Bought / Thought 11-17-2010 SPIOLERS!!!

[Phaedrus45]

Finally, some reviews.

Thunderbolts #150

Two comics this week costing $4.99, and this is the better of the two. (You get a lot more from your buck, that's for sure.)

After not being that thrilled with last month's extremely mediocre Shadowland tie-in, this issue more than makes up for it with a 40-page tale. It's Avengers vs. Thunderbolts (very reminiscent of a couple of stories from T-Bolt's past), as the T-Bolt prisoners learn that after an inspection by the Big Three (Cap, Thor, and Iron Man), Luke plans to disband the team. This causes Ghost to take Juggernaut and Crossbones with him to an alternate reality, do battle with the Big Three (and Luke Cage), and have a big impact on some of the team members life after everything is over.

[spoilers]Thankfully, Crossbones is off the team!!! (At least, I hope this is permanent.) And, Ghost's vendetta against Iron Man comes to a close.[/spoiler]

Parker does a great job with this story, and I like that Ghost is becoming important to his storylines. He's a great character...and, it looks like we'll get more of him next issue.

Along with the above story, we get the 38-page reprint of the first issue of Thunderbolts, by Kurt Busiek. (I already own it...but, I think it's a nice addition to this comic, and makes the high price reasonable for those who might never have read it before. Finally, the throw in the worthless "Thunderbolts Saga," which I never find that interesting.

Batman: The Return One-Shot

Mixed reviews, I see, on this one...and, I have to agree with JH in his assessment. (Although, I disagree totally with his thoughts on T-Bolts. Marvel made their comic worth the price, imo.) The story was decent; although, I hated the Bat-Armor that Bruce and Damien wore. Also, the first seven pages with the bat were a waste of time (especially with Grant calling it the "coolest DCU natural history sequence ever in his "script to art comparison") I did like the new villian, though. (Much better than the new one in Batman, Inc.) for the main story, but for the price and "Director's Cut" material in the other half of this issue.

(Just noticed I had another $4.99 comic...but, I haven't read it yet. It's the last issue of Astounding Wolf-Man.)

Brightest Day #14

Talk about a mixed bag! Either I love or hate these issues...and, after the last awful one, I am happy to say this is one of my favorites of the bunch. Focusing on Deadman, we get a good glimpse into his past while also seeing what's currently going on with him..especially in regards to giving Batman the White Ring. (LOVE the ending with him mackin' on Dove.) I'm very interested in his character, maybe more than all the others...and, if he gets his own series after this maxi-series is finished, I'll be getting it.

Nightmaster: Monsters Of Rock One-Shot

I would have passed this up, but DC was smart to only charge $2.99 for it. (Marvel would EASILY have upped it a buck.) It's a cute tale about Nightmaster trying to rescue the Shadowpact, and he's stuck having some old hippie-groupie from the 60's following along and giving a running commentary about how he should get back to his rocking roots.

Chaos War: Thor #1

From last week, and I can see why a few people were so down on it. It's nothing special, especially after Thor drops back to Earth as Don Blake with his memory gone. I did like the first half, with Thor fighting the God; and, the narration didn't bother me as much as other people. The second half was just mediocre at best.

Supergirl Annual #2

This is from two weeks ago, but it impressed me a lot. It's Supergirl and the Legion Of Superheroes (the new-old version we see in Adventure Comics...which, is just so dang confusing now), and Sterling Gates tells a fun adventure. Best of all, we see some love blooming between Kara and Brainiac 5..and, it just works. I want more with Supergirl with the Legion..and, think that her comic would be more interesting if she'd stay there.

 

[TimBisley]

The "best ever" may be an overstatement, but I enjoyed the opening sequence. Not a fan of the art though.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Uggg...I ate some bad "chinese buffet" food, I think; but, I'm finally feeling a bit better to continue my reviews.

Batman, Inc. #1

I'm glad you guys have shown me that Lord Death Man is an old school villian; because I was about to complain seriously about that name, too. I guess that's what makes me appreciate this first issue more on a second read than I did on the first. It feels like old school fun, something that's seriously been lacking in Morrison's Batman run. I love the Catwoman/Batman team-up. Still, it's a good thing DC is lowering their prices, because charging me $3.99 for 24 pages of material is pretty crappy.

Justice League Of America #51

I dropped this title; but, this current storyline has made me pick it back up again. I'm liking the new line-up; and, while this second part of the story isn't as solid as the first, it was kind of neat to see Evil Supergirl return on the last page.

