The Ongoing Bought/Thought! 2013

[TheCorpulent1]

I hope Man of Steel is better, if only to shut people up about Superman being boring. He's the greatest superhero of all time, for crying out loud!

 

[Dread]

Dread... if a Bendis book is so bad that even I'VE dropped it... why in the world are YOU still buying it?! I thought you'd have been gone about the same time I was.

I like to finish what I start, especially if it's a mini series. Something would have to be pretty atrocious for me to bail on it for just a mini-series, especially on a bi-weekly schedule. As bad as it is, I can honestly say I'd read worse from Bendis. Or Fraction, for that matter.

The tie-in's, on the other hand, haven't thrilled me so far. The SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN one was alright but skippable. But, solicits claim the ones for FEARLESS DEFENDERS and UNCANNY AVENGERS may count more, so I'll get 'em since I'm buying those two titles anyway. I usually only get a crossover tie-in if it's a title I am already buying.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Bought/Thought for May 22, 2013

HOOFTA! This is a lot of books. Nine comics in one week is the most that I've had in a long time. That and my wife is pressuring me to watch So You Think You Can Dance with her, so we'll see if I get all these out. I'll try to keep them short.

Uncanny X-Men 6 - This was a decent issue but I felt like Bendis just sorta threw it on the page and was done with it. Nothing really happened. I feel like I read the opening act and then it was done. Quicken the pace, Bendis. You're better than this. That aside, the issue was decent. The art is wierd but fitting. And hey, welcome to the book Dazzler.

Uncanny Avengers 8AU - I wasn't going to get this because I've dropped Age of Ultron, but this promised to actually be an Uncanny Avengers story as well as an Age of Ultron one. Curiosity bit and I bought it. As it turned out, Remender did a good job meshing the two. This story actually takes place in the Apocalypse Twins' past, prior to the current arc. After taking them from their mother in a previous issue, Kang took them into the future and raised them. At some point he brought them back into their native past (this issue) during a time period when it was altered (Age of Ultron) and they are given a task to fulfill (kill "Colonel" America). When it's all finished up, the twins have learned a lesson and they go back into the future. So while this is an Age of Ultron tie-in, it serves better as a past story of the Apocalypse Twins from the main 616.

I liked it. I thought it was cleverly handled and I'm glad I bought it. Also, I love Kubert's art. Always have. I wish he'd get an ongoing that I read!

Young Avengers 5 - While I like the characters and how they are written (well, Marvel Boy is written out of character pretty badly, but at least he's entertaining). The art is phenomenal and I like that Speed and Prodigy are coming next issue. That said, this first arc bored me to tears and I'm glad it's done. I didn't like that Kate and Marvel Boy just randomly met and hooked up off panel. I feel like that needed told, and the fact that it wasn't just makes it unbelievable. That annoys me. This issue itself was decent, though.

Loki confuses me. So are we seeing the good Loki trapped in the bad Loki? Is this Superior Loki? Someone who understood this better... fill me in.

Daredevil 26 - I'll bite my pride after recently stating that I'm getting bored of this title and proclaim that this was a great issue. First off, it was a darker tone, which fits better than the playful earlier issues, so that helped a lot. Secondly, bringing Lady Bullseye and Bullseye himself back also felt good. And it was just wonderfully told, as usual.

And the back up... man, that got me choked up. What a great story. I loved it!

Green Lantern 20 - Ladies and gentlemen... Geoff Johns has left the building! After nearly 10 years and completely redefining the Green Lantern mythology, Johns exits the book with this oversized, overpriced issue. I say overpriced because I hate an $8 price tag on a single issue, but this was triple sized, so it was technically a deal... but man is that price a hard pill for me to swallow. I'd rather they have omitted the final scene that was a look into the future and dropped it a dollar. Those scenes do not matter anyway, as any writer can change the future. They were well done though.

I didn't care for the cardstock cover. I'd rather they'd have just come out with this as 2 or 3 issues, but it is what it is. As for the story... I don't know. I LOVED that they pretty much touched on every aspect of Johns' run in this one issue, and even some aspects of early GLC issues. It was definitely exciting and I had no idea where it was good... so that's very good. The problem is that I just didn't care about this First Lantern story from day one. It did nothing for me and his plot here did little as well. It was all the nudges to the past ten years that won me over. I definitely didn't NOT like it, but I don't know if I loved it or not. I think I have to let the cover price wear off for a bit. I think in the end I'll be very fulfilled, but we'll see.

Now... to continue on the book or not to continue on the book? That is the question.

Batman Incorporated 11 - Wow... what a waste of $3. This is such a filler issue! I've been excited for this book since Damian died, curious how Morrison was going to wrap it all up. Last issue had a great cliffhanger and I was eager to see what came next... but it didn't. This is literally a throw away story about the Batman of Japan, and it wasn't even written by Morrison. It's written by the artist, Chris Burnham. It wasn't necessarily a bad story, but when you're really into the ongoing story, this interruption just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I wouldn't have bought this as a one-shot and I wouldn't have bothered with it if I knew what it was before hand. I feel jipped.

Aquaman 20 - This is very similar to what Batman Incorporated was, but better done with a better story. It ties in with the main plot going on right now and Ostrander steps in for writing duties (despite Johns being given credit on the cover). What's left of The Others return (from the second arc) and I loved them back then. Thankfully, they're just as cool now. The story isn't overly important to the broader narrative, but it still served its purpose and was entertaining. I've been wanting more of the Others, primarily the Operative, and Ostrander delivers here. It was a good read. I enjoyed it.

Justice League 20 - This issue had guest artist Gene Ha and I wish he was here permanently. I've loved his work since the Adventures of Cyclops and Jean Grey, but he only ever gets guest work. The story itself was just decent with the 3 new recruits (Firestorm, Atom, and Elemental Woman) taking on Desparo, and a guest appearance by the Martian Manhunter was pretty awesome, but it was still just a so so issue. It wasn't bad, but it paled in comparison to some of the others this week.

Justice League Dark 20 - I'm liking this arc a lot more than the previous one. Flash and Swamp Thing are cool guest stars and I wish Swamp Thing would join the team. He'd rock. I had no real care for the villain until you learned in this issue that it's Madame Xanadu's son. Now I'm curious. The art is great and the characters engaging. I'm still missing Zatanna, but the rest are a lot of fun. Still a great title.


