A very Emo Bought/Thought Thread for 11/9/2011 - SPOILERS!!

[Phaedrus45]

Wolverine #18

So far, I'm liking the new direction of the X-books with Regenesis. Some of the titles have a good sense of humor, and this issue of Wolverine continues that. I absolutely loved seeing another of the Immortal Weapons show up in a Marvel book; and, you'll never see Fat Cobra being so hilarious. Lots of good lines in this, as Gorilla-Man only adds to the enjoyment.

I do have one complaint, though. That previous storyline, where Logan killed off his own children, seems to have been swept under the rug. Of course, I think readers will enjoy this more light-hearted approach; and, the other just didn't fit into the new direction.

Batgirl #2 & #3

While I read all of the issue 1's of DC's New 52 when they were released, I'm behind on my issue #2s. Now, I'm playing catch-up with most of them this November.

Batgirl might be one of my least favorite of the titles. There was a sweetness to the book when Stephanie was Batgirl; but, putting Barbara Gordon back in the costume just doesn't work for me. There are many ridiculous moments that come up, like when a cop says, "Commissioner - We're going to need a second warrant. For Batgirl. She's back." Ummm, Batgirl has been around for quite a while; so, this statement just made me shake my head. (Or, maybe we're suppose to forget about the past two Batgirls. Who knows. DC seems to be making things up in this new world as they go along.) I also hate how they have made Barbara seem much younger than she actually is. (I almost think SHE should be Batwoman. She's clearly not a girl in any way.)

There are other problems. Her romance falls flat, and the recent encounter with Dick (Nightwing) just played by the usual rules. (i.e. Barbara wants to handle things on her own, and is resentful that Bruce and Dick are concerned about her.) This is one of the DC books that's really just following the old DC script. It lacks any originality and just doesn't grab the reader at all.

Uncanny X-Men #1

Finally got around to reading this book. I like how it's different from the other Regenesis titles. Like Cyclops, it's a whole lot more serious. Plus, I like the breakdown of various groups within Cylcops team. The book sets itself apart from Wolverine's title in that way. Plus, it's nice that they revisit an old foe, like Sinister. Too often in the past, the writers have ignored the classic Rogue list of X-Men's greatest villians. (Or, they've been turned good, like with Magneto.)

While it's not as entertaining as Wolverine and the X-Men, it holds up on its own nicely.

John Carter: World Of Mars #1 and #2

Billed as the prequel to the movie, readers don't get anything dealing with John Carter, besides a set-up to a story from Mar's past. It tells of the two warring factions, between the human-looking side versus the alien-looking people. The story is nothing too exciting; and, I don't feel like those dying to see the upcoming movie are missing much.

Rachel Rising #3

Where the previous two issues haven't divulged too many clues to the reader about who Rachel is, how she came back to life, or who's the culprit behind her botched death, this issue gives us an abundance of information. It's definitely the most chilling issue yet; and, it's got me begging for more. You'll walk away with even more questions when you finish it; but, the direction is starting to come into focus.

As usual, another great Terry Moore title. Great for someone looking for something that the Big Two don't offer. t:

Avengers Origins: Ant-Man & The Wasp One-Shot

Went back and finally read the first Avengers Origin title. Aguirre-Sacasa does a good job retelling their origin, and as with The Vision, the art only adds to the story. A very nice job, and these one-shots are turning out to be pretty darn good.

X-Men Legacy #258

I actually got around to reading the previous four issues, also. Gotta say, it was hard to get through this storyline. It might be the worst one in the entirety of the series. Just boring and dull, even with the return of Rachel Summers, Polaris, and Havok. (Normally, that should have been a call for celebration.) Wow, just truly awful. There is no other way to describe it. Let's hope Regenesis adds something to the book. I'm afraid, though, Marvel might need to replace Carey on this book for that to happen.


Okay, I gotta stop now. They kids are up, and they want lunch. I was up at midnight for the big sale event of the Harry Potter DVD, the Lego Harry Potter game, and the new Elder Scrolls game. (Okay, people were mainly there for Elder Scrolls. They didn't even have the Harry Potter Lego video game out, until I told them I wanted a copy. That's what I was really down for. Who knows when I'll get to Elder Scrolls...I'm still too busy playing Rage.)

 

[WOLVERINE25TH]

I miss Stephanie Brown too. I didn't realize there was such a demand for Babs to be Batgirl again that it NEEDED to happen. I was under the impression everyone loved her best as Oracle. I know I did, before the last BoP series (since Gen13 Simone's become more miss than hit with me).

