Are you thinking about what you bought? 10/14 - SPOILERS

[Dread]

I'm trying not to judge it too harshly. It's only the second issue and the science geek specifically says that Asgard's absence is throwing some cosmic balance out of whack. I'm holding out hope that that imbalance is affecting the denizens of Asgard as well, especially Thor because he's already sort of imbalanced, being an equal mix of two realms, Asgard and Earth.

For a $3.99 book my expectations are high. And Fraction's best work for me, THE ORDER, is already a long time go. That five year statute of limitations I have on writers to produce a work of quality after the last is knocking soon. He has until 2011 to produce something above mediocrity and excuses to still be considered an ace to me.

Sometimes giving something a full 6, 10, 12, 57 issues to "get good" is considered insane in an era of $2.99 comics. In the era of $3.99, it is almost masochistic to me. I can absorb some underwhelming stuff for a $3 book and wait. Not so much a $4 one. I might give the next issue another chance. As I said, I love the visuals. But the story is really lagging here. For a "casanova", it seems he's lost his mojo whenever he needs it most.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Wasn't he still on Immortal Iron Fist for a bit after The Order got canned?

 

[moraldeficiency]

I did have this feeling that as much as people were upset over JMS' "slow paced" storytelling and Thor's "stupidness" regarding his brother, that writers following him would make us wish we had him back on the title. From these reviews I don't think I was far off. And Thor doesn't like blake now? That's just stupid. Blake was made to teach thor to be better.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

More importantly, outside of that very specific circumstance at the beginning of this volume, Thor has never considered Blake a totally separate being. They are both the same person, they just think of themself as Thor when they're Thor and Blake when they're Blake. The whole presentation of the Thor/Blake relationship in #615 felt like a particularly catty exchange between Rick Jones and Captain Marvel, not a guy who's clearly aware that he exists as two beings sharing the same soul. Blake made some very accurate observations and Thor just bit his head off. Then he flew over to verbally smack Balder around a bit, and now he brushes the geek off because he dared to be in the same room as stuff that belonged to Odin... even though he was only there because Volstagg dragged his ass there...

Thor just feels completely off. Unless Fraction is totally clueless, there's gotta be something more to his behavior.

As for JMS, I didn't have any of those complaints until his last arc, after he knew he was leaving the series and seemingly decided to phone it in. Gillen certainly didn't make me wish we had him back, either. Fraction... I'm still trying to stay optimistic through this first arc, at least.

 

[Dread]

More importantly, outside of that very specific circumstance at the beginning of this volume, Thor has never considered Blake a totally separate being. They are both the same person, they just think of themself as Thor when they're Thor and Blake when they're Blake. The whole presentation of the Thor/Blake relationship in #615 felt like a particularly catty exchange between Rick Jones and Captain Marvel, not a guy who's clearly aware that he exists as two beings sharing the same soul. Blake made some very accurate observations and Thor just bit his head off. Then he flew over to verbally smack Balder around a bit, and now he brushes the geek off because he dared to be in the same room as stuff that belonged to Odin... even though he was only there because Volstagg dragged his ass there...

Thor just feels completely off. Unless Fraction is totally clueless, there's gotta be something more to his behavior.

As for JMS, I didn't have any of those complaints until his last arc, after he knew he was leaving the series and seemingly decided to phone it in. Gillen certainly didn't make me wish we had him back, either. Fraction... I'm still trying to stay optimistic through this first arc, at least.

You are starting to sound like some of those defenders of JMS' runs on WONDER WOMAN and SUPERMAN. How're those working out these days?

The amount of times I can recall where the start of a writer's run was full of plot holes and awkward pacing, and all around sloppy and lazy writing suddenly pulling a 180 and becoming legendary brilliance is exactly zero. You have to at least start off decent, writing wise. Let's appreciate the writers who don't need 15 years to get good, like Christos Gage, DnA, Fred Van Lente, etc.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Eh, I know I'm grasping at straws. I just don't want Thor to suck. It's been doing so well...

 

[moraldeficiency]

It'll right itself. Is that loki mini out yet? Is it any good? I really don't want it to suck.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Starts next week or the week after, I believe. For Asgard and First Thunder are the only parts of the Thor onslaught that have started already. For Asgard is pretty great if you're into seeing a very different side of Asgard, First Thunder is only okay so far.

