Avengers vs X-Men Versus #5

"Hawkeye vs Angel"

Writer: Matt Fraction

Penciler: Leinil Francis Yu

Inker: Gerry Alanguilan w/Leinil Yu

Colorist: Sunny Gho

Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna

"Black Panther vs Storm"

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Tom Raney

Colorist: Jim Charalampidis

Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 29th, 2012

The first half of this issue was darkly drawn and quick paced. It makes a lot of sense for Clint Barton to be firing arrows at the flyer of the X-Men. The fight is fast as always with lots of projectiles and punches. It seems unfair that Angel also has Psylocke fighting on his side but Clint knows how to use that to his advantage. The fight escalates quickly and becomes pretty brutal by the end. You may even be surprised as to who wins this one....

The second half of this comic is ugly. We all knew this was coming but this fight is more than just two heroes clashing...these are two married people. The fight is full of hits and tears and a lot of lightning. I have to say that this fight, although not the most physically brutal so far in this series, was the most difficult to read. You can really feel the emotion of Storm and Panther pouring from the pages as the hit each other with their own internal monologues running throughout. It is obvious that they both want different things in life and that this fight would have happened sooner or later anyhow...

This comic has also been consistently amazing every month. I look forward to it and have to force myself to save it for last whenever I have one. There is only one more issue left and we aren't even left with a tease as to who is going to fight. I am really looking forward to it. Oh, and as for this issue? The first fight I give an 8/10 but the second half is a 10/10...for a comic that is supposed to have no story, I was captivated by this.

Wolverine and the X-Men #15

Writer: Jason Aaron
Penciler: Jorge Molina
Inker: Norman Lee
Colorist: Morry Hollowell
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 29th, 2012

"On the Eve of Battle"

The time is coming for the final showdown between the Phoenix Force and the X-Men with the Avengers. The school at Utopia have combined with Wolverine's school and are settling into their new environment. Wolvie is talking to Hope about the battle to come and everyone is starting to prepare.

It has become more than obvious for a while that the X-Men would be joining forces with the Avengers to finish this fight. Scott Summers is out of control and the Phoenix Force must be stopped. Iron Man with the help of Beast and Broo has started to come up with a game plan that may actually make it so the world is still in one piece and for them to score a win against the Phoenix Force. 

Everyone else is settling in nicely, meeting one another and trying to spend potential last moments together. We also see Kid Gladiator with his father and the fate of Warbird after the Shi'ar leave Earth. 

This comic can easily be explained as the calm before the storm. We all know that something big is coming next month (ahem...next week) and so do the X-Men. The issue ends with the old-schoolers (Xavier, Beast, Wolverine, Rachel Summers, Iceman and Angel) walking away from the school with the students looking on behind them. We know the time has come for the final battle and I couldn't be more excited. I can also never say enough about this comic series. I have yet to be let down by Wolverine and the X-Men...I give this issue a 9/10 and am SO happy this is not one of the soon to be cancelled titles.

Avenging Spider-Man #11

Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Steve Dillon
Colorer: Frank Martin Jr.
Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 29th, 2012


 I wasn't sure how to feel about this comic. It is an added Avenging Spider-Man for the month and was teased to have Aunt May as Spider-Man's partner. After reading the issue I have to say that it was nice. It wasn't about the action, it wasn't about anything too major, it was about Uncle Ben.

It was the time of year again for Peter and Aunt May to meet at Ben's tombstone and think about him. Every time this happens Peter claims it is his fault that Ben is dead but Aunt May will never listen to why he feels that way. She asks him to move on and to just be the good guy that Ben would have wanted him to be.

The comic gives little flashbacks to the years past of Peter being Spider-Man and the things that had happened. The death of Ben, the death of Norman Osborn, him stopping the Punisher from killing and other moments. It just shows how great of a guy Peter is, even while in his costume. It also shows how much Aunt May loves Peter and how much of a mother figure she really is.

As I said, the comic was nice. I enjoyed reading it and seeing how Aunt May really feels about the situation and how she feels about her new marriage when it comes to Ben. There is a lot of good in this comic for those of us that have been fans of Spidey for years. It isn't written gold...but I'd give it a silver (7/10)... Give it a read you web-heads.

Web of Spider-Man #129.2

Writer: Stuart Moore
Penciler: Damion Scott
Inker: Rob Campanella
Colorist: Andres Mossa
Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles and Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 29th, 2012

"Brooklyn Avengers: Part Two"

I am pretty certain I have mentioned that I am happy the one shot minis are over in the Spider-Man world. I am not saying that have been terrible, they haven't...They are just short stories that you can easily write off as a reader. Matter of fact..I felt like this one was very Scooby Doish and I am really over that old formula...

Anyhow, this issue picks up after last week's issue where someone is killing off the Brooklyn Avengers; a group of "superheros" that Spidey doesn't really enjoy being associated with and actually writes them off very quickly after the events of this comic. This group, with the help of Spidey, spends the issue hunting down the villain that killed PSI at the end of last week's book. 

Of course they quickly find who the person is, unmasks them to an unsurprising discovery which, for some reason, the only person who didn't figure it out ahead of time was Spidey (I would assume this includes the reader...it did me).

I did chuckle a few times and I enjoyed the really bright art of the book but I didn't think it was spectacular. If you are a giant Spider-Man fan, you wont be mad at the comic but don't expect to have you socks knocked off. It is meant to be a fun side story and for the most part it does the job. I give this a 6/10....not great but something to read.

Gambit #2

Writer: James Asmus
Penciler: Clay Mann
Inker: Seth Mann
Colorer: Rachel Rosenberg
Letterer: VC's Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 29th, 2012

"Can't Shake You Loose"

Gambit is really back to his roots of being a thief in this series and I am liking it. It is nice to see Gambit out of his more recent element of being with the X-Men and being up to no good like back in the 90's.

At this point Remy has picked up some kind of alien starfish thing in his chest that he is having some major issues getting rid of. His whole mission in this issue is to get it out of him or at least figure out what it is and if there is a way to remove it. Of course this is proving to be a much harder undertaking than he originally thought it would be and is slowly becoming a full-blown thief again, which was not his point.

