It's Wednesday! That means it's time for comics! Reviews for 08/22/07

[conorkilpatrick]

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

If you want to see what's on Josh, Ron & Conor's pull list, check it out here (http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/weblog/august_22nd_200.html).

This Week the Pick of the Week is The Immortal Iron Fist #8 (http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/pickoftheweek/08222007_the_im.html).

http://www.ifanboy.com/images/pick_082207-thumb.jpg (http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/pickoftheweek/08222007_the_im.html)

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

[six-gun]

I have 8-9 books this week, but due to delays and such only 2 of them are coming to me mail order this week so I'm actually going to the shop after football tonight to get my books, yeah! Immediate Halo gratification! Heck, I'm even going to read it (my most anticipated) first as opposed to my usual system of reading least to most anticipated.

[iSteve]

I have 8-9 books this week, but due to delays and such only 2 of them are coming to me mail order this week so I'm actually going to the shop after football tonight to get my books, yeah! Immediate Halo gratification! Heck, I'm even going to read it (my most anticipated) first as opposed to my usual system of reading least to most anticipated.

I don't have the self-discipline to read my books from least to most anticipated. My most anticipated is always my top of the pile.

[hometeam790]

It was a normal week for me, haven't had a chance to read all yet, but I did read Blue Beetle #18. Man, I thought it was going to be a full on crossover with the Titans, it wasn't. It set the seeds for his appearance in Titans #50, but this one was just another fun one and done issue. It was the Titans meeting the Bettle crew to take on Lobo. A quick fight between the teams then they team up. Simple issue, but so much fun. I'm loving this series more and more as each issue goes by.

I also read Countdown. Much better issue than before, less Jimmy and Karate Kid. I'm now wondering who it is in the shadows while his/her minions fight Bob, Jason Todd, Atom and Donna.

[mikegraham6]

i try to keep at least one of my most anticipated for last, just so that they end on a high note, but sometimes i just can't wait and read them all first...

[jimski]

By the time I got to the last page of Astonishing, I almost remembered what was going on. The "Previously" page is powerless against my senility.

[bmh]

I always read Countdown first because I usually enjoy it a lot, and I don't want to fall behind on a weekly.

[mister-s]

Nice icon, BMH. I won't be getting my books til the weekend, so I'll see you all later.

[bmh]

Nice icon, BMH. I won't be getting my books til the weekend, so I'll see you all later.

Thanks.


Ya, I won't be getting my books until later tonight. I hate missing a party. :(

[briangilmore]

Yep, my reading time is usually about 10PM or so at this coffee shop. Can't WAIT.

[horatio616]

Astonishing X-Men

It's nice enough, I suppose, but a bit overplotted to me. I've been over the X-Men in space thing for awhile. Just hanging on to make sure that my two favorites, Emma and Cyclops, make it back alive. Of course, the little character moments are golden, particularly with Kitty and Pete. Maybe it's just me, but Cyclops going out in a blaze of glory during a spaceship battle is not really what I want in an X-Men comic. B

[iSteve]

Amazing Spider-Man #543

Rating: Aaaarrrrggggghhhhh!!!
Title: “Back in Black, Part 5”
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Ron Garney
Comments: After reading this issue, I just wanted to take a pen and gouge my eyes out! #@^%&*$@! When will this pathetic little soap opera ever end? Alas, I actually had some glimmer of hope last issue. Whatever its flaws, at least Spider-Man fought Fisk. Now we’re back to waiting and self-loathing. What have they done to our Peter? Oh, I understand what Marvel is trying to accomplish with this characterization, but enough already. It’s not only Spider-Man’s worst day ever – it’s quickly becoming ours as well. Let’s move on. It’s time for the redemption of Peter Parker and far better story lines.

[iSteve]

Immortal Iron Fist #8

Rating: Like One of the Greatest Comics Ever
Title: “The 7 Capital Cities of Heaven – Round 1”
Writers: Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction
Artist: David Aja
Comments: I am a-twitter with excitement and comic-booking love. This was simply a great issue. Of course, I read this immediately after ASM, so anything I read would likely have seemed high art in comparison. Even with this acknowledged bias, I still think this was one heck of a book. The story and the mythology of the Immortal Iron Fist have totally pulled me in. I love the idea of these seven eternal heavenly cities that have martial arts contests once every 88 years. Early on in this series, I found myself lost in the mythology, but in this second arc, things are really coming together (either that, or it’s just the drugs). Though I miss Orson Randall, the previous Iron Fist, this arc allows Danny Rand to come into his own. I can’t wait to see how he’s going to kick Fat Cobra’s fat ass. Two thumbs up, people! Way up!

[jo11ypenguin]

I really liked Green Arrow: Year One 4 this week it is always good and the bi-weekly is great. I am interested to see where The Order is going. Halo was ok, the art was great. I am also happy countdown is getting more and more interesting. Over all Green Arrow was the best for me.

[jimski]

Amazing Spider-Man #543

Rating: Aaaarrrrggggghhhhh!!!
Title: “Back in Black, Part 5”
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Ron Garney
Comments: After reading this issue, I just wanted to take a pen and gouge my eyes out! #@^%&*$@! When will this pathetic little soap opera ever end?
It occurs to me: didn't this Back in Black, soul-killing abyss of drudgery begin in like #537 or, to put it another way, back in February? Spider-Man has been unmasked since Civil War #2, and what ASM has done with him in 2007, basically all of 2007, is this.

Oy.

My favorite character. Hell, their favorite character. It hurts the heart.

[labor_days]

You know what comic was good this week? Countdown. No, no. I am serious. It was "good".

[iSteve]

Invincible #45

Rating: Third Base Run – Not a Homer, But Close
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Ryan Ottley
Comments: Not the best issue in the series thus far, but still very, very good – light years ahead in quality and storytelling than say ASM (sorry, just can’t stop myself from beating that dead horse). Invincible gets a beat down from a Viltrumite chick for refusing an offer he can’t refuse. Then Allen the Alien goes and intentionally gets himself captured and carted off to prison by the same Viltrumite chick. Mark’s mom goes out on a date, still mourning the loss of her no-good Viltrumite husband. And said husband has a Damascus Road revelation while he sits in prison to be executed that he in fact does miss his human wife. Action! Attitude! Alienation! This book captures it all. Can’t wait to see whether Mark will pass any of his classes, or flunk out of college while consistently saving the world! Will Mark’s parents ever get back together? Will Alien the Alien lead a prisoners’ revolt against the Viltrumite guards? A month is just too long to wait.

[mister-s]

isteve, I love your ratings. From now on, I will be going to a single statement rating system in your honor...

[itsbecca]

This week was intereting. I get handing my pull box and the first thing I see is hulk. Then another WWH. Then Wolverine. After a few seconds of sheer horror I realized they'd handed me the wrong box.

Did anyone pick up the new mouseguard? I usually do most my reading in bed before I go to sleep. But I did read Walking Dead right away. I don't want to say I was dissapointed per say, but I was kind of surprised that nothing happened. Just conflicts getting resolved, and a little ominous flirtation? Seriously, what's with that dude?

[fred]

Did anyone pick up the new mouseguard?

I did. It was kickass. I think it's about an hour away from being my Book of the Week.

[itsbecca]

I did. It was kickass. I think it's about an hour away from being my Book of the Week.

Sweet!

And I completley glazed over it on the shipping list (damn giant indie section) so it was a complete surprise. I saw it on the shelf and squeeled.

[six-gun]

Halo Uprising #1 blew me away. It's no secret that I've been anticipating this series more than any other this year and in the past week I had begun to be a bit worried as to the book's quality, yeah, Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev rock, but what if they're just not a good fit for the Halo universe? I mean, you couldn’t fault the pair for not quite “getting” a universe as complex (and undefined) as Halo’s. Boy was I wrong.

