Marvel's 2009 Year In Review

[Phaedrus45]

Marvel Heroes - Pt.2

Spider-Woman #1-4

This is the best I've read from Bendis is ages. Originally slated to be released in early 2009, this was a spin-off of events from Secret Invasion. Jessica Drew is a very complex character who has multiple alliegiances over the years. She's an Avenger, a member of S.W.O.R.D., a past member of S.H.I.E.L.D., and a past member of H.Y.D.R.A.; and, this series takes a look at all those different loyalties and combines it with everything that happened to her character in Secret Invasion.

The first four issues have shown us Abigail Brand offerinjg Jessica the chance to exact revenge on the skrulls who imprisoned her by hunting them down, thus becoming an agent of S.W.O.R.D.. Shortly after this, Madame Hydra captures her, asking her to come back to HYDRA, and taking her to an imprisoned skrull who Jessica get a chance to interview.

This is not a very fast-paced story; but, it's the style that Bendis is best at, very much reminiscent of his previous series, Alias. And, this noir style is greatly helped by Maleev's fantastic art.

Doctor Voodoo: Avengers Of The Supernatural #1-3

I'm not a fan of the new direction for Dr. Strange giving up his Sorcerer Supreme title to Brother Voodoo; so, my feeling toward this series might be a bit skewed...but, I really have not enjoyed this series at all. The first three issues have shown that Nightmare's taken advantage of the Sorcerer Supreme's absence from his home realm and warped the world in his nightmarish image. Doctor Voodoo not only has to fight such a powerful foe; but, he also must do it while learning these new abilities.

Remender's title has gotten better as I get more used to this character, I will admit. I just don't see people choosing this new series if they are limited to a comic budget.

Thor #600-605, Thor: Defining Moments Giant-Size #1

The year started off with Straczynski's best issue of Thor, the newly renumbered, anniversary, 600th issue, which features an an epic battle between Thor and his Grandfather, Bor. In the end, it will change Thor's life forever! (Or, at least for the few issues remaining in Straczynski's run.) Straczynski's final run shows Thor in exile, Balder the new ruler of Asgard, and Loki continuing to work his mischief behind the scenes. It all ends in Defining Moments Giant-Size #1, where Bill The Warrior reveals Loki's betrayal since moving Asgard to Latveria.

This all leads to Kieron Gillen's six-issue run in the final two issues of Thor, where Asgard knows of Doom's experimentation on their fellow Asgardians and Thor returns to help in their battle. It makes fans of Thor feel like things are FINALLY back on track, after the previous 15 or so issues where things kind of dragged the past couple years.

Thor: The Trial Of Thor

Following an epic nine-month battle with Frost Giants, Thor is accused of murdering innocent Asgardians due to the stresses of war, which sends the Warriors Three to investigate those claims. This one-shot by Peter Milligan was alright, giving fans of Thor something to read while we awaited Straczynski to finish his Thor run.

Thor & Hercules Encyclopaedia Mythologica

This handbook covers all the Marvel gods, from the Aztecs to Zoroaster.

Thor Annual #1

Another Peter Milligan one-shot, as Thor must fight against the Egptian Pantheon. These stories aren't exactly fantastic; but, they did throw us Thor fans a bone while waiting for Straczynski to finish his final issues.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Wolverine

Weapon X: First Class #3

Marc Sumerak's three-issue mini ends, as Wolverine and Professor X get many of their answers to Logan's hidden memories during his days at the Weapon X facility. This mini did not read like the other First Class title, but more like a primer to Wolverine's history, getting many ready for things they'll learn in the then-upcoming Wolverine movie.

Wolverine: First Class #11-21

This Wolverine/Kitty Pryde title is always a nice surprise for those fans of the Uncanny X-Men adventures from the early days when Kitty first joined the X-Men. It really reads like lost adventures from the 616, rather than a reimagining of history. I've always enjoyed this series, even more than the other First Class titles.

Wolverine: Manifest Destiny #4

Not a bad mini; but, one that could have easily appeared in his own title. Wolverine goes back to Chinatown, where many years ago he faced the Black Dragon Death Squad and nearly lost his life. In this final issue, the rematch finally happens.

Wolverine And Power Pack #3-4

These Power Pack minis were always cute; but, I never understood why Marvel kept putting them out, one after the other. Well, turns out this one from the beginning of the year would be the last. I have not missed the series at all, and until doing this Year End Review, forgot that I hadn't seen them in ages.

Wolverine: Switchback

One of many Wolverine one-shots. This isn't anything original, as Logan finds himself in the town of Pottsville, discovering that someone...or something...has been laying down roadtraps for passing motorists.

Marvel Spotlight: Wolverine

This Spotlight treatment coincides with Wolverine's solo movie, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

Wolverine Saga

A free giveaway from Marvel that brings everyone up-to-date on Logan's vast history.

Wolverine #71-74, Wolverine: Old Man Logan Giant-Size #1

These final issues of Logan appearing in his own title begins with the end of "Old Man Logan" in issues #71, 72, and Old Man Logan Giant-Size #1, Mark Millar's best story in the past couple years with Marvel. It's kind of obvious where this story would end, with the pacifist Logan returning to his old killing ways; and, Millar does leave things open for a sequel. Still, it was something new with this title, and a nice change of pace from the usual Wolverine story that we see in many one-shots.

The final two issues this issue show "A Day In The Life," where we get to experience a single day in Logan's life, and "One Percenter," featuring a prelude to Dark Wolverine by Daniel Way.

Wolverine: Weapon X Files

A new handbook for Wolverine.

Rampaging Wolverine #1

Three black and white Wolverine stories that feature Logan in some island adventures.

