"The Clover Comics Gazette" comic book reviews for Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Hello everyone and welcome back to a new week of comic book reviews coming to you from "The Clover Comics Gazette"! First of all I will address the fact that there were no reviews for last week. All I can say is that I apologize to any readers and mistakes on my part created consequences that prohibited me from posting my reviews. Now I would love to correct that and do last weeks reviews this week; however in a "Nerd's World" the attention span is only long enough to hold until the next cool thing comes along! So with that said let's go ahead and jump head-long into this weeks reviews!

"Batman: Confidential" #44

Written by: Kevin Vanhook

Art and Cover by: Tom Mandrake

Preview:
In this first part of "Batman Vs. The Undead" Batman finds himself in "The Big Easy" for business, unfortunately business does not always turn in to pleasure. In a area steeped in tradition for "Voodoo" Batman might need the help of an "Undead" to fight the threat of a Voodoo spell that is bringing the dead to life.

Review:
This book for me has been a struggle to read each month, which you can definitely see in the last few reviews for this book, luckily a new team of writers and illustrators just may save this comic from being executed from my pull list! A story by Kevin Vanhook which removes the always present character of "Gotham City" by uprooting and moving to an actual city, New Orleans, and setting Batman out of his element. With Tom Mandrake doing both the cover and the story art; the combination of writer and artist make this series fun again.

The story centered around the "Voodoo" culture and the undead is a welcome fresh fiction story that grips you right away and drags you through the comic wanting more pages at the end. First in a new story line, new life from new professionals, and a great story puts me back on the "Batman Confidential" band wagon.

Pick this one up today!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"
happily gives it:

4 out of 5 Stars!

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

"JSA: All-Stars" #6

Written by: Matthew Sturges

Art and Cover by: Freddie E. Williams II

Preview: 

A spell from the unknown sorceress back fires and brings the evil of another planet to the "JSA". A seemingly already defeated foe returns and a betrayal at "Star Girls" expense could lead to all of their demise.

Review:

This is the conclusion of the "Constellations" story-arc and this ending does not disappoint. The story by Matthew Sturges with art by Freddie E. Williams II bring an exciting end to a title, JSA Allstars, which is only six issues old. The story blends multiple stories together and shifts them in line with one another at the perfect time. Tons of DC heroes drawn perfectly by Williams and jump off of the page. Everything about this book is a page turner and I'm super excited to see what is coming in #7.

Go get this book today and while your at it grab the first six as well!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

4 out of 5 Stars!

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

"Red Robin" #12

Written By: Christopher Yost

Art & Cover by: Marcus To and Ray McCarthy

Preview:

The last time we saw the "Red Robin" he had realized that "Rhas al Ghul" had his sights set on anyone, directly or indirectly, connected to Tim Drake. This in turn leads to a confrontation between the hero and villain which could end in disaster. Will his friends be saved, can he save himself, what are Rhas' big goals for the Red Robin, and where is Bruce?

Review:

Wow it is incredible to see that "Red Robin" is already a year old this month. Twelve awesome volumes that are able to connect and not imitate the partner books of "Batman and Robin" and "Batgirl". The combination of To and McCarthy have outdone themselves with another great cover. I am always a huge fan of heroes in trouble on the cover. Rhas al Ghul and Tim Drake make perfect writing gold for Chris Yost and raise questions in my mind that makes me want to learn more. This book is a stand alone sensation that raises as many questions as an episode of "Lost", but gives you just enough to keep you running to the newstand to find out what's next. Definitely a buy this week and the first 11 are worth a look as well!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

5 out of 5 Stars!

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

PICK OF THE WEEK!

"Batman and Robin" #12

Written by: Grant Morrison

Art & Cover by: Andy Clarke, Scott Hanna, Dustin Nguyen, Alex Sinclair, Patrick Brosseau, and Frank Quitely

Preview:

Last time we saw our heroes Damian under mind control was trying to take out Dick Grayson! Damian being the catalyst of a war between his mother and Dick Grayson: could blow up in both Batman and Robin's faces. Is Bruce really trapped in the past and who is the mystery man that has been helping Batman and Robin, all is revealed in this year anniversary of  "Batman and Robin" appropriately titled "Batman VS. Robin!

Review:

For part three of a story arc and the year anniversary of this book out of the shadows clears my decision to say that this book is amazing. Grant Morrison has an amazing writing style for this book and he makes it feel just like old "silver age" style detective mysteries that feeds the story without overbearing the action. Also the use of so many different comic professionals working on the same story I feel can only raise competition between employees and fans of the series reap the benefits. This book is everything I love about comic books, third part in the story, so go pick them all up right now,  you will not be disappointed!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

5 out of 5 Stars

Big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to stop by and read my reviews. I'm definitely working extremely hard and I would love to hear what everyone thinks in a constructive manner!

If you would like to debate my reivews, guest blog, or suggest a blog topic please email me: CloverComicsGazette@hotmail.com, follow me on Twitter @CCGNerdNews, or "like" my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CCGNerdNews!

Also a couple of big news things that will be happening at "The Clover Comics Gazette"!! First of all we now have a Youtube account and you can find us at: www.Youtube.com/CloverComicsGazette! Then construction is about to begin on "The Clover Comics Gazette" website: COMING IN JUNE! Finally, hopefully starting next week "The Clover Comics Gazette" will be doing a video blog along with the written reviews! So big things coming up this summer from "The Clover Comics Gazette" and we are working non-stop to bring you all the "Nerd" news you need to know!