Surprisingly enough, the series’ main character Spartan 117 (AKA John-117 AKA Master Chief) is in the title very little, instead Bendis has focused on two previously unknown characters of the Halo universe that are so street level, they may as well be asphalt; A hotel concierge named Ruwan and an indie rock star named Myras Tyla as they try to escape from Cleveland Ohio (of all places) which is in the midst of a full fledged invasion by The Covenant, an alien race whose religion demands the activation of The Arc, the trigger to a weapon that could very well end all life in the galaxy. It seems as if a key to The Arc’s activation lays hidden in Cleveland and the Covenant want it, now.

The Ruwan, Myras scenes are all that I could have ever wanted out of this comic aside from great, Spartan action scenes, instead of treading on the UNSC/Master Chief ground that the novels and games have covered to death Bendis has decided to use his chance in the driver’s seat to truly expand the Halo universe and to be honest, the creativity that he’s brought has absolutely blown me away.

In the 26th century, Earth has basically become one nation, united under the UNSC (United Nations Space Command) nations have become cities and cities towns (for instance, Cuba was basically transformed into the base for a giant elevator into space used to carry equipment up to the UNSC’s defensive perimeter around the planet. Brian Bendis has done his own little twist on the evolved role of the city/nation and made Cleveland Ohio (his hometown) into a resort city that appears to have expanded to most of Ohio. Alex Maleev does his part in this creative expansion of the Halo mythos in the variety of clothes and hairstyles he gives each of the Cleveland civilians, they’re not so out there that you would call foul, but they are far enough removed from our own time to set a mood.

I think now would be a good time to talk about Ruwan and Myras who are, in a word; awesome. Ruwan is your typical indecisive emo, he’s recently moved to Cleveland from New Mombasa and has no idea what he wants to do with his lofe, oh yeah, there’s also an alien invasion on. This issue has two pages devoted to a mental journal entry Ruwan seems to be taking and in these eight boxes of text, Brian Bendis explains perfectly who Ruwan is and why he has more dimensions as a character than most with their own series in the current comic landscape. Then there’s Myras, who is introduced as a thrill seeking adrenaline junkie but quickly fizzes out into a mess of indecision and questioning of her reckless behavior. These are real characters, and their story is brilliant.

Despite my love and appreciation for the street level, Cleveland story, I cannot express how much I adore the few pages devoted to Master Chief. They’re tense, concise and nearly fully silent, with only Chris Eliopoulos’ astounding lettering and Alex Maleev’s unparalleled art to show us these magnificent action scenes that promise to bridge the gaps between Halo 2 and 3. Oh, and Brian Bendis has Master Chief’s voice nailed, sure he only says one sentence, but Chief doesn’t talk in words, he speaks through action, and his scene’s are paced perfectly with the precise mannerisms that I have come to expect from a good Master Chief story.

Al in all, I’m left breathless, this was all I could have ever dreamt of and more from a Halo comic book.

I give it five futuristic mohawks out of five.

[labor_days]

Did anyone pick up the new mouseguard?

Thought about it but I decided to wait for the second HC. Collected the first series in issues, so I don't feel bad that Mouse Guard needs support in monthlies.

[labor_days]

Six, you have sold me on the Halo comic. Moreso then Bendis/Maleev's names ever could.

I want to read that right now.

[itsbecca]

Thought about it but I decided to wait for the second HC. Collected the first series in issues, so I don't feel bad that Mouse Guard needs support in monthlies.

I really understand the appeal of reading in trade, but I am just far... faaar to impatient.

[six-gun]

Thought about it but I decided to wait for the second HC. Collected the first series in issues, so I don't feel bad that Mouse Guard needs support in monthlies.

I'm in the exact same boat. That hardcover is so sexy!

[infernorhythm]

Rex Mundi #7 (chapter what, 25?) was brilliant./5. Enough said.

[six-gun]

Six, you have sold me on the Halo comic. Moreso then Bendis/Maleev's names ever could.

I want to read that right now.

It was astounding, I'm not just saying that as a Halo fan.

[fred]

I went with Mouse Guard Winter 1152 #1

http://thisweekincomics.com/08222007.php

[marshallg]

You know what comic was good this week? Countdown. No, no. I am serious. It was "good".

I agree, best issue so far. Maybe things are finally coming together or maybe it was just that Zatanna, Mary Marvel fight.

[bmh]

For my first book this week, its Countdown 36. Honestly, I seem to be saying the same thing about this book, it is almost always a really fun read. The difference in the past three weeks is that the book is starting to really seem as if it is picking up momentum. Every week, I find myself more and more invested in the characters. We still don't really know how this is all going to come together, but its fun reading week to week and getting one step closer. B+

[bmh]

Batman #668: Since the Batman and Son arc, I think this title has been absolutely crap. Most of Morrisson's stuff been all that great as well. The arc that we are in now seems well written, but I honestly have no idea what the hell is going on. Seriously, who is the Club of Heroes? C-

[bmh]

Sensational Spider-Man #40: This issue was clearly a lead in into the One More Day storyline. Basically Peter has some sort of vission where he talks to God about his life and about how he doesn't want Aunt May to die. Some parts of this issue were a little "odd" but overall it had a great tone, and great art. B+

[bmh]

Blue Beetle #18: This is continuing a marathon of one shot stories. Some of them have been really fun, some have really sucked. This issue was a team up between Blue Beetle and the Teen Titans, with special guest Lobo! It all made for a fun issue, but not too much storyline wise. The art was also not too great, which is surprising becasue the art in this book is usually pretty good. B

[bmh]

Am I the only one at this party?

[briangilmore]

Invincible #45

Rating: Third Base Run – Not a Homer, But Close
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Ryan Ottley
Comments: Not the best issue in the series thus far, but still very, very good – light years ahead in quality and storytelling than say ASM (sorry, just can’t stop myself from beating that dead horse).


I've actually always said (since I started reading Invincible) that it fills the void in my life that Ultimate Spider-Man used to. It's the young angst that ASM has been missing lately for some people.

Now, I'm fine with adult Peter Parker, because I love characters to change and stay that way.

For anyone (come on, you grumps! it's not that bad!) that is REALLY that fed up with Spider-Man lately (in all its incarnations), DEFINITELY try Invincible if you haven't yet. It's what you've been missing. It is my favorite title right now.

This week I picked up:

Black Summer by Warren Ellis. Pencils by Juan Jose Ryp

Put out by Avatar, this has a Boysesque style of art and delivery. Plenty of profanity and realism, though, which is what sets it apart from The Boys(the realism, not the profanity...at all). The pencils are a little too detailed for me and suffer from some seeming inconsistencies (kind of like what the Streets of Glory pencils are trying to be...those pencils are ASS)

It's about a pack of enhanced human superheroes who go crazy and one of them ends up killing the president. Very interesting and DEFINITELY worth picking up the first and second issue. If you don't like the first, though, I say stop there.

Amazing Spider-Man

Yep, time for a new writer. Kind of anti-climactic. 5 of 5 of Back in Black? We did not even get what we were promised. I'm fine with soap operas and drama going on in comics, but let's get some story done here. He humiliates the Kingpin and then spends an entire issue transferring May to another hospital?

I guess what you can appreciate about this issue is the way that it really brings you into the situation and lives of MJ and Peter. You spend the entire issue in the hospital and really makes you feel not only the frustration that MJ has been feeling for the past few days, but the feeling of hopelessness that is starting to come over Peter.

They are barely scraping by and we have no idea what is going to happen to any of them at this point (*spoiler*unless you've heard those One More Day Mephisto rumors). In that respect, this was a great cliffhanger, because it is not focusing on the action or on anything but what a story should focus on: the characters. I didn't feel the whole sadness about anything happening to May, it was happening, but not happening TO me until this issue. That's why it's worth picking up.

The Boys
Ennis. Pencils by Derrick Robertson

Almost dropped this. This issue brought me back on track. Something is finally happening! The mystery and what is going to happen is great, but again, with the pace of this book (much like Preacher), I think that this book is one of those that is SIGNIFICANTLY better in trades. I wish I could hold back.

Also got Fear Agent, New Avengers, Paul Jenkins' Sidekick, Invincible, Walking Dead and Iron Man. All worth getting except for Sidekick, but it's my comic equivalent of getting bored and renting a Martin Lawrence movie.

