Archive for the ‘Pat Brosseau’ Category

Action Comics #7 Review

Posted: March 8, 2012 in Action Comics, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Grant Morrison, Pat Brosseau, Rags Morales
0
Penciled by: Rags Morales, Bradley Walker
Cover Color by: Brad Anderson
Lettered by: Pat Brosseau
Ok, there’s a new logo, AWESOME!  Let’s move on to the more interesting aspects of this month’s installment of Action Comics…
So, my physics friends, what do you think of a comic book superhero, who has just saved the city by unrealistic means, who makes this kind of statement?…
“Who says you don’t meed physics in the real world?”
Steel, once again, bears his undeniably annoying metal butt back on the pages of the new DCU in a secondary story after the Man of Steel’s MAIN one.  While Superman is out in space trying to save the recently bottled city of New Troy, Steel is waging war against the tide.  It’s a nice little reminder that, while the big name superheroes are out defeating the alien baddies, Earth is still in peril with the seemingly much “smaller,” yet terrifying disasters amongst the common city folk.  I’ve never liked Steel, but I guess he is the perfect choice for this side story.
The bigger, more important story of #6 is undoubtedly a humdinger!  Even Superman’s leather boots couldn’t take the pounding of this excellent installment of Action Comics.  Of course, with the destruction of Superman’s boots, before hurtling off into space, comes the inevitability of the examination of his Super wardrobe.  As to HOW Superman gets his costume, I’m certainly a fan of it. However, I’m not sure I understand how it automatically changes colors from solid white to the more recognizable Blue, red, and yellow.  Explanations please!  I’m glad to see that Supes will finally be donning some threads that won’t tear under pressure.
Al Gore is definitely going to take issue with DC proclaiming the internet to be an alien piece of technology, and not something if his design.  It was a clever move on Morrison’s part to make one of Superman’s most intelligent enemies more like a hive-minded entity that went from planet to planet, supplying each world with data, information, technological connectivity, and world-wide communal access…..and porn.  (Thanks Avenue Q for cementing the idea of what the Internet is ACTUALLY for.)
Everything is still a mystery though!  Brainiac, or the Collector of Worlds, has a very unique form.  Much more slug-like than humanoid.  Plus, the story behind Superman’s origins is still floating around with no answers in sight.  All we know is that the answers we as readers need to understand everything are hidden within the Bottled city of Kandor.  If Morrison keeps this up, the NEW revelations behind Superman’s past should be quite entertaining.  And the characteristic that the majority of people dub as a “boy-scoutish“ attitude from the Man of Steel (Stupid fans) is definitely rearing it’s head.
Rags Morales is certainly giving the world something to look at!  This issue might just be the best art I’ve ever seen him deliver; it’s expressive, moving, emotional, fun, and full of energy.
Knock on wood, I think Morrison is writing a Superman story worth remembering!  I had thought that with his All-Star Superman story he should never be allowed to come near the title again with his dirty, continuity destroying pen in hand.  But this go ’round his seems to be taking extra care and finally writing a story worthy of the character.
9 Out Of 10 Stars

Action Comics #5 Review

Posted: January 9, 2012 in Action Comics, Andy Kubert, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Grant Morrison, Pat Brosseau
0

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Backup story written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by ANDY KUBERT and JESSE DELPERDANG
Colors by PATRICK BROSSEAU
Backup story art by CHRISCROSS
Cover by ANDY KUBERT and JOE PRADO
Variant cover by RAGS MORALES
B&W Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

Here it is, 6:30 on Sunday night, facebook is all a glow with Tim Tebow worship, and I’m sitting on the couch finishing up rewatching the first season of Heroes and writing a review of Action Comics #5.  Where are the internet hits going to be punching to tonight? The answer, the playoffs and the Broncos.  So I’m exceptionally happy, dear reader, that you’ve decided to take the time and venture on over to the geeky side of life and take a look at my review of the 5th installment of Superman’s marque title.

It’s been told time and time again…Superman’s origin story!  Only this time Morrison has given us a new perspective on the Baby of Steel’s upbringing.  Narrated by Baby El’s escape pod, (yes, you read that right) we are jettisoned from Krypton to Kansas farmland where Jonathan and Martha Kent find themselves in the midst of a baby boy bundled up in his family crest bearing blankets.

