X-Men Legacy #3

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Pencils: Tan Eng Huat
Inks: Craig Yeung
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Letters: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

I am loving the way that Spurrier is writing David Haller in this book. The jumps between his unbalanced mind to his reality is done so well that it is incredible. Also, seeing David hunt down his different personalities within his own mind is not only interesting but also humorous.

This issue is the first issue that David mentions potentially making a school with the mutants he has started to help out. He isn't sure if that is what he wants but he knows it is time to do something. He isn't exactly following in his father's footsteps but he does want to do good just like Xavier. I actually loved that this issue dealt with him not only coming to the conclusion that he wont do things exactly like his father but that people can do good in their own ways.

I am far more hooked to this comic than I originally thought possible and David is quickly becoming a character that I can enjoy reading. He is an experience within himself and then there is another story layered on top of that. The next issue is teased to have him interacting with Wolverine and his school which sounds as if it will be something incredible to read. If you haven't given this book a shot yet you should. It is so much different than any other comic out there that I am reading that it makes it truly fun to read as a bookend to all of the other comics that I absorb.

Wolverine and the X-Men #22

Writer: Jason Aaron
Pencils: Nick Bradshaw
Inks: Walden Wong, Norman Lee, Craig Yeung & Nick Bradshaw
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

"Big Top Hell"

Yay more Frankenstein's monster back story! Well, that was sort of feigned excitement but it was a little necessary for the story telling of the book. We learn the importance of the witch and why she is doing what she is doing and why there are zombie clowns...which is just not cool. 

When we last left off our young team, they were about to get their faces pounded in by the teachers of the Jean Grey school and we pick up a little after the beatings have begun. The kids are not faring too well but are still okay (a few of them are actually doing a good job) while the teachers are trying to shake the control that is over them. 

While this fight is going on, Idie is helping Maximilian von Katzenelbogen of the Hellfire club escape his attacker, the monster. There is a ton of chaos in this issue but does lead to the X-Men regaining their sanity and Idie being held against her will while Max is the only one who can save her. I really enjoyed the chaos here and there is a good moment with Wolverine and cream pies and I am excited to get the next issue which I think will conclude this arc. We shall see. All I can say at this point is I am really loving my X-books and am glad I haven't dropped them yet. 

Venom #28

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Pencils: Thony Silas
Inks: Nelson Decastro
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

"The Land Where the Killers Dwell"

Things just don't seem to go right for Flash Thompson. He has finally found himself a girlfriend who can keep up with him (Valkyrie) but because of all of the changes in his life he has decided to move away from New York. The place that he moves to is sort of decided for him when Katy Kiernan is kidnapped and he has to go to Philadelphia to help her out.

The U-Foes are up to something in Philadelphia and Venom feels he has to stop them because they are the ones that have kidnapped his friend, that and they kill a bunch of people as soon as he gets there. He does a pretty good job fighting them off for a while but is just way too outnumbered and because he isn't willing to let the symbiote go crazy, he just can't keep up. The issue closes with Katy in some deep crap and Flash is a little....let's say burned out.

Currently out of all of the Spider-Man related titles I am reading this one feels the weakest. That isn't saying this is bad, it really isn't. I am just not feeling as connected to Flash as I did while he was fighting for Betty's life. I am definitely holding on for the ride in the upcoming year but if I end up dropping a Spidey title, I am afraid it is going to be this one.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #18

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Colorist: Justin Ponsor
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

It seems that "United We Stand" is finally coming to a close and somehow Miles Morales is coming out of this disaster a hero. Who would have thought that the new Spider-Man would actually be able to do something during a giant war? Especially something like saving the President of the United States from being taken out! Pretty cool stuff.

A large portion of this issue is Miles just trying to find his way home while having to fight off Giant Woman. He is quite impressive during this fight and is able to find his way home with a little help from Jessica Drew who seems to finally be warming up to him.

This is another one of those comics that surprised me. I came into Miles Morales as Spider-Man with incredibly skepticism but have been pleasantly surprised with what Bendis is doing with this title. If he is able to keep this up then I will be a long time reader of Miles and his adventures. Oh...and did I mention that there is promise of Venom being in the next few issues? Color me excited!

Secret Avengers #35

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Matteo Scalera
Color: Matthew Wilson
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

"Tomorrow Will Rise"

This issue was a little better than the last couple but I am still not completely sold on this arc. The Descendants are an interesting concept and seeing what their overall plan is has become interesting but I felt that the start was a bit weak and jumped around too much (much like my thought process today).

The Descendants are basically offering...well forcing immortality on everyone on the planet by releasing a contagion that is turning people into robotic versions of themselves. It seems to be something that melds with the human body/blood cells that will help repair and extend life. It doesn't sound like a bad thing but it seems to be quite painful and no one really likes biological terrorism do they?

Now it makes sense why the Secret Avengers are so set on stopping Father and his creations. That and there are giant sentinels destroying key buildings around New York. Oh, and Captain Britain and the other Avengers are finally getting out of Universe-666. As I said, the story is sort of everywhere but it is finally focusing in. It seems there is going to be quite the battle in New York in the next issue which should involve a lot of Avengers (Daredevil and Spider-Man appear on the last couple pages).

As I said before, I am riding this arc out but I think I am standing my ground and dropping the title after it has completed. I am sad to see all of my Avengers titles go away but at the same time and embracing the chance to start reading something new.

Scarlet Spider 12.1

Writer: Chris Yost
Pencils: Paulo Siqueira with Neil Edwards
Inks: Victor Olazaba with Tom Palmer
Colors: Fabio D'Auria
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Epilogue: Khoi Pham & Fabio D'Auria
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

"The Mark"

I want to start off by applauding Yost at hitting a year with a title that was poisoned by its name from day one. It is hard to think that a Scarlet Spider title has made it this long and is actually GOOD. Kaine was a great fit for the character and continues to be.

Anyhow, this issue is letting Kaine deal a little bit with his past as a murderer and with him truly accepting the mantel of being a superhero. He is fitting in pretty well in Texas and is actually becoming a help. This issue is also starting to tie in a little more with the original thing that kept him in Texas which was sex trafficking and murder. 

This issue, being a .1 issue, is setting up the upcoming year and it seems we may have a little bit of a run in with Kingpin, The Hand and some Wolf things that I am not really sure about what they are or where they came from. Anyhow, it seems that Kaine is going to have his hands full in the year to come.

If you are not reading this comic yet I think this is a great jumping on point. It refreshes a few of the things that have happened over the past year and, as I already stated, is setting the stage for what is coming next. Give it a shot, you wont regret it.

Hawkeye #6

Writer: Matt Fraction
Pencils: David Aja
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99 (All proceeds donated to Sandy Relief!)
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

"Six Nights in the Life of..."

Fraction can do no wrong with this title. Seriously. This comic has been my surprise favorite of the year and every single issue has been a pleasure to read. This issue, considering it is a bonus issue, was no different. It is following six nights in the life of Clint Barton and how his life as a hero influences his life as a human.

The issue jumps around like crazy but tells the reader what day it is by a note in the top corner of each page that is a shift in time. After reading it a second time I think that it reads like a normal memory. When people (at least I...) look back at a memory it doesn't always flow into the mind in chronological order. Sometimes small things spark an earlier memory that forces you to think back to that. The thing in this issue that causes further flashbacks is an arrow in a satellite dish...

Anyhow, I don't want to give away the plot. You should pick this book up no matter what. Don't download it, even if that is your thing (unless you do it through a legal venue such as Comixology or Marvel.com), so that you can not only support an amazing book but also an important cause. I know I sound like a broken record here with this title but I can't stress enough how amazing it is. Do yourself a favor and add it to your pull list now...

Gambit #7

Writer: James Asmus
Pencils: Diogenes Neves & Al Barrionuevo
Inkers: Allen Martinez & Raul Fernandez
Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

"Stiff Upper Lip"

There is a lot going on in this issue but the main thing is we are finally getting out of the main focus of Cich and his goons. MI13 is catching up to the thieves and Gambit is finally showing his expertise when it comes to escapes. There isn't a ton of dialogue here but there is a lot of fighting. I do like the way that Peter Wisdom and Gambit interact and it makes me hopeful that this relationship may build a little in the future but you never know.

