Tag Archives: captain britain and the mighty defenders

Wait… Haven’t We Heard That Before?

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cb2“You have been the victims of a passively tolerant society! A society where, if you obeyed the law, you were left alone!”

That quotation, taken from the fourth page of Captain Britain and the Mighty Defenders comic published by Marvel on the 19th of August, appeared somewhere else before is graced the pages of the Marvel comic.

What other source could have supplied the somewhat oppressive words that were uttered to a group of captive enemy soldiers over a loud speaker?

Why, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, David Cameron, during an address to the national security council back in May. Now, obviously, that quote has been shortened and altered a little (however you can find the original here), but the words have been taken from, and can be attributed too, the British Prime Minister.

Upon reading the original quote, you may find that there is a different context to his words, and whether you agree with that or not is entirely up to you. This post isn’t written as a comment on David Cameron’s policies, but rather to point out the somewhat amusing nature of a comic book using the words of the British Prime Minister when talking to newly arrested enemy combatants.

A scan is posted below.

dc02Source: Conrad Bower, pointed out the original story found at the Independent.

Review: Captain Britain and The Mighty Defenders #1

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DefendersAs Secret Wars moves along, we are getting more books showing us the different regions of Battleworld and where the characters from the Marvel and Ultimate Marvel universes have ended up and how they’ve changed.  And to that, we get Captain Britain and The Mighty Defenders, a book modeled after the Mighty Avengers and featuring new versions of some of it’s members.

The story opens on a familiar scene to most Marvel readers; Tony Stark and Dr Ho Yinsen in the cave where they were held captive and Tony created his first Iron Man suit…but Dr Yinsen is in the suit, and Tony sacrifices himself for the doctor to get away.  Then forward to Dr Yinsen addressing a crowd in Yinsen City, talking about all the good the city has done…and then a giant red plant appearing in the sky…and then Baron Ho Yinsen being awakened from a dream, having nodded off while receiving a briefing from this regions Thor, She-Hulk.  Yinsen asks Jennifer is she has been having any strange dreams, and questions her about this world they live in and their God, Doom.  Jennifer reminds him that such talk could have him sent away, but to herself reveals that she has been having strange dreams.

We then are introduced to other members of this regions ‘defenders’; Spider Hero, who has memories of a Spider-Man and having a spider sense..but has no recollection of what they are; Antonia Yinsen, Kid Rescue, daughter to Baron Yinsen, who is also known as Rescue; and White Tiger.  There seems to be something happening beyond the walls of Yinsen City, and they ask for Jennifer’s assistance.  They find, to their surprise, a lone woman walking towards the city through the warzone.  Jennifer forbids any assistance, as it is against the law to allow crossing between domains in Battleworld….but the mysterious woman raises a sword and smashes through their supposed to be unbreakable wall.  The woman introduces herself as Dr. Faiza Hussain, also known as Captain Britain.  She explains her memories of how she gained that title, and that she comes from Great Britain…all people and places that don’t exist in this world.  The group is joined by Baron Yinsen, in time to hear Captain Britain denounce Doom and the entire word they live in…and he agrees with her.  The group realize they all have their doubts and decide to help the Captain realize the truth…but are interrupted by Doom, listening to all that happens in his world.  He strips Jennifer of her Thor status, and as punishment, breaks the walls between Yinsen City and neighbouring, war like Mondo City.  The heroes take up defense, doing what they can, but Captain Britain is taken down by Boss Frost…and awakens to find she is now the prisoner of Boss Cage.

This was an alright story for me.  I wasn’t wowed by it, but I wasn’t disappointed by it.  I enjoyed this unusual group of heroes, and anything with She-Hulk is always a good read, but I felt that the backgrounds of the characters and the flashbacks kind of dragged on and felt like a slow walk getting to the meat of the story.  I really like the fact that these people are questioning Doom and his world and are having dreams about a different world they were apart of.  It would seem that Doom’s hold on this world he created may be slipping, and people are now wanting to find answers.  Al Ewing does a good job writing these characters and bringing us into this domain in Battleworld, although as mentioned the pacing was a little slow.  I’ve always enjoyed Alan Davis’ art, and he doesn’t disappoint in this book, giving me exactly what I would expect from his work.

I am looking forward to the second issue of this story and I am very eager to see more of Mondo City and the Bosses who make it up (and I hope others catch the similarities to another known comic character that Mondo City seems to be based on).  I really enjoyed Captain Britain, even though I am not familiar with this character and look forward to seeing more from her.  I only wish this title wasn’t only 2 issues long, and allow more time to flesh this story out.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Alan Davis
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Around the Tubes

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The weekend is almost here! We’ve got some links to help you get you through the day and for it to come quicker! Check out some comic book news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

The National – Pakistan Man is the latest comic-strip hero to save his country – An interesting read.