[kwok_talk]

Am I the only one at this party?

Some of us don't get the chance to get/read/or digest books right on Wed. Don't feel bad posting your reviews, it's great to hear what you think!

[itsbecca]

Batman #668: Since the Batman and Son arc, I think this title has been absolutely crap. Most of Morrisson's stuff been all that great as well. The arc that we are in now seems well written, but I honestly have no idea what the hell is going on. Seriously, who is the Club of Heroes? C-

My favorite book when I was a kid was And Then There Were None (or 10 Little Indians) and this is like batman version. I'm finding it very amusing and the wacked out art makes me smile. I guess you just have to be a little off to like this.

Also, I really didn't like Countdown this week. I thought Mary Marvel whole bit was extremely strange, and I guess the point was supposed to be Oh it's not actually her making her go crazy! But it was kind of to little little to late for me. Hopefully it will payoff a little more satisfyingly as it explains it in later books.

[jimski]

I read through the Halo comic, but having never played the game it took me a hell of a long time to sort out what the eff was going on. "Is this guy being tortured the guy in the suit from a minute ago, or a different guy? Wait, is this a flashback? Does this concierge guy grow up to be Master Chief? Wait, no, this is all happening at the same time. Okay. Got it. Back on board."

I look forward to hearing how they answer all the big questions in the book, primarily "Who is Master Chief, and why do I care about him? And do his vocal chords work?"

[six-gun]

I read through the Halo comic, but having never played the game it took me a hell of a long time to sort out what the eff was going on. "Is this guy being tortured the guy in the suit from a minute ago, or a different guy? Wait, is this a flashback? Does this concierge guy grow up to be Master Chief? Wait, no, this is all happening at the same time. Okay. Got it. Back on board."

I look forward to hearing how they answer all the big questions in the book, primarily "Who is Master Chief, and why do I care about him? And do his vocal chords work?"

The guy being tortured is a human intelligence officer who played a prominent role in the novel First Strike. Ruwan is a new character and Master Chief can talk, in fact he used to be quite charismatic and recieved the rank of Master Chief as such, but he's been genetically and mechanically augmented since he was kidnapped from home at 8 years old and as far as he knows is the last Spartan alive (the rest of whom were his only real family), so yeah, he doesn't talk much.

[iSteve]

Green Lantern Corps #15

Rating: Pretty @#$% Okay
Title: “The Battle of Mogo: The Sinestro Corps War Part 5”
Writer: Dave Gibbons
Artists: Patrick Gleason and Angel Unzueta
Comments: I dropped GLC several months ago, not because it was a bad book, but because I need to make some financially-based comic choices. It was a decent book. If it had a weakness, it was that it was overcrowded with too many GL characters. It lacked focus at times. The Sinestro Corps War cross-over has helped at least with the focus. The non-descript character overload has only gotten worse. Be that as it may, I still had a fun time reading this issue. Mogo has always been one of my favorite GL characters. A whole planet as a superhero! The Sinestro Corps have targeted Mogo because of his immense power – especially for empowering the rings to go out and find new GL recruits. Kilowog and the GL Corps come to the rescue. A mutual beat-down ensues. The battle is joined. Inter-galactic fun is had by all.

[six-gun]

Green Lantern Corps #15

Rating: Pretty @#$% Okay
Title: “The Battle of Mogo: The Sinestro Corps War Part 5”
Writer: Dave Gibbons
Artists: Patrick Gleason and Angel Unzueta
Comments: I dropped GLC several months ago, not because it was a bad book, but because I need to make some financially-based comic choices. It was a decent book. If it had a weakness, it was that it was overcrowded with too many GL characters. It lacked focus at times. The Sinestro Corps War cross-over has helped at least with the focus. The non-descript character overload has only gotten worse. Be that as it may, I still had a fun time reading this issue. Mogo has always been one of my favorite GL characters. A whole planet as a superhero! The Sinestro Corps have targeted Mogo because of his immense power – especially for empowering the rings to go out and find new GL recruits. Kilowog and the GL Corps come to the rescue. A mutual beat-down ensues. The battle is joined. Inter-galactic fun is had by all.

very cool I think I'll pick it up

[iSteve]

very cool I think I'll pick it up

I'm very high (figuratively, not literally) on the Sinestro Corps War in general. You might enjoy picking up the SCW one-shot and the previous GL and GLC to read them in order.

[labor_days]

Green Lantern Corps #15

Rating: Pretty @#$% Okay
Title: “The Battle of Mogo: The Sinestro Corps War Part 5”
Writer: Dave Gibbons
Yeah it was a really fun read. Am excited to see how & when Yat really comes into the war. That page with the anti-Kilowog breaking GL's across his back and literally spitting them out was badass. As was that last page with the lost GLs. Damn.

[six-gun]

I'm very high (figuratively, not literally) on the Sinestro Corps War in general. You might enjoy picking up the SCW one-shot and the previous GL and GLC to read them in order.

I've read it all except GLC

[labor_days]

I like that GLC isn't essential to the SCW. It's on the peripheral of things and gives a bit of insight into what the rest of the Corps is up to. All tie-ins should be so neatly told.

[iSteve]

X-Men #202

Rating: Very high up on the ol’ iSteve Ratiometer of Comic Goodness
Title: “Blinded by the Light, Part 3 of 4”
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Humberto Ramos
Comments: A few days ago, I got caught up on some of my back reading. I’d been setting aside all the books with “Endangered Species” in them to read at one time. Parts 1 and 2 of this series arc - “Blinded by the Light” – in the X-Men knocked my socks off. First, I loved the art by Ramos (I realize I am in the distinct minority here). But it was the first X-Men story to really hook me and reel me in – in a long, long time. Part 3 was no exception to this either. It’s about this all-out coordinated attack on the X-Men. Cable is killed (they want us to believe!), Rogue is infected with this wacky virus and now possesses the minds of 8 billion people. She is then shot by her adoptive mother, Mystique, and dragged off to who knows where. The Institute is also attacked and some very important book about the future is stolen. All hell is breaking loose. I don’t have a clue as to the identities of the many various and sundry bad guys, but I don’t really care. It’s one wild, hairy ride and I’m lovin’ every single frame of it.

[mikegraham6]

Great reviews guys!
im a little too busy this week to post reviews (i have to write a speech for my parents wedding anniversary), but im also so disappointed with this weeks issues (that i've read so far anyways) that i can't bring myself to think about it again.
So far i've read Amazing Spider-Man and that's got to be one of the single worst issues i've ever read.
Astonishing X-men was a waste of a death, it was so pointless..... it felt like a death for the sake of a death and you don't do that with a character like Scott..
i hope things improve, i do have a lot of books left to read

[kwok_talk]

Astonishing X-men was a waste of a death, it was so pointless..... it felt like a death for the sake of a death and you don't do that with a character like Scott..
i hope things improve, i do have a lot of books left to read

Wait, what?!?! I haven’t read it yet, so I might be misinterpreting, but Scott died? If so, why isn’t there more buzz about this?

[iSteve]

Great reviews guys!
im a little too busy this week to post reviews (i have to write a speech for my parents wedding anniversary), but im also so disappointed with this weeks issues (that i've read so far anyways) that i can't bring myself to think about it again.
So far i've read Amazing Spider-Man and that's got to be one of the single worst issues i've ever read.
Astonishing X-men was a waste of a death, it was so pointless..... it felt like a death for the sake of a death and you don't do that with a character like Scott..
i hope things improve, i do have a lot of books left to read

What number anniversary is it for your parents, Mike?

[mikegraham6]

What number anniversary is it for your parents, Mike?

40th, we're putting on a big surprise party for them, it should be pretty cool

Wait, what?!?! I haven’t read it yet, so I might be misinterpreting, but Scott died? If so, why isn’t there more buzz about this?
apparently, sorry for the spoiler but there has been fair warning:D
im surprised no ones talking about this either... i mean it's cyclops people! (it was unnecessary but it was still a cool death)

[fred]

Did he choke to death on his whistle?

