This week’s Bullet Reviews cover Godzilla #7, Journey Into Mystery #628, Kick-Ass 2 #4, New Avengers #16.1, Red Wing #3 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2!
GODZILLA: KINGDOM OF MONSTERS #7 (IDW)
I cannot say how much fun I’m having with this series! I’m amazed at the people who are saying this book isn’t any good Honestly I’m wondering if there is another series with this same name out there because this one is more fun that I expected it to be! This month Godzilla makes his way to Washington, DC (I have a hard time thinking this is really a bad thing, heh) as Rodan and Battra duke it out in Paris! Meanwhile, ‘somewhere in the mountains of Asia’ a monk sacrifices himself to awaken the ‘force of righteousness’ that turns out to be a certain golden, three-headed dragon! As this monster mayhem reaches a fevered pitch and a battle between Godzilla and Ghidorah in the middle of our nation’s capital seems likely, we remember the humans. Sgt. Steven Woods is still caring for the little girl he found, her family killed in a monster attack, and his efforts to keep them both safe and alive. If there is one thing I would change about this, it’s that this book needs more captions to help the story flow some. But, that would take away from the fantastic art. I want to also say Thank You to Eric Powell for finally giving me the Godzilla comic I’ve waited my whole life for! –Skott Jimenez
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #628 (Marvel)
Fear Itself Tie-In!
Writer Kieron Gillen has more than proven himself on this series! I was worried that I would lose interest in this series when it was announced that young Loki would be the character carrying it but Gillen’s portrayal of Loki has made him fresh, new and very interesting. This issue follows him as he and others launch an attack on Dark Asgard. While the Serpent and Odin make their final moves, Loki has discovered the secret behind the Serpent’s defeat and he’s taking it upon himself to save us all. But what is his ultimate game? This is where I say Gillen has done something very fresh and new with Loki. On one hand, we know Loki wishes to prove himself as being different than he was before but on the other, he’s dropped hints that he has a second plan up his sleeve. This younger Loki is hard to figure out and that’s what makes him so interesting! –Skott Jimenez
KICK-ASS 2 #4 (Icon)
As promised, there wasn’t the usual wait for this fourth issue of Kick-Ass 2, and this is a good thing. Every issue seems to end in a perfectly crafted cliffhanger that leaves you wanting the next issue right then and there. This installment deals with the aftermath of losing a Justice Forever colleague, an impatient Hit-Girl on lock-down, the villain formerly known as Red Mist seeking revenge on those closest to our heroes and the consequences this escalation, and Dave’s father coming to terms with learning his son’s secret identity! What can you say about this series? This is just an awesome comic. Kick-Ass 2 is always the first comic on my pull-list and the last one I read (because I KNOW that it will not disappoint). Millar’s writing has just been completely on-point the entire series. His profanity-peppered dialogue is especially organic, and actually sounds like how real people talk and interact – I just love it. The violence is brutal and evil, like a swift kick to the junk. John Romita Jr. is a true pro. His action panels really pop. I guess I am just saying what everyone should already know: Kick-Ass 2 just kicks too much ass, and should not be missed! –Robb Orr
NEW AVENGERS #16.1 (Marvel)
The big draw for this book is the work of Neal Adams. Sadly his style does not suit the early section of the book, which is occupied with the customary banter scenes of Brian M. Bendis among the Avengers cast. Once the punning and joking is over with, Ms Hand informs the team of their mission. They are to escort Norman Osborn from prison. Because everyone else is busy (no really, that’s the reason). At the risk of giving away the ending, I would suggest that the New Avengers be placed on a black list were supervillain prisons are concerned. After all their team formed because of a botched prison visit that quickly escalated into a full-scale break out…the Raft in fact. Maybe just stay away New Avengers. Keep to Skrulls and accusing each other of being traitors. You’re good at that. The ‘.1’ feature has been used to introduce readers to books they might not otherwise read. Some have been successful, some confusing – but none have felt as much like filler as this issue, which is a real shame because an event that could be considered momentous does occur in these pages! It just doesn’t feel like one afterwards. A disappointment. –Emmet O’Cuana
RED WING #3 of 4 (Image)
Apologies for the delay, as this book came out last Wednesday. Still given that I’ve written a Bullet Review for every issue so far, better late than never. Red Wing is ramping up for its big conclusion, though you would be forgiven for coming away from this issue still confused. Hickman has pulled the classic mind-bender trick of basing the story around a weird and wonderful concept of time travel, only for the antagonist in this issue to upset the balance by revealing an entirely different perspective. Endless cycles of death and rebirth are hinted at by artist Pitarra throughout. The occasionally anonymous appearance of the Red Wing fighters wearing their shielded helmets adds to this – are we following the adventures of the father or the son…or is this an entirely different timeline again? Once again, this book delivers fantastic art and an enthralling story. Recommended. -Emmet O’Cuana
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #2 (IDW)
This one also came out last week. The re-imagined origin of the Heroes in a Half Shell continues! Without getting into to much detail here, the series is still fresh and I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but I will say this: I was never really much of a Turtles fan in the 80’s. The cartoon was entertaining but I would never go out of my way to watch it. I was familiar with the comics, more so after I got into collecting, and was curious about them but they were so expensive to purchase. This series does a great job of maintaining the feel of the original comics and making it easy for new fans to get into this universe. I’ve never been much of a Turtles fan but I am enjoying the heck out of this book! This issue features Raphael and Casey Jones meeting up as well as a flashback showing how the turtles got stuck in the ooze as well as the mutant cat, Old Hobb. Certainly one I can recommend to fans old and new! -Skott Jimenez
