Is Comicx Hub Closing?

The answer is hard to give a 'yes' but YES, COMICX HUB is closing leaving behind thousands of patrons who have ardently supported the comic shop for the two years plus worth of existence.

There was no real fanfare or buzz behind the close although there were lots of store patrons who were mildly annoyed that they get no answer from the store's frontman and owner... including me...

So what's the reason behind the close? 

Apparently owner Lawrence Sol Cruz will be leaving for the U.S.A. soon and he wants to do a 'graceful exit' from whatever liabilities and assets he has here in the Philippines. 

Of course try as we may we won't be able to stop the close. What we can do however is buy all the shit that we want as COMICX HUB is doing a closing sale on their warehouse in Pasig that lasts until October 20. And yes what I'm trying to say is that the warehouse is closing but the brand won't just close YET (as far as what I'm hearing anyway).

So we wish all the luck to Lawrence and his future endeavors. Here's a song to help seal the deal:



And don't worry, CASTLE GEEK is still alive and kicking. Visit their stores in GLORIETTA and THE COLLECTIVE.

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN # 16 Review

Thoughts for SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN # 16 by Dan Slott and Humberto Ramos.

"Run, Goblin, Run!" Part 2 of 2 How has the Hobgoblin evaded the Superior Spider-Man for so long? And does that hold the key to the Superior Spider-Man's greatest success -- or greatest failure? It's the end of the line for Hobgoblin, and possibly an end for a big chapter in the history of Spider-Man."

In this issue, it's all about the fall of Hobgoblin, Phil Urich and what comes after seems to prove the theory that there will be another Spider-Man-centric event in the near future. Anyway this issue is packed with talk and it's really the meat of the story which is good. It's supposed to be good. The only problem here is that the issue lost what got me liking it. Those WOW and INSANE moments are absent in this issue which for means a lot.

On the upside you're reading something that's focusing on two bad guys on opposite ends of the spectrum. Here's Slotto on one side, a villain masquerading as a hero and using more-than-dubious methods to ensure that people will like the Superior Spider-Man AND at the same time forwarding his goal (whatever the hell that is).  On the other end there's Phil Urich aka Hobgoblin who's motivations are just as shady and who's barely scraping by much like how the real Parker did before he started with Horizon Labs. Two weirdos clashing over pride and duty. Interesting but not THAT interesting.

Again the issue follows the classic "The Cover Lies" trope. Nuff said

The real thrill for me here in this issue happens in the form of the fallout, the reactions of the supporting cast and the start of the investigation on just who is this SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN. Seriously, that's what got me more here. Carlie Cooper (Peter's ex) teams up with the Wraith here and starts going for the Spider; Nora Roberts and Ben Urich of the Daily Bugle are in the outs and without spoiling the end, there's something brewing underneath.

VERDICT: B-

Get your books online through COMICX HUB.

BATMAN # 23 Review

Reviewing BATMAN # 23 from DC Comics written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo. Special thanks to Comicx Hub.

Witness the moment Bruce Wayne becomes Batman as “Zero Year” makes history! And in the backup story, a young Bruce Wayne fights for his life in a death match in Russia!

Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Greg Capullo
Danny Miki
Backup Art by: Rafael Albuquerque
Cover by: Greg Capullo
Variant Cover by: Gary Frank/ Greg Capullo

One of the things that raised my curiosity about Scott Snyder's ambitious "ZERO YEAR" project was how he's going to pull off the whole 'becoming Batman' part considering that this is new territory as in New 52. With the release of Batman # 23 however, I am confident that Snyder and Capullo have already mapped out what they plan to touch on in this brave new world for the caped crusader, his allies and his future enemies.

This issue focuses on a number of the things, the brutal ambush of the Red Hood gang on Bruce Wayne, Bruce's return to the Wayne Manor, Edward Nygma's betrayal of Philip Kane and the finally Bruce's acceptance into being the Batman. 

The art, as always, was great. Capullo really went mad with the panels especially for the nonlinear storytelling of the Red Hood gang ambush and how Wayne managed to get his butt back to the Manor. 

For some weird reason, this new origin for Batman is working for me. I guess it's really more because it ties in everything neatly while giving this 21st Century energy and vibe to the character. Remember it's been decades since we got any new origin story for the Dark Knight with the last one that got major promotion and push was Frank Miller's BATMAN: YEAR ONE. 

