BOUGHT/THOUGHT for May 16, 2007

[PhotoJones]

Fallen Son: Captain America - I read this one at the shop, and I'm glad I did. The mini hasn't been as great as I wanted it to be. Sure, I like the Wolverine issue and the Avengers one wasn't too bad. This one is just...off. I can only assume the next two issue are going to continue the downward trend of mediocrity.

The problem is that not a lot makes sense. Clint puts on the Cap outfit and runs around as the new Captain America for literally 5 minutes before deciding that no one should wear the stripes and that Tony's a dickbag for supporting the registration. It's not even like he had epiphany or anything. It's just awkwardly written. Tony and Clint run into Patriot and the "new" Hawkeye (Kate), and Clint tells Tony they're going to let them go. What? Then Clint leaves. Unregistered. And Tony's left to shout to to no one, "I'll be looking for you!" Yep. What the **** is that? I was unaware that Tony Stark, Director of SHIELD was taking orders from Clint Barton. The larger problem, and this a Marvel problem, is that we need a clear cut characterization for Tony. Is he so for the Registration he's willing to sacrifice morals and relationships to track down his former friends? Or is concerned for the safety of his friends, and wants to ensure that he finds them before the rest of SHIELD does? I would obviously prefer the latter, but it's really become up to the writer. That's pretty sad when a character's motivation changes from title to title.

Before that scene, Tony and Clint get to hang out (or what passes for hanging out after you sucker punch someone), and that comes off as a little more natural. Tony lets Clint play around with Cap's shield, and explains that aside from Steve himself, that Clint's the only person skilled enough to handle the thing. That's a nice touch. The artwork is also, naturally, excellent. I don't remember the name of the colorist, but think I prefer the Eternals' colorist over this guy. I like the more watercolory, earthy feel when coloring JRJR's work more than the flashy, Liquid! style that burst on to the scene in the late 90's. Still, it's not bad at all.

Like I was saying before, I'm glad I had the will power to resist the temptation of picking this series up. I mean c'mon...Yu, McGuinness, JRJR? Those are like my modern comic book gods. It's proof though, that if I can quit smoking, I can quit anything.


Next up: Mighty Avengers #3...

 

[PhotoJones]

Mighty Avengers #3 - After a slow (and boring 2nd issue), #3 picks up and turns out to be the best issue so far. That's saying a lot, considering #1 shocked the hell out of me (as well as a lot of you).

For the Cho detractors, there's a shot of Tigra which may be even more gratuitous than a naked Ultron. Again, I find it to be all in fun, even if some of you don't. Speaking of Tigra, she's dating Hank Pym. Or at least, they're ****ing. Either way, Hank's trying to put Jan behind him, and he's not doing a very smooth job of it. Their "date" is interupted by SHIELD agents who need Pym's assistance with the Ultron situation. He's literally caught with his pants down.

Meanwhile, after a grueling battle with the Sentry, Ultron manages to hijack the Helicarrier's systems, and shuts the whole thing down, leaving it to fall right into NYC. For all the Sentry detractors (myself included), Bendis actually uses him to do something useful. It's good to see, and looong overdue. Also, Maria Hill is knocked unconscious, leaving SHIELD confused over just who's in charge now. It seems that power structure then goes to a Level 10 agent, except the only one of those is Nick Fury....and the Black Widow. In what is my favorite scene of the book, Natasha completely rises to the challange, and begins barking orders left and right. It's very Fury-esque, and very, VERY fun to read. Even Ares is impressed.

There are also small touches that Bendis inserts here and there that add to the book. For example, Simon expressing a greater concern for Carol's well being over anyone else is cute. I'm not reading Ms. Marvel, but I know that Carol and Simon are kind of sort of dating, or at least would like to.

Really, this is just a quality issue. Most of my complaints with the past two issues are addressed and worked out in this one. My one remaining gripe is Wonder Man. How come he can fly now? I really do not understand what's going on with Bendis' inconsistency with Simon's powers. It's really getting annoying, and it comes off as lazy. Although, I suppose just one complaint from a Bendis penned book is pretty damn good.

I'm also surprised this shipped on time. I know that's a sad thing to be impressed about, but Cho's doing the penciling and the inking himself, and this is the third issue to ship on time. That's a becoming a rare thing with "star" artists.

