Bought/Thought 2-15-12

[JewishHobbit]

In addition to those I will be listing I also bought nearly every issue of Red Hood & the Outlaws and I got caught up on Nightwing. I dropped the book due to finances but have missed it and skimming each issue since then they all looked great, so I bought them. I've not read them yet so I won't list them until I do.

Basically, I'm always annoyed at Marvel so I thought I'd try to swing a bit more DC. I liked Nightwing so that was an obvious choice. I've always been curious about Red Hood and only didn't start it because my shop sold out of the first issue and I liked what I saw when I skimmed the newest issue so I splurged. I'm also debating on picking up the Earth 2 ongoing since I was always interested in the JSA. I'd return to OMAC but it's ending and I don't see the point really.

Here's the rest:

Avengers 22 - Still the "other" Avengers title for me. This one was better than previous issues but not by much. I like what Osborn is doing in the Avengers books right now but knowing that Bendis is leaving soon makes it feel like it doesn't really matter. Still, it feels like the past 4 issues could have been done in 2. Bendis hasn't really been that bad at stretching out plot of late but it seems like he wanted to make it through AvsX but didn't have enough plot to fill the time before it started and so he stretched this plot out. Oh well.

New Avengers 21 - This issue was pretty good actually, as it often is. Spider-Man and Iron Fist manage to beat the crap out of Ragnorak while Norman makes the Avengers look like bad guys. Also, Skaar was shown to be a smarter soldier than the other Dark Avengers, which was cool. The art wasn't quite up to Deodato's quality which makes me wonder if there was an art change somewhere or if he's being rushed due to the schedual. Still one of the best books Marvel releases each month.

Venom 13.2 - Aaaaaand I'm officially bored with this story. It's dragging out and I'm just not into it. Laura's still pretty 2-dimensional here but Williams has already shown that's how he writes her. I did like that one of the X-23 series artists, Takeda, drew the story, as I like his work, and at least something about Laura felt right even if it was just the artwork. I feel obligated to finish out the story but I'm sorta thinking it might not be worth it. With my wanting to pick up more DC, Venom might get cut afterall. I'll make that decision a few issues post-Circle of Four.

X-Factor 232 - This was fun but I'm getting bored of the Madrox reality jumping plot. If it were already established locations, like in the Exiles World Tour plot, I might be more interested but it's getting old. Fortunately it looks like that portion of the story is finished and now it's coming back to our world (and what a welcoming party that was for Madrox!). It was a good issue though. I'm glad to move forward and see what's going on with Havoc and Lorna joining the team, especially with Madrox back as well.

X-Men 24 - This is the X-Men book I'm buying hit and miss depending on plot. I skipped last arc but I like the Jubilee storyline so I picked up this one dealing Raizo Godo trying to help her cope with being a vampire (pretty much in an Edward Cullen sort of way). The plot was decent. Nothing amazing but since I like the whole Vampire Jubilee story I enjoyed it. I'll finish the arc out most likely. I wasn't big on this Barrionuevo's art though.

Uncanny X-Men 7 - This arc's decent but I'm glad it's short. Next issue is the final part, perhaps an issue to long, but it's been entertaining none the less. And for some reason, maybe the surreal setting, but I kinda liked Greg Land's art in this issue.

Also, I've come to realize that I don't mind the militaristic feel of the X-Men as long as there's a school feel that balances it. With W&tXM coming out I tend to enjoy Uncanny better.

Generation Hope 18 - The second to last issue for this series and I enjoyed it. I'm sad that it looks like Kenji's going out as a bad guy since I liked him as the twisted hero he's been most the run. I'm not sure how he's controling Emma and others... the two Cuckoo's perhaps... but there's obviously more going on here than what it appears. While I won't miss this title I did enjoy it and I hope next issue brings it to a good conclusion.

Batman 6 - This series is just freakin' fantastic. I was so cautious on the first couple of issues but around issue 4 it just really took off. Last issue blew me away and this one was just as good. The further Snyder gets into this title the more I look forward to the Court of Owls. And Capullo's art has really grown on me. I didn't like it at all the first couple of issues but it's suddenly appealing to me.


Best and Worst of the Week

Best: Batman 6 - It's gone from a book I was just testing out to one of my top favorite ongoings being released, second to Wolverine & the X-Men currently. Great issue, great book.

