Bought/Thought - February 20, 2013

[JewishHobbit]

Went to the shop today and picked up 5 books, only one of them Marvel. And one of them was a book I had previous dropped, and had to buy the previous 3 issues to get caught up on.

Let's get the Marvel issue out of the way.

Nova #1 - The controversial comic of the month! We want Nova, they gave us Nova! But in the Marvel tradition... they give us something other than the Nova we want. In this circumstance, they give us a cartoon. Now I don't watch the Spider-Man cartoon so I don't know if this book is similar to that Sam Alexander or not, but I'm a little annoyed at the idea of Marvel bringing in this kid went their fans want Rich Rider. I decided to put that thought out of my head though and just read the comic for what it was.

Having read it, I'm not really sure what I think. First off, I do like the idea of a kid whose drunk dad is a former Corps member, though no one believes him. I like the idea of the kid getting drafted into service for reasons yet unseen. I'm not sure what to think of there being a Nova Corps different from the main one (or Gold Domes as they're called here) but I'm interested in learning more.

What I don't like is the art, the writing style, or how cliche the story is. There really isn't much here that I feel like I haven't read before. It's pretty generic small-town superhero stuff. Also, I didn't like how they aluded to a school janitor being a worthless job (myself being a school janitor who provides for his family just fine). The main thing, though, is that I don't like how Loeb mentions Rocket Racoon and Gamora being with the Guardians of the Galaxy 17 years ago when the Guardians have only been FORMED for maybe 2 years at the most (post-Annihilation Conquest). If there isn't an IMMEDIATE explanation as to why this was stated (as there is room with it being stated in a story by a drunk) then I will lose any faith I have in Loeb to tell this story. The Guardians are a recent property (in it's current rendition) and how a writer would get that wrong... and an editor not catch it... is beyond me.

So yeah, it was alright but I wasn't a huge fan. I'm typically a sucker for these kind of young hero stories but this just didn't impress me. I might give it another issue or two... MIGHT... but I don't know. We'll see how the next issue skim goes.

Batwoman 17 - This was the dropped title. I was so bored with the book that I dropped it during a money crunch, despite loving the character, etc. I've missed it though and, while I've not skimmed the 3 issues I passed on, I picked up this newest issue on a whim to skim. I saw that it was the conclusion to the story that had bored me but that it looked awesome. So I went out on a whim and got caught up.

My stance still stands... Williams dragged this story out so badly it was rediculous. A 17-issue story, it could have been done in 10 or 12. That said, the last 3 issues were all VERY good, particularly the last 2, which was the final battle that the whole series had been leading up to since the first issue of the series. I really enjoyed seeing all the characters return in one way or another, teaming up to take on the big bad. I like how it all played out (though Medusa's death felt a tad unoriginal) and I LOVE seeing Bette back. Even more than that, I love that Alice is back! Also, that ending between Kate and Mags!

So yeah, it was a fantastic issue. I'm glad this story is FINALLY over and we can move forward. Hopefully Williams won't drag out the next one unless it really needs to be.

Nightwing 17 - While a good issue, the art wasn't that great. I loved how Higgins handled Dick's post-DotF issue and seeing how it screwed with his head. While I didn't buy there being issues in Batman 17, Higgins does a great job here making us see why Dick is beginning to question everything. It's not so much to do with Batman as much as the things Dick went through in his own comic the past two months. His realizing that he relies on others too much and watching as he stumbles in his ability to move forward was handled well. I'll admit, I'll be sad seeing Haley's Circus move on since I really liked that plot and was rooting for them to set up in Gotham, but the story makes a lot of sense. It was good seeing Dick and Damian together again, for as small a moment as it was, and I hope more will come of them in time.

I'm also very sad because I felt Higgins and Barrows were such a fantastic duo on this title. Sadly, Barrows is leaving to take up penciling duties on Teen Titans and we're getting Booth. I don't really know much about Booth but I know I've seen his stuff before and wasn't too horribly impressed. I hate seeing Barrows go but I wish him well. I might even try his first issue of Teen Titans. Looking forward to seeing where Higgins takes Dick though. Next issue should shed some light onto that.

