Official Press Release
X-Men Regenesis Begins In X-MEN: SCHISM #5!
The future of mutantkind begins this October in X-Men: Schism #5! Superstar artist Adam Kubert joins Marvel Architect Jason Aaron for this explosive finale that will change everything you know about the X-Men.
X-MEN: SCHISM #5 (AUG110649)
Written by JASON AARON
Art and Cover by ADAM KUBERT
FOC – 9/12/11, ON SALE – 10/5/11
Getting close to catching up with reviews, and here’s the second batch of reviews from two weeks ago. Last week’s comics will be reviewed over the next few days.
Journey Into Mystery #626 – Loki continues to weave his plan to deal with Odin and the Serpent. The end of the comic shows who his big gun is and it’s interesting. The series is pretty heavy in the planning, which is interesting to see all of the dots being connected, but sooner or later the story needs to really get moving, and it looks like we’ll finally get that with the next issue.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Marvel Universe vs. Wolverine #3 – Wolverine and the heroes make a stand against the infected. There’s some great moments here and as a whole this series is a lot more fun and exciting than it should be. This second series by Jonathan Maeberry has been entertaining and here’s hoping we get a third volume.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Punisher #1 – The Punisher is back and it looks like the detectives from Se7en are involved. The series is so solid that the main character doesn’t even show up until the last few panels. Greg Rucka can write crime and it looks like his “A” game is being brought to the table for this one.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Thunderbolts #162 – The team is dealing with the chaos that is Chicago in this Fear Itself tie-in. The story is interesting since the “B” team decides to make their move too. A lot is going on here and thankfully it uses Fear Itself as a backdrop instead of the main point of the story.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Uncanny X-Men #542 – It’s been hinted at, but here’s the point where Colossus goes through some changes. The story is actually kind of cool and it should be really interesting to see where it all goes in the future, because it looks like the changes are going to last well after Fear Itself. The scenes of their attempting to stop the Juggernaut is pretty entertaining as well. I solid comic.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Venom #6 – The series kinds a bit side tracked with Spider-Island, but it’s an interesting story. Hopefully the next two issues that deal with it will make sense on their own. It’s a shame that so many series are being side tracked and some derailed due to their being dragged into sub-par comic events as tie-ins.
Story: 7.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25
The Walking Dead #88 – The shock and aftermath of events are clearly hitting everyone. The series has dealt with horror and what happens after, but it now looks like the psychological drama is finally being looked at. As usual, Robert Kirkman knocks it out of the park mixing horror, suspense and human emotion.
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9
X-Factor #224 – The whole story arc with Rahne is over, which is good, I wasn’t a big fan of the story. We’ll see where things pick up from here cause it looks like there’s going to be a shake up to the team if the teasers are any indication.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
X-Men: Schism #3 – This third issue of the “X” event shows a bit of where the latest issue of Generation Hope dovetails in. There’s a bit that contradicts each other, but overall the issue is solid and I have to say, I love the new Hellfire Club. We also get the real beginning of Cyclops and Wolverine’s fall out and it’s interesting to see what the issues are going to be that divide the two.
Story: 8 Art: 7 Overall: 7.75
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
It’s Saturday, but more importantly, it’s the Baltimore Comic Con! You can expect a lot of news and interviews to come out of this show, but you can follow us on Twitter for more real time updates. While you wait for all of the amazing news to flood out of the convention, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
Poynter – An introduction to comics journalism, in the form of comics journalism – Thank to Dan Archer for putting this together, an awesome history lesson.
Bleeding Cool – ComiXology Release Terms Of Use For Comic Store Websites – Can’t say I’m too shocked about this.
Kotaku – Guess Which Character Marvel Worried Capcom Would Get Wrong? – I can understand the bit about how the hands are situated.
Con Coverage:
Carroll County Times – Carroll residents excited for Comic-Con in Baltimore
Around the Tubes Reviews:
ICv2 – The Betrayal Knows My Name Vol. 1
CBR – Uncanny X-Men #542
CBR – X-Men: Schism #3
It’s Friday, nuff said. So, tomorrow is Baltimore Comic Con, so follow our Twitter account for updates and our YouTube page to check out the videos as we upload them. Until then, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
CBR – Top Cow’s 2011 “Pilot Season” is On the Air – Details on this year’s Pilot Season by Top Cow. There’s always solid books coming out of this, well worth the pick up.
