Wess Reads Comics - Week of 1/18/17

Each week, Wess grabs a few issues from his stack of comics to share his thoughts with you. If you're looking for a place for brief, initial impressions, then this is it! Have questions about books that Wess didn't review? Then leave a comment below!

Green Lanterns #15

Credit: DC Comics

Written by: Sam Humphries
Art by: Tom Derenick, Miguel Mendonca, Scott Hanna, & Blond
Published by: DC Comics

I started reading Green Lanterns, really, on a whim with the dawn of Rebirth. This title follows two of Earth's Lanterns and their ability to complement and supplement each other. I never was very interested in Simon Baz when he debuted during the New 52, but for some reason I was intrigued by Jessica Cruz's story. Now seeing how they interact with each other it makes for some great storytelling. This particular issue is profound for anyone whose life is impacted by knowing someone, or being someone, who has an anxiety disorder. We've seen Green Lanterns conquer fear before but seeing Jessica battle her anxiety and then channel that power herself is a great metaphor for anyone out there struggling with his illness. This is a single issue that doesn't make up a longer, more intricate story arc that would be a good gift to someone looking for some encouragement.

Grade: A

Credit: Image Comics

Curse Words #1
Written by: Charles Soule
Art by: Ryan Browne, Jordan Boyd, & Michael Parkinson
Published by: Image Comics

Image Comics is a great publisher that puts out some great comics. Just about everything I've ever read is so unique and has the ability to tell an interesting story that you don't always get in a superhero comic. So when I heard Curse Words was coming out, I decided to pick it up and give it a try. Charles Soule has put out some good work before. You can check out issues 1-12 of Superman/Wonder Woman, Civil War (vol. 2 from the Secret Wars II storyline), and the Death of Wolverine. What we get here is a cool take on using wizards and magic in modern times but in some nefarious ways. The main character, Wizord, is presented in most of the issue as being your typical good guy who comes to Earth and starts doing good. But you quickly realize that he seems to be in it for the wrong reasons and isn't afraid of doing some pretty evil things to get what he wants. Weaved in to all of that are bits of a backstory that leaves you wanting to know more about his past and what drove him to Earth. My favorite part is Wizord granting a dumb wish to a "Justin Bieber" amalgamation type guy. Definitely worth a try.

Grade: B+


PULL LIST

DC Comics

• Batman #15 by Tom King & Mitch Gerads
• Green Lanterns #15 by Sam Humphries, Tom Derenick, Miguel Mendonca, Scott Hanna, & Blond
• Justice League #13 by Tim Seely, Scott Eaton, Wayne Faucher, & Gabe Eltaeb
• Justice League of America: The Ray -  Rebirth #1 by Steve Orlando & Stephen Byrne
• Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #5 by Joshua Williamson, Robson Rocha, Jay Leisten, Daniel Henriques, Sandy Florea, Oclair Albert, Alex Sinclair, & Jeremiah Skipper
• Nightwing #13 by Tim Seely, Marcus To, & Chris Sotomayor
• Superman #15 by Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Ryan Sook, Ed Benes, Clay Mann, & Jorge Jimenez
• Trinity #5 by Francis Manapul

Marvel

• Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy #4 by Dan Scott, Jim Cheung, John Dell, Cory Smith, & Justin Ponsor

Image

• Curse Words #1 by Charles Soule & Ryan Browne