Pretty good sized week. The only book I was considering but didn't get was Astonishing X-Men. I was only buying it for the Iceman arc and was considering this one since it was supposed to be the aftermath. There were definitely aftermath moments, but nothing about it made me want to lay the $4 down for it.
On to what I did buy:
Wolverine & the X-Men 35 - The conclusion to the Hellfire Saga was full of action, but somehow left me unfulfilled. I liked the Nightcrawler cameo. I'm still annoyed that no one in the mansion seems to ever question that they're overrun by little Nightcrawlers. I don't think it's even been mentioned since issue 1. They just accepted it.
Anyhow, the issue was good. I'm glad that Husk and Broo seem to be back in their right minds. I like that Kid Omega is taking a step toward heroism, and I even liked his being with Idie (though I'm pretty sure he's a few years older than her... her being around 14). I was hoping for a concrete ending to the kid Hellfire Club, and it seems we have, but not to the characters. They all lived and are on their separate paths. I am glad that Krakoa made it through this because I thought for sure Aaron was going to kill him off.
All in all it was a good issue. Above average for Wolverine & the X-Men of late, but not as good as the past couple of issues. Still, it was decent. I just might continue with the book post-Battle of the Atom. We'll see. Also, the Nightcrawler cameo kinda sorta made me excited for Amazing X-Men. I just miss the Fuzzy Elf
Uncanny X-Men 11 - I really like Frazer Irving on this book. While I like how Bachelo draws the Cuckoos better, I think Irving does a better job on everything else. The story itself was pretty good, though it felt a bit strange. I don't know who sent the robot thing and I'm hoping it's someone interesting. I don't know if it's tied in to Battle of the Atom or if it'll be touched upon later, but I guess we'll see. He reminds me a little of Archer, from the last year or so of the original X-Factor title.
I think a large part of what bugs me on this book is still the costumes. Particularly I can't stand Cyclops' or Magneto's looks. Magneto's specifically. I just get annoyed every time I see it. Still, it was a very good issue. I enjoyed it just fine.
Uncanny Avengers 11 - Oh my God. How is it possible to have a title full of this many awesome characters and with this much action feel so slow and dragged out. I feel like this story is going nowhere. There are just too many characters and too may plots that it's making the story move at a snail's pace. I'm honestly beginning to debate on whether it's worth my continual purchase. I like what's happening and promises of what's to come, but I feel like we're never going to get there. I think this is definitely a title that'll be better when read in one sitting.
Also, has Remender always been this wordy? I don't remember him being like that in Uncanny X-Force or Punisher. I guess maybe he was a bit wordy in the End League, so maybe it's a style he's coming back to. I don't know.
Still, it was a good issue. I'm just ready for this plot to move forward.
Young Avengers 9 - This book has fallen to "skim first" status for me, but this issue was pretty good. McKelvie's art is gorgeous as always and I liked everything having to do with Prodigy. The romance focus is starting to get annoying. It felt like half the plot has been focused on Hulkling and Wiccan's relationship so far and now we're turning it into a triangle with Prodigy. I'm not a big fan of romantic triangles. They annoy me.
Still, the story has definitely been getting better since the first arc ended, but this aimless chasing for two issues has been a little boring. I feel like the two issues of plot should have been a single issue, but that's just me. The book stays on "skim-first" status, but it's not dropped yet.
New Avengers 9 - The first official New Avengers tie-in to Infinity (though issue 8 took place between Infinity 1 and this). It was pretty decent but mostly setting the stage. Thanos' soldiers attacked the Illuminati individually while searching for the last Infinity Gem. It was cool to see Wakanda win (though we didn't actually see it) and then to see Namor lie to send more of Thanos' troops after them. I want to call him a *****e for that but Wakanda kinda has it coming this time. The Wakanda/Atlantis feud is the best part of this book right now. It's what keeps me coming back.
This was definitely a good issue, so I'll just keep on trucking with the book and with Infinity for now. I'm very interested in where this is all going.
Talon 11 - I've been enjoying this title but this issue was kinda boring, and the art was horrible. It was dark and muddy and I sometimes had a difficult time figuring out what was going on. And I was hoping for an awesome Talon/Bane fight but it wasn't there. I suppose that'll be coming after Villains Month (with Batman in tow), and hopefully it'll be better than this issue was. It wasn't a bad issue. Just disappointing.
Aquaman 23 - This story felt hastily wrapped up before Villains Month. I mean, a lot happened, and it was definitely entertaining. But unlike previously mentioned titles, I think this issue could have benefited from stretching another issue.
That said, this isn't the end of this storyline, but there's definitely a break in the story to allow for some suspense while we focus on the villains. Aquaman's rather large cast contains some of the most diverse and 3-dimensional characters in any book I read. I love everything about it. I never thought I'd say it but Aquaman is one of my favorite books right now. It's certainly the MOST consistent, and that says a lot.
Justice League 23 - Ah, here's the big one... the conclusion to the Trinity War. Sadly, Marvel and DC feel the need to spoil their stuff in advance so what could have been an awesome ending ended up being just a shrug because nothing in it was a surprise. We knew the box led to Earth 3 and we knew the Crime Syndicate was behind it all. Knowing that, we could also figure out rather easily that the Outsider was Earth 3's Alfred Pennyworth. The only thing I didn't see coming was the Atom working for the Outsider (her being from Earth 3), but I think that was because she was so obviously I assumed it wasn't her. Based on the Free Comic Book Day preview of this story and Batman running with the box and Batman being on Forever Evil covers... I assumed Batman was going to be the traitor somehow (mind controlled or replaced).
I think it's also safe to say that the Justice League are going to be sent through Pandora's Box to Earth 3, which is why they are "dead" for Forever Evil... but instead of that happening here, it's "To Be Continued." So this isn't a definitive end to the story at all. The story continues into "Forever Evil" next week, where I assume the Justice League's demise will be played out.
Still, all that aside it was a good issue. What happened to Cyborg was brutal and I'm curious how that plays out. I also liked Constantine's role in this story. Trinity War was a fun read, and while it wasn't the best thing since the New 52 started, it was still enjoyable. I find myself very excited for Forever Evil. THAT'S what I'm waiting for.
Best and Worst of the Week
Best: Aquaman - While it did feel a little rushed in places, it was still a solid and excited ending to this story (or at least this portion of the story). I'm eager to see how this story plays out in October.
Worst: Talon - I do enjoy this title, but this issue was a big disappointment. Hopefully it'll pick itself back up after Villains Month.
. I love Parker's humor and wit and I may be in the few but I love his personality on the Avengers. If I want to read a narcissistic, foul mouth, a-hole I'd go read something with edit: Deadpool, at least he's funny.