Remy is really starting to develop as a character in this series and has formed a strong personality that I am enjoying. He is quick-witted and is showing levels of being sloppy from his years as an X-Man instead of a thief. There are some good one-liner jokes and plenty of colorful pages to draw a reader's attention. I am really excited to see where this story takes us and if Gambit starts to become one of my favorite characters again as he was in the 90's which I think most kids that watched the X-Men television show in the 90's felt a similar way.

As I said before, this issue kept my attention from the get-go and Remy is a strong character. I have added this to my pull-list and am glad to know I have another issue headed my way in two week. I give this an 8/10...good reading...

Weekly pull for 08/29

LAST WEEK OF AUGUST!!!! This month was so full of comics that it was nearly impossible to keep up. I have to admit that for the most part the comics were strong though and kept my attention. There was plenty of Spider-Man to read as well as two really interesting new series that are ongoing started and one decent mini series that concluded within the month.

I am glad that there are going to be less Spider-Man titles next month. I know that is hard to believe but after the major overflow this month I have had my fill and AvX will be a major focus for me this month. It is time to see how it comes to a close and if anyone major dies (PLEASE CYCLOPS!).

Regardless, I am pretty drained and don't have much to say in a broad sense for the week. I picked up five titles which were all pretty good and I will review in the next day or so. I am off tomorrow so I may take the time to do it then.

On to my pulls for the week:

Avengers vs X-Men: Versus #5 (Black Panther vs Storm; Hawkeye vs Angel)
Avenging Spider-Man #11 (Team-up with Aunt May?)
Gambit #2 (One of the ongoing series I mentioned...so far interesting)
Web of Spider-Man #129.2 (Conclusion of Spidey mini's and The Brooklyn Avengers)
Wolverine and the X-Men #15 (Combining of schools, off to the war)

As I said, pretty decent stuff but I am glad for the Spidey mini's to be over. They were mediocre and mostly comical. I also have to note that with Spidey's 50th birthday this month and with Deadpool vs The Marvel Universe I purchased an extra 11 comics this month. It was quite the blow! Anyhow, I will review things soon. I will be recording The Panel Scanners episode 4 tonight with Darren and Jonny Capps where we will be discussing Spidey's birthday, what we are all reading and for the other guys The New 52 and the general feedback from the past year of comics. I wont have much to say there...as you can tell I read Marvel.

Until then....happy reading my friends!

Ultimate Spider-Man

I decided that because it is Spidey's 50th birthday that I would tackle the whole story of Ultimate Peter Parker and get to know Miles Morales and see if he should even attempt to wear the webbed tights that I have grown to love over my 27 years on this planet. I want to warn now that if you intend to read this series I am writing about the story as a whole and I will have spoilers within. If you don't want to read the whole series and want to learn why Miles Morales is Spider-Man, this should catch you up!

I want to start by saying that I started reading Ultimate Spider-Man when it came out in 2000 and read it relatively consistently through the Carnage saga that ended is 2004. I loved the comic then but was unable to afford issues and really didn't have the time to read it anymore. Flashfoward to now, I was able to acquire all 160 issues of Ultimate Spider-Man as well as the Ultimate Six series and Ultimate Team-Ups which covers all of Pete's run. I decided to start from the beginning to refresh myself on the storyline and definitely did not regret it.

Brian Michael Bendis weaved pure art in this series. We see a high school student who is definitely not popular, not sure of himself and constantly picked up develop into an actual superhero. He gets bit by a spider like any other version of Peter Parker and starts to fight crime after his uncle Ben is killed but something feels different. I am not sure if it is his personality or the ridiculous jokes he tells but it is hard to not attach to him as a reader.

Once I finally got past the Carnage stuff that I remembered for the most part, I saw how much Peter grew after the death of Gwen Stacy in this world. He learns to deal with the problems of being Spider-Man while trying to not be Spider-Man anymore. This leads to some great fights and moment of Peter trying to protect people he loves and even people he doesn't even know.

If you read anything in the Ultimate Universe, you may remember Magneto flooding the Earth. In the series called Ultimatum, we see Peter helping people even with the world crumbling around him and are even led to believe that he is killed until in Requiem where Captain America unburies him from rubble.

After a short time-lapse we see Peter, alive and well, dating Gwen Stacy (who was freed from Carnage and her "death") and fighting crime. We also see, for the first time really, everyone in New York cheering Spider-Man on. The story continues with solid moments with Mysterio and flashes of Norman Osborn ready to strike. Peter even celebrates his birthday (16) which shows that at most a year has passed since he was bit by a spider and he gets back together with MJ. This is when things go completely to crap.

Osborn comes back, there is a war going on between superheros and Spider-Man gets shot trying to protect Captain America from The Punisher. Spider-Man, after waking with a bullet wound, decides to go to the hospital but sees Norman Osborn and the rest of the Ultimate Six fly toward his home. Spidey arrives just in time to see Iceman and The Human Torch (who were living with him...I left that out) being beaten down by Osborn and Co. He intervenes, injured and bleeding to death and is ultimately able to protect everyone. Aunt May and Gwen Stacy reappear right toward the end of the fight after fleeing to see Peter bleed to death on the ground. He dies with a smile on his face saying that he was successful because he was able to protect May and Gwen after he had failed Ben. It was incredibly moving and it brought tears to my eyes. May lost Ben, Gwen's father, Gwen briefly and now Peter.

Rewind a little to a thief stealing some stuff from OsCorp. It seems that Norman was trying to recreate the spider that bit Peter so that he could make more Spider-Men or even to make himself stronger. One of these spiders crawled in the thief's bag and ended up in his apartment. This thief ends up being Aaron Davis who is Miles Morales' uncle and the spider bites Miles while he is visiting him.

Miles quickly learns of his Spider Powers which are slightly different from Peter's. He can stick to walls and has a spider sense but can also use a spider venom which shocks his opponent and can also turn invisible. This has been utilized a lot in the series and is interesting to watch. As of right now, Miles does not have any form of webbing but I am convinced he may be getting web shooters from Aunt May in the next issue....

