Tag Archives: ms. marvel

Around the Tubes

It’s new comic book day tomorrow. We’ll have our picks in a few hours, but until then, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

The ComiChron – August 2015 comics sales estimates online; Secret Wars #5 tops 200k – Some very interesting insight as always.

CBR – The Mission: One Year Later, and the Future of Marvel and DC’s Superhero Comics – Some very interesting ideas.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

CBR – Atomic Robo and the Ring of Fire #1

CBR – Bitch Planet #5

CBR – Civil War #4

Nothing But Comics – From Under Mountains #1

CBR – Ms. Marvel #18

Marvel Launches All-New, All-Different with Cosplay Variants

Marvel is making sure their All-New, All-Different launch is ordered heavily. The company has announced a third variant for the launch that will be featured on 20 different comics. The Cosplay Variants feature individuals in their homemade, hand-crafted costumes, some of which are pretty well known cosplayers.

The full list of the comics are:

  • A-Force #1 Cosplay Variant by Jay Justice
  • All-New Inhumans #1 Cosplay Variant by Yaya Han
  • Amazing Spider-Man #1 Cosplay Variant by Aaron Rivin
  • Astonishing Ant-Man #1 Cosplay Variant by SoloRoboto Industries
  • Avengers #0 Cosplay Variant by Michael Cox
  • Captain Marvel #1 Cosplay Variant by Judy Stephens
  • Daredevil #1 Cosplay Variant by Patrick ‘Rick’ Lane
  • Doctor Strange #1 Cosplay Variant by Allen Lee Hansard
  • Extraordinary X-Men #1 Cosplay Variant by Amanda Lynne Shafer
  • Guardians of the Galaxy #1 Cosplay Variant by Contagious Costuming
  • Invincible Iron Man #1 Cosplay Variant by Dale Oliver
  • Ms. Marvel #1 Cosplay Variant by Soni Balestier
  • Nova #1 Cosplay Variant by Cap Santiago
  • Sam Wilson Captain America #1 Cosplay Variant by Eddie Newsome
  • Spider-Gwen #1 Cosplay Variant by Kathrine Zan
  • Spider-Woman #1 Cosplay Variant by Yashuntafun Cosplay
  • The Mighty Thor #1 Cosplay Variant by Sarah Jean Maefs
  • The Mighty Thor #2 Cosplay Variant by Kevin Spooner
  • Uncanny Avengers #1 Cosplay Variant by Miss Kit Quinn
  • Uncanny Inhumans #1 Cosplay Variant by Kalel Sean
  • CLASSIFIED

Check out some of the covers below!

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Midnighter #3 CoverWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Brett

Top Pick: This Damned Band #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – A fun and trippy start of a series that mixes the fun of rock and roll with ghosts. This is Spinal Tap meets Ghostbusters, and it works in an awesome way. By the end of the first issue, you won’t be sure what is supernatural and what is drug induced, and that’s half the fun.

Bower Boys Our Fathers HC (Dark Horse Comics) – The webcomic is collected in print. The series focuses on Tammany Hall and Union busting, but it’s so much more, it’s about the relationships we have with our fathers. The fantastic story is backed up by beautiful artwork.

The Bunker #13 (Oni Press) – The time bending series continues its fantastic ways. In this issue we get some more info on what the deal with Heidi is including where she’s been the last three months, and more importantly who she’s been with.

Midnighter #3 (DC Comics) – Punching corporations! Seriously, this series is violent fun, that shows the struggle of a man designed to hurt attempting to figure out who he is. Steve Orlando is killing it (and a lot of people) in this series.

Nailbiter #15 (Image Comics) – One of my favorite series that has a few folks attempting to discover why a small town has produced so many serial killers. We’re getting closer and closer to finally getting an answer… I think and hope.

 

Alex

Top Pick: The Fox #5 (Archie Comics) – I picked issue #1 up on a whim, and this series has fast become one of my favourites. I love the fun, almost cynically innocent take on the superhero genre, and I cannot wait to get my grubby mitts on the final chapter of the opening arc.