Around the Tubes Reviews:
IGN – The Avengers #16
IGN – Avengers Academy #18
IGN – Batman #713
CBR – Captain America #2
IGN – Captain America #2
IGN – Daredevil #2
IGN – Deadlands: Death Was Silent
IGN – Fear Itself: Deadpool #3
IGN – Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #3
IGN – Fear Itself: The Home Front #5
IGN – Flashpoint: Abin Sur – The Green Lantern #3
IGN – Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #3
IGN – Flashpoint: The Outsider #3
IGN – Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #3
IGN – Gladstone’s School For World Conquerors #4
IGN – Green Lantern Corps #63
IGN – Hulk #39
IGN – Invincible Iron Man #507
IGN – Justice League of America #60
IGN – Ka-Zar #3
IGN – Legion of Super-Heroes #16
IGN – Spider-Island: The Amazing Spider-Girl #1
IGN – Star Wars: Knight Errant – Deluge #1
IGN – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #6
IGN – Uncanny X-Men #542
IGN – Venom #6
IGN – The Walking Dead #88
IGN – X-Factor #224
IGN – X-Men: Schism #3
Examiner – Picks Of Comic Book Week for 8/17/11: Where’s Speedball When You Need Him?
Did you hear we’re launching a radio show? Did you also hear it starts tonight at 8? Well, go here for the details, but while you do that, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
Bleeding Cool – Non Bane-Based Images From The Set Of The Dark Knight Rises – Gary Oldman is just so perfect for the role.
Bleeding Cool – On Set Snaps Of Bane – See His Mask, His Coat, His… Script Page – Interesting….
Kotaku – Marvel Pinball Offers Prizes in Spider-Man Tourney – As if I needed more reasons to play some pinball.
Kotaku – Why Jim Lee Can’t Reveal His True Character in DC Universe Online – This is pretty funny.
Around the Tubes Reviews:
CBR – X-Men: Schism #2
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
I’ve always waited for trade paperbacks to read Criminal, but Criminal: Last of the Innocent got such amazing praise when it first came out I had to see what all of the chatter was about, and it was well worth it. Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips consistently bring it in this series with some of the best comic book noir on the market. Absolutely fantastic stuff and I’m sure the second issue will be no exception.
It’s a thick stack of books dominated Flashpoint tie-ins and the debut of some high profile series. What’s worth the money and what can you skip? Find out below!
Alpha Flight #2 – There’s definitely something appropriately “Canadian” about this series both in it’s topics and it’s voice. We get a better sense as to exactly is going on and somewhat the Unity Party is up to. The series hasn’t blown me out of the water yet, but it at least has a unique voice and feel.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2 – I said after reading the first issue whether we really needed a mini-series of the still very young and fresh American Vampire, but the answer is yes. Both series are showing off a quality that justifies and any chance to speed up the story telling is much appreciated and wanted.
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9
Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #521 – For all those that laughed and moaned when they say sketches for the American Panther, I guess they get to eat their words. Sadly the story is tied in a bit with Fear Itself, but if it didn’t have to be, the story would be very solid dealing with hate and fear in America. If anything, the story so far doesn’t go enough, but it’s still a great read.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5
Booster Gold #46 – Booster continues to fight Doomsday and the story is ok, but really is one extended fight scene that doesn’t move the story along or give us a greater glimpse into the world of Flashpoint. The art too seems to have slipped a little. Not as good as the first two entries.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Captain America #1 – And a new Captain America series is launched almost jettisoning Brubaker’s previous run. The first issue though is beyond solid with great action, interesting mystery and a great look. This is everything I hoped for and more. Very great read and a must buy.
Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9
Daken: Dark Wolverine #11 – Daken has turned into a drug addict which is a bit of an interesting story line. I like the art style switching between him being normal and being high and as always the twisted sexual games he plays is something you don’t see in too many other series. This is one that’s flying under the radar and worth the read.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Deadpool #40 – This probably could also be called “When Deadpool Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.” Deadpool gets sent to a psych ward, though it’s in England, which doesn’t really make sense, but oh well….
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Fear Itself: Spider-Man #3 – Probably the best of the Fear Itself tie-ins, the story sores because it focuses not on Spider-Man and his rather uphill battle, but instead of average people suffering from the madness of the world around them. A solid three issue limited series that’s much better than the event series it’s tied into.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75
FF #6 – So much that’s very cool, but if feels wrong for Black Bolt to return under anyone’s guidance other than DnA. At the same time, I’m forced to say “huh?”
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #2 – The issues starts off strong enough with the Rogues out to take on Cold, but the end is a bit confusing as to what’s exactly going on at times with the action not being clear enough. Overall, still entertaining.
