It Came From The Reading Pile - Reviews #6

This is a regular post where I grab a bunch of comics from my reading stack and rave and rant about them. This is also a labor of love for my daughter and I - to not only share a common interest but to also encourage her to read and write.

Using a carrot scale of 1-5 to measure the overall book.

1. Year of the Villain - The Joker #1 
Publisher: DC
Story: John Carpenter
Art: Phillip Tan

What's It About: 
Joker is on the loose and wrecking his usual havoc. In the mix we are introduced to one of his followers and they both get into various altercations that seem to be pushing both of the characters to different limits.

The book does an absolutely fantastic job at tackling mental illness and drawing a comparison between being evil and being crazy.

I haven't seen the Joker movie but it seems like some of the themes presented here are also captured in the big screen.

What's Awesome: 

• John Carpenter creates a tight script that takes a dark look at the mental aspect of the characters. 
• Awesome art that falls in line with the script. 
• Hilarious and dark line regarding a dog and his gun in the book. Great piece of storytelling. 

What's Not Awesome: 

• Some may not like the metal aspect or darkness of the issue. 

Overall: 

Great read and really enjoyed the overall feel and vibe of the book. If you like the Joker then highly recommend this book in a recent crowded list of Joker books. 

🥕🥕🥕🥕🥕out of 5

2. Mall #1 & 2 
Publisher: Vault
Story: Gary Dauberman
Art: Zak Hartong

What's It About: 
Like many books, the world has ended and a subset of humans are left dealing with each other, limited supplies, and living in a difficult terrain - in this instance a mall.

The mall is divided among different gangs and one of the leaders is killed and our main character, Andre, is framed of the murder.

Andre now has to navigate different factions of the mall, while trying to unravel the truth and stay alive.

 What's Awesome: 

• I love end of the world stories and this is certainly an interesting read. 
• The various gangs are cool and the mall/locations are smartly utilized. 
• The mix of survival and mystery are well blended as you try to unravel the truth. 

What's Not Awesome: 

• The art is rushed at times and is not very impressive. 
• Can the single location of the mall continue to deliver intriguing scenarios? 

Overall: 

Cool story and concept leaves you wanting to solve the mystery and learn more about the inhabitants of the mall. Worth checking if you enjoy end of the world stories. 

🥕🥕🥕🥕out of 5

3. White Trees #1 & 2 
Publisher: Image
Story: Chip Zdarsky
Art: Kris Anka

What's It About: 
In the fantasy world of Blacksand three retired warriors head on a mission to save their kids. As they head out on their journey they are not only challenged by external forces but also by past demons of battles fought long ago.

There are some great fight scenes and eventually the truth is and betrayals are uncovered. The ending is bitter sweet and leaves you wanting more. Not only more of the characters and their past but of this very cool world that has been created.


What's Awesome: 

• Great use of the characters and not what you normally expect or see of three hardened warriors. 
• Fantastic setting that leaves you wanting more...want to see these warriors in their prime. 

What's Not Awesome: 

• Only 2 issue series is very short but well paced. 
• The art and story is certainly not for kids.  

Overall: 

Cool two issue series that is very well executed. The issues feel nice and thick and are a little oversize so well worth the money. 

🥕🥕🥕🥕out of 5

4. Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy #1 
Publisher: DC
Story: Jody Houser
Art: Adriana Melo

What's It About: 
The girls are back together and they are trying to put recover from the events of Heroes in Crisis. They are trying to lay low and recover while Poison Ivy gets her strength..and I guess plants and leaves back. The plan does not work at all and before you know it evil literary comes knocking at the door. 

What's Awesome: 

• Fantastic set of connecting covers by Artgerm.
• Lighthearted story that makes good use of the characters and their relationship. 

What's Not Awesome: 

• You have to read some of the Heroes in Crisis to fully know what is going on. 
• The villain at the end seems a little silly.  

Overall: 

Laid back and fun book, well worth checking out specially for the covers.
🥕🥕🥕out of 5


5. Recent Comic Haul!!!
It is always awesome when you go to the store looking for dog food and you come back with comics! Found several 100 page giants on my trip. Anyone from the community read these yet?

Keep Reading!!