Miles has obviously had run-ins with a few people who had contacts witht he original Spider-Man such as Aunt May and Gwen Stacy. They are currently meeting with him. Also, he has met Spider-Woman and Nick Fury. Miles is still trying to find himself as a hero.

All in all I am very excited for Miles. He makes jokes much like Peter but is a character all in his own. He is younger than Peter and also goes to a charter school which makes it harder for him to sneak out and be Spider-Man. I went into these comics completely unsure but now am waiting anxiously for issue #14.

I love the Ultimate Universe and Brian Michael Bendis helped remind me why I love Spider-Man so much. Nearly every issue ended with me smiling and makes me want more. I currently have Spider-Men waiting to be read once issue #5 is released so I can get read it all in one fell swoop.

I just want to close by saying one thing that I don't think I have stated yet. Happy Birthday Spider-Man, I look forward to at least another 50 years with your antics and selflessness. There is a reason you are my favorite superhero.

X-Men Legacy #272

Writer: Christos Gage
Penciler: Rafa Sandoval
Inker: Jordi Tarragona
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC's Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 22nd, 2012

As I have said in the past, X-Men Legacy has really allowed me to gain a new love and respect for Rogue. Gage has done an amazing job continuing to develop her as a character and has even kept me interested in a story that is off planet during one of the largest wars the X-Men have ever seen on the Earth.

This issue picks up directly after the Hive took Rogue from the camp. She learns in this issue what the other side of the war is all about and the conspiracy behind the battle. After her confrontation with the Hive-Queen she is able to connect to one member of the Hive, Tritt, and escapes with the knowledge to potentially stop the war. Of course her overall goal is to return to Earth to help in the last hours of the fight between the world and the Phoenix.

After a couple Thelma and Louise jokes and a relatively anticlimactic fight Rogue and Tritt head off to try to stop the war. Even with the great Phoenix battle going on away from this comic, even though the comic is taking place on another planet and that it is only focused on Rogue I am having issues not loving it. Gage is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers...I give this issue an 8/10.  

Venom #23

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Pencils: Thony Silas
Inks: Nelson Decastro
Colors: Chris Sotomayor
Letters: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 22nd, 2012

Monsters of Evil: Part 1

It is time to see where this series is headed after Rememder left. As always, the comic opens with a previously page that gives the important information for new readers to grasp what is happening in the story. A recap for my readers....Flash finally has defeated Crime Master and Jack-o-Lantern and is a member of the Secret Avengers. A short while ago, he had a run-in with Hellstrom who had helped him stop the spread of hell in Las Vegas with Dr. Strange, Ghost Rider, X-23 and Red Hulk.  After the events of sealing hell, for some reason the heroes that helped do that were marked which is finally being addressed in this series.

Fast-forward to this week's issue. Venom is on a mission of recon to find out what is going on with the D.O.A group. Venom finds a laboratory with the help of a reporter and runs into Hellstrom again. This time, he is not on his side and they fight. It also seems that possessions listen to Venom when he tells them to do something, this is in relation to his mark of the devil from the earlier issues.Venom's fight with Hellstrom leads to a conversation that actually tells Flash that he was marked and leads to a what would seem to be big moment as Venom. 

So far Bunn seems to have a grasp on Flash as Venom and has me interested in the next issue. I can't wait to see what he does after the cliffhanger at the end of the issue and if the other heroes marked by the devil appear... I give Venom #23 an 8/10. If you haven't started reading this series yet, this may be a good jumping on point for you.

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #4

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Dalibor Talajic
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 22nd, 2012

As this is the final issue of this series, it takes us back to the original question of "What if Deadpool killed the Marvel Universe?" because that is what this comic was all about. There were many moments of interesting kills, extra gore to make parents uncomfortable that their kids wanted to read a comic with a parental advisory and a decent fight with Taskmaster to end it all.

Deadpool, much as the title would lead you to believe, has been quite successful in killing off the Marvel Universe. The only person left to stand in his way by the halfway point of this issue is Taskmaster. If you had been reading the series up to this point, this fight was inevitable and was actually done quite well. It is so cool to see Deadpool's vast knowledge of everyone that he sets out to kill and how he uses it to his advantage. That bit of information is definitely not lacking in his fight with Taskmaster.

As always, I don't want to ruin the ending but there will be a moment of wondering how exactly Bunn is going to draw this series to a close. I have to admit, I rolled my eyes a bit on the last couple pages but it was a fitting end to a Deadpool series.

I actually liked this series as a whole. I was iffy at the start of it, but it grew on me. I am however, happy to see it over because it had nowhere else to go. It seems that the four issue run was the right length. I give this issue an 8/10 as well as the whole series. If you can find all four issues, it is definitely worth the read.

Web of Spider-Man #129.1

Writer: Stuart Moore
Penciler: DAmion Scott
Inker: Rob Campanella
Colorist: Andres Mossa
Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 22nd, 2012

Someone is Killing the Brooklyn Avengers: Part One

This issue was sort of silly. It showed a little flash back to Spider-Man when he was just starting out and he joined a group of...not really superheroes, the Brooklyn Avengers and what was happening to them today. 

It seems someone has decided to kill off the Brooklyn Avengers and they just happen to bump into Spidey and ask him to help out his old friends. Spidey does not seem too fond of his time spent with this team and it is quickly made clear why by use of flashbacks of him pretty much doing all of the heavy lifting while with the team. Regardless, Spidey, being who he is, decides to help them find the killer which he doesn't even really think exists. He feels that the members of the team that have died so far, have done so of old age.

There is some light crime fighting that leads to Spidey finally stating his true feelings about the "murders" of the Brooklyn Avengers which causes Psi to walk off because he was the one who really did think there was a murderer. It soon becomes clear that there really is someone killing off the Brooklyn Avengers and the comic is left as a cliffhanger to next week's issue.