 

[Dread]

X-Men Legacy #258

I actually got around to reading the previous four issues, also. Gotta say, it was hard to get through this storyline. It might be the worst one in the entirety of the series. Just boring and dull, even with the return of Rachel Summers, Polaris, and Havok. (Normally, that should have been a call for celebration.) Wow, just truly awful. There is no other way to describe it. Let's hope Regenesis adds something to the book. I'm afraid, though, Marvel might need to replace Carey on this book for that to happen.

That's what is happening; Christos Gage will start writing X-MEN LEGACY pretty soon. He'll continue with Rogue as the star and keep Iceman and Cannonball on the book, but will have Husk, Gambit, Rachel Summers and Frenzy there. Polaris and Havok move to X-FACTOR.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Yeah, Carey only has one more arc on Legacy and then Gage takes over. I thought Carey was really starting to swing into a great new direction with the arc following Ages of X (and even AoX wasn't bad in hindsight) but as soon as that arc ended and this cosmic one started it fell downhill so fast it wasn't funny. It was really bad. Hopefully he'll end on a better note with Regenesis. Thus far I feel the Legion story from Age of X through the arc ending just prior to the cosmic one was his best run on the title.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I miss Stephanie Brown too. I didn't realize there was such a demand for Babs to be Batgirl again that it NEEDED to happen. I was under the impression everyone loved her best as Oracle. I know I did, before the last BoP series (since Gen13 Simone's become more miss than hit with me).

Yeah, Simone's name doesn't carry the influence it used to with me. She should just bring Welcome to Tranquility back and stick with that for a while.

(Please bring Welcome to Tranquility back! )

Anyway, I agree with Keyser that Journey into Mystery is currently Marvel's best comic. Everything about it just works so well (except Whilce Portacio's art for the past couple months, but he'll be gone soon). Avengers Academy and Daredevil are tied for second in my book, but they're not quite up there with JiM.

 

[hippie_hunter]

Journey into Mystery is Marvel's fourth best book IMO. Uncanny X-Force, Avengers Academy, and Daredevil rank higher for me. At this rate, Wolverine & the X-Men will probably surpass Journey into Mystery as well.

 

[Red]

Uncanny X-Force is Marvel's best book IMO.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Finally, a week where I think I read as many comics as I brought in. Here are some quicky reviews.

John Carter: A Princess Of Mars #1

This is over a month old, as the second issue has already come out. I just haven't gotten a chance to read it. Compared to the movie Prequel that I reviewed earlier this week, this is much better. I'm not sure if it's based on an original story; but, at least the reader gets some action involving John Carter. It's a good intro to the main character; as, we get right into the action, where Carter is captured by people from Mars, and he discovers where he is.

Frankenstein: Agent Of S.H.A.D.E. #2 & #3

Not a bad comic; but, I'm not sure how much staying power the book has. There is plenty of action, but very little that gets the reader connected with the main characters. At least Dr. Mazursky's past has been fleshed out a bit in issue #2, and I seem to focus on her more than the other monsters. (It also doesn't help that the art isn't that great.)

Green Lantern #2 & #3

What is it about this book that just reads so badly? I just feel as if I'm being rather nit-picky; but, Johns' latest story is just falling flat for me. Hal Jordan isn't the least bit likeable; and, it just comes across as being so out of character for him. Even little things, like the news not recognizing Sinestro ("the identity of this man, if he is a man -- remains unknown") is completely ridiculous. (How many times has Green Lantern fought Sinestro?? And, how many times has it happened on Earth??) It just feels like bad writing, almost as if Johns is phoning this crap in.

The one good thing is that Johns can hook you with his endings; and, I do want to see what happened to Jordan after he supposedly disintergrated in the Yellow Lamp.

Action Comics #3

This came out last week, right? Well, regardless, it is one of the worst issues of Action Comics (or Superman) that I've read in quite some time. We get 20 pages for $3.99 (as, I don't count that promotional garbage at the end as material); so, for two more pages, DC decides to charge 50 cents for each. That wouldn't be so bad, if the material was any good. Instead, it jumps around to three scenes, one from Superman's past, one from his current developments, and one involving the military. Plus, I've said that I feel Morrison's Superman is feeling a bit too much like Spider-Man to me; and, what better proof than having some old guy calling him a "menace." (How very JJJ of DC.) The art is no better. Clark Kent looks like a cross between himself and Harry Potter.

