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Bought/Thought for August 18th, 2010 - SPOILERS

While you quoted my review of SECRET AVENGERS #4, which was mostly negative, did you miss my reviews of BATMAN BEYOND #3, ATLAS #4, AVENGERS ACADEMY #3, SHADOWLAND: POWER MAN #1 or THUNDERBOLTS #147 for more positive reviews?

I don't deny being jaded, but I am always mind boggled how on the one hand some posters here seem to lament negative, cynical, or "pessimistic" reviews or rants, yet out of a week in which 5 out of 7 comics got positive reviews from me overall, you focus on the most negative one. They always seem to garner more attention.

Well, because of your unusually long reviews, I tend to read only the ones from the books I buy, with mere glances at the other ones... So I don't read the books that you gave positive reviews for; hence, my initial comments.

:yay:
 
Well, because of your unusually long reviews, I tend to read only the ones from the books I buy, with mere glances at the other ones... So I don't read the books that you gave positive reviews for; hence, my initial comments.

:yay:

Fair enough. Although all of those other books are totally worth reading. :up:
 
Dread you just sadly gotta get used to more people enjoy whining then talking about the comics they like, but fight the power and share your good reviews! I loved Thunderbolts personally. It had great moments from Crossbones, Juggernaut, Walker, SAY MY NAME LUKE CAGE, Songbird, Gunna the Troll lass and so much more. :) I gotta say Thunderbolts is probably the best team-book out from Mainstream Marvel right now. Brubaker's 1st arc was pretty lackluster, but perhaps the new stuff from Nick Fury will be alot of win. :p
 
Crossbones is so much fun. I'm really glad Parker used him for the series. It'd be nice if they covered the racial tension that's no doubt brewing based on Brock's Nazism and Cage's race, but I guess that might be too touchy a topic to address in the more straightforward superhero fare that the Heroic Age is supposed to represent.
 
Fair enough. Although all of those other books are totally worth reading. :up:

Probably... I've heard good things about the Thunderbolts in recent years... and I did read the first run of Agents of ATLAS, and I enjoyed it... though money's been tight, so it was one of the unfortunate books that got the chopping block... Avengers Academy is the only new Avengers' book I don't read, though I keep hearing good things... maybe I'll pick up the first trade and see how it goes...

:yay:
 
Probably... I've heard good things about the Thunderbolts in recent years... and I did read the first run of Agents of ATLAS, and I enjoyed it... though money's been tight, so it was one of the unfortunate books that got the chopping block... Avengers Academy is the only new Avengers' book I don't read, though I keep hearing good things... maybe I'll pick up the first trade and see how it goes...

:yay:


Avengers Academy is definately the best of the bunch right now. And considering they're mostly new characters, the one with the most upside potential. Like I said earlier, if you liked the original run of New Mutants, you'll definitely like this.
 
I have all 100 issues of the original New Mutants run... it was hit or miss for me... the Bill Sienkiewicz was hard to get into at times...

:o
 
Dread you just sadly gotta get used to more people enjoy whining then talking about the comics they like, but fight the power and share your good reviews! I loved Thunderbolts personally. It had great moments from Crossbones, Juggernaut, Walker, SAY MY NAME LUKE CAGE, Songbird, Gunna the Troll lass and so much more. :) I gotta say Thunderbolts is probably the best team-book out from Mainstream Marvel right now. Brubaker's 1st arc was pretty lackluster, but perhaps the new stuff from Nick Fury will be alot of win. :p

Trust me, I can't gripe too much about only negative stuff or "complaints" getting more attention. If I did it would be like shadowboxing. I gripe and moan more than plenty around here. ;)

T-BOLTS #147 was good. It's the only ongoing title where I get to read Luke Cage, since I don't read Bendis titles anymore. True, he's in SHADOWLAND: POWER MAN, but that's a mini and it's temporary. Parker is doing a solid job with him, I'd say. He's hardcore, but not so much so that he isn't the Cage we've grown to know for about five years. Plus, Kev Walker has him wearing a distinct outfit. He doesn't look like the laziest dresser of the team like he sometimes does on New Avengers. I am glad another confrontation with Purple Man got to happen here and not NA.

I wouldn't go so far as to say T-Bolts is the best team book from Marvel, because I read a few others I enjoy. But it is one of the beat. Jeff Parker's on a solid run there.

Crossbones is so much fun. I'm really glad Parker used him for the series. It'd be nice if they covered the racial tension that's no doubt brewing based on Brock's Nazism and Cage's race, but I guess that might be too touchy a topic to address in the more straightforward superhero fare that the Heroic Age is supposed to represent.

Probably. It isn't like I get any impression that Crossbones likes or respects Cage at all anyway. He's just not doing Nazi salutes about it. He was a violent thug before he joined up with Red Skull anyway.

Probably... I've heard good things about the Thunderbolts in recent years... and I did read the first run of Agents of ATLAS, and I enjoyed it... though money's been tight, so it was one of the unfortunate books that got the chopping block... Avengers Academy is the only new Avengers' book I don't read, though I keep hearing good things... maybe I'll pick up the first trade and see how it goes...

:yay:

I do understand money being tight. All I can recommend is trim the books you buy because they are important and only buy the ones you genuinely enjoy on a regular basis. Although even that may not help.

And I have to probably listen to my own advice on INVINCIBLE IRON MAN. It's not Bendis bad but I am at that blase' phase like I was with the Huston volume of MOON KNIGHT. For every one exciting, intense issue, there are about two or three slow burn, not greater than the sum of it's parts issues. I am losing interest.

Avengers Academy is definately the best of the bunch right now. And considering they're mostly new characters, the one with the most upside potential. Like I said earlier, if you liked the original run of New Mutants, you'll definitely like this.