[iSteve]

Birds of Prey #109

Rating: TKO
Title: “Stone Cold Knockout”
Writer: Tony Bedard
Artist: Nicola Scott
Comments: This was a great issue. I believe it’s Tony Bedard’s first issue as guest writer, but he’s an excellent fill-in. (Sean McKeever replaces Gail Simone as the regular writer.) I love the scene where Green Arrow comes on to Batgirl and she snorts her head off. The issue basically is about Barbara Gordon (Batgirl/Oracle) trying to talk Dinah Lance (Black Canary) out of marrying Ollie. Babs reminds Dinah of all the other women in Ollie’s life – quite the ladies’ man. The issue (with a guest writer) also manages to tie up some loose ends from the previous story arc and kill off another one of the New Gods. Nicely done.

I gotta say, I'm enjoying the hell out of my books this week (with the exception of that abomination from hades, ASM).

[iSteve]

im surprised no ones talking about this either... i mean it's cyclops people! (it was unnecessary but it was still a cool death)

I haven't read AXM yet, but already I feel "meh" about it. It's as if Astonishing exists in its own little universe and doesn't really affect the rest of the X-men titles. So Scott bites the big one in AXM -- he's not dead in the rest of the books... (yet). It's hard to take it seriously.

[kwok_talk]

apparently, sorry for the spoiler but there has been fair warning:D
im surprised no ones talking about this either... i mean it's cyclops people! (it was unnecessary but it was still a cool death)

Oh no need to apologize, the spoiler warning is totally known. I kind of like spoilers since I get my books later.. :D
I just have huge questions as to how that fits in with everything else (even though Astonishing is standalone). Cyclops shows up in adjectiveless, but Kitty/Colossus also show up there too. If this arc is where they found Colossus, not sure how that works.

[mikegraham6]

Did he choke to death on his whistle?

surprised you haven't read it fred... lucky you...:mad:

[conorkilpatrick]

I find it interesting that everyone assumes Scott is dead.

[mikegraham6]

Oh no need to apologize, the spoiler warning is totally known. I kind of like spoilers since I get my books later.. :D
I just have huge questions as to how that fits in with everything else (even though Astonishing is standalone). Cyclops shows up in adjectiveless, but Kitty/Colossus also show up there too. If this arc is where they found Colossus, not sure how that works.

maybe they will retcon it in the next issue (easily explained- cyke didn't even have his optic blasts, maybe it's not really him) but from the looks of what happened that would kill the hell out of anyone...

[mikegraham6]

I find it interesting that everyone assumes Scott is dead.

why do you think he ISN'T dead (besides the fact that these are comics....)

[horatio616]

I find it interesting that everyone assumes Scott is dead.

Emma is working on some hoodoo to save him. It's not time for him to die yet. He just died five years ago or something. He be ai'ight.

[conorkilpatrick]

why do you think he ISN'T dead (besides the fact that these are comics....)

I really hate to do this which is why I try not to post in these threads until after we do the show, but... you'll find out on Sunday! :o

[mikegraham6]

I really hate to do this which is why I try not to post in these threads until after we do the show, but... you'll find out on Sunday! :o

that's true, i completly forgot about that....

so guys, why don't YOU think scott isn't dead:)

[jimski]

The guy being tortured is a human intelligence officer who played a prominent role in the novel First Strike. Ruwan is a new character and Master Chief can talk, in fact he used to be quite charismatic and recieved the rank of Master Chief as such, but he's been genetically and mechanically augmented since he was kidnapped from home at 8 years old and as far as he knows is the last Spartan alive (the rest of whom were his only real family), so yeah, he doesn't talk much.
I figured it out eventually, and in the end I thought it was pretty interesting, but without any context it took some time.

"Okay... faceless, silent guy alone, shooting at entire army... entire army surrounds him... cut to naked man being tortured... so, did the army capture the faceless guy? Is that him there?... Cleveland? Is this the guy we were just following? Wait, they're invading just now? What was the war about if they hadn't invaded before now?... So basically, I don't know who I'm looking at, where or when I am, or what is going on in Cleveland. Other than that, I'm on board."

By the last page, I had it all grokked-- it was, I think, a good book overall-- but until about page 19 I was pretty pissed. When issue #1 isn't even a good jumping-on point, I give up. I'm not doing homework on this one.

[jimski]

why do you think he ISN'T dead (besides the fact that these are comics....) Well... aren't we assuming that all the x-books we've been reading for the last year take place after the Astonishing storyline? Everyone is still alive in those books.

[mikegraham6]

Well... aren't we assuming that all the x-books we've been reading for the last year take place after the Astonishing storyline? Everyone is still alive in those books.

i recall seeing a few "back in black" spider-man issues where aunt may was up and about acting like she never got shot, i dont think it means anything that he's in the other books, marvel could just say AXM took place after instead of before....

[iSteve]

Countdown 36

Rating: Two-and-a-Half Out of Five Stars
Title: “Magical Mystery Tour”
Writers: Paul Dini, with Tony Bedard (guest writer in latest BoP issue)
Artist: Jim Calafiore
Comments: Before I get to specifics, I need to say that Countdown doesn’t need to be great for me each week. Each week is but one chapter in a much longer novel that is very good. This week was so-so. But that just doesn’t bother me much. I’m committed. I’m in for the long haul. That said, I’m not crazy about the Rogues’ storyline right now. I was frustrated by the art – especially the way that Poison Ivy was drawn (awkwardly, and not very sexy). Also, feel that the storyline with Jason Todd, Donna Troy, the Atom, and the rogue Monitor has taken a wrong turn and needs to get back on track. Also, not liking the “darkening” of Mary Marvel. I can understand why they used the term “seduction of the innocent” with her. Also not crazy about the return of Jean Loring (Eclipso) and her influence on Mary. But at least we now know what Ray Palmer (the Atom) is probably up to. Other than these minor criticisms, the issue was GREAT!

[bmh]

The Immortal Iron Fist #8: This was the first Iron Fist issue I have ever read, and I loved it! The whole idea of a big tournament of ass kickers from magical worlds is awesome. Some of the other stuff had me a little confused, but I think I got most of it. Fraction and Brubaker are great writers also, and I don't know if they could ever really write something bad. A-

[bmh]

Green Arrow: Year One #4: This whole series has made me a very happy Green Arrow fan. Every single issue has just been so great, with really dynamic art. This issue was going to be the last, but DC decided to make 2 more issues, which I won't argue with. A

[iSteve]

Green Arrow: Year One #4: This whole series has made me a very happy Green Arrow fan. Every single issue has just been so great, with really dynamic art. This issue was going to be the last, but DC decided to make 2 more issues, which I won't argue with. A

I agree. GA:YO has been awesome. It makes sense that DC would go with 6 issues rather than 4 - makes a better trade collection.

I may be in the minority on this board concerning this, but I really liked the Black Canary mini-series. I thought it was well written and drawn.

[conorkilpatrick]

I agree. GA:YO has been awesome. It makes sense that DC would go with 6 issues rather than 4 - makes a better trade collection.

It was always supposed to be six issues, a misprint labeled it as a four issue mini, and everyone ran with it.

I may be in the minority on this board concerning this, but I really liked the Black Canary mini-series. I thought it was well written and drawn.

I'm with you, I thought it was great.

[labor_days]

I'm loving these reviews Steve. Good work.

[horatio616]

that's true, i completly forgot about that....

so guys, why don't YOU think scott isn't dead:)

Here's my guess on what's going on in ASM #23:

Emma offers something to Danger at the beginning. Danger will never be able to fulfill its desire to kill the X-Men due to its programming. What Emma offers is a new world in which danger can find a new purpose, but in order to do that, it must help the X-Men overthrow the government.

The X-Men know that they are probably being watched, so they use a little deception. The Cyclops on the ship is really Danger in disguise. After all, it's a walking danger room. That's why Emma seems to be under-reacting to Cyclops's sacrifice. It's an act. Scott is probably planet-side. with the SHIELD squad, talking to Aghanne, getting an army together. The flashes of memory that we are supposed to believe belong to Scott are actually Danger's memories (the Emma, Jean, and Xavier panels on the last two pages).

