Bought/Thought "Back from Vacation/Midterms suck" Edition Oct.25th

[Marcdachamp]

Don't be dissing Jordan Marc,I will send ninjas after you.Oh yes,you will have a crisis on your hands.

Hippy,you obviously haven't read Bendis' Daredevil.

Jordan's duller than Superman at his worst.

 

[GNR]

New Avengers sucks.

Thank you folks,I'm here all night.

 

[Dread]

For an "end of the month wallet-buster", this week wasn't so bad; under $30 and about the same amount as last week, even with the WIZARD. Granted, several books were over $3, which means I actually got fewer books. Just about everything was good, with four hits, one "alright" and one de-evolving clone mess. Let's get started.

As usual, a warning that I not only post spoilers, but whatever fancies my brain.

DREAD'S BOUGHT/THOUGHT FOR 10/25/06:

52 WEEK #25: An adorable Halloween cover, I might add. However, none of the three heroes that those kids dressed as (Booster, Steel, or Question) appear within. The pencils are by a laundry list of hot artists, which probably means that deadlines are starting to bite into lead-time so they're having more than one artist per issue. Hey, this title's already smashed the record of the last attempt at a weekly comic (it was a Superman weekly that didn't last half as long as 52 so far). But a bit did happen and tied up some plot threads to tie them together; a wise move as 52 nears it's halfway point. Bruno Manhiem is the boss of Intergang and he's setting his sights on using Gotham as his full "base" instead of Metropolis (now that Infinity, Inc, Supernova, and whatever other metagenes are rushing about there), and is killing his way through some underbosses (i.e. lame villians who should have died long ago, like Kite-Man, WIZARD's favorite "Mort of the Month") to show how nasty he is. Not an uncommon trait from DC this year, but it works. Meanwhile, a generic big demon named Neron (if he's not, then my DC lore is bad, which it is) is tearing through Metropolis on Halloween. Mary Marvel and Marvel Jr. are trying to fight him, but get nowhere until the Black Marvel Family swoop in and kick arse. Ralph Dibney, in probably my favorite bit, wanders around some otherworldly realm with Fate's helmet and is shown the price of failure by meeting the lost, decayed souls of others who misused magic, including his old JLA enemy Felix Faust; the description of his decent is well done and considering I usually hate magic because it's often shorthand for a dues ex machina, it worked here. Apparently DC wants to step away from the "people who randomly find a magic item and become demigods" origins of yesteryear because they're both illogical and less gritty than showing stuff like this, and DC's all about the gritty; why else to randomly kill Kite-Man? Alan Scott (who, missing an eye is reminding me of Nick Fury, and knowing he's in CHECKMATE only confirms it, sorry) and Mr. Terrific meet and basically add to the backstory on CHECKMATE, now about half a year old. And on Oolong Island, it appears that Intergang is the one gathering the scientists in their bid for takeover, and Mannhiem seems set to take on Kahndaq. And is that large egg thing yet another version of Egg-Fu, WW's stupidest enemy, or someone new? But almost better than the rest is the origin of Nightwing, if only because of Perez's great art and because it reminds us of how cool a character he is and was, until he got mangled and ruined of late. Grayson's problem is that he did grow up, but as the Big Three's position in the DCU is inflexible, he could only grow so far before hitting a place from which to stagnate, and become rotten. Hence the dilemma of neverending stories. And I wonder why the Moniters are "shocked" that "destiny has been averted". Hasn't that happened almost monthly in comics? When you have psychics, mages, dimension hoppers, time travellers, etc, destiny is going to have to bend like a Stretch Armstrong doll. A better issue of 52 than last week for me although not it's best. It's still one of the best things out of IC though. A constant serial.