Detective Comics #43 (DC Comics) – I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve been enjoying Mecha-Batman, and while I expect the original to return eventually, I’m enjoying this while it lasts.

We Stand On Guard #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue of this comic took me by surprise when it came out last month. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did, and whether it is the underdog nature of the story or the Great White North setting, this is a series I’m looking forward too.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #5 (Marvel) – This all ages comic has not been on many people’s reading list, bust it proves that some minds at Disney are still interested in creativity.

Morning Glories #47 (Image Comics) – The standout series continues by weaving in new plots to the old. Every answer continues to create five new questions.

Groot #3 (Marvel) – This series has only run two issues thus far but has been unexpectedly amazing. The story is simple enough, but executed flawlessly.

Ms. Marvel #17 (Marvel) – One of Marvel’s stand-out series gets the Secret Wars treatment. It is nearing the end before Marvel relaunches and it remains to be seen how that will affect this series.

Red Skull #2 (Marvel) – It is the Suicide Squad of the Secret Wars as Red Skull takes on the role of Deadshot.

 

Elana

Top Pick: The Humans #7 (Image Comics) – Apesploitstion biker madness continues! I love this series so much I have a lenghthy personal essay about it coming out this week. This month’s issue features even more sex and violence and drugs and rock and roll and vengeance and period accurate hair and the color orange and oh my god the lettering! The lettering!!! All the important things in art, really.

Top Pick: The Wicked + The Divine #13 (Image Comics) – At last an issue about the mysterious goddess Tara jokingly called “goddess of who knows what” because there are so many deities with that name that it’s unclear who she’s supposed to be. I’m not sure which real world pop stars the character was inspired by. Beyoncé?

One thing is for sure, the new art by Tula Lotay is stunning!

Kaptara #4 (Image Comics) – This charming sword and sorcery in space comic won my heart. It’s saturated in lurid colors and riffs on He-Man but it doesn’t get in the way of being a very human story about a scientist who really needs a hug. And a date. Do you know any nice single men for Keith to date? I worry that Manton the warrior may take a while to come around.

Midnighter #3 (DC Comics) – Last issue our hero started to square off with the corporate powers that be. I’m really looking forward to a comic that tackles Monsanto. At least that’s where I think this is heading. Also, Midnighter punched a steak through a killer’s head. A dinner steak.

This Damned Band #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – What if Led Zeppelin really did sell their souls to the devil? It’s a brand new series from the ever funny and inventive and very British Paul Cornell (art by Tony Parker). I simultaneously love over-indulgent boomer rock and I also find it hilarious and worth deflating. This comic seems to be doing the same– both reveling and lovingly mocking the 70s rock pretentious and conventions. But with the actual Devil.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Green Lantern #43 (DC Comics) – I’ve really been enjoying this Hal on the run as a bounty hunter storyline and now that they’ve thrown Black Hand back in the mix, it should only get even better. Proof that he doesn’t need the most powerful weapon in the universe to still be a bad ass, this title is still providing bright days!

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #3 (Marvel Comics) – Back in black and the marriage still intact? Let’s see if the removal of Spidey’s bright colors bring the foot out of the grave on this one. I really want to like this Mr. Slott, don’t disappoint me please. I’ve waited a long time for this.

JLA: Gods and Monsters: Wonder Woman #1 (DC Comics) – Having seen the movie, Wonder Woman was my favorite part. I hope they delve even deeper into her loss and betrayal. I really enjoy the twist on the New Genesis vs. Apokolips War. Should be a good one! Plus that boom tube sword is just epic. DC make a replica now!

TMNT: Color Classics Series 3 #8 (IDW Publishing) – Turtles, Shredder, April, Eastman, Laird. Isn’t that enough right there?

