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Bought/Thought for August 18th, 2010 - SPOILERS

Just got back from a Rick Springfield concert. Dude is turning 61 on Monday...and, I just have to say, I hope I look half as good as he does at that age. Many might not think it; but, he puts on a hell of a good show. The ladies sure love him.

Age Of Heroes #4

For those people on a strict budget, this is one of those books that is quite easy to pass up. They should make the "Marvel Comics Presents" and "Astonishing Tales" more like this, though. Instead of having 6-part or 12-part mini episodes in each issue, just give us a couple nice single issue stories that feature a certain character, especially if it's used to promote other Marvel comics or storylines. (For instance, a Shadowland story would fit nicely right now.)

This issue, the first story is the best. It features the New Black Panther, and picks up where Doomwar left off. It gets me interested in the upcoming new series that will start in a couple months.

The next story didn't do much for me. It was an eskimo's viewpoint of finding Captain America in that block of ice so many years ago, and how he views him as a god. I would have been more interested to read more about Zodiac, than the two pages we were given. And, the one page Slott stories are starting to peeve me off. Yes, Slott is sometimes comic book genius...but, one page of Slott is more like pre-ejaculation. It gives the reader no pleasure, as he hasn't even penetrated my interest in a character or story. :yay: for Black Panther; but, :dry: for the rest.

Avengers Academy #3 & Thunderbolts #147

Only three issues in; but, I agree with someone else on this thread who said it was the best yet. I love the focused narration on one character each issue...even though it's been done to death nowadays; and, the crossover with Thunderbolts works really well.

EXCEPT, the issue of T-Bolts kind of ruins what's going to happen next issue, by pretty much giving it all away in their comic.

Thunderbolts, like last issue, quickly ties up the cliffhanger from the previous issue; and, it gets the team started on something else, namely the "Scared Straight" crossover. Sadly, it's glossed over far too quickly. Meanwhile, Avengers Academy is taking their time, making it (probably) a two-issue story. What it does is create some interest in the characters as people...something Thunderbolts has been very neglectful of. Sure, I love the team...but, T-Bolts is not making me care a whit for any of their teammates. It simply relies on past comics for any kind of characterization, and doesn't bring anything to the table itself. What's Juggernaut thinking? What's Crossbones true feelings or intentions? How does Songbird feel about the new team? Parker seems to not care about exploring feelings or these characters in depth at all.

Now, it might sound like I don't like T-Bolts...which, isn't true at all. I just think Avengers Academy has shown this week why it's the better book of the two. :yay::yay: for A. Academy, and a single :yay: for T-Bolts.

New Avengers #3

I had a love/hate for this issue. I loved the story, especially with great hope the Doctor Strange will get his old title back; but, the "witty banter" during the fight grated heavily on my nerves. That Bendis-aspect to the writing just seemed out of place with all the action going on. I loved the focus on Iron Fist this issue; but, wasn't a fan of Spidey and Thing's interactions. The art was fantastic, though; and, I still love Victoria Hand being used by Bendis. She seems like a fun character to write for. :yay:

Highland Laddie #1

This mini that spins off from The Boys didn't do much for me. I'm so into the current storyline, that I can care less about reading a side-story that features Hughie revisiting his hometown and old friends and family. The book is trying to say, "You can't go home again," I guess; but, Ennis' writing makes all the characters unbelievably ridiculous. :dry:
 
They should make the "Marvel Comics Presents" and "Astonishing Tales" more like this, though. Instead of having 6-part or 12-part mini episodes in each issue, just give us a couple nice single issue stories that feature a certain character, especially if it's used to promote other Marvel comics or storylines.

I agree (as well as your point that this 4th issue wasn't so hot). This is a better anthology format than those previous attempts, and fortunately sales seem to have held up consistently, so it will return as I AM AN AVENGER, another 4 issue anthology series starring different heroes every issue, next month. A monthly format is too slow for most 8-10 page stories to feel satisfying in multiple parts, but a series of done in one tales works better under it. And to think, it only took 2-3 tries to get here!
 
I loved the old Marvel Comics Presents but obviously that format doesn't work well these days. I'd have probably tried this mini but of course, minis are $4 and I'm not spending that on a mini that isn't in any way important.

My opinion, what I'd like to see anyhow if it'd work, is to make the Marvel Comics Presents type of ongoing but in this format. The only change is a compromise where we have maybe one continuing tale that changes every few months, and then have the rest done in ones. Kinda meet in the middle. I'd be happy with that. I don't know if anyone else would be, but I'd like to see it.
 