Best and Worst of the Week

Best: Daredevil - I'm such a prude. How do you people put up with my idiotic whining?

Worst: Batman Incorporated - Such a let down. This pretty much helped me decide not to bother with the oneshot coming after Morrison is finished, though.

 

[runawayboulder]

Best: Daredevil - I'm such a prude. How do you people put up with my idiotic whining?

By kicking puppies

 

[JTStarkiller]

I just read Batman Inc. as well. That was... weird.

 

[Norrin Parker]

Got Scarlet Spider, seeing Kaine fight Logan was cool. And as always Aracely was great she has a costume now, weirdly enough its a better Gamora costume than what's she's wearing in GOTG.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I actually thumbed through that comics, and not being a buyer of it I was like, "Why is Gamora hanging out with Kaine?"

 

[Phaedrus45]

Green Lantern 20 - Ladies and gentlemen... Geoff Johns has left the building! After nearly 10 years and completely redefining the Green Lantern mythology, Johns exits the book with this oversized, overpriced issue. I say overpriced because I hate an $8 price tag on a single issue, but this was triple sized, so it was technically a deal... but man is that price a hard pill for me to swallow. I'd rather they have omitted the final scene that was a look into the future and dropped it a dollar. Those scenes do not matter anyway, as any writer can change the future. They were well done though.

I didn't care for the cardstock cover. I'd rather they'd have just come out with this as 2 or 3 issues, but it is what it is. As for the story... I don't know. I LOVED that they pretty much touched on every aspect of Johns' run in this one issue, and even some aspects of early GLC issues. It was definitely exciting and I had no idea where it was good... so that's very good. The problem is that I just didn't care about this First Lantern story from day one. It did nothing for me and his plot here did little as well. It was all the nudges to the past ten years that won me over. I definitely didn't NOT like it, but I don't know if I loved it or not. I think I have to let the cover price wear off for a bit. I think in the end I'll be very fulfilled, but we'll see.

Now... to continue on the book or not to continue on the book? That is the question.

Good issue, which made up for all the wasted time of the previous 11 or so chapters of this tie-in Green Lantern event. There were some good scenes, but having an Original Lantern really did nothing for me. Johns writes that he wanted to go out on top; but, he's kidding himself that the past two years was very satisfying for the reader. (At least, it didn't do much for me.) I'm excited that his run is over and that fresh blood can invigorate new life into this franchise. (Kind of like what's happening with Marvel's books.)

You are right that the ending was severely lacking. It wasn't needed, and with all that new writers will do, will make it obsolete.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I think the book really picked up with the New 52 relaunch but it dropped hard with Rise of the Third Army and Wrath of the First Lantern. I don't even know what the point of the Third Army was. They just showed up and then died away (though, I only read the main Green Lantern title, which dealt very little with them). I wish Johns would have found a better way of segueing from the Black Hand story into the Wrath of the First Lantern. Even that final story would have been decent if it wasn't spread so thin. It would have worked better as a self-contained story with more linear focus. That, plus the book derailed with Simon Baz. They should have just left him out and focused on Hal and Sinestro in the dead zone while the First Lantern dealt with the other lanterns.

Still, Johns had a great run. It peaked at Blackest Night and was at it's lowest during the War of the Green Lanterns (in my opinion) but it was an overall successful and satisfying run.

I'll probably get the first couple issues of the next writer to give it a fair shake, but it's such a good dropping point, and I've not enjoyed GL more than I have over the past 3 to 4 years. A new writer could really change that, though. We'll see.

 

[Max J Power]

Daredevil #26 was phenomenal; definitely in the running for best issue of a great series. The tension of the main feature was built up perfectly and the big reveal was very rewarding after everything that led up to it. And then there's the second story. The moment when Foggy first found out he had cancer a few issues ago was extremely emotionally resonating, but I think his interaction with the kid cancer patients might top it. It was never overly dramatic, and even a little bit lighthearted at the end, without glossing over the seriousness of the whole situation. I was moved.

There was one little part that confused me, though. When Matt mentions having killed Bullseye, Foggy points out that Matt was possessed at the time. But I thought the reason Matt took a break from being Daredevil at the end of Diggle's run was that, despite being possessed during all of Shadowland, he still made the initial decision to kill Bullseye before ever infiltrating The Hand. Am I remembering this story incorrectly? Or is that plot point being regarded as discontinuity?

Young Avengers #5 was a very satisfying end to the book's first arc. The story concluded nicely and had a good set up for the next arc. What's really made me enjoy this series so much, though, is the characters. Gillen has done a great job of making the heroes feel like real teenagers, in their actions and dialogue, and that's been the driving force of the book so far. And McKelvie is one of the best artists on any ongoing right now.

Justice League Dark #20 was fun, but I didn't like the inclusion of the Flash. The JLD's shaky team dynamics were already well-established; they didn't need the Flash to come in just for more dissension in the ranks. It seemed like he was only there to create a tie for the Trinity War crossover (starting with issue #22). I'm dropping the book for that event, and if the future direction of it is to be more connected with the main Justice League, then the next issue might be my last. I hope that's not the case, because for the most part, I've found this series very entertaining so far.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Yeah, I swore that the thing that led to Daredevi's possession WAS that he killed Bullseye of his own free will. I could be remembering that wrong though.

 

[Dread]

Largest week so far for me this month, but overall a solid one. Spoilers as usual.

DREAD'S BOUGHT/THOUGHT FOR 5/22/13:

BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #16: DC's reprint of their digital strips revolving around their "Beyond" future universe created for their animated projects continues to be the lone DC comic I get that I have consistently enjoyed (more or less) since it debuted, and even the series that precluded it. The main BATMAN BEYOND strip by Beechen and Fridolfs gets to lead things off this time, and it seems to put a climax on their Undercloud subplot. While Dana Tan's brother the Joker King was uniting gangs of "Jokerz" from across America to turn into suicide bombers, Max has infiltrated the premiere hacker cabal "Undercloud" without telling anyone - much to her chagrin. Now she's being blackmailed into helping Undercloud's founder activate a massive robot named Alloy to destroy Gotham in the name of social justice. Terry finally gets wind of this, and it seems that Alloy is the long lost "living metal" of the Metal Men. This still remains the best thing Beechen has written as far as I'm concerned, even from previous Batman Beyond mini's and ongoings. He's set to be replaced by another writer and hopefully he keeps things moving smoothly.