JUSTICE #8: Easily DC's shining jewel this week, the Ross/Krueger/Braithwaite collaboration reaches it's final leg after a long road to get here. The wait between issues can sometimes be unsustainable even though DC stated at the onset that this was going to be a bimonthly. That's simply because it has been a strong story, a tale not afraid of using "corny" and outdated characters, designs, and elements. It's taking the Silver Age/Superfriends incarnations of the League and LOD and doing a very epic, substantial story with them, taking it all seriously and frankly without making it too grim, whether it's Aquaman's costume or Plastic-Man bickering with Elongated Man. Rallying at the Fortress of Solitude, the JLA get a break when Flash captures Capt. Cold in the Middle East, bringing him in for Batman-style interrogation (still covered with the Lasso of Truth that keeps the nannites from controlling him, we learn Batman's threats are hardly bluffs and are real...every time). Both Superman's X-Ray Vision and Batman's interrogations reveal the motivations behind the LOD; we sort of know it by now, but with a 2 month gap between issues, it's nice to be reminded in an obvious way. The villians are being motivations by apocalyptic visions, and Brainiac apparently is using nannites to control people; his research on Aquaman shows he also is trying to figure out how to control telepathy (Grodd?) and Superman thinks he's the real mastermind besides just Luthor. Meanwhile, the LOD launches their attack on the sidekicks and families of the JLA, mind-controlling the sidekicks (Aqualad, Robin, Supergirl, Batgirl, etc) into doing their bidding and holding the rest captive. Aquaman makes a thunderous entrance and proves it's not his costume, or powers, or having a hook for a hand, or whatever that holds him back, it's how he's presented. He walks in with a thunderous enterance, scolds the team for being "idle" and declares bloody vengence on Brainiac. Elsewhere, Phantom Stranger saves Hal Jordon from his exile and we get a pin-up that'll probably be lining the screens of Corps fans for years to come. It appears the only Leaguer still in mortal danger now is Wonder Woman, who reveals that Cheetah's "magic posion claw" wounds will eventually brake her down into dust and kill her. Superman and the others make a good statement about the LOD's motives (if they REALLY wanted to save the world, they wouldn't be looking to make themselves into saviors nor plucking out followers), but one still wonders if perhaps the "vision" may come to pass? Anyway, I'm really loving this series even if it takes so long to tell. It's everything you could want in a superhero story that is both mature yet not believing that "gritty" or denying that some corny concepts or bright colors exist. Maturity is not denying the absurd or amusing, but accepting that it is part of life. JUSTICE does that and this series is set to become another Ross instant classic along with KINGDOM COME and MARVELS. Yeah, the art looks a little static when the punches are flung, but with talking issues it looks spiffy. Anyone who isn't reading this, "too cool to call itself ALL-STAR" series should consider the inevitable hardcover collection later next year.

SECRET SIX #5: The great thing about mini's is that just when you start to get bored with them, they end. Such is the tale of Secret Six. The last issue was a bit of an amusing but totally random brawl with the Doom Patrol to enhance the issue count past 5, and I've not been feeling this installment as much as VILLIANS UNITED (which had superior art to boot). This issue sets up the climax and is full of double crosses, nudity, and more information about Mad Hatter than you ever expected (Simone has honestly made him sort of cool, a decent feat). But sometimes I wonder if the book is about the dialogue and less about the plot, which is a little generic. So Scandal fights Deadshot, then leaves, then it's a ruse SO she could leave, meets Vandal Savage to submit to him, only to attack him...y'know, backstabbings are nice but they eventually have to make sense. Anyway, like I said, I'm not loving it, but it's still an enjoyable read for what it is, and next issue it's done. I probably won't bite for a third stab, though.

CIVIL WAR: CHOOSING SIDES: A one-shot concieved "due to the lateness of the CW main title", this issue is a good read overall, but let's call a spade a spade; the book is merely a 40+ page edition of PREVIEWS to hype either new or current Marvel titles; either the just-started ANT-MAN, or their "YeahbuhWHAT" collaboration with the CBS soap opera GUIDING LIGHT (because, y'know, comic fans and soap fans somehow crossover, right?), or upcoming titles like IMMORTAL IRON FIST, OMEGA FLIGHT, or the next incarnation of THUNDERBOLTS. Now, none of that is specifically bad. New titles need support if they're going to sell, so a primer like this works like DC's COUNTDOWN or BRAVE NEW WORLD specials. The difference? Both of those were bold enough to be $1, sold like hotcakes, and got attention. This one is $3.99, because Marvel can't help itself but be greedy. Both "Marvel" and "Greedy" have the letters E and R, are 6 letters in length, and the same amount of consentante and vowels if you don't count Y. Coincidence? Yeah, but it fits for the rant. My point is that hyping upcoming titles is a good thing, and all of the stories here were good and readable (even the one that introduced, literally, "Guiding Light" as a superheroine. I mean, what a waste of soap imagination, Jim McCann). And I am sure it'll sell well and get exposure. But imagine how much better it'd have sold at, say, $1.99. Think about it next time, Marvel. For once in your publishing history, you'll have to realize that one has to invest something to get something; a cheaper CHOOSING SIDES may have translated to more exposure for the new titles hyped within. Now we'll never know. Instead Marvel got greedy in the short term and forgot about the long game, as usual. Sigh.