 

Paul

Top Pick: Age of Apocalypse #2 (Marvel) – Fabian Nicieza and Gerardo Sandoval took me right back into the Age of Apocalypse that I remember from so long ago; great story and fantastic art make this one of my favourite Secret Wars books, and I’m looking forward to seeing Magneto give Apocalypse’s forces the smack down!

Civil War #2 (Marvel) – Steve Rogers and Tony Stark; opposing sides in this world of Civil War have been pushed further apart after an assassination attempt has left a proponent for peace dead at their feet. I really enjoyed the first issue of this book, and I’m excited to see if the two sides come together…or tear each other apart.

Siege #2 (Marvel) – I really loved this story of the SHIELD, the wall that separates Battleworld from the zombies and robots that would destroy the planet. Not to mention Abigail Brand is calling the shots, so that alone has me hooked.

Spider-Island #2 (Marvel) – The Spider Queen has turned almost everyone in this area of Battleworld into human/spider hybrids…including the heroes…and they all serve her. Flash Thompson is one of the few not affected, and with his resistance force, has managed to help some former colleagues break from the Spider Queen’s control…but will what he’s turned them into be a help or a hindrance? This was a fun first issue and I’m excited to see how Venom’s newly freed friends help him out.

Marvel’s Kirby Monster Variants this October

When monsters ruled the Marvel Universe, the wildly imaginative brain and pencil of Jack Kirby brought dozens upon dozens of these creatures to life. Monster comics may be a thing of the past, but Marvel is celebrating their legacy this October with over twenty-five Kirby Monster Variants coming to some of Marvel’s biggest new titles! Featuring some of the industry’s most legendary and iconic artists, witness the inimitable imagination of Jack Kirby brought to life by Geof Darrow, Paul Pope, Art Adams, Eric Powell, Simon Bisley, Cliff Chiang and many, many more!

October also sees the release of Marvel’s Hip-Hop variants…..

Groot! Fin Fang Foom! Orrgo! Lo-Karr, Bringer of Doom! Look for these exciting  Kirby Monster Variants coming later this year:

  • A-Force #5 The Crawling Creature Variant by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE
  • Avengers #0 Devil Dinosaur Variant by DAVID MARQUEZ
  • All-New, All-Different Point One #1 Nezarr, the Calculator Variant by PAUL POPE
  • All-New Hawkeye #1 Elektro Variant by JEFF LEMIRE
  • Amazing Spider-Man #2 Infant Terrible Variant by PAOLO RIVERA
  • Ant-Man #1 Scarlet Beetle Variant by TRADD MOORE
  • Captain America: White #3 Jinni Demon Variant by GLENN FABRY
  • Civil War #5 Lo-Karr, Bringer of Doom Variant by JOHN CASSADAY
  • Contest of Champions #1 Xemnu the Titan Variant by DAN BRERETON
  • Doctor Strange #1 Awesome Android Variant by ERICA HENDERSON
  • Extraordinary X-Men #2 Yeti Variant by PHIL NOTO
  • Groot #5 Quonian Variant by CHRISTIAN WARD
  • Guardians of the Galaxy #1 Groot Variant by MIKE ALLRED
  • House of M #4 Kraa the Unhuman Variant by DAVE JOHNSON
  • Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 Orrgo Variant by MICHAEL DEL MUNDO
  • Invincible Iron Man #2 Fin Fang Foom Variant by MARK BROOKS
  • Karnak #1 Rommbu Variant by ERIC POWELL
  • Ms. Marvel #19 Wrecker’s Robot Variant by CLIFF CHIANG
  • New Avengers #2 The Blip Variant by SIMON BISLEY
  • S.H.I.E.L.D. #11 Poker Face Variant by JAMES STOKOE
  • Sam Wilson, Captain America #2 Zetora Variant by TONY MOORE
  • Spider-Gwen #1 Hypno-Creature Variant by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
  • Spider-Man 2099 #2 Ulvar Variant by CHRIS SAMNEE
  • The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 Thorr Variant by CHRIS BACHALO
  • Uncanny Avengers #1 Mangog Variant by GEOF DARROW
  • Uncanny Inhumans #1 Vandoom’s Monster Variant by ART ADAMS

Marvel Comics’ own Ms. Marvel Coming to GraphicAudio Now You’re Talkin’!

ms-marvel-headphonesMarvel Comics’ Ms. Marvel is an international sensation!