Flash forward to issue #1 of Action’s reboot and we are reminded of the somewhat sentimental moment Supes shares with his ship.  All of the sudden with the story context of issue #5 does everything start to make sense.  But what does this mean?  Is Brainiac’s technological consciousness going to take over and attack Kal-El while he’s at his weakest?  Of course it will!  That’s a no brainier!  But what will the implications of this new twist on Kal’s upbringing do for the future of the hero?

I can’t remember for the life of me how much of Brainiac’s involvement was tied to Krypton’s fate and Superman’s origin.  I seem to recall, however, that Brainiac being apart Krypton’s technological life was a new twist on the Superman folklore made by the Superman Animated series.  Unless I’m mistaken, Morrison has fused that into the actual Superman cannon.  There also seems to be bits of the horribly campy TV show, Smallville, added into this comic series.  Superman’s escape pod now has a consciousness and will be playing a much bigger role in the overall story than Siegel or Shuster ever intended.  The new stuff keeps a-comin’, the twists and turns are endless, and Morrison continues to amaze me!

Flashback to Krypton before it exploded, Morrison has also given Laura more of a purpose in her son’s story.  She isn’t simply some woman who always stays home while Jor-El went out making the bacon, but rather a technical designer, one who helped with the creation of the escape pod.  Finally, comic book women are being given more of a purpose that is (almost) at the equivalent of men’s.

A nice little change in the philosophy of Superman’s powers has also risen with the reboot.  It seems that Superman’s abilities are not as mythological as we thought.  Jor and Laura ask Brainiac to target “worlds where the gravity is weak so that he [Kal-El] will seem to fly,” giving a more scientific explanation to Superman’s abilities.  Is Kryptonian physiology tailor made to withstand incredible gravitational force?  Is that why Superman can fly on Earth?  More to come on this, I’m sure.

To continue this overly drawn out review, Martha and Jonathan Kent have a nice little storyline where they get their “sexy” on.  Martha is unable to conceive a child, so it’s a wonderful coincidence that Kal-El falls right in their backyard.  Something Jor-El didn’t plan as he told Brainiac to target ANY planet with the Same solar make-up of as Earth.

Kubert and Brosseau are no strangers to excellence when it comes to Superman.  The reboot is supposed to be new and refreshing, but it’s like I’m seeing a golden age of excellence that resembles so much of the old art style fused with the new!

Morrison is bringing in something I thinks he’s wanted for a while; combining his literary vision of All-Star Superman with what the ignorant public knows thanks to Smallville.  Morrison just might have created the ultimate Superman beginning…one that both old and new fans can enjoy!

10 out of 10 stars

Batman & Robin #3 Review

Posted: November 14, 2011 in Batman & Robin, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Pat Brosseau, Patrick Gleeson, Peter J. Tomasi
2

Written By: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciled By: Patrick Gleason
Inked By: Mick Gray
Colored By: John Kalisz
Lettered By: Pat Brosseau
Cover By:  Gleason, Gray, & Kalisz
Edited By: Mike Marts
Assistant Editor: Katie Kubert
Associate Editor: Harvey Richards

Batman created by Bob Kane 

One thing is certainly true, Damian Wayne is one of the more ruthless Robins in history!  He’s a freaking ten year old boy who has more emotional distress, anger, and natural fighting abilities than most people have in their pinky finger!  Damian is dealing with a lot of issues involving his dad, Alfred, and everyone else he’s surrounded by.  Even though he may be tough as nails, however, he still annoys the crap out of me.  But this title has left me with a dilemma, which  is simply this….the story is freaking  amazing.  Ugh!!!!

I work with students every day, especially those labeled with behavior disorders.  BD students are typically placed in this category due to bad adult relationships, growing up with the inability to talk and act appropriately.  In Damian’s case, I think he qualifies as a behavior disorder child.  Not only is he one big giant walking hot head, but he also has trouble with the fact that Bruce Wayne’s fatherly instincts are severely lacking.

But that’s certainly the point isn’t it?  Bruce Wayne has to learn, once again, how to be a father.  The only difference here is…Damian is his ACTUAL son.  Bruce is  not a surrogate father to another orphan.  It’s obvious Batman cares for his son as he continually tries to keep Damian out of the heat of battle and safe at home, in doors.  But this is no different from how Batman cares for the rest of Gotham city; he doesn’t want anyone harmed.  However, the challenge for Bruce is to find a way to reach Damian on that special level that a father strives for.  What better way than by allowing Damian to name the dog???  Bruce definitely has a lot to learn yet, and I suspect the bond the father and son will develop will spawn from this fight against Morgan.

