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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

The Ultimate Comics Universe Makes Comics History In 2012!

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

The Ultimate Comics Universe Makes Comics History In 2012!

Celebrate the New Year with the biggest change to world of digital comics in 2012! Beginning with January’s Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #6, all Ultimate Comics Universe titles will be polybagged with a code for a FREE digital copy on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices at no extra cost! In February, these codes (redeemable for the same print issue as purchased) expand to the rest of the Ultimate Comics Universe, as new arcs begin with Ultimate Comics X-Men #7 and Ultimate Comics Ultimates #7.

“The groundbreaking stories told each month in the Ultimate Comics Universe are some of the best comics being published today,” said David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment. “Looking at the tremendous response to our digital copy code offer with Avenging Spider-Man #1, it’s clear that this is something fans want to see more of and we’re delivering it on a scale never seen before, with no extra cost to retailers or fans—and historic benefits for our retail partners.”

The Ultimate Comics line made history in 2010 with the first line of comics to be offered digitally on the same day print editions hit stores, beginning with Ultimate Comics Thor #1. With its inception in 2000, the Ultimate Comics Universe reimagined the world’s most popular super heroes, including Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Wolverine and more, for a new generation. It continues to be one of the most acclaimed and best-selling comics initiatives of the last decade, with the 2011 introduction of an all-new Spider-Man heralded as one of the most important moves in pop culture history.

In 2012, no fan can miss Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, Ultimate Comics Ultimates and Ultimate Comics X-Men, as they begin red-hot new storylines and each issue includes a code for a FREE digital copy 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.

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #6 WITH FREE CODE
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by CHRIS SAMNEE
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
RATED T+ …$3.99
FOC—12/19/11, ON-SALE—1/16/2012

ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #7 WITH FREE CODE
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art by CARLO BARBERI
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
RATED T+ …$3.99
ON-SALE IN FEBRUARY

ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #7 WITH FREE CODE
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art by ESAD RIBIC
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
RATED T+ …$3.99
ON-SALE IN FEBRUARY

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 10/12/11

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Brett

A little late for these reviews. Was it worth it? Find out below!

Alpha Flight #5 – The team pulls in Taskmaster to help train their army as the Unity government continues to push their agenda. The art is really off, Taskmaster just doesn’t look like himself. The story is getting better, but it all feels a bit rudimentary instead of the complicated political story it should be.

Story: 7.25 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #5 – And that’s a wrap for the limited series. It’s a big action sequence that’s very Indiana Jones at times. I really liked the series overall, and it added a lot to the overall American Vampire story. The ending was solid and fun and a nice way to wrap up the story line. Here’s hoping we’ll see some more limited series and graphic novels based in this universe in the future.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Batgirl #2 – The second issue is pretty solid. The fight scenes are really good and I like how Babs has PTSD from being shot. The more I learned about the villain Mirror the more I dug him. It’s an issue that grew on me, but didn’t grab me like I’d of hoped. It’s a solid read though, and it looks like this’ll be one of the standout series of DC’s new 52.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Batman and Robin #2 – I really like Bruce and Damian, one struggling to be a father and the other struggling being a kid. That dynamic is great and watching Bruce having issues with doing and saying things a father would is great. The bad is this villain. There’s clearly history and if you don’t know what that is (like me) that section falls short. Half of the comic is fantastic, the latter half falters.

Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Batwoman #2 – Pretty solid story that stumbled only on a few pages, the art is just amazing. The look, the layout, it’s beyond unique and unlike anything else out there. The art alone is enough to buy the comic. Just amazing in that department.

Story: 7.75 Art: 9.5 Overall: 8.25

Black Panther #524 – A Spider-Island tie-in that’s really not needed. It does nothing to add to that story, but really this is just a bridge to the next arc which involves the Kingpin. The story is pretty bad and art isn’t as good as usual. Pretty sure you could skip this issue and miss nothing.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Daken: Dark Wolverine #15 – I was hoping the whole Daken being a drug addict would of lasted longer. I liked the art, but story seems a bit convoluted. We’ll see how it ends, but the lead up has been better than this issue.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Deathstroke #2 – I’d hope the second issue would give a bit more than over the top violence. But with little plot the second issue of the series continues it’s attempt to make Deathstroke the bad-ass character he used to be. I myself need a bit more to my characters other than over sized swords and lots of stabbing.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

FF #10 – A quieter moment for the FF, everyone is scattered to where they were “needed” and that’s really the reflection here. This is the quiet before the storm as Hickman starts weaving all of the threads he’s set up together in what looks like one colossal story that’s leading up to Fantastic Four #600.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.5