Worst: Venom 13.2 - It was close between this one and Avengers but I ultimately enjoyed Avengers better. This Circle of Four plot is uninteresting and no one's really shining in any way. Plus I don't give a crap out Ghost Rider and her being a big factor does nothing for me. Laura's the one I looked forward to the most and I don't think she's been handled well at all. I like Venom but he's done next to nothing so far. I don't mind Red Hulk and he's been fine.

Honestly I just think it's been a pourly conceived plot. I kinda regret starting it.

 

[spiderbob]

Yeah, I'm not too taken with Venom either. And correct me if I'm wrong, put aren't the point issues supposed to be a jumping on point for new readers?
Can't really see this story arc being the easiest (or best) for a new reader to be introduced to.

 

[JewishHobbit]

The .1 Initiative is a joke really. Just an excuse to milk buyers, which is but one reason why Marvel annoys me so much these days and I'm looking for excuses to get out.

 

[kguillou]

Daredevil #9: Fan-freakin' tastic as always. Seriously, Mark Waid is having too much fun on this title, its sooo good and Rivera is killing it on art. I really wish this book was doing better in sales, its the best Marvel is offering right now.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I just finished Red Hood & the Outlaws 1-6 (including an online spoiler for 4 since I'm missing it) and I enjoyed it. I like Jason and while this is nothing like the Arsenal I liked back when I was reading the Outsiders, his character's fine. I've not read much with Starfire so I don't know if this rendition is how she always is but it's interesting at least. I find the group to be pretty cool and I'll stick with the book for now, at least through the Court of Owls tie-ins likely.

 

[Themanofbat]

And correct me if I'm wrong, put aren't the point issues supposed to be a jumping on point for new readers?

Yes, but these "point" issues were meant to be in the books of the other 3 characters, 2 of which have been cancelled, so methinks this turned out ot be more of a sales gimmick rather than a "jumping on" point...

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Fear Itself: The Fearless #9: Kudos to whichever of the writers remembered Odin's noninterference pact with the Celestials that kept most of the gods off of Earth for a millennium or so. Also, I very much enjoyed seeing a real goddess put Storm in her place. Other than that, not really that interesting. I'm still not really on board with this nihilistic take on Brunnhilde, where she's suddenly sullen and angsty and wants to die.

Batman #6: Pretty awesome. After the vast majority of Bruce's recent portrayals' painting him as the baddest badass to ever be called a badass, it's refreshing to see him truly challenged and even pushed past his breaking point. His indictment of the Court of Owls and Talon as merely common criminals rather than the bogeymen they've built themselves up to be was great. Really satisfying climax to this leg of Snyder's Court of Owls arc. I'm looking forward to the next part.

I just finished Red Hood & the Outlaws 1-6 (including an online spoiler for 4 since I'm missing it) and I enjoyed it. I like Jason and while this is nothing like the Arsenal I liked back when I was reading the Outsiders, his character's fine. I've not read much with Starfire so I don't know if this rendition is how she always is but it's interesting at least. I find the group to be pretty cool and I'll stick with the book for now, at least through the Court of Owls tie-ins likely.

It's not how Starfire's always been. Look up any feminist-leaning comic blog and they'll be glad to tell you how different she used to be.

 

[JewishHobbit]

So I got caught up on Nightwing and this is a heck of a book. I have a feeling Saiko is going to end up being one of the Talons of the Court of Owls somehow. I thought they looked alike when they both appeared and hearing Saiko talk makes me wonder now. But yeah, the plot is very good and I love Eddy Barrows' art. I'm glad I got caught back up on these. I'm in for the long haul now

I also bought the Batgirl issue that guest stared Nightwing because it was talked about in the issue of Nightwing that guest stared Batgirl. It was also good.


So my DC buying has definately jumped by one comic with Nightwing. I'm liking Red Hood & the Outlaws but I don't know if it's an ongoing buy yet. Probably through Court of Owls at least.

I'll tell you, I wasn't expecting to be reading this much of the Batman universe when the relaunch happened, maybe a comic or two. But now I'm buying Batman, Batman & Robin, Batman Incorporated, the Dark Knight, Nightwing, and Red Hood & the Outlaws. I keep debating on Batgirl and this issue was good so I might consider that one as well but with these extra pick ups I might have to cut other stuff, namely Marvel. I'm thinking about not starting Age of Apocalypse and dropping Venom but I'm not sure yet. Generation Hope only has one more issue so that helps. I might also pass on the Vs. mini for AvsX. I was considering Secret Avengers since I'm not really invested yet but then I remembered that I was interested in the AvsX tie-ins based on solicits. I'm also expecting to drop the Avengers, or at least some of them, when Bendis leaves. I like the street level team but if that's left aside for a more classic feel then I likely won't stick around. I'm waiting on more announcements before deciding anything there.

