The Ongoing Bought/Thought! 2013

[runawayboulder]

I regret not buying the new TMNT series. I had it in my hand back when it first launched and passed on it because of the abundance of stuff I was already buying. I've heard many good things about it and now I'm kicking myself in the butt.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Ditto

 

[Phaedrus45]

I'm catching up on my TMNT, and just have to read the last two issues and the most current micro issue. I loved this book when it first came out; but the last bunch of issues have been disappointing. Bringing in space villains was just too much, and the series should not be looking to expand beyond the original premise this quickly. I might stick the series out for another story arc; but, if it continues in this fashion, I might drop it, as I just told my shop to add about 15 new titles to my monthly pull list.

Jennifer Blood is finally starting to get better. After Ennis left, things weren't looking too good for this book, as the main character had no redeeming characteristics any longer. I even called my shop to cancel my subscription; but soon after read that Jennifer would be going to jail in upcoming issues. That sure peeked my curiosity; and I told my shop to disregard my cancelation. (I don't know what it is; but, prison stories always interest me. I love to see the hero or anti-hero being locked up and having to face all those enemies. I'm glad I stuck around. The series is better than ever, and even though Jennifer will be out soon, I'm seeing a slight transformation in her character.

Byrne finishes another quick miniseries, The High Way. It wasn't anything that spectacular. If you find it in your cheap bin, it's worth a look; but, nothing really beyond that. For IDW, Byrne just seems to be floating around from quickie project to quickie project. They just don't compare to the great stuff he was doing with Next Men. Next month, he does a post-apocalyptic tale called Doomsday .1. It looks interesting. I'll give it a look-see.

Judge Dread Year One has been just as enjoyable as his regular series at IDW. My only complaint is that it's not a true Year One. There is no origin of the character, but just tells an early tale of his first year on the force. This is a series worth checking out, especially if you liked the movie that came out last year.

Helheim #2 was hard to track down. My shop was shorted, another local shop only got in one copy for a customer, and the place 60 miles away had just one copy on the shelf. (I called for it last Wednesday.). They held it for me until I could get down today. Cullen Bunn's book isn't anything groundbreaking, and I probably would not miss much if I wasn't reading it. It's very much a Conan/Northlanders type of tale. The art looks good, but it has a mediocre story.

The Answer has been a much better surprise. Hopeless and Norton have made a fun new character, and I hope we see more from this Dark Horse character. The story has some decent humor, and the story kept it interesting.

Finally, JinnRise #4 was pretty good. I love this take on the Aladdin style storyline. It's modern day kid meets Aladdin style kid with a magic bottle (Jeanie included) meets alien invasion. Hey, it's something different, and I find myself really looking for that amongst all the DC and Marvel superhero books.

 

[Dread]

I regret not buying the new TMNT series. I had it in my hand back when it first launched and passed on it because of the abundance of stuff I was already buying. I've heard many good things about it and now I'm kicking myself in the butt.

Ditto

As a longtime TMNT fan, it's been an awesome ride. The cartoon hit right as I was in kindergarten so I was along for the ride during the peak of its popularity as a small kid. I lost interest by the early 90's (around 1992-1993 or so) but the property still filled me with nostalgia. I found out more about its roots in the comics as I got older and I absolutely adored the 2003 era cartoon which aired on FoxBox/4Kids TV for years; at least until the last 2 seasons, which jumped the shark. The IDW series is an "ultimate" style version which revisions and reinvents many elements but keeps the core foundation there. It was a great move, even if only for PR, to keep Kevin Eastman involved to ease the old time fans while having Tom Waltz redoing things for a newer generation. It is a shame the series has struggled to keep a regular artist after the first year, but aside for some transition issues here and there, it's usually one of my favorite titles.

I'm catching up on my TMNT, and just have to read the last two issues and the most current micro issue. I loved this book when it first came out; but the last bunch of issues have been disappointing. Bringing in space villains was just too much, and the series should not be looking to expand beyond the original premise this quickly. I might stick the series out for another story arc; but, if it continues in this fashion, I might drop it, as I just told my shop to add about 15 new titles to my monthly pull list.

I didn't mind the space villains because that does tie into the "original premise". Many fans just assume all the old TMNT comics were about ninjas and rooftops, but they were already beginning to have far out adventures with other aliens in space as of their 3rd-4th issues in the mid 1980's. It's actually a very vast universe which not only has ninjas and mutants, but also aliens and superheroes and supernatural monsters and virtually anything else.

