We're off to a great start this week with several excellent books, including a new issue of Thor, an incredible issue from Countdown to Final Crisis as well as a return to the House of M, all reviewed for your viewing pleasure as we kick off this week's Weekly Crisis Comic Book Reviews! As always, I'll be updating throughout the day with more reviews, so make sure to check back often. Also, if something doesn't make it into today's reviews, check back tomorrow, as it will most likely show up in the Weekly Comic Book Quick Shot Reviews, which is a collection of short and sweet reviews of any comics I miss on Wednesdays. That said, on with the reviews!UPDATE 1 - Added Punisher War Journal, WWH and New Avengers.
UPDATE 2 - Added Nightwing and Black Adam, which was my Comic Book of the Week.
Comic Book of the Week
BLACK ADAM: THE DARK AGE #4 (OF 8)Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy
DC, please, please, please give Tomasi and Mahnke an ongoing Black Adam series. In a week with books like World War Hulk, All-Star Superman and Nova, just to name a few, Black Adam still manages to easily be the best book this week and probably the best book since the last issue of this stellar book.
It's really hard to keep doing reviews for Black Adam. It's just hard coming up with positive things to say about this book every month and I've yet to find a single flaw in any issue. Writing about perfect books is harder than it sounds when there's nothing to juxtapose against every single good thing in this book. Tomasi breaks the mold with this series and it appears he doesn't subscribe to the current "decompression" trend other books employ. This book doesn't waste a single frame and it is all beautifully detailed by Mahnke.
In fact, every issue is full of non-stop "OH SH--!" moments and the plot continues at a break neck speed and this issue is no exception. Whether it's the eerie opening hallucination featuring several heroes and loved ones chopping up the unconcious Adam's body or Adam's various whole sale slaughters of his would-be assailants and pursuers to the saving of the people that helped treat his wounds, this issue just doesn't give you a moment to catch your breath and, hard as it is to say, somehow manages to improve on the previous issues.
Verdict - Must Own. Seriously, if you aren't reading Black Adam, what the hell's wrong with you? I can't think of a single reason for you not to be reading this book. This isn't a random fanboy musing or "oh this is my favourite character" speil. This is fact. Read this book. Go now. The rest of the reviews will be here when you get back.
It's really hard to keep doing reviews for Black Adam. It's just hard coming up with positive things to say about this book every month and I've yet to find a single flaw in any issue. Writing about perfect books is harder than it sounds when there's nothing to juxtapose against every single good thing in this book. Tomasi breaks the mold with this series and it appears he doesn't subscribe to the current "decompression" trend other books employ. This book doesn't waste a single frame and it is all beautifully detailed by Mahnke.
In fact, every issue is full of non-stop "OH SH--!" moments and the plot continues at a break neck speed and this issue is no exception. Whether it's the eerie opening hallucination featuring several heroes and loved ones chopping up the unconcious Adam's body or Adam's various whole sale slaughters of his would-be assailants and pursuers to the saving of the people that helped treat his wounds, this issue just doesn't give you a moment to catch your breath and, hard as it is to say, somehow manages to improve on the previous issues.
Verdict - Must Own. Seriously, if you aren't reading Black Adam, what the hell's wrong with you? I can't think of a single reason for you not to be reading this book. This isn't a random fanboy musing or "oh this is my favourite character" speil. This is fact. Read this book. Go now. The rest of the reviews will be here when you get back.
CAPTAIN MARVEL # 1Written by Brian Reed
Art by Lee Weeks
Brian Reed does an excellent job trying to convince people that Marvel weren't completely retarded in their decision to bring Captain Marvel "back from the dead". Yes, he's actually back to the future or from the past or however you wish to look at it, but the fact remains, there was pretty much no rhyme or reason behind this decision. In fact, if I had to guess, I'd wager the only reason he was brought back in that Civil War special was to try and drum up interest in lieu of the huge delays facing that event.
Getting back to this issue, the bulk of the story deals with Mar-Vell in Paris looking at paintings at the Louvre intersperced with flashes of a SHIELD agent put to the task of tracking him down. Reed does his best to answer some of the lingering questions from Mar-Vell's return in Civil War, such as why no one cared when he showed up at the final battle between all the heroes or what he's been up to since then, but it still comes off as too little, too late.
Despite Reed's best efforts, I still don't see any point to this series nor Mar-Vell's return. Try as they might, even with this out-of-time reasoning, it still feels like Marvel is trampling all over Mar-Vell's legacy and his tragic death all those years ago. If Civil War was your first introduction to Mar-Vell, this issue will do nothing to make you care about him or his past. He's just some random guy that has undisclosed powers, but may or may not be like a Superman in the Marvel Universe. Those who know him know he's nothing like Superman, but with the reaction of the public and the random cult worshipping him after his return, it's hard not to get a Superman vibe regarding Mar-Vell from this issue.
