Bought / Thought July 19 2007.

[TheCorpulent1]

Was that a dig because I am skeptical about IMMORTAL IRON FIST #7 that interupts a fast paced Rand story with filler about some ancient pirate woman who was Iron Fist? I don't doubt that issue will be readable, I just question breaking up the flow. Sometimes filler stories are made to weave into the current one so they don't seem as random. Sometimes they don't.

I do agree on the art, though; Grummett was very good. I second that choice to replace Coipel on THOR, or to fill in for him. In fact, it makes so much sense...it will never happen.

No, it was a dig at everyone who would gladly read about Iron Fist's legacy and then balk at the idea of reading about the Black Knight's. I just used your name because you're the one who brought it up. Both Iron Fist and the Black Knight have interesting legacies, and Mystic Arcana's solicitations were upfront about the BK story being set in Camelot and featuring Sir Percy, so I don't think the fact that it wasn't about Dane is really a con. But to each his own.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

No, it was a dig at everyone who would gladly read about Iron Fist's legacy and then balk at the idea of reading about the Black Knight's. I just used your name because you're the one who brought it up. Both Iron Fist and the Black Knight have interesting legacies, and Mystic Arcana's solicitations were upfront about the BK story being set in Camelot and featuring Sir Percy, so I don't think the fact that it wasn't about Dane is really a con. But to each his own.

BK's is better.

Because he shares initials with the King.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Milligan's hit or miss with me, but I've always dug C.P. Smith. I totally forgot about it yesterday at the shop...

Did C. P. Smith break his hands when he was working on Invaders? Because what I saw of his work in that comic was pretty terrible.

 

[PhotoJones]

Did C. P. Smith break his hands when he was working on Invaders? Because what I saw of his work in that comic was pretty terrible.

I've heard that more than one person. I just don't see it at all....I thought his work has always been top notch.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Granted, I don't really like his style of computer-assisted art in general. The Luna brothers and Josh Middleton? Yeah, also not high on my list. I hate it when pencilers rely on their colorists for 99% of the work, even if the colorists are themselves.

 

[Darthphere]

I hate it when pencilers rely on their colorists for 99% of the work, even if the colorists are themselves.

That makes them artists, not pencillers.

 

[PhotoJones]

Granted, I don't really like his style of computer-assisted art in general. The Luna brothers and Josh Middleton? Yeah, also not high on my list. I hate it when pencilers rely on their colorists for 99% of the work, even if the colorists are themselves.

The Luna Brothers are weird. On the one hand, their artwork does indeed rely on their colors, but their colors are phenomenal. Also, their storytelling abilities are top notch. Things like eye glances and body language are very subtle, but work very well.

Josh Middleton is amazing, in my opinion. I'm a fan of artists who actually recognize the world around them. He's one of them. He's very hip, and his linework, while simple, is flawless. And yes, his colors are great, too.

 

[Dread]

No, it was a dig at everyone who would gladly read about Iron Fist's legacy and then balk at the idea of reading about the Black Knight's. I just used your name because you're the one who brought it up. Both Iron Fist and the Black Knight have interesting legacies, and Mystic Arcana's solicitations were upfront about the BK story being set in Camelot and featuring Sir Percy, so I don't think the fact that it wasn't about Dane is really a con. But to each his own.

Fair enough.

I'm not opposed to the story, but it's placement. I'd rather it be an annual so the core title could get right to the good stuff, which is that mystical tournament. Goes to show how jazzed for it I am, I guess. If Bru & Fraction can intertwine the tale into their current story, that will make it flow better. From the solict, it sounds like filler. Perhaps good filler, but filler is filler, until I read otherwise.

Granted, THE ORDER at least showed that solicts can be misleading, thankfully, as the "one year limit" has a reasonable explaination once you actually read the first issue.

