The BIG TIME Bought/Thought Thread for Nov. 10 - SPOILERS!

[Phaedrus45]

Another review blast-from-the-past, looking at a gone-too-soon Slott comic from April 26, 2006, from Wolverine25th.

Thing 6 - The arc wraps up in a funny and unexpected way. Not only does Slott diss the Iron Spider suit through Thing, but he even goes so far as to offer up an explanation on why the reformed Sandman suddenly became evil again with no rhyme or reason. That's right, I'm looking at you, Mackie. Take good character development and throw it out the window 'cause you can't handle continuity. This book is set to be cancelled at #8 'cause nobody's reading it. And I have to ask; why? Why aren't you reading a book that caters to every single one of your complaints and leaves you wanting more? Buy Marvel's quality books and tell them what we really want!

Now, onto a few reviews:

Amazing Spider-Man #648 BIG TIME!!!

I was really hoping this issue would be good; after all, I bought three different covers of it.

The first 16 pages of this book are a complete story in it's own right...and, we're not even halfway through the comic! (For those complaining about the high $3.99 price, remember that Dan Slott usually gives a reader what they pay for.) Wisely enough, Dan starts thing out with tons of action, getting readers into the story, while leaving enough of a mystery for us to want to find out more about Doc Oct's plans. We get a lot of good Spidey humor...and, that leads right into Dan doing a bit of Spring Cleaning with this book. (Jameson gives Front Line the Daily Bugle name...Goodbye Front Line. Peter's roommate, Michelle, is sent packing; but, then, so is Peter.) It all sends Pete going door-to-door, asking everyone he knows if he can shack up with them for a few days. (Brilliant move on Slott's part. It lets us know what everyone in Pete's life is up to, and also asks one of the most important questions: With Peter Parker's brilliance, why is he struggling to find a job that is waaay below his pay scale?) This all leads Pete to a new job..thanks to Marla Jameson. (Oh, yeah...and the return of Hobgoblin!)

Great first issue in this new launching point; and, even better, the perfect launching point for new readers. Slott fills you in to everything that you need to know. Plus...after 40 pages of Spidey action, the reader is treated with an 8-page Spider-Girl story that links into the first 16-page action sequence the issue started off with. (That's 48 pages...NOT a fast read, like Secret Warriors...all for $3.99. I call that a heck of a deal!) t:

Incredible Hulks #616

My problem with the enjoyment of Dark Son is how much I enjoyed Son Of Hulk, especially when the readers discover why Hiro-Kala was doing what he did. This story, with its big lead-up, just doesn't compare. Unlike the previously reviewed comic by Slott, it's a quick read..and, not very satisfying. Hiro-Kala believes he must sacrifice the few (which is actually millions of people) in order to save the greater (the universe). Hulk/Banner believes with his scientific mind, he can save everyone from the Old Power. It's not a terrible storyline...it's just lacking a lot of depth. (And, the back-up S.M.A.S.H. Files don't interest me a whole lot.)

Based on my expectations, I give this a mixed review.

Batman: The Return Of Bruce Wayne #6

What a huge disappointment this mini has been. And, Morrison just tends to make things more confusing with his style of writing. Throughout, we've been biding our time as Bruce Wayne travels through time and every hero somehow knows that his return will mean the death of the Universe. Well, he finally comes back in this issue...and, we get lots of talk about how he must die, only to be reborn again in the end. (The end doesn't even do a nice seque into The Return Home one-shots that came out last month.)

 

[WOLVERINE25TH]

I left Big Time behind in my bag. Unfortunately, there were far too many $3.99 books this week to get everything. After months of keeping my bag relatively empty looks like I'll have to do my traditional Christmas clean-out after all.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Yep, today was MARVEL OVERBOARD on $3.99 comics. I don't think there has ever been so many in one week, and the only $2.99 comics they had were the ones meant for younger readers. Shame on Marvel! (That Spider-Man is worth it, though. Slott knows how to give the reader content.)