 

[moraldeficiency]

What's For Asgard about? I'll skip First Thunder unless I hear better.

 

[Tron Bonne]

For a $3.99 book my expectations are high. And Fraction's best work for me, THE ORDER, is already a long time go. That five year statute of limitations I have on writers to produce a work of quality after the last is knocking soon. He has until 2011 to produce something above mediocrity and excuses to still be considered an ace to me.

Well, put that $3.99 towards Casanova and you'll see where all of Fraction's talent really shines (apparently)

 

[Phaedrus45]

The funny thing is that Fraction wrote three decent Thor one-shots about a couple years ago that I enjoyed quite a bit.

 

[sandwraith]

Awright. After a little hunting, here's my Bought/Thought:

The Road Home books (Batman and Robin, Batgirl and Red Robin)

First let me say, I hate the new thing-a-ma-gig that "Bruce" is sporting now. And with that out of the way, with the exception of the Batgirl one-shot, I hate this event. Funny how that is since I sort of expected Batgirl to suck (never picked up ANY of the Batgirl books) but I found the Aubergine Avenger to be the more satisfying take on "Bruce" and his Road Home.


Star Wars: Knight Errant #1
Now to the undisputed highlight of the week (well, my week at least) is John Jackson Miller's latest Star Wars foray, Knight Errant. An okay first issue with a lot of good pacing and action if a little lacking in other things. Maybe its the lack of humor in the book which I sort of identify with Miller's work. The artwork for this issue was stunning. I mean really, I know the setting was pretty bare-bones (run-down desert/badlands-ish planet) but the artist, Federico Dallochio, has an extremely detailed take on everything else. Kerra comes off as a little straight-path sort of character but I kind of like that rather than her getting all angsty. She's out for revenge (not a very Jedi objective) and there isn't anyone who's getting in her way. That being said, I expect alot of bodies in this one.

Oh, and I like the cover art. The current artist is solid and all but I think Joe Quinones has a good look down for Kerra. Looking forward to ish #2.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Awright. After a little hunting, here's my Bought/Thought:

The Road Home books (Batman and Robin, Batgirl and Red Robin)

First let me say, I hate the new thing-a-ma-gig that "Bruce" is sporting now. And with that out of the way, with the exception of the Batgirl one-shot, I hate this event. Funny how that is since I sort of expected Batgirl to suck (never picked up ANY of the Batgirl books) but I found the Aubergine Avenger to be the more satisfying take on "Bruce" and his Road Home.

Honestly, I was surprised how much I enjoyed the Batgirl book when I gave it a shot. It's enjoyable every month, and honestly, this oneshot feels like a continuation of it and it's one of the least enjoyable of the bunch so far. Granted, I didn't read the first 6 or so issues but from then on I've loved it. I'm iffy on the new artist starting next issue though. I like the current one and am not anticipating a change.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I'll try to get some bought thoughts in before I leave for a birthday party. I kinda feel like Phaed this month with how much I ended up buying. It was a huge week for me and I realized that there is a limit when I just have to sit comics down and be like ENOUGH... I'll read more tomorrow!

Anyhow... starting with DC:

The Road Home: Batman & Robin - This was an okay issue. I was under the impression that each issue is stand alone and the rest aren't needed but I was wrong. The portions with Dick and Damian are stand alone but the Bruce Wayne aspect continues into the next issue (Red Robin) which I didn't get, and from there into the Batgirl issue (which I did get). That also goes for the Vicki Vale storyline that takes from the most recent issue of Batman.

DC's doing a rediculous thing here same as Marvel did with Captain America... release the aftermath of the return before he actually returns due to lateness... which is stupid. It annoys me and makes me less impressed with this whole ordeal than I could be.

The Road Home: Batgirll - As I mentioned to sandwraith, I enjoyed this issue. Not quite as good as some of her core title issues but still enjoyable. We see Bruce testing Batgirl and she passes well.... and ends up smacking Bruce, which was fun to see. Ultimately it's decided that she's Batgirl, not because Bruce wants her to be or makes her, but because it's her own decision to make and she WANTS to be. Decent issue.

