BOUGHT/THOUGHT for June 13, 2007

[Darthphere]

A girl has to be a 7 but a guy has to be a 10. Or a 9 but really cool. Like David Boreanaz.

David Boreanus?

 

[Not Jake]

Right in one.

Kind of disappointed in Darthphere.

 

[Darthphere]

Kind of disappointed in Darthphere.

The story of my life.

 

[Not Jake]

David Boreanus?

Aurora Borealis

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Kind of disappointed in Darthphere.

Well, I'll admit I'm not a heavy Seinfeld watcher myself. I have a friend who seems to have committed the entire series to memory.

 

[Phaedrus45]

So they "sold out" by having Nova deal with the issues of having the situation on earth change COMPLETELY since he's last been there? That's not something that the writers can just simply leave alone. And it's not like he can come back and deal with this without having to deal with the Initiative BS.

After reading the exceptional Annihilation, this did feel like a "sell out" to me, and I would guess those who read Annihilation would feel cheated. In comparison to the Nova we all read from that miniseries, this is too reminiscent of Nova-past. Plus, Nova didn't deal with the changes on Earth at all. He observed, got in a fight with his parents, and ran away without standing for any cause. Obviously, he doesn't subscribe to Tony's beliefs...but, imagine if you are on the other side, being persecuted by the U.S.'s new law. He could have made a difference, but he took his ball and went home. He wussed out. In the end, this was just a "we gotta waste time inbetween Annihilation sagas, so let's get some interest by tying in with another event."

 

[Phaedrus45]

Well, I'll admit I'm not a heavy Seinfeld watcher myself. I have a friend who seems to have committed the entire series to memory.

It's kind of hard to watch Seinfeld without thinking of Michael Richard's rant nowadays. Kramer just isn't that funny anymore.

 

[Darthphere]

It's kind of hard to watch Seinfeld without thinking of Michael Richard's rant nowadays. Kramer just isn't that funny anymore.

Why? I mean, he's playing a character. It's like all those people who can't watch Tom Cruise movies anymore because he's a psycho, so what?

 

[IFryKids]

After reading the exceptional Annihilation, this did feel like a "sell out" to me, and I would guess those who read Annihilation would feel cheated. In comparison to the Nova we all read from that miniseries, this is too reminiscent of Nova-past. Plus, Nova didn't deal with the changes on Earth at all. He observed, got in a fight with his parents, and ran away without standing for any cause. Obviously, he doesn't subscribe to Tony's beliefs...but, imagine if you are on the other side, being persecuted by the U.S.'s new law. He could have made a difference, but he took his ball and went home. He wussed out. In the end, this was just a "we gotta waste time inbetween Annihilation sagas, so let's get some interest by tying in with another event."

As someone who absolutely loved Annihilation, it didn't feel like a "selling out" to me. And I wouldn't say he wussed out at all, he just feels that a lot of the stuff going on on Earth is trivial and doesn't matter in comparison to some of the things he's been having to deal with in outer space, and he believes there are things that still need to be done out there.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

After reading the exceptional Annihilation, this did feel like a "sell out" to me, and I would guess those who read Annihilation would feel cheated. In comparison to the Nova we all read from that miniseries, this is too reminiscent of Nova-past. Plus, Nova didn't deal with the changes on Earth at all. He observed, got in a fight with his parents, and ran away without standing for any cause. Obviously, he doesn't subscribe to Tony's beliefs...but, imagine if you are on the other side, being persecuted by the U.S.'s new law. He could have made a difference, but he took his ball and went home. He wussed out. In the end, this was just a "we gotta waste time inbetween Annihilation sagas, so let's get some interest by tying in with another event."

I didn't see it that way at all. I saw it as a very organic story, and one that's kind of classic. While the soldier's been off fighting to preserve life as he knew it, he comes home to find that life isn't at all as he knew it anymore. At least out in space, things are simpler. There are allies and there are enemies. The two don't generally mix. He's not forced to deal with the fact that one of his best friends has been so brainwashed that he's now a mouthpiece for something Nova knows he would never have believed in before. He's not forced to justify to his parents that he even is their son. People accept him and even admire him in space, and he can do a lot more good on his own terms out there. Compare that to the stifling realities of what the superhero game has become on Earth and all the pressures he found himself under from friends, family, the government, and Iron Man, and it's no surprise that he decided to ditch it all and just focus on what he knows he can make a difference in.

