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Bought Thought June 27, Sinestro is awesome

Silver Surfer Requiem #2 was awesome. It's refreshing to see a comic where unfathomable power produces not utter destruction but rather benevolence. A touching, uplifting piece of fiction right here. Art rocked my balls too

This post was so eloquent, until the last sentence.
 
Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1

Well. That was pretty awesome. Geoff Johns has assembled an incredible list of villains; Superboy-Prime alone took two Superman, a red sun, and a bazillion Green Lanterns to go down last time. The Anti-Monitor almost destroyed creation on his own (on the face of it, why he needs help is unclear; maybe he’s less powerful after his rebirth). Johns has hit upon a pretty brilliant concept here (as I've remarked before, I'm very surprised that elementary laws of threat escalation didn't lead to this sort of story before).
I'll reserve judgement on the Kyle thing; it's a nifty parallel to the original "Emerald Twilight" story (or, really, Johns' retconned version), and, since Kyle rescued Hal, it gives Hal the opportunity to return the favour. But if this is just used to off Kyle as one more "$#@% you" to anyone who started reading/liked 90s comics, then I'll be annoyed.
This story was good enough that I may feel compelled to read the GLC stories as well, which I had been planning to avoid. Damnit. On one final note, but the crew that Johns has hauled out here is far too powerful to be dispensed with in a single arc; this level of firepower is usually only brought out for a major crossover; however, if this is all just setup for "Final Crisis" or whatever, I will be peeved.

X-Men #200

So, after more or less a year, I've bought an issue of Mike Carey's X-Men. It's been praised to all-get-out by fans, and critics generally have labelled it as promising (albeit with middling reactions to the art). I've stayed away this long because I don't particularly care for either of the artists that rotate on this title, and there are only so many X-titles I can be persuaded to buy in a non-crossover (this brings that number to four, apparently).
On the art front, I actually like Ramos' art in this issue; it's got a certain manga flavour, but there's none of the ridiculous necks that kept me from even thinking about buying his run on Wolverine with Marc Guggenheim. I got Ramos' cover, with all the villains on it (spoiler-ifically including Lady Mastermind and Omega Sentinel). Bachalo isn't as confusing as I've found him in the past, but I still don't really like his work all that much. Scot Eaton does a fine job penciling the first "Endangered Species" story, which finally gets around to doing what the one-shot really should have included: Beast's quest for a cure, which includes a pitch to nine (well, eight, and one morally-ambiguous lady) of the world's most dangerous geneticists (including two, count 'em, two Nazi war criminals, and Doctor Doom). All in all, a very strong issue, although I'm not at all familiar with the "Mutant Massacre" and related stories (before my time), so I wasn't particularly interested in the return of the Marauders. The return of Gambit (more or less himself, except evil) is well-handled, although my opinion of the character is still not especially high; he was cheesy fun (even cool, to my pre-teen mind) on the 90s animated series, but he lends himself all-too-easily to caricature that an older me doesn't like.
 
Beyond the "SHIELD don't help the poor folk" bit, it was pretty solid. But CW Frontline started off the same way. BW is overplaying that part a bit.

The whole "SHIELD doesn't help poor people" thing lasted for a notable amount of panels. No, it's not the core of the comic (which was fairly unremarkable unless you harbor overwhelming lust for Sally or Ben), but I just thought it's so telling that, once again, Jenkins can't draw inside the lines to save his own life. He just has to make things look that little bit worser and more dystopian. And thanks to him, it's canon now. Ya-HA!

Panels, not even pages. Either way, you know, even though I like the WWH evac scenario more, the Frontline one was a lot more, real. I mean, there would be some hostility and chaos. I mean, there are people in trailer parks who refuse to leave when a hurricane hits.

Which would have nothing whatsoever to do with whether or not the government was willing to bail them out and, according to Jenkins, they aren't.

Because they're poor. Pay attention.

And FEMA.:dry:

I am with BrianWilly on this one. Jenkins was one of the writers responsible for overplaying the pro-SHRA hand into pure evil that has resulted into very awkward situations now that Marvel wants to backtrack and make these fellows rootable again. While it seems some other writers have gotten the memo that the Feds aren't supposed to be complete bastards anymore, Jenkins hasn't or refuses to. Now, Bendis, I can understand ignoring what he wants; he's Marvel's #1. They'd pay him anything, in cash or perks, to keep him producing comics that sell well into the 6 figures of copies. But Jenkins isn't nearly as big a fish anymore. FRONTLINE is the only work he sold hotcakes with in years. He and Marvel really should have learned to keep things along one pitch.

