Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

American Vampire #23
Vertigo Comics (DC Comics)
Snyder & Albuquerque

American Vampire is a comic book that ties things together arc to arc. This issue is a perfect example of how Snyder reuses characters and revisits arcs through these characters. This particular issue reveals the identity of the mysterious vampire and I have to say I was thrilled at the reveal. The book provides a little more background about the young vampire hunter but doesn't quite connect all the dots. As always the story and the visuals manage to entertain, scare and delight all within one issue. This is a great issue in a great series.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #5
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo & Glapion

Scott Snyder knows how to put together an excellent story and an entertaining, individual comic book. He's done this with his creator-owned works, such as American Vampire, and with franchise-level properties, such as Batman. He never disappoints. The latest issue of Batman breaks out of his established storytelling style as he plunges Batman into the void of his own consciousness. It's a good read but is definitely a departure from the usual Batman or Scott Snyder story.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Scalped #55
Vertigo (DC Comics)
Aaron & Guera

Though there are still five issues left in this series, this is the issue I think most people have been waiting for all along. The bulk of this issue is the fight between the jaw-wired-shut Dash Bad Horse and Shunka, Red Crow’s ex-right hand man. The issue is brutal as the fight sprawls across some ten pages and involves stabbing, biting and near-scalping. The issue doesn’t stop there as the ending is the reveal most people have been waiting for and one I won’t spoil here. It’s a fantastic issue.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Swamp Thing #5
DC Comics
Snyder & Paquette

Sometimes all it takes is some good, old-fashioned action to get a comic book clicking and that is exactly what this issue provides. Snyder has been building up a few threads that mesh together in this issue, but for me, the action is what makes the book enjoyable. The unfortunate aspect of the book is that the story that Snyder is building issue after issue will make it more and more difficult for a new reader to jump in. This could be a missed opportunity because of all of the positive buzz this book has month in and month out. If only DC would utilize the recap page. This is a terrific read.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

American Vampire #22
Vertigo (DC) Comics
Snyder & Albuquerque

The start of a brand new arc brings about a good jumping on point to an outstanding series. This arc, entitled "Death Race", is set during the 1950s with a new (mostly anyway) set of characters. The book provides some nice character work, good story misdirection and some excellent art. Dare I say that if this is the only American Vampire issue that you read you will be entertained, get yourself a complete story and find a nice cliffhanger to come back for more. What else are you looking for in a comic book?

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

DMZ #72
Vertigo (DC) Comics
Wood & Burchielli

The final issue of DMZ is a terrific epilogue on the series. The book manages to bring the reader, in some case begrudgingly, back to the side of Matty Roth, the main character throughout the series. The creators have such command over their creation that this comic could have easily been the first issue of the series, it's that well executed. Overall, this series doesn't get much better than issues such as this one. I actually think a newcomer could pick this issue up and then want to go back and read the series to find out about all of the hidden treasures in this book. This is textbook how a creator owner series should bring the curtain down on.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #4
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo & Glapion

The fourth issue of Batman focuses mostly on Batman's obsession with finding the Court of Owls. However, we learn the detective work began years before Bruce Wayne even became Batman. This issue is good because it manages to tie the current storyline into a story that could fit into continuity without sticking out in the minds of Batman enthusiasts. The issue doesn't move the plot forward in the current timeline a whole lot and doesn't really contain much action but it is an entertaining read nonetheless.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Swamp Thing #4
DC Comics
Snyder, Rudy, Lacombe & Parsons

One of the smash hits of the reboot of the DC universe is the horror book, Swamp Thing. Snyder is building this series around the separation of Alec Holland and the Swamp Thing and the notion that forces, such as The Green and The Rot, are fighting over his destiny. The book is well written and provides some level of horror to it but I have been unable to embrace this series as so many others seem to have done. Once again, I find myself liking the issue, but unsure how long I will stick with it despite my love of the character and the writing of Scott Snyder.

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