Captain America #1

Writer Rick Remender has walked into difficult shoes to fill following up on Ed Brubaker’s modern classic run that saw Captain America at his best for years. This first issue absolutely falls short of that pivoting in a new direction almost too quickly.

The comic starts after a quick flashback with a bang reminding us bluntly that Captain America is neither left or right, just upholding the law. From there we pivot to his personal life and an item that seems to have come out of nowhere, then on to the big adventure and first baddie.

The problem is the adventure doesn’t make much sense. His costume and shield just appear and even the lead up to how he gets in the situation is choppy in how the story plays out. Towards the end, I had a feeling like I’d had picked up a copy of Cable while he was protecting Hope throughout time. Overall the issue came off to me as a cheap Flash Gordon knock-off and even then, making little sense as to what is going on.

Romita’s art is what I’d expect and his style to me is hit and miss, here it’s middling overall. I just have issues with the character design generally, too many people look too alike.

It’s just the first issue, so I’m doing my best to not get to hard on the comic, but it’s not looking good and I fear Captain America’s best stories might be behind him, for at least the short term.

Story: Rick Remender Art: John Romita Jr.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

 

Indestructible Hulk #1

The only issue I have with this comic is how the Hulk and Banner are represented in other comics. This first issue has Bruce Banner negotiating with S.H.I.E.L.D. as to his role in the overall fight against bad guys as well as what he has to offer to the world. He’s basically turning himself in for some concessions. And that part of the comic is excellent, playing out like a chess match of words and minds.

My issue is, in other comics with Marvel NOW!’s reboot/relaunch already has the Hulk as an accepted part of the team, and his intelligence is all over the map. You’d think consistency is needed. So that either puts this comic earlier than say Avengers Assemble or there’s just some issues with continuity. It doesn’t make much sense really and makes my head hurt. But, Waid shouldn’t be blamed for Marvel’s inability to keep a character consistent.

The focus is on the comic itself. The storytelling and plotting is excellent and the art by Leinil Yu is fantastic. This is the gem of the Marvel NOW! launch right now. I’ve never been much of a Hulk fan, but Waid has get me looking forward to the second issue. Looks like this is further proof he’s one of the best writers out there right now.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Leinil Yu

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Journey Into Mystery #646

Journey Into Mystery has been a fantastic series… up until now. The writing was brilliant with each issue packed with wordage that had you reading carefully and with a smile. This issue is the first of it’s new direction with a new creative team. Instead of focusing on young Loki, the series now stars Lady Sif.

After a battle Asgard is victorious but damaged and Sif decides she wants to head on a mission to become a greater warrior so that Asgard can go on the offensive and no longer be attacked. This takes her on a journey that’s choppy and not all that fun.

In fact, the whole comic isn’t much fun, instead coming off as a bit depressing. And I was bummed about the character Sif herself. She’s supposed to be a great female warrior, and in this issue she’s doubting herself and downplays her ability. The comic should be about fantastical adventures, but instead we get a brooding character that has lost her mind.

This isn’t the Sif I’ve come to like and definitely not the Journey Into Mystery I’ve enjoyed.

Story: Kathryn Immonen Art: Valero Schiti

Story: 6.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Pass