Bought/Thought "I should be studying" Edition for Dec.6th!

[Not Jake]

52 WEEK 30: 4/5

I bought this a week late due to raging poorness. Best 52 issue yet. The Robin/Nightwing dialogue was good, the Bruce stuff, the Montoya stuff...great issue of this series, and that's important, because it has all too few.


DETECTIVE COMICS #826: 4/5

Dini's best issue so far. You can really tell that this is the kind of stuff he'd have Joker doing in The Animated Series if it weren't a saturday morning cartoon. He relishes the opportunity to have the Joker plowing through crowds in his stolen car, its dead owners in the backseat, as Robin is tied in shotgun, forced to witness the atrocities. Dini's Joker is perfect, and this issue's writing was damn close. Too bad Kramer was on the art. I guess that having done 3 (or 4?) of Dini's 5 or 6 issues makes him the current artist on the book...which just kills me. I wish they hadn't had JH Williams III on art for the first issue of Dini's run, as it pretty much ruined any of the later artists' act. I'd give this issue a 5/5 if the art were better...


SPIDER-MAN REIGN #1: 4/5

This issue was pretty damn good. I dig Kaare Andrews' style on this, I thought the whole nursery rhyme thread running throughout was actually a pretty decent storytelling gimmick, and I dig elderly Peter Parker penis. Yeah, you can see his old man balls. They're awesome. The story was illustrated well; the flow was pretty spot-on; I don't really agree with Peter punching out the ancient JJJ at the end though. I also don't agree with the black mask being used instead of the classic, but that might be explained later. Perhaps he switched to the black costume for a time after he killed a murderer, but before he retired, and JJJ got ahold of that mask. I don't know. I don't think the black mask was thematically appropriate for the scene, is all. I guess I wish that the varying costumes would be played as brilliantly as they were in DKR, throughout the course of the story; I should just face facts: this story isn't going to be as good as DKR. Oh well...it can still be pretty damn good.

 

[Kevin]

Titles that carried the Marvel Next banner:

~ Runaways
~ Arana
~ Amazing Fantasy (I think this was during the new Scorpion's run)
~ Young Avengers
~ Gravity
~ Livewires
~ Spellbinders
~ Machine Teen
~ X-23

I want me some more Livewires and Spellbinders. Machine Teen wasn't bad... but it was mostly meh for me.

 

[Specter313]

I want me some more Livewires and Spellbinders. Machine Teen wasn't bad... but it was mostly meh for me.

I loved Livewires. They really need to come back. Spellbinders was ok, and actually had be a little apprehensive to Carey coming to the X-Men since it was so mediocre.

 

[MaskedManJRK]

Batman Confidential: Pretty good, though the art was kinda bad.

Detective Comics: The Joker running people over with his car = Awesome as hell.

Spider-Man: Reign: Awesome. Yes, this is a lot like DKR--but hey, there are much worse things to emulate. Though I do wonder why Spidey just punched JJJ in the face...

 

[GNR]

I read through Reign but couldn't get into it.Way too DKR-ish to me.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Both are true. I was inaccurate because I don't read X-23 or Arana (nor really care for either, although if I had to pick one I'd pick Arana, if only because her MS. MARVEL appearences were good). That was my error due to a bit of short sighedness.

Plus, I think RUNAWAYS was considered MARVEL NEXT for about a month too, but I'm unsure. I wish I could say Marvel has learned since that "lines don't sell comics", but CIVIL WAR on anything seems to boost sales right now. That's due to the "hotness" of the event itself, not a line unto itself, though.

I've read the Ms. Marvel comics, and they were good, but that's all I've read of Arana. She just never really caught my interest. X-23, however, has earned my respect. I didn't read NYX when it came out, but when I heard of a female wolverine, I was one of those that rolled my eyes and never planned on reading it (something I don't do often, but at that time I was very wolverine'd out). I read X-23 in Uncanny X-Men and wasn't impressed. It wasn't until I read the Marvel Next mini with her origin that I started liking her. I then went back and read NYX and it wasn't bad. I liked her Captain Universe one shot. I was interested in her. It was when she went to New X-Men that I grew to like her. The writers there have ticked off a lot of people, but something I feel they've effectivly done is write her into her own character and not just a wolverine clone. I actually find that I care for her as a character unto herself now. I think she could become a longterm staple in the Marvel Universe. I may be alone in this, but I think she's become interesting.

 

[Kevin]

^You are not alone, i am here for you

 

[Nasty-B]

I flipped through Reign, but got scared off by the old man nudity.