Oh, boy. A bad, bad book. I gotta go back and see what other people thought of this mess in last week's bought/thought thread.

Supergirl #2

Not nearly as bad as Action Comics; yet, very predictable. Superman and Supergirl fight, naturally; and, it's all because of a big misunderstanding. Yep, it's the "paint-by-numbers" storytelling we've all come to know and love throughout the years. I'm not even sure why some of DC's comics stay the same, like the Batman and Green Lantern books; and, others, like the Supes books, must start from scratch.

Superman #2

Finally, one of the Superman titles I'm enjoying. BUT WAIT! Don't get too excited, because I hear that Perez has already been canned from this book. Huge suckage there! I know this might not be flashy and "modern," like today's fans must be clamoring for; but, this throwback to old style storytelling is what I love. We get a dialogue driven story that isn't just filled up with a bunch of narration. (I am SOOO tired of a comic that's one big fight scene; and, the vast majority of writing is in narration boxes that do nothing to enhance the story.) I cannot wait for the next issue; but, I hate what might be coming next.

Superboy #3

I'm liking this book, too. It's got a bit of mystery to what the third part of Superboy is made of (Superman, Lex Luthor and ????); and, each issue gives readers some nice reveals. (Like, "Red" not being who we might have thought she was.) It's a fun book; but, I'm not too surprised. Lobdell can usually tell an interesting story.


Time for lunch, and I still have quite a few comics I wanted to talk about. Maybe later today.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Wow, I can't believe two people praised Action Comics, especially the butt-kissing Corp gave to it. I felt like I must have read something else entirely. The book even seems to be at its worst when they are trying to humanize Superman, especially when he's talking to his landlady. (Again, this screams Peter Parker to me.) And, the artist's version of him...Dreadful! At least I saw one bad review, so I'm not alone here.

 

[Phaedrus45]

More reviews:

Detective Comics #3

An entertaining storyline. There isn't anything to make it any more than that; but, Daniel does enough to make me want to come back for more. (Plus, I'm still curious about The Joker.) Dollmaker is a good Batman villian, too. Sadistic and creepy!

Batman And Robin #3

Not as good as Detective; but, one that holds my interesting enough to keep reading. It's just I feel that Tomasi's interpretation of the relationship between Bruce and Damien is a huge step back from what came before. It's like the year+ that he spent with Dick is completely forgotten. Also, where Dollmaker has the qualities I like in a Batman villian, this new one is rather boring.

A very, very mild


Batwoman #2 and #3

I love this title; but, it's such a quick read. I do like how this character stands out from the other Bat characters; and, that's only emphasised more in her interactions with Batman. The book looks beautiful, and the stories feel original. My only complaint is the main character's white face. It's completely strange looking, and I just don't recall a reason why she looks like she does. (Plus, how hard is it to figure out she's Batwoman with that complexion.)

Black Panther #525

Liss has made his mark on the Black Panther; and, it's a style that is all his own. Sadly, that style isn't one that attracts readers. (Kind of like how Perez's Superman hasn't quite caught on.) This is another book that is dialogue driven, and even though we get some good action this issue, it's the mystery within that dialogue that keeps those few readers who enjoy this book coming back. What really hurts the book is still the notion of T'challa turning his back on Wakanda and living in Hell's Kitchen. That idea is even more ridiculous with Daredevil being back. If you can't get past that, it might simply be too difficult to enjoy what Liss is doing.

The story interests me. I always like seeing Kingpin, Lady Bullseye, and Typhoid Mary. Still, I must admit if the title was cancelled, I wouldn't grieve too strongly. A mild .

X-Men #20

I'm so glad the previous storyline is over. Sadly, this new one doesn't really grab me, either. The new group has zero chemistry; and, like with T'challa in Black Panther, I wonder what Storm is really doing over here, too. (You'd hardly even know she's not only married, but royalty.) We get another Sentinel storyline, and it just seems like this book either borrows from the other teams or has been given some of the less interesting characters.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Ghost Rider #5

I thought with the first issue, that this new version of Ghost Rider had promise. I was apparently wrong. After the horrid tie-in with Fear Itself, this one-off issue didn't do much to improve things. There are certain formulas the comic companies do to try and breathe new life in a struggling franchise; and, turning to a female version has hardly ever worked for me.

If Marvel ever did a New 52, this title would benefit the most. Do away with all the different Ghost Riders that have appeared through the years, and just start back from the beginning.

