The Super Bowl is almost here! Should be a good game, so that and comics is my weekend. What is everyone else’s plan?
Around the Tubes
ICv2 – Valiant Takes ‘Harbinger’ Movie In-House – Be interesting to see how their movies do.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Comicsgirl – Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld
CBR – Journey Into Mystery #648
Bleeding Cool – League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Nemo Heart Of Ice
This April, Sif embarks on a dangerous rescue mission in Journey Into Mystery #651, kicking off the all-new story from the creative team of writer Kathryn Immonen and artist Matteo Scalera!
The warrior Sif’s might rivals that of the Mighty Thor, but when the ravenous Fenris is awoken by one of her own, even she is outclassed! In order to save her home, she must band together with the Warriors Three and Thor to stop him – but when everything they need to stop the beast never existed – things go from bad to worse!
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #651
Written by KATHRYN IMMONEN
Art by MATTEO SCALERA
Cover by JEFF DEKAL
ON SALE THIS APRIL!
Just to warn you, the coverage might get a bit sporadic over the next few days as I attempt to take a vacation.
Around the Tubes
Bleeding Cool – Walking Dead Officially Renewed For Fourth Season But It’ll Need A New Showrunner – I’ll do the job and stick around a few seasons.
IGN – Levi, Sturgess Frontrunners for Guardians of the Galaxy – Levi could be cool.
IGN – Gail Simone Back on Batgirl -Congrats on being rehired!
Around the Tubes Reviews
Talking Comics – A+X #3
Prairie Nerds – All-New X-Men #1-5
Flickering Myth – Avengers #2
The Beat – The Black Beetle #0
Comicvine – Deathmatch #1
CBR – Hawkeye #6
CBR – Journey Into Mystery #647
Ely Standard 24 – Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration
Talking Comics – Wonder Woman #15
Talking Comics – X-Factor #249
The Beat – The Beat Comic Reviews for 19/12/12: Spiders, Birds, Harbingers and Dazzlers
Captain America #1
Writer Rick Remender has walked into difficult shoes to fill following up on Ed Brubaker’s modern classic run that saw Captain America at his best for years. This first issue absolutely falls short of that pivoting in a new direction almost too quickly.
The comic starts after a quick flashback with a bang reminding us bluntly that Captain America is neither left or right, just upholding the law. From there we pivot to his personal life and an item that seems to have come out of nowhere, then on to the big adventure and first baddie.
The problem is the adventure doesn’t make much sense. His costume and shield just appear and even the lead up to how he gets in the situation is choppy in how the story plays out. Towards the end, I had a feeling like I’d had picked up a copy of Cable while he was protecting Hope throughout time. Overall the issue came off to me as a cheap Flash Gordon knock-off and even then, making little sense as to what is going on.
Romita’s art is what I’d expect and his style to me is hit and miss, here it’s middling overall. I just have issues with the character design generally, too many people look too alike.
It’s just the first issue, so I’m doing my best to not get to hard on the comic, but it’s not looking good and I fear Captain America’s best stories might be behind him, for at least the short term.
Story: Rick Remender Art: John Romita Jr.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Indestructible Hulk #1
The only issue I have with this comic is how the Hulk and Banner are represented in other comics. This first issue has Bruce Banner negotiating with S.H.I.E.L.D. as to his role in the overall fight against bad guys as well as what he has to offer to the world. He’s basically turning himself in for some concessions. And that part of the comic is excellent, playing out like a chess match of words and minds.
My issue is, in other comics with Marvel NOW!’s reboot/relaunch already has the Hulk as an accepted part of the team, and his intelligence is all over the map. You’d think consistency is needed. So that either puts this comic earlier than say Avengers Assemble or there’s just some issues with continuity. It doesn’t make much sense really and makes my head hurt. But, Waid shouldn’t be blamed for Marvel’s inability to keep a character consistent.
The focus is on the comic itself. The storytelling and plotting is excellent and the art by Leinil Yu is fantastic. This is the gem of the Marvel NOW! launch right now. I’ve never been much of a Hulk fan, but Waid has get me looking forward to the second issue. Looks like this is further proof he’s one of the best writers out there right now.
Story: Mark Waid Art: Leinil Yu
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Journey Into Mystery #646
Journey Into Mystery has been a fantastic series… up until now. The writing was brilliant with each issue packed with wordage that had you reading carefully and with a smile. This issue is the first of it’s new direction with a new creative team. Instead of focusing on young Loki, the series now stars Lady Sif.
After a battle Asgard is victorious but damaged and Sif decides she wants to head on a mission to become a greater warrior so that Asgard can go on the offensive and no longer be attacked. This takes her on a journey that’s choppy and not all that fun.