Wolverine: The Anniversary

Another one-shot with two stories. The first, "The Anniversary," has Logan dealing with some terrorists in a 747, and in "Ghosts," a squad of ninja assassins attack Wolverine as he must deal with a bigger problem.

Might as well say it here...there were a LOT of Wolverine one-shots this year, and he might be the most one-shotted character in the history of comics. Most of these stories are very similiar, and all are extremely forgetable. The only one that I could instantly remember is the conclusion to Old Man Logan. The rest just kind of blur together.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Christopher Yost retells Wolverine's origin in this one-shot. April just had a ton of Wolverine titles for those excited about the new movie.

Wolverine: Revolver

Wolverine travels to Vegas, where he finds himself in a game of Russian Roulette. Another one-shot.

Wolverine: Under The Boardwalk

Forty years ago, Logan spent one amazing night with a cocktail waitress, and a witness to murder. Now, he receives an anonymous tip summoning him to Atlantic City, promising answers to this age-old murder. Another one-shot.

Wolverine: Art Appreciation

This comic collects the various variant covers from April's Art Appreciation Month.

Wolverine: Weapon X #1-8

With Daken taking over Wolverine's main solo title, it's inevitable that Logan would get another title. The first 5-part storyline, "The Adamantium Men," involves Logan traveling to Colombia to locate Blackguard, a private military contractor who's recently come into possession of the old files from Weapon X. By the time Logan arrives, he discovers he's a bit too late, as a group of Adamantium super soldiers end up hunting him.

In the second 4-part storyline, "Insane In The Brain," Logan is in a sanatorium with absolutely no knowledge of who he is and how he got there. The first two issues were great, but the third (that explains all the mysteries) just makes this feel like another Wolverine storyline we've read time after time. That's the problem with all of these comics in this list...it's a whole hell of a lot of Wolverine in a month, and it's rare to find one that sticks out, like Old Man Logan. It just shows why that storyline was so well received.

Wolverine: Origins #32-43

The year began with the 5-part Dark Reign crossover story, "Weapon X," where Daken rushes to undergo the same procedure that turned Logan into Weapon X as Logan rushes to stop him. It also begins a year-long storyline involving a new major villian for Wolverine, Romulus, the mastermind who's apparently been behind virtually everything that's been happening in the series to date. For me, it's all a bit too much, kind of like how I'm so bored with the same storyline in Cable for the past two years.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Deadpool

Was any other Marvel character as over-exposed as Deadpool this year? It's the first time where I can actually give him his own separate page in my Year In Review.

Deadpool: Games Of Death

Written by Mike Benson, Game$ Of Death features Deadpool being hired to investigate a reality TV show, where 11 desperate men travel to a desert island to complete in a series of outlandish challenges that will leave one of them very rich and the rest quite dead.

Deadpool: Suicide Kings #1-5

Written by Mike Benson, Deadpool teams up with various Marvel heroes after Tombstone frames him for the death of many people living in a destroyed apartment building. (Hey, very much like Andy Diggle's The List-Daredevil!) With the Punisher hot on his trail, he must prove his innocence while trying to get payback on Tombstone. This wasn't a bad mini...but, it did feel kind of long.

Deadpool: Merc With A Mouth #1-6

The first storyline that takes up the first six issues of this series was probably my favorite Deadpool story all year, "Head Trip." It stems from events in Marvel Zombies 4, as the Zombie Deadpool head is being pursued by both AIM and Hydra. Not only must Deadpool do his best to stop this Zombie Head from eating the locals in the Savage Land, he must keep it out of the hands of AIM and Hydra, avoid Dinosaurs, and do his best to charm the pants off of the lovely Dr. Betty.

We do get Deadpool overload this year...but, it's worth it if the stories are this much fun!

Deadpool #6-18

Issues #6-12 are considered tie-ins to Dark Reign, with issues #8 and 9 crossing over in the Thunderbolt's title, as Norman sends the T-Bolts to take out everyone's favorite Merc With A Mouth. Daniel Way doesn't worry about any kind of big plot with Wade; he just puts him in a rather simplistic situation (avoid Norman and his many minions from killing him), and adds a great amount of humor along the way. It's not going to win any awards; but, it's what us Deadpool fans crave. It's definitely a nice change of pace from the other Dark Reign-related titles. (I especially loved this new rivalry between Deadpool and Bullseye.)

The next storyline, "Wave Of Mutilation," in issues #13-14 has Deadpool rethinking his mercenary ways; and, he decides to become a pirate. Of course, things don't quite work out the way Wade plans them; and, he finds himself changing his career direction by trying to join the X-Men in issues #15-18. I loved that final issue, showing Wade really can be a master strategist when he wants to be.

It's hard to pick which Deadpool comic I like best. I'm not sure how long I'll enjoy Deadpool being teamed up with the Deadpool-Zombie Head; but, I do know Daniel Way is excellent writing Deadpool stories. If I had to pick just one, I'd probably stay with the main title for those two little facts.

Deadpool #900

This big old anniversary issue contains just a load of Deadpool stories, bring back all the old Deadpool writers/artists, past and present. (Even Rob Liefeld returns with an all-new story.) It was nice....but, it was a little too much. By the time I turned the last page, I was very tired of reading Deadpool for a while.

Deadpool Team Up #899-898

Numbering this title in reverse from that big, ol' Anniversary issue, each month teams up Deadpool with a different Marvel hero by a different writer and artist. The first issue was very good, written by Fred Van Lente and featuring Hercules...but, the second was only so-so, featuring the Zapata Brothers and written by Mike Benson. (It would leave most readers scratching their heads, thinking "Who the hell are the Zapata Brothers??? It's kind of a strange second-issue team-up, as I think they only previously appeared in the one Moon Knight storyline a few months back.)