 

[Phaedrus45]

But you just said your average is 7 or 8 of 10. So what you're really saying is you'd only date 9s and up. Conceited much?

Nope, just picky. Conceited would be if I thought I was a 9. Of course, we all know one man's 9 is another man's 6. And, I said I'd date a woman who is a 7 or above. (Just to point out, it's more than just looks. I've met plenty of 9's whose personalities make them a good 4. Just like with comics, a good score involves writing and art many times.)

 

[Phaedrus45]

Why? I mean, he's playing a character. It's like all those people who can't watch Tom Cruise movies anymore because he's a psycho, so what?

Oh, I know...but, it's different with him, for some reason. I know Mel Gibson is somewhat more comparable; but, I really liked Apocalypto. But, I guess Michael Richards is so linked with Kramer, and there is something about his character which is likened to him....it skews my judgement.

 

[Dread]

After reading the exceptional Annihilation, this did feel like a "sell out" to me, and I would guess those who read Annihilation would feel cheated. In comparison to the Nova we all read from that miniseries, this is too reminiscent of Nova-past. Plus, Nova didn't deal with the changes on Earth at all. He observed, got in a fight with his parents, and ran away without standing for any cause. Obviously, he doesn't subscribe to Tony's beliefs...but, imagine if you are on the other side, being persecuted by the U.S.'s new law. He could have made a difference, but he took his ball and went home. He wussed out. In the end, this was just a "we gotta waste time inbetween Annihilation sagas, so let's get some interest by tying in with another event."

If Nova stayed and helped the pro-SHRA (or joined The Initiative with Justice), then he couldn't be in space for CONQUEST.

I saw it as actually being that rare shot of having your cake and eating it. Sales wise, a 2 issue tie-in with INITIATIVE was understandable. Story wise, the fans, at least in every Nova topic I went to, wanted Nova to stop by Earth and react to stuff for almost a year now. I don't think most of them wanted him to STAY there, at least as soon as ANNIHILATION announced a sequel, which was solicted at least quickly after NOVA #1 shipped.

Fans wanted him to talk to Emoball, he did. They wanted Nova to react to CW and mention to Iron Man the perspective he got from the space war, he did. Virtually everyone enjoys watching the Thunderbolts get jolly stomped and they did (the fight ended in a draw, but c'mon, Nova was barely breaking a sweat and didn't want to endanger civilians; had Stark not interupted the T-Bolts would have gotten "a beatdown - like lightening!"). Finally he chose to go back to space where he understands the rules better and where he can make more of a difference to more lives. His parents moved on and changed, the public, the cops, even who is considered a hero. It was meant to show that one sometimes really can't go home again once you grow past a certain point.

I'm just trying to understand your expectations here. I saw this 2-parter as giving fans what they wanted. No, it didn't do anything that wasn't expected, but that was because Nova stayed in character. Nova has bigger things to do, like protect galaxies and rebuild the Corps, than collect troops for a CW II. He just wanted a taste of home after landing there by (admittedly) contrived coincidence, and didn't like it. If anything it was a silent criticism of the CW that I am sure many ANNIHILATION fans could relate to, how nuts it all seems.

I've seen far more contrived and useless Initiative tie-ins that weren't giving fans what they asked for and stretched far more. GHOST RIDER's was virtually useless; Satan animates Jack O'Lantern's corpse and that's it. MOON KNIGHT's tie-ins have done nothing but take a reasonable story and stretch it 1-2 issues longer than it has to be. PUNISHER: WAR JOURNAL is more in reaction to CA #25 than Initiative at this point. In an age where many times the notion of trying to give the fans what they want is seen as "generic", I was pleased with the last 2 issues of Nova. Different strokes I guess.

