Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe Again #1 (Comic-Book Review)

Title: Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe Again
Issue Number: 1
Writer: Cullen Bunin
Art: Dalibor Talajic
Cover: Dalibor Talajic
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Action/ Dark Comedy/ Superhero
Cover Price: $3.99 (US) 

Taking the place in an alternate universe, we open with X-Man Gambit being found dead by authorities. He has been impaled onto a pool table, by an unknown assailant. Soon after, a group of heroes, including Deadpool, are taking on A.I.M. and their leader, M.O.D.O.K. Suddenly, M.O.D.O.K reveals his control over Deadpool who proceeds to slaughter the heroes, whom he sees as mutant monsters, in his mind. Meanwhile, a group of other heroes, consisting of Cable, Misty Knight, Jessica Jones, the Punisher, Moon Knight, and Kate Bishop, are investigating who has been killing heroes. Deadpool continues to ratchet up a body count, as his brainwashed mind is being used, and the truth is slowly revealed to us...

It has been several years since Deadpool last ''killed'' the Marvel Universe. Since, then his popularity has risen even more. This gives Marvel a good reason, well in their minds, anyway, to bring this idea back. It is also clear that several of the heroes featured in their Netflix series are gonna play major roles, along with Cable, and some others. This makes sense in their continuous attempts at drawing in a non-comic-book reading audience. Whether that works, or not, well...

What I can say is that this is a great and promising start to this 5 issue miniseries. A brainwashed Deadpool under the control of supervillains is a cool idea. And, since this is an alternate universe, Wade Wilson can rack up quite the bloody body-count. The violence is gruesome and bloody, rightfully earning its Parental Adversary rating. Writer Bunn keeps the pace fast; throwing you right into the action. The dark humor is often hilarious.

The art by Talajic is quite good. Characters look good and he has a nice stylized look. Especially awesome are the cartoon like hallucinations that Deadpool has while he kills the heroes thinking that they are evil, yet silly looking monsters.

It could be, rightfully, argued that we never needed a new series where Deadpool kills the Marvel Universe. But, at least, we are off to a fun start. The comic is fast, hyper-violent, and darkly funny. There are lots of characters, as one expects there to be, and it has managed to make me want to buy and read on further. That, in of itself, is a huge accomplishment.

4 out of 4

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Steve Rogers: Captain America #2 (Comic-Book Review)

Title: Steve Rogers: Captain America  
Issue Number: 2
Writer: Nick Spencer
Art: Jesus Saiz
Editor: Tom Brevdort
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Action/ Superhero
Cover Price: $3.99 (US) 

After last month's shocking revelation where Captain America pushed his backup, Jack Flag, out of a plane and uttered the words, "Hail Hydra!" the Internet went insane, so much as sending death threats to those involved with the issue. Though to be honest, if you only know Capt from the movies and have never read a single comic in your life, you need to just shut the fuck up.

Anyway, the year's most controversial and talked about superhero comicbook storyline continues. I know some sites have already talked about/ revealed what happens inthis second issue, but, that's not my style of doing reviews. As such my synopsis of this issue will be short and to the point, but honestly you can probably figure out the reveal with just reading the following. 

The Red Skull is visited by a little girl , Kubik, who is a sentient embodiment of the cosmic cube that he once possessed. She tells him of her adoration for him and Hydra, as well as her ability to manipulate and add new thoughts/ memories (along with other reality shaping abilities as the cosmic cube would have) lile she's done wth the scientist that SHIELD had hired to study her. This inspires the Skull to have one of his most nefarious plans, ever. 

Stop bitching and read this amazing and bold comic! This is slowing shaping up to be one of the most intriguing superhero stories of the year! Spencer is in top form slowly unweaving plot points and story. It is instantly captavating and enthralling, you'll wanna keep reading and turning the pages. Even though I could quickly figure out where the story was heading, it didn't deter or take away anything from the entertainment value or quality of the story.  Plus, he really knows how to write for the Skull, perhaps Marvel's most purely evil and vile villain. That this issue is told through his voice and perspective is particularly good. 