The enemy fighters assume Cyclops is dead, so it will be easy for Danger to infiltrate and take over the moonbase, since it's basically one giant computer. Danger and the moonbase merge, thus making Danger into a sentient planet. The alien leader will implore Danger to strike earth, but Danger will inform him that she can't launch the missle because her programming will not allow her to kill mutants.

Not sure how Colossus fits into all this. I can see him knocking out the leader with one punch. He becomes a hero and is asked to be leader, but there's no way he's leaving Kitty again, especially now that he's getting some. Aghanne becomes the new leader. Danger leaves to find a new destiny among the stars.

[iSteve]

I'm loving these reviews Steve. Good work.

Thanks, Labor Days. I enjoy writing them, just haven't had the time recently.

[bmh]

I may be in the minority on this board concerning this, but I really liked the Black Canary mini-series. I thought it was well written and drawn.

I said the same thing last week. It didn't do a whole lot to further the Green Arrow/Black Canary wedding story, but it was a fun little mini. People last week were complaining about the art, and saying the story made no sense, which I completely disagree with.

[bmh]

Batman/Lobo #1: Oh man, this was kind of a complete mess. There is barely any realy plot to it. Basically Batman is sent to space, where all the sudden he meets Lobo (literally in the first two pages) and they fight and then Batman is told about a virus that only infects women. They then run off after some crazy woman who then dies, infects another woman, who they chase, and then she dies, and then they chase another woman. It was all really, really stupid. The art was nice, so that saved it from being a complete dud. D+

[fred]

surprised you haven't read it fred... lucky you...:mad:

I dropped it because of the delays

[horatio616]

I said the same thing last week. It didn't do a whole lot to further the Green Arrow/Black Canary wedding story, but it was a fun little mini. People last week were complaining about the art, and saying the story made no sense, which I completely disagree with.

I didn't read it, but I read what happened in it. Let me get this straight: Green Arrow allowed Black Canary to think her foster daughter was dead for three days. Actually faked her death and sent her off to a monestary or something. Not only is she not mad, but she agrees to marry him. That really sounds like shit to me.

[fred]

I didn't read it, but I read what happened in it. Let me get this straight: Green Arrow allowed Black Canary to think her foster daughter was dead for three days. Actually faked her death and sent her off to a monestary or something. Not only is she not mad, but she agrees to marry him. That really sounds like shit to me.

ding ding ding

(pretend you heard that)

[horatio616]

ding ding ding

(pretend you heard that)

*Turns head as though he hears dinging.*

Hark! That noise indicates that I was right about the Black Canary mini.

[fred]

There you go. You have the suspension of disbelief of a true comics fan.

[bmh]

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #543: I know, a lot of people REALLY hate this book right now. I am not one of them. I have really liked the past few issues of Amazing. Peter is going through a lot, is lost, right now and doesn't exactly know how to deal with everything. A theme everybody can relate to in some way. This book is well written. As I was reading this, I was trying to understand why all the hate. It is a somewhat deep story about Peter Parker. I admit, the whole stealing the ambulence, transferring Aunt May was a little absurd, but past that this is a good story. B+

[conorkilpatrick]

I didn't read it, but I read what happened in it. Let me get this straight: Green Arrow allowed Black Canary to think her foster daughter was dead for three days. Actually faked her death and sent her off to a monestary or something. Not only is she not mad, but she agrees to marry him. That really sounds like shit to me.

It wasn't. It was pretty cool.

[paper]

That sounds awful. Glad I bailed when I did.

[conorkilpatrick]

Black Canary was one of the most enjoyable minis of 2007 so far.

If you are a long time fan of Ollie and Dinah it was the perfect culmination of their relationship. It was so perfectly in character that I am now becoming a big Tony Bedard fan.

[bmh]

That sounds awful. Glad I bailed when I did.

There was a reason that Green Arrow had to hide that from Black Canary, I just forgot what it was.

[conorkilpatrick]

There was a reason that Green Arrow had to hide that from Black Canary, I just forgot what it was.

It was fake the kids death or let the kid get killed by the League of Assassins. Pretty easy choice. There was a reason why Dinah was so happy.

[bmh]

Black Canary was one of the most enjoyable minis of 2007 so far.

If you are a long time fan of Ollie and Dinah it was the perfect culmination of their relationship. It was so perfectly in character that I am now becoming a big Tony Bedard fan.

Ya, I am a big fan of both characters. This is what I am starting to hate about these message boards. People are so quick to just rip apart a book. I know that Ron, Josh, and Conor don't do that, which is why I love their podcast. But a lot of people on this forum seem to have a hard time enjoying comics.

[horatio616]

Ya, I am a big fan of both characters. This is what I am starting to hate about these message boards. People are so quick to just rip apart a book. I know that Ron, Josh, and Conor don't do that, which is why I love their podcast. But a lot of people on this forum seem to have a hard time enjoying comics.

Only when they suck. I read the first issue. It sucked.

[paper]

We're not as negative as most message boards...

[horatio616]

We're not as negative as most message boards...

Yeah, I haven't even called paper a ****wad yet.

But the night is still young. ;)

[conorkilpatrick]

Ya, I am a big fan of both characters. This is what I am starting to hate about these message boards. People are so quick to just rip apart a book. I know that Ron, Josh, and Conor don't do that, which is why I love their podcast. But a lot of people on this forum seem to have a hard time enjoying comics.

If they're loud enough, the lowest common denominator often rules in any community.

[bmh]

If they're loud enough, the lowest common denominator often rules in any community.

Ya that is very true.

Also, I was listening to a podcast, and I am not sure if it was yours or Around Comics, but they made a good point. When somebody usually hates something, that is when people speak up about it. When people usuallly enjoy something, they just kind of enjoy it and move on to the next thing.

[six-gun]

Conor, do you think Black Canary is better than GA: Year One? :0

[conorkilpatrick]

Conor, do you think Black Canary is better than GA: Year One? :0

I don't know, Year One isn't over yet.

[paper]

Which is why we never talk about Ex Machina. Always good, no reason to talk about it.

I tend to be one of those really negative people on the boards. I show no mercy when it comes to my dislike for comics like the most recent Flash or an issue of Detective Comics, but I like to think I offer reasons behind my hyperbole. The flamboyance of the argument is only ever meant for laughs.

Then again, I'm also just as likely to go on and on about how much I love something. Like JSA and Runaways and The Hood.

Passion goes both ways. And it's more freight train than trolley.

[six-gun]

But a lot of people on this forum seem to have a hard time enjoying comics.

Not really, we just hate crap comics because they give the medium a bad rep. Could Paper be more enthused about JSA? ACBG about Grant Morrison's newest venture? Fred more psyched for the next Walking Dead? Labor Days and iSteve more pumped up for the Sinestro War? Did you not read my internet drooling over the fantastic craft that was Halo Uprising #1?

[horatio616]

I'm going to go against the grain and talk about how much I'm enjoying the Sinestro Corps War. Despite my impulses, I'm starting to like Hal Jordan, and I like how Johns is writing Raynor with respect for his character. I've read all the parts so far, but out of order, and I finally got ahold of a printing of Sinestro Corps Special. Over the last couple of days I've finally gotten to read the whole thing in order. It'll make a nice trade.

Conor, is your theory on Cyclops's "death" anything close to mine?

[bmh]

Which is why we never talk about Ex Machina. Always good, no reason to talk about it.

I tend to be one of those really negative people on the boards. I show no mercy when it comes to my dislike for comics like the most recent Flash or an issue of Detective Comics, but I like to think I offer reasons behind my hyperbole. The flamboyance of the argument is only ever meant for laughs.

Then again, I'm also just as likely to go on and on about how much I love something. Like JSA and Runaways and The Hood.

Passion goes both ways. And it's more freight train than trolley.

I'll agree with you about the last Flash issue sucking, and JSA kicking ass.

