Julz`s Aquaman Issue #29 Review

By Julzchan aka Julius Cantara

Jeff Parker continues to make to make Aquaman an enjoyable series after the departure of Geoff Johns. From the very first word of dialogue, readers can feel the sense of contagious enthusiasm Jeff tries to put into this issue, especially if anyone who reads this is a fan of Brave and The Bold TV series.

Like with John, Parker starts off his new story arch by fleshing out Aquaman`s relation to his life on land last issue and in this issue he introduces the next conflict the king of Atlantis is going to face.

This issue introduces new, frightening threats but without getting gory, a surprise guest of legendary proportions, and back stories on   these new players sets up the next challenge for Arthur Curry. The information given brings up good ideas and possibilities of fleshing out and adding onto the history of Atlantis, much like how Geoff John`s the Dead King arch.

The artwork, by Paul Pelletier as penciler and  Rain Beredo as colorists, is a real treat for fans, as the issue gives us a great deal of monsters to show off and action sequences that exciting see and without getting gory. 

This issue receives 4.5/5 

Julz`s Wonder Woman Issue# 29 Review

By Julz Chan aka Julius Cantara
Things seem at their darkest but Wonder Woman and company once again have a fighting chance. So much happens in this issue from beginning, middle and ending.

The current story arch while a drawn out for the past year finally comes closer to it`s climactic, final battle with the First Born. Brian`s writing really hit the note with suspense in this issue. Just when all hope is lost, Diana and the gods are powerless and Olympus has fallen divine intervention arises. Since Azzarello is leaving it is nice to see that there is a massive pay off in this issue, leaving the reader wanting for the next issue to come out.

While one of the bigger problems with this title is that Diana is not the star of her book,though Brian Azzarello has been able to flesh out the other character in Wonder Woman`s world.
Hera, since loosing her powers, has been going through a beautiful transformation, from spiteful queen to a sensitive, wise hero and friend worthy of being called the Queen of Olympus.

As for Wonder Woman, while she wasn`t the main focus, she does get a bit of character development, similar to Aquaman, accepts her mantle as the new God of War in front of her new army. And meeting her army is a bit of a surprise and shows befriending Hera was indeed a great idea on Diana`s part.

Cliff Chiang does a great job with the fight scene with the First Born and the surrounding that is the ruins of Olympus. With horrific images that could only be topped by the Animal Man title. The splash page with Hera and the last page with Wonder Woman are epic, really gets the readers pumped up for the final battle over the heavens. Shiang`s anatomy on the certain female characters seem built but considering Wonder Woman is an Amazon and Hera is a goddess of great power that is acceptable.

Brian Azzarello`s writing may have its flaws concerning Wonder Woman`s character at the start of this book and were hard to swallow however Azzarello has made this story a great ride. This series full of action, expansion of Diana`s world, adventure, and filled with so much energy for this title. Even if Brian and his team leave it is easy to say that his time here was well spent by making this title one of the better books of the relaunch.

Wonder Woman Issue 29 receives  4/5.

Julz`s Green Lantern Issue #29 Review

By Julius Cantara
Robert Venditti presents more long overdue character growth for Hal Jordan.

The thing about Hal Jordan`s character is that he never thinks things through and dives in head first assuming things will work out. Because that, Venditti`s run on Green Lantern is a rare find, seeing as how Hal Jordan is actually maturing and thinking things through.

The issue succeeds with Hal`s first scene in the comic that gives Hal an emotional moment and showing him covering all the bases concerning the situation with the Red Lanterns occupying sector 2814.

The Universe is against the Green Lantern Corps but Hal dosen`t act rash, he stops and thinks and generally acts like a leader. Hal understands that every world is willing to kill any member of the Green Lantern Corps. Hal has to continue the good work of the corps by apprehending criminals but delicately without making the rest of the Universe think they`re thugs.

The story flowed wonderfully to showcase how Hal has improved and become the leader the corps needed.  Every scene gives the reader a chance to get invested with every decision Hal makes in order to protect the people he cares for and the reputation of the corps.

The dialogue is decent and sets up the emotional moments.