The narrative, the exposition, the timing and even the technology might've changed but you can definitely be assured that most things are left intact most especially the scene in the library where Bruce Wayne finally decides to become the Batman partly after getting beaten, and remembering the little camera he used when he fell down the Batcave back when he was still a kid; like I said, ties in everything together. 

The backup was kinda bland because it ends in such a dour note albeit we did get to see Bruce sticking to his no-killing principles as it's being put through the ringer. Again, it had such great pacing but the ending was anti-climatic. Could've been worse though. 

One last thing about issue 23, and the entire ZERO YEAR story arc is that it touches on a very nice topic for the Batman mythos. Did Batman bring about the creation of his rogues or were the rogues really going to take over regardless of Batman/ Bruce Wayne returning. Secondly, was the Joker - Batman rivalry just a thing between the two entities after Batman's emergence or has this been going on prior to these two really settling in Gotham City.

The answer for the first is still up in the air as we need to make an assessment on what's going on and how the story pans out. The second question actually gets answered already as Snyder seems to imply that the massive grudge match between Batman and the Joker started before they were even the latter and the former. This puts a deeper meaning into the bizaare relationship of those two, and seems to reinforce the point that Joker proved back in "Death of the Family"... he doesn't care who Bruce Wayne is. 

VERDICT: B-

Get your copies of Batman # 23 from Comicx Hub and Castle Geek

AVENGERS # 17 Spoiler Review

The Avengers World concept grows once again in AVENGERS # 17 with some cool new twists on the story. Spoilers abound. Special thanks to COMICX HUB and CASTLE GEEK. 

As we are about to kick off INFINITY, the Avengers finally gather and regroup. 

- The art was beautiful. Stefano Caselli is a beast in both making heroes and villains look iconic as possible. The colors were also a welcome relief as they really do justice to Caselli's line art.

- Manifold was such a great character and now he's really pulling his weight in this new book. Taking out an entire squadron of AIM soldiers plus Superia looked like a small chore for this guy. Plus he's also the bearer of bad news in this issue.

- Speaking of bad news, I'm really curious as to how AIM plans to dish out damage using the Robotic creature that trashed the Avengers last issue. How will they figure in upcoming events. Your guess is as good as mine on that end. And since it's Jonathan Hickman and Nick Spencer doing the driving, we can only expect the worse (and the best). And if that's not enough, they also have samples taken from every KO'ed Avenger in Perth. That'll probably bite them in the ass too.

- I loved how they relegated Spider-Man and Wolverine to background character. They didn't even get any speaking lines. All they did was pose menacingly at the end of the issue which made that twice as cool. The fact that they even got some lines in for Carol and Jessica means a lot. 

- Bruce Banner is still definitely kicking ass and I certainly love how they managed to integrate this iteration of Banner into a real somebody within the inner circle of the Avengers. Too bad his volatile demeanor can't merit him inclusion in the Illuminati over at NEW AVENGERS.

- Perhaps the biggest thing that unfolded in this issue (and probably why you should pick up this book AND this issue) is the recruitment drive that occurs. A complete heel turn face and 'oh shit' moment occurs in this issue when the trio of Captain America, Hulk and Iron Man decide to recruit the same people that gave them grief namely Starbrand, Nightmask, Abyss and Ex Nihilo. 

- And if things were not getting any better, we get Leinil Yu and co. starting next issue as INFINITY officially begins! 

Overall, I think this was a great issue. 

9/10

AVENGERS # 17 is now available in CASTLE GEEK (Glorietta, The Collective and soon in Greenhills) as well as online through COMICX HUB (Order HERE).

ALL NEW X-MEN # 15 Review

It's been a while since we got a 'one and done' issue of ALL NEW X-MEN and this week's issue (ALL NEW X-MEN # 15) fills that particular void! Special thanks to COMICX HUB and CASTLE GEEK!

Stuart Immonen is out for this issue but taking over for the meantime is David LaFuente who did extraordinarily well in Ultimate Comics Spider-Man. Getting him for this issue was a stellar idea as the outcome rocked.

GOOD

- The art was pretty solid and fit like a glove. Teen angst? LaFuente nails it. Teen romance? Check. A surprise hookup? Check, check, check. While cartoony in nature, it still looks good. Case in point, Scott's sheepish grin and Bobby's awkward reaction when they see older Iceman making out with Kitty.