I think this is better than NEW MUTANTS is or was. :o

I like this book more than I liked the last Young Avengers mini or the first issue of Crusade. I probably even like it a smidge more than YOUNG ALLIES, and I like that too.
 
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Web Of Spider-Man #11

It's probably a little too late; but, the new format for this book works much better than the first seven or so issues. We get a featured Spidey or Spidey-related story, . . . and this issue begins a Mary Jane and Black Cat team-up. (Both really don't want to work with the other...and, that makes the story that much more interesting.)

I am definitely enjoying the MJ & Cat story, both story & art! A couple of things occurred to me while reading it.

Some on these boards not only think Pete should not be married, but he definitely should not be married to "party girl" Mary Jane. Reading this story, those that feel that way about "party girl" MJ not right for Peter, do they feel better now that he "hooks up" with Black Cat as she's portrayed? A better match? :yay:

Someone on these boards said that MJ mentioning her "old life" with Peter might suggest she remembers the marriage. I don't think so. She remembers everything that happened in the new continuity. She means when she lived with Peter starting in 1987. She remembers all, except the marriage (which no longer happened) and the Mephisto deal.

Which brings up some odd things that had to be worked with Black Cat. Marvel states that everything happened as before, except the wedding (and pregnancy). Therefore, Felicia interacted with MJ numerous times, such as the breakout of Osborn in Marvel Knights and the mentioned relationship with Flash. Yet, she seems not to know MJ (just knows of her). Of course, that would tip off that Pete was Spider-Man. I think this another case where things are clumsy to set up this status quo.

That said, I am enjoying this. It's sad that it ends next issue.
 
REVIEWS!!!

Avengers & The Infinity Gauntlet #1

This is another adventure in that little side universe where Marvel characters are much more kid friendly. Previously, we had a pretty darn good Tobin mini called "Spider-Man and the Secret Wars." Sadly, this isn't written by Tobin, and it really shows. This first issue felt more how Marvel Adventures used to be, before Tobin took over the writing duties. And, even though the cover boasts an Avengers adventure, it's a lot more New Avengers than the original. Spidey and Wolverine join in on this..and, they even bring back Ace, the trucker who can drive his rig into space. Finally, Dr. Doom shows up, and convinces the heroes to include him in this grand adventure. (The reason for this is because a good third to half of the world's population has mysteriously disappeared.)

Read the original, don't bother with this. :csad:

Secret Avengers #4

Yeah, gotta agree with most others; this first storyline might have started out interesting, but it went quickly downhill. Even making Cap-Steve into Nova for a short time did nothing for me. About the only thing that did intrigue me was what's Nick Fury up to...but, we have to wait until next issue for that revelation. One thing is obvious. Great writers on Daredevil do not make great writers on big team books, like Avengers. Times like this, I miss Busiek writing this book. :dry:

Shadowland: Power Man #1

I have mixed feelings. The story was pretty good, and I love how the tie-ins to Shadowland do tie-in really well with the main storyline. But, I hate replacing existing characters with younger versions. Sure, Luke Cage will always be around (Bendis willing), and this Power Man is just taking his previous name and money-lovin' Heroes-For-Hire identity; I'm just not a fan of the concept. (I still have bad memories about that younger Tony Stark. Who knows what would have become of that, if not for Heroes Reborn making everything back to normal without any explanation for the change back to regular Tony.)

Still, as I said, this story was good. Shadowland is impressing me so far. :yay:

Shadowland: Daughters Of The Shadow #1

And, this too, is interesting, especially if you've been following what's happened to Misty Knight and Colleen Wing since the last Heroes For Hire comic came out. I've been wondering about Colleen, since most of the other comics I read focus more on Misty. This book answers that question, and I was happy to see they aren't going to resolve the disagreement between the two girls too quickly. With everything that's happened, Colleen is the perfect recruit that Matt can add to his army. :yay:

Amazing Spider-Man #640

Not as good as the previous two issues. (Of course, whether those were good is debatable in most Spidey forums.) This issue shows the length Kingpin is willing to go to destroy Peter Parker's life; and, in the end, how desperate Peter is to make his identity a secret again after revealing it to the world, due to Civil War. The comic still interested me; and, I liked seeing MJ hold her own until Spidey comes in to save the day. :yay:

Last Phantom #1

This comic has been promoted throughout Dynamite's titles for quite a few months; and, the end product is nowhere as good as the covers look. The story is pretty generic. The "last Phantom" tries to get out of his ancestor's legacy...but, due to his country being ravaged and his family killed, he knows he cannot escape his destiny. In this issue, we see the devastation; next issue, The Phantom starts exacting his revenge.

This will probably be the only issue of the comic I get. As I'm trying to reduce my reading list, Dynamite's subpar titles will greatly be effected. :dry:

Lone Ranger #23

Speaking of subpar Dynamite titles....is anyone else even reading this comic that was so lauded when it first came out? I've always complained about it's slow pace...and, even constant shipping delays. Well, next issue promises to be the "beginning of the end." (I seriously thought, "oh God...the beginning alone can take four or five issues.) There truly is no comic by Dynamite that drags on and on like Lone Ranger. The only other comic that is comparable lately to how I feel about this book is Fraction's Iron Man. :dry:

Buffy: Riley One-Shot

I was bored by this issue; but, that's got a lot to do with my never having watched much of Buffy's televison series before...so, I have no clue as to who Riley is. I thought the ending of "Twilight" sucked...and, I'm eager for Joss Whedon to wrap up this eighth season soon. I'm not sure if I'll be continuing to read it after that. This series has had it's moments; but, I thought the best of those were early on...and, most of the time, it didn't even seem as if Buffy were fighting vampires. (And, why neglect vampires, when the commodity is so hot right now?) :csad:

The Light #5

This final issue of the mini ended nicely. It's cool to see a somewhat original horror idea come in a comic again, when so many are just doing vampires, werewolves, and zombies. The ending is a bit emotional; but, it shows what a parent is willing to do to save their child...even if that parent hasn't been that great in the past. It's a tale of one man's final act of redemption in that child's eyes.