Verdict - Check It. There's some nice imagry here and, I have to admit, I do enjoy seeing the real Mar-Vell again, but I'm still confused as to the point of this aside from Marvel preying on nostalgic fans' desire to see Mar-Vell again. The issue, itself, wasn't bad, per se. In fact, I'd say it was pretty good, but I'm hoping future issues will convince me Mar-Vell's return was worth the effort and that this story won't end up being some cheap cash grab.
Getting back to this issue, the bulk of the story deals with Mar-Vell in Paris looking at paintings at the Louvre intersperced with flashes of a SHIELD agent put to the task of tracking him down. Reed does his best to answer some of the lingering questions from Mar-Vell's return in Civil War, such as why no one cared when he showed up at the final battle between all the heroes or what he's been up to since then, but it still comes off as too little, too late.
Despite Reed's best efforts, I still don't see any point to this series nor Mar-Vell's return. Try as they might, even with this out-of-time reasoning, it still feels like Marvel is trampling all over Mar-Vell's legacy and his tragic death all those years ago. If Civil War was your first introduction to Mar-Vell, this issue will do nothing to make you care about him or his past. He's just some random guy that has undisclosed powers, but may or may not be like a Superman in the Marvel Universe. Those who know him know he's nothing like Superman, but with the reaction of the public and the random cult worshipping him after his return, it's hard not to get a Superman vibe regarding Mar-Vell from this issue.
Verdict - Check It. There's some nice imagry here and, I have to admit, I do enjoy seeing the real Mar-Vell again, but I'm still confused as to the point of this aside from Marvel preying on nostalgic fans' desire to see Mar-Vell again. The issue, itself, wasn't bad, per se. In fact, I'd say it was pretty good, but I'm hoping future issues will convince me Mar-Vell's return was worth the effort and that this story won't end up being some cheap cash grab.
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #24Story by Paul Dini
Breakdowns by Keith Giffen
Script by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by Al Barrionuevo
I'll admit, I was a little upset that DC spoiled another part of the ending to the Sinestro Corps War by revealing Superman Prime would be jaunting around the Multiverse in his spiffy new black costume. It robbed the Ion VS Prime fight of any drama and potential for Ion possibly killing Prime and so on. This issue completely makes up for it and is the first time I have ever been this impressed with an issue of Countdown. The shift in focus and increase in quality since the change in name has really made a difference with this title. See that cover? In a normal issue of Countdown, that would be just eye candy and more than likely either character probably wouldn't have even been featured in that issue of Countdown. This issue though? That happens and so much more.
As revealed in this week's previews, Superman Prime is on the "perfect" Earth-15, which the Challengers visited a month or so ago and features a Zod Superman, a Jason Todd Batman and a Donna Troy Wonder Woman to name a few of this Earth's heroes. It's not explained how Prime arrived on this alternate Earth, but he's still the petulant little brat he's always been portrayed as and he quickly picks up where he left off a couple issues ago with the Lex Luthor of this Earth.
Prime appears to be dillusional and believes this Earth's Lex is the Alexander Luthor that promised him a perfect Earth. Prime doesn't believe this Earth is even close to perfect with a Zod as Superman and with all the legacy characters that have replaced the "real" heroes. He makes his opinion known to the heroes of this Earth as he systematically kills every single one of them, starting with Superman and ending with Batman. But wait, Prime isn't finished there. As Batman tells him, this Earth will never accept him. Prime seems to agree with that sentiment and destroys the entire planet, killing everyone, before leaving to find another Earth.
This is possibly a major turning point in the Countdown storyline and I'm curious to find out what happens when an Earth is destroyed. If New Earth, the current DCU's Earth, is destroyed, the Multiverse is supposed to collapse in on itself and be destroyed based on what I've read. Will destroying other Earth's have an affect on the stability of the Multiverse? I don't know, but I'm interested in seeing what Prime does next and how the rest of the Multiverse reacts.
On top of the entire destruction of Earth-15, Countdown managed to give us some development with Mary Marvel that didn't come off as forced or out of character as she rebels against Darkseid, himself.
My only complaint with the issue was with the follow up to the Desaad Firestorm possession from last issue. The Atomic Knights show up, throw a liquid metal grenade of some sort at him and it removes Desaad from Firestorm, ending the entire conflict in a completely random and unexplained way as Desaad teleports out. If someone has any idea what happened during that scene, please let me know.
Verdict - Must Read. Yes, I'm giving this issue a Must Read. This is the first time I've ever given a Countdown issue my full recommendation and I really can't find any faults with the issue outside the Firestorm conclusion, which, to be honest, wasn't even that bad. If you've been ignoring Countdown up until now or dropped it along the way, do yourself a favour and pick this issue up. I guarantee you'll like it.
As revealed in this week's previews, Superman Prime is on the "perfect" Earth-15, which the Challengers visited a month or so ago and features a Zod Superman, a Jason Todd Batman and a Donna Troy Wonder Woman to name a few of this Earth's heroes. It's not explained how Prime arrived on this alternate Earth, but he's still the petulant little brat he's always been portrayed as and he quickly picks up where he left off a couple issues ago with the Lex Luthor of this Earth.