Even though this comic was sort of silly, I enjoyed reading it. I like seeing that Spidey had moments of his career that weren't exactly beautiful and it is also nice to see him team up with someone other than The Avengers or Fantastic Four. These mini-series this month have been interesting to read, even though they do not effect the whole Spider-Man story. I give this issue a 7/10, fun to read but nothing too great.

Uncanny X-Men #17

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Daniel Acuna & Mike Del Mundo
Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 22nd, 2012

Finally, the conclusion to the battle with Mister Sinister is here! It was nice to read an issue that wasn't totally focused on the Phoenix five (they are all still powered up at this point in the chronology). We get to see Magneto, Danger, Psylocke and Storm infiltrate Sinister London to try to help the captured Phoenix Five and stop Mr. Sinister from taking the Phoenix power and destroying the world.

All in all there were some really decent moments in here of solid fights and the X-Men showing their strengths. It is also nice to see some strategy instead of the raw power of the Five. The one thing that really bothered me for some reason during this issue is that Psylocke kept stating that she was a ninja. "I'm a bloody ninja, Erik." I am not sure why this bothered me so much, maybe it is because she said it more than once. Has this become her tagline over the years and I somehow missed it?

Regardless, this fairly pointless side-arc in AvX finally comes to a close at the end with one final confrontation with Sinister. I wont say what exactly happens, but there is a lot of fire. Uncanny X-Men has not been quite as good as of late so I am happy that this arc is over. Hopefully the last couple issues before the comic is discontinued (for Marvel Now!) will be much better.

I have to give this issue a 7/10 though, it was entertaining and it ended the arc with Sinister.

The Amazing Spider-Man #692

 "Point of Origin"
Written: Dan Slott
Pencils: Humberto Ramos
Inks: Victor Olazaba
Letters: VC's Chris Eliopulos

"Spider-Man for a Night"
Story and Art: Dean Haspiel
Colors: Giulia Brusco
Letters: VC's Chris Eliopoulos

"Just Right"
 Written: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Art: Nuno Plati
Letters: VC's Clayton Cowles

Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $5.99
Release Date: August 22nd, 2012

 50th Anniversary Special

OVER-SIZED SPIDER-MAN!!!!! Okay, I got that out of my system... This was yet another added issue for this month to celebrate Spidey. As you can see from my list above, there were three stories crammed into this comic. The first of which, "Point of Origin", introduces us to the character Marvel has been teasing for a short while now, Alpha. Alpha is a young kid named Andy MaGuire who just happens to go to Midtown High (the same school Peter Parker went to). Andy is not like Peter in that he is not super smart and his parents are not supportive at all unlike Pete's Aunt May.

Andy is lucky enough to get a chance to see Peter reveal his new invention at Horizon Laboratory, "Parker Particles". He wanted to show his invention to the press as well as the high school he graduated from to show the kids that no matter where you come from, you can be successful. Of course Peter's presentation goes badly, "Parker Particles" fly everywhere and Andy gets hit by them turning him into Alpha. They call him Alpha because he is considered to be an Alpha level threat to the universe.

Much like how the Ultimates treated Peter in the Ultimate Universe, the Avengers and Reed Richards decide to put Andy in a "side-kick program" to teach him how to control his powers and do the greater good with his growing strength. This of course falls on Peter's lap because it is ultimately his fault.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this story. Even though it wasn't super original and Andy comes across as a douche for the most part after he gets his powers, I like it. I know this is the story that is leading into the main storyline rather than the shorts that followed it, so I know I have to get used to Andy. Oh did I mention the Jackal showed up? Yeah...be ready for that...

As for the rest of the stories, they were just little shorts that either showed what it meant to be a hero or the day-to-day life of Spider-Man. They were fun to read but nothing amazingly great. This issue, however, did a nice job showing how much Spider-Man has grown over the past 50 years and that there will be more than likely plenty of Spidey to go around for years to come. I give this issue a 9/10 purely based on how many times I smiled and that I am finally seeing the direction Amazing Spider-Man is headed.

Weekly pulls for 8/22

Another sad week for my pulls due to my comic guy UNDER ORDERING Secret Avengers...I was really looking forward to the fight with Venom and Taskmaster. Now I am going to have to wait until a) He gets a copy in, b) the creepy comic guy in Warren has a copy, c) I hang out with my buddy Jonny Moe to read his copy or d) order it for more slightly less than cover price with shipping that costs more than original cover price. I hate that this series is actually drawing this much of my attention. I really do like Rememder...maybe Moe will sell me his copy.

Anyhow, the rest of my comics were pretty solid this week. August has been a very long month with a lot of great things going on. It is hard to believe that there is still one more Wednesday to drain my funds! I am also starting to look to the future of the Marvel Universe. We were introduced to Andy MaGuire this week in Amazing Spider-Man, also known as Alpha. We only have one more month of Avengers vs X-Men before we get Marvel Now! in October. There is so much to look forward to and so much to be nervous about.

Also, I read Ultimate Spider-Man (the whole Peter Parker) run this month and have started reading the Miles Morales stuff. Once I am totally caught up I think I will write a blog about how I feel about the new "Spider-Man" and if I think it is actually worth the time to read it.

On to the actual meat and potatos of this post, what I actually got this week:

Amazing Spider-Man #692
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #4
Web of Spider-Man #129.1
Uncanny X-Men #17 (Only AvX related book)
Venom #23
X-Men Legacy #272

As you can tell, the AvX stuff is really slowing down as of this month and next month should be incredibly light as well. Also, there is only ONE MORE Spider-Man one-shot left this month and Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe is over...what a month! The reviews for these comics will be coming soon (probably tomorrow or Sunday). Until then my friends, happy reading.

Avengers vs X-Men Round 10

Story: Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction and Jonathan Hickman
Script: Ed Brubaker
Pencils: Adam Kubert
Inks: John Dell
Colors: Laura Martin w/ Larry Molinar
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 15th, 2012

This is starting to get serious! We are down to the last two members of the Phoenix Five, Cyclops and Emma Frost. Cyclops has started his battle with the Avengers and Hope while for the first time in the series Hope has started to fight back.