- The issue did not mack on Wolverine. In fact, writer Bendis turns Logan into a comedic device. Something I haven't seen for quite some time since Marvel loves the feral Canadian so much.

- I'm taking a limb in saying that we haven't had a decent ICEMAN/CYCLOPS issue in years; let alone their teenage counterparts. So seeing these two go to town, meet fine young women and save the day all in one sitting is a nice nod to old-school and nu-school X-Men fans.

- I'm interested in seeing more interaction between Marvel Girl (Rachel Summers) and the teenage version of JEAN GREY (Rachel's mom). Those pages were funny and curiosity raising; mostly because we never get to know what they 'thought' about.

BAD

- Depending on your level of involvement you'll be pleasantly surprised or downright dismayed with the way things panned out in this issue. Here's a hint, the cover is only half lying.

- This issue was so good that it just felt bad that it had to end.

- Dazzler making an appearance here is really unnecessary. Sure it could be a plot point for September's X-MEN: BATTLE OF THE ATOM but it feels really contrived and forced even if she just makes a one-panel appearance.

- I find it idiotic that the teen X-Men are still unaware of how dangerous it is to waltz out of the school. I'm surprised that both Bobby and Scott wasn't picked up by SHIELD the moment they 'hung out' and talked to normal kids or when they foiled that crime. Weird.

- No action all talk. Sure it's a Bendis book so it's a given but still. A little bit of action couldn't kill him right?

VERDICT

9.5/10

Despite all those minor and one major BAD POINTs I'm recommending ALL NEW X-MEN # 15. It'll be worth your money (well if you're willing to spend 200 bucks on a character driven book anyway). The book is available at all CASTLE GEEK branches (Glorietta, The Collective and soon in Greenhills) or online thru COMICX HUB (Order HERE).

Batman Inc. # 13 Review

Grant Morrison bids farewell to the Dark Knight with this week's issue of Batman Inc. # 13 which also ties up loose ends between Wayne and Damien's mother Talia Al Ghul.

Let me start off by saying that the art is just lame for me. Probably really not just my cup of tea, much like how Frazer Irving's work on Uncanny X-Men came off as lazy, this one is just too lame. Just imagine how Batman Inc. started with Yanick P. and it was just off the wall in terms of concept, execution and style. If DC had picked up a different artist to do the interiors I really would've given good remarks for the book. But sadly, we don't live in a world where everything we want comes our way. 

Now on to the story and the plot. There's a dead giveaway that it's not over between the Waynes and the Al Ghuls. Batman did a solid in this issue and he's still pissed off at what happened to Damian but honestly its really getting old at this point in time. My personal take is that DC has been spending too much time on the death of Damian they they forgot to move on, either that or I've just moved on faster. Hell at least Peter Tomasi's Batman book has started moving forward in some weird way.

Going back, it still feels like Batman Incorporated # 13 simply closes the chapter of Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin but did not go and say farewell properly. As a fan, I'm not insulted. I'm just sad that it ended with so little fanfare and with no proper sendoff. It's like ending a relationship with a long time girlfriend over the phone with barely enough closure and no happy ending. Regardless I will still look at Morrison's run on the Batman books as a fun and engaging ride. It really should be up there with all the greats. 

Again I cannot stress or reiterate how Morrison's narrative was awesome here. 

Overall. Plot and and dialogue is good. Damned art sucks. Very little fanfare might hurt fans. 

Verdict: 8/10

Still available at Castle Geek and Comicx Hub.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY # 5 Spoiler Review

Here's my review for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy # 5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Sarah Pichelli courtesy of course by Comicx Hub and Castle Geek.

Oh and it's spoiler heavy...

So this issue is an important issue because this is the second appearance of Angela in the Marvel 616 Universe. Other than that it also picks up what happens to this GOTG team after their fight, abduction and subsequent escape from the Badoon. 

All right I'm going to go out on a limb here and tell you as early as now - don't expect too much on Angela because while we get to see her vent and act all confused, she's hardly the POV character for the issue. That distinction belongs once again to Peter Quill aka Star Lord. And it's a smart move on Bendis' part.