The art by Jesus Saiz is gorgeous. He's so apt at drawing people, especially catching their emotions. His style works great with this comic and story. 

In short, this is the must read and most enthralling superhero story running in a comic this summer. Buy it now! 


* * * * out of * * * *

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Howard the Duck #8 (Comic-Book Review)

Title: Howard the Duck
Issue Number: 8
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Art: Joe Quinones
Cover: Joe Quinones
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Comedy/ Superhero
Cover Price: $3.99 (US) 

After all the crazy stuff that has been going in Howard the Duck's life, he decides to go visit and talk to Beverly, his beautiful and loyal human partner and friend. He wants her back in his life, but she is over with all the craziness that comes with him. And, as if to prove her right, a sentient Sentinel appears and tries to kill them. The end of the issue sets up the next story arc, as actress Lea Thompson comes in to Howard's PI office looking for help.

First and foremost, this is my first time ever reading a Howard the Duck comic. While, I know the character and have read stories or appearances with him in it; I never read any of his own titles. But, holy crap, am I ever sold on the guy! This comic was priceless!! The writing by Zdarksy is fun, hilarious, and fast paced. His dialogue, especially between Bev and Howard, is spot-on and made me laugh my ass off! The whole story, mostly a one-shot, save for the end, is so wildly imaginative. And, being that it sums up a lot of what has happened in the comic, it's a perfect set-up point for new readers to come in. Especially, since the next arc is gonna revolve around Lea freaking Thompson!

She was my main reason for picking this issue up, and I am happy that I did. I have a life long crush on her (she's still beautiful!), and I especially liked her 80's rocker look in the crappy 80s Howard the Duck movie. Quinones is a great artist, and he really captures her beauty in his art. The comic looks beautiful thanks to him. It's fun and bright looking (also his cover is gorgeous, just look at it at the top!), and his ability to draw superhero stuff in a really cool manner and draw girls really pretty. It all just hits the mark. The flashback stuff is amazing looking like an issue straight from the 70s!!!

Howard the Duck is THE best title that you are not reading. Get off your ass and change that, NOW! Me? I plan on getting some trades to catch up and can't wait for the next issue!

* * * * out of * * * *

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Velvet Sinn #1

Title: Velvet Sinn
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Big Boy Studios
Genre: Action/ Superhero
Cover Price: $5.00

Dillion Harper is a stripper whose stage-name is Velvet Sinn. She has psychic visions of a little girl being kidnapped. having been trained to be an amazing fighter and having an innate desire to help the helpless, she knows what she needs to do. So, she dons a cat mask and suit  and goes t0 find and rescue the girl. There she encounters the kidnappers, whom she proceeds to whoop their asses.

Adult actress Dillion Harper's comic-book is a fast-paced, fun read. The action is brisk and moves right along. It's really cool to imagine that the alter-ego of this girl-next-door porn star cutie is an as whooping and, of course, sexy superherione. It's highlighted by a very fun and sexy art style that gives it a cool anime look. It really fits the story and is enhanced by bright colors that make it all pop.

The comic was released last year, and I just picked it up this past Sat (Nov. 14, 2015) at Exxxotica NJ after I had interviewed her (I will be posting that soon, so keep your eyes open for it!). I am very glad that I did, since I really enjoyed the hell out of it. If you are a fan of both fun to read action oriented superhero comics and of Dillion Harper, herself, I highly recommend you that you get yourself a copy.

You can order a copy of Velvet Sinn for $5.00 by emailing velvetsinn@gmail.com.
And, be sure to follow the beautiful Dillion Harper on Twitter @dillionharper.