 

[WOLVERINE25TH]

BOUGHT:
ACTION COMICS #852
ALL FLASH #1
AMAZONS ATTACK #4
ANNIHILATION CONQUEST QUASAR #1
AVENGERS CLASSIC #2
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #4
BIRDS OF PREY #108
BLACK CANARY #2
BRAVE AND THE BOLD #5
CAPTAIN AMERICA #28
CATWOMAN #69
COUNTDOWN #41
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #22
GARGOYLES #5
JLA #11
LEGION OF MONSTERS MORBIUS
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #26
MARVEL ADVENTURES GIANT SIZE AVENGERS #1
MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #1
MYSTIC ARCANA BLACK KNIGHT
NEW X-MEN #40
SPIRIT #8
SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11 #1
SUPERMAN BATMAN #38
THE ORDER #1
THUNDERBOLTS DESPERATE MEASURES
WORLD WAR HULK #2
WORLD WAR HULK FRONT LINE #2
WORLD WAR HULK X-MEN #2
XENA #3

THOUGHT:
ACTION COMICS #852
Jimmy Olsen…superhero?! Once again, looks like Donner’s story is late and we get another filler tale in the pages of Action. This one chooses to focus on Olsen’s decision to become a hero while some monkeys get blasted with a strange energy and transform (again with super apes?). On its own, it’s an okay story from Kurt Busiek with strong supporting art by Brad Walker. The only problem is once again we get ANOTHER interruption to the story everyone wants to read and so that takes away some of the appeal to this. Also, Jimmy knew Superman as a kid? Odd.

2.5 out of 5

AMAZONS ATTACK #4
The secret enemy is revealed as the war continues! This issue picks things up a bit, resolving the end of the last Wonder Woman and the Teen Titans tie-in while leading us into Catwoman. While the reasonings behind the war are still convoluted and making little sense in the terms of continuity as well as logic within the story, this issue was a bit enjoyable despite the break-neck pace of all the scenes. The artwork has also improved a bit in many places, looking a lot closer to what’s found in Wonder Woman.

3 out of 5

AVENGERS CLASSIC #2
Reprinting Avengers #2 with a backup story picking up where it leaves off. So far, this series has been doing pretty good in the tradition of the X-Men version. Not much you can say about the reprint (those are always nice), but the backup was very well done. It took off from the story and played out a logical scenario that focused on the inner turmoil of Banner. So far, Dwayne McDuffie and Michael Oeming are knocking these back-ups out of the park.

4 out of 5

BIRDS OF PREY #108
The origin of Misfit revealed as a few people say farewell to the Birds of Prey. This was a great way to end the arc, and the run. As Gail Simone’s last issue, she wraps up her dangling plotlines for the next generation and says a fond farewell to a book she obviously cares about and the readers through the dialogue. What else can be said? It was a great issue. Bye, Gail…thanks for the memories!

5 out of 5

BLACK CANARY #2
Canary and Sin’s lives are falling into place, but Green Arrow suspects that’s happening just a little too conveniently. So far, this mini-series is turning out to be very interesting. Not only does it capture everything that was already set-up, but it keeps it going and leaves you wanting more. Plus, the bits with Canary and Arrow’s past together create some funny and enjoyable moments within the book. A very good read so far.

5 out of 5

BRAVE AND THE BOLD #5
Batman meets the Legion…but it doesn’t go as you expect! So apparently this must be some alternate universe before the League ever met the Legion. Interesting. Of course, this was another great issue of the series, embracing the old-school style it embodies as well as continuing to spin an interlaced yarn with so many twists and turns that it’s surprising Waid himself hasn’t gotten lost on the trail. Oh, yeah, and we get a Batman/Karate Kid rematch.

5 out of 5

CATWOMAN #69
Catwoman is approached by the Bana, and she may have just helped cause the destruction of Gotham! This issue ties into Amazons Attack, and it’s a good one. Some nice character moments in here that one has come to expect of the series, and as always great artwork. Even amidst a crappy event, this book manages to shine.

5 out of 5

GARGOYLES #5
The action pick up as Thailog has some kind of plan, and the Illuminati interweave themselves more into the Gargoyle lore. This was an all-action issue, and it was pretty damn exciting. A choice word announces this isn’t the cartoon we all knew anymore, and with wanton violence things have definitely been kicked up a notch. Gargoyles the comic is finally coming into its own.

3.5 out of 5

MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #1
Exposed to gamma radiation, Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk! Once again, a modernized kid-version of the Hulk’s origin is told to kick off the series, and of course he’s not the same as the Avengers version. However, it’s without any of the nuances of Stan Lee’s classic epic making it a simple change and smash story. Hopefully, the series will explore SOME of the deeper themes to the transformations, otherwise this could get very old very fast. We’ll just have to wait and see.

