Published on September 7th, 2012 | by Cosmic Comix and Toys

Shawn’s Reviews – September 7, 2012

WORLD’S FINEST #0
DC Comics
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Kevin Maguire w/Wes Craig

We are introduced to Helena on her first night out on patrol as Robin. We understand the trails she had to undergo to even get to this point, as Batman is not willing to put her in harm’s way. In fact it is her mother, Catwoman, who finally allows Helena into her parent’s world for the first time. We understand the love/hate relationship Helena’s parents share, and it is so much fun I am sorry we could not get more of it. (Seriously, I would buy that alternate Batman Universe comic too!)

We also have an understanding about what Superman has gone through losing Lois, and for the first time we find out Clark was hiding Kara/Supergirl. Not even Bruce knew about her. Kara lost Lois who was like a mother to her, and we see Helena lose her mother too. This shared loss and ultimate team-up is what both drives the ongoing relationship between these two great characters, and what makes this book so much fun.

I really loved the story. The characters are great and play well off of one another. It sheds new light on our heroines and makes it easier to understand what will drive our heroes moving forward. The art though is the real winner as Kevin Maguire’s illustrations are so gorgeous, and engaging that I literally re-read this book just to devour the pages with my eyes.

This was not the best book of the week, but it came really close. It was by far the best DC Zero issue thus far, and if not for one of my other picks below, would definitely have won the spot from me. It was also the biggest surprise of the week, as I did not think I would love this book so much.

FINAL WORD: One of the best comics you could pick up this week, and my second favorite of the bunch!

HAWKEYE #2
Marvel Comics
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by David Aja

I enjoyed the first issue of the series, but it is the second issue where this series really takes off and offers something better than I could have hoped. Clint Barton enlists the help of Kate Bishop – the Hawkeye from Young Avengers – in crashing a super crime boss party where another apprentice of the Swordsman is fitting to rob everyone blind. Clint and Kate stop the apprentice and unfortunately this lands Clint into even more hot water as the criminal bosses of many different villainous outfits end up blaming Barton for everything.

This is not the book you want to be reading for consistent characterization of Hawkeye. The Hawkeye in New Avengers is going to bare little resemblance to the Hawkeye in this book, save for the prerequisite archery motif. That being said, I have never enjoyed reading about Clint Barton as much as I do with this creative team. There are so many little moments that pop off of the page, and the razor sharp dialogue is pitch perfect. I have little experience with the Young Avengers, but in one issue Kate Bishop became one of my favorite characters as well. If Marvel Comics were giving us more thoughtful, fun, and delicious stories like this one they could convert me to reading so many more titles.

The art by David Aja might be some of his best. Check out the action on these pages! How about that scene where Clint is escaping handcuffs or when Kate and he fell into the swimming pool? Best action in a comic this week bar none! Gorgeous book.

You can just pick up this issue and jump right in. You do not need an explanation or even much history with the character. It does not matter. Forget Marvel Now! in a few months, Marvel did it last Wednesday. This might be my favorite Marvel book once Kieron Gillen leaves JIM!

FINAL WORD: A rising star of a book that is without a doubt the best comic of the week!

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #2
Valiant Comics
Written by Fred Van Lente
Art by Clayton Henry

Archer is a man with an immense talent for violence, who has just learned the religious sect he belonged to was a lie, and he is hallucinating God. Armstrong is a 10,000-year-old immortal who is a few sandwiches short of a picnic, and who cannot deny that Archer reminds him of his brothers that were lost to him. Together they are both the worst and best team in comics, and this issue was so enjoyable as a result.

I thought the first issue of this series was really good, but this issue elevates it to a new level. I think we have a much better idea of where the book will be going and just how crazy the stories will be. The way Archer and Armstrong play off of one another is brilliant and refreshing. They are both tagging along on an adventure to recover artifacts that would build a device similar to that which made Armstrong immortal to begin with, but neither is doing so for the reason that the other is.

I really have enjoyed the Valiant relaunch, and with this issue Archer & Armstrong could surpass X-O Manowar as my favorite book. The potential is definitely there. It is fun, tongue-in-cheek, and feels unlike anything else I am reading at the moment. All of these things combine into giving me a new comic I cannot wait to get my hands on. Seriously, you all should give this one a shot.

FINAL WORD: May surpass X-O as my favorite Valiant book! Highly recommended!

-SJD