My Pull List: Heists and History Hijinks

Way back when, I used to write about my pull list on bi-weekly/monthly basis, talking about the individual issues that I was picking up at the time. However, with time, I changed tack somewhat and instead started focusing on talking about trades and/or story arc collections of issues.

Well, this week, I thought I'd return to writing about my pull list, mainly because while I spent last week writing about a whole Daredevil mini-series, I had still picked up another comic book which I enjoyed so much that I wanted to talk about it.

So, in the last two weeks, I've picked up two comics from my pull list (apart from the previously mentioned Daredevil finale): Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League #1 and Fantastic Four #2.

Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League #1, written by Greg Rucka with art by Nicola Scott and colours by Annette Kwok, pretty much does exactly what it says on the tin as the titular supervillains plot to break into the Watchtower in order to rob it.

Now, I'll be honest, I was completely unaware of this title until the day of release right there in my LCS. However, upon seeing that cover, that title and the revelation that it was created by Black Magick creators Rucka and Scott, I was sold. Fortunately, the inside contents didn't disappoint as, while the story wasn't entirely action packed, it certainly provided a compelling setup as it introduced me to its two leads (both of whom I only 'sort off know) who both are facing very different problems and are looking for a change. Meanwhile, the art is just so gorgeous, almost matching Scott's career best of her Black Magick work (God, that art was just incredible!!).

By the end, it's fair to say I'm hooked on this comic. It was a terrific read and I cannot wait for issue 2.

Fantastic Four #2, fortunately, played in much the same way for me. Written by Ryan North (whose run is really pushing for the top 3 of FF runs I've read) and with art by Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado, this issue sees the the super Quartet continue their attempts to save themselves from their temporally random exile, despite some problems in locating their way home.

Prior to the newest issue 1, I won't lie by saying that I was a little concerned when I read the synopsis of this first story arc and, while the first issue read well enough, I continued to worry where it would go from here. However, I feel a little less worried now because North continued to knock it out of the park, showing that he has a tremendous grasp of these characters and an ability to think up really imaginative solutions to the corners he paints himself into. Speaking of painting, Humberto Ramos has a very distinct style but in this series so far, his work, as well as Delgado's colours, his work looks tremendous, looking a lot more streamlined but without sacrificing his flair, which just works perfectly for this book.

I don't think I've ever made a secret of my dislike of renumbering and often feel such a thing affects a comic series' quality. Fortunately, thanks to this great read, I'm not much more relaxed about the fact that this isn't a problem here.

So, anyway, that's the first half of August written about. I'll probably do the same again in two weeks (mainly because I have nothing coming out next week), although it does mean I need to find something to read next week.

I do have some ideas though.

Daredevil: A Cold Day in Hell

This week, as a result of the comics which were released, I finally got around to reading a brace of comics which had been sitting on the side for a couple of months, combining their read with that of their final issue.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1-3 is a mini-series by Charles Soule, Steve McNiven and Dean White that follows the Man Without Fear in a seemingly Dystopian future where his powers are no more. Now a regular blind man, Matt Murdock has ceased being both Lawyer and Vigilante to help the needy of Hell's Kitchen in a post-war, hero-less world. However, when a terrorist attack result in a radioactive explosion, Matt is caught in the blast and, with it, his powers are returned. Now, Daredevil is back as he hunts those responsible for the attack and the girl they took who may hold the key to the return of heroes.

This was a comic which I came across by accident, when I just happened to see the first two issues sitting on my LCS' shelf just after the release of Issue two. Having always been a fan of both Daredevil and Charles Soule (both his work generally and his Daredevil run), I decided that a three issue story was worth picking up, especially with it being two issues deep at the time.

And, to start, it certainly seemed like my faith was being rewarded. Soule presented us with a character and a world very different to what we know, both of which have been through a life of pain, suffering and loss. Soule's characterisation of Murdock is certainly something a lot calmer and less angst-ridden that his past rendition. The character is characterised as a priest in story and it certainly makes sense: the former Man without Fear, feels much kinder and introspective while also more leaning on his Catholicism when giving his outlook on the world.

However, it is the action and, in particular the mystery which Soule presents which really intrigues me. We are thrown into this story with so little context; a broken New York, a war, no more heroes, some unknown enemy, even characters having lost their powers, all of these facts are given with almost no context like they've happened and now we move on, but it is still questions which flood my mind. Then more continue to join them with the beginning of the main story as the explosion occurs are Matt returns to duty.

Meanwhile, the art from McNiven and White perfectly matches this world and story which Soule creates. The last McNiven title I remember reading was Marvel's original Civil War, which was visually clean and stylised series while Dean White's name is one I haven't seen since Black Science and his deep colour palette. So, to see the pair of them come together to produce this series' artwork, a rough, broken, cold style that makes me think of Spread (amongst other brutal looks) is really a change that I was not expecting. Of course, my surprise doesn't change the fact that their combined work exemplifies the world perfectly, with the image of the elderly Matt in his tattered Daredevil costume being a truly creepily great visual.