 

[Darthphere]

I didn't see it that way at all. I saw it as a very organic story, and one that's kind of classic. While the soldier's been off fighting to preserve life as he knew it, he comes home to find that life isn't at all as he knew it anymore. At least out in space, things are simpler. There are allies and there are enemies. The two don't generally mix. He's not forced to deal with the fact that one of his best friends has been so brainwashed that he's now a mouthpiece for something Nova knows he would never have believed in before. He's not forced to justify to his parents that he even is their son. People accept him and even admire him in space, and he can do a lot more good on his own terms out there. Compare that to the stifling realities of what the superhero game has become on Earth and all the pressures he found himself under from friends, family, the government, and Iron Man, and it's no surprise that he decided to ditch it all and just focus on what he knows he can make a difference in.

If Nova stayed and helped the pro-SHRA (or joined The Initiative with Justice), then he couldn't be in space for CONQUEST.

I saw it as actually being that rare shot of having your cake and eating it. Sales wise, a 2 issue tie-in with INITIATIVE was understandable. Story wise, the fans, at least in every Nova topic I went to, wanted Nova to stop by Earth and react to stuff for almost a year now. I don't think most of them wanted him to STAY there, at least as soon as ANNIHILATION announced a sequel, which was solicted at least quickly after NOVA #1 shipped.

Fans wanted him to talk to Emoball, he did. They wanted Nova to react to CW and mention to Iron Man the perspective he got from the spar war, he did. Virtually everyone enjoys watching the Thunderbolts get jolly stomped and they did (the fight ended in a draw, but c'mon, Nova was barely breaking a sweat and didn't want to endanger civilians; had Stark not interupted the T-Bolts would have gotten "a beatdown - like lightening!"). Finally he chose to go back to space where he understands the rules better and where he can make more of a difference to more lives. His parents moved on and changed, the public, the cops, even who is considered a hero.

I'm just trying to understand your expectations here. I saw this 2-parter as giving fans what they wanted. No, it didn't do anything that wasn't expected, but that was because Nova stayed in character. Nova has bigger things to do, like protect galaxies and rebuild the Corps, than collect troops for a CW II. He just wanted a taste of home after landing there by (admittedly) contrived coincidence, and didn't like it. If anything it was a silent criticism of the CW that I am sure many ANNIHILATION fans could relate to, how nuts it all seems.

I've seen far more contrived and useless Initiative tie-ins that weren't giving fans what they asked for and stretched far more. GHOST RIDER's was virtually useless; Satan animates Jack O'Lantern's corpse and that's it. MOON KNIGHT's tie-ins have done nothing but take a reasonable story and stretch it 1-2 issues longer than it has to be. PUNISHER: WAR JOURNAL is more in reaction to CA #25 than Initiative at this point. In an age where many times the notion of trying to give the fans what they want is seen as "generic", I was pleased with the last 2 issues of Nova. Different strokes I guess.

Sexcellent jobs guys.

 

[Phaedrus45]

As someone who absolutely loved Annihilation, it didn't feel like a "selling out" to me. And I wouldn't say he wussed out at all, he just feels that a lot of the stuff going on on Earth is trivial and doesn't matter in comparison to some of the things he's been having to deal with in outer space, and he believes there are things that still need to be done out there.

I get your point. For me, he didn't spend much time on Earth, really got the cliff-notes version of everything that's happening, and in no way really learned about what was happening deep down. Like I said, we've seen it before, and it covered all those points:

1) Unregistered fights registered.
2) Tony Stark shows up, acting like a buddy, trying to convince unregistered to sign up.
3) (With parents) learns that the public does not like unregistered people.

I sincerly believe that many of us could have written this issue. (I think one of the problems that happens with writing these reviews week after week is that we become more critical of these comics. I find it harder to dish out as many 8/10's as I originally did a year ago.)

 

[Dread]

I get your point. For me, he didn't spend much time on Earth, really got the cliff-notes version of everything that's happening, and in no way really learned about what was happening deep down. Like I said, we've seen it before, and it covered all those points:

1) Unregistered fights registered.
2) Tony Stark shows up, acting like a buddy, trying to convince unregistered to sign up.
3) (With parents) learns that the public does not like unregistered people.

I sincerly believe that many of us could have written this issue. (I think one of the problems that happens with writing these reviews week after week is that we become more critical of these comics. I find it harder to dish out as many 8/10's as I originally did a year ago.)