A reminder: If you live in the continental US, don't forget to enter my Contemporary Krampus book contest: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2015/11/contemporary-krampus-review-and-contest.html

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Star Wars: Shattered Empire #1

Title: Star Wars: Shattered Empire
Issue Number: 1
Writer: Greg Rucka
Art: Marco Checchetto
Cover: Phil Noto
Editor: Jordan D. White
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Science Fiction
Cover Price: $3.99 (US) 

We open in the last couple of minutes of Return of the Jedi, as the Rebel squadron attacks the Death Star. Soon, they are successful and there is a celebration on the planet Endor (as seen in Return). We follow the beautiful and brave Commander Shara, whose husband. Sergeant Dameron is also a Rebel fighter. But, the celebration is cut short, as the now victorious Rebel Alliance must contend with remaining Empire forces on the planet.

The first story to officially take place between Return and the upcoming The Force Awakens, this entertaining story, might be one of the most hotly anticipated by Star Wars fans, or at least, it was by me. We are immediately thrown into the action, which I was not really expecting. At first, I was a little thrown off, as I must admit, I thought we would get to follow our lead heroes and not new characters. That being said, towards the last few pages I finally got into it and wholly look forward to issue number 2. It is there I think this story will fully kick in, as the writing by Rucka becomes increasingly more involving.

This is coupled with truly gorgeous art by Checchetto, in what is perhaps the beautiful looking book in all the Star Wars universe (which is saying a lot). He is great at capturing space battles and drawing the new characters, as well as the iconic ones.

In all this a solid story that fans should pick up. It feels like one that will continue to develop and get more interesting as the issues progress. As such, it is without a shadow of a doubt, one to keep your eyes on.

*** out of ****

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Hack / Slash: Nailbiter (One-Shot)

  













Title: Hack/ Slash: Nailbiter
Issue Number: One-Shot
Writers: Tim Seeley and Joshua Williamson
Art: Emilio Laiso and Mike Henderson
Cover Art: Tim Seely and K. Michael Russell
Editor: Rob Levin
Publisher: Image
Genre: Horror/ Action
Cover Price: $4.99

This crossover of Hack/ Slash and Nailbiter, has both of their creators teaming up, as our heroic serial killing duo of Cassie Hack and Vlad meet the Nailbiter dubbed so by the media, for his fondness of biting his victim's nails. The first half has our heroine, Cassie Hack, and her monstrous partner Vlad going to Portland, Oregon to Buckaroo a town known for it's high amount of serial killers. They been sent there by Edward Warren, a man who unbeknownst to them is the Nailbiter), who tells Cassie that her mom came from that town. They soon arrive at a store dedicated to serial killers in Buckaroo, where they meet it's owner, Pedro Miramontes. He has a love for lucha libre (Mexican pro-wrestling known for it's aerial and technical prowess and use of masks by it's wrestlers) and... killing! You see it's all a trap concocted by Warren!
Flip the comic over and you get the prequel, as we learn how our duo met Warren. At an amusement park, they attempt to save Warren from another serial killer. Of course, no one knows who Warren really is...

Both stories are really fun and move at quick paces. Series creators Seeley and Williamson both add a sly and quirky sense of humor to accompany the violence. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with solid characterizations. I also like the art of both stories. I do prefer the art of Laiso, but I quite liked Henderson's as well. Both have a fun style that works well for the stories.

While, I have known about Hack/ Slash for ages, I had never heard about Nailbiteri, until now. I never read either till now. I am glad that I did. I had a blast going through this issue and will keep reading, as well as buy some trades of the older books. Cassie Slash is sexy and badass, and Vlad is funny and a cool character. This is a solid book, that I recommend, even if you never read any of the other books in the series. Especially for those who like their horror books to be full of fun and action, and even more so, if they have a taste for slashers/ serial killers. Fans into lucha libre will wanna take a look too.