X-Files/30 Days Of Night #5

I'm glad this mini is almost over. I was interested enough at first; but, now it's gotten a bit boring. Scully and Mulder's characterizations are being played by the book (Mulder knows the truth and Scully won't believe him), and while we get a bit more action this issue, it's a little too late.

World Of Warcraft: Curse Of The Worgen #1

After being dropped unexpectedly last year...even with the new direction being solicited in a Special Edition One-Shot...World Of Warcraft returns with this five-issue mini. (At least, I believe it's five issues.) What's good is that DC is only charging $2.99 for it. Also, the first part of this issue is pretty good. What's bad is the second half bored the hell out of me, as it went back in time to tell of the "Great Sundering."


From last week, Guggenheim's Halycon #1 was pretty darn good. I can't wait to see where he takes this book, and I'm glad I picked it up on a whim. Also, Knight Errant #2 kept things interesting. After introducing us last issue to many of the characters, it feels like the story is really taking form. A big for both books.

 

[runawayboulder]

Deadpool MAX #2: "I became sane. Ninja sane." In a single phrase, did David Lapham just invalidate everything Deadpool post-Kelly? I believe he did. The first issue was great, but this one kicks up the demented craziness and humor to 11. I can't wait for the next issue where Baron Zemo is apparently re-imagined as a Nazi chick on a crusade to destroy all minorities. Probably the only disappointing was apparently losing Inez, kind of liked her, and thought it'd be interesting to see her as a regular supporting member. It is possible she'll return, though

I'm totally loving DeadpoolMAX right now. The art is like it's from Mad Magazine but even more twisted.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Mixed reviews, I see, on this one...and, I have to agree with JH in his assessment. (Although, I disagree totally with his thoughts on T-Bolts. Marvel made their comic worth the price, imo.)

Just to note, I didn't actually buy the comic so I acknowledge the story may have been good. I was basing what I'd said on price versus content. I know there were quite a few pages of story, which was good, but the 96 Pages on the cover is misleading because it's only, what, 32 pages of actual new material round abouts? I never consider reprint stuff as part of the comic and worth actually paying for, so for me the comic is a BIG rip off. Not to mention I also can't stand the artist for the book and have been enjoying the title so much more with the fill in artists. But yeah, I'd rather Marvel include all that crap in a Director's Cut version and let me buy the title at $2.99 for just the story.

I know its not encouraged, and I seldom do it, but if I ever decide to continue with the title I'll just DL the issue until I find it cheaper at a half priced books or something. I'm tired of paying money and not getting my money's worth.

Brightest Day #14

Talk about a mixed bag! Either I love or hate these issues...and, after the last awful one, I am happy to say this is one of my favorites of the bunch. Focusing on Deadman, we get a good glimpse into his past while also seeing what's currently going on with him..especially in regards to giving Batman the White Ring. (LOVE the ending with him mackin' on Dove.) I'm very interested in his character, maybe more than all the others...and, if he gets his own series after this maxi-series is finished, I'll be getting it.

I'd likely give it a shot myself. I typically find that my favorite stuff in Brightest Day have been the Deadman stories to the point where I just wished they'd have made a Deadman mini and not include all these other stories. I mostly think this because I really want to drop the book based on price versus content. I'm essentially paying $6 for 44 pages of material, most of which I typically don't care about... and that is a horrible deal. But the Deadman and the Firestorm stories have me completely hooked. I didn't care anything about the rest, though the Hawkman story just got a bit more interesting with the villain going to attack the Pink Saphires, who I like.

Nightmaster: Monsters Of Rock One-Shot

I would have passed this up, but DC was smart to only charge $2.99 for it. (Marvel would EASILY have upped it a buck.) It's a cute tale about Nightmaster trying to rescue the Shadowpact, and he's stuck having some old hippie-groupie from the 60's following along and giving a running commentary about how he should get back to his rocking roots.

