New Comics Discussion for 05/20/09 have a headache

[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/marvel_comics/captain_america/50/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)!

[thenextchampion]

Marvel Mystery Comics 70th Anniversary: Another soild anniversary issue by Marvel. Although there is no mystery to be had.....still a great adventure with Namor, Human Torch, and Toro.

Transmetropolitan vol.2: Lust for Life-(PICK OF THE WEEK) A trade so good, it became my pick. This is one crazy comic, but there is a lot of seriousness to these issues. That whole part of the woman coming out of a cryogenic lab and suffering in the future was brilliant writing.

The Warriors #2: Wish this was more of a looser adaptation. Cause ironically a video game did a better job getting us more in depth with the characters. Still as a fan of the film, it's not a bad adaptation by any means.

[ryan79]

Ooooo, fancy new design. A light week comics with nothing really standing out.

GI Joe-Was a decent enough book. I'm liking the origins of the Baroness/Destro relationship. This title is pretty to look at, but not much substance.

Amazing Spider-Man was another OK book. I thought the proposal should have gotten a little more attention. Add the fact that Dan Slott said Doc Ock was making a comeback soon and we have the recipe for another Mighty Marvel Marriage of Mayhem. As for the new Vulture...that's it? A one word balloon origin, a lame fight, and that's it? Hmm...I had higher hopes.

Thunderbolts was really good. I love seeing these guys getting fleshed out and how they interact. And their barracks is a decommissioned prison block? Nice touch. I don't have any attachment to Mr. X but I'm curious to see where it goes. Hell, Pick of the Week just because.

Captain America was the definition of a jumping on point. The story was a little light, but it did it's job.

Uncanny X-Men had me totally lost for the first half of the book. I just couldn't follow it. Then again, I'm not a fan of psychic dreamscape stuff in comics. And Wolverine keeps a lock of Jean's hair? Well...isn't that creepy.

[cam-]

[b]Transmetropolitan vol.2: Lust for Life-(PICK OF THE WEEK) A trade so good, it became my pick. This is one crazy comic, but there is a lot of seriousness to these issues. That whole part of the woman coming out of a cryogenic lab and suffering in the future was brilliant writing.



You sir, are in for a treat. My favourite Ellis story ever (cause, you know, it FINISHED, I'm looking AT YOU PLANETARY!!!). Alternatingly, Crazy, Hilarious, Thought-provoking and Touching. Great, great series.

[thenextchampion]

I'm debating whether to get the rest of the old trades; or actually wait for the reprints of volume 3 and 4.

I guess that starts a debate whether you get new copies of trades you already have because of the different design of the cover. It doesnt matter to me, but maybe volumes 3-4 will have more/less issues inside then the old prints. Gah...

[matthaber1]

I had a good week.

Battle for the cowl #3- Another good issue. I love the whole black skull thing going on. I have a odd feeling that he is actually hush. I just wonder where that story line will concluded. Will it be in detective or batman and robin? Also I sooo saw that ending coming.

Batman/superman #60(POW)- This issue was just awesome. Just like the rest of mike green's run it was just so much fun. It was just so much fun seeing these mash-up characters. . The best one being DOOMSTROKE. Like come on, deathstroke and doomsday combined into one person. That kicks so much ass. His sword is also frigging wicked Also this art was just gorgeous. Francis Manupal is becoming one of the best artists at dc. Can't wait for Jimmy two-face next issue.

Supergirl #41- Another good issue. Loved the fight between the two of them. Can't wait to see what happens next. How will lois react to all of this? And was that phantom zone energy coming out of superwoman at the end? My only compliant is that i kind of missed jamal igle's art. But overall it was a good issue.

Final Crisis Aftermath Dance #1- This was a cool issue. Joe Casey really wrote the Super Young Team well. I loved the twitter comments from most excellent super bat all through the book. I am really looking forward to where this book is going.

Guerillas #4- Yea i know this came out last week, but i only got it this week. Again this was a excellent issue. It is just so much fun. I don't even care about the delays i'm just happy he will be able to finish the story. I am very happy Ifanboy showed me this book. :)

[neb]

So far, I've only had time to read through Hellblazer, which was good. I thought it ended the arc nicely, and Constantine remained true to form. The only problem is that the book is really missing the pizazz that Diggle's arcs had. There's no more of those "Oh shit!" moments.