That all said, the stories come from a who's who list of talent and are all pretty good. The Venom story isn't bad even if I can't stand Scorp-Ven. The Brubaker/Aja sneak of Iron Fist is good and does it's job to hype you for the series. U.S. Agent's story provided a surprising fight with Purple Man and a reason for why the devoted American patriot crosses the border to form Omega Flight (and it wasn't because he went rogue like Cap did!). Ant-Man (who's Eric, but solicts and Ant-Man #1 sort of hinted at that anyway) continues to be a bit of a jackass hero (for amusing effect). But Howard the Duck by Templeton & Langridge just about stole this one from me. It took the SHRA and played it for comedy gold, and Howard's lingo was biting. I'd almost buy a Howard the Duck comic now. Almost. As for "Guiding Light", it was a generic sort of superheroine story, but what do you expect from a soap collaboration!? I've read much worse. Anyway, like I said, CHOOSING SIDES itself is a good read, just I feel Marvel would have been better off making it cheaper like DC's $1 primers to enhance it's access to fans. Admit it's an ad and use it for that effect, like DC did. You don't pay $4 to watch an ad.

NEW AVENGERS #24: If any title has been helped in terms of quality (not sales) by CW, it's NEW AVENGERS. It's forced Bendis to play to his strength, which is personal one-shot stories about a solo hero, and not an arc with a team of them, where on NA he's been abysmal. They also fall in-between issues of the big event. Of course, this means when CW is over and Bendis is back to trying to tell 4-6 issue long team arcs, he'll probably be underwhelming again (because to improve would mean admitting a flaw, which I have never read Bendis doing; even Morrison admitted mistakes in the new WIZARD regarding BATMAN), but I can enjoy it while it lasts. This one focuses on Sentry as he flies to the moon to escape the stress of CW and the thought of fighting his allies, only to tick off the Inhumans, who're living there, because they think he's an agent of the "humanity" they're now at war with. Sentry irons it out calmly and almost hooks up with Crystal (who he seemingly dated back in the past but no one remembers), when Iron Man storms in and accidently provokes the Inhumans to get Sentry on ball. Bendis, with his skill at chatter, naturally is good for emotional internal dialogue, and Ferry puts in some beautiful art; man, I've missed him at Marvel since H4H ended. Sentry, while one of the most powerful beings on Earth, dislikes normal conflict for fear of freeing The Void, which is always a part of him. Plus, his distaste to fight former allies is also confounded. Iron Man seems to show some compassion but still remains a "ends justify the means" sort of guy, much like, well, Magneto (or Dr. Doom, another armored rich guy who believes the world'd be a paradise if only everyone listed to exactly what he said, all the time, forever). But, Iron Man has lost sight of the present in being a "futurist". Just look at what he does this issue. He seeks to get his friend, and cares nothing about bursting into Attilan or blasting Gorgan when he gets ticked about it. Way to be a diplomat, guy. For chrissakes, this is a world where our soldiers are accused of "war crimes" for doing less. Anyway, good issue without making Iron Man TOO evil, although one wonders if it's because he literally couldn't FORCE Sentry to go with him, so he HAD to appeal to him with words and emotions. With, say, Spider-Man, Stark could afford to be a bit of a bully if he wanted. Being that Sentry hasn't done much in CW aside for pummeling Wolverine in his last issue, you could say this issue takes place really anywhere before that issue and after CW #2. Anyway, another solid issue of CW NA. I just wonder what'll happen when it ends?

