Julz`s Ms.Marvel Issue# 1 & 2 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara 

Kamala is written in a way that makes her relatable to younger readers and her being a Muslin teenage girl serves as no excuse not to.

 While she is insecure and uncomfortable with her religious background, there are a lot of opportunities to connect with the character. She dreams of  superhero action and admires, of all people, the Avengers. She has issues with her family who are overly protective and tries to sample all manners of  high school life like parties, popularity and fanfiction.

There are your standard teenage troupes such as the jock, the popular girl or the obvious love interest in the form of the best friend and more. However, all of this only to make her more in common with readers as a troubled yet refreshing and vibrant character. Although the carbon copy of Regina George known as Zoe does come off a cliche stereotype.

Both issues are to show an origin story for the new hero, but even without a main villain it does set up a mystery as to how Kamala received her powers and what she can really do or what her new purpose entails. And seeing the soon to be hero  trying to get used to her powers does come across as funny and entertaining to see. Even more the character is put on the right track as she wants to make a difference in the world with her new powers.

There is no major conflict other than with Kamala`s  family and classmate, but at least there was some genuine superheroing and perhaps next issue there will be more of that.

Alphona`s art is expressive, has a very western cartoon style and the bright colors compliment the soft penciling work giving the comic a light, aesthetically pleasing feel.

It is still early in the comic to judge it immensely but these two first issues do the job of connecting Kamala to readers.

Ms. Marvel Issues# 1 and 2 together receive 4 out of 5

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 Kamigami No Asobi Episode 1 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara 

An academy filled with beautiful  Gods and a young maiden tasked to teach them about humanity to avert a terrible future. Not the best first episodes but does show promise with a unique premise and with loads of potential. 

The opening sequence gives foreshadowing, which is both good and bad. On the upside it presents a mystery as to how this story escalates to that future, what form the build up will take. Much like how Power Rangers Legend War was supposed to be, but hopefully it won`t be as much of a let down. 

While not as flashy or engaging as Diabolik Lovers in terms of art or music, but Kamigami no Asobi has something that DL should have had. Not only does Kamigami No Asobi throw in a very unique,interesting premise and good ideas, but has a competent female lead. If you wanna teach the Gods about humanity, it makes sense to have a well rounded, genuinely nice human like Yui. 

In most cases, it is the unlikely hero, or the worst in which humanity has to offer that would be chose- on purpose or by mistake- to help solve this problem at hand. 

However in this case, Yui is not an unlikely hero, while unsure of herself she is seen to be well rounded, friendly, knows when to keep her composure, and is not in the slightest bit annoying or helpless female character. Yui is not just another blank slate with no personality  for female viewers to live vicariously through as she is surrounded by handsome deities, which is common in otome anime.

Now just because Yui is a genuinely good person with hardly issues that does not mean there are no story telling opportunities when considering characters like Superman or Captain America. Even considered more so that Yui is in another world of supernatural beings with powers beyond her comprehension. 

Story wise, this first episode does set up out protagonist but does not introduce the other supporting characters as effectively. While the personality quirks of the supporting cast are made noticed, their names are not even introduced until the near end of the episode. 

Exposition is given as to the premise of this story, Yui`s purpose, the realm she is in, the why she was called forth. While it is a good idea and is promising as it can go in many directions, it would helps as to know what exactly are the Gods trying to avert. But perhaps that will be revealed in time and it does introduce the status quo. 

The animation is decent and does have moments to impress especially with the opening fight scenes. However the flower effect used to introduce each of the Gods gets old fast and is a bit cliche. However again only the first episode so the animation may yet improve. 

The designs of each other characters are distance and very attractive. And the true forms of the deities are befitting to their titles and powers. However the background leave a lot more to be desires. The background are bright and vibrant but nothing really stands out. The realm in which the academy exists in shows flouting island and plants in the sky but yet that is the slandered for otherworldly places. Adding more energy to the background would have fixed that. But adding in supernatural creatures does earn points. 

Overall the first look into this series dosen`t leave a big impression outside of its premise and iconic, legendary characters. But at least provided information of what Yui has to do and judging from the characters she has to deal with, this adventure is going to fun. 

Episode 1 of Kamigami no Asobi gets a 31/2 out of 5.

Julz`s Captain America 2 Winter Soldier Vlog/Review

Julz Chan`s thoughts on Captain America 2  Winter Soldier. Good movie, not better than the first but well written and lots of action.
Enjoy the opening and my annoying voice.
Behold my new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JulzChanReview

Julz`s Amazing X-Men Issue#5 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara 

Jason Aaron turns in a decent finale confrontation between Nightcrawler and his fellow X-men vs Azazel`s Pirate crew, however the issue does not reach an epic high.

The lines in this issue are witty as Nightcrawler and his father Azazel trade words and blows as two duke it out teleporter style. However while the fight with two devilish teleporters, the same cannot be said for the rest of the X-men. They can be seen in the background fighting however for most of the comic, it`s focused more on Nightcrawler who has to rescue everyone. If the comic had just shown more,extensive scenes with X-men taking down red bamfs and pirates this showdown would have felt more monumental.

However to the comic`s credit it does set up an interesting mystery involving the terms of Nightcrawler`s resurrection. Possibly making the blue elf`s return to life the main focus of  Nightcralwer solo series. The ending provided a darker tone, creating a change in Nightcrawler`s character from enthusiastic, swashbuckling explorer to a man stricken with guilt and regret. Making this more of a downgrade for the character, especially since Azazel wasen`t a complex villain during this arc so the sacrifice Kurt made feels unnecessary and underwhelming. But that remains to be seen until Chris Claremont`s book comes out, with the possibility more will be revealed on Nightcrawler`s current situation.

As for the art in this issue, Ed McGuinness has been consistently satisfying with his clean, sleek, superhero action, pirate fighting fun and shots of adorable bamf babies, McGuiness has a style uniquely his own.

Amazing X-men Issue# 5 receives 3/5