[drakedangerz]

I read Battle for the Cowl knowing full well what it was going to be, and for the most part I enjoyed it as such. This ending was easily the weakest issue, but overall it was a good mini.

Also, what if the Black Mask is the Joker? The man loves chaos, killing, and controlling "his" city. I don't think he would be the kind of person that would feel the need to take on a different criminal's personality in order to do what he did, but you never know. Figured I would throw it out there.

Final Crisis: Dance was OK. I was hoping for more, but didn't get it. Dropped.

Uncanny X-Men #519 great story, crappy art. Something seemed different about Land's art, but still all over the place. particularly, Wolverine's anatomy was wonky at times. Still, I am enjoying what Fraction is doing here.

Captain America #50 was enjoyable. I love a birthday issue. Loved seeing the New Avengers at the end. At first I was pissed that the extra content was just a rehash of Cap's history. Then I realized who did the art and couldn't stop drooling

G.I. Joe #5 is still missing something. I think mostly they just chose the wrong story to open up the series with.

Four Eyes #3 was pretty. I want to marry it. I think this book is not going to go in the direction that I figured it would, and that's refreshing.

Locke & Key #5 was solid. The ending of this volume should be very very interesting.

Ex Machina #42 What's in the (white) box!?!?! As always, kick ass. I love Pherson

Invincible #62, Cecil is asking for it.

Fantastic Four #566 was a lot of fun. I turned that first page and yelled out "Holy ****!" Good stuff. Prax pointed it out that Doom's master looks like the Mouth of Sauron. I'm incline to agree.

[comicbookchris]

Pretty full week...

Captain America #50 (POTW!): Very entertaining filler issue, definably one of my favorites in the entire Brubaker run. Great origin story too, you can give this issue to anyone who you want to get into this series and they will be hooked immediatly.

Fantastic Four #566: Was anyone else dissapointed with the Masters of Doom reveal? Millar did a fantastic job of building them up, but it was all negated by Bryan Hitch's unusually sub-standard art. Otherwise, good issue. Hitch needs to go into overdrive for these final issues.

Planet Skaar Prolouge: Good news-prior knowledge of Skaar is unnecessary going into this, as his story has been very simplistic. Bad news- This issue features a very lamely written fight and equally unimpressive art. Maybe things will get better in latter issues, but this is a very bad start. Meh of the week.

Thunderbolts #132: Diggle makes a smooth transition back to business from the fun Deadpool crossover. Awesome wetworks style action and equally awesome character interactions. The one between Ghost and Headhunter especially stood out, Ghost is becoming one of my favorite characters.

Uncanny X-Men #510: Ok guys, you got me...I now hate Greg Land too. His techniques came together into a perfect storm of shit and ruined an entertaining "invading the mansion" story. Everyone says Land copies porn, so how much do you want to bet that he copied that scene where Emma is tied up straight out of a hardcore bondage film?

Wolverine: Weapon X #2: Jason Aaron's Wolverine is so fun, I hope he sticks around for awhile. Great fight that occupies the book, it shows that not only does Aaron have Logan's characterisation down pact, but he also knows how to use him entertainingly in a fight. More please!

I'm doing some reviews on iFanboy.com as well, so be sure to check those out too

[rustyautoparts]

Amazing Spider-Man #594 - After loving the hell out of the last two issues, this issue just fell flat for me. I felt like Waid would be great on a Spider-Man monthly if he was the only writer and had room to expand his ideas. This seemed like he just ran out of room to pack in what he really wanted to do, and it just felt botched. I think the build up towards #600 will determine whether or not I want to stick with this, as I'm not really a huge Spidey fan, but Waid's first two of the arc were awesome, and I don't want to miss that. If he's the only writer I can connect with, though, I can't justify buying this 3 weeks every month.

Batman Battle for the Cowl #3 - This issue also fell flat for me. Again, it felt rushed. Too many teased plot points were just not explained or followed through with. This was much more disappointing than the first two issues, which I loved. Oh well, I'm really excited for the new monthlies, and hopefully they will have enough room to breathe.