 

[Dread]

I've read the Ms. Marvel comics, and they were good, but that's all I've read of Arana. She just never really caught my interest. X-23, however, has earned my respect. I didn't read NYX when it came out, but when I heard of a female wolverine, I was one of those that rolled my eyes and never planned on reading it (something I don't do often, but at that time I was very wolverine'd out). I read X-23 in Uncanny X-Men and wasn't impressed. It wasn't until I read the Marvel Next mini with her origin that I started liking her. I then went back and read NYX and it wasn't bad. I liked her Captain Universe one shot. I was interested in her. It was when she went to New X-Men that I grew to like her. The writers there have ticked off a lot of people, but something I feel they've effectivly done is write her into her own character and not just a wolverine clone. I actually find that I care for her as a character unto herself now. I think she could become a longterm staple in the Marvel Universe. I may be alone in this, but I think she's become interesting.

The only thing I read with X-23 in it was MTU's "Legion of Losers" arc (as well as her earlier appearence in MTU), and that's not even part of 616 continuity, but part of Kirkman's MK 2099 universe (but was also drawn by Paco Medina, who now is on NEW X-MEN). At the time I felt she was written "out of character" because she had a personality and reacted to some situations with apprehension and even horror, like a teenage girl might. I was under the impression that her "schtick" was that her creators had rendered her all but emotionless to make her a better killing machine, and that she'd have to "learn" how to emote and act "normal", assuming there was any personality left. That angle didn't thrill me on X-MEN EVOLUTION, at least beyond her intro episode in Season 4 (she had a follow up in their 5th and last season), and I've really had no interest in her. If she happens to be in a book I happen to be reading I'll bare with her but I'm not going out of my way.

Oh, and a bit of a warning about THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #1 (and likely #2); while the INVINCIBLE comic itself is perhaps 1-3 issues behind original solicts, this handbook is right on schedule. Which means that there could be spoilers. I'm enjoying it though, as it seems to capture the heart of those great 80's Handbooks and has art by a Who's Who list of industry artists. Besides, it's probably going to be great fodder to people who make Vs. topics; you know who you are. For instance, Invincible's strength class is officially noted at 30 tons, right in league with Luke Cage (or "Black Man" as Mark dubbed the ex-Power Man in MTU #14).

 

[Doc Destruction]

Dread, dammit read X-23's mini! I'd like to know what you think. I personally thought that X-23's story is more Weapon X-ish than Wolverine's even.

 

[twylight]

This sucks because I was studying. >.<

When I pick my comics up today I'll post a review.

 

[Kevin]

Dread, really.

 

[Darthphere]

JSA sucked so much ass.

[/Bizarro]

 

[Doc Destruction]

We read the same book? It was amazingly good.

All three seperate stories were VERY interesting and extremely well done. The preview at the end was even amazing.

 

[Darthphere]

Do you even bother reading my posts?

 

[Doc Destruction]

errr, which ones are we talking about, you post a million times a day lol...

or were you just being a pain in the booty again?

 

[Darthphere]

Highlight my post.

 

[Red]

The latter Doc.

 

[Doc Destruction]

ROFL nice...well, it's tough to read white text, you ninny!

 

[Darthphere]

The later Doc.

You probably mean the latter.

 

[Red]

Nah

 

[Marcdachamp]

I just want to thank all of you rat bastards for making me see Peter's shriveled up balls. I hadn't even noticed it until you guys mentioned it.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Bought:

Strangers In Paradise #86
Walking Dead #33
Escapist #5
Ezra #2
Deathblow #2
Welcome To Tranquility #1
Friday the 13th #1
Midnighter #2
Detective Comics #826
Supergirl #12
52: Week Thirty-One
Mystery In Space #4
Justice Society of America #1
Nightwing #127
American Virgin #9
Jonah Hex #14
Superman Confidential #2
Batman Confidential #1
Green Lantern #15
Manhunter #26
Outsiders #43
All-New Atom #6
Avengers Next #2
Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes #3
Uncanny X-Men #481
New Excalibur #14
Stan Lee Meets Doctor Doom
Stan Lee Meets Silver Surfer
Ultimate Vision #1
Red Prophet #4
Black Panther #22
Sensational Spider-Man #32
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #22
Spider-Man/Power Pack #2
Spider-Man Family: The Black Costume
Spider-Man: Reign #1
Doctor Strange: The Oath #3
Incredible Hulk #101
New Universal #1
Marvel Holiday Special #1
Beyond #6
Agents of Atlas #5
What If? Featuring Wolverine #1
Nextwave #10
White Tiger #2
Essential Defenders, Vol. 2

(A lot of comics, because my store was missing some boxes with last week's shipment. I had to save a few trades for next week, as the total was already so damn high.)