*** out of ****

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Princess Leia #1

Title: Princess Leia
Issue Number: 1
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Terry Dodoson
Inkers: Rachel Dodoson
Editor: Jordan D. White
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Science Fiction
Cover Price: $3.99 (US)

One of the most exciting prospects of Disney owning both Marvel and Star Wars is that we would have Marvel publishing Star Wars tales again. This is something that hadn't happened since the mid 80s, as Dark House had been doing that since the 90s. Already, Marvel has given us three Star Wars titles: Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Princess Leia, and, coming next month, we will have a fourth one: Kanan: The Last Padawan. This review is, of course, for the first issue of the ongoing Princess Leia comic.

The issue starts mere minutes after the end of Episode IV: A New Hope, as the medal ceremony has ended. We see that people don't seem to like the beautiful Princess Leia very much. They feel that she is a cold-hearted bitch with no feelings. But, this couldn't be further from the truth. She looks for a way to help the Rebellion somehow but is told by the man in charge of this outpost, General Dodonna, that she should just grieve. Not only that, but they need to protect her as she is now she is a major target of the Galactic Empire, who have put a huge bounty on her head. Also, any surviving Alderaanians are to be hunted down and exterminated. Leia isn't one to take this lying down. So, she asks for the help of a pretty, blonde X-Wing pilot named Evaan, who doesn't particularly like Leia and definitely sees her as said being an "ice princess".

Of all the stories that I have read that take place after some point in the Star Wars cinematic universe, this is one of the ones, that I can most definitely seeing having occurred or occurring. Waid has crafted the perfect story for Leia, one that fits her character to perfection. He really captures the spunk and heroism that makes her one of the greatest female characters in the history of sci-fi. He also crafts interesting characters, both new and old, to interact with her, as well as set the pace up for what promises to be an exciting and fun series to read.

This is complemented by Dodson's good looking art. I've always liked the way he draws beautiful women, and he does a great job here with Leia. He is also really good at capturing character's emotions in the panels. It's a fun and bright looking book, just the way this title should be.

The end result is what might be the most promising of the Star Wars titles so far. I really think the sky, (or is it space?), is the limit for this book. Highly enjoyable and a complete pleasure to read, I simply love this issue. Pick it up, ASAP and be sure to keep your eyes open for the second issue, which should hit comic shops this Wed.

***1/2 out of ***
 

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The Multiversity: Mastermen #1

 

Title: The Multiversity: Mastermen
Issue Number: 1
Writer: Grant Morrison
Art: Jim Lee
Inkers: Scott Williams, Sandra Hope, Mark Irwin, Jonathon Glapion
Cover Artists: Jim Lee w/ Rian Hughs
Editor: Rickey Porter
Publisher: DC
Genre: Superhero Action/ Alternate Universe
Cover Price: $4.99 (US)

The next entry in writer Grant Morrison's ongoing series, The Multiversity, exploring alternate universes in DC's multiverse deals with a "what if" scenario, of sorts. In this universe, baby Kal El's ship does not crash land in Smallville, Kansas. Instead, it lands in Nazi, Germany during World War II. Hitler, who was taking a shit reading a Superman comic, is soon informed. The superbaby is named Clark and is raised by the Nazi regime. He becomes the key to victory and in this world, with this being's superpowers, here dubbed Overman, they take over the world. Cut to the present, where the Nazis still rule, some more than sixty years later. Ethnic cleansing has occurred and Overman is joined by a Nazified version of the Justice League. But, a rebel force led by Uncle Sam is swelling, attacking, and preparing to take them down and free this world. In meantime, Overman wrestles with a conscious heavy with all the bloodshed and disgusting atrocities that have been committed since the days of Hitler.