Green Lantern 17 - I dunno. The issue wasn't bad but I think I'm just bored with the title's current direction. The relaunch started out better than the last volume ended, Sinestro being a big part of that, but since Simon Baz became a focal point I've just lost interest. It's not bad really, just not really grabbing me. I'm a little curious about this plot, moreso than the Third Army story, but not by much.

It's been announced that Johns is leaving the Green Lantern titles after 9 years, issue 20 being his last, and I think that's a VERY good idea. He peaked at Blackest Night. It's obvious THAT was the story he wanted to tell. I feel like he's just sorta been phoning it in every since while getting a fresh breath at the beginning of the relaunch. I feel like this stuff with Simon Baz is filler. He should have just continued telling Hal and Sinestro's stories in this death world thing and continued with that. Maybe bring in another established lanterns in Baz's place.

Anyhow, it was decent but I'm eager for it to end. I don't know anything about this guy coming in after Johns leaves and I'm thinking it might be a good idea to just let the title go. It's a good jumping off point. I'll see what future solicitations and interviews say but I'm leaning toward letting it go. I think it's time.

Justice League 17 - Hot Hanna did I love this issue! This whole event has been fantastic and this concluding chapter did the whole story justice. There was just so much going on regarding the throne. I think what Johns lost in Green Lantern he gained in his Aquaman stories. I don't know if he's improving on Justice League, as this is the best it's ever been, or if it's just improved because it's playing off of Johns' Aquaman plots. Either way, this crossover was fantastic.

I loved Ocean Master and his fate. I thought Vulko was interesting in why he did things and I'm real curious to see what comes of that. It was strange seeing all the other JL members fighting when they hadn't really been introduced or hinted at. I'm curious how their story will play out. All in all it was fantastic. Johns and his crew should be proud of this event. One of my favorite DC things since the relaunch... possibly THE favorite.


Best and Worst of the Week

Best: Justice League 17 - I can't praise it enough. The Throne of Atlantis is probably my favorite DC story since the relaunch and this issue wa a fantastic conclusion. Highly recommended.

Worst: Green Lantern 17 - This was really close with Nova but I think GL gets it. At least Nova had some things in it that drew my attention. GL was just sorta there. I'm curious where the story goes and how Johns wraps his run up (as I feel there should be more to his long run than the next 3 issues) but all in all, the issue was just very mediocre.

 

[runawayboulder]

Can we get a moment of silence for Hellblazer? I could go on and on about this book all night but I'll try to keep this postmortem relatively short.

I'll admit that I was late to the party for this book. I was aware of it's existence back in the day but was never really into Vertigo stuff (or indie books for that matter). The reason I became a reader was because of good ol Wizard magazine. When the big 2 were doing anything and everything to remain relevant with Image killing them at every turn, the quality took a huge dump and it was not a fun time to be a comic fan, IMO.

So I began to look for alternatives. While the argument can be made that Wizard was just as guilty for everything wrong with that era, they did cover the entire spectrum of comics. It led me to discover guys like Garth Ennis and books like Preacher and becoming a fan I searched out some of his earlier works like his Hellblazer run. I fell in love with the character, the supporting cast, the mythos, the magic, the cynicism and everything else about the book.

So then began the back issue hunt for the earlier stuff by Jamie Delano. From there it was Paul Jenkins, Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, Mike Carey, Denise Mina, Andy Diggle and finally Peter Milligan. My favorite run was Mike Carey. My favorite story was "Haunted" by Warren Ellis. I loved Brian Azzarello's "against the grain" approach he took during his run by taking John Constantine out of his native London and letting him loose all over the dark corners of America. Most hardcore Hellblazer fans would probably want to slap me for liking it so much but I thought it was terrific.

I'm proud to say that I have them all. And after having been collecting for damn near 20yrs it almost feels like a little bit of me died on the inside today.

