Mother of god. There are slow weeks like last week and then there are the ones like this week that make my wallet weep. It seems like a plethora of new titles or storylines have brought me back to books this week, ranging from the debuts of Guardians of the Galaxy to Skydolls to the new storylines in Brand New Day (!) and Batman's RIP. Add my regular pull list to that and I'll be eating cup ramen until next payday.Enjoy the previews and don't be afraid to let me know what's on your list or what you're looking forward to this week and why!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #559Written by Dan Slott
Art by Marcos Martin
Peter Parker: Paparazzi! Part 1 of 3
"The Money Shot"
The DB, New York's trashiest tabloid, has just hired the sleaziest, most muckraking, lowlife paparazzi of them all...PETER PARKER?! Say it ain't so, true believer! Also in this ish, J. Jonah Jameson finds inner peace and harmony...(Hey, it could happen! Maybe.) All this and the first ever livestreaming super-villain: Screwball!
Dan Slott returns to Spidey, and he's bringing Marcos Martin (DOCTOR STRANGE: THE OATH) with him!
Kirk Says: Amazing Spider-Man? Back on the pull list? What the hell? Well, the short and long of it is that Screwball, with Slott's typical humour at the helm, was one of the only new villains that interested me, along with Mr Negative, and I decided to give the book another crack after the equivilent of about a year's worth of stories in the Brand New Day era. One thing that might be beneficial to this new thrice monthly deal is that you can wait a few months and hope something new comes along to get you back into it with these relatively self contained stories. Let's see if they can win back a reader with this arc.
BATMAN #676Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea
Are you ready for "Batman R.I.P."?
Beginning the epic story that will change the legend of the Dark Knight forever! Everything in Grant Morrison's groundbreaking run on Batman has been leading to this story, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Who will live? Who will die? Who will be Batman? The answers are sure to shock you in "Batman R.I.P.," featuring artwork by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea and covers by Alex Ross.
Kirk Says: I loved the opening arcs of Morrison's Batman. They were off the wall, filled with unique and new ideas and made the book fresh. However, the longer it went on, the less it felt like it was actually a Batman book and I dropped after the disasterous Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul event.
It looks like RIP will be a huge, "status quo altering" event, just like the Resurrection was, so I'm going to take another sip of the Kool-aid and see if things have improved as of late.
BOOSTER GOLD #9Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz
Art by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund
"Blue and Gold" continues as the Justice League International returns! In a desperate attempt to correct time, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle are forced to rebuild the team that defined them so long ago! But can what's left of the JLI stop Max Lord and save the world from his O.M.A.C.s?
Kirk Says: To be frank, this book is quickly losing my interest. It started out as a hilarious romp through the DCU's history with Skeets and Booster and their various team ups and it's quickly devolved into a rather generic alternate future story and there isn't an ounce of that wit and charm that the first half a dozen issues had. I'll stick it out until issue twelve, when Johns and Katz are scheduled to leave, but I doubt I'll be around after that, if the book even survives their departure.
GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #8 (OF 9)Written by Frank Tieri
Art by J. Calafiore and Jack Purcell
Featuring Spoiler! Penguin and his troops now control the Gotham underworld scene — but when the various gangs under his control start squabbling among themselves, can even the Penguin stop his empire from crumbling? Plus, Batman vs. the Vigilante!
Kirk Says: The whole Spoiler mystery seems redundant now that she's been seen in Robin and even unmasked in those issues. Despite that, I've grown to like this series. It's not great, but it manages to keep its head above water long enough to tell a story and dishes out the odd surprise here and there.
GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #8Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton and Wayne Faucher
Still on the trail of the people responsible for Connor Hawke's condition — and subsequent disappearance — Green Arrow and Black Canary face their uncertain pasts…and a future of uncertainty! And Ra's al Ghul and his League of Assassins won't make that easy!
Kirk Says: Everytime I see a new issue of this on the list, I keep wondering how long this mini-series is going to last before I realize it's actually a monthly. I don't know why, but I can't help but think of this on-going as anything but a mini.
If you ignore all the inconsistencies and strange twists and turns, you'll probably enjoy this series. You pretty much have to ignore thigns like Ollie using a gay sex and donkey show as his means of interrogation from last issue and everyone having laughs over it while his son has been kidnapped after being shot by a mysterious and evil cloud and is now "brain dead".