The middle strip is the JLU one, where they seem to be taking on the psychic cabal who were introduced in "MIND GAMES" from "BATMAN BEYOND", only now they've involved the entire team. It makes sense to pick at organizations which were already made such as the "Brain Trust". The Superman Beyond strip by J.T. Krul still has an interesting story with a mess that Superman made of trying to do right on a planet twenty years ago, but this issue is mostly an action issue with some fellow heroes, and the next issue's resolution should be better. Overall, a satisfying package even if not always a flawless one. One or two strips always excels over the others.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES MICRO SERIES: VILLAINS #2: Villains #2: Much like IDW Comics' previous "micro-series", this is a secondary series intended to flesh out regular characters from the regular "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series written by Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman. In this series' case, the focus is on embellishing on a different adversary per issue. This month's subject is Baxter Stockman, a villain almost as old as the Shredder in terms of appearances in the original TMNT lore. Written by Erik Burnham, colored by John Rauch and drawn by Andy Kuhn (who drew an issue of the previous micro-series as well as an arc of the regular title), this issue manages to keep Baxter close to his original 1984 roots while still tossing in details that fans of the original cartoon series may appreciate. A genius scientist in the sorts of fields most comic book scientists tend to be (masters of biology, technology, and so on) pushed to succeed by a very stern father, Stockman finds himself a pawn of the inter-dimensional tyrant, Krang. It is Stockman whose laboratories have provided Krang with his biological weaponry, and now he is tasked with constructing the "techno-drome", a war machine which can literally change the earth itself. Having learned from a young age to never rely on luck and to anticipate any opponent given enough time, Stockman completes a strategy which puts him right where he wants to be. Given how ruthless and even callous Stockman himself is, pitting him against Krang in terms of a mental duel allows him to be sympathetic to the reader - at least in this story. Overall, a solid one shot tale depicting one of the franchise's oldest antagonists in his own light.

DAREDEVIL #26: While this is easily the biggest week of the month so far in terms of volume, there isn't a question as to which was the top of the heap of my weekly pull list. The interior page of this issue lists both writer Mark Waid and penciler Chris Samnee as "storytellers", separating the two names only with an ampersand. This is fitting as while Samnee is the third artist to collaborate with Waid on this seminal run on "Daredevil", their ability to craft their narrative together as one is apart from the others. With Javier Rodriguez on colors, the only negative surprise is an extra dollar in price - and even that is due to an eight page back-up strip handled by the same creative team. It's extra "Daredevil" for an extra buck; surely a good bargain overall.

Picking up from the brutal beat down revealed in the previous issue, the "man without fear" has finally gotten spooked by not only his new nemesis Ikari, but the people behind Ikari who have been manipulating Daredevil since the run began. With Foggy Nelson in the hospital for cancer treatment and enemies seemingly lurking behind every corner, the limits of Murdock's new found sanity seem to be stretched to their limit very quickly. His "hyper-senses" become a weakness as Ikari is able to match all of them, without the limitation of blindness to stalk his prey. The highlight of this issue is easily Foggy Nelson, who proves himself worthy of being the best friend of one of Marvel's most iconic superheroes and more than just being a bumbling hanger on. He very quickly helps Murdock pull himself together and inspire him to develop a counter-strategy against his foes. The ultimate "mastermind" is revealed in this issue and while there are some references to "Shadowland" from 2011, it all fits in with what most casual fans know of "Daredevil" and his rogues gallery, at least from film and decades of comics.

Foggy is also the star of the back-up strip, which sees him asked to attend a special meeting at the children's cancer ward. A planned meeting with Iron Man seems to become complicated by the kids seeming to set up a fantasy cure with a comic book they've made, but in the end it is all about what inspires them to overcome the soul sapping of cancer. It is an efficient little strip which compliments the main story well by showcasing how Nelson and Murdock inspire each other to keep on fighting, in their own different ways against different threats.

While regular readers may be caught aback by the sudden spike in cover price for this issue, the extra money is well worth it in terms of the additional content by the regular creative team. As perpetual crossover events continue to seize the Internet headlines, "Daredevil" has become one of those titles which quietly succeeds at what counts - being an excellently written and beautifully drawn comic book with memorable characters and unique villains every month.

FEARLESS DEFENDERS #4AU: The first of Marvel's two events this year, AGE OF ULTRON, has become a bit of a complication for them. It's an event which is years behind schedule which comes on the heels of an on time and more relevant event, INFINITY. Thus it has to have tie-in's, but since they are set in an obviously temporary alternate reality, their importance is usually minimal. Marvel have even marked these issues such that they could be easily ignored if one chose. The SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN AU issue was nicely written by Christos Gage and well drawn, but nothing worth going out of one's way for. This issue, however, is by the regular writer for the series, Cullen Bunn, and by former DC artist Phil Jimenez, who apparently redesigned Hippolyta for this run. While it is set in this alternate and temporary reality, it does get into Hippolyta's head a little and also reveals the origin of the villain of the first arc, Mrs. Le Fey.

Mrs. Le Fey is apparently the daughter of Dr. Doom and Morgan Le Fey on one of his many time traveling visits to the ancient sorceress (which became sex romps thanks to Brian Bendis) who was magically sent into the modern age by her mother to grow up in her father's era. Hippolyta, meanwhile, has been resurrected by the gods with more power than she ever had for a purpose. This issue sees her taking on her father Ares, who took over an alternate Latveria. The artwork is terrific and it seems as if Marvel's long standing policy of doing little with their Hippolyta due to DC Comics' Wonder Woman franchise seems to be over. I actually find that a novel idea, although with sales as low as they are, this series will be fortunate to survive to a 10th issue, much less a 12th or beyond.