3 out of 5

SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11 #1
Fresh from his appearances in Ms. Marvel, MODOK has assembled his own team of super-villains to accomplish the greatest heist in the multiverse! If the name didn’t already tip you off, yes; this has elements of Ocean’s 11 and its sequels. However, it’s not a parody (especially since there’s only 9 villains in total). This issue was mostly just set-up for the rest of the mini, but was so far very enjoyable as it had a few funny moments from the villains akin to that found in Ms. Marvel and other similar books. The only problem with the story is that it seems a little too soon after the Ms. Marvel arc to engage in something like this. Marvel likes to rush things out instead of giving them time to sit and simmer these days. Regardless, Fred Van Lente has crafted an interesting and fun story with some great artwork by Francis Portela. If you like Ms. Marvel, you’ll most likely like this book.

4 out of 5

THUNDERBOLTS DESPERATE MEASURES
Because 12 issues of Thunderbolts a year isn’t enough, we get this special one-shot dedicated to the power of Penance. The point of this issue? No idea. Why this couldn’t have been saved and explored in the regular Thunderbolts title is a mystery as nothing remarkable happens here. Ever wonder how Robbie’s new powers work? Well, now you do, and it only took 22 pages (with only a handful that actually dedicate themselves to it) to do it. Steve Lieber’s art doesn’t really compare to what goes on over in the main book, but it was still good work. Paul Jenkins, though, is no Ellis and can’t really capture the insane evilness that embodies this new team. The only cool part of it was Americop, who looks as if he could’ve been very bad ass if given a chance. You could skip this one without any guilty feelings.

2.5 out of 5

WORLD WAR HULK X-MEN #2
Everyone with an X enters the fight to throw down with the Hulk! Senseless tie-in issue two, and it’s still pretty decent. The story, while not very deep in favor of the slug-fest, makes use of the plot device set up over in New Excalibur for Juggernaut. If that will traverse the titles after this, that will be interesting to see. Overall, this was just a good old-fashioned slug fest and very entertaining. The only thing is, for all the strength Hulk is claiming to have his skin sure seems to get damaged a lot lately. Also, Emma bossing Xavier around? That’s another issue to be addressed hopefully in the X-books.

3 out of 5

XENA #3
Gabrielle makes use of Greece’s remarkable population of identical twins to enter Xena’s ranks for a shot at fixing her mess. A clever ruse from Gabrielle in the true Xena fashion. This whole issue was dedicated to her plan, unfortunately, so any payoff from it won’t be revealed until the next issue. So far, it’s keeping up with the feel of the series and has been a very good read with great artwork to accompany it.

3.5 out of 5

 

[GNR]

Captain America #28 - 10/10 (the individual arcs are very enjoyable,good to see Fury in the flesh)

The Order #1 - 8.5/10 (Fraction's dialog is perfect and as natural as it gets)

World War Hulk #2 - 10/10 (much better than #1)

 

[Spade]

So, I finally got around to raiding my local distributor today, and must say that the experience was a very good one. I'm not quite the "must have this as soon as it comes out" kind of guy, but I like keeping in touch with my interests nonetheless. I even got to relax a bit before diving in- a garbanzo bean salad covered in balsamic vinegar and a Diet Pepsi (despite my reed-thin body) was a nice way to begin, in lieu of a more mature beverage. I'll start off from the top and work my way down:

X-Factor # 20: I'm not a huge fan of X-Factor like I know some people to be but I have to say, Peter David has some awesome skills. I didn't really doubt that before- I mean, if you can take SM3's novelization and make it better than watching the movie you've got the touch- but in this issue he definitely made me want to start buying this title. I smiled at the pop culture reference with Madrox and liked that the Terrigen Mist issue gave some extra weight to the events that occur. I really liked the ragtag feel of the team, as well as how everyone was portrayed without any out-of character beats. The art isn't half bad either. I really felt this was a great way to start things off, and think it's worth the cash. But most of you probably already know that.