On top of this, we are starting to see Professor Xavier with members of the Avengers with the steaming bodies of the recently downed Colossus and Magik. There is notably some elevation and some questions as to what Scott Summers has in store for Emma Frost and Hope. I am really starting to wonder if my original premonition that Scott was going to die during this series is really going to happen. It seems to be the way that the series is headed...Cyclops MUST go down.

I do have to note that I am pumped to see what is going to happen with Hope as well. We are starting to see her power fluctuate and it is definitely something to look forward to. I am so happy that this series is not becoming lack-luster and is surpassing my original expectations. You never know if a cross-over is going to be good or not until the end.

Regardless, I give Round 10 a 9/10...not quite as good as the last issue but I am beyond happy with what the pages contain.

Avengers #29

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Walter Simonson
Inks: Scott Hanna
Colors: Jason Keith
Letterer: VC's Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 15th, 2012

This is one of those AvX issues that takes place quite a while ago in the chronological order but for once it makes sense for it to just come out now. Professor X is just starting to make himself known in this series during the main story and there have been a lot of questions about where he has been, this is one of the issues that answers those questions.

This issue fits with Wolverine and the X-Men #12 and AvX Round 8 where Wolverine is meeting with Rachael Summers to talk to her while Rachael is trying to get Hope back. This comic finally answers the question of why Rachael didn't bring Hope back when she was in contact with her and how everyone was knocked down with no real damage to either side. I really don't want to put any spoilers in...but if you haven't been reading the tie-ins for AvX, this one is worth the price.

I give Avengers #29 a 9/10...good stuff...

Avengers Academy #35

Writer: Christos Gage
Artist: Andrea Di Vito
Colorist: Chris Sotomayor
Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 15th, 2012

Final Exam Part 2

I should have known that with Christos Gage writing this series that it was going to get better after the first issue, not that the first issue was even bad but I am starting to feel for the characters. It is hard to not feel for Hazmat and her boyfriend Mettle wanting to be normal so that they can be with each other and how willing they are to lose that just so they can save their friends.

I still really wish I had more backstory on these characters and may try to find a way to read the first 30ish issues so that I can understand who exactly Jeremy Briggs is to these heroes. I'm still a little iffy on some of the super powered people that are with Jeremy but they definitely serve their purpose in this issue. I am also starting to get concerned with what will happen with X-23...so that is a sign of a good story.

Anyhow, I feel like I am just rambling this week...but this issue of Avengers Academy was quite good and worth an 8/10. I am looking forward to part 3...

The Sensational Spider-Man #33.2

Writer: Tom DeFalco
Penciler: Carlo Barberi
Inker: Walden Wong
Colorist: Antonio Fabela
Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 15th, 2012

Monsters! Part Two

FBI corruption, The Vulture and Roxxon? This thing is everywhere. DeFalco is giving us a Spider-Man that clings to the shadows and does everything alone while we only get little snips of Peter Parker working with Carlie Cooper. It is very clear now that she is not aware that Peter and Spider-Man are the same person at least and she even seems to be slightly anti-Spidey.

It is still very unclear as to where The Vulture actually stands in this human trafficking/Roxxon storyline and why he is in everyone's way. It is also hard to see where it is going exactly. Regardless, it still has potential to be a good little mini-series if the next few issues tie together all of the loose ends. I have been enjoying the art, the story is keeping me intrigued and I can never get enough Spidey but there is a lot this month and I look forward to September where the comic releases will be easier to keep up with.

All in all, I was interested in this issue and look forward to next week but it is a far stretch from a perfect issue....6/10.

The Amazing Spider-Man #691

Writer: Dan Slott
Pencils: Giuseppe Camuncoli and Mario Del Pennino
Inks: Klau Janson and Daniel Green
Colors: Frank D'Armata
Letterer: VC's Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 15th, 2012

No Turning Back Part 4: Human Error

Finally, the finale to "No Turning Back". It is going to be nice to see Spidey get away from the movie hype again and see where the story is going and how it is going to lead us to the mysterious Alpha character that Marvel has been hinting at for the past couple months.

The issue itself wasn't too shabby. We get closure on the actually Lizard battle as well as what happened to the scientists at Horizon. Also, we learn if Curt Connors is still around or if Lizard is the only mind in the body within the final pages. The actual fight with Lizard was actually pretty well done. The new and improved version could almost keep up with Spidey and may have even been able to win if it weren't for the remaining cure. I still am finding Madame Web to be annoying...I hate her obscure references to the future and her lack of complete clarity.

Regardless, I think the teaser of Kingpin and Hobgoblin as well as Devil-Spider (you'll know who that is if you read the comic...) is going to prove to be very important in the near future in the Spider-Man world.

The conclusion of "No Turning Back" wasn't terrible and is showing promise for the future...it gets a 7/10. 

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #3

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Dalibor Talajic
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: VC's Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 15th, 2012

So it seems it is the X-Men's turn to get a taste of the new, more violent Deadpool. It is incredible to see his use of Arcade to torture the harder to kill X-Men. Deadpool's sick, new focus to kill well is really highlighted in this issue. Which reminds me that this book is definitely meant to just be violent and showcase Deadpool at his most vicious.

I am wondering how Bunn intends to tie it all together in one more issue. It seems #4 is going to focus on the death of The Punisher and more than likely a battle with Taskmaster. The story is still not completely strong, but it is obvious that Deadpool is still very insane.

I give issue #3 a 7/10...I wish there was more story to go with the violence...at least Deadpool still breaks the fourth wall.

Weekly Pulls for 08/15/2012

I think that I am really good at lying to myself. You see, a few weeks ago I proclaimed that as soon as AvX ended I would be able to drop a bunch of titles and really limit my comic purchasing. Well, this was before I started actually liking all of the comics I was reading (including Avengers) and before I decided I wanted to get back into the Spider-Man universe.

