Bought/Thought for 4/13/11 - SPOILERS!

[runawayboulder]

Glad to hear Uncanny X-Men is good under Gillen. I'm gonna have to start reading that sometime. He's writing the Fear Itself tie-in, right? I think I might pick that up and then transition over to Gillen's issues of Uncanny X-Men.

Corp, another book you're gonna have to start picking up is ASM. Camuncoli is joining the book as one of the rotating artists. Join the darkside my friend!

 

[runawayboulder]

Ooh, wouldn't that be a trip of an upcoming story!

And honestly, I don't think we're supposed to really know what's going on with that scene. I can definately see it going that way though.

Well, this summer brings the arc "The Dark Angel Saga" so after this issues ending, I'm sure it's going to be worked in somehow.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I would say that Uncanny X-Men #534.1 and #535 are the perfect jumping on points. Get into it now.

 

[runawayboulder]

Yeah, ignore that Quarantine crap.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Corp, another book you're gonna have to start picking up is ASM. Camuncoli is joining the book as one of the rotating artists. Join the darkside my friend!

Haha, no. No, that is a thing that will not happen. Bad enough I'm stuck reading that loser in FF already.

 

[CrimsonMist]

Hellboy: Buster Oakley Gets His Wish - I think I love the Hellboy one-shots out of all the Mignola-verse stuff, including the BPRD stuff and Witchfinder minis. The one-shots are usually where Mignola excels at telling great stories, and allows his imagination to soar. This one-shot, illustrated(penciled, inked and colored) by Kevin Nowlan, was Mignola at his most insane. Hellboy, Satanists, Aliens, a dude with his head replaced with the head of a cow, mechanical spiders. This book was awesome before I even opened it.

PunisherMAX #12: This issue marks the beginning of Jason Aaron's story called "Frank", the arc I've been looking forward to since Aaron was announced as the new writer. We get to see how badly Bullseye messed up Frank's head and we, perhaps for the first time, see Frank at his most vulnerable. He questions himself seriously for the first time, wonders about his life without any bitterness, but with sincere honesty. And despite saying he wasn't, I think we see him afraid. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Aaron expands on what he's introduced for the past twelve issues. By arc's end, I feel that this run may be one of the most definitive Punisher runs of all time, and probably my favorite Punisher arc since Long Cold Dark.

Amazing Spider-Man # 658: This is my second Spider-Man issue and now I'm beginning to question whether or not I should stick with it. I thought 657 was great, but this issue felt incredibly bland. While I'm all for crazy cosmic adventures, the issue felt incredibly one-note, and not very engaging. While the book LOOKED like a classic Lee/Kirby comic, atleast those books had an engaging style of writing. I'm sorry to say that I felt this issue of Spider-Man was kind of insipid. And while I feel that this is probably a set-up issue for a larger arc in either Amazing Spider-Man or FF, I still wasn't feeling any impact while reading it. I'll probably give it 2 or 3 more issues to see if maybe this issue was just a dud.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Superman #710

I finally caught up on my Superman reading. I was six issues behind (or, five issues of Superman and one 80-page special), and they were tough to get through. While I wasn't crazy about Straczynski's "Grounded" storyline, it's gotten much worse after he's left and Roberson's taken over. We've now gotten a dragged out story that has some special guest star who tries to motivate Superman in his old motto of "Truth, Justice, and the American Way." (Or, in Shawn Michael's talk, Superman has lost his smile.) Even when the book shows a hint of promise, like the G. Willow Wilson issue (a blogger claims to have evidence that the Daily Planet's Lois Lane is cheating on her husband with Superman), it pusses out in the end. (The photo was doctored.) What could be an interesting storyline is quickly forgotten and glossed over.

In this new issue, Batman tries to cheer up Superman, and we get some lost tale from their past, before Clark became Supes and Bruce became Batman. It's all garbage; and, it just makes me think, "DC crap is on a WHOLE different level from Marvel crap." I'm seriously thinking I'm wasting my time and money holding out hope that DC comics are going to improve.

Uncanny X-Men #535

Yeah, the past two issues of Uncanny have been much better than Fraction's; but, I'm still not totally onboard that this is now going to be the best X-title out there. This first issue of the new story is only okay...but, I can see how going from crap to okay might be viewed highly. I like how Gillen is probably going to solve Kitty's intangability problem; and, the art by the Dodson's is a huge improvement. What's missing is I still lack any real emotional attachment with the characters. It's a step in the right direction, though.

