Cyclops #2 (Marvel)
Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: Russell Dauterman
What do you get when you take sixteen year old Cyclops from All-New X-Men, then put him in the same cosmic settings as the Guardians of the Galaxy and finally add a space pirate father who takes after Jack Sparrow? You get Cyclops’ new self-titled series! Although I can’t help but refer to it as… CYCLOPS IN SPAAAACE!
In the second installment of Cyclops, Scott and his father Chris (aka Corsair) are zipping around the galaxy in a small spaceship, spending some quality father and son time together. Chris is teaching Cyclops how to fly the spaceship, fight with a space sword and most of all to not be the naive earthling that he is. Although the present day Cyclops (or as I call him Badclops) has been in space fighting alongside his dad before, young Cyclops has only still just recently been pulled from the 1960’s to the future to see who he becomes, so he’s trying to take a whole different path than his older self to avoid that fate. A path he may not have been ready for.
Young Cyclops and Corsair touch down on the planet YRZT (pronounced Ear-Zeet apparently) which is the space equivalent of Las Vegas, and I’ll tell you right now… What happens on YRZT, stays on YRZT. We find out that Corsair has a secret he’s keeping from Scott, and they didn’t just land on YRZT to sight see. We’re introduced to some colorful alien characters (literally colorful!) and a possible romantic interest for young Scott.
Towards the end of the issue, we are reminded that Corsair isn’t just Scott’s dad, but a wanted space pirate, and someone like that attracts very bad people. Cyclops still doesn’t know everything about his father, but he does know one thing, he’s not letting anyone take his father until he gets enough father-son space adventure time.
Skrulls, Cat-women and vanilla flavored space fruits are just a few of the fun cosmic goodies in this issue of Cyclops. Dauterman’s art gives us an incredibly well drawn setting that makes me believe YRZT is a Las Vegas like planet. He also gives Scott Summers a really swell 1960’s collared polo shirt and Dockers look even though he’s in space. I’ve been loving every page of this series so far, and I can’t wait to see what Greg Rucka has in store for young Cyclops the wanna-be space pirate! Trust me, you’ve never seen Cyclops in a story like this.
Review by: Everett Harn
Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #2 (Marvel)
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: David Marquez
The first issue of Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man, got the ball rolling again for Miles in this post-Cataclysm series, but at the end of the issue Bendis takes that ball and smashes it into a million pieces. Miles walks into his old house and finds none other than the supposedly dead and newly buried Peter Parker digging around through Miles’ stuff.
Issue #2 picks up on page one reminding us that Norman Osborn is back, he’s crazy, and he’s mad. After sneaking all the way back to his secret lab in the ruins of Oscorp Industries, Norman no doubt will come up with some insane plan that won’t be good for any Spider-Men crawling around.
Speaking of Spider-Men, the two mysterious Spider-Man-esque criminals are continuing their crime spree from the first issue and we finally catch a glimpse of what they’re after.
Finally, the part you’ll want to read this comic for, Miles confronts this man claiming to be Peter Parker, and after the two meet, it flips a switch in Miles’ head that has him running to Genji yelling the word “Clone!” over and over. Will this be another ultimate version of the clone saga? Or is Peter really back?
This issue leaves us with even more questions than answers as well as another interesting cliff hanger. I definitely think fans of Spider-Man should read this different take on the character, so be sure to check out Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #2. David Marquez stays true to Miles Morales with his fantastic art and I think you’ll finish reading this book curious about what’s going to happen next. I know I am!
Reviewed by: Everett Harn
Rai #2 (Valiant Entertainment)
Written By: Matt Kindt
Art By: Clayton Cain
Rai #2 plunges us deep into the depths of New Japan and the journey is dark, mysterious and oh, so beautiful. Matt Kindt continues our introduction to New Japan’s savior as Rai begins to make some headway in his investigation. Rai starts to gather clues and put the pieces together to the first murder in a 1,000 year. Rai thinks it’s a simple investigation but it appears a much more nefarious plot is afoot.
This issue appears to be about exploration; not only for the audience but Rai as well. We learn much more about Rai and his deep connection to the “father.” We are also introduced to some new players in Rai’s story, while he learns that there is more to New Japan than even he is aware of. Friendships are made and secrets are reveled, Rai #2 moves at an alarming pace. It shoves the plot forward while still only giving us small peak at the much larger story.