I feel like the first arc is closed for the most part but it is bleeding into the second. Gambit, while on a plane home, learns that the woman whose research fundraiser was where Gambit robbed from Cich in the first issue is in major trouble. He now feels obligated to go save from the Forever City due to her being in trouble and a couple of her students already dying. It seems that the action is just going to keep going in this comic.

I am still enjoying this comic but I don't feel as driven to read it as I did initially. I hope that this next arc pulls me back in quickly. It has been nice seeing a Gambit title that isn't terrible for once. Only time will tell if Asmus can keep his readers, I truly hope so. 

Cable and X-Force #2

Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colorist: Frank D' Armata
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

Two of these books two weeks in a row is not a bad thing at all. I am really enjoying the way that they are doing the story telling here by starting after a big event and then wheeling back to show how the team is being formed. I find that the most interesting so far is Colossus and that is one of the main focal points of this issue. It is no secret at this point that any mutant that was super close to the Phoenix Force the last time around is having issues with their powers. It seems that Colossus is struggling with being able to control how to spread his metal form. With the knowledge of Forge and Cable this can be fixed, and that is why he is on the team.

It is still unclear as to what exactly was happening at the beginning of issues #1 and #2 but it seems that whatever the mission was, it went horribly wrong and people are not happy with the turn-out. We do get to see part of Cable's vision in this issue though which actually takes place a few days before the opening moments of this story. There are some really nice moments with Hope and Domino there and we get a glimpse of what may be the first major problem in this book. There definitely seems to be some sort of technological virus or something of the sort spreading and it is being controlled by someone that is still hidden by the shadows.

I am beyond excited for this book and the first two issues are just supporting my initial desire to read it. There is something very attractive about stories that deal with Cable struggling with himself and this book is definitely that. I look forward to issue #3.

All-New X-Men #4

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Wade Von Grawbadger
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

The moment we have all been waiting for has arrived. We finally get to see the original X-Men interact with Scott Summers and his team. He is referred to as the "evil" Scott throughout the battle and it is definitely fun to see. I am loving the way they are dealing with Scott losing control over his powers and Jean trying to learn how to deal with her telepathy. Bendis is doing an incredible job showing these two suffer with this, especially Jean. She definitely did not do well learning of Xavier's death by reading Scott's mind.

I think that Angel is doing a great job of being the voice of "We shouldn't be here" throughout this issue. He seems to be struggling the most with their displacement. As for the others...well I think it is wild that Hank is trying to cure himself and that Bobby is having slight issues dealing with seeing himself.

Regardless, if you are an X-Men fan this book is beyond worth it. We are now four issues in and I can tell you that I am hooked. There is a lot going on here and it is hard to discuss it while still trying to stay relatively vague. I just have to reiterate that this is a must read for mutant lovers because it is going to massively influence all of the other X books.

A+X #3

Black Panther + Storm
Writer: James Aaron
Artist: Pasqual Ferry
Color: Brian Reber
Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Hawkeye + Gambit
Writer: James Asmus
Artist: Billy Tan
Color: Jim Charalampidis
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 19th, 2012

I am so happy that this comic picked up after the first issue... The first part of the book dipped into the lives of Black Panther and Storm. You should know by now that the events in AvX led to the couple getting an annulment and they really hadn't interacted much since then. We get to see how they feel about each other still and actually get some closure on their relationship which was kind of nice.

I really enjoyed the second part of this issue as well. You take the two ladies men from the two main Marvel teams and throw them into a story together and you get an enjoyable tale with plenty of jokes and flirting with a lady. I have been enjoying both of these heroes individual books and seeing them together was nearly as enjoyable. It also doesn't hurt that they are both pretty impressive heroes.

Once again, I am not saying this book is a must buy or that it is anything too incredible. If you just want a fun read with short stories that don't necessarily tie into any main arcs this is a good book for you. If you are looking for something serious that has actual story content, you had better look elsewhere.

Weekly pulls for 12/19/2012

There is a small part of me that thinks Marvel agrees with the idea that the world is going to end on Friday. That would be the only reason that they would release so many titles in one week. One final money suck before the world bursts into flames! Of course I joke, but wouldn't that be a crazy meeting to be a part of?

"So the world is going to end...."
"Yeah...so?"
"We should release over 20 comics two days before!"
"BRILLIANT!"

I assume Marvel doesn't think the world is going to end as I do not think the world is going to end. I am also sure that the immense comic release was to make the day after Christmas a light comic book day that will mostly contain Spider-Man comics to say farewell to Amazing Spider-Man. I just thought it was silly to think that way...oh well.

Considering I just pointed out that there were over 20 comics released this week by Marvel it is no shocker that my pull list was quite lengthy and pricey which made up for the last two weeks that were not. I ended up with a hefty 11 comics yesterday which was an incredible moment. My comic guy laughed at me because I asked about Uncanny Avengers #3 while paying saying that I should just give him my bank card to save me the hassle.

Anyhow, the 11 comics I grabbed were well worth it and I really didn't feel there was anything too terrible in there. The 11 books that were acquired are as follows:

A+X #3 (Black Panther + Storm, Hawkeye + Gambit)
All-New X-Men #4 (Scott vs Scott)
Cable and X-Force #2
Gambit #7
Hawkeye #6 (all proceeds from this issue go to help those that are suffering from Sandy! Pick it up!)
Scarlet Spider #12.1
Secret Avengers #35
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #18
Venom #28
Wolverine and the X-Men #22
X-Men Legacy #3

There is a lot of good reading in there, trust me! I also want to note that tonight Darren, Jonny and I are going to be recording The Panel Scanners episode 8 where we will discuss our favorite books of the year as well as our favorite movies of the year. For our retro-review this month I broke out of my Marvel reading habits (to show that I am not ignorant to other titles out there) to review Alex Ross and Mark Waid's four issue masterpiece Kingdom Come. The episode should be up tomorrow or soon after but if you'd like to give some older episodes a listen before that, they can be found here.

I guess that is all from me for now. I hope everyone out there has a great holiday (whatever holiday it is that you celebrate) and that you find tons of time to read comics!

Scarlet Spider #12

Writer: Chris Yost
Pencils: Reilly Brown
Inks: Terry Pallot
Colors: Andres Mossa
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 12th, 2012

"The Man in the Presidential Suite"

Yost is doing an amazing job showing how Kaine is dealing with the events of Minimum Carnage, and he is not dealing with them well. We see in the early pages of this issue that Kaine is a lightweight drinker and he has a lot of friends trying to take care of him. He doesn't want to be a hero anymore, he just wants to get to Mexico which was his original plan anyhow. The interactions between he and Aracely are still a ton of fun, her clinging to the swear jar throughout the beginning of the issue was great.

The issue itself didn't have a ton of story context other than Kaine realizing that he is needed and that he really is a hero. He has to see his friends in trouble to see that he is a hero and that it wasn't his fault that so many people died at Carnage's hand. The reality of it was that he saved so many others. The fact that Kaine struggles with his past as a killer and that he is trying his best to be a better man makes him so likeable. I enjoyed Minimum Carnage, but it is really nice to be back in Kaine's world as Scarlet Spider. I think that he is finally starting to accept that he is a hero, and I am happy to be along for the ride.

Oh...and did I mention there are robbers dressed up like Santa Claus? Yeah...I am never too upset seeing someone punch a Santa in the face...I don't know why.

Cable and the X-Force #1

Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colorist: Frank D'Armata
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 12th, 2012

This is one of those titles that when you first hear about it you get a big smile on your face and then try your best to wait patiently for it to be in your hands. When it finally gets there you sit, staring at the cover for minutes on end before you open it because you are terrified it may be a piece of over-rated garbage. That is not the case here.

It is obvious that as soon as you get to the page 2-3 spread of the team that you have something good in your hands. You have a team of outcasts standing around dead bodies being told to freeze. You flip the next page and see Nate staring at his err...nephew asking him to stop. The art is capturing, you are brought into the moment and start asking why instantly, and then it flashes back a few days.

I am so happy to see Hope in this title considering there was a question as to what was going to happen to her after AvX. She fits so well here with her father and his team. The conversations between the two of them, especially when they are reunited, were great to see. The issue ends leaving the reader with a lot of questions, especially what exactly Cable is up to, but that is what makes it desirable. I am excited to get the next issue (which I think ships next week) and am excited to see where it goes. I think I am making a strong choice sticking to X titles....we shall see.