Uncanny X-Force #7

Still, this is the best X-title you can buy...even though this particular storyline featuring Deathlok wasn't great. Remender does a great job of making Deadpool fun again, and he actually makes me want to read more about Fantomex. I'm wondering if Deathlok is now part of the team, or if he'll be dropped by next issue.

Dean Koontz Nevermore #1

Originally put out by Dabel Bros., of which, the first two issues came out AGES ago, I believe this just reprints that first issue. (It's been so long since I read it, I forgot most of what happened...but, the ending was familiar.) I'm so happy that Dynamite just decided to start over; because too often they just resume where Dabel left off, and new readers do not get a chance to catch up on issues that have long since disappeared.

This is a decent story, about a man who can travel to different realities with his team, all in an attempt to find a version of his dead wife who is still alive...and, presumably living in some crappy world that she's voluntarily leave. By issue's end, he finds that wife; but, discovers she has the same cancer his previous wife had, and the lady doesn't have very long to live. What kind of sucks is that they introduce some strange alien-type creatures...which, took away some of my enjoyment of the story.

It's worth a look...but, too bad Dynamite must demand $3.99 for their books.

Amazing Spider-Man #658

Oh, Slott...where once I was praising ASM, I find myself disappointed for the second issue in a row. I'm not a fan of the art, and getting another issue where Spidey and the Fantastic Four have short adventures, one after the other, does not hook me into a very interesting storyline. (And, frankly, Slott's done better in the past with a F4 and Spidey team-up.) But, as I said before, Marvel crap is nowhere as bad as DC crap!

PunisherMax #12

Definitely Aaron's best title! By a LONG shot!!!

I hope this comic doesn't suffer from more delays, because it's always at the top of my reading list. I loved how the prisoners were too frightened to take out Frank; and, the backstory only made last issue's revelation (namely what other's found out Bullseye whispered in Frank's ear) more relevant to this version of the Punisher.

Iron Man 2.0 #3

By issue's end, we finally get introduced to the Iron Man 2.0 armor; and, Nick Spencer does a great job of making War Machine relevant and fun to read again. (Seriously, he makes a great point of how old school and ridiculous that old War Machine armor was; and, I loved how they even showed Rhodey's old Iron Man armor.) I know War Machine is a hard sell with readers; but, Spenser is doing a decent job of making me want to read each new issue.

Carnage #4

Maximum Carnage fans should be loving this mini. If only Crain's art wasn't making it difficult to read. It's too dark, and many times you're straining your eyes to see what he's really trying to show. The story is good, though; and, this issue explains how Cletus lived through The Sentry sending him and his symbiote into space.

Captain America: The Fighting Avenger One-Shot

Ok, it's too highly priced, at $4.99; but, this book was fun. It's very Marvel Adventures-ished in it's writing and art; but, it also doesn't take itself too seriously. We get one of Cap's first adventures during WWII, before the military had even dubbed him Captain America (lots of fun within at the various names people were labeling him); and, in the process, we're introduced to a group of soldiers who have been assigned with teaching Cap the tricks of the trade. (Needless to say, they're not too happy with this babysitting assignment.)

If you are a fan of Tobin-style stories, this isn't a bad one to pick up. Plus, it's perfect for kids interested in seeing what pre-Avengers Cap could have been like.

 

[runawayboulder]

PunisherMAX #12: This issue marks the beginning of Jason Aaron's story called "Frank", the arc I've been looking forward to since Aaron was announced as the new writer. We get to see how badly Bullseye messed up Frank's head and we, perhaps for the first time, see Frank at his most vulnerable. He questions himself seriously for the first time, wonders about his life without any bitterness, but with sincere honesty. And despite saying he wasn't, I think we see him afraid. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Aaron expands on what he's introduced for the past twelve issues. By arc's end, I feel that this run may be one of the most definitive Punisher runs of all time, and probably my favorite Punisher arc since Long Cold Dark.

Amazing Spider-Man # 658: This is my second Spider-Man issue and now I'm beginning to question whether or not I should stick with it. I thought 657 was great, but this issue felt incredibly bland. While I'm all for crazy cosmic adventures, the issue felt incredibly one-note, and not very engaging. While the book LOOKED like a classic Lee/Kirby comic, atleast those books had an engaging style of writing. I'm sorry to say that I felt this issue of Spider-Man was kind of insipid. And while I feel that this is probably a set-up issue for a larger arc in either Amazing Spider-Man or FF, I still wasn't feeling any impact while reading it. I'll probably give it 2 or 3 more issues to see if maybe this issue was just a dud.