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #101: People have been hard on USM's Clone Saga, especially the last issue which either claimed that Bendis had been planning this for 100 issues, or a few arcs ago and now introduces a bit of a retcon ("oh, Richard Parker has been behind the scenes this whole time, just like Dr. Gero's latest andriod"). This arc started out with a bit of a twist and some suspence. But this is part 5 of an 8 part story and one would expect it to start making sense, and it doesn't. It also is, frankly, de-evolving into conveluted rubbish, just like the LAST Clone Saga in 616. Note that one, too, started off well but then fell into oblivion by the end of the first year and especially into the second. Ultimate Clone Saga has taken considerably less time. So, Clone Gwen is a Carnage monster and at the end MJ basically is mutated into a Sasquatch? Yeah, I'm starting to tune out (the fight with the 6-Armed Spidey has been immediately forgotten, proving what a waste it was). Nick Fury is out to arrest Peter Parker because his clones are running amok (which doesn't explain why he's after Peter if the CLONES are running amok, but...). The Fantastic Four show up and side with Peter, as well as fighting off Carnage until Tinker's Spider-Slayers can zap it (why they look like knights on bowling balls is up to Bagley). As for Peter? A bit player in his own book, doing more whining, crying, and moping, just like your 12 year old sister when she misses THAT'S SO RAVEN. He's like Claire from HEROES, nothing but reacting and crying, and being in distress, nothing forceful. As for why no one will know he's Spider-Man after all this happens outside his house is another mystery. I honestly don't see the point of this story anymore, other than to be shocking and to shatter a status quo that the Ultimate world was created to re-establish. The 616 Spidey had "lost" that "teen soap opera" stuff and USM redid it for a modern era; now I can't see how the book can go back without something equally ******ed ("This was all another dream from Nightmare, come save me Ultimate Dr. Strange Jr. with the soul-patch and earrings, which instantly make you hip, or at least look hip to balding, overweight writers in their 30's"). The story just seems like an exercise in "tying together loose connections into conveluted gobblegook with GASP! OMIGAWD shocks" and not an actual relivent narrative. If you wanted to see what a shark looks like when you jump it, look no further than "Were-MJ" at the end. And it STILL doesn't make a lick of sense as we go into part 6 of an 8-parter. And Spidey still wears his costume more on the cover than inside, even when his own father all but begs him to get more professional. At least Aunt May is safe (and one could concievably have her "forget" some of this stuff after her heart attack/stroke/convient geezer ailment). Marvel is making a big deal about Bagley leaving, but at this point I think Bendis has offically run out of ideas, and it's the writing dept, not the art, that needs a shot of new blood. Just think; it took 616 Spider-Man over 350 issues before it needed a clone reboot. USM didn't even last 100. A spectacular finish could still redeem this, but I'm no longer feeling it. Maybe USM's become a helpless damsel in distress in his own book for the upteenth time, combined with Carnage and Werewolf jibberish that're finally the last straw. I may be done after this arc if things don't improve. Especially after reading INVINCIBLE, USM is going down the tubes a bit. "Manomanoman" indeed.

ALL NEW OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #10: Didn't read it yet but I expect to like it as usual. The Slingers get their Bio, and yes, the real Hornet is still dead. Sorry, gang. But Steel Spider's here too!

Wizard #182: Read about a 3rd of it and it has some revelations about the 50 State Inititive from CW #5, which hasn't shipped yet. Also some good interviews and the usual chest-beating previews of stuff. Whedon had a good line about "events" at both houses, and explained his Emma arc a little better.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Bought:

Ultimate Alliance - X-Box 360

Thought:

Wow! I haven't had a chance to get very much into it, as my son was dying to get his hands on it too. But, the opening scene makes me wish they'd make a Marvel animated movie that looked like that. Col. Fury looked so awesome and realistic. Then, I played the game. Sadly, my Captain America got hurt rather quickly while I tried to learn how to play the game....but, I was able to switch character and replace him with DEADPOOL!!! I never thought I'd get a video game where they offered sooo many playable characters, let alone Deadpool.

Definitely, run out and get this game. Any fan of Marvel will love it, and the X-Box version gives you more villians to fight, and two extra playable characters. Plus, if you buy it at Best Buy, they are giving away a limited-edition Ultimate Alliance comic with the purchase. 10/10

 

[supermarvelman]

Exiles feels like its getting back on track, has anybody else read Exiles this week? This version of Galactus was very cool.