With the consistent stream of micro-series, though, IDW may as well just establish a second ongoing series and be honest with themselves, though. I mean, hell, even INVINCIBLE has more than one series these days.

I did want to get in on THE ANSWER, but I couldn't find it anywhere, even in Manhattan. I'll wait for the trade, probably.

 

[Thwip!]

As for continuity, remember that the scene I just talked about with the team standing over Cap was also shown months prior by Opena in Avengers #1. So all of New Avengers to this point is taking place waaaaaay before NOW began. That's why Cap was not in his new outfit and that's why Beast looks like that, he has yet to bring the All New X-Men to the present.

Pics of this scene in both? it's escaping me

 

[runawayboulder]

Pics of this scene in both? it's escaping me

It was in the first few pages of Avengers #1. Tony woke up Steve and asked him if he was having bad dreams and then it cut to the panel. It's only a matter of time before Cap fully remembers and the s**t hits the fan.

 

[THANOSRULES]

I do want say I enjoyed UA #7 and really Remender is nailing the characters. His havok is a bit elfish, and oddly dressed (is that a chairmain Mao suit?) which I'm not sure I'm a fan of..but he delivered the goods on the brief character conversations that were done well. Alex Summers is displayed as strong and although somewhat insecure, still really a man of ability and strength of character(albeit no fashion sense now)...Wasp is whimsical and sexy (Acuna draws her well). Really classic Avengers stuff here.

He really had Simon/Wanda down and after a long time...i still am interested in that dynamic, which apparently is back to the old "unrequited" status of old..poor simon. Wanda kinda acts like a b*tch to say "right now she needs family more than romance" or something like that, especially when the whole point of the conversation was consoling Simon about losing his brother (which to her credit is about the hundredth time he's died and come back, and even already solicited for a return). And Acuna is really the artist for this book...loved his Simon, Wanda, and Wasp art in this book.

The biggest thing is that Remender OWNS these characters...it is exactly the kind of stuff and moments Bendis failed at.

To top it off we now have an arc with Kang, Genocide, Celestials and new Apocalypse twin villians...I really dig this book.

So my pendulum is swinging to "edge Remender" in this Avengers era..but I don't expect Hickman to lag behind for long, it was an awkward issue for Hickman, but really it is a great time for Avengers books.

 

[JewishHobbit]

BOUGHT/THOUGHT for MAY 1, 2013

I did something I've not done in over a decade... I passed on an event. I skimmed Age of Ultron and just shrugged so badly that I didn't even feel bad putting it back on the shelf. I figure I'll just skim the rest and if the ending makes it work the $12 or so dollars then I'll get the back issues, and if not, then awesome.

Yesterday was my three tens and a two birthday! Mom gave me $40 so I went out and tried some extra stuff today. First off, I bought the next 3 trades of Walking Dead (11-13) and I am loving this series. Enjoying Walking Dead so much got me more interested in trying indie stuff so I got Jupiter's Legacy last week. I enjoyed that, so since I had extra money I saw a book that caught my eye. Now to review it:

Abe Sapien #1-2 - Despite the fact that I've not read a single issue of it, I've always been a little interested in Hellboy. I don't know a thing about Abe Sapien but his look always intrigued me, and in seeing the second issue on the new issue wall, and seeing that the first issue was still in stock, I picked them up and really enjoyed them. I feel like I'm coming into a story part way, and in reading the letters and stuff I realize that there's apparently several titles in Abe's world, but this seems fairly stand alone so far. The art is fantastic, and I find Abraham to be an interesting character. I'm typically not one on monster stories but this one has an interesting feel to it. If I can drop enough Marvel or DC stuff, I might continue this title. I certainly enjoyed it enough to do so.

All New X-Men #11 - Another good issue by Bendis that unfortunately lost its impact due to the past two issues of Uncanny ruining its surprise. I swear I can't stand when Marvel (and Bendis specifically) does that. If you're going to make two titles go off of each other, make sure they release in a way that doesn't ruin each other. GOD I hate that.

Other than that, though, the story was good. We got into the X-Men's heads as the original Angel turned on the team and joined Cyclops, along with the Cuckoos. Jean gets torn a new one by Kitty for abusing her powers, and the Uncanny Avengers come for a visit. Immonen's art is fantastic as always and Bendis does a great job on dialogue and pacing. This is definitely my favorite Marvel NOW title and I hope it continues with this quality. Looking forward to the next issue.