SCARLET SPIDER #17: After a thrilling done-in-one story last month, writer Chris Yost kicks off his newest arc, "Wrath", by revisiting characters which he made his mark on as both a comic book and TV animation writer - Wolverine and the X-Men. Having made a devil's bargain with the Assassin's Guild to get them out of his hair, the guild's come to collect and the reluctant Texan vigilante Kaine is given a seemingly impossible assignment - kill Wolverine and be free of them, or the guild will end everyone he knows. Carlo Barberi handles the pencils, with Walden Wong on inks and Rex Lokus on colors; collectively, they produce better art than was seen in the last issue. The tension of Kaine returning to old haunts (Manhattan) and old professions (being a hit-man) is broken up by Aracely, his mystically powered sidekick who seems to combine a mix of terrible godly powers with comic relief. The story may not be Eisner worthy, and the ultimate finale in another issue or two seems apparent, this is a case of a simple story executed and told well. A proper mix of action and comedy, this is another solid issue of one of Marvel's most under rated superhero titles.

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #10: Essentially, this is the first issue of Dan Slott's new "Superior Spider-Man" without the literal spirit of Peter Parker. At the start of the month, Dr. Octopus - who in "Amazing Spider-Man #700" successfully gained mental possession of Spider-Man's body while Spider-Man seemingly died in Ock's old form - detected the "spirit" of Peter which had lingered. Seeking to gain complete control of his old foe's body and remove his influence from him (since Peter often attempted to "stay Ock's hand" when he got vicious with criminals at times), Ock seemingly won their mental duel. Thus, this issue kicks off with "Spidey-Ock" successfully breaking up underworld cabals and juggling time to earn a doctorate and visit with May as well as get some "desert" with his tutor Anne-Marie. Ryan Stegman returns to handle the art with Edgar Delgado on colors and two inkers. Behind the scenes, the Green Goblin has returned and is assembling forces.

Slott has a lot of plates spinning here and manages to make them twirl and on the most part succeeds. His major stumbling block here has long been the obliviousness of most of Peter's cast in regards to what has happened to him - aside for the perennially perfect Carlie Cooper. This issue introduces the angle that so long as a sliver of Parker's true "essence" remained, everyone from beat cops to Mary Jane Watson didn't notice when "Spidey" talked like Dr. Evil or did vicious things or whose comedic timing was off with banter due to some sort of magic or "aura". With that "aura" gone, suddenly MJ and beat cops are noticing something is amiss even in an issue where "Spidey-Ock" isn't spouting as bizarre dialogue as in previous issues (such as, "Accessing memories!" in a room full of scientist co-workers). It is, in effect, an attempt to give reason for an obligatory plot hole that one usually can fly a Sentinel robot through. It doesn't altogether work, but the attempt is commendable. Regardless of any warts, this remains an engaging and riveting read, even if this suspenseful story line is being stretched a bit far to make it into a premise instead.

UNCANNY AVENGERS #8AU: This is perhaps the most relevant of the AGE OF ULTRON tie-in's, which probably isn't saying much. Rick Remender and Gerry Duggan caught on that Kang exists outside of time or alternate realities, so this story is a tale of the methods he used to train the Apocalypse Twins. Kang essentially took them and raised them in a hellish future and now is training them to be ruthless in the name of saving mutantkind, or at least so he says. This is a tale of the two as teenagers being sent into the AOU world to kill Captain (now Colonel) America. He's visiting the Morlocks for aid in their war with Mogana Le Fey, and their leaders are Havok and Rogue in this world. The twins get involved in a fight and kill the latter two, but fail in their mission. Regardless, regular readers know they eventually grow up and go on their quest against the Celestials. It is a complicated story like many time travel tales, but here Remender uses the format to flesh out his villains a bit, which is appreciated. The art by Adam Kubert is also superb. Overall, a solid issue carved out of an aimless crossover.

YOUNG AVENGERS #5: Kieron Gillen and artists Jaime McKelvie, Mike Norton, and Matthew Wilson (colorist) wrap up their charmingly weird and over the top opening arc of this relaunch. The inter-dimensional parasite "Mother", who was able to summon or possess parents from Earth or beyond, is defeated, although it requires the current collection of young heroes - Kid Loki, Wiccan, Hulkling, Kate Bishop/Hawkeye, Marvel Boy, and Miss America - to remain together as a team while apart from their parents. To a degree this may remind some of the mystical shenanigans which used to require the founding members of the "Defenders" to assemble back in the 1970's - 1980's. The artwork is as crisp and dynamic as always, and Loki's point of view seems to take center stage for the first half. Gillen has the voices of the characters down and while the story has been very weird, the tone has remained fun and upbeat. Kate even pokes fun at the story's own heavy handed metaphors. While perhaps not what people expected from another stab at "Young Avengers", that non-traditional approach has probably been its greatest feature. The work Gillen has done with Marvel Boy - stripping him of being a stock, emotionless, and boring space hero from Brian Bendis' "Avengers" and making him fun, young, and unique again - is a close second.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I've never cared for Bendis' take on Marvel Boy and I'm liking Gillen's even less. I can't stand it when a writer just goes and changes a character in such a striking way without much or any explanation. It's an Ellis' Nextwave sort of personality/character shift that is just completely in the face of everything that's come before with the character.

I honestly don't understand why people are so accepting. Comic fans are typically so picky when it comes to characters being written so out of character, and Marvel Boy is horrid here. Fun... but horrid.

I mean... "Come with me if you want to be awesome" has to be one of the dumbest, most forced lines that I've ever heard. It's something that Marvel Boy would NEVER say... heck... NOBODY would ever say. It wasn't relevent to the story or the situation, and it just completely took me out of the story.

And Gillen's having Kate hook up with him off panel was horrible. I mean, can we at least get an explanation of how they met (because she didn't realize he was the guy who tried killing them during Civil War until after having sex).

I don't know. I'm loving the art, I love most of the characters, and I like some of the writing... but the plot, some of the dialogue, and some of the characters are starting to get on my nerves. I'm sticking with the book because I love the franchise and I'm curious how it will be with Prodigy and Speed coming into the book next issue, but I'm quickly loosing interest.

I've followed this franchise since day one, reading every guest star, oneshot, and mini... and this is the second worst anything with the Young Avengers in it... second only to the Secret Invasion mini... and that was mostly an artist issue.