Not sure if a sequel could ever be done; but, I'd love to see more, even if it's with different characters. I kind of like how the writer didn't try to explain what caused power-sourced light to cause people to die. It was more about the characters. :yay::yay:
 
I am definitely enjoying the MJ & Cat story, both story & art! A couple of things occurred to me while reading it.

Some on these boards not only think Pete should not be married, but he definitely should not be married to "party girl" Mary Jane. Reading this story, those that feel that way about "party girl" MJ not right for Peter, do they feel better now that he "hooks up" with Black Cat as she's portrayed? A better match? :yay:

Someone on these boards said that MJ mentioning her "old life" with Peter might suggest she remembers the marriage. I don't think so. She remembers everything that happened in the new continuity. She means when she lived with Peter starting in 1987. She remembers all, except the marriage (which no longer happened) and the Mephisto deal.

Which brings up some odd things that had to be worked with Black Cat. Marvel states that everything happened as before, except the wedding (and pregnancy). Therefore, Felicia interacted with MJ numerous times, such as the breakout of Osborn in Marvel Knights and the mentioned relationship with Flash. Yet, she seems not to know MJ (just knows of her). Of course, that would tip off that Pete was Spider-Man. I think this another case where things are clumsy to set up this status quo.

That said, I am enjoying this. It's sad that it ends next issue.

I was thinking the same thing regarding MJ and Black Cat's previous relationship. No matter what Quesada explains, there is going to be obvious faults in some past stories. This one is pretty big, though, imo. It appears to negate quite a few old stories. Maybe that's more this writer's fault, as he's writing Black Cat more like we knew her originally in the 80's. (Which was a better Black Cat, imo.)
 
I think that part of the mindwipe will be that no one remembers MJ's relationship with Spider-Man/Peter Parker because they might put two & two together...

At least... that's what I think...

:yay:
 
AND, for people who are always crying that Marvel never creates any new characters: well, put your money where you mouth is. These are some really interesting characters. But you need to pick it up and give it a try.

Heh, you've said this before, and I'm pretty sure everyone who actually says that is picking up up...as few as they are...

Shadowland: Power Man #1

I have mixed feelings. The story was pretty good, and I love how the tie-ins to Shadowland do tie-in really well with the main storyline. But, I hate replacing existing characters with younger versions. Sure, Luke Cage will always be around (Bendis willing), and this Power Man is just taking his previous name and money-lovin' Heroes-For-Hire identity; I'm just not a fan of the concept. (I still have bad memories about that younger Tony Stark. Who knows what would have become of that, if not for Heroes Reborn making everything back to normal without any explanation for the change back to regular Tony.)

Still, as I said, this story was good. Shadowland is impressing me so far. :yay:

Does he pull out the phrase in this :awesome:

I kind of understand what you're saying, but I don't really think Luke Cage will ever go back to that persona, so I don't see it quite the same as replacing really. I guess Cage can go back to being called Power Man, but I don't see him going back to that costume such permanently
 
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Man, what is up with my buying comics on Fridays lately?!

Anyhow, I got to the comicshop and realized that along with one comic I pushed back from last week my pull list was at $40. I decided to take it down to $24, my limit, but ended up paying $30 because I forgot to put two issues back on the shelf as intended and I didn't have the heart to ask the shop owner to rering my order. I suppose this is good though, as both Thunderbolts and Avengers Academy are on my potential drop list. It's good to give them each as much chance at continuing as possible, as they are two of the three comics that I'm still heavily debating (the other being Batgirl).

Anyhow, on to some reviews.

Avengers Academy 3 - I think I actually enjoyed this issue more than the previous 2, not because of Hazmat's origin, but in the story itself with the Raft. It was written well and I think the characters are finally starting to grow on me, Veil and Mettle being top among those. I'll definately buy the next issue to finish out this storyline and I think most likely I will continue on with this book for a while longer. I'm curious how it plays out with Osborn. We obviously know that they aren't going to kill him but I'm curious to see how they play it out.

The accidental buy really helped out in this title because I meant to put it back on the shelf due to money restrictions but typically when a comic is no longer the newest it's not as difficult for me to continue passing up. If this went back on the shelf, there's a very good chance it may have been the official cancelation for me. But now it's given a second chance for at least the next 3 or 4 issues.

Thunderbolts 147 - This one, however, didn't fair as well for me. I feel like the "Scared Straight" aspect of the comic was very obligatory and distracting. The kids had nothing to do with the story really and I'd rather it to have just been something someone pulled from the comic, the blackout and fix, and just be a stand alone comic. If that were the case I think I'd have liked the issue more. I'm getting a little more used to the art, though not saying that I like it at all, and the characters are growing on me for the most part. The best thing about the issue for me was Juggernaut's tricking two of the escapees and in a way, helping out Cage's crew. I've hated how Parker's written him, as he had moved so far beyond that before Carey's regression of the character in the one issue of X-Men Legacy, only 2 stories prior to this title, so I hate seeing him just bashing things and being disrespectful and all that. This scene showed that he still has that goodness in him and has a shot at redemption. For that reason and for that reason alone this title has gone from definate drop to I may give the next issue a try. I'm not sure yet, the heartbeat is weak, but there's a chance at least. Man-Thing is pretty cool though.

Hulk 24 - Despite all the negativity, I've really enjoyed this whole Red Hulk arc... it's just been dragged out much too long. If they'd have gone straight from the initial 6 issue arc, do a 3 issue arc next that kinda bridged the gap and ended with the depowering of Hulk into Banner, and then let the rest flow as it happened, I think it would have been better, but all in all, I can't say I'm disappointed with the title (and that's from someone who isn't necessarilly a Hulk fan) and I'm kinda happy to see Red Hulk show up in Avengers.