Yeah, after skimming this issue I was really considering it and may have even bought it if I wasn't already maxed out budget-wise. Between this and the Ragman oneshot these guys are really getting some decent oneshot stories told. Though I missed the Shadowpact ongoing, I loved the Day of Vengeance stuff during Infinite Crisis.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Just to note, I didn't actually buy the comic so I acknowledge the story may have been good. I was basing what I'd said on price versus content. I know there were quite a few pages of story, which was good, but the 96 Pages on the cover is misleading because it's only, what, 32 pages of actual new material round abouts? I never consider reprint stuff as part of the comic and worth actually paying for, so for me the comic is a BIG rip off. Not to mention I also can't stand the artist for the book and have been enjoying the title so much more with the fill in artists. But yeah, I'd rather Marvel include all that crap in a Director's Cut version and let me buy the title at $2.99 for just the story.

It's a 40-page story, which to me is worth $3.99. (I noticed in February, most of Marvel's 32-page stories are $2.99, and if it's 40 pages, it's always $3.99. To me, that's a fair price.) So, I'm paying a buck for a double-size classic reprint of the first issue. (That brings us up to 78 pages. The rest is one of those dang Sagas Marvel is always sticking at the end of comics and charging us more for.)

At least Marvel made the 150th issue an event. I've always liked that. I hate when a comic reaches a milestone, and it's just a normal, regular priced issue. Some of my favorite issues in the past have been milestone issues, and I have fond memories in the 80's of getting Iron Man #150 (Dr. Doom vs. Iron Man), X-Men #150 (Magneto!), and Defenders #100 (the conclusion to the Six-Fingered Hand storyline!).

Anyway, three more reviews.

The Heroic Age: Villians

This is Steve Rogers report on the various villians within the Marvel Universe. The reports are brief; but, it makes for good bathroom reading. (I especially liked the "Goals" section with each entry.) I only recommend it if you're into Handbooks and other information like that.

Avengers #7

What peeves me about this issue is how little we get (and, how much we pay). 22-pages (which FLY by) for $3.99. (I'm NOT counting the Oral History Of The Avengers as content. I haven't been reading it, as it doesn't interest me in the least.) It's too bad, because this issue isn't bad. It's just over as soon as you've begun (we're getting spoiled with all these 32 and 40 page stories now), and for the life of me, I cannot figure out what Rulk is even doing in this comic. Besides showing how this new villian is so powerful with his two gems, I'm not sure why he shows up when he does. (And, don't we all believe that Reed would have made something that detects those who don't want to be detected entering his building??)

Still, I love the Infinity Gems...and, the story does interest me enough to give it a .

Superman #705

This issue really pissed me off. First, I'm so tired of Superman's walk across the U.S.. Really, he's doing this to learn more about the people he's with??!!?? Everything he's learning is stuff he should already know about. And, CHILD ABUSE??!!!?!?!?! Did he have his head stuck up his keister to not know this kind of stuff happens every day in every town he's flown over? Frankly, it's a stupid premise, and it makes Superman seem really ignorant.

Second...child abuse. It's handled in such a predictable fashion that it's insulting to those of us who have suffered from it in the past. Straczynski handles it by showing the abused child with a black eye...like our pain is so easily seen for all to see. And, how does he have Superman handle it? By threatening the guy that he'll be back if he doesn't hear from the kid every day. (Seriously, watch the news. Do you think the threat of violence is going to stop someone who has such emotional problems that they'd just say, "Oh, I better stop now.") Oh, yes. This issue makes me mad. Abuse victims try to hide their scars..and, those scars aren't able to be seen on the outside. It's not something they even talk about.

The second problem with the child abuse storyline is that it's all stereotypical. We have no background on the family at all. Why is the father abusing the family? What happened in his background that causes him to lash out? Why is the threat of violence and prison the only means of dealing with him? Straczynski lectures the reader and chastises us for not opening our eyes to this problem...yet, he devotes a single, not-well-thought-out issue to the problem that it screams of "ok, did that one..not to move onto something else." It just feels like he's seeking praise, as he did with that classic 9/11 issue of Spider-Man.

This is DEFINITELY my Worst Issue Of The Week. And, I would even say Of THe Month!

 

[JewishHobbit]

It's a 40-page story, which to me is worth $3.99. (I noticed in February, most of Marvel's 32-page stories are $2.99, and if it's 40 pages, it's always $3.99. To me, that's a fair price.) So, I'm paying a buck for a double-size classic reprint of the first issue. (That brings us up to 78 pages. The rest is one of those dang Sagas Marvel is always sticking at the end of comics and charging us more for.)

I still hate the $4 price tag, but if the comic is 40 pages I don't feel as ripped off buying it. But for me the reprint of Thunderbolts 1 shouldn't cost a dime, it's not worth it. It's about as worth the cost as the Marvel Saga added in and the Oral History of the Avengers crap. It's just filler to rake up the price but really offers nothing extra to the reader. I consider it lazy business.