The Return of Bruce Wayne 5 - Sucked. Honestly, this is the most worthless series I think I've read in YEARS! I hate every issue. There's higher moments than some but ultimately this is just garbage. I hate that I've spent so much money on and that it'll still claim another $4 out of me next issue.

Titans 28 - Despite what I hear from other people I'm really enjoying this title. I love everyone on the cast, even people I haven't much cared for in the past. I like that Tatoo Man's brief stint with heroism during Final Crisis is mentioned and perhaps foreshadowed as still being a thought in his mind.

The Titans break into Arkham to accomplish a task but as always, things go wrong. Osiris kills the guard who let them in and the cells end up opening and it goes nuts from there. Osiris is attacked by Sobek, his former friend who killed him in the first place (unless he's mistaking Killer Croc for him but I don't think so), and the rest are attacked by a bunch of decent Batman villains including Mr. Freeze, Clayface, Firefly, and Scarecrow. Deathstroke frees the Mad Hatter and goes after a girl he's trying to free but then Batman (Dick Grayson) shows up for the inevitable showdown next issue. Also, Ray Palmer is investigating the death of Ryan Choi back in the oneshot that started this new villainous run so that has my interest peaked. And double also... Ray is high the whole time.

I'm all in this new direction and plan to continue on until it's done.

Emerald Warriors 3 - Better issue than the previous 2 I think, though still not worth the $4 price tag. Good news is that that price is going down to $3, so I'm not as bitter about it. The issue was interesting. I like seeing the Green, Red, and Blue lanterns together, and the whole deal with Bleez ended up being fairly interesting. In the end Bleez joins Guy, Kilowog, and Arisia on their mission to try and find Sodom Yat and then "explore" the unknown sectors. Though it's revealed in the end between Guy and Bleez that if it is Sodom who is draining the Green rings then Guy will have to kill him.

This continues that dark, secretive path being made by Guy (and discussed with him by Ganthet and Atrocitus). I'm curious where it ends up, as in the end it will ultimately lead to a throwdown between Guy and Hal, which I'm curious about. I do like Sodom Yat so his coming into this story interests me. I still don't give a crap about the villain guy, who receives a visit from the mysterious Entity collector from the Green Lantern title.

Oh, and Blue Lantern Elephant guy's pretty awesome

Green Lantern 58 - Continuing the quest for the Entities in this issue we're teased with the Rage entity again but formally meet Adara, the entity of Hope. Adara takes a host in a young girl who was kidnapped but was willing to forgive her crazy kidnapper. Hal, Larfleeze, and Saintwalker confront her and try to talk Adara into leaving the girl so she can go back to her family but they are interupted by the Flash who shows up wanting to talk to Hal about his new company. He refers to "we" so I'm guessing there's more than just him. No clue who it is but I guess we'll see next issue.

Also in this issue we see Larfleeze go a little nuts again after losing his lantern and we see Atrocitus and Sinestro searching for the Rage entity and being fairly villainous. Also, Carol stays with the Saphires to start rebuilding.

It was a decent issue, though not quite as good as previous ones. My main thing is that I'm a huge fan of the Specter so the tease we got of him several issues ago got me excited and I'm getting a little frustrated waiting for that to come back around. I know it has to do with the Rage entitity but man, I'm ready for it.

Next issue promises the Indigo tribe and Black Hand so I'm interested in that. To me, the War of Light was fantastic, Blackest Night was pretty decent, and so far the Brightest Day has been interesting as well. Not linewide but in this title definately.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Now for some Marvels:

Thanos Imperative 5 - This was actually a good issue. Despite my issues with the start of this storyline it really is picking up in the end and for that I'm excited. Dread covered the details pretty good so I'll just say that I'm glad Quasar was finally deputised as a Nova Corps member, as it's been a long time coming. That combined with the fairwell kiss to Namorita makes me think there may be some rough things next issue for Rich. I hope that's not the case but my foreshadow senses are tingling!

I love how Medusa, the wench queen of late, commands of Nova and he just shrugs it off, putting her in her place. That was a nice touch. And can I say how terrifying the Galactus Engine deal is? That is a freaky piece of art there! And I wish we could see more of the Guardians and the Nova Corps but maybe next issue they can somehow do something to remind us that they're there.