I actually don't mind reading an issue I feel I could have written; granted, that's probably because I have tried my hand at fan-fiction and writing for Marvel Comics would be pretty much an "Aladdin's Genie" sort of wish, which is a dream I abandoned as impractical and unrealistic to major in something else to actually earn a living. Or try to. At least if the writers and I "are on the same page", I know I'll like it.

Kirkman on INVINCIBLE spends perhaps half of his time seemingly giving fans what they want in that book, and all he has to do is throw in an occasional twist or development and he literally prints comic gold. Too many in Marvel treat the audience and their expectations as something low, something to be ignored, rejected, abandoned in order to be an artiste. We all could name names of some of these.

Like I keep saying, different strokes I guess.

 

[Phaedrus45]

I'm just trying to understand your expectations here. I saw this 2-parter as giving fans what they wanted. No, it didn't do anything that wasn't expected, but that was because Nova stayed in character. Nova has bigger things to do, like protect galaxies and rebuild the Corps, than collect troops for a CW II. He just wanted a taste of home after landing there by (admittedly) contrived coincidence, and didn't like it. If anything it was a silent criticism of the CW that I am sure many ANNIHILATION fans could relate to, how nuts it all seems.

I've seen far more contrived and useless Initiative tie-ins that weren't giving fans what they asked for and stretched far more. GHOST RIDER's was virtually useless; Satan animates Jack O'Lantern's corpse and that's it. MOON KNIGHT's tie-ins have done nothing but take a reasonable story and stretch it 1-2 issues longer than it has to be. PUNISHER: WAR JOURNAL is more in reaction to CA #25 than Initiative at this point. In an age where many times the notion of trying to give the fans what they want is seen as "generic", I was pleased with the last 2 issues of Nova. Different strokes I guess.

Yes, and those tie-ins were more ridiculous, I agree. But, the simple fact is I cannot imagine anyone being blown away by what happened in this issue. And, it still doesn't shy away from the fact that I thought I gave it a decent rating, anyway. Plus, just because the fans wanted this doesn't mean I did. I was excited to have Nova dealing with his space adventures and the aftermath of Annihilation.


Anyway, off topic, I just got my tickets for the midnight showing of Fantastic Four tonight. Can't wait! I'm hoping the internet site for movie showtimes is incorrect as saying this is only 1 hour and 23 minutes. It would be a shame to have such a quick movie. (Oh, and I bought the new F4 extended cut of the original movie with 20 additional minutes. You can see why they were cut out. It really dragged the fun of the original movie down, as those cuts were bringing out the dramatic elements of the movie.)

 

[Darthphere]

Maybe the issue needed a twist like, "Penance is a Skrull!"

 

[Dread]

Yes, and those tie-ins were more ridiculous, I agree. But, the simple fact is I cannot imagine anyone being blown away by what happened in this issue. And, it still doesn't shy away from the fact that I thought I gave it a decent rating, anyway. Plus, just because the fans wanted this doesn't mean I did. I was excited to have Nova dealing with his space adventures and the aftermath of Annihilation.

Fair enough. I greatly enjoyed the issues of Nova, and we'll still get the aftermath of Annihilation with the sequel.

Maybe the issue needed a twist like, "Penance is a Skrull!"

Hah! I'd almost accept that just to be rid of him.

 

[Darthphere]

If a decent rating is a 4/10, what the hell is a bad rating?

 

[Dread]

If a decent rating is a 4/10, what the hell is a bad rating?

Hence why I never do ratings. Too much confusion. I already type enough, may as well try to say whether I liked or disliked a book. That's all it comes down to, really.

 

[WOLVERINE25TH]

BOUGHT:
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #9
AVENGERS CLASSIC #1
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #6
BLADE #10
CABLE DEADPOOL #41
CHUCKY #1
CHUCKY #2
COUNTDOWN #46
DMZ #20
EXILES #95
FRANKLIN RICHARDS WORLD BE WARNED #1
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #21
G.I. JOE #21
G.I. JOE #22
G.I. JOE DATA DESK HANDBOOK
GEN 13 #9
INVINCIBLE #42
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #25
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED TREASURE ISLAND #1
MYSTIC ARCANA MAGIK
NEW AVENGERS #31
NEW X-MEN #39
NOVA #3
RED PROPHET #8
SUB-MARINER #1
SUPERMAN BATMAN #36
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #117
WORLD WAR HULK #1

THOUGHT:
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #9
Spider-Girl accidentally butts in where she doesn’t belong, releasing Specimen 297 from SHIELD custody and opening a whole new world of trouble for herself! And after she promised to keep out of it… All the good things you can’t find in Spidey comics is here. No Civil War, a supporting cast, continuity with nary a mystical totem in sight. Unfortunately, some of Modern Marvel has started to cross-over with the introduction of Maria Hill to the SGU, but that’s as far as we’ve come, thankfully. We get some MC2 characters we haven’t seen in a while, as well as the return of another classic villain that will hopefully give Mayday some big trouble.