At least Marvel made the 150th issue an event. I've always liked that. I hate when a comic reaches a milestone, and it's just a normal, regular priced issue. Some of my favorite issues in the past have been milestone issues, and I have fond memories in the 80's of getting Iron Man #150 (Dr. Doom vs. Iron Man), X-Men #150 (Magneto!), and Defenders #100 (the conclusion to the Six-Fingered Hand storyline!).

I do like when milestones are made events as well. For me my favorite event issue of all time is Amazing Spider-Man 400, the death of Aunt May. Even with the retcon, it's still one of the most emotional comics I've read and the undoing of that issue was the first time I ever left the title. Straczynski pulled back in and then OMD pulled me back out. But that issue was just fantastic.

The Heroic Age: Villians

This is Steve Rogers report on the various villians within the Marvel Universe. The reports are brief; but, it makes for good bathroom reading. (I especially liked the "Goals" section with each entry.) I only recommend it if you're into Handbooks and other information like that.

I don't get into these handbooks much but I picked this one up and just fanned the pages quickly and the entry for Bloodshed caught my eye. Bloodshed was the villain in the first ever comic I read (Web of Spider-Man 81) so naturally he's going to always be a guilty pleasure for me. The best thing I read in there was when Steve called him a prime candidate for the Thunderbolts program. I swear if someone picked up on this and put him in the Thunderbolts I would be on that title every issue no matter the cost for as long as he's on it. Despite obvious 90's armor I love that character.

 

[TimBisley]

I don't see how you can spend your money on a comic, and not read all the material. I had no interest in Nomad, but I read her back-up in Captain America.

 

[JewishHobbit]

1. If it's a reprint I've already read it.

2. If it's the oral history of the Avengers, it's uninteresting. If I wanted to read just text I'd read one of the books I'm more interested in.

3. I read too many comics a month to focus on portions I don't care about. I'm yet to read the Red She-Hulk backups in the Incredible Hulk comic prior to Fall of the Hulks.

That's all reasons why I hate that I HAVE to spend the money on all this extra crap that I don't want.

 

[Dread]

I wouldn't say THUNDERBOLTS #150 was bad, but I was underwhelmed by it. If there is 40 pages of new material and the rest is reprints, boldly screaming "96 PAGES" as they charge not $3.99, but $4.99 for it borders on bait and switch. Imagine if I sold a box as "100 pieces of candy" and it was technically true, only about 55 pieces were plastic candy and inedible.

Not only that, the story was just kind of...meh. If Parker wanted to have things come to a head between three T-Bolts and some Avengers, I didn't think we needed some oddball dimension as a setting. I just think it could have been executed better. Instead some details reminded me of those old DEFENDERS comics of the early 80's that people would make fun of.

 

[Phaedrus45]

I wouldn't say THUNDERBOLTS #150 was bad, but I was underwhelmed by it. If there is 40 pages of new material and the rest is reprints, boldly screaming "96 PAGES" as they charge not $3.99, but $4.99 for it borders on bait and switch. Imagine if I sold a box as "100 pieces of candy" and it was technically true, only about 55 pieces were plastic candy and inedible.

Not only that, the story was just kind of...meh. If Parker wanted to have things come to a head between three T-Bolts and some Avengers, I didn't think we needed some oddball dimension as a setting. I just think it could have been executed better. Instead some details reminded me of those old DEFENDERS comics of the early 80's that people would make fun of.

I loved that "oddball dimension as a setting," especially the frog...and, that ending!!! And, seriously, you EXPECT that an extra-big comic is going to have reprints as extra material nowadays. (Plus, you just have to open the issue before you pay money for it to find out what's inside and if you think it's worth the price you're gonna pay.)

I don't mind reprints, either...as long as they're classics. Thunderbolts #1 hasn't ever been reprinted (to my knowledge) in a comic before; and, it's actually quite a bit old now. I think getting it for a buck is a great deal if you don't already own it. (Even if you do, it's a nice trip down memory lane.)

Now, onto some more reviews.

Spider-Girl #1

I LOVED this comic! Tobin has a nice style to his writing which reminds me of the innocence of yesterday. (Or, at least similiar in tone to the previous Spider-Girl series.) The book is just fun to read, doesn't take itself too seriously, and keeps Arana young. (That's a big problem with many of Marvel's heroes nowadays...they've all gotten too old. The original New Mutants are off drinking beers, for &$^%# sake!)