So while I wasn't much enjoying the title at first it's growing on me now. It's better to suck in the beginning and end on a high note than vice versa so I welcome the change.


Oops.... time to go... Marvel Reviews: To Be Continued!!!

Still to come: X-Men 4, Incredible Hulks 614, New Avengers 5, I Am An Avenger 2, and Shadowland 4.

 

[sandwraith]

Now for some Marvels:

Thanos Imperative 5 - This was actually a good issue. Despite my issues with the start of this storyline it really is picking up in the end and for that I'm excited. Dread covered the details pretty good so I'll just say that I'm glad Quasar was finally deputised as a Nova Corps member, as it's been a long time coming. That combined with the fairwell kiss to Namorita makes me think there may be some rough things next issue for Rich. I hope that's not the case but my foreshadow senses are tingling!

I love how Medusa, the wench queen of late, commands of Nova and he just shrugs it off, putting her in her place. That was a nice touch. And can I say how terrifying the Galactus Engine deal is? That is a freaky piece of art there! And I wish we could see more of the Guardians and the Nova Corps but maybe next issue they can somehow do something to remind us that they're there.

So while I wasn't much enjoying the title at first it's growing on me now. It's better to suck in the beginning and end on a high note than vice versa so I welcome the change.


Oops.... time to go... Marvel Reviews: To Be Continued!!!

Still to come: X-Men 4, Incredible Hulks 614, New Avengers 5, I Am An Avenger 2, and Shadowland 4.

I keep hating myself for not adding The Thanos Imperative to my pull list from the start but I was in the middle of my transition to Civilian life and couldn't really afford the cover price at the time. With Nova (the title) suddenly silent, I find myself regretting this poor poor decision even more. Rest assured I shall be picking this up in Hardcover format when the time comes.

 

[JewishHobbit]

It's worth it. I was very underwhelmed at first, and there are still some story executions that bug me, but overall the story is told well and I'm eager to see how it ends. Where it lacks in proper villain that makes you care about him, it adds in a serious feeling of finality that previous events lacked.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Home for a brief lunch before heading back out... I'll see if I can get the rest in:

Shadowland 4 - The idea of Shadowland really appealed to me. So much so that having only read the Bendis arc of Daredevil I went back and got up to date in preparation. The event itself, however, has been a bit of a let down while still decent. I won't call all that time getting caught up waisted because it was a great read, and even Diggle's arc has been good, it's just Shadowland itself is kinda bleh. Too much is thrown in and what it feels like to me is that editorial put their hands in too much and made too much of an event out of what could have been an amazing Daredevil arc. Get rid of the access of heroes and focus more on the Daredevil centric characters (maybe add the more important heroes to DD such as Spidey, Luke, and Iron Fist) and I think it would have worked really well. I mean, really, that's what's going on over in Daredevil and suddenly Daredevil is the better book of the two.

As for this issue itself it was kinda bleh. Like Dread mentioned, suddenly we have an issue that suffers from not reading tie-ins. Black Tarrantula's "death" is unexplained or even hinted at and whereas last issue had Ghost Rider going after Fisk there's nothing of it here. And I don't read the Moon Knight tie-in but I noticed his sudden disappearance from the story (I didn't notice Misty until Dread pointed her out). I think knowing all that killed the issue for me. Oh, and the sudden Wolverine appearance out of nowhere.

Something I did like was the Spider-Man moments. So often of late he's just kinda been the bumbling bafoon and here he takes out Typhoid Mary and is the only one to really stand up to Daredevil himself (far better than Iron Fist and Shang Chi) so that was pretty awesome to see as a Spider-Man fan missing the good ol' Spidey.

We have to wait for next issue to really get the final but so far I wouldn't call Shadowland a fail as much as just a mediocre story. That's better than a lot of comics these days and it's only bad for Daredevil because of how consistently awesome his book has been since Bendis first came on back in 2001. Let's be honest here people, if this is considered the worst arc for a title in almost 10 years it's been a pretty amazing run because this arc itself isn't that bad.

