Bought/Thought May 21st, 2008

[Hans]

I don't know. If he's doing that Ultimates miniseries, though, I don't see why he can't do a six issue arc on a good book, take an issue or two breather and do another six issues, or whatever. He seems faster than McGuinness, Coipel, Cassaday and pretty much everyone else getting ongoing work.

 

[DestinyMakerX]

Amazing Spider-Man #560 - This issue wasn't bad. Slott is a great writer, but I can't stand Brand New Day, so I was pretty neutral about this issue. But I love that

Spoiler

MJ'S BACK! YAAAAAY!!!!

3/5

Avengers: The Initiative #13 - That was really good. Definitely the best this week. Gage's first solo issue was fantastic. I love this title, and this was possibly the best issue yet. 4.5/5

Mighty Avengers #14 - I love Mighty Avengers, but I was upset with this issue. Not because it was bad, it was well-written. It's just that I loved where Bendis was going with this title the last two issues, and now we got a whole new story about the Sentry. It wasn't awful, but I wanted more. 3/5

 

[Blader5489]

Mighty Avengers #14 - I love Mighty Avengers, but I was upset with this issue. Not because it was bad, it was well-written. It's just that I loved where Bendis was going with this title the last two issues, and now we got a whole new story about the Sentry. It wasn't awful, but I wanted more. 3/5

Don't expect a cohesive story with MA. Each issue is going to focus on something different.

 

[Max J Power]

Fantastic Four #557
It's been said already. The big fight was decent, but was really only there for the purpose of having a big fight. I did like the big fight artwork a lot, though. The characterization was great, and the (seemingly) long-running plots have been set up. I'm pleased with Millar and Hitch's first arc, and I'm anxious to see where the rest of their run goes. And it had Dr. Doom, which was exciting.

 

[CaptainCanada]

Part II (aka, the stuff that wasn't as good as Part I)

Justice Society of America #15

For someone trying to decide whether or not to drop this, this issue doesn't really help; there's little resolution, which gives a natural urge to keep reading and find a more full exit point, but it feels like the end of AXM's "Torn" arc, where my enthusiasm is mostly gone. Mostly a big fight, pretty well-executed, but I'm just not that interested in what's going on.

X-Factor #31

My second-last issue, and Raimondi's back; pretty well-done depiction of chaos in Mutant Town, but there's not a whole lot of plot momentum right now, since the threat is resolved, and the ending mainly concerns X-Factor's relationship with the government. Enjoyable, like most Peter David comics, but, also like most Peter David comics, I often find myself not especially compelled to keep reading. That was why I dropped this the first time. In a crunch, I always find it easy to let go of this one.

X-Men: Divided We Stand #2

Not as good as the first issue; the variance between stories was a lot higher; we've really moved beyond dealing specifically with a lot of the fallout of "Messiah Complex" to using it to set up other plots: two of these segments (the Magik and Havok stories) are clearly setup for future arcs (presumably in AXM), and Beast's story too has something of that feel (Beast playing janitor through the X-Mansion before leaving it behind); those three are the best parts; Vulcan's "Life is meaningless!" statement and the general atmosphere in Havok's story is very 1984. The stuff with Surge and Dani Moonstar and the Forge plot are a lot less successful (the latter is a confusing mix of exposition about what happened to Forge between MC and having Bishop steel his stuff and possible setup).

 

[Hush]

Bought and Thought:

Superman/Batman #48:

This story is getting better and better each issue, just gotta love the balls to the wall action and not to mention the art wokr is just great. I revel at the chance to look at this book every thursday. It just really gets my blood going. I usually dont get ongoings but i have been wit this book since the beginning and it has yet to fail on every level. Has it sucked? yes, but this arc single handedly has saved it from falling farther than it has before. I would recommend that anyone who is at least interested buy this trade, one of the best storeis out there now and it finishes up next month.