Marvel Spotlight: Deadpool

What's to say, but this is the Spotlight treatment for Deadpool, involving interviews and previews from Deadpool's past, present, and future. I really enjoyed the interview with Rob Liefeld, having him reflect back on this character and how he's become so popular as of late.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Whew! We are FINALLY nearing the end of comic entries for this thread. There are just 45 more titles to mention, all of them X-Men related. I will do my absolute best to get it all done tomorrow.

 

[Ace of Knaves]

Great work dude, keep it up, but don't work too hard!

 

[Phaedrus45]

X-Men - Pt.1

Here are some quickies.

Astonishing X-Men #28-33

Warren Ellis' less-than-impressive run continues with the conclusion of "Ghost Box" in issues #28-30. Most of the time I wasn't quite sure what was happening with this story; and, I really didn't even care. It just felt very drawn out, and with Simone Bianchi's art, very dark and depressive feeling. With the final issues, we discover Forge has gone quite mad and is behind these Ghost Boxes and fake mutants.

Things have picked up with the next storyline, "Exogenetic." We get a new artist, Phil Jimenez, which finally makes Ellis' story tolerable to look at. In these three issues, we've discovered dead mutants turned into biological weapons, genetically reprogrammed Brood, and a Sentinel made out of meat and bone.

I hated Ghost Boxes; but, like the new storyline pretty much. There's been plenty of action in each issue, and the issues have been coming out a lot more frequently of late.

X-Infernus #2-4

The return of Magik continues from the events in New X-Men in this mini, as we get the battle for Illyana's soul. C.B. Cebulski does a good job with this story, and I felt it blended nicely with Camuncoli's art. Events from this mini lead into the new New Mutants title. Also, Pixie gets a major push, which will even lead her to be featured in the Free Comic Giveaway in March and joining the ranks of the Uncanny X-Men.

Free Comic Book Day: X-men

This Pixie story involves her taking on two N'Garai demons, and in the end, the X-Men come to assist her. It's a bit of a lead in to her joining the ranks of the X-Men. (Plus, later this year, she's getting her own solo miniseries.)

Young X-Men #10-12

This series was pretty bad, as it stemmed out of New X-Men; but, never used some of our favorite characters and replaced them with more boring, generic ones. The last storyline involved Dust slowly dying after being turned to glass in a previous storyline, and the Young X-Men end up battling Donald Pierce. In the end, Dust is saved by the Phoenix Force.

X-Men Worlds Apart #4

Two events were running through the X-titles in late 2008 and the first month of January: Manifest Destiny and World's Apart. (Kind of like how right now we have Nation X and Necrosha.) Neither of these were really events; but, simply a way to garner a little more cash out of reader's pockets and make them feel as if these titles were somehow linked. (Necrosha does feel like an event. Nation X titles, though, really don't feel that much linked or "event-worthy.")

This mini featured Storm feeling like she's got loyalties to the Wakandans and the X-Men. In truth, I can't really even remember what the story was about.

X-Men: Manifest Destiny #5

Each issue contained three stories, with the Iceman/Mystique one running throughout each of the 5 issues. That 5-part story is the best part of this title, as it somewhat adds to the Iceman/Mystique history. The other two in this final issue are standalone stories involving Avalanche and Dazzler.

BTW, what I remember most about this comic is the connection it shares with the next reviewed X-Title, X-Men/Spider-Man. I believe it was the third issue of X-Men/Spider-Man that got shipped with the cover for Manifest Destiny #5. Most people returned their copy the following week for the correct comic; but, I kept mine. To me, that's one of those special souvenir glitches that's neat to have.

X-Men/Spider-Man #3-4

Christos Gage presents a very enjoyable "four-issue romp through the Marvel timeline," as we see various memorable moments from Spider-Man and the X-Men's past in a storyline involving Mr. Sinister and a cloned, mutant Kraven (called Xraven). I really loved this mini, and Alberti's art worked very well with the retelling of this old events.

X-Men: Magneto Testament #5

This is one of the best Marvel Knights minis I've read in a long time. As IGN says, "Greg Pak has spent years researching Magneto's past, mapping events in his life with true historical accounts of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. The result is a tragic tale that not only respects the horrors of that era but lays down a definitive, sympathetic origin for one of the greatest villains of all time."

This is really a powerful piece of writing, and one of the more important ones you can give someone to read. Pak really knows his history well, and many of the scenes are tough to read. Whether it goes under 2008 or 2009, it's one of the best miniseries Marvel put out either year.

New Exiles #17-18

Some series I applaud when they get cancelled. While most people simply don't buy crap the big two put out, being a Marvel completionist (and, a DC one on some titles) makes me suffer through some really bad writing. Needless to say, the entire 18 issues of New Exiles was painful to read at times. Not only where these stories badly written, Claremont really didn't take the time to know the characters very well. (For example, take the following: Exiles Sabretooth somehow got a adamantium-laced skeleton at the beginning of this series; yet, it was never explained how or when it happened. Yet, the same series will later show Exiles Kitty Pryde phasing through his body; which, she should be unable to do without great pain. So, readers are left wondering...does Sabretooth really have adamantium now, or does Claremont not understand one of Kitty's weaknesses with phasing is being unable to pass through it?)