Incredible Hulks 614 - Mediocre. I've been loving Incredible Hulk since Skaar came on the scene but this Dark Son arc has been a little underwhelming. It's not bad but not up to par with what's gone on previously. The very random feeling Secret Avengers fight came out of nowhere, though the end results was pretty cool with the Hulks getting the ship back that Hulk road in on in WWH. They're on their way to confront Hiro-Kala and I'm eager to see what happens.

I think what's making this arc not so good for me is the lack of Skaar. He's reverted to his kid form now and it looks like it's permanant for now. I like him but it was his Skaar personality that made it for me. I'm eager to see him revert to it and I hope it'll happen before the end of this arc.

This is a midpoint for me. I've been saying for a year or more now that I plan on collecting this book until the Hiro-Kala stuff is wrapped up and this is the arc where that happens. I'm not sure if I'll be continuing it post-Dark Son or not so we'll see. If it continues at twice a month at $4 an issue likely I'll drop it once this is finished.

New Avengers 5 - It was again, mediocre. I've liked previous issues better but this one wasn't bad. We learn that it wasn't the ancient one who spoke to Iron Fist but Agmotto himself posting as the Ancient One. Apparently Agmotto wants his eye back. It was wierd that Hawkeye deserts the team here after receiving a distress call from the other Avenger team but at least it's confirmed that he's not on this team and only showed up to support his wife (who I thought wasnt his wife anymore?). And in the end Brother Voodoo challenges Agmotto to a life or death duel but a plan is altered and in the end some magical stuff is performed and the "one most willing to do what needs done," Wolverine, is granted with all the powers of the others and is ready to take on Agmotto.

It's an interesting ending and if it weren't for Wolverine being the chosen one or his decades long over-exposure I'd have loved it. Honestly, he's a decent choice for the role but I'm ready for someone else. If this were Iron Fist or even Wong I'd be happier. But oh well, I'm excited for the conclusion.

I Am An Avengers 2 - I wasn't planning on getting this one really. I thought it was the Nova issue and being that my wife was picking up the comics for me I told her to go ahead and get it. Turns out issue 3 is the Nova issue. But I actually liked this issue so it's okay. I really enjoyed the first two stories with Rogers and the New Warriors so they were worth it. The last two were decent but not great.

See, this is why Marvel Comics Presents worked and the previous attempts recently didn't. Put in characters we care about in stories that actually matter and it'll sell. Not great, but it'll get out there. That's my opinion anyway. When you have stories that mean nothing then no one cares, but Justice and Firestar working through their problems and Rogers in a bit of an aftermath to Siege works. And last issue's Iron Fist story was fantastic! If this suddenly became an ongoing with this quality I'd likely continue it.

X-Men 4 - Decent issue that has me ready for the next one. Scott admits to screwing up with the Dracula plan (after Blade rubs his nose in it) though there's hints that his plan is still in motion. And the final exchange between Cyclops and Xarxus, and in connection Wolverine and Jubilee, has me excited for the final attack. Love or hate his new direction but General Scott Summers is the man in this type of situation.

I'm loving this arc and am eager to see where it all goes, though for some reason I'm expected a passionate vampire deal leading to a kiss or something between Wolverine and Jubilee leading to their potential issues to deal with later. She's a grown woman now and Wolverine likes asian girls.... and the vampire thing could lead to more passionate moves than they'd usually go with. Just a feeling.

Best and Worst of the Week

Best - Titans 28: Again, I know a lot of people dislike this title but I'm loving it. I like the art and the conflicts and I think it has a lot of potential for the future.

Worst - Return of Bruce Wayne 5 - I'd prefer castration.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Star Wars: Knight Errant #1
Now to the undisputed highlight of the week (well, my week at least) is John Jackson Miller's latest Star Wars foray, Knight Errant. An okay first issue with a lot of good pacing and action if a little lacking in other things. Maybe its the lack of humor in the book which I sort of identify with Miller's work. The artwork for this issue was stunning. I mean really, I know the setting was pretty bare-bones (run-down desert/badlands-ish planet) but the artist, Federico Dallochio, has an extremely detailed take on everything else. Kerra comes off as a little straight-path sort of character but I kind of like that rather than her getting all angsty. She's out for revenge (not a very Jedi objective) and there isn't anyone who's getting in her way. That being said, I expect alot of bodies in this one.

Oh, and I like the cover art. The current artist is solid and all but I think Joe Quinones has a good look down for Kerra. Looking forward to ish #2.