Prime appears to be dillusional and believes this Earth's Lex is the Alexander Luthor that promised him a perfect Earth. Prime doesn't believe this Earth is even close to perfect with a Zod as Superman and with all the legacy characters that have replaced the "real" heroes. He makes his opinion known to the heroes of this Earth as he systematically kills every single one of them, starting with Superman and ending with Batman. But wait, Prime isn't finished there. As Batman tells him, this Earth will never accept him. Prime seems to agree with that sentiment and destroys the entire planet, killing everyone, before leaving to find another Earth.
This is possibly a major turning point in the Countdown storyline and I'm curious to find out what happens when an Earth is destroyed. If New Earth, the current DCU's Earth, is destroyed, the Multiverse is supposed to collapse in on itself and be destroyed based on what I've read. Will destroying other Earth's have an affect on the stability of the Multiverse? I don't know, but I'm interested in seeing what Prime does next and how the rest of the Multiverse reacts.
On top of the entire destruction of Earth-15, Countdown managed to give us some development with Mary Marvel that didn't come off as forced or out of character as she rebels against Darkseid, himself.
My only complaint with the issue was with the follow up to the Desaad Firestorm possession from last issue. The Atomic Knights show up, throw a liquid metal grenade of some sort at him and it removes Desaad from Firestorm, ending the entire conflict in a completely random and unexplained way as Desaad teleports out. If someone has any idea what happened during that scene, please let me know.
Verdict - Must Read. Yes, I'm giving this issue a Must Read. This is the first time I've ever given a Countdown issue my full recommendation and I really can't find any faults with the issue outside the Firestorm conclusion, which, to be honest, wasn't even that bad. If you've been ignoring Countdown up until now or dropped it along the way, do yourself a favour and pick this issue up. I guarantee you'll like it.
HOUSE OF M: AVENGERS # 1Written by Christos Gage
Art by Mike Perkins
Oh boy, looks like Gage will need an interview on Newsarama to straighten out this issue as poor Tigra is beaten, shot and left for dead and only a big, strong man can come rescue her. Oh wait, people only complain if it's written by Bendis.
As for the actual review of this book, I'm confused. House of M isn't exactly current events. Having a book set in the past of that fictional reality when the "Avengers" first formed is equally confusing. On top of that, the entire issue seems to focus on Luke Cage's new origin in that alternate reality and devolves into several pages of "pick me, pick me" as he recruits the entire Avengers team in the span of 3 or 4 pages, almost as if Gage had run out of room to tell everyone's origin in full detail.
Now, I actually liked House of M, probably because I read it in trades after the fact and had low expectations for it compared to the general negative connotations it receives on the internet. However, I just don't see the point of this series and I don't think this "origin" issue would hold up if it was in continuity, let alone the fact this is from a random alternate reality with little to no explanation for anyone that didn't read HoM. It's just too cut and dry. Gage goes from each plot point in a dull and predictable manner and there's no awe or mystery surrounding this alternate reality. It just limps along, leaving the reader devoid of any real emotion or attachment to the characters.
Verdict - Avoid It. Unless you absolutely love Luke Cage, there's not much offered here. It's just a generic super hero origin with little to no action to keep the reader interested. Of what little action there is falls flat and is underwhelming and uninteresting at best.
As for the actual review of this book, I'm confused. House of M isn't exactly current events. Having a book set in the past of that fictional reality when the "Avengers" first formed is equally confusing. On top of that, the entire issue seems to focus on Luke Cage's new origin in that alternate reality and devolves into several pages of "pick me, pick me" as he recruits the entire Avengers team in the span of 3 or 4 pages, almost as if Gage had run out of room to tell everyone's origin in full detail.
Now, I actually liked House of M, probably because I read it in trades after the fact and had low expectations for it compared to the general negative connotations it receives on the internet. However, I just don't see the point of this series and I don't think this "origin" issue would hold up if it was in continuity, let alone the fact this is from a random alternate reality with little to no explanation for anyone that didn't read HoM. It's just too cut and dry. Gage goes from each plot point in a dull and predictable manner and there's no awe or mystery surrounding this alternate reality. It just limps along, leaving the reader devoid of any real emotion or attachment to the characters.
Verdict - Avoid It. Unless you absolutely love Luke Cage, there's not much offered here. It's just a generic super hero origin with little to no action to keep the reader interested. Of what little action there is falls flat and is underwhelming and uninteresting at best.
NEW AVENGERS # 36Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Francis Yu
I'm not sure what to make of this issue. Last issue I expected a big Venom symbiote battle royale crossover with the Mighty Avengers and I got a neat, villains point of view tale showing what The Hood has been up to. That issue ended with the symbiote outbreak on the television screen and left me thinking we'd finally get to see that storyline play out. I thought wrong.
