New Comics Discussion for 03/25/09 was seen livestreaming earlier today

[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/comics/dark_horse_comics/umbrella_academy_dallas/5_(of_6)/cover-medium.jpg

From here on out, there SHALL BE SPOILATION!

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

[optimus187prime]

I only got one book today. Thunderbolts #130 - This was fun, I was a little disappointed in the first issue of the Magnum Opus crossover, but it feels like it is picking up speed. This issue has convinced me I may need to pick up Diggles T-Bolts in trade. The art was pretty good except for a few panels that took a while to digest. aI loved the page where Wade was loaded down with every gun known to man.

Anyone know who the guy in the clown hockey mask on the cover is?

[thenextchampion]

Incredible Hercules #127: Gahhh!!!! Why is this turning into the millionth Dark Avengers cameo and fight Marvel? I want Hercules fighting the Gods and being funny about it. The first half of this issue had it, then it goes right into shittyville once Osborn comes on board.

Nova #23: My interest in this series is wanning and fast. It's been almost two years but now I am thinking of dropping this title. It's not like AnL arent trying, it's just that this arc went from sweetness to who cares? in a matter of issues.

Thunderbolts #130: This was okay....nothing special but at least it didnt hurt the crossover. I got to say, again I have yet to read Hellblazer or Losers but I dont see what the hub-bub about Andy Diggle is. He's pretty medicore if you ask me.

You wonder why I didnt say what my pick was on here or on the site? Cause none of these issues deserved it, they were all medicore. Nothing special about them and I will forget about them within the week. If only my LCS got The Muppet Show #1 this week instead of next week....it would've been my POTW by default.

[gobo]

Loved Nova and Thunderbolts.

I think I'm done with Hercules now though.

[ryan79]

GI Joe: Origins continues the trend of awesomeness. I have no problems with the art, unlike, I think, a lot of people. The Joe renaissance marches on!

Elephantmen deserves a lot more attention, especially since it's back on a monthly schedule. The art is great, I'm attached to the characters, and the whole setting is just cool. Really, really good stuff.

[thenextchampion]

Loved Nova and Thunderbolts.

I think I'm done with Hercules now though.

I know issue #129 goes right back into the bubble universe of Hercules....and Dark Reign wont effect this title at all. I might be pissed right now, but I will have to grind my teeth threw this mini. You can too! I need people to talk about this. :(

[neb]

I still have 3 comics from last week, a stack of 10 comics from this week, and I just went to the library and got 4 books. I need mechanical eyes.

[thenextchampion]

I still have 3 comics from last week, a stack of 10 comics from this week, and I just went to the library and got 4 books. I need mechanical eyes.

So we wont be hearing from you til......May?

[neb]

So we wont be hearing from you til......May?

Ha! Nah. I'll get through last week's books tonight, and then a few more of this week's books tomorrow.

I was surprised to see some people have such a small week. This week was huge for me!

[neb]

So last week I finally broke down and bought Rucka's two Superman books, and they were fantastic. I only note this because I saw that the newest Superman came out this week. Did anyone read it, is it any good, and do I need to be buying it?

[drakedangerz]

Capt. America #48 was awesome. Loving this book again and really enjoyed the art. As always, Namor steals the show in any scene he is in.

G.I. Joe Origins #2 was pretty good. The art was much improved over last issue, maybe because it was only one person handling the duties. Loved Heavy Duty getting out of the little car. He was kicking ass and taking names. Great coloring job as well, I think all the Joe books have that going for them.

Mighty Avengers #23 was fantastic. Pham still turned in some inconsistent work. But for the most part he got the job done and I knew what was going on. The story got a little confusing at times though. Overall I enjoyed it and am really looking forward to what Slott does next. I love that he doesn't plan on doing nothing but 6 issue arcs. Way to spice it up!!

Muppet Show #1 was fun fun stuff. I don't want to bitch about the art because I realize that they book was going for a certain look and feel. But still, I have to say that it did look ugly in some points. Overall it was a great episode of the show and I love Paul for mentioning it. I totally would have overlooked it if not for him.

