Comics overslept, so they might as well have New Comics Discussion for 04/23/08!

[ConorKilpatrick]

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

Here's what Josh (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/Josh/comics), Ron (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/Ron/comics), Conor (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/Conor/comics), and Gordon (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/Gordon/comics) are reading.

This week's Pick of the Week (http://www.ifanboy.com/content/potw/04_23_2008_-_Justice_League_of_America__20):

http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/dc_comics/justice_league_of_america/20/cover-thumb.jpg

From here on out, it's SPOILER-O-RAMA.

Don't forget to rate and review the books over at iFanboy.com (http://www.ifanboy.com/comics)!

[Luthor]

Just finished reading Hulk #3. It's by no means a great comic book but I really enjoyed it. It's just two monsters punching each other, with beautiful art(I really think this is the character that McGuinness is supposed to draw). I think this issue also nails what the angle of this book is going to be. It's pretty obvious it's a tribute to Hulk tales of years gone by. Old school tales where Banner would walk into a town, the army came chasing or Leader plotted some devious device, the Hulk would smash and Banner walked to the next destination. While I'll always fawn over the Peter David era, Old School Hulk stories are still fun and I'm finally excited to see what's going to happen next.

[Luthor]

But I still hate A-bomb.

[Labor_Days]

Countdown. Seriously.

[Mikegraham6]

i hated countdown. I thought this was the last issue, NOTHING HAPPENED! it counted down to nothing but another special, weak sauce DC, weak sauce.

Now Mighty Avengers? That had some serious Nick Fury badass-ery. Alex Maleev needs to be on a regular series again

[Mikegraham6]

Labor_days: i caved and picked up Death of the New Gods #8, can you do me a favour and let me know what i need to know to enjoy this? i figure this issue is going to be a big deal

[Mikegraham6]

finished Batman and i really think Tony Daniel's needs to work on his consistency. Some panel were gorgeous, others... not so much (damian and robin look like their 25 and bruce looks like he's in his late 40s)
i can't wait for this Batman R.I.P.

Morrison = Comic God

[Labor_Days]

Labor_days: i caved and picked up Death of the New Gods #8, can you do me a favour and let me know what i need to know to enjoy this? i figure this issue is going to be a big deal

The previous 7 issues of DotNG, Simonson's Orion and the first two Jack Kirby Fourth World Omnibi.

[Labor_Days]

finished Batman and i really think Tony Daniel's needs to work on his consistency.

Considering that Daniel did not draw this issue, I don't think you can fault the guy. Ryan Benjamin did pencils this week with inks by Saleem Crawford. Guy Major on colors.

http://i25.tinypic.com/nlo504.jpg


I agree with the general sentiment of the rest of your post, Mike. Brilliant comics.

[itsbecca]

Batman. Wowza. I'm sorry I can't fair anything more coherent than that right now.

[Labor_Days]

I know, rite?

Love the shadow of Batman silhouetting Bruce Wayne's every move and Dick & Tim's uncertainty of post-asshole Batman.

Nice, tight issue. Transitioning well between the last issue and the upcoming Batman R.I.P. arc.

If the Club of Heroes return and the Black Glove is revealed to be the big bad behind the mind-fuck that is Batman, I will be over the moon in happiness.

[Labor_Days]

Holy shit. Marko D's art in Thor was spectacular. Breathtaking even!

Good Lord, how is it that Thor is getting better with each issue?

POW for me.

[gineration]

I thought Batman was awesome, but I wasn't digging the art so much.

[gobo]

Fables and JLA were great this week

Death of the New Gods and Countdown were disappointing

Mighty Avengers has Nick Fury written brilliantly and some amazing art, POTW

The Supernatural prequel was also pretty sweet.

[Ryan79]

Holy shit. Marko D's art in Thor was spectacular. Breathtaking even!

Good Lord, how is it that Thor is getting better with each issue?

POW for me.


I'm with you. Thor stood head and shoulders above anything else in my stack. Love the art, love the character development, REALLY loved the scene between Donald Blake and his ex. You could just feel her heart break.

And a big throwdown with Surtur doesn't hurt either.

[Labor_Days]

Somewhere around issue #3 of DotNG I thought the series could have been done in 6 issues. Now, with the 8th issue, I feel there were too few issues. So many questions...

[Neb]

I really enjoyed Ultimate Spider-Man this week. I didn't pick up Batman, but I haven't been buying it for about 5 months because Morrison lost me with the whole Bat midget, insanity thing. I'm thinking I may hop back on with Batman R.I.P.

[ConorKilpatrick]

I didn't pick up Batman, but I haven't been buying it for about 5 months because Morrison lost me with the whole Bat midget, insanity thing.