Wolverine Weapon X #2 - Surprise surprise here. This was my PotW. Admittedly, I didn't pick up what many others felt was the pick just because I plan on getting the trades later. But yeah, this book was way better than the first issue. There was action, Wolverine's character was spot on, and it was just fun.

Because I had a slow week, I picked up Secret Six #8 because I loved #9 so much. It was excellent. I also picked up G.I. Joe Cobra #1-3 on impulse just because I heard so many great things. I have yet to read it, but I better not be disappointed! ;)

[gabeja]

Supergirl was good, but was a tad dissapointing as it seemed a tad rushed. Liked Battle for the Cowl and Cap, Liked Ex Machina too. Not sure what my pick is at this point though....


Oh, and was a little dissapointed in Dance too.

[drakedangerz]

Supergirl was good, but was a tad dissapointing as it seemed a tad rushed. Liked Battle for the Cowl and Cap, Liked Ex Machina too. Not sure what my pick is at this point though....


Oh, and was a little dissapointed in Dance too.

Yeah, I chose Locke & Key as my pick, but I'm not 100% sure yet. I have to read over the rest of my books again tomorrow. Its a hard week. A few very good books, but tough for me to pick from one of them.

[cam-]

Uncanny X-Men #510: Ok guys, you got me...I now hate Greg Land too. His techniques came together into a perfect storm of shit and ruined an entertaining "invading the mansion" story. Everyone says Land copies porn, so how much do you want to bet that he copied that scene where Emma is tied up straight out of a hardcore bondage film?


You know what bothered me? The Storytelling, how the HELL is Emma tied to a table with straps in one panel, then, in the NEXT panel she's turning to diamond and standing up. No indication that she was EVER tied down. Plus her "We were under psychic attack, but I beat it" THat's IT????? That's the explanation we get? That's friggin WEAK. Terrible.

[comicbookchris]

You know what bothered me? The Storytelling, how the HELL is Emma tied to a table with straps in one panel, then, in the NEXT panel she's turning to diamond and standing up. No indication that she was EVER tied down. Plus her "We were under psychic attack, but I beat it" THat's IT????? That's the explanation we get? That's friggin WEAK. Terrible.

Yeah, that, besides the art, was the big misstep of this issue. I hate it when someone writes a confusing "psychic plane" scene, it gets so irritating to read.

[cammyknoxville]

Captain America #50 - While the fiftieth issue for many comics is quite the noteworthy milestone, Brubaker doesn't let all that hype and hullabaloo distract him from telling a well-done story. More specifically, a well-done Birthday story where Bucky remembers how a few of them were spent during the war. It was a very enjoyable read, and I'm not just saying that because my own birthday was earlier this week, so I can connect with Bucky on that level (now to saw-off my own arm!).

Batman: Battle For The Cowl #3 - I give major props to Tony Daniel for giving us fans a very entertaining special event in the Batman universe. This mini was epic fun from start to finish, and I won lots of money from friends for betting that the new Batman was in fact Jason Todd, and not Jean Paul Valley. Now for the next million dollar question; who is the new Black Mask? Great fun and action for your money!

Amazing Spider-Man #594 - It was cool to see Spidey have to pull a Daredevil and really come to rely on his other senses in order to take down this new Vulture. And talk about creepy; this new villain fits the description perfectly! Fun issue, now on to the wedding of the century (and all the wedding crashers that will no doubt make an appearance!).

Uncanny X-Men #510 - I'll say it before, and I'll say it again; Greg Land's art is going to be the downfall of this series. Poor Fraction is struggling to keep his storytelling the main entertaining focus, but it's so hard to enjoy the plot when you're plagued by bad art.

Wolverine: Weapon X #2 - Such a big improvement from the first issue! It was cool to see the new energy blades actually put some hurt on Logan, and he can experience what it must be like to be stabbed by his claws. Also, props to Aaron for having Wolverine run-off into the jungle to take them out one-by-one in the next issue.