Now, this issue isn't perfect. We get ANOTHER appearance by Rulk (at least it's on the last page...but, it's getting to be a bit of overkill on Marvel's behalf), and the main story is only 23 pages long. (Even with the added story in back, that's less than 32 pages, which to me doesn't warrant the $3.99 price.) I did like that backstory, though, as it gave the reader insight into how Arana and her father know the Fantastic Four.

I give the issue a Huge ! (Not enough to be worth two, though.)

Osborn #1

Not sure if this issue's for everyone; but, I came away more impressed than I expected to be. There are some nice twists and some good new (evil) characters introduced. I'm excited to see where DeConnick takes the story, and I like that the backstories will give us some insight into the new villians. The art is a little to be desired; but, I got used to it after a while. Another solid .

X-23 #3

Here is where my disappointment begins. I've enjoyed the past two issues, getting X-23 back to her New X-Men roots...and, this issue takes us back to an old standby: Hero must do battle with evil foe within her mind. (Seriously, I HATE this kind of story. I feel almost I've gotten a non-story.) In the end, X-23 goes off on her own; and, the tie-in with "Wolverine Goes To Hell" feels cheap. Yep...disappointing.

Daken: Dark Wolverine #3

For that matter, this comic hasn't done much for me with all three issues. Having Mystique adds to it a bit; but, I just feel like we don't get much story with each issue. They all read rather quickly...and, I'm not even sure what's happening in some scenes. Also, seeing Johnny Storm so distraught over Daken's apparent death seemed very insincere. Really, why should Johnny even care about this sociopath (sp?)? At least Marvel is only charging me $2.99 for it and X-23.

Hulk #27

Yep, I'm liking Hulk a lot better since Parker took over...but, MAN, did this issue really feel like his old Atlas comic. Lots and lot of talking...and, some weird action that doesn't involve a particularily interesting villian. (Seriously, two giant sea-worms??) At least we're getting some interesting characterization of General Ross that we haven't seen for a while. I have to just give this a mild ... cause sometimes the situations Parker's characters find themselves bore me.

Supergirl #58

I wasn't ga-ga over the Bizarro storyline..but, the Supergirl Annual and this issue make me like what I'm seeing from Gates. Re-exploring Cat Grant's dead child has made me interested in her character for the first time...and, finally offers me some clues as to why I should even care about her. (While I've been reading DC comics for a while now; but, there are still some characters who I know very little about.)

Astounding Wolf-Man #25

Can't say I was as thrilled with this issue as the previous four that lead up to it. The vampire gets offed pretty quickly (but, it was a cool scene), and the battle between and two wolfmen seemed a bit ridiculous. (I hated the explanation for the battle.) The ending (and Epilogue) made the possibility of a future mini interesting...but, I can do without ANOTHER Dracula appearance in the comic books. Frankly, I expected more...and, the price for what little we got was further disappointing. (I guess they figure what readers remained would pay out the nose for this final issue.)

 

[hippie_hunter]

Superman #705 - oh no, a boy and his mother are being abused by the man of the house. I sure hope Superman can solve this situation and make an incredibly heavy-handed summation for the readers.

JMS' departure from his two titles is embarassing, but, in another sense, it's a godsend.

It is not a godsend. It's just flat out embarassing. JMS on Superman and Wonder Woman should have put those characters on par with Batman, Green Lantern, and the Flash for DC. They belong on the top 10 in the sale charts.

But instead JMS' entry into DC was poorly promoted, he wrote stories (while good in my opinion) that fans did not want, and now he's doing this OGN only crap.

DC needs to fix this situation immediately. Wrap up JMS' stories as soon as possible and put Paul Cornell on Superman and Grant Morrison on Wonder Woman.

 

[Tron Bonne]

What the? Weren't you violently opposed to Morrison on Wonder Woman in the past

 

[hippie_hunter]

What the? Weren't you violently opposed to Morrison on Wonder Woman in the past

Yeah, but nowadays, but the whole JMS situation has rocked me to my core. MY CORE!

My biggest fear with Morrison on Wonder Woman is that he would kind of **** her up a bit like he's done with Batman. If he doesn't do that, it should be awesome.