[conorkilpatrick]

Conor, is your theory on Cyclops's "death" anything close to mine?

I think you're probably pretty close.

[acomicbookgirl]

Not really, we just hate crap comics because they give the medium a bad rep. Could Paper be more enthused about JSA? ACBG about Grant Morrison's newest venture? Fred more psyched for the next Walking Dead? Labor Days and iSteve more pumped up for the Sinestro War? Did you not read my internet drooling over the fantastic craft that was Halo Uprising #1?

Thanks. Its nice to be thought about. :o Anywho, Six is right. We don't like crap comics. There are times i'm stuck with it since I don't want to drop in between arcs but you do what you have to do. Gradually in the next few months, the stash will get lighter.. Why? Because mediocrity doesn't cut it anymore. One should not have to tolerate crappy art and/or a crappy story.

[six-gun]

I'm pretty desperate to hear the iFanboy's Halo impressions, if it's not in the show, can you post what ya'll thought?

[paper]

I think the important difference here is that, for the most part, we save our knives for the books and not each other.

[conorkilpatrick]

I'm pretty desperate to hear the iFanboy's Halo impressions, if it's not in the show, can you post what ya'll thought?

What's Halo?

[six-gun]

I don't know, I think it's something near that Dark Tower.

[kahunablair]

What's Halo?

Isn't that the way the British say Hello?
'Halo Guvner!'

[paper]

"Tennessee Youth Runs To NY, Holds Comic Podcasters Captive In Warehouse, Demands X-box Live Access (AP)"

[six-gun]

"Tennessee Youth Runs To NY, Holds Comic Podcasters Captive In Warehouse, Demands X-box Live Access (AP)"

Thanks a lot Paper, now I have to rethink my plan. ;)

[horatio616]

Isn't that the way the British say Hello?
'Halo Guvner!'

Ouch! When I read that pun I made the noise you hear when you lose on Price Is Right! ;)

[mister-s]

It was fake the kids death or let the kid get killed by the League of Assassins. Pretty easy choice. There was a reason why Dinah was so happy.

I liked this mini also - and I liked how it kind of wraps up Pllie's OYL "transformation."

Also, BMH, from one Blue Beetle fan to another, I think I figured out how to get people to actually give the book a chance (other than the fact that he is going to be an Outsider): Compare it to Ultimate Spider Man.

That's right, Blue Beetle is kind of like Ultimate Spider Man. Kind of. You'll like it.

[kwok_talk]

"Tennessee Youth Runs To NY, Holds Comic Podcasters Captive In Warehouse, Demands X-box Live Access (AP)"

Day 1 of Comic Podcast Crisis: Ed Brubaker sent in as negotiator (AP)

[jimski]

Ya, I am a big fan of both characters. This is what I am starting to hate about these message boards. People are so quick to just rip apart a book. I know that Ron, Josh, and Conor don't do that, which is why I love their podcast. But a lot of people on this forum seem to have a hard time enjoying comics.

Don't be afraid of the Ignore list, my friend. With a few simple clicks, the bad men can't hurt you anymore. You live in an iFanboy of your own creation, full of handshakes and Laffy Taffy.

[senoj1]

Ya you can usually tell when somebody is going on a rant about a book they don't like. I try just to skip that stuff. You're always gonna run into people that just don't like stuff and feel the need to put there criticism on message boards, blogs etc. You gotta take the good with the bad.

[bmh]

I liked this mini also - and I liked how it kind of wraps up Pllie's OYL "transformation."

Also, BMH, from one Blue Beetle fan to another, I think I figured out how to get people to actually give the book a chance (other than the fact that he is going to be an Outsider): Compare it to Ultimate Spider Man.

That's right, Blue Beetle is kind of like Ultimate Spider Man. Kind of. You'll like it.

Definetely. Blue Beetle first caught my eye when I was reading Wizard and they said he was sort of like the Spider-Man of the DCU.

People should read Blue Beetle. The first trade is a great book to pick up if you want to get into the character.

[bmh]

Ya you can usually tell when somebody is going on a rant about a book they don't like. I try just to skip that stuff. You're always gonna run into people that just don't like stuff and feel the need to put there criticism on message boards, blogs etc. You gotta take the good with the bad.

I rant on books as well. I hated Batman and Batman/Lobo this week, but I thought those books had huge problems. When I read about people nitpicking a book because they don't like the art in one panel or it didn't serve a "bigger purpose of the wedding" is where I personally get annoyed.

[labor_days]

The real trouble I had with the Black Canary mini was that Dinah didn't bathe or change her clothes for THREE days and she still looked fabulous.


On another note: I don't see why a few people (and we are few) not liking a book would diminish anyone else's enjoyment of it. That's silly. We all like comics and enjoy kicking 'em around.

[bmh]

We all like comics and enjoy kicking 'em around.

I prefer to bathe in mine.

[cormano]

My shop had issues 51-48 of Countdown with covers ripped off (sent in for returns) bagged for free. I don't know if that's allowed or happy DC would be about it, but I'm looking forward to reading them.

[cormano]

I really enjoyed Amazing Spider-Man, but I can see how it would be boring and disappointing if this has been all that's going on for several issues. This was the first time I've picked it up in a long time.

I'm still distraught by the lack of villains in the Marvel U… didn't they all break out of jail? And then didn't the heroes ignore them for a while so they could fight each other? And Spider-Man's identity is now public… but everyone else has had the same complaints.

[conorkilpatrick]

On another note: I don't see why a few people (and we are few) not liking a book would diminish anyone else's enjoyment of it. That's silly. We all like comics and enjoy kicking 'em around.

Less that and more people slagging off books they've never read.

And with that, I'm done with this particular topic. Let's move on.

:)

[paper]

The lack of villains is perhaps the logical step in the Marvel U, given their "super heroes in the real world" business model. If we're to look at these characters as relatable, with behaviors and morals straddling that gray area, it makes sense that their conflicts come from within as well. We all have "black hat" figures in our lives, those people who always mean trouble. But most of our problems arise from our friends and loved ones. From misunderstandings and subtle political differences, circumstances which are arrived at simply by how close we are and how vulnerable we allow ourselves to be in their company.

From a conceptual stand point, I think it's quite compelling. In terms of execution, a little hit or miss.

[briangilmore]

On another note: I don't see why a few people (and we are few) not liking a book would diminish anyone else's enjoyment of it. That's silly. We all like comics and enjoy kicking 'em around.


Hell yeah! Debating why they're good with someone who disagrees with you often causes you to enjoy them MORE:

you find out things you liked about it, that you didn't even know you did
you analyze your books accordingly (and get your money's worth)
you bond and play with like-minded folk who enjoy the same, underappreciated medium.

and it exercises your mind if your real job sucks! :-)
people ragging on them is just another way for you to either join the pitchfork-carrying mob, or start a war for that which you love.

[iSteve]

The lack of villains is perhaps the logical step in the Marvel U, given their "super heroes in the real world" business model. If we're to look at these characters as relatable, with behaviors and morals straddling that gray area, it makes sense that their conflicts come from within as well. We all have "black hat" figures in our lives, those people who always mean trouble. But most of our problems arise from our friends and loved ones. From misunderstandings and subtle political differences, circumstances which are arrived at simply by how close we are and how vulnerable we allow ourselves to be in their company.

From a conceptual stand point, I think it's quite compelling. In terms of execution, a little hit or miss.

I am reminded of the quote by Fydor Dostoyevsky (I think), that the line between good and evil runs straight through the middle of each human soul. I think Marvel is exploring this terrain right now.

[mikegraham6]

if i thought this was a negative board i wouldn't come to this site. some weeks the majority of books are great, some weeks they aren't. this week the first two books i read (my most anticipated) really dissapointed me, and i had to voice my frustration, but when i really like a book, i'll talk about it.
Also i think that this board is more than accomodating to differing opinions. If i hated ASM this week and you loved it, it makes for an interesting discussion. don't be afraid to post your opinion just because your in the minority. But sometimes, most people agree that a book is crap and since it's the overwhelming opinion, it seems like it's a negative board, but when there is a great book to discuss, you'll find it gets pretty gushing around here as well
(it's fun to see Humprey being the negative minority in those situations;)) j/k

[horatio616]

I'e taken everyone's words to heart, and upon further reflection...

