avenging spider-man Archives - Page 3 of 3

It’s a think stack of books this week as we head into the last month of the year. What company is going out with a bang and making the case to be the publisher of year? Find out below!

Animal Man #4 – We learn what the Rot is and what they want, sort of. It’s also laid out as to what’s been pretty obvious, we’ll be getting a crossover pretty soon with Swamp Thing, because nothing says simplifying a comic universe like interconnected stories and crossovers.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Avenging Spider-Man #2 – Lots of action, great art and enough to get me to laugh quite a few times. This series is exactly what comics should be, fun and easy to get into. So entertaining, I highly recommend it, and this is from someone who has never been a big Spider-Man fan.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Batman: Detective Comics #4 – Batman continues to fight the Dollmaker to a rather unsatisfying conclusion. Really, nothing is resolved here and it all gets pushed off for another story arc. This is definitely the weakest of the Batman books.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Batwing #4 – We get the origin of Batwing and while there’s so much to mine, the fact it’s told so quickly without much depth makes it all shallow. There’s a lot here to work with, but the first steps just doesn’t go into the depth it deserves.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

Chew #22 – Tony is on a mission to find his daughter as he winds up getting into trouble himself. The issue isn’t as solid as the series usually is, but was still entertaining. An even ok issue of Chew is better than the majority of books out there.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

the Defenders #1 – The team is gathered by Hulk to take on the Breaker of Worlds, and I yawn, a lot. The series first issue just didn’t do it for me at all.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Fear Itself: the Fearless #4 – The Fear Itself follow up is as bad as the series that it’s spun out of. Someone needs to go and see what blood looks like in water and the story is just plodding and boring. Get to the action quicker, because this race to get all of the hammers is pretty damn boring.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6

Jennifer Blood #7 – After Jennifer has taken care of her targets, I’ve been wondering where the series would go from here, but we now get an idea. The over the top violently funny series continues it’s depraved streak as various new plot threads are weaved that all promise to continue the entertaining sickness of the series. This “female Punisher” looks like it’s finally getting an identity of it’s own.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Mega Man #8 – Mega Man’s second battle with Dr. Wiley comes to an end and the comic is still great for all ages. It’s a lot of similar events as the first one with some small twists here and there, but hopefully the third story arc will transcend the predictable plot of the video game it’s based on.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Moon Knight #8 – Lots of Moon Knight and Echo action here as they take on Count Nefaria and Moon Knight as deals with a certain detective. The series is fantastic, not just in it’s writing, but also the art. This is easily one of the best comic book series Marvel is putting out and one of the best out there period.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

the Punisher #6 – Frank and Rachel meet as they both go after their targets. There’s a very interesting dual narrative going on, one with a white motif and the other black. A lot is working for the comic, in it’s simple execution it’s actually pretty damn deep. The art is a little off, but overall, the execution is solid.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Red Lanterns #4 – Writer Peter Milligan continues to shuffle up these one note characters. Depth is attempting to be given and it’s working only a little. There’s a pretty big hurtle that he has to overcome in getting this series to really justify it existing on it’s own and it’s getting there, just very slowly.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Stormwatch #4 – Hmmm, I’m still torn on the series and it’s not until this issue it starts to really find it’s voice and not seem so jumbled. The art is decent and characters interesting, but still something doesn’t totally click. I’ll keep going for now, but the series teeters on the edge of being dropped by me.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Swamp Thing #4 – And we get the Green’s take on the battle with the Rot. The series is great with it’s companion series Animal Man and like that series stands on it’s own, but I can’t help but think how complicated a story the two are telling when part of the point of the DCnU was to simplify it all. Overall though, the two put together a compelling tale.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles: Micro-Series Raphael – A pretty decent one-shot that adds to the main TMNT comic book series. Raphael is out on patrol with Casey Jones and meets a new mutated creature. Some pretty cool stuff that will leave fans of the cartoon or previous comic iterations with a smile on their face.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Venom #10 – Some old acquaintances come calling for Venom as Captain America comes to shut the program down. It’s an interesting start to the post Spider-Island direction. I liked the series before, so here’s hoping it quickly gets back on it’s feet and gives us the same quality as before.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Villains for Hire #1 – Huh, not what I was expecting but very good. It looks like this is a bridge from Heroes for Hire into something else, and I can’t wait to see what.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

X-Club #1 – And the point of this limited series is?

