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20 Word Comic Reviews for February 21st

2012-02-21T12:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Daredevil #9

The visual radar sense is back on full display and plays and integral part in the storytelling throughout the issue.

20 Word Comic Reviews for February 16th

2012-02-16T07:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Batman #6

Don’t read this issue while eating; you’ll become so engrossed in the story that your food will go cold.

20 Word Comic Reviews for February 9th

2012-02-09T15:12:33Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Secret Avengers #22
The plot flew over my head after the first read through. Not knowing the characters only added to my confusion.

Update - February 12th:

Many of the confusing areas mentioned above were clarified after reading the book more thoroughly a second time.

20 Word Comic Reviews for February 7th

2012-02-07T13:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

American Vampire #23
The tension builds and dissipates through this issue ending in a climactic scene which could foreshadow doom for Travis’s plans.

Avengers: X-Sanction #3
This penultimate issue leaves me eagerly awaiting to see how Loeb will conclude the story and if Cable will survive.

20 Word Comic Reviews for February 2nd

2012-02-02T11:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Swamp Thing #6
I will be haunted by some of the disturbing imagery and the hopeless direction of this truly chilling story.

Examining the pool of digital comics

2012-02-01T15:21:50Z

I find myself looking at digital comics more often these days, thinking that I might want to take a dip into that metaphorical pool. Though I originally found no appeal in the idea, the concept has started to take hold within my mind. My first exposure to digital comics came when DC Comics announced The New 52. I saw that they were hosting an e-subscription service through Comixology, a digital comics business where you can purchase and read comics online, so I checked out the website. I found mostly back issues, some of which were from the dawn of DC and Marvel Comics, while others were from the past few years. I was reluctant to sign up because I did not really find a strong reason to get my comics digitally.

Another key reason I did not immediately fall for digital comics was that I enjoy supporting local businesses. I did not want to take the income from the sales of comics I purchase out of the hands of my favorite local comic book store. They have bills to pay and they work hard to keep me as a customer.

Things first started to change with the release of Justice League #1. I decided to pay the additional dollar for a digital copy of the book to accompany my print version. My thought process was if I can buy the book for $3 in print form, purchase it for $3 in digital form, or get both for only $4, the answer seemed pretty clear to me. Though I redeemed the digital copy of the book for Justice League #1, I still have yet to read it all these months later – I decided to read the print version instead. However, that purchase allowed me to dip my toe into the digital comic pool.

While further exploring the books available on Comixology, I found that some of the older issues that I had on my trade paperback wish list were available. I even purchased some of the first Batman and Detective Comics issues for only $1 when they were on sale. I have since read a few of the select free issues of comics that are available on the site. Issue #4 of Justice League was the first one that I read digitally before reading the print version, both of which were very similar experiences, though I especially enjoyed the panel zoom feature on the digital version, where you can get close-up views of individual story panels.

I typically read between 13 and 15 comic books a month, and I have noticed for some time that while I enjoy he stories, I do not really have a place to store the books. I really stated paying attention to which books I reference again, and which ones I read once and simply store away. I have become much better at letting go of things I don’t really need over the years, and I started to have a problem with storing comics that I would be unlikely to read again. While I could recycle the books, or spend the time to sell some on eBay for next to nothing, I started thinking more and more about purchasing some comics exclusively in a digital format to save on space while still enjoying the storylines of the comics. Just before Christmas, I got an iPad and liked the look of the comic pages on the iPad screen far more than on the PC screen. My views on digital comics continued to shift and that pool started to look like it could be fun.

Recently, I decided to evaluate the books I read and see which ones I enjoy reading in print format and which ones I could conceivably enjoy reading in a digital format. Some of the books I read came to mind as easy to shift to a digital medium for three reasons; most of the images fit within the panels so they will easily transfer to a digital screen without losing the look of the comic, I don’t have a strong desire to read the issues again later, and most importantly I still wanted to read the comic itself. I anticipate shifting to digital only versions of Batman & Robin, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern Corps, Birds of Prey and Aquaman.

I have also found that books with long story arcs that I may read again or reference when reading the next issue are best kept in print only format. Those books include: American Vampire, Swamp Thing, and Uncanny X-Force. While I want a book like Batman in print version for the reasons above, now that I can pay $1 more for a digital copy too, I plan to get both Batman and Justice League with both the print and digital options.

Just when all seemed right with my reasoning, I read the digital version of Batman #5 on my iPad before I read the print version. This comic is one that proves that digital is not always the best option. With pages printed sideways and upside-down, my iPad kept trying to re-orient the page in the way it believed was correct, only to have the print be too small to read or have me reading the words upside down. I had to put down the iPad and reach for the comic to get the most out of this issue so I could twist, turn, and flip the comic for the best reading angle.

Right now I cannot see a day when I will get all of my comics in a digital format, mainly because I like supporting my local comic shop. However, I also know that my fifteen comics a month are not putting my comic shop owner’s kids through college. I justify my shift to some digital comics with that in mind, as well as the fact that I will still be purchasing a majority of the comics I read from their store. Changes are coming, and rather than fighting the inclusion of digital comics, I think I might take a dive and see how I swim.

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 31st

2012-01-31T17:28:33Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

All Star Western #5

This series proves that story, and not necessarily superheroes, creates an engaging comic that leaves the reader wanting more.

Justice League #5

Not my favorite issue, but I hope the next one will be a fitting close to the first story arc.

