Marvel Legacy is underway and we’re going to take a quick look at each first issue released to determine a few of things.
- If the issue is a good starting point.
- If the issue makes me want to come back for a second.
- How well the back-up story holds up
So, lets dive in to each issue and see!
Avengers #672 – (W) Mark Waid (A) Jesus Saiz – As far as a comic, this issue was not bad. You can read the full review. But, while the issue is entertaining to watch the Avengers and Champions team up, the threat itself doesn’t feel epic enough. A lot of focus is given to the characters, while the big picture lacks. Sure, there’s some cool use of powers to deal with the threat, but the threat itself feels like something we’ve seen before and isn’t all that memorable. This is a comic I’d like to read but not one that has me excited to see what comes next.
As far as being “new reader” friendly, the issue is good in that sense. It gives just enough to know who the characters are and why we should care.
The back-up comic is a good quick overview of the Avengers’ history (and in a way frames the comic better) and the art is decent, though not amazing.
Iceman #6 – (W) Sina Grace (A) Robert Gill – The Champions come together to mourn the loss of Black Widow and just decompress. This issue really focuses on the characters and gives us a great deal of info as to who they are and why we should care. Some characters get shortchanged when it comes to that, but overall it’s really good. If you like the “slice of life” mixed with superhero action, this comic has that and then some.
This one is very “new reader” friendly and you have to know very little going into the comic. Things are explained well and everything you need to know is in the comic.
The back-up material does a good job in catching readers up and there’s a lot to pack in. The art too is really good as well.
Read a review of the issue.
Iron First #73 – (W) Ed Brisson (A) Mike Perkins – This issue is all set up and follows a hell of a lot of tropes. While it’s a good issue, I’m not quite sure if it’s one that really sucks me in to see what’s next.
The issue is mixed when it comes to being “new reader” friendly. There’s a lot that’s left hanging out there, like the dragon (never really explained) and Sabretooth’s history with Danny isn’t explained well enough either. Neither kill the issue, but it’s a gap.
The back-up is good in putting the key history in there, but there’s a lot that’s left out that shows some priorities. The art is really lacking though.
Jessica Jones #13 – (W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Michael Gaydos – A really strong issue that brings back the Purple Man. There’s a solid sense of paranoia put in there and amazing art. The issue really makes Jessica the victim though and focuses on her PTSD. That might be off-putting for some, but it does match up to the television show’s first season really well.
This issue is not only “new reader” friendly but it’s also solid in matching up to the television show.
The back-up extra material does a good job in catching people up on Jessica’s life but the art is pretty lacking.
Royals #9 – (W) Al Ewing (A) Alvaro Lopez – Not new reader friendly at all. This comic relies heavily on the last eight issues and you’ll need to have read those to really understand what’s going on. The story itself is interesting but without knowing the backstory, it’s one that doesn’t hold interest.
The back-up is pretty good in filling that gap but since it comes after the main story it doesn’t help a ton. The art is good though and matches the main comic the most of those released this week.
Spirits of Vengeance #1 – (W) Victor Gischler (A) David Baldeon – Not bad, but also not good. The comic just doesn’t get to the meat of it all quick enough. Solid moments that don’t come together enough to make a solid comic. Not enough to really get me interested in a second issue which is a shame.
For new readers, the comic should be ok. You don’t need to know a ton and what you do is explained as the story goes on.
The back-up story again does a good job of catching readers up but again the art is lacking.
Venom #155 – (W) Mike Costa (A/CA) Mark Bagley, John Dell – One of the strongest of the comics for the week. It runs you through the history of Venom and his motivations. The story is goofy but at least has something at the end to get me interested in seeing what’s next. This is a good intro comic.
The back-up again does a good job of running you through the history and the art is ok.
X-Men Gold #13 – (W) Marc Guggenheim (A) Mike Mayhew – Too much packed into the issue hurts it a lot. There’s not enough explained and it feels like you’re thrown into the deep end.
This one is not “new reader” friendly at all and there’s just major issues when it comes to that. Plus kicking off Legacy with a crossover doesn’t feel like the best of ideas.
The back-up again gives a good amount of history but the art is horrendous at times.
Read the full review of the issue.
While the comics aren’t bad this past week, at the same time few have me excited to see what’s next. While the back-up stories condense history they usually are accompanied with bad art. This is a mixed bag and doesn’t bode well for a first week.