Good Sunday morning to everyone! Couldn't sleep last night; so, I read a few comics.

Deadpool #26

I have a few complaints about this issue. First, and foremost, is that the special guest star, Ghost Rider, isn't even shown on the cover. Marvel really misses an opportunity to sell a few more issue by not doing this, I think. (Yet, if it was Deadpool guest starring in another title, he'd be prominently featured.) Second, was how weak they make Ghost Rider seem by giving Wade the penance stare...and, he just reflects back on a couple decisions that led him to become Deadpool. Truly, if you've murdered someone, Ghost Rider is a character who should be able to take down almost any character like that in the Marvel Universe. (As I've seen in the old thread, Contest Of Marvels, that would pit one character vs. another. Only those who are truly good are able to beat him.) Lastly, I've seen too many unfunny, reflective Deadpool stories lately. Readers who enjoy Deadpool tend to enjoy him for hit wit and humor and the crazy situations he gets himself into...NOT this crap. :dry:

Supergirl #55

This title is now being threatened with being canceled from my pull list. I'm not really crazy about any Bizarro type of storyline; and, I really hated how un-Bizarro the Bizarro Supergirl acted. Isn't one feature of being a Bizarro is saying the opposite of what you mean??!!?? If you hate someone, you say "Bizarro like Superman." If you find someone beautiful, you say "Bizarro think you ugly." Pretty basic stuff, if ya ask me. But, nope...Bizarro-Supergirl says everything in the normal way...and, flashbacks with other Bizarro's do the same thing. To me, either I'm not getting something, or it's just plain bad writing.

I'll probably pick up the next issue. This storyline is continuing with Supergirl going to Bizarro World; and, after it's over, I'll seriously consider whether to continue. (It's just hard, ya know? I own the complete previous series of Supergirl, and I own all 55 issues of this one. The completist in me is struggling with dropping so many books; but, my brain says, "if you don't cut back, what message does it send the comic companies that they keep raising prices?" Sadly, DC's $2.99 titles are the ones I'm dropping.) Another factor in possibly dropping is that DC dropped the way they linked the Superman titles, with the little Superman logo and a number to show the reading order of the various titles. :dry:

The Authority: The Lost Year #12

This officially ends me buying Authority titles. I stopped the main one about five issues ago; and, I only kept getting this to complete the collection. This book was very hit or miss, with it being a miss most of the time. The story started out great...back when Morrisson wrote those first two issues; but, once Giffen came on board, it took a dramatically different turn. It still lists Morrison on the covers and credits; but, it's painfully clear this isn't the vision he must have had for this book.

This final issue sees The Authority finally return home, after visiting five different realities, most of which had vastly different outcomes of who The Authority was in that particular universe. The majority of the issue shows the characters reflecting on those characters, and wondering if they are doomed to failure. In this way, the book felt like it ended in a whimper; especially since in their regular series, those lessons didn't seem to take hold in any way. The lesson learned is only in this one issue. :dry:

Wolverine: Weapon X #16

Speaking of titles that end in a whimper. I take it with no preview for the next book that this is the final issue? Meh. This title never did much for me. This issue finds Wolverine mourning Nightcrawler, as he receives Kurt's final wish: Logan must drag a $20,000 piano up a mountain to a type of monastary. Aaron tries to send a message about Kurt's religious beliefs as they clash with what Logan beleives; but, it's just not done in a convincing fashion. More than that, it made me really miss the old Nightcrawler that I used to read in the 80's. For too long, Nightcrawler hasn't been a lot of fun, as writer after writer just focused on his religion and how torn he constantly was about it. Like Peter Parker's marriage, it all became stagnant; so, of course it became no problem to kill him off. (Compare this to Claremont's X-Men Forever, which has killed off Wolverine and made the Nightcrawler character much more interesting...pretty much picking up when Kurt was last an interesting character in the 616.) This issue...and, this entire series...gets a :dry:.

DV8 #5

What better way to make yourself fall asleep than reading four kind-of-crappy titles. Thankfully, the last two held my interest a lot more. DV8: Gods And Monsters has been fantastic. I know zippo about the characters, as I've never read a DV8 comic before (even though I own quite a few). But, Brian Wood has done an excellent job of not making that a problem, by having each issue focus on a single character or two.