 

[Dread]

I've never cared for Bendis' take on Marvel Boy and I'm liking Gillen's even less. I can't stand it when a writer just goes and changes a character in such a striking way without much or any explanation. It's an Ellis' Nextwave sort of personality/character shift that is just completely in the face of everything that's come before with the character.

I honestly don't understand why people are so accepting. Comic fans are typically so picky when it comes to characters being written so out of character, and Marvel Boy is horrid here. Fun... but horrid.

I mean... "Come with me if you want to be awesome" has to be one of the dumbest, most forced lines that I've ever heard. It's something that Marvel Boy would NEVER say... heck... NOBODY would ever say. It wasn't relevent to the story or the situation, and it just completely took me out of the story.

And Gillen's having Kate hook up with him off panel was horrible. I mean, can we at least get an explanation of how they met (because she didn't realize he was the guy who tried killing them during Civil War until after having sex).

I don't know. I'm loving the art, I love most of the characters, and I like some of the writing... but the plot, some of the dialogue, and some of the characters are starting to get on my nerves. I'm sticking with the book because I love the franchise and I'm curious how it will be with Prodigy and Speed coming into the book next issue, but I'm quickly loosing interest.

I've followed this franchise since day one, reading every guest star, oneshot, and mini... and this is the second worst anything with the Young Avengers in it... second only to the Secret Invasion mini... and that was mostly an artist issue.

I don't entirely disagree with you in terms of Marvel moving away from Grant Morrison's original intention with Noh-Varr. Kicked off in 2000 I think, he was essentially a super powered and arrogant Kree soldier from another reality who wanted to take over earth for his own reasons and motives. Extended from that, he could have made an interesting and hip new nemesis for the Fantastic Four or some space heroes. It was Bendis who chose to use him for years while seeming to go against his basic premise, which he did a lot with Sentry and to a lesser degree the Hood. That is where I think the damage was done. Starting with THE ILLUMINATI, Bendis saw fit to just link him to Mar-Vell and make him some heir to the Captain Marvel legacy - even though he had nothing to do with Mar-Vell. This was some 5 or so years worth of development towards making him the stock space hero Protector, whose design was even generic. Thus, I see Gillen's take as a bit of damage control, instead of doing a 180 and pretending the Bendis work didn't exist, winding up somewhere in the middle. He's a hero, but he has his own alien aristocracy to him. He's not just sitting in the background having a line every 4 issues.

I do agree that fans are picky in regards to what's a nice change and what's a mangling of a character. It's subjective as it can be.

I know you're not big on the hook up between him and Kate, but I don't see a major problem with it. I think it's because the story doesn't judge either character. Kate isn't made out to be a ****e, nor is Noh made out to be a himbo. It's just something that happens, young people hook up. Yes, Noh-Varr did try to kill them in the SECRET INVASION team up with the Runaways, but if characters weren't allowed to sleep with former or even current enemies, then how are Clint Barton and Wolverine not "****es"? Black Cat fought with Spider-Man, and not only did he date her, he willingly unmasked for her! Nobody judges them. True, there's rape in Kate's past, but should that mean she has to be a nun or can never have a sexual encounter that isn't some long term romance? Heck, considering that she just ended her longer term relationship with Eli Bradly (who seems to have dropped off the face of continuity since the end of AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE), Noh-Varr could simply be a classic rebound for her. Rebounds happen.

YOUNG AVENGERS isn't something I would say is flawless. I do like the energy and the work overall, but I would concede that it does seem to try too hard sometimes. I do like it, though.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I completely agree about Bendis' handling of Noh-Varr. I thought he started well with Dark Avengers but dropped the ball very quickly. I never liked the Protector direction. The complete shift in character for Young Avengers doesn't really feel any better.

And it isn't that he and Hawkeye hooked up, it's that there was no premise for it. I don't even understand how they would have met. Were they just strolling down the street and she tripped and fell into his arms... then he pointed up at his space ship and "Let's Get It On" started playing in the background? I don't mind that they hooked up, I just hate the coincidence of it.

As for Eli, Gillen wanted to use him (and should have been allowed to use him) but apparently there are plans for him elsewhere and he was off the table. We've not see what those plans are yet, and I was half expecting him to be the Iron Patriot, but now I don't know. All I can think about is maybe an upcoming cast member of Avengers Arena... and man I hope that's not the case. Though a crossover with Young Avengers in which the team comes to his rescue would be awesome.

 

[THANOSRULES]

Bendis also never approached that Morrison's run really occurred in an alternate reality..it wasnt 616. Marvel Boy was also from an even different reality hopping Kree Race, which Bendis did mention but really almost hid that fact (and that was incredibly confusing during AvX). I thought Gillen mentioned it again in issue 1. Marvel boy was example #XXX of "Lazy Bendis".

Morrisson's MarvelBoy was a cocky, somewhat sinister, and had odd powers (that have basically been weirded down). It fit great in that he was seemingly in a kind of dystopian world where you could root for the bad guy.

Bendis turned him into a nothing, a bashful, generic character..it got even worse with "The Protector".

 

[JewishHobbit]

I never got around to reading Morrison's Marvel Boy.

I picked up three new comics and one back issue that I was going to skip but decided to give another shot on a whim.

Thor 8 - I don't know if I want to continue with this book or not. It's great, but my buy list needed cut and I opted to cut Thor. I was actually alright with that, but I admit that I'm curious how this Gorr story ends, so I picked this issue up and will likely finish out the story. The comic was good and the art was stellar like always. I may continue beyond Gorr if I can cut enough, but I doubt it. Still, it was a good issue.

Wolverine and the X-Men 30 - This was a really good issue. It's the prologue to the Hellfire Saga and it definitely started with a bang. The X-Men are trying to figure out why Idie left to join the Hellfire Academy last issue and learn that there are traitors in their midst. In the end; Quentin Quire, Broo, Toad, and Husk leave the X-Men to join the Hellfire Academy. As has pretty much been my assumption since issue 1, the Bamfs are connected to Azazel (Nightcrawler's father). The idea that Husk betrays the X-Men annoys me, but she's obviously not in her right mind.

It was good, and it's got me excited for the actual story and not just the lead-in. This book has been mediocre at best for a long time. This just might be a return to that first year. Here's hoping.