I have to admit that I have never read a single issue of The Multiversity (all of which are one-shots, or single issue stories, for those not in the know) or even knew about it. As I have said in the past, I rarely read any DC post-The New 52 (which, yes, I still hate). But, upon hearing the idea of a Superman raised by the Nazis, I was intrigued. In some ways this may recall Redson, the classic Elseworlds tale where Superman is raised by Russians. But, he wasn't a villain in that. Being associated with Nazis is a completely different thing to communist Russia, and this book does a good job in capturing that. It's dark and somber, but also completely enthralling. It's fascinationg and disturbing to see a Nazi version of an iconic hero like Batman, here named Leatherwing. This is a scary and horrific world, but what Morrison does so amazingly is that even in this disgusting world where Clark has been raised by such a repulsive reigmen, he still has a moral center. One that makes him question the world that he lives in and the allegiance that he has, as well as those he is associated with. Since each of these stories are one-shot, we end the story on a gut punch, one that we won't see the outcome for. But, we do feel hope for this world, which in light of it all, is important.

Complementing Morrison's excellent story telling is Jim Lee's beautiful and fluent artwork. His art perfectly captures this world's perverse version of known, and lesser known characters. The colors are somber and help to add a heaviness to this story.

One of the best and perhaps the single darkest alternate version, you are ever likely to read about the Last Son of Krypton, this story gets my highest possible recommendation. And, since it's a one-shot, you have no excuse for not checking it out.

**** out of ****

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Garbage Pail Kids: Puke-Tacular

Title: Garbage Pail Kids: Puke-Tacular
Issue Number: One-Shot
Writer: Various
Art: Various
Cover Artist (Displayed Above): Mark Pingitore
Editor: Denny Tipton
Publisher: IDW
Genre: Gross-out Humor
Cover Price: $3.99

A total of five short stories featuring Topps' infamous trading card characters, The Garbage Pail Kids, are featured in this one-shot comic. They range from one page length to a couple of pages. The stories revolve around comic-cons, stealing comics, a normal kid trying to fit in with the GPKs, and two tales of poop, as, in both of those stories have to do with characters taking shits. They all range from pretty decent to down right hilarious. If I had to pick my absolute favorite it would be How to be a Garbage Pail Kid written and illustrated by Joe Simko, and in a very close second, $#!TSTORM written by Bill Wray and drawn by Hilary Barta.

This is my childhood dream come true! I would have killed for a GPK comic as a kid! But, I think it would've been a little more watered down, as it would've probably been aimed strictly for kids. Aimed at teens and older, this one has some cursing and, as mentioned before, shit, and lots of it!

The writing, most, if not all, done by underground guys, is fun. The best thing is that it is actually funny! I busted a gut quite a few times. The artwork is awesome, with vivid and bright colors that pop off the page. It adds to the charm and enjoyability of the comic. It also really captures the grossness of it all as the pages flow with snot, puke, light gore, puss, and poop.

This is a must read for fellow fans of GPK and immature, gross humor in general. The fact that an ad in it announces that they are putting out a "Love Stinks" issue in February has me excited and gives me something to look forward to in that shitty month, other than Toy Fair!

***1/2 out of ****

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Thunderbolts: No Mercy

 

Title: Thunderbolts: No Mercy
Writer: Charles Soule
Art: Carlo Barberi, Kim Jancinto, and Paco Diaz
Editor: Jordan D. White
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Superhero Action
Cover Price: 19.99 (US)/ 21.99 (Can)

This, the most recent version of superhero team Thunderbolts, was formed and is led by General Ross, the Red Hulk and former Hulk nemesis, consists of Earth's superheroes who are willing to cross the line for the greater good. They consist of Deadpool, Elektra, Punisher, the Red Leader, and Agent Venom. Together they do the jobs others heroes can't or won't.

This trade collects issues #20-26. In the first group of stories they go to hell to try and get rid of their newest and most bloodthirsty member, the deadly female known as Mercy. To accomplish this they hire Johnny Blaze, the first Marvel Ghost Rider (who officially joins the team at this point) and make a deal with the Marvel equivalent of the devil himself, Mesphito! In the next story, a one shot, Agent Venom wants to leave the team and unleashes an uncontrolled version of the symbiont on the team! Finally, the team travels to South America to investigate an ancient cosmic power.

