Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Godzilla Legends #2 of 5
IDW Comics
Vankin & Gane

The second one-shot, called "Lifespan", in the Legends series features Rodan, the flying, dragon-like creature. This issue continues with solid one-and-done storytelling about creatures in the Godzilla universe. It's a good and entertaining read that manages to tell an energetic story without the use of any other monster in the book. Overall, this series has been fun and this issue is definitely worth picking up if you are at all curious about the Godzilla supporting cast.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Godzilla Legends #1
IDW Comics
Frank and Prezenkowski

The first of a series of one-shots tied up as a mini-series that focuses on the various characters in the Godzilla universe. This one is about the ultimate loser: Anguirus. If you watched the TV show from some forty years ago you may recall the creature that walked on all fours and was covered in spikes, much like a dinosaur. This creature, Anguirus, always seemed to lose whatever battle it was in. Well, he (she?) is the focus of the first one-shot, called "The Underdog" and its fantastic. This issue is one of the best one-shots I have read all year.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #5 of 5
IDW Comics
Layman, Ponticelli & Fotos

John Layman's mini-series in the Godzilla universe wraps up with a good twist at the end that will hopefully lead to an eventual sequel. This issue is not the knock 'em down backyard brawl amongst monsters that I was hoping for but it still has plenty of action to make the issue a real page turner. Overall, this was a fun mini-series that brought something more to the table other than just monsters destroying Tokyo.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
IDW Comics
Eastman, Waltz & Duncan

The reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles provides a good but not great read in the opening issue. The comic contains plenty of action and gives a good amount of back story but the characters are largely left untapped in terms of personality. Overall, it's good to see these characters back but the opening issue just didn't make feel the same excitement as I did in anticipating the reboot and this issue. Still, I think those that are looking to jump on board then this issue will probably keep you coming back. However, the casual fans or the ones that were fans of the original series may not find all that much in here to get hooked on.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #1 of 5
IDW Comics
Layman, Ponticelli & Fotos

A second, though a mini-series, Godzilla series launches with what appears to be mostly a set up issue. We get a good introduction to the characters and a nice visual of Godzilla but this issue is mostly a vehicle to get to the main story, which is Godzilla running amuck among the general human population. This issue also features a familiar writer in the form of John Layman of Chew fame and it's nice to see Layman bring some of the charm of Chew to this book. Overall, this is a good introductory issue and I am in for a second one.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

GI Joe A Real American Hero #161
IDW Comics
Hama & Gallant

Hama continues to breathe new life into the old GI Joe series by expanding the roster overwhelmingly. This issue has a couple of great moments as Hama shows, yet again, how much command he has over certain characters. On the flip side the issue feels slightly out of place as if an issue was missing between this one and last one. It's also a rather slow issue as it relies on the rollout of the familiar characters more than telling a story as seen in the past few issues.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

GI JOE A Real American Hero #160
IDW Comics
Hama & Padilla

Hama continues to spin the old Marvel series in familiar circles, but manages to do so in an exciting and interesting way. Hama turns in another good issue that turns the battle between the Joes and Cobra into one that is loaded with gray lines. Hama also hits the right notes at much of the humor he lays out in the issue. While some of the Cobra Commander dialogue still comes across as moronic for a successful dictator, the other jokes by other characters do elicit some laughs. I enjoyed the issue and the series is quickly becoming one that I look forward to each month.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

GI Joe #159
IDW Comics
Hama & Padilla

The fourth issues into the revisiting of the old Marvel GI Joe run is a major improvement in this series and makes me think Hama still has a knack for writing these characters and putting them into interesting situations. GI Joe has infiltrated Cobra's base and their plan is revealed to the reader. Cobra's high command is scrambling to deal with the Joes in their base until they manage to capture one of the Joes in a shocking turn of events. The issue has action, surprises and a good plot. If only the hokey dialogue would go away we would have an amazing GI Joe title.

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