Amazing Spider-Man #699.1

Writer: Joe Keatinge with Dan Slott
Art: Valentine Delandro and Marco Checchetto
Color: Antonio Fabela
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 12th, 2012

I want to start by saying this is NOT a Spider-Man focused issue in the slightest. This .1 issue was created for the purpose of setting up the new Morbius The Living Vampire comic. There is a VERY brief overlap with the ongoing Spidey arc that is only covered in the first two pages of the book, other than that it is its own thing.

With that out of the way and by accepting that we don't get to see anymore of what "Doc Ock" is up to, it wasn't a terrible issue. It got those who were not certain about how Morbius became the living vampire up to speed. For those of us that read the issue where it happened (ASM #101) it refreshed our minds and gave us even more information on Michael as a child. It was interesting to see how much he suffered and why he made the choices that he did.

I have to say that going into this issue with the knowledge that it was about Morbius, I was not excited. After reading it my interest is piqued for the new Morbius book. I guess I may have to consider picking up another Spider-Man related title when January comes.

Weekly pulls for 12/12/2012

I am not so sure what to ramble about this week. Not too much has happened in the world of comics. I haven't heard much about new stuff on the horizon and any other "breaking" news has already been mentioned. With Marvel NOW! in full swing with multiple titles having multiple issues out I feel like I am beating a dead horse by discussing how it is doing because it is doing fine. I can think of one minimal grief with Marvel right now though. They have been releasing preview books for their new runs (I received the second one with my pulls this week) and in the back they have the release calendar for the month in which the book was released. Those dates don't always match with the actual release dates and that causes the consumer to feel as if they may have missed a book they really want. I just wish Marvel would forgo actually printing release dates if they are not set in stone, it is just good business. As I said, not a big deal, but it bugged me a bit after having a pretty stressful start to my week.

After a rough beginning to my week I was quite excited to run to my comic shop this Wednesday to see what was waiting for me and for the first time in months my pull list was minimal. This wasn't too much of a surprise, I knew it was going to be a light week and I knew I had dropped a few titles so I was excited for what was waiting for me. It was also nice to see my bill at around $10 instead of the normal $20+. So with a smile on my face, a free 2013 Marvel NOW! calendar and the second free Marvel NOW! preview book in my bag I headed home with a smile on my face.

After watching part of the Sandy relief concert (which has some really amazing parts to it) I went to bed and cracked open the first of my three books for the week with excitement. I guess I am getting ahead of myself...my pulls for the week were a simple three:

Amazing Spider-Man #699.1
Cable and the X-Force #1
Scarlet Spider #12

I learned something that night. I think that no matter what my pulls are for the week I should limit my reading of new titles to three a night. It felt perfect, I enjoyed the stories more and really think I remember a lot more about each individual story. This may be my new way of doing things....only time shall tell. Reviews will follow as always and remember, happy reading!

Amazing Spider-Man #699

Writer: Dan Slott
Pencils: Humberto Ramos
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Color Art: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 05th, 2012

"Dying Wish: Outside The Box"

If you have not read ASM #698 for some reason stop reading now. Run to a shop, buy the digital version, do what you have to but read it now! That is done right? Good. Now that you know that Doc Ock has switched bodies with Peter Parker you are ready to burst into this issue filled with suffering. Also...spoilers ahead. I can't keep them inside anymore.

Peter doesn't know what to do now that he is mere hours (if not minutes) away from his death in a body that is not his own. He is stressing about what Ock is doing in his own body while trying to figure out how to get back into it. His struggle is so incredible and painful that it is hard to not feel for him. After all of his years as a hero he is going to die in the body of a villain. 

He figures out that if Doc Ock has full control over his body and memories that he must have the same which literally forces him to think like his enemy. There is also a terrible moment about Aunt May...but I'll let you read it to see that horrible image.

Peter does come up with a plan to get out of his holding cell and get close to his body that I will not ruin here. I want everyone who has cared even the slightest about Spider-Man in the past to run out and read this final arc of Amazing Spider-Man. Dan Slott is completely on his A-game. This is the first time in a long time that I am truly anxious to get my hands on the next issue. So many people are excited for Christmas this year...I am excited for the day after.

All-New X-Men #3

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Wade Von Grawbadger
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 05th, 2012

This new flagship X-Men title is continuously impressing me. I think the cover of this issue gives you a slight insight as to what is happening. The cover (not variant) shows Cyclops seemingly a bit out of control with his eye-beams walking forward. Inside of the book we are beginning to learn that those that were the closest to the Phoenix Force are having a little bit of a problem with their powers because they are changing. After all of that time of Scott Summers thinking that he finally has learned to control his powers, they are all out of wack again.

I am very happy that this issue also FINALLY shows us when and how Emma Frost is freed from her prison. It was well placed and did a nice job showing as to why she is even with Scott again, although begrudgingly. I think Bendis is doing a nice job showing these characters realistically in an aftermath of something massive.

On the "good" side of things we are getting very minimal this issue. Unlike the first two books of the series the focus is on Scott's team rather than those at Wolverine's school. We are starting to get a feel for what their plans are and even where they are hiding out. I think this is all getting put in place well before their side of the story is told in the new Uncanny X-Men. The final page shows the spread of the original X-Men finally confronting Scott and co which makes me anxious to see the next issue later this month.

I am really liking what Bendis is doing with this title and am happy that I am standing in the corner of the X-Men books now. Just flipping through the pages while writing this has put a new smile on my face.

Hawkeye #5

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Javier Pulido
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 05th, 2012

"The Tape Part 2: 'Operation Eucritta'"

Every month Fraction and Pulido put this beautiful book into my hands and every month I am reminded as to what it has been my pick of the month for the past four months. There is so much going on in every issue while still feeling like simple and crisp storytelling that you can't put down. The feeling of connection between the two Hawkeyes feels so human that it is hard to talk about Kate Bishop and Clint Barton without feeling like they may be real people.

Okay okay, I am done gushing. This is the second and final issue in "The Tape" storyline.   The reasoning behind the tape of Hawkeye is so fitting and the escape of Kate and Clint was so fitting that it was hard to not smile. I have to note that I was never a giant fan of these characters before this book and now I feel like I am old friends with these two.

I don't want to ruin anything about this issue. I think it is pretty imperative that you read this if you are at all into comics, especially Marvel titles. It will honestly be the best $2.99 you have ever spent.

Deadpool #3

Writers: Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan
Artist: Tony Moore
Colorist: Val Staples
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 05th, 2012

"Dr. Strange Lives (or How I Learned Deadpool Was Da Bomb)"

So far this has been the most amusing title from the Marvel NOW! run which should come as no surprise. Deadpool is truly hamming it up throughout the pages and there is plenty of help given with his supporting cast. This issue takes us a step deeper into the realm of the unknown by bringing in Dr. Strange who is to help Deadpool take out the undead...that is the idea at least.

The readers are given a little back-story on the guy who is reviving the presidents as well as getting introduced to a couple more that have been revived. I am surprisingly enjoying the over the top representations of the presidents involved. Any stereotypical thing you can attach to one of them is present here but it is done in a way that doesn't feel stale. There is even a Watergate joke done by Nixon.

The issue ends with Dr. Strange giving Deadpool a sword that is enchanted and will help destroy the undead and also whispers some information into his ear that is not shared with the readers. Deadpool is now off to try to fix the undead problem on his own. I have faith that the next issue will keep me laughing as much as this one.

Avenging Spider-Man #15

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Art: Gabriele Dell'Otto
Color Art: Dommo Aymara
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 05th, 2012

Still in the Savage Land, still kicking dinosaurs in the face with the help of Moon-Boy and Devil Dinosaur! I think the team-ups is why my comic store owner was trying to talk me out of this book but I have to stand by my choice that this is just fun to read. There is no main tie to a storyline, there is just Spidey hanging with someone he knows webbing things up to get stuff done. I think it is a nice way to break up the normal flow of my other books.

On that, this was a fun issue. Spidey fights his way through the Savage Land to help free the dinosaurs that were being used as science experiments as well as his friends from Horizon Labs. There is a lot of fighting, a lot of dinosaurs and an appearance from Brainchild. As I say nearly every month, pick this up for a fun read. If you missed last month's issue you may want it because this is the second part of that. Regardless, it is worth it just to see some miscommunication between Moon-Boy and Spidey...I chuckled a few times and slid this book back into its bag with a smile on my face.