But yeah, I'm really liking the Batman world right now.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Dang. I'm sticking with Batman, Batman, Inc., and Batwoman, myself. I actually just dropped Nightwing this week. It wasn't really doing anything for me.

 

[Themanofbat]

I'm really enjoying Batman myself... and get Batman:TDK for TSoB... I thought about Batgirl, because I grew up with Babs... but I said nay... I can get easily hooked on these new books, but I never read them even though I keep buying...

 

[TheCorpulent1]

That's what happened to me with Nightwing. I'm 2 issues behind, which made me realize I probably just don't really like it that much.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I actually stopped buying it 2 issues ago and gave them to my friend but I liked it still, though it wasn't a top book. Then I bought the next two issues yesterday and read them all in one sitting and realized how much I actually liked the book. I liked issue 5, with the demon, a lot. And the ending of issue 6 made me go, "oh wow" and I can't wait to see how that plays out next issue.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Avenging Spider-Man #4: Meh, Hawkeye should've made the shot.

 

[Dread]

A bigger week than the last, but not by much. Spoilers ahoy!

DREAD'S BOUGHT/THOUGHT FOR 2/15/12:

SUPER-DINOSAUR #8: It is interesting to read this in the wake of the public legal dispute between this series' writer/co-creator Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore over the WALKING DEAD royalties. It makes one wonder what the contracts are regarding Kirkman's other franchises as well as his other co-creators on them. In fairness, at least for Super-Dino, both Kirkman and Howard are credited as co-creators for every issue, and Howard is very much involved in every issue as the regular artist. A better question will be whatever contract exists splitting the INVINCIBLE pie between Kirkman and Cory Walker. Sales on SUPER-DINOSAUR are not entirely healthy even by Image Comics standards, as expected for an "all ages" book. However, since this is Kirkman's own imprint, one can imagine Kirkman will be given a lot of leeway for his titles to succeed; besides if Image and Erik Larson can afford to keep SAVAGE DRAGON going despite that book often falling below the Top 300 list, SD has nothing to worry about. This issue features another "episode" in the saga of SD and Derek Dynamo, the real star of the series (SD is basically his sidekick). As Octoboss fights to the center of the earth and encounters more cast members for the series (who are introduced here), Derek is faced with the dilemma. Derek has to respond to an attack by the Exile and more of his evil forces, while also having to pass a "test" that is held to ensure that he can remain an active agent and not have to go to school. The battle between SD and Derek versus Exile and Tricerichops is quite thrilling, and the attempt to do both at once by Derek is thrilling. While the rights of INVINCIBLE may be a little moot as it seems that would be extremely difficult to make into a film or live action TV show, SUPER-DINOSAUR seems to be a franchise tailor made to any TV network which commissions animation for kids. At any rate, while I still miss ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN from these two, at times I find this a more stable and perhaps sane series than INVINCIBLE sometimes is, and this issue was more thrilling than the last couple. I do think this series has legs, and feel it could be inevitable that some TV network like Cartoon Network, NickToons, The Hub or even DisneyXD could offer Kirkman a ton of money for the rights to it. The franchise is tailor made for toys! Would that mean Jason Howard would eventually file suit over royalties? Is TWD suit making him and Cory Walker nervous? As usual, solid issue, but an acquired taste. The young, and the young at heart, are the best audience for this.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #679.1: Last year, Marvel launched their "Point One Initiative" with a ".1" issue of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, which successfully launched the spin-off title VENOM. While VENOM isn't selling like it used to, it should still outlast quite a few subsequent launches by Marvel lately. However, Marvel's aim for ".1 issues" to serve as jumping on points for new readers has proven via sales data to be either a lie or unsuccessful. "Point One" issues usually sell the same as regular issues (and usually a tad less), and no gains in sales after have been detected. In practice, therefore, they are annuals under another name - despite Marvel still selling annuals as well. Some "Point One" issues attempt to serve the aim of pleasing new and old readers well; others simply become filler material. This ".1 issue" is co-written by regular ASM writer Dan Slott, who is joined by Chris Yost for this issue, and according to the senior editor, a few other issues of ASM. The art is by Matthew Clark (pencils), Tom Palmer (inks), and Rob Schwager (colors), an art team which hasn't worked on any of Slott's ASM issues. The plot of this issue follows a theme from the last two of ASM in which it centers an adventure around one of Peter Parker's co-workers at Horizon Labs. Grady Scraps shared the stage for ASM #678-679, and this issue features Uatu Jackson - a child prodigy who shares the name with the infamous alien Watcher. The issue allow follows up the subplot of the mysterious "Number Six" scientist at Horizon whose identity is unknown to Parker and the staff - who has since been revealed to be Morbius the Living Vampire, one of Spider-Man's sporadic enemies. Morbius' main experiment comes to a head, which re-awakens his bloodlust and turns him into a menace to Horizon Labs. Spider-Man thus has to battle him once more, alongside the pre-teen Jackson, who is revealed as an occult expert. Jackson in particular works on inventing technology to kill supernatural creatures - even if Morbius is a vampire-like genetic mutation and not a "real" vampire. Does this mean Blade will eventually recruit Jackson for one of his perennial squads of vampire hunters who all end up dying at some point, or will Jackson merely sell him some gear? This is a solid done-in-one adventure story which continues a narrative theme from recent ASM issues as well as sets up a future one involving the Lizard; in short, this is an extra issue of ASM in all but number. Slott and Yost prove to be a solid writing team, and the art is good, although hardly the best the title has seen. This is perfectly fine for regular ASM readers, but it could feel a bit mundane for those not already on board.