In fact, the whole comic isn’t much fun, instead coming off as a bit depressing. And I was bummed about the character Sif herself. She’s supposed to be a great female warrior, and in this issue she’s doubting herself and downplays her ability. The comic should be about fantastical adventures, but instead we get a brooding character that has lost her mind.
This isn’t the Sif I’ve come to like and definitely not the Journey Into Mystery I’ve enjoyed.
Story: Kathryn Immonen Art: Valero Schiti
Story: 6.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Pass
Thanksgiving has come and gone. I pulled off some good gets online yesterday. Did folks take advantage of Black Friday? Here’s an extra long Around the Tubes catching up from the holiday.
Around the Tubes
Bleeding Cool – Dubai Bans V For Vendetta Mask – Hrm.
The Mary Sue – Dragon Age‘s Head Writer Explains the Value of Women on His Writing Team – Amen.
Washington Post – Top 10 Graphic/Comics Reads of 2012 – I still think these are too early.
ICv2 – Studios Fires Back at PETA – Can’t wait to see the mock stuff from PETA.
Bleeding Cool – DC Comics Issues Statement On Digital Distribution Timing – Interesting to see the response from everyone.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Talking Comics – Amazing Spider-Man #698
CBR – Amazing Spider-Man #698
Talking Comics – Captain America #1
IGN – Captain America #1
Talking Comics – Catwoman #14
CBR – Deadpool #2
Crimespree Magazine – The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo Vol. 1
Talking Comics – Indestructible Hulk #1
IGN – Indestructible Hulk #1
Talking Comics – Iron Man #2
Talking Comics – Journey Into Mystery #646
IGN – Journey Into Mystery #646
Talking Comics – Judge Dredd #1
Examiner – Mind the Gap #6
Fangoria – Shadowman #1
CBR – Ultimate Comics X-Men #18.1
Talking Comics – Wolverine & The X-Men #21
Complex – Review: “The Goon” Brings Grotesque Humor Back To Comics
The Beat – The Beat Comic Reviews for 20/11/12
The weekend is here and if you’re on the East coast like myself, you’re preparing for the weather apocalypse… which I’ll spend reading comics.
Around the Blogs
ComicsAlliance – Kirby Family Asks Court to Overturn Marvel Ruling – Interesting…
Around the Tubes Reviews
Make Wealth History – The Co-operative Revolution
Talking Comics – I, Vampire #13
CBR – Journey Into Mystery #645
Talking Comics – Multiple Warheads #1
Esquire – The Nao of Brown
Talking Comics – Punisher War Zone #1
Talking Comics – Talon #1
Paste Magazine – Comic Book & Graphic Novel Round Up 10/24/12
It’s Sunday… boo! But, it’s a long weekend. Yay! Here’s some news to keep you busy today.
Around the Blogs:
The Comichron – When Comic-Cons and political conventions clashed -Some fun history.
Around the Tubes Reviews:
Bleeding Cool – Debris #2
Bleeding Cool – Higher Earth #4
Talking Comics – Journey Into Mystery #642
Talking Comics – Memorial #1
Bleeding Cool – Wolverine And The X-Men #15
That’s another week covered. Slowly catching up and hopefully there’ll be another week reviewed by the end of this one!
America’s Got Powers #1 – Jonathan Ross and Bryan Hitch’s new series might be the Hunger Games meets superheroes and holy crap is it good. I kept turning each page with glee. So solid, words don’t do it justice at all. This is an absolute buy and will be the mini-series of the Summer.
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9
Avengers Assemble #2 – The Zodiac are gathering devices of amazing power and someone is in the background guiding them. The story is interesting, but series still seems a bit second class compared to the other Avengers titles. Still, the story is entertaining enough.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Avenging Spider-Man #6 – Spider-Man, Daredevil and the Punisher team up to protect the Omegadrive and take down five crime syndicates? Yes please! This issue combines the best of this series and Waid’s Daredevil with Rucka’s Punisher. So fantastic.
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9
Batgirl #8 – Barbara deals with one of the Joker’s henchmen that was present when she was shot. It’s a decent issue that’ll keep me interested in the series that much longer.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Batman and Robin #8 – Bruce must deal wit the after effects of his and Damian’s battle with Nobody. It’s a fantastic issue that focuses on a father and his son.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5
Batwoman #8 – Great art and layout with a confusing and muddled story. This is a pale comparison of the greatness that this series once saw. A shame too.
Story: 5 Art: 8 Overall: 6
The Bionic Man #8 – Kevin Smith and Phil Hester’s comic is the big screen movie I want to see. So much fun. So much action. So much entertainment.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Fantastic Four #605 – Reed and his father head through time to see what their recent actions have caused. The issue is fantastic I think focusing on the heart and relationship of characters.
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.75
Fatale #4 – Brubaker’s series is interesting, but not my cup of tea compared to his other previous noir series’. Something just isn’t clicking for me.
