Another week, another batch of books. Let's get one rant out of the way; Marvel is apparently using Deadpool to mock DC's mass of Green Lantern material with DEADPOOL CORPS, of which ads are running through all of Marvel's comics this week. While I know Deadpool is mostly a comedy character and satire often comes from satire, Steve Gerber's HOWARD THE DUCK this is. What made Gerber cool was that he not only mocked stupid stuff that the competition did, he found ways to mock stupid stuff that Marvel did, akin to MAD. This, though, next to Marvel's attempt to pit retailers against BLACKEST NIGHT against a Deadpool variant covers, seems obnoxious. If DC are worth mocking for spazzing out over Green Lantern, Marvel is just as guilty of doing so with Deadpool. There are at least 3-4 Deadpool comics. He is guest starring in at least 2-4 more comics in recent months. He even is appearing in an entire line of variant covers, which Green Lantern does not do. You cannot mock DC for indulging in shameless, poor faith promotions that over-expose a franchise if you do so just as shamelessly, if not more so, with no more or less compassion for retailers. Marvel would have been able to criticize DC better had they allowed retailers to return unsold issues of Marvel crossovers for, say, some sort of product. Instead they're returning to some of the juvenile egg-throwing of the early Joe Quesada/Bill Jemas era, and it breeds ill will.
As always, spoilers are ahead.
Dread's BOUGHT/THOUGHT for 2/24/10:
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #33: The SIEGE crossover continues, and Christos Gage is helming this series that he hopped onto with issue #8 (co-writing alongside Dan Slott until last year, when he took it over whole hog). The cast is split between the characters who work for HAMMER taking part in Iron Patriot's "siege" on Asgard, such as Taskmaster, Constrictor, and Diamondback, while the rest of the vast is still at Camp HAMMOND, either attacking it (the "Avengers Resistance characters) or defending it (such as Hood, or even Razor-Fist and Griffen). With Rafa Sandoval having left the series to, seemingly, draw an Ultimate mini series, we are on our second fill in artist with Jorge Molina, who does a solid job of drawing a book in the same universe as one Sandoval drew in. A:TI is a strange yet terrific sort of book; it is a title which can star a cast of dozens and some characters may only have a few pages or panels (often written well), but Gage has developed a definite cast of characters. Ironically, he has seemed to move away from the characters created or co-created by Dan Slott, such as Komodo or Hardball, and more on the older B and C list characters such as Justice, Tigra, Diamondback, Constrictor, and especially Taskmaster. After all, "Tony Master" has been appearing on covers for the last 3 issues (and then some) and has all but become the male lead of the arc at times.
This issue naturally takes place in-between the pages of SIEGE #2, only Gage is all but shoving Taskmaster into the crux of things, when Bendis & Coipel couldn't be bothered (to be fair, I do believe that Coipel drew Diamondback in some of those scenes). It makes sense and I enjoy it personally, but just calling a spade a spade. Essentially, while Taskmaster had sought to capitalize on this suicide mission by trying to score the big time by being seen to be taking on some "heavy hitters", which was why he jumped into the fray to fight Thor. Rather than be pleased, Osborn chews him out as useless and yells at him to leave. After Sentry kills Ares, and then Osborn sets him loose on Oklahoma, Taskmaster sees that Osborn has seemed to completely lose his mind, and is unsure of what to do next. There are rumors of Taskmaster being a part of Brubaker's SECRET AVENGERS, and it would make some sense if he ended this run opposing Osborn. Diamondback, meanwhile, is being used by Osborn for P.R. since she used to be Captain America's partner/lover. She is naturally torn because while she is touched that Constrictor obviously loves her, she finds him over-protective, and she hasn't gotten over Steve Rogers. It is quite a complicated little romantic subplot, but still a solid one to read, now that Rogers is coming back and about to fight Iron Patriot.
