Dial H for Hero issue 4 (DC Comics) Review by Anthony Andujar Jr 6/26/19

      Miguel and Summer find themselves within the halls of the Justice League Detroit headquarters hoping to gain help from Superman. Despite being the current wielder of the Hero Dial, Miguel and Summer are not alone as they are met with the threat of the JLD security mechs, and being pursued by the astral spirit of  Mister Thunderbolt. Will Miguel and Summer evade their enemies long enough for Superman to assist them in their troubles? Will Superman show up at all? What is happening to the Heroverse? Who else roams the halls of the Detroit Hall of Justice? Will Mister Thunderbolt succeed in his attempts to take the Hero Dial? 

    Sam Humphries is a fantastic writer and it shows in this issue. Now yes, its obvious that he is a capable writer and has written some high profile comics such as Nightwing, Green Lantern, Star Lord etc. But what makes him a great writer is that already within the issue, he already provides a great jumping on point for new readers without resorting to flash backs or anything that visually has to remind the reader of what happened a few issues prior. When I was reading the issue, I was able to read the story and immediately understand what was happening within the book. I was able to follow the story of Miguel as he seeks out Superman’s help to sort out the situation with the Hero Dial that he possesses, and not feel lost within the midst of character interactions and story. Humphries is able to provide some exposition between characters that help to bridge the small gaps for new readers, while simultaneously keeping the story seamlessly flowing for the continuous readers of this series.

        I think what intrigued me the most was the character of Miguel and how he navigates the dangerous waters of former sidekicks and spandex. He isn’t like Billy Batson, and not as naive as most characters that was his age during the bronze, silverage and even the new 52. He’s more aware, and cautious, but rave when need to be, even in moments of doubt. If anything, he feels like a much smarter and clever version of Billy Batson, which is different and just as enjoyable. Characters such as Summer, and even an old familiar face from Justice League history are fun to see as they interact with one another despite being ambushed by villainous fiends. 

  Quinones artwork is spectacular in this issue. There is a fantastic set of pages that channel elements of Frank Miller’s Sin City, Calvin and Hobbs, Charlie Brown, and Moebius in a way that only Quinones can do. It shows his versatility as an illustrator who is able to do much more  than the panels can contain. Even with those fun visual motifs, he still does a fantastic job with the artwork, and delivers in the art department through and through. Despite this late review, (which I didn’t get uploaded on to the Fanboy Factor website due to being preoccupied with Finals projects for the AEIP (ASL Interpreting Program), I figured I’d upload my review on here. 

While i’m at it, also check out Flash issue 73 written by Joshua WIlliamson and illustrated by Howard Porter as they continue to venture further into Barry’s humble beginnings with part 4 of the Year One arc. That’s it for my recommendations. There are so many books to recommend and read, but so very little time am I right? Sigh, unfortunately there is never enough time in a day, but ya make due with what you got! Until next week folks!

Justice League issue 26 Review By Anthony Andujar Jr

     During the League’s absence into the 6th dimension, The Legion of Doom were busy setting things in motion, masquerading as the saviors of reality and successfully swaying the public with their deeds.

Prior to Luthor’s supposed death, he broadcasted all over the world that the only way to save the earth is through DOOM, pitting earth against their heroes! In the midst of the Leagues return from the 6th dimension, they realize that they cannot face Perpetua alone. They must recruit beyond their ranks in order to save the multiverse. Who will the League recruit? What is the Legion of Doom planning during Luthor’s supposed absence? And could all of it lead to the death of Starman?

Man, if Snyder didn’t convince readers with issue 26, or the free comic book day issue of Year of the Villain, then surely what Tynion establishes in this issue will definitely be a fantastic jumping on point for what the creative team is doing within this series! Tynion and the rest of his creative team create some of the most iconic scenes that may even rival what was seen in the prior arc. Tynion gets to play around in this issue pulling from DC Comics lore, and effectively implementing elements of the vast lore of the DCU into this issue with strong execution that it’ll have everyone talking.

