Steven M. Bari Comic Reviews

Abe Sapien: The Drowning provides every emotional and narrative beat you expect while slipping in another ten right under your nose -- and it's only chapter one!

What are you waiting for? Buy it Now!

Buy the previous issues before stepping into the deep end. It's worth it!

Great Story. Great Art. Great Buy!

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Ironically, "New Ways to Die" seems to be about classic characters in their new lives. Slott and Romita Jr. are challenging my conceptions of what Spider-Man is and piquing my interest. Yet will any of these changes live long enough to be fulfilling? We shall see.

Amazing Spider-Man New Ways to Die is well-crafted multi-thread yarn that continues to unravel the unexpected.

Its akin to a theater director stepping in for an actor, visibly separating himself from the control and management of the play, and donning a costume to enter that world of drama or comedy. Or tragedy. Osborn entrance into the footlights as the Green Goblin is the climax of the penultimate act, which positions our characters towards a resolution. And it isnt going to pretty.

With all this hitting the fan, how can you resist finding out "New Ways to Die"?

Overall, this issue was good in its parts, but could not sustain thematic momentum to drive the last nail into "New Ways to Die."

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A new classic for young and old.

Month after month, Avengers: The Initiative has emotion, action, and humor with both accessibility and high quality. Fall in!

Avengers: The Initiative is a thrilling and energetic narrative that takes its characters seriously but still lets them have fun. When Physique makes an Obi-wan Kenobi reference about Iron Man's post-mortem message, the Baron is at a complete loss. "You've never seen Star Wars?" asks Trauma. "What were you, living in a cave?" "Possibly a bunker," replies the Baron. Brilliant.

Avengers: The Initiative # 17 is dense with plot and character development. But the thrilling ride may be made melancholic. Considering the emphasis on Crusaders personal journey in every issue, something heartbreaking is sure to occur. Yet, you cant help but want to see this disaster waiting to happen.

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Overall, B.P.R.D. 1946 is an expertly executed macabre chronicle that gets darker and darker with each issue.

This is my first complete arc of a BPRD series and Im ready to delve into more. BPRD: 1946 may have had a sad ending, but its the beginning of beautiful infatuation.

BPRD: The Warning # 1 is a surprisingly sub par comic from this creative team and one that is needlessly inaccessible to new readers.

Disappointing art sullies a good comic.

Cable isn't the same blow-it-up series of the 1990s, but an integral part of the X-Men's future with emotion and passion. And explosions. And a baby.

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In conclusion, the series' final bow is so laugh out loud funny, thrilling, and actually touching, that it's sad to think that not enough people picked up this book. Despite being under-read and suffering from low sales, its fans have been steadfast and loyal for good reason. Go find out why.

Overall, I was really displeased with this issue. Yet if you are a new comer to the series, this is good place to start as it serves as an adequate introduction to Cable.

Sadly, I don't care and will regrettably not follow this series. Admittedly, I arrive at this conclusion under the most biased of circumstances, for the permanent marker that is nostalgia has tainted me. Therefore, though I may dislike this book, those of you who enjoy large team books that have multiple plots threads, family characters, and outdated hairdos, then Clandestine #3 is for you.

$3.99. Flash light and sheet not included.

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Drafted is a heart wrenching war drama that is comprehensible to new readership as it deals with human trauma rather than big space opera.

Its a cross between Nova and Strangers in Paradise. And really good!

"Terry More does an acre more straight-up, memorable storytelling in one black & white issue of Echo than either of the two comics giants in a years worth of their prolix, boring, barren crossover events, reads Harlan Ellison's blurb on the back cover, and man has it right on the money. For $3.50 you get a suspenseful science fiction thriller that manages to humanize its characters with all the nuance you expect from the Strangers in Paradise creator. Moreover, it comes out on time! You can expect another installment of this series every month, folks. So dont be stupid and lazy!

Terry Moore's Echo is amazing!

So, if you want a break from the ultra realism of todays mainstream comics, pick up Envoy # 1 and hope Gary Philips will embrace brevity in issue #2.