On the downside though the cover is misleading, where it promises a story involving Saint Walker , instead gives the reader a story focused on Hal. While the story surrounding Hal is a blessing, however the misleading cover cannot be overlooked. The scenes with Saint Walker actually take a backseat to Hal and are very few and do not provide anything worthwhile t the moment.

The issue did move the current story line forward but rather slowly.

The art is expressive at times and adequate however the fight scene leaves a lot to be desired as it looks as though the pieces to seem to fit.

Overall despite the deceiving cover and subpar art work, the story provided an enjoyable, needed, and fundamental change in Hal`s character from reckless and brainless to a leader of heroes that Guardians can trust and friends and comrades can stand alongside.

Green Lantern Issue 29 receives a 4/5 

Julz`s Superman Action Comics Issue #29 Review

By Julzchan aka Julius Cantara 

Greg Pak grabs at our hearts strings and makes readers feel for Superman as he struggles to fight in order to protect the little guys.

The story is a perfect example that even the Man of Steel can hurt inside as struggles to do the right thing and try to save people. The situation gets intense thus making Clark make hard choices. However is balanced out with all of the lighthearted, silly moments.

 Lana and Clark continue to show a dynamic relationship with their inner dialogue as they continue to comment on one another. There are even more bonding moments between Clark and his adorable, beasty friend Baka and it is clear how close their friendship is. The emotional resonance cannot be ignored and is hard not to shed tears.

The fight with the Ghost Soldier was handled very well as it showed Clark learning from his past encounter and being able to cleverly subdue his opponent. As a result this getting on Tower control`s tail, which is good considering that the villains for this story arch aren`t as fleshed out or well known as the story`s lovable protagonists.

The only downside, while the aggressive moments with Superman  aren`t so much a surprise it is still hard to swallow and doesn’t do well with the character since Pak is trying to restore Superman`s pre-New 52 feel. However the emotional moments in between skirmishes and the friendship Superman, Lana and Baka help offset the darker tone.

Kuder does fantastic work with facial expressions and really sell those emotions, even on Baka`s giant monster form. Kuder`s expressions only adding onto the tear jerking, heartstrings tugging moments. And the action scenes are dynamic and showcased as exciting when seeing Superman`s display of power.

It isn`t easy to balance intense, life threatening along with funny and whimsy but Pak makes it work almost flawlessly. Making an intense story not only fun but make the reader feel the feels to almost Moffat level. Apparently Greg Pak has found a loophole in the New 52`s desire to make darker toned stories, by allowing the characters to be fresh and Superman to be recognizable again with some awesome friendships he`s formed.

Hopefully next issue the story continues further as Superman confronts Ghost Soldier`s bosses.

Action Comics Issue #29 receives 4.5 / 5.

Julz`s Loki Agent of Asgard # 2 Review

Loki Agent of Asgard continues to be entertaining read as Loki, while a hero is still a clever, witty trickster as he tries out speed dating and regaling his latest mission.

Issue 2 didn`t pick up were the first issue left off making this issue feel like a one shot, but it`s still too early to judge it immensely. The issue  itself is very funny with every scene, possibly more than the first issue, and like before Loki is still seen as a competent anti-hero but never comes off as unlikable or brooding. 

In fact, as Loki converses with a woman of truth he is still able to entice her yet show genuine compassion. Making it believable that Loki is indeed a good guy. However there are still moments where Loki is Loki but now he means well to repent for his crimes.

The dialogue and comedic moments never feel like they are wasted. Story itself is decent but ends before you get your fill and not exciting but entertaining enough to see more of Loki`s deviousness. 

 And props to the penciler and colorist as the art is vibrant and the expressions are well drawn. 

The book itself still has time to pick up on the story but as of now is still a funny read. Loki Agent of Asgard receives  a 3.5/5. If Loki fans are interested this art and humor along is worth it.

Teen Titans New 52 Overview With Julz Chan

Julz Chan and Comic Uno talk about the soon to be cancelled New 52 Teen Titans  by Scott Lobdell. For give my crappy webcam.

Announcement: JulzChan/Comic Uno Talk Teen Titans (+playlist)