You’ve seen and read about the highly acclaimed and inspirational new Marvel hero, Ms. Marvel. Now hear what she sounds like!

For the first time ever, GraphicAudio will adapt a Marvel character directly from the comics themselves. This is your chance to hear Ms. Marvel issues #1-5 as collected in the trade Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal. Through cinematic music, a full cast of voices, digital sound effects, you’ll be immersed in this mega-hit comic book series like never before!

Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City – until she is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? As Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers and unlocks a secret behind them as well. Is she ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to handle? Kamala has no idea either. But she’s here to stay!

Mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound DTS and in Stereo, Ms. Marvel is available from www.GraphicAudio.net and via the FREE GraphicAudio Access Mobile App which allows customers to directly download titles on their Android or iOS smartphones and tablets.

Ms.Marvel Vol.1: No Normal in GraphicAudio releases on August 17th, 2015.  Pre-Order at www.GraphicAudio.net/Marvel today. CD formats and Marvel TPBs also available at comic shops and Inhuman-loving bookstores near you!

Review: Ms. Marvel #16

mm016One of the hallmarks of this series is how it is able to effectively document the life of a American teenager.  In this case that teenager is a girl, a Muslim and incidentally also a superhero, but the series nonetheless finds a way to ensure that the underlying narrative is still there to examine what life is like growing up in modern America.  While some things are obviously different for the series’ hero Kamala Khan, much is still the same.  Acting in almost direct contrast to that is the Secret Wars crossover.  Now dominating Marvel for its second straight month, this company-wide story arc is all about the big and the flashy, and the little stuff often gets left behind.  There is some good that has come with Secret Wars but also some bad, but here finally Ms. Marvel gets to deal with it head-on on her own turf.

Suffice it to say though, that she is on a bit of a losing streak.  Her heart was more than just broken, as she was betrayed by her want-to-be boyfriend to a plot to rid New Attilan of Queen Medusa.  Now still reeling from the effects of this she must rally the citizens of her enclave in New Jersey so that they do not get destroyed by the imposing threat against New York City.  Kamala is able to round up a fair amount of people and to get them to safety at her high school, a place that she knows is protected in ways that others in her community are not.  In so doing she finds a way to distract herself from her other issues as the threat dominates all.

There are some nice moments here, as well as some moments that are unfortunately too true, such as when Kamala races back to New Jersey to stop the inevitable looting of stores.  At the same time, the big scale/small scale juxtaposition doesn’t really work here.  Although Ms. Marvel has been part of some big events, she is definitely still a “small picture” kind of hero, focusing more on her character than on flashy fireworks.  This issue still has the same heart that the series is known for, but it is also thrown up against a story that is not really befitting the title.  It is still an entertaining issue, but it is also evident that some series would do better with Secret Wars.

Story: G. Willow Wilson  Art: Adrian Alphona
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0  Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Around the Tubes

It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d everyone get?

Around the Tubes

CBDLF – Connecticut Middle Schooler Investigated by State Police for “Death Note” List – Calls for a ban in 3…2…1…

Kotaku – Batman’s Big Collector’s Edition Cancelled At Last Minute – Well that sucks.

The Full Bleed – What Movie Producers Can Teach You About Selling Comics – An intriguing read.