Exiles #1-6

Sadly, Jeff Parker was never given enough time to resurrect this franchise that Claremont killed. I do have to say that while I'm a huge Jeff Parker fan, this might be my least favorite comic I've read by him all year. Aside from having Blink back in the title (why Claremont EVER got rid of her, I don't know??!!??), none of the other characters were very interesting. But, things were starting to get better with the second half of this book. By then, though, it was "a little too little too late." The last issue is of particular note, though, as it not only wraps up the current series and team’s mission, but provides a larger explanation about the nature of all previous Exiles teams. It's definitely Parker's best issue of the series. For those of you interested, I'll provide the following quote that somewhat explains away these past couple years of Exiles.

"suddenly, the crystal palace comes alive and takes the shape of a giant woman. out of its mouth pops out a female kang and says she's the one who called them back. she gives a (very, very) long explanation of the multiverse and why the exiles exist. turns out you become part of the panoptichron if you are there for a long time, which is what happened to claremont's exiles. morph was saved because it absorbed proteus from him instead. it was also that act that awakened female kang from its collective consciousness."


X-Men Origins: Sabretooth, X-Men Origins: Gambit, X-Men Origins: Iceman

I'm really not a big fan of these Origins one-shots. None of the retelling of the various X-Men's origins have been particularily fantastic; and, being limited to one issue also limits the story to not being that expansive to the character.

X-Men: The Times And Life Of Lucas Bishop #1-3

This is a more expansive Origin story of Bishop, and of note, because it fills in Bishop's history with his knowledge of how and why he must kill Hope, the young child from Messiah Complex. (It's good in that regard; but, I can't help thinking throughout how this retcon of Bishop's origin in regards to his belief he must kill Hope doesn't make any sense to those stories we've read involving him in the 90's.)

X-Men: First Class Finals #1-4

Jeff Parker's final stories involving the original X-Men in their Marvel Adventures-style comic. Now, instead of reading about the original X-Men, this series will progress to the second generation, the Uncanny X-Men.

I really like this series of comics by Jeff Parker. Readers weren't bogged down in all that history and all these extra mutants. Plus, the group hadn't become so cynical and depressing with all the events and deaths throughout their lives. As Randy Jackson would say on American Idol, Jeff Parker took this original team and "made them his own."

Manifest Destiny: Nightcrawler

Originally entitled X-Men: Quitting Time, this one-shot takes place after the events of X-Infernus, when Nightcrawler realizes that the X-Men just don't need him any longer. This is the departure of Nightcrawler...for an VERY shot time...from the X-Men.

In the beginning, Nightcrawler announces to Scott that he's decided to leave the X-Men, and while Cyclops says he'll round up some of the X-Men to say how much they love and will miss Nightcrawler, it's never shown. The following scene just shows Kurt getting into a cab and waving to someone. He goes to Germany, where he meets a new villain, Vielfras, who turns out to be simply misunderstood...just as Kurt was so long ago. Evoking memories of OMD, Mephisto shows up "to clean up the numerous dangling threads that accumulate over the course of the issue," and Nightcrawler returns to the X-Men, feeling better about himself at the end of the issue.

Yep, as JH said, this is a very bad issue.

 

[Phaedrus45]

X-Men - Pt.2

X-Men Vs. Hulk

This one-shot by Chris Claremont is not very good. Set during the classic Claremont Uncanny age of comics (the 80's), Wolverine decides he wants to test Colossus; so, while hiking through the forest and coming across Kitty and Lockhead, he has the Hulk blindside him. The characters fight...the fight ends...end of story.

NYX: No Way Home #5-6

NYX was a comic with so much potential; but, will always be remembered as the series that debuted X-23....and, had a great amount of delays. It's really too bad, because I like the character of Kiden Nixon. But, with the popularity and support behind X-23, she just became another mutant lost in the shuffle. Marjorie Liu tries her best to breath new life into these characters; but, while it interested me at times, it really got too bogged down in the story of the assassins trying to kill Kiden and her friends than expanding much on the characters. Plus, without X-23, who really was interested in revisiting a series that originally lost so much steam.

X-Men Legacy #220-231, Annual #1

The year began with the return of Rogue, Gambit and Danger in the 5-part story, "Salvage." The story finally resolved Rogue's problem with her powers (or lack of powers) that has plagued her over the years; and, Danger goes from villian to fellow X-Man. Then, before getting involved in a bunch of crossover/event madness, Mike Carey ends his "Xavier Legacy Journey" with issue #225, aptly entitled, "The End." In this story, Xavier confronts Exodus, and instead of a big fight, we get a discussion about their past and their future. What results is a peaceful resolution; and, it's a fitting end to Carey's Xavier exodus.

If at first you would have told me I'd enjoy an X-Men comic devoted to Professor Xavier, as he resolves many of his past mistakes and issues through a whole lot of dialogue, I would have groaned loudly. Instead, this journey we've been going on with Xavier within the many pages of X-Men Legacy has been pretty darn good. Carey has made Xavier interesting again; and, this comic is only marred by what comes afterward, as we get involved in all the crossovers and tie-ins to other stuff.

That first crossover is with Utopia, which then goes into a story involving an old Generation-X villian, Emplate. The final issue is a Necrosha X tie-in, as we have the return of many dead X-charcters, including Destiny.

I was pretty excited about the Emplate storyline; but, found I really didn't enjoy it that much. The title has gone from being focused on Xavier to being a bit too focused on Rogue, as she must become accustomed to her new powers. I am excited about the Necrosha storyline, though.