Apparently, Bendis has no intentions of doing the symbiote story in the pages of New Avengers. All we got was a story filled with random flashback dialogue between Luke and Jessica. To say I came away a little disappointed is a bit of an understatement. I guess I can expect to see that story in a few months when Cho finally finishes Mighty Avengers #6 and they pump out Bagley's issues? Bendis writes both books and he knew this story wouldn't be play out for a while due to Cho. He should never have included the New Avengers in it if he had no intention of giving us the full story anytime soon.
As for the rest of the issue, Wolverine's "interrogation" of Spider-Woman was a little underwhelming. It's pretty much everything you'd expect with no major surprises. Wolverine asks what she did with the body. She tells him she gave it to Tony. They banter back and forth about Skrulls and Wolverine leaves. Decent scene, but I think they made too big a deal about it in previews and with the cover.
The remainder of the issue deals with the New Avengers tracking down The Hood and his stolen money from last issue. The team sees they are completely underpowered in comparison to the caliber of super-villains The Hood has assembled and it's pretty obvious that Dr Strange has conjured up a spell at the end of the issue to make it appear like just about every hero in the Marvel Universe is present for this attack.
Verdict - Check It. It's a fairly average outing this month. No major developments and it feels like Bendis is holding back all the major plots as he waits for Mighty Avengers to get back on track.
Apparently, Bendis has no intentions of doing the symbiote story in the pages of New Avengers. All we got was a story filled with random flashback dialogue between Luke and Jessica. To say I came away a little disappointed is a bit of an understatement. I guess I can expect to see that story in a few months when Cho finally finishes Mighty Avengers #6 and they pump out Bagley's issues? Bendis writes both books and he knew this story wouldn't be play out for a while due to Cho. He should never have included the New Avengers in it if he had no intention of giving us the full story anytime soon.
As for the rest of the issue, Wolverine's "interrogation" of Spider-Woman was a little underwhelming. It's pretty much everything you'd expect with no major surprises. Wolverine asks what she did with the body. She tells him she gave it to Tony. They banter back and forth about Skrulls and Wolverine leaves. Decent scene, but I think they made too big a deal about it in previews and with the cover.
The remainder of the issue deals with the New Avengers tracking down The Hood and his stolen money from last issue. The team sees they are completely underpowered in comparison to the caliber of super-villains The Hood has assembled and it's pretty obvious that Dr Strange has conjured up a spell at the end of the issue to make it appear like just about every hero in the Marvel Universe is present for this attack.
Verdict - Check It. It's a fairly average outing this month. No major developments and it feels like Bendis is holding back all the major plots as he waits for Mighty Avengers to get back on track.
NIGHTWING #138Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher
You can always count on Fabian Nicieza to deliver the goods. If I was a betting man, I'd wager this was the best issue of Nightwing, and the best Dick's been portrayed, in years. He's funny. He's competent. You couldn't ask for a better Nightwing. Hopefully DC realizes this and sticks Fabian on this book full time.
Seeing as this is the second part of the Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul, I guess I should talk about that storyline. This issue gives the event a major kick in the pants and has finally got me excited for this story. This issue features all kinds of ninja canonfodder, comical relief in the form of the three lovely ladies featured on the cover and lots of quipping and fun interplay between Dick and Tim as they take every opportunity to diss Damian as they crack ninja skulls.
On top of all that fun action, Fabian manages to progress Batman's plot with some excellent exchanges between he and Talia and we even get to see more of the mysterious Sensei's plot to kill Ra's for good. All in all, you couldn't ask for anything better than this issue.
Verdict - Must Read. Does everything right in this multi-title crossover event and it's easily the best Nightwing issue in a long time. If you ask me, and you did since you're reading this, even if you don't care for the Resurrection story, this is still a must read issue for anyone, as it's just too much fun not to get.
Seeing as this is the second part of the Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul, I guess I should talk about that storyline. This issue gives the event a major kick in the pants and has finally got me excited for this story. This issue features all kinds of ninja canonfodder, comical relief in the form of the three lovely ladies featured on the cover and lots of quipping and fun interplay between Dick and Tim as they take every opportunity to diss Damian as they crack ninja skulls.
On top of all that fun action, Fabian manages to progress Batman's plot with some excellent exchanges between he and Talia and we even get to see more of the mysterious Sensei's plot to kill Ra's for good. All in all, you couldn't ask for anything better than this issue.
Verdict - Must Read. Does everything right in this multi-title crossover event and it's easily the best Nightwing issue in a long time. If you ask me, and you did since you're reading this, even if you don't care for the Resurrection story, this is still a must read issue for anyone, as it's just too much fun not to get.
NOVA # 8Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art by Wellinton Alves
Well, this was an interesting start to Nova's first, true adventure in his own series. It seemed as if he'd been saddled with one event after another since this book's conception, going from Annihilation to Civil War and then back to Annihilation for Conquest. While every issue has been fantastic, I was beginning to wonder if Nova could hold up on his own without all these events buoying my interest in his solo title. All those fears seem to be dispelled with this excellent start to the Knowhere arc.