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #24Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Patrick Gleason and Prentis Rollins
As their quest to track down Sinestro Corps rings continues, the Green Lantern Corps discover to their horror that fellow Lanterns Sodam and Arisia have been captured by Mongul and subjected to the dreaded Black Mercy, causing their deadliest fears to be dragged into the light.
Kirk Says: I was never a fan of these Black Mercy plants. They just seem to be used for the generic "dream realization" or fantasy illusion for the heroes to overcome before they usually pound Mongul into the ground, despite his supposed powerhouse status. It typically ends up 15 or so pages worth of dreams before they break out and then the quick wrap up I just spoke of and I feel ripped off everytime I see these damn plants. Add in Ion being captured so easily and enslaved by them and it's even more deus ex machina.
However, I've enjoyed just about every Tomasi penned issue of GLC and I'm hoping he avoids the generic pitfalls of these plants and gives us something worth while.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art by Paul Pelletier
Launching out of ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST, Marvel’s sci-fi heroes unite to protect the cosmos! Back-to-back Annihilation wars have weakened the boundaries of our universe. Dark gods and monsters are seeping through the cracks, reigning horror upon those still reeling from the recent calamities. In the face of terror, who stands to defend a desperate universe? Star-Lord and his squad of butt-kickers – the modern day Guardians of the Galaxy! You’ve heard that ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST rocks – the guy at the comic shop keeps telling you to try NOVA – well, now’s your chance to experience the glory that writers Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning and artist Paul Pelletier can unleash! All this…plus a wise-cracking raccoon and a telepathic dog!
C’mon, people, time to lock and load!
Kirk Says: I wouldn't say Conquest "rocks", but it definitely had its moments. I think the scope and scale of the setup was great, but it then dove tailed into something lowbeat, like infiltration and Ultron getting new bodies and turning into a 100ft robot. Great concept, poor execution, but just enough to make it an entertaining, if not perfect, read.
That said, Starlord and his crew were the best part of the event and I can't wait to see more of them, especially Mantis, Groot and Rocket Raccoon. I could do without Wraith or Quasar, but we do get a monthly with Gamora, Warlock and Drax, three more of my favourite characters. I'm hoping this turns into the Green Lantern Corps to Nova's Green Lantern for the Marvel Universe and gives us a decent cosmic selection of titles for the first time in years.
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #15Written by Geoff Johns and Alex Ross
Art by Dale Eaglesham and Ruy Jose
"Thy Kingdom Come" continues! The cracks begin to show within the Justice Society as the "Heartbreak Slayer" stands revealed. Now, the Justice Society are face-to-face with an ancient being whose mission to help the world surpasses even their own.
Kirk Says: The cliffhanger ending, and all of the last issue, was amazing and Johns is finally giving us what was promised with this less than spectacular and, what I'd describe so far as, boring storyline. I can't believe it's taken so long to get to this point, but this book just skyrocketted back up to the top of my list.
SECRET INVASION: FANTASTIC FOUR #1Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Barry Kitson
"NO ONE GETS BACK ALIVE!"
Part 1 (of 3): "Negative Energy"
The invasion has started, and no one in the MU is safe, not even the First Family of Comicdom! Aware that some of the Earth's most advanced technology and weaponry is housed in the Baxter Building, the Skrulls have neutralized the building--by transporting it and its inhabitants straight to the Negative Zone! With one member of the Fantastic Four M.I.A. and another "replaced," it's up to the remaining family members--not to mention Franklin and Val—to get back to our dimension, Skrulls or no Skrulls. But are any of our heroes who they think they are?
Kirk Says: The reason I'm grabbing this tie-in series, despite my disinterest in Secret Invasion, is that I'm digging the creative team slated for this book and I was curious to find out what happened to the Fantastic Four, specifically Reed, after the Pym reveal, and how Invisible Woman was replaced to begin with. It's kind of sad those things aren't being explained in the main series, but I guess the Fantastic Four won't be a big part of this Skrull invasion for some reason.
SKY DOLL #1Written by Barbara Canepa & Alessandro Barbucci
Art by Alessandro Barbucci
The internationally acclaimed best-seller is now finally presented in English! Meet Noa, a so-called Sky Doll; a life-like female android without rights, who exists only to serve the State's needs and desires. But when Noa meets two so-called "missionaries" who aid in her escape from her tyrannical master, all hell breaks loose for our cyborg siren as she uncovers clues that she may be much more than just a robotic toy. The first release in a new partnership between Marvel and cutting-edge French publisher Soleil!