The Black Canary mini still sucks. ;)

Actually, I only read the first issue. Didn't like it. Read reviews on the final issue. Not only were they not glowing, but they also seemed to be violently negative. I just said it sounds shitty.

This really is a pretty easygoing site. There's not a whole lot of negativity. I came over here from YABS because there was hardly any comic talk at all; mostly people arguing over politics or creating "Hey, I picked a flower today" threads.

I think we're pretty damn cool people.

[iSteve]

For what it's worth, I find this forum to be a very healthy expression of community. There's a lot of mutual respect. Sure, we differ on our tastes in books, writing and art, but those differences aren't meant to be taken personally. I really like it when someone has a whole different take on a book than I did. Like this week, I wish there was someone who actually liked (even partially) ASM and could help me get by my own biases and see it with new eyes.

One of the reason that I like the reviews thread is to experience the diversity of opinion on the forum. I find our different takes on books amusing and illuminating - rarely am I put off just because someone did not like a particular book that I did.

This is why I hope more and more people will write reviews. The more opinions the better. Let me confess that I was worried about what would happen when Fred left the forum to start his own review based community (which I fully support by the way). We had become very dependent on Fred for reviews. But then Mike and others stepped up and the thread kept going. I was proud of us and thought it spoke well of our being a community.

Cheers to our diversity! May we continue our tradition of respectful but outspoken opinions.

[iSteve]

I'e taken everyone's words to heart, and upon further reflection...

The Black Canary mini still sucks. ;)

I think we're pretty damn cool people.

To each his/her own, Horatio (even though you are totally wrong on Black Canary and wouldn't know a good comic if it slapped you in the face! :D ).

We are pretty damn cool people.

...And now back to bickering over comic book minutia.

[jimski]

Posting about posting about posts! Did that snake just swallow its own tail?

[iSteve]

Posting about posting about posts! Did that snake just swallow its own tail?

I believe it did! :eek:

Moving on people... What did you think of The Spirit this week? I haven't read it yet, but it's now on the top of my pile.

[kwok_talk]

I feel like the bartender closing shop on this thread. Anyhow, here are my reviews.

Thunderbolts #116 – Book of the week. While in the minority, I have really enjoyed Ellis’ run so far (especially as of the last few issues) and was really curious as to his plans for the next arc, which still aren’t fully clear except for the introduction of the Mindwave character. I generally feel Thunderbolts is at is weakest when they try to harp on one aspect of the character (Venom as a hulking beast, Bullseye as the clean-up man, Penance as sucky one), but now that we’re past the first arc, I think Ellis is taking more time to flesh out the characters and team dynamics in intriguing ways. Moonstone/Osborn plotting against Songbird, Venom actually showing emotion…but the craziest thing is that the best scene of the book actually belongs to Penance?!?! Yeah weird, but I’m loving it. Grade: A

Spirit #9 – I skim comics during my first read and then go back to do a closer re-read. Needless to say, I didn’t quite pick up on everything on my first read during the narrative-intensive points. Haven’t gotten around to re-reading yet. Grade: Incomplete

Batman #668 – Got caught up on this current arc with this issue and #667 and I’m really enjoying this series. Yes, it’s a simple whodunit, but I think Morrison is doing it in a very fun way. I don’t think I’ve seen Williams’ art before, but I really dig it (esp the spreads where the frames are laid in the glove outlines). I had to re-read both issues twice to get familiar with the cast of characters, but a small price to pay for feeling good about adding Batman to my reading list. Grade: A-

GL Corps #15 – The Sinestro Corps storyline is still plugging along strong in my opinion. The sheer number of green and yellow lanterns flying all over the place is somewhat confusing for someone who isn’t too familiar with the series, but not significant enough to deter my enjoyment so far (case in point, my realization that Mogo was the name of the planet and not the lumpy alien Green Lantern). I’m looking forward to the Lost Lanterns fighting the Anti-Monitor in the next issue. My only gripe about this issue was the art, which seemed very poor at spots. Grade: B+

Countdown #36 – This was a fun issue and I’m looking forward to Deathstroke’s involvement in the rogue plotline. Mary Marvel’s plotline looks like it’s taking off and I’m actually intrigued by it now. The search for Ray Palmer seems a little to disjointed, wandering from one battle to another, but the last panel of the mystery watcher seems to foreshadow it developing a bit more. The best part of this issue? Batman asking why Jimmy Olsen is wasting our time. Grade: B-

Green Arrow Year One #4 – With this and the last issue, I’ve had somewhat of a tempered enthusiasm about the mini-series. Looks nice and Ollie’s shooting people with arrows – should be a winner. Guess I expected it to be good and it met those expectations without striking me as being incredibly great. Call it the Daredevil Syndrome, I guess. Grade: B-

X-men #202 – I’m glad I jumped back on with this arc and am really getting drawn in by how grand it is both in character/team involvement and story. Ron’s comment about the involvement of many x-teams was really poignant and was something that I really have missed during my return to reading the x-titles. The X-men are one huge family and Carey is making sure to touch that point. We’re getting a bit more of the reasons behind the Marauders’ attack, but I’m hoping the future issues expand on why Sunfire and Gambit have aligned with Sinister. Grade: B+

Halo #1 – Crap book of the week. Ignoring the givens (Maleev art great), I’m not sure if I really cared for this issue. If it’s a Halo comic, I want it to be filled with Master Chief popping head shots all over the place. We got maybe 4 pages of Master Chief and a bunch of pages about two characters that I’m not really attached to at all. Using a video game comparison, I feel like this was similar to Raiden popping up as the main character in Metal Gear Solid 2. I’m curious to see how this series plays out and will pick up the rest of it, but this issue (by itself) was not very good. Grade: C-

[mikegraham6]

excellent reviews kwok.
I felt that this was a disgustingly average week. no book blew me out of the water. that's not to say that they were all bad, but nothing impressed me. even my most anticipated (astonishing, GA, GL, X-men) were good but not great. i hate weeks like this more than when it's a week full of crap, because at least when it's all crap, i can come on here and ***** about it;)

[kwok_talk]

Thanks Mike. I can see why you feel that way; but I felt differently. I think I enjoyed it b/c my enjoyment came from titles I didn’t necessarily expect (ex: Batman). I also missed out on Iron Fist and Astonishing. I think this week will be even worse just running down the shipping lists.

[labor_days]

Great reviews, Kwok. Solidarity for the Batmen of Nations, bro.

Williams III > your favorite artist.

[mikegraham6]

Thanks Mike. I can see why you feel that way; but I felt differently. I think I enjoyed it b/c my enjoyment came from titles I didn’t necessarily expect (ex: Batman). I also missed out on Iron Fist and Astonishing. I think this week will be even worse just running down the shipping lists.

OMG! your right, there's nothing!!! i have like 2 books! and that is a BIG deal, it never happens!

is anyone planning on picking these up:
52 AFTERMATH THE FOUR HORSEMEN #1 (OF 6)
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE #1 (OF 8)-- 1 of 8! you have to be kidding me!

[kwok_talk]

Great reviews, Kwok. Solidarity for the Batmen of Nations, bro.

Williams III > your favorite artist.

Right on, brother from another mother. I get a kick out of the Batman rip-offs and Robin making fun of that fact. Has Williams III been doing anything else recently?

[mikegraham6]

I really like the Knight and Squire character, this isn't the first time Morrison has written him. he should do a mini starring him, why not have a bit more international diversity in the DC U? the other batmen? i could take or leave

[kwok_talk]

Batman newb question: Is this League something from the Batman book historically? Or did Morrison just make it up for this arc?

Unrelated, did ANYONE read Thunderbolts? I wanted to see what someone else thought of it. If not, I guess I’ll have to have to correspond with Ellis via notes carried by Hermaphrohawk. Also, I’m digging the art.