 

[Spider-Jay420]

Great comics this week!

Amazing Spider-Man #648 - was awesome! Dan Slott knocked it out of the park with his solo debut this issue. We get great cameos by the Avengers, the FF, the Black Cat and even John Jameson. Not to mention the new Sinister Six, Montana of the Enforcers, the Kingpin and of course, the Hobgoblin. Kingsley in back in the saddle again!

Spidey saves the day and is even complemented by Johnny Storm, of all people!! Peter's genius is acknowledged by quite a few people in the extra sized issue and his new career looks very promising. Not only that, but with some clever answers to a pop quiz job interview, Peter is sent off with a science manual and a check with a lot of zeroes at the end of it. Now I don't know what kind of company is handing out paychecks as you leave the first day, but good for Pete. He deserves a break. Quite a few new characters with potential are introduced and some others are given a send off. Bye Bye Michelle. (Too bad she didn't take Carlie with her.)

The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the MJ/Peter scene when he asks to crash on her couch for a few days. Their reactions were totally off the wall and Marvel just continues to bash us over the head with "Peter and MJ are NOT getting back together!!" OK!! I get it. Let's just move on, shall we? Jeez.

Ramos' art is hit or miss with some people, including me, but after Azaceta, Ramos' stuff looks like Norman Rockwell!

Anyway, great issue, great start and anyone on the fence looking for some good Spider-Man comics should pick this up. If you can, ya know, get over the whole "OMDBNDOMITMJSUCKS" thing.

Avengers Prime #4 of 5 - was good, but Bendis' dialog was killing me. Steve, Tony and Thor are gearing up for the big final battle next issue and Thor is taking a break for some reflective contemplation by the fire, when Tony decides it's a good time to talk p*ssy with Steve, and asks if he ever banged Hellcat. Of course we get the patented Bendis 2 word stutter conversation and then Thor chimes in with, "Yeah, there was a time when I banged her." Then they all look at each other with goofy smiles. Really took me out of the story, but aside from that it was pretty enjoyable. I really hope this conclusion pays off cuz I'm ready for PRIME to be over though.

New Avengers #6 - was pretty decent, too. Definitely Bendis' better Avengers book. The demonic invasion ends as everyone's favorite Avenger, Wolverine, is sent to battle Agamotto for the Eye, (actually, a Supercharged, mystically enhanced Wolverine!!) as the rest of the New Avengers sit Indian style in a magic circle giving him positive energies. Wolvie gets an assist from Brother Voodoo's....brother, but Jericho rushes in to save him and has a quick final showdown with Agamotto.....and loses. So no more Sorcerer Supreme and no more Eye of Agamotto. Hopefully this will lead to Stephen resuming his role as SS, but we'll see. Also Hellstrom delivers a great speech to the citizens to New York, (who are surrounding the mansion like Zombies?) and next issue promises the traditional Avengers press conference and the Nanny.

I guess the big shocker was the end of The Thanos Imperative #6 - Totally did not see that coming. I won't say too much, and I figured there would be some casualties...but really?! Thanos was great with his double-double crossing and the Fault storyline is laid to rest. Great series. great conclusion but I hope this is not the end of Space Marvel for DNA. We'll see though, with them doing Thor/Iron Man and soon to be Heroes for Hire, and with that conclusion.....I don't see any reason for them to return to Space. I hope I'm wrong, though. I usually am.

Anyway, it felt good to read some great comics this week. Thank you Dan Slott and thank you Abnett & Lanning.

 

[El Bastardo]

The only $2.99 comic I wound up with this week was The Unwritten. Not that it was a big week for me, but it was further compounded with the Shepherd Book hardcover.

I figured The Thanos Imperative would have the end result it did, though I didn't see the path. And even though they left what I called would be the easy way for a return, still, what the flarking flark? I'm sad.

 

[sandwraith]

The only $2.99 comic I wound up with this week was The Unwritten. Not that it was a big week for me, but it was further compounded with the Shepherd Book hardcover.