Back at Camp HAMMER, Justice leads the Avengers Resistance against Hood and his cronies, who are undermanned as Vance predicted last issue. Hood orders any of the pre-Osborn Initiative members to be locked down, especially Penance/Steve Baldwin. But the bit that all but steals issue actually isn't Donyell's dilemma about betraying his team for his brother, but Tigra finally getting to take on Hood to avenge herself for her humiliation. While many writers just wrote her as "a hot furry" and Bendis clearly just saw her as some random heroine to have Hood & Jigsaw torment, Christos Gage has really amped her up and used that event as motivation for her to avenge herself. The Hood storyline seems to have to come to a head before THE HEROIC AGE, and while one would expect to see it in NEW AVENGERS, it would go a long way to saying this book "matters" and it is worth paying attention to excellent "little books" like this if Hood really, genuinely got to go down here. No one deserves to kick Hood's butt more than Tigra. The focus on Donyell is actually quite good too, making the last NEW WARRIORS series seem better by having it's major subplot (Donyell willing to do anything to try to resurrect Dwayne Taylor) carry over into another title. Scarlet Spider is still sort of "just there" and still screams "easy canon fodder", but perhaps some day more will come of it. One would imagine the angle of someone else wearing an old Spider-Man costume would complicate Spider-Man's life and reputation, but whatever.
Jorge Molina's artwork is solid, as is the color work (especially some of the magical energy beams that Hood zaps out). The Hood has seemed to rise through the ranks of villainy despite not really deserving it, and next to Osborn and Sentry, he really needs to get his face kicked in. On the whole, this title has showcased Gage's exceptional talent as a writer and proves he is more than ready for prime time. I do hope rumors of him getting a HEROIC AGE Avengers book are true, and I may scope out his FALLEN one shot.
FANTASTIC FOUR #576: Johnathan Hickman and Dale Eaglesham continue on their franchise run on FF, and on the whole they get it. Rather than losing themselves to the "celebrity super heroes" angle that the last few writers have been lost with, which usually leads to the same fights with villains that have happened a hundred times before, they are getting down to what the Four used to do best. Exploring strange new worlds...to seek out new life and new civilizations...to boldly go where no man -- well, that is STAR TREK, but you get the idea (heck, the Four pre-dated STAR TREK). Rather than delve into space or alternate realities, which perhaps are either cluttered or have been done before, for the last two issues Hickman and Eaglesham have focused on the Four exploring new areas of this world. Last month it was a new underground city, and for this one, it is a new kingdom of Atlantis, just under Antarctica. Research on the place had been funded and sponsored by the Four's company for years, but when AIM starts to try to invade, and the exploration proves especially dangerous, the Four are up to the challenge.
This is also an issue that focuses on Invisible Woman (who still introduces herself with her maiden name first, which is a simple but effective way to showcase that she isn't merely "Reed's wife with the force fields"). It it made apparent that while Reed is inventing, she is running all the various companies or charities they oversees; she isn't just "Mrs. Fantastic" because Reed married and loves her (which was essentially the gist of the Mark Millar issues with Alyssa Moy). She saves Thing when it proves that being dense is not an asset underwater, and when they meet the new underwater people, she agrees to be their representative of man-kind. Considering she once served (or tried to serve) this role with Namor's Atlantis, this makes sense - especially since there new sea people aren't trying to invade the surface, or sleep with her. It also makes sense that Namor's Atlantians, Caucasians with blue skin, aren't the only humanoids underwater. Technically, they never were; there were at least "the Seal People" back in the Golden Age, among others. Considering the 25% of Marvel Earth that is land based has so many diverse species of metahumans, it makes perfect sense that the 75% that is below water would have more diversity beyond Namor. It is an opportunity.
The "summary" page at the end of the last two issues tries to make the tales seem more like documentaries, but it also has the unhappy effect of looking like exposition that Hickman couldn't figure out how to add to the script. Much like they said in "THE MUPPET MOVIE", "It's exposition, it has to go somewhere". Half of the issue actually has no dialog and just uses Eaglesham's artwork, and it is quite lovely. The other strength, besides the visuals, the trek, and the focus on Sue, are those moments with the other characters, such as Ben and Johnny's summary of what they do best, and Johnny's utterly ridiculous swim-wear.
These are the sort of Four issues people have been saying they want. Back to basics, excellently drawn exploration tales that expand the Marvel world a bit while nailing the characters. I suppose they could be a bit more...suspenseful, but c'mon, does anyone REALLY think the Four will ever die? That's not what they do best, and I like a run like that that isn't trying to howl at the moon, isn't apologizing for the Four not being the Avengers or the X-Men, but is just being the Four. An additional highlight is the letters page, where Hickman uses Franklin to comment on the absurdity of how slow children age in Marvel, especially him (who, it is reminded, was born in 1968 and he's barely reaching puberty). It is self aware without being too obnoxious, and it very entertaining by itself.