The main drive relies on Peter Quill's solo adventure in a different part of the galaxy looking for his former teammate Mantis who has now chosen a quiet life. The reason for this is to make sense out of the recent 'flood of memory' that Quill got zapped with after the events of AGE OF ULTRON.

Tony Stark and Rocket Raccoon share some great page time with the former getting schooled by the latter. Some of the dialogue here is just comedy gold and the sheer situation that Stark is finding himself in is just hilarious such as his awkwardness with teammate Gamorra or when he tries to quote Star Trek...

While the Quill side of things do not crossover with Angela's story it does hint to something bigger and more destructive tying the book neatly to where Marvel is going in the next couple of months (hint: it's called INFINITY). That part is what really makes this book a nice find. It's going on two separate fronts, has its own spills and tumbles but still makes for a great issue.

Ms. Pichelli's art here was exceptional. It's gorgeous to look at and it's on the same level as Steve McNiven but it's distinctly hers. Also I'm not sure if it's just really the material she's handling but it's so far away from her previous work in Ultimate Comics Spider-Man. Really damn good.

And that ending?

I must say this.... Something wicked this way comes.

VERDICT: 9/10

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY # 5 is available now at CASTLE GEEK and COMICX HUB (order HERE). Also check out the variant covers also available online (Comicx Hub also has a variant sale)

VENOM # 38 Review

I've been away from VENOM ever since Remender stepped down as writer but thanks to this incredible issue by Cullen Bunn and pinoy wunderkind Kim Jacinto, I'm back on the saddle thanks to VENOM # 38. Special thanks to Comicx Hub and Castle Geek for providing me with a copy since it's still available. 

Since this is another 'pinoy pride' moment, art first: Kim Jacinto's artwork here complements the whole story. Lines are sketchy but looks great nonetheless. Kim's art somehow took the brunt of the violence and death in Venom and made it something tolerable (more on the story later). Also the artist renders a pretty mean looking Jack O'Lantern.

Bunn's work here was great. While continuity stings like a bitch (again I haven't read a single issue of Venom for the longest time) I managed to understand what's going on. The dialogue doesn't even dumb readers down. I actually like how this is panning out like a cool action movie with the hero climbing his way up figuratively. Also just add in a cool song and you've got yourself a pretty great comic book montage.

I'm sold with this issue of Venom as it's got everything I want in a comic book. You want action, this issue gives it to you hot, fast and brutal. You want to relate to a teenage character, it gives you Flash Thompson's teenage neighbor Andi. If you're into Agent Venom or Venom in any particular order then do pick this up. 

I really want to spoil the ending but I decided not to. However I'd like to say that if you've been attentive to the solicits you'll know that whatever status quo changing happenings will start from this particular issue. Oh and this might also be worth something in the near future if said character picks up popularity down the road. 

Verdict: 9.5/10

Go get your copy of VENOM # 38 from CASTLE GEEK branches around the metro or go and get yours online through COMICX HUB (click HERE to order). 

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN TEAM UP # 1 Review

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN TEAM-UP # 1 by Christopher Yost and David Lopez from Marvel Comics. Still available at your nearest Castle Geek branches and online thru Comicx Hub.

This book is just plain awesome. Here's why:

- Spider-Man going around NYC acting all mysterious and crap like that. It doesn't have a pattern and it perplexes the adventures. It's nice to at least read a book where you get to see the 'new' Spider-Man kick ass AND enjoy it without the annoying POV of the Slotto. 

- It gives us a peek at how the Superior version of Spidey kicks Avenger ass. If you're a fan of say guys like Doctor Strange, you're going to end up with a frown especially after seeing the webcrawler punching the Sorcerer Supreme. If you're a Spidey fan (despite the status quo change) then you shall be pleased.

- Yost crafts a story that hits two birds with one stone here in this issue which is great. First he manages to weave an updated story of how the Avengers are doubting their mysterious teammate. It's also this fear that launches an all-out hunt and is the brunt of this issue. The second bird that gets hit is the subplot that gets carried from a recent issue of Superior Spider-Man where Jameson provides Slotto with his new SPIDER ISLAND. 

- It's very rare for a team-up book to have not only a chilling ending and at the same time adhere to the 'one-and-done" storytelling. Much props on that note. 

- Dave Lopez does a nice job for the opening salvo of this book. The movement and energy for this Spider-Man was well conveyed and when paired up with the colors provided by Rachelle Rosenberg, punches, kicks and energy blasts truly connect their intended targets.