Uncanny X-Force 5 - This comic is on the border of being cut, but as long as it's building toward a Bishop redemption story, I'll buy it. This issue shows Psylocke and Storm inside of Bishop's mind and they learn what happened to him after Cable's series ended. He traveled a bit before eventually being killed and revived. He joined an order and hunted creatures called the Revenants. In the process of this he comes to the conclusion that he made the wrong choice in hunting Hope like he did, and he starts to make up for it by rescuing a small girl and trying to keep her alive while hunting the Revenants. He is eventually overwhelmed by the Queen of the Revenants and his mind is nearly destroyed by the Demon Bear. He regrets the deal with Hope and Storm does him the favor of destroying that memory. Now they're trying to save him while the Demon Bear destroys his mind.

Meanwhile, Puck is protecting Storm and Psylocke's bodies while keeping an eye on Spiral. But Puck and Spiral get drunk and Cluster steals Psylocke's body right out from under their noses.

It was a pretty good issue, must better than the first 3, which were mediocre. The blacked out cursing is still really annoying, but at least there's only one in the issue. Still, it was decent. I'll stick with it for now.

X-Men 1 - Brian Wood's all women X-Men book finally shows up and it's quite good. I hesitate to called it Brian Wood's and Oliver Coipel's X-Men book because Coipel is pretty much nothing more than a tiny hook to get people buying the first few issues. He's gone after issue 3.

As for the plot, Jubilee has picked up an orphan baby and is trying to get it back to the X-Men so they can give it a life like they gave her one. She is being followed by a man and calls for help and a group of X-Men (who all happen to be female) save her and bring her back. Simultaneously, the man who has been following her shows up at the mansion and surrenders, asking for help. As it turns out, back when the world was young and nothing but two bacteria... one was John Sublime and the other was his sister that he defeated in bacterial war and sent away into space. That sister, as it turns out, is the baby that Jubilee has been mothering for the past few weeks. Where John possesses people, his sister possesses machines. And it's first act in the Jean Grey School is to possess the body of Omega Sentinel... the deceased X-Man who was once a part of Bastion's Operation Zero Tolerance.

It was mostly a set up issue, but it was a really good one. I'm definitely on board for the duration of this series.


Best and Worst of the Week

Best: X-Men - This was a great start to the series and it makes me want to go back and give Wood's adjectiveless X-Men run a shot (well, the previous one).

Worst: Uncanny X-Force - Not a bad issue, but with only two other new issues this week, it was the least of the three.

 

[Mad Ones]

X-men #1: Brian Wood's all female X-team is off to a great start. The X-men now have a title that highlights the strength of the X-women and does it in a way that makes them action heros. I'm enjoying the direction of the X-books, but ANXM and Uncanny are about a lot of interpersonal drama and ideology, and WatX is all about being weird and crazy. X-men #1 highlights the family bonds of the X-men when Jubilee calls and asks for help and a team assembles to look out for a family member. It was a very organic and natural first issue, with nothing feeling forced. The fact that it's an all women team isn't addressed, which I think is appropriate because it highlights the how intrinsic these women are to the X-men.The dialog was well written and the action was nicely paced. I particularly loved how much of a tank Rogue is. My two criticisms would be the convoluted nature of Sublime (if I hadn't read New X-men I'd be so confused) and I think we need a little more information about how Jubilee acquired the baby. But it was still a great first issue with a great twist ending.

New Avengers #6: I'm starting to feel like I'm reading the same thing over and over again. Once again the illuminati deal with an incursion event with relatively clean hands. This time a group of Mapmakers have destroyed the previous earth and plan on migrating to 616 earth to do the same the next time an incursion event happens. The team becomes more comfortable with Black Swan, though she's still not to be trusted. Namor and Black Panther are my favourites here, and I really enjoy how Hickmen writes them. I'm looking forward to the future now that everything's been set up. Infinity should be pretty good.

 

[JTStarkiller]

I've been playing catchup with older books, but I did manage to get X-Men #1 read, as I was pretty excited for it. I wasn't letdown at all, and my expectations were pretty high. Wood and Coipel knocked it out of the park. And that final page, really well done.

 

[Hawkingbird]

I completely agree about Bendis' handling of Noh-Varr. I thought he started well with Dark Avengers but dropped the ball very quickly. I never liked the Protector direction. The complete shift in character for Young Avengers doesn't really feel any better.

And it isn't that he and Hawkeye hooked up, it's that there was no premise for it. I don't even understand how they would have met. Were they just strolling down the street and she tripped and fell into his arms... then he pointed up at his space ship and "Let's Get It On" started playing in the background? I don't mind that they hooked up, I just hate the coincidence of it.

As for Eli, Gillen wanted to use him (and should have been allowed to use him) but apparently there are plans for him elsewhere and he was off the table. We've not see what those plans are yet, and I was half expecting him to be the Iron Patriot, but now I don't know. All I can think about is maybe an upcoming cast member of Avengers Arena... and man I hope that's not the case. Though a crossover with Young Avengers in which the team comes to his rescue would be awesome.

I want Eli to turn up somewhere. I've always liked Eli and Kate together, but I do like Marvel Boy's relationship with her.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I liked her with Eli, but her relationship with Marvel Boy feels so forced it isn't funny. I don't like it at all. It's distracting and takes me out of the story. Hopefully it'll dissolve quickly.

 

[Dread]

The last week for this rare 5 week month is average sized. An ongoing series limps to a finish and others march onward. Spoilers ahoy.

DREAD'S BOUGHT/THOUGHT FOR 5/29/13:

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #22: After a one-shot last month to bridge the gap between the space faring "Krang War" and this arc, writers Tom Waltz and co-creator Kevin Eastman kick off their new arc, "City Fall". It is based on a story from the original Mirage Studios comics, called "City at War" which closed off the original volume of the series from 1992-1993. The gist is that the Foot Clan are seeking to take firmer control of the underworld, since they're dissatisfied with competing against a French mafia gang as well as a gang run by the mutant cat "Old Hob". While the Shredder's grand daughter Karai has resurrected him from the feudal era and acts as his second-in-command, the founder of the Foot is just as sexist as he is violent and feels a male heir is more suitable. To this end he has chosen Leonardo, and nothing will stand in his way - a lesson that Casey Jones and Raphael learn the hard and violent way. This arc sees an additional co-writer in Chris Burnow and art by Mateus Santolouco, whose work was last seen in the "Secret History of the Foot Clan" mini series from earlier this year. The colors by veteran colorist Rhonda Pattison keeps the shifting art tones consistent. The action moves very fast here and ends on quite a cliffhanger, which is precisely the way to kick off a new arc of gritty ninja action.

