Did Marvel Spoil the Return of the Human Torch?
This teaser was released for Marvel‘s Secret Avengers. That looks like the Human Torch which we know something will happen with in Fantastic Four #600. Of course, it could be Toro too….
Tag Archives: secret avengers
Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 10/26/11
Some debuts and a lot of second issues for DC. What’s worth it and what should be skipped? Find out below!
All Star Western #2 – Two western stories in this issue. The first continues Jonah Hex’ and Dr. Arkham’s investigation into the murder of prostitutes in Gotham. We learn the “who” as far as the bad guys, but not really the “why.” There’s some hints to it, but it’s not really laid out in this issue. The second story is a zombie western that’s entertaining in a throwback sort of way. Hex’s story is great, the second story is just so-so. Overall though the comic is still a welcome addition to the DC line up.
Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8
Annihilators: Earthfall #2 – Hmm, I fear the cosmic side of the Marvel universe is starting to gas. The Annihilators take on the Avengers in one of those misunderstanding fights. The Church is also up to something, hatching someone… The story is pretty typical and has been tread before (two teams fight before teaming up) and the art is really off and inconsistent. Rocket Racoon and Groot’s story is entertaining though, but that too just seems off. Overall, I’m left pretty bummed.
Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
Aquaman #2 – Going into the reboot, this series was one I’ve been more skeptical of. I can’t say I’ve been too fond of Aquaman as a character and have never enjoyed his solo series. Well, times have changed. With this second issue, the series is becoming one of the top tier DC reboot series, standing above others in it’s quality of writing and art. Just beyond solid and an absolute must read.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Astonishing X-Men #43 – Emma and Danger team up to free a computer program that’s detected. I yawn. The story isn’t “astonishing” and actually quite boring. Hopefully the series gets it’s footing and figures out it’s place in the “X” world, cause right now it’s stumbling.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75
Avengers Academy #20 – It’s post Fear Itself and the group has to decide what to do. Instructors and students leave and the ending opens up for the series’ new direction. It has to be better than what’s come before. The series needs a shake up, hopefully it gets better than what it’s been.
Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
Batman: The Dark Knight #2 – Someone is giving Gotham’s freaks a drug that gets them all roided up and Batman is on the case. Lots of fighting ensues, but again the art is what stands out for the series, clearly much better than the story itself. Also, the Joker pops up in the end, which is a bit odd considering his fate in other series… not sure how that works, but whatever.
Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.25
Captain America & Bucky #623 – An important asset has been captured by the Nazi’s and Bucky and Toro head to free him without orders. During the mission they discover the horrors that the Nazi’s have been committing. Unfortunately a bad fate awaits Bucky before he could see their liberation. It looks like we’ll be getting a glimpse of Bucky’s Winter Soldier years next. The comic’s been entertaining so far, here’s hoping the next arc is just as solid.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Daken: Dark Wolverine #16 – I’ve enjoyed the series overall, but this latest story that saw Daken being addicted to a drug is mixed. I like the idea of the addiction and how it’s messed with his healing factor. That opens up a lot of future stories if they stick with it. But, the person behind it all seems silly and it doesn’t totally make sense with the lack of a lot of set up. The motivation is missing even with the attempts at an explanation peppered throughout. A mixed bag overall.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Daredevil #6 – The mystery over the firing of a blind man begins to unravel and it’s a big international conspiracy. A certainly interesting story in how it’s being presented. Mark Waid is giving us a top Daredevil series that’s a mix of pop and noir and all kinds of fantastic. One of the best Marvel comics on the stand, beyond solid and an absolute buy.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
DMZ #70 – As the series winds down we’re given glimpses of the New York City that is and what might be. A city, a nation, wracked by war and destroyed in spirit and mind. Through seventy issues Matty Roth has explored this world as a reporter and as an agent for change. For seventy issues we were drawn into this world that reflected events from our own. In this issue we’re asked “how.” How, for seventy issues, Zee has been able to keep herself together while Matty spiraled out of control like the city. One went with the flow of events, the other tried to change events. For seventy issues Matty has been part of the story, he’s been the story and for his role in this world, for his acts it looks like he’ll finally answer to someone. Brian Wood is wrapping up this epic look at war, peace, journalism, corporatism and activism. And it looks like it’ll end with a hell of a message.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
FF #11 – Attilan, the Inumans, Kree and Annihilus, how is this being contained in just the Fantastic Four!? This story seems ripe for a massive classic crossover event. Writer Jonathan Hickman is bringing together threads he set out a long time ago and it’s beginning to really pay off. This issue was full of “holy shit” moments.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5
The Flash #2 – While Barry might run like the fastest man on the planet his mind isn’t catching up to his legs. In this issue he works on that with some really entertaining results. There’s a lot of moments that made me feel like a kid while reading the comic and staring at the amazing art. This is a series that’s speeding it’s way to the top of the pile of DC’s 52 revamp.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5
Green Lantern: New Guardians #2 – Kyle is still trying to figure out why so many rings are being attracted to him. The other corps. members aren’t too happy about it, leading to the predictable drag out fight. The issue’s ending is what’s worthwhile for the issue, both Kyle’s interaction with the Guardians and what happens to him (as predictable as it is). The issue is interesting so far.
Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8
I, Vampire #2 – Joshua Hale Fialkov has put together one of the best series of DC’s new 52. Instead of a straight forward vampire tale, they’re portrayed as freedom fighters, attempting their liberation. An interesting take that resonates with modern times much more. A beyond excellent second issue that puts the series up there as one of the best of DC’s relaunch, but also one of the best comics out there.
Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9
Journey Into Mystery #630 – Volstagg returns home to recount the story of Fear Itself to his children. It’s actually a very cute issue that’s a great read and very entertaining. There’s something sweet and innocent about it. We’ll see where the series goes from here.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Justice League Dark #2 – What. The. Fuck. I have no idea what the hell was going on. And how is Deadman having discussions with Dove when he’s out and about in his series. I’m so confused…
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75
Legion: Secret Origin #1 – I wasn’t a fan of the relaunch Legion titles and can’t say this one interests me either. Just not my cup of tea. There’s too many characters and not enough focus to explain it all to new readers. But at least I got a cool ring out of purchasing it.
Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6
The Mighty Thor #7 – After all of these months, we’re finally shown the origin of the Serpent and his war with Odin. After all of the build up, it’s not very good.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5
New Mutants #32 – Hrm, I still think the story could of ended an issue or two ago. A casualty of being tied into Fear Itself.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5
Secret Avengers #18 – Another self-contained issue written by Warren Ellis. This one sees the Shadow Council trying to gather a weapon. It’s entertaining and there’s a lot going for it, but I just don’t see the overall direction of the series or it’s point.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5
Spaceman #1 – A very odd new limited series from Brian Azzarello. I have no idea what to make of it, but it’s $1, so you have no excuse not to give it a shot.
Story: 6.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.5
Stitched #1 – Another messed up horror tale set in the Afghanistan war zone. I have no idea what the hell is going on other than over the top violence.
Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6
Teen Titans #2 – Red Robin continues to gather his team as N.O.W.H.E.R.E. makes it’s move. It’s clear one of the next big events will center around what’s going on this series. I also like how Superboy plays into it as well.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 – We get more of the Turtle’s origins as they look for their missing brother Raphael. I really dig the series, especially Casey Jones. It feels like the old school gritty comics I loved and not the campy version they turned into later.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Ultimate Comics the Ultimates #3 – S.H.I.E.L.D. attempts to engage the enemy straight on and all hell breaks loose. Not the best issue, but this is the first action sequence of an epic story.
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7
Venom #8 – What!? How did that fit in her!? Another tie-in that’s such shoddier than the normal series. I loved the letter from Flash’s dad though. What could have had some amazing emotional impact is lost in a jumbled mess of a tie-in.
Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6
Voodoo #2 – Writer Ron Marz asked people to look past the strip club setting of the first issue and I’m glad I did. This second issue is more spy/on the run action than anything with the government after Voodoo who is on some sort of mission for her alien people. Lots of action and some tight writing. A great second issue.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
The Walking Dead #90 – The series’ power is it’s focus on human nature. This issue shows that all as things somewhat settle down but human nature takes over as people react and plot. Robert Kirkman is leading the series on it’s way to it’s 100th issue and it hasn’t slowed down in any way. Beyond fantastic because the zombies aren’t the star of the comic, it’s the people doing everything they can to survive.
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9
Wolverine & The X-Men #1 – A first issue that’s so beyond entertaining. I laughed, had a bit of nostalgia and can’t wait for the second issue. I love Toad being Milton and their attempting to get accredited. Just so many fantastic moments in this kinetic and frenetic first issue. Welcome back to form.
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9
Around the Tubes
New York Comic Con has come and gone. We’ll have lots of posts, reviews, photos and some video. But for now, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
Fox News – Islam-Based Superheroes: Here to Save the Day or Villains in Disguise? – Fox takes on The 99 (ignores Newscorps’ bashing of it).
The Daily Star – Muslim comic series seeks breakthrough in U.S. – And another take on The 99.
Kotaku – Sunday Comics: Upright and Locked – Each week Kotaku brings some of the best web comics out there.
Con Coverage:
Kotaku – New York Comic-Con 2011 Day Four Cosplay with Dead Space Kid and Super Friends
Kotaku – NYCC 2011 Day Two in Pictures
Kotaku – The DC Superhero Statues of New York Comic-Con
The Beat – NYCC 2011: Days Three and Four
Bleeding Cool – The Cosplay Gallery Of New York Comic Con, Courtesy Of Marnie Ann Joyce
IGN – NYCC: Brian Wood’s Wolverine Emerges
IGN – NYCC: Rogue’s Legacy Continues
IGN – NYCC: Hulk Smashes the Avengers
Bleeding Cool – Luke Cage, Movie-Calibre Hulking And More In Marvel’s TV Future
The Beat – NYCC Announcements: Dexter, Marvel and Mystery Writers
Bleeding Cool – Recovering From A Hangover With The Women Of Marvel
Comics Alliance – Brian Wood’s Environmental Apocalypse Comic ‘The Massive’ Gets Ongoing Series
CBR – NYCC: Gale Anne Hurd on “Dead Man’s Run,” “Walking Dead”
New York Post – Girls gone geek
CBR – NYCC: Gage Offers the Runaways Shelter at “Avengers Academy”
CBR – NYCC: Geof Darrow’s “Shaolin Cowboy” Returns in 2012
IGN – NYCC: Shazam is Back!
IGN – NYCC: DC All Access: Superman Panel
IGN – NYCC: Avengers: Shattered Heroes Panel
IGN – NYCC: The Avengers Assemble Again
Comics Alliance – The Image Comics Show [NYCC 2011]
MTV Geek – J. Michael Straczynski Announces New MTV Comic At NYCC
IGN – NYCC: War of the Thunderbolts
IGN – NYCC: Remender’s Secret Avengers
Around the Tubes Reviews:
The Atlantic – Feynman
CBR – Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E #2
The Herts Advertiser – Ultimate Spider-Man: Death of Spider-Man
Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 9/28/11
I’ve already posted reviews for the DC comics that came out, but here’s everything else.
American Vampire #19 – I guess this could be subtitled “the origin of Skinner Sweet.” I think we’ll finally learn how he became a vampire by the end of it. But so far, we’re thrown into the Civil War, the American war with the Indians and get to learn a lot about Sweet and his history. An interesting start to the new arc.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Annihilators: Earthfall #1 – The Annihilators still have the Universal Church to deal with which has now splintered into two factions fighting each other. That leads them to Earth which gets noticed by a whole lot of folks. A bunch of aliens beating up humans doesn’t go over too well. Hopefully there’ll be more than fighting to this four issue limited series. The Rocket Racoon and Groot story is entertaining, but not enough to put this issue over the top.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Avengers Academy #19 – The battle with Absorbing Man and Titania comes to an end with very uneven art and a story I shrug my shoulders about. I don’t understand the praise over the series.
Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75
Astonishing X-Men #42 – The battle with the Brood is over and there’s so much wrong here. Storm goes from being infected to not in one panel, there’s a lot of sappy foreshadowing. This series is anything but astonishing.
Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5
Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive #523.1 – An ok issue, that unfortunately again puts women in danger to get at the hero. An all too easy plot device. There’s a lot I liked, and a lot I didn’t (replacing bullets!?). Not the best of the series and definitely not a good point one. Also, following this with an event issue just isn’t smart planning.
Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25
Brilliant #1 – The latest from Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley asks the question, “what if super powers were real?” There’s some promise here, but the first issue doesn’t hook me like it should have. I also can’t help but think I’ve seen this all before.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Captain America & Bucky #622 – Bucky takes center stage as he has to deal with the fact he’s the only person without power. The Invaders get captured and he has to rush to their aid. The series has been fun so far with solid art. It’s nice it gives a look into Bucky’s early years without have to retcon a bunch of stories. So far so good.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Fear Itself: Hulk vs. Dracula #2 – Two issues in and all this is, is one big fight scene between the Hulk and Vampires. So far it adds little to the great Fear Itself storyline and the fact it’s release schedule is compressed makes me think this was a last minute thing or extremely late. While not horrible in any way, I struggle to think of a reason one should buy it other than being a completist.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75
Fear Itself: The Deep #4 – The series itself was blah, but that’s what’s known as foreshadowing. It’s clear we’ll see a lot of these characters in the new Defenders series that will sure start. Whether that’ll be better, that remains to be seen, but if it’s not, I don’t see it lasting long.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
FF #9 – The Inhuman’s whip some ass and with one issue Black Bolt is back and just dominates. The way he dismisses everyone just is so bad ass. A great issue that continues the problem with the Reed Richards’. There’s also something with Valeria that’s up and who knows where that’s going. A great continuation of a fantastic series.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Incorruptible #22 – Max Damage continues to do his thing to try to clean up his act as a new villain comes on the scene. Plutonian also decides to show up, which should be interesting in the next issue. Not the best of the series, but it’s a fun series overall.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Iron Man 2.0 #9 – The Palmer Addley story continues as we finally learn how he’s “survived.” It’s an interesting issue and a lot I liked, but a bunch I had some issues with. It’s unfortunate in that the series had a lot of momentum and then got derailed by Fear Itself. If this was a straight story, without the break, it’d of been much better, but Marvel f-ed this up and a few other series with the distraction.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Journey Into Mystery #628 – Loki leads the troops against the Serpent in hell. It’s interesting, but not quite sure exactly what’s going on. I like it, but I’m confused about it all.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
Kick-Ass 2 #4 – For all of the talk about how women are treated and portrayed in comics, how did this not cause more of an uproar? The comic is violent porn and the fact there isn’t an outcry over the rape of a teenage girl, the killing of small children and the murder of god knows how many cops makes me question the recent outcry. But, onto the comic, it’s pure violence, with a lot of holy shit moments. I’m a bit torn because it’s so over the top, but like a Tarantino movie, there’s something entertaining about it.
Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.25
The Mighty Thor #6 – Not a bad ending to the battle with Galactus, but the issue remains as to when this takes place? It can’t be post Fear Itself, then there’s the Silver Surfer’s involvement with the Annihilators. It doesn’t exactly add up and for this Marvel fan, it bothers me.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75
The New Avengers #16.1 – Why did this have to be a point one issue? There’s some good stuff here but the story telling and art are just off from the regular series. If the point ones are supposed to not be just jumping on points but also get folks interested in a series, I just don’t see this doing that.
Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
New Mutants #31 – I don’t know what it is, but these Fear Itself tie-ins are so bad. The story here is pointless other than a big fight, the art is horrible too. I liked some of the page layouts, but it’s not enough to make is enjoyable.
Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6
Rachel Rising #2 – WTF!? That ending was so disturbing for so many reasons. This is such a creepy horror comic….
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Secret Avengers #17 – Warren Ellis took over the series I was expecting some big explosions and master story telling. We’ve had to self contained issues for his first two issues and neither were all that good. The art isn’t quite up to snuff and the plot is ho-hum. It’s like the comic is treading water until Fear Itself is done.
Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #2 – I can’t say I like how a story that took one issue to tell in the 1960’s will be dragged out for four or five issues, but the pacing and how things unfold are still solid. There’s some great touches that really updates the Spider-Man mythos for the modern world wrapping in technology and discussions of tolerance. Even the stereotypical chat about “responsibility” is updated. This is Spider-Man for a new millennium and that has to do with more than just his skin color.
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8
Ultimate Comics Ultimates #2 – Well that got a bit complicated quickly. I think the pacing was very off in the issue cramming in too much for a new reader, but it’s theme of technology and progress killing myth and god is very intriguing.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
Venom #7 – A bit torn on the issue, it’s easy to dismiss it as a tie-in for yet another event, but there’s a lot of focus on Flash and his connection to Venom. It’s very subtle but it’s there. Instead of asking Anti-Venom to come with him, he attacks, there’s then a scene with him and his father. It’s two parts of a comic that’s really a focus on a character and the demons that lie within.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25
Wolverine #16 – The fallout of Wolverine finding himself after killing his children continues, but I can’t help feel like I’ve read this exact same story before….
Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75
X-Men: Legacy #256 – It’s great to see these characters back, but the story is boring and the art atrocious. Spinning wheels until the shake up is all I have to say really.
Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75
Catching Up on Reviews, Part 13 — New & Secret Avengers
New Avengers #9 (Marvel) – I’m a big fan of Brian Michael Bendis’s writing and it’s good in this issue although the historical “Avengers” tale going on here throws me a bit. I don’t fully get it. I’m not a huge fan of either Mike Deodata or HOward Chaykin’s art here, although none of it is bad. The shocking ending to the issue is well-done.
Story: 8.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8
New Avengers #10 (Marvel) – I’m still not sure the Avengers 1959 story works very well and the main story is weaker than usual. This is the worst issue of the series to date, although that isn’t to say it’s a bad comic, just not as good as the rest.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5
New Avengers #11 (Marvel) – More of the same here keeps the series in a holding pattern. The image of a superhero riding a whale is a bit jarring, in a bad way.
Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75
New Avengers #12 (Marvel) – The writing gets a bit better in this issue, but the art, if anything, is worse.
Story: 8.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.75
New Avengers #13 (Marvel) – This issue gets the series back to its higher quality level, with a focus on revenge for the attack on Mockingbird and some interesting foreshadowing about what might be coming down the road.
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
New Avengers #14 (Marvel) – This Fear Itself tie-in is one of the best of the entire event. The focus is on the return of Mockingbird and it’s very well done, to the point of being one of her best appearances ever. It’s very much a Bendis comic book, in the best sense of that concept.
Story: 9.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.25
New Avengers #15 (Marvel) – Bendis does his best to write a good Fear Itself story featuring Squirrel Girl, but, in the end, it’s still a story featuring Squirrel Girl.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25
New Avengers #16 (Marvel) – Bringing Daredevil fully into the Avengers fold through a well-told Fear Itself story is a good idea.
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
New Avengers Annual #1 (Marvel) – This may be the most interesting thing ever done with the character of Wonder Man. Bendis takes a character that had long been a one-note thing and makes him one of the most interesting adversaries the Avengers have seen in a while. On top of that, he surrounds him with a cast of b-level characters that are all brought into the story in a great way. This is action-packed and looks great thanks to Gabriele Dell’otto
Story: 9.75 Art: 9.75 Overall: 9.75
Secret Avengers #10 (Marvel) – Ed Brubaker tells a very action-oriented tale that gives a lot of time to Shang-Chi and shows that Steve Rogers is a master tactician.
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
Secret Avengers #11 (Marvel) – I’m not sure I like the revival of the John Steele character in modern times, but if it’s going to be done, this is about as good as it’s going to get.
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5
Secret Avengers #12 (Marvel) – This series is consistently high quality and even when the premise is one that doesn’t grab me, it’s very well-executed. The art is starting to decline a bit, but I’m sure that’s temporary.