Justice League of America # 21

Yeah this was cool and i enjoyed the interaction between the big three and hope Trinity is written about 1000% better than they were written here, cause i just hated the dialogue. It was ok but the fact that Batman was being all just wierd was silly, the whole kiss thing with Clark and such was just like wasted air. I found the second part so much more fun. The line that The Human Flame said to Luthor was awesome a total burn, if you will, saying "At least my arch-nemisis only beat me once!" Then he proceeded to have Grodd agree with him. That was the best part of the issue for me.I would love to see more Firestorm he seems like he would be great if written by Mcduffie but oh well, won't happen. I think its high time we had good JLA stories that include, you know taking on actual threats so can we get a new writer for this book now? Its really bothersome to want to read JLA but not want to at the same time, you have all these great characters and you get drivel like this, boring. So Bats, Supes and Wondy can have all there fun but in all honesty it seemed like a 12 year old girls sleep over than a super-secret meeting.

I was going to buy the ressurection of Ras Al Ghul but I wanted a review from the hypesters vefore i waste money. any Opinions?

 

[MaskedManJRK]

The line that The Human Flame said to Luthor was awesome a total burn, if you will, saying "At least my arch-nemisis only beat me once!"

Yeah, that was pretty good. Though Luthor's retort was almost just as badass. t:

I was going to buy the ressurection of Ras Al Ghul but I wanted a review from the hypesters vefore i waste money. any Opinions?

I liked it, if only because it didn't fall into the usual stereotype of Batman events, did some new, interesting stuff with Ra's, and the last issue of it had Batman at his most hardcore. It's not the greatest story ever, but it was entertaining. t:

 

[Hush]

Yeah, that was pretty good. Though Luthor's retort was almost just as badass. t:

Yes but the fact that The Human Flame actually said that to a hot shot like Luthor was awesome.

I liked it, if only because it didn't fall into the usual stereotype of Batman events, did some new, interesting stuff with Ra's, and the last issue of it had Batman at his most hardcore. It's not the greatest story ever, but it was entertaining. t:

Very nice well at the very least I will read it at Borders. I think you just sold me though.

 

[WompuM]

Hush, skip the Ra's al Ghul. Seriously. It was terrible.

 

[Hush]

You make it sound like i was going to buy a drug. Silly goose its just a comic book.

 

[Dread]

Dread's Bought/Thought Part II:

FANTASTIC FOUR #557: In terms of sales, this run was likely expected to be a solid Top 10-20 book for it's run; however, just into the 3rd issue (of an 18 issue run), it is down to 65k (not even 35% above KICK-ASS) and struggling to remain in the Top 30. By the 1/3rd mark it may wind up in the Top 40-50 muddle that nearly every recent run on FF has landed without crossovers. Now, the reasons for this are numerous. Perhaps the lateness of Ultimates 2 really did grind down Millar & Hitch's pedigree, with shops not investing in as many issues and readers trade-waiting. It may also be that the Fantastic Four are too dusty a franchise, and have had their once-innovative schtick ripped off and refined in so many other franchises, that no creator can keep steam on this book for long with most audiences. The fact that the FF run appears to be unrelated to what is going on within the current season of Marvel may have also brought down some buzz.

It is a shame, because Millar is obviously enjoying the run and isn't nearly as bleak and controversial here. He isn't out to shock the universe by killing someone, at least not yet. He is just trying to tell fundamental FF stories well.

This story concludes the first 4 issue arc as C.A.P. continues on it's rampage of Earth after taking out 3 out of the Four as well as both squads of Avengers (who say almost nothing and could be any gang of throwaway costumes, really). As usual in FF stories, all seems hopeless until Reed Richards pulls an answer out of his rear. In this case, it is an "Anti-Galactus" Mecha that "costs a billion dollars to run" every second. So, the next time the nation is facing an extra trillion in debt and Congress ups your taxes, just blame Mr. Fantastic. Anyway, Reed correctly deduces that since Alyssa and her husband are on C.A.P.'s "DO NOT KILL" list, he would be to, since Alyssa still carries a torch for him, and it is right. In some ways it is a classic Millar anti-climax; building a baddie as a monster, unstoppable threat only to have the hero beat him/it effortlessly via plot convenience, but in this case it works. Out of anyone to have a 70'' mecha on short notice, aside for Iron Man, why NOT Mr. Fantastic? Alyssa reveals the obvious, Reed rebuffs her, Johnny is still dating a criminal, and Dr. Doom shows up on the last page.