DARK AVENGERS #190: As the cover says, this is the "final issue" of the book which was formerly known as "Thunderbolts". It is in effect the end of the run which writer Jeff Parker began in late 2009, just before the "Siege" event. Parker's run has spanned almost four years, 52 issues, two title changes, and more roster shifts than many care to remember. Sales on Parker's "Thunderbolts" were dwindling to the point that the title to a former Avengers title from 2009 was attached to it as a last attempt to keep it afloat, which it did for another year. Neil Edwards is the last regular artist for this story, appropriately named "Final Hour". While Jeff Parker has had strong runs on Marvel comics such as "Agents of Atlas", what has marred this issue was a cast which changed far too often in addition to premises which tended to outshine them. For this finale, the cast of the day successfully survive the latest alternate time stream they stumbled upon and get to go home. The characters who have arguably grown the most over this run include John Walker/U.S. Agent, Moonstone, and the Ghost. There is a lot of sound and fury with parallel versions of characters, but it comes off as very distracting. In the end, this series ends as it has been for some time. It isn't a bad comic, but it's so cluttered and packed to the gills that it becomes an unmemorable one. Still, a run this long deserved to be saluted.

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #8: Often known as the "other" Marvel title that writer Mark Waid handles (as the second banana to his "Daredevil" run), this issue marks the end of his latest short arc featuring a time spanning trek into Asgard and artwork by legendary artist Walter Simonson (alongside Bob Wiacek's inks and Jim Charalapidis' colors). A SHIELD sponsored experiment on the mystical "uru" metal (which Thor's hammer is made of) has led Bruce Banner and his team of scientists into Asgard's past, where they meet a younger Thor and battle a band of Frost Giants. In between some smashing moments, Banner determines that a member of his team is terminally ill, and is only along for the ride hoping for a swifter death during a "Hulk incident". The story offers a bit of by-the-numbers action, although Simonson's artwork is certainly a highlight which brings it above the grade. The subsequent issue looks to offer stronger fare with an appearance from Daredevil, in what is happily not considered a "crossover".

MORBIUS THE LIVING VAMPIRE #5: While "Venom" saw healthy and steady sales success after spinning off from "Amazing Spider-Man" in 2011, this latest spin-off from the title at the start of this year is fading fast in terms of sales and will likely stagger to a tenth or twelfth issue. Writer Joe Keatinge has woven a yard which straddles the line between greatness and failure, which is a middle ground of mediocrity which is hard to capture imaginations with. The artwork is by Richard Elson and Carlos Rodriguez, with Antonio Fabela on colors, and it is among the highlights of the issue. For the past four issues, Morbius the accidental "science vampire" has stumbled upon an oppressive street gang in Brownsville, Brooklyn after escaping from the Raft prison and seeking a low profile. After three issues of kid gloves, Morbius finally does what he should have done from the start - realize it is okay to act like a violent vampire around vicious gun toting criminals. Thus, he tears into a meeting between what is left of the street gang and some mobsters from New Jersey while the rest of the community make a ham fisted attempt to save lives afterward to issue in peace with the thugs. The entire affair has been manipulated by a new masked Rose, who foolishly tells Morbius his plans outright. And Morbius, who is considered an escaped convict, now has a painting of himself on the side of a building. The idea of Morbius as a tragic monster and unwilling vigilante is sound, although it is probably being done better in "Venom" or "Scarlet Spider".

VENOM #35: Cullen Bunn has officially moved beyond his first year as solo writer of "Venom", one of the most successful spin-off's to "Amazing Spider-Man" launched in 2011 and written/co-written for twenty two issues by Rick Remender. After an opening arc which dabbled too much into misplaced mystical nonsense, Bunn has settled down and focused more on mingling urban crime stories with bizarre sci-fi elements. Declan Shalvey (of "Thunderbolts" fame) has become the newest regular artist, with Lee Loughridge on color art. Bunn has changed the scenery for "agent Venom", a.k.a. Flash Thompson - having him move to Philadelphia and become a gym teacher in a local high school in between occasional vigilante outings as Venom. An earlier arc saw Venom (and his on-and-off girlfriend Valkyrie) break up a scheme by the U-Foes that unleashed some strange alien technology onto the streets. Going even further back, the deranged Eddie Brock - the original Venom - was bonded to the alien symbiote Toxin against his will and now is Thompson's sworn enemy.

What makes this issue work is often what commonly makes good comics work; the execution rather than the actual ideas. In essence, this is a story in which two enemies are forced to team up to fight a mutual enemy in a school and save some kids. In practice, we see a confrontation between two very different characters play out to each of their strengths and weaknesses. Brock returns to his old confrontational tactics as well as his own twisted sense of morality, while Thompson struggles to do what he never could - maintain control of his life and powers. They are forced to work together to finally put an end to a horde of techno-organic space monsters who take human hosts and then prey on others. The two come to a "ceasefire" which puts a cap on the last few issues of stories.

Shalvey's artwork is at its best here, matched well by the colors. The scenes with the high school as well as with Venom and Toxin fighting monsters all flow together well. Perhaps even stronger are the tense scenes between Thompson and Brock in the halls of the school. The action is as quick and brutal as one would come to expect with this title.

Bunn started out co-writing this series alongside Remender last year, being eased into his role taking the series over. His first arcs showed signs of jitters and misfires, but after a year he has settled into the book as well as its characters, working along the same narrative paths Remender started as well as paving his own. Sales on this series are slowly dwindling, but it should survive to a 40th issue if not beyond, which is a far longer run than anyone could have imagined a "Venom" comic could have had back when it was teased in 2010. The fact that it has been consistently good if not great for that time is a larger, and more pleasant, surprise.