- One problem with the art is that it's inconsistent when it comes to women. Cloak looks awesome (and weird because she's the gal in black now??) but when we first get our glimpse of the Avengers, you'll notice that Black Widow's rendition on that splash looks horrible. Inconsistent I tell you.

Overall, with that minor art hiccup, I'm saying this is a great book to pick up from last week's releases. Timely as well since things are again moving in Superior Spider-Man # 14 (check out my review HERE). 

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN TEAM-UP # 1 is still available at Castle Geek and it's branches as well as online through Comicx Hub (Click HERE to order). 

SHELTERED # 1 Review

Reviewing SHELTERED # 1 by Ed Brisson and Johnnie Christmas for Image Comics. Brought to us by Castle Geek and Comicx Hub.

Here's the synopsis for the title: A PRE-APOCALYPTIC TALE OF SURVIVAL AT ANY COST.The men and women of Safe Haven have been preparing for any-and-all end of world scenarios for years. However, their bunkers, weapons and training can't save them from the one threat they never could have expected: Their own children.

My initial thoughts? Oh god its THE WALKING DEAD minus the zombies and with preppers as protagonists. I was partly right but I was partly wrong as well as SHELTERED is a different beast altogether.

Brisson has a winner here in this new psychological horror title as it tackles something that's rarely been focused on in other media; the days counting to the apocalypse. That and then intermingle some as-yet-seen subplot of betrayal and you get heavy drama. 

My gripe here with SHELTERED # 1 is the fact that the pacing crawls for the first half. We barely get any action here. Sure, it was scripted to flesh out the various characters for the book but it could have been done without inducing yawns (personal best was six yawns in a span of 7 pages). The moment trouble rears it's ugly head however, I had to sit up and absorb all the dialogue and imagery from this book. 

I have the same comment for the art by Johnnie Christmas. It's beautiful and suited for the book's overall theme but there are just some panels and pages which comes off as horrible. One page for example draws Vic in a really odd angle which makes her look like a disfigure cat. :( Still, when Mr. Christmas does good, he can make you go "wow". 

SHELTERED is definitely off to a good start. If the creators could make some small alterations, I would most definitely pick this up monthly and review the heck out of it. 

VERDICT: 8.5/10

SHELTERED # 1 is still available in all Castle Geek branches and online thru Comicx Hub (click HERE to order). 

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN # 14 Review

"The further of Otto Octavius in Peter Parker's body" # 14 goes BIG as the SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN debuts his new costume plus other neat tricks to root out The Kingpin and the Hobgoblin in Shadowland.

Honestly I picked out the issue for this week's review mainly because I was curious on the origin of the new costume. Usually when Peter was still doing the driving, there was a sense of drama behind the change in costume. Slott recognizes that which was why we got 'nice' new costumes which made sense (i.e. the new Spider Armor for Menace, the Stealth/ Tron costume to fight Hobgoblin and so on and so forth). 

The issue did not deliver on that account. There. I might have saved you some dough. 

However, it did bring about a long forgotten plot point (if you can call it as such) in Octavius' return to Shadowland. Once the home of a demon-possessed Daredevil and current residence of Wilson Fisk and his artificial ninjas. Left ever since Andy Diggle's departure from Daredevil, this has been overlooked. 

Now Spider-Man brings change to that status quo with the debut of the new Spider jaegers bots as well as Ock's Spider-men/ army/troops with the sole purpose of toppling down Shadowland for good and making himself and J. Jonah Jameson look good to the public. 

The script isn't weak but I don't find it strong enough either. Overkill is a word I would describe in this issue. He already had mechs, why bring along an army? Was he out to prove that he was the stronger man? Was he out to show that he had bigger balls? We honestly don't know because it was never tackled. Could be an oversight on the writer's part or it could be a mistake we'll just have to find out in the next few issues. 

I do like what is slowly happening here. Doc Ock is slowly spreading himself thin, he's doing a lot of things in Peter's body and that might come back as a problem or as a plotpoint. The whole thing about the costume change for a more nefarious hero is slowly shaping up to become the Marvel version of the Batman story arc "Knighquest: The Crusade". Though he might be able to cover his tracks neatly, he's going to eventually show his true colors and setup the return for Peter Parker. 