 

[Phaedrus45]

DC is starting to depress me lately. We get another gimmick from them to sell a butt-load of books, with all the states being represented on Justice League Of America #1. Coming later is WTF, which I've already complained about. (Not the gimmick, but the naming of this event. Well, not really an event; but, they make use want to believe it's one.)

I don't mind the gimmicks so much; but, ever since The New 52 started, I have not felt as if the quality of these titles have improved or gotten me any more excited than before the Flashback event. There have been some decent storylines; but, not any more than I had before. (In fact, you could say I've been less excited.) Scott Snyder has been good with his two Batman events (although, the material in the other books have been kind of overkill). On the other hand, the Superman books "Hel" storyline has dragged on too long and has been a bit of a bore. The Green Lantern books are too much, and I found myself getting bored with their event the past two months.

I guess I feel the brains at DC aren't focusing on the material in the books, but just the way they can get a big number of instant sales from the comic buying public. (And, their name mentioned again in the news media.) Heck, one of my favorite gimmicks they ever did was Wednesday Comics; but, after hearing a couple years ago that a second run was going to happen, it feels like something truly groundbreaking and beautiful isn't their focus any longer.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Can we get a moment of silence for Hellblazer? I could go on and on about this book all night but I'll try to keep this postmortem relatively short.

I'll admit that I was late to the party for this book. I was aware of it's existence back in the day but was never really into Vertigo stuff (or indie books for that matter). The reason I became a reader was because of good ol Wizard magazine. When the big 2 were doing anything and everything to remain relevant with Image killing them at every turn, the quality took a huge dump and it was not a fun time to be a comic fan, IMO.

So I began to look for alternatives. While the argument can be made that Wizard was just as guilty for everything wrong with that era, they did cover the entire spectrum of comics. It led me to discover guys like Garth Ennis and books like Preacher and becoming a fan I searched out some of his earlier works like his Hellblazer run. I fell in love with the character, the supporting cast, the mythos, the magic, the cynicism and everything else about the book.

So then began the back issue hunt for the earlier stuff by Jamie Delano. From there it was Paul Jenkins, Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, Mike Carey, Denise Mina, Andy Diggle and finally Peter Milligan. My favorite run was Mike Carey. My favorite story was "Haunted" by Warren Ellis. I loved Brian Azzarello's "against the grain" approach he took during his run by taking John Constantine out of his native London and letting him loose all over the dark corners of America. Most hardcore Hellblazer fans would probably want to slap me for liking it so much but I thought it was terrific.

I'm proud to say that I have them all. And after having been collecting for damn near 20yrs it almost feels like a little bit of me died on the inside today.

I'm more and more disappointed with where Vertigo is heading. It doesn't surprise me about Hellblazer. I think DC is going to be more about sales than ever before. Quality doesn't matter, just how they can get the most money.

A quote from Brian Wood, whose work I've enjoyed at Vertigo; but, was greatly surprised to see his latest book, The Massive, not appear from them: "Seems very likely if I had launched The Massive at Vertigo as originally conceived, they would have cancelled it by now."

 

[Themanofbat]

Can we get a moment of silence for Hellblazer? I could go on and on about this book all night but I'll try to keep this postmortem relatively short.

I'll admit that I was late to the party for this book. I was aware of it's existence back in the day but was never really into Vertigo stuff (or indie books for that matter). The reason I became a reader was because of good ol Wizard magazine. When the big 2 were doing anything and everything to remain relevant with Image killing them at every turn, the quality took a huge dump and it was not a fun time to be a comic fan, IMO.

So I began to look for alternatives. While the argument can be made that Wizard was just as guilty for everything wrong with that era, they did cover the entire spectrum of comics. It led me to discover guys like Garth Ennis and books like Preacher and becoming a fan I searched out some of his earlier works like his Hellblazer run. I fell in love with the character, the supporting cast, the mythos, the magic, the cynicism and everything else about the book.