There is, however, some confusion stemming from last issue corresponding with what happens in this issue. First off, Nova emerged in normal space last issue and Worldmind couldn't identify any starcharts corresponding to where they were at, effectively telling us they were stranded somewhere on the fringes of the universe. This issue starts with Nova in some kind of rift of swirling energy inside the decapitated head of a Celestial. Furthermore, Gamora and Drax are no where to be found this issue despite having followed Nova through the wormhole. While these can easily be explained away, I found it odd nonetheless, especially concidering it's the same writers from last issue.
Ignoring those two oddities, the rest of the issue was extremely creepy and Alves art really played well in regards to the general mood of this issue. Both Nova and Worldmind are freaked out by their new surroundings and, again, through the art, so is the reader. Everything is alien and confusing to Nova and Worldmind. Everything that happens in this issue is so random and freaky it reminds me of something that would come out of Grant Morrison. This issue has rapidly decaying zombie-like aliens, a creepy A Space Odyssey-like evil named Abyss and even a talking, telepathic Russian cosmonaut space dog explaining everything to Nova. It's both ridiculous and awesome at the same time and reallly played well with the overall mood and tone of the book.
I know I mentioned the Z-word in that description, but don't associate this with Marvel Zombies or even as a generic zombie storyline, at least not yet. As far as I can tell, Abyss somehow invades the persons mind and body, causing a rapid decaying or transformation resembling what some would call a zombie. I just wanted to clarify that this isn't some random zombie story cash-in on the zombie craze in case someone was thinking, "Oh no, not another zombie story".
Verdict - Must Read. Nova just keeps getting better and better and I can't wait to see what happens next with this story now that Richard is out from under the shadow of the various events this book has been tied into.
There is, however, some confusion stemming from last issue corresponding with what happens in this issue. First off, Nova emerged in normal space last issue and Worldmind couldn't identify any starcharts corresponding to where they were at, effectively telling us they were stranded somewhere on the fringes of the universe. This issue starts with Nova in some kind of rift of swirling energy inside the decapitated head of a Celestial. Furthermore, Gamora and Drax are no where to be found this issue despite having followed Nova through the wormhole. While these can easily be explained away, I found it odd nonetheless, especially concidering it's the same writers from last issue.
Ignoring those two oddities, the rest of the issue was extremely creepy and Alves art really played well in regards to the general mood of this issue. Both Nova and Worldmind are freaked out by their new surroundings and, again, through the art, so is the reader. Everything is alien and confusing to Nova and Worldmind. Everything that happens in this issue is so random and freaky it reminds me of something that would come out of Grant Morrison. This issue has rapidly decaying zombie-like aliens, a creepy A Space Odyssey-like evil named Abyss and even a talking, telepathic Russian cosmonaut space dog explaining everything to Nova. It's both ridiculous and awesome at the same time and reallly played well with the overall mood and tone of the book.
I know I mentioned the Z-word in that description, but don't associate this with Marvel Zombies or even as a generic zombie storyline, at least not yet. As far as I can tell, Abyss somehow invades the persons mind and body, causing a rapid decaying or transformation resembling what some would call a zombie. I just wanted to clarify that this isn't some random zombie story cash-in on the zombie craze in case someone was thinking, "Oh no, not another zombie story".
Verdict - Must Read. Nova just keeps getting better and better and I can't wait to see what happens next with this story now that Richard is out from under the shadow of the various events this book has been tied into.
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #13Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Cory Walker
Let me start by saying I'm not a big Punisher fan. It's not that I hate the character. It's just I can't really get into his solo series. He's always been sort of a back up character to me or someone that makes random guest appearances. For me, it's good enough to know he's out there fighting the good fight and best heard and not seen in most cases.
However, I picked this issue up on a whim after flipping through it and seeing several hilarious moments, such as Rhino busting through a wall quoting the Kool-aid Man's "Oh Yeah!" as the guard screams, "Oh no!" or seeing Spider-Man webbing Punisher up as he tries to kill Rhino and then re-webbing him later when he lies about when he promises he won't kill Kraven.
To say this was my darkhorse pick of the week would be an understatement. This came out of nowhere and was easily one of the best books I picked up this week. As someone coming into the book fresh, I have no idea what's going on and or what Frank's been up to and the issue was still a complete and satisfying experience and I'm tempted to pick up next month's issue just to see more of this.
Verdict - Must Read. I guess having Spider-Man does increase sales for books. It made me stop and flip through this and I'm glad I did. Do yourself a favour and pick this gem up. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
However, I picked this issue up on a whim after flipping through it and seeing several hilarious moments, such as Rhino busting through a wall quoting the Kool-aid Man's "Oh Yeah!" as the guard screams, "Oh no!" or seeing Spider-Man webbing Punisher up as he tries to kill Rhino and then re-webbing him later when he lies about when he promises he won't kill Kraven.
