Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Weekly Rankings For 09/24/08

Here are this week’s comics ranked prior to reading them:

7. Flash Gordon #1
6. Hulk #6
5. Wolverine Origins #28
4. Back to Brooklyn #1
3. Star Wars Legacy #28
2. Captain America #42
1. X-Men Legacy #216

Here are the rankings after the first read through with a mini-review:

7. Back to Brooklyn #1
Ennis, Palmiotti & Vukelic

I picked this issue up due to the buzz surrounding it. I liked the concept and after the initial read I liked the execution, but didn’t love it. I found two sets of dialogue very difficult to follow – the opening scene when the agent is talking to the cop and the scene when they are playing cards. I just couldn’t find the vibe in the character interactions. The artwork was very unique. I did find the characters to have a hypnotizing look to them that I personally liked. I’m curious to see where the series goes. I’m not sure I would classify this as a mafia comic or a crime comic or just a revenge type comic.

6. Wolverine Origins #28
Way, Deodato & Beredo

I bought this issue because I plan to follow the crossover “Original Sin” and this is the prologue. However, reading the solicitation I thought this was going to be better than it was. This story just helps place Wolverine’s son Daken in the current continuity. Additionally, the issue bridges the gap between Wolverine’s first appearance (a fight with the Hulk) and meeting Xavier. It’s a nice issue but really isn’t required reading for any arc that I could detect. The artwork is very interesting because almost every character in it looks like a monster. I kind of liked it that way too.

5. Star Wars Legacy #28
Ostrander, Duursema & Parsons

The start of a new arc has a bit of a slow start. Since this story is Vector rolling in we have an awful lot of explanations and character placements that it has to occur. The issue is good, but not the usual standard of excellence this title has a reputation for. I did like how the ending picked up the pace and the near death of a main character. Cade and Celeste will have an interesting interaction throughout this arc and this story provided a glimpse into that. The art was outstanding as usual. It was interesting to see this interpretation for Celeste. She does have a bit of a possessed look that she didn’t really have in the previous parts to Vector.

4. Hulk #6
Loeb, McGuinness, Vines & Keith

The sky is falling. I liked this issue more than Star Wars Legacy! Hulk fights Rulk and Thor weighs in for round two. This issue has a ton of action and it finally gives some satisfactory character interaction. I guess this issue marks the end of the opening arc and it gives a very interesting ending. One alliance is formed and another is broken. The art is good but not great. This is a strong issue for this series.

3. Flash Gordon #1
Deneen & Green

This was a fun issue. The only exposure I’ve had to Flash Gordon is the rockin’ 1970s movie and this was an awesome take on the genre. Flash Gordon has an awesome attitude and delivers excellent dialogue throughout the issue. This comic establishes his character immediately and it works really well in this story. This issue takes our main characters to the spaceship and pushes them towards the light for the cliffhanger. The artwork is very unique. It reminds me a little of Mike Wieringo which was brilliant in its style. I found the art to fit this story perfectly. I am not crazy about the price tag, but I will be looking to squeeze this title into my budget.

2. Captain America #42
Brubaker, Epting & Ross

This is the ending to the Death of Captain America epic. No, Steve doesn’t return, but this is an incredible story nonetheless. Bucky takes a backseat in this story in some ways as the comic is really about Sharon. The usage of the cast has been brilliant all along and this issue is no exception. The ending is perhaps as good as the arc has been as two very huge threads are left loose. One of which provides an unforgettable image of someone walking in the city disguised. The artwork provides a somber feel to the comic that fits this arc as it doesn’t really feel like a true victory. This is a must read comic. I cant recommend this enough.

1. X-Men Legacy #216
Carey, Briones & Hanna

What can I say? I love this title that much. This entire issue is Emma dissecting the mind of Xavier. She calls him out on many of his decisions and it isn’t pretty. Xavier is a manipulator and it’s nice to see him protest to his mind being probed so much and yet he never asked permission from those heads that he’s jumped into. The issue gives some good expansion on some flashbacks and really helps to reset the status of Professor X. It’s a great read. It raises so many questions about morality and responsibility. The artwork provides a nice contrast between present times and the flashbacks. It would seem Scott and Xavier have finally severed all ties with this arc’s ending.