The Emerald Speedster is here to deliver his highs and lows of 2011, before he delivers his final reviews of the year find out if your list matches his inside. 
Hey there and welcome to a special TWO PART new years edition of the Early Bird Reviews. Due to the fact that comic book retailers everywhere are getting their books the day of (Wednesday) instead of Tuesday the reviews will be released on Wednesday as early as possible, but for now we will discuss something of up most importance. 2011 was a monumental and yet disappointing year in the comic book world so we will review the hits and misses, though there were many only 5 hits and misses made their mark on our countdown. So without further adieu…. Misses 5.-X Men Schism  The one event that was 5 issues too long, the event that will forever be known as the dawn of a new genesis for mutant kind a “Regenesis” if you will, this event [and I use the word loosely] just happens to redefine or remind the reader what it means to be an X-Men and how times have changed compared to what Charles envisioned for mutant and human alike. In reality when you ask around every one will tell you the same thing, Marvel just made a big complicated ordeal out of something that Wolverine and Cyclops could have solved in 2 issues over a cup of joe. 4.-Brightest Day 
If it weren’t for The New 52 this would have been the beginning of what was SUPPOSED to be a new era on the DC universe. it dragged on for the remaining of 2010 and the better part of 2011 and the events climax left most unimpressed. 3.-Fear Itself 
This is what Marvel likes to pass off as a milestone event on their so called continuity, it is the perfect example of Marvels lack of creativity and it proves what most have suspected over the years when it comes to their events, that it is tradition to their so called architects to give the reader a pitiful excuse for a premise just to reel them in long enough to pull random crap out of their ass towards the final issue and expecting the fans to take it up the rear and like it. The only two redeeming qualities of this event were the prologue and the 7.1 aftermath which both involved Captain America and Matt Fractions mentor Ed Brubaker. Other than that Fractions attempt at cementing his legacy as one of the greats came to no avail, looks like the young “architect” still has much to learn from his mentor. 2.-Superman: Grounded 
Yet another DC fall out that dragged on too long over a question we all know (or would like to believe we know) the answer to. “Does the world need Superman?” as it was the center point of J. Michael Strazinsky’s final Superman “epic” before the re-launch. Unfortunately the man of steel looked more like an aluminum boy as this storyline left everyone displeased and unimpressed. 1.- Avengers # 1-12 by: Michael Brian Bendis & John Romita Jr. 
For Marvels flagship team book it was complete and utter garbage, how can one write a book as dull and unappealing as the one that Bendis wrote, the entire run felt like a Spanish soap opera (minus the soft-core porn).and for a prestigious book I have seen better artwork on previous runs., in other words Romita Jr.’s art is past its prime and it is outdated, don’t get me wrong it is good to pay homage to the older generation of artists at times but not to the point where your Avengers look like cabbage pad kids with 5 o’clock shadows. Hits 5.-Incredible Hulk By: Jason Aaron & Marc Silvestri 
It is incredible to see how one writer can write garbage (regenesis) and a head turning story at the exact same time and to top things off you put in a near Jim Lee like legend in Marc Silvestri (Messiah Complex) on top of the art and the story boarding and you got yourself the makings of a classic. Only time will tell where this potential epic tale might take us as well as The Hulk. 4.-War of the Green Lanterns 
The only reason this storyline was monumental is because the events that took place on here had severe after effects that carried on through The New 52. This space opera type epic exposes the plot holes in the Green Lantern mythos that have been swept under the rug over the years, and it sets up the stage for something even more epic to come. 3. The New 52
DC’s MAJOR game changer took everyone by surprise when they announced what they were doing with their stories as well as their characters, taking a more realistic route with some and dark with others. Their true intentions behind the partial re-launch still remain unknown to the public, but it is as monumental as any and as they are testing the waters on new ground breaking concepts that are yet to come. All we can do is just sit back and enjoy the show. 2. Flashpoint 
Though known as the final story of regular continuity, it is also known as the event that ushered in an entirely new era for they were not joking when they said that “Everything You Know Will Change In A Flash!” unfortunately what the story lacked in content [note: the 5 issue event was 2 issues too short] made up in accessibility and on its 5th issue. This story which was originally supposed to have a different premise went from a whim to a mile stone. 1.-Flashpoint : Batman Knight of Vengeance 
You’re probably wondering, why would I pick but a measly tie-in as the best thing to come out of 2011. The reason is simple, when you have a book that comes out at the same day as its major event counterpart and the competitions main event and it out sells them both to the point where comic book retailers are in a dyer need or back order OR a second printing, you know you have something special in your hands. This book brought people together from all walks of life, no matter what your taste in books was, it sat you down and put you in awe as Brian Azarello got his 100 bullets on and answered the age old question: What would of happened if Bruce Wayne got killed instead of his parents? This tie in answers that and more. Till this day whenever someone mentions Flashpoint Batman all one can think of is the day that the tie in stole the show. There were many hits and misses throughout 2011 but these were the things that left their mark and made us realize why we always go to the comic book shops every Wednesday. This weeks reviews will bee up soon TO BE CONTINUED… |