To say this was my darkhorse pick of the week would be an understatement. This came out of nowhere and was easily one of the best books I picked up this week. As someone coming into the book fresh, I have no idea what's going on and or what Frank's been up to and the issue was still a complete and satisfying experience and I'm tempted to pick up next month's issue just to see more of this.
Verdict - Must Read. I guess having Spider-Man does increase sales for books. It made me stop and flip through this and I'm glad I did. Do yourself a favour and pick this gem up. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
SALVATION RUN #1 (OF 7)Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Sean Chen and Walden Wong
Alright, I know I've been quite kind in regards to Countdown of late, but enough is enough with the tie-ins. Yes, I know I don't have to buy every single book the comes out, but, damn it, I want to know what happens and I hate feeling in the dark when some random event crosses over into another book and I have no clue what they're talking about. So, yes, while the majority of the Countdown tie-ins have been handled quite well, there comes a breaking point and I believe Salvation Run is it.
Let's ingore the absurdity of seeking outPlanet Hulk a random habital planet and confiscating allowing all the villains to keep their weapons and costumes and focus on the actual issue here with the disappearance of all the major villains in the DCU. Oh wait, nothing happens and it's much more entertaining to focus on the nonsensical parts of this first issue. However, to be thorough, DC has basically shunted all of their best villains into a poorly executed tie-in to Countdown and robbed actual good series the use of said villains for the next half a year at the least. Most of the villains spend this issue acclimatizing themselves to their new surroundings and boring the reader with the snails pace of this first issue.
Verdict - Avoid It. Unless you absolutely must have every single one of the Flash's Rogues appearances, as they are the only relatively interesting characters in this issue, don't even bother with this book.
Let's ingore the absurdity of seeking out
Verdict - Avoid It. Unless you absolutely must have every single one of the Flash's Rogues appearances, as they are the only relatively interesting characters in this issue, don't even bother with this book.
THOR # 4Written by J. M. Straczynski
Art by Oliver Copiel
I'm probably in the minority here, but I am quite displeased with most of JMS's relaunch of Thor. This is not a Thor book. This is not a Donald Blake book. This is not a Marvel comic. This is JMS's personal soapbox where he beats us over the head with his own political and world views on topics such as the Katrina hurricane or, in this issue's case, the Dafur genocide in Africa.
One of my previous complaints about this relaunch of Thor was that there was no point to having the Donald Blake alter ego. He was just there to bring Thor back from the dead and after that was only used for dramatic Thor transformation scenes. This issue sees JMS using Blake as another prop in his political diatrab. Blake doesn't so much as appear in this issue as he is just some random plot device to get us to Africa.
Of course, JMS tries to prove that the "white man" can't help anyone in Africa and that the people don't even want them there. Kind of goes against his whole Doctors Without Borders speil from earlier in the book where he tries to show how much good they can do for people in these third world countries. Either the people want us there helping or they don't. They can't have it both ways regardless of JMS's attempts to show that.
And of course, after his big "only Africa can help Africa" speech, JMS has Thor solve all their immediate problems by putting up his own version of the Berlin Wall in the form of a giant chasm in the middle of Africa, which completely contradicts said speech about Africa not needing help from the outside and being able to solve their problems on their own.
Oh ya, let's not forget the return of three more Asgardians. Obviously the best human guards and protectors of the camp turn out to be gods in disguise. Heaven forbid normal humans be the chief protectors of these people. The only thing interesting to come out of their return is the exchange at the end with Thor alluding to his not wanting to wake certain Asgardians, most likely referring to Loki. Oh ya, Heimdall, the god that returned last issue? He shows up on the last page with glowing eyes stating he can help Thor find the rest of the Asgardians. Yes, that's pretty much the only major development in this issue besides confirming Thor is bulletproof.
The only redeemable feature of this issue is the incredible art by Copiel. It's a shame he's saddled with this title and I'm sure he's a major factor in this book's huge sales numbers. That and people wanting to see Thor beat up Iron Man last issue.
Verdict - Check It. I want to tell you to Avoid It, but I'm definitely in the minority in my dislike of this relaunch. The writing isn't terrible, but it is far too heavy handed and JMS uses Blake and Thor not as characters, but as props in his attempt at being deep and provocative.
One of my previous complaints about this relaunch of Thor was that there was no point to having the Donald Blake alter ego. He was just there to bring Thor back from the dead and after that was only used for dramatic Thor transformation scenes. This issue sees JMS using Blake as another prop in his political diatrab. Blake doesn't so much as appear in this issue as he is just some random plot device to get us to Africa.
Of course, JMS tries to prove that the "white man" can't help anyone in Africa and that the people don't even want them there. Kind of goes against his whole Doctors Without Borders speil from earlier in the book where he tries to show how much good they can do for people in these third world countries. Either the people want us there helping or they don't. They can't have it both ways regardless of JMS's attempts to show that.