Decent first issue, but it didn't make me want to go out and buy the next issue. I think it's because I had two problems with this book:

1) As a Star Wars fan, I love the classic characters; and, I don't necessarily care about "1,000 years in the past" or "1,000 years in the future." Sure, there is an interesting part about knowing Jedi history; but, deep down, I love Luke, Leia, Han, and the rest. I haven't been reading Star Wars in ages...but, just from an observers point of view, it seems like the Star Wars franchise at Dark Horse has gotten away from that.

2) The story isn't at all original. Young jedi, Kerra, is very much like Anakin from the Star Wars II; and, her master reminded me of Liam Neason's character from Star Wars I. Kerra is reckless at times, prone to attack and not listen to her "master," and wants revenge on those who have wronged her family in the past. Character-wise, there isn't very much development.

Still, I would rate the book as . I felt for $2.99, we got a lot of story in that first issue; and, the art does look very nice. And, point #1 in my gripes is really just my personal feelings, and wouldn't be shared necessarily by others.

 

[Justkidding]

Anyone else pick up Turok?

 

[BlackSymbiote]

1) As a Star Wars fan, I love the classic characters; and, I don't necessarily care about "1,000 years in the past" or "1,000 years in the future." Sure, there is an interesting part about knowing Jedi history; but, deep down, I love Luke, Leia, Han, and the rest. I haven't been reading Star Wars in ages...but, just from an observers point of view, it seems like the Star Wars franchise at Dark Horse has gotten away from that.

I'm the same. As much as I loved Star Wars Legacy, my rule is if Luke's not in it, I don't read it, which is why I usually stick with the post ROTJ expanded universe novels. Of course, if Legacy is canon, then the novels and comics will eventually have to start building toward it.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I'm the opposite. Luke, Leia, Han, et al. are great, but I don't want to see them unless they're played by Hamill, Fisher, Ford, etc. I'd much rather see the Expanded Universe do just that: expand the universe and show me stuff that's directly related to the movies. Plus, after BioWare's Knights of the Old Republic game, I'm even more a fan of that period as I am of the movies' period.

 

[Dread]

Wasn't he still on Immortal Iron Fist for a bit after The Order got canned?

Writing alongside Ed Brubaker for most of it. I mean, some of those Illuminati issues weren't bad, but Bendis was co-writing with Brian Reed, so...not all him.

Well, put that $3.99 towards Casanova and you'll see where all of Fraction's talent really shines (apparently)

Yeah, I've heard a lot of people lament that the same man who wrote that also writes UNCANNY X-MEN.

I know the current administration of Marvel seems incapable of self-examination, it it seems to be a pattern of them getting a large profile writer who has talent onto UXM and them being unable to produce to that standard of quality. Brubaker, Milligan, and now Fraction. Clearly something is wrong with the editorial direction. After all, if you keep running into the same relationship issues with at least three different people, the problem isn't just with them.

Part of it was that M-Day was a large road block to X-Men stories. Even Warren Ellis has to steer around it like a stunt car racer in ASTONISHING X-MEN. Even Joss Whedon chose to avoid it by dabbling with aliens and sci-fi adventure. Every writer either does something to avoid it or gets trapped in a bog. That should really be a sign of how poor a decision it was and that the faster it is undone completely, the batter. Instead Marvel is repeating their sluggish pace with ending a bad editorial decision as they did with, say, Spider-Clones or Wolverine with no Adamantium.

The funny thing is that Fraction wrote three decent Thor one-shots about a couple years ago that I enjoyed quite a bit.

Yeah, I read one, I think it was THOR GOD SIZE, and it was fine. Again, he just doesn't seem to connect when it really counts. He was fine on THE ORDER or CASANOVA, smaller titles. But once he's on big league titles? Suddenly his quality drops 50%. He is starting to seem like one of those bands who is great on the indie circuit and develops a cult following, then they sign to a big label, sell out MSG and then produce "meh" at best.

Now for some Marvels:

Thanos Imperative 5 - This was actually a good issue. Despite my issues with the start of this storyline it really is picking up in the end and for that I'm excited. Dread covered the details pretty good so I'll just say that I'm glad Quasar was finally deputised as a Nova Corps member, as it's been a long time coming. That combined with the fairwell kiss to Namorita makes me think there may be some rough things next issue for Rich. I hope that's not the case but my foreshadow senses are tingling!