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7
Green Lantern #8 – Sinestro and Jordan are prisoners of the Indigo Tribe and it looks like we’re going to learn more about this mysterious Corps. So far, it’s pretty interesting.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Journey Into Mystery #636 – The final piece of Loki’s plan is revealed and it’s really entertaining. This series deserves a bigger audience with some fantastic writing.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5
Mega Man #12 – The series has taken a familiar formula and made it work. Luckily that formula changes a bit in the next issue, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a fun read for the whole family.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
The Mighty Thor #12.1 – We get some various tales about Thor that hint at a lot. If this is to introduce people to Thor, I definitely don’t think it’s interesting enough to hook them. Again a “point one” fails.
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7
The New Avengers #24 – Luke and Jessica have issues to deal with. We also get a behind the scenes look as Captain America rallies the troops for AVX. The issue is one giant build up, but it’s solid.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5
Resurrection Man #8 – Shelley’s secrets are being slowly shown and released. This series is fantastic and one of the best new ones of the DC relaunch.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Saga #2 – Wow, Brian K. Vaughn’s series is amazing. It’s a sci-fi action adventure that has familiar parts, but in an all new way. Just beyond fantastic and one of the best series of the year.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75
Saucer Country #2 – I love this series. The X-Files meets West Wing series is just so fresh and so new. I can’t say I’ve ever read anything like this before.
Story: 10 Art: 8.25 Overall: 9.5
Scarlet Spider #4 – I’m not a Spider-Man fan, but I’m a fan of this series. There’s something so fresh and so fun about it. I can’t recommend it enough.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Secret #1 – Hickman’s latest series is one hell of a mystery. It’s more than enough for me to come back for the second issue, but I can’t say it blows me away like other series of his in the past.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Secret Avengers #25 – The story arc has been interesting, but I didn’t see that ending coming. It’s so good. So, so good.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5
the Secret Service #1 – Millar’s latest series in his big push, it’s just not all that solid so far, but it has enough for me to check out the second issue.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Superboy #8 – Dropped!
Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6
Suicide Squad #8 – We get a bit more of the story behind Waller and the formation of the squad. There’s also a secret hinted at that’s really entertaining and builds potential for the series.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5
Thief of Thieves #3 – Kirkman and Spencer’s series is amazing. Redmond is a great main character and the fact the series focuses on the individuals and characters is top notch. An absolute must buy.
Story: 9 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8.5
Ultimate Comics X-Men #10 – Holy shit was that a hell of an ending.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
Uncanny X-Men #10 – There’s a lot of build up and foreshadowing here, but it looks like there’s some stuff that has good potential for future plotlines.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5
Winter Soldier #4 – Bucky teams up with Doom and it is awesome.
Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8
Wolverine #304 – Sabretooth throws a party and I’m irritated in the art constantly switching.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Another week down. Almost getting caught up on reviews.
the Avengers #24 – We now know Osborn’s powers and it’s a bit predictable as to how he’s beaten. The story’s ending is ok, not quite the long term shake-up you’d expect from this type of story. Overall, a solid story arc that doesn’t quite end the way you’d hope. It feels rushed and a bit predictable.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5
Avengers Assemble #1 – A new Zodiac has formed, but other than the Hulk being in this comic, there’s not a whole lot that makes this series stand out from the other Avengers comics out there. In fact the art is a bit off and story fairly unexciting. Not sure this is a comic I want to assemble for.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5
Batgirl #7 – More of the Barbara Gordon pitty party as she seeks out the Black Canary to spar a bit, then she goes on a mission. There’s parts where the art is great and other parts, not so much. The story is just ok.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.5
Batman and Robin #7 – Batman vs. Nobody and the art is solid. That ending though, I didn’t quite expect. The comic was simple, but it kept me on my toes as to who would do what in the fight and how they’d deal with Nobody. Interesting stuff…
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Battle Scars #5 – Hmm, the secret is out and I saw yawn. The series is an attempt to get the 616 universe more like the movies, which is a bit silly. Overall, we’ll see what idiocy comes of this.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75
Batwoman #7 – The story jumps around, and I’m not sure I know everything that’s going on. The visuals aren’t quite as amazing as they used to be, but the series is still a solid read with some amazing artwork at times.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5
Captain America #9 – Steve is still depowered, Sharon makes a deal to save him and Falcon goes after Bravo, I wonder where the comic’s quality has gone. Just not quite as fund as it used to be.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25
Daken: Dark Wolverine #22 – Daken continues to lash out and spread terror as he dies. He’s setting off bombs and generally just causing chaos. I really hope there’s some long term plan with the character. I’d hate to see him go to waste.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5
Fantastic Four #604 – And with that, the end of the battle with the Mad Celestials. A lot is thrown out there in this issue and I’d imagine it’ll have a lot of repercussions for the Fantastic Four going forward. It’ll be interesting to see where things go from here.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75
Green Lantern #7 – The series finally focuses on the Indigo Tribe which we know so little about. Looks pretty interesting so far.