Iron Fist #24 was a bit of a let down. I was probably hyping it up too much because I really enjoyed the first one-shot story that Swierczynski did. Enjoyable, but not terrific.

Superman #686 was OK. It didn't blow me away, but it set the stage for the year-long story.

Fantastic Four #565 was Millar-tastic! Loved the creature, loved that Reed punched out his cousin (who doesn't love to do that?) and was glad to see that Franklin got a small spotlight. That ending was such a tease for whats to come, I'm giddy!!

[neb]

I just finished Daredevil and it was fantastic! I like the complications with Matt and Dakota, and there seems to be a nice balance between the complications of Matt's personal life and his crime fighting life. I'm also digging the fact that it finally seems like Matt has a plan. Good stuff.

[kndoubleu]

Mighty Avengers is definitely my POTW. More to come.

[neb]

Elephantmen deserves a lot more attention, especially since it's back on a monthly schedule. The art is great, I'm attached to the characters, and the whole setting is just cool. Really, really good stuff.

I bought this today as well. I haven't read it yet, but I got the variant cover by Erik Larsen with Hip Flask and Tusk fighting on the cover and it's just so awesome. I love ComiCraft productions.

[neb]

Some Peggle play was interrupted by my fiance's burning desire to watch CSI on DVD, so I was able to finish a couple more books.

Guardians of the Galaxy was so awesome. It just continues to be fun. This side storyline wasn't as much fun as when the rest of the team is in it, but it was a really nice aside. I'm sure it will have consequences further down the road. I'm also really glad this was only a two issue arc too. The art was pretty good, although I didn't really like the coloring. It was overly digitized and left some of the visuals washed out, and it has some parts where the contrast between the backgrounds and the foregrounds were distracting to me.

Captain America was solid, but not mind blowing. I enjoyed the end of this arc, and honestly, Namor owned this issue. The panel where he kills that dude is just awesome. The ending was a little ho-hummery though because you got the vibe that everything was going to work out. Hopefully, from here, Bru can bring the focus back to Bucky being Cap, and I'm interested to see where this is going to go.

Incredible Hercules was pretty good, although I have to admit that the series has lost a little steam. I thought that it was so good during the Secret Invasion storyline, but the last story arc was simply ok (even though it had a great final issue), and this one is shaping up to be somewhat interesting. My hope is that the writing for this tie-in series (with Dark Reign) will be as strong as the one with SI.

[ryan79]

New Avengers was really good. I remember thinking how an Avengers team with Spider-Man, Wolverine and Luke Cage would be a total failure (and so did a lot of you). Thanks to the writing, I'm happily eating those words. The team meeting was worth the price of admission alone.

Incredible Hercules...call me a Marvel Zombie event whore, but I loved this. I really enjoyed the way Osborne was written and I can't wait until next issue. A three-way dance with an assortment of gods, titans, aliens and gorgans? Now this is comics! I don't care if the Dark Avengers are getting shoe-horned in, this has always been a fun title and this was a fun issue.

Nova was OK. I have no attachment to Quasar so the big reveal at the end fell flat for me. I was more into the fact that the doctor was working for AIM. Nice swerve.

I'm glad Amazing Spider-Man didn't give us a grim and gritty Spot. Yeah, he has an edge to him, but I can live with that. I love this book so much...it never fails to deliver. And that panel of Spidey punching himself? Genius.

Thunderbolts was enjoyable. The new art took getting used to, but by the end of the issue, I really liked it. I don't know if it fits the darker tone of the Thunderbolts. I'd love to see more of his work elsewhere.
Let's see...what was his name....here it is....Bong Dazo? My God, that's a name made to draw Deadpool.

Captain America...other people have summed it up nicely. This was a really solid arc that Namor owned.

[humphrey-lee]

Elephantmen deserves a lot more attention, especially since it's back on a monthly schedule. The art is great, I'm attached to the characters, and the whole setting is just cool. Really, really good stuff.