Sales have dropped since Millar left, but the Four, sadly, have usually been a B-List selling title for years now. That's not the issue. The point is that Hickman gets them, and this could be the run the Four have desperately needed since Mark Waid left.
MARVELS PROJECT #6: More 1940's antics from Brubaker, Epting, and Stewart. This has continued to be a masterwork trying to tie in all the loose ends and former retcons of the Golden Age (such as the scientist who would eventually create Luke Cage's power inducing experiment popping up in prior issues, or the fact that some sort of copy of Erskine's serum made it to Europe, since it would be used to create the various Destroyers as well as others, like Master Man) alongside with writing classic characters with modern techniques and pathos. After all, 1940's comics read now come off as very cheesy and simple, where characterization was almost non-existent. Tom Halloway is narrating as usual, but this is another issue where he is a bit player to the action. This issue focuses on Human Torch, Namor, and to a degree John Steele.
Torch is trying to investigate his past, but ends up getting freaked out by the manifestation of Toro (who is supposed to be a mutant, but Hammond believes he "infected" the boy), but is soon attacked by Namor, who wants to avenge his last defeat and flood the city (which was a common antic of his back then). This time, the small army of super heroes rise to the disaster, reacting as first responders to save lives. Everyone from Angel to the robot Electro, Thin Man, Patriot, Mr. E, Phantom Reporter, and so on. Considering we'll likely never get the end of THE TWELVE, it is good to see some of those expanded members getting some play elsewhere, such as here. The final moment with Captain America and Namor is quite cool.
The art, as always, is lovely, and Brubaker seems to think like a story board artist, as many of his works with other writers seem to have flow, to move, more than some other writers, whose action is only as good as their artist is at it. There are two chapters left and perhaps when it is all done that was maybe one chapter too long, but I am enjoying this route through the Golden Age with Brubaker, and despite the price I've not been disappointed. I am getting what I expected and I can't ask for more than that. Sales have fallen off but to be honest it was amazing it debuted at around 80k with the first issue. It portends high hopes for Brubaker's SECRET AVENGERS launch.
REALM OF KINGS: INHUMANS #4: Another installment of the Inhumans soap & adventure mini series written by Abnett & Lanning, with art by Pablo Raimondi, with colors by Adriano Lucas. This issue has something amazing...so amazing, Thor seriously needs to learn it.
To "everyone's surprise", Maximus the Mad, who has always gone mad and tried to take over the Inhumans in almost literally every single major story they have had, especially since the year 2000, has gone mad and seeks to take them over. Only, gasp, it ISN'T a surprise. Gorgan isn't surprised. Crystal not only isn't surprised, but takes responsibility because the Inhumans always "forgive" Max, and always set themselves up for this betrayal, because they never learn. Will this time be different? Who knows, but I personally loved that sort of self-retrospective. Considering Thor is much older than the Inhumans, he should have reached this conclusion about Loki ages and ages ago. Never believe anything he says; he is the prince of lies. Never let him get close. Never allow him to be unwatched and unguarded. If Loki is going to trick you, he will have to get around proper defenses, not simply exploit Thor or Balder's eternal stupidity and inability to learn. Seriously, the Asgardians now have themselves to blame every time Loki sets them up, which he always does, because they're never learn, and thus are idiots. The Inhumans, at least, get it.
The genuine surprise, after Ronan and the Inhumans smash past Maximus' machines, robots, and various gadgets, and he is cornered, he drops a genuine bomb-shell. He has apparently been working for Medusa this time. What? Frankly, though, I shouldn't be surprised, considering what a ***** Medusa usually is. Seriously, I love how the Inhumans always whine about not being accepted, but more often than not, they act like ***holes. Even Crystal, who has never met a marriage she couldn't cheat on. She finally kisses Ronan here, but watch out, cyborg Kree man; she's a man-eater! The tight yellow spandex fools most men, but don't be surprised...Black Knight learned the hard way, and his choice used to be her or Sersi, who was at the time bat-crap insane. It won't be long until Crystal cites neglect or shoulder-pads as justification to cheat, or look longingly at someone else. Although maybe the whole WAR OF KINGS thing has matured her a bit. Maybe Crystal was just too influenced by the Western world before, and now she is off it. Who knows.