 

[Doc Destruction]

Meanwhile, a generic big demon named Neron (if he's not, then my DC lore is bad, which it is)

That was Sabbac. Neron was involved in the Faust story.

Sabbac is full tilt bad ass nasty guy.

 

[Doc Destruction]

Exiles feels like its getting back on track, has anybody else read Exiles this week? This version of Galactus was very cool.

Read it, loved it. I like the bad ass Surfer. Frightening stuff.

 

[Assassin]

I havent been to the shop is 2 weeks, but i went today and Bought the last 2 52's, Action COmics and Wizard.

Getting the rest of the stuff tomarrow because I finally got paid a few hours ago.

 

[Darthphere]

no-one has done better daredevil in my eyes. He captured the interplay of his darkness and religion perfectly. He introduced echo who was awesome. He killed mysterio without telling the spider-man team he was going to woot. It's just great in every way. Admit it, as is so often the case, you are wrong

Wont happen, that run was far from flawless.

Echo was David Mack's and Joey Q's creation anyway.

 

[Marcdachamp]

Wont happen, that run was far from flawless.

Echo was David Mack's and Joey Q's creation anyway.

I enjoyed those arcs, but nothing compares to Bendis and Maleev's run, in my opinion. They got me into DD. I love Miller, and Bru's doing well, but those two are hard to top.

 

[Darthphere]

I said I was, but I didnt buy New Avengers, my body doesnt allow me to.

 

[GNR]

I enjoyed those arcs, but nothing compares to Bendis and Maleev's run, in my opinion. They got me into DD. I love Miller, and Bru's doing well, but those two are hard to top.

something we can agree on Marc

 

[gildea]

(because to improve would mean admitting a flaw, which I have never read Bendis doing; even Morrison admitted mistakes in the new WIZARD regarding BATMAN),

Whenever someone says this I always feel the need to point out bendis admitted his mistake in having DD topple the limo.

 

[hippy fascist]

**** BENDIS! MOTHER****ING **** OF A ****BALLS MOTHER****ER! THE ONE DECENT PART OF ULTIMATE SPIDERMAN LEFT AND HE ****S IT UP! WHY THE **** WOULD YOU SABOTAGE THE ONLY ****ING REASON I STILL READ THIS ****TY BOOK. THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN PETER AND MJ KEPT ME READING THROUGH THE ****E THAT WAS WARRIORS, IT ALLOWED TO PUT UP WITH THE ****STORM THAT WAS ULTIMATE DEADPOOL AND NOW YOU'RE LEAVING THIS MESS FOR WHATEVER POOR ****ER HAS HAS TO PICK UP AFTER

**** YOU BENDIS YOU ****ING ****, THERE IS NO WAY YOU COULD EVER MAKE UP FOR THIS! **** YOU! YOU'RE ****ING DEAD TO ME YOU **** LAPPER MOTHER****ING ****E!

*******!

 

[Specter313]

**** BENDIS! MOTHER****ING **** OF A ****BALLS MOTHER****ER! THE ONE DECENT PART OF ULTIMATE SPIDERMAN LEFT AND HE ****S IT UP! WHY THE **** WOULD YOU SABOTAGE THE ONLY ****ING REASON I STILL READ THIS ****TY BOOK. THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN PETER AND MJ KEPT ME READING THROUGH THE ****E THAT WAS WARRIORS, IT ALLOWED TO PUT UP WITH THE ****STORM THAT WAS DEADPOOL AND NOW YOU'RE LEAVING THIS MESS FOR WHATEVER POOR ****ER HAS HAS TO PICK UP AFTER

**** YOU BENDIS YOU ****ING ****, THERE IS NO WAY YOU COULD EVER MAKE UP FOR THIS! **** YOU! YOU'RE ****ING DEAD TO ME YOU **** LAPPER MOTHER****ING ****E!

*******!

No, don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel.

 

[Darthphere]

Something happened?

 

[hippy fascist]

No, don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel.

**** BENDIS!!!!! THAT'S HOW I FEEL!

 

[Dread]

Whenever someone says this I always feel the need to point out bendis admitted his mistake in having DD topple the limo.