Soule has a fun writing style that is both wonderfully humorous and totally over the top in violence. Which is the perfect mix and what you want for this book. He keeps things always moving at a fast paced, but it is never completely mindless and lets all of the character's shine. With such an over the top, quirky, and violent group of heroes in lesser hands this could have been just mindless gore. But, it ain't. It's really funny, but also remains respectful to all the characters and never hits the level of self parody.

The writing is complemented by wonderful and lively art by all involved. Barden, Jancinto, and Diaz all deliver really solid and great looking art. The pages come alive as the blood and bullets fly. I like everyone involved here, with each person adding their own cool take on these immensely popular characters.

While, this title recently ended, it's great to read these stories and see these loners work together, albeit begrudgingly. Which quite frankly is what makes this title such a hoot to read. For fans who like dark humor and superheroes who don't pull any punches, this book gets my highest possible recommendation.


**** out of ****

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Superior Iron Man #1

 

Title: Superior Iron Man
Issue Number: 1
Writer: Tom Taylor
Art: Yildiray Cinar
Cover Artist (Displayed Above): Tom Fowler and Brad Anderson
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Superhero Action
Cover Price: $3.99 (US)

During the events depicted in the current Marvel series, Axis, the Red Skull had been infused with mental powers of the deceased Professor X. To stop him Dr. Strange, Dr. Doom, and the Scarlett Witch used an inversion spell, but instead it affected the heroes and villains on the island who had teamed to battle the nefarious villain. Now, villains are trying to be heroic and vice versa. Enter Tony Stark billionaire genius and also known as the superhero, Iron Man, who is one of those affected.

He has become a huge (or some would argue turned into an even bigger) douchebag. He has given out his new extremis formula to the "beautiful people" for free, to keep them looking great. But, to remain so, they will have to pay him a price. The vigilante Daredevil has already seen the results of this and is not happy about it. On top of that his ego is even more enlarged, he is dealing out unnecessary levels of violence, and he's back to drinking heavily.

The writing by Taylor on this book is fast and fun. It's really a hoot to see Stark take his personality to the nth level and being the biggest dick that he can be. His interaction with his girlfriend Pepper is true highlight, and you wish she would just kick him in the balls. The ending is especially cool and has me pumped for the next issue.

Meanwhile, the art by Cinar is beautiful. He's great at drawing beautiful people, a must in this book and story. There are also a bunch of really cool and awesome looking variant covers. The one above by Fowler and Anderson is a great parody of the classic "Demon in a Bottle" The Invincible Iron Man cover from the 70s, while playing tribute to the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Be warned though, neither Rocket Raccoon nor Groot are in this book.

That being said, what a fun, interesting, and exciting start to a new Iron Man book. I don't know how long this version of Stark will last. But, for now seeing him think he is so superior, makes for a must read.

*** out of ****

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Axis: Carnage #1

Title: Axis: Carnage
Issue Number: 1
Writer: Rick Spears
Art: German Peralta
Editor: Axel Alonso
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Price: $3.99 (US)

During the events portrayed in Axis, the evil Red Skull had stolen the brain, and with it the psychic powers of, the dead Prof. X. To stop him Dr. Strange, Dr. Doom, and the Scarlet Witch cast an inversion spell, which affected some of the superheroes and supervillains of the world. Including, in this case the Spider-Man foe and bloodthirty psychopath known as Carnage. He is, of course, the symbiote-infused alter ego of serial killer Cletus Kasady.

At the start of this first issue, our "hero" is swinging through the streets of NYC having to deal with his new and conflicting "feelings", something he has never had to deal with before. As such, he is driven by the need to be heroic. But, as a kill crazed maniac, that is easier said than done. For example, he hacks two men he thinks are threatening a woman. When, he discovers that one of them is her pimp and that she is a hooker, he punches her out. In the meantime, another psychotic villain, the Sin Eater, is killing people. This supervillain feeds off the sins of others, after he kills them "to save them". The mix and meeting of these two makes for a nice added bit of irony.