5 out of 5

AVENGERS CLASSIC #1
Inspired by fond memories of X-Men Classic comes Avengers Classic, reprinting the very first issue of Avengers with two back-up strips by Dwayne McDuffie and Michel Avon Oeming, and Stan Lee and Kevin Maguire. Avengers #1 is, of course, a classic, and recognized for what it means in today’s standards. And speaking of today’s standards, it obviously doesn’t hold up as well in writing and artwork that most modern fans would be used to, but reprints of comics you’ll never be able to afford are always good to have. The first back-up about the Avengers trying to be civilized was quite funny. Oeming’s new painted style, coupled with his fan-favorite pencils, give it an interesting look. Stan’s script lacks a bit of the obvious humor, but is still highly enjoyable. Plus, shattering the 4th Wall is always fun. This was a pretty good first outing for this series, and hopefully the more serious back-ups akin to Claremont’s vignettes from X-Men will make it worth the price to collectors and Avengers fans new and old.

5 out of 5

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #6
DC can’t seem to decide if this is a series or a mini-series. Pegged as part of 8 issues last time, this one is back to the regular on-going numbering as we finish up the Lex Luthor arc (with still nary a sight of Superman to help take down his old foe). The artwork by Protacio was the worst it’s been in this series, with confusing fight scenes, ugly renderings and inconsistencies (Batman DID get pierced at one point, didn’t he?). Also, in one of the biggest slips of dialogue Batman practically reveals his identity to Luthor and neither of them bat (no pun intended) an eye. Starting with some promise, this has easily become the weakest Batman series on the shelves.

1.5 out of 5

BLADE #10
Nine issues later and we FINALLY get a reason as to how and why Spider-Man was vamped out when the series began. Basically this was more of Blade’s uninteresting quest to learn the truth within his past and the players moving him around like a pawn. Also, we get our usual Spidey even though he’s supposed to be moody and thus back in the black costume. The cancellation of this series couldn’t come quick enough. As far as Blade versions go, this one ranked about as bad as the 70s one with the afro.

1.5 out of 5

EXILES #95
The Exiles return to find things not quite as they left them, and begin their efforts to rebuild the base and their team. A transition between the arcs that had a couple good points, unfortunately rendered meaningless as Claremont starts off yet another story featuring an alternate Fantastic Four. Could this be influence from the timing of the movie? Perhaps, but most of the Exiles run was able to come up with different teams and characters to appear (yes, there were a few Wolverine stories, but that’s almost a prerequisite these days). Also looks like the team roster is changing again; who the new Exile will be, if there will be one, is a mystery so far. Oh, and someone didn’t do their research; Miguel doesn’t shoot webs like his namesake, his spinners are in the backs of his hands. Bit of a flub up there. Not much else to comment on here until the story gets underway.

3 out of 5

FRANKLIN RICHARDS WORLD BE WARNED #1
Another hilarious installment to the Franklin Richards series. You’ve seen them in the backs of the comics, and you’ve had several chances to partake of them in their full glory. If you’ve not yet picked up one of the Franklin books, what are you waiting for? This isn’t the troublesome baby from the Fantastic Four comics; this is pure Calvin in Hobbes as only Mighty Marvel can do it. You want a good laugh, pick this and the other Franklins up.

5 out of 5

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #21
The all-out action fight issue! See! Spider-Man vs. Ero for the life of Flash Thompson! See! The return of the stingers! See! Robbie Robertson vs. J. Jonah Jameson! See! Flash Thompson and Peter Parker about to become daddies! Once again we get a happy-go-lucky wise-cracking black costumed Spidey that clashes with the dark and brooding version we’ve got JMS establishing over in Amazing. Overall, David’s handling of “The Other” travesty has made certain aspects of it bearable (although can we ever really justify the stingers???). We also get an interesting conflict brewing within Spidey’s supporting cast (remember them?).

