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

BB`s green again!

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 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 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.

Julz`s New Comics Day 12/21/13 Review

Green Lantern New Guardians Issue 26, Wonder Woman Issue 26, Superboy Issue 26 and Young Avengers Issue 14 reviews. Decided to meld them together. Sadly one of them was not as fulfilling as I had hoped.

Julz`s Teen Titans (The New 52) Issue 24 Review

By Julius Cantara aka Julz-Chan

Proceeding the event of Forever Evil Issue 2, the Teen Titans are thrown into a roller coaster ride along space and time only to end in a victory for Raven. 

Writing wise this story wasen`t perfect given the shoddy pacing, due to the time hopping.Still there were some moments that were significant to many of the Titan`s history such as Miguel`s reason for coming to America, Wonder Girl`s armor, and further info on Bart`s tragic past involving his crimes in the 31st century. Those alone give the time jumping some enjoyment however the other didn`t have much reason to be in this story or not even made that much sense. 

Visually this comic is very lazy. Angela Unzueta bears a lot of similarities with Brett Booth`s art style. Not only are there more faulty bits with the art itself but the constant use of splash pages after splash pages. Really disappointing to see a creative team take the easy way out. And while the text boxes are actually sort of helpful this time, they are also a distraction. The over use of text boxes and dialogue bubbles are very crowded and ruin the splash pages individually. 

Like the Wonder Woman comic it is thanks to the cliff hanger that makes you want to keep reading and makes it significant. However unlike the recent Wonder Woman comic this one didn`t make the ride to the end as enjoyable.