I loved how Reed basically cements his love of Sue to Alyssa without ever denying her main point about how "dumb" the woman is, and it reminded me of the bit about Ultimate Fantastic Four that I liked; making Susan a scientist in her own right (just not as good as Reed, focused on biology specifically). Of course, Sue in 616 has more "real world" smarts and helps bring Reed back to Earth. Some of his presents are on the verge of ALL-STAR SUPERMAN super-science, but, again, if anyone in Marvel could pull it off, it is Reed Richards.

Psionics is still a dumb name, because there is only one of her. Why can't it just be Psionic? Give me Butterball anyday.

And it is amazing that Millar could give an interview to prep this run by going, "I didn't just want to do a list of the FF's best foes just because Hitch is drawing it", but guess what? Not even 6 issues in and Dr. Doom shows up, of course. And soon we will get Galactus. Really, who is he kidding? Hey, if the stories are good, who cares if Millar caters to his artist. Just be honest about it. I swear, a lot of Marvel editors and writers would have much better rapport with fans if they played things honestly, like Dan Slott, and less smug.

Still, this is shaping up to be a more enjoyable run than I expected. The dip in sales, though, is troubling for the long term health of the franchise. Even the movies fizzled before long; the FF seem desitined for the mid-card division these days.

GHOST RIDER #23: Aaron & Boschi wrap up their first arc of their run on GR, which may be short if the sales don't get stable. Considering there is zero buzz around GR these days, that may be inevitable. Still, Marvel will have gotten over 2 years out of a GR ongoing title, which is a major accomplishment after 1998.

Blaze collides with a cannibal and his curse, the crazed nurses serving the angel (Zadkiel) he wants to kill, and a reformed one riding a bus. Ghost Rider goes bat-**** insane on his enemies, but it seems Lucas is met by one of Zad's other followers, who convinces him how hopeless it is. Ghost Rider ends the curse of the highway (which was a nice spooky twist; a book like this NEEDS some real horror in it) and takes out the head-nurse, but the big reveal of the issue is that the guy who got to Lucas is, of course, Dan Ketch. Why he is working for Zadkiel against his former mentor is a mystery for another issue, but right away it fills me with anticipation for this storyline.

Aaron is playing well with the mangled elements Way left and is bringing in bits from the past, and is not as decompressed. It is a shame he didn't launch the book, because if he had, GR would be better off. Boschi's art works for the most part, even if some panels bare some look of rush. Aaron has a storyline to tell, I just hope he can do so with the few issues he may have left.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #14: Unlike the last few issues of this and NEW AVENGERS, this issue isn't a prelude and instead mostly takes place alongside and after SECRET INVASION #2; as like a SI #2.5. Despite yet another Skrull-erized rendition of a classic cover, it focuses on the Sentry.

(Now that I mention it, the Skrull covers are becoming almost as annoying, if not moreso, than the Zombie gimmick covers. What is this; is overdoing a trend the new "hologram" cover?)

Anyway, everyone remembers the Sentry, right? The superhero launched by Jenkins based on a big fat lie, who needs retcon after retcon after retcon to be shoved awkwardly into Marvel's Silver Age origins, like a square peg through a round hole. Top it off with the fact that not only is he a gutless, clueless putz, he is a walking, flying dues ex machina. He has all the power in the world to stop any threat the plot may desire, but his mental failings ensure he only does so, or tries, when it is the most convenient to a story (re: WORLD WAR HULK). Jenkin's original story, to some, filled a niche, but Bendis has shoved this character down my neck since NA #1 and Sentry is hardly worthy of such treatment. Bendis hasn't made him any likeable or interesting. He just comes off as the definition of an emo figure, only without black leather.