World War Hulk # 2: Wow. I'm not familiar with Pak outside of a few scans through Planet Hulk, but coupling him together with Romita Jr., one of my favorite artists, was a great decision on Marvel's part. I'm not familiar with Romita Jr.'s Hulk, but the artistry makes my first experience with his take on action seem flaccid in comparison. John's Hulk is brutal yet capable of very human emotions, and even though I can see how some might say his characters look similar I didn't have a qualm at all myself. Pak writes great fight banter and doesn't make it seem like mindless attacks on the Hulk to add to his growing takedown count, and when coupled with some of the jaw-dropping moments (fire and lightning for the win, folks) Romita Jr. provides this is the event I wish Civil War could have been for me. I have my Hulk bias, but this is a must-have even for the haters.

The Incredible Hulk # 107: I'm not a fan of Frank's art, but Pak delivers once again to make my eyes gloss over the hyper-realism (somewhat). The issue is a bit of a recap and fill-in-the-blank story, but it does so without feeling too much like a "last time on..." affair. Again, I liked that you can feel for the Hulk- he may be mad and out to dish out some serious pain, but you are reminded that even Not-So-Jolly Green has a heart. Tony getting owned, even as a brief bit, never gets old and I liked Tom Foster's presence. I have the feeling everyone siding with the Hulk will be damned once this is all over, but 'tis a sign of good storytelling when the if and how isn't delved into at a breakneck pace. It's not a must-have, but it may be worth a read if you're a fan of the angry man in leather straps.

The Immortal Iron Fist # 6: Holy cow. I'll have to admit, this is my first time reading anything outside of Heroes for Hire in relation to Iron Fist, but if this is how the last 5 issues were like I'll have to look into keeping tabs on this. People were not exaggerating. I loved the opening, and as a fan of anime I somehow felt very comfortable with the realism and fluid art of Aja. Fraction and Brubaker write the material like an action film so awesome that Hollywood would find it hard to top, and blend some good humor with serious material. The flashbacks sort of cut into the experience, but they enhanced the story for me rather than making me feel like it was there for the sake of adding detail. The last few pages are pure awesomeness. It'd be foolish to deny it. Overall, if every Marvel title was like this I'd be shelling out all my cash with a smile on my face. You must get into this while the going's good.

Nova # 2: Not really that impressive this time around, but the writing isn't as lofty as the title's character and more down-to-earth for such a hero. I find it a bit like delayed reaction for the Civil War issues to be addressed now, but I can understand that it is much more logical for them to explore the possibilites it makes for Rider rather than skipping over things. I like that Richard still has the pre-war mindset when it comes to what he expects from the public he protects, but in the long run this is something of a passable issue. It builds up nicely with tension, but- maybe it's my impatience speaking- I just want to see a throwdown a bit more exciting than Diamondhead.

In closing, I'm fashionably late but satisfied with Marvel at the moment. I'd love to say something from DC caught my eye, but I was too interested in jade fists of rage to care.

 

[Darthphere]

X-Factor # 20: I'm not a huge fan of X-Factor like I know some people to be but I have to say, Peter David has some awesome skills. I didn't really doubt that before- I mean, if you can take SM3's novelization and make it better than watching the movie you've got the touch- but in this issue he definitely made me want to start buying this title. I smiled at the pop culture reference with Madrox and liked that the Terrigen Mist issue gave some extra weight to the events that occur. I really liked the ragtag feel of the team, as well as how everyone was portrayed without any out-of character beats. The art isn't half bad either. I really felt this was a great way to start things off, and think it's worth the cash. But most of you probably already know that.

Good to have you on board.

 

[Not Jake]

I picked up some comics a little late this week

The semi-conclusion to Johns/Donner's Action was good
The last ish of Detective was good
The newest Justice League was great
and World War Hulk is the biggest comic I've ever read. Widescreen action here, and JRJr is definitely the best in the biz right now. Sorry, Quitely Like photojones said, the guy is Kirby Jr. Pak's doing a great job with this, and I really don't see why this couldn't go down as the best "event" in Marvel comics history. It's just exciting to read. S**t is going down. Fun stuff. Thunderbolt Rizzoss

 

[RockSP]

Bought:

Avengers Initiative 4
World War Hulk 2
The Programme 1
Checkmate 16
Quasar 16
Lone Ranger 7
Conan 42
Repo 1, 2
Highwaymen 2
All Flash 1
Dominion 2
Countdown 41
Brave & Bold 5
Deadpool/GLI Summer Fun Special
The Spirit 8
Captain America 28
Justice League 11

Thought:

WW Hulk: Like pretty much everyone else has said it is fun to read a great action book...especially in these days of talking heads and decompression. I disagree with Dread's take that Rick Jones "failed" to calm Hulk down though. Looks to me he was doing just that until Strange interfered.