If you’re a fan of any variation of the DCU, I think you’ll find something special since Tynion reaches far and wide, and perfectly kickstarts Year of the Villain with surprise faces from various corners of the DCU, especially with the various Leaguers that participate in the impending battle for all of the multiverse. Tynion is no stranger when it comes to writing interactions with characters and team dynamics, and it shows in this issue. What’s even better about this issue is that readers get treated to many things that Snyder and Tynion have set up between the Justice League and JL Dark titles, and it all comes together in an exciting manner that will entice readers interest for what they’re setting up for the remainder of this year. While there is nothing mind-blowing, there is still a lot of important sets up, a lot of moving gears that will be crucial for what is to come. Tynion does a fantastic job at managing the A plot and B plot with Manhunter looking for Luthor’s supposed whereabouts while the League rebuild and recruit. Tynion writes a ton of great scenes and character interactions that make each moment in this book worth reading.

Javier Fernandez’s artwork is amazing and is a good transition from the prior issue. His layouts are well thought out and visually stunning. His ability to showcase every character in with various textures helps to make the issue and its characters standout. With Hi-Fi’s vibrant colors and Fernandez’s pencil work, it makes the entire issue an enjoyable read that is worth rereading again just for the details alone. Napolitano’s lettering does its job, effectively controlling the pace of the book with the placement of the letters, providing a good flow that helps the reader read along as they zoom through the pages. This is another solid installment for this flagship series that promises to deliver bigger and better things for many issues to come. It is worth adding to your pull list and trust me, for new comic book day, you wouldn’t want to miss it anyway!

http://fanboyfactor.com/2019/06/comic-review-justice-league-26-dc-comics/

Panel X Panel issue 23 contribution - Anthony Andujar Jr

  Hey guys! I know its been a while since i've been so caught up with ASL Interpreting classes, work, comic projects etc. I've been consistent with comic book reviews (which I tend to post on the Fanboy Factor website) which is great, but I wanted to let you guys know that I had the chance to contribute a recommendation / review for Panel X Panel. 

For all of those that are comic book enthusiasts that really are trying to learn the in's and outs and the crafts of writers, artists and color artists within the comic book medium, Panel X Panel is a great magazine to subscribe and read. They also have a youtube channel called Stripped Panel Naked which features creator interviews and insight on what makes the modern comics of today so great!

It was a privileged to contribute to the highlights / recommendation page for the May issue of the Eisner award winning zine known as Panel X Panel. Definitely keep an eye out for the June issue! And @panelxpanel_ again, thank you! And to those who are new to my page, aside from illustrating I write reviews in regards to my picks of the week. So check out the @fanboyfactor Website to check them out.

Here is my recommendation for Immortal Hulk!

My Favorite Marvel Book Currently, is Immortal Hulk! by Anthony Andujar Jr

Don't mind the spelling error to Al Ewing's name. Autocorrect is no fun when it doesn't actually do it's job haha. But, Boy oh Boy, this has been my favorite series in a long time. As comic book reader I tend to sift between the different publishers and read stories by creators whether it's from Marvel, DC , image or other publishers. It's no secret that I write and read a lot of DC comics since I'm a fan of the characters and the writer artists teams on the books that i review. But when it comes to Marvel, sometimes I have a tough time because there is always a shift in creator teams. That is, until I came across Immortal Hulk a year ago, and my, my, is it a fantastic book.
Most people always think of the MCU hulk these days, but the very best hulk is the one that is a huge mass of power, and psychological horror because he's a walking nuclear bomb, and yet underneath that is a heart that means well despite it all going horrifically wrong and is not above doing terrible things when required. The work that Al Ewing and Joe Bennett are doing is a work of art. Truly is. It defies the medium and the conventions of superhero comics and comics as a whole, mixing different genres into this wonderful stew of chaotic goodness! If you like body and psychological horror, if you like Mystery, if you like science fiction, if you like action, if you like drama, it has all that and more! I can't wait to see what these guys are doing next because issue 19 was off the charts!

Best Marvel book out there, and one of the best comics of the last decade hands down. So don't make me angry, or I'll write a whole essay of why you shouldn't make me angry! Haha.

The Flash issue 72 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

   

  After traveling to the future, encountering his future self, and witnessing the tyranny of the Turtle’s reign, Barry is at the crossroads and he has to make a choice, either to hide his powers or use it to make a difference. With prior knowledge of events that have yet to happen, can Barry succeed in preventing the future that he has witnessed?

     Joshua Williamson/ Writing: I personally think that this arc will become just as seminal to The Flash as Frank Miller’s Year One is seminal to Batman’s mythos. It’s impressive to see how much Howard explores Barry’s journey as he gradually becomes The Flash that we’ve come to know within this run thus far. There is a ton of great scenes where Williamson digs into Barry’s process on how he utilizes his abilities in addition to seeing his costume and abilities organically develop throughout. There is a charm that Williamson is able to channel through Barry that provides readers insight on Barry’s progression and how his actions will reverberate throughout to the present. 