I LIKED how Pak in WWH #1 was portraying heroes as being that; HEROES. I liked that his Iron Man wasn't a *****ebag. I liked that he had Spider-Man willing to put aside past squabbles to save people. I liked that fantastic people with fantastic powers and resources do fantastic rescues. When the JLA can evacuate an entire nation full of people or do no end of fantastical hoopla, no one says diddly. No one. But soon as SHIELD and the Avengers do it, all of a sudden it's unrealistic that the feds didn't want Hell's Kitchen or Harlem to burn. One can't have it both ways. When DC heroes are underwhelming, people laugh about how weak or stupid they are being, but when Marvel heroes actually get their crap together and act godly, all of a sudden it's not "real" enough? Iron Man is the head of SHIELD, and the CSA/Initiative has a lot of actual superheroes who have dealt with crisises before and would know what to do. So, no, I DON'T like the idea of Jenkins taking what was an incredible act of heroism and intelligence in evacuating Manhattan and turning it into something ugly, evil, and suspicious just to make himself feel like hot ****.

(I did actually flip through the book myself, and as I don't care for Urich & Floyd enough for another series, although I credit Marvel for only making it 6 parts and not 11 again).

People, or at least me, are TIRED of government evil conspiracies and superheroes being fascist bastards, and WWH was initially showing signs of improving from that. Let it. Please. We need one event in 3 that actually works out.
 
We're gonna start ragging on that again? YES! So happy:up:.
 
Daredevil #98

Another fantastic issue. This issue had me on the edge of my seat, and not to sound melodramatic but I was pretty excited as Matt rescued Milla. Hero saving the girl, its not new, but Brubaker managed to get me cheering as he finally caught her.

The end wasn't as strong as last issue's but who cares? This book is ALWAYS good. Brubaker doesn't need cliffhangers to keep his audience coming back.


Black Panther #28

I'm a big Marvel Zombies fan and while I'd like to see them cut down on their appearances, I am enjoying the first meeting between them and 616 characters. This issue delivers with the FF and Cage Zombie set to square off.

Going to be interesting seeing how they fight off beings with the power of Galactus. Also I expect to see that bug back again as a Zombie. Very fun.

World War Hulk: X-Men

Is this tie-in needed? No not really, its only a way to tie the X-Men into the event. That said its a pretty fun issue with Hulk beating the tar out of the mutants. Although I thought it was unbelievable that Xavier wouldn't be able to read Hulk's mind (regardless of how angry he is) that's only a minor downer that the reader will have to accept in an event like this.

Still the shot with the Astonishing X-Men team popping up was very cool and got me hyped up for the fight next issue.

I've got a few more books but those will have to wait.
 
Bought a crapload this week at the Big Apple Con in the city, so gonna include 'em too. Don't worry, only got to review most of my new books this week. Onward!

BOUGHT:
(new)
AMAZONS ATTACK #3
BIZARRE NEW WORLD #2
BLACK PANTHER #28
BLUE BEETLE #16
CABLE DEADPOOL #42
COUNTDOWN #44*
DAREDEVIL #98*
FANTASTIC FOUR #547*
GREEN LANTERN SINESTRO CORPS SPECIAL #1*
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #6*
INVINCIBLE #43
LEGION OF MONSTERS SATANA
MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #14
RED SONJA #23
SHE-HULK #19
SHEENA #1
SILENT WAR #6*
SILVER SURFER REQUIEM #2*
SUBCULTURE #1
SUPERGIRL AND LOSH*
SUPERMAN BATMAN #37*
TEEN TITANS #48
THUNDERBOLTS #115*
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #43*
ULTIMATE X-MEN #83
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #15
WONDER WOMAN #10
WORLD WAR HULK FRONT LINE #1
WORLD WAR HULK X-MEN #1
X-FACTOR #20*
X-MEN FIRST CLASS #1