So then began the back issue hunt for the earlier stuff by Jamie Delano. From there it was Paul Jenkins, Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, Mike Carey, Denise Mina, Andy Diggle and finally Peter Milligan. My favorite run was Mike Carey. My favorite story was "Haunted" by Warren Ellis. I loved Brian Azzarello's "against the grain" approach he took during his run by taking John Constantine out of his native London and letting him loose all over the dark corners of America. Most hardcore Hellblazer fans would probably want to slap me for liking it so much but I thought it was terrific.

I'm proud to say that I have them all. And after having been collecting for damn near 20yrs it almost feels like a little bit of me died on the inside today.

 

[Mr. Dent]

I really liked this issue of Superior, which I've been saying pretty much since it started. I was really disappointed that Stegman wouldn't be illustrating the next couple issues, but Camuncoli's art really impressed me this issue. Some panels rivaled Stegman's art, although overall I still prefer Stegman. Still, Camuncoli is definitely a stand-in I can live with. The plot of the issue, while slow and not as captivating as the first three issues of Superior, was a nice set up for things to come next issue and Slott once again delivered with Massacre. His completely disregard of human life is a thrill to read for me. I'm a little apprehensive about the way Slott killed Dr. Kafka on a whim basically, but it's something I can live with especially since her character has not been used all that much since its creation. And of course, the big reveal at the end just makes me more excited for things coming down the line. While I felt it was a little out of place in the issue itself given it seemingly had very little to do with the plot at hand (or maybe it did) it's more than forgiven. Also, watching Ock throw a tantrum over Peter not having his doctorates was really hilarious.

Nova was pretty bad. It's not that it was particularly poorly written, it was just...very bland. There was no personality to it at all. It felt like it was just going through one cliche motion after the other. Hell, the entire issue pretty much felt like a caricature of cliches and stereotypes. There wasn't one scene or line in that comic I haven't read somewhere before. The pacing was also horrendous. Those last couple of pages were just horribly done, they were basically montages.

In the end Loeb got the characterization of Sam and his Dad across but he sure didn't do it in any type of inspired way...actually, yeah, this was poorly written. I'll probably pick up the next issue just to give one more fair shake but if it's more of the same then Loeb can kiss my ass. A shame he's long past his prime...he's pretty washed up at this point.

Avengers #6...Hickman delivers another superb issue. I think this was my favorite thus far. I was pretty critical of the way Hickman started out his Avengers run with the first three issues...it felt so cluttered, with all these characters popping up that I knew nothing about and was really wondering if I needed to go back and read some old issues of Avengers to figure out who they were. Thankfully, Hickman has been going back and explaining these characters, and the manner in which he did it this issue was satisfying on so many levels. To begin with, while I can appreciate the high action the Avengers offer, I think I enjoy the quieter moments of development between the members even more. Watching Shang-Chi and Captain Universe just sit there and talk about her origins was enthralling for me. That was a nice twist Hickman threw on Tamara's character. I also love how he tied the arrival of Captain Universe into the overarching plot going on in his Avengers books with the multiverse. It's a very plausible reason for why the universe itself would conjure on Earth of all places. That specifically was one of the problems I had with Hickman's earlier issues and it's great to see it addressed here.

And then, the peripheral stuff between SpOck and the Cannonball and Sunbolt was great. It was nice to get another tast of Superior right after having finished issue 4 of his own book. This issue was pretty much the calm before the storm, and I can't wait to see what Hickman has planned for this "White Event". This was a great mouth wash for Nova.

Finally, JLA #1 was also very good. Really liked the art, David Finch delivers once again. It was purely exposition for the purpose of the team and the rationale behind selecting characters like Hawkman, Katana, Manhunter, and Catwoman to be apart of the team, but it definitely showed it has potential and I'm very much looking forward to seeing how these characters manage to work together. That was quite the twist at the end there as well, even though we all know he isn't going to die. Also, Trevor needs to pray that the deal isn't altered any further.

Now I just have to pick up Thor, Hulk, JL, and Action Comics.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Killed Dr. Kafka?! That Slott Jerk!!! She was one of the firt supporting characters that I was introduced to when I first started collecting, during the Child Within story

 

[Thwip!]