Kirk Says: First thing I noticed, after having seen the original cover and solicit for this issue way back when, is that they have censored / edited it. There used to be a robotic nipple just under her crossed arm on that breast that was just barely visible (don't ask me why I remember such details). Now, this might just be a "revised" version for shelves so small children buying books with women overly sexualized and typically stuffed in refridgerators don't see, gasp, a robotic nipple, of which Batman movies have featured rubber ones on costumes, but I'm also fearful that the interior of this issue may have undergone similar treatment.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not buying books for boob or ass shots, but I also believe in artistic expression, the original message intended and all that jazz. As such, I'm going to be highly disappointed if Marvel went to such lengths to edit the interiors of a MAX labelled mature readers book.
As for the book, I think this is a title everyone should make room for in their budget. I've read the first issue already and was thoroughly impressed with the unique writing style, beautiful artwork and fantastic story of the book. It's an excellent blend of themes that touches on religion, politics and sexuality, but it is by no means a porn rag and there's only a handful of scenes that features nipple shots and there wasn't any sex or other questionable things in the book to my knowledge.
The fact this received a MAX and mature readers label at all is kind of a sad reminder of the western mind frame where having women with their 44DD breasts in skimpy costumes punching holes in bad guys and snapping villains' necks is more acceptible than a non-sexualized robotic nipple to the point that the latter is censored and labled as inappropriate material.
In conclusion, please give this book a try. I'd love to see more books like this come out over here and I think most people will enjoy this book, provided you're willing to try non-super hero comics.
THUNDERBOLTS #120Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Mike Deodato
It’s all-out war inside a locked-down Thunderbolts Mountain, where a team of rogue psychics are twisting the minds of the field team. Venom's on the loose, the Swordsman has reverted to the crimes of his father, Norman Osborn is losing it...but the psychics have already written off one Thunderbolt, and completely forgotten about another...
Kirk Says: Hmm, looks like Venom is relatively fine, after receiving that skewering from Swordsman last issue, on the cover, but those are rarely accurate to begin with, so who knows how he is.
If I had known the delays would be this long, I think I would have trade waited this series. It really kills the momentum of Venom eating a bunch of guards and having an epic battle with Swordsman from last issue when it's two or three months between issues. I'm still looking forward to this, but excitement fades after so long a wait.
WOLVERINE #65Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Ron Garney
“GET MYSTIQUE,” Part 4
"Get Mystique" comes to its bloody conclusion in the deserts of Iraq. The quest for Mystique is over, and now the no-holds-barred face-off between her and Logan begins. Only one will walk away, but both will pay a price.
Kirk Says: This has been the most enjoyable Wolverine story I've read in ages. If Aaron's going to be sticking around after this issue, I think this book might be finding a permanent spot on my pull list.
X-MEN ORIGIN: COLOSSUS #1Written by Chris Yost & Craig Kyle
Art by Trevor Hairsine
The origin of fan-favorite X-Man Colossus is finally revealed, brought to you by Chris Yost (New X-Men, Messiah Complex) and Trevor Hairsine (X-Men: Deadly Genesis). Deep in the wastes of Siberia, young Piotr Rasputin discovers his mutant abilities -- and becomes the newest target of the ruthless KGB! Guest-starring Professor Xavier.
Kirk Says: I don't even like Colossus and I'm buying this issue on the strength of Yost and Kyle's work on New X-Men and X-Force and that's not something I typically do for any writer or artist. If they can make Colossus interesting outside the random Russian or language joke, then I do believe miracles can happen.
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15 comments:
Aaron's off Wolverine after this issue; next up is Mark Millar and Steve McNiven on an eight-part alternate future story called "Old Man Logan".
Oh, and the book I'm really looking forward to is "Captain Britain and MI:13", since I loved Paul Cornell's "Wisdom" miniseries, and he's got some of my favourite minor characters like Spitfire and Black Knight on the team, with Leonard Kirk's art (which I grew to love after "Agents of Atlas").
Looks like a big week for you!
I think I'll wait for your verdict on Amazing before I jump back, but I'm also looking forward to Guardians, which should have some fun team banter.
I really wish Winick would straighten up for GA/BC. With tone shifts between issues, new inconsistent art by Norton, and character neglect (Dinah using a video camera? DINAH?) I feel like the only way that I can enjoy it is if I were an ignoramus.
And their title could be so much more.
Kirk....Diamond has JSA #15 coming out nest week. Also I loved the iron Man review!