That said, however, this will be my final issue. I enjoyed the run, but the price always hurt me, as I enjoyed it more back with it was $3 an issue and not $4, and with me needing to drop comics I'm looking to drop as many $4 comics as I can. Though the Skaar conclusion in Incredible was better, this was a decent ending to the Red Hulk plot and is a great jumping off point. I liked it but can't say I'll really miss the book. I know that Parker is coming on but he's not wowed me yet like he's wowed others so I don't feel drawn to continue under his pen. I hope for the best, but I won't be there for it.

My biggest nitpick about the issue though is the depiction of Hulk. World War Hulk is not Bruce Banner by any means at all, but he's depicted as if he were Professor Hulk or something. That kinda bugged me, but I can get over it.

Uncanny X-Men 527 - For the first time in 17ish years I am seriously debating on dropping this title. I've stuck with it through the good, the bad, and the mediocre, but Fraction's run, I've realized, I just have below zero interest in. I don't care at all what happens from one issue to the next and I am not invested in the characters anymore in the slightest. I still hate Emma with Scott, I like Scott but he doesn't really feel like Scott anymore, especially without Jean there. I hate Wolverine's brutal depiction these days. Namor being in the book, though I liked the idea of it, feels out of place in execution. I just don't give a crap about any of the threats Fraction brings in. Where there was once chemistry between many of the characters such as Psylocke and Angel, or Wolverine and Nightcrawler, there isn't any now (and that was before Nightcrawler died). He doesn't write Colossus worth crap and so many good X-Men are barely there, such as Iceman. There's very little character growth beyond that of Cyclops (and I wouldn't really call that growth) and it just feels like the book has no direction in the slightest. Add all that up to the fact that Portacio's art sucked back in the 90's and it still sucks and there is just no draw here.

I'm longing for Fraction to be off the book like no other X-Writer before him but there's no sign of that to come and now that the book is $4 ongoing, I just can't justify it. The X-Fan in me wants to keep going and wait out the run but at $4 an issue it's just not worth it. I'm debating on just dropping the book and buy them later at discount online or something once a new writer is named for completionist sake.

As for the issue itself it was just kinda bleh. Not bad but nothing about is particularly bad. The scene between Emma, Peter, and Kitty was just kinda bleh. The new student is generic and the art sucks. I didn't dislike the issue, but I closed it once finished and didn't give it another thought until now.

A side note... I said the $4 price hurts my enjoyment of the book, but note I also am having a hard time buying the new X-Men book due to the $4 price I bought the first issue and wasn't that impressed. I still haven't been able to buy the second issue... so it isn't just Uncanny but likely the X-Men linewide. I hate to say it but with the exception of Uncanny X-Force when it starts and maybe X-Factor, I may start taking serious consideration to dropping the X-Men after all this time. It isn't even just Fraction's run. For me, the X-Men stopped being good once Morrison left. His run was great but I think Jean was the heart of the team and his killing her off and then replacing her with Emma, a much inferior character, killed a lot for this book and hurt it more than M-Day ever did It's just not been that good since then. Whedon's Astonishing was a little spike, though still not the jump I was wanting, and there's been a few decent things here and there, but I've honestly been dragging along ever since.

I'm a sucker for student books so I'll likely finish up this Five Lights story, and I might even give the next one a try. Weaning myself from this line will not come easily, but if it continues as it has for such a long time at $4 an issue, it will eventually be dropped.


More to come shortly (unless my wife pulls me away to clean out the fridge :()
 
New Mutants 16 - I kinda enjoyed this issue. I liked how they are pulling from past storylines, here being that the children who was used to jumpstart Inferno back in the day return, now grown mutants and "weaons" for this corrupted military squad that was stuck in Limbo for years and years. The read was actually very interesting, though the New Mutants weren't actually in it. I didn't give a lick about the characters up until this issue, but now I'm genuinely curious about them as a threat. This title isn't by any means one of my favorites but it's decent enough to continue on. However, it's not exactly one of my favorite X-titles either and the fact that it IS an X-Title has always given it more pull for me, but if I'm seirously considering passing up X-Titles now this book may eventually find itself on the hurt list... but it still premature, so we'll see.

Shadowland: Power-Man 1 - This was a decent issue, though not anything spectacular. The character's pretty generic thus far and there was too much Spanish in the issue, which is distracting for people like me who don't know it. That said, Iron Fist was cool and it was good seeing him in a central role. I'm onboard for this issue for him and likely for the ongoing that comes after it. I hear Van Lente is good (I've only read one arc by him so I can't really judge by that alone, though it was good) so I hope the mini gets better as it goes.

New Avengers 3 - And here we have our 2nd issue this week with heavy focus on Iron Fist (not to mention a small guest role as a guest instructor in Academy). Personally, this title is becoming my favorite of the Avenger line. I like the characters better and the storyline actually has me curious, even though I'm not a big fan of magic characters.

Last issue the mysterious mystical being that possessed Luke Cage switched over to Iron Fist, who had the Eye of Agamotto, and vanished with him. In this issue we see that Iron Fist still has the Eye and is in some mystical plane where it's all white and there are two voices talking about him. He should have died or something as soon as he entered but by their luck they chose a mystically powered Iron Fist, who can survive due to his connection to the sacred arts of Shou-Lao. It's cool to see Iron Fist get this attention here because Bendis really ignored up previously, and to bring his roots into it was also a bonus.

While this is going on, in the real world the Avengers are attacked by an invasion of otherworldly demons unleashed on New York. The Avengers fight them back as the mystical trinity of Dr. Strange, Dr. Voodoo, and Damian Hellstrom leave to study and figure out who is behind this and how to stop them. I enjoyed seeing Victoria Hand, who was shown struggling with her role helping the Avengers, stand up and defend Jessica Jones against the demons and hold them off long enough for Jessica to get the baby out of there. It humanized her, and I think that was greatly needed. I like Hand, I feel she was the best thing to come out of Dark Reign, and it's good to see her grow some, even just a little.