Going back, SS # 14 sets up some pretty interesting things for the next few issues or so. The ending although not of the cliffhanging kind teases a rematch that's been brewing for some time now (ever since the end of Amazing Spider-Man's comic run to be exact). Whether we get a better issue from the arc we just have to sit tight and wait.

Verdict: 8/10

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN # 14 is available now at Castle Geek branches and Comicx Hub (order it HERE). 

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 6 Review

Review for last week's JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 6 by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke.

Picking up where we left them off in Justice League # 22, we find the two leagues knee deep in fighting after what Superman did to poor Dr. Light. The fight continues till Superman determines that he's had enough, thereby surrendering to the JLA while his teammates are shocked and confused. Things escalate while Wonder Woman is away in search of John Constantine and the rest of the Justice League Dark. Plus The Question finally makes contact with one of the League's trinity. 

I've always applauded the premise behind JLA about a ragtag group coming together for Uncle Sam while aspiring towards the greatness that the Justice League has already achieved. Since it connected with Justice League for the ongoing TRINITY WAR, it gets twice the applause that I usually give it credit. And why not, it's got all the things you'll look for in a good book. 

There's a lot of great character and story moments here. Plus it's dropping bombs left and right when it comes to what's going to happen next. Issue 6 also allows us to get inside the heads of some of the other characters and members of each league such as the female Atom and how she is slowly breaking down due to the pressure of being part of two Justice League teams (she's basically the Amanda Waller's mole inside the JL). 

You may or may not like it but there's also a small part where Wonder Woman takes the center stage. She's written as a warrior AND a woman not wanting to see her lover suffering; this of course leads her right into the Society's plan. There's also the BROMANCE between Superman and Batman here as we even see Bats hanging around Superman's cell and looking out for his friend. I'm sure the yaoi/ fanfic loving female populace would be screaming with fangirl glee... maybe.

The payoff to this issue is good as we get a peak into what's driving The Question. Of course we're never treated to an origin but we certain read why he's compelled to do what he does. All those panels with The Question was EPIC I tell you.

Verdict: 9/10

Justice League of America # 6 is still available at Castle Geek and Comicx Hub (order your copy HERE). 

AVENGERS # 16 Review

Reviewing AVENGERS # 16 by Jonathan Hickman, Nick Spencer and Stefano Caselli from Marvel Comics. Available at Comicx Hub and Castle Geek.

Again another smashing good time as INFINITY races towards us. In this issue things are really looking bad for Earth's mightiest heroes. The mystery creature that hatched from AIM Island has finally reached the team in Perth, Australia. 

Well what can I say, I'm a sucker for a good story and great art. And thanks to Msrs. Hickman, Spencer and Casselli I have that this month. And as a bonus treat, more Hulk action and a look at the two New Universe characters we haven't seen for a couple of issues already. 

If you think the last issue had stunning art, then prepared to be floored as Caselli wows us with great battles, explosions and facial expressions on characters. Plus the man draws a pretty damn good 'hulk out' panel. Of course we also have to thank Frank Martin Jr. for his amazing contribution to make this a colorful yet deadly dead. 

It's pretty obvious from the way things are written that Hickman has taken a back seat. The good news is that it's not sorely missed. In fact, it's a breathe of fresh air for readers who have started with this book. Although one thing obviously missing in this issue is the cryptic stuff that Jonathan Hickman has been known for. But the dude is busy with INFINITY so let's just let him be for the meantime.

This is Spencer's show and he shows that he's worthy of the title. He brings the same energy that makes me read the current volume of Secret Avengers (the one with Nick Fury Jr. and Agent Coulson). Rather than focusing the story on secret missions and black ops projects, the energy is diverted to world savingl, grand fights with unknown entities. That works for me by the way.

Another interesting subplot that gets revisited in this issue is the fate of Starbrand and Nightmask; characters we haven't seen for awhile. The exposition on their character gets done mostly through dialogue and we only see a small hint of Starbrand's power. It's like talking about a shotgun's power but never really demonstrating it.

Overall, I love AVENGERS # 16. Get it if you're a fan of the book or if you really want an in-depth feel to Marvel's upcoming INFINITY storyline.