Phantom Stranger #8 - I keep saying that this is on my potential drop list but I swear I just keep loving every issue. It started very mediocre, which put it on the list, but about 3 or 4 issues ago it really started picking up. I've loved every issue since Dematteis took over the main writing of the book and this one was one of the best yet. So screw it, this is no longer on the potential drop list. I'm enjoying it too much.

As for the story itself, we really get into the Phantom Stranger's head as he's confronted by a new character called the Sin Eater (as apposed to the Marvel version). Through this character we learn that Phantom Stranger essentially dispersed the real Philip Stark to the cosmos and took over his life because Stark was a murderer who was planning on killing his family that night. Stranger took the love that Stark had for his family and "killed" the real Stark and grew to love his family and has been masquerading as Stark ever since. Problem is, this Sin Eater turns out to be Stark himself, pulled back together and rather evil. And he's also the one who stole Stranger's family. However, just before the Stranger can attack Stark, the Justice League Dark revive him and he's pulled away, but not before gleaning the location of his family. It was a great JLD guest star appearance and I hope they stick around more. I like seeing them working with the Stranger.

All in all it was a great issue with fitting art (which I'm getting used to) and fantastic storytelling. I wish this title sold better, but at least DC has a better threshold than Marvel regarding sales.

Aquaman #19 - Johns continues doing a superb job on this book. I won't go into much detail because I just realized I need to pick up my wife from work, but the story progresses wonderfully and I'm curious where it goes. I'll be glad to see the Others return next issue. I liked them.


Best and Worst of the Week

Best: Phantom Stranger - It was just a solid,informational issue. I found that I enjoyed this more than the other titles this week, though they were all good. No losers here.

Worst: Aquaman - This isn't really fair, as it was still a great issue. It was just a really good week.

 

[Phaedrus45]

I'll give Phantom Stranger another look. I had dropped it after issue #3; but, always giving to check out a book again.

I just read the last Avenger's Arena from last week. Another fantastic issue! This book is amazing, and it gives me each week what I most want from my comics: Great characterization along with a good story. Sure, people complained about the concept; but, if a story is told well, it's sure as heck much better than another boring old story that just gives a "seen it before" action tale without making a person care for the characters involved. I keep wondering of Avenger's Arena is my favorite Marvel title; and, after much thought, I have to say it is.

Avenger's Arena is easily a 5/5. So many characters; but, Hopeless makes the reader care and understand each one. (Like the issue before this, we get a complete understanding of how and why Arcade is the way he is. Patience is a virtue; but, comic readers sometimes aren't that patient.)

 

[CrimsonMist]

Abe Sapien #1-2 - Despite the fact that I've not read a single issue of it, I've always been a little interested in Hellboy. I don't know a thing about Abe Sapien but his look always intrigued me, and in seeing the second issue on the new issue wall, and seeing that the first issue was still in stock, I picked them up and really enjoyed them. I feel like I'm coming into a story part way, and in reading the letters and stuff I realize that there's apparently several titles in Abe's world, but this seems fairly stand alone so far. The art is fantastic, and I find Abraham to be an interesting character. I'm typically not one on monster stories but this one has an interesting feel to it. If I can drop enough Marvel or DC stuff, I might continue this title. I certainly enjoyed it enough to do so.

I've been reading the Hellboy world for a long time now. Probably since the first film came out. These comics are some of the best comics around. The story is compelling. No earth shattering events that result in the re-establishing of the previous status quo. when characters die, they stay that way(kinda). The focus is ALWAYS on story and that's what will always win me over. Plus, they have some of the best art in their books. Yes, they're "monster" books, but the characters are nothing less than human.

I would suggest sticking with it. The only REAL title you should be following is BPRD: Hell on Earth. There are currently 4 Hell On Earth TPBs out there. 5 and 6 come out in July and August. There are 12 previous TPBs that have been collected into 4 massive hardcovers called "BPRD: Plague of Frogs", which are all fantastic(and pretty cheap too, especially compared to Marvel and DC).

The other books, like BPRD: 1948, BPRD: Vampire, Sledgehammer '44, the myriad Lobster Johnson one-shots and minis, or Witchfinder minis aren't key narrative books, but certainly make the world much richer and tied together.

