Current Reads
Hi folks,
So, over the last few days, Brenda asked how I find the comics I end up reading. This question made me realize how indebted I am to another blog: Gotham Spoilers. I've been following this blog for years, and Gotham Spoilers used to provide a 'Currently Reading' blog post every Sunday where he/she provided blurbs for all the comics that he/she read that week that fell outside of his/her coverage of Batman-titles. This is where I found out about Chew, Saga, Omega Men and countless others. Of course, Amazon's recommended feature was incredibly beneficial to my reading list, but really, Gotham Spoilers shaped my reading tastes and lists. Gotham Spoilers no longer provides the 'Currently Reading' blog post because life and adulting, but in an homage, I want to do something similar.
So here, is what I've read so far during the month of May:
Ms. Marvel vol. 5: Super Famous
3.5/5 I think there was definitely dip in quality in this particular volume. I was definitely left confused as this volume takes place after the events of Secret Wars. At the beginning of volume 5, there is only the smallest of hints of what happened during this marvel event. While the author continues to handle Kamala’s characterization well, the narrative leap was jarring. However, the core elements of what I love about Kamala continue to exist. Her struggle to balance school, family and heroism is what makes Kamala relatable. Take away her powers and heroism and Kamala is still a teenager trying to do her best to handle all her responsibilities while trying to answer that unfailing question: Who am I?
Ms. Marvel vol. 6: Civil War II
5/5 I thought volume 2 was great, but this one takes the cake! I liked how the creative team weaved in Kamala’s maternal generational familial backstory. And on top of that, the added depth to Kamala and Bruno’s friendship was such a nice touch. Not to mention the team’s discussion of predictive justice and the pitfalls of such a system. Honestly, I am amazed with this team’s storytelling consistency. It’s rare to find a story that is consistently well told in comics. I can only think of a few off the top of my head.
So, over the last few days, Brenda asked how I find the comics I end up reading. This question made me realize how indebted I am to another blog: Gotham Spoilers. I've been following this blog for years, and Gotham Spoilers used to provide a 'Currently Reading' blog post every Sunday where he/she provided blurbs for all the comics that he/she read that week that fell outside of his/her coverage of Batman-titles. This is where I found out about Chew, Saga, Omega Men and countless others. Of course, Amazon's recommended feature was incredibly beneficial to my reading list, but really, Gotham Spoilers shaped my reading tastes and lists. Gotham Spoilers no longer provides the 'Currently Reading' blog post because life and adulting, but in an homage, I want to do something similar.
So here, is what I've read so far during the month of May:
Ms. Marvel vol. 5: Super Famous
3.5/5 I think there was definitely dip in quality in this particular volume. I was definitely left confused as this volume takes place after the events of Secret Wars. At the beginning of volume 5, there is only the smallest of hints of what happened during this marvel event. While the author continues to handle Kamala’s characterization well, the narrative leap was jarring. However, the core elements of what I love about Kamala continue to exist. Her struggle to balance school, family and heroism is what makes Kamala relatable. Take away her powers and heroism and Kamala is still a teenager trying to do her best to handle all her responsibilities while trying to answer that unfailing question: Who am I?Ms. Marvel vol. 6: Civil War II
5/5 I thought volume 2 was great, but this one takes the cake! I liked how the creative team weaved in Kamala’s maternal generational familial backstory. And on top of that, the added depth to Kamala and Bruno’s friendship was such a nice touch. Not to mention the team’s discussion of predictive justice and the pitfalls of such a system. Honestly, I am amazed with this team’s storytelling consistency. It’s rare to find a story that is consistently well told in comics. I can only think of a few off the top of my head.
Ms. Marvel vol 7: Damage Per Second
3.5/5 So, I do think the story arc in this volume with the digitally adaptive troll AI was weak in comparison to the other fantastic arcs this creative team has put together. That said how Zoe’s story was handled was great. And, the last issue regarding Bruno in Wakanda hit me in the heart feels. Bruno’s realization and later acceptance about his physical disabilities was a tear-jerker. Continue the good work Ms. Marvel team.