(con)
ADVENTURES OF THE THING #2
ADVENTURES OF THE X-MEN #7
ALF #7
ALPHA FLIGHT #2, 37, 42, 90, 117, 120
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #169, 338
ANNEX #1
AVENGERS #383, 388-389
AVENGERS WEST COAST #70-71, 73-74
BALDER THE BRAVE #1
BATTLETIDE #3-4
BEAST #2
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST #3
BISHOP #1
BLACKWULF #1, 3-5, 7-8
CAGE #1-2
CABLE #9-14, 17-19
CAPTAIN AMERICA #438
CAPTAIN MARVEL V2 #2
CAPTAIN PLANET #7-8
CLOAK & DAGGER V2 #1, 8
COPS: THE JOB #1
CYBERFORCE 3000 #1
DP7 #7, 10, 20
DAREDEVIL #301, 322-323, 326-327
DAREDEVIL ANNUAL #9
DARK GUARD #1
DARKHAWK #1, 9-12, 15, 17, 20-23, 26, 28, 34-39
DARKHOLD #6
DARKMAN V1 #2
DARKMAN V2 #5
DAYDREAMERS #1
DAZZLER #11-12, 14, 16-19, 25, 27-29, 31, 33-34, 39, 41-42
DEATH WRECK #1
DEATH’S HEAD #1
DEATH’S HEAD II #1-2, 4, 8
DEATHBLOW AND WOLVERINE #2
DEATHLOK #13, 16-17, 21-22, 25
DEATHLOK SPECIAL #1
DEATH’S HEAD V2 #1-2, 4, 8
DEFENDERS OF THE EARTH #1
DIE CUT #1
DOCTOR STRANGE SORCERER SUPREME #2-3, 65, 68
DOUBLE DRAGON #1-2
EX-MUTANTS #1
EXILES (MALIBU) #1
FALLEN ANGELS #1
FANTASTIC FOUR V2 #9
FANTASTIC FORCE #1, 6
FELICIA HARDY: BLACK CAT #1
FOOL KILLER #1, 3-7
FORCE WORKS #1, 9-10
FREEX #1
FURY #1
FURY/AGENT 13 #1
GAMBIT V1 #2
GARGOYLE #2
GENE DOGS #1
GENERATION X #2, 4
GHOST RIDER V2 #28, 30-31, 33-34, 58
GHOST RIDER/BLAZE SPIRITS OF VENGEANCE #1-5, 9-10
GOTHIS #1
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #29, 34, 39
HAWKEYE V1 #3
HELLSTORM #1
HERCULES: HEART OF CHAOS #1
HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS #1
HEROES FOR HIRE V1 #4, 17
HOKUM & HEX #1
HOUSE II: THE SECOND STORY #1
HOWARD THE DUCK V1 #16
IMPERIAL GUARD #1
INCREDIBLE HULK #303, 394
IRON MAN V1 #151-152, 160
IRON MAN & FORCE WORKS COLLECTOR’S PREVIEW
JUDGE DREDD MOVIE ADAPTATION
KID COLT OUTLAW #217
LAST STARFIGHTER #1
MAD-DOG #1
MAN OF STEEL #3
MARC SPECTOR: MOON KNIGHT #8, 50
MARVEL ACTION HOUR FANTASTIC FOUR #1-2
MARVEL ADVENTURES #1
MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #66, 112-114, 123, 154
MARVEL FANFARE V1 #52
MARVEL PREMIERE #44
MARVEL SPECTACULAR #16
MARVEL SUPER-HEROES #40
MARVEL TALES #78, 136, 166
MARVEL TEAM-UP #41, 69
MARVEL TRIPLE ACTION #31-32
MARVEL’S GREATEST COMICS #45
MAVERICK #10-11
MICRONAUTS V1 #3
MORBIUS #4
MORTIGAN GOTH IMMORTALIS #1
MUTANT MISADVENTURES OF CLOAK & DAGGER #15-16
NAMOR #6, 13, 15, 25
NEW MUTANTS V1 #54-60, 62-63
NEW WARRIORS V1 #4, 10, 18, 46-47, 51-54
NIGHT THRASHER #1
NIGHTMARE #1
NIGHTMASK #1, 4
NIGHTSTALKERS #2
NIGH****CH #7, 10
NOMAD V2 #3
NORTHSTAR #3
NOVA V1 #8, 10-17
OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL U V1 #2, 8, 10
OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL U V2 #9, 16-17, 19
POWER PACK V1 #22, 25, 27, 30, 32, 54
PROWLER #3
PUNISHER V2 #41-43, 45, 47, 52, 56, 66, 84, 89
PUNSIHER WAR JOURNAL V1 #5, 27, 29, 31, 76
PUNISHER WAR ZONE #13, 16, 19
QUASAR #20-29, 31, 33-51, 59
QUESTPROBE #2-3
QUICKSILVER #7
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK #1-3
RAZORLINE #1
ROCKET RACCOON #1
ROBOCOP #16
SAINT SINNER #1
SCARLET WITCH #2
SECRET DEFENDERS #5
SECTAURS #1
SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK #5-6, 18-20
SHADOW RIDERS #1
SHROUD #1
SILVER SABLE #28-29, 31-33
SILVER SURFER/WARLOCK: RESURRECTION #1
SKRULL KILL KREW #2, 5
SOLO #1-4
SOLO AVENGERS #4, 17-19
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN V1 #42, 47, 83, 89, 103
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #3
SPIDER-MAN AND X-FACTOR: SHADOWGAMES #1
SPIDER-MAN: FRIENDS & ENEMIES! #3
SPIDER-MAN: WEB OF DOOM #2
SPIDER-MAN 2099 #28
SPIDER-MAN ADVENTURES #2
SPITFIRE #3-8
STAR BRAND #4, 9, 11-12
STAR TREK #15
STARBLAST #4
STARJAMMERS V1 #1
STARRIORS #1
STEELTOWN ROCKERS #5
STRIKEFORCE MORITURI #2
SUPERGIRL V3 #4
TALES OF G.I.JOE #9
TALES TO ASTONISH V2 #3
TARZAN #9
TERROR INC. #12
THING V1 #4-5, 9, 14-18, 20-22, 24-27
THUNDERSTRIKE #2, 7, 14, 16
U.S.1 #1
U.S. AGENT V1 #2
UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUALS #16, 18
VALKYRIE #1
VISION & THE SCARLET WITCH V1 #2, 4
VISION & THE SCARLET WITCH V2 #2
VISIONARIES #1
WAR MACHINE #2, 15, 21
WHAT IF? V1 #2
WHAT IF? V2 #-1
WHAT THE--?! #8, 19
WOLVERINE V1 #4-5
WONDER MAN V1 #23
X-FACTOR V1 #85-86, 90, 97
X-FORCE V1 #16-17, 27, 30
X-FORCE ANNUAL #1
X-MEN ANNUAL #3
 