Weekly pulls for 12/05/2012

My pulls this week were actually difficult for the first time in a while. I had stated that in my last blog that I had to stop dropping titles and then made the announcement that I will be dropping all Avengers titles after they go to new #1s. My comic guy had something else in mind. He actually ARGUED with me over picking up Avenging Spider-Man over Avengers because Hickman had such a phenomenal run with The Ultimates. I get that people have their overall choices but I haven't read Hickman's run of The Ultimates and really am not super excited for the new Avengers book. So after a lot of whining and argument on my part (being a big Spidey fan) I left the comic shop with the book that I wanted.

I think it is really interesting to see people that respond so strongly to one writer over any other. I understand allegiances but I also see people fall back on these choices so quickly. I heard so many people complain about Bendis (referring to him as the "BM" of comic writers) and then turn around and praise him for being an amazing writer with All-New X-Men. I think a lot of a writer's strength comes from the source material and that if you have a strong affinity toward a certain book that may change your outlook on things. I am sure Hickman is a great writer and that his work on The Ultimates was great, but that wont pull me into picking up copies of Avengers based on namesake. I followed Remender over to Secret Avengers and am regretting it a bit currently.

I guess this rant isn't going anywhere, it is just a rant. I think that people should just take a deep breath and let people read the things they enjoy. I am not mad at my comic shop owner, I am actually happy to have had such a passionate conversation with another comic reader about something while feeling informed finally. I think this venture back into comics has been great for me.

Now that the rant is done I suppose it is time to drop the titles that I picked up this week. FINALLY my list has become slightly shorter with only five titles this week:

Avenging Spider-Man #15
Deadpool #3
Hawkeye #5
All-New X-Men #3
Amazing Spider-Man #699

My reviews should follow either later tonight or tomorrow morning depending on when the wife is heading home from work. Until then, as always, happy reading!

All-New X-Men #2

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Wade Von Grawbadger
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 28th, 2012

Oh man is this book interesting. We were left off in the end of the last issue with Beast trying to convince his past self as well as the rest of the original X-Men to come to the future to stop the power-hungry new Scott Summers. With a bit of convincing the kids come with him and they begin to learn what the future holds for them, and it is going to be terrifying.

There is an amazing moment in the comic when the group returns to the future and they show a zoomed out version of the Jean Grey school where it is super futuristic. It is of course shocking for the old cast to see. There is also a great moment right when Wolverine interacts with the group where Jean stops him from attacking them.

There is a great interaction between past Bobby Drake and current where they scream in one another's faces which is incredibly cliche but for some reason made me chuckle.With the small piece of comedy, Beast battling with his fatal new mutation and the, as Wolverine called them, "little X-Men" deciding to try to go and talk some sense into current Scott Summers there is A LOT to look forward to in this title. I have to admit that so far Bendis has my attention and he will continue to get it as long as this book stays anywhere close to this good.

X-Men Legacy #2

Script: Simon Spurrier
Pencils: Tan Eng Huat
Inks: Craig Yeung
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Letters: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 28th, 2012

"Prodigal: Part 2"

Issue #2 definitely reaffirmed my belief that a lot of this comic takes place in David Haller's head. I love the level of insanity that is portrayed in the pages of this book because I think it is impossible to tell a story about David without it being insane. This is a guy whose head houses many different personalities that can quickly take over his body and give him different powers. If anything was told through his perspective and it wasn't insane, I would be quite put back.

This second issue deals heavily on David finding a way to control himself again so that he can protect himself and find what he can do to follow in his father's footsteps. The whole issue deals with his angst, trying to find himself physically and mentally which is done in a way that I didn't think possible. He is dealing with his demons while approaching others head on.

After issue #1 I was a little uncertain if X-Men Legacy was going to be a title for me. This issue confirmed that it has to be. There is so much to like here and so much to want to learn. I want to be along for David Haller's insane ride, it is going to be fun.

Venom #27.1

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Art: Marco Checchetto
Color: Fabio D'Auria
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 28th, 2012

"The Evil Inside Us All..."

Wow Flash is starting to lose it. I feel that the events in Minimum Carnage caused him to lose a little more control over the symbiote. I think the way that Bunn is writing the slow transformation is wonderful. There are small moments where you can see the classic Venom poke his head through while Flash still seems to feel he is in charge. That is the strong part of the book.

The part about the book that makes me nervous is it seems that there is going to be more of a focus on the demon inside of him again. I understand that this is a big writing point for Venom and a good way to show why Flash is losing control but I am still very iffy on the concept. I love my comics but I am not a big fan of the supernatural, Hell/demon stuff that is sometimes thrown in.

Regardless of the previous fact, I really am still enjoying this title. I like how much Flash has developed as a character and I like how there is still a strong connection to Spider-Man through the conversations between Flash and Peter. I am hoping that the conversations with Peter and another person from Flash's past are put in place to show that he is going to spend the next few issues dealing with his past rather than the demon. Only time will tell and I will be here to find out.

Gambit #6

Writer: James Asmus
Pencils: Diogenes Neves & Al Barrionuevo
Inks: Allen Martinez & Raul Fernandez
Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 28th, 2012

"British Invasion"

Only Remy would try to steal the Excalibur from the Queen of England and be somewhat successful...Remy is still deeply in trouble and is being forced to continue to work for Cich who wants Remy to pay for destroying all of his weapons. He has sent Remy into England to steal the Excalibur and obviously has more serious plans.

Pete Wisdom is used well as a person who can handle Remy with little struggle. He knows how to contain Remy and tries his best to get information out of him. Sadly, Remy knows very little and is still incredibly concerned that Cich is going to blow him up at any moment. I am loving how Remy is going with the flow and is trying his best to just stay alive by being smarmy and staying as close to Cich as possible. The bad thing is, he is catching all of the blame and now has all of MII after him due to what Cich actually stole from them. 

Asmus is still writing a great book and that is saying a lot considering that Gambit titles are cursed to fail. I know this is still the first arc but my hopes are high for what is to come. This is going to continue to be a title that I am excited to see in my pull list. 

Uncanny Avengers #2

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: John Cassady
Color: Laura Martin
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 28th, 2012

This is a solid second issue to a series setting up what it is going to be about. There is a lot of negative mutant rumblings after the events of AvX and it is seen heavily in this title. People don't trust mutants and will do whatever they can to remove them from the equation. This is made very clear in the early pages of the book. It doesn't help that there is an incredibly evil man at the helm convincing people that there must be something done about the mutant race.

There is a lot to like in this issue. We are beginning to see the Red Skull's ambitions and we are beginning to see Scarlet Witch and Rogue's relationship evolve. It is no surprise that their whole thing is going to be rocky at first, but I feel they are going to work incredibly well together.

The reasoning behind the cliffhanger ending in issue #1 is shown toward the end of this issue and it has a terrible effect on Rogue and Scarlet Witch. I am excited to see how the two ladies handle themselves against the powered up Red Skull and his group of mutants in the next issue. I am also excited to see where this title goes. I am still not amazed by the work within the pages but at least now I can say I am intrigued. Maybe this will be the book that reminds me why I like Remender so much.

Secret Avengers #34

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Matteo Scalera
Color: Matthew Wilson
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 28th. 2012

"Synthetic Dawn"

This is another title that I am slowly losing interest in which is very sad. I love Venom as a character and I normally love Remender's work but this arc is doing very little for me.With the split of Venom, Valkyrie and Black Widow battling the Descendants while Hawkeye and Captain Britain fight undead versions of Avengers in Earth 666 it is just kind of everywhere.

The fights in both places are picking up and it isn't looking good for either group but for some reason I am just feeling nervous for either. Hawkeye has become way too  big of a character for them to let him drop in and undead world and the other trio are bringing in readers for Marvel so nothing terrible will happen to them. The story telling just feels a little jarring...there is even a moment where Beast pops out of a portal and kicks a guy but nothing else happens...I think he even vanishes after the fact back into the portal? It wasn't clear but I guess that can be assumed.

There is also a small thing going on with Hank Pym and robotic Janet...it is a little interesting but I am not certain what the overall repercussions will be. Regardless, I still have a little hope for this title and as always will read it till the end of this arc. It is truly sad that the last arcs for the Avenger books I have been reading have been leaving such a sour taste in my mouth. I hope the new #1s help these titles....

