Firstly, man, Jeph Loeb is (expletive deleted) up. Just had to throw that out. Which brings me to the title of this week's post. It pertains to the identity of the red Hulk. And now they have finally made it even more obvious so I'm going to call it a win. Barring some left field red herring developments. Now, I, personally find this development to be obvious, banal and a slap in the face of years of characterization. And it may make logical sense given the Bruce Banner is a puss so he has the bottled up aggression angle vis a vis this character being a new age puss...you get the idea. Anyway, just thought I'd get that out there. As for Hulk #4 - The only redeeming parts are the first three pages. Also, I dig how they've chosen to totally get rid of the smarter WWH Hulk in favor of the classic "savage" Hulk. Sarcasm is harder on the internet sometimes. Not like my opinion matters on this one though. Oh, and McGuinness looks a tiny bit off of his game too. Which saddens me to no end. This leads to the next bit of mind scrubbing compliments of Mr. Loeb.
Ultimates 3#4 - This may have been the worst comic I've read in years. It's just silly. And it's got this whole Secret Invasion meets Ultron gimmick thing going on that is just...wow. It's all been leading up to this. Really? They're replacing everyone with robots. . It's just silly and uninspired. And what the hell does Magneto have to do with anything? Glad to see Joe Mad getting work though. Wish it was something less insipid. Like my opinion matters on this either. (begin rant) And does anyone in editorial bother to check up on what characters are where? Pyro in the Savage Land? Mastermind out of prison? And I'm PAYING TO READ THIS. That's right. This is not my job, but I can keep all of this inconsequential BS straight in my head. Is it that hard? Apparently so. (end rant)
Final Crisis #2 - Um, right. I'm so conflicted on this book. I guess my only real qualm with it is that I'm looking for the book to really gel into a cohesive thought. I mean it's not as all encompassing as Infinite Crisis, but it still seems a tad scattered to me. That's my only real qualm with the book. I'm also curious to see how the events within transition into the DCU proper. What with the shocking dearth of tie ins (comparatively). But, two points for Sunny Sumo when all is said and done.
Mighty Avengers #15 - The weakest of the Avengers tie ins this week in my opinion. I don't know there's nothing really wrong with the art or the characterization it's just that it took so long to get to the meat of the story, and frankly, the method of removal of Pym is pretty obvious from the get go. The one thing I will say is that the bit on the last page does raise an interesting question. Wholly, better than last issue.
New Avengers # 42 - It was alright. I'm a sucker for Jimmy Cheung so that helped. Okay, so this issue pretty much connects all of the dots since the beginning of New Avengers until House of M. It's neat stuff, but some of the dots should connect themselves given the prior information doled out in other recent issues of NA. There's nothing wrong with this book, and I guess some of the revelations are huge if you're not that great at ratiocination, I don't know. I am however really excited for next issue...because I'm curious about how they explain that one.
Avengers: Initiative # 14 - I was always a big "They Live" fan. That is probably going to influence my opinion of this book seeing as the main element in at least part of the SI tie in arc is centered around a pair of magic goggles that well...you've either seen the movie or not. And I also dug the Pym flashback moments so all in all I thought it was entertaining. Anyway, this is totally on par with the rest of the Initiative run so go get it. Now I've just got to wait for Mondo vs. Paydirt. Unless they're the same guy..?
Runaways/ Young Avengers: SI #1 - Better than the Cvil War crossover one in my book. Seems a little less forced given the established Skrull presence on both teams. And I dig the manga style so there you have it in a nutshell. As far as unnecessary tie ins go this one doesn't seem totally abhorrent.
Young Avengers Presents # 6 - Just as hug filled as the rest of this series, but less cloying given the input of Matt Fraction. Best of the run in my opinion. And with the incomparable Alan Davis on the pencils it's all the better. That's really all there is to it. An entirely entertaining confection. I hope they don't kill off Kate Bishop in SI...or make Clint Barton a skrull in SI. That'd be a pretty big dick move now that I think about it. Anyway, tangents aside, if you have to get one of the YA mini books it should be this one.
Fantastic Four # 558 - I'm sticking with it after the underwhelming, in my opinion, World's Greatest arc and I think that I may have made the right decision. I don't know this new arc seems to have some of the dimension hoping fun of Millar's tenure on Ultimate FF. And given the reveals towards the end of the issue well, my interest has been piqued. All in all I'd say it's a solid improvement. Part of my does think that the Invisible Woman in question is actually the nanny i.e. an older reality hopping Sue Storm.