X-Force #11-22, Annual #1

This title starts off with issue #11, the history of Eliphas and his relationship with Selene, his Black Queen, which is made even more important by the events currently going on in the current Necrosha X event. This goes into the return of the Leper Queen, as she's creating weapons out of mutants and using them to stoke the fires of hate against mutants...all of which gets quickly interrupted by one of the biggest events in the X-Universe of this year: Messiah War. This crossover with Cable features the return of Apocalpse and Stryfe, as X-Force and Cable do their best to protect Hope, the mutant messiah that Cable has been raising since birth. That all takes us back to the events we had left involving the Leper Queen, The Sapien League, and H.A.M.M.E.R.'s hunt for X-23, in a story called "Not Forgotten." Finally, we get a Necrosha X tie-in, as many dead X-characters return to fight X-Force.

I've really liked this title, as Yost and Kyle give us plenty of great action each issue. The stories seem important to the X-Universe, as issues from the beginning of the year have significance to what's happening at the end of the year. Of all the ongoing X-titles, it's probably my favorite.

Oh, and finally, the Annual is more of a Wolverine one-shot, as we see Logan being sent into the heart of a Hydra base to recover one of the Hydra agents, all in an effort to save a young girl's life. It's a nice issue; but, disappointing that Logan takes center stage, especially when so many Wolverine one-shots were already released this year.

Cable #10-21

Pretty much every issue of this book can be explained the same way: Cable and Hope are on the run from Bishop in the ever-dismal future. The biggest storyline of note is the Messiah War crossover with X-Force; but, other than that, we see Hope get older with each new storyline, as Bishop continues to try and kill her. (Another constant scene throughout this book is Bishop finally having Hope in her sights...but, somehow she gets saved at the last possible second.)

It's too bad, because there is a part of me that likes this title; but, when you go over a year telling the same story, it becomes a bit too much.

X-Force/Cable: Messiah War Prologue

This was a pretty good crossover event within the two titles. It was great to see two major X-Villians, Stryfe and Apocalypse, make their return; and, I didn't feel this story was too drawn out.

X-Men: Future History - The Messiah War Sourcebook

This one-shot shows readers all the different timelines and give Handbook entries for all the major players involved in the Messiah events.

X-Men: Sword Of The Braddocks

Much like Manifest Destiny: Nightcrawler, the original solicit for this title seems much different than what the final product turns out to be. Originally, this title was to show how Psylocke completes one final mission from her stay with the Exiles before returning home to her 616 Universe. Instead, it was turned into a final New Exiles one-shot intended to tie-up a loose end from that title. Previously, an alternate-Earth version of Slaymaster had been travelling through all the different realities, killing the various versions of Psylocke. In this issue, it's the final battle, as Psylocke defeats Slaymaster in a one-on-one fight.

 

[Phaedrus45]

X-Men - Pt.2

Psylocke #1-2

This four-issue mini sees Psylocke returning to Japan to bury her former body, until she's attacked by a swarm of ninjas on orders from Matsu'o Tsurayaba, the man who was responsible for Betsy Braddock becoming Psylocke.

The first two issues have been pretty good, especially when compared to previous solo minis of other X-characters.

Nation X #1

Much like the Manifest Destiny mini, we get another anthology series featuring a look at what various X-characters are doing since the events of Utopia. This is in no way "must-read" material.

S.W.O.R.D. #1-2

Now, this is an awesome series! Agent Brand is forced to share her leadership position at SWORD with Henry Gyrich...and Abigail is not happy to hear of Henry's plans for fixing SWORD: Get rid of all aliens on Earth! Joined by Beast and Lockheed, this comic has some good adventure mixed in with great laughs. Plus, it's great to see Beast be fun again, kind of like how we used to see him back in his Avengers days.

Dark X-Men #1-2

Spinning out of the events of Utopia comes Norman Osborn's Dark X-Men. This new team features Mystique, Dark Beast, Weapon Omega, and Mimic. It's great to see some of these old characters return...but, even more exciting is the return of Nate Grey. Needless to say, Norman doesn't like the idea of an Omega-level mutant roaming around, and he sends his Dark X-Men to take out Nate.

X- Babies #1-3

Ok, I can't think of a single person who was begging for the return of the X-Babies....but, I'm almost ashamed to admit, Gregg Schigiel has produced a pretty funny mini, where the X-Babies have been replaced by in Mojoworld by the characters from Marvel's old Stars line of comics. Also included in each issue is a classic Star Comics reprint.

X-Men Vs. Agents Of Atlas #1-2

I loved this two-part mini; but, understand that other people's enjoyment will hinge upon how much they enjoy Parker's Agents Of Atlas series. This mini is more of an Agents comic, guest-starring the X-Men...and, that only increased my enjoyment. I especially got great joy from how Wolverine was taken down at the end of issue #2.

Uncanny X-Men: First Class Giant-Size Special #1, Uncanny X-Men: First Class #1-6

Jeff Parker passes the First Class baton to Scott Gray in the Giant-Size Special, where the original X-Men's adventures turn into the new adventures of the 2nd Class. I can't say I enjoy Gray's writing as much as Parker's; but, this comic is still enjoyable for those not wanting to be bogged down with all the events and crossovers of the current X-Men.

X-Men Forever Alpha

Preparing for Claremont's new bi-weekly series, X-Men Forever, Marvel reprints his final three issues of his classic 80's-90's run on X-Men, X-Men #1-3.

X-Men Forever #1-14

This series might be panned by many fans of the X-Men; but, I really think Claremont is writing some of his best stuff in ages. Claremont has been given the reigns of reimaging the world he left almost 20 years ago, as he picks up where he left off in X-Men #3 and telling a whole new story that diverges from the 616 timeline. Nothing is held back, as he offs Wolverine pretty darn quickly, and it's revealed his killer is Storm. (Not to worry Storm fans; somehow there are two versions. One is as we know her, and the other is the young girl-version we met when Gambit first was introduced.) It's also revealed that mutants are on a short time-clock. With their great powers comes a shortened lifespan; and, Professor Xavier is trying to find a way to reverse these effects.