Newsarama – Fantastic Four Hits Denny’s … No, Seriously – Interesting.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

CBR – Black Canary #1

Comic Vine – Black Canary #1

Flickering Myths – Burning Fields #5

Comic Vine – Deadpool’s Secret Wars #2

The Outhousers – The Fiction #1

CBR – Ghostbusters: Get Real #1

Comic Vine – Ghostbusters: Get Real #1

Talking Comics – Gotham Academy #7

Comic Vine – Ms. Marvel #17

The Outhousers – Negative Space #1

Comic Vine – Old Man Logan #2

Comics Alliance – Prez #1

Comic Vine – Runaways #1

The Outhousers – The Strain: The Night Eternal #10

Comic Vine – X-O Manowar #37

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

black-canary-1-promo-121636Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Brett

Top Pick: Prez #1 (DC Comics) – A teenager is elected President by Twitter in this future send-up of the state of politics. Working in politics I found myself laughing, and cringing at how accurate the series was, especially in its more satirical moments. It hit close to home, which is a good thing. A fantastic send-up perfectly timed for the 2016 Presidential race.

The Kitchen #8 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – I’ve loved this series since the start. It’s a take on the mob genre, except set in the 70s, and it’s the women in charge. The last few issues have had twists and turns of double crosses and all sorts of deals. This final issue of the miniseries is going to be explosive and entertaining.

Letter 44 #17 (Oni Press) – It’s WWIII people!!! Writer Charles Soule has gone all out in this series focused on a President dealing with first contact with aliens, and the crew that’s doing so. The story has been amazing and when I think I have things down, the series throws a curve.

Princeless: Be Yourself #1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – It’s a new volume of the fantastic series that has a young princess saving herself, as well as her sisters. Destroying tropes, pointing out the idiocy of some accepted things in entertainment, and doing it while entertaining too!

Southern Bastards #9 (Image Comics) – One of the best (if not the best) comic on the market right now. The writing, the art, all of it is beyond amazing. It’s the homecoming game, but there’s also been a murder. It’s never too late to hop on and check out this Southern noir series.

 

Chris

Top Pick: Ei8ht # 5 (Dark Horse Comics) – Travelers lost in time, check. Selfless heroism, check. A merciless opposing force, check. This time travel thriller has its bases covered. The art style consisting essentially of black and white shading with contrasting color to provide surface texture may drive away those interested in other titles with bright colors and intense detail. However they would be missing out  on an intriguing tale of time travel where the character connection across time and place are more than meets the eye.

Archie vs. Predator #3 of 4 (Dark Horse Comics) – Even without reading the previous two issues this comic immediately called out to me as a must read. I have to admit that my love for Predator and comic mash-ups is to blame for that. Right away I could see this is not the Archie I was expecting. This issue has it all classic Archie humor,  blood and gore, and a captivating storyline complete with satirical introspective of those stuck in a horrific movie like situations.

Ghostbusters: Get Real #1 (IDW Publishing) – The beginning of a 4 part series where our heroes are unknowingly transported to an alternate dimension when the will of a God is thwarted. To return home they must work with their counterparts from this dimension who luckily just so happen to have experience with this sort of adventure. Reference Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Ghostbusters. This issue lays the ground work for what I expect to be yet another great series from the Burnham, Schoeing and Delgado team over at IDW.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey & April #1 (IDW Publishing) – Love TMNT but tired of the Turtles then this comic is for you. Take all the turtle powered action and replace it with a teenage love story between Casey and April. While this reviewer is not regretting the time spent reading this issue, it did not rouse much more than a fleeting interest in the series. This issue is a definite pass in my book.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Prez #1 (DC Comics) –  DC is committed to trying something new, and while that hasn’t necessarily worked so far, this new #1 looks like an intriguing updates on the short-lived series from 1973, as a teenage twitter sensation becomes the next President of the United States.  Hopefully it is equal parts social commentary and Bartgirling.

Alex + Ada #15 (Image Comics) –  The finale to this engaging series is here and we get to find out the final fate of the unlikely lovers.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #4 (Marvel/Disney) –  Did you ever watch a Disney movie and think to yourself that it is pretty entertaining despite the G rating?  That same feeling permeates this series.