 

[Tron Bonne]

What do you mean? Well, I know what you mean about ****ting up Wonder Woman, but Morrison has ****ted up Batman?

 

[hippie_hunter]

What do you mean? Well, I know what you mean about ****ting up Wonder Woman, but Morrison has ****ted up Batman?

By making him a man-****

Morrison's Batman is pretty much incapable of physical love. The sex his Bruce has nothing but complete physical gratification for him. Morrison's Batman even flat out said that the relationships he has are just there to fulfill his sexual needs. Morrison himself, has said that his Batman is a person who has lots and lots of sex.

He knew that Jezebel Jet was a criminal, but he still slept with her. He had sex with Selina in Batman, Incorporated #1. Morrison's run has images of him having sex with Talia. Morrison will go into detail about his affair with Kathy Kane.

 

[Tron Bonne]

Oh, okay. Well, I was mostly worried about Morrison taking on the character because of his past portrayals of her, but there was an interview that was brought to my attention where Morrison basically talks about awfully he's used her, and promised to be 'more constructive' with the character in later attempts. So, for that, I would like to see it, even if I'm a tad tepid about it.

 

[hippie_hunter]

Oh, okay. Well, I was mostly worried about Morrison taking on the character because of his past portrayals of her, but there was an interview that was brought to my attention where Morrison basically talks about awfully he's used her, and promised to be 'more constructive' with the character in later attempts. So, for that, I would like to see it, even if I'm a tad tepid about it.

Yeah, I read those comments a few days ago actually.

 

[Phaedrus45]

I'd be happy if we could just get JMS to complete The Twelve. Weren't we suppose to get issue #9 last month??? And, yet, still nada!

Deadpool Max #2

I wasn't that impressed with the first issue, but this one is just friggin' hilarious! One of the best issues of Deadpool in quite a while, and he fits perfectly into the Max line-up. I love the take on the classic characters, like Bob and Inez, too.

Green Lantern Corps #54

I know Dread usually nows this kind of information; but, I'm wondering if readship of the Green Lantern titles is slowly dropping...because I don't see as many people sticking with these as a year ago.

I wasn't that excited about last issue, but this one sparked my interest quite a bit more. I like the background history on The Weaponeer, and the no-rings battle between Sinestro and Kyle was pretty funny. (Glad to see Sinestro kicked Kyle's butt! Being trained by Batman isn't all that it's cracked up to be, I guess.) Definitely some entertaining moments.

 

[Dread]

I loved that "oddball dimension as a setting," especially the frog...and, that ending!!! And, seriously, you EXPECT that an extra-big comic is going to have reprints as extra material nowadays. (Plus, you just have to open the issue before you pay money for it to find out what's inside and if you think it's worth the price you're gonna pay.)

I don't mind reprints, either...as long as they're classics. Thunderbolts #1 hasn't ever been reprinted (to my knowledge) in a comic before; and, it's actually quite a bit old now. I think getting it for a buck is a great deal if you don't already own it. (Even if you do, it's a nice trip down memory lane.)

Now, onto some more reviews.

Spider-Girl #1

I LOVED this comic! Tobin has a nice style to his writing which reminds me of the innocence of yesterday. (Or, at least similiar in tone to the previous Spider-Girl series.) The book is just fun to read, doesn't take itself too seriously, and keeps Arana young. (That's a big problem with many of Marvel's heroes nowadays...they've all gotten too old. The original New Mutants are off drinking beers, for &$^%# sake!)

Now, this issue isn't perfect. We get ANOTHER appearance by Rulk (at least it's on the last page...but, it's getting to be a bit of overkill on Marvel's behalf), and the main story is only 23 pages long. (Even with the added story in back, that's less than 32 pages, which to me doesn't warrant the $3.99 price.) I did like that backstory, though, as it gave the reader insight into how Arana and her father know the Fantastic Four.

I give the issue a Huge ! (Not enough to be worth two, though.)

Fair enough. Like I said, I didn't think THUNDERBOLTS #150 was bad in any way at all, just a bit underwhelming. Like I expected an A and I got a B. It's above average, but not quite up to snuff for me this time, especially for a $5 comic.