Sadly, with Wolverine, the next arc is Mark Millar and Steve McNiven's Old Man Logan arc 12 issues I think
Kirk, I can't be;ieve you don't know Mark Millar is taking over on Wolverine.
Isn't Millar supposed to come in for the next Wolverine storyline, with the whole Old Man Logan thing?
It's a shame, because i've really enjoyed this last couple of issues with Mystique.
Ahaha, wow, I guess I was the only one who didn't realize the Millar / McNiven Old Man Logan arc was starting next month. I knew it was coming up, but it seemed like something starting in the fall with how little I've seen or heard of it in regards to hype.
Hmm, I'll probably stick around for that because I'm a McNivan fan and Millar usually writes decent popcorn flick style plots that I typically enjoy.
@islandliberal - you'll have to let me know how that turns out. I'm not a big fan of many of those characters and with the disinterest in SI, I'm limiting my tie-in purchases.
@cat - Hmm, I went by DC's site and forgot to double check the Diamond listings. Good to know early that I won't have to wonder why it isn't out.
I am really looking forward to Guardians. I love how DnA write most of the characters and the team dynamic looks to be very interesting. I hope that Marvel gives Nova and GotG room to breath after the SI tie-ins though so they can tell their own stories.
I was originally planning to get Sky Doll but there are other books I want to pick up instead. I will get it trade for sure, probably with the other Soleil books as well.
I hope Aaron becomes the regular Wolverine writer after Millar does his arc. Aaron is definitely the best Wolverine writer in a while.
Also, I think you should check out Captain Britain and MI:13. Cornell wrote a good Wisdom series a year or two ago. It looks like one of the better SI tie-ins as well.
RIP
GLC
Final Crisis Sketchbook, cause I'm a sucker for these stuff and I just got a summer job so I "think" I have money to waste.
Gotham Underfround....I take this over Resurrection any day. I wish Ra's had returned in this mini.
Huntress Year One.... partly because the writer is a woman and the main character is a woman. We don't see a lot of that in mainstream comics. If it turns out she's really bad....
Wonder Woman.... Aron Lopresti art looks amazing. Also I kinda see this as Gail's "real" #1.
Number of the Beast
GotG... sci-fi and looks fun
you forgot walking dead this week too!
1) Looks like this'll be an interesting place to be over the next few days,....everything's happening! Batman starts to die, Wolverine gets Mystique, Green Goblin suits up...
2) Found those scans of House of Mystery. Establishing shots of the House seem to show that it's Cain's when I compare them to previous pages from THE SANDMAN and THE DREAMING, but the interiors are quite different. I'll just presume that Cain needed the money to make it a boarding house, or moved out. Either would explain what Abel was doing in the dining hall checking out that girl's hollow body.
3)I loved the original appearance of the Black Mercies in 'For The Man Who Has Everything', but I hated Gail Simone's most recent use of them, where she not only fell into the cliche'd formula story of having the hero get all his dreams and reject them, but also completely ignored the effects that Alan Moore established the mercies as having - they produce a perfect world based around a change to the one most tragic moment in someone's life, and convince them that their life has always been that perfect. Choi shouldn't have been aware of the dream, nor should he have just got random bits of pleasure whenever he thought of them. Hopefully, Tomasi will do them better, seeing as he's at least taken the time to connect them to Mongul.
Have we seen a GL affected by the Black Mercy before at all? It would be interesting if, given Ion's power, his mind actually *created* whatever it was he was dreaming too.
@salieri & matthew - We've seen the Black Mercies used in Green Lantern before. Mongul took on Hal and Ollie back in the pre-Sinestro Corps War days.
It made the world perfect for both Hal and Ollie and the effects were shared between the two of them. As in, they both were in the same dream world together. If I recall correctly, Hal's father survived, Sinestro was still good, Ollie was a good father with Connor and so on.
They broke out of the dream world when Ollie realized he was a terrible dad after being there for his wife's new baby's birth. When Ollie realized this, Hal somehow realized it and watched his father die again before waking up.
They then went on to defeat both Mongul and Mongal with relative ease. After the battle, Mongul punches Mongal's head off and that's why she's dead currently and a prime candidate for the Black Corps.
So, I assume Tomasi will follow up on Johns' introduction of the Mercies and do something similar. Hopefully, it'll be just short vingettes, like Ion defeating Superboy in SCW and not spread over two issues like the Hal / Ollie team up.
The Millar/McNivan Wolverine story lasts 8 issues and will tie-in to two other Millar projects, 1985 and Fantastic Four.
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