I love what Aaron has done so far on MAX but I'm not ready to call it the definitive Punisher run just yet. Ennis did some incredible work on MAX, it's going to be hard to top. "Long Cold Dark" was one of the best Punisher stories I've ever read.

I'm not down on ASM like many were. Was it the best issue of Big-Time so far? No, definitely not but I think it's not the end of the world if Slott has a mediocre issue now and again. He's carrying a heavy load by himself with the 2X a month permanent schedule. And let's be honest, we've been exposed to straight crapola out of the Spidey-line over the course of the past 2-3 years. This pales in comparison.

 

[iloveclones]

I re-read ASM because I was reading a lot of kinda negative reviews (although a lot of them seemed to be negative with an asterisk....something along the lines of "Dan's past few issues were so great that these pale in comparison" sort of thing...)

I have to admit that I actually enjoyed it a little more on a second reading. The "bits" (the costume controversy, the kids commenting on Spideys maturity, the mime...which was great...) were all things that made me smile. And for the record, I much prefer Spidey's blue FF costume to the white one. I hope when Johnny comes back, they drop the white crap, and Spidey joins them on the occasional adventure in the blue suit, replacing, as needed, Ben or Reed. Power set wise, he's a good fit to replace Ben. And for the sciency stuff, Reed. I can really envision them calling on him for times when those members aren't available.

I think what people aren't liking (just a guess) is that they kind of expect ASM to be very Pete/Spidey-centric. And that's a pretty legitimate gripe as this was certainly more an ensemble issue. The story would have been a better fit in the FF, but Slott doesn't write that one, so it's here. Myself, it had just enough forays into , and progression of, Pete's personal life, that it was enough for me. I wouldn't want the series to be like this, but a couple of issue span is fine.

 

[CrimsonMist]

I love what Aaron has done so far on MAX but I'm not ready to call it the definitive Punisher run just yet. Ennis did some incredible work on MAX, it's going to be hard to top. "Long Cold Dark" was one of the best Punisher stories I've ever read.

Yea, as I said, I think it has the potential to be up there in the echelon of great Punisher stories. I love the kind of stories that get personal for Frank and he has to deal with it. Aaron has really been doing a great job. While I don't think he can top Ennis, i think he has the ability to be equal. We'll find out. I just hope Aaron sticks around after this arc is finished. And I don't think this'll be "THE" definitive run, but A definitive run.

I'm not down on ASM like many were. Was it the best issue of Big-Time so far? No, definitely not but I think it's not the end of the world if Slott has a mediocre issue now and again. He's carrying a heavy load by himself with the 2X a month permanent schedule. And let's be honest, we've been exposed to straight crapola out of the Spidey-line over the course of the past 2-3 years. This pales in comparison.

Well, as I said, this issue was the SECOND issue of ASM that I've bought. This is the first time I've ever considered picking up Spidey on a monthly basis. So those last 2-3 years? I'm not up to speed on that stuff. I'm only going by what I felt when I read these two issues. The new issue had some moments, like the stuff with the mime, but overall, it just didn't do anything for me. I'll stick with it for the time being, as every writer has a dud issue every now and then. So we'll see.

 

[runawayboulder]

See, I wouldn't even classify it as a dud. I actually enjoyed the Spidey/FF interaction mixed in with Dragon-Man babysitting the kids. In comparison to other issues of Big-Time there was more side-stories but overall I don't think it was as bad as people make it out to be.

And I forgot to mention about Punisher MAX is Dillon's art was exceptional. The time off did him good, his work looks reinvigorated.

 

[Phaedrus45]

The problem with the recent issues of ASM is 1) the first couple storylines were pretty darn good, and 2) Dan seems to be skewing his storylines to meet what's happening in other comics with the Fantastic Four issues. These stories, while not bad, suffer from two problems. A) We just had a sentimental (and, much better written, imo) issue devoted to Marla's death (and, in retrospect, Hickman's memorial to Johnny in the final issue of Fantastic Four was much better than Slotts), and B) the newest issue felt like back-up feature fodder.

The New Avengers #11

Now, ASM is WONDERFUL compared to this issue! First, not much really happens, as all the current action just focuses on Mockingbird's near-fatal injuries. (Bendis has been doing this too much. It doesn't seem that long ago Luke Cage was in the same situation.) About the only thing I enjoy is the look back at the Chaykin-drawn old school Avengers. I'd definitely pick up a comic featuring those characters.

