Near Death a fun romp, but needs more depth.

Written by Jay Faerber with art by Simone Guglielmini (YEP, that’s his real name!), Near Death takes us on a fun journey of a hit man turned good guy, swearing to never kill again.

We’ve heard that one before!

After a near-death experience and what could only be described as his own personal hell, Mister Markham takes a vow to protect the innocent…but what if the innocent isn’t so innocent? What if the innocent is a man that took advantage of a 7-year-old girl? This is just one of the heavy themes that Near Death will explore in its run at image comics (And for a meer $2.99!).

While issue one did a good job of building upon the character the issues he’ll be dealing with, I found the second issue to be quite the controversy. What to do with a sick individual that swears he’s done his time, that swears he’s healed, that swears he’ll never do it again? With the pain and anguish of the family kindled into a flame of anger so great they are willing to kill to avenge the girl, this issue is about protection and right and wrong. It’s a thin line to walk and a great story to tell…I just wish it went a little more in depth…the legalitites of the system, the issues with the grey areas that come into play.

All in all this is a great title worth picking up and checking out!!

Near Death only once(He sat next to me on a bus),

Donnie Drama

DC’S New 52 Update…..Detective Comics #2

Detective Comics #2 really takes the idea from issue #1 and “runs with it”. I really enjoyed the creepy factor in this issue and will def. be back for issue #3!!! Hightly recommended!!!

Your update guide,

Donnie Drama

DC’S New 52- UPDATE!

Green Lantern: New Guardians #2 keeps the pace while adding to the mystery and fun factor….I recommend picking this one up!

While Voodoo #2 feels like the movie Species, I still enjoy the science fiction aspect of the story, plus the addition of adding Kyle Rayner to the mix is going to be great fun! (Ron Marz+Kyle Rayner=one happy camper!)

Your comic update dude,

Donnie Drama

Comic Review- The Last Of The Greats #1

Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov with art by Brent Peeples, The last of the greats is a nice addition to image’s already blossoming unique and different cache of titles. The story starts out with a bit of action and DEATH as we are led to the Last of The Greats, The Greats being a race of aliens that came to earth to prepare them for defense against another alien race. While they were worshiped as Gods in some parts of the world, others were too untrusting and so began the destruction of the Greats! Cut to now, with all of the Greats dead, except one, who really wants nothing to do with us or the fact that the evil alien empire is now at our doorstep.

No, they’re not Scientologists!

What comes next is a great little story with a surprise ending good enough to make you forget about a little series about an alien that just doesn’t give a f#@k!

Mark who?

This is a great start to an indie series that I suggest you get a jump on before others make this baby unobtainable (get it? sigh…nvm).

Your insight to the comic world,

Donnie Drama

DC New 52 Update!

Here is an update on a few titles, what’s good, what’s bad, etc.

Avoid! It’s sporadic with no real depth or plot…This is the LAST issue I’m purchasing.

Still lots of fun, but a bit weaker than the first issue. Want to know where it’s headed. A direction would be nice!

Still lots of fun, great story-telling…keep this title on your pull list!

Keeping you in the loop,

Donnie Drama

DC’S New 52 BONUS!- The Shade #1

Written by James Robinson, with art by Cully Hamner, The Shade is a nice little addition to the DC Dark section of the universe of DC comics(That was a mouth full!).

To understand The Shade a little better, let’s consult the all-knowing, all-seeing, Wikipedia….Go for it, Wiks!

“Though initially portrayed in the Golden Age comics as a thief with a cane that could manipulate shadows, the character was reinvented in 1994 as a morally ambiguous Victorian era immortal who gained the ability to manipulate shadows and his immortality from an unexplained mystical event.”

Thanks, Wiks!

You’re welcome!

The story starts out with Shade, having tea with Mikaal, the current Starman. They are discussing their future and blah blah blah. We then get to some action with Will Hammer, being chased on the streets by some baddies. He knows something is wrong and The Shade is in trouble…he must warn him…but it turns out he may be a little late as Deathstroke has taken the contract to “take care of” The Shade!