Unfortunately, as the series wore on, I have found my interest to wane as the the pacing seemed to slow down tremendously, while the questions about the immediate threat, as well as the larger world, are not really provided answers. Further to this, there seems to be a plot hole involving the child macguffin between issues 1 and 2, which throws me off. Also, the revelation of the villains identity didn't seem to be revealed except in the second issue's recap page, which I thought a little annoying that his identity wasn't easier to figure out.

By the end, the story concludes in a very inconclusive way. That said, this was Matt's story and with it over, I guess what happens afterwards is kind of moot. At the end of the day, this was the story of a soldier of God being called upon one last time to shepherd in a new era that he never sees. Will it succeed? Will it fail? I guess all Matt can do is hope and trust in God's plan (a reoccurring theme of the story).

All in all, this was a read somewhere between ok and good. I certainly wish more had been revealed about the world it was set in to give the objectives greater weight, but it was still an enjoyable read. I just don't know if it's one that I'll end up returning to.

The (final) Return of Lazarus!

It's been a few weeks since I posted anything and that wasn't by design. Sadly, a confluence of life and motivation ends has certainly stalled my initial plans to write once a week (even if there was no expectation on myself to do so). That said, I've finally carved out some time and so ... I'm back.

What's also back (and is now dominating my mind) is Greg Rucka and Michael Lark's Lazarus saga, which returns with it's fourth series (third ongoing) since it started nearly 12 years ago and first issues since mid-2022 with Lazarus Fallen #1 & 2.

Taking place three years after the events of Lazarus Risen, the world continues to change. Forever and her genetically identical little sister Infinity have been missing, on the run from the Carlyle family they used to serve and the machinations of their father, who has regained power from other daughter Johanna with plans to rebuild the Lazarus project. However, Forever has no plans to just run and hide as she approaches members of the Free (along with an old, familiar face) with plans to dismantle the families who control the world.

Ever since this series in it's entirety began, I've been absolutely engrossed by the world, characters and story we've been treated to. However, I have to admit, as the wait for a follow up to Lazarus, X+66 and Risen took longer to appear, I have become more and more concerned about whether we would see any resolution to this story and even if it would hold up to the quality of what came before.

Fortunately, upon realising that Fallen had been released (news of its return prior to release day had somehow skipped me by) and now having read the first two issues, I'm glad to see that Rucka and Lark have returned with all cylinders firing once again.

Rucka's story is a perfectly paced reintroduction to the world, with all of the players (who were alive, at least) returning for this final run, the status quo is revealed gradually through the first issue, with Carlyle in a sort of disarray and trying to find its footing as the free seemingly begins to push to accomplish their own plans (and look to be making a greater focus, story wise, through the series' endgame). However, it's with the reveal of an old friend that we begin to see Rucka's new plan take shape, with the rogue Lazari planning to undo all that her father built (albeit, with some resistance). Suffice to say, both the quiet exposition of the first issue and the greater action of the latter issue both perfectly compliment each other, never feeling jarring in its transition and always being captivating.

Then there is Michael Lark's artwork and, to be honest, what can I say about this work? I've loved Lark's work for a long time; from Gotham Central to Daredevil and then, ultimately to Lazarus, Michael Lark's style is a work of art that deserves praise equal to Sean Phillips on Criminal. But with these first two issues of Fallen, along with Santiago Arcas' colours, it looks like he's stepped it up a notch, with every panel looking like it imbues far more emotion than before. Now, maybe I just don't remember the prior instalments accurately or maybe the art has upped the quality but, either way, it all looks fantastic and I'm totally on board with it.

There is one gripe and it involves the French translation in issue 2 and how it is provided to us. Is there a story reason for it? A publishing reason? Either way, it's a little confusing but, I will admit, it doesn't affect how great these reads are. Also, Rucka's back page input feel a little more, dare I say, cynical. Now, this isn't a gripe, simply a concern although, to be fair, it shouldn't be an unexpected one given the world we now live in and how it's changed since the first issue back in 2013. However, it does make me wonder if what the world has become will affect this story, if (by some miracle) it hasn't already.

Suffice to say though, Lazarus is back!!! With (according to Rucka's own writings in the back) only 18 more issues left, I'm quietly hopeful that there will be no more breaks (well, not like the last one at least. There is a reference to three 'Trade breaks of 3 months apiece), although who knows. Still, Lazarus Fallen #1 and 2 have been read and I'm more than eager to get to #3 as quickly as possible.