Meanwhile, Ra-Venn and Triton have come back from the Fault, and it seems that they brought some parasite with them, that seems to only effect the Kree among them. It looks nasty. Frankly, this is really the only subplot that has much to do with the "Realm of Kings". The rest of the mini has basically been about Inhumans drama, with a brief tie-in with MIGHTY AVENGERS. Which isn't bad; I enjoy it. But, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY seems to be more connected to the premise than this or NOVA, and even NOVA seems more involved with the Fault. It is amusing that Ra-Venn has gotten more play than Wraith, considering she debuted in HIS mini during ANNIHILATION CONQUEST.
Still, the Ronan/Crystal stuff is sweet, and it was a fine issue, with a lot of action. Gorgan is always amusing. The end chapter will be interesting.
THOR #607: Compared to the last two issues of THOR, this is very much a bit of a "middle of the road" issue. Like many of JMS' issues, Thor himself doesn't show up in the issue. However, this time Giffen has a genuine excuse; Thor is busy in SIEGE, and as he is a major character there, I don't think Giffen wants to step on Bendis' toes. Especially since, unlike JMS, Giffen is a writer trusted to tow the line on THOR with the crossover, which JMS was not. While Christos Gage is willing to shove Taskmaster into some SIEGE scenes that Bendis didn't include him in, Thor is a bigger character, playing a bigger role in that story. So, the story is another issue where the rest of the Asgardians, who are back in Oklahoma just in time for Volstagg to be set up in Soldier Field.
So, Balder, Tyr, Heimdall, and the rest of the Asgardians discuss the events with Volstagg at dinner, and are disturbed by their version of a hobo who claims to know the future, only this time the wino is right. Which means Loki promptly kills him. Loki then basically traps Heimdall in the basement so he can't warn the rest of them that Osborn's war party is coming, especially Sentry. Tyr decides to confront fate, which seems to imply that he will die.
Elsewhere, Volstagg seems to surrender to the local Broxton precinct, but when the siege of Asgard starts, he can't merely sit in his cell easily. The local cops actually seem to like the Asgardians, and so they put out this YouTube clip of Volstagg apologizing for the explosion but claiming it wasn't his fault (naturally implicating the U-Foes, who in A:TI denied being responsible). Footage of Thor's beating is also being leaked, but one problem is the passage of time seems to be odd. The actual "siege" in SIEGE #1-2 seems to take, what, barely a few hours? How have videos leaked through the media and suddenly there are panel discussions saying Osborn is wrong when not even the President, could stop him? I mean it makes sense and all, but the anti-Osborn movement seems to be moving too quickly.
There is some slight political allegory, with the TV people saying "this is a matter for the courts", especially as Volstagg surrendered peacefully, while Sec. of Defense Osborn is raiding the home of Asgard and wasting all of them. This is clearly a sort of parable on the "war vs. law enforcement" angle of combating terrorism. Will this mean Marvel will apologize again if Fox News nags at them? At any rate, while I still think this parable is out-dated, but to be fair it isn't being rammed down anyone's throat. The gist of SIEGE is that Osborn goes too far, his raid gets too nasty, and he has to be taken down.
The issue ends with "Clor", or Ragnarok, the cybernetic clone of Thor created by Reed, Stark, and Skrullojacket last seen about 8 months ago in AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE, touching down in Broxton, starting to beat down Volstagg. Now, normally I was excited about this, but if Giffen is neglected from using Thor in THOR because of SIEGE, and we are about to see Balder and Tyr and everyone BUT Thor himself fight Ragnarok, I may honestly be a bit miffed. Even if, to be honest, it would help Balder's rep a bit. Hopefully, Tarene will pop up somewhere too.
Not the best issue, but leading up to better and bigger things. I am enjoying this Giffen run more than the last 3rd of the JMS one, even if it won't last long. There was a bit of a rush it seems to make the schedule, with 3 artists and 2 colorists credited with this. It all looks fine, and to be honest, it is still something new to get used to, with monthly, timely issues of THOR after over a year of bi-monthly at best. At any rate, Thor vs. Clor is something I want to see, and hope to see, soon.
The most over used plot device. Ah, well, I guess I didn't mind it that much, the issue was still fun. Those three pesky witches keep trying to tempt Daken into violence but he ends up turning the tables in on them a bit. Can't wait to see what happens next. 
! Last week I only got three and I'm only getting three next week. Shure would be nice if Marvel could space them out a little better. 
Learn a thing or two Bendis). 
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