A new iFanboy.com brings with it comic book reviews and discussion for 02/13/08!

[conorkilpatrick]

Tell us what you thought of the books of the week!

If you want to see what's on the iFanboys' pull list, check them out here:

Conor (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/conor)
Josh (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/josh)
Ron (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/ron)

The Pick of the Week is Green Arrow and Black Canary #5.

http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/dc_comics/green_arrow_black_canary/5/cover-thumb.jpg (http://www.ifanboy.com/content/potw/02_13_2008_-_Green_Arrow_and_Black_Canary__5)

Watch out for SPOILERS because from here on out people are talking about the books of the week.

[fred]

"Go get me my bow"

PERFECT

[idave]

Seeing as there is a quarter inch of ice on the roads, I can't get my books today.

Now I see why Ron never posted his pull list on here or the main site before the update. . . . He has like 22 books this week. . . That's a lot. The first step is admitting you have an addiction Ron.

[ryan79]

New Avengers- Just in time for Valentine's Day! This issue was so good, far and away my pick of the week. Yeah, it was a mediocre week for me, but I have a heard time seeing any other book beating this.

X-Factor- Wow, another heart-wrencher featuring a breakup. What's Marvel trying to do to it's readers?

DMZ- That...uh....that happened. I have to say, I was a little confused by this issue. Anyone else feel this way?

Amazing Spider-Man- I'm still liking Brand New Day. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Menace, whatever the hell he is. I love the little boxes that explain things in the book. What are those things called, anyway?

Also...Ron doesn't buy enough books. Seriously, does he walk into the shop and say "I'll have one of everything."? I'm also surprised he's the only one of three that gets DMZ.

[dave-accampo]

OK, I read two books at lunch...they were both X books. I'm very curious to see what happens with the X-books after this big storyline and this new status quo. I have to say, as a whole, it's actually been pretty positive for me.

X-force #1 - This is a Michael Bay movie as comic book. The way it's cut together? Totally Bay. So with that, plus the NAME X-force, plus the grim n' gritty style killer characters? This should be EXACTLY the comic that I hate, right? So, why did I enjoy this damn book???

Things I liked:

Cyclops - Still a badass. I still don't totally buy how quickly they shifted him into this role, but I like it.
Wolverine - his new "mentor" role is really good and it's honestly the most interesting development of his character in ten or more years.
X-23 - Never had any love for the character, but seen here, through Wolverine's eyes...man, the character conflict potential is AMAZING.
Warpath - A bit cliche, but I like the idea that he's this broken character who keeps falling back on revenge. Again, a lot of this is due to Logan's POV.
This book is really Logan and his crew, with Logan as the ex-killer who has wised up and now wants to protect his proteges while still knowing that no one else can do the job they need to do.

And the other book I read was:

X-factor #28 - I also liked this book. Now, I was reading this in trades before, but pretty slowly. It wasn't totally gripping me. And it was generally one of the weaker links in the big X-over.

I liked the way Layla, in her absence, is really revealed to be the heart of the team. I like the way this is a sort of "dysfunctional family" book, more than a super-team book. I didn't care so much for the Pan and Rem stuff. Clever, but...I just don't care. I don't know what's up with Guido cuz I missed some stuff before the X-over. So there's still a lot of little stuff I don't understand. But overall I enjoyed it. Didn't love it. I'm on the fence as to whether or not I will pick up the next one.

[mikegraham6]

your kidding me right? New Avengers was awesome. Bendis was channelling the early days of Alias with this one folks

[dave-accampo]

Read GA/BC #5 - was very good. The ending had me bummed that I have to wait a whole month to see what happens next. The weakest part for me is in some of the "let's go back and connect the dots of continuity between Ollie and Connor" stuff. But overall, I thought it was great, and I'm glad I'm getting this book.

[fred]

I'd probably go with GA/BC or ASM as my BOW. SBOW is Countdown, though it wasn't bad.

[dave-accampo]

New Avengers #38 was fantastic - This is definitely where Bendis excels. I wonder if maybe some big action-y writer should do the main book, and then Bendis can just do the "in-between" stories about the relationships and stuff.

Well, I say that, but I like the idea that much of the book IS about the in-betweeny stuff.

Whatever.

The whole Luke/Jessica thing was GREAT. Carol and the Mighty Avengers were great. The New Avengers "apartment" scene was great. There were no un-great scenes in this book.

I'm happy.

And, hey: more Bendis/Gaydos, please.

[cam-]

your kidding me right? New Avengers was awesome. Bendis was channelling the early days of Alias with this one folks

I read Alias, and it ended. I want my Avengers to DO SOMETHING!!

Your all just blinded by Gaydos.

[paper]

I need to get a job closer to the comic shop. Didn't have the energy to hop the trolley at lunch today. Maybe tomorrow.

[gineration]

I walked a mile in the snow to get them but it was worth it.

GL Corps #21: I liked this issue more than I expected. It was interesting to see into Boodikka's past and I'm anxious to see how the confrontation with her sister turns out. Since she has no remorse for her actions I can't see it going well for either side. The Alpha Lanterns are BA.

Fantastic Four # 554: So I jumped onto the series because of the Millar/Hitch team. I thought it was good. The humor stood out to me most because it was filled with comical situations and sarcasm. Nice plot development, I don't feel like it's going to take ten issues to move forward. Hitch does a great job on the art. I especially like the unveiling of Nu-World.

Booster Gold #0: Probably my pick this week. I loved it and all the time travel was great. Seeing the Blue Beetle's together was fun. The ending makes me want to grab up the next issue and see how well Blue Beetle and Booster Gold work together. I also have no previous experience with the character, but this interests me in reading more into him. Definitely in this one for the long haul.

[dave-accampo]

I read Alias, and it ended. I want my Avengers to DO SOMETHING!!

You mean you want them to hit something, right? They've been doing that for issues.

I like it when they do things like fight with their wife about moral and ethical choices and mounting paranoia and the safety of their child. Cuz to me that's meatier than busting the Red Skull in the chops, ya know?

[cam-]

You mean you want them to hit something, right? They've been doing that for issues.

I like it when they do things like fight with their wife about moral and ethical choices and mounting paranoia and the safety of their child. Cuz to me that's meatier than busting the Red Skull in the chops, ya know?