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25
Journey Into Mystery #635 – Loki, Daimon and Leah continue to fight Nightmare. Loki does the usual Loki thing and cuts a deal that’s clearly not what it is on the surface. As usual, the comic is thick with material (aka words), but they’re weaved so well together.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Mega Man #11 – Mega Man takes on Air Man, Metal Man and Flash Man and then gets caught in Dr. Wily’s plan. The ending is so cool. I can’t recommend the series enough. It’s fantastic for kids and parents alike, especially for fans of the video game series.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
The Punisher #9 – The prelude to the crossover with Spider-Man and Daredevil the issue is short and a quick read. But… looks like Punisher has a new partner and that never seems to go well.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Resurrection Man #7 – On the run in Metropolis, Resurrection Man runs into another super being and gets another power. He’s finally at the point where he’s going to look for his past and figure out who he is. It’s a great mystery and one I want to see more of the answer to.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Saga #1 – Brian K. Vaughn’s new series deserves all of the hype. It’s very familiar, but at the same time, beyond fantastic. This’ll be a hot series for a long time coming and the usual excellence I expect from such a talented writer.
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9
Saucer Country #1 – A Governor must deal with her political future as she contemplates running for President of the United States. Something is wrong though. Is it something having to do with her ex-husband? Is it something stranger like aliens? And what does a college professor have to do with it all? The first issue is absolutely amazing. One of the best comics of the year and one of the best political comics in a long time.
Story: 10 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.5
Scarlet Spider #3 – Kaine’s supporting cast is growing and looks like some decent baddies are coming to town. I don’t want to ruin it, but the story is solid, interaction great and art is amazing. I’ve never been a big Spider-Man fan, but this series has me hooked. So fantastic, I kind of want to find out more about this character and his background.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75
Suicide Squad #7 – The search for Harley Quinn continues as a bunch of members of Task Force X storm a police station. There’s some holy shit moments that show this series leaves it all out there and anything can happen. The series is pretty decent and it’s draw is more the fact that everything is on the table and anyone can die. I was not expecting quite a few moments in the story and thats a good thing.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5
Superboy #7 – Superboy continues to show how much of an arrogant brat he is and gets his butt kicked. The series is ok, but how it ties into Teen Titans is what keeps me coming back. If I dropped one, I’d feel like I’d need to drop both, especially since there’s a lot of crossover occurring.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Thief of Thieves #2 – I think the second issue might have outdone the first with a look into Redmond/Conrad’s life. There’s a lot of looking into his past and his ex-wife. The comic is fantastic focusing on the characters instead of the action. I can see why this is being turned into a television series, it’s that damn good.
Story: 9.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.5
Ultimate Comics X-Men #9 – The news of mutant’s origins hits Camp Angel which doesn’t go over well. All hell is about to break loose in this series as an oppressed people decide to stand up for themselves.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Wolverine & The X-Men #7 – So much action, so much humor, so much fun. The series is a kinetic blast that’s all over the place. There’s just so much to take in, this series is now the best “X” series going right now. Just beyond fantastic.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5
X-Men: Legacy #263 – Exodus is defeated, lots of arguing goes on and something is hinted at. The story is ok, but plays well as a piece of the bigger picture. We’ll hopefully see what that is soon.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
X-23 #21 – I think this is it for the series. In this final and quiet issue, Laura deals with her dual sides, the vicious killer and the human being she wants to be. It’s an interesting ending, understated and quiet. A nice reflection of a character who hasn’t quite found the leading solo series position she deserves and a character that has a lot more depth than any fan is willing to give her credit for.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
It’s a new week and C2E2 is over. Any announcements folks are excited about?
Around the Blogs:
IGN – C2E2: Marvel Reveals Ultimate Universe Event – Should be interesting.
MTV Geek – C2E2 2012: Avengers Vs. X-Men Panel Brings The Fight To Chicago – Doesn’t this event cover all the cons?
MTV Geek – C2E2 2012: Did DC’s “All Access: Before Watchmen” Panel Have Fans Saying “Hurm,” or “Hurm!” – Still not sure what to think.
CBR – C2E2: Jhonen Vasquez Talks Johnny, Zim & More – I want more Johnny!
CBR – C2E2: Tom Morello on “Orchid,” Music & Politics – One of the people I’d love to interview.
Bleeding Cool – ComiXology At C2E2: Alex De Campi, A Digital Pioneer – Some good hints as to what to expect.
Comics Alliance – Marvel’s Sunday at C2E2: ‘Thor’ Crossover with ‘Journey into Mystery,’ McKelvie on ‘Defenders’ – Lots of Marvel news during this con.
