Week in Reviews

Image Comics continues to dominate my pull list, though this batch of reviews includes 3 Marvel titles, 2 Image titles, and one from DC. So Marvel wins this round, but only due to the timing of publishing schedules.

Bitch Planet 3
Every third issue is a one-off for this comic, with writer DeConnick focusing on one of the inmates' backstory, with a guest artist. This issue tells us about Penny Rolle. Penny really comes alive as an actual person via slices from her life pre-incarceration and if you don't get angry on her behalf at the injustice done her, you're just an unfeeling... well, you get the idea. This is an important comic and I can't recommend it enough.

Lazarus 15
AKA when the sh*t hits the fan. Or, when the status quo changes. Hock vs Carlyle with Forever Carlyle battling Hock's designated lazarus champion, with the actual fight comprising the bulk of the issue. Rucka's strong control of the dystopian world he's created is impressive and Lark's art is scarily realistic. Kudos, too, for the coloring by Arcas. And that ending.... Argh. I can't wait til next month.

Black Widow 15
Natasha continues to battle Chaos, with an assist from the Winter Soldier! For some reason, it never seems like much happens in each issue, and yet, a lot does. I love the art, I love the action, and I'm hoping the conclusion makes it all worth it, but for some reason, I can't completely get into this book.

Ms. Marvel 12
A one-off with Loki sent to see if any of the Inventor's minions are still lurking about Kamala's school. And Loki being Loki and this being a Valentine's Day story, Loki plays Cupid. Sorta. Fun stuff.

Legendary Star-Lord 9
I have no idea why I bothered reading this since I'm not reading the other books in the Black Vortex storyline and I have no idea who half the heroes are. But it was pretty to look at.

Red Hood and the Outlaws 39
Aside from rehashing character development from earlier in the series, Komand'r finds Kori, pretends to want to kill her, but then saves her life. Meanwhile, Rose Wilson shows up while Jason and Roy are looking for Kori because she's got a contract and then there's a big reunion with everyone, and then the baddies show up. And all of this is no big deal, just another comic book story. I'd really hoped for more depth when Lobdell returned to this book.