I figured The Thanos Imperative would have the end result it did, though I didn't see the path. And even though they left what I called would be the easy way for a return, still, what the flarking flark? I'm sad.

Does Nova die?! Don't toy with me damn it!:

 

[El Bastardo]

Well, spoilers is marked in the thread. Okay then.

Star-Lord and Nova stay behind in the failing Cancerverse to keep a raging Thanos stuck there, to make sure he'll be there when the universe cancels out. They go out in an image very much akin to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Of note is that the Nova force doesn't come back. I've said, since speculating that Nova would probably die or "die," that if the Nova force was "trapped" behind the Fault, that would probably be the avenue for bringing him back. So I'm assuming that Star-Lord and Nova are tucked safely in a Nova force bubble, and we'll see them again sooner than later.

 

[runawayboulder]

ASM #648 was outstanding work. Slott did several things that I enjoyed:

First, he crammed a billion guest stars into the book and emphasized "guest-stars". Spidey never once took a back seat not even to the Avengers (in these current Avenger crazy times) or looked like an incompetent rookie like other writers (*cough*, Bendis) make him out to be. The daylight saving bomb solution was fantastic.

Also, he acknowledged the long forgotten connection between John Jameson and Steve Rogers. Once upon a time, John was a major supporting character in Captain America. Sorry if that brings back any old Man and Wolf/CapWolf memories.

He's also brought back the Bugle, which is something that shouldn't have ever had been taken away to begin with.

Finally, all of the supporting characters, including Phil Urich, who I can't remember the last time I seen him around. I wonder if he's gonna be an important part of the Goblin Army plot? Flash is a must have character that needs to be around all the time.


Despite having been subjected to the art of Azaceta the past few issues, Ramos did do some very good work here. The last page with Hobgoblin was great. BTW, it seems Kingsley is back as Hobby but I'm getting the feeling he came back to get killed off and be replaced. Or it could all ready be the new guy and he's jerking the Kingpin's chain. We'll find out soon enough.

Bottom line.....Big Time is a perfectly suited name for the book. It truly was Big Time.

 

[sandwraith]

Well, spoilers is marked in the thread. Okay then.

Star-Lord and Nova stay behind in the failing Cancerverse to keep a raging Thanos stuck there, to make sure he'll be there when the universe cancels out. They go out in an image very much akin to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Of note is that the Nova force doesn't come back. I've said, since speculating that Nova would probably die or "die," that if the Nova force was "trapped" behind the Fault, that would probably be the avenue for bringing him back. So I'm assuming that Star-Lord and Nova are tucked safely in a Nova force bubble, and we'll see them again sooner than later.

What the D'ast? Okay...thanks. Does Rich have a big moment with 'Nita or something?

 

[El Bastardo]

Considering they're in different universes in issue 6, no.

 

[sandwraith]

Considering they're in different universes in issue 6, no.

Looks like I'll be buying the Hardcover after all.

 

[El Bastardo]

Why wouldn't you?

 

[sandwraith]

Why wouldn't you?

Brilliant question. I've no excuse.

 

[El Bastardo]

Exactly!

 

[El Bastardo]

In other news, the finale of The Return of Bruce Wayne was fantastic, as has been the rest of the mini.

 

[sandwraith]

In other news, the finale of The Return of Bruce Wayne was fantastic, as has been the rest of the mini.

Hardcover worthy? Because I dropped this after #3. Been wary of Morrison's work since R.I.P.

 

[El Bastardo]

If, for whatever reason, you don't like Morrison's work - or, more specifically, his Batman work - then you probably wouldn't want to spend money on a hardcover of it.

If you're interested in simply-good storytelling, writing, and are interested in the overall large scheme of Morrison's Batman from RIP to Final Crisis to his return, then yes, it's hardcover-worthy.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Really? Did we really have to dedicate this B/T to Big Time? I feel dirty just posting in here.