THOUGHT (damn post limit):
AMAZONS ATTACK #3
Note: this issue ties into both Teen Titans and Wonder Woman directly this month, so if those plot points interest you enough you may want to pick them up. And DC may want to start doing the little triangle numbers for crossovers like they did in the 90s so people know what order to read the books. Basically, we have more of the same in this issue; the super powerful Justice League can’t launch a counter offensive against the piddly nation of Amazons because they’re too busy saving people (even though with their full ranks combined they could decimate the Earth 11 times over without much effort), and the Amazonians begin to doubt their queen as she continues on her mad tirades about world domination. The only thing really new in this is the reactions of the president (which are explored fully in Titans) and another hidden threat behind the scenes. Overall, nothing really thrilling about this issue or this story so far as things continue to progress ever-so-slowly and more so within the tie-in books. If DC’s trying to use the Amazon war to compete with Marvel’s World War Hulk, they’re leaps and bounds out of their league.

2 out of 5

BIZARRE NEW WORLD #2
Paul tries to come to terms with his newfound powers of flight by asking for an explanation from the best experts he knows: the geeks he works with. Full of more of the real-life feel and humor that made the first issue so enjoyable, this one continues the story nicely. Sure, every major company has a character that flies, and every costumed hero has personal problems and lives that ground them in reality. But, this book manages to take the everyman factor to the next level and make it seem like anyone can gain the power of flight. Give this book a try, you won’t regret it.

4.5 out of 5

BLACK PANTHER #28
Skrulls and Marvel Zombies; lots of problems for the fabulous foursome. When did Zombie Luke Cage become ghetto? The silliness continues as Hudlin continues to try and inject humor into the book. While some of it is good, it in no way compares to classic FF moments. Also, Panther comes off more like Reed Richards in a costume than Black Panther, turning his personality generic in that sense. There was an appearance by an old guest-star which was a nice touch, but otherwise nothing overwhelmingly remarkable about the story. At least Francis Portela’s artwork makes it pleasant to look at.

2.5 out of 5

BLUE BEETLE #16
Eclipso is back, and it’s up to Blue Beetle to team-up with Traci Thirteen to stop him! Ah, DC…how they love to throw obscure characters that are hard to recognize at us. We get Traci Thirteen, or Girl 13, whom no one would recognize unless they were a major DC fan or have read every Superman comic in the last couple of years. It’s nice to get away from the origin stuff (again), but the book really offers nothing spectacular to keep readers coming back for more. It started off good, but tapered off towards the ending. Rafael Albuquerque’s art is also fairly inconsistent, looking better in some panels more than others in regards to the characters. The best part of the issue, by far, had to be when Eclipso released Jaime’s secret desire in order to manifest it. That was actually very funny. Blue Beetle; a good idea on paper, but something just missed the mark along the way to keep it from being the spectacular book it could be. However, it’s still putting up a fight.

3 out of 5

CABLE DEADPOOL #42
Cable and Deadpool take on the former horsemen of the Apocalypse! Wrapping up this arc, we get some flashbacks into Cable’s past (our future) as he takes on former minions of Apocalypse to remove his futuristic tech from the present. This issue was very well done, Deadpool bringing on the usually funny moments while Cable even got his own good shot in. A nice touch was having the flashback artwork resemble Liefeld’s style somewhat (meaning we get Cable in the 90s as if he was done in the 90s without fanboys complaining about Liefeld being Liefeld). We get a hell of an ending that makes you wonder what’s going to happen next, which is exactly what an ending should do.

4 out of 5

DAREDEVIL #98*
Daredevil vs. Gladiator with Mila’s life in the balance! Another great chapter to the mystery, and still no clues as to just who or what is behind Gladiator’s sudden breakdown and personality change. But, the best mysteries, as anyone can tell you, are the ones not so easily solved. And Brubaker’s Daredevil makes each following issue unbearable to wait for.