Doomed #1 (DC Comics) – Another DC #1, this series looks at a person that can change into Doomsday.  Part of the problem of the appeal of Superman stories is that they lack the street level outlook that some readers like (with the present Truth storyline only sort of helping that.)  Maybe this series is DC’s way of finally shaking up its Superman mythos.

Grimm Fairy Tales 10th Anniversary Special #2 Red Riding Hood (Zenescope) –  Zenescope’s least celebrated superhero, Britney Waters, gets another chance to shine here.  Just when will they give her an ongoing series?

 

Elana

Top Pick: Black Canary #1 (DC Comics) – Spinning off of the hip, young Batgirl series is a new series featuring one of the all time best characters in comics. It’s about time she gets a solo series. The book’s premise is that our super powered vocalist becomes the singer of a rock band, goes on tour and fights bad guys on the road. The awesome rock and roll outfits get my approval.

Wu’s art is hip as hell– the line at her booth at Special Edition was enormous.  Fletcher star is rising fast (see hits like Gotham Academy & Batgirl for starters). This is a creative, modern duo writing for an inclusive audience. The future of super hero comics. So I was pleasantly surprised to read in an interview with Fletcher that some of the legacy of the great Silver Age social issues comics series Green Lantern/Green Arrow is continued in this book. Here’s to a new generation’s “hard traveling heroes“.

Ms. Marvel #16 (Marvel) – The multiverse at stake so who will take care of Jersey City? Kamala is breaking my heart with this cover. Who needs a hug!?

Runaways #1 (Marvel) – Noelle Stevenson’s series Nimona is a runaway hit on the Internet that appeals to a younger and often female Fanbase. This is her big two debut. Her work on Lumber Janes is going to win an Eisner. Having her write a Runaways story about kids with super powers sounds like a match made in heaven. And boy do I miss these kids.

Secret Six #3 (DC Comics) – I need to know what the hell is happening! Gail’s original Secret Six series is kind of the best thing ever. The new series had a good premise but it’s been a rough go. I will keep giving this a series chance. I still have faith!

Thors #1 (Marvel) – Because unlike the Highlander there CAN’T be only one. Most excited for of course our female Thor and Storm. Cute detective story premise seals the deal.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Thors #1 (Marvel) – Jason Aaron has been on fire lately and if he’s that good with one God of Thunder, I’m dying to see what he does with a whole roster! In brightest day, in blackest.. oh wait. Nope just pumped for this book! Go Thors!

Justice League of America #1 (DC Comics) – It’s by Bryan Hitch, the man who brought us the cinematic epic which was The Ultimates, I’d like him to take the true Ultimate team in comic books, let him cut loose and see what he can do.

Old Man Logan #2 (Marvel) – Wolverine is dead. Long live a more cranky, aged and badass version of Wolverine. Dystopian futures always bring me a semblance of hope. All I can say is, yes.. and SNIKT!!

Robin: Son of Batman #1 (DC Comics) – First off it’s got Damien Wayne, A Giant Pet Man-Bat, it’s written and drawn by Patrick Gleason. Umm did I mention a Giant Pet Man-Bat??

Wonder Woman #41 (DC Comics) – So far the Finch’s take on the Iconic Amazon have intrigued me. While I don’t think they are at the top of what they could do, I’d like to see what they have further in store. This book has been a guilty pleasure of mine and my gf Ms. B too. Plus, I hope to get some reasoning behind Diana’s new costume.

 

Pharoah

To Pick: Ms. Marvel #16 (Marvel) -This is my top pick of the week just because this character has been nothing but fun since she entered the universe, and it looks like Secret Wars, has come to Jersey City, definitely curious to see how Kamala Khan will be tested!!!

Astronauts In Trouble #1 (Image Comics) – As a company, Image is basically the Jerry Bruckheimer of the comics world, producing blockbuster after blockbuster, and with Charlie (Walking Dead) on this, it definitely has high hopes.

Black Canary #1 (DC Comics) – Brenden Fletcher (BATGIRL) and Annie Wu (HAWKEYE) bring this character to the forefront, after her much needed exposure on the show, Arrow, she finally gets her own shot in this DC reboot.