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8
Flashpoint: Deathstroke – And the Curse of the Ravager #2 – The fight between Aquaman and Deathstroke’s crew continues in another issue that’s mostly fight. Again, not much movement and showing the world that is Flashpoint. For a great setting sail, the story seems to have lost it’s momentum.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75
Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2 – The origin of Emperor Aquaman and it’s a very good read. We get a good sense of who he is and why he is the way he is due to this issue and…. it moves the overall story forward.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5
Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #2 – Something was a bit uneven about this issue. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t particularly good either. I guess overall, I feel like it just doesn’t fit into Flashpoint and doesn’t add anything to the overall universe.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Ghost Rider #1 – I wasn’t too impressed by the #0.1 issue and the first issue didn’t blow me away either.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75
Green Lantern #67 – Now that was an ending, but we’re left with tons of questions as to what to expect in the relaunch of this series. The War of the Green Lanterns was uneven at times, but the ending made up for it all.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Green Lantern Corps. #61 – A nice throwback issue that takes on a social issue and addresses it at a galactic level. At the same time we’re introduced to all of the new Lanterns recruited during the war. It’s a decent issue, but the series just seems to be killing time until DCnU kicks off.
Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25
Journey Into Mystery #625 – While I will say the series is solid, it’s a bit too convoluted in it’s dealings and double dealings. The story isn’t straightforward and you need a chart to keep track of all of the wheeling and double dealing. The series is interesting though and this issue does give us a glimpse as to the origin of the Serpent.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8
Mystery Men #3 – We’re a little over the half way point and the series introduces some more “heroes” to the fold. The story has a modern pulp feel to it that’s entertaining, but doesn’t quite meet the quality of The Twelve which it resembles. It’s a good series, but might be best to read in trade form.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
The New Avengers #14 – I’m a bit mixed on the issue. It focuses on Mockingbird and her new status as well as some issues Spider-Man is having and also what’s going on with Fear Itself. There’s one scene in particular that’s very reminiscent of 9-11 that really caused a mixed stir of emotions that I’m still processing while I write this. Is it over the top? Maybe? Is it one hell of a statement in one page? Yes. Is it beautifully drawn? Absolutely.
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8
New Mutants #27 – Really a convoluted way to get Nate Grey back in the fold the story is so-so and the art actually sub-par for an “X” book. Even with a reboot, the series isn’t what it should be. It comes off as second class in many ways.
Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75
The Red Wing #1 – Jonathan Hickman is a brilliant writer and this series is an interesting start. I can’t say it’s quite up to snuff as his past indie series, but those are some of the best comics ever written. An interesting start though.
Story: 8.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8
the Unwritten #27 – The series gets a bit more meta as the shift comes into how comic books have shaped the modern myth. It’s definitely interesting to read and I wish I had someone to discuss it with.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Wolverine #12 – Folks still want revenge on Wolverine and this arc just doesn’t hold up either. I like the idea of focusing on the folks that Wolverine has hurt through his actions, I’m just not sure this is the best way to go about it.
Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25
X-Men: Schism #1 – And in one issue everything ramps up as the latest “X” event kicks off. We’ve seen the prelude and we’ve gotten hints as to what expect, but now it’s game on. Jason Aaron has had mixed results in my opinion of his handling of various “X” titles, but this limited series kicks off with a solid start.
Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9
It’s the weekend before San Diego Comic-Con and I’m putting together my final preparations, fun! While I’m running around doing errands and you’re enjoying your weekend, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
Maplewood Patch – Comic Books Can Save Lives, Too – Help raise money by buying comic books!
Kotaku – Captain America Does His Best Mirror’s Edge Impression on the iPhone – If only I had an iPhone….
Slash Film – Fox Buys Graphic Novel ‘Rust,’ An Adventure Story With a Jet Pack – We’ll have a review of the graphic novel soon.
Las Vegas Sun – Boom! Pow! Comic book store fights recession – How one store has fought against the recession and is thriving.
Con Coverage:
The Beat – The Comic-Con Virgin Diaries: Ali C. Day 1
Courier Journal – Derby City Comic Con | Saturday’s show first in years
Bleeding Cool – Will It Be Conflict Thursday At San Diego Comic Con?
MTV Geek – Review: SDCC-Exclusive Young Justice Superboy Figure
Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Bill Sienkiewicz Sketchbook 2011
The Beat – The Comic-Con Virgin Diaries: Lauren A. Day 1
Bleeding Cool – Crossed Infects San Diego With Trading Cards, Ashcans And Exclusives
Bleeding Cool – Media Invited To Garth Ennis Stitched Press Conference
MTV Geek – SDCC 2011: Exclusive Gear Worth Waiting In Line For
The Beat – The Comic-Con Virgin Diaries: Nate C. Day 1
Around the Tubes Reviews:
CBR – X-Men: Schism #1