Thought:

The Walking Dead #33: This is a very quick read; but, definitely the most gruesome issue of Walking Dead yet. It's a study in torture, as Michonne finally gets payback on The Governor. Still one of the best books being put out monthly by Image. 10/10

Strangers In Paradise #86: Just a few more issues to go before Strangers In Paradise ends it's long run, and Terry Moore isn't making it easy on the readers. There have been many issues in the past where tears will come to your eyes; but, long time readers may find this the hardest issue to read yet. Everything is perfect about this book, even Moore's decision to have the last seven pages be pitch black with no advertisements or letter pages. 10/10

Escapists #5: I didn't realize I missed an issue, until I saw it on the back issue wall. One of the biggest surprises of the year, this book is simply a good read. I'm sorry to see only one issue remains, and it seems like it's not going to be leaving on a happy note. Definitely very off-beat; but, with all the superhero books I buy, that's a good thing. 9/10

Avengers Next #2: I have yet to read my second issue of Amazing Spider-Girl to see if it got any better from it's first lackluster issue; but, Avengers Next really captures the fun of the first Spider-Girl series and the accompanying miniseries, like Last Planet Standing. It's filled with characters, and I hope Marvel gives it their own series. It sure puts the fun back in reading comics. 9/10

Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes #3: I actually just read all three of the comic's first three issues together. (I'm waaaay backed up in my reading. I think I have about 100 comics I have to catch up on.) I'm liking the series, but it's not really blowing me over. I love revisiting the old team, and it's much better than pretty much all of the New Avengers run; but, you can tell the writer is really just using a whole lot of dialogue to fill in about 2-3 issues of material. Basically, this is a nice trip down memory lane; but, that's about it in regards to the material. 8/10

Fantastic Four, The End #2: Finally got around to reading this issue, and I must say this is turning out to be the best "The End" title yet. Alan Davis does a fantastic job with all the characters, and I cannot wait to see the Fantastic Four finally all come together in an upcoming issue. This book is just jam-packed with guest appearances. 10/10

Ezra #2: The first issue really interested me, and I like the art quite a bit. But, with issue #2, the artist changed, and a lot of the feel, too. (Something about a sexy heroine is so much better if the art is there to back her up.) Ezra is basically your gothic, dead, demon hunter. (I notice there is another miniseries out called Kade that I should pick up, because it might explain who Ezra is a bit better than this book does.) 7/10

Uncanny X-Men #481: Each new issue just seems to amaze me more and more. This is simply the best X-Men story I've read in probably 10 years. It's epical, it doesn't feel like the writers are just drawing everything out to fill space between the covers, and the art is fantastic. There isn't one complaint I can make about this book. I love the new romance between Rachel Grey and Korvus, am intrigued by the political revolution taking place within the Shiar Empire, and am impressed with how all the various pieces just blend so well together in the storytelling. 10/10

Essential Defenders, Vol. 2: What can I say, but classic Defenders action for a very low price. Buy it today!!! 10/10

 

[Venom Drool]

Batman Confidential: Pretty good, though the art was kinda bad.

Detective Comics: The Joker running people over with his car = Awesome as hell.

Spider-Man: Reign: Awesome. Yes, this is a lot like DKR--but hey, there are much worse things to emulate. Though I do wonder why Spidey just punched JJJ in the face...

re read what JJJ said and youl lhave your answer

 

[GNR]

52 WEEK 30: 4/5

I bought this a week late due to raging poorness. Best 52 issue yet. The Robin/Nightwing dialogue was good, the Bruce stuff, the Montoya stuff...great issue of this series, and that's important, because it has all too few.


DETECTIVE COMICS #826: 4/5

Dini's best issue so far. You can really tell that this is the kind of stuff he'd have Joker doing in The Animated Series if it weren't a saturday morning cartoon. He relishes the opportunity to have the Joker plowing through crowds in his stolen car, its dead owners in the backseat, as Robin is tied in shotgun, forced to witness the atrocities. Dini's Joker is perfect, and this issue's writing was damn close. Too bad Kramer was on the art. I guess that having done 3 (or 4?) of Dini's 5 or 6 issues makes him the current artist on the book...which just kills me. I wish they hadn't had JH Williams III on art for the first issue of Dini's run, as it pretty much ruined any of the later artists' act. I'd give this issue a 5/5 if the art were better...


SPIDER-MAN REIGN #1: 4/5

This issue was pretty damn good. I dig Kaare Andrews' style on this, I thought the whole nursery rhyme thread running throughout was actually a pretty decent storytelling gimmick, and I dig elderly Peter Parker penis. Yeah, you can see his old man balls. They're awesome. The story was illustrated well; the flow was pretty spot-on; I don't really agree with Peter punching out the ancient JJJ at the end though. I also don't agree with the black mask being used instead of the classic, but that might be explained later. Perhaps he switched to the black costume for a time after he killed a murderer, but before he retired, and JJJ got ahold of that mask. I don't know. I don't think the black mask was thematically appropriate for the scene, is all. I guess I wish that the varying costumes would be played as brilliantly as they were in DKR, throughout the course of the story; I should just face facts: this story isn't going to be as good as DKR. Oh well...it can still be pretty damn good.

I have thought about going back and buying 52 from the beginning,but it really is overwhelming and a commitment I can't really justify.Commiting to a book every week is a bit too much for me.