Fallen Angel: Reborn # 3 is terrific adventure story with plenty of pathos and humor, delivered by two extraordinary artists. With an easy to follow narrative, there's no need to worry about the first two issues, but trust me they are well worth tracking down.

Overall, Fear Agent: Hatchet Job # 3 of 5 is a fun sci-fi excursion.

To everyone nagging and complaining that there isn't enough comic books aimed at younger audiences, shove this into your child's hands. It isn't educational, but it will certainly keep them entertained and occupied for quite a while. Moreover, Franklin Richards: Spring Break can be reread over and over again, making it a solid investment for your little one and you.

I wouldn't normally recommend a book like this, but given that you know the story of this alternate dimension, you may find it exciting. In any case, the issue also has a back-up reprint of the What the Mutant Beach Party! that is definitely worth reading. Kurt Busiek, Kyle Baker, and Hector Collazo parody the "The Fall of the Mutants" with tongue-in-cheek humor and plenty of booty shots.

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Writing and storytelling great. Indie art style not so much.

My only complaint about Grendel: Behold the Devil is the paper quality and price. For $3.50, you get a very worthwhile investment printed on the thickest, non-glossy paper stock available. It is really necessary? I personally dont think so. I like the series so Ill buy into it, but expect to hear me bitch about it.

If you have been following along, this issue will not leave you disappointed. For those who havent, either wait for the trade paperback or find yourself some back issues, but get your hands on this exciting, bloody cat and mouse game.

Although this isn't the epitome of adventure comics or the must-read-comic-of-now, Guardians of the Galaxy is a space adventure that is fun and engaging, and definitely worth your three bucks.

Every issue of Guardians of Galaxy thus far has been a wild adventure, exploring the far reaches of sci-fi fantasy and group dynamics. It embraces the rich character interactions of classic X-Men and Avengers without irony or an overbearing sense of nostalgia. It is a series with a primacy for developing its characters and enjoying that growth. In short, its fun.

Pick it up in trade or hound down the floppies, but read HellBoy: The Crooked Man. Youll never look at a bridled horse the same way again.

Great art. Satisfying story. Continuity makes no sense.

Judenhass is an important book and four dollars for this amount of information and insight should be considered stealing. As Sim says, this age of diminishing attention spans needs to know about the Shoah more than ever and with Judenhass's 25 minute reading span even the slowest reader keep up.

Overall, The Last Defenders #1 has great material to work with, but suffers from clunky transitions, disconnected side stories, and very bad jokes.

I do hope this series finds some sturdy feet to stand on because it has potential in Nighthawk's pathos and eventual resolve. But with a team of lackluster characters like this, I'm not interested.

This has all the elements of being exciting, but falters due to awkward writing and inappropriate visual aesthetics.

Which, incidentally, is the same advice I give to all you new readers of this book. Don't move in yet!

Extraordinarily, this is my first issue of Nova and by the end of it, I was drawn into the vast universe by these intimate and relevant characters. They were heroic and engaging, but also very well defined. Warlock was quirky and humorous. Tyro had a youthful bravado coupled with genuine appreciation for what his teacher had taught him. Despite the fact that both of them are the most inhumanly designed aliens, they resonate with the reader and provide good reason for continued reading.

On Art: Alves and Burges do a terrific job in the massive design of Galactus and his ship. For instance, both artists keep the character's size and grandeur in perspective to the other characters and scenes around him. He is above and yet watchful of what is around him. His gaze is intense, and his decisions unquestionable, but his eyes are aloof and knowing. He need not demand reason or explain himself. Alves and Burges expertly convey this silent and powerful character visually.

If they arent willing to give a care, why should I? 'Nuff said.

As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I was dissatisfied and completely under-whelmed.

For this reason, She-Hulk #27 is a great read far fans looking for more substantive Marvel comics. Moreover, David's spot on female characterization will definitely resonant with female fans. If you haven't been reading thus far, start now!

A surprisingly inventive story! Seek and ye should buy!

A terrific ensemble of story, art, and subject matter.