DAREDEVIL #9: With a brief crossover with AMAZING SPIDER-MAN over, Mark Waid and regular artists Paolo Rivera (pencils) and Joe Rivera (inks), alongside colorist Javier Rodriguez get back to basics on DAREDEVIL for another two part adventure story. It seems Waid's theme here is to rehabilitate the character away from the decades of grim and dark tales via battles against random villains across the Marvel Universe, while collaborating from some of the most innovative artists Marvel employs. In fact, the only actual Daredevil villains who have had a major role in the series thus far is the organization Black Spectre, who have hired Black Cat to steal back the "data disc" that he acquired from them back in issue six. This issue, however, picks up from a subplot which was left dangling at the end of the previous issue(s); underground tunnels have emerged beneath cemeteries within Manhattan, which has caused the dead to be stolen. One of those stolen coffins includes that of Jack Murdock, Daredevil's murdered father. Underground tunnels should be enough of a hint without having to see the cover again; this is a Daredevil versus Mole Man story. Considering that Klaw originally debuted in FANTASTIC FOUR, this is actually the second FF villain that Daredevil will face during Waid's run - which is perhaps deliberate since Waid wrote a very iconic run on FF at the start of the century. While the lack of actual DD villains within his own series remains a narrative niggle, Waid at least has chosen villains which allow his artists to go to town on the visuals, as well as provide a particular challenge to Daredevil's power set. The Spot's dimensional "portals" were "disturbing" to Daredevil's radar sense, and Klaw relies entirely on sonic energy. Mole Man and his Moloids are themselves blind and reliant on enhanced senses underground, and Daredevil has rarely (if ever) battled against them.

Most of the issue is spent building set pieces of Daredevil finding out about the mystery and then tracking the Moloids and the coffins underground. This naturally gives the Riveras a chance to shine with their exceptional artwork. The Mole Man became something of a joke as a super-villain around the Marvel Universe, despite literally being the first enemy the Fantastic Four battled back in 1961. He popped up at the start of AVENGING SPIDER-MAN, and more effort has been made to salvage him over the years during Jonathan Hickman's run on FANTASTIC FOUR. This issue plays up the horror elements of the concept; a hero named after a devil venturing through underground tunnels and crypts, following creatures who look very much like demons themselves. The fact that Daredevil isn't physically powerful enough to swat aside Mole Man and his minions like the Four and many other superheroes seem to be also elevates the sense of suspense and drama as well. When it is boiled down, it seems simple, but the effectiveness of the execution is what makes this issue rise about its peers.