And of course, after his big "only Africa can help Africa" speech, JMS has Thor solve all their immediate problems by putting up his own version of the Berlin Wall in the form of a giant chasm in the middle of Africa, which completely contradicts said speech about Africa not needing help from the outside and being able to solve their problems on their own.
Oh ya, let's not forget the return of three more Asgardians. Obviously the best human guards and protectors of the camp turn out to be gods in disguise. Heaven forbid normal humans be the chief protectors of these people. The only thing interesting to come out of their return is the exchange at the end with Thor alluding to his not wanting to wake certain Asgardians, most likely referring to Loki. Oh ya, Heimdall, the god that returned last issue? He shows up on the last page with glowing eyes stating he can help Thor find the rest of the Asgardians. Yes, that's pretty much the only major development in this issue besides confirming Thor is bulletproof.
The only redeemable feature of this issue is the incredible art by Copiel. It's a shame he's saddled with this title and I'm sure he's a major factor in this book's huge sales numbers. That and people wanting to see Thor beat up Iron Man last issue.
Verdict - Check It. I want to tell you to Avoid It, but I'm definitely in the minority in my dislike of this relaunch. The writing isn't terrible, but it is far too heavy handed and JMS uses Blake and Thor not as characters, but as props in his attempt at being deep and provocative.
WORLD WAR HULK # 5Written by Greg Pak
Art by John Romita Jr
World War Hulk started off so well. How did it end so poorly? It wasn't that long ago Hulk was kicking Illuminati ass and taking names. Apparently, having Hulk punching stuff every issue can only carry an event so far. Who would have guessed?
So, what did Pak decide to do for his grand finale? That's right. Hulk punches stuff. Sentry gets to be his punching bag this time, making all that build up with Sentry debating whether he should leave his house or not a complete waste of time as it amounted to nothing. Yes, high art this is not.
As for what happens this issue, Hulk quickly changes his mind after the cliffhanger from last issue, where he decided to kill the Illuminati, and opts to instead destroy New York and let by gones be by gones. Or something. During this change of heart, the Sentry finally showed up and Hulk and he beat on each other for a few pages until a huge collision and explosion of power results in both Hulk and Sentry reverting to their puny, human alter egos, Bruce Banner and Robert Reynolds. Even sans powers, the duo continue to fight it out with nerdy Bruce Banner claiming victory over agoraphobic Reynolds and all's well that ends well.
Wait a minute. That can't be the ending. Unfortunately, it isn't. What follows is a complete cop out and one of the worst endings to any event I've ever read. Miek reveals he watched on as the servants of the Red King sabatoged the Hulk's ship and, through Miek's inaction, resulted in the death of Caiera and all this WWH nonsense. Why did he do it? He likes seeing Hulk smash stuff, apparently. Banner promptly Hulks out and kills Miek for his insolence and all's well that ends well.
Wait a minute. Hulk's still pretty angry and New York is probably going to get smashed anyways. Cue the Illuminati who show up with a gamma sucking device that siphons off the huge amounts of gamma radiation Hulk is giving off. Where was this convient device at when this mess all started? Did Reed and the boys just whip it up on a whim? Regardless of where it came from, it causes the Hulk to take a little nap and wraps up this whole debacle in a neat, little package. SHIELD then places the Hulk in a prison several miles below the Earth and the epiologue cuts to a long haired figure rising out of the water back on Sakaar. The end (thank God).
Verdict - ARGH! What the hell kind of ending was that? I guess it was too much to expect any definitive ending conisdering every other book in the Marvel Universe has already moved on from this "event" and showed no signs of any major, lasting effects. Maybe the Skrulls will give us a decent event next year.
So, what did Pak decide to do for his grand finale? That's right. Hulk punches stuff. Sentry gets to be his punching bag this time, making all that build up with Sentry debating whether he should leave his house or not a complete waste of time as it amounted to nothing. Yes, high art this is not.
As for what happens this issue, Hulk quickly changes his mind after the cliffhanger from last issue, where he decided to kill the Illuminati, and opts to instead destroy New York and let by gones be by gones. Or something. During this change of heart, the Sentry finally showed up and Hulk and he beat on each other for a few pages until a huge collision and explosion of power results in both Hulk and Sentry reverting to their puny, human alter egos, Bruce Banner and Robert Reynolds. Even sans powers, the duo continue to fight it out with nerdy Bruce Banner claiming victory over agoraphobic Reynolds and all's well that ends well.
Wait a minute. That can't be the ending. Unfortunately, it isn't. What follows is a complete cop out and one of the worst endings to any event I've ever read. Miek reveals he watched on as the servants of the Red King sabatoged the Hulk's ship and, through Miek's inaction, resulted in the death of Caiera and all this WWH nonsense. Why did he do it? He likes seeing Hulk smash stuff, apparently. Banner promptly Hulks out and kills Miek for his insolence and all's well that ends well.
