Savage Dragon #144
I finally picked up my first issue of Savage Dragon since #24. Nice to see that the basic character hasn’t changed much, even though his life is very different. I must say that if you’re considering getting into the Savage Dragon series, this issue is probably a good launch point. As far as story is concerned it is a recap of the Dragon’s life for a specific period of time. There was no actual story to follow in the book but more of a flashback issue.
The Stand: Captain Tripps #5
The final chapter in the first part of The Stand mini-series. On this one I’m a little biased because the book the series is based on ranks in my all-time favorites. This issue is a big climax into the next storyline, it introduces the primary villain of the series and his darkness. While Stephen King did a wonderful job writing the character description it was very nice to see an artists representation. This one is a definite to read if not buy just to make the beginning of the next chapter more understandable.
Northlanders #14
This issue is beginning to get the reader more acquainted with the characters of the story. Since there is very little dialog in each issue of the series it is tough to pull extra information out earlier on. The Northlanders titles are fairly easy to pick up in the middle of a story and continue towards the end, but as far as getting an individual issue to cherish forever I recommend against. Currently the storyline is early enough on that picking up this issue will get you involved in the Cross Hammer storyline and not lose much of the story.
Captain America #46
After Captain America’s death is 40s sidekick Bucky took over the helm. Let me get the “ugh” out of the way on bring back a dead character. While I disagree with bringing back characters I am a fan of taking a character that is unfit to step in his/her mentor’s shoes and making them perform. Captain America is no different. This particular issue builds on a storyline in progress about the Human Torch from WWII. I recently came into the storyline so I’m not up on everything, so as a newcomer I feel it to be character building for our new Captain America to get him ready to face everything that the old Cap did plus the ghosts from his own past.
Batman #685
This issue was a “Faces of Evil” tie in with Catwoman as the main villain. Now in my book I don’t rate Catwoman as a villain, but hey its not my choice. The issue itself was a tie in with Detective Comics #852’s Hush storyline. As far as a tie in goes it fit in very well. It seems they are setting up the bat universe for something to happen to essentially let the world know that “Batman” isn’t dead. As an individual issue, it will confuse anyone who tries to jump in at this point because too much has happened that cannot be explained in little footnotes on the pages.