I do feel like an oppertunity was missed in this issue. Thing gives some type of sloggin that wasn't anything special and Spider-Man chastises him for not using THE sloggin, 'It's Clobberin' Time". They get into a debate about how Thing thinks he should grow now that he's an Avenger and try new things and Spider-Man expains how you don't see him stop being witty and all that and that they should stick with what works. In the end, Thing agrees, right at the bottom of the page. Despite the predictability, it worked me up and I was kinda excited to turn the page and see the first New Avenger "It's Clobberin' Time" but then I turned the page and the scene shifted and it never happened. That would have been such a fun scene, especially for someone who loves Thing but doesn't read much Fantastic Four. Oh well, no biggie really.

I'm not a real big reader of Dr. Strange's past so the ending didn't have much impact on me, but I do get it it. It turns out that one of the people behind this mystical attack is the man who taught Dr. Strange all he knows, I'm assuming the guy who took him in after he broke his hands and went on that hike in the mountains or whatever it was that happened. I have no connection to the character, but it still has me kinda excited.

Secret Avengers 4 - While I love portions of this cast this book is doing little for me and this issue specific just annoyed the crap out of me. I think Dread covered the issue itself well, and as he said, the handling of Nova and Roger's becoming a Nova and doing so well at it off the bat... it was just frustrating to a Nova fan like me. I'm definately sticking with the book through the next arc due to the Prince of Orphans being in it, and because I really like Deodato, but I'm not holding my breath for this title. And if the Nick Fury isn't a LMD then I'm not a longtime comic reader. I've called that since issue 1. I'll be very surprised if I'm proven wrong in that, but due to my belief of what he is, I have no interest in that portion of the storyline.

Green Lantern Corps 51 - I feel the best thing about this issue was ruined on the cover. I hate when that happens, but at least the cover has to do with the inside and isn't just some generic pose. I appreciate that.

Anyhow, so Cyborg Superman has taken control of the Alpha Lanterns and has created more of them with the hopes that Ganthet knows how to undo the Alpha Lanterns to make them mortal again. He's also turned himself into one and his plan is to have Ganthet practice on the other Alpha Lanterns and then to work on himself to make him mortal again, and not a cyborg. In the process of this a few Alpha Lanterns (the newer ones) are killed and we see Ganthet crying and experiencing grief for the first time. It's a touching scene.

The stuff with Kyle, John, and Sora and the robots was kinda boring until Alpha Lantern Boodika shows up. That scene became cool because the thing with Alpha Lanterns is that they drain a Green Lantern ring and all the lanterns were now powerless. The cover ruining moment that I thought was cool though was that Kyle had previously called for backup from someone and it turned out to be Hannu, the one Green Lantern who almost never uses his ring and depends on his strength to fight. He comes in and beats down his fellow Lost Lantern, Boodika and she comes to her senses briefly as she appears to be dying. She uses her lantern chest to recharge all the Lanterns and that's where we end. So I'm not sure if Boodika actually died or not but I'm liking the focus of this series. I never cared about John but I'm growing to like him, and I'm glad that minor lanterns that I've always been interested in, like Hannu and Stel, are getting staring attention in this arc. It's been a very good arc thus far, on par with Green Lantern, and I'm glad to still be buying this title. Here's hoping Emerald Knights picks up and becomes equally as good. I'm getting tired of buying inferior products for an extra buck.


Best and Worst of the Week

Best: New Avengers 3 - It's been a while since one of these got best of the week, if it ever has since I've started these things. I just found that the comic kept my attention all the way through. The characters were all intriguing for me, and despite what others say, I actually DO think that Bendis is doing better finding character voices. He's not the best writer in the world but I do tend to enjoy his stuff just fine. Even his mocked Bendis conversations are to a minimal these days. I'll be honest, and this is my opinion, but I'd take Bendis over Brubaker anyday.

Worst: Secret Avengers 4 - I debated between this one and Uncanny but ultimately I feel that this one deserved it. Uncanny's problem is that it just doesn't motivate me to care about the characters, though I don't particularly DISlike the book. Secret Avengers, however, I feel was badly written or at least layed out. Yes, the cast is interesting, and that's the main reason I'm still reading it, but the plot was just kinda bleh, the handling of the characters is worse than what people claim of Bendis, and the take on Steve as Nova was ******ed. It just wasn't any good.

And I'd like to call for some comparisons between Brubaker and Bendis at this stage. Bendis and Brubaker apparently had some good crime indies, I don't know due to my never having read them, but I've heard great things from them. Both of them then had a great acclaimed run on a major solo title. Bendis did Daredevil and Bru did Captain America. At the time Bendis paced his stories well, though Bru tended to start dragging out his stories at that time. Bendis was still hitting pretty good though, despite Bru dudding with X-Men. Now, we have the Avenger books. Bendis was ridiculed early, most notoriously, for bad characterisation and for the use of threats under Avengers level, apparently Ninjas, despite their barely being used by Bendis. Bru is failing much of his characterisation in Secret Avengers and has had the team facing threats under Avengers level with the nick fury drones and other nobodies in the first issue. Their one threat was Nova possessed, rediculously overpowered, but easily defeated in an anti-climactic way... much like how Bendis is always being accused of, such as with Sentry. Also, people complain that Bendis's original New Avengers team was too random and didn't unite believably, but at least he tried to give us an origin story. Bru just threw his team together without much rhyme or reason. Also, with the exception of Secret Avengers, Bru has the same formula in everything he writes... A) kill someone, or B) bring someone back from the dead... and go. Also, randomly kill someone, such as Nomad and Banshee... much like how Bendis was yelled at over killing Alpha Flight.