Perhaps I was more specific on the new ifanboy website, but maybe not...

regardless, no, not JUST hit something (and while they have been doing that for some issues I couldn't tell cause...you know...Yu's art.)

It's about the Secret Invasion for me, it's got a banner on the book, and what have we learned over MONTHS? Well, nothing. Elektra was a skrull. That's it! Maybe someone else is!

Plus in a superhero book, you can have arguing about moral and ethical choices and mounting paranoia and the safety of their child AND have them hit the red skull in the chops.

YES, the dialogue is snappy, YES the art is great.

But...

Luke made a phone call, went to a building and then went home. (for the record how did he know where to go? Could've had a scene with him calling Danny too eh?). That's it.

[paper]

I love in-between issues like that. Can't just breathe out. Gotta breathe in too.

Like the most recent USM. Love that shit.

Looking forward to NA.

[cam-]

I love in-between issues like that. Can't just breathe out. Gotta breathe in too.



True, but compare it to the Uncanny of Last week, same "in-between" kind of issue, but much more development, potential storylines beginning etc.

ANyways, I knew this opinion would be unpopular when I got into it. Maybe it's just the secret invasion banner, but this issue, while pretty, didn't do it for me. I felt like I've read it before, guess I will again...

[dave-accampo]

Luke made a phone call, went to a building and then went home. (for the record how did he know where to go?). That's it.

yeah, but that's like saying the Dark Phoenix Saga was about the X-men going to the moon and then going home.

He had a very emotional fight with his wife. That's SOMETHING -- in my book. In fact, it's something that resonates more sharply with me than when someone punches a supervillain in the chops. The "punch of justice" is the most basic power fantasy (and I'm not trying to denigrate it here) around. It's very primal. But I've seen so many permutations. I like the argument with his wife about his very principles.

So, I know what people are talking about when they say nothing happens. My stock answer is that something is ALWAYS happening. It's just whether or not the "something" is what you're looking for in an Avengers book.

To me, this issue is showing me the consequences of Cage's actions. You can't make a stand without facing some kind of consequences. Is it worth it if you lose your wife and child? These are fantastic questions, IMHO, and worth the space of the issue. I also like the fact that even the very first hints of a skrull invasion is ratcheting everything up a couple notches. The Avengers are aware of exactly ONE Skrull body and it's already affecting everything they do. That, to me, is also worth the space of the issue.

[dave-accampo]

I love in-between issues like that. Can't just breathe out. Gotta breathe in too.

Like the most recent USM. Love that shit.

Looking forward to NA.

You'll like this one, Paper. The recent USM issue is a bit lighter, but yeah, this is where Bendis excels...it's just weighty character conflict. And some fun banter mixed in here and there.

[paper]

CAM: So, it's more the decompression that's bothering you, not the content. It's the slower pacing. Does that sound right?

That's perfectly valid. Don't back down because it's the minority opinion. Looking forward to reading the book and weighing in on this debate myself.

[cam-]

CAM: So, it's more the decompression that's bothering you, not the content. It's the slower pacing. Does that sound right?

That's perfectly valid. Don't back down because it's the minority opinion. Looking forward to reading the book and weighing in on this debate myself.

Yes, that's certainly part of it, and might stem from the delays on Mighty.

BUt really, No one else felt that the whole "I'm Ms. Marvel let them go" thing hasn't happened again and again and again? Now that might stem from me reading Ms Marvel, even so Reed and Bendis clearly talk.

[six-gun]

X-Force was not good comics, I felt like the story was kind of good but the dialog poor and a lot of the concepts were just knocked into your head (I mean, I get it OK, Wolverine doesn't want these other people to become like him :rolleyes:) and the other characterizations just odd (take Warpath, I feel like Kyle and Yost are just forcing him into this mopey, "I don't want to kill but I will if I have to" mold that takes a lot of the fun out of the book.) This concept is right up my alley, but it has some serious issues in execution.



And the art? *vomit*

[dave-accampo]

X-Force was not good comics, I felt like the story was kind of good but the dialog poor and a lot of the concepts were just knocked into your head (I mean, I get it OK, Wolverine doesn't want these other people to become like him :rolleyes:) and the other characterizations just odd (take Warpath, I feel like Kyle and Yost are just forcing him into this mopey, "I don't want to kill but I will if I have to" mold that takes a lot of the fun out of the book.) This concept is right up my alley, but it has some serious issues in execution.



And the art? *vomit*

Yeep, I'm guessing I'm going to be the minority on this one.

Dude, no -- that take on Wolverine was the most interested in him that I've been in years. And up until this? My interest was zero. I don't think they beat you over the head with it. It was just the opening scene. They did a great job of establishing THIS angle of the character, I thought.

I thought it was a totally Hollywood action flick. Very Bruckheimer, but I thought it was a lot of fun. I definitely wouldn't say it was bad comics. The characterization has me curious for more.

[dave-accampo]

And it's funny that you said the concept is right up your alley because the concept is TOTALLY NOT up my alley, and yet I enjoyed the execution.

:cool:

[optimus187prime]

I had fun with Punisher Force of Nature, it was a sweet one shot with good art and a enjoyable narrative.

I thought X Force was ok nothing special. I really like Crain's art actually.

[cam-]

Yeep, I'm guessing I'm going to be the minority on this one.



HAHA HOW DOES IT FEEL!!!

Just kidding,

Anyways, how about that Booster Gold eh? So consistently fun. Books like this are what keep me on floppies.

Oh yeah, I also really enjoyed Jason Aaron's Ghost Rider...yes...Ghost Rider.

[six-gun]

And it's funny that you said the concept is right up your alley because the concept is TOTALLY NOT up my alley, and yet I enjoyed the execution.

:cool:

Yeah, this book seems designed for me and I didn't like it ;)

[six-gun]

My dream X-Force team?

Greg Rucka on writing, Jason Shawn Alexander on art (the Q&C vol 4 team!)

[dave-accampo]

My dream X-Force team?

Greg Rucka on writing, Jason Shawn Alexander on art (the Q&C vol 4 team!)

That would be awesome.

Again, I went into X-force with low expectations, so there's that. Still I stand by my assessment. ;)

[dave-accampo]

HAHA HOW DOES IT FEEL!!!

Heheh, oh, I've been there before. This conflict only makes me stronger!!!

