to offer them. Waiting tables for only a short time it didn't take long before Michael had a gig as a martial arts instructor. Turner was a master of Tai Chi Chuan, a centuries-old Chinese martial art form of self-defense. After an injury subdued Michael he could no longer instruct or wait tables-where he was flat on his back, so to speak-he focussed more on his drawing. His illustrations took a turn for the serious in this time and when he submitted some sketches to some of the major companies he was interested in it was Marc Silvestri's Top Cow Productions that responded. He was charged with the task of pencilling background illustrations on Silvestri's Cyber Force before finding his feet and co-creating Witchblade which he drew for two years. When he first arrived on the scene the first thing I noted about his style is just how much it reminded me of Silvestri, how fitting that he was discovered by someone with such similar skill.

Bid on this cover and many others by Michael Turner by clicking on the link above to take you to ebay!

Once signing on at Top Cow, Turner moved from San Diego to Los Angeles, rooming with fellow Top Cow artists such as Jason Gorder, Peter Steigerwald, D-Tron and Randy Queen who lit a fire under Turner's ass and he learned as much as he could from these inspiring cats. During his comic career Turner founded his own comic book publishing company, Aspen Comics. With more than one location his studio is responsible for the likes of Aspen, Ekos, Fathom and Soulfire among other popular titles. In a very small amount of time Michael Turner built for himself a small but stable empire within the comic book world that honors him by standing strong after his departure from this Earth. It didn't take long for the foreshadowing larger companies such as Marvel and DC to come calling at his doorstep. Turner was given the task of creating covers for titles the likes of DC's The Flash and Identity Crisis and contributed to Marvel's Wolverine: Origins and Ultimate Wolverine. Turner was even given the rights to NBC's Heroes for comic adaptation.

There are very few people I can summon to the forefront of my mind that I would dare say I would have wished a moment of their time before they had passed. Michael Turner is one of these very few. In June of 2008 the comic book industry lost one of the most fantastical artists the business had ever seen as Michael Turner succombed to the effects of the Bone Cancer which haunted him at the unfinished age of 37. Many people remember Turner as a comic icon and legend, but few realize how much more he truly was. He passed on the evening of opening day at Wizard World Chicago Convention and the next day a moment of silence was recognized in his memory and soon after Wizard edited their Millenium Edition of Michael Turner Art and renamed it "Tribute Edition". Michael Turner has been honored in many forms since his passing, a constant reminder that he will not be forgotten. Megan Fox is set to portray his character Fathom in an upcoming film adaptation of the title.

To learn more about how to get involved with research for chondrosarcoma, Michael Turner's form of cancer, please click on the photo above!

Turner’s battle with cancer was an inspiration to and for many. He fought it with a graceful ettiquette that truly showed his character. The artwork of Michael Turner is some of the best ever created in the comic book world. Thank you, Michael, for making our little nerdy world a much cooler place. You are sorely and undoubtedly missed.

-Kyle Willis

Great Tribute Video for "Michael Turner"

Hope you enjoyed the first Guest Blog done by Kyle Willis! If you would like to guest blog for me please either email me CloverComicsGazette@hotmail.com, Twitter: @CCGNerdNews, or Facebook: HERE!

For

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

this is:

"The Boy Wonder" - Dustin Evans

signing off!