Bat-Mite?

[Labor_Days]

Hm. Who was the woman-skrull that Nick Fury shot in the head?

[ConorKilpatrick]

Hm. Who was the woman-skrull that Nick Fury shot in the head?

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentina_Allegra_di_Fontaine).

[Dave Accampo]

Halfway through the JSA hardcover just on the ferry ride back from San Francisco. It's good stuff. Still not my favorite book, but enjoyable nonetheless. I suspect i'll probably switch to single issues.

Mighty Avengers was very good. Bendis' macro-plot is becoming more obvious. Not sure this was the best thing for serialized comics in the long run, but we're definitely having fun now. What I mean is: yes, he did a fabulous job of setting up a huge tapestry, but if people harbor a lot of ill will toward stuff like Secret War, then I'm not sure it totally works. Regardless, he finally gets to play with Fury again, and...it's good.

Checkmate was...pretty good. I still contend that this storyline was rushed. It needed another issue at least. I think it could have been 6 issues and still not felt padded. Rucka knows how to draw out the espionage thriller slow burn. Pacing aside, I love the rooks. The Starro DNA was an awesome twist.

I guess my other complaint is more a "taste" thing that anything else. The central conceit of this issue is kind of a shell game with the audience. "I know what you did," says Bats.

OMG, they killed snake-babies!

Oh!

Nahhhhh, fooled you!

Eh.

Not my favorite twist in storytelling. Saw it coming from a mile away, but I forgive it because it's my last issue of checkmate and it's a cute note to go out on.

[Humphrey Lee]

Reading books at the store today I noticed something: Hulk and X-Force are not good comic books. And coming home and reading some forums (most just the Benbo one to note) I noticed something else: Sadly apparently people think they are.

Inside, I weep a little bit.

I'll give HULK one thing though, it has Ed McGuinness... and that's it.

Wow was this week eclectic.

[ConorKilpatrick]

Reading books at the store today I noticed something: Hulk and X-Force are not good comic books. And coming home and reading some forums (most just the Benbo one to note) I noticed something else: Sadly apparently people think they are.

Inside, I weep a little bit.

I'll give HULK one thing though, it has Ed McGuinness... and that's it.

Wow was this week eclectic.

I had to go to my crappy local neighborhood store today and the owner was telling everyone - EVERYONE - who walked through his door (whether they asked or not) that Hulk was awful. He would tell you many times.

I have never read it, so I have no opinion.

[GungaDin]

I had to go to my crappy local neighborhood store today and the owner was telling everyone - EVERYONE - who walked through his door (whether they asked or not) that Hulk was awful. He would tell you many times.

"Oh the humanity!!!!"

[ConorKilpatrick]

"Oh the humanity!!!!"

"YOU BUYING HULK?!"

"......."

"IT'S AWFUL!"

[Humphrey Lee]

I had to go to my crappy local neighborhood store today and the owner was telling everyone - EVERYONE - who walked through his door (whether they asked or not) that Hulk was awful. He would tell you many times.

I have never read it, so I have no opinion.

If it weren't for the ungodly horrific scripting, I could see it being good chessy smash 'em up fun, but "Oh the Humanity" pretty much sums it up well as long as being a good reference for those who have read it.

But by god I still kind of want to own the issues due to those McGuinness pencils.

[GungaDin]

"YOU BUYING HULK?!"

"......."

"IT'S AWFUL!"

Guess that S.H.I.E.L.D. carrier exploding was just subtext for the behind-the-scenes of the book... And the cover for this issue was Hulk and that one guy fighting... Maybe it's saying this book is ripping apart the McGuinness/Loeb team... That's how bad it is...

[Mikegraham6]

Considering that Daniel did not draw this issue, I don't think you can fault the guy. Ryan Benjamin did pencils this week with inks by Saleem Crawford. Guy Major on colors.

http://i25.tinypic.com/nlo504.jpg


I agree with the general sentiment of the rest of your post, Mike. Brilliant comics.
well that makes sense then

[kahunablair]

I know that I should not be a fan of the Hulk book, but the minute I see McGuinness' work I smile. That is some dynamic, action-packed stuff.

I'll stand by my idea that he should be given art duties on Mighty Avengers. That is, if Mighty Avengers is still around after Secret Invasion, and it goes back to being the "fun, action" Avengers title.

[kwok_talk]

I'll stand by my idea that he should be given art duties on Mighty Avengers. That is, if Mighty Avengers is still around after Secret Invasion, and it goes back to being the "fun, action" Avengers title.
It's going to get like that when Khoi Pham comes over. You've seen his Herc stuff, aren't you excited about that???