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

X-Factor #228 – Interesting. Now we know the secret between Layla and Guido. Not sure I particularly like that revelation, but interesting.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

X-Men #22 – This team of X-Men have a lot of Sentinels to take on. The story is interesting and art has it’s moments, but the series is still fresh and doesn’t have enough yet to really stand out on it’s own.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

X-23 #18 – Amazing art but schizophrenic story.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7

Pick of the Week – Heart #2

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Brett

Heart #2, the mixed martial arts comic by Blair Butler is beyond fantastic. The focus stays on the people inside the ring and what drives them to do what they do. But, it’s more than just the character development and MMA action that make this a must read, it’s also the numerous small details Butler adds throughout the comic. The type of fighting styles each fighter has, their entrance music, it’s all detailed in this behind the scenes look at the scene. This is a comic for MMA and comic book fans alike.

Heart #2 – see above
The Last of the Greats #3 – Joshua Hale Fialkov’s comic about a being who is the last of his kind and may be a villain or savior of humankind keeps you on your toes. This entire series is out there.
Avenging Spider-Man #2 – I loved the first issue. Beyond fantastic.
Voltron #1 – I grew up in the 80’s, nuff said. I’ve been pumped for this since it was announced.
Cold War #3 – Read it, just fantastic.

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 11/9/11

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Brett

A pretty good stack of books this week. Find out what’s worth it below.

Avenging Spider-Man #1 – When a comic has me laughing out loud multiple times that’s a good sign. The comic has energy, fun and excitement dripping out of it’s pages. The writing by Zeb Wells is perfect with some amazing one-liners and the art by Joe Madureira is as fantastic as I’d expect. I can’t wait for the second issue. Is all of Spider-Man this fun?

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Batgirl #3 – Everyone is worried about Barbara Gordon. She’s recovering you know… That fact and that she’s experienced a miracle is beat over our head throughout this issue as she attempts to diffuse a bomb, chats with her dad and goes toe to toe in a flirtatious fight with Nightwing. Some lines in this comic just make me even more confused about the new 52 timeline. Just best to ignore all of that. The comic isn’t bad and is quite entertaining, it’s just the repeated mentioning of some simple facts in Babs life that keep being repeated each issue, that feels old already.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Batman and Robin #3 – The first three issues really seem to be about Damian and the fine line he walks between vigilante who has some sort of moral code and a full on murderer. The villain is the represent that latter side. A “good guy” who brings the ultimate justice to criminals. Damian is caught between that and Batman’s style and interesting intro story. This issue is good continuing to build on what’s been one of the better comics of the new 52.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Battle Scars #1 – An attempt to introduce a new character post Fear Itself it would seem. I’ll read it, but so far not too impressed.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Batwoman #3 – The art is amazing, absolutely stunning. The layouts just make you question the visual aspect of comic book story telling and show what can be done. The story though is a mixed bag. There’s a lot I like here, like Kate Kane’s personal life and her juggling that with being Batwoman but the Weeping Woman thing confounds me.

Story: 7 Art: 9.5 Overall: 7.5

Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive #525 – The other pulp comic Marvel is doing. Black Panther now faces the Kingpin who is making a move on Wakanda and has the Hand to help him. The story is interesting, art great as usual. The series is one that deserves an audience as it’s pretty high quality and entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Fear Itself #7.2 – Wait, what the hell happened? We get a new God of Thunder, which everyone just seems to accept but hoisting beers and he seems to have no issues with his fellow Avengers and then is that Don Blake? I’m so confused. Then there’s the ending which we could all predict. Sigh….

