Update

Once again, health issues and personal life have prevented me from posting on this blog.  Things in general have finally settled down.  The doctor have my Raynaud's Disease under control so I plan on returning to blogging for 2017.  I am already working on some posts so I can start the year off on the right foot.

5. Thanos: The Infinity Finale

Written by Jim Starlin

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Published by Marvel Comics (April 13, 2016)

Source:  Comixology

I have been following Jim Starlin's career since his early days at Marvel.  Some of my fondest memories of that work involved the war between Captain Mar-vell and Thanos.  At the time, my friends and I thought the scope was amazing.  Little did we know that it was just the beginning, the tip of the iceberg.  

Now, after so many pages that I lost track, Jim Starlin turns in what he is calling his swan song with the characters.  And what a swan song it is.  All the epic grandeur of a classic finale is present in this story.  Planets are destroyed.  Heroes die.  Races get annihilated.  Betrayals occur. And in the end, we get the Marvel cosmic universe re-established with some major changes.  I don't know who will take up the reins from the master but Jim Starlin will be a hard act to follow.  

For one of the best grand cosmic epics you will ever read in comics, go back and read Jim Starlin's epic from the beginning.  But be prepared.  You have not seen anything like this before.

My highest recommendation.

They're Not Like Us Volume 1

Written by Eric Stephenson

Rating:  2 out of 5 stars

Published by Image Comics (July 21, 2015)

Source:  Netgalley 

Not every comic appeals to every reader.  Stephenson has crafted an interesting story about people with special abilities and how they choose to use them.  For some reason, the characterization of the people did not appeal to me.  This one was a miss.

Not recommended.

3. Justice League Vol. 7: The Darkseid War Part 1

Written by Geoff Johns

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Published by DC Comics (Marchl 15, 2016)

Source:  Netgalley 

Now this is what an epic Justice League comic should look like!  Once again, Geoff Johns delivers a modern day classic with the Justice League, the New Gods, Darkseid, and many more.  The art being delivered by Jason Fabok was breathtaking.  I know this sounds like hyperbole but the Johns/Fabok team is one of my favorites.  It leaves me anxious to see where this story goes next.

Highly recommended.

2. Superman Vol. 1: Before Truth

Written by Gene Luen Yang

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Published by DC Comics (April 12, 2016)

Source:  Netgalley 

What happens when Superman's secret identity is revealed?  As you would expect, all kinds of problems.  In the end, I enjoyed this story but thought the build up was too slow.  The art by John Romita Jr and Klaus Janson was very good on the action sequences but was lacking in the quiet, character moments of the story.

Overall a good but not great effort.  If you like the character I would recommend you read this and the following stories for the whole story.  I thought the whole storyline was a good one.

1. Batman Vol. 7: Endgame

Written by Scott Snyder

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Published by DC Comics (September 22, 2015)

Source:  Netgalley

Building on what Grant Morrison established with the Joker, Scott Snyder has him return as a different version of the character with each appearance.  This time, he is serious about killing Batman.  Snyder continues to come up with creative ways for the Joker to attack Batman.  As Batman hunts for him, it is revealed that his nemesis has been in Gotham since the founding of the city.  Is he actually immortal?  If so, is Batman doomed to lose in the end?  The tension mounts in one of Snyder's best stories to date.

Highly recommended but you will want to read this series from the start to get the full effect of the story.

9th Annual Graphic Novels & Manga Challenge 2016

Better late than never.  Due to some health issues, I did not sign up for the start of this year's challenge.  I hope to make up for lost time as my health returns.  I am signing up for the Bronze Age challenge but hope to exceed that.