As I have mentioned many times this month, Spidey just turned 50. Marvel is doing a great job pouring Spider-Man related titles down our throats with plenty of extras to sop up the extra sauce. Most notably (thus far) are the randomly named and numbered Sensational Spider-Man and Peter Parker, Spider-Man issues that have funneled onto the local comic book store's shelves. I am not upset about these, matter of fact they have been pretty decent thus far; it just makes it difficult to stay caught up.

On top of Spidey (which I got two titles from this week alone), AvX is petering off and yet I am unable to drop the titles that are no longer related (Avengers Academy and Secret Avengers thus far). I don't know if it is because I am loyal to my comics or if I am just truly becoming hooked on these stories again but it is impossible to give them up. I was even ready to drop Avengers Academy until I read this week's issue.

Regardless, that is my major rant this month and that was without even mentioning the four part series Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe that has also hit the wallet EVERY WEEK this month so far...

So, my pulls for this week were actually...

Amazing Spider-Man #691 - The conclusion to "No Turning Back"
Avengers #29
Avengers Academy #35
Avengers vs X-Men Round 10
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #3
The Sensational Spider-Man #33.2

Once again, nothing was terrible this week and reviews are going to follow soon. I have been having an insane week at work so it may take some time to get them up but I hope to by no later than Saturday morning. Until then my readers, enjoy your comics!

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #2

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Dalibor Talajic
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: VC's Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 08, 2012

Okay everyone, I picked this sucker up last night from a shop that is not my normal place. I forgot how awkward some comic shop owners can be....made it a little uncomfortable to buy it BUT it was worth it.

It is no surprise that this comic focused on Deadpool killing Marvel heroes and villains. This week actually focused on the Avengers going down as quickly as possible. It is sort of ridiculous how easy it is for Deadpool to kill these folks but it is hard to not enjoy. I am starting to feel like these comics are like bad reality television. No matter how ridiculous it gets, no matter how much the story is lacking something, it is hard to stop staring at.

I did really enjoy the way Deadpool took care of the harder to kill Avengers (Luke Cage and Thor) as well as his simple gunplay with Spider-Man...I am having a hard time not enjoying this more serious and focused version of Deadpool. It is almost a shame there are only going to be four issues.

I am definitely excited to see how the cliffhanger plays out in today's issue. If you want a fun, not overly story driven murderfest, grab a copy of Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe IF you can find a copy...

I give issue #2 a 7/10...great art, crazy Deadpool, fun deaths...weak story....

On another note, my pull list and reviews for the comics I will be picking up tonight should follow as late as Saturday as well as the updated AvX reading order! Have a happy Comic Book day!

X-Men Legacy #271

Writer: Christos Gage
Penciler: Rafa Sandoval
Inker: Jordi Tarragona
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC's Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 8th, 2012

Magik dropped Rogue right out of the AvX tie-ins! I wish I was kidding, but since Rogue is now trapped in another dimension...er...planet...er...place? Wherever she is, she is no longer part of the bigger battle. She does reference to the Aliens...er....things? that her people are fighting a war but she is willing to help them in their war.

That's right, Rogue was dropped from her Universe where mutants were slapping around superheroes to a world where sort of cat looking creatures are fighting bug looking things. Luckily for Rogue, she still has some of Ms. Marvel's powers and she can defend herself. Of course Rogue is limited in this and is concerned that the time limit on her powers will leave her before she can really help these people.

I didn't mind this issue because I have grown to really like Rogue over the past couple months and there is even a funny moment in it where the cat people offer their bodies to her for some help. Gage is a clean and wonderful to read writer and is keeping me engaged with the story even though it is a little weird and no longer part of the bigger picture.

I give X-Men Legacy #271 a 7/10 simply because I expect amazing stuff that I can't put down from this comic and it just didn't provide that to me this week.

The New Avengers #29

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Aritst: Mike Deodato
Color Art: Rain Beredo
Letters and Production: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 8th, 2012

This is the only Avengers vs. X-Men tie-in this week, but man am I glad it is New Avengers. This has been my favorite Avengers title so far and this one even has Professor X in it...come on!

Anyhow, there are two things to remember before tackling this book. Firstly, Namor and Captain America go WAAAAAAY back to when they fought together in World War II against Nazis and The Red Skull. The second thing to remember is the Illuminati comics leading to "Civil War" that was a collection of the greatest minds and controlling forces of Earth: Captain America, Iron Man, Dr. Strange, Mister Fantastic, Professor X, The Sub-Mariner (Namor), and Black Panther. This issue deals with this group minus Panther (I'm assuming due to what has gone down in Wakanda.)

Cap calls the meeting to try to talk Namor down, knowing that they have connections as war buddies and he feels that this is the last chance for the war to end without the Avengers being wiped totally out by the Phoenix Force. Everyone else at the table feels Namor wont show and for a surprising twist, Mister Fantastic thinks most of the stuff the Phoenix Five are doing is for the greater good and that the Avengers are being treated the way they are only because they are rebelling against it.

Regardless, there is a great moment showing completely how Xavier feels about the situation as well as a brief conversation between Namor and Cap that does not end the way Cap had hoped. Even though there was zero action in this issue there is a lot of story growth and a showing as to how far the struggle has gone.

The New Avengers #29 didn't disappoint this week. It had clean art, a moving conversation and an eye-opener of what people outside of the X-Men and Avengers see the Phoenix Five doing. This issue is easily a 9/10....good comics this week.

Scarlet Spider #8

Writer: Chris Yost
Pencils: Khoi Pham
Inks: Tom Palmer
Colors: Edgar Delgado w/Antonio Fabela
Letters: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 8th, 2012

The Second Master Part Two

I was nervous picking up this issue purely based on my lack of knowledge of "The Rangers" and the "The Texas Twister" looked soooooo stupid. Luckily, I trust in Yost's writing as well as the direction Scarlet Spider is headed and snatched this issue up. "The Rangers" aren't as horrible as I thought...silly heroes perhaps by look, but not horrible.