But what do you do with a comic you can't read? Salivate over Mike Choi's art. His work isn't just perfect anatomically and thematically. It's sexy! As a guy, you can't help but feel the attraction toward any of his women -- especially Emma Frost! With her hair pulled back, her bare neck and shoulders reveal what Ovid referred to as fit to be squeezed. That attractiveness is displayed in each of the characters' body language and facial expressions. Coupled with dynamic perspectives, the artwork provides a good deal of subtext and emotion to Brubaker's dialogue. Although Uncanny X-Men continues to be a great series and deserves to be picked up, spoiler-haters should be cautious.

So if dont wanna miss out on half-naked women, giant robots, beautiful sunsets, and the future of the X-Men, buy this book!

Instead, Usagi Yojimbo is a samurai adventure akin to Samurai Executioner and Lone Wolf and Cub, geared for all ages. There isnt bloody splattering violence or lewd sexual behavior, but the morality tale set around the noble bushido bunny is no less moving than its Japanese roots. The completeness of issues story follows the hallmark of the genre while letting new readers to pick it up easily. Usagi Yojimbo #110 is accessible and enjoyable without requiring knowledge of earlier issues or a degree in Japanese culture. Or anthropomorphic physiology.

Will he nab her? Or will Wolverine skid off cliff and fall down toward a deep chasm below? It's worth finding out.

Will this be the end for Mystique? We shall see, but it's the end of Jason Aaron and Rob Garney's "Get Mystique" story arc, which has been the best Wolverine solo story I've read so far. I hope the creative team comes back for another beat down.

Lastly, the book has a flowing narrative. The dialogue isn't cumbersome, the action moves smoothly, and nothing inhibits you from enjoying this story. Even if you haven't read the last issue, you can still follow along.

Best use of a clichd line ever! Seriously funny!

But this has been a great series overall, and I'm really looking forward to next issue.

Lastly, if Romulus turns out to be Sabertooth (which is just an inference from his silhouette), I'm going to be really disappointed.

The reader, however, is closer than ever to understanding his intent and already set up for a new larger arc, "Original Sin." So it's up to Way and whoever is pencilling this story--be it the humbling humanity of Steve Dillon or the hyper-realistic pathos of Stephen Segovia--to prove those nasty critics wrong.

Accessibility. Intrigue. Good old fashion brawls. Add in some good characterization and terrific art, Wolverine Origins #28 is must buy.

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To those interested in jumping into the X-Men saga, here's your landing pad.

Best X-title youll read this month!

And if you're looking for a good jumping on point, start reading with this issue.

Overall, the best thing about this issue is that it ends this arc and we can get back to business as usual.

Now, in all honesty if you aren't the least bit interested in Quicksilver, this book isn't for you. I don't think his well-written sulking insanity will garner converts, but fans of X-Factor and Peter David in general will thoroughly enjoy this book, as well as readers looking for a good hero awakening story. Although not much else may come out of this one-shot, Quicksilver will be a usable player for some writer to use in the future and thankfully that writer won't have to dig the character out of ton of emotional baggage.

Bloodbath. Angels. Severed Heads. Oh yeah. That's the spot.

Mike Choi Art. Archangel vs. Wolfsbane. Awesome!

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X-Men: Divided We Stand #2 is a must read for those X-Men fans that want to stay in the know of everyone who's not really important. Sad. True. But still a good comic!

Scot Eaton does great job in these scenes, particularly with facial expressions. Xavier's misplaced rage towards Cyclops' presumed mismanagement of the X-Men is sobering. You can honestly understand why Xavier feels so shameful of his actions just from the artwork. Although the Sinister-body-snatcher-machine is a little trite, given that this would the second time Marvel has gotten close to emulating Battlestar Galatica, it will certainly make the rest of this series interesting, especially with regards to Charles Xavier.

One of the headier X-books, X-Men: Legacy is a great buy for fans of talking heads and good character studies.

Will Charles Xavier buy a Christmas goose for Tiny Tim? Or will he miser over his black, black coal? Bah Humbug!

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So X-fans have another great issue on their hands, and one that will leave them drooling for more. Yet those of you who never picked up an X-book (and I know you do exist!) should look into the many other X-titles like the First Class series and Marvel Essentials for acclamation. Otherwise, expect to be lost.

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