Story: 9 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8.25
Secret Avengers #12.1 (Marvel) – This point one issue offers a lot of philosophical ideas related to the Avengers, the Secret Avengers, government informants, how to react to dangerous situations and more. It may be a bit heavy for a jump-on point, but it is a good issue for those who already have some knowledge of the Avengers.
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5
Secret Avengers #13 (Marvel) – There are a few cheesy moments here, but this is really a tale of right and wrong, civil rights and the multiple approaches that can be taken to change the world.
Story: 9.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.25
Secret Avengers #14 (Marvel) – Nick Spencer uses this Fear Itself tie-in to explore what it means to be a soldier and a warrior and writes one of the more compelling elements of the entire crossover.
Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.25
Secret Avengers #15 (Marvel) – Secret Avengers seems to be the designated place in the Fear Itself event to discuss philosophical issues — this time it is with the responsibility of the media when it comes to dealing with big issues and people’s lives.
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5
Secret Avengers #16 (Marvel) – Finally breaking free from Fear Itself, Warren Ellis comes on board to write a fun, action-packed tale that fits into the Heroic Age concept very well.
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5
Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 8/31/11
It’s a good week to finally catch up on reviews. The DC universe is totally changed with two comics, but are they worth it? Will the gamble pay off for DC comics? We can’t answer that this week, but here’s the reviews for the week.
Fear Itself: The Deep #3 – A lot of talk about Undying Ones and me yawning. The comic and limited series isn’t bad in any way, but there’s nothing to grab me. It’s one of the numerous Fear Itself tie-ins that’s so far hasn’t shown me any reason that it was needed and couldn’t be done in the main comic with a tweaked storyline.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Flashpoint #5 – One hell of an ending. The story might have had some faults, but for all of the over the top action, it came back to the heart of the characters. The ending with it’s tender, quiet moment is perfect in every way. Flashpoint will easily go down as a classic event in DC and comics in general. Beyond solid and as an end cap for the DC universe that was it’s great, but more importantly it’s the messenger of what’s to come.
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5
Iron Man 2.0 #8 – The story is cool as part of the mystery is solved, but the coloring for this issue is so off. Why is Jim Rhodes a white guy for a good chunk of it? The Palmer Adley story continues and overall it’s a decent story, but it looks like the last quarter of this issue kicks it up a notch. The low art score is for the messed up coloring which does take away from the issue.
Story: 7.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
Journey Into Mystery #626.1 – The point of Marvel’s point one is to introduce us to the comic and the characters and this one does so well at achieving that. It would seem that this indicates that this comic’s Fear Itself tie-in is over, which is good, because it can now move forward to telling the tales of the young Loki who stands out a lot from his previously older self.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Justice League #1 – This comic had to come out running and instead of something pumped full of energy, it’s a slow burn. Taking place five years ago it really chronicles Batman and Green Lantern meeting. It’s decent enough and there’s some great back and forth but Hal Jordan seems a bit more flippant and a smart ass than the serious and cocky character we’ve known. There’s also some moments I outright question, especially in the beginning action scenes. It’s an ok start, but I don’t think it’s quite the knock it out of the park DC comics needed.
Story: 7 Art: 8.75 Overall: 7.25
The Mighty Thor #5 – Interesting…. but I’m still confused as to when this takes place in continuity. Is this before Fear Itself? Is it after? I’m at a loss here.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75
Secret Avengers #16 – And with that Warren Ellis takes over for the series. It’s an interesting comic and the story is disposable, but it’ll be interesting to see what he does with the series. The characters are a little off, and I hate the art, but here’s hoping future issues and his run is as solid as ones he’s done for other series.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25
Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #1 – I haven’t been much of a fan of Marvel’s Ultimate line, but this comic is pretty damn cool. Full of action and a very cool concept, it’s got me hooked to check out the second issue. This is an action comic on steroids, and fun to boot.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Uncanny X-Force #14 – Can I just say holy shit. This story has gotten tense, and I have no idea how they come back from it. Archangel is now in full control and X-Force has gotten jacked up. What’s Archangel up to and how will the team stop him? We still don’t know, but it’s interesting some team members still haven’t been shown off in the teasers for what comes next in the “X” line of comics.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
Ellis’ Secret Avengers Explodes Off Stands Worldwide!