Sales data for January shows that the crossover with AMAZING SPIDER-MAN boosted sales by four figures for DAREDEVIL, which is positive as despite this run being a cult and critical hit, DAREDEVIL is selling at multi-year lows. Due to that, DAREDEVIL will have another brief crossover with at least one better selling title in a couple of months - with AVENGING SPIDER-MAN and PUNISHER (which is itself sinking fast) - which will resolve the "Omega Disc" subplot. While some fans are wary of crossovers big or small, at the very least it will be a crossover born from the subplots Waid is weaving here, and he will be one of two writers helming the three issue arc (alongside Greg Rucka, who writes PUNISHER). In the end, Waid is weaving a run in which his arcs on DAREDEVIL are short (rarely longer than three or four issues), but which build upon each other as they progress, which rewards both monthly readers and trade paperback readers. It would be nice to see Waid utilize actual Daredevil villains such as Purple Man or the new Stilt-Man, create new ones (like Bruiser), or rehabilitate old forgotten ones from the Marvel Handbook, more often than picking random other villains as foils. Despite that longing, Waid (alongside artists like the Riveras) has been crafting some of the most innovative and exciting DAREDEVIL stories in years, if not decades, and it isn't a run to ignore. Waid's DAREDEVIL is what Ed Brubaker's CAPTAIN AMERICA was when it was fresh, to form a comparison. Virtually every issue, even crossover ones, are can't miss issues.

VENOM #13.2: The "Circle Of Four" mini event chugs along in this second (of four) "Point One" issues of VENOM #13. One imagines that if Marvel inevitably wants to publish a VENOM #150 for $3.99, they will simply count them as single issues anyway, as they should be. Since this "event" was intended to promote GHOST RIDER, X-23, and (Red) HULK, this means each issue will tend to focus on one of those three in addition to the titular VENOM. Two out of those three titles have since been canceled, but it is too late to change course now, so on it goes. This is the second issue written by Rob Williams, formerly the writer of GHOST RIDER, although the interiors now credit Rick Remender (VENOM) and Jeff Parker (HULK) with the story, or whatever the "Venom Circle of Three" means in the credit page. As X-23 is the major focus of this point issue, it is appropriate that Sana Takeda is on art, as she was one of the regular artists on X-23's solo title. Unlike other credited "artists", Takeda truly handles it all - pencils, inks, and colors - and it all looks quite lovely. Williams does a better job of balancing the focus among the characters here than in the previous issue; X-23 herself really is only in roughly 4.75 pages out of 20 here, which includes half pages and panels. Given that Williams wrote his new Ghost Rider in a solo title yet never wrote X-23 in hers, that probably seems logical. X-23 is still struggling with the idea of whether or not she has a soul by being a clone, and if so, if she is more than a killing machine. Blackheart answers her question in an amusing, "No, duh" manner, as the rest of the heroes also battle against their demonic opposites. The idea of X-23's demonic opposite being a psychotic cheerleader remains hilarious. The other major development involves Alejandra, the new Ghost Rider, as she appears to accept a Faustian bargain with Blackheart to ease her own dark past in exchange for spreading "Hell On Earth" past Las Vegas. Takeda's art seems inspired to a lot of manga out there, yet not so much so that it appears off putting with these characters, which is critical. Red Hulk/General Ross and Venom/Flash Thompson continue to have an interesting dynamic as two soldiers on opposite paths who still fall lock step together during a crisis. Given that Alejandra's title has been canceled, the cliffhanger involving her could be genuine. The last page claims "X-23 RETURNS IN MARCH", neglecting to mention that March's X-23 #21 will be the final issue.

While this is nothing Eisner worthy, this is about as good a team up issue as one could expect with four characters who have never met before and had little reason to beforehand. This issue features some spectacular art and a lot of action. In the end, six issues with two other writers involves is easily far too long a length for this simplistic story, so some drag is inevitable as this arc fulfills editorial demands. Given that VENOM's sales are hardly stellar nor stable, it will remain to be seen how this moves on the shelves and whether it aids, harms, or has no effect to VENOM's future as an ongoing title. Since VENOM writer Rick Remender has taken over SECRET AVENGERS and is poised to have his titular character here join that team, fans could consider this "team experience" for Thompson.

WINTER SOLDIER #2: Launched at the start of February, Ed Brubaker and his art team from his last run on CAPTAIN AMERICA before the latest relaunch have continued along with their superhero espionage stories featuring James “Bucky” Barnes and Black Widow. While Brubaker has continued on the relaunched CAPTAIN AMERICA with Steve McNiven and Alan Davis, as well as run on CAPTAIN AMERICA & BUCKY (which he is leaving soon), to a degree his heart is with this series. The first thing Brubaker did was revive Barnes after decades of death and rehabilitate him from a Soviet era killer to an anti-hero to what he is now, a black ops soldier seeking to take out other hidden threats. He then had him replace Steve Rogers as Capt. America for over two years, and sales actually went up on that series. However, Rogers had to assume the mantle again in time for his feature film last year, and Barnes was seemingly killed in FEAR ITSELF #3; only to be revived five months later so Brubaker could launch this series. Marvel will now have three ongoing series centered around or from the CAPTAIN AMERICA franchise, which is a first for them. It will remain to be see how long this is able to last, and whether or not Barnes can sell decently for long without being (in) CAPTAIN AMERICA. This series also picks up from the “GULAG” arc on CAPTAIN AMERICA, which was also handled by this art team of Butch Guice and colorist Bettie Breitweiser.