The writing by Spears is fast and fun. As a villain like Carnage is basically interested only in killing he isn't the most profound of characters, but that works to the book's advantage. His having to deal with feelings and trying to figure what is the "right thing" to do is darkly funny. There also a healthy amount of graphic violence, which is complemented perfectly by the realistic style of Perlata. I simply love the art in this book!

I don't know if this is a permanent title or just a mini-series, but it's off to a great start. Not sure how they can keep up the fun and not let this fall into mindless and repetitive drivel, but for right now this is a recommended horror, supervillain title. And, if you are a Carnage fan, like I am, then I give it my highest recommendation to you!

***1/2 out of ****
 

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Forever Evil

Title: Forever Evil
Number: 1
Script: Geoff Johns
Art: David Finch
Covers: David Finch, Richard Friend, and Sonia Oback
Editors: Kate Stewart and Brian Cunningham
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: 3.99

The DC heroes are gone/ dead. The few that remain include Nightwing and others trying to keep order. Meanwhile, the DC Universe's villains are all asked to gather together by the Crime Syndicate. They are an evil alternate universe of the JLA and are lead by the complete opposite of Superman, Ultra-Man, who draws his power from Kryponite but is weakened by the sun. They tell the villains to stand with them in this new world, where they work their evil as they wish to. But if they stand against them; they will be destroyed!

I have been avoiding DC's The New 52 like the fucking plague. But, I had been dying to read this, as it is villain-centered, since it was first announced. The result is a great read! This perfectly sets up what is to come, with a nice script that builds up quite well from Geoff Johns, one of my long time favorite writers. It's nicely complemented by David Finch's artwork, including the very cool cover and the kick ass gate-fold splash page.

So, DC have done something that ain't been able to do in ages: they got me interested in reading something that occurs in their own universe. I am very much looking forward to issue 2! Highly recommended.

**** out of ****

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DC Universe Vs. Masters of the Universe #1

Script: Keith Griffin
Art: Dexter Soy
Covers: Ed Benes and Randy Mayor
Editor: Michael McCallister
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99 (US)

Over on Earth, a beautiful woman is chased by demonic rats. She seeks help from the mystics of the DC Universe, Justice League Dark. Meanwhile, on Eternia, He-Man and three of the Masters of the Universe, Teela, Stratos, and Man-At-Arms, battle the Horde Troopers of Hordak's Evil Horde, who have taken over the planet. They find a captured Evil-Lyn who tell them that Skeletor has fled to Earth.

That's the basic plot of DC's highly awaited crossover event. Back in the early 80s DC did a MOTU and DCU crossover, but with the company recently publishing the franchise's books, it was only a matter of time before this occurred. This first issue is fun and has a nice pace and flow. The art by Soy looks good, and the covers by Benes and Mayor are beautiful.

I quite enjoy the story and plot, but there are issues I have with it. I don't like that everyone seems to know that Prince Adam and He-Man are on in the same. And, I dislike the changes to He-Man and Skeletor's costumes. But, hey DC has been shitting on their own characters with new looks, so this really isn't too shocking. It's really fucking shitty. Just do a Google search for Lobo's new look and tell me you don't wanna punch someone out for making him look like! But, the changes are offensive enough to turn off a die hard MOTU fan, like myself.

This issue has got my interest, and I will keep reading the mini-series. Considering I don't read comics much nowadays (the last thing I fully read was Thunderbolts #1 (the one with the current roster) and Avengers Vs. X-Men, the first couple of issues), that is saying a lot.

*** out of ****

By the way, this is the first time I ever reviewed a comic-book here. I think I will keep it up. Hope you enjoyed this!

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