Avengers Academy #21

This "1st issue of a new era" has mixed reactions for me. I love the old group; and, hope Gage isn't doing this simply to try and salvage his book. I'm hoping it's just part of a storyline that he's had in his head for a while, and not going to turn this book into a revolving door of superheroes. This title does have a different feel to it than those first 10 issues or so. It feels like Gage is writing to the masses more; but, if that saves the book, so be it.

This issue, we're introduced to the newest two members. I'm not sure how they will fit in, especially with Veil being the member I thought would keep the group together. I am happy that we get a nice "to be continued" moment at the end that easily has me begging for the next issue.

Villians For Hire #0.1

I guess this issue from last week was alright. We get another Heroes For Hire adventure that is very much like the previous series; except, in the end, we get a hint of things to come with the Villians. The biggest problem with this book isn't' that it's not good. It's that it isn't nearly as good as many other titles by Marvel, DC, or an independant distributor. As such, it's always near the bottom of my must-read list.

A very mild .

New Mutants #33

It's another book that I wouldn't care if Marvel cancelled. Too many X-titles; and, even though I begged for this old group to come back together, the writers haven't done much with it. There was great promise when Abnett and Lanning came on; but, the idea of completing forgotten or old storylines seems to have vanished with Nate Grey joining the team. (And, let's face it, Nate does not fit in with this group.)

New Avengers #18

I loved this issue. I seriously thing it would be a fantastic idea of Bendis did a bad guy book; because, he seems to love the naughty side of these villians. It's nice to see Osborn back, and I love his new Dark Avengers. (My one complaint might be that I don't picture Skaar joining his group. It goes against all the growth we've seen from that character.) t:

Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey #1

Marvel has pretty much done away with their Classic's line, except for the Jane Austen novels and Wizard Of Oz books. I've only read one of Austen's books in the past; and, the rest have been these Marvel versions. Austen's books seems to fall on the same themes over and over again; but, it's nice to compare those ideals to how we view them today. (And, from the one book I read, these adaptations seem pretty darn faithful to the original source.)

This title can be judged in various ways. If I showed my true interest at times, I might give it a , especially since the storyline is so similiar to the other ones I've looked at. Still, if I had to read this book for a class, or to get aquainted with why people are so into her books, you can go the opposite direction and give it a t:. As it stands, I'll go right in the middle.

My review:

 

[JewishHobbit]

New Mutants #33

It's another book that I wouldn't care if Marvel cancelled. Too many X-titles; and, even though I begged for this old group to come back together, the writers haven't done much with it. There was great promise when Abnett and Lanning came on; but, the idea of completing forgotten or old storylines seems to have vanished with Nate Grey joining the team. (And, let's face it, Nate does not fit in with this group.)

Yeah, Nate is such a sore thumb in this group. He's a competely different era of character. He'd make more sense on a Generation X book. At least they were around at the same time, but even then not really. And the new direction is still going in that Nate is found and now they're going after Blink but still... the book isn't very good. I'm only still on it because I love Blink and Nate Grey so I figure I'll give it another arc to impress me more. I'm almost hoping it gets canceled.

New Avengers #18

I loved this issue. I seriously thing it would be a fantastic idea of Bendis did a bad guy book; because, he seems to love the naughty side of these villians. It's nice to see Osborn back, and I love his new Dark Avengers. (My one complaint might be that I don't picture Skaar joining his group. It goes against all the growth we've seen from that character.) t:

My thinking on Skaar is that he doesn't really know that Norman is a bad guy or that his Avengers are evil. I kinda picture him in the same boat as Captain Marvel from the original Dark Avengers. A decent guy with a darker past that falls into the wrong team. We'll see how it plays out though.

 

[Scourge2099]

Doctor Strange and Dr Doom : Triumph and Torment

It's almost as if God himself wanted me to have this book. It was as good a read as I thought it would be.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Wow, I can't believe two people praised Action Comics, especially the butt-kissing Corp gave to it. I felt like I must have read something else entirely. The book even seems to be at its worst when they are trying to humanize Superman, especially when he's talking to his landlady. (Again, this screams Peter Parker to me.) And, the artist's version of him...Dreadful! At least I saw one bad review, so I'm not alone here.

It's doing pretty much exactly what I was hoping Morrison would do with Superman, so I'm happy with it. The landlady scenes are probably the weakest part, granted, but I don't fault them for feeling Peter Parkerish. Landlady problems are so synonymous with classic Spider-Man that I think portraying pretty much any character with them instantly makes them feel Peter Parkerish.