Bucky is believed dead by the law, and only a select few in SHIELD know he is alive. While this status quo can’t last forever, it is being capitalized upon to better allow Barnes to investigate leads in the Marvel underworld unearthing other hidden Soviet era threats. Barnes and Widow are tracking three Soviet super-soldiers from “Project Zephyr” which were sold on the black market to an unknown buyer. When they go to investigate, they find not only a splinter cell of A.I.M. terrorists (called R.A.I.D.) as well as a gorilla with a machine gun and the costume of the “iron cross”, which were once called the “Beasts Of Berlin” – gorillas with the intelligence of men who were one of many countless 1960’s Marvel villain plots. This all is wrapped around a plot to incite Dr. Doom and his nation of Latveria with a failed “assassination” attempt. The villains of the piece are Red Ghost and Lucia Von Bardas, villains both old and new to the Marvel Universe. It has long been a flaw in Brubaker’s stories that he relies far too often on aimless battles against nameless henchmen, which can become a grind as he weaves extremely long stories. In recent months, Brubaker has improved this flaw both here and in CAPTAIN AMERICA by having notable villains as arc antagonists as well as lower tier villains as “thugs”. Having Red Ghost – who has long experimented upon apes, and has a team of cosmically powered “Super Apes” at his command – be connected with the Beasts Of Berlin makes sense. Some might find it odd that despite the Cold War technically being over for over 21 years, Marvel still relies heavily on it for fodder. However, given that many of their classic villains were interwoven with that era, as well as Marvel’s unwillingness to risk insulting minority groups with stories about modern wars, this is unavoidable.

The artwork by Guice and Breitweiser is quite good, if one prefers what some call “photorealism” in comics. While it is not to the degree of Neil Edwards or Bryan Hitch, it is far from the more stylized work of Humberto Ramos or Clayton Henry, or even Alan Davis. This serves the tone of the series well, although it makes some of the more absurd elements, such as giant robots, cybernetic women and gorillas with guns stand out more.

On the whole, this is a great start for this series for fans of Brubaker’s stories with Bucky Barnes and Black Widow having espionage adventures together around the fringes of the Marvel Universe. The dialogue is sharp and Brubaker always weaves a compelling caper, even if he sometimes takes a while to reach an effective conclusion. The fact that this series is cheaper in price than CAPTAIN AMERICA is also a compelling feature for fans of Barnes, and on the whole this has been an effective launch. Brubaker’s probably not in his prime on the franchise anymore – after over five years, that is inevitable – but WINTER SOLDIER may be closer to it at times than CAPTAIN AMERICA has been lately.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #1: Very exciting start to this series. I've been much more interested in the early days of the Star Wars universe ever since I played Knights of the Old Republic, and this series goes well beyond even the Old Republic era to a time before hyperspace technology was widespread and the galaxy was still a fractured mass of independent fiefdoms yet to be unified under any one governing body. The story starts about 40,000 years before the first Star Wars film and recounts the establishment of an order dedicated to learning about the Force. Even in this early period, however, Ostrander leaves a bit of mystery to the Jedi--or Je'daii, as they're still called at this point. There's no mention of where the Tho Yor--giant ships that collected Force-sensitives from throughout the galaxy and brought them to the planet Tython in the Deep Core--came from, but there's so much other interesting stuff to focus on that that didn't bother me too much.

Unfortunately, as this is the first issue of a series focusing on a totally new era in the Star Wars universe, it's very, very exposition-heavy. About three quarters of the issue is literally a Je'daii recounting to some kids the history of the Tho Yor and its passengers. It's not until nearly the end that any kind of actual story begins in earnest. But the little bit we do get is certainly enough to bring me back for the next issue. It features the Rakata (whose Infinite Empire some may know from the backstory of Knights of the Old Republic's Star Forge) and their desire to enslave or murder all Force-sensitives. The enslaved ones become Force Hounds, which are exactly what they sound like--Force users who sniff out other Force-sensitives for their Rakatan masters. The issue ends with the chilling cliffhanger of Xesh, a particularly powerful Force Hound, informing his master, Predor Tul'kar, that he can find Tython, the home of the growing Je'daii order, and lead the Rakata there.

