Brain Games Is Now... Over

Remember that show from HBO in the 1980's?

Anyway, I can't continue to publish this blog as my new job eats up almost all of my time. In addition I am not reading comics that regularly anymore so I don't really have much to talk about on the blog. I am going to leave the site up for as long as I can, and who knows? Maybe someday I will start it up again, but this has to be bye for now.

Big thank you to everyone who read each week and everyone that left comments. It was a lot of fun.

-Ryan

REVIEW: Daredevil #84

Daredevil #84
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Michael Lark

[*spoiler wanring*] This review may contain spoilers. Read on at your own risk.

Story:
This arc has so far been very good. In this issue, Matt begins "investigating the death of Foggy Nelson using intimidation and violence which I have to say was satisfying to read. In addition, Bullseye joins the inmate population, though as you might have guessed he is kept in solitary under very restrictive circumstances for obvious reasons.

Artwork:
Lark's work has been good, and this issue is no exception. Like Maleev before him, Lark's style suits this title perfectly. The fact that the lion's share of this arc is set at Ryker's only helps to highlight Lark's work. The coloring has been very good also - just dark enough without being to dark.

Overall Impression:
This is currently one of the only titles I look forward to reading with any regularity. This arc has been great so far, and I expect that to continue. This issue was perfectly paced and had enough action to satisfy most DD fans. Highly recommended.

THE VERDICT: 9/10

New Review Format

You have probably realized that I have started using a new format for my reviews. I think it makes them a bit easier to read, and it definitely makes them easier for me to write. Anyway, let me know what you think.

REVIEW: Y-The Last Man #44

Y-The Last Man #44
Publisher: DC Vertigo
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Pia Guerra

[*spoiler wanring*] This review may contain spoilers. Read on at your own risk.

Story:
Yorick and Agent 355 are in Tokyo following Ampersand's trail. They encounter a male robot owned by a beautiful woman named You. She is sort of contemporary robot pimp for the sans male post apocalyptic world. One of her customers had used Ampersand as payment. Unfortunately, You had to barter Amp away for protection. "Who'd she sell him too?" You ask? A canadian pop-star.

Artwork:
I like Pia Guerra's work. It is not as detailed as some comic artists, but it is very clean and does a great job telling a story. Panel layout, colors, and pencils are all very good in this issue.

Overall Impression:
This issue begins a new arc for this title. I didn't particularly enjoy the last arc that much, but this issue has renewed my interest in what was once my favorite title. This is a strong issue and hopefully represents a return to glory for this title. This is one you should probably pick up.

THE VERDICT: 8/10

REVIEW: Batman: Secrets #2

Batman: Secrets #2
Publisher: DC
Writer: Sam Kieth
Artist: Sam Kieth

[*spoiler wanring*] This review may contain spoilers. Read on at your own risk.

Story:
This mini focuses on the Joker's attempts to paint Batman as the bad guy in the eyes of the people of Gotham. While the incident in the first issue was a mere coincidence, in this issue the Joker actively stages scenes for the media that make it look as if Batman is one evil bastard.

Artwork:
I love Kieth's work. I always have, so it should come as no surprise that I am really enjoying the artwork in this mini. Kieth's work is highly stylized, and has a graffiti-like quality to it. If you have never seen it before, give one of these issues a peak the next time you are at the comic shop.

Overall Impression:
I like several things about the concept behind this mini. I like that it really gets into how fickle the confidence of the public can be when confronted with "dubious" photographic evidence as well as the complex roles played by both Batman and Joker in one of the longest running relationships in comicdom. Overall, this issue was a good read with pleasing artwork. The series has a lot to do before it can be called anything more than entertaining, but it is off to a pretty good start.

THE VERDICT: 7.5/10

REVIEW: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Mike Wieringo

It has taken me a few days to get around to writing this review. In the last two weeks, I have only bought 4 comic books. There wasn't a whole lot that came out in that time that I was interested in. I actually read this one last Friday, but I haven't had much time to write anything. So, forgive me, but this review is not going to have much info related to plot - because I can't remember much about it.

Basically, Spidey battles that guy on the cover in a charity wrestling match that was set up by J. Jonah Jameson as a favor to the masked wrassler. The majority of the issue focuses on the fight and is relatively boring because when reading a 40+ year old title about a character that has been around that long, there is little room for anyone to believe that any fight will end with Spidey losing. I will say that if you are not a fan of the bone claws, this issue will likely further annoy you.

Wieringo's artwork is good. I must say that I am really enjoying that aspect of this title a lot. I didn't find this issue very entertaining. It would have been better served by focusing less on the fight and more on the character, but those aren't decisions I get to make. All in all this one was a letdown.

My Verdict: 5/10

REVIEW: Ultimates 2 #10

Ultimates 2 #10
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Bryan Hitch

[*mild spoilers*] I am not going to put any real spoilers because there is really way to much for me to get into here. I will put it to you this way: this is an issue where a lot of sh-t hits a lot of fans. The one thing I do want to mention is that I found it both peculiarly cool and funny that Hawkeye kills several people in this issue with his fingernails. Read it and you will see what I am talking about.

This was a very good issue. I have read better Ultimates issues, but this one is very good. Hitch does some great work this issue with some very tough panels. The mood of this issue is decidedly darker than the past, but definitely worth the extended wait.

My Verdict: 9/10

REVIEW: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #5

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #5
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Mike Wieringo

[*mild spoilers*] This was a really strange stand-alone story about a woman who feels that Spider-Man is "stalking" her. It is told, for the most part, by way of the woman's blog. She somehow gets a judge to approve a restraining order against the web-slinger, and then decades later is confronted by Mary Jane.

This wasn't really what I was expecting for the first non-"The Other" story for this title. While it was well written and somewhat entertaining, I can't help but scratch my head. There really is nothing more to say about it. It was weird.

My Verdict: 6/10