Mr. Dent, Thor was very good this week, I feel like you'll enjoy it

 

[Mr. Dent]

Oh I have no doubt I will enjoy it. I've liked all 4 issues of this God Butcher arc so far.

 

[CConn]

I'm more and more disappointed with where Vertigo is heading. It doesn't surprise me about Hellblazer. I think DC is going to be more about sales than ever before. Quality doesn't matter, just how they can get the most money.

A quote from Brian Wood, whose work I've enjoyed at Vertigo; but, was greatly surprised to see his latest book, The Massive, not appear from them: "Seems very likely if I had launched The Massive at Vertigo as originally conceived, they would have cancelled it by now."

But then again, Brian Wood is like a human adaptation of Eeyor, so I don't know how much I trust his judgement.

 

[chamber-music]

Can we get a moment of silence for Hellblazer? I could go on and on about this book all night but I'll try to keep this postmortem relatively short.

I'll admit that I was late to the party for this book. I was aware of it's existence back in the day but was never really into Vertigo stuff (or indie books for that matter). The reason I became a reader was because of good ol Wizard magazine. When the big 2 were doing anything and everything to remain relevant with Image killing them at every turn, the quality took a huge dump and it was not a fun time to be a comic fan, IMO.

So I began to look for alternatives. While the argument can be made that Wizard was just as guilty for everything wrong with that era, they did cover the entire spectrum of comics. It led me to discover guys like Garth Ennis and books like Preacher and becoming a fan I searched out some of his earlier works like his Hellblazer run. I fell in love with the character, the supporting cast, the mythos, the magic, the cynicism and everything else about the book.

So then began the back issue hunt for the earlier stuff by Jamie Delano. From there it was Paul Jenkins, Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, Mike Carey, Denise Mina, Andy Diggle and finally Peter Milligan. My favorite run was Mike Carey. My favorite story was "Haunted" by Warren Ellis. I loved Brian Azzarello's "against the grain" approach he took during his run by taking John Constantine out of his native London and letting him loose all over the dark corners of America. Most hardcore Hellblazer fans would probably want to slap me for liking it so much but I thought it was terrific.

I'm proud to say that I have them all. And after having been collecting for damn near 20yrs it almost feels like a little bit of me died on the inside today.

I poured a symbolic 40oz for Hellblazer

For me it was orginal Delano run that got me into Hellblazer. I had only read Gaiman's Hold Me (which was fantastic) before really getting into Hellblazer when I brought a ton of back issues that were going for cheap.

I read the Delano stuff which I liked a lot. I liked the social commentary and this flawed lead character who the writer wasn't afraid to make unlikable.

Grant Morrison's little arc was good. I liked Ennis run. Jenkins run was a mixed bag.

Ellis run I found disppointing. If ever there was a writer suited to John Constantine I would of thought it would be Warren Ellis but I found his run underwhelming.

Azzarello run wasn't that good for me. The prison arc was good but after that it went sort of middle of the road.

Mike Carey was good and a return to form in my opinion. Dina Murray's run was lame. Diggle's run was good.

Milligan sort of sucked the life out of the title. Scab and the Annual the bridge was good but everything else was just meh.

Newcastle, Family Man and Dangerous Habits are my favourites.

 

[chamber-music]

The Thor God Butcher stuff is probably my favourite thing Marvel is putting out right now.

I love that Marvel is just letting Aaron put out great grand storytelling. No tie-ins, no crossovers, no shoehorning Wolverine in to sell issues, no movie stuff just solid storytelling.

Not every comic should be like that but if Marvel did more things like Thor God Of Thunder I think they will be pretty sucessful for years to come.

 

[CConn]

Avengers #6:
Was phenomenal as usual; Between this and Manhattan Projects, it really seems like Hickman has mastered his personal style of scattered yet mythical writing. Unlike in his previous series, he's hit the ground running and despite some extremely outlandish concepts and characters everything is still easy to decipher and enjoy - even for me, someone who's not extremely well versed in Marvel's C and D level heroes.