 

[Dread]

I completely agree about Bendis' handling of Noh-Varr. I thought he started well with Dark Avengers but dropped the ball very quickly. I never liked the Protector direction. The complete shift in character for Young Avengers doesn't really feel any better.

And it isn't that he and Hawkeye hooked up, it's that there was no premise for it. I don't even understand how they would have met. Were they just strolling down the street and she tripped and fell into his arms... then he pointed up at his space ship and "Let's Get It On" started playing in the background? I don't mind that they hooked up, I just hate the coincidence of it.

As for Eli, Gillen wanted to use him (and should have been allowed to use him) but apparently there are plans for him elsewhere and he was off the table. We've not see what those plans are yet, and I was half expecting him to be the Iron Patriot, but now I don't know. All I can think about is maybe an upcoming cast member of Avengers Arena... and man I hope that's not the case. Though a crossover with Young Avengers in which the team comes to his rescue would be awesome.

I'd rather Eli not join AVENGERS ARENA. I mean, Mettle was already the first to die there, to live up to the "black dude always dies first" manta. It is amazing how none of the allies of the abducted figures seem to give a damn that their friends have been missing for months and attempted a rescue, but I digress.

There doesn't need to be a premise behind a random hook-up. It's a hook-up. Kate found Noh-Varr hot and vice versa, and there could have been some alcohol or drugs involved, and they hooked up. It happens, a lot. At least outside comic book circles. There's nothing wrong with a random hook-up, at least outside of teen pregnancy PSA's. It doesn't have to be kismet and probably isn't. Again, male characters have these sorts of things all the time - especially Logan or Clint Barton or even occasionally Peter Parker. Nobody whines and cries about premises or morals or whatever then. Why is is a big deal when Kate does it?

Wolverine was once literally retcon married to Viper. He's slept with Mystique, knowingly. Nobody anywhere questions why or wants a premise about it. Clint Barton was once literally willing to aide in treasonous acts for a chance at Black Widow's hot body. But Kate and Noh-Varr having a random hook up is a bridge too far.

If anything, Noh-Varr was just a pretty rebound for Kate, as she moves on from Eli and what has to be an interesting partnership with "Hawkguy". Meanwhile, I doubt Noh-Varr would be offended at being a hot alien distraction for a few hours. It happens. We read comics where morally righteous superheroes pummel each other nigh to death for the flimsiest of reasons without ever once questioning those premises, but when they sleep with each other, golly, that's too far. I always find that odd.

Bendis also never approached that Morrison's run really occurred in an alternate reality..it wasnt 616. Marvel Boy was also from an even different reality hopping Kree Race, which Bendis did mention but really almost hid that fact (and that was incredibly confusing during AvX). I thought Gillen mentioned it again in issue 1. Marvel boy was example #XXX of "Lazy Bendis".

Morrisson's MarvelBoy was a cocky, somewhat sinister, and had odd powers (that have basically been weirded down). It fit great in that he was seemingly in a kind of dystopian world where you could root for the bad guy.

Bendis turned him into a nothing, a bashful, generic character..it got even worse with "The Protector".

I agree. As originally created, I think Noh-Varr would have made an interesting antagonist for the Fantastic Four or Nova or some other space heroes. Unfortunately, that wasn't to be and it's far too late to do a 180 back to that. I can at least see him as being a bit of an arrogant anti-hero.

 

[runawayboulder]

I agree, Venom has regained it's footing after a near disastrous first arc by Cullen Bunn. Quietly, it has regained it's excellence.

 

[JewishHobbit]

There doesn't need to be a premise behind a random hook-up. It's a hook-up. Kate found Noh-Varr hot and vice versa, and there could have been some alcohol or drugs involved, and they hooked up. It happens, a lot. At least outside comic book circles. There's nothing wrong with a random hook-up, at least outside of teen pregnancy PSA's. It doesn't have to be kismet and probably isn't. Again, male characters have these sorts of things all the time - especially Logan or Clint Barton or even occasionally Peter Parker. Nobody whines and cries about premises or morals or whatever then. Why is is a big deal when Kate does it?

It's not... the big deal for me is that there really wasn't any way that the two would meet. I mean, there are a LOT of people on Earth. What are the coincidences that the two of them would even meet? At least with other hook ups, we're shown how they crossed paths. I don't care if there was a moonlight dinner or a long friendship... I just want a narrative as to how they came to that place. Otherwise, I feel it's just lazy writing to shoehorn Marvel Boy into the series.

And not only that, but what the heck happened to Marvel Boy's girlfriend? I didn't read the AvX stuff that showed Marvel Boy getting exiled so maybe it was dealt with there, but he had a girlfriend since just prior to Bendis' adjectiveless Avengers title starting.

Wolverine was once literally retcon married to Viper. He's slept with Mystique, knowingly. Nobody anywhere questions why or wants a premise about it. Clint Barton was once literally willing to aide in treasonous acts for a chance at Black Widow's hot body. But Kate and Noh-Varr having a random hook up is a bridge too far.

And yet, those examples all had lead up... something establishing the hook up. This one doesn't. That's what bothers me. It's not the pairing, it's the lazy writing. Again, it's a lazy shoehorn and Gillen is better than that.

If anything, Noh-Varr was just a pretty rebound for Kate, as she moves on from Eli and what has to be an interesting partnership with "Hawkguy". Meanwhile, I doubt Noh-Varr would be offended at being a hot alien distraction for a few hours. It happens. We read comics where morally righteous superheroes pummel each other nigh to death for the flimsiest of reasons without ever once questioning those premises, but when they sleep with each other, golly, that's too far. I always find that odd.

Again, you're misreading what I've stated. The hook up's never been a problem for me (though I don't like it, I understand it). It's that there has to be a premise when two established characters have nothing to do with each other and have never crossed paths, save for one time when he was trying to kill her, to randomly meet and knock boots. It could be a simple one page scene, but anything would be better than just having it happen. In that way, it makes the hook up and Marvel Boy's spot in the book feel horribly forced, and I find that distracting.

I'm sure Gillen could do a little flashback at some point, but I can't stand stories when they leave things open like that for issues and months at a time and THEN give you the explanation. I don't have to have things spoon fed to me, but I've never cared for hindsight storytelling.