Very cool stuff. Duursema's art is excellent, as always--anyone who's read her and Ostrander's other Star Wars work can expect as high a level of quality as ever from her. This issue introduces the Rakata and their Force Hounds, so I'm particularly hoping for the next few issues to focus on the Je'daii (especially the Wookiee Je'daii!). I'm a big fan of both worldbuilding and the earlier eras of the Star Wars universe, so this series was practically custom-made for me. On top of that, it looks like it's got a lot of really interesting stuff going on--not just the Jedi Order's early days, but also the Rakata and their culture in full swing (as opposed to seeing them in decline in KotOR), a whole planet of rival gangs neighboring Tython, and, I'm sure, a host of characters that are as complex and memorable as Ostrander and Duursema's Quinlan Vos and Cade Skywalker. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Dread]

Forgot one review:

THUNDERBOLTS #170: In honesty, this series needed an issue like this; a genuinely good issue that takes the storyarc towards a direction which nears conclusion, in theory. Jeff Parker remains the writer, with Kev Walker back as one of the two regular artists on this series, alongside Frank Martin Jr.'s colors and Terry Pallot's inks. The plot of the last half dozen or more issues is that virtually all of the T-Bolts inmates capitalized on the chaos of FEAR ITSELF to escape from the Raft through time travel. However, they wound up back in WWII, and every attempt to escape their latest time zone causes them to travel farther back. The last arc was in the Victorian era and now they're in the Middle Ages, during the time of King Arthur, the Black Knight, and especially Merlin. The last character proves to be pivotal, as he is naturally an omniversial guardian who has knowledge of all time lines. The reason for the Thunderbolts being unable to escape traveling backwards is revealed - fate's strategy for preventing Merlin's last ditch efforts to ensure that the time of King Arthur would stand. The T-Bolts burst open Merlin's prison of supernatural monsters, which was Merlin's last stab at stopping the eventual fall of the Round Table. The artwork here is stunning work by Walker and company, with them having a lot of fun with the period designs for the cast (half the fun of these jaunts) and all of the knights and monsters. There are a lot of amusing character beats, although the cast is large enough that some still get lost in the shuffle. The Ghost reveals himself, and while he was sent into the past by Luke Cage, Valkyrie, and Songbird to spy on the escapees, but one never knows what side he is really on. The next arc takes things in an inevitable direction; Merlin fixes their time machine, so the T-Bolts can start moving forward in time. However, they're "just a few years early" and wind up in the continuity of 1997 or so, when the original Masters of Evil scam version of the Thunderbolts just introduced themselves to the public in the wake of the ONSLAUGHT crisis. While still a gimmick, at least the series has veered in the direction of a direction, and that makes things look hopeful again. I have grown weary of this series, but every few issues Parker and company will release an issue like this which pleases me and keeps me aboard.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

How have you grown weary of Thunderbolts? It's been consistently great for like 2 years now.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Green Lantern Corps #6: Dropped as of this issue. This is not a Green Lantern Corps I want to read about. It's a gang of murderers and fear-mongers. F*** 'em.

 

[Dread]

How have you grown weary of Thunderbolts? It's been consistently great for like 2 years now.

There are times I grow weary of it. Adding in another half dozen characters with the beta squad meant that nobody got any focus and some issues gelled last year. Some of those FEAR ITSELF issues seemed like filler. And because Jeff Parker seems to be averse to actually writing antagonists into his plots, he always seems to find a new gimmick to present his "cast fights random oddness for a month" plot in a new light. Don't get me wrong - I loved that kind of plot style on AGENTS OF ATLAS. The thing is, though, this isn't that. The time travel gimmick has been clever, but I have thought it was stretching on a bit long and a gimmick isn't as effective when you know it is a gimmick and you don't actually think it is leading anywhere but killing pages. This issue at the very least got things back on track. The reason for their backward travel was explained, and now things are moving forward. Still, though, it IS a gimmick, and I still think there's 1-2 characters too many in the cast - Techno and Centurius often seem too similar, for instance. You could swap their dialogue and not notice.

Still, overall I do like Parker's writing here. I never read T-Bolts before his run and overall I have enjoyed it - probably more than Hickman's FF run at times. It has more leeway for being a $3 book for me, but I need more issues like this, and less issues like the aimless 1800's arc.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I'm hoping the meeting with the original T-bolts pushes Fixer and a few others to actually want to be good again. Even if it doesn't, though, I doubt the reunion with the other present-day T-bolts is going to leave too many of them unchanged.