I felt a little irked by the ending.  It wasn’t bad by any means, I simply wanted to know what the heck Morgan was having the dynamic duo watch!  There couldn’t have been a glimpse of what’s to come?  A vision of what’s to come in the future which is to be their doom?  Oh Tomasi, you certainly know how to leave me wanting more.  Applause to you!

Patrick Gleason does he’s usual quality work; the dark alley way where Robin takes out the thug, the moments where Batman leaves Damian back at the Batcave, and the horrifically Hitchcockian moment where we leave Batman and Robin in the car out in the middle of the field, all incredibly tense and gothic scenes that the team of Gleason and Gray are masters of.

Be warned, dear reader, if you d not start following this series before it’s too late, you may regret it forever.

10 out of 10 stars

Batman And Robin #2 Review

Posted: October 14, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Pat Brosseau, Patrick Gleeson, Peter J. Tomasi
0

Written By: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciled By: Patrick Gleeson
Inked By: Mick Gray
Colors By: John Kalisz
Letters By: Patrick Brosseau
Cover By: Gleeson, Gray, & Kalisz

Fatherhood At Its Best…
Damian is an annoyingly giant brat that’s pissed me off ever since he took over as Robin. I’ve been hoping and praying that some writer would kick Damian out of the red, green, and yellow outfit and turn him into Bat’s next villain.  However, Peter J. Tomasi has more faith in the innocence of youth and is doing all he can to provide Damian with some semblance of likeability.

Each Bat title is acting appropriately, giving us a different theme to help each comic stick out and stand on its own.  #1 of Batman and Robin started us off well, but #2 is where the juiciness of the meat really starts to flow.  Batman is going to be tested, more so than ever, with this version of Robin…it’s his son.  Bruce Wayne has never truly LIKED kids, but now that his own flesh and blood is under his wing, he’s going to have to do some major work in the fatherhood department.

There’s a lot of angst driving this issue forward; we see Bruce Wayne trying his best (or so he thinks) to show Damian he loves him, Alfred getting frustrated with Bruce’s best “fatherly” attempts, and Damian crushing a Bat’s skull.  Three degrees of plot and I’m still not sure where this will all go.

This is the story Damian needed in order to become a character I can look forward to reading about in the future.  Even though the dialog is coming out of Bruce Wayne’s mouth, we get a back story from the perspective of Damian, and I’m both excited and afraid for what may come in the future.  Will Bruce’s fatherly attempts be successful in “fixing” Damian, or is Damian so far gone that a father-son/hero-villain rumble is certain to happen?

Gleeson amazes me every time.  He’s as much of a story teller as any writer in comics today.  Pages 15 & 16 give us all we need to know about Damian’s state of mind, almost as if his value of the life of others is meaningless.  This title is definitely going to prove to be one of the more emotionally dark comics in DC’s repertoire, and Gleeson is the man for the job.

The last segment of this issue had me a bit confused…but maybe that’s the point.  I found myself having to read this section a few times before coming to terms with the fact that the unknown killer is this guy who looks incredibly like Morpheus.  This reveal felt very lack luster and without impact.  I just sat back and thought… “oh, this is him.”  I certainly hope this isn’t a sign of what’s to come to future issues.

The ending shouldn’t dictate the quality of the issue, overall.  B&R #2 is a joy to read and a proud addition to the new 52.

8 out of 10 Stars

Zatanna #13 Review

Posted: May 24, 2011 in Adam Huges, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Jamal Igle, Jon Sibal, Pat Brosseau, Paul Dini, Zatanna
0

Written By: Paul Dini

Penciled By: Jamal Igle

Inked By: Jon Sibal

Coloring By: John Kalisz

Lettering By: Pat Brosseau

Edited By: Joey Cavaieri

Associate Editor: Chris Conroy

Cover By: Adam Huges

Zatanna Created by Gardner Fox

The Plot

The last encounter Zatanna had with Brother Night, she almost lost.  Now, Brother Night is planning a comeback with a team of mindless inmate band of servants.  Zatanna must now face her most powerful enemy again, and this time she may not be so lucky.

Zatanna also pays a visit to the illustrious judge of the evil, The Spectre.  What good will this serve?  Not even Zatanna knows…a mystical cat told her to go.