Good to know.

Also good to know that out of all of his stories, that's the only thing he sees as an "error". Interesting.

Anyway, some more additions:

- I was so busy being confounded by ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #101 that I neglected to mention yet another negative trait; yet another advert for ULTIMATE POWER that appears smack dab in the middle of a splash page. This is routine at it's worst; the ads are naturally programmed and planned to be inserted into the middle of the book's staples without nary a care to the actual interior art. For some books, it's seemless, but for others it's glaring. True, one could say that trying to figure out exactly which books are which would have taken time and effort from someone at Marvel. Fans, apparently, aren't worth going the extra mile. Much like with the high price of CHOOSING SIDES, this is an example of Marvel's short-game losing all sight of the bigger picture.

And, frankly, it's not like ULTIMATE POWER will have trouble selling. It's from a tag team of Bendis, JMS, and lord knows who else writing it, with Greg "Photoshop Soft Porn" Land on art. No way this doesn't sell within the Top 30, and if even THAT is below Joe Q's expectations, then I suggest medication if he ever wants to confront reality as EIC.

But, that aside, advertising a new series (or mini) is dandy, I just wish there'd been some care put into where it was inserted into the books so it didn't interupt a splash panel. Yes, I get that it would have taken perhaps "unusal" time and energy into placing an advert. But aren't we worth it? I mean, now I almost don't want to buy issue #2 out of spite. That's not a good reaction.

- Read through half of WIZARD #182 and will comment on some random thoughts:

1). The issue does have some moderate spoilers, although it's really nothing that hasn't already been speculated and debated on the forums. This includes looks at the "legacy of Iron Fists" that Brubaker is making in IMMORTAL IRON FIST (which at least is plucking at the straws of throwaway comments from the 70's as he works in his "resurrect a dead character/throw in a ridiculous retcon" formula for the 3rd time in a row; Hey, I'm looking foward to IIF, but I'll call Brubaker like he is), looks at DC titles as well as going over the fact that Spider-Man fights Iron Man in CW. The heaviest spoiler regards details about Stark's "50 State Inititive", which has only been mentioned in CW and supposedly will get a look in CW #5, shipping in about 2 weeks.

Spoiler

Apparently the 50-State thing is the Federal Government organizing and placing a super-team in every state across the nation that protects the populace and answers to the feds. On the upside, this answers the long known fact that outside of New York and occasionally California, there aren't too many heroes most other places in Marvel's America (or at least not B-List ones). The downside of course is that since the SHRA is mostly depicted as fascist at best, that could easily disorganize into a metahuman police-nation senerio (especially if Stark is willing to "grow" heroes like "Clor".

2). Every time I see an ANITA BLAKE ad or comic, I sigh and see that she's taking the formula Marvel could do with Elsa Bloodstone, and running with it efficiently. Will Elsa ever get the shot herself, or will she be stuck with Nextwave minis for the near future? Granted, 616 Marvel's not done "horror" well in ages, so maybe it's for the best.

3). Dan DiDio's response to the outcry of DC fans over what happaned to the Cassandra Cain Batgirl?

"I'm glad to see there was a reaction. It shows me that people care about the character and want to see something happen to her."

I'm not even a DC or Batgirl fan, but isn't this the philosophy behind EVERY single ****ed up thing that has been done to any character in any book, EVER? Whenever some character/title has gone under some bat-crap crazy retcon, twist, mangling or whatever, the writer/editor/whatever always goes, "Hey, we just did this to shake y'all up, make sure you were payin' attention, to get a reaction." Well, if I pulled down my pants and shat on your foot, I'd get a reaction, too. That doesn't make it art or something decent. Provoking a reaction alone is not a story, and I grow tired of ANY DC or Marvel comic that serves solely to provoke a reaction. An explosion does that. But an explosion isn't a story, and I won't pretend it'll ever be one.

Plus, most fans of a character want something to happen "with" them, not "to" them.

So, considering all the heat Joe Q gets, I figured Dan earned some equal time for that one. Now will people see that DC's not all a bed of roses either?

4). Their BOOK OF THE MONTH is AGENTS OF ATLAS. Good pick. It could use the exposure. Considering it's a mini, I still prefer BEYOND!, though, or DR. STRANGE: OATH. But, like I said, a good pick.