 

[Will Nolte]

I wouldn't mind seeing Matthew Clark take over the art duties full time on Amazing.

 

[Mad Ones]

Now that I've been buying more comics lately I can post in this thread!

Uncanny X-men #7 My favourite for the week. I'm really enjoying seeing the X-men be heroes and save others unrelated to mutant issues. I like the world Gillen created in Tabula Rasa and found it pretty intricate, and it nicely paralleled with mutants and the X-men's cause in a way. Storm was featured a lot more, balancing out Cyclops. I hope next issue is more character and less story oriented and features the rest of the cast.

Generation Hope #18 As its final issue approaches the story starts to accelerate. Hope is definitely the most interesting here as the ramifications of her control over others culminates in Kenji's plot. I can't wait to see what's up with Emma, and Kenji's ultimate fate. I thought the Gabriel and Pixie scene was cute.

X-Factor #232 Every week I consider dropping this title, but never do. I like it... but I'm just not into it. Madrox's time hop is over and characters from other timelines come with him. It was fun I guess...

Winter Soldier #2 Nice second issue, though I liked the art in the first issue more for some reason. The plot advances a little more. I actually haven't read any of Brubaker's Captain America, so the stealth and espionage angle is new and fun for me. I hope we see more Bucky characterization next issue.

Amazing Spiderman #679.1 Pretty good issue. Just another standard Amazing Spiderman story. Not much to say about it other than it was an enjoyable .1 story.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Yay! Someone else discussing X-Books!

Uncanny X-men #7 My favourite for the week. I'm really enjoying seeing the X-men be heroes and save others unrelated to mutant issues. I like the world Gillen created in Tabula Rasa and found it pretty intricate, and it nicely paralleled with mutants and the X-men's cause in a way. Storm was featured a lot more, balancing out Cyclops. I hope next issue is more character and less story oriented and features the rest of the cast.

This has been a fairly enjoyable arc. For me it has to do with the fact that it's taking from a leftover plot from Uncanny X-Force and that its militaristic feel is now balanced by the school feel in Wolverine & the X-Men. I'm not a fan of Greg Land's art at all but it's not been too noticably traced in this arc and I think the other-worldly feel works for him.

Generation Hope #18 As its final issue approaches the story starts to accelerate. Hope is definitely the most interesting here as the ramifications of her control over others culminates in Kenji's plot. I can't wait to see what's up with Emma, and Kenji's ultimate fate. I thought the Gabriel and Pixie scene was cute.

I'm real curious what's going to happen to this whole cast really. Going into AvsX and with this title ending none of them are safe. I think I remember seeing Teon on a cover of Avengers Academy for a AvsX tie-in, maybe others but I don't remember. I'm half expecting Gabriel to age himself to death to save Hope and/or Pixie and Kenji to be deflected by Martha and his killing Martha as a result and running away to become a villain another day.

That's my prediction anyhow.

This books been mostly just good for me with a few great issues mixed in. I'm real curious how this ending plays out though. I'm sad that it seems like they're taking Kenji into bad guy territory as seeing him go from crazy person to almost respectable has been fun. Oh well, we'll see how it ends.

X-Factor #232 Every week I consider dropping this title, but never do. I like it... but I'm just not into it. Madrox's time hop is over and characters from other timelines come with him. It was fun I guess...

I'm kinda with you. While I do like the book it's not one of my favorites plot-wise. I think for me it's the love of the characters themselves, specifically Madrox. I've dropped the book two or three times and always come back to it. The recent pull was Havoc and Polaris returning to the fold. It's a good read though so at least there's that. I've bought other books more consistently that I've liked less.

 

[Mad Ones]

I do think the reason I like Uncanny X-men so much is because of Wolverine and the X-men. The X-books have a great balance right now, so I like that Cyclops has made his team a nuclear deterrent against harming mutants because the school can still go on crazy missions with outrageous characters.

As for Generation Hope, I actually hope Kenji becomes a recurring villain. I like the idea of having one of the lights become a great villain... but I guess that depends on what direction these characters go in. The only thing I don't like is that it's so cliche that the grotesque one is the villain. And Gabriel seems like fodder... his powers are generic and they're killing him lol

I really like Madrox and character interactions in X-Factor but sometimes I get so uninterested. I might drop it when AvX comes... maybe alongside Legacy too.