You cannot take this comic too seriously. It's just an extended Exiles storyline, where Claremont has free reign over every character, and where anything can happen, much like how some Hype members enjoy writing fan fiction. Sure, the first few issues had me thinking this was going to be bad; but, as I gave it time...and, especially after the Illyana storyline developed...I found myself just enjoying the comic.

Genext: United #1-5

Claremont's first Genext mini wasn't so bad. It introduced readers to the next generation of X-Men, many of who are children of the originals. Where as that first mini focused on the characters and how they interact with each other, this second mini gets them involved in their first true mission...and, thus, it lost all interest for me.

Astonishing X-Men Sketchbook

A Marvel free giveaway to promote Ellis' second storyline in Astonishing X-Men.

New Mutants Saga, Marvel Spotlight: New Mutants

Another Marvel free giveaway with New Mutants Saga, promoting the new New Mutants comic and letting getting all readers up-to-date on the character's past history; while, Spotlight is the promotional vehicle that Marvel continues to charge full price for.

X Necrosha One-Shot, X Necrosha: The Gathering

X Necrosha is the introduction to the X-Men event running throughout New Mutants, X-Force, and X-Men Legacy. Each book's writers get to lay the groundwork from which their portion of the story will be coming from, and they do a very good job of grabbing my interest. Of note is how similiar this event is to Darkest Night; but, as they book explains at the beginning (and as I explained in my X-Force review), the motions for this storyline have been in the works for a while.

The follow-up one-shot, The Gathering, shows how Selene gathered some of the dead that have arisen for this event. It's not essential reading; but, it is nicely done.

 

[Phaedrus45]

X-Men - Pt.3

This is it. The last reviews!!!

New Mutants #1-8

Finally! A New Mutants title that actually reunites all the former New Mutant characters....and, thanks to the final storyline of the year, "Necrosha," it really is all of the originals. The first storyline, "The Return Of Legion," brings Cannonball, Karma, Magma, Sunspot, Moonstar, and Magik toghether again to face one of their original foes, Legion. Of course, what's the New Mutants without Warlock??!!?? His return begins with issue #5, going directly into issues #6-8, the Necroshoa tie-in that brings in the last piece of the puzzle, Doug Ramsey.

I always loved the New Mutants. And, while Liefeld's take-over of that title was desperately needed, the team never really felt the same for me after Cable appeared and the title eventually became X-Force. Now, after all these years, things are starting to feel right again for these characters.

X-Factor #39-50 & #200

Ever since Messiah Complex, Peter David's title has really suffered. It used to be one of my favorite X-titles, and I loved the team. But, Messiah Complex screwed with that forumula, taking away Rahne and Layla Miller. (And, seriously...Rahne hasn't really added anything to the X-Force title since transfering teams.)

2009's first issue was one of the best of the year, presenting the birth of Madrox and Siryn's child. It featured an ending I wasn't expecting and that any reader cannot help remember to this day. Of course, it's from this issue that this title and team becomes a bit depressing and disjointed. It constantly felt that David was constantly trying to recapture the feel of this once-great title; but, it kept getting farther and farther away from him. Sending Madrox ahead in time to meet a much older Layla just gave readers something they didn't want....and, by having the two of them become lovers went beyond the border of creepy!

The saving grace is that with the future Layla storyline behind him and starting this comic with the renumbered issue 200, things at the end of the year feel like David might finally be back on track. This first part of the "The Invisible Girl Has Vanished" storyline has really captured the old Layla/X-Factor dynamic that has been sorely missing for so long, as Val Richards has made a guest appearance. (It's almost frightening to imagine Val eventually leaving this comic after this storyline concludes.)

In 2009, X-Factor was all about the bookends. Two great issues came out of it, January's issue 39 and December's issue 200. The rest of the stuff inbetween just couldn't compare, though...and, that has really hurt this title.

Uncanny X-Men #506-519, Annual #2

I end Marvel's 2009 Year In Review with what used to be their flagship title when I started reading comics in the 80's and 90's. Oh, how the mighty have fallen...and, no matter how hard they've tried over the years, they just can't get up. Matt Fraction's introduction to Uncanny was suppose to herald that new beginning; but, it really hasn't done much for me or anyone else I've talked to. It's just gone to show, that even though some writers are brilliant on some titles, it does not necessarily translate to others.

This year started out with the Sisterhood storyline and the return of Psylocke. (It's seriously difficult for me to remember those early issues.) Eventually, things would pick up the pace with Utopia, the crossover event with Dark Avengers, which would cast the X-Men out of San Francisco and onto their own island, Utopia. This, in turn, leads to the return of the X-Men's greatest foe, Magneto; only, this time, he joins them on their island as part of the Nation X event.

Why doesn't this series work? I don't think it's just one reason, but many. First, Fraction's science team is a bit dull and boring. There are characters in it that have been introduced that I don't really know, or even care to know (like that pasty guy who's always dressed in white and wearing a hat). The inclusion of Namor and Magneto makes what we've know about these characters in the past just ring false to how Fraction is writing them today. Thirdly, while Necrosha X feels and reads like a true X-Men Event, Nation X is more like Manifest Destiny, which finds the X-Men just treading water until something more exciting happens. About the only time I felt I was reading anything significant was during the Utopia crossover. Finally, because of characters I don't care about or the inaccurate depiction of other characters, like Namor and Magneto, I find I just don't care for this team. In constrast, seeing Claremont return to his classic characters makes me realize why I'm enjoying X-Men Forever much more than Uncanny X-Men. The characters really do make the team and the story interesting.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Ok, that does it! I'm sure there are a few comics I might have missed that were released in 2009, especially those that were solicited in 2008 but were delayed. One I know I missed is the following:

Avengers - Free Comic Book Day Giveaway

The Avengers face a pissed-off Norse ice giant called Ymir who has just taken out Thor. Also appearing is the Dark Avengers. It's a good use of Marvel to promote Dark Reign; but, I know I wasn't the only person slightly disappointed that Marvel reduced the size of this comic. What was up with that decision??!!??