3 out of 5

GEN 13 #9
This is a Rainmaker-centric issue where we learn a few secrets about her, and Roxy’s mom returns, but she’s got company! Another issue where not much happens. While trying to get into the heads of the characters to attempt to make the reader connect with them more, the pace of the story slows to a crawl with very little action thrown in to eventually propel it forward. The reveal in this issue was pretty much for the brand-new readers, but fans of classic Gen 13 books won’t be too surprised. Overall, the title has had some shining moments over the course of these 9 issues, but has for the most part been remarkably underwhelming and dull.

2.5 out of 5

MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #25
What if Johnny messed with one of Reed’s new inventions and got shunted to different realities where he met different versions of his team? Well, then you’d have this issue. Bringing What If? and the Watcher into the world of Marvel Adventures, we get a quirkily fun tale of Johnny’s journey across the multiverse. This issue was played up purely for comedy, while being seriously good. The most hilarious moment, however, had to be in the universe with Spider-Man. Kudos to Fred Van Lente on that one. You’ll need to read it to see for yourself. The artwork by Cory Hamscher on this outing was a bit of a mixed bag. The women looked like silly Manga characters for the most part, while the normal-looking men looked very good. Thing looked like a big ape, and some panels ended up with an inconsistent style. However, it didn’t detract from the story and left you with one hell of an issue. It’s nice to see while this version of Spider-Man falters in the storytelling department lately the rest of this line of titles can keep up the quality that makes it enjoyable for both the younger and long-time readers.

4 out of 5

MYSTIC ARCANA MAGIK
An untold tale of the New Mutants where Magik and Moonstar travel back to ancient Egypt where an evil sorcerer begins a deadly game, while Ian McNee returns to begin a task that has everything to do with it in the present. Ushering in the return of Magik, Marvel explores the magic within their own universe through this series focusing on four members of the Marvel magic family. This outing, by Louise Simonson and David Sexton respectively, was a pretty good start to it, giving us a mystery amongst an interesting action-driven tale. Steve Scott’s artwork for the Magik segment, while not perfect, was nicely done with a hint of old-school style to it, and Eric Nguyen’s painted stylings of McNee’s segment accented the surreal aspect of the journey and characters involved. It was very interesting how these two seemingly separate stories intertwined to form one piece of the puzzle. Old New Mutants fans will have to decide how well this “classic” tale fits in with the events of issue 32, which is between when this transpires. Marvel’s had some success in reigniting some interest in their space properties with Annihilation; could lightning strike twice here?

4 out of 5

NEW AVENGERS #31
The Ninja fight is finally over! And not a moment too soon. This issue was filled with some of Bendis’ WORST dialogue ever, and Yu’s pencils looked like messy sketches that completely skipped the inking and finishing and just went right to colors. It did work for some of the characters and panels, however, but overall it was one big mess. That, and the fact that it took several issues for ONE fight. Decompression at it’s worst. This series has run its course, if it ever had one. Time for some new blood to bring some dignity back to the Avengers.

2 out of 5

NEW X-MEN #39
The battle intensifies as Belasco works his way through half the team, Illyana convinces the other half to have someone give up their soul, and Norico and Julian prepare to take on O*N*E to help their friends. The artwork seriously kills any urgency or seriousness to this story. It’s like watching one of those bad Saturday morning cartoons they got on now, and the sudden new designs are still lacking and senseless when compared to the originals. The story manages to work through it, barely, to form a tale with some intrigue that almost makes you forget Marvel is about to resurrect yet ANOTHER dead character. Overall, the story has been good, just the artwork seriously takes it down a few points. The two just don’t mesh.

2.5 out of 5

NOVA #3
Nova vs. the Thunderbolts! Another good issue to the series, art and story, as Nova comes to terms with this new world that formed while he was away. This story couldn’t have been done any better. It was nicely handled and touched all the right chords without overstaying its welcome. So far, this series is turning out to be very good, and hopefully it can keep it going.