AVENGERS # 16 is still available in all CASTLE GEEK branches and online thru COMICX HUB (Click on the link HERE to order)

RED SONJA # 1 Review

Gail Simone proves that she's not only capable of writing Batgirl and her adventures, she's also well versed in dishing out sword and sorcery tales such as Dynamite's RED SONJA # 1 together with Walter Geovani. 

This issue starts fast and then drags on a bit till we reach the cliffhanging conclusion. Regardless of the pacing though, you can see a strong woman written in this new book. A strong woman who knows what she wants, knows her limitations and knows when to look desperate. 

Like all traditional fantasy books, we get to see only a part of the story behind Sonja. First time readers might be confused about the she-devil's origins but I'm sure Simone would tackle that in the near future. This issue however focuses on her time as a slave and her eventual freedom after a siege. Much is left as vague as possible to thicken the plot for future issues. 

The action is intense here and I'm a bit sad that we don't fully see Sonja in all out berserker mode. In #1 she's pratically just like a cat playing with mouse. We do see bits of pieces of the Red Sonja that we all grew up and admired. The mean spirited, red haired warrior that can cut down men in the battlefield much like how we are with the game Fruit Ninja.

RED SONJA isn't a world building romp through the worlds of barbarians and vipers and wizards but the look and feel is definitely there. The issue also shows that when Simone is writing something that's in her element, you really see her bring life to the characters with every tick and every nuisance and small talk. Heck there were even some funny bits in the dialogues that sucks you right into the story and reminds us how fragile Sonja's newfound 'friends' are. 

Verdict: 8.5/10

RED SONJA # 1 is still available in all Castle Geek branches and online through Comicx Hub (click HERE).

Justice League # 22 Review

Reviewing Justice League # 22 written by Geoff Johns with art by Ivan Reis with special thanks to Castle Geek and Comicx Hub!

This issue officially begins the new crossover "Trinity War" which pits the three existing Justice League teams against each other (namely the Justice League, Steve Trevor's Justice League of America and John Constantine's Justice League Dark).

I want to say that I loved this first issue but I'm caught between uh-uh to yeah. There's a ton of nice things about this issue but there are some major let downs as well. I loved the art for this book, Ivan Reis is just kicking ass in this book. He definitely shows us why he's the main man for a book/crossover this big. Rod Reis is also showing us that he's a great wingman for his brother's pencils. Loved how everything about JL # 22 ran on thing lines; really fine tuned for this big war.

Johns' writing here is so-so. Nothing really outstanding although I do admit that like Madame Xanadu, I did not see that particular attack coming which gives merits to the DC big boss. Still it rather feels contrived the way things are coming together. This issue also stands as another example of Batman being weird and badly written. Imagine Superman just gets zapped by some magical doohickey and he brings him to a League mission in Kahndaq not knowing what might happen to the Man of Steel when pressed hard; which by the way really happens.

Speaking of Superman. I'm sick and tired of DC turning Superman into a shadow of his former self. The guy was a rock and an absolute. He was a cornerstone, so turning him into a killer (whether premeditated or not) is just awful. In the years to come, when Superman smiles and talks kids into dropping the gun, said kid would probably laugh and shoot hostages. Yes, because Superman is a killer and they do not have to listen to stone cold killers like the Man of Steel. Obviously somebody at DC did not think things through on this end. 

SPOILERS HERE 

Mr. Johns also loves to tease us with things that might be more confusing rather than helpful. Things like the future fate of the mysterious Pandora just left me scratching my head. And while on the subject of Pandora, I feel like the character isn't exactly reader friendly. She's been running around the DCU even after Flashpoint but she's never pulled her weight. I suddenly get this feeling that she'll be fodder again much like the maligned casualty of this war. 

In terms of action, I am completely satisfied with this issue. If I were all for mindless hero versus hero fights this would have been a winner. The number of splash pages featuring fights between the two leagues were numerous and again thanks to the art by Reis, it makes for some great eye candy. 

At the moment, it's too early to predict whether "Trinity War" will be a dud or if it will soar. I'm going to consider all the pitfalls and negativity from this issue as 'birthing pains' and hopefully when Justice League of America # 6 swings into the local comic shops, everything becomes more clear. 

Verdict: 8/10

Justice League # 22 is still available at all Castle Geek branches (The Collective and Glorietta). You can still order JUSTICE LEAGUE # 22 online thru Comicx Hub by clicking HERE

Batman # 22 Review

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo continue to create a definitive origin for the New 52 Batman in Batman # 22, part 2 of "Zero Year". Review powered by Castle Geek and Comicx Hub.

