Prophet #21
By Brandon Graham and Simon Roy
Image Comics
Tom says: The hype is deserved. It’s Brian Aldiss and Michael Moorcock channelled through Dan O’Bannon and Heavy Metal. Graham flexes his fun and simple narrative techniques over a collection of well-trod tropes and sci fi conventions, which coupled with Simon Roy’s art makes for an enormously satisfying read.
Morning Glories #15
By Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma
Image Comics
Simon says: Every time I think I’ve lost interest in this comic it draws me back in. Still no closer to knowing what’s going on at the Morning Glories Academy, it’s the interactions between the characters that keep this comic going and this issue showcases some of Spencer’s better dialogue. Could do with tying up some loose ends sooner rather than later though.
Amazing Spider-man #678
By Dan Slott and Humberto Ramos
Marvel Comics
Camila says: For quite some time now, ‘Amazing Spider-man’ has been making justice to its superlative, and has been amazing indeed. With Peter working as a super scientist at Horizon Labs, there’s been a good deal of crazy technology and good sci-fi in the comic, and this issue has a LOT of it. Clever, fun, entertaining and action-packed, this is what all superhero comics should be like: amaaaazing!
Memorial #2
By Chris Roberson, Rich Ellis and Michael WM Kaluta
IDW
Chris says: It’d be easy to file this away as yet another Sandman or Fables derivative, but Memorial shares more in common with The Neverending Story than anything else. Chris Roberson has cleverly constructed a world that is at once engaging and recognisable. He’s definitely one of the more under-appreciated writers working in comics today, despite consistently great work on books like iZombie and Cinderella. If you’re looking for a fun new series that will actually take you somewhere then here it is … All that and a talking cat as well – what’s not to love?!
TMNT Micro Series #1 Raphael Global Conquest Ed
By Brian Lynch and Franco Urru
IDW
Clair says: This is a good introduction to my favourite Turtle’s origin and the first of four stand-alone mini-series centering on each Turtle. There’s nothing particularly interesting about the story, but the sentiment is there. Due to licensing issues, TMNT titles had been delayed outside the US and all the 5 first issues of the ongoing series out this week as well, so a good change to read them all.
Batmann #5
By Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion
DC Comics
Taylor says: Snyder and Capullo showed promise early, and are stylistically exactly what Batman needed following the complexity of Morrison’s tenure, and the Jim Lee-lite approach of Tony Daniel. The Court of Owls seemed goofy at first, but has gotten progressively more creepy and disturbing. This issue increases the creep, and shows us a Batman rapidly fragmenting within the Owls’ maze, driven insane by sleep deprivation, hunger, probably hallucinogens, and the unforeseen power of just how unknown Gotham is to Bruce.
This picks up on the great work Snyder did with Dick Grayson’s Batman, in imbuing Gotham with a sick, twisted personality all of itself, and trapping Batman within “his” city is a great use of this development.
I haven’t even mentioned Capullo’s art yet, or the playing around with page perspectives (the single most innovative technique in a big two book this century? Not that that says huge amounts. . .), so please, discover all the other good stuff for yourself. This book is a great read.