Thunderbolts #121 - I'm kind of sad to see Ellis and Deodato leave the book. And the issue in question is overall a success with keeping the characterization, mean spiritedness and the violence all on the level I've come to expect. And yes, the resolution is a tad Deus Ex-Machina, but it's fitting in the pre established realm of character's and their proclivities. Also, it's comics I mean the Deus Ex-Machina is a pretty well respected trope. All in all thumbs up. Oh, and points for a young Edward Norton making an appearance in two Marvel properties in one month. (You'll know it when you see it.)
Immortal Iron Fist # 16 - Nooooooooooo!!!!! God, I hope the new team doesn't mess this one up. Pretty much, this one is a nice bookend for the run (one of the finest in recent years) and sets things up for what could be a rebirth of the classic Power Man and Iron Fist of yore, but with less dated writing...jive fool. Anyway, it's a great send off to Fraction and Aja, but god I'm going to miss them. Just as long as this doesn't degenerate to Cable quality when the regime change goes into effect next issue I'll be good.
Captain America # 39 - I don't think I have anything else to say about this book. I think it may actually be the most consistently high quality book in years. This issue is no different. Intrigue is mounting, tension keeps rolling and yeah. It's all good over here. My only question is how they're going to top this "Death of Cap" epic. I mean damn.
X-Men Legacy #213 - This is, currently, the best X-book on the shelves and it doesn't really lose any steam this month. Although, part of me has some qualms with the ending of the issue...at least Carrey is trying some new ideas that fit perfectly into the pre established X-Mythos. So, thumbs up and go buy it. Actually the only real fault I could find with the book is, as previously mentioned, you have to be up on your X-Men lore to really get the full effect. But I am, so it doesn't really matter.
Uncanny X-Men #499 - Is not the worst X-men book on the shelves these days (Young X-Men), but it's close. Anyway, this issue wraps up the SF/Russia arcs and sets it up for the big 500. And with Matt Fraction jumping on the book I only have high hopes for it getting up to the level of Legacy. Anyway, the issue itself just feels inconsequential. There's nothing terribly wrong with the art or characterization it's just not very interesting is all. Yeah, that about sums it up.
Ultimate Spider-Man #123 - Since the clone saga this book has been back on it's grind as the kids say. This issue is no different. Decent framing devices, a good glimpse at Ultimate Venom for newcomers and if I'm not mistaken it may incorporate some moments from the Ultimate Spider-Man video game from a few years ago. Overall, it's as solid as ever.
Trinity #4 - Why am I still reading this? I think that says it all.
Black Panther # 37 - I forgot that I hadn't been getting this one pulled for a couple months. And hey, much like some of the books on here it's consistent. Interpret that for yourselves.
Green Lantern #32 - Go buy it. I mean seriously, this is one of the best books in the DC super hero line.
Marvel 1985 #2 - It's a good read. Solid art, and a good pacing overall. Millar does know how to write the kids and write them he does. It's some decent rising action. I don't know it's issue two of six. That's about it for me. You can highlight the space after my FF review when everything is over to see if I called that one too. Or not. Is anybody out there? Oh, well. Take it easy internet.
Showing posts with label X-Men Legacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label X-Men Legacy. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Must... Finish... 5/29...
So, to wrap up last week's offerings:
Thor #9 came out. It's really wordy. And only kind of makes sense. And barely has Thor. So...
Ultimate Spider-Man #122 was really good. Every now and then, this book slips a couple of notches and makes bone-headed moves (like Venom, or Carnage), but I have liked every issue since Stuart Immonen took over. And this one is a nice little "done in one" story that gives Ultimate Shocker some context and background.
Uncanny X-Men #498 was good. I'm sure there was supposed to be a shocking reveal of who the mutant causing all these problems was, but I got nothing. Still, I've been enjoying this arc, so far better than Brubaker's previous efforts on the title.
X-Force #4 was bad. I can't believe I (or anyone else) actually reads this stuff. It just kind of meanders, resurrecting odd bits of 90's continuity and ignoring others and generally not fitting in. Plus, Clayton Crain's digital art does not fit. I'd much prefer his pre-Ghost Rider "Top Cow" style on this book, especially given the 90's-love the book unloads on us. HOWEVER, the reprint of issues 1-3 is worth buying because of the cover, which is simply the best cover of any gore-filled, over-the-top X-Men comic featuring killlers with mad bloodlust EVER!