5 out of 5

FANTASTIC FOUR #547*
Reed investigates the object they found in space while sinister dangers are afoot. Much better than the Black Panther FF, the moments between the team, while funny, seem a bit too silly at times…especially considering the tone the book is JUST coming off of. However, the plots going are very intriguing and so far well-done. This issue is a vast improvement over the ridiculousness of the Silver Surfer chokehold. Still not perfect or what FF was, but getting there.

3.5 out of 5

INVINCIBLE #43
Mark makes some decisions about his life while Mr. Immortal may be at the end of his career. Continuing on from the last issue, we get a good story that sets up the premise for the next or a future arc as well as building upon the various subplots that have been going on for the past few issues. The best part about this series is that it’s not afraid to combine different genres and HAVE subplots like comics used to do before they all became trade centered. Sure, the book requires you to have some knowledge of it’s continuity, but with only 43 issues to it’s credit it’s nowhere near the task of just entering into DC. Give the book a try, it’s definitely the most unique superhero book on the shelves.

4 out of 5

LEGION OF MONSTERS SATANA
Two more short stories centered on monsters in the Marvel U. First up, a tale of an all-new Satana by Robin Furth and Kalman Andrasofszky where she really lives up to her title. It’s hard to recall Satana ever fitting her title as much as she did in this issue, with a look to match the basis of her character. However, unlike the previous two installments of this series, while good the story wasn’t as good. Following it up is the Living Mummy by Jonathan Hickman which is incredibly strange. It’s done in a stream of consciousness style with sparse artwork to accompany it. It’s unusual and unique to say the least, but at the same time might be a little too abstract for many to follow.

3 out of 5

MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #14
A primitive civilization enlists the help of the Avengers to stop marauders who ransack their village frequently. A pretty good story that finally gives Wolverine his due without making him the butt of jokes as he has been recently. Plus, plenty of good action that goes as far as an all-ages book can go. The only problem with the story is how Wolverine, the great tracker, didn’t manage to know they were being watched by spies. Otherwise, it’s a fun and quick read with some good comedic moments worth a couple chuckles.

3 out of 5

RED SONJA #23
Sonja’s battle at sea continues while Kulan Gaath solidifies his grasp on the world. Not much happens in this issue except a lot of Sonja fighting monsters underwater, and finally a return to the Kulan Gaath story which has been left stagnant ever since his big return first happened. Outside of the beautiful artwork, there’s not much in the way of story this time around.

2 out of 5

SHE-HULK #19
She-Hulk prepares her case against Iron Man while she’s called to testify for Mallory’s latest client: the Leader! Another great issue by Slott which fully embraces a character’s history and uses it all within the story. We get some character development of Jennifer Walters for a change and a hilarious ending. The book is taking an interesting turn that looks to be a good one.

5 out of 5

SUBCULTURE #1
Subculture is a satiric take on the inner fanboy within all of us. Every character in the book embodies some kind of stereotype associated with geeks of all kinds. Anyone can admit they know at least one person like the characters represented in the book as it accurately, and humorously, captures life. Well, fanboy life that is. Kevin Freeman provides the reader with many laughable moments, especially through the use of parodies of many pop-culture items out there like World of Warcraft and Dungeons & Dragons. Stan Yan’s cartooning style of art has a humorous feel in of itself and is a perfect fit on the book. The writing and art seamlessly merge together to create one fine product. The characters are nicely crafted and really shine throughout the book. It projects a very Shaun of the Dead feel to it…just, y’know, without British accents or zombies. The only real problem was the sudden and abrupt ending which seemed to come out of nowhere, which is just a testament to how good the story was. This is a good read and worth checking out as it appeals to the geek within all of us. Don’t deny it: you’re one of them too.

4.5 out of 5

SUPERGIRL AND LOSH*
The new leader of the Legion is announced as the search for Cos begins! The new creative team takes over with this issue. So far, Tony Bedard has crafted an interesting story that seems to have a twist to it. We’ll have to wait for it to really get going to know if he can fill Waid’s shoes. Also, Kevin Sharpe’s artwork isn’t as crisp as the previous artist, but very good in its own right. So far, a pretty optimistic beginning to this new arc.

4 out of 5

SUPERMAN BATMAN #37*
Killer Croc has stolen something from Lex Luthor. But, why? This book doesn’t follow regular DCU continuity, but also seems to not follow it’s own as well. Wasn’t Lex Luthor taken down early on in the book? Anyway, the story has the typical set-up pairing the two heroes together by using two of their villains. The artwork, however, leaves a little bit to be desired. Also, the ending reeks of recycled plot ideas as a similar thing happened over in the Superman titles during One Year Later just last year. On the whole, a very underwhelming issue.

