The Ongoing Bought/Thought! 2013

So, I bought my comics for the day including two back issues. The first was Talon #1, which my shop got from their sister store for me. I still need #0, but that's alright. It shouldn't be that tough to find. I also picked up New Avengers #6. I skipped it due to needing to drop titles. Then I recently considered continuing the series through Infinity since I'll likely cave for that event. Considering that, I saw the cover of the new New Avengers issue and decided to try it. New Avengers 6 sucked by the way, but I'll cover 7 below:

New Avengers 7 - This issue was an improvement over a lot of the series, but it still didn't really wow me. I'm realizing that Hickman and Bendis have similar problems but for opposite reasons. They both drag out their stories horribly. Bendis does it and it sometimes feels thin, like he took a 3 issue story and stretched it into 6. Hickman takes a 3 issue story and adds so much to it that it turns into a bloated, information filled 6 issue story. I feel that's what the first 6 issues of this title have been.

Then this issue comes along and it changes gears, focusing more on the characters than the events and it's more enjoyable. It wasn't amazing, but the Atlantis/Wakanda war has peaked my interest. I can't say for sure if I'll continue the title or not, but at least this issue showed improvement. But as much as I like Deodato... Epting is a way better artist. I'll likely be back and forth on this title through Infinity, same as I'll be back and forth on Infinity until the second or third issue of that series comes out.

Though I will say this. I like that issue 7 jumps ahead one month, updating Beast's look and detailing how Reed is on his journey with his family, etc. So I think that'll officially mark New Avengers 1-6 as chronologically first in the Marvel Now era, as it precedes the X-Books, the Avenger books, and the Fantastic Four books.

Uncanny Avengers 9 - I'm starting to realize that I'm enjoying this title for the continuation of the Uncanny X-Force themes. I'm into Wolverine's morality issues and the story involving the Apocalypse twins, which follows up on Uncanny X-Force's Dark Angel Saga. I also like Sunfire's role, but that also plays on the Apocalypse thing. I don't care for any of the Avengers (though Simon's growing on me) and I can't stand his take on Rogue. I don't really care about the Red Skull story or the Kang connections to the plot, and the preachy bickering that is constantly going on between the women of the title gets really old (in this issue it's Rogue and Wanda).

Now with that out of the way, this issue had great moments and bad moments. I mentioned the Rogue/Wanda debate as being really annoying, but the Wolverine/Cap confrontation was phenomenal and a long time coming. For those who have been frustrated at why Cap lets a killer like Wolverine on the team... read that scene. I'm really into the Apocalypse Twins story but it's been a really slow burn and Remender needs to pick it up. Fortunately, the Horsemen of Death have arrived and that's what I've been waiting for.

I'm into this arc for the villains aspect, but when Remender wraps up this story and its ramifications, I'm not sure if I'll be sticking with the book or not. Now, knowing Remender that probably won't be until somewhere around issue 20 or 25, but we'll see how that all plays out. I'll enjoy it for what it is, but unless Remender starts writing these characters better, I don't know that Wolverine and Sunfire are enough to keep me on once the Apocalypse Twins story plays out.

Batwoman 21 - This felt a little like a filler issue, but served as an aftermath to the Medusa arc. I was pretty bored with it, as it was pretty much a Killer Croc oneshot. It wasn't bad but I wanted to get back to the Batwoman story that I've been enjoying so much. I do like the idea of Croc being a part of the cult that used to hunt Batwoman, and I like how it played out. This will likely come back up in time, but for now it was just all right.

Birds of Prey 21 - I don't read this book normally but bought it for the crossover with Talon. It was a decent issue, though I know nothing of this female Talon that he's fighting. I like Talon as a character but quickly realized how little I care about the Birds of Prey. The scenes dealing with Talon had my interest, but the rest of the crew bored me to tears. It was an okay read for one issue. Fortunately, that's all I needed to buy.


