Latest Comic Book Reviews (07.19.2011): Wolverine #12 & American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2

I'm still intrigued with Aaron's Wolverine although has the same taste for 3 consecutive issues, and the team of Snyder and Murphy continues to impress me with their AV project that I'm wanting to see a live-action series or film based on the comic. *sigh* I can only dream.

All of my reviews after the jump. 

Wolverine #12
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Renato Guedes
Published by Marvel Comics

If you have read Wolverine #11, then you basically know the whole template of this issue. Yes, its the exact same formula - Wolverine killing so-so opponents and still clawing his way into finding the Red Right Hand - except that it has a mix of the occult, dark magic and constricting snakes that talk. 

Now if that sounds creepy to you, wait until you read it. Jason Aaron does the same thing all over again, and because of that repetitive formula, I can't say anything here that you don't know yet.  Its the damn exact replica, but I gotta applaud the idea of putting the concept of Hell and demonic rituals into the story to one-up itself in terms of delivering nightmarish ideas that is sure to make some cringe... and probably come back to know what's gonna happen next.

The only consolation - if there is - is Guedes' art. He continues to do a great job on the pencils, keeping the dynamics and violence that we love the most intact, and the nastiness of his imagery elevates Aaron's script.

Hopefully Aaron changes the tone of his series next month because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who's starting to get tired of his writing, and he can do that by making Daken (Wolverine's son) - who appeared at the end of #11 (and for some reason was missing in this issue) - jump into the party.

Rating:

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2

Written by Scott Snyder

Art by Sean Gordon Murphy

Published by Vertigo

As I have said before, AV: SOTF is now a full blown series on its own, a stand-alone story that spawned from the groundbreaking original. Now on its 2nd issue, Snyder and Murphy continues to pack this epic installment with more exhilirating action, thrilling surprises and a sexy dream sequence that got me biting right on the first page turn. 

Talk about infusing vampire lore with super-spy antics ala "James Bond" and death-defying scenes that reeks of "Die Hard", and if that description doesn't give it justice, then I don't know how to describe this great comic book.

The story kicks-off as Felicia and Cash continues on their journey of infiltrating a Nazi Castle that was reported to be the place for the vampire cure, and to add to the excitement, they also need to rescue a doctor and escape from enemy territory all at the same time. But things don't seem as easy as it sounds as the last panel reveals, and now our hunters become the hunted in big time "oh shit, we're fucked" moment. 

But the true beauty of the book lies in the full page spreads by Sean Murphy, who did an outstanding job of bringing Snyder's action-filled story to life - complete with  gut-wrenching facial expressions - as seen in the plane crash scene that truly showed his ability to create the most out of his panels and every single one of the characters he draws.

Full of dynamic and vibrance, Murphy never lets up right from his alluring depiction of Felicia's horrific dream guest starring the enigmatic Skinner Sweet, to the death-defying plane sequence, up to the shocking end.

It felt a little bit flat though, and when I mean by flat, we don't get much development story wise asides from Felicia and Cash entering the castle, talking about their fears and finally being introduced to a horde of *SPOILERS NEXT* Nazi vampires.

Despite that, this is still a solid issue, and we get nothing less than pure entertainment that attracts every bit of our senses. 

To those who haven't jumped into the AV bandwagon yet, this is the perfect time to join. You'll never regret it.

Rating:

Latest Comic Book Reviews (07.12.2011) - Flashpoint: Batman - Knight of Vengeance #2 & American Vampire #16

Two stunning comic book with fantastic cliffhangers and shocking reveals in a comic book week that's full of surprises. Yes, reviews are little bit late, but as the saying goes - "better late than never".

All my reviews after the jump.




Flashpoint: Batman - Knight of Vengeance #2
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Eduardo Risso
Published by DC Comics

In a world where Bruce Wayne is dead and where his dad - Thomas Wayne - is the goddamned Batman, its really hard to tell which character is going to appear next in this topsy-turvy alternate reality, and Azzarello just does that: making his readers fall into thinking that they know the whole story, but then slaps them in the face with a jaw-dropping shocker that will make anyone scream: "What in the fucking hell?"

Its an almost-perfect mystery writing by Azzarello, with Risso continuing to do a great job on his crime-noir style of illustrative storytelling. These two are the best in what they do and within the mystery-crime genre, I think this team is the best out there.

Jim Gordon is highlighted nicely here, with him serving as the lone hero before Batman steps up to the scene - albeit too late. The Oracle reveal is a pretty nice surprise too, but I don't really feel that the character fits into the role she's given.