I would also suggest picking up Hellboy In Hell. It's a kinda/sorta on-going when Mignola decides to do an issue. Four issues in. Won't be collected any time soon. BPRD: Hell on Earth, Abe Sapien and Hellboy In Hell are the titles to read.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I'll give Phantom Stranger another look. I had dropped it after issue #3; but, always giving to check out a book again.

That's funny because I think issue 5 is where it really started getting good for me, and that story started with issue 4, which I thought was decent.I don't know if it'd be for everyone, but I've really been enjoying it. I nearly dropped it after issue 2 or 3 myself but stayed with it because I like the Spectre and knew he was coming up in issue 5. Fortunately, issue 5 sucked me in and it's maintained that quality ever since.

I think a big part of that is because Didio stopped writing the book and just comes up with the basic plots. DeMatteis has started scripting and it shows. While the first few issues were misc. stories in the life of the Phantom Stranger, a real plot started developing starting with issue 4 that's been playing out ever since, and the first 3 (4 if you include 0) were putting pieces in place. It's at least worth trying up to issue 5 or 6.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I've been reading the Hellboy world for a long time now. Probably since the first film came out. These comics are some of the best comics around. The story is compelling. No earth shattering events that result in the re-establishing of the previous status quo. when characters die, they stay that way(kinda). The focus is ALWAYS on story and that's what will always win me over. Plus, they have some of the best art in their books. Yes, they're "monster" books, but the characters are nothing less than human.

I would suggest sticking with it. The only REAL title you should be following is BPRD: Hell on Earth. There are currently 4 Hell On Earth TPBs out there. 5 and 6 come out in July and August. There are 12 previous TPBs that have been collected into 4 massive hardcovers called "BPRD: Plague of Frogs", which are all fantastic(and pretty cheap too, especially compared to Marvel and DC).

The other books, like BPRD: 1948, BPRD: Vampire, Sledgehammer '44, the myriad Lobster Johnson one-shots and minis, or Witchfinder minis aren't key narrative books, but certainly make the world much richer and tied together.

I would also suggest picking up Hellboy In Hell. It's a kinda/sorta on-going when Mignola decides to do an issue. Four issues in. Won't be collected any time soon. BPRD: Hell on Earth, Abe Sapien and Hellboy In Hell are the titles to read.

I, unfortunately, don't have the money to buy those trades, or any new title really. I'm killing myself picking up Abe Sapien or Jupiter's Legacy. I don't know what's wrong with me for even trying them.

Here's a question though. I noticed in Abe Sapien 1, there's some sort of note in the beginning credits about it being chapter 10, or part 10, or something like that, and issue 2 is part 11. What's that about? Were the first 9 partsin BPRD?

 

[Mad Ones]

BOUGHT/THOUGHT MAY 1

I only have one issue to review today, ANXM. I buy Superior Spiderman and X-Factor, but I usually don't read them right away so I never review them.

All New X-men #11: The art is phenomenal and the emotional beats in the story are very engaging, but this issue would have been better if it came out before the Uncanny X-men issue that revealed (in kind of a lame way) that Angel switched sides. However, Angel's decision becomes sidelined and the focus turns to how much of mistake Beast made and Jean Grey's ethics. It's clear that Bendis is aware of the time/space continuum and it's a major underlying theme in the series. What I really like is how special this makes the O5. Reality and the 616 timeline are dependent on the O5, and everyone is starting realize it and seriously question Beast's judgement in bringing them to the present.

Jean gets a lot of the spotlight this issue, and it becomes clear what "kind" of Jean Grey Benids is writing. I personally like the Jean who is motherly, moral, and confident, but I know many have found that boring. So Bendis is making ANXN highlight how explosive it is when her temper and righteousness combine, making her more broadly interesting. While I still await adult Jean to come back with all her confidence and strength, Bendis is at least making me care about teen Jean. I actually care about whether or not she relapses in using her powers unethically, and empathize what the great deal of emotional trauma she's experiencing right now. The Kitty/Jean conversation was the best moment of the series so far, although I think Storm deserves a place in mentoring her as well.

Emma and the Cuckoo's were a blast this issue. The rivalry dynamic is being played up to great effect by including the Cuckoo's in on it, as well as highlighting how much Jean has to live up.

I'm just really interested in where this series is going to go. Like Kitty said, the group dynamic has changed and the O5 aren't the same O5 we knew.