New Avengers #34

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Aritst: Mike Deodato
Color: Rain Beredo
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $4.99
Release Date: November 28th, 2012

"End Times: The Finale"

I have to admit that this arc went out with a bang. Basically the whole over-sized issue was a fight between Doctor Strange and the demon who had all of the other Avengers possessed. There is a cool moment early in the issue where on each page of the fight the artist changes to sort of reflect the craziness of the battle. I think it was a good use of jam artists. It also became abundantly clear that the whole purpose of this arc was to show Doctor Strange's growth as a sorcerer and that he will do anything for his world.

The end of the fight was done well and if you like Doctor Strange at all you should give it a read AND I refuse to spoil the ending because it is good enough to read. There is also the "final" farewell of Luke Cage leaving the team to go off with his wife. There is a mention of "Heroes for Hire" which makes me wonder if that title is one of the still unnamed Marvel NOW titles that are still on their way.

All-in-all this was a good ending to a mediocre arc. Much like with The Avengers, I think I gave New Avengers enough of a chance and will be bowing out from reading it on a twice a month basis. I am also uncertain about the whole Illuminati feel of the title starting next month with the new #1. It is sad and a tad relieving to know that I have now dropped two titles. Sadly, I am sure they will be replaced as quickly as they vanished.

A+X #2

Black Widow + Rogue
Writer/Penciler/Colorist: Chris Bachalo
Inker: Tim Townsend
Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Iron Man + Kitty Pryde
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Mike Del Mundo
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 28th, 2012

This was SO much better than issue #1. To be honest when I picked up this issue I wasn't overly excited about the first combo and I could care less about the second but they were incredibly fun to read AND I enjoyed the artwork so much more.

The Black Widow + Rogue section dealt with the two ladies battling a Sentinel in the city while they start to build a relationship. I know the premise sounds a bit dumb but the conversation and fight as a whole was wonderfully done. The jokes between the two ladies and the use of Rogue's mutant ability was orchestrated wonderfully. I had a big smile on my face at the end of this section.

The Iron Man + Kitty Pryde section was also surprising. Del Mundo's art took me back initially due to the elongated drawings of people but it fit well and was great to look at. Kitty was being offered a job at a satellite Tony Stark company and she was learning what exactly they were working on. She of course gets hit on by Tony and also causes a Brood attack. It was interesting to read and once again had some great interactions between the two characters.

This issue was so much more of what I was expecting from issue #1. I am glad that it stepped up or I was going to drop the book after this week. It isn't my pick of the week or anything crazy like that but it was definitely a fun read. Pick it up if you want a fun couple of stories to read.

Weekly pulls for 11/28/2012

Good morning comic book readers! It was another great week in comics and there were plenty of reasons to remind me why I love these pieces of art so much. We are finally starting to get a feel for the new Marvel NOW titles and we are getting a feel for where they are going. So far I am happy with my choices.

As for my choices...I had a heavy week AGAIN which I swear I am going to stop complaining so much about. I just have to accept that I buy a lot of comics and that it isn't going to stop anytime soon. I am really complaining about nothing...I like doing it and it is my choice.

Anyhow, there are eight books this week that fell into my hands and for the most part they were solid. All of the Marvel NOW titles were enjoyable...but I guess I am getting ahead of myself. The titles for this week are as follows:

A+X # 2 (Rogue & Black Widow, Kitty Pryde & Iron Man)
New Avengers #34 (End Times and the end of Bendis' run)
Secret Avengers #34
Uncanny Avengers #2 (Finally!)
Gambit #6
Venom #27.1
X-Men Legacy #2
All-New X-Men #2

As I said, there was a lot to read this week. I think the big blow was the .1 issue which was not bad but I still don't get why they do it (other than to make bank). Well, complaining aside, I really enjoyed this stack of books and reviews are to follow.

Oh, one more thing...I am sorry that this is so late this week and if it seems a little off in comparison to my other entries. I am just waking up...happy reading!

Wolverine and the X-Men #21

Writer: Jason Aaron
Penciler: Nick Bradshaw
Inkers: Walden Wong, Scott Hanna. Norman Lee and Danny Miki
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 21st, 2012

"The Greatest Freakshow on Earth"

The issue starts out with every kids' dream, a school with no teachers. Of course Quentin Quire doesn't trust that the teachers are actually gone but when he learns that it is true, he leaves the school with some of the other students. At the same time, Max (of the Hellfire Club) is following Idie in the woods using his preacher robot to continue to brainwash her. We quickly learn that Max is a Frankenstein which is why he is so good at science in general.

It seems that the teachers of the school are kidnapped and brainwashed to work at a nearby circus that is run by Frankenstein's monster who was introduced a couple issues ago. The X-Men are being forced to perform without any knowledge of who they really are. My favorite of the group is Wolverine as a clown. 

Anyhow, it seems the monster is there to hunt down the last member of the Frankenstein family to get his revenge. Max doesn't exactly know what is going on but he does find his way to the circus, as do the students of the Jean Grey school. The issue closes with quite the cliffhanger of the Monster standing over Max and the teachers of the school being told to fight their students. Issue #22 promises to have some great moments.

Jason Aaron's work in this book never fails me. No matter if it is standing alone, a part of a larger event or anything else, it constantly keeps me engaged and attached to the characters. Books like this are why I gravitate more toward X-Men books than Avenger books.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #17

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Pepe Larraz
Colorist: Justin Ponsor
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 21st, 2012

This comic really makes me want to read the rest of the Ultimate Universe. I am so lost as to what is going on with the "United We Stand" story arc other than the U.S. is going to crap and Hydra is taking advantage of it...or caused it? I don't know, but the Ultimates want to stop it. Even without complete knowledge of the arc I am still able to enjoy what Bendis is doing with Spidey.

Even though Miles is a part of the Ultimates, he is still having problems getting the support from everyone in the team. Notably, he is having issues getting the go order from Spider-Woman due to...well being a clone of Peter and probably not wanting another kid to get killed.

The fight against Hydra is amazing. I love the way that Bendis portrays Miles' fighting style as almost accidentally awesome. He doesn't have complete control over everything yet but still is successful on the field. Regardless of his talent, he is still very green and it shows in the end with him stuck alone in a field due to his own mistakes.

Every issue I love this book more and more. I am so glad that I gave it a chance even though Peter was no longer Spider-Man. I think that is also why I am staying so positive when it comes to Superior Spider-Man. I know that a Spidey book can be great, even without Peter in the lead. I am just happy that we are finally out of the "United We Stand" arc and are moving onto a Venom arc...gotta love Spidey.

Minimum Carnage Omega #1

Writers: Christ Yost & Cullen Bunn
Art: Lan Medina
Inkers: Kesel, Wong, Mendoza & Bit
Epilogue Art: Shalvey & Pham
Colors: Cotocolor
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 21st, 2012

"Minimum Carnage Omega"

This is what it has all been leading up to, Carnage back in the real world. I LOVE the way that Yost and Bunn decided to bring him back into the real world. People are literally bleeding Carnage out of their eyes and mouth. He is so violent, he kills on return to the Macroverse, you have to love it.

Of course Carnage isn't allowed to return to the Macroverse alone, so Flash and Kaine follow behind equipped with a weapon to help destroy Carnage. Their re-entry isn't as epic as Carnage's...it actually causes them problems because they do not return in the same size in which they left. As mini versions of themselves, you know that they are going to struggle fighting one of the cruelest men ever alive.

The fight is well done and shows the changes inside of Flash and Kaine. They are no longer enemies of one another but they have a slightly different idea of what justice is. Kaine will always be more violent than Flash which makes me wonder what it would be like to see Kaine in the Symbiote. I doubt that will happen but it would be a really cool story.

I don't want to spoil the ending for those of you that want to read it but it was definitely the best part of the arc. Also, if you read Scarlet Spider or Venom I think this issue is key to some major changes going on in those two character's lives. Yost and Bunn did a really nice job with this book and I am excited to see where their individual titles go in the near future.

Hawkeye #4

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Javier Pulido
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 21st, 2012

"The Tape Part 1 of 2"

Fraction is writing such a solid book here that it is hard to wait for the monthly release. Now, he is deciding to make multi-parters? That is so unfair. Anyhow, "The Tape" is focusing on a tape showing Clint assassinating a wanted criminal that breaks all sorts of protocol and could get many people, namely S.H.I.E.L.D. into trouble. He is sent off to Madripoor to win the tape from an auction but of course it doesn't go well.