5). WIZARD proves every shallow fanboy stereotype about expectations of women correct by having a bit where they literally compare the rear ends of heroines. Prove them feminists right, fellas. Every time I feel butterflies in my stomach even mentioning my hobby to a girl, I'll thank idiots like Wizard who perpetuate the "myth".

6). I expected NAMCO to make a big deal about Voldo from their SOUL CALIBER fighting game series crossing over to join the THUNDERBOLTS, then I realized that the artist simply copied the design. Dude, we know video games are awesome and pencillers of the last 10 years or so have shamelessly admitted using them for "inspiration", but for god's sakes don't make it so obvious. What next? An Italian plumber in overalls who has the power to double his size and strength?

7). Whedon requires a 2 page article to explain what the hell is happening in ASTONISHING X-MEN, whose "Emma's tredding water aimlessly while we bide time for UNSTOPPABLE" arc hasn't finished yet. And Cerina from Wizard's message boards is another who saw the obvious; the beer can is what cured Logan's amnesia. Get it into your heads and admit the bit was awkwardly placed, like if I threw a Bugs Bunny routine into THE SHINING. Anyway, Whedon has some good thoughts about where he is going and about "events" in general.

Spoiler

Whedon confirms that Emma is behind the whole shebang and it may be some way to "test" the X-Men for the threat to come, and that Cyclops won't have his powers in the near future and that somehow will make him "the best he's ever been". Okay. So, Whedon's big plan to "rejuvenate" Cyke is to basically do the exact same thing that was done to Storm in the 80's, only without the mohawk. Gotcha. Very "original".

Hopefully it works out, though. I'm getting tired of waiting for ASTONISHING to stop being "good but overrated" and get downright awesome again.

 

[Dread]

**** BENDIS! MOTHER****ING **** OF A ****BALLS MOTHER****ER! THE ONE DECENT PART OF ULTIMATE SPIDERMAN LEFT AND HE ****S IT UP! WHY THE **** WOULD YOU SABOTAGE THE ONLY ****ING REASON I STILL READ THIS ****TY BOOK. THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN PETER AND MJ KEPT ME READING THROUGH THE ****E THAT WAS WARRIORS, IT ALLOWED TO PUT UP WITH THE ****STORM THAT WAS ULTIMATE DEADPOOL AND NOW YOU'RE LEAVING THIS MESS FOR WHATEVER POOR ****ER HAS HAS TO PICK UP AFTER

**** YOU BENDIS YOU ****ING ****, THERE IS NO WAY YOU COULD EVER MAKE UP FOR THIS! **** YOU! YOU'RE ****ING DEAD TO ME YOU **** LAPPER MOTHER****ING ****E!

*******!

I feel your pain. I just used more words.

 

[gildea]

Good to know.

Also good to know that out of all of his stories, that's the only thing he sees as an "error". Interesting.

Um no.
I merely provided a proof by contradiction. you stated an absolute so I only had to provide one counter example. Bendis has often said that there is plenty of things he would change if he had to repeat things and highlighted other mistakes he has made, i just mention DD cos its one everyone knows.

I'm often in the trap of defending bendis cos he's arguably the biggest lightening rod at marvel. Though I can't claim to be neutral it's unfair to criticise the man on often erroneous assumptions.


And yes the ultimate power advert was infuriating

 

[Red]

I feel your pain. I just used more words.

You know whats funny on Bendis's site he named MJ Goblin...

Spoiler

Demogoblin

I mean what the hell

 

[Darthphere]

I know I havent done these in a while but here we go.