And to jump thoughts yet again, to address Mike’s question, I don’t intend on reading any of the Countdown mini’s. I’ve bought my fair share of mini’s lately and think I’ll generally stick to waiting to see if they’re good first and check them out in trade later.

[mikegraham6]

Batman newb question: Is this League something from the Batman book historically? Or did Morrison just make it up for this arc?
I know that the Knight has shown up before, this concept just screams Silver age storyline, so im guessing that they probably did base this off an old batman story.

Unrelated, did ANYONE read Thunderbolts? I wanted to see what someone else thought of it. If not, I guess I’ll have to have to correspond with Ellis via notes carried by Hermaphrohawk. Also, I’m digging the art.
I read it, i didn't hate it, didn't love it either. I'm glad that we got an issue that wasn't the "hunted hero of the week". and im also glad they were developing the characters a bit more. But i think Ellis has lost me on the whole Penance thing. He took too long to touch on him and now i've lost interest. This issue was the best since issue 2 (or whatever number it was) but im still only mildly interested in what's going on.

And to jump thoughts yet again, to address Mike’s question, I don’t intend on reading any of the Countdown mini’s. I’ve bought my fair share of mini’s lately and think I’ll generally stick to waiting to see if they’re good first and check them out in trade later.

I feel the same way but so far DC is 2 for 2 with these minis, both black adam and booster have been good. the concepts of these two dont interest me though. i can't wait for the question mini thats coming down the line, now that i know Rucka is behind it, combined with the gotham central podcast discussion we had, this got me really excited for a good Montoya story.

[labor_days]

Has Williams III been doing anything else recently?Seven Soldiers Of Victory #1 with Morrison.

Batman newb question: Is this League something from the Batman book historically? Or did Morrison just make it up for this arc?Historical (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batmen_of_All_Nations).

so far DC is 2 for 2 with these minis, both black adam and booster have been good.
Booster Gold is an ongoing.

[mikegraham6]

Boy do these guys ever kiss batman's ass! C'mon guys! stand on your own two feet!!
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t268/mikegraham6/Detective_Comics_-215_great.jpg

[cam-]

Unrelated, did ANYONE read Thunderbolts? I wanted to see what someone else thought of it. If not, I guess I’ll have to have to correspond with Ellis via notes carried by Hermaphrohawk. Also, I’m digging the art.


I just did, I think you and I are the only ones out there who like this book. For those who didn't stick with it I feel like there going to miss out. Part of the reason I like Ellis so much is that when he builds to a payoff it REALLY delivers, and feels worth it. (I'm looking at you Morrison).

[labor_days]

The Order #2 was really good. Kitson rocks my socks and Fraction is on his game here. Those little vignettes/interviews with the team members are fascinating. What a great device to introduce new characters rather than defining them by their costume or abilities.

Two things to keep in mind; 1) A bear in a jetpack is strapped with a nuclear bomb 2) Pepper Potts is sorta hot.

Rating: Awesome.

[kwok_talk]

Part of the reason I like Ellis so much is that when he builds to a payoff it REALLY delivers, and feels worth it. (I'm looking at you Morrison).

That’s a good way of putting it. On an unrelated note, I did find the “who wants to be Captain America” page pointless and distracting.

[kwok_talk]

The Order #2 was really good. Kitson rocks my socks and Fraction is on his game here. Those little vignettes/interviews with the team members are fascinating. What a great device to introduce new characters rather than defining them by their costume or abilities.

Two things to keep in mind; 1) A bear in a jetpack is strapped with a nuclear bomb 2) Pepper Potts is sorta hot.

Rating: Awesome.

Hm…interesting to hear. I wasn’t wowed enough to go past #1, but if it keeps up maybe I’ll come back to it.

[mikegraham6]

it does fit with what he's been doing with this series, but i don't really understand the point of them as a whole. Obviously its a commentary on celebrity in America, but what does that have to do with The Thunderbolts? Is he saying that Western culture is so f*cked up that anyone, from the nobodies to the villains can and wants become a celebrity? if so then this is the wrong place to being doing that.

[kwok_talk]

it does fit with what he's been doing with this series, but i don't really understand the point of them as a whole. Obviously its a commentary on celebrity in America, but what does that have to do with The Thunderbolts? Is he saying that Western culture is so f*cked up that anyone, from the nobodies to the villains can and wants become a celebrity? if so then this is the wrong place to being doing that.

Hm. I think the series has really gotten away from the Thunderbolts being a “public spectacle” or celebrities, but more on the interplay on a team where the “heroes” are good (Songbird/Radioactive Man) and bad (Bullseye/Venom/Moonstone). When I first started reading, I was worried that it would be more about the bad guys always winning and trying to root for a team you inherently hate. While not always the case (see: Jack Flag, Steel Spider), it seems like it pays off in the bad members generally getting their due (Bullseye’s beatdown, Venom’s social stigma).

[labor_days]

Think I liked Thunderbolts better when it was called Zenith and was being written by Grant "Seksay Beast" Morrison.


p.s. Dropped t-bolts two issues in to Ellis' run. Have no clue w hat's going on in it. Just being a facetious ass, you see.

[six-gun]

I was meh on the first issue and once I turned to the last splash page and I saw the bear with a jet pack I realized that The Order was not meant for me

[kwok_talk]

Think I liked Thunderbolts better when it was called Zenith and was being written by Grant "Seksay Beast" Morrison.


p.s. Dropped t-bolts two issues in to Ellis' run. Have no clue w hat's going on in it. Just being a facetious ass, you see.

Ha. I think it’s just funny that we’re having a discussion on Team Penance.

[six-gun]

I came over here from YABS


Young Alberta Book Society?

[six-gun]

after final reflection, I've decided my two books of the week were The Spirit and Halo Uprising, GA:YO almost got in there but I liked #3 much better

[labor_days]

You know what? These bi-weekly minis are the best thing since sliced bread. I think the story in GA:YO is a bit too thin to sit around a month between issues. While I agree the trade will no doubt be quite good; I'm not dissatisfied picking the book up in issues either.

[kwok_talk]

So Marvel leaked the following image, which is rumored to be related to Civil War. Any speculations? Hey, is that our buddy Cable on the right?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1086/1257981708_85184bc188_o.jpg

[paper]

If you mean left, then yes. ;)

[senoj1]

Interesting. Still waiting to figure out what the DC teaser images mean. Djurdjevic sure can draw. Beautiful stuff.

[kwok_talk]

If you mean left, then yes. ;)

I've realized that if I just keep turning right, I ultimately go left. (Paper - I haven't had my caffeine yet in the morning!! ;))

[paper]

So..is that Cloak....wrapped in an American flag?

[senoj1]

i figured it was The Hood.

[paper]

Who's weird idea was it to wrap him in a flag? I'm not offended or anything, I just think it's a strange choice.

[senoj1]

Ya and i have no idea who that dude in the right corner is.

[paper]

Ya and i have no idea who that dude in the right corner is.

"$10,000. Remember the name: Everlasting Gobstopper."

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/polcapn/ww-slugworth.jpg

[horatio616]

Ya and i have no idea who that dude in the right corner is.

Could that be Gyrich? Is he still alive?

[mikegraham6]

this cover is probably only a variant for the Civil War Chronicles. They only leaked it to generate some buzz for that book which no one is buying (fool me once marvel....)

[kwok_talk]

Sorry, this question is coming out of nowhere, but a while back I picked up All Flash due to the recommendations here. But then I just wondered if that was a one-shot or is that an on-going series? Noob = me.

[iSteve]

Sorry, this question is coming out of nowhere, but a while back I picked up All Flash due to the recommendations here. But then I just wondered if that was a one-shot or is that an on-going series? Noob = me.

All Flash was a one-shot - a sort of transitional issue between Bart as the Flash and the reintroduction of Wally as the Flash.

[kwok_talk]

All Flash was a one-shot - a sort of transitional issue between Bart as the Flash and the reintroduction of Wally as the Flash.

Thanks for the help Steve! The question just suddenly dawned upon me when I heard someone talking about the Flash on a podcast.