Infinte Loop
3/5 There were a lot of good themes throughout this story. However, I do feel that there were parts in the narrative that were a bit awkward and a bit too heavy on exposition. Love Año and Teddy.
Ms. Marvel vol. 8: Mecca
3/5 There was a noticeable dip in quality for this particular arc in Ms. Marvel. Don’t get me wrong, I like how the team is trying to fully flesh out Josh’s character and what that means for Kamala. Kamala is definitely maturing as hero. She’s learning that villains aren’t always two-dimensional. She’s learning that hero-ing is almost a full-time job but that doesn’t mean self-care isn’t important. But I do think that the repeat appearance of Lockdown and her fascist ways is getting a bit tiring at this point. I love Kamala, but I do hope to move past this narrative stagnation. Also, I’m glad that Bruno was briefly mentioned.
Super Sons vol. 1: When I Grow Up
3/5 This was cute. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve checked in on the DC universe, but thankfully this series is self-contained enough that an extensive background search is unnecessary. I like the dynamic between the boys. They passionately disagree on most things, but it’s evident that they need each other to inform each other’s perspectives.
Wonder Woman vol. 1: The Lies
4/5 t’s been awhile since I’ve checked into the DC universe let alone the Wonder Woman verse. I’m not the biggest fan, but comixology was having a sale so I said what the heck. I took the plunge and I emerged curious for what comes next in the series. I like this idea of Diana dealing with a fragmented memory as she tries to cope with decades of canonical rewrites to her character’s history. I’m a sucker for romance, but I did think that Rucka dealt with the post-Superman romance (which barf) fallout with Steve well. Diana and Steve continue to love and support each other. They talk about her previous romance, and they are able to move on without needing to dive into endless harping about past decisions. Overall, I think this was a nice starting point for new readers that might only be vaguely familiar with her backstory
Misfit City vol. 1
3/5 I thought the premise was cute but didn’t quite love the execution. I like that the cast is a bunch of gals in all shapes, colors and sizes. The premise is simple in a town more famous for a movie than anything else the death of a townsperson leads to a treasure hunt for a possible real-life pirate treasure. Some of the other reviews here have pointed to a female Goonies and perhaps that’s one of the reasons I didn’t quite get or jump into the narrative.
Batman vol. 3: Death of the Family
4/5 I read this title two years go, but I decided to give it a reread because I feel like finally getting around to finishing Snyder and Capullo’s Batman run. And, oh boy, do I love these guys. Between the seamless dialogue Snyder provides and Capullo’s art, the synergy on this book is off the walls. They just work so well together. What drives this particular arc is the relationship between Batman and Joker and the ripple effects of their endless quarrel. I think the questions Snyder asks of both characters is great and adds further nuance to each of their mythos.
Goldie Vance vol. 1
3.5/5 I thought this was really cute, but perhaps too cute and fluffy for my tastes. That said, anyone that is looking for a queer, person of color, and female lead in a detective 1950s-esque setting then this is the graphic novel for you. I like that the cast is predominantly people of color and that the female leads have dreams and ambitions beyond menial hard labor.
Batman vol. 4: Zero Year-Secret City
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this arc. The script felt young and zippy. I loved that Snyder was actually able to capture a young adult Bruce voice. A voice that expressed a quick temper, frustration, and inadequacy at trying to save Gotham. Bruce, here, is not your wise, dry joke cracking asshole that audiences are accustomed to. Instead he’s at the cusp of becoming that man which is what zero year is all about really—Bruce and Gotham at the cusp of this Batman mythos.
Oh and the art? Gorgeous. The ouroboros panel was on par with the topsy-turvy court of owls scene where Batman loses his mind. This creative team is gold.