The issue also shows us the Skrulls plotting behind the scenes and gives an idea of how long they have been infiltrating in this wave (or at least I hope it does). It implies that Skrull-Jarvis hinted at Stark about Sentry when the NA were still new, so we are talking since about 2005-2006 or so. Bendis makes a big deal of stating how the Skrulls didn't CAUSE events like CIVIL WAR or WWH, they just sat on the sidelines and allowed them to play out, hoping they'd wipe out the heroes for them. But, there is a gap in this logic; Hank Pym. According to SI #1, he is a Skrull. He was a MAJOR figure in CW, which happened AFTER Stark made the NA with Sentry on the team. Pym made Clor. He was one of the "Holy Trinity" of sell-out caped fascists, behind Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic. Heck, you could argue that simply by having high ranking SHIELD agents in their thrall, they helped contribute even without meaning so. If taken to it's full course, no the Skrulls didn't "cause" CW, but were a major contributing factor. Of course, next issue focuses on Pym, so that may reveal more.

I don't buy the idea of this being planned since Bendis first hit 616. Seriously, Bendy, while you were destroying the Avengers four years ago, you were plotting an invasion by Skrulls? That's George Lucas Level bull****. I could buy him thinking about it maybe a year ago and trying to find bits of his stories that fit, but not now. If not, why wait so long to introduce those random metahumans Nick Fury gathered? Even Brubaker had to alter his storyline a bit when CW hit; it wasn't all planned from issue #1 of Cap's run down to the detail.

The issue basically narrows down what a psychotic sissy-Mary Sentry is, and how he is the perfect foil for the Skrulls to manipulate. It also claims that Iron Man's big reason for getting Sentry on his team was because "he didn't know what to do with him", which if that is supposed to explain why a character more powerful and unstable than Scarlet Witch was on Stark's team, it fails and just makes Stark seem like a ******. Dude, just throw Sentry to the Negative Zone, and done. Anyway, the Skrulls get Sentry to cry like a baby and flee from SI #2, and that image of Sentry crying in a fetal position in space deserves a MOTIVATIONAL header with the word EMO under it. But when his wife is threatened by a Skrull, it seems Sentry is back, or at least the Void in Sentry's form. A merge? Who the **** cares? I sure don't. Sentry is a waste of a character, and I could think of so many better tankers worthy of that kind of energy to write. If only Bendis expelled half as much energy on, say, Wonder Man, who is written as "Ms. Marvel's boyfriend" if that. Or, maybe it is better to NOT focus on Simon, with Bendis' rep.

Still, this is better than a slew of MA and NA issues. Crossovers actually bring out the best in Bendis' Avengers books sometimes. Just an issue with a few quibbles.

 

[THANOSRULES]

Dread's Bought/Thought Part II:

FANTASTIC FOUR #557: In terms of sales, this run was likely expected to be a solid Top 10-20 book for it's run; however, just into the 3rd issue (of an 18 issue run), it is down to 65k (not even 35% above KICK-ASS) and struggling to remain in the Top 30. By the 1/3rd mark it may wind up in the Top 40-50 muddle that nearly every recent run on FF has landed without crossovers. Now, the reasons for this are numerous. Perhaps the lateness of Ultimates 2 really did grind down Millar & Hitch's pedigree, with shops not investing in as many issues and readers trade-waiting. It may also be that the Fantastic Four are too dusty a franchise, and have had their once-innovative schtick ripped off and refined in so many other franchises, that no creator can keep steam on this book for long with most audiences. The fact that the FF run appears to be unrelated to what is going on within the current season of Marvel may have also brought down some buzz.

It is a shame, because Millar is obviously enjoying the run and isn't nearly as bleak and controversial here. He isn't out to shock the universe by killing someone, at least not yet. He is just trying to tell fundamental FF stories well.