So here's my thoughts. I like Bendis's Avengers, but I'm not exactly a huge Bendis fan. However, I see the same mistakes throughout Brubaker's run in comics as Bendis's, and while both have had their high moments they're both about the same quality of writer in my eyes. So why the double standard? Why is Bru heraled as a GREAT writer and Bendis is ridiculed as a joke?
 
If these $4 ongoing prices don't change soon I'm gonna start dropping books myself. There's no reason for the increase, especially on top franchises that WILL sell. It's a hard choice, especially with Uncanny where I have just about every issue from 150-present, but the completionist in me just needs to remember there's always discount bins at cons where I can fill holes.
 
I think that part of the mindwipe will be that no one remembers MJ's relationship with Spider-Man/Peter Parker because they might put two & two together...

At least... that's what I think...

Could be, but they said part of the mindwipe/psychic blind spot was, if you put two & two together, you get three.

I do feel like an oppertunity was missed in this issue. Thing gives some type of sloggin that wasn't anything special and Spider-Man chastises him for not using THE sloggin, 'It's Clobberin' Time". They get into a debate about how Thing thinks he should grow now that he's an Avenger and try new things and Spider-Man expains how you don't see him stop being witty and all that and that they should stick with what works. In the end, Thing agrees, right at the bottom of the page. Despite the predictability, it worked me up and I was kinda excited to turn the page and see the first New Avenger "It's Clobberin' Time" but then I turned the page and the scene shifted and it never happened. That would have been such a fun scene, especially for someone who loves Thing but doesn't read much Fantastic Four. Oh well, no biggie really.

I enjoyed the banter between Spidey and Thing (and Ms. Marvel) and look forward to more in the future!
 
I really did enjoy it myself. I was glad to see the team dynamic being shown and that Bendis was actually utilizing each character. I still wish he'd switched Spider-Woman and Ms. Marvel between the teams since Ms. Marvel's more classic Avenger feeling and Spider-Woman's more New Avenger feeling... plus I like Spider-Woman more... but oh well. The rest of the team is great.
 
REVIEWS!!!

Great writers on Daredevil do not make great writers on big team books, like Avengers. Times like this, I miss Busiek writing this book. :dry:

Shadowland: Power Man #1

I have mixed feelings. The story was pretty good, and I love how the tie-ins to Shadowland do tie-in really well with the main storyline. But, I hate replacing existing characters with younger versions. Sure, Luke Cage will always be around (Bendis willing), and this Power Man is just taking his previous name and money-lovin' Heroes-For-Hire identity; I'm just not a fan of the concept. (I still have bad memories about that younger Tony Stark. Who knows what would have become of that, if not for Heroes Reborn making everything back to normal without any explanation for the change back to regular Tony.)

Still, as I said, this story was good. Shadowland is impressing me so far. :yay:

That's actually an interesting line about DD writers not always being as natural for team books. Team books are a different beast than solo hero titles, and I think few writers or editors seem to realize that. Just because Brubaker can juggle additional heroes when they pop up in a CAPTAIN AMERICA story doesn't mean he's a natural on a squad book.

As for SHADOWLAND: POWER MAN, I do have one point of contention with you. While I can understand the hesitancy to see an older character "replaced" with a newer one, your Marvel example is off. In the 90's, Tony Stark was not only made evil, but retconned into ALWAYS having been a mole of Immortus. The 19 year old Arno Stark that was plucked from time was essentially another version of the same character, and the elder Stark died at the end of his intro arc. In SL:PM, Victor Alvarez is his own character. He is a new character with his own family and while it's hinted he has a connection (grudge) with Luke Cage, he may have more to do with Iron Fist than Luke Cage (since he somehow is empowered by chi). Luke Cage will NOT die and be replaced by Victor. You won't see Victor filling his spot on NEW AVENGERS or THUNDERBOLTS. If anything, it is a sign that Cage has moved up a bit. Clearly, Cage has benefited more from Bendis' attention than Iron Fist has. While he still can't sell his own series, he's gotten a higher profile and more to do in the bigger books. More to the point, Cage has very rarely been a "hero for hire". Usually when he is, he is usually just out to back up Iron Fist (who was always less about the cash, since he was rich) or the Daughters of the Dragon (who are still bounty hunters). Cage has gone more "legit", especially being the official commander of the Thunderbolts. He doesn't need to box scabs for cash anymore. He also hasn't really gone by "Power Man" since the 90's, even if he still likes to make inmates scream it when he beats them down during break-outs. :awesome:

I understand being wary of it, but I don't see it as putting Luke Cage to pasture. If anything, I see it as a sign of how far Cage has been elevated in 5-6 years that someone could take his old codename and it won't hinder him at all, because that era is behind him. Honestly, Victor is there to give Iron Fist someone to mentor, I think. He hasn't done much in the past year. I also try to support new blood, as Marvel can always use new characters. It may smell similar to when DC shoehorns in a legacy, but Marvel has played that card a lot less often. The last major time they did, they dusted off Bucky Barnes rather than bring in a "new guy" again like John Walker.

And I'd like to call for some comparisons between Brubaker and Bendis at this stage. Bendis and Brubaker apparently had some good crime indies, I don't know due to my never having read them, but I've heard great things from them. Both of them then had a great acclaimed run on a major solo title. Bendis did Daredevil and Bru did Captain America. At the time Bendis paced his stories well, though Bru tended to start dragging out his stories at that time. Bendis was still hitting pretty good though, despite Bru dudding with X-Men. Now, we have the Avenger books. Bendis was ridiculed early, most notoriously, for bad characterisation and for the use of threats under Avengers level, apparently Ninjas, despite their barely being used by Bendis. Bru is failing much of his characterisation in Secret Avengers and has had the team facing threats under Avengers level with the nick fury drones and other nobodies in the first issue. Their one threat was Nova possessed, rediculously overpowered, but easily defeated in an anti-climactic way... much like how Bendis is always being accused of, such as with Sentry. Also, people complain that Bendis's original New Avengers team was too random and didn't unite believably, but at least he tried to give us an origin story. Bru just threw his team together without much rhyme or reason. Also, with the exception of Secret Avengers, Bru has the same formula in everything he writes... A) kill someone, or B) bring someone back from the dead... and go. Also, randomly kill someone, such as Nomad and Banshee... much like how Bendis was yelled at over killing Alpha Flight.