2 out of 5

TEEN TITANS #48
As potential threats are being incarcerated by the government, Supergirl and Wonder Girl seek to return them their rightful freedom! Tying in to their appearance in Amazon’s Attack, we learn the motivations behind the last page of that book. Adam Beechen takes over the writing duties on his own, but not much leeway was given to accurately judge how his succession will be to Geoff Johns. Some parts of the book did feel a little rushed as it tried to set-up it’s own story while maintaining the confines of Amazons Attack. Al Barrionuevo’s artwork isn’t anywhere near what we’ve had for the last while, and its quality fluctuates between panels as some have some extremely bold lines and others closer to what we usually get in comics. Will their run be as good as what came before? You be the judge.

3 out of 5

THUNDERBOLTS #115*
The T-Bolts take on the three heroes in Arizona as Songbird makes her move to reclaim her team. This was by far the best issue of the new arc yet. Plenty of action and surprises with beautifully rendered artwork to accompany it. This issue alone has built up some interest to see just where this story is going with some anticipation.

5 out of 5

ULTIMATE X-MEN #83
The X-Men track Toad down to the Morlock tunnels and don’t receive an very warm welcome. Kirkman continues to trudge along on this book, not helped by the choice of artist in this installment who seems to put a lot of emphasis on Colossus eating a sandwich. The characters all looked too similar and off, and the fight scenes were poorly rendered. Definitely not the best issue of UXM to ever come off the press.

1.5 out of 5

WOLVERINE ORIGINS #15
Progress, at last! Wolverine gets some answers from Cyber and mysteries begin to deepen as they take form. This was the first issue in the entire series which managed to tell a satisfying chapter in the life of Wolverine. We get some insight into Cyber’s past and motivations, and a string of connections in Wolverine’s life even he didn’t see before proving there might be no coincidences. Does this present a turnaround for the series? Or is this just a one-shot deal of Daniel Way flexing the muscles he showed on his brief Wolverine stint? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

3 out of 5

WONDER WOMAN #10
As the issues go on, the stories grow weaker and weaker. Tying into Amazons Attack, this issue mainly focuses on Wonder Woman’s internal struggle with her purpose in man’s world as she steps up to fight her mother. The fight was decent, but the rest of the book left a bland feeling afterwards. Plus, the ending leaves very little in the ways of a cliffhanger as the main mini still has five issues to go. As it ties into the main book directly, it shares its weaknesses. The best part is Paco Diaz’s artwork.

2.5 out of 5

WORLD WAR HULK FRONT LINE #1
The first issue of the new Front Line sees Ben and Sally thrown into World War Hulk headfirst. Not bad for the first issue of the new frontline. The artwork isn’t as good-looking as the Civil War edition, but it gets the job done. This issue also offers some interesting insight into the Hulk’s crew and their intentions on Earth, doing what Civil War failed to do: clearly defining who the good guys and bad guys are. Leaving off at World War Hulk #1, we’ll see how valuable this becomes to the scope of the war as a whole.

3.5 out of 5

WORLD WAR HULK X-MEN #1
Hulk comes calling on Xavier! Frankly, the premise to this mini-series is ridiculous; nothing more than a contrived way to get the X-Men involved in an event that they have no business being involved in. Despite that, the issue wasn’t all the bad story-wise. We get the classic New X-Men who manage to last more than a few seconds against the Hulk with some pretty decent artwork by Andrea Divito. Overall, great to see the New X-Men as they SHOULD be in action and written well and, a mini that has a bit more to do with the even than the Civil War mini did. However, how necessary this really is to make it more than a money-grab by Marvel, well, that will be seen in the coming issues. Plus, did anyone else feel a missed Beast “Oh my stars and garters!” moment?

3 out of 5

X-FACTOR #20*
The final confrontation between X-Factor and Quicksilver! This issue wasn’t as humorous as the other installments and it did feel a little rushed, but otherwise a decent enough conclusion to this war that’s been brewing in Mutant Town. Not entirely satisfying, but decent. We’ll have to see what else is in store for this rag-tag band of merry mutants.

3 out of 5

X-MEN FIRST CLASS #1
Marvel Girl is feeling isolated being the only girl on the team, so Professor X decides to set her up with a mentor: the Invisible Girl! This series comes off a poor one-shot strong, recapturing what made the mini-series great. It’s light and fun, and captures the old-school feel in an updated setting. And, as always, Jeff Parker manages to slip in some funny dialogue between scenes. Hopefully, the quality and popularity of the series will hold out to keep it going for a long time.

4 out of 5
 
I am with BrianWilly on this one. Jenkins was one of the writers responsible for overplaying the pro-SHRA hand into pure evil that has resulted into very awkward situations now that Marvel wants to backtrack and make these fellows rootable again. While it seems some other writers have gotten the memo that the Feds aren't supposed to be complete bastards anymore, Jenkins hasn't or refuses to. Now, Bendis, I can understand ignoring what he wants; he's Marvel's #1. They'd pay him anything, in cash or perks, to keep him producing comics that sell well into the 6 figures of copies. But Jenkins isn't nearly as big a fish anymore. FRONTLINE is the only work he sold hotcakes with in years. He and Marvel really should have learned to keep things along one pitch.