My Awe Inspiring Opinion

Lucky number 13 right?  WRONG!

Everything goes to Hell (literally) when Zatanna has two hefty storylines leading the charge in this issue.  Paul Dini is back to reclaim his mantle as authoric dictator of the Zatanna series!  #13 presents a lot of story to take in without being overbearing.  This issue is only 20 pages but has a feeling of being much longer…which is a good thing!  The amount of story applied to this issue is done in a way that only writers with Dini’s ability can achieve.  Next month will definitely be a doozy!

Another compliment to throw Dini’s way is the way he approaches the theme of this series.  With #13, Dini uses this comic like a magician uses their deck of cards…it’s not exactly what it seems to be and mystifies you in the process.  And as we appreciate the skill it takes to master the art of a magical comic book, we should also recognize the creative idea being thrown out with #13; combining old and new characters to create something new and interesting.  Zatanna and the Spectre are very well known within the DC Universe, but neither have been given the opportunity to flesh out their potential…not until Dini took over the magical world of DC Comics.  (A little too Disney-esk maybe)  With the incredible work that’s been done with Zatanna in the past year, the Spectre is now given his moment to shine!

Jamal Igle does really great work, as always, and doesn’t disappoint with this issue.  Give him a task and he will see it through, no matter how daunting or difficult.  City streets, action scenes, light and dark scenery, twisting and turning pits of despair where men are thrown and turned into mice, it’s no challenge for him.  The mystical cat with the Jeweled eyeball did freak me out momentarily, which I’m sure was the hope, and only supports my already stated theory.  I don’t want to overwhelm Igle as I’m sure he’s already as busy as can be, but it would be nice to see him continually work on both Supergirl and Zatanna.  All I can do is hope.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

This was a shorty review, but worth reviewing either way.  I’m glad I started picking this title up a few months ago.  But, of course, anything Dini does is worth picking up right?  Especially if it’s with Igle as well!

10 out of 10 Stars

JSA All-Stars #18 Review

Posted: May 5, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Freddie Williams II, Joey Cavalieri, JSA All-Stars, Matthew Sturges, Pat Brosseau, Richard Horie, Tanya Horie, Uncategorized
3

Written By: Matthew Sturges

Penciled & Inked By: Freddie Williams II

Coloring By: Tanya & Richard Horie

Lettering By: Pat Brosseau

Edited By: Joey Cavalieri

The Plot

The world has seemingly gone loopy as no one really knows if their universe is real or fake!  The superhero currently known as Prince searches for his old nemesis, Dr. Hate, but ends up finding his mother instead.  Now the All-Stars must figure out who their allies and enemies are before millions of innocent people perish in a worldwide explosion to be detonated by Prince.

My Awe Inspiring Opinion

JSA All-Stars has been a fun ride.  I’m sad to see it end so soon – not even reaching its two year mark.  Sturges created such out of this world storylines that were both smart and quirky at the same time.  Like most spin-off series, the All Stars had trouble finding its footing…all it took was kicking ‘ol mister Magog out of the picture and the series began its upward slope into greatness. It’s so sad to say goodbye to a series that was only beginning to see its potential.

That being said, I knew the title wasn’t going to last.  Matt Sturges came to my local comic book store towards the beginning of the title’s run.  I had asked him of the longevity of the All-Stars; he began talking about the numerous ideas he had planned for the book, but even then I didn’t hear a lot of certainty in his voice.  The title has so much baggage involved with it that it’s hard to imagine even the best writer bringing it out of the JSA’s shadow, allowing it to become its own entity.

This final, 18th issue, while maintaining that same fun, cataclysmic storytelling, had a rushed feel to it.  Maybe Sturges was rushed or a little unmotivated having his book yanked from him.  But regardless, it wasn’t my favorite All-Star’s installment.

I would have liked to see DC take this title to a good 24 issues, allowing Sturges the right amount of time to conclude this arc and begin the process if giving the team an ending worthy of who they are.  I never quite understood this “other world” that the Prince came from, nor was any of the explanation about the Prince’s origin clear.  And maybe it’s just my inability to understand psychotic behavior, but I can’t comprehend how blowing up an area of a 500 mile radius will bring back the world he remembers.  Along with this comes a lot of dialog which doesn’t represent the quality that Sturges has set with previous issues.