 

[Phaedrus45]

These are my Marvel titles that really stood out to me. You won't find any of the most popular titles in this group; as, comics that generally blow me away are the one's I expect very little from.

Ender's Game & Ender's Shadow

I really cannot say enough about these two series from the old novels by Orson Scott Card. Both series complements the other, filling in all the holes the other might leave out, and you really care about the main characters of each book. If your favorite part of the Harry Potter books is when they are just in school and interacting with their friends and fellow classmates, you should really look into these two series.

Wizard Of Oz

Both Wonderful Wizard Of Oz and Magnificient Land Of Oz are fabulous retellings of the classic story. Add to it Skottie Young's drawings, and you know you have a soon-to-be classic comic from Marvel. This is the best of all of the Marvel Illustrated line of books, and the only one I'd whole-heartily recommend.

Starr The Slayer

Daniel Way's Starr The Slayer might not appear on anyone else's top comics of 2009; but, for me, this is the best, funniest barbarian comic I've read in decades! The writing is smart, and the off-beat style of art blends itself well with Way's storytelling.

Marvel Adventures Spider-Man

Tobin's Spider-Man from issue #53 to present has been the biggest surprise of the year. Before 2009, I didn't now Tobin's name. Now, I'll buy anything he puts out. Sales for this title is just terrible...and, in three months, the title will be cancelled. This is not only the best Marvel Adventure title that's been released, I really think it's the best Spidey comic out there today. (And, heck, if you are still upset about OMD, get your Spidey fix with this comic while you still can.)

Amazing Spider-Man #600 and Spider-Man: The Short Halloween

From the regular Spidey adventures in the 616, I have to recommend these two amazing issues. A few OMD/Spidey haters might have complained about issue 600 (you know who you are!!!), but this really was the best deal in comics all year, especially Slott's standalone 60+ page story. Also, not too many people grabbed the one-shot, Short Halloween, by two SNL cast members; but, it was very funny, and another great standalone story.

Son Of Hulk

To be honest, I did not understand or really like the first bunch of issues of this title. But, once I read the last two issues, I rethought all I had read before and realized the genius of the storytelling. I'd simply recommend this title without the Skaar appearances...but, if you don't read Planet Skaar, there would be some important facts you'll be missing out on. This was the best Hulk title all year.

Ythaq

If you wish to check out Marvel's Soleil line of books, give the first three-part edition of Ythaq a try. It's epic in scope, and will probably remind you of some classic sci-fi/fantasty style adventures you've loved in the past.

Captain Britain and MI13

This is the series that will be greatly missed, especially after the brilliant Dracula storyline that ended it all.

Dark Reign: The List - Punisher

Remender gives us the biggest moment of 2009 when Daken cuts off Frank Castle's head, all of which leads into the new direction for the Punisher.

Marvel Divas

The more I think about this book, the more I love it. I'm really not sure how everyone else would feel about it; and, I'd love to get some feedback from others....I just thought the blend of humor, action, and drama was so nicely done. Cancer is a tough subject; but, the writer of this mini handled it nicely, all while combining a superheroine comic story with elements of Sex And The City.

Lockjaw And The Pet Avengers

Thankfully, this is a comic that many of us applauded and read. Who would have thought at the beginning of 2009 that one of the most well received minis would be this title?

 

[JewishHobbit]

New Mutants #1-8

Finally! A New Mutants title that actually reunites all the former New Mutant characters....and, thanks to the final storyline of the year, "Necrosha," it really is all of the originals. The first storyline, "The Return Of Legion," brings Cannonball, Karma, Magma, Sunspot, Moonstar, and Magik toghether again to face one of their original foes, Legion. Of course, what's the New Mutants without Warlock??!!?? His return begins with issue #5, going directly into issues #6-8, the Necroshoa tie-in that brings in the last piece of the puzzle, Doug Ramsey.

Psh... and you call yourself a New Mutant fan. I'm not really a big fan of the New Mutants and even I know that there's still someone missing from the lineup.

Newb

 

[Phaedrus45]

Well, yeah...we're not going to get Rahne back in this title....YET! I'm sure hoping that she'll be done with X-Force soon; because, as I mentioned above, she's been wasted in that title.

 

[JewishHobbit]

She really has. I'm curious what's going to happen now that she's pregnant. That just doesn't seem like the type of thing Marvel let's their young characters do. It 'ages' them.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Amazing Spider-Man #600 and Spider-Man: The Short Halloween

From the regular Spidey adventures in the 616, I have to recommend these two amazing issues. A few OMD/Spidey haters might have complained about issue 600 (you know who you are!!!), but this really was the best deal in comics all year, especially Slott's standalone 60+ page story. Also, not too many people grabbed the one-shot, Short Halloween, by two SNL cast members; but, it was very funny, and another great standalone story.

Me, me, me, me, me, meeee!

What? I'm just getting ready to sing praises....

...about this book below....