I LIKED how Pak in WWH #1 was portraying heroes as being that; HEROES. I liked that his Iron Man wasn't a *****ebag. I liked that he had Spider-Man willing to put aside past squabbles to save people. I liked that fantastic people with fantastic powers and resources do fantastic rescues. When the JLA can evacuate an entire nation full of people or do no end of fantastical hoopla, no one says diddly. No one. But soon as SHIELD and the Avengers do it, all of a sudden it's unrealistic that the feds didn't want Hell's Kitchen or Harlem to burn. One can't have it both ways. When DC heroes are underwhelming, people laugh about how weak or stupid they are being, but when Marvel heroes actually get their crap together and act godly, all of a sudden it's not "real" enough? Iron Man is the head of SHIELD, and the CSA/Initiative has a lot of actual superheroes who have dealt with crisises before and would know what to do. So, no, I DON'T like the idea of Jenkins taking what was an incredible act of heroism and intelligence in evacuating Manhattan and turning it into something ugly, evil, and suspicious just to make himself feel like hot ****.

(I did actually flip through the book myself, and as I don't care for Urich & Floyd enough for another series, although I credit Marvel for only making it 6 parts and not 11 again).

People, or at least me, are TIRED of government evil conspiracies and superheroes being fascist bastards, and WWH was initially showing signs of improving from that. Let it. Please. We need one event in 3 that actually works out.

It's really not fair to compare DC heroes to Marvel heroes because they are fundamentally different. Remember Marvel thrives on the "our heroes are street!" mentality.

As for the rest, again I, like you and BW preferred the Pak scenario a lot more for all the things you just stated. But since Marvel thrives on the whole we're realistic schtick, I was just stating that it Jenkins "The government is evil and corrupt etc" schtick is a more realistic take. But like I said, I preferred the Pak angle a lot better, and since it took place in the actual mini, it's the one everyone will go with. I actually rolled my eyes a bit reading the scene because I know somewhere down the like the word "Katrina" will show up.
 
THUNDER BOLTS #115

Correct me if I'm wrong but.....doesn't bullseye have an adamantium spine?
 
Even if the bones are covered in adamantium, the cartilege/discs between them can be affected.
 
Can someone please exaplain to me what the heck is going on with Medusa over in Secret War...
 
Sinestro Corps was awesome! single handedly the best comic of the year imo. i always knew sbp would be back big time, but giving him a power ring with all that rage inside him..shiiiiiit. the gl corps are ****ed.
 
It's really not fair to compare DC heroes to Marvel heroes because they are fundamentally different. Remember Marvel thrives on the "our heroes are street!" mentality.

As for the rest, again I, like you and BW preferred the Pak scenario a lot more for all the things you just stated. But since Marvel thrives on the whole we're realistic schtick, I was just stating that it Jenkins "The government is evil and corrupt etc" schtick is a more realistic take. But like I said, I preferred the Pak angle a lot better, and since it took place in the actual mini, it's the one everyone will go with. I actually rolled my eyes a bit reading the scene because I know somewhere down the like the word "Katrina" will show up.

Remember too that before, say, 2006, Marvel went "overly" street with their characters, having them be perennial underwhelming failures who all act worse than any villain ever did. You can have too much of a good premise.

I get where you are coming from. We all have the same preference, the Pak version in the core mini. But fundamental issues with clashing storyline bits, some very essential, helped mar CIVIL WAR and it is distressing that Marvel may not have learned much, or that Jenkins may not have been given a memo.

FEMA messed up with Katrina because they were an inept government agency run by incompetants; in an overly cynical world, this got mistaken as "darkie hatin' Dixiecrats" and all that (and no, that is not to say I don't believe we have rascists in government, I do, but to believe in the 21st century FEMA would deliberately commit political suicide for them and Bush simply because of rascism is downright Republican Serial level delusion). Also, Mayor Ray Nagin wasn't nearly as hands-on or together as Rudy Guiliani seemed to be after 9/11, Monday morning quarterbacks aside (5 years later, of course, all the mistakes have been revealed and everyone forgets the miracles, and the sense of togetherness. A fickle reality that makes one just utterly hate humanity).

Unfortunately, Jenkins is one of those writers, seemingly, who not only leans far left, but obviously brings it up every chance he gets. So the government is always evil and anyone who works for them is MORE evil. And after a while it fails to be interesting or innovative and simply becomes beating the same drum over and over. Which I myself do, and I get lots of flack for, without the benefits of a salary like Jenkins. ;)
 
Punisher: War Journal #1-7 - I'd read the first issue when it came out, liked it, but missed the second issue somehow. Then the third issue came and went, and I sort of forgot about the book. While at the flea market today, I found #1-7 for $2 a piece and obviously snatched them up.