I'm still missing two issues in the middle somewhere and now it's biting me in the ass since this is coming out more regularly. I'm sitting on the last four now because of that gap and am dying to finish off the run so I can get caught up. Such a great book.

[oh_caroline]

Did anybody read Ms. Marvel and want to tell me what happened?

This has been hyped as Carol's death issue, but with the way the same character is being built up in New Avengers, I have trouble taking that at face value. Any theories, speculation or even actual facts would be appreciated.

Otherwise, loved both Avengers books (fist-pumped in NA when Wiccan appeared, and then again when Peter unmasked); was surprised how much I dug Messiah War, since I haven't been a fan of X-Force, and thought Iron Fist was a lovely standalone. Cap & Daredevil were solid Brubaker books; also, FYI, there was a neat Daredevil appearance in Wolverine First Class -- for some reason this wasn't hyped or on the cover, but Murdock fans might enjoy it.

[mrmister]

Loved Iron Fist this week. Li Park is my favorite new Iron Fist since Orson.

Everything else was good too.

Luke Cage during Jessica and Peter's conversation was my favorite moment.

Followed closely by Izo cutting someone's head off.

Superman looks like its about to hit its stride finally.

Cap was solid as usual and excited because I have NO idea where this book is going to go.

[gobo]

Jack of Fables rocked, the Bolland covers are almost worth the price of admission alone!

I'm really realy excited for the Great Fables Crossover

[optimus187prime]

Jack of Fables rocked, the Bolland covers are almost worth the price of admission alone!

I'm really realy excited for the Great Fables Crossover

I have just been reading Fables so I hope the crossover is easily understood with just that knowledge.

[neb]

Finished a bunch of books from this week tonight. Here are some thoughts:

Elephantmen was great, and as I always say, I love a ComiCraft produced book. I was a little lost in this issue as I just started reading this series in issues last month. I was a little saddened by the ending, and its strange that Starkings can write an issue about a crazed man pig and still make you feel bad about what happens to the character.

Battlefields gets the nomination for the gut punch of the year. What a compelling ending to this great story. You totally sympathize with the main character at the end, and then that final page is a real shocker if you're not paying attention. Ennis did a masterful job of capturing the way people interact in a relationship filled with secrets, and he made me feel frustrated at the lead character for not just telling Billy her secrets. That's some good writing right there.

Immortal Iron Fist was a lot of fun, and it's great to read a story about an Iron Fist that doesn't want to fight. My problem with this issue is that it's mid arc! I don't mind these filler issues, but I would prefer to have them in between arcs. Kano's art was great in this issue and was much improved from his previous work on the series.

Nova was a lot of fun and continues to get more cosmic as time goes by. I'm intrigued by what's going on here. My only beef is with that doctor lady working for A.I.M. and it seeming to not be a big deal in the issue at all. I guess I would expect Rider to react more...strongly to that knowledge.

I wrote a review (http://www.ifanboy.com/reviews/Neb/dc_comics/top_10_special/1) for the Top 10 Special. The short version: it was 'meh.'

[thenextchampion]

Nova was a lot of fun and continues to get more cosmic as time goes by. I'm intrigued by what's going on here. My only beef is with that doctor lady working for A.I.M. and it seeming to not be a big deal in the issue at all. I guess I would expect Rider to react more...strongly to that knowledge.

I thought that was the only good thing about the issue. That Dr. Lesko was a spy and working for AIM the whole time. I agree it should've been played a bit more but it's not really important overall to the story. Nor do I think we will see this character again....dont quote me on that...

But other then that....blah...medicore issue.

[ryan79]

Elephantmen was great, and as I always say, I love a ComiCraft produced book. I was a little lost in this issue as I just started reading this series in issues last month. I was a little saddened by the ending, and its strange that Starkings can write an issue about a crazed man pig and still make you feel bad about what happens to the character.


Yeah, I was hoping Tusk would stay around longer. There was a lot of potential with him.

[cam-]

Did anybody read Ms. Marvel and want to tell me what happened?



Sorry, I read it in trade.