So here's my thoughts. I like Bendis's Avengers, but I'm not exactly a huge Bendis fan. However, I see the same mistakes throughout Brubaker's run in comics as Bendis's, and while both have had their high moments they're both about the same quality of writer in my eyes. So why the double standard? Why is Bru heraled as a GREAT writer and Bendis is ridiculed as a joke?

I do like that you're reading AVENGERS ACADEMY, although a shame you're not feeling THUNDERBOLTS. I guess because I never really had a "anti-villain Juggernaut" run before, I don't mind it. I never bought the idea of Marko just turning around on a dime, or for the most Hollywood reason of all, to look good in front of some kid (the means for all bad boys in movies to shape up since 1940). Parker writes Cain as someone on the fence, who could go either way and isn't sure yet, and that's what I like. But to each their own.

I quoted your Bendis = Brubaker point because while I still prefer Brubaker overall, it is a valid point and there are connections to the two. Both of them wrote acclaimed runs on DAREDEVIL and at least one solo title after it (Brubaker on CAPTAIN AMERICA and, for some, Bendis on at least the first few years of ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN). Then both went to team books and found it harder than expected. I haven't forgotten the colossal dud that was DEADLY GENESIS or the wasted death of Banshee, given that he was one of my top 10 favorite X-Men. I like Brubaker as a writer and I have defended him from criticism (such as from the Zemo bits in CA, even if I admit the start could have been executed better). That said, there are other writers who I probably feel are more consistent who haven't won an Eisner or gotten a hot Avengers book, like Christos Gage, Jeff Parker, or Fred Van Lente, or probably others I am forgetting.

I will say one difference is that, aside for Nova, Brubaker hasn't written any of his team members in SECRET AVENGERS out of character. There's no Spider-Man being an incompetent moron, no Iron Man all gung-ho to get a murderous Wolverine on the team, and so on. Nova was wasted, and I imagine Shang Chi (a lessor character who hasn't had his own series since the 70's) will likely look FAR better in that rotating roster spot than Nova did. The other Avengers on Brubaker's line up aren't written poorly or out of character. My criticism is they're barely written at all; they all serve functional roles, but the interaction has been slight. Teams need to feel like each member has a specific purpose that no other hero could have, and their adventures need to be unique. This arc was in space to imply that this was still an Avengers team that did the "big stuff", but in the end it was really about building up the Shadow Cabinet or whatever which Nick Fury is seemingly a part of. The lack of a major villain did hurt the arc a lot. But I wouldn't call Brubaker a Bendis on Avengers quite yet. At least the team, as silent as many of them are, were all assembled within one issue, not 6-7. Sure, Rogers is very clearly the star and main focus, but at least I can appreciate him being a hog over War Machine, Valkyrie, or Moon Knight, while it was sometimes tough to swallow Bendis pushing whatever pet character he had over some of the bigger characters. Eric O'Grady has probably had the most focus aside for Rogers himself, and that's been fine so far. Technically, both Black Widow and Moon Knight have their own ongoings or upcoming mini series to be fleshed out in. War Machine is a regular on INVINCIBLE IRON MAN. On the other hand, Valkyrie probably had more defining character in her one scene in AVENGERS ACADEMY than she has in the last two issues of SECRET AVENGERS.

I wouldn't equalize Brubaker to Bendis on Avengers yet. And to be fair, while many on Hype may "ridicule Bendis as a joke", we are a minority of a minority of comic book fans. That said, I tore into this last issue of SA's first arc and I am glad that I wasn't alone in that. I really do hope that the arcs improve from there. Nick Fury being a villain really wouldn't work, so I am hoping Brubaker is going with a good twist. Otherwise, well, wouldn't it mess up SECRET WARRIORS a lot?

He can be good at slow burn plots, but he also can be decompressed at times, although not as bad as Bendis or Fraction. I hope he understands the natural length for this one. I have to say, though, that so far the SA have not fought too many worthy opponents. The Serpent Crown I guess is a worthy Maguffin to chase and thwarting some space demon is alright, although that is also staunch DEFENDERS territory (fighting vague, one note threats to the universe who never show up again). But aside for that, the only villain they fought was Captain Barracuda, and that was in an issue of MOON KNIGHT (and he was some wonky pirate the Fantastic Four tangled with on rare occasions). I mean, Brubaker trucked out all the big guns for CA (Red Skull! Arnim Zola! Baron Zemo!) and even Rogers' solo title has Machinesmith. I'm hoping he has a big gun for the SA besides a stand in for Fu Manchu. After all, while Bendis may have used Ultron poorly in his first arc of MIGHTY, he still used Ultron (and Mole Man). Kang popped up in AVENGERS #1. Even Chthon was a capable threat for the first arc of Slott's book, given he's a major demon who usually messed with the Maximoffs and the Avengers. I was hoping for more in the first arc than a bewitching crown and some tentacles (and Nova's wasted cameo). I even would have taken the Young Masters. :dry:

REBORN was actually a bit of a mess by the end, which was probably Brubaker's first unofficial Avengers story (given that by the end, Clint Barton, Falcon, Black Widow, Vision II, Pym, Barnes and Rogers were all united against Red Skull's ridiculously over the top battle in D.C., which included the Skull's turn as a Godzilla villain). But at least it was the Avengers vs. Red Skull and a horde of MODOK robots. I'd have taken that over a bewitched Nova being spanked by Nova Prime Rogers.