This story concludes the first 4 issue arc as C.A.P. continues on it's rampage of Earth after taking out 3 out of the Four as well as both squads of Avengers (who say almost nothing and could be any gang of throwaway costumes, really). As usual in FF stories, all seems hopeless until Reed Richards pulls an answer out of his rear. In this case, it is an "Anti-Galactus" Mecha that "costs a billion dollars to run" every second. So, the next time the nation is facing an extra trillion in debt and Congress ups your taxes, just blame Mr. Fantastic. Anyway, Reed correctly deduces that since Alyssa and her husband are on C.A.P.'s "DO NOT KILL" list, he would be to, since Alyssa still carries a torch for him, and it is right. In some ways it is a classic Millar anti-climax; building a baddie as a monster, unstoppable threat only to have the hero beat him/it effortlessly via plot convenience, but in this case it works. Out of anyone to have a 70'' mecha on short notice, aside for Iron Man, why NOT Mr. Fantastic? Alyssa reveals the obvious, Reed rebuffs her, Johnny is still dating a criminal, and Dr. Doom shows up on the last page.

I loved how Reed basically cements his love of Sue to Alyssa without ever denying her main point about how "dumb" the woman is, and it reminded me of the bit about Ultimate Fantastic Four that I liked; making Susan a scientist in her own right (just not as good as Reed, focused on biology specifically). Of course, Sue in 616 has more "real world" smarts and helps bring Reed back to Earth. Some of his presents are on the verge of ALL-STAR SUPERMAN super-science, but, again, if anyone in Marvel could pull it off, it is Reed Richards.

Psionics is still a dumb name, because there is only one of her. Why can't it just be Psionic? Give me Butterball anyday.

And it is amazing that Millar could give an interview to prep this run by going, "I didn't just want to do a list of the FF's best foes just because Hitch is drawing it", but guess what? Not even 6 issues in and Dr. Doom shows up, of course. And soon we will get Galactus. Really, who is he kidding? Hey, if the stories are good, who cares if Millar caters to his artist. Just be honest about it. I swear, a lot of Marvel editors and writers would have much better rapport with fans if they played things honestly, like Dan Slott, and less smug.

Still, this is shaping up to be a more enjoyable run than I expected. The dip in sales, though, is troubling for the long term health of the franchise. Even the movies fizzled before long; the FF seem desitined for the mid-card division these days.

GHOST RIDER #23: Aaron & Boschi wrap up their first arc of their run on GR, which may be short if the sales don't get stable. Considering there is zero buzz around GR these days, that may be inevitable. Still, Marvel will have gotten over 2 years out of a GR ongoing title, which is a major accomplishment after 1998.

Blaze collides with a cannibal and his curse, the crazed nurses serving the angel (Zadkiel) he wants to kill, and a reformed one riding a bus. Ghost Rider goes bat-**** insane on his enemies, but it seems Lucas is met by one of Zad's other followers, who convinces him how hopeless it is. Ghost Rider ends the curse of the highway (which was a nice spooky twist; a book like this NEEDS some real horror in it) and takes out the head-nurse, but the big reveal of the issue is that the guy who got to Lucas is, of course, Dan Ketch. Why he is working for Zadkiel against his former mentor is a mystery for another issue, but right away it fills me with anticipation for this storyline.

Aaron is playing well with the mangled elements Way left and is bringing in bits from the past, and is not as decompressed. It is a shame he didn't launch the book, because if he had, GR would be better off. Boschi's art works for the most part, even if some panels bare some look of rush. Aaron has a storyline to tell, I just hope he can do so with the few issues he may have left.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #14: Unlike the last few issues of this and NEW AVENGERS, this issue isn't a prelude and instead mostly takes place alongside and after SECRET INVASION #2; as like a SI #2.5. Despite yet another Skrull-erized rendition of a classic cover, it focuses on the Sentry.

(Now that I mention it, the Skrull covers are becoming almost as annoying, if not moreso, than the Zombie gimmick covers. What is this; is overdoing a trend the new "hologram" cover?)

Anyway, everyone remembers the Sentry, right? The superhero launched by Jenkins based on a big fat lie, who needs retcon after retcon after retcon to be shoved awkwardly into Marvel's Silver Age origins, like a square peg through a round hole. Top it off with the fact that not only is he a gutless, clueless putz, he is a walking, flying dues ex machina. He has all the power in the world to stop any threat the plot may desire, but his mental failings ensure he only does so, or tries, when it is the most convenient to a story (re: WORLD WAR HULK). Jenkin's original story, to some, filled a niche, but Bendis has shoved this character down my neck since NA #1 and Sentry is hardly worthy of such treatment. Bendis hasn't made him any likeable or interesting. He just comes off as the definition of an emo figure, only without black leather.

