Comics Review - w/c Wednesday 9th October 2013

**Spoilers**      **Spoilers**      **Spoilers**

Just on a side note, separate to the below reviews, disappointing to hear news this week that Vibe has been cancelled by DC. A shame to see it go after only ten issues and it was building things up nicely. No doubt it will be replaced with another Batman / Superman title.

It’s understandable to see a company make a decision to maximise profit but some variety would not be a bad thing.

This week’s titles.

The Walking Dead #115

Robert Kirkman – Writer

Charlie Adlard – Art

In #115, The Walking Dead begins its ‘All Out War’ storyline.

This is represents the culmination of one of the comic’s longest arcs going back to, at least, #100, where Negan first appears to brutally kill Glenn in front of Rick, Maggie etc. Since then, the last 15 issues have been carefully structured highlighting Rick’s journey from one of submission to now open rebellion against the Saviors.

Along with the occupants from Alexandria, Rick combines forces with those from the Hilltop and the Kingdom to march upon Negan’s forces. The start of the issue is very poignant as Rick reflects with Andrea that, despite everything they have been through, this represents their biggest challenge. The ensuing battle is likely to be a drawn-out affair as the comic states this will be a 12-issue arc. As such, I expect several twists and turns before things conclude and it wouldn’t be the Walking Dead without at least a few character deaths.

This is where the comic really excels for me. Given the high turnover of characters, it still manages to introduce new individuals that the readers care about and, when they die, their deaths still mean something. Credit for this lies with Kirkman who continues to create believable characters.

An example of strong characterisation is seen with Michonne’s ‘potential’ start of a relationship with Ezekial. As time goes by, she is seen more and more as a tragic, sympathetic figure who, behind the impressive sword-wielding skills, is desperately trying to connect with someone in the harsh environment she finds herself in.

Rating: 4/5

Infinity #4

Jonathan Hickman – Writer

Jerome Opena, Dusin Weaver - Art

Whilst the pages of Avengers and New Avengers focus on specific areas of battle, the Infinity comic itself has the unenviable job of covering a little bit of everything.

This makes the outcome even more impressive as Hickman is managing the project amazingly well as it is certainly the most wide-ranging ‘event’ I have read when it comes to comics.

The majority of the first half of the issue covers the fallout of Black Bolt’s destruction of Atillan in his act of defiance against Thanos. This results in unleashing the terrigenesis bomb and spreads the terrigen mist across Earth, ‘activating’ those with dormant Inhuman DNA. Unfortunately for Black Bolt, Thanos rises from the rubble of Atillan and beats the holy hell out of him. As someone who read the recent Thanos Rising mini-series, this was an excellent continuance of the character seen in that title. Thanos shows himself to be a villain that, when one-on-one, is the better of most, if not all, the superheroes.

As the issue shifts to the Avengers battling The Builders in space, this section can be summarised quite simply. Thor…

Thor is sent to negotiate with one of the Creators and, when this does not go too well, he puts Mjolnir to good use in an incredible ‘death’ scene. Whilst this was a good overall issue, that is how I will remember the comic.

Aside from his own title, Thor has been very much underused by Marvel recently. Yes, he is in several teams but his contribution has been fairly limited as the usual suspects of Cap and Iron Man take centre stage. Infinity #4 puts him to great use and I hope this is something that is built upon.

Rating: 4/5


Captain America #12

Rick Remender – Writer

Carlos Pacheco, Klaus Janson – Art

The last two issues of Captain America have included some aspects which have not sat well with some internet Cap purists.

Firstly, was his burning of some of his prized possessions as part of his attempts to move on from his experiences in Dimension Z.

In #12, he breaks down in tears when explaining his loss of both Sharon and Ian to Falcon.

Certainly, in terms of the latter anyway, it would have been wrong if something like this wasn’t featured. Given the unique nature of the Dimension Z storyline, one which lasted years for Cap, there had to be some fallout to this before just going into the next storyline. As such, I thought this was handled well and it seems these are issues which will remain in the comic for a while at least.

Also featured here is Nuke as he continues his rampage across Eastern Europe. This feels very much out of place at the moment as there is no connect between this and Cap. I’m sure this will change, likely in the next issue but, at the moment, it makes it feel disjointed.

Rating: 3/5