Although a full fledged action story, there has been a considerable amount of focus given to the relationship of a father and a son. The story revolves around the father –son duo and it is not just the story of the two that keeps you hooked on to it but also the inherent complexities of the relationship between a father and a son.

To add to this wonderful father-son story, is the art work, which is absolutely wonderful. Chris Scalf has given it a lot of work and his hard work is reflected in the outcome. The artwork completely compliments the wonderful story.

Scalf’s artwork is not just merely good but is exemplary and can be compared with that of Ralf McQuarrie’ paintings. It is almost at par with McQuarrie, only that Scalf has given more attention to the details. This is perhaps one of the most visually entertaining books published in a long time and when you add to it the wonderful story line it makes for a very good read. Even if there isn’t a movie or TV series made of this comic, this is the best visual extravaganza once can ever witness.

Full credit must be given to J. Calafiore and Gail Simone for this issue of Secret as not many would have expected an awful lot from it. However, these two manage pull off an incredible book. The cover isn’t at all an indication of what is in store. The story is literally set in “Wild West” and each of the members of Secret Six has new role, a new position and a new relation with each other. It is an amazing portrayal of characters being the same yet different at the same time.

It is a relief that Booster Gold or Rip Hunter doesn’t show up to explain that all this was due to some rogue time warp. Also the fact that there isn’t much of a backgrounder as to how these things happen gives the luxury to sit back and enjoy the story instead of being given brief on how these characters change.

However, the roles of the characters might have changed but the essence of the characters stays and transmits to the new lives very well. It is an absolute joy to see the characters as they are still the same yet so different. As they start interacting and start coming together in the second half which totally riveting, they give you a feeling that all these characters have distilled into one. 

Apart from these real surprise elements, the thing that stays constant is the artwork, as excellent as always. Overall, it’s a real pleasure to read and great joy to the eyes. 

I have to confess that I have enjoyed the previous comics from Nick Spencer, but I doubted on the effect of the first volume of his latest book “Morning Glories”. What I felt about this book was that it possessed an air of been there, done all element to it.

I am also a very big fan of The Intimates and I wondered if I needed to read another one of those prep school comic, but just because it touched upon a subject that has already been used so many times doesn’t mean that it cannot have its own soul, its own representation of a typical subject. Morning Glories is a highly engaging book that manages to keep the fun intact throughout the read. It is primarily a fun read that explores the lives of the new students of the Morning Glory Academy and add to it some serious mystery makes it worth a read.

It is almost a perfect start to the book as it kicks off with an escape attempt at the school. There is no explanation as to what ignited these students to blow off a part of the academy for their escape. This is where Spencer unveils the core of the story. Morning Glory Academy is not what it seems to be. The story takes an interesting twist when six new students join the academy and they are absolutely clueless about what’s going on around them.

A strong story line complimented by some outstanding artwork makes this issue a very good read. Spencer has done exceedingly well to create something new and fresh out of a used platform.

Batman Confidential is quite similar to Spider Man-Fever, where a distinctive artist does a distinctive take on two corporate characters. Sam Kieth’s portrayal of Batman and Gordon is quite interesting and they barely look or act like the characters that we have seen in other issues. But the fact that it isn’t a continuity series, it doesn’t really matter if the characters are different as this a unique portrayal of Gotham city by Sam Keith.

Apart from the characters, even the overall story is also quite different from the other issues as there is a lot of introspection in the story. The most distinctive thing about this book is that there is no real bad guy in the story and the storyline focuses more on Batman trying to protect a young woman, wherein he tries to make a connection in a messy world.

Sam Kieth not only writes this one but also draws it and even colors in bits and he does manage to bring out the turmoil that Batman goes through while trying to protect the young woman. As we move forward reading, the one thing that immediately catches our attention is that the artwork shows a lot of fluctuation as it sways from finely painted images to sketch work to crayon paint and this does manage to give the story the emotional impact. I think it was important that Ben resorted to this style as the storyline needed that extra bit of emotional touch to it. The story is closer to reality and this makes it a very good read, a refreshing change from the typical Batman stories.

The first issue of this series and this recent issue are interesting. Both the issues are thoughtful and slow in terms of storytelling; however, there is a marked difference in terms of writing as this issue lays more emphasis on writing than art. The first issue was light and hence this issue has been created in a way to offer more drama and plots.

The mission is to retrieve an ancient combat helmet “Melchiorre’s Burgonet”; Abe wakes up a Russian zombie which had boarded the ship to be used in the mission. Everyone on board is taken aback by the presence of the Zombie but Abe manages to keep himself cool and as he studies it carefully, he notices that it didn’t seem hostile. In the meantime a Russian ship approached the area making it even more interesting. Abe shows a lot of character in dealing with the situation and he even shows a lot of passion while defending the zombie.

As the plot thickens, we get a sneak peak to the zombies past and how he started to defend the Burgonet. Although we do get some info on the zombie in the first issue, this issue gives a more detailed version. It is sort of a demonstration how people be randomly facing weird situations.

Apart from the story, just like the previous issue, the artwork is simply outstanding. Dave Stewart and Peter Snejbjerg manage to create something quintessentially beautiful. The character of Abe has been portrayed nicely as he comes across as a calm man and yet when situation arose he showed his furious side.