The issue also shows us the Skrulls plotting behind the scenes and gives an idea of how long they have been infiltrating in this wave (or at least I hope it does). It implies that Skrull-Jarvis hinted at Stark about Sentry when the NA were still new, so we are talking since about 2005-2006 or so. Bendis makes a big deal of stating how the Skrulls didn't CAUSE events like CIVIL WAR or WWH, they just sat on the sidelines and allowed them to play out, hoping they'd wipe out the heroes for them. But, there is a gap in this logic; Hank Pym. According to SI #1, he is a Skrull. He was a MAJOR figure in CW, which happened AFTER Stark made the NA with Sentry on the team. Pym made Clor. He was one of the "Holy Trinity" of sell-out caped fascists, behind Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic. Heck, you could argue that simply by having high ranking SHIELD agents in their thrall, they helped contribute even without meaning so. If taken to it's full course, no the Skrulls didn't "cause" CW, but were a major contributing factor. Of course, next issue focuses on Pym, so that may reveal more.

I don't buy the idea of this being planned since Bendis first hit 616. Seriously, Bendy, while you were destroying the Avengers four years ago, you were plotting an invasion by Skrulls? That's George Lucas Level bull****. I could buy him thinking about it maybe a year ago and trying to find bits of his stories that fit, but not now. If not, why wait so long to introduce those random metahumans Nick Fury gathered? Even Brubaker had to alter his storyline a bit when CW hit; it wasn't all planned from issue #1 of Cap's run down to the detail.

The issue basically narrows down what a psychotic sissy-Mary Sentry is, and how he is the perfect foil for the Skrulls to manipulate. It also claims that Iron Man's big reason for getting Sentry on his team was because "he didn't know what to do with him", which if that is supposed to explain why a character more powerful and unstable than Scarlet Witch was on Stark's team, it fails and just makes Stark seem like a ******. Dude, just throw Sentry to the Negative Zone, and done. Anyway, the Skrulls get Sentry to cry like a baby and flee from SI #2, and that image of Sentry crying in a fetal position in space deserves a MOTIVATIONAL header with the word EMO under it. But when his wife is threatened by a Skrull, it seems Sentry is back, or at least the Void in Sentry's form. A merge? Who the **** cares? I sure don't. Sentry is a waste of a character, and I could think of so many better tankers worthy of that kind of energy to write. If only Bendis expelled half as much energy on, say, Wonder Man, who is written as "Ms. Marvel's boyfriend" if that. Or, maybe it is better to NOT focus on Simon, with Bendis' rep.

Still, this is better than a slew of MA and NA issues. Crossovers actually bring out the best in Bendis' Avengers books sometimes. Just an issue with a few quibbles.

To me, FF is just hokey. Maybe they don't fit into today's crowd anymore. I have always liked their "supporting cast" but i used to buy FF for the Cosmic stories, Surfer etc.. The films may be the biggest culprit for a drop in sales, even though the 2nd movie wasn't half bad. The sales now are probably rebounding from some of the utterly garbage T'challa stuff and the Gravity ordeal.

As for Sentry, your a bit hard. The character can work. His mini was quite good, and he is full of complex issues that could be cool if handled right.

Problem is I agree that Bendis has botched this character after countless opportunities. He needs another mini and somebody new to handle him. Killing him off, at this point, is just a weak out.

So I don't blame The Sentry, I blame Bendis.

 

[gildea]

And it is amazing that Millar could give an interview to prep this run by going, "I didn't just want to do a list of the FF's best foes just because Hitch is drawing it", but guess what? Not even 6 issues in and Dr. Doom shows up, of course. And soon we will get Galactus. Really, who is he kidding? Hey, if the stories are good, who cares if Millar caters to his artist. Just be honest about it. I swear, a lot of Marvel editors and writers would have much better rapport with fans if they played things honestly, like Dan Slott, and less smug.