I have to mention that I am loving the amount that Wilson Fisk is showing up. I am assuming that it is foreshadowing a great arc in the near future between he and Clint. I am also loving the play between the two Hawkeye characters. Kate Bishop is so unwilling to take no for an answer and will do anything to help Clint out. Their relationship is strange though and I am not certain what is going on with them. I am also confused if this Clint is a different one than the one in the current Avengers run due to the fact there has been no mention of Jessica.

Other than that one grief, this comic is still amazing. I am excited to see what part 2 has in store for me. I am still really digging the art of this book as well, I think its clean cut almost vintage looking style fits really well with the story telling. I have said this before and I will continue to say it; if you are not reading this book, you need to start. 

Deadpool #2

Writer: Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan
Artist: Tony Moore
Colorist: Val Staples
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 21st, 2012

"We Fought a Zoo"

HA! Oh man, Deadpool is definitely put on this planet to make me laugh. I like the fact that I go into this comic not expecting gold and just laugh myself from cover to cover. This issue starts out with Wade on a beach with Invisible Woman, Emma Frost and She-Hulk, all of which are fighting over him. It closes with him getting a big kiss from She-Hulk...which ends up being the Ghost of Ben Franklin giving him mouth to mouth.

This leads into one of the weirdest side-kicks that no one but the protagonist can see. Not only is Wade fighting off undead presidents, he has a ghost side kick who is also a founding father. Anyhow, with Wade now revived, he is set to go after Teddy Roosevelt who happens to be hunting animals at the zoo. Of course, there are tons of one-liners and president beatings to follow. Ghost Ben Franklin explains to Wade that electricity will stop the undead presidents.

The fight concludes but it is decided that Wade may need some help with these creatures and we are left with him on the doorstep of Doctor Strange. No matter how silly this book is, it is fun. Looking back through the pages to write this review made me smile multiple times. I think there is some comic gold in here but you have to come into it not taking it seriously. If you can do that, you should read this title.

Avengers #34

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artists: Brandon Peterson, Mike Mayhew, Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson
Colors: Jason Keith with Laura Martin & Paul Mounts
Letters: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $4.99
Release Date: November 21st, 2012

"End Times, The Finale"

Wait, we're still in the Microverse? Sheesh...The main focus of this issue is the battle in the Microverse with Gouzar. The Avengers are struggling to win while in the normalverse, S.H.I.E.L.D. and the remaining Avengers try to decide how to get into the Microverse to help their friends. They decide that finding Pym Particles to shrink themselves down will be the best bet. Wonderman quickly appears with said particles and joins the fray inside the Microverse.

Reading that last paragraph makes me look insane. Lots of made up words in there it seems. Regardless, with a bit of a whimper of storytelling, the Avengers somehow leave the Microverse bringing Janet back to the real world. There is a bit of a battle quickly after this return in which the Avengers way out numbered their foe and drop him easily. 

The arc ends the way that it has played out from the beginning, a bit weak. A party is thrown to welcome Janet back and it ends with Cap and Tony talking about what to do next with the Avengers. With a bit of cheese, Tony closes the issue with a "We go bigger" comment and Bendis' run with The Avengers ends. 

I am not saying it was a terrible issue, it wasn't. There is a lot to love in here: Good art, pretty decent writing, a giant fight with great spreads, but it hasn't really connected me to the Avengers to a point that I want to keep following them. I find the collection of the world's most powerful heroes a little hard to enjoy reading. I think the reason I like X-Men so much is that the heroes aren't polished like they are here. Who knows...maybe in a few months I will return to The Avengers, but for now, I am taking my leave with Bendis.

Amazing Spider-Man #698

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Richard Elson
Colorist: Antonio Fabela
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 21st, 2012

"Dying Wish Prelude: Day in the Life"

First, if you have any love for Spidey I want to remind everyone that this is supposedly Peter Parker's last arc. Dan Slott has been building toward this moment for ages and man, it starts out with a bang. It seems that I am getting ahead of myself and I should really preface this entry a little differently. If you love Spidey, if you love comics, heck, if you want a good read at all PICK UP THIS ISSUE (if you can find a copy).

Richard Elson brings life to the page that is on par with my favorite Humberto Ramos, and I think he was a great choice for this first issue. We get to see Spidey living his day to day life and being quite happy with it. Things are really looking up for him. He still has MJ in his life, he is working at Horizon, Aunt May is bouncing back after her injury, life is good. 

It is a known fact that when life is good for Peter Parker, something bad is going to happen. Doctor Octopus is going into his last few moments of life at The Raft and Peter is called to be there because he is asking for him, by real name. This is a big deal and even if you look at the cover you see Octavius saying "Peter Parker" so you saw it coming. What you don't see coming is.....well....frick. I really don't want to spoil it. I think it is important for people to read this issue. I will not, however, be able to contain myself by next issue when talking about the major twist that falls on the last couple pages of this book. 

There is a lot to love here and a lot to be angry about depending on what type of comic reader you are. I trust Dan Slott and what he has done with Spidey for his run so I trust these final issues of Amazing Spider-Man to be good reading. Remember, a twist isn't always a bad thing. There was once a blonde who Peter loved whose neck snapped, Peter Parker used to have six arms...things happen in comics, people get mad. Just remember that we are all in it for the ride, that is what makes good story telling.

Weekly Pulls for 11/21/2012

First, I want to wish a belated happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers out there. I know you all aren't American, but you all deserve my thanks for reading my blog. Second, I forgot to mention last week that episode seven of The Panel Scanners is up for your listening enjoyment which can be found here. Third, Marvel NOW is in full swing and I once again got way too many comics for one week.

I think one of the largest buzzes on the internet this week that is comic related is that of Amazing Spider-Man #698. There is definitely a reason for that and you will see in my review of it. In other craziness, Minimum Carnage has come to a close and was also a bit interesting.

I do believe that I have come to one major conclusion though this week. I have to cut back a few titles and I have painstakingly been combing the weekly pulls to figure out what is going. I think I am going to drop all of the Avengers titles other than Uncanny Avengers when they reach their new #1s. It is nothing against the writers or the books themselves, but they are the things I am least interested in. I have always been more of an X-Men guy.

With that said, here are my pulls for this week:

Amazing Spider-Man #698
Avengers #34
Deadpool #2
Hawkeye #4
Minimum Carnage Omega #1
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #17
Wolverine and the X-Men #21

That is, once again, seven books this week and it looks like I have nine coming next week. Too much I must say...Regardless, they all have merit and I will miss reading the stack I shall be dropping in the next couple of months. Avengers (the flagship) is officially dropped. Anyhow, reviews are to follow! Happy reading my friends.

Amazing Spider-Man #697

Writers: Dan Slott & Christos Gage
Pencis: Camuncoli
Inks: Green and Dell
Colors: Fabela
Letterer: Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 14th, 2012

"Danger Zone Part Three: War of the Goblins"

Slott and Gage really know how to tell a story. I know I am a giant Spider-Man fan to begin with but this last arc has been great. You get Hobgolbins, you get Peter Parker with webshooters running around with his boss Max Modell trying to find Osborn's secret Green Goblin cache of goodies. While all of this is happening, the Kingpin has spider-scramblers set up around town to mess with Spidey's Spider-Senses making them super sensitive. THAT is a lot of stuff going on.

I love how in this issue Peter is trying so hard to pretend he is not Spidey to Max while I believe the man has known for a while that he is truly Spidey. Peter even references when Doc Ock yanked his mask off while in High School which he was able to play off as if he wasn't Spidey (I read that issue #12 only two months ago!). I also love the fact that all of Spidey's training with Shang-Chi comes into play which leads to a beautiful panel of him looking badass on a Goblin Glider (See Twitter for panel).

Without ruining the outcome of this issue or dropping the little cliffhanger from the end I have to say that this is a MUST READ if you are interested in what will happen to Peter in issue #700. Dan Slott and Christos Gage have my complete attention for the next four issues (there is a .1 in there) and I am beyond excited for what is to come. Do not miss these last couple issues...seriously.

Venom #27

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Art: Declan Shalvey
Colors: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 14th, 2012

"Minimum Carnage Part 5: Family Bondage"

Wow are things getting out of hand for Flash and Kaine. This series started out as a whimper for me but is now a roar. At the end of the last issue we learned that the symbiotes were going to be used to make an army, which they have done. There are tons of angry alien suits running around trying to cause havoc and the only people that can stop it are Kaine and the now worn out Flash.