From the desk of:

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

this is:

"The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure

signing off!

P.S. Find a comic book store in your area by visiting: www.ComicShopLocator.com

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/

New Comic book reviews for March 3, 2010

Start out this week with a trailer for Disney's "Prince of Persia" movie coming out in May of 2010!

Hello and welcome to the "Clover Comics Gazette", thank you for taking the time to read my opinions and I would love to hear yours. Again thank you very much for your support and away we......Go!

"Batman: Confidential #42"

want to own this comic without leaving your home? Buy it on ebay by clicking right HERE!

"Batman Confidential" is usually one of my favorite books to read. It's usually light hearted, with cartoon style drawings, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Unfortunately, #42 in the series leaves me more than unhappy. This book is written and drawn by Sam Kieth and personally I think that the same person drawing and writing is a mistake. Usually, if you have two or more people doing the different elements of the book such as; illustrating the cover, writing the book, and illustrating the inside it makes for a much better product. With one person doing everything it's an all or nothing situation, either you love all of it or you don't. Two or more people can have a story that is great and illustrations that aren't loved and visa versa, but with only one the formula just doesn't work.

The art for me is so lack luster and not anything that I would want drawn for me that it really just ruins and ok story. It's interesting story is dumbed down by un-inspired drawings and just a selfish book for Sam Kieth to do what he likes.

I'm a collector of "Batman: Confidential" so if you are as well I would pick it up, but just bag it and board it and put it away. I want my simple funny comic book back and I would be fine with no more Sam Kieth work.

1 out of 5 Stars!

"First Wave #1"

want this book for your collection? Buy it on Ebay by clicking right HERE!

What do you get when  you take three heroes who are so totally different and so totally awesome and throw them together with an interesting jumping off point? You get a very good comic that you should definitely check out. Batman, Doc Savage, and The Spirit; I doubt that I need to say more!

The first book in a series has got to be really difficult to write and illustrate, to be able to capture old fans and new fans with out irratating either group. Myself I know alot about Batman but, I haven't read anything from Doc Savage or The Spirit; but the book itself made me want to learn.

"First Wave #1" has just enough backstory to intrique a new audience, but not too much to where the hardcore fanboy will get bored. Though the Dark Knight is not in this first issue he makes it onto the cover and is eluded to several times during the book.

The art itself is well done and has more of a real feeling to it, which usually I'm not a huge fan of, but it is done well in this book. The story itself is a great starting point, unfortunately with new team-ups the characters are still disconnected from one another and that will probably take several issues to correct.

Overall a great book, definitely pick this one up, read it, and add it to your pull list!

4 out of 5 Stars!

"Batwoman: Detective Comics #862

does this book need to be yours? Buy on Ebay by clicking right HERE!

With Batman, Batwoman, and an insane serial killer, it's definitely pretty hard to go wrong! The cover is absolutely brilliant art and it is followed by a great looking book as well. I think Batwoman is being drawn better than ever and it's really interesting for me for both Batman and Batwoman to be in the same book, and it works!

The story has some great twists, turns, and the book expects you to try to keep up, So Concentrate while you read! Lots of different angles in this book and alot of parts to keep up with. Though really a joy to read! This book is the second part in a three part story arc, so I suggest also buying part one to fill in some blanks before starting on part 2.

Great book, extremely interesting, great visuals, definitely a buy!

4 out of 5 Stars

Pick of the Week!

"JSA: Allstars #4"

do you want to start reading a new story? Buy this book from Ebay by clicking HERE!

My pick of the week is "JSA: Allstars #4" because it has great elements, artistry, and story to make you mad that you have to wait for the next one. Lots of heroes, lots of villains, and one pissed off monster, GOTTA LOVE IT!

I'm a huge Batman fan and I admit to being a noob about everyone in the DCU, so definitely a sensory overload for me of characters that I'm unfamiliar with. With that said the writing does a great job of not weighing down the story with back story, it isn't a chore not know who everyone is, it's a joy to not have to know to be able to follow the story. I'm interested in learning about everyone while following an ongoing story.

My main reason for picking up this book for the first time is because one of my favorite artists, Freddie E. Williams II, is working on this book. The visuals are so amazing that even with out the text bubbles the story is easy to follow. I fell in love with this art style while Freddie was working on "Robin" and "Flash" and just stuck to it. I've met Frieddie a couple of times and I think meeting someone who is so awesome at what they do and as a human being makes it so much easier to love the work. So I suggest typing his name into wikipedia and ebay and find some of his work!

Freddie does a great job of giving double page, full page, half page, and quarter page photos that come to life! Definitely expect several big drawings in his book that you could spend hours looking at and still not see everything. I think this form of huge pictures compared to mass amounts of frames is an artform that is really lost and Freddie makes it easy to want that artform back in more books.

Interesting story, easy to read, easy to pick up, stunning visuals, and a book that I'm really looking forward to reading more of!

5 out of 5 Stars!

If you would like to see more Freddie E. Williams II work you could visit his website HERE or follow him on twitter HERE!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog, I will be back next Wednesday with another batch of reviews. I would love to hear from you via a comment, an email, a tweet, or a facebook comment. So hit me up tell me what you thought!

From the desk of the "Clover Comics Gazette"

This is

 "The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure

signing off!

You can follow me on twitter by clicking @CloverComics or fan the "Clover Comics" facebook page by clicking HERE!