Wait a minute. Hulk's still pretty angry and New York is probably going to get smashed anyways. Cue the Illuminati who show up with a gamma sucking device that siphons off the huge amounts of gamma radiation Hulk is giving off. Where was this convient device at when this mess all started? Did Reed and the boys just whip it up on a whim? Regardless of where it came from, it causes the Hulk to take a little nap and wraps up this whole debacle in a neat, little package. SHIELD then places the Hulk in a prison several miles below the Earth and the epiologue cuts to a long haired figure rising out of the water back on Sakaar. The end (thank God).
Verdict - ARGH! What the hell kind of ending was that? I guess it was too much to expect any definitive ending conisdering every other book in the Marvel Universe has already moved on from this "event" and showed no signs of any major, lasting effects. Maybe the Skrulls will give us a decent event next year.
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10 comments:
Where's Batman & The Outsiders and Titans East? :p
WWH #5 felt like something out of Dragon Ball Z to me. I don't think it was quite as bad as you claim, but yeah, the event seems to have been of little consequence, which is too bad.
Just read WWH i also found it rather awful
it was just so anti-climatic
like there was so much potenial for a hulk/sentry fight but it was too forced of lets make everyone happy ending and in the end i think it makes no one happy
@zeromus - I didn't pick up Titans East. None of the characters really appealed to me and Winnick was writing it if I'm not mistaken, which is a bit of a turn off. If you picked it up, let me know how it is. I was playing a wait and see approach with it, as it didn't really interest me based on solicits / previews.
Concering WWH - I find I'm a lot harder on bigger books when they don't deliver and WWH just didn't bring anything to the table with this conclusion.
It was just so predictable and they made Sentry look like a complete tool with his "drunk on power" display. If they wanted him to act like that, they should have just had him Void-out.
Add in delays and how all buzz and interest has pretty much died out and the issue appears much worse than it probably was. I still stand by my review of it, but agree it might have been a tad harsher than usual.
You may know I'm basically the Sentry's biggest drooling fanboy, Kirk. Am I going to hate his portrayal in WWH5?
It's hard to say Matthew. On the one hand, Sentry does hold his own with this plot armour, unbeatable Hulk they've got on display in WWH. On the other hand, as I said in my previous comment, he's kind of displayed almost like a villain drunk on power when it's supposed to be the Hulk trying to destroy all of New York.
So, if you just want to see him and Hulk thrash each other, you'll love it. If you hate seeing him written a bit out of character, then you might have issues with it. JRjr does an incredible job illustrating it, so I think you'll enjoy this on some level at the least.
Countdown a must read. I read it off my friend as i do every countdown because i like to keep up with some of the DC universe stuff. But man i can't stand superman prime. I didn't enjoy him in infinite crisis, was hoping to God Sodam Yat was gonna kill him in Sinestro Corps war. Now we have killing planets. wonderful. Darkseid didn't seem like the awesome darkseid i have read in the past. Just can't express how much i didn't enjoy this book. Didn't really care for New Avengers this week either. WWH had a few good moments and i looking forwarding to some of the spinoffs. I still haven't read my fables this week, but so far its been a lackluster week for me.
To be honest, Jonathan, I was hoping Sodam would kill Prime too, but since he's here for good (or at least until Final Crisis), we have to put up with him and I've chosen to ignore my hatred of his snot nosed antics in favour of enjoying a plain old hero stomping that you can't get "in continuity" or on "our" Earth.
As for Darkseid, I think that was more an art problem. He doesn't look the least bit phased by the attack in the next panel.
And I think at this point its clear theres more to Mary's Black Adam powers then were being told because he's never had power like this or the random abilities she displays. Im hoping Black Adam is still out there and Eclipso or someone impersonated him and used that opportunity to corrupt her. I can dream cant I?
I also agree with New Avengers. It was very much a "meh" issue. Even Bendis' usual talking heads couldnt save that issue. Just holding back too much story that the delayed Mighty Avengers should have given us.
There were still a lot of great books though. If you're not reading All-Star Superman, Booster Gold, Black Adam or Nova, those are all excellent titles that are worth taking a look at. I know we all have differing opinions on some books, but I'm sure theres something released this week that could help salvage your week.
hey kirk
read booster gold and enjoyed it, and Fables was top notch this week.
I can't get into black adam since
world war III, I'm not into the God like powered characters. I'm waiting on Nova for the trade. Hey whats your opinion on the whole marvel digital comics library? I been looking at the sample pages and seeing some of the old kirby FF issues on zoom is pretty amazing.
I loved House of M: Avengers...but you're right, I'm a huge Luke Cage fan. But you were a bit harsh...
And by the way, who would have ever thought slapping "Avengers" on the title of something as opposed to "X-Men" would make people pick up the book faster.
I thought Titans East was pretty awesome, personally. Winick has his ups and downs but he seemed on his A-game with this one.
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