The Thanos Imperative ended on a massive downer. We all saw it coming based on the fact that there are no Nova or Guardians of the Galaxy solicitations for the foreseeable future and DnA have moved onto other titles, but still, the last few pages left me bitter. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if Marvel looked at all like it intended to continue its cosmic line--maybe shift over to some other major stars with, say, a new Silver Surfer series (finally) or a new Gladiator series--but outside of the Devastation follow-up and a short Rocket Raccoon and Groot mini, there's nary a peep from the cosmic line in the solicitations. I hope this is another one of Marvel's sales gambits. We've seen it before--take the main stars out and/or let the series/line die for a while, then bring it all back in a huge spectacle.

Regardless, the issue itself was good. The middle of this event sagged a bit since it was so scattered. Everyone was acting on different fronts that didn't connect a whole lot, so it almost felt like 2 or 3 different stories running concurrently. But this issue tied it all together nicely. Thanos' 'death' was awesome, although it was a bit sad to see him be such a b**** for Death again. I thought he got over that in his last series. Oh well, I guess it'll always be a part of him to some extent. I'd say I'm looking forward to where things go from here, but, y'know...

P.S.--When they were talking about "killing" Thanos again via the Cancerverse's destruction, I kept thinking, "Man, I wonder how Starlin'll retcon this one."



Thor is confounding me. Fraction's all over the place. There's this Eric Solvang guy who's annoying me more and more with each passing issue because he's effectively serving as Fraction's mouthpiece for the sci fi, technobabbly, talking-head bulls*** that drove me away from Invincible Iron Man. But on the other hand, it led to a really nice scene between Iron Man and Balder. Then there's Thor being a total dickwad and crazily deciding to resurrect Loki like a crazy person (who is crazy), but that too leads to an absolutely brilliant new status quo where Loki is revived as the clever, mischievous, funny, innocent child that Thor spoke of growing up with and loving so dearly in Fraction's first issue. Oh, and then there's the invading red guys who are still there, invading away. We know virtually nothing about them except that they invade. And they're really good at that. Invading, that is. 'Cause that's what they do. That's all they do. But, on the other hand, it leads to some crazy dwarves (who honestly look more like trolls, unfortunately) running around Earth, which can only be described as awesome. So basically, Fraction has great ideas for this series, but he's getting to them in some really f***ed up, awkward, borderline-infuriating ways. This series makes for a very bittersweet, bipolar read under Fraction.

Ferry's art still feels like an extremely awkward fit for Thor. I think it's cool that he re-Kirby'd up the Asgardians' designs a bit, but his overall style just does not feel right for this series to me. I'm basically uneasy about every aspect of this comic right now. It's not great, but it's not the worst Thor's ever been, but it's also not even some stable point between the two. It oscillates from one extreme to the other with lightning speed. Yes, I realize there's a pun and possibly some metatextual commentary there, but shut up, I didn't mean it that way. Bleh. This series is weird right now.

Avengers Prime, on the other hand, was pretty awesome straight through. Bendis' grasp of different voices in dialogue is still pretty horrible, but he reins his usual dialogue conventions in enough that it's bearable here. There's even some genuinely funny conversations in one scene in particular, right in the middle; it's only mildly spoiled by the fact that the whole thing may as well have flashed "This Is Where the Big Three Avengers Re-Bond!!!!" in big neon letters for all its subtlety.

The real star of this issue, though, is the action. So many cool scenes: Thor flipping Fafnir over and scolding him like a frustrated parent, Amora launching a mass of demons and trolls and stuff at Hela, and HOLY GOOD GODDAMN, Hela's got the Twilight Sword! I don't know if Bendis has been storing up his Asgard fanboyism for this series or what, but he really gets into the fun of the fantasy realm. The Avengers may or may not be in Hel, the people they're hanging out with may or may not be dead, they themselves may or may not have f***ed up the rules of the Nine Worlds with the Rainbow Bridge incident at the beginning of this series--it's all up in the air because magic is uncertain and doesn't necessarily present itself in a straightforward manner. Granted, if I'm still confused about what's going on after the next and final issue, Bendis will have just failed as a storyteller, but for now the mysteries add to the mystique of the fantasy setting.