This issue picks up right where #7 left us with Kaine in Roxxon Tower discussing some issues with David Walsh, the Roxxon C.E.O. "The Rangers" had shown up to take Kaine into custody due to his minor breaking and entering infractions...A pretty decent fight ensues and leads later to more discoveries as to what Roxxon is up to and the realization of "The Rangers" that Kaine is in fact a hero and not a villain that they should be trying to fight. I guess a bunch of dead bodies and a weird electrical monster can do that to a group of people.

I am really liking the direction this comic is going. If anyone thinks that this Scarlet Spider is at all related to the dude from the 90's, take a deep breath, grab an issue and see how different Kaine is. You wont regret it.

Scarlet Spider #8 wasn't the best issue yet, but had no problem grabbing a 8/10 from me. 

Venom #22

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Declan Shalvey
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 8th, 2012

Father's Day

OH NO! This is Remender's last issue of Venom! I hope it can keep the pace and that Flash is written as well from here on. This arc with Crime-Master and Jack-o-Lantern has been amazing and I hate to see it come to a close. We have learned so much about Flash and how he is using the Venom costume. I am not sure who is taking over, but they have big shoes to fill.

Anyhow, this issue did not disappoint. It is a nice mix of Flash having memories of how his father treated him as a child to reflect how Flash may have anger issues or why he turned out the way he did. He notes that Jack made sure to escalate his plans to end on Father's Day so that Flash would have to deal with the demons within that are his father. 

I don't want to say what exactly Jack does, but man, his is sick. He really knows how to push Flash's buttons and seems to want to get himself killed if he is unable to kill Flash. The issue builds to a clean conclusion of the arc leaving us with Flash back with the Avengers, giving them the option to cut him from the team for his reckless behavior as of late.

Man, I love this comic. I am so excited to see Flash and Kaine take on Carnage here in about a month and a half.

For the clean ending, the great and dark artwork and a farewell to Remender I give Venom #22 a 10/10 and it is my pick of the week. As I said last time, if you haven't given this or Scarlet Spider a shot, you really should.

The Sensational Spider-Man #33.1

Writer: Tom DeFalco
Pencils: Carlo Barberi
Inks: Walden Wong
Colors: Antonio Fabela
Letters: VC's Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 8th, 2012

Monsters! Part One

 

YAY a .1 issue! Kidding...really. This isn't a true .1, this is another one of the 50th anniversary one-shot style comic arcs. So, let's just ignore the numbering for now, shall we?

I, of course a major Spider-Man fan, have enjoyed these one-shots. It is cool to see Spidey outside of his main arc doing what he does best; helping people. This begins with him fighting Vulture (who looks a lot different than I remember) and ultimately stumbles on a human trafficking ring that he and Carlie Cooper are trying to break. It isn't clear if Carlie knows Peter is Spider-Man...I am fairly certain she doesn't...

Anyhow, it is interesting to see a very detective-like issue filled with random fights with Spider-Man and thugs as well as the Vulture. I am not certain where this is going though and am not sure if it is going to connect to Scarlet Spider's human trafficking ring that we learned about way back in issue one of that title. Regardless, I will be picking up the next issue (I assume it is 33.2?) next week.

I give Spidey a good 8/10. The comic was good but I am not sure where in the Spider-Man timeline it falls...

Gambit #1

Writer: James Asmus
Penciler: Clay Mann
Inker: Seth Mann
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC's Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 8th, 2017

"Once a thief..." part one was....interesting. As I said before, after reading Hawkeye #1 last week I had really high expectations for what Marvel had planned for the ragin Cajun, Remy. We have seen solo comics with the title Gambit in the past and they were not so great. They never really focused on Gambit in a way that could let people really connect with him and they definitely did not play to his strengths.

That is not the case with this issue. This is the Gambit that we know and love from "The Jean Grey School for Gifted Youngsters" but he is off on his own. He has decided to try his hand at being a thief again in a way that he only steals from the bad. Not only that, but Asmus is also playing up his sex appeal which normally isn't touched on heavily. Hell, it opened with the guy showering....

I think this take on Remy could really go somewhere. I also have to note that the art is gorgeous! Each page is bright and filled with almost a water-color feel. I spent quite a few moments just staring at the small details (specifically when Remy was in the vault...).

I am intrigued...plain and simple. It is nice to not see Remy with the X-Men and off doing the thing that he started his career doing. I want to see where this goes and if the next issue (part two of this arc) will keep me as interested.

I give Gambit #1 a 8/10...engaging, pretty but not perfect....

Weekly Pulls for 8/8/12

Once again this was a heavy week for titles and that is even with my comic guy missing one of my pulls! Sadly, when I arrived at my comic shop on Wednesday, my comic guy forgot to pull Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #2 and he was sold out....he ordered it for me so next week will have a double whammy of that comic which I suppose isn't a terrible thing.

As mentioned last week, this is the month of Spider-Man's 50th anniversary and it is causing a hefty load of Spidey comics to appear. I believe there is a minimum of three Spider-Man related titles a week until the last week of the month where there is only one. Trust me, I am not sad about this but my wallet is weeping cash.

Regardless, I digress from the point on hand. What did I grab this week? Well there are six pretty solid comics on my list this week; one of which I had a bit of high expectations for since Hawkeye #1 blew my mind. You will notice that Gambit #1 is on my list, which I will review and which I was highly anticipatory for...

Sooooo, without further ado, here is the pull list for this week:

Gambit #1
The Sensational Spider-Man #33.1
Venom #22
Scarlet Spider #8
The New Avengers #29
X-Men Legacy #271

I know these reviews are coming a little late this week but they should follow quickly after this post! Until then, happy reading my friends.

Peter Parker Spider-Man #156.1

Writer: Roger Stern
Artist: Roberto De La Torre
Color: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 01, 2012

This is the first Spider-Man one-shot for the month celebrating his 50th anniversary. This issue doesn't have a lot of new content in it. I feel as if it was meant to be a way to have a flashback to Peter's early days as Spider-Man and to show that he has never really gotten over the death of his Uncle Ben.