In this comic, the DV8 team has landed on some planet where their powers make them viewed as Gods to the various factions that exist there. We've been learning how they have become separated, and which character is leading which diverse group. It's now all coming to a head, as a war between the groups is becoming eminent. I can't wait for the next issue; and, with how good he's doing with this book, I hope Brian Wood follows it up with another. I find myself enjoying it more than DMZ or Northlanders, even. :yay:

New Mutants #16

I was prepared to hate this issue, as the last one severely disappointed me. But, this look back on Project Purgatory was very interesting...and, the fact that the New Mutants weren't even in the book made it that much more better. (Really, what does that say about this title, when I found one of the best issues excluded them.) I now want to read the next issue...but, I'm leary; because, I have a bad feeling it will go downhill when Sam Guthrie and company get back into the mix of things.:yay:
 
I like that they didn't just revert Robbie to happy-go-lucky Speedball. I'm not completely thrilled with the whole emo thing, but it would have been worse if he would have just started crackin' jokes.

Now that I've read most of the comics people are talking about, I can read all the little things everyone is saying.

It's too bad the whole Penance thing went on for so long. Just like Nightcrawler, the Speedball character is kind of ruined for me, until some great writer comes along who can devote some great writing to that character. He's been dragged in the mud so badly, that it would be unbelievable for him to be the "happy-go-lucky Speedball" so quickly, as you said. Yet, with most writers, we know that they always tend to rely on old trauma again and again for their characterizations. Peter will always feel guilty about Uncle Ben. Batman always reflects on his dead parents. (And, it used to be Captain America always felt guilt for Bucky's death. At least THAT has finally ended.)
 
AGE OF HEROES #4: It can be argued this anthology saved it's worst issue for the end. I suppose if you are a Black Panther fan, the story that is basically a teaser for the upcoming KLAWS OF THE PANTHER relaunch may be for you. It was my first introduction to the new Black Panther, Princess Shuri. The angle is that she's seen as the Paris Hilton of Wakanda and she's been tasked with replacing their sacred mantle at a time when Wakanda is at it's weakest, since T'Challa chose to destroy all of their Vibranium rather than let Dr. Doom have it (which honestly sounds just a wee bit shy of fanatic). As such, Wakanda is weak domestically and internationally, and Shuri is seen as an improper Panther, so she has to spend time defending her right to that mask about five minutes after defeating a squad of AIM grunts. To be honest, that tale, "Honor", by Jonathan Maberry with art by Shawn Moll (with inks by Walden Wong and colors by Edgar Delgado) isn't bad at all, and is fine. If I was interested in Black Panther I may have loved it. But there is a part of me wondering what Marvel is thinking here. BLACK PANTHER has been selling at the bottom of the Top 100 for years now, even when Hudlin was writing it. It would only peak up during crossovers, which it relied upon heavily. It often did worse than MS. MARVEL in that regard. Therefore, I don't think replacing T'Challa with a new character is going to jazz up the fanbase, and in fact so far it hasn't. In general I have no problem with the idea; the Black Panther has always been a legacy mantle, so it was inevitable that T'Challa would leave or retire or whatnot and someone new would take it up. It simply is a fact that new characters are rarely embraced.

Even the angle of marrying T'Challa to Storm didn't help; all it accomplished was barely spiking BLACK PANTHER's sales for one wedding issue, shoving in a lot of retcons about the relationship (at the same time Joe Q was breathing holy fire at the Parker Marriage for being a "shameless stunt", while he was merrily employing soap opera designers for T'Challa's retconned romance), while removing Storm from the X-Men universe for years of time, diminishing her popularity and recognition. Some even saw it as a "pair up the black folks" exercise because of the execution. It simply hasn't been a healthy market for B or C list heroes; all the years in NEW AVENGERS haven't kept a LUKE CAGE mini from selling in the dumps.

The Black Panther title was really turning into one of my favorites. I loved the marriage between T'Challa and Storm, and felt Marvel really developed that over time. It was a relationship that had a lot of history; and, to me, it made sense. (Plus, how many times are we promised a wedding, and it all comes to an end before it happens...most recently with Ben Grimm.) When the All-New Black Panther was announced, I was skeptical; but, the writer did such a great job, and he was really telling an epic tale. That tale all came together with Doomwar, thus changing the face of T'Challa and the Wakandan people's history in such a dramatic fashion. For more years than I've been reading comics, Wakanda was always about the Vibranium; and, most storylines would just focus on someone wanting to get ahold of that rare mineral. How cool that's been altered so dramatically. It's change that makes sense. (Unlike how many still feel that OMD didn't.)

As you thought this one short story was the best of this bunch, I have to say that the old regular series was even better. You might want to check it out, at least the new series. Hopefully the same writer will still be involved.
 