GamePolitics – Report: PC version of ‘ Batman: Arkham Knight’ won’t be fixed until September – Well that sucks.

Kotaku – The Big Things That Change When Someone Else Becomes Batman – A fun read.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

The Beat – Book of Death #1

Talking Comics – Captain Britain and the Mighty Defenders #1

CBR – Hawkeye #22

Talking Comics – Negative Space #1

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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JUSTL_Cv42_R1_552c48ea8ad336.43158695Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

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

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

Brett

The Divine (First Second) – This graphic novel written by Boaz Lavie and art by Asaf Hanuka and Tomer Hanuka is based on real guerrilla freedom fighters, who just so happen to be kids. They were believed to have magical powers and able to summon spirits. The graphic novel is magical look at this odd history, but with an emphasis on the magical aspect in the second half of the graphic novel.

Black Canary #2 (DC Comics) – Lets rock and roll! The first issue knocked it out of the park with not only a punk rock vibe in the writing, but also with the art. There’s an interesting mix of genres so far, and I fully expect the second issue to be top notch.

Book of Death #1 (Valiant) – This is the future of the Valiant universe as their summer event kicks off!

Letter 44 #18 (Oni Press) – President Blades commits his coalition forces to a take-no-prisoners drive across Europe. It’s science fiction at its best. Consistently one of my favorite comics.

Skullkickers #33 (Image Comics) – One of the most entertaining and funniest comics on the market. Jim Zub’s off the rails fantasy adventure never disappoints.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Moon Knight #17 (Marvel) – I’ve been loving the new Moon Knight series right from the get go; the combination of standalone single issue stories (for the most part), and the striking way the colourists simply don’t colour the white on Moon Knight’s costume.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – This epic story has been nothing short of fantastic thus far, but then again it is the Justice League versus Darkseid vs. the Anti-Monitor, so what would you expect?  More big developments are sure to follow in this next chapter.

Doomed #2 (DC Comics) – Probably the biggest surprise of the DC You relaunch, featuring an approachable main characters and a strong group of supporting characters.

Dr. Fate #2 (DC Comics) – Another impressive DC You title, with a character focused story to try to put this character back into the mainstream.

Grimm Fairy Tales 10th Anniversary Special Alice (Zenescope) – The two Grimm Fairy Tales 10th anniversary specials thus far have been really fun.  Mix that with its best property, Wonderland, and this should promise to be pretty amazing.

Guardians of Knowhere #1 (Marvel) – Secret Wars gets its chance at taking on the Guardians of the Galaxy tie-in which looks to be pretty fun.

 

Elana

Top Pick: Island Magazine #1 (Image Comics) – 116 pages a month of genre defying, artist driven comics and writing. This is Brandon Graham’s (“Multiple Warheads” King City” “8House”) creator-owned comics magazine and every month will be something new. Imagine if Heavy Metal Magazine (the sci-fi and comics magazine full of Crepax and Moebius, not a magazine about Megadeath) was debuting in 2015. This would be that. It’s not like anything else you have. This month’s has a comic about skateboarding by Ludroe. Kelly Sue Deconnick writing about writing. Lovely Emma Rios art.  There’s just a whole lot here and it’s not like anything else.

The 6 Voyages Of Lone Sloane GN (Titan Comics) – This is the 1970s psychedelic scifi fantasy artgasm of my dreams. Dreams with Hawkwind space rock soundtracks.  The writer/artist is Philippe Druillet known for his work in Heavy Metal Magazine. He created Elric of Melniboné fan art so good that the character’s creator, Michael Moorcock himself actually wrote it into his world. No surprise that the world  Duillet creates here looks a lot like something out of Moorcock’s brain. Good choice as that’s one of the trippiest brains of all time!

Black Canary #2 (DC Comics) – Black Canary’s in a rock band touring the U.S. And fighting space ninjas before they kidnap her band’s adorable kid guitarist. Do you like rock? Do you like comics? You need this.

Lumberjanes #16 (BOOM! Studios) – “For the love of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, please” by this comic! It won an Eisner. It is warm and funny and creative and educational (it turns the names of important Women In History into exclamations). It has queer kids experiencing their first crushes. It’s the comic you wish you had when you were a kid. So make a kid’s day and buy this comic to share.

Secret Six #4 (DC Comics) – Last issue featured a now rightfully legendary “who had weird sex on the couch last night?!?” cover. It was a simple joke but it was damn funny and do you know what? I think this book is finally getting in the swing of things. In fact, it’s quite literally going to a strange and alien local. It’s going to The Suburbs where few anti-heroes/villains have gone before.