Official Press Release
Ellis’ SECRET AVENGERS Explodes Off Stands Worldwide!
Marvel is pleased to announce that Warren Ellis’ explosive first chapter of Secret Avengers has sold out at Diamond and will be going back to press with Secret Avengers #16 Second Printing Variant! Joined by artist Jamie McKelvie, fans can’t get enough for what Ellis has planned for Earth’s most covert super-team and are on the edge of their seats eager for what’s next! It’s the book that prompted ComicBookResources.com to declare, “In my perfect world, all superhero comics are like Secret Avengers #16 …they should all use this book as a blueprint for smart, funny, well-constructed, beautiful, modern and fun comics.”
And fans can’t miss Secret Avengers #17 as Kev Walker joins Ellis in sending Steve Rogers and his team to Eastern Europe to stop a global bio-threat! This September, Warren Ellis continues his high-octane, action packed thrill ride in Secret Avengers #16 Second Printing Variant & Secret Avengers #17!
Run The Mission. Don’t Get Seen. Save the World!
SECRET AVENGERS #16 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT(JUL118172)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Art by JAMIE MCKELVIE
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
FOC 9/5/11, ON-SALE 9/28/11
SECRET AVENGERS #17 (JUL110634)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Art by KEV WALKER
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
FOC 9/5/11, ON-SALE 9/28/11
Around the Tubes
Football game + coming home late = late Around the Tubes. I’m sure your morning wasn’t complete, so here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
CBLDF – Creators Come to the Rescue With New CBLDF Auctions! – Give to a good cause!
The Beat – Sales charts: the shape of the market – Always interesting to see trends over time.
Con Coverage:
MTV Geek – FanExpo Canada Interview: Peter Milligan on The All-New ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’
MTV Geek – FanExpo Canada 2011 Interview: Andy Kubert on The End of Flashpoint and The New 52
Bleeding Cool – Video: Lining Up With Len Peralta At Dragon*Con
Bleeding Cool – Inside The Exhibitors Room At Dragon*Con
CBR – C2E2 Announces 2012 Dates
Fantagraphics – Things to See: SPX 2011 program cover by Jim Rugg
Bleeding Cool – Wizard World, WonderCon And C2E2 Co-Operate Over Dates
Fantagraphics – Fantagraphics at SPX 2011!
Around the Tubes Reviews:
CBR – Incredible Hulks #635
Blogomatic3000! – Modesty Blaise – Million Dollar Game
CBR – Secret Avengers #16
Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/27/11 Part 2
I’m still a bit behind in my reviews. Here’s the second part of reviews from releases weeks ago. Hopefully I’ll be caught up this week.
Green Hornet #17 – Phil Hester continues to move this action packed comic forward. It’s some great pulp action that shows how bad the movie was. Too bad quality like this couldn’t represent the Hornet on the big screen. Tons of fun and a definite read for fans of Batman or pulp hero comics.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25
Incorruptible #20 – This series along with it’s sister title is about taking the villain and hero dynamic and archetypes and breaking them down. What’s interesting with this issue is that so common villain soliloquy is used and of course things go wrong for the bad guy. For a series that makes us rethink about the typical super hero comic, in this issue it falls upon such a common writing tool.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Kirby Genesis #2 – This series is for Kirby die-hards. The ideas are very much him and the designs mimic his style quite well, but overall, I give it a big meh. It’s interesting but a bit too much too quickly I think.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
The Mighty Thor #4 – Thor vs. Silver Surfer, Odin vs. Galactus, it’s big battles here. But, when does this take place? Pre-Fear Itself it doesn’t make sense, but post may not have a Thor around. So confusing…. but still entertaining.
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8
New Mutants #28 – To me, this is the quality I expect from the series. Faced with doubt and the after affects of everything they’ve been through an outside shrink is brought in to help them deal. It’s a solid story, worth the read. Here’s hoping the quality keeps up.