I think my POW is X-infernus. Kurt saying "Time to buckle some swash" was awesome, and it looked great.

[gabeja]

Here is what pisses me off about DC's trade program. I noticed in the shop this week that the first Air trade has come out. I looked, and saw that it had the first 5 issues collected. I really like air, it's one of my favorite current virtigo series'. I also relised that the 7th issue was on the stands this week for $1. So, one could buy the trade, easily get issue six, and be on board for about $15. Recently, I was looking at when the first secret six trade would be released. I checked, and found out that the trade collecting the first 5 issues (the first run was the first six issues, so that makes no sence) was coming out september 1st. the fifth issue was released on January seventh. Why?

[cammyknoxville]

Amazing Spider-Man #589 - It reminded me of Spider-Man in the video game Portal. Nice little one-shot, and I'm happy about Joe Kelly being on the Spider-Man Brain-trust now!

Batman: Battle For The Cowl: Commissioner Gordon #1 - Would Jim make a good Batman? Sure, if he was 35 years younger. But still, it's pretty impressive when despite your age you can take-down one of Gotham's biggest, coldest, baddies. Was it a fabulous issue? Not really. Was it fun and entertaining? Of course. Plus, it totally fits in with the Battle For The Cowl event, so be sure to read it before the second issue comes out.

Batman: Battle For The Cowl: Oracle #1 - I think it's pretty obvious that by the end of this Battle For The Cowl event, that Barbara Gordan will return as a certain Girl who happens to be a Bat.

Battlefields: Dear Billy #3 - Pick of the week. Ennis made me care for Carrie so much, that I understand why she did what she did. Very sad, powerful comic. Will look nice next to my Night Witches trade.

Captain America #48 - Seeing a rampaging Namor was nice, but seeing the Winter Soldier bash a few heads in? Equally enjoyable. It was nice to see him take a short break from being Cap, and now that his little adventure is over, onwards and upwards to the next adventure!

Conan The Cimmerian #9 - Another solid issue. You don't try to get Conan killed with a broken sword, for there will be repercussions. Nice, tasty, horse crap-like repercussions.

Crossed #4 - So the rapists are evolving? Hm. While Ennis' great stuff on the writing spectrum involves Dear Billy, this title is definitely on the other end.

Daredevil #117 - I like the team-up at the end. I'd rather have Fisk as the ally than the enemy in that situation. Can't wait to see what's next!

Death Defying 'Devil #4 - I enjoyed this mini-series more than the Project Superpowers series. For the 'Devil, actions do indeed speak louder than words. I'd like to see more adventures between him and the Ghost.

Fantastic Four #565 - I've been getting more and more disappointed with this series. I had such high expectations for the series, hoping for that same excitement and thrill I got with their Ultimates series. Now though, I just want Hickman on ASAP.

Guardians of Galaxy #12 - Very cool issue! Dragon of the Moon vs Phyla, Quasar, and Drax was fun, but the deal she had to make with it was eerie, and will probably come back to haunt her later. Next up, War of Kings crossover!!! :D

Immortal Iron Fist #24 - I was really ticked-off when I discovered this was a completely different story from the 8th City storyline. However, it was still a fun issue focusing on this one particular Iron Fist. I'll be sad when this series ends at issue 27.

Jack of Fables #32 - Ewwwww. How did I sorta see that coming? It's a new low for Jack. Can't wait for the big Fables event next issue.

Justice League of America #31 - Oh no! This crappy Justice League is disbanding?? Darn.

Madame Xanadu #9 - Cool cameo by Zatara. Was hoping for Zatanna, but I'll take what I can get.

Mighty Avengers #23 - I fell in to a burning ring of fire. I went down down down, and the flames went higher. And it burns burns burns, the ring of fire. The ring of fire. TLDR; It burns.

Ms Marvel #37 - I always knew she was hot, but now she's literally on fire! Maybe she stood too close to Mighty Avengers #23.

New Avengers #51 - It was nice to see Doctor Strange again! I missed him. Why can't he just apologize to the mystic arts and hold on to his title?? Nice Bendis banter in this issue too. Bitches love Spider-man!