Though I agree with your main point about millars habit of giving misleading interviews I think he seems to have a reasonable enough rapport with his fans, heck he organizes nights out with them on his board with reasonable frequency. Also was Dan Slott pretty much driven out of a message board because of some (amazingly ingnorant I;ll add) fan abuse?? My memories a bit hazy on this but I think your speaking a bit to generally about fandom is what i'm trying to say.

I don't buy the idea of this being planned since Bendis first hit 616. Seriously, Bendy, while you were destroying the Avengers four years ago, you were plotting an invasion by Skrulls? That's George Lucas Level bull****. I could buy him thinking about it maybe a year ago and trying to find bits of his stories that fit, but not now. If not, why wait so long to introduce those random metahumans Nick Fury gathered? Even Brubaker had to alter his storyline a bit when CW hit; it wasn't all planned from issue #1 of Cap's run down to the detail.

And greedo did should first...

I agree 100% with this. It's not that the planning is impossible just completely impropable.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Hey, Dread, Johnny Blaze was never Dan Ketch's "mentor." Just thought I'd throw that out there.

 

[CaptainCanada]

And it is amazing that Millar could give an interview to prep this run by going, "I didn't just want to do a list of the FF's best foes just because Hitch is drawing it", but guess what? Not even 6 issues in and Dr. Doom shows up, of course. And soon we will get Galactus. Really, who is he kidding? Hey, if the stories are good, who cares if Millar caters to his artist.

As I recall, he said from the start that they would be using Doom, but none of the others, simply because you had to have him.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Galactus is another, isn't he?

 

[Kitsune]

Yeah, the Void essentially becoming the hero was an interesting twist.

Since we already have the spoiler unmarked I have to agree. I'm hoping that Skrulls have made a grave miscalculation because the Void is far more likely to do what needs to be done.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I personally think Skrull-Vision just shapeshifted into the Void's appearance.

 

[MaskedManJRK]

To me, FF is just hokey. Maybe they don't fit into today's crowd anymore. I have always liked their "supporting cast" but i used to buy FF for the Cosmic stories, Surfer etc.. The films may be the biggest culprit for a drop in sales, even though the 2nd movie wasn't half bad. The sales now are probably rebounding from some of the utterly garbage T'challa stuff and the Gravity ordeal.

I think it's partially to do with the FF's audience basically being the "Science--it WORKS, b***hes" crowd. To me, the FF are superheroes only in the strictest sense--they're more explorers and scientists. That fact alone, I think, is why I think the movies have somewhat flopped and they don't sell as well as Wolvie and Spidey (which is ironic, since Pete has shown to want to be as smart as Reed).

 

[kane9321]

Oh I Yelled....

Spoiler

MJ MJ Is Back

..i Was Sooo Frigging Happy

 

[Dread]

To me, FF is just hokey. Maybe they don't fit into today's crowd anymore. I have always liked their "supporting cast" but i used to buy FF for the Cosmic stories, Surfer etc.. The films may be the biggest culprit for a drop in sales, even though the 2nd movie wasn't half bad. The sales now are probably rebounding from some of the utterly garbage T'challa stuff and the Gravity ordeal.

At the very least, you could claim McDuffie altering the team roster and using Gravity was an attempt to spice things up.

Millar is trying to merge all of the angles of the Four that work; superheroics, exploration, super-science, and it actually is a solid story. I think this could be a larger issue with the Four as a whole franchise. They're the Oldsmobile of Marvel in many ways, no matter how many times it gets painted or spruced up. It is amazing that I say that considering the CAPTAIN AMERICA franchise started in the 40's, but Brubaker's really overhauled and modernized the hell out of it, even before CA #25. Maybe it is because the Four are rarely allowed to dramatically grow and change past their "schtick". The last time a roster shift lasted more than a year was in the 80's. Johnny is never allowed to evolve, Thing never allowed to settle with Alicia, Franklin never allowed to reach puberty and aid in his parents' struggles, etc. This franchise has been trapped in a bubble for so long that not even Millar & Hitch's best effort can get it beyond the Top 30 for long.