Reviews by Darthphere


Action Comics #844-Donner. Johns. Kubert. This story arc is being hyped as the second coming of Christ and as I had predicted, it failed miserably. Not only for being a rehash of the Supergirl arc in S/B, but the one factor that I was actually looking forward to the art, was terrible. Kubert dropped the ball big time with this style. I honestly tried to give this book a chance, but from ******* Perry White, ******ed Jimmy Olsen, Brandon Routh guest starring as Clark kent, da kid, and the art, I couldnt enjoy the book at all. The little quarky jokes like Superman telling Sarge Steel he shouldnt smoke in front of kids and Drink your orange juice were funny, if this was 1977. And did Johns lose all concept of pacing? This issue was everywhere, it just zoomed through like a chicken with its head cut off. I dont know, I may have to drop action but that saying a lot considering I stuck through the Austen era, im willing to give everything a second shot, but consider me disappointed. 4/10

52 Week #25-This issue was great, I loved the cover and the Halloween motiff throughout the issue. Manheim seems like the type of villain that Batman should have, but seems like he will be disposed of before 52 ends. The Black marvel family in action was fun to see, and the foundation of Checkmate is always a plus. Egg FU!!! WTF>!<!>:<KJ! Ok, overreaction, but thats one sick looking ****er right there. Nightwing by Perez, awesome origin and I hate those, I must be ina good mood. Ill give it a nice score 9/10

Civil War: Choosing Sides- Gotta say, really liked this stuff. The previews were pretty top notch. Thnderbolts was decent though it wasnt written by Ellis so it wasnt a satisfactory tease IMO. Ant-Man, I may have to check out, seems like fun. Iron Fist, badass, really looking forward to that. Omega Flight, really excited for it, though I hate that it seems it will be government shills and not fleeing Anti-Regs, Howard the Duck, man I actually laughed out loud in the scene with the red Bull guy. This needs an ongoing fast. Guiding Light needs to follow that light out of comics, thats what it needs to do. IMO worth my $4. I know Dread complains a lot that it shouldve been a $1 like BNW and Countdown, but its samrt business why charge a $1 when you know theyll pay $4. Mehtasm. 10/10

Daredevil #90-Daredevil has had a long solid run since the Smith/Quesda days, its crazy to think 90 issues later, the quality really hasnt gone down. This issue was good, loved Tombstone, always good to see him around and loved Matt's calclulated and resolute mindset. Nice twist at the end, reminds me a lot of some old noir movies. Lark's art shines as always with a new art team behind him and it seems DD is getting ready to rock Paris. 9/10

Captain America #23-Or Winter Soldier #0. This issue focuses on the Buckster as he breaks into SHIELD to hack into one of the Fury LMD's so the real Fury can have some fun. Good dialogue between the two as they wage and discuss the ramificantions of the SHRA and Bucky thinks of his role in everything. Its always good to see D-Man I guess, though not really. Good solid issue, and im actually enjoying these issues that focus on his supporting cast. Perkins does a good job here as the hardest working man in comics today. Jim Lee see, its possible to do 2 books at the same time. 8/10

Ion #7-All you fools complaining that the supposed truth had been revealed and were "Thats it?!" I told you so. As more mysteries are unraveled as Kyle stops by radu's to recount some of his explots in his return to Earth. One of them including having a monitor attached to him just like Nightwing. Some good scenes here especially with Alan Scott, but hes mother****ing Alan Scott so anything with him is good. Genuinely enjoyed the issue and this should be an ongoing sadly, sales dont agree *******s. Also, mute painter girl, stay away, you touch Kyle's penis, youre dead. 9/10

Superman/Batman Annual #1- Can I get a WTF?! Amen! Seriously, I love these crazy wonky S/B stories, but this one was just crazy. Documenting the supposed first time they reveal their identities to each other, this issue shows Clark and Bruce operating on Tony Stark *****ebag levels as a computer error makes the share a room and a bed, Slash fic fans everywhhere rejoice! Owlma, Ultraman, Deathstroke, Superowman, man this issue was crazy, but its all plain ol fun and of course Myx is involved somehow. Fun times, and its always good to see Ed McGuiness in the house! 8/10


Thats it, my store didnt get me Uncle Sam and The Freedom Fighter #4 which im disappointed about, but ill live.

 

[Red]

No New Avengers for the Inhumans DP?

 

[Darthphere]

I couldnt will myself to buy it, and ive been hearing that it sucked anyway. Maybe next week.

 

[hippy fascist]

OK, calmed down now, ****ING BENDIS, anyone reading the boys. Just keeps getting better with every issue. I love ennis on punisher but it's not a patch on ennis writing his own characters. Hughie is a simon pegg-looking legend. Butcher's the don and the parody of the JLA he's got going on is just superb. If you're not buying this book get on now cause it's only gonna get better!