5 out of 5

WORLD WAR HULK #1
The war has begun! Hulk returns to Earth and the heroes, registered and unregistered, set aside their differences to help reduce the collateral damage. Pretty much picks up right where Planet Hulk leaves off, and it doesn’t let up for one moment. With some beautifully rendered artwork by Romita Jr, this issue pretty much sets the tone for the series: SMASH! The only questionable element is She-Hulk back to her green form. Hopefully, that’s explained in one of the (unfortunately) many tie-ins and not just a continuity flub.

4 out of 5

 

[Phaedrus45]

More Thoughts:

Sub-Mariner #1: Great first issue. Part of the fun of the big event is how all the other events seem to be converging on Stark. First, we started off with the Inhumans in Silent War; then, we have Hulk coming on strong with World War Hulk; and, now we have Atlantis possibly coming to war. I only hope Marvel does link these things together; otherwise, it will come off as too many cooks in the kitchen adding ingredients that don't mesh too well. I was thinking how funny it was that in 2005, we couldn't get an Iron Man story to save our lives; now, he's all over the place, showing up in every title. Can't wait for issue #2. 9/10

Avengers Classic #1: Uggg...this was a disappointment. I was thinking they might do a retelling of the classic tales; but, this is just like Marvel Milestones with some new, very unfunny bonus stories at the back of the book. You get the umpteenth reprinting of Avengers #1 (I think I've got about 5 reprints of this issue in my collection in some form or another). The best thing is the cover, which is very nicely drawn. It's just the two stories at the end of the book didn't make me laugh once. Plus, I'm tired of Stan Lee writing stories where he's constantly putting himself in as a joke. That's grown quite old now. Sooo, if you haven't read or haven't got a reprint of Avengers #1, go ahead and pick it up. For my taste, though, I can only give this a 4/10.

World War Hulk #1: Wow! Kick-ass first issue!!! Sure, there were a few points that kind of bugged me; but, for someone who doesn't read all the other Marvel titles, who want to just read some great action and look at some great art, this title is it. Greg Pak is perfectly suited in writing this story,and you couldn't ask for someone better than John Romita Jr. to draw it. Obviously, Hulk is much, much stronger than we've ever seen him, and he's kickin' butt and takin' names...in that order.

OK, onto the mild points that bugged me about the issue. As I'm loving Silent War, to see Black Bolt and Medusa together, without any indication of what's happening with them currently, makes me worry that these various stories involving the Atlanteans, Inhumans and Hulk aren't going to fit together very well. (The key here is this will only bug someone who's reading all these comics, where as many might not.) Secondly, Tony makes some quick decisions without confering with anyone. He claims he'll pardon anyone who helps with getting everyone out of Manhattan; but, that shouldn't be a decision he alone is allowed to make. Plus, in the Spidey titles, Peter is having so much trouble with everything around him, it seems wrong that everyone now accepts his help because of this one incident. I'm worried (or, maybe hoping?) that they are going to try to tie up Civil War with this need to come together in battling the Hulk.

Still, like I said, these points are mundane. This is still a great issue that I can see just about anyone enjoying. (I did hate Tony's Hulkbuster armor, though. The armor within armor made him look like a six-year-old over-bundled by his mom for winter.) 9/10

(Dang it...it's getting a bit tougher for me to read lately. I still see things fine, but it seems like I'm having to really change my eye sight to see things up close. My eyes really start to hurt a bit, kind of like when you roll your eyes up in your head. Might be needing glasses, darnit!)

 

[Anubis]

Stan Lee is a hack.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Hence why I never do ratings. Too much confusion. I already type enough, may as well try to say whether I liked or disliked a book. That's all it comes down to, really.

For me, I'm just a ratings kind of guy. I love to see reviews of movies, books, and film, whether it's "thumbs up or down", a star review, a letter grade, or a number ranking. (Or, for Darth, a "fully erect," "slightly limp," or "fully limp.") Many times, I look at the grade before I read the review.

Case in point, I love to go through Wolverine25th's reviews of books I read and reviewed, notice the difference in opinion, then find out why. He liked Avengers Classic and I really didn't. With reading the reviews, I learn that he looked at this book from a different perspective. He focused on that classic first issue, while I focused on that Marvel has already given me this first issue numerous times over.