:D

Oh yeah, I also really enjoyed Jason Aaron's Ghost Rider...yes...Ghost Rider.

I'm looking forward to reading that actually. It might just be the right character/writer combo for me.

[paper]

If I had a son and he came home one day and told me he wrote an issue of Ghost Rider.....I'd hesitate.

[six-gun]

I tried to buy Ghost Rider today but it... sold out (?) :eek:

[kahunablair]

I've only read one book, and Wow did I pick the crazy one to start off with.
Walking Dead is crazy!


I know people read it in trades, so I won't ruin it. BUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED??

[dave-accampo]

If I had a son and he came home one day and told me he wrote an issue of Ghost Rider.....I'd hesitate.

He's just one of those oddball 70's Marvel characters that always looked appealing to me. Big flamey skull and motorcycle. Visually appealing. But...I always wait for the right writer. Like back in the 90's when Ellis revamped Damon Hellstrom. Or like Fraction/Brubaker are doing with Iron Fist now. He was another one of those offbeat characters that seemed cool. Moon Knight, too, but I don't think that one's ever really worked out any better than the Moench/Sienkiewicz stuff.

[dave-accampo]

Bwahaha -- I was talking about it so much I thought I'd sit down and read Ghost Rider...only to find it was missing from my stack!

Then I realized that I was enjoying my books so much that i kept reading them at the office after lunch (shhh, don't tell!). And I obviously left Ghost Rider and Fantastic Four there.

So, well, at least I'll have something to do in the office tomorrow. ;)

[six-gun]

I've only read one book, and Wow did I pick the crazy one to start off with.
Walking Dead is crazy!


I know people read it in trades, so I won't ruin it. BUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED??

Haven't read it yet, we'll talk manana

[dave-accampo]

I've only read one book, and Wow did I pick the crazy one to start off with.
Walking Dead is crazy!


I know people read it in trades, so I won't ruin it. BUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED??

That WAS a doozy. I dunno, I think the only thing hurting this book right now is that Kirkman's been saying "no one is safe" for awhile now, so you kinda knew something LIKE this was gonna happen.

Still, pretty brutal.

I liked the way the governor was lying to his people about what had happened.

[dave-accampo]

I read Wonder Woman. Was good. I love the mythological and Themiscyra stuff. On the whole, I wasn't sure about some of the ending. Seemed to wrap up awfully quick. I would have balanced the build up and the finale a bit better. Over all it was pretty good: a smart concept, but the execution could be improved. Maybe a solid 3.5/5? Not enough Dodson art to push it up to 4.

[dave-accampo]

I know people read it in trades, so I won't ruin it. BUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED??

Wait, Blair, what were you confused about? I'm guessing it's the fact that the Governor lied about what had happened?

(that shouldn't be too spoilery.)

[fred]

I've only read one book, and Wow did I pick the crazy one to start off with.
Walking Dead is crazy!


I know people read it in trades, so I won't ruin it. BUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED??

SPOILERS

Rick's people stocked the vans at the prison in preparation for the return of the people from the town. They wanted to be able to escape.

The people from the town showed up at the gate with Tyrese. They wanted to trade him for the prison. Rick's people just stared so the governor hacked Tyrese's head off with Michonne's sword. Then they left.

The governor took the people back to the town and told them that the people at the prison had shot Tyrese when he offered an exchange. He lied to them because he's a fuck and he wanted to work them up to killing all of them.

I think that covers it? Anyone?

[fred]

SPOILERS

The governor lied to his people somewhat recently too. I think it was in regards to the incident with Michonne and the circumstances surrounding the escape of the people from the prison. He's a politician, or what passes for one in the post-zombie apocolypse world. He lies when it serves him. They've shown that he has to because not all of the people in the town are evil. Example: the nurse/doctor lady that came to the prison with them when they escaped.

[labor_days]

Well, Six called Walking Dead this week alright.

Good ish. I said aloud exactly the same thing as the Guvner at the end.

That Kirkman fellow. He's got talent.

[euchre0]

Oh man, I just recently finished all the trades of Walking dead and this is making it VERY hard to wait for the next trade!

I loved New Avengers this week! I definitely where Cam and other people come from when they say that nothing really happened. I've been reading about these heroes for 15 years (plus tons of back issues from before that) so I honestly wouldn't mind if this book was all dialogue.

I bought Wolverine on a whim because my shop was sold out of Gotham Underground. It was surprisingly good. Then again, i jsut read Scalped 1-3, so maybe I just REALLY wanted to like it, so I did. Either way, I was dumbfounded when wolverine accidently killed that woman at the beginning. Hook line and sinker

More later.

[jasontodd]

Well so far I've read X-Force and Countdown....

I liked some of the characterization in X-Force, I'd give it 3/5, but...

SPOILERS





Bastion?! Seriously?! I groaned when I saw him.

Countdown was pretty decent 3/5. It's definately building something big.

[neb]

So, I'm only half way through my stack, but so far my POW has got to be Nova Annual #1. I had so much fun reading this book, and I'm solid on Nova's awesomness.

I second people's thoughts about NA, but I guess the story didn't quite resonate with me all that much because I don't have much background with the relationship between the two characters (the omnibus looms at me in my back log of trades). Going with my gut though, I have to say that Jessica Jones seemed to be a huge bitch in this issue. I think all I needed was a line like, "I'm sorry I panicked, I didn't know what to do...but in thinking about it..." But there was never that. She was just being stubborn as hell and not giving Cage any slack. I mean, in a relationship, aren't two people supposed to make decisions?

Is that one of those "long time coming" things? Or is it more like we should root for her because she's followed Cage for so long?

BC/GA was awesome as well.

Well, now I'm bumming because I'm leaving for out of town tomorrow, and won't be back until Monday to finish the seven other books I need to read. Damn...that sucks even more writing it down.

[dave-accampo]

Going with my gut though, I have to say that Jessica Jones seemed to be a huge bitch in this issue. I think all I needed was a line like, "I'm sorry I panicked, I didn't know what to do...but in thinking about it..." But there was never that. She was just being stubborn as hell and not giving Cage any slack. I mean, in a relationship, aren't two people supposed to make decisions?

Is that one of those "long time coming" things? Or is it more like we should root for her because she's followed Cage for so long?

I don't think it's that we should root for one or the other. It's that they're both right. And they're both stubborn as hell.

Like you said, two people make decisions, but Cage had been making all the decisions up until now.

That's what i liked about it. Real decisions in real marriages are often like that. You make decisions and act and don't realize you're putting someone's back to the wall. And a baby DOES change everything.

So I bought all of that hook, line, and sinker. ;)

[labor_days]

Booster Gold was fan-freaking-tas-tic!

There is nobody writing comics as consistently good as Geoff Johns today.

He's like on whole other level now.

Goddamn.

[neb]

I don't think it's that we should root for one or the other. It's that they're both right. And they're both stubborn as hell.

Like you said, two people make decisions, but Cage had been making all the decisions up until now.

That's what i liked about it. Real decisions in real marriages are often like that. You make decisions and act and don't realize you're putting someone's back to the wall. And a baby DOES change everything.

So I bought all of that hook, line, and sinker. ;)

Good point! In looking at the book like that, it makes it a bit better in my book. I guess, I didn't know if this was one of those clear cut winner kind of things or if it was a case of both being right and it causing conflict.

I still think she could have been a little bit nicer to her husband :)

[dave-accampo]

Good point! In looking at the book like that, it makes it a bit better in my book. I guess, I didn't know if this was one of those clear cut winner kind of things or if it was a case of both being right and it causing conflict.

I still think she could have been a little bit nicer to her husband :)

Yeah, I'm not saying she was all that nice about it, but I understood where she was coming from. However, that may come with knowing her character's history, too. ;)

[labor_days]

Green Lantern Corps was...um, yeah. Not too good.

Where is Tomasi and where is my blinged-out Mongul?

What the hell, DC.

[kwok_talk]

I bought Wolverine on a whim because my shop was sold out of Gotham Underground. It was surprisingly good. Then again, i jsut read Scalped 1-3, so maybe I just REALLY wanted to like it, so I did. Either way, I was dumbfounded when wolverine accidently killed that woman at the beginning. Hook line and sinker

More later.
Oh man! This was my first Wolverine in a long time and it was a GREAT issue! Even though I'm not totally sold on Scalped, I think Jason Aaron could be very special on Wolverine

[k33k3r]

I had a odd week but would have to go with either New Avengers of ASM as my pick.

DMZ was just weird and the 30 Days of Night mini are just getting rediculous and a money grab.

[k33k3r]

I liked this issue of New Avengers but I'm also starting to get tired of the pacing going into Secret Invasion. Just pump out the Mighty Avengers issues and get on with it already.

I honestly almost feel like the Annual and this issue were put out as filler. I'm tired of hearing Ms. Marvel so let them go....

[luthor]

Just finished my first comic of the week. Walking Dead. Won't spoil but god dammit. He was my favorite member of the casts.

[horatio616]

Only bought three books this week:

Fantastic Four 554: I haven't been interested in the FF in a looong time, probably since Walt Simonson, but this was, well, fantastic. The issue starts off with Reed taking the family to the grand opening of Disneyland in 1955 (via time travel) to use some tickets he bought off of eBay. Things don't go according to plan and it's all uphill from there. Millar's writing is hit-or-miss for me, as sometimes he comes off a bit mean-spirited, but this is fun and grown-up. It's inevitable that this book is going to end up being late at some point, but I'm onboard while the fun lasts.

Too bad more people aren't reading The Sword. Number four just came out, and I'm continually surprised about the twists the Luna brothers put in a somewhat familiar story. A paraplegic girl discovers that her father was secretly in possession of a powerful magical sword and now she's being pursued by the police, a mysterious government agency, and a trio of super-powered beings. It sounds predictable, but like the Luna brothers' previous effort, Girls, the reader is treated to lots of surpising turns.

Evil Dead #2 is a faithful retelling of the Sam Raimi film with the addition of some minor scenes, narration by Ash, and the accompaniment of some beautiful John Bolton painted art. I haven't seen any announcements yet, but I'm assuming an adaptation of Evil Dead II is forthcoming. Bolton painted an adaptation of Army of Darkness years ago that's available in trade. Worth a look if you're a fan of the movies like I am.

[six-gun]

Green Lantern Corps was...um, yeah. Not too good.

Where is Tomasi and where is my blinged-out Mongul?

What the hell, DC.

I caught that in the store + $3.00 for me! :)


There is nobody writing comics as consistently good as Geoff Johns today.


You're kidding right? His name is Ed Brubaker :mad: (also ;))

Well, Six called Walking Dead this week alright.

:D
If Kirkman doesn't show me a body I don't buy it.

[six-gun]

I missed Daredevil two weeks ago and bought it yesterday. Hot dang that's good comics, I mean seriously good stuff. I think Bru's got the book back into A+ territory with this super-hero gangland stuff.

[six-gun]

Just finished my first comic of the week. Walking Dead. Won't spoil but god dammit. He was my favorite member of the casts.

Yes, that death was brutal but realistic. It's always bothered me how cleanly decapitations go in fiction. I still have about half of my comics for the week coming mail order but right now TWD is my POW.

Also, GA/BC was fantastic, but not the best thing I've read so far this week. The best parts IMO were the ones where they acknowledged the fantastic GA: Year One ;)

[fred]

My nipples are still hard from reading the Young Liars preview.

[neb]

I missed Daredevil two weeks ago and bought it yesterday. Hot dang that's good comics, I mean seriously good stuff. I think Bru's got the book back into A+ territory with this super-hero gangland stuff.

Werd. I enjoyed the hell out of the last issue, and I'm ready for the hopeful ass beating that Mr. Fear is about to get. Can't wait for that.

[thomas-katers]

I quite enjoyed Ghost Rider....never read the character before but I love Jason Aaron.

Visually and storywise it seemed like Jonah Hex with a more supernatural twist.

The art by Boschi looks like a more rough hewn Bernet.

I think I will be continuing on.

[horatio616]

Did anyone read the new FF by Millar and Hitch? If not, you're missing out...

[dave-accampo]

I quite enjoyed Ghost Rider....never read the character before but I love Jason Aaron.

Visually and storywise it seemed like Jonah Hex with a more supernatural twist.

The art by Boschi looks like a more rough hewn Bernet.

I think I will be continuing on.

Agreed -- I just read this, and I was impressed. In places, it reminds me a tad of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing...meets Jonah Hex, I suppose. Very definite horror and Western vibes.

[kwok_talk]

Did anyone read the new FF by Millar and Hitch? If not, you're missing out...

Haven't read it yet, but I can't wait!

[thomas-katers]

Agreed -- I just read this, and I was impressed. In places, it reminds me a tad of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing...meets Jonah Hex, I suppose. Very definite horror and Western vibes.


I can definitely see the creatures at the end being straight out of Swamp Thing.

[thomas-katers]

Haven't read it yet, but I can't wait!

I liked it but I had a few reservations:

Johnny is off both writing and visually...can't put my finger on it though...maybe a little too "Chris Evans from the movie"?

I thought Reed's age kind of shifted around abit as well.

I did love the Thing, and Reed boring kids will always be funny.

Pretty good overall.

[horatio616]

I liked it but I had a few reservations:

Johnny is off both writing and visually...can't put my finger on it though...maybe a little too "Chris Evans from the movie"?


Yeah, I can see that, but the FF really need some new life breathed into them. I don't think it's so far off.

Good line from the book...

Sue: Oh God, I just realized my little brother is Paris Hilton.

I like the cover dress but I almost missed it on the stands.

[euchre0]

Did anyone read the new FF by Millar and Hitch? If not, you're missing out...
It was pretty good, but it wasn't great. I liked Hitch's art, but really this issue wasn't any more compelling than what McDuffie had been doing for the last year or so. I'm sure it will continue to be fun, but it just seems weird that a big name like Millar carries so much weight that tons of people will jump on when a book was already good.
Good line from the book...
Sue: Oh God, I just realized my little brother is Paris Hilton.
haha How come you like Paris Hilton so much?

[thomas-katers]

Yeah, I can see that, but the FF really need some new life breathed into them. I don't think it's so far off.

Good line from the book...

Sue: Oh God, I just realized my little brother is Paris Hilton.

I like the cover dress but I almost missed it on the stands.

I don't think it is an invalid look at the character...just that the character has been played different recently and it was the most obvious shift for any of the characters so it threw me a bit.

But hey! That's why you get different writers so you can explore different things.

[dave-accampo]

Read FF -- I thought it was good. While I can see how they might seem a little "off" to some, I guess I feel like each new writer gets a clean slate with me. Let 'em reinvent a little. I thought Reed boring the kids was great. The Thing's pick up line was funny, but it seemed a bit like Millar was trying to say "don't worry, I'm not doing the whole 'This Man, This Monster' bit with the Thing! See kids, now he's a player!"

I thought the Paris Hilton line was funny. Yeah, I get that some writers have had Johnny more mature (these days) than a guy who would start the world's largest rock band, but I thought it was pretty funny.

I also liked the "big ideas" that Millar is tossing out there. That's definitely what the FF should feel like.

[euchre0]

Like I said, I liked it.

But Millar seems more suited for Ultimate stuff, since he tweaks characters whenever he writes a new one.

I'll enjoy this run as in a vacuum, since that's how all of Millar's stories seem to end up anyway.

[horatio616]

haha How come you like Paris Hilton so much?

I don't. I just like amateur porn.

[tad]

My comics were all the sweeter this week since they were FREE! courtesy of Ryan at Golden Apple Comics where I was doing a Turok signing.

BPRD 1946 continued the reveal of the occult side of post WW2 Germany and the parallel it had to the Cold War. It has the Mignola touch of protagonists who screw up by being a little drunk or stupid but completely understandable. Yes, the guy shouldn't have shot at the thing but wouldn't you have in the same situation? i'm enjoying the expansion of the Mignolaverse.

THE GOON #21 was again chock full of hilarity that is uniquely Eric Powell. Plus there's a text/photo feature that explores what Eric has done with his new wealth now that he's a thousandaire. Would you have thought to invest in your own CAGE FIGHTER?

I bought Fantastic Four: The Lost Adventure, a previously unpublished Kirby/Lee story. It's less a great story and more a document of how artists were treated creatively as in "We'll do whatever we want with your crap now that you've turned it in." It's like the DVD extras of the Fantastic Four comics. I thought it was interesting but it's an artifact of my Marvel Maniac years. If you're a fan of any Tomorrow Publications mags, this might be for you.

Finally, I got JACK STAFF #14. I really enjoy the jigsaw way Paul Grist tells a story, jumping through time, introducing seemingly dozens of characters like they were choices on a revolving spice rack, and doing it all in a simple, minimilistic style that I wish I could emulate. But the production of the comic has been so spotty over the years that it's hard to recommend. The second half of this issue is a Burglar Bill story and I'm unsure as to whether it's a reprint or not. But if you want something quirky, pick up a Jack Staff collection so you can get a bigger chunk of the story because I still find it fun.

That's it... because although I suspected they might make a gift of the comics to me, I didn't know, so I was just buying my own small pull list. If only I had picked up the new Jamie Hernandez collection... ah well. Guess that goes in the "What could have been" file with Suzy Collier and the marshmallow topping.

[gineration]

Does anyone read 'The Buy Pile' at CBR? I think it's so weird how GA/BC made the crap list while it was the POW here. I guess it just shows how opinions vary though I wonder if that guys is even valid.

[dave-accampo]

Does anyone read 'The Buy Pile' at CBR? I think it's so weird how GA/BC made the crap list while it was the POW here. I guess it just shows how opinions vary though I wonder if that guys is even valid.

Yeah, I read it. I usually disagree with most of his opinions, but I'm interested in what he says. He's not bad at telling you in very short statements WHY he likes or dislikes something.

[dave-accampo]

BPRD 1946 continued the reveal of the occult side of post WW2 Germany and the parallel it had to the Cold War. It has the Mignola touch of protagonists who screw up by being a little drunk or stupid but completely understandable. Yes, the guy shouldn't have shot at the thing but wouldn't you have in the same situation? i'm enjoying the expansion of the Mignolaverse.

Agreed, Tad. This is actually close to being the pick of the week for me because it was just so solid and interesting and creepy and cool. I'm really enjoying this tale. Mignola's really on a roll this year with all the Hellboy-related stuff!

[labor_days]

IGN thrashed GA/BC too. Link (http://comics.ign.com/articles/852/852139p1.html).

[euchre0]

Does anyone read 'The Buy Pile' at CBR? I think it's so weird how GA/BC made the crap list while it was the POW here. I guess it just shows how opinions vary though I wonder if that guys is even valid.

I check it occasionally. That guy always has the reverse of my tastes and many others I've seen on the internet. Sometimes I wonder if his gauge of the buying is if he only has three dollars. I don't know. Either way, I personally think he has pretty whacked taste and criticism.

However, Green Arrow/Black Canary wouldn't have been my pick of the week. I liked it a great deal, but there were two or three books I liked more this week. Definitely wasn't bad.

[labor_days]

However, Green Arrow/Black Canary wouldn't have been my pick of the week. I liked it a great deal, but there were two or three books I liked more this week. Definitely wasn't bad.
Same here.

Thought this was the weakest issue of GA/BC so far. Not that it was bad by any means. But I enjoyed Booster Gold, Wonder Woman and Walking Dead that much more this week.

[dave-accampo]

IGN thrashed GA/BC too. Link (http://comics.ign.com/articles/852/852139p1.html).

Huh. Of course, that reviewer didn't even get the ARTIST of the book correct. Funny that he says that Amanda Conner let him down when she didn't even do the interiors.

He also seems a little caught up in the fact that Connor's mom would fall for bad boy Ollie, which is a little silly to criticize.

But, anyway. Yeah, it was a good issue, but I don't think it would be my pick.

Without ranking them in order, my top five books this week (so far) are:

New Avengers
GA/BC
Ghost Rider
Fantastic Four
BPRD 1946

What would be my pick? I have no bloody idea. I liked ALL of these books for different reasons.

Of course, I still have a few books to read, including American Virgin.

To have five books I rank in the "very good" category? That's a good week of comics for me.

[fred]

I'm really going to miss American Virgin.

[dave-accampo]

I'm really going to miss American Virgin.

Does he finally get laid? ;) That would seem the only proper ending to the series.

(don't tell me -- haven't read it yet.)

[fred]

I'm not going to say what happens, but I will say: "don't accidentally flip to the last page".

I did. I yelled "ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGH". I didn't dislike it. I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that the ending is fairly unexpected and I blew it.

[cammyknoxville]

Captain Marvel #3- Skrulls Skrulls Skrulls! I really enjoyed this issue, and have fresh insight on the Church of Hala. Although I'm not 100% familiar with Captain Marvel, that didn't stop me from having fun with Reed's run on the book.

Booster Gold #0- "You rear-ended Barry Allen?" "Oh grow up!". So very happy to have the Blue & Gold back together. Ted Kord is without question my favorite Blue Beetle.

B.P.R.D. 1946 #2- Very creepy and disturbing issue, and I loved every page of it! Hitler wanted an army of Vampire Nazis? God bless you, Mignola.

American Virgin #23- I was so sad that this was the final issue. I've been a fan since issue one, and will miss Cloonan's art and Seagle's story. The big question now is, do I sell all my floppies and buy the trades instead?

Tiny Titans #1- DC's answer to Marvel's Mini-Marvels (that I love so very much). Such a fun book with several mini-stories. The thing that made me laugh out loud was Wonder Girl's golden jump-rope. I have no shame in reading this book, and now have another comic in my arsenal to recommend to younger comic book readers.

Green Lantern Corps #21- Boodika is becoming more of a hard-ass within every new issue. Giving her Alpha Lantern status? Probably not the best idea.

The Goon #21- The whole Colossal Transvestite storyline had me in tears, I was laughing so much! I love how the Goon had to really think hard about which was more important; looking at the biggest tranny ever, or blowing up the brothel. Hilarious book.

DMZ #28- Sure these one-shots are entertaining and the reader gets to know more about the different people living in the city, but I'd like to get going with the next storyline.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: Intelligence Gathering #2- Nice little issue with Worf overseeing negotiations with two conflicting races, but not much else. Next time I see Worf, I'd like to see a mountain of bodies strewn around him as he stands tall wielding his Klingon blades.

Ultimate Iron Man II #3- I was really excited with the first issue after the (years) long hiatus, but now I'm glad that it's ending in the next issue.

New Avengers #38- Reminded me too much of a superhero edition of Jerry Springer, only without all the trailer trash.

Wonder Woman #17- Glad this arc is over. Now onwards to a more exciting and interesting arc (Please?)!

Ghost Rider #20- Really enjoyed Aaron's first issue on this series. I never thought I'd be excited for the next issue of a title such as Ghost Rider. His letter in the back got me pumped for Ghost Rider, and that's saying something!

Wolverine #62-Again, Aaron has a talent with writing gritty, dark characters (See: Dashiell Badhorse). Logan is more of a badass in this book than he is in X-Force #1.

X-Force #1- I'm going to need a few more issues in order to get hooked. Allred & Milligan left such a fine taste in my mouth, that Cyclops' band of bad-boys (and girls) are making it taste a tad sour. But then again, I'm just bitter. Whatever happened in Messiah Complex, should stay in Messiah Complex.

Fantastic Four #544- I had fun with the Reed and Thing buddy-buddy relationship, but am a little weary of the whole Johnny moving out to LA thing. But still, I trust Millar and Hitch with this book.

Countdown To Final Crisis #11- Thank god it's almost over. The feeling of needing to pull the trigger is slowly starting to fade away.

[gineration]

Does American Virgin contain gratuitous sex scenes? (as the title would suggest to me) I'm interested in reading it, but I'm a little wary of what my parents may think.

[cammyknoxville]

Does American Virgin contain gratuitous sex scenes? (as the title would suggest to me) I'm interested in reading it, but I'm a little wary of what my parents may think.

There are quite a few nudity/sex scenes, so just be wary who you read it around.

[euchre0]

Ultimate Iron Man II #3 was my sucky book of the week. Unlike most people, I thought the first mini series was very good and eagerly awaited part two. Part of the deal is that I just don't like Pascal Ferry's art. While I thought the first mini was exciting, this series just seems boring after the last two issues.

[six-gun]

IGN thrashed GA/BC too. Link (http://comics.ign.com/articles/852/852139p1.html).

That reviewer has some serious issues.

[reckers]

Did he read the same book I did?

[neb]

Does American Virgin contain gratuitous sex scenes? (as the title would suggest to me) I'm interested in reading it, but I'm a little wary of what my parents may think.

Well, it is a Vertigo book, so it is aimed at that "Mature Audience" label. I picked up the first trade (which I loved, and am going to purchase all subsequent ones when the final trade comes out), and I'm pretty sure there was a part with a naked stripper (which I could confirm if my books were in front of me, which they're not....). I would suggest picking up the trades in your LCS and give them a thumbing through to see what the parentals would think of it.

[k33k3r]

Better question is how old are you because I think some of the issues have age limits on purchasing.

[thomas-katers]

I am of two minds about the New Avengers #38

I like the dilemna that Luke finds himself in. He can't just follow his principles and have everything work out, there are people who depend on him to keep them safe. Principles and safe don't mix all the time.

Once again we have the Mighty Avengers letting a NA go. I actually thought this was the best written version so far...but I knew the second they popped in what was going to happen. There was not one bit of doubt in my mind that Luke was walking away. It really takes that tension away when you see it happen again and again, no matter how well written it was.

[euchre0]

Once again we have the Mighty Avengers letting a NA go. I actually thought this was the best written version so far...but I knew the second they popped in what was going to happen. There was not one bit of doubt in my mind that Luke was walking away. It really takes that tension away when you see it happen again and again, no matter how well written it was.

I understand the criticism. I see it the same way Commissioner Gordon lets Batman go time and time again, even though Batman is an illegal vigilante. They're very good friends now, but there are tons of stories of Gordon meeting him at the end of an adventure and telling him he should arrest him.

If The Mighty Avengers keep letting the New Avengers go, I am fine with that because now that the "war" has died down, characters are thinking a bit more rationally, it seems

[neb]

I am of two minds about the New Avengers #38

I like the dilemna that Luke finds himself in. He can't just follow his principles and have everything work out, there are people who depend on him to keep them safe. Principles and safe don't mix all the time.

Once again we have the Mighty Avengers letting a NA go. I actually thought this was the best written version so far...but I knew the second they popped in what was going to happen. There was not one bit of doubt in my mind that Luke was walking away. It really takes that tension away when you see it happen again and again, no matter how well written it was.

Maybe Marvel is just trying to make us think that it will always happen so that the one time it doesn't we're completely blown away!

...or maybe not. :)

[dave-accampo]

OK, trying to cram in a last few books before a whirlwind weekend:

American Virgin #23 - I love this book, but I'm not sure how I felt about the...ending. It was good, well-written, but...maybe I just wasn't ready for it. And maybe that's the point. I dunno. I still love the series as a whole, and I'm gonna miss it.

Suicide Squad #6 - This has taken it's time, but Ostrander's really started to slip back into the old greatness of the SS. You can now really see where Rucka was influenced by Ostrander. This was what the whole series was like back in the day.

Iron Man: Enter The Mandarin #5 - I don't think I have a lot to say about the book, but it's been a very solid book. I'm digging it.

Also, went back to the store and, based on the strength of Jason Aaron's Ghost Rider, I bought the first issue of his new Wolverine run. And I have to say it was VERY strong. With two very strong first issues, Aaron is quickly climbing up the ladder. If he keeps this up, he's gonna be right up their with Brubaker in my book.

--

Overall, I have to say that this was a VERY good week of comics for me. The stuff I didn't expect to like (X-force) surprised me, books that had waffled a bit (New Avengers) found their strengths, great books (BPRD 1946) stayed great, American Virgin got a strong send-off, and I was actually able to pick up a couple very strong new reads in Ghost Rider, Wolverine, and the Millar/Hitch FF.

Plus, I still have trades of Crossing Midnight Vol. 2 and Scalped Vol. 2 to read, so some very good comics still lie ahead.

[kahunablair]

Just read Captain Marvel. Who knew how much this was tied into Secret Invasion?

So if Marv a Skrull infiltrator that got amnesia, and is that why his storyline wasn't touched on in Civil War? It would actually explain a lot.

I'm not going to say what happens, but I will say: "don't accidentally flip to the last page".
I did. I yelled "ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGH". I didn't dislike it. I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that the ending is fairly unexpected and I blew it.
Now that was a bizarre ending, huh?

[six-gun]

ugh, Brian Hitch without Laura Martin is not good. Everything seems so static

[fred]

Now that was a bizarre ending, huh?

It was something. I .... my mind changes on it hourly.

[kahunablair]

It was something. I .... my mind changes on it hourly.

Exactly. I mean I'm taking into account that the series was ended early... but I wonder if that was the plan all along.

I get a weird feeling that it wasn't.

[cormano]

Amazing Spider-Man #550 - The story is good but the art really got to me this issue. I didn't mind Larroca last week, but it seemed worse this time for some reason. I still enjoyed it quite a bit, but I don't have much to say except that I'm going to be quite happy if Jackpot really isn't Mary Jane.

New Avengers #38 - This was really good. Pretty much agree with a lot of what has already been said.

Punisher War Journal #16 - Wow! This one surprised me! I've been enjoying this book a lot lately, but this was a big U-turn from the comedy we've been getting. I really felt bad for old Martin Blank in this issue. Lady Python was also sort of tragic. It was a real gut punch to get this after three issues of the son of Kraven corralling animal themed Spider-Man villains for a zoo. Loved it.

and THE NEXT ISSUE PROJECT! FUCKING AWESOME! Why is no one talking about this in here? I wrote a review on iFanboy proper, but just trust me… you NEED to buy this! I was excited for it and it still blew me out of the water with it's awesomeness. Support this so we get more!

[fred]

Exactly. I mean I'm taking into account that the series was ended early... but I wonder if that was the plan all along.

I get a weird feeling that it wasn't.

From what I've gathered, this was always going to be the ending but it wasn't planned to happen quite so soon.

[kahunablair]

From what I've gathered, this was always going to be the ending but it wasn't planned to happen quite so soon.
Really?
That's interesting... I'm really on the fence then.

[dave-accampo]

Really?
That's interesting... I'm really on the fence then.

We're talking about American Virgin, right? I asked Seagle about this last year, and he said that he no longer wrote with a definite master story in mind...meaning, he didn't plan AV as a 60 issue book, etc. So I think he kind of knew he had this series of adventures. And, yes, Fred's probably right that it was always the ending, but he just figured he'd find a way to make it the end of whatever the last arc was.

I love the series. I feel like the ending came pretty abruptly when compared to Y or Preacher or Sandman.

So, I don't mind the end, but the pace of the overall series just isn't right with this as the last issue of the last arc.

But, people weren't reading it. Them's the breaks. At least we got an ending, eh?

[humphrey-lee]

Holy Fuck! I think I might be the last person out there still buying 100 BULLETS in singles, but my fucking god did some shit go down... it really is time to start winding down to the end of that book, and apparently anything is about to go.

Same goes for WALKING DEAD it seems. Given how things are going for our Merry Band of survivors, I think a prior prediction I had about where the series is going may just end up being the case come issue 50. Call it a hunch, but it's the future I see for the book...

Other than that, FF was good enough I'll probably be reviewing it for the week, and X-FACTOR is already trudging back towards the momentum it had before the MC derailing. All in all, not a bad week, especially since I was finally able to get all the DAN DARE's; those were good times too. I might go ahead and "Catch Up" Review those as well...

[fred]

We're talking about American Virgin, right? I asked Seagle about this last year, and he said that he no longer wrote with a definite master story in mind...meaning, he didn't plan AV as a 60 issue book, etc. So I think he kind of knew he had this series of adventures. And, yes, Fred's probably right that it was always the ending, but he just figured he'd find a way to make it the end of whatever the last arc was.

That's more or less the impression that I got from going back and forth with him on it a few months ago. I'm a bit less optimistic now that they can have other minis or something at Vertigo or somewhere else. So, that's upsetting. I was holding out hope that at some point we might get more of this story.

[kahunablair]

Well they could always do a mini based on the "Miracle" pregnancy. I'd buy that.

[dave-accampo]

Holy Fuck! I think I might be the last person out there still buying 100 BULLETS in singles, but my fucking god did some shit go down... it really is time to start winding down to the end of that book, and apparently anything is about to go.

I'm reading it. I didn't think anyone else was, so there wasn't much to say about it. Also: while I can recognize that this was a good issue, I have to admit...the larger story has been so erratic and byzantine that I'm kind of detached from it all. While I recognize that things are happening, I no longer remember who is who exactly and who did what.

I think this book must read infinitely better in trades.

[cormano]

I just read:

Omega the Unknown #5 - I love the art in this book so much. I don't know where the story is going, but there are enough revelations each issue, and some great dialog so I don't care. I was nervous that this was a 10 issue mini series, thinking that six or so would probably be enough, but at the halfway point, I think this is going to hold up.

[six-gun]

A very good week overall.

1. Wolverine- Jason Aaron has Logan nailed, I'm really excited to see where this goes.

2. New Avengers- A book of talking head, what Bendis does best, brilliant interactions and art.

3. Fantastic Four- That was just a whole lot of fun.

[itsbecca]

Finally got to reading [most] of my stack tonight AND I think there's hope in me finally getting in on an X-Book. Against all odds I really enjoyed readin X-Factor this week. So hooray on that front.

[acomicbookgirl]

Tiny Titans - Loved the art.

Wonder Woman - got a kick out of seeing Etta.

Green Arrow/Black Canary - Love it. Love it. Love it.

[itsbecca]

Green Arrow/Black Canary - Love it. Love it. Love it.

So so emotional. I ate it up.

[acomicbookgirl]

So so emotional. I ate it up.

I can't believe I have to wait a month to see what happens next.

[jgg0610]

Green Arrow/Black Canary - Love it. Love it. Love it.

This issue was quite as over the top melodramatic as the last but the art was really cheesecakey in this one. I hope Cliff Chiang is back for the next issue.

[humphrey-lee]

This issue was quite as over the top melodramatic as the last but the art was really cheesecakey in this one. I hope Cliff Chiang is back for the next issue.

Yeah, I enjoy the book for the most part, but I found with this issue a lot of my enjoyment comes from Chiang's art. Some of the emotional bits are a little too hamfisted to make me get into what Winick is going for, but the art really does help rein it in more. Plus, pacing issues. Last issue was pretty much pitch perfect though (the one before this week's that is) but this one was more just middle of the stack "fodder".

[itsbecca]

I am so out of the norm, because honestly this was my 2nd favorite issue of the run after last months. The first few were enjoyable, but I wasn't as gaga as others were. And generally I'm not a sucker for melodrama, there's a fair list of well liked comic titles I don't read because they seem to take themselves to seriously. I felt that little twinge of emotion several times and particularly with the state Connor was in and very much with the wedding (which... can I say was ten thousand times better than anything in the time between this mini and the end of the Green Arrow Title. What a meh summer.)

[jasontodd]

Green Arrow/ BC was great. Excellent pick as book of the week.

I feel like I'm pretty much through with Marvel. Other than Iron Fist and Captain America, I'm consistently disappointed with almost every Marvel book I read. New Avengers was so boring.

I'm turning into a DC Fanboy. Det Comics, Robin, Nightwing, The Atom, Simon Dark, JSA, JLA, Wonder Woman, Action Comics, Legion, Titans, Booster Gold, Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corp, Green Arrow, All-Star Superman, etc are all consistently good.

I'm not sure how Marvel still outsells DC by a little bit.

[six-gun]

Did anyone else get very much a Joss Whedon feel from the script for the Holly-Mary-Harley scene?

[euchre0]

I'm not sure how Marvel still outsells DC by a little bit.

Part of it might be that, among other titles, Daredevil, Captain America, Ultimate Spider-Man, Astonishing X-Men, New and Mighty Avengers are really good.

And that doesn't even touch fan favorites such as the X-books and Spider...er...book.

[k33k3r]

cough*** Bendis, brubaker ***cough

[euchre0]

However, DC boasts Johns, Dini, Rucka, etc.


Personally, I DC and Marvel get almost the same amount of my money every month.

[labor_days]

Green Arrow/ BC was great. Excellent pick as book of the week.

I feel like I'm pretty much through with Marvel. Other than Iron Fist and Captain America, I'm consistently disappointed with almost every Marvel book I read. New Avengers was so boring.

I'm right there with you, JT.

Post-CW, Marvel has really lost my interest. Dropped New Avengers months ago. I'm down to buying Captain America, Runaways and Astonishing.

Two of which I won't be buying after the current teams move on. So, that's one Marvel book for me a month.

Did anyone else get very much a Joss Whedon feel from the script for the Holly-Mary-Harley scene?No. Because it was poorly written. Which is not what I associate with Mr. Whedon.