In his weakened state Flash isn't certain he can do much but does everything he can but realizes the only way he can win is if he gives in to the suit for the first time. By channeling his past he is able to control his symbiote and battle off his enemies. He is powerful again and is able to be successful with minimal help from Kaine. Of course, Carnage isn't able to be defeated simply by Flash gaining control of Venom and is able to escape. 

I think that the reason that this series is called "Minimum Carnage" will be completely obvious by the time you finish reading this issue and by the time we all tackle Minimum Carnage Omega next week. I am excited to see how this ends and to see the aftermath.

New Avengers #33

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
Colors: Rain Beredo
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 14th, 2012

"End Times Part 3"

I am standing by my original meh feeling about this arc. The fact that I don't care too heavily for the mystic world of Doctor Strange isn't helping much but at least this issue had some moments that made me smile. 

At the end of the last issue we saw S.H.I.E.L.D. pointing guns at the Avengers while people were being possessed. After a shot to the head, Maria Hill notices that the Avengers are in fact possessed...or at least one of them at a time, and is willing to help them. But she had already contacted the main Avengers team to come and help..which gave more powerful people to be possessed. That was the part I was meh about.

The fun part about this issue was the fight in the courtyard between Avengers. It is nearly impossible to track which person is possessed because he can bounce around so they all just beat the crap out of one another. This leads to news coverage that Luke Cage sees after running away with his wife and he decides to return to the battle (money on he is what saves everyone in the next issue). 

The issue ends with Doctor Strange calling the demon out for a duel to the death. It seems the next issue will be dealing with that. In all reality, this issue isn't terrible. I think the comics I was reading around it were just so good that it was lost on me a little bit. Give it a shot yourself and let me know what you think, but as of now,  I am close to dropping this title (even though I know there is a new creative team starting soon).

Gambit #5

Writer: James Asmus
Pencils: Diogenes Neves
Inker: Allen Martinez
Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 15th, 2012

"Under-Dressed and Under Duress"

Man do I love the title of this issue. Word play makes me happy. Anyhow, we last left Remy sitting in a limo with guns pointed at his face. Things didn't look too good for him and it seems that things aren't. He is now stuck working for the man he stole from, Cich, and has no real escape.

There are moments in this issue when you can see how much Remy has changed since the old days. He doesn't want any bystanders to get hurt, he is trying to protect everyone and he just wants to get back home. Regardless of these changes, he is still such an incredible thief and fighter that he can be successful at everything. I also want to say how much I am loving how Asmus is using Remy's powers in this book. It isn't all about charging things for explosions. There is a moment in this issue where he charges a keypad to see the punch code because organics don't charge and fingerprints are bacteria. It was amazing...

By the end of this issue Remy is not in any better of a place, actually at one point he is falling from an airplane about to die...not great for him. He is also heading to his next forced mission from Cich to MI13...headed up by Director Wisdom...you know...Pete Wisdom who can absorb heat to fight...which will be hard for our hand to hand combat Remy to take on. 

This first arc has been nothing short of shockingly good. I am impressed with Asmus and find myself waiting anxiously for the next issue. It is about time Gambit got a good series.

Wolverine and the X-Men #20

Writer: Jason Aaron
Art: Steve Sanders
Colorist: Frank D'Armata
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 14th, 2012

"The Search for Something New"

There is no major surprise that this comic is also starting to deal with new mutants appearing around the world and with the X-Men trying to help them by offering them a place at the Jean Grey School. In this issue we meet...well I guess you can call her Shark Girl? Angel is now running around for the school to help recruit because he feels he is the best to do it being their first graduate. We also learn a little about his own new power which seems to be slowly killing him...funny how all of the "original" X-Men have something going wrong eh?

Anyhow, Shark Girl isn't a huge fan at the idea of going to a school and the appearance of Mystique and Silver Samurai doesn't exactly help. I am trying to figure out whose side Mystique is on...is she with Scott or is she working with Sinister or even just by herself to collect mutants? It is sure to come up in the near future.

I don't want to get too into the details of the fight or who gets Shark Girl in the end but the fight is incredibly enjoyable to see and there are plenty of jokes mixed in. Angel is getting pretty impressive.... Anyhow, this is a standard Wolverine and the X-Men book. If you like Aaron's writing, this is worth the read. To me this comic, along with All-New X-Men, is getting me excited to see what new mutants are coming and if the world is going to crumble with them.

X-Men Legacy #1

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Penciler: Tan Eng Huat
Inker: Craig Yeung
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 14th, 2012

"Prodigal"

Before I even jump into the comic's story I have to make a comment about the art. I was a little shaky out the gate but have come to find that the watercolor-esque style of the book was insanely fitting for such an unbalanced character. I feel that the art wasn't super focused also showed how unfocused the new lead character for this book, Legion aka David Haller aka Charles Xavier's son, truly is. 

Going into this I had no idea what had happened to David considering I stopped reading comics for such a long time and the last I knew he was dealing with his powers. It seems that his dad dropped him off somewhere in Himalayan India where he is with others that have problems. For those of you who don't remember David's power set...well that is because it is kind of crazy. He has multiple personalities poured into his head, each of which has their own superpowers which makes him crazy powerful and crazy insane. I think that this combination could make for one crazy series.

On that, because David is insane the comic is written that way. If I read it correctly, I think that the incredibly watercolor moments take place in his mind where he is holding back all of his other personalities and powers while the other part is the real world. He loses his stability a bit toward the end of the issue due to his connection with his father and seeing him get killed and he wipes the floor with everyone around him. The issue ends with him standing in a crater waiting for the X-Men to come from him while in his brain everything seems to be in shambles.

If I followed everything correctly after my second read through, which I think I did, this comic has potential to be AMAZING. It is always fun to read a comic where the lead is unstable...I can't wait to see what Spurrier does with issue 2 later this month.

All-New X-Men #1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Wade Von Grawbadger
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 14th, 2012

I have been excited for this title ever since it was announced but I wasn't certain how they were going to do it. Matter of fact, I am still not 100% certain what the title is going to contain but so far it is worth the wait. For the first time in a long time we are getting some focus on Hank McCoy and his mutations. He has grown worried that he is going to die and he wants to try to fix things before he passes away (if he will...this is Marvel after all). Not only are we seeing Beast struggle with his mutation but we are getting the transition of new mutants just discovering their mutations. It is also painfully clear that there are two recruiting groups for these new mutants which is very reminiscent of the old days with Magneto going around trying to form his team opposite of the X-Men.

The second group collecting mutants (other than our normal X-Men of course) are the outlaws from AvX: Magneto, Emma Frost and of course Cyclops. They have a different idea as to what the need for mutants are now and how to go about it. The other X-Men are not happy with what their old friend Scott is doing but are not surprised at the other two considering their pasts. They feel that there is something they need to do to stop them and get Scott back on the right path.

Beast seems to think that going into the past and grabbing the original team of X-Men (Beast, Angel, Jean Grey, Ice Man and Cyclops) and bringing them to the future to slap some sense into current Scott Summers will do the trick. Bendis also threw in the fact that Charles Xavier, if he knew about this plan, would wipe the minds of the team so that they would never remember what happened if he knew about the plan. I think Bendis threw that in so that there was no question about the timeline getting messed up because Xavier can just reset their minds.

I am really liking this direction for the X-Men. If you have ever been a fan of the mutant books and have recently started to fall off, I think this may be a good place to give it one more go. I can't recommend this book more. It is a very strong start to what I hope is a very good and long run of X-Men. This even recharged my desire for Uncanny X-Men in February...that is saying a lot.

Weekly Pulls for 11/14/2012

Greetings my readers! It is that time of the week again for me to just muse over all things comics and discuss my pulls for the week. First I want to mention some general housekeeping. It seems that I have recently found myself a comment troll who is just being smarmy and annoying so I was forced to put comment moderation back onto my blog. This is really going to have little effect to those of you who write good comments and for anyone who has written comments know I am very fast to respond if it is something that needs responding to. I will be just as diligent at moderating comments, I am just not in the mood to have to constantly delete stupidity from my blog.