Story: 8.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8
Secret Avengers #15 – An issue that gets very meta discussing “death” in comic books. Even though it has Fear Itself on the cover, it’s more a statement about the recent deaths of comic book characters and the reaction by the public. A very interesting read if you take it that way.
Story: 8.75 Art: 7 Overall: 8.5
Secret Warriors #28 – Not a thing I would change, a perfect ending to the series. There’s so much hope, so much advice, and so much left out there. It’s a shame it couldn’t continue. But a big thanks goes out to the team that brought twenty eight pages of awesome. Bravo.
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.75
Uncanny X-Force #12 – Wow, that was certainly interesting. A hell of an issue that really dives deep into the characters and focuses on them instead of the action, and then wham, one hell of an ending. So, so good. The art surrounding Wolverine was a bit off and inconsistent, but otherwise, a solid issue.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25
Venom #5 – After all of the action, all of the swinging around, this issue quiets it down and instead focuses on Flash the man. It’s interesting that the two books in this batch by Rick Remender focused not on the action and instead focused on characters. It’s a solid book about a man who’s haunted by the past which is guiding his present.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
X-Factor #222 – The issue with Rhane’s unborn child continues. I can’t say I’m too crazy about the plot, but it has it’s moments and a few times the art is really good. There’s a style that sneaks through that’s solid, but overall the art is ok.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7
X-Men #15 – Overall a decent story arc that introduces a pretty cool villain. It seems a bit odd to have such a solid story before a big event, and it’s a bit choppy with Schism occurring now. But as a whole, I’ll give it high marks.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
X-Men: Legacy #252 – Legion seeks out Styx with an ending I’m not quite sure I understand, but there’s clearly more going on involving Rogue, so we’ll see where this series goes next.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75
X-Men: Schism #2 – The major shake up to the “X” universe continues as the world reacts to terrorist acts and the X-Men must assemble to take on antiquated Sentinels. Meanwhile the Hellfire Club continues their movies. This is the event us X-Men fans have been waiting for.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Around the Tubes – It’s Friday, Friday…
So, I care that it’s Friday just because that means I can sleep in tomorrow and attempt to catch up on the lack of sleep from San Diego Comic-Con and also gear up for next week’s Gen Con. While you were slaving away, working for the man, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
The Mary Sue – The Hard Numbers Say There are Less Female Characters in the DCnU As Well – Some good number crunching.
Comics Alliance – Answering Dan DiDio: The Problem With Having Only 1% Female Creators at DC Comics – While I generally agree with DiDio that you want quality writers and artists no matter their race, age, gender, etc., some of the choices are questionable and DC is in the difficult task to explain themselves and at the same time not diminish the creative teams chosen.
Con Coverage:
The Beat – Comic-Con 2011: Perception vs. Reality
The Beat – SDCC, A Look Back: The Beat
The Beat – The Comic-Con Virgin Diaries: Ali C. — Final Report
Around the Tubes Reviews:
IGN – Action Comics #903
IGN – The Amazing Spider-Man #666
IGN – American Vampire #17
IGN – Avengers Academy #16
IGN – Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #2
IGN – Captain America and Bucky #620
IGN – Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #2
IGN – DC Retroactive: Justice League of America – The 70’s #1
IGN – DC Retroactive: Superman – The 70’s #1
IGN – Detective Comics #880
IGN – Fear Itself: The Worthy #1
IGN – FF #7
IGN – Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #2
IGN – Flashpoint: Kid Flash – Lost #2
IGN – Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #2
IGN – Flashpoint: Project Superman #2
IGN – Green Arrow #14
IGN – Green Lantern Corps #62
IGN – Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #12
IGN – The Incredible Hulks #633
IGN – Intrepids #5
IGN – Invincible #81
IGN – Justice Society of America #53
IGN – Last Mortal #3
IGN – The Mighty Thor #4
IGN – Nordguard Book One: Across Thin Ice
IGN – Secret Avengers #15
IGN – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #3
IGN – Uncanny X-Force #12
IGN – Venom #5
IGN – Wolverine/Deadpool: The Decoy #1
IGN – Wonder Woman #613
IGN – X-Men Legacy #252
IGN – X-Men: Schism #2