Mad Max: Fury Road: Furiosa #1 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – After watching the newest Mad Max movie, it definitely has one curious about that whole universe and this comic aims to explore the origin of The Furiosa and it definitely has cred, as it is written by mad Max creator, George Miller himself.

Ghostbusters: Get Real #1 (IDW Publishing) – this sounds so cool, as the film versions and cartoon versions become part of the same world in what can only be interesting chaos

Review: Inhumans Attilan Uprising #2

iar002Secret Wars has thus far been somewhat of a mixed bag, but it is a mixed bag which is easily explained.  There have been some standouts, and even some surprise standouts, and also a lot of misfires.  The easy connection of good quality vs. bad quality is that the good stories don’t dwell too much on the setting of Battleworld, while the weaker series overly dwell on those concepts.  The first issue of the Secret Wars Inhumans series established itself as very much the latter of the two, as it took its own story into the overall approach to Secret Wars.  While the plot of an Inhuman insurrection against the system established by Doom is dependent on the scenario, it also mostly avoids dealing with it.

This is even more the case in this second issue.  While the first issue involved some movement between the established zones on this planet, this second issue deals primarily with the infiltration of Medusa’s agent into the establishment of Black Bolt, ostensibly to see where his loyalties reside.  What follows is a sequence of interactions as the espionage team tries to figure out what exactly is going on.  The issue focuses primarily on these interactions, although there is a bit of action towards the end as Medusa finally shows up.

This issue is proof that the Secret Wars setting need not be too constrained in its outlook and approach as long as the writers are willing to take a few chances with it.  As it stands this story doesn’t really depend on the Secret Wars setting at all, rather at the moment could be set in any kind of time and place which involved these particular Inhumans.  It is really not the plot that stands out here either, but rather the well established characters, especially how the two groups of Inhumans deal with one another, almost like watching a chess match without the pieces.  While some other series from Secret Wars are not reaching the goals they are aiming for, this series is hitting all its marks, and it is still one of the standouts from this universe.

Story: Charles Soule Art: John Timms
Story: 8.7 Art: 8.7 Overall: 8.7 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Ms. Marvel #15

msm015In its relatively short run, Ms. Marvel has stood out for its modern take on a superheroine.  Kamala Khan is an immigrant and a teenage girl, forced to deal not only with a strict Muslim family but also with her new powers.  The series has been noted for its take on these subjects, demonstrating Kamala as a complex and competent individual who is often forced to deal with problems beyond her own control, be that a supervillain or domineering parents.

This made the most recent story arc for this series all the worse in its base concept.  In this story arc Kamala meets a young Pakistani teenager, who  is her age and who seems to be interested in her romantically.  Furthermore, he also soon reveals himself as an Inhuman, shortly after outing her.  This kind of plot is the creative version of the lowest hanging fruit for a series about teenage superheroines, and probably every character in this age range in the history of comics has been led astray by her feelings for a boy or girl at some point or another.  This issue deals with the fallout of that, as the boy has led her to New Attilan in the middle of a (short-lived) coup by Lineage, having used her attraction to him as part of the plot to recruit her to the side of the villains.  Kamala resists and is forced to escape through the confusing halls of the abandoned palace.

It is not necessarily that this is a bad issue, in fact there are a lot of redeeming factors in the end.  Probably the most evident is that it mostly avoids the cliched plot for a lot of action and ends up being an entertaining way to save a disappointing story arc.  It is also evidence of thee high standard which this series has set for itself, as the slightest return to cliched storytelling results in a story which is evidently lesser than what has come before.  There were a few revelations in this issue to suggest that there are better things to come in this series, but for the time being this story arc was a bit of fluff in the mix of what has been a fresh take on the superhero genre.

Story: G. Willow Wilson  Art: Takeshi Miyazawa 
Story: 8.3 Art: 8.3  Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Read

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