Really glad this issue picked up, and I'm really looking foward to reading the rest of the arc. This the equivalent of a big, dumb, colorful summer blockbuster that you can't help but enjoy.


I also bought Okko #2-3, but haven't received #1 in the mail yet, so I'm going to hold off on those. Local #9 shipped this week, so that one's up next...

 

[Darthphere]

Shazam!

 

[Red]

From what I hear, Ultimates ends on a wimper like Milliar's Civil War.

 

[GNR]

Ultimates 2 #13 - Good closing chapter to what has been a great run.There was alot to tie up in this book,not to mention finishing off the fight from #12.The 8 page spread was just gorgeous,the online scans don't do it justice.With so many characters,someone's arc was bound to suffer,and that someone was Hulk.I was looking forward to the team's reaction of Banner still being alive and coming out of nowhere,but all we get are some shots of Bruce and Betty in the background and an awkward conversation with Wasp as Bruce is STILL in his cell.The flashback at the end was beautiful,it really brought everything full circle from Volume 1.Great end to a great run in what has been Millar and Hitch's crowning achievement at Marvel,and sorry Bendis,Civil War is not Mark's best work. 8.5/10

JLA #9 - This storyline is confusing the hell out of me,but it's being told well and the character interaction is awesome.Vixen's awe of Gorilla City was cool as was her race with Jay.Turns out Hawkman and Power Girl got it on in Thanagar,as Power Girl warns Roy about Kendra.I can see people becoming bored with this arc and complaining about character overload or lack of action.I for one am liking the characterizations more than anything else. 9/10

 

[PhotoJones]

I didn't even care enough to skim through Ultimates #13 at the shop...

 

[Horrorfan]

I didn't even care enough to skim through Ultimates #13 at the shop...

That makes sense, seeing as the series kicks ass...

 

[GNR]

From what I hear, Ultimates ends on a wimper like Milliar's Civil War.

Ends much better than CW.

That makes sense, seeing as the series kicks ass...

Different strokes.

 

[SouLeSS]

Allstar Batman and Robin shipped today.
Ultimates 13 shippted today.

World must be ending.

 

[Horrorfan]

I'll be impressed if they ever ship Ultimate Hulk vs Wolverine 3....

 

[PhotoJones]

Ends much better than CW.

Different strokes.

"Different strokes" is a concept completely alien to Horrorfan (as are logic and discussion). If he likes it, then you're a moron for not liking it. And if he doesn't like it, then it's not even fit for print.

I did like the first Ultimates volume a lot. I started out picking up Volume Two, but after all the delays, I lost interest fast. I'm sure Millar handled the ending well, and if I'd remembered the 8 page spread, I would've given it a look. Oh well. Hopefully the book will have a better track record with Joe Mad.

Oh wait.

 

[Darthphere]

Anyone else excited for the Plain Janes this week? WOO!

 

[PhotoJones]

Anyone else excited for the Plain Janes this week? WOO!

I like Jim Rugg's artwork. And I'm comfortable enough with my sexuality to read a book geared for teenage girls.

 

[SouLeSS]

Ok so I don't read any of the Xbooks (other than X-Factor, if you can call taht an X book) and I'm pissed that they threw this random XMen thing in Cable and Deadpool. =( Now I'm supposed to go buy the next New Xmen to get the rest of the story. At least with Checkmate/Outsiders I was forwarned, as with JSA/JLA.

UGh.

 

[Red]

Ultimates 2 #13 - Good closing chapter to what has been a great run.There was alot to tie up in this book,not to mention finishing off the fight from #12.The 8 page spread was just gorgeous,the online scans don't do it justice.With so many characters,someone's arc was bound to suffer,and that someone was Hulk.I was looking forward to the team's reaction of Banner still being alive and coming out of nowhere,but all we get are some shots of Bruce and Betty in the background and an awkward conversation with Wasp as Bruce is STILL in his cell.The flashback at the end was beautiful,it really brought everything full circle from Volume 1.Great end to a great run in what has been Millar and Hitch's crowning achievement at Marvel,and sorry Bendis,Civil War is not Mark's best work. 8.5/10

I'm pretty sure it was Pym in the cell and not Bruce.

 

[CaptainCanada]

Fables #61: The Good Prince (Part 2)

Last month's cliffhanger turns out to be largely a fakeout, although a customarily well-executed one. Blue talks Fly down from his insane quest to massacre the Adversary's armies, and it's quite an effective moment. Flycatcher has never been one of my favourite characters on this series, although I know he's something of a fan favourite. Meanwhile, Frau Totenkinder lets the leadership of Fabletown in on her sources in the Homelands, which are quite inventive, and the cabal (Charming, Beauty, Beast, Frau, Mowgli) makes plans to counter the Adversary's planned invasion. Plus, Charming decides to bring Snow and the Wolf in, so hopefully they'll finally be back in the community's inner circle, after so many issues on the periphery (which is fine, generally, but they're still the series' biggest characters). And, finally, the identity of the Forsworn Knight is revealed, and "Lance" is apparently here to guide Flycatcher on his journey. It's great that the series is getting back to the main plot after such a large breather period.

Gargoyles #4

The writing on this comic series is pretty much perfect; it reminds of the show so much, although the existence of this series only serves to further aggravate the insult of Disney/Whoever not putting the second half of Season Two on DVD, since so much of this series naturally spins out of the events of that season, which I otherwise haven't seen in many a year. Anyway, the art is not the best, to put it charitably, but it does a decent job of mimicking the animation style of the series. The story so far has dove pretty quickly into the workings of the Illuminati, which is a plus for me since they were one element of the series that was never examined in a wholly satisfactory manner. #4 is a bit transitional, with most of the focus being on relationships, since Weisman unexpectedly threw a wrench in the Goliath/Elisa thing last issue. Plus, Elisa dresses up Jasmine in Aladdin for the Halloween party.

Mighty Avengers #3

Hmm, I'm still not sure what to make of this title. I absolutely loved the first issue; the second issue was rather uneventful; the third issue is a step up from the second, but it still drags a bit. I get the sense that most of Bendis' six-issue stories could stand to lose about an issue and it would improve pacing. On the plus side, Bendis demonstrates a fairly good grasp of each of the characters that he's chosen, with the possible exception of the Sentry, who no one seems to know what to make of. There's also the issue of Wonder Man's powers, which seem rather inconsistent throughout this story (he apparently can fly, which he appeared to do as well in issue 1, despite the opening of that issue having the Sentry carry him). Tigra shows up for two pages and ends up on both the cover and in the solicitation for this issue (which was particularly shameless); Yellowjacket is here too, although not in costume. Black Widow is the star of this issue, taking command of SHIELD in an instant after Hill is incapacitated. The overall plot of this story is still quite frankly bizarre; no one seems to know what happened to Iron Man (in fact, it's a plot point of sorts, from the looks of it), and the issue closes with Tony's old Mach I armour showing up on auto-pilot with a message from beyond the grave (or something).

Uncanny X-Men #486: The Rise and Fall of the Shi'ar Empire: Part 12: Endings and Beginnings

Well, the storyline that began last summer, and ran throughout my entire second year of university, has come to a conclusion. Although it actually started in the Deadly Genesis miniseries. And it doesn't really conclude. I'm not sure what to make of this story, really. I remember really loving the beginning, and there have been good moments, but it has a rather strange pace (nine issues of buildup, several of which have very little happen, lead to three non-stop action issues, with no real conclusion). Brubaker is absolutely my favourite Marvel writer for his work on Captain America, which is the finest book on the stands these days; a science-fiction team book like X-Men is a bit outside of his normal sphere, which to be gritty urban superhero/crime solo book (Daredevil, Criminal), gritty espionage/superhero solo book (Captain America), and gritty exotic kung-fu solo book (Iron Fist). If there was any X-title I think he would be a natural for, it would be Wolverine, which is in desperate need of a steady guiding hand. The really good parts of this issue include the battle between Havok, Polaris, and Vulcan, and Havok's characterization generally. Professor X gets his powers back somehow from the M'Kraan Crystal, which is a novel way of going about it; I saw a lot of potential in Xavier depowered, but the arc never really delved into it, and they'd rather undo M-Day just a little bit more. Oh, and Corsair dies. The characterization of Vulcan is not at all what I was expecting; my expectation was that he would be talked down, but he's played here as an irredeemably psychotic maniac. So, at issue's end, Professor X, Darwin, Warpath, Hepzibah, and Nightcrawler have been forcibly returned to Earth, while Havok, Polaris, and Marvel Girl are roving the stars with the Starjammers to take down Vulcan, and the Shi'ar Civil War is ongoing. A strange ending, especially since it doesn't look like we'll be returning to it any time soon. I think Brubaker strayed a bit too far outside of his area of interest with this story. All the same, I'll be interested to see where he goes with the book next; the next arc has Storm and the Morlocks, which seem like an area of the X-universe that Brubaker would be more at home in.