Story: 6.75 Art: 9 Overall: 7

Green Lantern #3 – Um, that was a bit unexpected. Jordan has to come to grips with his new role and Sinestro’s as well. The two have to team up too, which makes it all a bit more complicated. All the while it seems the Guardians are plotting on what to do next. There’s some hints we’ll be seeing some fireworks soon and that ending definitely caught me off guard.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Huntress #2 – Pretty similar to the first issue but Huntress now has a better idea as to who the first target should be, but clearly there’s someone higher or something bigger going on. The art is great and story is solid, I just wonder if it really needs to be six issues and whether it might read better as a trade or graphic novel. Still, a strong female lead, great story and art, it’s a comic that’s a buy.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Jennifer Blood #6 – This is a very interesting series. Jennifer has got her revenge and lays it out there for the final victim. After all her talk, you’re left to think. Is she as bad as they are? Is she somehow more perverse due to her duality? Is she a new type of feminist? It’s a series I’d love to debate folks about. A female lead with twisted violence and sexuality that only Garth Ennis can do.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Journey Into Mystery #631 – An interesting issue where Loki has to deal with the new status-quo of Asgard. It’s all about setting up the future and the pseudo Shakespearean speak bothers me still, but the character of Loki is back to his roots and very entertaining. This is really for the hardcore Thor fans.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Magneto: Not a Hero #1 – A lot I like, especially the interaction between Cyclops, Magneto, Captain America and Iron Man but the second half teeters a bit diving into X-Men history I’m a bit fuzzy on. It’s not quite as new reader friendly as I’d hope, but still entertaining.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

The New Avengers #18 – Osborn is back and he’s forming his own group of Avengers again. This issue focuses on that as well as why A.I.M., Hydra, some Hand and H.A.M.M.E.R. are all coming behind his leadership. Something awesome is brewing here, you can just tell.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Point One – Hmmm, there’s a lot here and about half of it gets me interested, but that’s for stuff I’d probably buy anyways. Also, a lot of the stories teased here have been set up in other series. It’s also probably not quite enough to suck in and get a new reader interested. But, it’s interesting for the most part. I have to give Marvel props for trying, but this comes up short overall.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

Rachel Rising #3 – It’s a horror comic that’s creepy more than anything. There’s a lot here that’s disturbing and still a mystery as to exactly what’s going on, but I’m hooked. It’s all interesting and different, definitely a comic I look forward to each month to see how it’d unfold.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Resurrection Man #3 – We get a bit better of a sense as to what’s going on here and the mystery deepens really. Isn’t the “caught between heaven and hell” schtick more of a John Constatine thing? No matter, the comic is entertaining as it explains a lot of what’s going on, but the ending makes me feel like I missed something. I’m sure for long time DC fans it’s a cool moment but for me, I shouldn’t have to go to wikipedia to get the back story after the relaunch.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Suicide Squad #3 – The issue is a bit choppy in the story telling as it just back and forth in time though that’s not totally clear. There’s an essence of time with the series that could be played up a lot better, but overall it seems to just be getting it’s footing and it’s pretty entertaining.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Superboy #3 – Well, I think that answers who Red really is. Superboy is out and discovering what the real world is like. That’s interesting, but there’s not enough of it. We also learn a bit about who this Superboy really is, also interesting stuff. Overall though, we’re still in the set up phase and the verdict is still out on the series overall.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #4 – Bendis has put together a comic that plays off nicely on what’s coming before creating a connected transition that doesn’t feel forced but a natural passing of the torch. The story is still in the whole discovering powers phase but Miles and his friends seem interesting and there’s a sense of fun that flows off the page. I’ve never been a big fan of the Ultimate universe, but I’m a fan of this newly rebooted series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Uncanny X-Force #17 – Wow. The issue is impressive and is filled with moments that make me say holy shit. I have no idea what to expect and what’s going to happen next. For a series to keep my on my toes just shoes how top notch it is. So far everything has been on the table and so much being pulled out of so many different places. The Dark Angel Saga is going to go down as one of the best “X” arcs ever.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Wolverine #18 – A nice mix of action and humor as Logan and friends take on the Jade Claw. An entertaining issue that’s leading the series away from the depressing morose plot it’s had for way too long.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

X-Men: Legacy #258 – Why is there a moment where I can see the writer pausing to figure out how to end this arc and get everyone home? The X-Men save the day and get folks back to Earth, shocker. It’s really all to set up what happens next.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Around the Tubes

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Brett

I missed yesterday’s edition of the series, so here’s a few extra stories to keep your weekend full of news you can use (for what I have no idea).