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

It's funny how five years ago, you used to get a complete collection of New Mutants on ebay for about $25.00. In buying back many of the comics from my previous collection, I was able to get this full set at about that price, and it included a whole lot of duplicate issues. Cable's first appearance dropped so dramatically in price. (I remember an old comic shop having it as $100.00 in the 90's for that one issue.) But, Deadpool has really made the collection shoot up; and, many of the other issues are getting back up there. Even the 1st appearance of adult Cable is starting to get a bit pricey again. (Heck, I remember 1st appearance of baby Nathan in X-Men 201 sky-rocketing in price in the 90's.)
 
I have a few complaints about this issue. First, and foremost, is that the special guest star, Ghost Rider, isn't even shown on the cover. Marvel really misses an opportunity to sell a few more issue by not doing this, I think. (Yet, if it was Deadpool guest starring in another title, he'd be prominently featured.)
Ghost Rider doesn't sell at all like he used to and it's Daniel Way, who wrote a crappy Ghost Rider series. They're not going to promote Ghost Rider like they do with Deadpool under those circumstances.
 
I've been buying New Mutants in discount bins. The only ones I'm having trouble getting are the couple in the 90s when Cable came in.
 
It's too bad the whole Penance thing went on for so long. Just like Nightcrawler, the Speedball character is kind of ruined for me, until some great writer comes along who can devote some great writing to that character. He's been dragged in the mud so badly, that it would be unbelievable for him to be the "happy-go-lucky Speedball" so quickly, as you said. Yet, with most writers, we know that they always tend to rely on old trauma again and again for their characterizations. Peter will always feel guilty about Uncle Ben. Batman always reflects on his dead parents. (And, it used to be Captain America always felt guilt for Bucky's death. At least THAT has finally ended.)

To be fair, Gage has done the most work towards trying to redeem Speedball. He at least got him the cat back, and had him turn against Osborn. In ACADEMY at least he's back in a similar costume to his old one and going by Speedball again, instead of Penance. Unfortunately, as you said, the Penance thing lasted so long and got so bleak and severe, it will be a long road to getting him back to where he was in, say, Spring 2006 when Squirrel Girl was crushing on him and he was still giving fun public appearances. It's a problem similar to the X-Men franchise, which has been bleak and miserable for so long. Really, CAN any of the X-Men, especially the founders, lighten up? They get mutilated and tormented worse than any other heroes 5 days a week. Their newer classes have went through the meat grinder even worse. You can't just write them playing a merry game of softball again without it seeming pathological.

(On the other hand, Wolverine has been alive for over 100 years. He's seen no end of lovers and allies die in front of him, yet he can still drink a beer and occasionally crack a joke. Steve Rogers lived through WWII and no end of tragedies of his own and he isn't a sour puss about it. Even James Barnes isn't afraid of a quip occasionally.)

That said, at least Baldwin's malaise hasn't lasted as long as Colossus' or others. It's possible he could swing back again. Dan Slott debunked all of his reasons for being emo back in the GLA/DEADPOOL SUMMER SPECIAL. Gage wants to handle it slowly and steadily, but he's on course. I could have done without the cutting, but I'd imagine it would be brought up. The series seems to be following a similar formula to Fraction's THE ORDER, having each character take the P.O.V. per issue. Well, by issue five Gage will be done with the students, and one imagines the teachers would be next.

The Black Panther title was really turning into one of my favorites. I loved the marriage between T'Challa and Storm, and felt Marvel really developed that over time. It was a relationship that had a lot of history; and, to me, it made sense. (Plus, how many times are we promised a wedding, and it all comes to an end before it happens...most recently with Ben Grimm.) When the All-New Black Panther was announced, I was skeptical; but, the writer did such a great job, and he was really telling an epic tale. That tale all came together with Doomwar, thus changing the face of T'Challa and the Wakandan people's history in such a dramatic fashion. For more years than I've been reading comics, Wakanda was always about the Vibranium; and, most storylines would just focus on someone wanting to get ahold of that rare mineral. How cool that's been altered so dramatically. It's change that makes sense. (Unlike how many still feel that OMD didn't.)

As you thought this one short story was the best of this bunch, I have to say that the old regular series was even better. You might want to check it out, at least the new series. Hopefully the same writer will still be involved.

To each their own. With that wedding, Ororo & T'Challa had really only had one MTU back up story in 1980 to elaborate and retcon from, and it was treated like kismet. Parker & MJ had way more back-story together. But I digress. Least someone is liking it.