My first reaction is that this is a great Punisher book. It's been too long since he's been in the forefront of the Marvel Universe, and I hate to compare him to Thor, but like the Odinson, things just aren't the same without him. But now he's back in one of the most over the top, campy books I've read in a long time. And it's all in a good way. People rave about Ennis' MAX Punisher, and they can have it. This is the real Punisher, at least for me. I mean, this is superhero comics after all, not some hardboiled piece of crime fiction. I like my Frank Castle wearing ridiculous white cloves and shooting supervillians in the face. And that's another thing...he actually says that in issue #6. His gut reaction to seeing the new Hate Monger wearing a Cap-inspired costume is: "We have to steal a car. I'm going to Mexico to shoot that guy in the face." Thank you, Matt Fraction. :up:

It's not all fun and games, however. Fraction's stories are pretty intelligent, as far as superhero books go. While the Hate Monger's costume and goals are typical supervillian fare, the commentary on illegal immigration is not. It's sort of refreshing to see a comic book tackle actual real world issues instead of just alluding to them a la Civil War. It reminds me of the socially aware Green Lantern/Green Arrow comics from the 70's and makes me wonder if this book is going to serve as Fraction's commentary on modern society. I'd be down for that.

The other half of the team is Ariel Olivetti who draws a great Frank. His arms are ridiculously huge, and his widow's peak could cut glass. It's awesome. His G.W. Bridge is also a great piece of character redesign. He's aged a bit and packed on a few pounds since the last I saw him, but Olivetti's drawings convey both power and wisdom in his large frame and weathered face. His scenes almost steal the book.

And oh, the Captain Punisher costume....If that's not one of the greatest, hokiest thing I've ever seen in comics, I don't know what is. It's nuts, and yet somehow Fraction and Olivetti can pull it off. But really, that's what this book is all about. It's good, clean comic book fun. With ample amounts of violence. Because Frank Castle is insane.
 
You adding it to the pull Photo?
 
Yeah, I think I will. Isn't #8 out now? I may run over to the shop and pick that up today...
 
I was going to say,you're missing #8 which came out 3 weeks ago I think.
 
Sweet. Then it looks like I have an excuse to go to the shop after all. ;)
 
Punisher: War Journal's not been perfect, but I am still enjoying it's Punisher zaniness.
 
I read Blue Beetle on the can over the weekend. It was awesome. I'm glad Traci Thirteen is getting used, and I really hope she sticks around as a possible love interest for Jaime. They had great chemistry this issue. I really liked that she stopped talking like a ghetto idiot, too. I was kind of confused about the whole Ralph and Sue Dibny connection, which was never even alluded to before, as far as I know; but then I remembered that this is New Earth Traci Thirteen, which means that her entire backstory--like those of all the other DC characters--is now totally open to changing however anyone wants it to. So apparently, even though Traci's own dad is something of a paranormal detective himself, she trained under Ralph after her mom died and is even a member of the Croatoan Society. Um... whatever. I guess it's cool that she has ties to Ralph and Sue, since that brings her even more off the fringes and into the mainstream of the new DCU. Anyway, I thought the issue was a lot of fun, it was good to see Albuquerque back, and I hope Traci sticks around for a while. Maybe Dr. 13 can pop in to tell Jaime to have his daughter home by 11 and that Jaime's powers don't exist. :)
 
Not really doing reviews this week. I'm so far behind on my comic reading, I've been reading the last Harry Potter book in order to be ready for the last book coming out on the 21st. I'm only behind because when the 6th book came out, I was reading it and some jackass on The Hype gave away who was killed at the end. This time, I'm staying off The Hype and most of the internet until I finish the last book. Probably the only internet thing I'll be doing is the livefeeds of Big Brother.

Anyway, I'm glad to see others weren't as impressed with Sinestro as the title of this thread implies. (Also, by stating how "awesome" it is, it makes the readers expectations that much higher.) Basically, we've seen this before. I'm still excited by this story more than most of what's happening with the DCU currently; but, hearing this is the best thing all year someone's read? No way.

Again, I know people who follow the DCU don't like Amazon's Attack; but, I'm enjoying it for what it is. (Although, heroes taking sides against a bad decision by the US government sounds kind of familiar.) I understand what sucks about it; but, I just don't follow the Amazons that closely.

Daredevil is still the best title. Loved this last issue, probably my favorite I've read this week.

Walking Dead seems like it's going to get back to some good action with the last page. (Kind of knew that was going to happen, though.)

I finally got to the World War Hulk tie-ins that came out the last couple weeks. It's kind of redundant, and I was getting bored with all the repeat information. I guess I was expecting more from this, but for some reason I'm feeling kind of disappointed. Maybe that's because Silent War was so good; yet, World War Hulk seems to disregard that. Plus, I cannot imagine why anyone wants to be in league with the Hulk, considering he's threatened all life on Earth.
 

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