I also liked SPIDER-GIRL #1. It is sort of amazing how much of an 180 this character has gone through over the last few years. Supposedly, she lost her powers at some point during THE GAUNTLET, but I've seen some people claim they didn't see at what point she lost her powers there. She lost her armor fighting Doomsday Man in MS. MARVEL, but she still had her spider-powers after that, and YOUNG ALLIES #1 stated she lost her powers in ASM. The fact that her dad interviews the FF is apparently a bit of a retcon, to the point where I wonder if the only reason why Anya isn't FANTASTIC GIRL is because she ONCE was spider-powered and because SPIDER-GIRL will sell better. Beyond that, though, in itself it was a very fun launch, and I am glad I bit on it. I am also glad that Paul Tobin is getting more mainstream work, and ARCADE: DEATH GAME should be great.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Tarnation! In Washington state, a small smattering of snow pretty much shuts everything down. Thanks to our inch or two, there will be no comics for me until Friday. Sheesh. I'm gonna be so happy in a month, when shops will get their comics a day earlier...so, if a shipment is late, you might still get it on Wednesday at some time.

 

[CrimsonMist]

The week of the 17th was kind of a silly week on behalf of my stupidity, but more on that momentarily:

Billy The Kid #3 was delayed to the 24th(today, and even so, my shop didn't have it. Something went wrong with the order or something), so i didn't get to continue what has otherwise been a fun story, and a hilarious Goon back-up story.

Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil was fantastic. Once again, Mike Mignola and Richard Corben knock it out of the park. We get two Hellboy vs Evil Houses stories, bookended with zombies watching the stories unfold in a run down movie theater, complete with Golden Age Universal Horror and Val Lewton film posters. The first story, Sullivan's Reward is about a guy under the influence of an evil force in a house that demands he feed the house people. For his efforts, he is paid 3 gold coins per person. Of course, Hellboy puts the whammy on the evil spirit and Sullivan gets a very nice comeuppance. The second story, The House of Sebek, starts out in the middle of the story in which a gift shop employee in a museum resurrects Ancient Egyptian mummies, but when Hellboy gets the whammy on him, he inadvertently prays to the wrong god. To dire consequences. Both stories had the typical Mike Mignola charm to it, and as always, Richard Corben really delivers in the art department with his great, almost cinematic visuals that really pack a punch. Once again, we're shown why Hellboy is still probably the best written comics around, and has remained so for a long time.

The Spirit #8 - I've stopped reading the main title, so this will focus on the Black & White back-up, entitled GEMINI, written by Walt Simonson and illustrated by Jordi Bernet. It was a fun story, but riddled with cliche dialogue and a conventional plot. It was in fact actually kind of boring and not very exciting. Bernet's artwork was pretty solid, finding some sort of weird balance between Archie comics and Will Eisner. Overall, it reminded me more of the Mark Evanier/Sergio Aragones Spirit stories that came after Darwyn Cooke left, stories that I felt were juvenile and silly, which was disappointing in this case, given the fact that Walt Simonson wrote it. Regardless, I'll still take it over David Hine's dreck.

Now, onto Batman Inc. #1 and Batman: The Return, and my stupidity regarding both. Batman Inc., i was under the impression, was going to be 3 dollars, not 4. And I didn't see I was wrong until after I bought it. I still haven't actually read it, but skimming through it, all I see is Catwoman's ass. And where that really isn't a problem otherwise, it did get rather tiresome. Batman: The Return, I haven't read either. And this book pisses me off. Had I actually taken the time to skim through the WHOLE issue, I would have noticed that it was a standard length story padded out with Morrison's script and some penciled pages and cover evolution. For 5 bucks? What a waste of money, if ONLY for that. I wouldn't have bought it otherwise. As it is, I still haven't read either of them, and probably won't anytime soon. By the end of Morrison's ROBW and B&R stuff, I really found myself not caring at all, and I've hit the peak here. What happens next doesn't excite me at all, and I don't really care to find out. I've read too much of Morrison's Batman work to come to this decision, too. So I think it's a pretty informed choice. I simply don't like his writing and his dependency on "cool! moments" rather than writing anything with actual emotional resonance. Sorry.

 

[iloveclones]

Tarnation! In Washington state, a small smattering of snow pretty much shuts everything down. Thanks to our inch or two, there will be no comics for me until Friday. Sheesh. I'm gonna be so happy in a month, when shops will get their comics a day earlier...so, if a shipment is late, you might still get it on Wednesday at some time.

I definitely feel your pain.

 

[Themanofbat]

Man, we got three inches over the last few days... and our books came in right on time...

 

[JewishHobbit]

I want snow! All we got today was sleat