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 26th

2012-01-26T11:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Secret Avengers #21.1

I wouldn't have read this book if Remender were not the writer, but now I look forward to future issues.

Aquaman #5

A quick read that bridges the last story arc to the next. Appears that we're in for a fun ride.

Foster #1 by Brian Buccellato

This book felt like a movie or television show. Solid writing and a shocking ending. Coloring truly enhances the art.

This is the sketch and coloring that Brian Buccellato did on the back of Foster #1 for me yesterday while I picked up my comic books at The Comic Bug. Get yout own copy by visiting Brian's webiste at http://www.brianbooch.com/dog-year-store/

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 24th

2012-01-24T11:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Wonder Woman #5

With characters on the edges of reality, Azzarello carves a story which demands a second read and further contemplation.

Uncanny X-Force #20

This issue was confusing. The Omniverse feels overwhelming and the final images in the book left me full of questions.

Batman #5

A psychological game where Batman deteriorates before your eyes as you turn and flip the comic to keep up.

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 19th

2012-01-19T11:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Green Lantern Corps #5

As Guy gathered and armed a team to take out the Keepers, I found myself rooting for their success.

Birds of Prey #5

It's like riding a roller coaster blindfolded, not knowing where the next turn or drop is coming. What a ride!

Daredevil #8

While only giving the reader key information in small doses, Waid continues to weave a story that is highly appealing.

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 17th

2012-01-17T12:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Batman & Robin #5

I enjoyed the battle for Damian, as well as finding more about the twisted history of Bruce and Morgan.

Amazing Spider-Man #677

I picked this up because it leads into Daredevil #8. The witty banter of Spider-Man and Daredevil were top notch.

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 12th

2012-01-12T12:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Captain America and Bucky #625

This story lacked the flow of the prior arc, but Francavilla added a classic look and feel to the book.

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 10th

2012-01-10T12:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Avengers: X-Sanction #2

The book’s flashback scenes added an intriguing story layer. I look forward to seing how Loeb resolves it all.

Swamp Thing #5

It’s a wonderful book with amazing art and a story that’s a rollercoaster of fear, joy, love, and tragedy.

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 5th

2012-01-05T12:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

American Vampire #22

Snyder focuses this arc on the vampire killers and creates a strong new character in the untrained hunter Travis Kidd.

Uncanny X-Force #19.1

Remender manages to craft a tale that makes me emotionally invest in the destinies of characters I know little about.

20 Word Comic Reviews for January 3rd

2012-01-03T15:03:19Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Aquaman #4

Aquaman is a throwback with rollicking action, super strength, and enduring storylines each of which make it an entertaining read.

Birds of Prey #4

Continuing to build a head of steam, the story reveals itself through twists and turns while leaving me wanting more.

All Star Western #4

This page-turner takes the reader on a mysterious journey through 19^th century Gotham with two unique and well developed characters.

20 Word Comic Reviews for December 31st

2011-12-31T17:26:47Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Note: I had a remaining credit at my local comic shop from buying all of the first issues of The New 52 that needed to be spent before the end of December. So rather than just spend the money on random DC Comics, I decided to pick up issues 2, 3, and 4 of a series that showed promise in the first issue. After heavy deliberation, I chose to pick-up a Guy Gardner book because of the nostalgia factor from his time in the Giffen and DeMatteis scribed Justice League America. As a result, today we have a four issue review extravaganza of Green Lantern Corps.

Green Lantern Corps #1

I enjoyed finding out about the power of the rings as well as the genuine friendship between Guy and John.

Green Lantern Corps #2

Though I know nothing about each of the characters, I felt like they were well developed and everyone seemed necessary.

Green Lantern Corps #3

I’m a sucker for moments when “the Calvary” comes in to save the team so this issue was a winner.

Green Lantern Corps #4

The Martian Manhunter and Guy Gardner team up made me smile – despite their seemingly non-existent history in the New DCU.

To read about how Green Lantern Corps did in week three of The New 52 Bracket Challenge check out this post http://blogcast.debatableopinions.com/2011/09/25/the-new-52-bracket-challenge--week-3.aspx

20 Word Comic Reviews for December 27th

2011-12-27T12:30:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Wonder Woman #4

Azzarello created an issue with all the elements of a Greek tragedy – sadness, redemption, loss, retribution, scheming, regret, and loss.

Uncanny X-Force #19

Remender tied up the Dark Angel saga and established some of the new dynamics for the various X-Men teams.

20 Word Comic Reviews for December 25th

2011-12-26T02:40:37Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Daredevil #7

I read this issue on Christmas evening - what a great story of determination and strength for this holiday season.

Merry Christmas to all the fans of Debatable Opinions.

20 Word Comic Reviews for December 22nd

2011-12-22T13:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Batman #4

Very little action but that didn't matter because there are so many story layers that it demanded a second reading.

Justice League #4

This was one of the best issues to date with focused action and characters that were humorous without being comical.

20 Word Comic Reviews for December 20th

2011-12-20T14:00:00Z

In an age where time is tight and concise writing is important, I offer my 20 Word Reviews of comic books.

Batman and Robin #4

Tomasi continues to weave an intriguing story about both the challenges of fatherhood and the battles for adolescent independence.

Avengers: X-Sanction #1

Loeb establishes a story focused on the lengths a father will go to in an attempt to protect their child.

American Vampire #21

This engaging three story arc comes to a close as we learn more about the histories of Skinner and Book.