As for Sentry, your a bit hard. The character can work. His mini was quite good, and he is full of complex issues that could be cool if handled right.

Problem is I agree that Bendis has botched this character after countless opportunities. He needs another mini and somebody new to handle him. Killing him off, at this point, is just a weak out.

So I don't blame The Sentry, I blame Bendis.

Fair point. I've never read Jenkin's stab at the character. I've only read Handbook bio's and Bendis' take.

Of course, by this point I could argue that Bendis has written most of the comics that Sentry has been in. Bendis' comics, aside for the launch mini, have been what propel the character now. The trouble is that separating Sentry from "Bendis' Version" may be almost as hard as separating the X-Men franchise from Claremont's 20 year run (and good lord, have the 90's and 2000's been a mangled mess trying), or "Claremont's Vision". Granted, Claremont is the one credited with building the X-Men from a niche to a franchise. Bendis likes to think he has that effect on characters, but Sentry isn't one of them. Sentry is more of a dues ex machina than Sage ever was. He literally cannot contribute until the writer says, "Okay, now he decides not to cry or grow a new personality or something" and then afterwards, if the story chooses, he can overpower any threat.

Sentry as he stands now is a waste of a character. He is Emo Defined and I would rather trade him for Spidercide. Of course, he is being written by a writer who continues to believe that after 120 issues, a storyline where USM is captured, unmasked, humiliated, and is in need of rescue is "innovative".

I also might add that the last MIGHTY AVENGERS arc with Dr. Doom has done more harm to the character than both films did. Dr. Doom was always that unreachable mountain of villains, one who could be thwarted but never outright defeated and arrested, without being a cosmic being. MA write him awkwardly and like a pedestrian, and Sentry, the most powerful hero who defeats NOBODY, beat him. I mean, seriously, how many villains has the sobbing caped emo beaten? Outright beaten? Carnage, Absorbing Man, and Dr. Doom. That SUCKS. Doom is tainted by association now, like when characters used to job to Wolverine in the 90's. Punisher beating him made more sense in PUNISHER KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE. Ugh!

Hopefully whatever Millar does is a step forward. Dr. Doom needs a good arc to wash the Bendis stain off him like ANNIHILATION CONQUEST did for Ultron.

Though I agree with your main point about millars habit of giving misleading interviews I think he seems to have a reasonable enough rapport with his fans, heck he organizes nights out with them on his board with reasonable frequency. Also was Dan Slott pretty much driven out of a message board because of some (amazingly ingnorant I;ll add) fan abuse?? My memories a bit hazy on this but I think your speaking a bit to generally about fandom is what i'm trying to say.

Maybe. I don't know. Millar usually comes off as more smug in text. Considering his successes, maybe it is earned. I know I'd talk like hot **** if I was the writer of CW that broke modern sales records. Still, honesty is always the best strategy.

And greedo did should first...

I agree 100% with this. It's not that the planning is impossible just completely impropable.

Yeah.

Hey, Dread, Johnny Blaze was never Dan Ketch's "mentor." Just thought I'd throw that out there.

I thought Blaze offered Ketch the benefit of his experience during their "SPIRITS OF VENGEANCE" days.

As I recall, he said from the start that they would be using Doom, but none of the others, simply because you had to have him.

Galactus is another, isn't he?

Apparently.

 

[Blader5489]

I personally think Skrull-Vision just shapeshifted into the Void's appearance.

Except Skrull-Vision is still in the Savage Land.

 

[Darthphere]

Gildea agreed with Dread....twice? Jesus.

 

[fifthfiend]

Even a clock in the hand is stopped by two birds with one stone.

 

[Blader5489]

I don't buy the idea of this being planned since Bendis first hit 616. Seriously, Bendy, while you were destroying the Avengers four years ago, you were plotting an invasion by Skrulls? That's George Lucas Level bull****.

The Skrulls in Disassembled would seem to disprove this theory.