Best and Worst of the Week

Pass - Wait... what? Yeah, I was trying to decide what was the best and worst and realized after some painful back and forth that I 'enjoyed' all of them exactly the same... and unfortunately, none of them were that great. I didn't want the give any of them the Best of the Week, but they all deserved the Worst of the Week evenly. So I'm just going to pass on it this week and call it a crappy week. Fortunately, next week is bound to be good with some of my favorite titles coming out. :up:
 
Uncanny Avengers 9 was pretty damn solid imo. Def the biggest title for me right now, and man this story is more epic then any crossover Marvel can put out. Personally I think all the characters are in top form here, while Ive seen some complaints for The Wanda/Rogue banter for different reasons (mostly pacing), I thought it was very well done. Maybe a bit too wordy, but whatever. Good stuff :up:
 
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Uncanny Avengers #9: Wow! This title always gets me talking and thinking! I'm probably always going to have the same complaint that the "X-Force" stuff and the "Avengers" stuff don't gel and the book jarringly jumps back and forth, but this issue handles things a little better. Some parts of this issue felt like Remender talking right to the readers, since so many of our complaints have been addressed. We once again have a bunch of non-mutants telling mutants how to think and identify themselves. But the worst part was Wanda. This title is absolutely making me hate her. In this issue she completely denies and rejects any type of culture that comes with being a mutant. That's easy for her to say because she completely wiped out the booming mutant culture that was flourishing around the time of Morisson's New X-men. Does she not remember places like Genosha and Mutant town? Even now mutants have museums and schools! Wtf was she talking about? Thank god for ROGUE in this issue. It would have been intolerable without her, though a part of me suspects that Remender was using Wanda as a mouth piece to clarify what Alex meant during his now controversial speech. But I guess I can't make that assumption.

The second big debate was regarding Wolverine as an Avenger. Jan had some good points, but she is the most obnoxious character ever! Completely irritating. I am glad that this is addressed, though. Wolverine felt "right" this issue. I guess this is what his fans are talking about when they say some writers do him justice and others don't. I think maybe just being on the outs with Captain America made me like Wolverine just a tiny bit. It's a complicated issue because while I agree that Wolverine should not be an Avenger, I would have liked to see Captain America handle some of the situations Wolverine's been in.

This book is just crazy. It actually frustrates me and makes me hate certain characters (though I'm kind of liking Simon. I love pacifist heroes!), but in a good way. If that makes any sense?

Avengers #14: It was a little complicated and unclear, as per usual. The origins sites are acting up again, this time its the site responsible for communication. I'm not going to lie, I had no idea what was going on. I need to reread it. I swear I'm not stupid. I like a lot of the members of the team, particularly Hyperion, Smasher, and Captain Universe. I feel like they have a lot of potential and I really like seeing them in action. And for such a huge cast, everyone is properly utilized. I even love the idea behind the origin sites. But something in the story telling needs to change so I can actually understand whats happening. I shouldn't have to reread the entire series every time a new issue comes out, which I've had to do quite a bit.

New Avengers #7: As someone who has a bachelor's degree in international relations, I loved this issue! Hickmen is a very smart man, and he writes really intelligent comics (too intelligent for me, considering I didn't quite get Avengers this week). I love Black Panther, especially in this issue as he contemplates Wakanda's perception within the international community. I'm assuming Wakanda follows foreign policy along the realist tradition, and Shuri definitely made a realist choice. Wakanda's power and, more importantly, perceived power really hangs in the balance now that they're in a post-crisis state. Going to war and winning is really the only way they can reclaim their pre-destruction status, and Namor really can't be trusted. But Black Panther is stuck in the middle of being a monarch on the side and dealing with these issues, while being adverse to war. Shuri chose the death of many Wakandan and Atlanteans over this power struggle, and it will be interesting to see the aftermath of this war.
 
I thought Wanda was awesome here. She's a good contrast for Rogue. I get that both characters need to have their different povs , that's why I dig it. If everyone got along this **** would be boring. Looking forward to who throws the next punch between the two.
 
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I do love the drama and it's definitely not boring. I just don't know how Wanda justifies saying that mutants don't have a collective history and culture. It's diverse, sure, but their common bond is often celebrated.
 
Hmmm. I don't know. What would you have rather her said on the subject? I think there is more going on with Wanda that we havn't seen yet.