Avengers Initiative 4: The best book out currently with "Avengers" in the title, IMO. It was funny seeing Rage punk Triathlon. (on a side note, Slott seems to be unaware of Rage's strength level. He had The Thing tossing him around like a ragdoll a couple issues ago when actually he is on par with Ben)

Checkmate 16: The August General in Iron joining the cast(at least for the time being) was the highlight for me. The Great Ten have made few appearances since their introduction (at least in books I read) so one of them having a regular book to appear in will be interesting to see.

 

[sandwraith]

B&B #5: I love Mark Waid. And watching Batman make a fool of half the Legion of Super-Heroes was strangely gratifying.

 

[warren_sparta27]

my store didn't get their shipment, have to wait until monday

 

[PhotoJones]

my store didn't get their shipment, have to wait until monday

Their entire shipment? Ouch.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

That makes them artists, not pencillers.

Your semantics bore me.

 

[Darthphere]

Your semantics bore me.

And entice you.

Man, I might be alone on this one, but on Checkmate Saiz > Bennet.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

No, I agree. Saiz's art had the perfect style for Checkmate. Bennet's good, but he lacks that little, intangible something extra Saiz brought.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

And entice you.

Man, I might be alone on this one, but on Checkmate Saiz > Bennet.

Not alone on it.

 

[PhotoJones]

While I was out running some errands with my lady (i.e. stuffing our faces in some wet hot mess Mexican food), we passed by a new comic book shop that I hadn't seen before. Needless to say I had to check it out. Basically, it's being run by the former employees of the comic book store I grew up with. After 17 years these cliches of men (think Comic Book Guy, with 100% less snob) were fired when their shop was bought out by this dickbag in a business suit. The name changed, and he made it a rule that anyone under 16 isn't allowed in the store without an adult. He knows nothing of comics, and instead relies on the newly hired Third Reich to run the show. I haven't been back to my childhood shop since I learned of this. Anyway, fast foward to today and who do I see running the new Rockin' Rooster Comics but they former employee of the old place; the same guy who sold me my first comic book at the age of 9 years old. After being let go, or showing up to the shop and finding the locks have been changed with a note on the door, he decided to open his own shop. It's small to keep the overhead down, but he's doing pretty good, and thinking about actually moving into a bigger place. I sincerely hope he does succeed, and I'll be buying from him again from now on. It's nice to see a fellow comic book nerd live out his dream of owning a store. Good luck Rick!

Oh and I bought some comics from him, too. One being The Programme #1, which was excellent, and I'd recommend it to anyone who's a fan of Hellboy. The artwork is fantastic, and the story and dialogue are very engrossing. The other is Zero Killer #1. I thought it was decent, but I can't for the life of me figure out what's going to be the reason this can't come out monthly. It's gotten a lot of press but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. I think I'll wait for for the first trade before I make any more judgements.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I got Zero Killer #1, too. It seems cool, but kind of run-of-the-mill post-apocalyptic fare. Kudos to the creators for how elaborate their view of the dystopic future is, though. I liked the mock newspaper at the end a lot.

 

[PhotoJones]

I got Zero Killer #1, too. It seems cool, but kind of run-of-the-mill post-apocalyptic fare. Kudos to the creators for how elaborate their view of the dystopic future is, though. I liked the mock newspaper at the end a lot.

Yeah, it come off as pretty run of the mill for me, too. It's a shame considering all the hype it was getting. I think I read somewhere that BKV said it was the best debut issue he's ever read. That statement is just hilarious now that I've read it.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

I got Zero Killer #1, too. It seems cool, but kind of run-of-the-mill post-apocalyptic fare. Kudos to the creators for how elaborate their view of the dystopic future is, though. I liked the mock newspaper at the end a lot.

Yuck.