Invincible #62 - I'm loving the battle that rages on in this issue! He doesn't care about conquering Earth, he just wants to fuck-up Mark big time! And how about that cliffhanger at the end?? Holy shit! Kirkman, you sick, beautiful bastard!

Fantastic Four #566 - Hey look it's Doom's master! Wait a tick, who the hell is this guy?!

Supergirl #41 - Interesting fate for Superwoman, but in my eyes, it was self-defense.

Punisher #5 - Such a cool pizza delivery! I'm liking Frank in this new armor and playing around with different toys, it'll be a shame he has to get rid of them. And if I were the Hood, I'd be so pissed at Norman for making me look like a punk in front of Frank and Microchip. Fraction needs to stay on this title as long as he can, because I am seriously digging these stories.

Thunderbolts #132 - While I wasn't a fan of this title during the Deadpool crossover, this new arc has me very intrigued. Everything from Mister X joining the team, to my new found love of Ghost. Plus Black Widow II running the team is always a plus. Flying killer ballerinas!

Final Crisis Aftermath: Dance #1 - Finally a good aftermath title! I was a fan of the Super Young Team back in Final Crisis, and this issue quenched my thirst for more of the characters. The costumes, the fame, the sushi, it all feels just right for this title.

Ex Machina #42 - Let the countdown begin! Hundred vs plagues of rats, nosy reporters, and suits from the Governor's office. There's just no end in sight for The Great Machine! Can't wait to see what happens next issue.

Agents of Atlas #5 - While it was interesting to see the New Avengers vs Agents of Atlas, I also think it felt kind of forced. Then again, nothing sells more issues than a New Avengers crossover.

Jack Of Fables #34 - Poor Bigby, inheriting all the wacky and insane things that usually happen to Jack when he's in his own title. As if the chimp and pink elephant shapes weren't bad enough, a little girl?! Someone is going to need a time out! And as I thought, Kevin faces his long lost brother; Writer's Block! Believe me Kevin, you can't kill him! I've tried so many times! This event continues to be tons of fun.

G.I. Joe #5 - A lot of things were happening in this issue! And one this is definitely for sure; these ain't your Saturday morning Joe's!

Outsiders #18 - Something about Vandal Savage, and some pal of Alfred's who's trying to find more of that meteorite.

The Boys: Herogasm #1 - Remember back when The Boys was first starting-out over at WildStorm, and it was explicit, raunchy, and just plain wrong? Well if you miss those kinds of stories, this mini is definitely for you. A lot of people will be offended by a lot of the shock-value, but I personally laughed my ass off at the stuff!

Four Eyes #3 - Hands-down my pick of the week! I could really see this as an animated feature about a boy and his dog-err, dragon. The whole concept of dragons in the Great Depression just tickles me pink, and continues to be such a really great read. Joe Kelly has been on fire for the past year, and I hope no one puts him out!

Hulk #12 - Must...Kill...Jeph...Loeb...

Gigantic #4 - As M. Night Shyamalan would say, "What a twist!!!" Two great Remender books out this week! What are the odds?

Green Arrow / Black Canary #20 - While the silent pages were a cool read, the story is just coming off as 'lame' to me. Never put those two in couples therapy, because you just know they can't be treated.

Superman / Batman #60 - What a awesomely fun issue! The whole combining superheroes we know and love in the DCU in this alternative reality Michael Green has created is just so cool! And for the villains? I can't wait to see more of them! If you're looking for a very fun issue starring Batman and Superman, pick this one up for sure!

Hellblazer #255 - 'meh'

Air #9 - While this wasn't as action-packed as previous issues, it still was a fun read with gorgeous art by Perker.

Olympus #1 - Loved the art, just found the story a little difficult to follow at times.

Doctor Who: Time Machination - The art really distracted me this issue. I'm hoping for something a little cleaner next one-shot.

Killapalooza #1 - Interesting concept, and I plan to stick around for the second issue to see if it can really grow on me.

[gobo]

I think I read that Tony Moore is going to be doing some Punisher with Remender, there aren't enough words in the english language to explain how excited I am for that (if I'm not making it up).

