Julz`s Teen Titans Issue #1 (2014) Review

BB`s green again!

Julz`s Nova Issue #17, Amazing Spider-Man Issue #2 and Wonder Woman Issue #31 Review

New comic book day 5/22/14 and what a great turn out!
Comic haul for this week: Nova Issue #17, Amazing X-men Issue #7, Amazing Spider-Man Issue #2 and Wonder Woman Issue #31

Julz`s Green Lantern Issue #30 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara 

Robert Venditti, since Geoff Johns departure, has been slow with the amount of  filler and a somewhat slow moving plot. However they aren`t without charm and have characters like Hal Jordan grow and still be entertaining. And issue 30 does show that while Hal Jordan has become a leader as seen last issue, he`s still the usual carefree space cop but less reckless. This is shown when getting himself into another confrontation, Hal still suggests the option of a more peaceful alternative, having his humanity shine with concern.

The comic is also not without it`s amusement, scene where the lanterns talks with the Khund is almost as if two opposing generals are discussing combat but still having a good time. Especially Hal, as he  remains confident  and give off some witty bits of dialog.

As for the story itself, the ending scene adds a new twist on the impersonation and framing of the Green Lantern Corps, that there is something fishy in their ranks. 

The cover by Billy Tan and Alex Sinclair is well colored however awkward especially when trying to illustrate an epic fight scene. This is a shame since the art for the book is far superior.

The art for the story by Martin Coccolo does have it`s issues with perspective and proportions however there are far few and too far apart that they may not even be noticed. The first few pages are gorgeous and refreshing with landscapes and natural backgrounds. 
With that said, Coccolo`s pencil shading sticks out at times but is balanced with the surreal water coloring style  by Tony Avina and Alex Sinclair, making the book aesthetically pleasing. 

Green Lantern Issue # 30 receives 4 out 5  

Julz`s Thoughts on Will Pfeifer and (relaunched) Teen Titans

After further reading recent  events covered by Newsarama on Will Pfeifer I have some concerns. Now I am aware the Pfeifer has written good titles such as Catwoman, some issues of BlueBeetle, and Captain Atom Armageddon. However, he`s also put out some really bad stuff too such as Amazon`s Attack.

According to Will Pfeifer,  he`s going to take the whole teenagers make mistakes a lot, they aren`t perfect and get into danger.

My problem, is that it is the same reason why Legend of Korra season 2 was so PROBLEMATIC! Korra kept making mistakes, fix them and then make whole plethora of mistakes after! You can`t have a character move forward if they keep going back to square one and continue to be whiny, bickering, unlikable, idiots! Where everyone is either selfish or distrustful or dumb or morally ambiguous or useless to the actual story.

As for the art by Kenneth Rocafort, at least the coloring isn`t as dreary like with the previous creative team and I`m happy Beast Boy is Red again ( confusing given Animal Man), but the colors scheme is still a bit unbalanced. Also you can tell if an artist is too used to drawing woman. It is surprising that Racafort could draw Superman correctly. 

Who knows, maybe the new creative team will surprise me. All I ask is that we learn from the mistakes of the past and for the love of all things sacred....please DON`T LET THIS COMIC SUCK! 

Julz`s Action Comics Issue# 30 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara 

Action comics from the start of the reboot has been criticized for its emphasis on a more violent Superman. Now while Grant Morrison`s run, justifiable yes, only made Superman`s actions seem more like an act of terrorism. But here it is more understandable. Much like Azzarello`s run on Superman Man of Steel, Clark is given legitimate reasons why he isn`t the happiest of campers. In this issue the hero is taking his anger out on the organization that has been targeting him and nearly cost him his new companions. However Clark`s storming through Harrow`s headquarters is still jarring. 

But what makes this issue surprising is that while the kryptonian may seem to have reverted back to his more brutal and rash ways, near the end that wasn`t the case.Other than resorting to keep hitting things Clark thought strategically from his encounters with the Ghost Soldier even thinking on the spot and just surviving on a thread.

 And when Superman looks like he is going to kick his opponents while they are down, do something mean spirited , he dose the mature thing. At that moment, once again by Pak, Superman character felt more like what readers expect him to be. Despite the brutal opening. 

However while the battle with Harrow was entertaining as Superman cleverly  subdues Harrow`s forces and tries to survive her second wave, there is things that go unexplained. There is still no explanation why Harrow wanted Ghost Soldier to follow Clark and Lana to the underground city or further explication for Baka`s people. On the upside there is finally explanation for the main villains however would have been preferable that our villains be more fleshed out from the start of this story arch and within this book alone. 

Arron Kuder has been consistent with his dynamic fight scenes and still expressive with the furious  Superman without seeming over the top. The more subdued moment near the end was also well done, selling the understanding Superman that readers know and love. However Kuder cannot take all the credit as he is joined by Karl Kerschl, who worked on the gorgeous underwater scenes and a unique monster design.

Action Comics Issue 30 receives a 4 out of 5.

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 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.

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.

Julz`s Top 10 Things Wrong With The New 52

DC needs to shape up or they`ll keep losing fans and all of this will be in vain as it turns into one of the darkest times in DC history. And as a fan I am tired of their poor planning and quality.
Recommendations: Aquaman, Animal Man, the Green Lantern books ( Not Red Lantern), Wonder Woman, Batman, Batman and Robin, Earth 2, Justice League International, Demon Knights, Sword and Sorcery Amethyst, Batgirl and Nightwing.