Son Of Hulk

To be honest, I did not understand or really like the first bunch of issues of this title. But, once I read the last two issues, I rethought all I had read before and realized the genius of the storytelling. I'd simply recommend this title without the Skaar appearances...but, if you don't read Planet Skaar, there would be some important facts you'll be missing out on. This was the best Hulk title all year.

The last issue of this new direction with Hiro-Kala really did make the run great. I hated it when Skaar left. Not that I was attached to Skaar, but that the direction it went in felt wierd and off. And I quickly grew to hate Hiro-Kala, but the ending of the whole story justified the whole thing and now Hiro-Kala's really got my attention. I'm excited to see what happens in his Realm of Kings mini. I'm not a fan of the Microverse (don't dislike it, just don't have much experience with it) but I'm still getting it for Hiro-Kala.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Why let a good double post go to waste by just typing 'double post'... let's utilize it shall we?

Manifest Destiny: Nightcrawler

Originally entitled X-Men: Quitting Time, this one-shot takes place after the events of X-Infernus, when Nightcrawler realizes that the X-Men just don't need him any longer. This is the departure of Nightcrawler...for an VERY shot time...from the X-Men.

In the beginning, Nightcrawler announces to Scott that he's decided to leave the X-Men, and while Cyclops says he'll round up some of the X-Men to say how much they love and will miss Nightcrawler, it's never shown. The following scene just shows Kurt getting into a cab and waving to someone. He goes to Germany, where he meets a new villain, Vielfras, who turns out to be simply misunderstood...just as Kurt was so long ago. Evoking memories of OMD, Mephisto shows up "to clean up the numerous dangling threads that accumulate over the course of the issue," and Nightcrawler returns to the X-Men, feeling better about himself at the end of the issue.

Yep, as JH said, this is a very bad issue.

Recheck that Holmes.... I put it on my favorites list I actually liked it because I felt it was well told to an extent (yes, there were some holes). I liked the idea of the chick who was a fan and started a Nightcrawler museum. And I loved the Mephisto scene because it dealt with some lingering plotthreads from the Nightcrawler series a few years ago... which I loved and was short lived.

I almost skipped the issue because it was obvious he'd be back and it would serve no real purpose, but I skimmed it at the shop and saw Mephisto and was curious. I ended up really liking it, though that was probably because I went in with low expectations, and so it blew me away.

I liked it.

 

[Phaedrus45]

OH, my! I was sure this was in your worst category; simply because that and the Psylocke one-shot would be considered two of my least liked of the year. I really felt as if the original solicit for these two comics were different than the finished product. Both issues felt rushed, and as if things were left out.

Maybe the only one-shot that could be worse is the X-Men Vs. The Hulk. Wolverine purposefully tries to test Colossus by siccing The Hulk on him??!!?? Now, that's just crazy!!!

 

[JewishHobbit]

I actually skimmed that at the comic shop last wednesday for the first time. It really did look bad.

 

[NDX]

Marvel Heroes - Pt.1

Captain America #46-50 & #600-601

The first three issus of the year began with a team-up of Cap-Bucky (Oh, man, is THAT going to get annoying to keep saying), Namor, and Black Widow in a dangerous trip to China. Issue #49, though, is the one that started this year into the new direction for Captain America, as Sharon Carter is shaking off the mind control of Dr. Faustus and remembers some secrets about Steve's death. Issue #50 shows us Bucky's favorite and least favorite birthdays throughout the years; which then leads us into the renumbering of Cap, with his historic 600th issue. In this, we get reflections on the anniversary of Steve's death, while we also get things going for Captain America: Rebirth. The final issue of the year, #601, is mostly forgetable, as it gives an untold tale from Cap and Bucky's WWII past.

They way Cap started the year off, I thought was great. Really enjoyed the series up until the idea that Cap ain't dead but in limbo of some sort. This has been my favorite series for a few years now, even getting me to purchase both omnibuses for the series (and wondering if Reborn and the lead-up issues will be collected in some sort of future omnibus before I go out and search for the HCs of The Man With No Face and Road to Reborn). And I liked 602. More for the art than the story (which wasn't bad, though). Gene Colan's art was great to see in its raw format. Just wish they had a B&W version of the issue like they had with the preview.

Captain America: Rebirth #1-5

The biggest Marvel controversy since OMD! What it basically comes down to, though, is that this story feels like it's been told before with Cap traveling through his own history in the Baron Zemo/Thunderbolts miniseries two years ago....and, that it's a bit drawn out. Cap's coming back, the Red Skull has taken over Steve's body, and it's Cap vs. Cap as Bucky battles the Red Skull. This was the most hyped comic from Marvel, and it just doesn't live up to that hype.

I've read worse. I still think they should have kept Rogers dead. At least for a while longer. I think they had a lot more they could have done with Bucky as Cap before bringing back the revival of Rogers into it. Oh well.

Captain America: Who Will Wield The Shield?

Adding to the Rebirth controversy is this issue which gives away the ending to the Rebirth mini before the final issue is released. Thankfully, it's a good issue that gets us more excited about Siege and the upcoming adventures of Steve and Bucky...but, sadly, makes us a lot more uninterested in the Rebirth #6. In the end, Bucky will "wield the shield," as Steve takes a special job from the President of the USA.

Man, I wish I didn't read this. I've been waiting until Reborn 6 dropped before reading this issue. Well, I'm still looking forward to it, but cap is one of the very few series that I actually try to keep myself from reading spoilers.

If it weren't for Reborn, Cap would be Marvels best series this year. But because of that, that honor now goes to Nova. Nova's a comic I make sure to get the trades of the day they released. Such a great story from the first issue on. Even those major event issues are just well done. And the art is usually at its best.