Generation Hope #12 – A choppy story, very uneven art and a reprint from another comic, sigh. The series was getting good, but this just kind of slides back to the second class X comic it was emerging from.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Green Lantern #2 – This issue sets up a dynamic that’s pretty damn interesting. It looks like Jordan gets his ring back, but with a twist that should lead to some fun stories in the future. There’s still a lot of questions about continuity, but I like where the series is going.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Grifter #2 – Hmm, I’ve decided the whole Daemonites story running in Grifter and Voodoo is a bit too They Live for me. The story is jumbled and too jumpy for me. It’s not quite a clear linear plot and something is very off. It just doesn’t feel very DC and not revealing info in a way that makes the story entertaining. The series is very off to me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Jennifer Blood #5 – We get a lot more of the history and one ending I didn’t need to see. The words “bring out the gimp” come to mind. The comic is pure torture porn, but there’s something fun about it. Garth Ennis knows how to tip-toe that fine line keeping you entertained, but hating yourself for being so.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

The New Avengers #17 – Osborn is back and playing on even a bigger scale. The plot is just starting and if the Green Goblin is involved, it’s going to be good. There’s never been a better time to hop on the bandwagon, cause this looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

The Punisher #4 – The Punisher is broken and it looks like the new Vulture is dead (we’ll see how long that lasts). A reporter struggles with the story and cops are chasing a killer. Lots going on in Rucka’s interesting take on the classic character. It’s a good start and I especially like the different perspective this issue has. We’ll see where it continues to go.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Resurrection Man #2 – Huh. The series feels like a riddle mixed in an enigma. I’m willing to stick around a while to see where the series goes, but it’s definitely interesting so far. There’s a mix of Vertigo and over the top action, a bit Preacher feel too. It’s an interesting mix overall. A decent second issue, but not absolutely amazing.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

S.H.I.E.L.D. #3 – I am so lost as to what’s going on. The series is a bit hard to follow as individual issues and would read much better as a trade or graphic novel.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

Suicide Squad #2 – The villain is laughable but interaction in the team is great. Everyone is expendable which makes this anything is possible comic. That’s the good part. The characters are no Secret Six when it comes to banter, and there’s a line in there that negates that entire series. So glad I got into it… Not a bad second issue, but not great.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3 – Miles still learns about his powers and comes to terms with them a bit. He also has his first few days at school which is interesting. But, most importantly, we learn when this is all occurring which is very interesting and pretty smart writing. So far so good.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Ultimate Comics X-Men #2 – A second solid issue that finds the Mutants of this world hunted and persecuted. It’s a great mix of some of the latest solid plot lines from the regular 616 Marvel universe mixed a bit and just different enough to be original. It’s familiar yet totally new and I’m hooked.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Uncanny X-Force #16 – When it comes to “X” story lines, this is it. A mix of everything that’s good, full of action and packed full of “holy shit” moments. Archangel is the new Apocalypse, X-Force keeps getting their asses beat and it all looks pretty damn hopeless. I have no idea how this is going to end.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Men: Legacy #257 – The battle is space continues for about two issues too long. Can’t wait for this to be over.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

X-Men: Regenesis – The sides are chosen and we get to see the various pitches. The “X” universe has shifted again and it’s looking like for the better right now.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Miles Morales Meets His Destiny In Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #4!

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Brett

Miles Morales Meets His Destiny In ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #4!

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for and in Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #4, Miles Morales comes face to face with a character that will alter his life forever! Courtesy of the blockbuster creative team of Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli & Justin Ponsor, the mainstream phenomenon Miles Morales learns exactly it means to be a hero from the person who defined it for his generation.

Fans and critics can’t get enough of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man!

“The future of Marvel is Miles Morales. And he’s exactly who Spider-Man should be in 2011.” – Brett White, ComicBookResources.com

“With some stellar artwork and a character that is extremely relatable, this is a different Spider-Man for a new generation. Unsure, unfocused, and more than a little scared over his new power, I’m definitely with Miles Morales for the long haul.” – David Pepose, Newsarama.com

“Sara Pichelli again makes a case for her being superhero comics’ next big thing, offering up simple and clean page layouts with some of the most expressive character work out there.” – Joey Esposito, IGN.com

In Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #4, get your first look at Miles as he learns the hard way that being a super hero is a lot harder than it looks. What is the secret behind his new powers and how will he master them? No fan can miss Miles Morales hitting the streets of the Ultimate Comics Universe for the first time in Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #4!

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #4 (SEP110520)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by SARA PICHELLI
Colors by JUSTIN PONSOR
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
FOC – 10/17/11, ON SALE 11/9/11

Around the Tubes

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Brett

New York Comic Con is here, yay! Coverage will get ramped up of the show, but the best to do is follow us on Twitter to get real time updates. While you wait for me to start twittering away, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

Bleeding Cool – Ann Nocenti Takes On Green Arrow Beginning With Issue #7 – And DC brings in another female writer.