I know Brubaker can use big villains and tell big stories, and he can also pace great battles (although he relies on mooks WAY too often). Hopefully he can pull together the execution better as the next arc of SA begins. It's my "main" Avengers title, as it is "more important" than AVENGERS ACADEMY, so it does need to step up a bit.
 
I wouldn't go so far as to say T-Bolts is the best team book from Marvel, because I read a few others I enjoy. But it is one of the beat. Jeff Parker's on a solid run there.

Well i enjoyed it the most what Mainstream Marvel has to offer. Ultimate Avengers is the most fun team book Marvel as a whole has to offer for me. :)
 
Well i enjoyed it the most what Mainstream Marvel has to offer. Ultimate Avengers is the most fun team book Marvel as a whole has to offer for me. :)

I gave up on the Ultimate line years ago, and haven't missed it.
 
Each for their own at the end of the day. If you loved/liked Ultimates. You could always check Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation trade. :) Captain America is a total badass in it.
 
And here......we.....GO!

Thunderbolts #147 - My personal book of the week. I love the format of this book. Each issue ends with a solid cliffhanger that gets resolved in the first 5 pages of the next issue.....5 pages of plot development......then BOOM, right into the next mission. It's a solid writing style that's working all too well. The interaction between the team members is perfect and Kev Walker's art is improving each issue. This issue is features a blackout/breakout at the Raft and a crossover with Avengers Academy. The ending basically spoils AA #3's ending which is odd, it seems like the editors may have been rushing to get the T-Bolts in the mix of as much of the Marvel universe as possible (next up is a crossover with Shadowland, then one with the Avengers).

The breakout gives some very cool moments including Cage vs. Purple Man and Juggernaut pulling a fast one on some criminals trying to escape. The best was easily John Walker whooping on some inmates with one arm and one leg. The last line about the reputation of the Raft growing was great. Another thing I hope grows is Walker's overall role in the Marvel U. The way he's heading, he could end up being the heir apparent to Steve Rogers as top cop, once Steve eventually goes back to being Cap again. Very excited about the Shadowland issue next month.

Avengers Academy #3 - This is quickly becoming my favorite Avengers book considering the way SA has been stumbling the past 2 months. I'm enjoying all of the cast even though Hazmat is pretty unoriginal with her origin basically the same as Rogue's. The plot development with Speedball is interesting as he is seen cutting himself with parts of his old Penance outfit. I'm interested to see where that goes as his dark side is beginning to emerge again. Even though T-Bolts spoiled the ending as some of the kids confront Osborn, I'm still interested to see how it plays out.....

Web of Spider-Man #11 - The second to last issue of this short lived series is quite possibly the best one. The MJ/Black Cat team up only features SM for one page in a flashback but it works great. FVL has done great job since the book changed it's outright horrible format. I wish Marvel would reconsider canceling this book. This could be Van Lente's monthly SM vehicle since Slott is taking over ASM soon. This book would make a perfect companion piece. Marvel throws all of it's support behind multiple Avengers books but not so much Spidey and that date's back awhile now. I don't think that the upcoming Avengers movie should be the excuse as to why. Spider-Man despite sucking 50% of the last decade is and forever will be Marvel's flagship character but yet he has difficulty carrying a second title since Spectacular SM vol 1 was canceled a while ago.

New Avengers #3 - This book is totally surprising me right now. I though it was a huge waste of time when announced but everything is working on this book right now. From Bendis to the story, to the cast, and last but not least....the outstanding job by Immonen. Right now both he and McKone from AA are probably the artists of the year in my eye. The all white scenes with Iron Fist are quite spectacular. Bendis has grabbed my attention with the magic themed story, which normally isn't my cup of tea. I really hated the previous arc in the last volume of NA featuring SoS and Brother Voodoo. It appears that Doc Strange is about to become the Sorcerer Supreme again. Victoria Hand makes an appearance after being absent last month, coming to the aid of Jessica Jones in one of the best scenes of the book. Even Cage doesn't come off as a doof with Bendis scribing him. The action is strong and fast paced, just like SIEGE, which is apparently Bendis' strong suit. I'm definitely sticking on this book for another arc, if SA's story woes continue, this book may jet past it in my Avengers book rankings. I'm also hoping the team stays the same, I get the feeling Hawkeye and Spidey may get dropped from the book.

Secret Avengers #4 - It's not as disappointing as the last issue but the finale to the Serpent Crown 4-parter definitively ends with a whimper. And compared to the other books that came out this month, that's not a good thing. Do I think it will lead to a cancellation if sales begin to plunge.....no. I doubt Marvel would do that to Brubaker since he's their #2, but somethings gotta give. This book has to be a lot better in it's next arc than it is now. My concern is that they're trading Nova for Shang-Shi, who easily has a lesser fan base. Brubaker dropped the ball by waiting until next issue to wrap up the Fury plot line. There are some nice spots however, Steve putting on Nova's helmet to save the day and O'Grady making a contribution to the victory. The problem I see is that War Machine, Widow, Moon Knight and Sharon are all just "there". There's no balance to the team. This book is more like Brubaker's Uncanny than his Cap. He needs to step it up.....and quick.


So other than SA, I was pretty pleased with everything this week. I also read Hellblazer #270 and Marvel Universe vs The Punisher #2 but they get excluded from the list. Hellblazer I'll read no matter what and MU Vs Punisher is a good fun non-canon book with great art by Parlov. I also have The Boys: Highland Laddie (Hughie mini) but I haven't read it yet because I forgot it was even coming out and had to go back and get it.
 
New Avengers #3 The all white scenes with Iron Fist are quite spectacular.

I'm glad someone else picked up on that. His is one of my favorite costumes of all time, and I think those scenes really highlighted it. Kudos to Immonen.
 

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