The Dark Tower-The Gunslinger: The Little Sisters Of Eluria #5

The conclusion to Roland's newest adventure on his path to the Dark Tower ends satisfyingly enough. Still, Marvel needs to get the ball rolling and start advancing the books much faster. Let's get to the Drawing Of The Three by 2012, at least!!!

X-Men Legacy #247

This issue gives all the answers to the how and why of Age Of X...and, it comes as no shock. People have already stated this as being why the X-Men find themselves in a different reality. I'm just waiting for it all to end. Overall, I have to say Age Of X is a big disappointment.

 

[hippie_hunter]

Age of X has been dreadfully boring. At least it wasn't long or else I would have dropped X-Men: Legacy and New Mutants.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I would say that Uncanny X-Men #534.1 and #535 are the perfect jumping on points. Get into it now.

The Fear Itself tie-ins are actually IN the Uncanny X-Men title, though I forget the issue numbers off hand. Starting in either June or July. The sad part is that Greg Land is doing the art for that arc. I like that Gillen is on pencils and that Dodson is still on board... I just wish we'd find a different artist to replace Greg Land.

Honestly though, if you're interested in maybe giving Gillen a shot, the 534.1 and 535 issues are good jumping on points. But I'll go as far as to agree with Phaed in that it isn't that they're amazing, it's that they're leaps and bounds better than Fraction's take on the book. I think it'll improve though because Gillen is working to seemlessly go from Fraction's take to his and so far it seems to be flowing well without having to actually mess with anything of Fraction's run.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Age of X has been dreadfully boring. At least it wasn't long or else I would have dropped X-Men: Legacy and New Mutants.

I've enjoyed it but only at the length we've been given. If this were to be dragged out more I don't think I'd have liked it. But for a short story, it works.

Plus, I just like seeing Chamber around with his psionic flame again.

 

[runawayboulder]

I avoided Age of X from the jump. I am however seriously considering picking up New Mutants #25 when DnA come aboard.

 

[JewishHobbit]

DnA mixed with X-Man and 616 Blink (freshly not insane now) is full of win in my book

 

[Keyser Soze]

Wait, PunisherMAX #12 came out two weeks ago!?!?

 

[Phaedrus45]

Saw Fast Five last night. Gotta say, I was rather disappointed. The plot was a weak excuse to get the gang back together; and, I found myself just wishing the movie would be over at the halfway mark. The scenes between Vin and The Rock bordered on the homoerotic...and, while I was watching the film, I found myself wondering if Bendis has purposefully been trying to make himself look like Vin Diesel.

Anyway..onto some comic reviews.

The Strange Case Of Mr. Hyde #1

This little four issue mini from Dark Horse caught my eye; and, I'm always willing to give a new series a try. This one didn't disappoint, as it's a blend of Dr. Jeckyl And Mr. Hyde meets Silence Of The Lambs. In this story, the people of London believe Henry Jeckyl has been dead the past five years; but, in truth, he's been hidden under lock and key beneath the streets of London. When a new rash of prostitute murders strike again, a detective learns the truth of Dr. Jeckyl, and ends up using him as a consultant of sorts. A good beginning, and I'll be putting the rest of the issues on my pull list.

Walking Dead #84

I liked this conclusion to No Way Out. I was sure Kirkman was going to end up killing most of the cast again; but, loved that they all grouped together to put down the zombie attack. I still will not believe his son could survive the shot to the head; but, I guess with comics I must suspend my disbelief.

New Mutants #24

The conclusion to Age Of X ends in a whimper. We get a big fight; but, as things aren't looking up for the mutants, Legion simply takes control of this world him mind has created and blinks it out of existance...and, returns everyone back to Utopia.

This felt like a real non-event. It was more a two-issue crossover story that was hyped up to be more than it was; and, it seriously pales in comparison to the other event it's suppose to resemble: Age Of Apocalypse. In a year's time, this will be a faded memory. I don't see how it serves any real purpose..and, it shouldn't even be revisited, as it's not even an alternate reality.

Age Of X #2

I didn't mind this two-part mini as much...but, my enjoyment of it diminishes as I realize that these stories really never happened. It's all just make-believe in Legion's mind, right? It's one thing when it's an alternate reality; but, this is more like having a dream.

A mild .

Ultimate X-Men #1

A $1.00 comic...and, rereading this book, I remember how disappointing this series was. How dang boring was this thing??!!?? It's amazing how bad Millar made this version of the X-Men. for the story...but, for the price.


Got more reviews coming...but, Amazing Race is on. I'm rooting for Malory and her father!!!!