3.5/5 So, I do think the story arc in this volume with the digitally adaptive troll AI was weak in comparison to the other fantastic arcs this creative team has put together. That said how Zoe’s story was handled was great. And, the last issue regarding Bruno in Wakanda hit me in the heart feels. Bruno’s realization and later acceptance about his physical disabilities was a tear-jerker. Continue the good work Ms. Marvel team.Infinte Loop
3/5 There were a lot of good themes throughout this story. However, I do feel that there were parts in the narrative that were a bit awkward and a bit too heavy on exposition. Love Año and Teddy.
Ms. Marvel vol. 8: Mecca
3/5 There was a noticeable dip in quality for this particular arc in Ms. Marvel. Don’t get me wrong, I like how the team is trying to fully flesh out Josh’s character and what that means for Kamala. Kamala is definitely maturing as hero. She’s learning that villains aren’t always two-dimensional. She’s learning that hero-ing is almost a full-time job but that doesn’t mean self-care isn’t important. But I do think that the repeat appearance of Lockdown and her fascist ways is getting a bit tiring at this point. I love Kamala, but I do hope to move past this narrative stagnation. Also, I’m glad that Bruno was briefly mentioned.Super Sons vol. 1: When I Grow Up
3/5 This was cute. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve checked in on the DC universe, but thankfully this series is self-contained enough that an extensive background search is unnecessary. I like the dynamic between the boys. They passionately disagree on most things, but it’s evident that they need each other to inform each other’s perspectives.Wonder Woman vol. 1: The Lies
4/5 t’s been awhile since I’ve checked into the DC universe let alone the Wonder Woman verse. I’m not the biggest fan, but comixology was having a sale so I said what the heck. I took the plunge and I emerged curious for what comes next in the series. I like this idea of Diana dealing with a fragmented memory as she tries to cope with decades of canonical rewrites to her character’s history. I’m a sucker for romance, but I did think that Rucka dealt with the post-Superman romance (which barf) fallout with Steve well. Diana and Steve continue to love and support each other. They talk about her previous romance, and they are able to move on without needing to dive into endless harping about past decisions. Overall, I think this was a nice starting point for new readers that might only be vaguely familiar with her backstoryMisfit City vol. 1
3/5 I thought the premise was cute but didn’t quite love the execution. I like that the cast is a bunch of gals in all shapes, colors and sizes. The premise is simple in a town more famous for a movie than anything else the death of a townsperson leads to a treasure hunt for a possible real-life pirate treasure. Some of the other reviews here have pointed to a female Goonies and perhaps that’s one of the reasons I didn’t quite get or jump into the narrative.Batman vol. 3: Death of the Family
4/5 I read this title two years go, but I decided to give it a reread because I feel like finally getting around to finishing Snyder and Capullo’s Batman run. And, oh boy, do I love these guys. Between the seamless dialogue Snyder provides and Capullo’s art, the synergy on this book is off the walls. They just work so well together. What drives this particular arc is the relationship between Batman and Joker and the ripple effects of their endless quarrel. I think the questions Snyder asks of both characters is great and adds further nuance to each of their mythos. Goldie Vance vol. 1
3.5/5 I thought this was really cute, but perhaps too cute and fluffy for my tastes. That said, anyone that is looking for a queer, person of color, and female lead in a detective 1950s-esque setting then this is the graphic novel for you. I like that the cast is predominantly people of color and that the female leads have dreams and ambitions beyond menial hard labor.
Batman vol. 4: Zero Year-Secret City
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this arc. The script felt young and zippy. I loved that Snyder was actually able to capture a young adult Bruce voice. A voice that expressed a quick temper, frustration, and inadequacy at trying to save Gotham. Bruce, here, is not your wise, dry joke cracking asshole that audiences are accustomed to. Instead he’s at the cusp of becoming that man which is what zero year is all about really—Bruce and Gotham at the cusp of this Batman mythos.Oh and the art? Gorgeous. The ouroboros panel was on par with the topsy-turvy court of owls scene where Batman loses his mind. This creative team is gold.
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