Around the Blogs:

Comics Alliance – Spider-Man Musical Breaks Accident-Free Streak with New Actor Injury – Oooo, I get to start making fun again!

Comics Alliance – How to Donate Comic Books to Troops Serving Overseas with Operation Gratitude – The troops appreciate it a lot.

Around the Tubes Reviews:

CBR – Avenging Spider-Man #1

Comic Revolution – Batman: Noel

CBR – Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season 9 #3

Bleeding Cool – Incredible Hulk #2

Comics Nexus – Marvel Point One

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 11/9/11

Your First Look At Avenging Spider-Man #2 With Free Digital Code!

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Brett

Your First Look At AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #2 WITH FREE DIGITAL CODE!

The series everyone’s talking about kicks it up a gear in this first look at Avenging Spider-Man #2 With Free Digital Code! From the blockbuster creative team of Zeb Wells & Joe Madureira pit the team-up of Red Hulk & Spidey against an unstoppable army of Moloids! Don’t forget that every purchase of a polybagged issue of Avenging Spider-Man #2 comes with a special code to be redeemed for a free digital copy of the issue on the Marvel Comics app! With J. Jonah Jameson held hostage, can Spider-Man and Red Hulk fight back the hordes of underground dwellers to save the day? The high octane web-slinging action continues this December in Avenging Spider-Man #2 With Free Digital Code!

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #2 WITH FREE DIGITAL CODE (OCT110628)
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #2 MCGUINNESS VARIANT WITH FREE DIGITAL CODE (OCT11029)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Art & Cover by JOE MADUREIRA
Variant Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Rated T+…$3.99
FOC – 11/7/11, ON SALE – 12/7/11

Avenging Spider-Man #1, 2 & 3 – Now With Codes For Free Digital Copy!

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #1, 2 & 3—Now With Codes For Free Digital Copy!

As a result of the overwhelming support for the Avenging Spider-Man #1 With Free Digital Code* free digital copy promotion, Marvel is proud to announce that now every issue of Avenging Spider-Man’s action packed first arc, will be polybagged with a code for a FREE digital copy! So when you purchase any print copy of Avenging Spider-Man #1, #2 AND #3 from the blockbuster creative team of Zeb Wells & Joe Madureira, you’ll get a free digital copy of that issue on the Marvel Comics app (for iOS and Android devices) at no extra cost!
“At New York Comic Con we heard from fans and retailers that this was the most exciting digital comics move of the year because of the added value it gives every copy of Avenging Spider-Man,” said David Gabriel, Marvel SVP of Sales. “Based on initial orders of over 100,000 units for the first issue—and the steady increase in orders since we’ve begun promotion on this plan—we knew that including a code for a free digital copy in future issues of Avenging Spider-Man not only excites our retailers, but incentivizes fans to come into stores for one of the year’s hottest new releases. It’s a win-win for everyone with no extra cost to readers and an increased revenue share for retailers.”

This November, no fan can miss the release of Avenging Spider-Man #1, available in stores with free digital copy and on the Marvel Comics app.

Retailers: Check The Diamond Retailer site for a detailed FAQ addressing any questions you might have about this new initiative, historic benefits to retailers and the Marvel Mailer for more information.

*Please note that Avenging Spider-Man #1 With Free Digital Code is the name of the book on the Diamond retailer site and that each of these issues will be polybagged.

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #1 WITH FREE DIGITAL CODE (SEP110536)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Art & Cover by JOE MADUREIRA
Rated T+…$3.99
ON SALE – 11/9/11

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #2 WITH FREE DIGITAL CODE (OCT110628)
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #2 MCGUINNESS VARIANT WITH FREE DIGITAL CODE (OCT11062)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Art & Cover by JOE MADUREIRA
Variant Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Rated T+…$3.99
FOC – 11/7/11, ON SALE – 12/7/11

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #3 WITH FREE DIGITAL CODE (NOV110525)
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #3 ASM 50TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT WITH FREE DIGITAL CODE (NOV110526)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Art & Cover by JOE MADUREIRA
Variant Cover by TBA
Rated T+…$3.99
FOC – 12/19/11, ON SALE – 1/18/11