X-Men Legacy #212 came out, too. Which makes a lot of X-Men for one week. It was pretty good. Gambit returns, and over 90% of his dialogue lacks ridiculous, over-the-top "cajunification". And, unlike X-Force, Mike Carey is able to fold bits of 90's X-Men into his books effectively and not make you wonder, "Why would they bring Archangel back if there is an Angel miniseries beginning THE SAME WEEK?" Anyway, spoiler. Also, X-Men Legacy continues to be a pretty good (if not thrilling) title.
Young Avengers #5 made no sense. Even in the context of the "mini-series", it made no sense. I understand that each issue is by a different author and artist, but come on. At least pay attention to what the others have written. Again, spoiler (I guess), but if Cassie pretty much hates the other Young Avengers in the first 4 issues of the series, why would she be all BFF with them this issue? I know, because it's a terrible issue. But still, at least some editorial supervision would be nice. Also, why would a bunch of rebel teen superheroes who defied the government and refused to join SHIELD be excited to watch, essentially, an ultra-conservative almost-superhero who DID become a government shill super-agent on 24 is beyond me. But, again, this is just really bad, so the writer probably didn't care enough to think about that.
And that's it for Marvel.
Fables #73 was more Fables goodness. I just like Fables so much. I take it for granted that this book has made it 73 issues and has only one or two missteps.
Northlanders #6 is the best issue yet. I've been on the fence with this book because, c'mon, Emo Conan? But it's been pretty good up til now, but this issue gets bumped up to Very Good. And, it is Brian Wood's best comic right now. It's a readable book, unlike DMZ, and you can appreciate it instantly, not when you think back on it a day later. And, despite the lead being a d---, you actually do care about the characters, in stark contrast to Local whose lead really needs to stop. And those are both books I like.
And finally, Dan Dare #6 came out this week. Now, my previous knowledge of Dan Dare was the three issue Grant Morrison-Rian Hughes mini "Dare" (reprinted in Yesterday's Tomorrows and worth the price of admission alone), so I am coming to this with zero prior knowledge. And it doesn't matter. The whole thing is compelling enough: Garth Ennis writes a war comic in space. That's it. The art is nice, Gary Erskine doing his more-Chris-Weston-than-Chris-Weston imitation. All in all, a solid, readable effort. Though, the way the are putting this book in trade is all messed up: they are putting issues 1-3 (that's $9 worth of comics) in a $15 hardcover, with a second hardcover collecting 4-7 ($13 in singles) for probably $16 or $17. Then, they're putting out a $30 hardcover of all 7 issues ($22 if purchased singly) in October or November. See, messed up. Not even DC would do that.
And that is the week that was.
Thor #9 came out. It's really wordy. And only kind of makes sense. And barely has Thor. So...
Ultimate Spider-Man #122 was really good. Every now and then, this book slips a couple of notches and makes bone-headed moves (like Venom, or Carnage), but I have liked every issue since Stuart Immonen took over. And this one is a nice little "done in one" story that gives Ultimate Shocker some context and background.
Uncanny X-Men #498 was good. I'm sure there was supposed to be a shocking reveal of who the mutant causing all these problems was, but I got nothing. Still, I've been enjoying this arc, so far better than Brubaker's previous efforts on the title.
X-Force #4 was bad. I can't believe I (or anyone else) actually reads this stuff. It just kind of meanders, resurrecting odd bits of 90's continuity and ignoring others and generally not fitting in. Plus, Clayton Crain's digital art does not fit. I'd much prefer his pre-Ghost Rider "Top Cow" style on this book, especially given the 90's-love the book unloads on us. HOWEVER, the reprint of issues 1-3 is worth buying because of the cover, which is simply the best cover of any gore-filled, over-the-top X-Men comic featuring killlers with mad bloodlust EVER!
X-Men Legacy #212 came out, too. Which makes a lot of X-Men for one week. It was pretty good. Gambit returns, and over 90% of his dialogue lacks ridiculous, over-the-top "cajunification". And, unlike X-Force, Mike Carey is able to fold bits of 90's X-Men into his books effectively and not make you wonder, "Why would they bring Archangel back if there is an Angel miniseries beginning THE SAME WEEK?" Anyway, spoiler. Also, X-Men Legacy continues to be a pretty good (if not thrilling) title.