[crippler]

Captain America #50 - Good stuff, but I didn't feel any emotional resonance. I still don't feel like I have a good handle on Bucky. Issues like this help, but I'm still not quite there. Also, he's going to do something AS Captain America for me to take him as Captain America. We still haven't gotten that. So, good for me, but not amazing.

FC: Dance - This was just all kinds of cool. I had zero expectations, so that helps, but I still think these characters could really have an interesting story to tell. The whole Twitter-monologue could look dated down the road, but for right now, it's fantastic. It's a fresh way of doing simultaneous first and third person perspectives in the storytelling. Or, another way, thought balloons 2009 style. I love it .

[crippler]

Supergirl 41 - Surprised by the very good fill-in art. Was expecting dissapointment when it wasn't Igle (currently one of my favourite artists). Starting to get used to having Supergilr as a monthly pull. It's weird, but I'm ok with it.

Spiderman #3 of 24/7 - A weak conclusion to a really promising arc. Loved the first two parts, but this third part felt weak and rushed. I don't see Peter having the self confidence to stand there naked for a full page while being harangued. An odd thing to be bothered by perhaps, but there it is. Peter should have been gone after panel 1.

[siraim]

Batman: Battle For The Cowl #3 - I give major props to Tony Daniel for giving us fans a very entertaining special event in the Batman universe. This mini was epic fun from start to finish, and I won lots of money from friends for betting that the new Batman was in fact Jason Todd, and not Jean Paul Valley. Now for the next million dollar question; who is the new Black Mask? Great fun and action for your money!

The Black Mask should be Jason Todd..

[cammyknoxville]

The Black Mask should be Jason Todd..

Maybe it's Jean Paul Valley! :p

[comicbookchris]

Maybe it's Jean Paul Valley! :p

I had my money on him becoming the new Batman!

[neb]

I've finally been able to get to my comics from last week. Last night, I read Gigantic and Captain America.

Gigantic was really great, and I especially enjoyed the twist at the end. This series is going in interesting directions, and I appreciate that Remender isn't simply making it about giant monsters smashing things (although I would read that!). The art, as always, was the bomb digs.

Captain America was very, very solid, and I can see how it was POTW material. The story inside was really great as it switched between the past and present. Bucky Barnes is just such an interesting character, and it's great to investigate him further. I agree with Conor's review in that its almost too early to bring Steve back, and hopefully, Marvel's smart enough to realize that. The Marcos Martin backup was simply stunning. It's worth the price of admission alone.

[neb]

I was able to blast through Battle for the Cowl and Punisher tonight. It's hard to find time to read these bad boys because I'm moving in two days, but it's also worth it because they've been fantastic.

Battle for the Cowl was a really entertaining book. It wasn't mind blowing or life changing, but I felt the series ended nicely. I like that there's a mystery as to who the Black Mask is and I liked the arc the story took to put the characters where they are. Is the ending surprising? No. But the journey there was fun, and Tony Daniels is drawing some next level stuff. His art was fantastic.

Punisher continues to grow on me and I love the voice that Remender brings to the Punisher universe. This is a sick, demented Frank Castle whose not afraid to look a little ridiculous to kill some bad guys. While the final fight was a little bit of a let down, all the action and hilarity leading up to it was fun. Also, Opena's pencils were simply fantastic. Good stuff all around.

[neb]

Before hitting the sack last night, I finally polished off my stack.

Marvel 70th Anniversary Special was good. I would say this is probably the weakest one that I've read, but that doesn't mean that it was bad. I thought Namor's dialog was a little over wrought, but the story was fun. I thought the art was pretty snazzy as well, although I couldn't quite place my finger on if it was trying to be cartoony or not. The back-up stories were good, but not great.

Superman/Batman was a lot of fun. It looks like the creators had some fun combining heroes and villains. The art in this book was sooooooo gorgeous. I love how this book can just play with these characters. I'm definitely on this storyline, if only for the art. So beautiful.

[hometeam790]

Late on this one, but just got Brave and the Bold #23. Wow! This was great! I've been somewhat of a fan of Booster Gold, but this one really made me want to root for Booster in the end. Booster has really taken a turn since 52 and I'm along for the ride.