comic reviews
Daytripper #9 - Last issue was a bit different from the rest because it didn't have Bras in it at all, but it still followed the basic pattern. This issue was a bigger departure with Bras in a coma reliving his past (and earlier stories in the series). Very interested in how the next issue ends the series.
The Amazing Spider-Man #640 - This issue of OMIT follows what happened to Peter and MJ after they made the deal with the devil to save Aunt May's life. Basically MJ got attacked and Peter barely gets there in time to help. Nothing overly terrible, but the story so far could have been done in two issues (if that) instead of three. At least next time we will see what Doctor Strange and the others did to reverse everyone's memories (which is aparently okay while saving Aunt May's life was a no-no).
Avengers & The Infinity Gauntlet #1 - A redoing of one of my favorite stories written by the author of Atomic Robo, I'm expecting some action and a lot of humor. The first half of the issue doesn't really deliver, just having some okay Spider-Man/Wolverine banter, but once all the Avengers get together, it becomes much funnier. It all hits a peak when Dr. Doom breaks in and a huge fight breaks out.
The Boys: Highland Laddie #1 - Wee Hughie is back in Scotland and reconnecting with old friends. It's a nice look at where he comes from and serves to humanize him, but the book foreshadows a larger crime story will take place. I'm not sure how well that'll go over.
Sky Doll: Lacrima Christi #1 - This is another series written by the Sky Doll creators and illustrated by guest artists. This series focuses on the two Popesses and different stories in their lives. Like all Sky doll work, it's pretty sexy work, but the stories are a bit sparse.
Usagi Yojimbo #1 - This introduces Usagi and some characters and gets a conflict going, but stops before any big fights or anything like that. The art's pretty nice and polished. It looks like other stuff of the time like Cerebus and TMNT. Fairly interesting, but not enough for me to pursue more issues.
Fear Agent TPB vol. 05 - Huston is on a cowboy planet much like Earth, getting back with his wife and fighting his evil self. I can't remember how he got here or most of the other details, but it's alternately funny and touching with tons of action. Also, Tony Moore is in top form on this arc.
Hell House: The Awakening OGN vol. 01 - A commissioned book that Miah worked on about Armageddon occurring while following some characters at a Hell House. For a commissioned work, it's not too bad. The writers avoided a lot of cliches and such and the surprises actually surprise. The action is pretty brutal, too. It's not perfect, but it's way better than expected.
Reading With Pictures HC vol. 01 - I ordered this collection a while ago. It's from an organization by the same name dedicated to helping children in school with comic books, two things I can get behind. This book is a bunch of short stories from professional creators, usually focused on learning or teachers or explaining how comics are useful. It's written for children and parents, but the talent working on the book is good enough to keep it from being boring and cheesy. I'm not the target audience for this, but it's a well put-together and professional volume with the proceeds going to a good cause.