I simply find it hypocritical how any marriage in the Joe Q era is immortal kismet, and any from before was a horrible publicity stunt (like the Panther/Storm marriage wasn't treated as spectacle). At least someone is liking it. I mean it isn't the worst thing ever, it simply hasn't helped Panther's sales and tore Storm from the X-Men for about two years. Only recently did Marvel figure out, "Wolverine can be on 16,000 teams, why not Storm?"

Ghost Rider doesn't sell at all like he used to and it's Daniel Way, who wrote a crappy Ghost Rider series. They're not going to promote Ghost Rider like they do with Deadpool under those circumstances.

To be fair, when Jason Aaron took over from Way on GHOST RIDER for the last year and change of that title, the quality improved greatly. But you're right, GR isn't nearly the draw he used to be in the 90's. And why? Because Marvel spammed him with 2-3 ongoing titles and no end of guest appearances. See Marvel repeating history now with other characters? Think Marvel has learned diddly ****?
 
Yeah, Ghost Rider does not hold the popularity he could...or should. But, putting him on the cover would get more than a few people to buy the comic, I think. Just as there are Squirrel Girl fans, there are just as many Ghost Rider fans, I'd think.
 
Deadpool's titles have all been seeing steady declines in sales. Nothing cancellation range, yet. He might have held steadier with 1-2 titles, but 4 is way too much, and there is some burnout happening. I honestly don't think having GR on the cover could have provided any more of a spike than, say, a variant cover (which these days, at best, boost sales about 1-2%, or enough to almost negate many title's standard monthly decline).
 
There hasn't been any movement on the Deadpool movie recently has there? Is that thing in developmental hell now?
 
Last I heard it was still moving forward, and Robert Rodriguez was considering directing (though nothing has been official, yet).
 
I doubt I'd be interested in seeing it honestly. I think it'd be better as a tv show.
 
They've already been putting up teaser posters announcing it for next year. I saw a few on a construction site. Basically his logo with the date.
 
They've already been putting up teaser posters announcing it for next year. I saw a few on a construction site. Basically his logo with the date.

That doesn't mean much....allow me to present exhibit A:

Supeslives.gif
 
Deadpool's titles have all been seeing steady declines in sales. Nothing cancellation range, yet. He might have held steadier with 1-2 titles, but 4 is way too much, and there is some burnout happening. I honestly don't think having GR on the cover could have provided any more of a spike than, say, a variant cover (which these days, at best, boost sales about 1-2%, or enough to almost negate many title's standard monthly decline).
Deadpool is at 3 (Deadpool, Deadpool Team-Up, and Deadpool Corps). Merc with a Mouth ended.
 
Yeah, but Deadpool MAX is coming out in October, so he'll be back to four soon. Unless one of those others gets canceled before then
 
And, there is always a Deadpool mini or one-shot coming out each month. I do recommend Deadpool: Wade Wilson's War. That Marvel Knights title has been pretty darn good; but, be aware it's not 616 'Pool.
 
Yeah, but Deadpool MAX is coming out in October, so he'll be back to four soon. Unless one of those others gets canceled before then
I imagine that Deadpool Team-Up and Deadpool Corps will be canceled eventually. The sales in those titles are dropping fast each month with Deadpool Team-Up dropping 5% in July and Deadpool Corps dropping 7%. And you know Marvel, once a title reaches the 20,000 mark, it's guaranteed to be canceled.

For some reason, I can see Deadpool MAX doing well like PunisherMAX.
 
As a Nova fan.....rooked is a nice way to put it.

God, Nova got taken down like a punk by a hopped up Rogers. I'm not sure if Brubaker even looked up how the current Nova status even works. :argh:
 
Well, you always have to keep in mind that Steve has a job aura much like Batman's. He shouldn't be able to take down half the people he routinely does with his normal powers, so stealing Rich's and giving them to Steve basically guaranteed that Rich would go down pretty quick.
 

Highland Laddie #1


This mini that spins off from The Boys didn't do much for me. I'm so into the current storyline, that I can care less about reading a side-story that features Hughie revisiting his hometown and old friends and family. The book is trying to say, "You can't go home again," I guess; but, Ennis' writing makes all the characters unbelievably ridiculous. :dry:

I agree. All in all I've been kind of underwhelmed by The Boys. It's not bad or anything like that, it's definitely not Ennis' strongest work. Plus, he already did a story like this in Hellblazer twice.....Hellblazer #70 and the Heartland one shot.
 

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