Avenging Spider-Man #1 Makes Digital Comics History With Free Digital Copy

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #1 Makes Digital Comics History With Free Digital Copy

Marvel is making digital comics history once more, and proudly announcing that Avenging Spider-Man #1, from the superstar creative team of Zeb Wells and Joe Madureira, will be polybagged with a code for a FREE digital copy of this issue on the Marvel Comics app. That’s right: for no additional charge to the retailers or consumers, Marvel is making sure that everyone who purchases the print version of Avenging Spider-Man #1 (any cover, including all variants) at their local comic shop can get a free digital copy of the issue on the Marvel Comics app .This is the first time that any major comic publisher has offered a free digital copy of a comic with the purchase of the physical copy without any additional cost. This digital copy of Avenging Spider-Man #1 will be accessible via both the Marvel Comics app and the Marvel Chrome store.

“We’ve included our retail partners in crafting this program, and worked with ComicsPRO in determining what would make this program the most beneficial to consumers and retailers and I think we’ve come up with something that is not only unique and exciting, but a program that addresses most of the concerns retailers have had with previous digital programs. With the earliest initial orders already over 100,000 units, Avenging Spider-Man #1 is set to be one of the biggest new releases of the fall and demand can only increase with these free digital codes,” said David Gabriel, Marvel SVP of Sales. “Our goal here is to give consumers the extra added value that they have come to expect for their entertainment dollar as well as the very best in comics entertainment that they have come to expect from Marvel! And that’s not all, for the first time, customers will be able to qualify their retailers for rewards by redeeming the digital codes! We’re also developing a program designed to drive digital customers into brick and mortar comic shops to help increase their business. Bringing the worlds of print and digital together in this way gives the customer a great value and one we’re sure will result in even greater sales for retailers.”

Marvel has worked with some of the top retailers in the nation to ensure this historic new initiative benefits your local shops in major ways, including:

The largest digital revenue share with retailers from any major comic company
Ads in each digital issue of Avenging Spider-Man #1 directing fans to check out subsequent issues at their local comic shop
Driving digital comics customers to their local comic store through targeted communications based on customers’ state & retailer name
Development of a system to reward retailers for future digital purchases made by their customers
Providing retailers with information about customers who sign up for redemption and the rate of redemption

This November, no fan can miss the release of Avenging Spider-Man #1, available in stores with free digital copy and on the Marvel Comics app.

Retailers: Check The Diamond Retailer site for a detailed FAQ addressing any questions you might have about this new initiative and the Marvel Mailer for more information.

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #1 (SEP110536)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Art & Cover by JOE MADUREIRA
Rated T+…$3.99
FOC – 10/17/11, ON SALE – 11/9/11

J. Scott Campbell Covers Avenging Spider-Man #1!

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

J. Scott Campbell Covers AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #1!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at superstar artist, J. Scott Campbell’s, electrifying variant cover to Avenging Spider-Man #1! The blockbuster creative team of Zeb Wells and Joe Madureira bring fans one of the biggest launches of 2011! Not only does this new ongoing series mark the return of Joe Maduriera to comics, but also an entirely new chapter for the wall-crawler as he teams up with the biggest names of the Marvel Universe. This November, no fan can miss the Avenging Spider-Man #1 Campbell Variant!

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #1 CAMPBELL VARIANT (SEP110539)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Art by JOE MADUREIRA
Variant Cover by J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
FOC – 10/17/11, ON SALE – 11/9/11

Humberto Ramos Covers Avenging Spider-Man #1!

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Brett

Humberto Ramos Covers AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #1!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at fan favorite Spider-Man Artist, Humberto Ramos’, lush variant cover to Avenging Spider-Man #1! The blockbuster creative team of Zeb Wells and Joe Madureira bring fans one of the biggest launches of 2011! Not only does this new ongoing series mark the return of Joe Maduriera to comics, but also an entirely new chapter for the wall-crawler as he teams up with the biggest names of the Marvel Universe. This November, no fan can miss the Avenging Spider-Man #1 Ramos Variant!

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #1 RAMOS VARIANT (SEP110538)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Art by JOE MADUREIRA
Variant Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
FOC – 10/17/11, ON SALE – 11/9/11