#18 does have its good points however with incredible action sequences and humorous detours.  It’s always nice when a writer recognizes a title’s typically tendencies and plot devices, and Sturges lets the entire world know that the JSA really does tend to bring down the unknown baddies…

I was glad to see Roxy get one last moment in the spotlight. I love her and her annoying mannerisms and jokes.  Why did everyone hate her so much?  She’s cute, funny, and has so much potential as a character that I hope she is carried on into the regular JSA title.  But that also begs the question, “how many of the All-Star heroes will be utilized in the Justice Society from now on?

Williams has always met my eye with a lot of negative criticism, but I have to recognize talent where it’s due.  He’s not my favorite artist, but Williams does have more talent in his pinky finger than most artists do in their whole body.  That final page where Power Girl stands triumphantly on the rocks is a sight for sore eyes!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I really am sad to see this title end and wonder how in the world the JSA writer is going to handle such a big amalgamation of the two teams? Oh well, at least Power Girl won’t have as many back problems with Williams not being put in charge of her bodily functions anymore.

8 out of 10 Stars

Zatanna #12 Review

Posted: April 25, 2011 in Amanda Conner, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Matthew Sturges, Pat Brosseau, Stephane Roux, Zatanna
3

Nettirw Yb: Wehttam Segruts

Tistra: Einahpets Xour

Tsiroloc: Nhoj Zsilak

Revoc Tistra: Adnama Rennoc

Rerettel: Tap Uaessorb

Rotide: Yeoj Ireilavac

Eht Yllacigam Gnitevir Tolp

A wanna be thug and rapper, named Backlash, takes it upon himself to utilize his time reversing device to assist him in his dastardly and murderous deeds.  After slaying a group of mer-people, this simple minded jerkwad takes his blood-thirsty agenda to San Francisco where Zatanna practices her backwards enchantments.

While taking a stroll through the city, our fish-net wearing heroine finds herself doin’ the mystical tango with the Backlash. (Original name huh?)  As time runs backwards, and Zatanna’s spells are spoken correctly, (making them useless) she must now use her mighty wit and outsmart our rhythmless evildoer and save Tinkerbell!

Wait…What?

Ym Ewa-Gniripsni Noinipo

I have now decided to go back eleven issues and play catch up with the Zatanna series.  I’ve always loved her, but never did I imagine that she had enough potential to have her own title.  Finally, one year later, I decided to pick up issue #12 and see what all the excitement was about.  And I told myself I wasn’t going to pick up any more titles to help save a few bucks…this was a bad way of sticking to my comic book diet.

The interesting thing Sturges does with #12 is the play on the reverse aspect of Zatanna’s world.  How could a writer put a twist on Zatanna’s spells without seeming to unoriginal?  I got it!  Force her to say the spells forwards instead of backwards!  And I’ll be honest, as corny and stupid as the new villain Backlash is, the idea propelling this story is quite creative.

I liked Sturges’ portrayal of Zatanna having to constantly practice her magical spells.  Sure, she’s been around since the late 60’s, but everyone gets rusty right?  She doesn’t seem inept to me, just staying on top of things.

I can only imagine how much fun Sturges had in thinking up as many Palindromes as he could for Zatanna to spout out.  For those who loves word games, comics, and action, this is the ultimate storyline.  I wonder if Sturges decided to challenge Stephanie Roux and create some difficult artistic situations through the dialog that only the best artists could render.

Maybe it’s my problem having hopped on board with Zatanna 12 issue after it began, but I wasn’t fully sure where this thug came from, where he got his “wicked sword,” and where this green fairy came from.  It all seemed very random to me and out of place…but thus is the nature of comic books.  So all I have to say is “give me more randominity!”

It was nice to see Stephane Roux back on board with the art on a title.  I haven’t actually seen her work for some time which is quite sad.  We very rarely see Zatanna out of her magician’s uniform and in regular clothing.  But even then, Roux gives a very modern and exotic look to her, even as she flies over the city of San Fransisco.

Speaking of which, I hear rumors around the World Wide Web that Sturges’ description of San Francisco was a spot on match to what it’s actually like in the real world.  I’ve never been to the magical city, but if what Zatanna says is true, I might need to pay it a visit one of these years.

Ym Yllacitsejam Citcamilc Noisulcnoc

Overall, this was a very well thought out book.  It had its confusing and out of place points but, eh, nothings perfect.

Oh, that the cover by Amanda Conner is freaking amazing!!!!

7 out of 10 stars