While I love, love, lvoe James Robinson’s writing style and  natural storytelling nature, I felt a bit disappointed by this first issue of a 12 issue maxi-series. I’m hoping issue 2 picks it up a little more and gives us a little more meat with our potatos!

We’re back, Bitches!

 Pick it up if you are a fan of Robinson, The Shade, or Deathstroke..you won’t regret it!

Your comic pal,

Donnie Drama

DC’S New 52- The Dark Knight #1 (The Review of all 52 Books!!!!)

Written by Paul Jenkins & David Finch with art by David Finch, The Dark Knight is a so-so book added to the Batman cannon unnecessairly.

Bruce wayne being investigated for supporting Batman?!! What?!!  It’s a pretty nifty idea, but one that doesn’t quite fit in where the other Batman books are headed. While I enjoyed the book overall, it still left a rather sour taste in my mouth as this was the last chance for Batman to really “bring it”. I’ve just felt that all of the Batman books were OK, with nothing remarkable or rememorable. I’m a huge fan of Bruce Jone’s work, and find Batman needs more stories such as his. You become invested in a mystery, you feel for the characters and you WANT to follow along on their journey as they unravel the truth! I honestly feel Action Comics is the better Batman book….strange as that might sound.

It’s true!

As this is my last DC 52 #1’s blog, I’ll say this….if you must collect every Batman title, this is def. your cup of tea…..if you don’t care, neither do I…skip it!

And now…..for my grand exit…play me off, Keyboard Cat!!!!

Ted Kord’s Birthday Bash!!!!

We’ve received pictures of Ted Kord’s birthday bash…apparently it was a surprise party?!

DC’S NEW 52- Justice League Dark #1

Written by Peter Milligan with art by Mikel Janin, Justice League Dark is a little different, a little exciting, and a little…..DARK!

The Enchantress has gone ape-shit and the Justice League is useless against the force of her magical power. Only a few can stand in her way, stop the madness and bring light to…the dark(I should be a book jacket writer!!) That’s right kiddies, Madame Xanadu has assembled a team of heroes with unique abilities and powers to stop the evil that seeps in through the cracks of the DCU.

Apparently they failed.

This book is a great start to, what I think, will be a great title filled with odd/eccentric characters and plots.

I’m so excited about this book and it’s potential that I don’t want to spoil a moment for the reader…just pick it up, I’m sure you can still find it for around $5 at your local shop or on ebay!

Blogging from the Darkness(aka, his office),

Donnie Drama

DC’S New 52- OMAC #1

Written by Dan Didio and Keith Giffen, with art by Keith Giffen, Omac #1 is an interesting issue of mayhem and nonsense. What do I mean by that…I’ll explain, but first, don’t you think Omac looks a little too similar to someone we all know and love?

Daddy OMAC?

So before we go further, let’s conjure up the mysterious, all-knowing Wikipedia..take it away WIKS!!

Set in the near future (“The World That’s Coming”), OMAC is a corporate nobody named Buddy Blank who is changed via a “computer-hormonal operation done by remote control” by an A.I. satellite called Brother Eye into the super-powered One-Man Army Corps (OMAC).

OMAC works for the Global Peace Agency(GPA), a group of faceless people who police the entire world using pacifistic weapons. The world balance is too dangerous for large armies, so OMAC is used as the main field enforcement agent for the Global Peace Agency.

Thanks, Wiks!!!   Anyway, this issue starts out with Kevin Kho,(Buddy Blank’s updated replacement?) working at an office at Cadamus, where, miles below the surface, seceret experiments are tested and brought to life! MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Can he withstand the powers of pea soup?!

Omac breaks in, seperating Kevin from his gal pal and other fellow co-workers. As we quickly learn, or should know by now, Kevin is being controlled by Brother Eye, a satellite in the sky.

The story is filled with enough action, but barely tells a story. Without the usual humor or charm of Giffen to steam it along this issue felt a bit hollow, but still interesting enough that I’ll give it a 3-issue chance!

Overall the book is a solid read and one worth investing a few buck in if u have the extra cash…if nothing more than for Giffen’s amazing Kirby emulation on the drawing of the book!

Compare for yourself..here’s a Kirby drawing/creation.

Busy Omac-ing on your mom,

Donnie Drama