Once again Clayton Cain’s art is the star as each page is gallery worthy. The dark colors and deep shades of blue and black can cause action scenes do feel a little confusing but this is a minuscule complaint on a piece of stellar art such as this. When Cain decides to shed a little light on this world it only becomes more beautiful and vibrant. New Japan may not be what it seems Cain certainly makes look like a pristine and gorgeous place. Rai #2 continues the story but amps up everything that made the first issue such a standout. If the last couple of panels are any indication this story will continue to surprise and surpass all expectations.
*Review by: Casey Walsh
Princess Ugg #1 (Oni Press)
Written by: Ted Naifeh
Art by: Ted Naifeh
Color by: Warren Wucinich
Princess Ugg may be the fairytale princess story I have been waiting for my entire life. If Disney hasn’t optioned this property for their own nefarious purposes I am sure they are proposing a plan to so as I write this. In this first issue we are introduced to Princess Ulga; imagine Thor as a 13 year old girl with red hair. She hails from the high mountain city of Grimmeria; a place full of warriors, soldiers and the most hardened souls. In Grimmeria ‘luxury’ is a myth and toughness, strength and vigor are rewarded. Compared to the low land city of Atraesca, Grimmeria would be considered hellish by most people’s standards. Unfortunately for Ulga she has to leave the home she loves to do what all Princesses must; get an education or in her words an “edgykayshun”. This means she is off to the enchanted and lavish lowland city of Atraesca where she will attend a boarding school only for Princesses.
So I am sure you can see where this is going, a battle hardened warrior princess goes off to school with the likes of what most would consider more “normal” princess types. Ted Naifeh handles writing and art duties on Princess Ugg and we are given not only a great introduction to Ugla but also to the world she lives in. Naifeh is having a lot of fun writing and drawing this book, it shows with each beautifully detailed panel and in the engaging “fish out of water” scenes. Naifeh may really have something here, I enjoyed Princess Ulga so much I was even able to look past her almost nonsensical and sometimes frustrating accent. Princess Ugg maybe a story we have seen before but for some reason I am drawn to Naifeh’s vision. I don’t know if it’s the amazingly detailed art from the backgrounds to the characters clothes or it’s the subtle references to popular mythical lands in other mediums, but I am all in and can’t wait to become a Princess along with Ulga.
*Review by: Casey Walsh
Ghostbusters #16 (released 5/28/2014)
Written by: Erik Burnham
Art by: Dan Schoening
Color by: Luis Antonio Delgado
The fourth installment of Ghostbusters’ Mass Hysteria storyline features our favorite team of paranormal investigators (and eliminators) against the most current threat to our existence, the Mesopotamian Goddess of chaos, Tiamat.
Any fan of the franchise can tell from the first panel that the creative team behind this issue are fans of the films, cartoon series, videogame, and the Ghostbusters franchise in general. The issue feels like an organic addition to Ghostbusters and is faithful to all incarnations of the series. The characters sound like their film and cartoon counterparts and there are more obscure references littered throughout the pages that longtime fans will appreciate – this issue features an appearance from an alternate Ghostbusters team that are dressed as they were in an old Kenner action figure line.
Fans will also recognize a few plot points of the issue, which retread past escapades. Spoilers withheld, we’ve seen the Ghostbusters preform some of the same feats and references from the original movie, which seems to be a constant with any new Ghostbusters addition. That being said, there’s enough humor to keep us within the story rather than feeling like we’re exploiting the film that started it all.
The artwork had a nice balance between the more realistic features of the film and the exaggerated features from The Real and Extreme Ghostbusters animated series’, which isn’t easy to pull off. The art also got the atmosphere of the original film down, the situation being dark and the characters maintaining a jokey but serious demeanor. This is the secret to why Ghostbusters works. Like the narrative, the look of the characters is accurate and has plenty of visual references that fans will appreciate.
Mass Hysteria Part 4 is a welcomed addition to the series. The traditional Ghostbuster humor comes across the page effortlessly and the team’s paranormal jargon is put to good use. Most importantly, the story continues to build, leaving fans awaiting Part 5.
*Review by: Tommy Surette