And that's the main flaw that plagues this book. Despite its genius at leading readers to an enjoyable roller coaster ride, the book also alienates an awful lot because of familiar characters being put into unfamiliar roles. Yes it makes for a very thrilling literature, but it also creates an unorthodox feel that could confuse (some) big time.

With all of that said, Knight of Vengeance - despite its alienating tendencies- is still one of the best Flashpoint tie-ins while serving as a solid stand-alone saga by itself. You won't forget the brutal last pages of this issue, for it is one of the biggest shockers this week while giving us a peek as to what's going to happen next.

But just like before, I'm sure Azzarello won't let anybody correctly guess his next treat.

Rating:

American Vampire #16

Written by Scott Snyder

Art by Rafael Alberquerque

Published by Vertigo 

If there is one underrated comic book in the stands - that has to be American Vampire.

This comic book series is one hell of a groundbreaking story in the vampire genre that erases the teeny-boppy Twilight completely, and yet, it doesn't get the credit and attention it deserves from its fans. Scott Snyder has been making this saga noteworthy and he continues to 1-up himself every single month with his brutal and dramatic storytelling.

AV #16 is no different. 

As our commandos are jailed in an underground Japanese prison, the struggle and will to survive has never been evident and paramount in this issue. Our heroes are desperate to make to escape the hellhole, and with the revelation that the Japs are creating vampiric monsters out of their prisoners, the adrenaline rush just heightened up a notch.

Snyder's crafty narrative with Henry and Skinner Sweet is the highlight of this book - including a blood-sucking scene that was as horrific as it is beautiful. These are desperate times for everybody involved, and Snyder just made the most logical decision to put Henry in a mindset where he has to do everything there is to survive - even if it takes to "befriend" a notorious American Vampire in Sweet.

Henry's love interest - Pearl Jones - makes an appearance as well, looking to save his beloved from imprisonment, but she may have to go to a tough battle before she can ever accomplish it, as seen in her panels. Snyder will definitely continue this brawl in his next issue which will definitely make up for another  awesome exciting issue.

All of these is (and will be) accompanied by Alberquerque's strong illustrations that blends perfectly with Snyder's script. Words are not enough to explain the fantastic watercolorish style that completely sets the dark and melodramatic tone of this epic series that consistently impresses readers - even non fans of the vampire genre.  His last panel in this issue is one of the strongest panels of this series EVER.... and it reeks of 100%, pure-badassery that would make one drool for more vampire action.

American Vampire continues to impress, and with 16 issues down, its quickly gaining status as a series of epic proportions because of its vampire goodness. So good - its not even funny. 

Hopefully more fans will take notice for this series right now because this is Snyder and Alberquerque at their very best. Writer and artist at the peak of their powers, and it would be a shame not to witness it. 

Rating:

Comic Book Review: American Vampire "Survival Of The Fittest" #1

 American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1

Written by Scott Snyder

Art by Sean Murphy 

Colors by Dave Stewart

Published by Vertigo/DC Comics

Scott Snyder and Raphael Alberquerque's American Vampire has quickly become one of my favorite comic book series because of its entirely fresh take on vampirism, engaging characters with diverse backgrounds, while telling a lot about America's early days. Clearly, this is not your ordinary vampire story, for it not only shows monsters with fangs and supernatural beings killing each other, but it also takes you through America's history, culture and its heart like a real-life time travel machine.

The latest spin to the saga - Survival of the Fittest #1 - is more of like the "expansion" of the AV universe, and I think it is safe to say that this is Snyder's answer to the question as to whether or not AV will be an official franchise just like other Vertigo titles.

And I think the answer is a resounding yes, with this first issue giving us a glimpse of the team up of Cash McCogan and Felicia Book - the second arc all-stars - which is just the beginning of what could be another thrilling series.

Felicia Book. Not just another "Buffy".

Felicia Book is the main focus on this first issue with her getting some good action, while Snyder gives a complete background and summary of her life story that would surely keep new readers on the hunt. Its also clear right from the get go that the "Vassals of the Morning Star" (Felicia's "vampire hunting group")  is the main protagonist for this arc, with Snyder keeping readers excited by slowly giving more insight to the motives of the mysterious Vassals and orchestrating a new dimension to the vampire vs. vampire hunters war.

No Rafael Alberquerque this time, but do not fret, because Sean Murphy has saved the day. His linear and clean sketchy style of penciling worked perfectly in his first stint in the AV universe, while surprisingly mixing well with Dave Stewart's gorgeous colors, resulting in perfectly executed artwork each and every panel  I wouldn't mind if they become AV regulars from this point on, mainly because they did right the first time - and then gave everyone some more.

"Survival #1" adds another element to the growing legend of the epic American Vampire saga and overall, this was a very good first issue that would cater to both die-hard AV fans and newbies alike.

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