Also: It was nice seeing X-Factor referenced. Most writers lately write Jean as if she died during the Dark Phoenix Saga and never came back.

 

[CrimsonMist]

I, unfortunately, don't have the money to buy those trades, or any new title really. I'm killing myself picking up Abe Sapien or Jupiter's Legacy. I don't know what's wrong with me for even trying them.

Here's a question though. I noticed in Abe Sapien 1, there's some sort of note in the beginning credits about it being chapter 10, or part 10, or something like that, and issue 2 is part 11. What's that about? Were the first 9 partsin BPRD?

I think you should reconsider your pull list and keep Abe on there

As for the numbering:

In the past, every BPRD story arc was released as it's own mini series with it's own individual numbering system. But they always maintained a constant numbering system as well. For example, the first BPRD mini is listed on the cover as 1-5. The second mini is listed on the cover as 1-5, but the second mini is technically 6-10.

They maintained that up until they hit issue 100 in BPRD. Now the cover reads BPRD: Hell On Earth #100, ::insert story title here #1). They're maintaining the constant numbering now.

So for Abe, there have been a total of 12 books with Abe's name on it. All mini series. Though this new one is supposed to be an on-going. Whether the next story arc will be Ape Sapien #4 or Abe Sapien: The Adventure Continues #1 is to be determined.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Ah, I understand. Sort of like when Marvel had their duel numbering on covers back in the early-mid oos. And. Really did like Abe and will likely finish out this story at the least. I'm dropping Age of Ultron, New Avengers, and probably Uncanny X-Force. Possibly Batman & Robin and one or two others. And Batman Incorporated ends soon, so I think I can afford to keep Abe on for a testing period.

 

[chamber-music]

Age Of Ultron was meh. Another Superheroes vs Superheroes fight.

Marvel probably joygasmed themselves into a coma with that Wolverine vs Wolverine fight.

BOUGHT/THOUGHT for MAY 1, 2013
Phantom Stranger #8 - I keep saying that this is on my potential drop list but I swear I just keep loving every issue.

I don't know alot of these DC supernatural characters but I've been enjoying the hell out of reading them.

I wish Marvel would take a second look at some of their magic/Supernatural characters and I don't just mean that lame Morbius title they are putting out right now.

 

[JewishHobbit]

For some reason, I've never cared about Marvel's magic/Supernatural characters. I liked the first 40 or so issues of the 90s Ghost Rider series and Dr. Strange: the Oath... but that's about where it stops.

I guess if you count Iron Fist but I'm not sure he'd really fit in with that genre.

 

[chamber-music]

I liked the 90s Ghost Rider, Midnight Sons, Morbius stuff and classic Doctor Strange stuff. Damien Hellstrom, Agatha Harkness and Werewolf By Night are alright as well.

 

[Brainiac 8]

Age of Ultron is basically like Bendis wanted to write something on the scale of Age of Apocalypse but just doesn't have the ability to accomplish that.

The story is so muddled and flip floppy as to what type of story he wants to write, and the time travel mechanic just nixed any permanency the story might have had.

And yes, Marvel probably leaked all over the place when Bendis presented a Wolverine vs Wolverine fight as a show piece of the 'event.'

 

[JTStarkiller]

Man, I've been slammed the last couple weeks. I'm still kinda catching up with last week's books. Finally read Avengers #10, which I thought was superb. I'm just loving the scale of this book.

l'll agree with all the sentiments here about All New X-Men that the schedule completely ruined it. The sudden "reveal" in Uncanny was lame, and then All New felt like a waste.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Bendis/Marvel did that a few times in Avengers as well and it always got under my skin. What's the point of writing a cliffhanger if you aren't going to deliver on the reveal?

 

[Tvar10]

Is Thor God of Thunder worth checking out? I've never read a Thor book before but this one seems interesting

 

[JewishHobbit]

Heck to the yes!

I've read very little Thor in my time as a comics fan and really don't care about the character at all, and it's just sucked me in. Fantastic concept, writing, and art, and the next arc sounds good as well. It's really good, and I hate that Marvel's double-shippings is likely going to force me to stop buying it

 

[runawayboulder]

Thor God of Thunder is in a constant neck and neck battle with Hickman's Avengers books as being the best Marvel title. It is simply fantastic on all levels.

 

[Tvar10]

Ill have to pick up some back issues today then. Thanks for the info