Batman and Absolute Power Shine, Spider-Man Reign 2 Doesn't - July 3 Comic Reviews

This week’s comic book reviews. While I try to read everything, I can’t review everything. So, if you’re a publisher who wants me to check out their upcoming releases, email me at [email protected]!

DC Comics

Batman #150 - Chip Zdarsky, Denys Cowan, Jorge Jimenez, John Stanisci, Tomeau Morey, Clayton Cowles, Mike Hawthorne, Adriano Di Benedetto, Romulo Fajardo Jr - What happens when a two-bit crook discovers Batman’s identity and tries to leverage it to fix his falling-apart life? The first story featuring the legendary Cowan on main art duties highlights what makes Batman such a great hero and how he strives to make people’s lives better in Gotham City, as a perp tries to figure out what to do with the valuable information. The comic is a welcome detour from usual events, as Batman gracefully operates in the shadows throughout. The second story tying in the Absolute Power event showcases the power Amanda Waller has achieved and what the heroes are up against. 9/10

Absolute Power - Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sanchez, and Ariana Maher — The beautiful and shocking opening page of Superman falling, bleeding as gun pierces through his usual super-skin shows how far heroes have fallen and the challenge they’re up against Waller. The story is impactful, the art is gorgeous as Dan Mora casts a wide-net around the DC Universe, and the twists are intriguing. A great first-issue to an event with tons of promise. 8.5/10

Justice Society of America #10 - Geoff Johns, Mikel Janin, Marco Santucci, John Kalisz, and Jordie Bellaire - Janin drawing this book continues to be a pure joy, as his interpretations of the JSA with Bellaire’s colors makes these characters shine. The story here is fine with Johns setting up the JSA vs the Legion of Super-Heroes with some fun stuff happening in between. 7.5/10

Marvel Comics

Life of Wolverine - Jim Zub, Ramon F. Bachs, Java Tartaglia, and VC’s Joe Sabino - While the creative team does their best to make Life of Wolverine work, the format ultimately feels like a major missed opportunity. After seeing Fantastic Four Grand Design and X-Men Grand Design where writers and artists brought their own styles and flair in retelling storied histories, this just feels like a lesser attempt at doing that with significantly less free reign. 5/10

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 - Derek Landy, Ron Lim, Don Ho, Israel Silva, and VC’s Joe Caramagna - The latest chapter in the Infinity Watch crossover features a fun time-travelling adventure starring Overtime and Spider-Man that has me convinced Landy would be a fine choice for the new ASM title, as he does a great job with the iconic web-slinger, especially with humor. The book also packs more of an emotional punch than expected. I enjoyed this low-stakes affair leading into a much higher-stakes storyline. 8/10

Spider-Man: Reign 2 #1 - Kaare Andrews, Brian Reber, and VC’s Joe Caramagna - There is no reason this book should exist as the disgusting, mediocre edge-lord storytelling felt like it overstayed its welcome after the first issue of the original miniseries. Spider-Man: Reign 2 #1 does nothing to change my mind. 2/10

Skybound Comics

Scarlett #2 - Kelly Thompson, Marco Ferrari, Lee Loughridge, and Rus Wooton - Scarlett is quickly becoming my favorite G.I. Joe title from the Energon Universe at Skybound Comics. The new issue dials up the action as Scarlett’s mission gets bloody quick. The writing and artwork remain incredibly sharp, as the central mission becomes more dangerous for Scarlett. 9/10