It's the first encounter between Bruce Wayne and his other rogues in the midst of his war against the Red Hood gang. Other writers could've taken a backseat and write a contrived story beat but Snyder impresses us with something that's got more meat. 

I still don't like pre-Justice League # 1 Batman/Bruce Wayne. He just scratches me the wrong way. Then again, there are dozens of portrayals of  Batman in the New 52 that rubs me the wrong way. The redeeming factor for young Bruce is that he's slowly crawling out of the slump that he's currently in now. That and the fact that it's fun to see hims screw up and come up with bizaare ideas to get out of that mess.

There's a good drama bit between Alfred and Bruce here in this issue which was very deep. It's what we've all been waiting for Alfred to give to his young master ever since he returned to Gotham City. It's very "The Dark Knight Rises"-ish. And just like TDKR, it ends really bad not just for Bruce but for his entire bunker. Something I look forward to see dealt with next issue.

The encounter between Edward Nygma (The Riddler) and Bruce Wayne was also entertaining. The design of the panels was even better.It's like a quite taste of what these will be doing in a few more months (or a maybe a year or so given that the New 52 Universe's timeline as confusing as hell itself).  On the other hand, things really didn't start great for Bruce Wayne and Oswald Cobblepott who later becomes the Penguin. 

The back-up bit written by Snyder and Tynion together with Rafael Albuquerque's art is impressive. It's about beating and beating the impossible and ties neatly to the current storyline. Problem is, I'm having a hard time connecting the Bruce Wayne from the backup with the Wayne that's in the main story. After all, he did learn that sometimes winning will require you to do the impossible. And that's obviously not the case for the Gotham Bruce.

Still, for it's cover price, I'd say Batman # 22 is a decent book to pick up. Nothing mindblowing in this issue though. Just enough to whet your appetite for much more in this book's future.

Get your copy from Castle Geek branches in The Collective and Glorietta; or get yours online through Comicx Hub (click on this link HERE)

The Owl # 1 Review

Reviewing The Owl # 1 written by JT Krul with art by Heubert Khan Michael and cover by Alex Ross from Dynamite Entertainment. This is of course is done in partnership with Castle Geek and Comicx Hub.

Wanted to get my fix of pulp and detective stories so I picked up Dynamite's "The Owl". JT Krul never did wrong by me (although that's not the case with the more die-hard Green Arrow fans) and I'm always happy to see published art by my friend Heubert Khan Michael. 

Nick Terry is the Owl and he's been gone for half a century. Now that he's back, he seems lost more than ever. That alone is a pretty good plot. It's a pretty linear storyline and a used one at that but the way it's presented is fresh. 

Straightforward dialogue for this book, nothing to really go ga-ga over. However it's the small quirks and the character beat that makes up for the lack of grit. Still we can see the slow planting of seeds for future arcs here in this book. Halfway through the story and it we're already treated to a nice mystery already. Good times still. I loved Terry's drive for justice; seeking to right all wrongdoings whenever he can. 

It's really the art and the pacing that makes it very interesting. Michael's art is just to die for here in the book; and that's totally unbiased. The movement that The Owl does is very dynamic. The artist conveys so much raw power and confidence in each panel where we see don't even have to worry that the guy will get hurt while working.

For me the biggest turn off here would have to be the magical element, the urn. It's a deus ex machina back in the old days and it's being used once more. It does help however that we see Black Terror in suspended animation albeit in a short panel. Without the urn, this would've been rock solid, a tale of heroism and duty and justice with a flare of mystery on the side. 

Will I buy it: Yes, The Owl # 1 is a good issue, again with some rough edges but it does have it's charm. It's really easy to sell this character in spite of having 20 to 30 different 'heroes' having the same M.O. as he does. A couple more polishing here and there and it has the makings of a truly great book. 

Grab your copy of The Owl # 1 from Castle Geek with branches in Glorietta and the Collective; you can also order this issue online by clicking HERE. 

Verdict: 8.5/ 10

Oh and don't forget, Castle Geek will be playing host to the artist Heubert Khan Michael on July 20. He'll be doing sketches and sign books as well. Click this link for more information - LINK