You shouldn’t expect a lot from this book as nothing much happens. It is again the same where a few dead bodies turn up in suspicious manner and Scully and Mulder are entrusted with the job of finding the truth behind it. The narrative of the story is by a snowplow driver who finds a pile ruined vehicles accompanied by a heap of head less dead bodies and the heads stuck on the top of a giant pole.

There is very little time spent on the prologue as it quickly moves on to story. It leaves with a feeling that you needed a bit more time with the introduction of the characters as you move to the story. The introduction also adds another twist when another FBI pair comes into the scene and a conflict arises between the two pairs. It does add that extra bit of tension to the story.

The problem with this issue is that it has far too many resemblances to the original books. Besides, for those who have read those books they might feel a little disappointed.

Comics can at times be a nuisance, yet at the same time there are comics which are an absolute delight to read and off course review. With comics you never know when you are handed with a gem and the best part is I often come across something which is a sheer delight to read. So, when I came across the first volume of the latest “The Stuff of Legend”, I was not just taken aback by the absolute beauty of the comic, I was completely awestruck by the book!

It isn’t that this issue has something totally unique in terms of story and presentation but there is something about this book that makes even the regular things so new and unique. This issue has all the characters that we have witnessed so far. From the evil Percy to the cunning Boogeyman that dwells in the dark it’s all the same. It is all about the presentation that makes the difference to this issue.

This book is out an out a horror story, but that is where the beauty lies. Starting from the artwork to the story it is a book that will give you chills to your bones. The design resembles a house of some hideous neighbor, who always gave you an air of mystery. It is incredible how modern technique has been used to give the book a look of weariness and scare, which for many may come across as carelessness. It is an absolute treasure in terms of story and the artwork is just perfect for a horror story.

With the team that created the Spider-Man/X-Men coming back together, there was absolutely no doubt that this one will be a great. Christos Gage no doubt is a great story teller but without the outstanding artwork on Mario Alberti, his books wouldn’t have had the same bite.

So, when Gage decides to give Alberti a run for his money and try to outdo his artwork, the readers are definitely all set for a classic. Such creative rivalry is a great thing in terms of outcome and as long as it is healthy, no one would complain. This book definitely has the best of both, a great story and a superbly done art work.

The story begins in the 1960s, when Spider Man meets the Fantastic Four, who have been given the task of protecting Dr. Droom. But when Namor arrives in the scene with the Atlantean army things begin to change.

During the narrative there are many occasions when the characters will be talking about their pasts and Gage has done a masterly act by ensuring that he shows every era accordingly and not just get stuck to one style. It is an absolutely beautiful experience as we go through various eras and the changes are extreme yet done very subtly.

However, there are occasions where you feel that the writing could have been better. Gage does show flashes of brilliance but at times it seems he loses his grip. But in any case the art work by Alberti is of such quality that you would not even notice the minor flaws in writing.

Henry Fuseli will be a proud man. This issue portrays Fuseli as the prime adversity of Zatanna and it has been inspired from “The Nightmare” by Henry Fuseli. It is a wonderful portrayal of the dark and horrifying visions of fear and danger. Fuseli gives Zee nightmares by using the people around Zatanna’s neighborhood and plays with her memories.

Dini does extremely well to create a tale, where the main protagonist has seen the various aspects of DC Universe. She is a part of Justice League, who has been called into action. She is a state magician, preparing for her next show, a spiritual guru of San Francisco and dons many other human avatars. She is almost exhausted of being so very involved and in such demand. Dini is doing the job of putting together various pieces and creating Zatanna’s rogues gallery, building a story that seems to be heading in some direction.

Charles Manson builds his criminal empire in a way that could give jitters to anyone. It is well organized and his network grows at a dangerous speed. He even befriends Zatanna’s new buddy, Detective Dale Cotton.

Roux again scores highly with his art work and it compliments the wonderful world created by Zatanna. As far as Fuseli is concerned, he doesn’t merely look like someone who gives nightmares to a young girl but is a very well etched character.

It is incredible the way Roux manages to put together so many strong characters together to create a very strong storyline, giving enough space to each character.

The best thing about the Amazing Spider Man series is the diversity and quality the artists have managed to create and sustain over nine months. It has been an artistic extravaganza so far. Although the plots seem to lack luster compared to the art, the pure quality of art makes this series a great read. Some parts of the issue have been delightful and have even managed to create some euphoria around the Amazing Spider Man, which rarely does anything in terms of narrative.

This latest issue, Grim Hunt arc, is definitely a great book and scores heavily in terms of story and needless to say the art is near perfect. The story line is very powerful and clearly is the best of the lot so far. You do get the feeling that the series was slowly building towards this and it is an absolutely brilliant plot.

Spider Man is badly beaten down through out the series, but with each passing issue the optimism grows. It has been a beautiful mix of fight, joy and parts of Peter’s life. After reading this issue you do get a sense of disappointment and future looks drab. But you also feel that it has been created in this way and there is hope in tragedy.

All in all a fantastic book that manages to sway in different directions in terms of emotions and also a very strong story line that will keep the reader glued to it. The artistic brilliance only adds to an already wonderful book.