Incredible Hulk #4:
Turned in another strong issue. Personally, I don't feel as though this is one of the best books of the Now line as some have claimed; so far it's been much more of a slow burn than some other series, with Waid seeming to rather meticulously assemble his cast of characters and subplots for later payoffs.

Superior Spiderman #4:
Was incredible as usually. I was never a big fan of Slott's writing style, nor his ASM run in general, but he has seemed to overcome every single flaw or misstep I found in his writing before, and is just churning out near perfect issues every time. The whole blend of Ock's ego and Peter's morals is perfectly aligned, and Ock's ability to point out the flaws in Peter's decisions is expertly handled.

Justice League #17:
Was a very strong ending to Johns' best writing yet in both JL and Aquaman. He was able to weave an extremely fast paced issue, packed full of reveals and changes to the status quo - all of which seeming organic and sensible. Plus his hints at the upcoming interwoven storyline of JL and JLA look phenomenal... And just what everyone's been waiting for since Johns took over JL.

 

[Mr. Dent]

The Thor God Butcher stuff is probably my favourite thing Marvel is putting out right now.

I love that Marvel is just letting Aaron put out great grand storytelling. No tie-ins, no crossovers, no shoehorning Wolverine in to sell issues, no movie stuff just solid storytelling.

Not every comic should be like that but if Marvel did more things like Thor God Of Thunder I think they will be pretty sucessful for years to come.

To be fair they really do do a lot of that. Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, the current Captain America, Daredevil, and so on are all just great individual stories just like Thor.

 

[CConn]

Marvel Now has honestly been by far the best initiatives in comics in years. It's entire point and focus is to let extremely talented and renowned creators tell their stories in their own ways. And it's been tremendously successful pretty much across the board so far.

Unless your name is Kevin Hopeless.

 

[CConn]

Marvel Now has honestly been by far the best initiatives in comics in years. It's entire point and focus is to let extremely talented and renowned creators tell their stories in their own ways. And it's been tremendously successful pretty much across the board so far.

Unless your name is Kevin Hopeless.

 

[Thwip!]

Marvel Now has honestly been by far the best initiatives in comics in years. It's entire point and focus is to let extremely talented and renowned creators tell their stories in their own ways. And it's been tremendously successful pretty much across the board so far.

Unless your name is Kevin Hopeless.

Hopeless by name...

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Wait, wait, wait. The Nova Corps shown in Loeb's Nova is separate from the actual Nova Corps? Whaaaa?

 

[JTStarkiller]

Daredevil and Captain America were both superb this week. These are my two favorite books that Marvel is putting out. That whole page with Matt standing on the ledge, talking about his favorite spot in the city was just top notch writing.

Nova was just okay. It was actually a book that I was kind of enjoying while I was reading, but then I started to realize all of its flaws as I thought it about it a bit after. Yeah, that whole Guardians 17 years ago nonsense threw me for a loop to, and since I'm still learning about the Marvel Universe, I usually don't notice that stuff, but I was immediately scratching my head when I read that.

Supergirl and Wonder Woman were both great, as usual. Not the best issue of their respective runs, but both titles have been incredibly consistent, always bringing the goods. Action Comics was also great. I'll be sad to see Morrison leave the title next month.

With my new books out of the way, next on my list are last months books that I picked up yesterday at a reduced price (JL #16 and GL New Guardians #16).

 

[Thwip!]

Agree with you very much on DD and Cap

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Captain America definitely felt like it was picking up this week. I haven't been as impressed with it as some of the other NOW relaunches, but this week's issue was great. I like the bond that's formed between Cap and Ian, and I love how sassy Ian is. "Does everyone on Earth love a metal discus?"

 

[THANOSRULES]

Nova # 1- Had some real reservations about this book despite being a hardcore Nova fan. Nova..meaning Richard Rider, is my favorite marvel character and I am not in a happy state about what has gone down with DnA and Rider. I wound up getting my shop's last copy..so i was pretty happy.

That being said I have also had big problems with the product and quality of Loeb's work for the last half decade or so.