[kahunablair]

It's going to get like that when Khoi Pham comes over. You've seen his Herc stuff, aren't you excited about that???

Haha. Even if I wasn't already excited, you're darn infectious attitude would have drug me kicking and screaming!

I love Pham's stuff. McGuiness just has a special place in my heart. I wish I could find my old art books. I aped the heck out of McG's stuff. Big time.

[Labor_Days]

I tried to read issue #1 of Hulk and ended up just looking at the picture about 4 pages into the thing. Then I fell asleep.

You can feel the awful radiate off Hulk on the stands.

Doesn't surprise me retailers would tell their customers to NOT buy such a book.

[kwok_talk]

Haha. Even if I wasn't already excited, you're darn infectious attitude would have drug me kicking and screaming!

I love Pham's stuff. McGuiness just has a special place in my heart. I wish I could find my old art books. I aped the heck out of McG's stuff. Big time.

Haha. Yeah, def not knocking McGuinness. But Pham is definitely an injection making me excited for MA again

[paper]

Whenever Kwok gets bored he goes for another injection.

[kwok_talk]

Whenever Kwok gets bored he goes for another injection.

Us accountants are natural thrill-seekers.

(Kids. Hugs, not drugs.)

[horatio616]

Why would a spy that wears an eyepatch think that shaving his head--but keeping the eyepatch--is a good disguise?

Here's my review of Mighty Avengers #12:

http://ifanboy.com/reviews/ultimatehoratio/marvel_comics/mighty_avengers/12

[Labor_Days]

You know damn well why Mighty Avengers #12 exists.

[horatio616]

You know damn well why Mighty Avengers #12 exists.

Because he who brings in the money controls the comics! And Bendis brings in the money!

[Euchre0]

Did any once else who has ever seen Prison Break notice that Maleev's Nick Fury is this guy:
http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20071022/285.purcell.dominic.102207.jpg

Not a bad thing since it was my favorite book of the week!

[horatio616]

Did any once else who has ever seen Prison Break notice that Maleev's Nick Fury is this guy:
http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20071022/285.purcell.dominic.102207.jpg

Not a bad thing since it was my favorite book of the week!

Yes! I always thought of Fury as older, though.

[paper]

There's only one acceptable photo ref for Nick Fury:

http://irestidelcarlino.files.wordpress.com/2006/12/david-hasselhoff-07.jpg

[Labor_Days]

Mighty Avengers felt like New Avengers in tone this week. Not sure how I felt about that. Well, at least there was no implied rape when Nick Fury showed up in Maria Hill's bedroom.

[Luthor]

You can feel the awful radiate off Hulk on the stands.

Reiterating: Hulk really, REALLY wasn't that bad this month. It was just two big monsters fighting each other. How can you go wrong with the two monsters punching each other? It was just good, mindless and stupid fun and the art is kick ass.

[horatio616]

Mighty Avengers felt like New Avengers in tone this week. Not sure how I felt about that. Well, at least there was no implied rape when Nick Fury showed up in Maria Hill's bedroom.

What Mighty Avengers #12 was missing: anal.

Sorry, that joke's played out. I'll do better next time.

[Labor_Days]

Reiterating: Hulk really, REALLY wasn't that bad this month. It was just two big monsters fighting each other. How can you go wrong with the two monsters punching each other? It was just good, mindless and stupid fun and the art is kick ass.Don't doubt the art is great. However, the writing...I am skeptical.

[itsbecca]

I think I recall some of your picking up the White Picket Fences mini last year. Did anyone see the issue (http://www.comicspace.com/white_picket_fences/comics.php?action=read&file_id=192375) out this week? I got the response that it probably won't ship over here till next week.

Also, whichever week it comes out people should check it out. The writing is delightfully playful and the art just makes me sigh.

[paper]

That's gorgeous. Is the first mini collected? I want to start from the beginning.

[itsbecca]

That's gorgeous. Is the first mini collected? I want to start from the beginning.

It's not yet and I'm not sure if there are plans to do so or not. I hope so, and I'll surely be back here pimping it if it does get released, but there's been no postings on the issue that I could find. Their little site is here (http://www.comicspace.com/white_picket_fences/) where there's more previews and links to buy the issues if you're so inclined. I was quite fond of it.

[Euchre0]

You know damn well why Mighty Avengers #12 exists.

Because it's about time we found out what Nick Fury's been up to!

[Labor_Days]

Such a shame Maleev is not on a regular book anymore. I don't think I ever seen a more badass Nick Fury.

[kahunablair]

It's not yet and I'm not sure if there are plans to do so or not. I hope so, and I'll surely be back here pimping it if it does get released, but there's been no postings on the issue that I could find. Their little site is here (http://www.comicspace.com/white_picket_fences/) where there's more previews and links to buy the issues if you're so inclined. I was quite fond of it.

I didn't know a new one was coming out! Thanks for the heads up, madam!

Don't doubt the art is great. However, the writing...I am skeptical.
Well, how much writing does it take to have Hulk fight a Monster? Once you get past the silly A Bomb name, there isn't much else that could screw up this "All- Fight" issue.

[paper]

Action is some of the hardest stuff to write.

Seriously. "How much writing does it take..." is like flipping on the Snoopy Signal.

[kahunablair]

Action is some of the hardest stuff to write.

Seriously. "How much writing does it take..." is like flipping on the Snoopy Signal.

Oh boo hoo. Writer's make me sick. ;)

[paper]

Oh boo hoo. Writer's make me sick. ;)

.......There are drawing programs more suitable for 2008 than MS Paint!!!

[kahunablair]

.......There are drawing programs more suitable for 2008 than MS Paint!!!

Indeed there are, but not nearly as fun!

[paper]

Indeed there are, but not nearly as fun!

.....Elvis sucks!

[itsbecca]

Anyone catch the preview for the new Sturges/Wilingham book? The first page of it killed me and I'd really love to see them taking on a book of this tone. I'm a bit hazy on the premise though.

In related news, I've come to realization recently that I'm a complete Vertigo whore.

[paper]

Anyone catch the preview for the new Sturges/Wilingham book? The first page of it killed me and I'd really love to see them taking on a book of this tone. I'm a bit hazy on the premise though.

In related news, I've come to realization recently that I'm a complete Vertigo whore.

House of Mystery? (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=9388)

[itsbecca]

House of Mystery? (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=9388)

Thas the one.

"This is a book where you can have a pirate, a psychic detective, a spaceman, a French romantic poet and an NYU film student sitting at a table having a beer together. It's a writer's dream come true."
— Matthew Sturges

Ooo and I just saw Bernie Wrightson is doing a variant. This is so going to be my book.

[kahunablair]

.....Elvis sucks!

.... huh?

[jmstump]

shameless plug for the week!

Ultimate Spider-Man (http://ifanboy.com/reviews/jstump/marvel_comics/ultimate_spider-man/121)

I only had three books this week so I think this is the only review I'm going to do.

[Six Gun]

Countdown, just. Wow. I have more to say but not now. This comic made me feel sick.

[JasonTodd]

I'd have to say my pick of the week was Batman #675. I'm definately looking forward to what's coming next.

I haven't really read any theories online, so maybe this has been said, but does anyone think that Batman R.I.P. could be the end of Bruce using the Batman as a front? Perhaps he'll still continue his mission as Bruce Wayne without using the costume so much a la Kingdom Come?

I got that vibe towards the end of #675

[Humphrey Lee]

In related news, I've come to realization recently that I'm a complete Vertigo whore.

What's wrong with that? I'm still of the opinion that title for title they do comics better than anyone else, even missing some former flagships like Y, Transmet, Preacher and so on.

[Dave Accampo]

I'm with Luthor on Hulk. It's not as bad as the elitists (:P) would have you believe.

It's also really not that good. It's just sort of there, like those B-level popcorn summer movies. It's not the Watchmen of comics, it's The Fast and the Furious of comics.

Yeah, there, I said it. You can lose all respect for me now. Well, if you had any to begin with. :D

Honestly? I still don't know if I'll get the next one. I wasn't even planning on buying this one, but on my second trip to the shop (to get JLA after Conor's review), I decided what the hell.

And it was kinda fun. Quick, light read. Good art. Very little characterization, but just enough mystery plot to raise questions that you want answered. What did Banner say to Ross? And, no really, who's the red Hulk?

[Dave Accampo]

Also: Yay, McDuffie! JLA was good.

Also, also: I read the entire JSA hardcover and picked up 13 and 14 of JSA in issues. I s'pose I'm back on board. There's something about Johns' storytelling that still underwhelms me. I think it's that he wears his heart on his sleeve too much. Everything's explained. Very. Clearly. and the themes usually border on the cliche.

But seriously: when you read the collection, you realize how many times Johns states and re-states the "mission statement" for the JSA. I keep expecting a whole page to read like this:

"Hey, we're the JSA - we're here to train heroes to be better heroes."
"Yeah, but what do we do with this new generation of heroes?"
"We train them to be better!"
"Better what?"
"Well, they could be better heroes."
"Oh. Say, we should train them to do that."
"I know. Here's a folding chair. Pull up a seat while we're training the next generation of heroes to be, you know, better heroes."
"It's Wednesday!"
"Say, you know, we haven't said the word legacy for a while."
"I know. Say, we should train some legacy heroes!"
"That's better."

[paper]

"Hey, we're the JSA - we're here to train heroes to be better heroes."
"Yeah, but what do we do with this new generation of heroes?"
"We train them to be better!"
"Better what?"
"Well, they could be better heroes."
"Oh. Say, we should train them to do that."
"I know. Here's a folding chair. Pull up a seat while we're training the next generation of heroes to be, you know, better heroes."
"It's Wednesday!"
"Say, you know, we haven't said the word legacy for a while."
"I know. Say, we should train some legacy heroes!"
"That's better."

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/fuzzytype/cthulhu-6.jpg

[Mikegraham6]

JLA was good but it felt like it should have been in Brave and the Bold instead. It wasn't the JLA, it was a bloody team-up between Wonder Woman and the Flash

[Mikegraham6]

Uncanny X-Men pisses me off, it should be SOOOO much better than what it actually is. a Hippy storyline? really? after such a huge and disasterous crossover. Please Brubaker, don't make me drop ALL my regular x-men books

[Ryan79]

Uncanny X-Men pisses me off, it should be SOOOO much better than what it actually is. a Hippy storyline? really? after such a huge and disasterous crossover. Please Brubaker, don't make me drop ALL my regular x-men books

I'm reading it for the secondary Russia storyline. I like Wolverine, Colossus, and Nightcrawler as a team so that makes me happy. My real hope is that Omega Red shows up for a big throw down.

[Mikegraham6]

I'm reading it for the secondary Russia storyline. I like Wolverine, Colossus, and Nightcrawler as a team so that makes me happy. My real hope is that Omega Red shows up for a big throw down.
that is definitely the stronger of the two plotlines. it's still not as strong as it should be

[Labor_Days]

Also: Yay, McDuffie! JLA was good.

Also, also: I read the entire JSA hardcover and picked up 13 and 14 of JSA in issues. I s'pose I'm back on board. There's something about Johns' storytelling that still underwhelms me. I think it's that he wears his heart on his sleeve too much. Everything's explained. Very. Clearly. and the themes usually border on the cliche.

But seriously: when you read the collection, you realize how many times Johns states and re-states the "mission statement" for the JSA. I keep expecting a whole page to read like this:

"Hey, we're the JSA - we're here to train heroes to be better heroes."
"Yeah, but what do we do with this new generation of heroes?"
"We train them to be better!"
"Better what?"
"Well, they could be better heroes."
"Oh. Say, we should train them to do that."
"I know. Here's a folding chair. Pull up a seat while we're training the next generation of heroes to be, you know, better heroes."
"It's Wednesday!"
"Say, you know, we haven't said the word legacy for a while."
"I know. Say, we should train some legacy heroes!"
"That's better."

Looks like it's time to update the ol' Buddy/Ignore List...

http://i28.tinypic.com/2zpuqz7.jpg

[oh_caroline]

I thought Uncanny X-men really (finally) picked up this week. Brubaker's action sequences are always so well blocked-out and, together with the clarity of Choi's art, they were a joy to read, in both storylines.

Plus, if the San Francisco story is going where I think it's going, I'm going to be a very happy fangirl in a couple months.

[Dave Accampo]

Looks like it's time to update the ol' Buddy/Igno
http://i28.tinypic.com/2zpuqz7.jpg

Do what you will, but first re-read 7-14 and tell me I'm wrong! :-P

[Labor_Days]

I'm not going to play your demonic game, Dave.

Also, the JSA issues of the LS were the best ones. In there Johns sets up a lot of threads for characters that we are seeing play out now in both JSA and other titles. Smart. Often no more than line of dialogue. Good stuff, black heart.

[Dave Accampo]

I'm not going to play your demonic game, Dave.

Also, the JSA issues of the LS were the best ones. In there Johns sets up a lot of threads for characters that we are seeing play out now in both JSA and other titles. Smart. Often no more than line of dialogue. Good stuff, black heart.

LS= Lightning Saga?

Yes, those were better than the JLA issues, if that's what you mean. But it's still like arguing which fast food restaurant is best. ;)

[ConorKilpatrick]

I understand now. Wormwood is autobiographical.

[Labor_Days]

Someone tell me what Ole' Black Heart is saying. All I see is a pentagram in unicorn's blood where words should be.

[paper]

Oh, I see. Me and Dave agree on everything except....the most important things.

The best fast food is Wendy's by the way.

[Dave Accampo]

I understand now. Wormwood is autobiographical.

hehehe... Write what you know, right?

[paper]

Can't believe you're laughing right now.

[Six Gun]

Uncanny X-Men pisses me off, it should be SOOOO much better than what it actually is. a Hippy storyline? really? after such a huge and disasterous crossover. Please Brubaker, don't make me drop ALL my regular x-men books

I'm freaking loving this arc and I haven't liked any of Brubaker's Uncanny before this.

Having a fight that's really all about falling was just genius IMO.

[oh_caroline]

Having a fight that's really all about falling was just genius IMO.

There's a similar thing in a Captain America issue that involves Falcon and maybe Bucky? I love that Bru isn't afraid to write action sequences that actually seem to be affected by gravity. Maybe not our mortal gravity, if you're talking about Daredevil. But you can see that he's really thought this stuff out and I enjoy the hell out of it.

[Six Gun]

There's a similar thing in a Captain America issue that involves Falcon and maybe Bucky? I love that Bru isn't afraid to write action sequences that actually seem to be affected by gravity. Maybe not our mortal gravity, if you're talking about Daredevil. But you can see that he's really thought this stuff out and I enjoy the hell out of it.

Yeah the X-Man fight had me feeling deja-vu

[itsbecca]

What's wrong with that? I'm still of the opinion that title for title they do comics better than anyone else, even missing some former flagships like Y, Transmet, Preacher and so on.

Oh there's nothing wrong with it. Just a statement of fact.

[Dave Accampo]

Can't believe you're laughing right now.

Does it help that I agree with you about Wendy's?

I bought the hardcover, people! Must I also drink the Kool-Aid?! :-P


Seriously: It's a good comic. But I just can't shake the feeling that he sometimes veers towards Hallmark sentimentality. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it's just not necessarily to my taste.

That said, I am enjoying it. I'll definitely at least read it thru the Kingdom Come arc, and then decide if I'm going to continue. I do hope they pare down the cast. I'm VERY familiar with a lot of these characters and concepts, having been primarily a DC fan all through the 90's, but he's added a lot of new characters (by design) and the result is that we're getting a lot of plot in these last few issues, but less on character (KC Superman gets the biggest emotional arc, and I'm honestly more interested in the other characters).

[Dave Accampo]

Re: Uncanny - I'm enjoying this arc, but it's definitely milder. And that's fine coming off of a big X-over event. This issue felt light to me, but I also realize that it's the start of the 2nd act for the Emma/Cyke story, and with the book split between plots, I think the pacing's about right.

[Six Gun]

Thor!!!!!!!!!

Man, what a comic! I just wish that The book would just become Straczynski and Djurdjevic telling tales of lore.

I wasn't a huge fan of the Dr. Blake/Dr. Foster scenes, but the stuff with Odin was freaking fantastic!

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/Sn4ke22/ThorOdinandbattle.jpg

[paper]

I'd be all over that book if it were in the hands of a better writer.

[Six Gun]

I'd be all over that book if it were in the hands of a better writer.

Labor, Josh and I can vouch for it's quality! :)

[gobo]

Six Gun count me in!

And give me more of Thor in the world of men and less of him with Odin

[Six Gun]

BTW, that's not the cover, that's just one of many gorgeous pages from the man, M Dj!

[Six Gun]

And give me more of Thor in the world of men and less of him with Odin

Agree to disagree on that one! :D

[paper]

Labor, Josh and I can vouch for it's quality! :)

I will approach this on a trade by trade basis.

[itsbecca]

Labor, Josh and I can vouch for it's quality! :)

Count me in for this as well.

And I didn't know Josh had given in, that makes me pleased. Unless it does go sour, and then I will conveniently forget that I ever defended the book. But really, it's been quite enjoyable.

[itsbecca]

I will approach this on a trade by trade basis.

I support this fine, I secretly decided to switch over to the trade when i got behind and then i couldn't find the back issues amongst crap. Aaaand now they're all back in Chicago. DMZ is getting this treatment as well for the new arc along with a couple other books.

[Six Gun]

I will approach this on a trade by trade basis.

The first six issues (http://www.amazon.com/Thor-Vol-J-Michael-Straczynski/dp/078513011X/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209220224&sr=8-1) are so up your alley it's crazy.

Imagine if Pixar animated a Norse myth.

[Labor_Days]

Loved the Dr. Blake & Dr. Foster sections. Was surprised at how much acting and emotion Marko D put into those pages. When Dr. Foster begins to realize Don is not there for her were very well done.

And of course the battle with Surtur. "Not today, not today!" sent a chill up my spine. I stand behind the series. Thor is a top tier title.

I can't believe some people didn't like Marko D's work last issue.

http://i29.tinypic.com/am6rtc.png

[Six Gun]

already posted that splash bro! ;)

great minds scan alike!

[Labor_Days]

But your version was too small. :P

The coloring and lettering in the series have also been top notch.

[Six Gun]

But your version was too small. :P

The coloring and lettering in the series have also been top notch.

yeah, I shrank it too much! ;)

[kahunablair]

Hey, hey, hey!
I've been on the Thor bandwagon from the start too. Don't leave my butt in the cold. I'm very sensitive!

[Six Gun]

Becca, Kahuna, Labor, Josh, gobo and I can vouch for it's quality!

;)

[kahunablair]

I love you, Six.

[Labor_Days]

Becca, Kahuna, Labor, Josh, gobo and I can vouch for it's quality!
Obviously, we rule. High five, bros.

[Six Gun]

I love you, Six.

Love you too, like a brother! Man, like a brother!*






*Can I borrow a few dollars brother? ;)

[superfriend82]

For me the best of my pack this week was a tie of Mighty Avengers and ultimate spider-man.Next was batman then ulitmate FF.Doe anyone else read ulitmate FF if so what do they think of it?

[kahunablair]

Love you too, like a brother! Man, like a brother!*
*Can I borrow a few dollars brother? ;)
A few bucks? Sure. I'm just not going to let you borrow my car again!

For me the best of my pack this week was a tie of Mighty Avengers and ultimate spider-man.Next was batman then ulitmate FF.Doe anyone else read ulitmate FF if so what do they think of it?
Ultimate FF is one of the most inconsistent series. I love where it started out, but this arc just got weirder and weirder.

[horatio616]

I just don't see the point of Ultimate FF or Ultimate X-Men.

[kahunablair]

I just don't see the point of Ultimate FF or Ultimate X-Men.

Is there really even a need for an Ultimate Universe at all? Not really, but it's fun.

[JasonTodd]

Is there really even a need for an Ultimate Universe at all? Not really, but it's fun.

Man, I agree that the first couple of volumes of The Ultimates were fun, as are most issues of USM....

Other than that though, it's pretty weak. UXM started out pretty decent though...

[Mikegraham6]

I'm freaking loving this arc and I haven't liked any of Brubaker's Uncanny before this.

Having a fight that's really all about falling was just genius IMO.
Well there's no surprise there. It is written by Brubaker after all ;)

[oh_caroline]

Ultimate FF is one of the most inconsistent series. I love where it started out, but this arc just got weirder and weirder.

Same. I was sort of shocked, in the first arc, that a Millar/Bendis collaboration would work so well, and then I loved the Ellis arc; he's surprisingly perfect for FF. (Warren Ellis: Taking the Fake Science Seriously since 1990). But when Millar came back on the book, I got bored pretty quickly. I was mildly curious to check out Carey's run, but ultimately (sorry), I realized I didn't care about the Ultimate U any more. (I dropped Ults 3 like a hot potato, and I'm on the verge of breaking up with 'Ultimate X-men').

So have I been missing anything?

[Ruo21]

Mighty Avengers- Enjoyed this alot, I was expecting Ifanboy to like this.... but I guess not. I really enjoyed the art the story was interesting and if Mighty Avengers was always like this I'd be subscribing.

Batman- Didn't enjoy this to much. The art didn't thrill me and I could have cared less about the story. I thought the reveal on the last page was kind of weak.

[horatio616]

Mighty Avengers- Enjoyed this alot, I was expecting Ifanboy to like this.... but I guess not. I really enjoyed the art the story was interesting and if Mighty Avengers was always like this I'd be subscribing.

Batman- Didn't enjoy this to much. The art didn't thrill me and I could have cared less about the story. I thought the reveal on the last page was kind of weak.

I watched Pulp Secret last night and one of them said that the upcoming issue of New Avengers read more like an issue of Mighty Avengers. Marvel really needs to get it together.

[horatio616]

Mighty Avengers- if Mighty Avengers was always like this I'd be subscribing.


You mean... if the Mighty Avengers was not about the Mighty Avengers at all you'd like it?

[Dave Accampo]

I watched Pulp Secret last night and one of them said that the upcoming issue of New Avengers read more like an issue of Mighty Avengers. Marvel really needs to get it together.

See, I don't really get that criticism. To me, they're all Bendis' Avengers, and they've all been heading toward this. Maybe each had a different flavor at first, but they've been circling closer and closer in recent months. I suspect that New and Mighty, if they even exist in the same manner after Secret Invasion, will not necessarily revert back to form (Cage's rebels and Stark's enforcers).

[horatio616]

See, I don't really get that criticism. To me, they're all Bendis' Avengers, and they've all been heading toward this. Maybe each had a different flavor at first, but they've been circling closer and closer in recent months. I suspect that New and Mighty, if they even exist in the same manner after Secret Invasion, will not necessarily revert back to form (Cage's rebels and Stark's enforcers).

That's because you probably read everything. If you don't, then your screwed. I know the big two have given up on chasing the myth of the new reader, but if you're not even going to make any attempt to have a title stand alone, then why put a title on it in the first place? Why don't they make their best books more accessible? I'm just not understanding the philosophy.

[Dave Accampo]

That's because you probably read everything. If you don't, then your screwed. I know the big two have given up on chasing the myth of the new reader, but if you're not even going to make any attempt to have a title stand alone, then why put a title on it in the first place? Why don't they make their best books more accessible? I'm just not understanding the philosophy.

Yes, I am, but you know...? I'd guess that 90% of the readership overlaps. AND, they're heading into a Bendis-helmed cross-over that's changing everything. So it makes sense to me that these two books are becoming more like a bi-weekly book the closer we get to Secret Invasion.

In theory, I agree with you. I think books should each be accessible on their own. It pissed me off when DC began doing this haphazardly before Infinite Crisis. However, by and large, Marvel's been pretty good about it, overall. You can read Whedon's Astonishing or Brubaker's Cap, and they stand on their own. Iron Fist, The Order, Runaways, Daredevil, anything Ellis writes -- These books all stand on their own for the most part. This particular example (New/Mighty) feels organic and writer-driven and long in the planning stages. It doesn't feel like a sales grab, in the way that sometimes low-selling titles are high-jacked into an event. Thus, I can't see this in the same light.

[GungaDin]

Something I just realized: Mighty Avengers has almost gotten completely back on schedule... They just did issue twelve, and the book launched... when? Early last March? Late February?

[Mikegraham6]

ah the magic that is Mark Bagley...:)

[GungaDin]

If you think about it, it's super fascinating and it shows you how Bendis had envisioned the two Avengers books... he planned that really well...

[Mikegraham6]

i don't think the question is whether people read just one book (because in all honesty, Dave's right, most people would be reading both Mighty and New) but it's a matter of people having read Secret War, which for all intents and purposes was a far less popular book. I enjoyed this issue because this is a storyline i've been following basically since i got into comics and it helps me enjoy it SOOOOO much more

[horatio616]

i don't think the question is whether people read just one book (because in all honesty, Dave's right, most people would be reading both Mighty and New) but it's a matter of people having read Secret War, which for all intents and purposes was a far less popular book. I enjoyed this issue because this is a storyline i've been following basically since i got into comics and it helps me enjoy it SOOOOO much more

How are they going to collect this? It's not really going to fit in a Mighty Avengers trade.

[GungaDin]

How are they going to collect this? It's not really going to fit in a Mighty Avengers trade.

Collect which one? This Nick Fury issue? It'll probably be a Mighty Avengers trade that's titled "Secret Invasion" or something.

[Dave Accampo]

Collect which one? This Nick Fury issue? It'll probably be a Mighty Avengers trade that's titled "Secret Invasion" or something.

Yeah, I suspect that everything from the last issues of NA and MA all through Secret Invasion will be collected together. Seems to make the most sense.

I do get the feeling that this current arc is less "written for the trade" than some other books.

[GungaDin]

Yeah, I suspect that everything from the last issues of NA and MA all through Secret Invasion will be collected together. Seems to make the most sense.

I do get the feeling that this current arc is less "written for the trade" than some other books.

Agreed. If I'm to understand it correctly, the Secret Invasion series tie-ins for New and Mighty Avengers during the event etc. are all one shots focusing on various characters and aspects of the Invasion that are supplementary rather than necessity.

[Valoharth]

I didn't want to waste the space with a new post for this question so I will just put it here. It doesn't involve this weeks comics (I think, did Detective come out this week?) anyway here it is. When did the Penguin get the club, how long has he owned it and is there a trade out there that shows him getting it?

[ConorKilpatrick]

I didn't want to waste the space with a new post for this question so I will just put it here. It doesn't involve this weeks comics (I think, did Detective come out this week?) anyway here it is. When did the Penguin get the club, how long has he owned it and is there a trade out there that shows him getting it?

It's been years. Probably more than ten years. I couldn't even tell you how long ago or when but it's been around forever.

[Humphrey Lee]

It's been years. Probably more than ten years. I couldn't even tell you how long ago or when but it's been around forever.

Yeah, just shy a decade would be right I think. I think it happened a few arcs before all the Cataclysm stuff started to hit, but I could be wrong. That's about when I started buying Bat-books and it felt like it was a relatively new occurrence.