Nova #23 - I really enjoyed the new form Richard took at the end. Kinda reminded me of Hal Jordan trying on all the different rings as of lately. Oh, and I think it's confirmed in this issue that his brother is going to die in the future, perhaps even after War Of Kings.

Runaways #8 - Next creative team please. I love you on Echo, Mr. Moore, but this perhaps isn't the right book for you.

Star Trek: Alien Spotlight: Tribbles - Very cute issue! Warmhands. Hungry. Grrr. Makes me want to track down all the episodes that the Tribbles have appeared in. Also, if anyone has a Tribble they'd like to sell, contact me.

Superman #686 - Nice to see John Henry Irons back in the Steel suit, especially after that horrible post-52 miniseries he was in. It'll be interesting to see how these three heroes will work together and keep Metropolis safe.

Thunderbolts #130 - Deadpool crossover!! Glee!!! It was nice to see Deadpool on the offensive at the end of the issue, then melt like butter in the hands of Agent Hot-Chick. Works every time. I'd like to see an issue of Deadpool where he needs to kill an army of bikini-clad models. He just couldn't do it!!!

Top Ten Season 2 Special #1 - Pretty 'meh' issue. I was kind of expecting more from Cannon.

The Umbrella Academy: Dallas #5 - Very fun issue! It was cool to see a different Vietnam from Way & Ba. Viet Cong Vampires? Too cool. Just one more issue left, and I know it's going to rock my socks off!

Unknown Soldier #6 - Is this slated for just 12 issues, or is this going to be an ongoing? Because I hope for the series sake it's a mini.

War Machine #4 - From issue one, this has been a pretty boring series. Either too much action, or too much text is going on each issue. Sometimes at the same time.

Wonder Woman #30 - I love Gail Simone, I really do, but this series just needs to be put out of it's misery. I heard the DVD is fantastic though.

X-Force / Cable: Messiah War - Very cool issue! I can see the anger in the X-Force team from Cyclops teleporting them too soon, because there definitely were consequences. Cool cameo by Deadpool, and I'm super-psyched for this event now!!!

[thenextchampion]

Amazing Spider-Man #589 - It reminded me of Spider-Man in the video game Portal. Nice little one-shot, and I'm happy about Joe Kelly being on the Spider-Man Brain-trust now!

I am so intrigued by this issue now, cause once I hear the game Portal[i] I'm all in. I flipped threw it and all I saw was Spider-Man punching himself....why didnt I get this!?

Justice League of America #31 - Oh no! This crappy Justice League is disbanding?? Darn.

You sound....heh....you sound so upset by this. :)

Nova #23 - I really enjoyed the new form Richard took at the end. Kinda reminded me of Hal Jordan trying on all the different rings as of lately. Oh, and I think it's confirmed in this issue that his brother is going to die in the future, perhaps even after [i]War Of Kings.

Oh the hint that his brother is going to die is like a huge neon lit sign. You know it is interesting on what Rider has become (the new Quasar?) but at the same time....the cover kinda spoiled that so it wasnt that interesting in the long run.

[cammyknoxville]

the cover kinda spoiled that so it wasnt that interesting in the long run.

The cover confused me at first, because I thought it might be a new Quasar we haven't seen yet, but halfway through I put 2 and 2 together. So I guess it was a new Quasar we haven't seen yet, and who knows how long he'll stick around?

[thenextchampion]

The cover confused me at first, because I thought it might be a new Quasar we haven't seen yet, but halfway through I put 2 and 2 together. So I guess it was a new Quasar we haven't seen yet, and who knows how long he'll stick around?

Well Rider turning into the new Quasar I'm sure is just for the WoK story.

I just mean in general, why be so shocked at the ending when the cover shows what the reveal already is?

[neb]

All I know is that the ending to and events in Nova made me want to read more War of Kings even more. This is going to be epic cosmic goodness!

[gabeja]

Did anyone other than me love the Top Ten Special as much as I did?