 

[Phaedrus45]

Whew! I was worried. Yes, I was happy to see the news of Osama...but, I was also thinking, "Does the newsbreak have to happen when Amazing Race is coming on??" Luckily, they aired the entire show during the next hour. It was a good two hours of TV for me!

More reviews:

Planet Of The Apes #1

Boom's newest series...and, like many of these old properties by other companies (like Dynamite and IDW), it's not bad...but, nothing that great, either. I'm guessing this takes place after the first five movies (let's just forget about that Tim Burton mess)...but, I cannot remember how those final movies ended; so, I'm not sure. Humans and Apes live in peace. Except, some supposed human assassinates one of the Apes, and now that peace is in jeapordy. (Not very original...and, we can all guess that the killer is most likely not human.)

Not sure how long I'll stick with this book. I'm hoping things get better; but, I don't have much hope.

Godzilla #2

Like with Planet Of The Apes, I have not been impressed with this title, either. The second issue is a bit better than the first. At least it's a longer read; and, I did like that the snotty kid got killed for stealing the exhibit. It's just the story is not very exciting. A bunch of monsters have been unleashed....we get some crappy dialogue...and, I'm still hoping things get better.

True Blood: Tainted Love #3

Well, this second mini based on the tv show (not the books) is better than the first; but, it's still nowhere close to being as good as HBO's series. Whereas the first mini didn't leave off where the series ended, this one does. In this, the True Blood vampire drink has been tainted by some unknown source, and it drives vampires into a murderous frenzy. It's cool to see the characters, but I think IDW would have been better off pulling an Anita Blake and retelling the original novels, instead of making up lame stories that take place between seasons of the television series.

A mild , and only because I'm a fan of the show. If you haven't watched the show, you'd be confused about who these people are...and, why you should even invest time in the series.

The Mighty Thor #1

All this said above, those books are HANDS DOWN better than Fraction's Mighty Thor. I was hoping this book would improve greatly after he got finished bringing Odin and Loki back from the dead; but, this first issue is just a bit confusing...and boring. PLUS, the story appears to take place before events in Fear Itself. (Asgard is still on Earth; so, I'm feeling as if I'm reading an irrelevant storyline.) Also, how does this all fit in with Pak's current Silver Surfer mini?

Disappointing, I must say. And, really, it's odd to say that. How can I be disappointed by Fraction's Thor, when I know what he's done previous to this relaunch? I just am. I guess I was holding out hope.

Needless to say, buy Journey Into Mystery by Gillen. It's what we want in a Thor comic, not this crap.

Secret Avengers #12 and #12.1

Brubaker's conclusion to his John Steele storyline isn't bad; but, haven't we been here before? It's Bucky all over again, even with the brainwashing. This wasn't a bad storyline; but, as per usual, it's about Steve Rogers, and the Secret Avengers aren't even a factor. Thankfully, Secret Avengers 12.1 gives a person a reason to buy this comic again! (I'm guessing many early readers have since dropped it.) Spencer is the go-to-guy, and he does in one issue what's been missing from the 12 issues previously. We actually get a team book. My only complaint is that it wasn't US Agent behind the leaks of information; but, instead, it was an unknown person. (At least, I think it wasn't anyone we knew.) Plus, this issue is hurt by coming after another storyline where Steve busts someone stealing one of his identies.

Does anyone know if Spencer is staying on the book, or was this a done-in-one thing? If he sticks around, I'll feel so much better about this.

Issue 12 gets a mild , whereas issue 12.1 gets a strong, solid Smiley Face.

The Flash #11

A new, worse artist (I know many felt Manapul might be overrated; but, I enjoyed his art more than Kolins), and I am not that excited about Flashpoint. (I'm guessing that Flashpoint is just going to be some alternate reality kind of thing...but, we'll see.) We get too many Flash characters, and Johns' attempt at the intervention is just...awkward!

I hope things get better. Flash hasn't been good since before Barry came back. I'm kind of wishing he'd stayed dead.


Still haven't review five comics I've read; but, it's getting late. Gotta get to bed, especially since I'm volunteering at my kid's school tomorrow.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Does anyone know if Spencer is staying on the book, or was this a done-in-one thing? If he sticks around, I'll feel so much better about this.

Spencer is the writer for the Fear Itself tie-ins (3 issues I think) and then Warren Ellis is coming on for 6 issues (thus far announced).

 

[JewishHobbit]

Hey, just realized that I think you're using the wrong Bought/Thought. HERE'S the one for the 27th.