Why I Love Comics

Checking In With Eric's Pull List!

Why I Love Comics rundown for books coming out July 30th, 2008

Hey readers! As always I am Eric Ratcliffe and this is WHY I LOVE COMICS, the weekly column reviewing the best books on my pull list Definitely an interesting week as we saw the end of a Secret Invasion tie-in, two Wolverine titles (which were both strong), the launch of the post apocalyptic Wildcats and the end to both the Dummies Guide to Danger and the first Dresden Files mini-series. Lets get right into it!

Wolverine: Origins #27 elaborates more on Daken's origin story which is actually tied to a character who's become a major thorn in our favorite Canadian mutant's side. The character in question is someone who I've actually been enjoying more and more as a villain and, lately, has been fleshed out even more as a character within the Marvel Universe.

It only took 20 some odd issues but Daniel Way is finally on a roll. The title's quality has gone up a few notches in recent months and its actually become something enjoyable to read. It was a bit of a disappointment. This time out, those last few pages leave me excited to see where this is heading.

WildCats: Worlds End #1 takes place in the post apocalyptic future after the world has ended. This all comes to us thanks, apparently, to some of the members of the WildCats team. I'll admit up front that Grifter is the only one I really know a lot about from this team. The villain at the end is a giant what??? moment. Last I checked, he was this world's Superman or at least that's what I thought Majestic was supposed to be.

This issue is all Christos Gage with strong storytelling and perfect characterization for most of the characters. I can't wait to see where it's heading and I really hope one day Grant Morrison and Jim Lee can complete their own WildCats from days past.

Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #3 ties up all the plot points from the first two issues with a very predictable ending for this mini-series. The registration act is once again thrown into question as we hear how the retired Fixer was captured. It definitely provides another strike against the act itself. It's a decent ending to a tie-in book but I'm not sure how this will tie into the main series in the long run.

Project Superpowers #5 finally has everyone coming together to face off against the big bad. Everyone believes that Fighting Yank is dead, but he seems to be gaining mysterious healing powers. It's a fun issue and I've had fun with the whole series so far. Personally, not only can't I wait for the spin off Black Terror ongoing but the two mini-series. It will be interesting to see where the first series leaves off in a short two issues.

Ultimate Spiderman #124 continues the Venom plot jumping from different points in time. The dialogue, as usual, is realistic for the teenagers of the book and the plot itself moves along nicely. That said, it's a bit confusing as to where this lies in the ultimate world continuity. I really only read this book as of late when it comes to anything "ultimate" and, at least for this series, I'm excited to see where things are heading.

Amazing Spiderman Extra presents three stories and should really have just been called an annual. Hammerhead Returns is written by Joe Kelly with awesome artwork by Chris Bachalo. The story gives us full insight into the Hammerhead's past and what is certainly his very disturbing future. It's a fun read but not my favorite of the book. The Trial of Spiderman features Pete getting sued and having Matt Murdock attempt to save our friendly neighborhood web slinger. It's a fun story which has and ending that's satisfying and features some very close friends. The final story in the book was about Harry Osborn's birthday. Here, Peter ends up getting into a fight which proves fun because we never see brash Peter anymore. All in all, its a nice little extra and I can't wait to see where some of these stories come from and what they are attached to on down the road.

Reign in Hell #1 is good... strong as well. We get appearances from the Shadowpact, certain members of the various factions of hell and a very fan favorite ghost couple. I am intrigued a lot by this series and can't wait to see where it heads next.

Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle ends with issue #4. What a great mini-series this was. It seemed to be a mix of the television series and the books but it seemed to borrow more from the books. It ends in an very satisfying way and gives you a taste for what's coming next. Speaking of that, it's actually an adaptation of Storm Front set to start coming out in October.

Skaar: Son of Hulk #2 advances the story but really leaves me a bit confused. It's a case of too much action and not enough storytelling for my taste. I'm glad this is an ongoing. If it were a six issue mini it would not work. I have full faith in Greg Pak so we'll see where the story takes us.

Blue Beetle #29 introduces us to the new regular writer Mathew Sturgess who matches Pete and Jon's take on the character and his supporting cast perfectly. I am so happy that the book is maintaining it's quality after Jon left as it deserves all the attention it gets. This issue also starts a new storyline which has Peacemaker training some type of border patrol. It also introduces a new foe for our characters who I hope to see given more depth. Blue Beetle is a great read that should gain more readers.

Wolverine #67 continues the Old Man Logan storyline as Hawkeye and Logan make their way toward their destination. Part 2 is just as strong as part 1 in both story and art which is great to see. We are given more back story as to how the world has what it is and we even get to learn how the villains broke Logan. Millar had me write away using Clint as Logan's partner but it's definitely evolved into a surprisingly strong story. I absolutely love these guys and want them to stay on the book for the immediate future. With those last few pages, this should get interesting...

Teen Titans #61 has a loose plot point finally resolved as Beetle and Kid Devil are forced to work together. As in all good buddy movies, the guys eventually come to a respect for each other and find themselves able to work together. Oh, before I forget... McKeever actually uses Beetle's supporting cast! This is definitely one of the best issues of the book so far and it's getting stronger as Mckeever's run continues. Also, Kid Devil gains a new codename/costume which hints at things to come.

Justice Society Annual #1 has Power Girl returning to Earth-2 which is a good and a bad thing. The story in the book itself is actually more about Huntress than Power Girl. As usual, when the twist of the book happens we get fists instead of rational people. At the end of the book there is no real closure. This is a good thing as it means more Earth-2 but it's also a bad thing as it means it wasn't really a one shot. The story proves a surprisingly solid read though and here's hoping it pays off in the long run for the book.

Book of the Week!!! Dummy' Guide to Danger #4 manages to capture the slasher vibe as well as the mystery vibe as everything pays off for the finale. The art is top notch and the writing is solid. The whole mini-series has been strong and in my opinion a real sleeper hit of the summer. The culprit behind the murders is revealed and everything just clicks. I just can't say enough good things about the book. I can't wait for a Volume 3 if there is one. Sadly Joe and Jason's second book this week, Serpo didn't come in for me but I will hopefully have a review for it next week. Definitely do yourselves a favor and pick this up now.

Rounding out this week's pull, Green Lantern #33 continues the secret origin of Hal Jordan and gives more back history to his and Sinestro's mutual past. It helps move the story to its finale and gives us more insight into their relationship. I really love the book and can't say enough positive things about it as Geoff manages to build unique layers to each thing he writes and it's a blast to see pay off each time we make our way to the long run.

That does it for this week! Join me next week as Final Crisis, Echo and The Boys are released.

Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching dvd's, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice.