Bought/Thought for Oct. 27, 2010 - SPOILERS!!!

[Phaedrus45]

- I actually liked Thunderbolts this week. I admit the SHADOWLAND tie-in's haven't usually been essential, aside for DAREDEVIL and some random one-shots that are not promoted as essential (like the GHOST RIDER one). I thought it was a solid mission for what it was. Parker's style is to just have a team fight random oddness, and this at least fits. I liked Juggernaut in the issue. I'll admit Crossbones having some odd laser power is a bit awkward, but that's intentional. No one gets what they want from Terragen Mists.

Here is my problem with Parker's T-Bolts...and, I guess it finally just dawned on me, especially when you compare it to the previous writer. Before, you'd have these villians put into interesting predicaments; but, you'd also get some character growth...or, at least be a bit intrigued by their actions. (Ghost is an excellent example. I love that character now, but since Parker's taken over, my interest in him is starting to wane again.)

Parker is more about putting the characters in a situation. Beyond some squabbling, we're just not getting much from this group. They still feel very thrown together, while Osborn's team really made sense. (It's almost Bendis-ish. Throw a bunch of characters together that interest the writer, but doesn't make much sense to a long time reader.) This is what's been killing the Teen Titans for years...and, now, we finally have a comic that might be interesting with a new writer. (That team is solid, and the writer throws in Damien to make it interesting. This T-Bolts has too many characters thrown in.)

 

[Dread]

Here is my problem with Parker's T-Bolts...and, I guess it finally just dawned on me, especially when you compare it to the previous writer. Before, you'd have these villians put into interesting predicaments; but, you'd also get some character growth...or, at least be a bit intrigued by their actions. (Ghost is an excellent example. I love that character now, but since Parker's taken over, my interest in him is starting to wane again.)

Parker is more about putting the characters in a situation. Beyond some squabbling, we're just not getting much from this group. They still feel very thrown together, while Osborn's team really made sense. (It's almost Bendis-ish. Throw a bunch of characters together that interest the writer, but doesn't make much sense to a long time reader.) This is what's been killing the Teen Titans for years...and, now, we finally have a comic that might be interesting with a new writer. (That team is solid, and the writer throws in Damien to make it interesting. This T-Bolts has too many characters thrown in.)

Jeff Parker's style is that he has a team of characters, some of them archetypes and some not, and he has them fight oddness. He's a fan of a team that fights far out stuff like monsters or bizarre adventures in other locations. Part of me imagines in a parallel universe, he writes CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN.

Every team has some editorial influence to the roster. Even Bendis HAD to have Wolverine and Spider-Man on his team by editorial decree in NEW AVENGERS back in '04. Therefore, part of me thinks that Ghost and/or Moonstone are the members that HAD to be there. Crossbones and Juggernaut have seemed to get most of the development, or attention, in this run so far.

The "team fights oddities" format can get predictable, but I usually feel Parker's dialogue is good enough that he just about gets away with it more often than he should for me. But taste is always subjective. I do feel he's better at juggling a team than, say, Ed Brubaker, who just writes a team as "Steve Rogers and his Amazing Friends".

Least we agree that DYNAMO 5: SINS OF THE FATHER had a kick-ass finale. I really do wish more people would read it. It's a great superhero title. There's no excuse for why it doesn't even sell in the Top 300 these days. It should at least be selling better than many WILDSTORM books for heaven's sakes.

 

[Themanofbat]

I liked and enjoyed the 25 issue run of Dynamo 5, but when books start telling their stories in a series of mini-series, it's time for me to drop it... I know it's not 1975 anymore, and books (like Dynamo 5) have to do this to survive, but I like my numebrs to follow in order as opposed to seeing a new #1 every 5 issues... so I ultimatey dropped the book... though I might be willing to pick it up in trades, if every mini-series promotes one...

 

[CaptainCanada]

Regarding Bucky/Steve as Cap, Brevoort had an interview a while ago where he said the company hadn't mandated anything in that regard (though he didn't rule it out). But I think it's actually unlikely to happen by the movie, because the reason Brubaker gave for Steve not retaking the role (that apocalyptic future) is unlikely to be resolved by the time the film comes out (it's probably the main plot of Secret Avengers).

 

[WOLVERINE25TH]

Maybe we can get Jay to instate a dual number system like Marvel used to for guys like you, Bat. Although, be honest with you: that's the dumbest reason I've ever heard for dropping a book you actually LIKE. At least it's not like with Marvel, they try to get new life into a book by adding an adjective to the title and rebooting it, only to then re-collapse it into the original main line with the original numbering.

 

[Themanofbat]

Maybe we can get Jay to instate a dual number system like Marvel used to for guys like you, Bat. Although, be honest with you: that's the dumbest reason I've ever heard for dropping a book you actually LIKE. At least it's not like with Marvel, they try to get new life into a book by adding an adjective to the title and rebooting it, only to then re-collapse it into the original main line with the original numbering.

I know... I know... but when I start a title, I usually stick with it even if it's bad... and it usually takes about 3 or 4 years worth of "bad" issues to make me drop it... so when a "cut-off" in the numbering occurs, it gives me an opportunity to "trim the fat" off my comics' budget...

As I said though, I will end up getting those minis in trades...

 

[Phaedrus45]

Superman #704

Oh boy. This issue is almost offensively bad. I guess since Straczynski's behind schedule, they decided to offer readers this "interlude" as a way to satisfy those who might complain. We get Lois Lane walking through her old college hometown, as her thoughts make her travel down memory lane. Naturally, she meets the guy she used to date who has many things she's missing, most of all children. The dialogue, jokes, and interactions are as "white bread" as they come in comics; and, even the ex-boyfriend's wife looks more like Lois-with-a-tan than Latino. This issue is another of many sentimental Superman stories that I've complained about all year; and, it's probably the worst of the bunch.

Now...in the end of this book, Superman comes swooping in and telling Lois how much he loves her...making her think she's actually very happy with what she has. It got me thinking. How often does this scene happen? Too many times to count. Yet, Lois is known to be married to Clark; so, why in this picture-happy world hasn't someone caught Lois macking on Supes?? Now, that's a scandal that would be fun to see; because, even though a select few know Clark and Superman are the same person, the average Joe would be alive with the scandal of a cheating Lois Lane.

I thought Moon Knight was the most offensive issue I read this week. Nope, it's this piece of garbage.

Justice League: Generation Lost #12

Yep, as someone already said, they've gone and changed Ice's origin. I don't mind, as I never followed this character in the past; but, I can see how some long time fans might be disappointed. This issue has not been as good as previous issues; as, we've gotten away from the team aspect of the book and much of the humor. Still, it's the best Justice League/Society book out there.

Spider-Man Saga Free Comic

Just like other Sagas, we get a recap of everything that's happened in Spidey's life since OMD. It's all to get us ready for Slott taking over ASM in a couple weeks. I'm really excited that Tobin gets to write a comic in the 616, though. Can't wait to see what he does with Spider-Girl.

It's free, so I gotta give it a .

Hellboy/Beasts Of Burden One-Shot

I've been dying for a new Beasts Of Burden book; but, wasn't jumping up and down that it would be a crossover with Hellboy. Well, I take it back, because this crossover worked out beautifully. My daughter has never heard of Hellboy, but she enjoyed this comic as much as the previous BoB four-issue mini; and, our only complaint is it's only a single issue.

Beasts Of Burden is the best new thing to come out of Dark Horse in ages. I wish they'd announce more adventures upcoming soon.

Madame Xanadu #28

The final issue of five single-issue stories dealing with the Five Senses. This one is about taste, and involves a gal who cannot eat food or drink water without knowing everything about where it came from. (If she eats an orange, she sees the person who picked it and how hard of a life they have. If she eats a burger, she sees the cow that was slaughtered and the process the meat takes to get to her.) Like with the previous four stories, she winds up at Madame Xanadu's place; and, in the end, gives up her previous life to become a mentor for her.

These five issues dealing with the senses have been some of my favorite. I loved how each had a different feel, and much of that feel is shown by the various artists for each story. The issues have been beautiful, and I hope we get more of these types of stories in the future. t:

Abattoir #1

A new title from Radical Comics, and I can't say I'm entirely impressed with this one. The story feels like something from a horror movie, as we begin with a husband who's throwing a party for his daughter. He seems to become possessed, as he hacks and slashes through many of the party guests, including his own family. We jump up two weeks later, and some realitors are trying to sell off the property, only to have some strange old man wanting to buy it before it even gets cleaned up from the slaughter.

Not a bad first issue; but, nothing really grabbed me about it, either. It's dark, and none of the characters are particularily likeable.

Dracula: The Company Of Monsters #3

Three issues in, and I'm hooked on this book. This "company of monsters" isn't necessarily the vampires, but the corporation that is looking to Dracula to help them survive a tough economy. This issue really makes the reader wonder what's more scary, the monsters from our youth or the horrors that can be found behind many boardrooms.

I'm sure Boom! will offer the first bunch of issues of this book for a low price when the trade comes out. I hope more people give it a chance, because I'm enjoying it more than Marvel's Curse Of The Mutants.

 

[Tron Bonne]

Madame Xanadu #28

The final issue of five single-issue stories dealing with the Five Senses. This one is about taste, and involves a gal who cannot eat food or drink water without knowing everything about where it came from. (If she eats an orange, she sees the person who picked it and how hard of a life they have. If she eats a burger, she sees the cow that was slaughtered and the process the meat takes to get to her.) Like with the previous four stories, she winds up at Madame Xanadu's place; and, in the end, gives up her previous life to become a mentor for her.

These five issues dealing with the senses have been some of my favorite. I loved how each had a different feel, and much of that feel is shown by the various artists for each story. The issues have been beautiful, and I hope we get more of these types of stories in the future. t:

I guess you didn't hear, but the issue after this one, is the last

And it's a shame, too, because I kind of would to like to see what happened if this was actually meant to be a permanent thing, and this girl become the Madame's apprentice for awhile. But, thanks to DC wanting to take their characters so they couldn't use them, this title is getting canceled.

 

[hippie_hunter]

Does anyone know how awesome it is to finally read a Titans story that doesn't suck horribly? Manly tears moment going on right now

EDIT: Also Secret Avengers, now this is what I wanted! None of that Mars bullcrap and more behind the scenes, down to Earth stuff.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Does anyone know how awesome it is to finally read a Titans story that doesn't suck horribly? Manly tears moment going on right now

EDIT: Also Secret Avengers, now this is what I wanted! None of that Mars bullcrap and more behind the scenes, down to Earth stuff.

If you mean Teen Titans, I whole-heartily agree! I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a Teen Titans story as much as that first issue...although, I'm still a bit hesistant. Damien will add a whole new dynamic to this group, but I hope Krul stays away from the same old borinbg storylines, namely Raven and her demons and her on/off love for Beast Boy.

Now, Titans I have dropped, and don't see me picking it up again any time soon. The villians-as-heroes angle has almost been done to death, and I much prefer Simone's Secret Six to what I've read so far.

 

[Iron Man]

I enjoyed Krul's first issue too. It wasn't amazing, but it has a great cast, brilliant art, and it gave me hope that the book will actually be decent again.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I enjoyed Krul's first issue too. It wasn't amazing, but it has a great cast, brilliant art, and it gave me hope that the book will actually be decent again.

Considering that Krul's successors were Adam Beechen, Sean McKeever, and Felicia Henderson, just being competent is enough. Considering that it was actually any bit good is a massive success. Great for Krul as well considering that despite writing some decent to good comics, still has the awful stench of Rise of Arsenal lingering on him.

Now if only DC gets rid of Eric Wallace and fix Titans.

 

[fifthfiend]

Superman: Earth One

The parts of this that were good are the parts which are intrinsic to any Superman story, in fact TBH I was kind of impressed by the way those fundamental elements managed to grab me even in a story where every new variable was so determinedly cliche and mediocre (especially when the big moments were the points at which the artist decided to Brandon Routherman all over everything). Superman *****ing how hard it is to be DIFFRANT - because of his, y'know, godlike superpowers - is always ****ing stupid no matter how many times anyone does this.

Also JMS really likes delivering high school quality lectures about Journamalism which he then ****s up.

 

[fifthfiend]

Like I literally got the exact same ****ing lecture about sentence structure when I was writing for my high school newspaper except that my high school newspaper advisor actually understood what active voice is.

 

[Dread]

I liked and enjoyed the 25 issue run of Dynamo 5, but when books start telling their stories in a series of mini-series, it's time for me to drop it... I know it's not 1975 anymore, and books (like Dynamo 5) have to do this to survive, but I like my numebrs to follow in order as opposed to seeing a new #1 every 5 issues... so I ultimatey dropped the book... though I might be willing to pick it up in trades, if every mini-series promotes one...

That does suck. It will be coming out in trades, but I could never wait that long.

Regarding Bucky/Steve as Cap, Brevoort had an interview a while ago where he said the company hadn't mandated anything in that regard (though he didn't rule it out). But I think it's actually unlikely to happen by the movie, because the reason Brubaker gave for Steve not retaking the role (that apocalyptic future) is unlikely to be resolved by the time the film comes out (it's probably the main plot of Secret Avengers).

But will Brubaker be given the five years to carry out that plot as he needed for his Red Skull one?

That said, at this point I wouldn't say that Rogers being Cap again by July 2011 is a certainty. It's still very likely, but I wouldn't put the odds at even right now.

I know... I know... but when I start a title, I usually stick with it even if it's bad... and it usually takes about 3 or 4 years worth of "bad" issues to make me drop it... so when a "cut-off" in the numbering occurs, it gives me an opportunity to "trim the fat" off my comics' budget...

As I said though, I will end up getting those minis in trades...

To be honest, I am with WOLVERINE25TH here. If you enjoy the book, why not just cut a book you only sort of like and stick on that one? At least you'll get it in some form, but...maybe it would sell better if less people trade waited. And this isn't like a book we wish would sell better, because Marvel cancels books that fall below 19,000 copies an issue. This is a book that needs to sell better so it can sell in the Top 300, as in over 4,000 copies or so.

Between both Midtown Comics, Cosmic Comics and Jim Hanley's Universe, four large comic chain stores in Manhattan, they might literally order 10% of D5's total sales between them. That's unfortunate. It's a solid team superhero book. I always get a kick out of it. I'd sooner drop SECRET AVENGERS at this rate than D5.

EDIT: Also Secret Avengers, now this is what I wanted! None of that Mars bullcrap and more behind the scenes, down to Earth stuff.

I do agree that the space mission was outside of Brubaker's forte. I would like to see him have his team fight an actual villain, instead of chasing Maguffins, fighting minions or having some DEFENDERS style cabal in the background of every arc that is rarely confronted.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Considering that Krul's successors were Adam Beechen, Sean McKeever, and Felicia Henderson, just being competent is enough. Considering that it was actually any bit good is a massive success. Great for Krul as well considering that despite writing some decent to good comics, still has the awful stench of Rise of Arsenal lingering on him.

Now if only DC gets rid of Eric Wallace and fix Titans.

I LOVED Rise Of Arsenal. I thought that four issue mini was filled with emotion, and I was so interested in seeing his further adventures in Titans. Sadly, I hated what I saw, and gave up on it before it really even began.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Finally got my comics of the week and I have to say none of them stuck out as being really that good. That said, I dont' feel like doing any major reviews... so here's this...

Kinda sucked
X-Men Legacy
Uncanny X-Men
Avengers
Thunderbolts

Didn't Suck But Wasn't Good
Green Arrow

Decent But Not Great
Secret Avengers
Secret Warriors
Incredible Hulks

And out of curiosity, did Secret Warriors have any dialogue? I finished this book, no kidding, in less than 2 minutes.

If I HAD to pick a best of the week it'd be Secret Warriors, but it's lucky that everything else sucked.

Worst of the week was either X-Men Legacy or Uncanny X-Men.

This was a very disappointing week.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I LOVED Rise Of Arsenal. I thought that four issue mini was filled with emotion, and I was so interested in seeing his further adventures in Titans. Sadly, I hated what I saw, and gave up on it before it really even began.

I've not read Rise of Arsenal. I read Cry for Justice and was only really interested in Ollie at the time, so I read the Green Arrow issues leading into his new ongoing and stuck with that. I didn't care about the Arsenal plot until I started reading Titans. And I actually really LIKE Titans and am considering going back to read Rise of Arsenal now.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I LOVED Rise Of Arsenal. I thought that four issue mini was filled with emotion, and I was so interested in seeing his further adventures in Titans. Sadly, I hated what I saw, and gave up on it before it really even began.

Rise of Arsenal started off competently, but the third and fourth issues were mind numbingly awful. Some of the worst issues I've ever read.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I've not read Rise of Arsenal. I read Cry for Justice and was only really interested in Ollie at the time, so I read the Green Arrow issues leading into his new ongoing and stuck with that. I didn't care about the Arsenal plot until I started reading Titans. And I actually really LIKE Titans and am considering going back to read Rise of Arsenal now.

[YT]31g0YE61PLQ[/YT]

 

[Phaedrus45]

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home - Oracle One-Shot

A bit of a disappointment, mainly because they didn't give Gail Simone a chance to write this issue. Because of that, this felt like one of those old Birds Of Prey issues that made me decide not to keep getting the book. Oracle, naturally, figures out The Insider is Bruce (boy, I hate that name for Bruce's new persona)...which, we already knew about from one of the Road Home previous one-shots; but, this comic made me wish they'd seriously do something with Barbara Gordon's character. I remember before One Year Later, we were teased that she was getting feeling back into her legs; but, for some reason, that was scrapped. Maybe it's just me, but I'm tired of the Oracle character. It's been played out too long, and she needs something new in her life.

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home - Ra's Al Ghul One-Shot

At least this ends the one-shots; and, more importantly, we get an end to the Vicky Vale storyline that's been running throughout these books. In the end, Bruce reveals himself to her...and, she decides that she won't reveal his secret, but leave town instead. (I guess we'll see her in another ten years or so.) In a completely ridiculous scene, Vicky (with Bruce by her side) decides to torch her apartment, that way nobody can find out the information she learned. Ummm...couldn't she just have taken all the pictures off her wall and burned them in a trashcan??!!???

Yeah, in the end, this storyline turned into a big joke to me. I felt like it was a waste of time, only around to promote some other books. This confrontation between Ra's Al Ghul and Batman was anti-climactic; and, even though each issue only cost $2.99, I think it was still too much for how lame the ending was.

Green Arrow #5

This comic gets worse with each new issue. Now, we get more Black Lanterns...and, as I've said previously, I was done with those things when Blackest Night was over. (HAPPILY OVER!!!) I feel this title lacks direction. Either that, or each issue is stuffed with filler, and we're just waiting for Brightest Day to near it's end in six months before anything significant happens.

Black Widow #7

Meh. This issue was alright; but, the story is kind of generic and does nothing for the Black Widow character. The first five issues were much better than these final three.

Secret Avengers #6

Yep, it is a more interesting storyline than the Mars one that came before it; but, I have one big problem with it. Am I the only one who has had their friggin' fill of ninjas and the like??!!?? It's made a bit better that we get teased with the return of Shang-Chi's father...but, I'm also thinking that we don't get much in regards to the other members of Steve Roger's Secret Avengers. (Beast is wasted, as he just sits at a computer...makes me miss him in SWORD even more...and, you don't even see Moon Knight.)

Oh, and JH exaggerates. This comic doesn't take only two minutes to read. I'd say it takes five.

Still, I was entertained enough to give it a mild recommendation.

Action Comics #894

Yes, this is a pretty dang good comic....BUT!

A BIG BUT!!!!

Seriously, these stories are just filler. What purpose does the introduction of Death even do for the main storyline, except to waste the readers time as we get jacked around some more. Yes...I was interested, and Cornell writes this book very well, and Woods does a great job with the art. STILL...this is another DC book that is going to drag out a storyline month after month, as DC does it's slight of hand to try and make us not notice. (Look over here...it's Death in the DC Universe. NO...don't think about how this does nothing to help Lex Luthor find a power ring. Just be awed by how cool and awesome our stories are.)

NOW, I do have to admit one thing: That Jimmy Olsen backup feature was pretty darn good. (OOOO, I hate Jimmy Olsen. I wish Bendis would come to DC, JUST so he would kill him off in some lame way.)

