Playing to one’s nostalgia can go a long way. Case in point: Boss Monster. Driven by a Kickstarter campaign, the cross-section between video game and board game players donated a remarkable $215,056 when the game only had a $12,000 goal. While I didn’t even know about the game until I saw someone’s copy of it at Snakes and Lattes, it immediately piqued my interest with its evocative box art. Clearly there’s excitement around this game that I – or many others for that matter – couldn’t resist. Does this physical game based on digital themes make for a product worthy of a high score?
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Uncanny X-Men Vol. 2: Broken Review
Of the modern X-Men books I have read so far, Uncanny X-Men is the series that has the most upside. Centred around a strong-willed, yet misguided Cyclops, he and his band of fugitive mutants are in the midst of starting a mutant revolution while squashing anyone that may try to stop them. The base premise and all of the nuances around it make for a compelling take on this anti-hero/villain group. Unfortunately, I think most of Vol. 1: Revolution‘s potential is squandered on idle chatter and exposition.
With most of the table-setting out of the way, Cyclops and the gang can move the story forward in a meaningful way. First stop: Limbo.
Batman Vol. 2: The City of Owls Review
An uncharacteristically stubborn Bruce Wayne refuses to believe in the existence of a shadowy organization that has run Gotham for over a century. He sure did pay for it in Vol. 1: The Court of Owls, as Batman narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Talons. But what can he do when a gang of Talons get the drop on Bruce in Wayne Manor while the rest of their army terrorize Gotham?
Batman – Detective Comics Vol. 3: Emperor Penguin
Had I not bought the first three volumes of Detective Comics in one shot, I would have stopped after the second one. The first showed potential, yet had a few glaring holes, while the second only made things worse with a droning story that didn’t go anywhere. I picked up Vol. 3: Emperor Penguin with the mindset that I would just plow through to get it over with, but then I noticed that the names on the cover were completely different.
Kudos to Tony Daniel for all the work he’s done in the past. I think his art in Detective Comics is great. I even liked his writing in Savage Hawkman #1. But as far as his work with this series, it really fell off a cliff. With a new creative team at the helm, this may be the kick start it needs to get back on track.
Batman Eternal #1 Review
Between the myriad of solo stories, team-ups and Justice League responsibilities, Batman is the busiest man in comics. His life is only going to get crazier from here, as Batman Eternal #1 is the start of a new weekly series for The Dark Knight. Have we reached the saturation point for Bruce Wayne stories? Well, if they continue to be as good as this one, then the answer is no.
Ms. Marvel #2 Review
Ms. Marvel #1 came into the scene as a breath of fresh air. It could have simply rested on the fact that she’s not your typical all-American superhero, but it was also a well written and well drawn comic in its own right. Issue #2 continues where she left off, having just physically transformed into the iconic Ms. Marvel.
Forbidden Island on iPad Review
The first in the Forbidden series of board games makes its way to the iPad courtesy of Button Mash Games and Gamewright. In it, you and your team of adventurers are trying to gather four mystical treasures while the island you’re standing on is sinking. Can you make it off of the island with the goods before everything is submerged by the ocean?
Harley Quinn #4 Review
Ever since Harley Quinn severed ties with the Joker, she’s been on a roll. First, she’s made her presence felt as a member of the Suicide Squad. Now she has her own best-selling series. Harley Quinn #4 follows the same story template that have made the previous issues a success, but it falls short of the mark set by its predecessors.
Wolverine: Origin Review
For a very long time, Logan’s past has been shrouded in mystery. Bits and pieces have trickled out over time, though Wolverine: Origin aims to be the definitive starting point for the character. Presumably taking place over a century ago, this story follows him during his childhood up until he becomes a young adult.
Qwirkle on iOS Review
Qwirkle is the more popular and award winning precursor to Iota, a game I reviewed not too long ago. They share a similar premise and more or less the same strengths and faults. However, I can’t play Iota on my iPhone or iPad. Meanwhile, Qwirkle is readily available on iTunes. Wanting more of this style of gameplay on the go, I gave Qwirkle on iOS a shot.
In Third Person 