Young Avengers #5 made no sense. Even in the context of the "mini-series", it made no sense. I understand that each issue is by a different author and artist, but come on. At least pay attention to what the others have written. Again, spoiler (I guess), but if Cassie pretty much hates the other Young Avengers in the first 4 issues of the series, why would she be all BFF with them this issue? I know, because it's a terrible issue. But still, at least some editorial supervision would be nice. Also, why would a bunch of rebel teen superheroes who defied the government and refused to join SHIELD be excited to watch, essentially, an ultra-conservative almost-superhero who DID become a government shill super-agent on 24 is beyond me. But, again, this is just really bad, so the writer probably didn't care enough to think about that.
And that's it for Marvel.
Fables #73 was more Fables goodness. I just like Fables so much. I take it for granted that this book has made it 73 issues and has only one or two missteps.
Northlanders #6 is the best issue yet. I've been on the fence with this book because, c'mon, Emo Conan? But it's been pretty good up til now, but this issue gets bumped up to Very Good. And, it is Brian Wood's best comic right now. It's a readable book, unlike DMZ, and you can appreciate it instantly, not when you think back on it a day later. And, despite the lead being a d---, you actually do care about the characters, in stark contrast to Local whose lead really needs to stop. And those are both books I like.
And finally, Dan Dare #6 came out this week. Now, my previous knowledge of Dan Dare was the three issue Grant Morrison-Rian Hughes mini "Dare" (reprinted in Yesterday's Tomorrows and worth the price of admission alone), so I am coming to this with zero prior knowledge. And it doesn't matter. The whole thing is compelling enough: Garth Ennis writes a war comic in space. That's it. The art is nice, Gary Erskine doing his more-Chris-Weston-than-Chris-Weston imitation. All in all, a solid, readable effort. Though, the way the are putting this book in trade is all messed up: they are putting issues 1-3 (that's $9 worth of comics) in a $15 hardcover, with a second hardcover collecting 4-7 ($13 in singles) for probably $16 or $17. Then, they're putting out a $30 hardcover of all 7 issues ($22 if purchased singly) in October or November. See, messed up. Not even DC would do that.
And that is the week that was.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
I'm slow...
Since I'm roughly a month and a half behind on my reading, I have only managed to get through a couple of new books so far. Let's go:
Captain Britain and MI-13 #1 was a good start to what will ultimately be an okay series (I'm guessing). It's a bit strange that this series effectively makes the MAX mini-series Wisdom part of accepted Marvel cannon (along with the Skrull Beatles). What I liked about this issue, as opposed to the mini-series is that it had a plot. The Wisdom mini seemed to bounce around from idea to idea without much coherence or plot betwixt. This, on the other hand, tells a linear, clearly constructed narrative (though it is a toss-off tie-in) and does a pretty good job of it. I just think we won't end up caring about what happens when all is said and done.
X-Men: Legacy #211 is the fourth chapter in a strange new direction for X-Men. The point of the book seems to be to redeem Professor X, a character who has been bloodied by recent retcons by everyone from Brubaker to Bendis to Joss Whedon. Professor X, having been shot in the brain, is trying to piece together his past, as well as atone for his sins. This arc reminds me of reading X-Men books of the 90s: I never quite understood what was going on (because it is SO reliant on continuity), but I enjoyed it because of the sense that there was this long, storied history to all the characters. At this point, it is just okay, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
Be back tomorrow with more.
Paul
Captain Britain and MI-13 #1 was a good start to what will ultimately be an okay series (I'm guessing). It's a bit strange that this series effectively makes the MAX mini-series Wisdom part of accepted Marvel cannon (along with the Skrull Beatles). What I liked about this issue, as opposed to the mini-series is that it had a plot. The Wisdom mini seemed to bounce around from idea to idea without much coherence or plot betwixt. This, on the other hand, tells a linear, clearly constructed narrative (though it is a toss-off tie-in) and does a pretty good job of it. I just think we won't end up caring about what happens when all is said and done.
X-Men: Legacy #211 is the fourth chapter in a strange new direction for X-Men. The point of the book seems to be to redeem Professor X, a character who has been bloodied by recent retcons by everyone from Brubaker to Bendis to Joss Whedon. Professor X, having been shot in the brain, is trying to piece together his past, as well as atone for his sins. This arc reminds me of reading X-Men books of the 90s: I never quite understood what was going on (because it is SO reliant on continuity), but I enjoyed it because of the sense that there was this long, storied history to all the characters. At this point, it is just okay, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
Be back tomorrow with more.
Paul
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