I think her whole point was really pushing that everyone should judge a person by their actions rather then judging based off being a Mutant. With her argument that the only common trait with being a Mutant is having a power, she would rather people be recognized for what they do first and foremost. I thought the whole thing was in character with where she is right now. And even if Rogue says something that's a perfect counter to her debate, I don't think Wanda is one to agree with her, or vice versa. They are gonna keep arguin till we get to some sort of pivotal moment between the two.

Like with Uncanny X-Force, I've really dug the conflicting povs that Remenders character's have on certain themes.
 
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After reading Cap's confrontation with Wolverine on Uncanny Avengers, my first thought was about Corp's refusal to read Uncanny X-Force and how he has even less reason to deny it now. Wolverine is getting the full brunt of his actions now, which is amazing.
 
I knew it was going to payoff one day. I think the cruel twist of fate of the entire situation is going to be the rumored [BLACKOUT]upcoming death of Wolverine due to his actions messing with the time stream in Age of Ultron. The Avengers will never get to excommunicate him and by the time he inevitably comes back who knows where he will stand.[/BLACKOUT]
 
I bet Angela is the one who "kills" Wolverine... It's win-win... people want to see this happen, and will buy the books, and it instantly gives her "Marvel cred", which she really needs at this point...

:yay:
 
I bet Angela is the one who "kills" Wolverine... It's win-win... people want to see this happen, and will buy the books, and it instantly gives her "Marvel cred", which she really needs at this point...

:yay:

Her scene certainly could have foreshadowing that since [BLACKOUT]it was his dumb ass that kept tinkering with things[/BLACKOUT]. Well really it was Bendis to blame, cause that's more fun.:o

When I first heard the rumors I understood it as because [BLACKOUT]of some weird effect the time travel has on his body but Sue went back as well and she's going to be fine. Unless it has to do with him killing the "other" version of himself.....? I like the Angela idea though because as you said, it instantly puts her on the map in the 616 for killing the near un-killable. [/BLACKOUT]
 
I really hope they dont kill off Wolverine, for two reasons. 1, Wolvie is why I started reading comics, and 2 is because ya know he'll just come back within the year

kill smaller characters so they can stay dead

And I swear, if they try to make Daken into the new "legit" Wolverine, I will burn Marvel's offices down
 
They won't. Now that the time stream has been shattered, AoA Wolverine or Old Man Logan could easily be brought in. Hell, even the blonde kid from the Ultimate line....
 
Isn't the AoA universe like, completely gone now because of that recent crossover?
Shame too, so many great takes on the characters
 
If they kill him, and you know he will simply come back, does it really matter then? Do you really lack the ability to ride out a year without Wolverine?
 
I don't want it to happen at all because he's been the most interesting that he's been since Claremont's early run. Also, I tire of this dead for a year nonsense. If you're willing to pull the trigger like that then that character should be off limits for at least 5 years.
 
Just the way it is nowadays. Die for a year, come back with a new costume and (hopefully) better than ever. If it's that bothering, the antidote might be elsewhere. Maybe in a place like this....

http://www.imagecomics.com/

I know that's kind of cliche to recommend indies at this point, but really, if that kind of nonsense is so worn out for you, it's time to take your head out of the mud and look to the stars.
 
Also, contact your local Scientology center for ways to rid yourself of all negativity!
 
Supergirl #21 was amazing, one of the best issues of the New 52 run so far. A lot of themes dealing with memories and creation. I couldn't help but think of the Solaris films while reading it. And it had a terrific final page as well.

Aside from Batman Inc, this is still my favorite DC book right now.
 
Superior Spider-Man #12 was just great... what a fun Marvel book... Slott has me feeling like a kid again... as well as Yost with Scarlet Spider. :up:

:yay:
 
First, World War Z was awesome! It's my second favorite movie of the year. Three must see movies of the year for me: Star Trek, World War Z, and Furious 6. (The Purge is a wait for DVD.)

Age of Ultron #10 did end up being a disappointment. It could have been kind of neat, except the final scene was given away ages ago. I will commend the story in two ways. One, a reader didn't have to read anything else to get the full story. The few tie-ins were kept to a minimum, which was nice. (It wasn't really a tie-in kind if story.). Second, it went by pretty darn fast. I will add that it's also an okay story, but is judged more on being an event than just a tale. Seriously, this could have been a story Bendis told in Avengers main title, and I doubt there would be many complaints. When you stick the "event" tag on something, people expect more. I think I did that, but thinking of it in this new light, I'd give the entire story a 7/10.

