Review: Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter Laughing Corpse #4

(***)

If you’ve read more than thirty comics, you’re familiar with this type of issue. It’s a middle of an arc comic and it’s awful wordy. That’s a bit puzzling since this is part four of a five-part series. There aren’t any signs of things wrapping up soon so I guess they’ll be another mini? I hope so. I talked with Ron Lim about it and he said there’d be another series if this book sold. I really hope it has. It’s terrible when you can’t have a conclusion. I mean, I could purchase Hamilton’s actual books, but who wants to read something without pictures?

This issue is filled with talking heads. The test is always how entertaining those heads are. This was a decent issue. Sadly, due to the episodic nature of comics, I’m forced to admit that the writing here is mediocre. However, Ron Lim is there to save the day. Lim knows exactly how to draw this comic. Whether it’s the expressions or Anita’s movements, Lim nails it all. I only wish a better colorist were on this project. There are times when Joel Seguin made Anita look pale in one panel and tan in the next. It was a bit distracting, but this issue’s art is the undeniable star of the show.

Bruce Castle Presents: Anita Blake Likes Boys

Anita Blake: The Laughing Corpse #3 (****)

Am I the only one reading this comic? Go read it if you haven’t read the books. I’m illiterate, but I like the the pretty pictures. And what pretty pictures they are. I love Ron Lim. He’s been drawing comics for how long? And yet his work still looks great. He captures Anita perfectly. I love her character. Hamilton is a talented writer. She should write more comics. Poor Anita! Everyone hates her in this story. Way to stand up for your principles girlfriend!

Boys #25 (***)

This arc should be called “great covers with a mediocre story”. Seriously, doesn’t Darick Robertson draw awesome covers? I love the Wolverine hammer hands already, but now he has to hold that drink with them? Does anyone else get that “Xorn looking at the burger” feeling? Which is probably one of the best covers of all time and I hope you know that. It’s sad though. The last Boys arc was four issues and it was the best yet. This one is supposed to be super important, it’s six issues long, and it’s shaping up to be the worst Boys tale ever! C’mon, Ennis! You are better than this! Robertson, keep up the stellar work man!

Bruce Castle Presents: Marvel’s Multiverse!

Ultimatum #1 (***1/2)

Jeph Loeb’s name is synonymous with good art. David Finch handles the art chores here and it’s nice to see him on interiors again. It’s even sweeter to see Finch return to the Ultimate U. But the art isn’t ever the problem in a Loeb comic is it? Well, maybe in that Liefield one. What? Liefield sucks. Anyway, I actually enjoyed this. It’s the set-up issue and that requires a big bang and it has to leave me wanting more. Ultimatum #1 accomplishes both of those. The characters are handled well, better than you might expect, and there are even a few deaths, maybe? It’s that maybe that bugs me a little. See, when I first read this issue I enjoyed it quite a bit, but after flipping through to write this review I had a few questions. That’s not a bad thing since this is the first issue, but one of these days I want to read a Loeb comic where everything is just spelled out. Oh well, at least this isn’t a murder mystery.

Invincible Iron Man #7 (****1/2)

Ah, the fun before the storm. Matt Fraction mentioned something about the next arc being a “Born Again” story. So naturally, this is the entertaining breather between arcs. But Fraction makes it more than that and proves once again why this book is so awesome. Spidey and Iron Man team up again! But this is a post-Civil War team up, are you interested yet? How about the fact that this issue references an old New Avengers story? With humorous results of course. You might also be pleased because Fraction doesn’t treat Tony like some kind of God like other titles do to their heroes. Iron Man is a flawed character. Anyway, the point is, though this appears to be an overdone concept, this issue is unique. Fraction continues to write the hell out of this book. 

Anita Blake: The Laughing Corpse #2 (****)

It’s a little hard reviewing an adaptation of a book, especially since I haven’t read the book. I can say that if you have ever thought about reading Hamilton’s series, but either you don’t want to deal with all those words or you want to look at pretty pictures, you should give this book a shot. It’s an interesting take on the whole monster world (Vampires, zombies, ghouls, etc.) and it seems to be one of the more “girly” books that I read. Anita Blake is a badass chick that is actually a really interesting character. I’m not a Buffy fan so it’s possible that some of this stuff might feel familiar. On the other hand, if you like Buffy, it’s very possible that you’ll enjoy this. Lastly, I’ve always been a fan of Ron Lim’s art and he provides some fantastic visuals.

Bruce Castle Presents: F-Bombs In Comics? No!

Anita Blake: The Laughing Corpse #1 (****)

I was wondering what that “Mature Content” thing was about. There’s an F-word word in here. Is it just me, or is that pretty unusual for a Marvel book? Not a MAX book or an Icon book, but a regular Marvel book, that isn’t something you see often, is it? It’s not even that necessary. So, why did they put that in? Or if it’ll be imperative later, why isn’t it a MAX book or something? Oh well, I still love this stuff and I’m happy it got another series. No, I haven’t read the original Anita Blake books. Why would I want to read something without pictures? Especially if those pictures are provided by the talented Ron Lim (or Bret Booth on the first series), are you crazy? This stuff is thoroughly entertaining. Although I do have another complaint, why is this book 4 bucks? It has the usual 22 pages, so why do I have to spend an extra dollar? Boo Marvel!

Boys #23 (****1/2)

So, we’re done with the heavy political arc. What does Ennis have for us now? Comedy! Oh, and story too. Romance! Gruesome death! Sex in a public restroom! And did I mention the laughs?! I love this series! Ennis and Robertson are at the top of their game here. The series keeps getting better and better. I know that’s hard to believe because last arc was so awesome, but this has a good chance. Big stuff is supposed to happen soon, which explains the cool Cassaday variant. Seriously folks, you will laugh out loud when you read this issue!

Review: Anita Blake #12

NO SPOILERS!!!

Yes I’m a guy and I’m reading Anita Blake. Get over it. I’ve actually enjoyed this series a lot. I had never read the books before because I’m illiterate, but I remember I saw the first issue and Brett Booth’s art looked great. I like Ron LIm a lot too because of his work on Thanos, like in Infinity Gauntlet. So this comic looks good at least.

I enjoy the story too. I’ve never watched Buffy or read the comics, but I’d guess if you like that you’d probably at least enjoy this a bit. So this is the big conclusion. Lots of action, lots of gore, lots of fun! The story wraps up too. I would have probably preferred something on a deeper level than what we got. But the ending works fine. To me this series is just a lot of laughs and some good times. It’s got some serious stuff too. And it’s always cool to see girls kicking ass! I like the Anita Blake universe.

I was also happy that on the last page we see a preview for a new Anita Blake series starting in October. Unless a zombie bites my head off, I’ll most likely be picking up the next series as well.

3 out of 4 stars