In short..the book was not half bad. I'm not gonna praise it as a masterpiece just yet..it's not even close to that and we have some real decompression here. While decompression usually get's to me ..it was actually done well in this first issue. In some cases it can draw out the notion that a particularly profound and meaningful story is on it's way...and generally that was my feeling of it here.

Loeb hit a real vibe with me with the interest in Sam Alexander's relationship with his family and specifically his father. I had heard there was some profound set up here..and I agree that it was the core of my interest with Sam as a character. This stuff was Jeff Loeb at his best...not the shock schtick of the last few years.

Yet some things pulled me back a bit. Really not a fan of the high school stuff..complete with extreme hip cliché love interest (with tres cool piercings) trendy bully scene , skate boards and principals. This was the pandering to younger audiences that IMO was completely unneeded and came off as a bit of a cheap sideshow.

Next we have some retcons and continuity issues. Really nothing in issue #1 gave much credibility to the notion that Loeb was including past Corps lore in his plans and had studied what others created before him. We get a new “Black” Nova corps as a retcon that was supposedly active in the shadows in a seemingly clandestine manner. We get Rocket Racoon and Gamora active as GOTG members supposedly 17 years prior..which is absurd...and needs clarity fast. We get Sam's dad as one of the first humans in the corps (and described by his kid's as the greatest Nova ever...grr).

Yet still there is enough here to build off and say it was a pleasant surprise. Honestly I'm a pretty big fan of the new “black” Nova corps concept... a lot can be done with this.

It's just too soon to tell on this one...although issue #1 did nothing to convince me this was going to be great..it also didnt rule out that it could be great either. I hope this builds to something epic..despite my fondness and loyalty for Rider..I do want a good tale of the Nova Corps and I do want the book to succeed. I am rooting for Loeb on this one...even with the burned in image of Ultimate Blob munching some wasp still fresh in my brain.

McG's art was some of his best...and the layouts and paneling all delivered a quality product. Really helped give an epic sense to the issue and add to the importance of the set up. Well done.

I'm somewhat surprised I liked this book..but there you have it.

 

[Mr. Dent]

Just read Thor #5. A very solid issue, although I admit I wasn't as infatuated by it as I was with the first 4 issues (maybe because I read those all in one sitting). That said, it's a very interesting route the book is going in. These first 5 issues weren't just telling a solo story, it was setting up the status quo for the book going forward. Aaron sure did take his time in basically telling the prologue of his story, but I can appreciate so much detail being put into the backstory for all of this. Definitely interested in seeing where Aaron goes with this God Butcher character. lol at "WHERE ARE YOUR GODS NOW". Aaron probably came up with this entire arc just to find a way to use that line.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I'm really looking forward to Gorr's origin in the next issue. It's hard to believe I was all ready to hate on him for being a Desak clone a few months ago. The core concept is still similar, but they're two very differently executed characters. Gorr's a hell of a lot more menacing and has much more personality.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I caved and read Nova #1 because I was curious about what JewHobs said and I started feeling like I wasn't really giving Sam a fair shake between his not being Rich and his connection to the utterly abysmal Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon. It wasn't as terrible as I've come to expect with Loeb's name on the cover, but I probably won't be reading any further. More than anything else, it feels like a paint-by-numbers teen hero book. It's a bunch of clichés we've all seen a million times before--often done better--in any number of other teen hero comics. Parental issues, bully, disbelief at the heroic legacy until it smacks him in the face, etc.

Sam in particular comes off as kind of a jerk. I could understand if he didn't believe his dad because only his dad believed in the Nova Corps stuff, but his mother's there corroborating everything his whole life. So his disbelief comes off more as a bratty act of rebellion than genuine to me.

I'm really uncomfortable with this idea that there have always been "black dome" Novas who act as a black ops squad. Does every f***ing 'heroic' organization need to have some seedy underbelly tacked onto it these days? Are we really living in such a phenomenally cynical time that altruistic organizations can't simply be altruistic? It's irritating as all hell.

McGuinness' art is great, as always, but that's about the only thing that's truly good in the issue. So, like I said, I gave it a fair shot but I won't be continuing with it. (Unless, of course, Rich comes back.)