Kotaku – The Next Superman Video Game is Excellent – Wasn’t the last game supposed to be good?

Kotaku – Batman: Arkham City’s Single-player Catwoman Content Demands Buying New or Buying a ‘VIP Pass’ – Well, I was going to buy the game, guess I’ll have to buy it new….

Con Coverage:

MTV Geek – Hasbro NYCC Exclusive Compound Hulk Review

MTV Geek – Buy A Cool T-Shirt, Support The Fight Against Breast Cancer at NYCC

The Beat – NYCC 2011: Day One: Preview Day

The Mary Sue – Five Things to Remember About New York Comic Con

Comics Alliance – New York Comic-Con Preview: What To Do On Saturday

MTV Geek – Hasbro Unveils Avengers Movie Figures Pre-NYCC!

MTV Geek – The Gamer’s Guide to New York Comic Con

The Beat – NYCC 11 kicks off

Bleeding Cool – NYCC Debut: NOBODIES, Volume 1 by DRAWMORE INC.

Queens Chronicle – Library hosts Queens’ very first Comic-Con

MTV Geek – Mark Hamill Joins New-Gen as Creative Consultant… And There’s a Movie – NYCC News

Bleeding Cool – NYCC Debut: Buffalo Speedway by Yehudi Mercado

Around the Tubes Reviews:

CBR – Shade #1

CBR – Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3

Ultimate Comics Continue To Swing & Burn Off Store Shelves!

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

ULTIMATE COMICS Continue To Swing & Burn Off Store Shelves!

Since the beginning of Ultimate Comics Reborn, fans and critics can’t get enough Ultimate Comics! Continuing the red-hot success of Spider-Man & X-Men, Marvel is pleased to announce that Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3 and Ultimate Comics X-Men #2 have sold out and will be immediately going back to press – right as the issues hit comic shops worldwide!

Readers are loving the new Ultimate Comics Universe, but don’t take our word for it – see what the critics have to say!

“The future of Marvel is Miles Morales. And he’s exactly who Spider-Man should be in 2011.” – Brett White, ComicBookResources.com

“Issue #1 of Ultimate Comics X-Men made this new reader feel completely at home in the world of the story.” – Andy Khouri, ComicsAlliance.com on Ultimate Comics X-Men #1

“Spencer has found a vein that he can tap much energy from for his comic, and Medina’s pencils are a perfect fit for such vision.” – Rafael Gaitan, ComicsBulletin.com on Ultimate Comics X-Men #1

So what are you waiting for True Believer, head on over to your comic shop and be sure to grab Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3 Second Printing Variant & Ultimate Comics X-Men #2 Second Printing Variant and get in on the action & excitement!

*Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all “Ultimate Comics Reborn” titles as critical acclaim and media buzz continue to drive fans and readers into stores to check out the issues. Retailers should also check the Marvel Mailer for the Diamond Codes for these two books.

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #3 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by SARA PICHELLI
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
FOC – 10/24/11, ON SALE 11/16/11

ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art by PACO MEDINA
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
FOC – 10/24/11, ON SALE 11/16/11

Around the Tubes

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Brett

The days are ticking down to New York Comic Con and the last convention of the year for me. Last year was a blast and I expect no different this year. While you wait for the coverage to begin, here’s thew news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

CBLDF – HeroesCon Sponsors CBLDF’s Fall Comics Grab Bag! – It’s a good cause!!!

Kotaku – Comic Book Legend Marv Wolfman Lends His Writing Talents to PlanetSide 2 – I do wonder how many hop back and forth writing for the two mediums.

Kotaku – Here’s What You’ll Pay to be the (Officially Announced) Nightwing in Batman: Arkham City – Can’t wait for this game.

Con Coverage:

Bleeding Cool – NYCC Debut: Chad Michael Murray’s Everlast

The Mary Sue – NYCC – Panels You Might, But Shouldn’t, Miss

MTV Geek – The 10 Most Off-Beat Panels at New York Comic-Con 2011

Bleeding Cool – NYCC Debut: Z-Girl And The 4 Tigers #2

Bleeding Cool – NYCC Debut: Dead Man’s Party #1

IGN – IGN’s Guide to NYCC Swag

Bleeding Cool – NYCC Debut: The Independents

Around the Tubes Reviews:

Comics Alliance – Casanova: Avaritia #2

MTV Geek – Legion of Monsters #1

IGN – Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3

IGN – X-Men: Regenesis #1

Publishers Weekly – Comics Reviews: October 2011

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 9/28/11

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Brett

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