2018.045 Astonishing X-Men Vol 1: Life Of X

Astonishing X-Men Vol 1: Life Of X
Written by: Charles Soule
Illustrated by: Jim Cheung, Mark Morales, Guillermo Ortego, Walden Wong, Mike Deodato Jr, Ed McGuinness, Carlos Pacheo, Rafael Fonteriz, Ramon Rosanas, Mike Del Mundo
Marvel Comics

176 Wonder Woman Vol 4: Godwatch

One of the better books being published today.  Solid, consistent and a joy to read.

Wonder Woman Vol 4: Godwatch
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Bilquis Evely, Mirka Andolfo, Nicola Scott, Scott Hanna, Mark Morales, Andrew Hennessy, Raul Fernandez
DC Comics

039 Deathstroke Vol 1: The Professional

I haven't been a fan of Deathstroke in a long time.  As is a running theme in this blog, it's because of the New 52 reinterpretation of the character.  That version is so far removed from the actual Deathstroke that I just don't care anymore.  I read a couple issues of the New 52 relaunch and completely wrote off the character.  For good.  Or so I thought.

A friend gave me this trade to read.  Against my better judgement, I did read it.  I say "against my better judgement" because I hate this version of the character and I'm not a fan of Christopher Priest.  I don't really like his writing.  But I read it.  And I have to admit, I kind of liked it.  As is a theme with many of the Rebirth titles, Priest took the New 52 version and has stripped back as much of the new stuff as he could, returning Slade Wilson back to where he was in the past.  Or as close as he could.  Things still aren't quite the same, but we're in the neighborhood.

If I had to find one fault in this trade, it's the use of flashbacks.  I don't mind this tool, but in this book it felt too jarring to me.  But otherwise, I found it to be a good read.  And I'm willing to come back for more.

Deathstroke Vol 1: The Professional

Writer: Christopher Priest

Artist: Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz, Larry Hama, Joe Bennett, Mark Morales, Belardino Barbo

DC Comics

029 Aquaman Vol 1: The Drowning

New 52 Aquaman was one of the few bright points of DC's whole New 52 fiasco.  It brought Aquaman back to the A List.  What worked best about the book is it really didn't discard all of his past, it didn't drastically alter the character and it was well written.  And with the exception of Cullen Bunn's short run on the book, the whole run has been solid.  Dan Abnett took over for the last New 52 arc and continues on to the Rebirth run.

The trade starts off with the Rebirth Special.  I wasn't that impressed with it.  It honestly felt like a fill in issue rather than a new start.  Even the first couple of issues of this story felt off to me.  Really, it felt like a fill-in issue in between the regular creative team.  But as I read, I got pulled deeper in to the story.  I like the direction it's going in right now.  I do have an issue or two with the series, but they're minor.  First, I don't know if Dan Abnett has really captured who Mera is.  She seems a little off.  I'm willing to give him time, though.  The other gripe is the art.  I think it's the reason this partially read like a fill-in story to me.  While there's nothing bad about the art, it's just not that remarkable to me.  It's fine, but unmemorable.

Aquaman Vol 1: The Drowning

Writer: Dan Abnett

Artist: Scot Eaton, Oscar Jimenez, Mark Morales, Brad Walker, Andrew Hennessy, Wayne Faucher, Philippe Briones

DC Comics