This issue was just flat-out satisfying superhero/fantasy fun. It was great to see Thor step up and take charge as the leader, since, even after his royal status has been revoked, the Nine Worlds are still effectively his turf. A bit of awkward Bendis phrasing aside, there's a great line early on when Thor quashes any uncertainty about where they're not (Jotunheim, the place the dark elf chick claims they are) because, as prince of the realm, he grew up learning every inch of every realm that would one day be his by birthright. That royal status is a recurring theme with Thor in this issue, from that scene I just mentioned to his lecture to Fafnir to stepping up and rallying the people around him to try and figure out a way out of their predicament. Very refreshing to see that side of Thor again, and as an Avenger with Captain America standing right there next to him, no less!

Oh, and, of course, Alan Davis. I don't really need to elaborate on that, do I? Great stuff. If this mini-series had a scripter who could do Asgardian speech patterns a little better, it would be one of the best damned adventures in Asgard outside of a Thor comic ever.

 

[iloveclones]

If this mini-series had a scripter who could do Asgardian speech patterns a little better, it would be one of the best damned adventures in Asgard outside of a Thor comic ever.

Wow. That's some high praise.

I purposely skipped over the review since I haven't read it yet, but it confirms what I've always maintained: that Bendis is one of the best "idea" guys if they could just, you know, uh, kind of, prevent him from, like, dialogue.

Dude.

 

[runawayboulder]

I've only thumbed through Avengers:Children's Crusade #3, but that book had some outstanding art from cover-to-cover. Some of those panels were outright gorgeous. The story seemed more improved from #2.

 

[iloveclones]

Ramos' art is hit or miss with some people, including me, but after Azaceta, Ramos' stuff looks like Norman Rockwell!

Ha ha. Too true. I kind of wish they would have started out with either of the other two artists (who I think are Great!)

It makes me think of a quote I heard that the mid-term elections were less a rousing endorsement of Repub's, and more a restraining order on Dems. Not exactly the praise you want to hear.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Wow. That's some high praise.

I purposely skipped over the review since I haven't read it yet, but it confirms what I've always maintained: that Bendis is one of the best "idea" guys if they could just, you know, uh, kind of, prevent him from, like, dialogue.

Dude.

Yeah, we got a bit of that between Tony and Cap in this issue. At least Bendis seems to realize that Asgardians would never talk that way, though.

BUt I'm really enjoying Prime outside of that. I am amazed at how much better it is than most of Bendis' other stuff.

 

[WOLVERINE25TH]

Ramos' art is ALWAYS miss with me.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPERHEROES - My shop never got #7, so it took me till now to get it and I read it back to back with #8. The book is starting to shape up. When they premiered the new Avengers team last volume, I wasn't feeling the combination. Throw in that those stories weren't all that great, especially when you consider the opening half of MA Avengers (before that title went to pot). And even though I still don't like the line-up, Tobin is finding his stride finally. I'm very interested in the Black Widow mystery more than when it was first introduced. Also kinda like the Cap crushing on Sue angle, that should be an interesting conflict on the horizon. Overall, though, the Thor/Nova story was kinda bland. Then again, I'm not the biggest Thor fan. I just found the Widow/Iron Man issue to be a lot more fun.

 

[R_Hythlodeus]

Nobody read Avengers Children's Crusade #3 yet? Thought it was the best comic I read the last few months

 

[runawayboulder]

Nobody read Avengers Children's Crusade #3 yet? Thought it was the best comic I read the last few months

Go about 4 posts higher. I didn't fully read it yet but I thought it was great. I haven't seen a book like that in a long time where the art was solid for every page, every panel. I'm gonna give it my full attention later.