Batman and Batgirl #21 was kind of ho-hum. If you've been reading this book, you know what to expect for a while. Numerous characters associated with Batman are trying to get him out of his funk after the death of Damien, but Batman continues to distance himself from his Bat-family. The book does get into recent events in Batgirl, but as I know all that, it just felt like filler to me. I'd give this issue a 4/10.

Supergirl #21 makes me realize this might be the best Super-title out there. Good writing, and it doesn't concern itself with the other titles lately. I almost dropped this book, and am now glad I haven't. I just hope Cyborg Superman doesn't make me regret saying that. 8/10

Brother Lono #1 was accidentally picked up. If I knew this was a 100 Bullets book, it would have sat on the shelf, simply because I have never read 100 Bullets before. After reading the first issue of this three part story, I'm glad I did. I will probably hunt down old 100 Bullet comics, because Azzarello redeems himself after Wonder Woman and Spaceman. Best of all, reading the previous series isn't essential to enjoying this issue. 8/10

Wonder Woman #21, meanwhile, is nowhere new reader friendly. You really need to have been reading this book since the first issue to get all the various characters and what's happening. (It doesn't help that DC doesn't give recap pages to their books.). I've thought about dropping this title so many times; but, I also keep hoping it goes in a new reader friendly direction. That said, I might finally have started appreciating all the different characters we've been continually introduced to; because I enjoyed this book for the first time in over a year. It's starting to come together for me. I just think for its success, though, DC might need to change things up. 7/10

Green Lantern New Guardians #21 is a good example of that. If one line of books needed shaking up, it was the Green Lantern titles. Johns and crew did a good job, but it was getting stale for a long time now. So far, each of the three new writers introduced have made me interested again. This might be my least favorite of those three, but it's probably because it features my least favorite Green Lantern, Kyle. By issues end, though, I decided it held my interest enough to not drop it from my pull list. 7/10

Animal Man #21 was really good. Thank God this title and Swamp Thing have gotten away from a storyline that went on far too long. Lemire does a great job of keeping with what happened with the ending to The Rot storyline, while giving readers a new direction for Buddy Baker. (Also, Buddy's cast is still essential to the book, which is really the heart and soul of this book.). It's my favorite title thus far. 9/10
 
Supergirl #21 makes me realize this might be the best Super-title out there. Good writing, and it doesn't concern itself with the other titles lately. I almost dropped this book, and am now glad I haven't. I just hope Cyborg Superman doesn't make me regret saying that. 8/10

:up:
 
Wonder Woman #21, meanwhile, is nowhere new reader friendly. You really need to have been reading this book since the first issue to get all the various characters and what's happening. (It doesn't help that DC doesn't give recap pages to their books.). I've thought about dropping this title so many times; but, I also keep hoping it goes in a new reader friendly direction. That said, I might finally have started appreciating all the different characters we've been continually introduced to; because I enjoyed this book for the first time in over a year. It's starting to come together for me. I just think for its success, though, DC might need to change things up. 7/10

So, wait, have you been reading it since the beginning? If so, why are you waiting for a new reader friendly start?
 
Because books that are NOT reader friendly will eventually decline in terms of sales because no "new" readers will pick it up, and people just drop books...

If it's a good book, Phaed would prefer it to be more reader-friendly so it can maintain higher sales and keep the quality of storytelling...

:yay:
 
I've been reading since #1, but I agree with him a bit. We're 21 issues in now and it's just been one long story. I loved it at first, and I still enjoy the book now, but this story has definitely worn out its welcome. I'd almost prefer if a new writer came on board soon.
 
Because books that are NOT reader friendly will eventually decline in terms of sales because no "new" readers will pick it up, and people just drop books...

If it's a good book, Phaed would prefer it to be more reader-friendly so it can maintain higher sales and keep the quality of storytelling...

:yay:

I understand that idea, but then he talks about how close he's been to dropping it several times hence my confusion.
 

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