I know Nova will appear in I AM AN AVENGER #3, in a tale written by Abnett & Lanning. But aside for that, who knows. That is, of course, the same month that THANOS IMPERATIVE #6 comes out.

I keep hating myself for not adding The Thanos Imperative to my pull list from the start but I was in the middle of my transition to Civilian life and couldn't really afford the cover price at the time. With Nova (the title) suddenly silent, I find myself regretting this poor poor decision even more. Rest assured I shall be picking this up in Hardcover format when the time comes.

Pick it up when you can.

Shadowland 4 -
Something I did like was the Spider-Man moments. So often of late he's just kinda been the bumbling bafoon and here he takes out Typhoid Mary and is the only one to really stand up to Daredevil himself (far better than Iron Fist and Shang Chi) so that was pretty awesome to see as a Spider-Man fan missing the good ol' Spidey.

I Am An Avengers 2 - See, this is why Marvel Comics Presents worked and the previous attempts recently didn't. Put in characters we care about in stories that actually matter and it'll sell. Not great, but it'll get out there. That's my opinion anyway. When you have stories that mean nothing then no one cares, but Justice and Firestar working through their problems and Rogers in a bit of an aftermath to Siege works. And last issue's Iron Fist story was fantastic! If this suddenly became an ongoing with this quality I'd likely continue it.

You do have a point there; SHADOWLAND #4 did have some good Spider-Man moments. He was the one who, so far, put up the best fight against the beast-possessed Daredevil, even more so than Iron Fist, Shang Chi and even Wolverine (gasp). It makes sense, of course; Spidey only seems "weak" alongside heavy weights like Thor or Iron Man, but with street heroes he's damn mighty. He's also tangled with Typhoid Mary before. I think she manifested her most powerful and psycho personality, "Bloody Mary", when she was fighting against him once.

As for I AM AN AVENGER, I do agree that Marvel's last slew of anthology mini's have been better than their last stab at MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS or ASTONISHING TALES. I don't have any sales figures for I AM AN AVENGER #1 yet (as Sept. 2010's sales are just being hinted at; sadly, WOLVERINE #1 was the top seller of the month), but AGE OF HEROES actually sold pretty well for what it was; I think it debuted within the Top 60 or so and every issue at least sold within the Top 100, which is better than can be said for some ongoing titles.

 

[Scourge2099]

Taskmaster #2 :

Yet another excellent issue. Pretty cool that Tasky is a former

Spoiler

SHIELD agent

. I liked how he got the inspiration for his mask after seeing the statue of the Mexican Angel of Death. Next issue he has to fight a village full of Hitlers.

 

[sandwraith]

Decent first issue, but it didn't make me want to go out and buy the next issue. I think it's because I had two problems with this book:

1) As a Star Wars fan, I love the classic characters; and, I don't necessarily care about "1,000 years in the past" or "1,000 years in the future." Sure, there is an interesting part about knowing Jedi history; but, deep down, I love Luke, Leia, Han, and the rest. I haven't been reading Star Wars in ages...but, just from an observers point of view, it seems like the Star Wars franchise at Dark Horse has gotten away from that.

2) The story isn't at all original. Young jedi, Kerra, is very much like Anakin from the Star Wars II; and, her master reminded me of Liam Neason's character from Star Wars I. Kerra is reckless at times, prone to attack and not listen to her "master," and wants revenge on those who have wronged her family in the past. Character-wise, there isn't very much development.

Still, I would rate the book as . I felt for $2.99, we got a lot of story in that first issue; and, the art does look very nice. And, point #1 in my gripes is really just my personal feelings, and wouldn't be shared necessarily by others.

Kerra is like Anakin? Can't say I see the connection. Kerra seems pretty straight-forward with her intentions of revenge while Anakin for all his power and bluster kept so many secrets (Padme, the Raider slaughter etc.)
and still had the cheek to want the title of Jedi Master.

Still, for a first issue and the "master" to die without giving much wisdom to his student is pretty standard. I'm betting the Palladarne guy was a Jedi or something.