Fantastic Four #584

And, Hickman continues to drag out a storyline...adding more little side stories into this comic...with the promise of "Countdown To Casualty" in two more issues. It's another quick read...one that I would dare say was faster to read than this week's Secret Avengers...and, most of it was spent seeing what Ben Grimm does with his first day of being without his powers. (We've seen this story before, though. When Ben loses his powers, it's trouble for the Fantastic Four somewhere down the line.) It's a sentimental issue; but, handled much better than this week's Superman.

Good issue; but, I'm just dying for something to finally happen in this book. I have a feeling by the time Hickman's run is done with this title, there will be tons of loose threads. (And, a Hickman book guarantees that you are going to be waiting 12 issues or more for anything significant to happen. Hmmm...WAAAYYY more than 12 issues, looking back at Secret Warriors.)

 

[JewishHobbit]

Oh, and JH exaggerates. This comic doesn't take only two minutes to read. I'd say it takes five.

I said that to Secret Warriors, not Secret Avengers

 

[Tron Bonne]

Action Comics #894

Yes, this is a pretty dang good comic....BUT!

A BIG BUT!!!!

Seriously, these stories are just filler. What purpose does the introduction of Death even do for the main storyline, except to waste the readers time as we get jacked around some more. Yes...I was interested, and Cornell writes this book very well, and Woods does a great job with the art. STILL...this is another DC book that is going to drag out a storyline month after month, as DC does it's slight of hand to try and make us not notice. (Look over here...it's Death in the DC Universe. NO...don't think about how this does nothing to help Lex Luthor find a power ring. Just be awed by how cool and awesome our stories are.)

NOW, I do have to admit one thing: That Jimmy Olsen backup feature was pretty darn good. (OOOO, I hate Jimmy Olsen. I wish Bendis would come to DC, JUST so he would kill him off in some lame way.)

Well, Death does say she was there to check up on something, and in the Vandal Savage sequence at the end the philosopher says he sees death in his prediction, just not now. I get the impression it definitely has something to do with the big picture.

And, even if it doesn't, I don't really have any issue with just telling awesome stories honestly.

 

[Dread]

I LOVED Rise Of Arsenal. I thought that four issue mini was filled with emotion, and I was so interested in seeing his further adventures in Titans. Sadly, I hated what I saw, and gave up on it before it really even began.

Wasn't that the series where Arsenal decides to fight people with a dead cat while becoming a brooding angsty whiner for a reason as stupid as Robbie "Penance" Baldwin had?

Secret Avengers #6

Yep, it is a more interesting storyline than the Mars one that came before it; but, I have one big problem with it. Am I the only one who has had their friggin' fill of ninjas and the like??!!?? It's made a bit better that we get teased with the return of Shang-Chi's father...but, I'm also thinking that we don't get much in regards to the other members of Steve Roger's Secret Avengers. (Beast is wasted, as he just sits at a computer...makes me miss him in SWORD even more...and, you don't even see Moon Knight.)

Oh, and JH exaggerates. This comic doesn't take only two minutes to read. I'd say it takes five.

Still, I was entertained enough to give it a mild recommendation.

Fantastic Four #584

And, Hickman continues to drag out a storyline...adding more little side stories into this comic...with the promise of "Countdown To Casualty" in two more issues. It's another quick read...one that I would dare say was faster to read than this week's Secret Avengers...and, most of it was spent seeing what Ben Grimm does with his first day of being without his powers. (We've seen this story before, though. When Ben loses his powers, it's trouble for the Fantastic Four somewhere down the line.) It's a sentimental issue; but, handled much better than this week's Superman.

Good issue; but, I'm just dying for something to finally happen in this book. I have a feeling by the time Hickman's run is done with this title, there will be tons of loose threads. (And, a Hickman book guarantees that you are going to be waiting 12 issues or more for anything significant to happen. Hmmm...WAAAYYY more than 12 issues, looking back at Secret Warriors.)

I agree about how you feel here. Hickman's pace is very slow, and I think I have seen more ninjas from Marvel since 2004 than I have in the 20 years prior. I am dead serious. They need to knock it the hell off. No one takes them seriously, and it's 2010, not 1990, for heaven's sake.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Wasn't that the series where Arsenal decides to fight people with a dead cat while becoming a brooding angsty whiner for a reason as stupid as Robbie "Penance" Baldwin had?

In Arsenal's defense, one of the people who died was his own little daughter.