 

[PhotoJones]

LOCAL #9 - Superhero comics are obviously the top sellers every month. They're my first love when it comes to comics, and that will never change. But comic books have progressed a lot, even in the past 10 years. It's a fantastic medium. There really is something for everyone out there. For me, there's LOCAL. Beautifully written doesn't even begin to describe it. There's a difference between being able to relate to Peter Parker, and being able to relate to Megan McKeenan. Megan's not an "everygirl" type of character. She's very specific, just like Brian Wood's writing. It's not something everyone is going to be able to identify with, or even like for that matter. Well...I do.

Like Dread and Invincible, I don't think I'm capable of writing an unbiased review. I see this book flawless in everyway, right down to the backmatter. Wood and Kelly list their soundtrack to each issue in every issue, and even that is perfect. It's as if they've picked my brain and made it into a comic book. I love it.

What I can objectively look at is the growth. The protaganist, Megan, has grown more in 9 issues then most main characters grow in their entire runs. She's not the same girl who walked out on her boyfriend in #1. The only other books that come to mind in this regard are DMZ (also written by Wood) and the aforementioned Invincible. Character growth is essential to good storytelling. ESPECIALLY if that story has a planned ending. Invincible is one book that has no ending in sight, and yet Kirkman manages to keep Mark growing and maturing with each issue. My hat goes off to both he and Wood, in that regard.

The other draw to LOCAL for me is, of course, Ryan Kelly's gorgeous artwork. Each issue he gets better and better. I would say he is the most underrated artist drawing comics right now. The book really would not be the same without him, and I can't even imagine anyone who could do the job he does. I've heard him compared to Becky Cloonan. As much as I like Cloonan's work, I don't she could pull off what Kelly pulls off every issue. She was great for DEMO, but this a completely different story. Kelly's eye for detail, while at the same time being expressive is amazing.

I realize at this point I haven't said anything about the actual issue. I guess I don't see the point, really. I doubt there's anyone lurking around on these boards that reads LOCAL, and that's fine. Like I mentioned, it's very much of an acquired taste; I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. I just wanted to get this out of my system. Maybe there is someone else on here who enjoys Megan's story as much as me...Who knows?

Now...Back to the superheroes!

 

[Doc Destruction]

JLA #9 - This storyline is confusing the hell out of me,but it's being told well and the character interaction is awesome.

Allow me to assist.

Spoiler

1) The villans are revealed. BAD news for both teams, all three of those guys have defeated both teams BY THEMSELVES in the past. The Ultra-Humanite (Stronger telepath than Martian Manhunter), Despero (Alien bad ass with a ton of abilites) and Per Degaton (Hitler with a time machine). 2) It looks like we just witnessed the birth of UH's gorilla body. 3) The Legionaires have been sent back in time to save Lightning Lad - which is what that code word is, written in the legionaire font that Keith Giffen introduced to the world.

So, we're dealing with time travel and one of the villans is a time traveller. Hope that clears up a thing or two.

 

[Darthphere]

LOCAL #9 - Superhero comics are obviously the top sellers every month. They're my first love when it comes to comics, and that will never change. But comic books have progressed a lot, even in the past 10 years. It's a fantastic medium. There really is something for everyone out there. For me, there's LOCAL. Beautifully written doesn't even begin to describe it. There's a difference between being able to relate to Peter Parker, and being able to relate to Megan McKeenan. Megan's not an "everygirl" type of character. She's very specific, just like Brian Wood's writing. It's not something everyone is going to be able to identify with, or even like for that matter. Well...I do.

Like Dread and Invincible, I don't think I'm capable of writing an unbiased review. I see this book flawless in everyway, right down to the backmatter. Wood and Kelly list their soundtrack to each issue in every issue, and even that is perfect. It's as if they've picked my brain and made it into a comic book. I love it.