  The issue is well paced, furthering the chemistry of Barry and Iris’s relationship, displaying Barry’s first battle with The Turtle and how all of the things that readers know and love all fall into place. It’s interesting to see how Williamson has weaved so much continuity from his own run and every other run together in such a way that it feels cohesive and organic from start to finish. I enjoy Barry’s monologues but I also enjoy witnessing his origins unfold in a way that will make readers curious to how it will affect the future in Williamson’s run.

      Porter’s artwork is great in this issue. There are some panels that do feel a little wonky at times, or maybe it’s just me, but in this issue, some panels in certain pages looked a little weird. But it’s not so terrible to a point that it takes away from the issue because it certainly doesn’t. The entirety of the issue is still wonderfully drawn and well sequenced. The fight between Barry and The Turtle is definitely amazing to see given that Porter’s strengths played in favor of the issue as it beautifully showcases how both of the characters powers works and how they negate one another. Now while the action is always great to see, I think the slower moments with Barry exploring his abilities and his dates with Iris, is some of the best panel work out there. With Hi-FI’s colors and Steve Wands lettering, it helps make this issue shine in a favorable light, where everything clicks in sync, making it an enjoyable reading experience narratively and visually.

This run continues to prove that Williamson cares for the character and is adding new material to the mythos that will be influential to the character’s mythology for years to come. I highly recommend picking this issue up and adding to your pull list for new comic book day!

The Batman Who Laughs issue 6 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

    Batman infected with the Joker Virus, faces off against The Batman Who Laughs to save the heart of Gotham City! Minutes away from succumbing to the infection, Batman makes a last stand against his warped counterpart. Meanwhile, Jim Gordon and James face off against the Grim Knight waiting for Batman’s commands to initiate what could be their best chance at winning the war. Will James and Jim survive their battle against the Grim Knight long enough to see tomorrow? WIll Batman defeat the Batman Who Laughs? Or will he become him?

      Snyder has been consistent in writing the entirety of this series, giving each character a unique voice and continual building on the character of The Batman Who Laughs. It’s impressive to see the Batman Who Laughs has become such a mainstay due to one of the creators that made him has been consistently writing him with genuine integrity. The Batman Who Laughs could have been treated like Venom and have a whole ton of books of his own, but thankfully, he’s used scarcely, which makes the characters appearances in different stories a welcomed presence. This issue is a highlight because Snyder finally gets to go crazy in this issue!

      I think some of the best scenes are the scenes with Jim Gordon and his son James. We can see that as much as Jim wants to trust his son, he can’t help but think about all the times that James betrayed his trust whenever he fell into his serial killer tendencies. To see that James is really trying to redeem himself as a person, and trying to win the trust of his own father is well written and readers can’t help but feel sympathy for James despite his past crimes. Aside from Jim and James, the build-up to Batman and his evil counterpart is well paced and delivers in regards to the nightmarish insanity that is delivered visually by Jock.

     There are some moments within this issue where Snyder makes a call back to some of his older stories that not only stem from his Black Mirror book, but also elements from his new 52 run. Some of those moments will have readers grinning at Snyder’s attention to detail to his own continuity and giving a nod to other aspects of Batman’s mythos). The story is tightly written, and readers get to see all of the puzzle pieces finally fall into place that provides a successful landing after a ton of build up.

      Jock’s art is amazing with each issue and with this issue, it’s not different. In this issue, we get to see Jock visually showcase the narrative by making he is become more visually deranged in a beautiful way that is both striking, eerie, and kinetic. Despite the trademark silhouettes of Jocks style, his ability to craft panels full of contrast and make the art have so much power is a testament to his abilities as an illustrator. Combined with David Baron’s colors, Jock’s use of different textures helps to give the book an aesthetic that is enjoyable to sift back and forth just to see what he did on each panel just so you could ponder about the different kinds of digital screen tones, brushes that he may have used when creating this issue. Sal Cipriano’s lettering is to be appreciated because it has a stylistic aesthetic that really enhances the overall story, especially in between the moments where Bruce is narrating and we see certain letters that are highlighted in between words that provide hidden messages that make it all the more entertaining. I don’t have to say anything else other than this, add this book to your pull list for new comic book day! It’s consistent and amazing! Nuff said!