Now that the annoying part is taken care of because I truly do like being honest with my readers, it is time for the stuff that you guys actually care about, comics! Marvel NOW is in full swing and we are getting new titles every week now. Just this week we got All-New X-Men, X-Men Legacy, Thor God of Thunder, and Fantastic Four. That is four new titles in ONE WEEK! Pretty crazy right? I think the crazy part is that they were (for the most part) all good comics. I was a bit apprehensive about this whole Marvel NOW thing when it was announced and was trying to keep my excitement calm (which I failed at) but I feel that my excitement is now warranted. I do want to mention again that I am only going to review on my blog the comics that I obtain physical copies of (stuff that I write down on my pull list) but I am reading EVERYTHING Marvel NOW related. If you have any questions about titles that I am not discussing on the blog, feel free to leave a comment or ask me on Twitter about the issue and I will tell you if it is any good.

I suppose that leads to what is actually on my pull list. I will be cutting a few things from it soon. I am debating dropping the Avengers titles once they go to #1's as physical comics which would save me $20+ a month. Comics are an expensive venture, especially when you are grabbing at least seven books a week. Here are this week's seven:

All-New X-Men #1
X-Men Legacy #1
Wolverine and the X-Men #20
Gambit #5
The New Avengers #33 (End Times Part 3)
Venom #27 (Minimum Carnage Part 5)
Amazing Spider-Man #697

As I said, seven books a week! I am really enjoying the stuff that I am reading for the most part but I guess I will get into that more in the reviews. Until then, happy reading my friends and don't be strangers! I really do love talking to my readers and am excited to discuss more Marvel NOW!

Scarlet Spider #11

Writer: Chris Yost
Pencils: Reilly Brown and Khoi Pham
Inks: Tom Palmer
Colors: Edgar Delgado
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 07, 2012

"Minimum Carnage Part 4: Kill Carnage"

FINALLY a decent Carnage fight in this series. I was waiting for it and there looks like there are more to come. I love how gritty and violent Kaine and Flash are being forced to be during this. I have to admit, the first couple issues had me worried but this issue is really relieving that feeling. There is obviously a lot going on and it is so good to see two of my favorite heroes stuck in the middle of it.

In this issue we finally get to meet the guy who is trying to control Carnage and the man whole feels he can kill God. We also learn a bit more about the Microverse, important things...you know...like if it gets destroyed so does the world that surrounds it (our universe). It seems that Kaine and Flash's job is a lot more important than they originally thought.

The final page of this issue shows how serious and out of control this series is going to end up. I am expecting a lot of fighting, a lot of violence and at least one major decision happening in the next issue of Venom. I would be lying if I said I wasn't pretty excited to see how this thing ties together in the next couple of weeks.

New Avengers #32

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Carlos Pachelco
Inks: Roger Martinez with Cam Smith and Scott Hanna
Color: Rain Beredo
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 07, 2012

"End Times: Part 2"

We left the New Avengers off with someone possessed and Doctor Strange nervous about what was going on. It seems he had an incredibly good reason for being concerned. Daniel Drumm (aka Brother Voodoo) is trying to get revenge for his brother's death and is doing it by killing anyone linked to the spiritual world. Of course this will directly influence Doctor Strange and causes the New Avengers to be caught in the middle.

There just seems to be a lot of cases of being at the wrong place at the wrong time for our heroes during this issue and it obviously stinks. Doctor Strange is trying to get away from everyone and take care of things himself. By the end of the issue it seems that he is in over his head.

I am not certain how to feel about this "End Times" arc. I am not liking it as much as The Avengers version of it but am definitely interested. I am still trying to figure out why after Luke Cage supposedly left the New Avengers he is still hanging out in the mansion with his wife and kid.

Oh well, this arc is coming to a close and we will see a new start for this team soon and maybe even new members for the team. They are teasing that someone is going to die...I wonder who? That alone is enough to keep me reading.

Deadpool #1

Writers: Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn
Art: Tony Moore
Colors: Val Staples
Letters: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 07, 2012

"In Wade We Trust"

Oh boy...comedians writing Deadpool. I should have known that insanity would soon follow, and it did. Some crazy guy decided that America's government was going down the pooper so he decides to bring the great leaders of America back from the dead. That's right, there are basically ghostly zombie versions of George Washington, Harry Truman, Ab Lincoln and the rest of those guys that we respect as a country that are NOT happy with the way things are going and have decided to start things over...by destroying what is already here.

S.H.I.E.L.D. has decided that if they or any of their superheroes do the deed of destroying these great men they will be shunned and never trusted again. So they decide to find someone that is not connected to them and doesn't really care about anything other than money to do the job for them; enter Deadpool.

There are so many puns, so many great jokes and a good amount of action in this book that it is impossible not to like. I argued with myself about buying this title because I have never invested in a Deadpool book and am already reading so much but I do not regret my decision. I laughed out loud multiple times. If you want a book that is meant to be funny and actually is, buy this. So far, this has been my favorite Marvel NOW! title, which is sad to say. Uncanny Avengers better pick up the pace!

Avenging Spider-Man #14

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Art: Gabriele Dell'otto
Colorist: Dommo Aymara
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 07, 2012

This team up book is so much fun to read. I like that it doesn't really connect to anything else too frequently and I can read it for fun. This month's issue was full of amazingly beautiful art put together by Gabriele Dell'otto, so applause there. If you follow me on twitter I took a picture of a great spread of Spidey fighting raptors...yup, the dinosaurs.

This issue is the first part of Spidey in the Savage Land. He is teaming up with Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy to help them protect their land that is being taken over by genetically enhanced dinosaurs. Obviously someone who is up to no good is doing this and they have to figure out together how to stop him. OR they can just charge in and beat whoever it is up. It seems the latter will happen but we wont get to see the results until the next issue.

If you enjoy fun little side stories, this is definitely the title for you. I have read all 14 issues and am rarely disappointed. There was a brief moment in there (two issues in a row) that weren't super great but over all two out of 14 comics is not too shabby. Enjoy watching Spidey kick in some Dino-face!

AvX: Consequences #5

Script: Kieron Gillen
Art: Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Colors: Jim Charalampidis
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 07, 2012


Shhhhhhh. Do you hear that? That is the door closing on an event that Marvel milked to its fullest extent. That said, this issue was by far the best out of the group even if the art was a little odd for my taste.

Now,  I am not saying that his issue wasn't predictable, because it was. I am just saying that it is a decent place to close a door and open a new one to the X-Men titles of the future. It was announced recently that Uncanny X-Men will be starting again in February with Scott Summer, Magneto, Magik and Emma Frost as the team. I am interested to see where it goes especially since it will pair with All-New X-Men that is starting this month.

Obviously, this issue and series is just setting up the world of Marvel NOW! and I am glad that AvX is finally over. Not only was it a lot to read and purchase, but I was getting tired of updating my reading order which is now complete. Regardless of all of that, if you have invested the time and money that I have into this event, you should pick up this final issue. It shows where a lot of the key players ended up and will show you where the new X-books are going to be headed. Let's just hope that the direction they are headed are as exciting as they seem to be.

Avengers Academy #39

Writer: Christos Gage
Penciler: Tom Grummett
Inker: Cory Hamscher
Colorist: Chris Sotomayor
LettererL Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 07, 2012

"Commencement"

This is truly the final issue of Avengers Academy and I liked it. I said a couple months ago that I wasn't attached to any of these characters and could care less about this title but that has changed. I am starting to really like a few of them and am glad to know that I will follow them to Avengers Arena whatever that is going to end up being or however long that lasts.

Anyhow, this is the next step for our young people. They have found out that they were originally kept at Avengers Academy to be watched because they may be dangerous but they learn that they are truly the Avengers of the future. They are going to start being able to go out on missions with veteran heroes and learn more about what their futures hold. 

This issue dealt with, more than anything, relationships. There were levels of closure between different members of the team as well as new relationships beginning. The one thing that has to be mentioned is that Veil, who is powered down, is no longer with the team and is back at a normal high school after all of this. She is a minor and so can't be a part of the Avengers because it is too dangerous. There is a nice moment showing that she is able to take care of herself now. 

There is a lot of warmth at the end of this issue but I have one glaring question: What is Finesse up to? I have a bad feeling she is going to be a major cause of Avengers Arena but I am not certain. Maybe someone can help me out here. 

Anyhow, if you have enjoyed Avengers Academy, read this book. This is the last one, so enjoy it.