 

Johnny “Big Daddy Cool” Dellarocca

Top Pick: Ant-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) – I am a die hard fan of hank Pym. Without apology. So, to see him return as a feature star yet again in an Ant man book has given me hope about the future of the character, and suggests that his final fate in Rage of Ultron is not in continuity and is at best an alternate future “What if?” Hank Pym fans unite!

Hail Hydra #1 (Marvel) – Everyone knows the bad guys are the coolest characters, right? This, and the Red Skull Secret Wars spin off should give everyone their does of Marvel’s evil goodness for a while! Plus, it is a Remender book. How can you go wrong, really?

Mistry PI #1 (Graphic India PTE. Ltd) – I have a feeling based on the publisher that this one is going to be hard to find on shelves, but it has all the stuff that intrigues me so I’m going to hunt it down or at least find it on digital. “There are things that exist in the shadows that ordinary people know nothing of. Another world that lies underneath our very own; a world of demons, monsters, djinns, mummies, werewolves, vampires and demi-gods. It’s in this world that Darius Mistry and his friend, Amos Golem, operate as Paranormal Investigators for hire.” What else can you ask for? I mean, really?

Where Monsters Dwell #3 (Marvel) – I’ve got to admit that the I wanted to love this book. The Dieselpunk in me, was so excited about a serial style adventure pitting the Phantom Eagle against dinosaurs in the sky. BUT, when the first issue went in a completely different direction, I was less than trilled. HOWEVER, Issue #2 came along and the series started to grow on me. The final panel of issue #2 had me hooked and now I can’t wait to see what issue #3 hold in store for our heroes!
Mr. H

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – Darkseid! The Antimonitor! The all powerful newcomer Grail! Sounds like the ultimate cosmic battle royale. So get your tickets. As good ol J.R. would say “It’s gonna be a sloberknocker!!” Oh yeah and those Justice League guys? They’ll be there too.

Green Lantern: The Lost Army #2 (DC Comics) – Here’s to new rings and ramifications! The mythos expands let’s see where it goes!

Red Sonja #1973 (Dynamite Entertainment) – A anniversary anthology of the sexiest woman to ever brandish a blade, blood and guts, leather and chain mail bikinis, how can it miss! Looking forward to a sterling celebration where hopefully it makes the Red Wedding look like a spilled glass.

Siege #1 (Marvel Comics) – Zombie hordes, death machines and Annihilation waves. Count me in. In Doom we trust

Superman/Wonder Woman #19 (DC Comics) – The former man of steel and amazing Amazon battle the Suicide Squad deep in the fields of Smallville! This title has been a sleeper as of late. Here’s to it fully waking me up.

 

Matt

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – The start of Darkseid War in the last issue was a wonderful and epic culmination of the entire Johns run on Justice League, and I can’t wait for it to continue.

Ant-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) – The Ant-Man movie coming up has me and I’m sure others craving some Ant-Man action in comics; surely this annual will hit the spot.

Hawkeye #22 (Marvel) – Matt Fraction’s critically-acclaimed, soon-to-be-classic run on Hawkeye will finally come to an end this Wednesday.

Planet Hulk #3 (Marvel) – I’ll admit that I’m an issue behind on this book, but I can’t help but be excited for another issue of this ridiculous spirital successor to Planet Hulk, a comic I truly love.

Silver Surfer #13 (Marvel) – This issue’s solicited promise of offering a story important to the state of the cosmic Marvel Universe as well as another story focused on just the two leads of this great series means that there is something special to look forward to here.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Siege #1 (Marvel) – This title promises to show us The SHIELD, which protects most of Battleworld for the more violent, monstrous elements of this new world.  Anyone who breaks the law from any region in Battleworld is sent to The SHIELD to defend it, so I’m very curious to see which band of characters we’ll be following.  Plus, it has Abigail Brand, so I am looking forward to this one.

Captain Britain and The Mighty Defenders #1 (Marvel) – I was a fan of the Mighty Avengers title, and this book spins off from that, so I’m interested to see how that concept plays out in Battleworld.  This is a shorter series, only looks like it will be 2 issues, so I hope the story gets across in that time, and doesn’t feel rushed.

Secret Wars: Battleworld #3 (Marvel) – I’ve enjoyed this title, as well as Secret Wars Journal, giving us shorter stories from areas of Battleworld not focused on in the main books.  This shows us other versions of some of our favourite characters…and this one gives us a story of a Wolverine who has found peace and a non violent life, who is confronted with other, more ferocious versions of himself.  Could be a fun read.

Years of Future Past #3 (Marvel) – This Secret Wars tie in consistently keeps me engaged and enjoying the story of this area of Battleworld and the mutants fighting for their survival.  Also, Lockheed is a big ass dragon breathing fire at sentinels..so yeah, I’m in.