What I can objectively look at is the growth. The protaganist, Megan, has grown more in 9 issues then most main characters grow in their entire runs. She's not the same girl who walked out on her boyfriend in #1. The only other books that come to mind in this regard are DMZ (also written by Wood) and the aforementioned Invincible. Character growth is essential to good storytelling. ESPECIALLY if that story has a planned ending. Invincible is one book that has no ending in sight, and yet Kirkman manages to keep Mark growing and maturing with each issue. My hat goes off to both he and Wood, in that regard.

The other draw to LOCAL for me is, of course, Ryan Kelly's gorgeous artwork. Each issue he gets better and better. I would say he is the most underrated artist drawing comics right now. The book really would not be the same without him, and I can't even imagine anyone who could do the job he does. I've heard him compared to Becky Cloonan. As much as I like Cloonan's work, I don't she could pull off what Kelly pulls off every issue. She was great for DEMO, but this a completely different story. Kelly's eye for detail, while at the same time being expressive is amazing.

I realize at this point I haven't said anything about the actual issue. I guess I don't see the point, really. I doubt there's anyone lurking around on these boards that reads LOCAL, and that's fine. Like I mentioned, it's very much of an acquired taste; I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. I just wanted to get this out of my system. Maybe there is someone else on here who enjoys Megan's story as much as me...Who knows?

Now...Back to the superheroes!

Pffft, if the comic was any good, it would sell in the top 10.

 

[PhotoJones]

Pffft, if the comic was any good, it would sell in the top 10.

I'm addicted to mediocrity, what can I say?

 

[Marcdachamp]

Fallen Son- PICK OF THE WEEK! I know a lot of people aren't crazy about this, but I've really been digging it. I'm a huge JR nut, and I love Hawkeye. Photo Jones has a valid point, but I read it differently. I think Clint seemed to find an appeal in honoring Cap's mantle, but the Young Avengers showed him an angle he'd overlooked. I like that Tony saw wisdom in Clint becoming the next Cap, because he seemed like the logical choice to me. Bendis really gave Clint relevance again with House of M, but it took a while to get him back in the spotlight. I can't wait to see how his story progresses. 9/10

Ultimates- I don't typically buy this title, but that 8 page spread sold me. Really glad I bought this. 9/10

Mighty Avengers- Bendis' inability to write an action scene seems to be a critique I often hear on this board, but this issue is balls to the wall action. The Sentry steals the spotlight with a great fight scene that is drawn with exquisite skill by Mr. Frank Cho. Nice stuff. 8/10

Ultimate Spider-Man- Man, Bendis can write the Kingpin. He really comes off as the sick twisted individual we all love to hate. The heroes fight amongst themselves, we get an interesting Frank Miller homage, and Bagley and Ponsor (his coloring deserves some big props) impress. 8/10

X-Factor- ****, can we please get someone consistent on this book? Someone dark, like Gaydos, please? One of Marvel's best books is really taking a pounding from artists all over the spectrum. 7/10

Cable and Deadpool- Just a little confused here. Issue was kind of a little disconnected for me. Hopefully X-Men will clear things up. Loving Bob, Agent of Hydra. I hope Nicieza's smart enough to keep him around a while. 7/10

Moon Knight- Again, a little lost. I love the dark tone. I LOVE Suayan's art, but the story gets me a little confused sometimes. Maybe it's the fact that I'm really unfamiliar with Moon Knight in general? 7/10

Uncanny X-Men- I'm really torn here. On one hand, I like some of the developments. The "New Starjammers" are an interesting bunch, the death is interesting, but here we are 12 issues later and next to nothing is resolved? I'm sorry, Bru, I love you, but you dedicated a year to something that should've been much shorter. If this were 6-8 issues, it could've been much more easily digestible. I look at Cap and Daredevil where a year of the title has so much more happening and I wonder why and how this happened. Oh, and another depowered mutant gets their powers back. Again. There's not an eyeroll big enough, I swear. I know no one seems to know what to do with the character, but can we just kill him already? I know that's harsh, but he's one character that the series would be stronger without, in my humble opinion. 4/10

 

[Darthphere]

Bendis really gave Clint relevance again with House of M,

Please tell me I just imagined this part of the post, please.

 

[PhotoJones]

Hahaha...

 

[Not Jake]

Darth, read Plain Janes and tell me to buy it. I need reassurance


I also need teenage girls.:heart:

 

[PhotoJones]

The Plain Janes is good. Very good, actually. I don't think I'll posting a review for various reasons, unless people want one.