I want to start by saying that De La Torre did an amazing job creating a dark environment for Peter to reflect on the death of his uncle. The ACME building where he approached Ben's killer and dealt with him as Spider-Man the hero was very reminiscent of the original comic. I also like that for the flashback sequences he used new art rather than re-hashes of the original pieces.

As for the story, well it was definitely just a vehicle to show the flashbacks and show that Spider-Man is still a hero that truly cares about people and has not intention of ever letting anyone die. There were also a few mentions of Roxxon which is becoming a major focal point in Scarlet Spider and Venom...

All in all, this was a decent book. You aren't missing much if you don't grab a copy but if you are a big Spider-Man fan and want to see where his mindset is now, give it a go. This comic is a clean 8/10. I was going to give it a 7 but after looking at the artwork again it was too difficult to go so low.

Avenging Spider-Man #10

Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Pencils: Terry Dodson
Inker: Rachel Dodson
Colors: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 01, 2012

Oh boy Robyn Hood...This little arc isn't doing much for me. I am not super attached to Carol Danvers (although I do respect her as Captain Marvel) and this "enemy" Robyn Hood is just...odd. The story wasn't bad, just lackluster. I never really felt attached to Robyn, Spider-Man was himself, trying to stop a giant explosion in Boston and Danvers was doing much the same.

Avenging Spider-Man is starting to lose its flair for me. There is a bonus issue this month for Spidey's 50th anniversary that has an old style artwork cover of Peter and Aunt May eating a meal together. I really have no idea what it will be about but I am collecting the 50th anniversary issues of Spidey and will own it. As for this series as a whole...I think I am only giving it another issue or two (after the special) and make a final judgement.

I give this issue a weak 5/10. I am sadly getting over this title...

Avengers Academy #34

Writer: Christos Gage
Penciler: Tom Grummett
Inker: Cory Hamscher
Colorist: Chris Sotomayor
Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 01, 2012

This is the first issue that is not directly related to Avengers vs X-Men which is part one of "Final Exam." I told myself that no matter what I will read this first arc after the AvX stuff but this first issue didn't do much for me. I was really surprised because I really tend to love Gage as a writer.

I am not saying that this is a bad comic, it really isn't. I am just not that attached to the characters of Avengers Academy so I am not that invested in what happens to them. It is cool to see Hazmat and Mettle get closer and to see how everyone in the team cares about one another but it just doesn't grab me.

I will continue to read this title due to the fact that there is a possible "cure" for super powers and it may be released on the general populace. I am intrigued as to what this will do to the Marvel Universe but am doubtful it will have major aftereffects....

This issue, for me as a not long time reader of Avengers Academy, is a 6/10.  If anyone else has read this title for a while and wants to give me more info to help me better enjoy it (especially who Jeremy Briggs is in relation to the rest of the students) I would greatly appreciate it.

Hawkeye #1

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: David Aja
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 01, 2012

I have to start off by saying that I have never been a huge Hawkeye fan and I really didn't know what to expect from this comic. I mean seriously, how far can you go with a guy that is just really good at shooting arrows? But I took a deep breath, picked it up and prayed that I didn't fall asleep in the middle of the issue.

After saying all of that I have to admit that his was my favorite comic of the week. The fact that Fraction is humanizing Clint Barton so much and focusing on the fact that he is an Avenger and doesn't have any powers is great. There were no giant super villain fights in this issue, there was no great over-bearing evil, there was just a guy who wanted to be able to eat dinner on the roof of his apartment with his neighbors and feel at home. There is a guy who cares so much about a dog that doesn't even belong to him that he drags its mostly dead body to a vet and fights off the previous owner while surgery happens.

If it is at all possible that Fraction can continue his work on Clint Barton at the level he did this month, I will read Hawkeye first every week it comes out with a giant smile on my face. If you can find an issue of this and have always been on the fence about this hero, this may be the chance for you to get to know him. I easily give this issue a 10/10 and hope that everyone reads it....

Let's hope Gambit's #1 is close to as good next week....

Avengers vs X-Men Round 9

Writers: Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction and Jonathan Hickman
Script: Jason Aaron
Pencils: Adam Kubert
Inks: John Dell
Colors: Laura Martin w/Larry Molinar
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 01, 2012

As noted in earlier posts, Marvel is focusing on Spidey a lot this month due to his anniversary. It is obvious from the cover of this issue that Spider-Man is taking the reigns and doing something here...and something is exactly what he does.

I want to say that this was the best Avengers vs X-Men book yet. I hope that it isn't just because I am a Spider-Man fanboy but because it truly is a great book. I love Kubert's art, the story is really picking up pace and Spider-Man...wow...he is really making himself an Avenger as of this issue. He offers to hold off Magik AND Colossus by himself... poor guy just doesn't care about his own well-being.

After a pretty wicked beating and a lot of great word play the comic comes to an end setting up the inevitable reconnection of Cyclops and Hope. I am beyond excited for the comic that is coming in two weeks. It is becoming obvious that Marvel wasn't kidding that there are going to be major repercussions after the war that is going on.

As I said...hand down my favorite AvX book yet...easy 10/10 for me.

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Dalibor Talajic
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: VC's Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 01, 2012

Major flashbacks to the old What If? comics here. This is going to be a four issue comic that is coming out weekly for the month of August. This first issue is...well interesting to say the least.

The Watcher begins by telling us a story about Deadpool and his leveling out a little bit to realize that he is truly capable of killing...everyone. Now, it is obvious from the title that this is going to be a violent title and that there will be a lot of dead heroes so don't be surprised to see the death of Mr. Fantastic or Spider-Man in the near future. It is bound to happen in this universe.

On to the content of the actual comic...it is interesting for the most part. Deadpool is his normal crazy self and is dropped at an asylum by the X-Men to get him help. He obviously is not thrilled about this but can do very little about it. A doctor there (who I will refrain from naming...) attempts to cure his insanity so that he can help take over the world. Deadpool is just too insane for this to completely take.

It isn't completely clear as to what is happening with Deadpool and why he is now so focused and able to kill Marvel heroes but he is obviously on a mission to do so as of the end of this issue. It wasn't amazing by any stretch of the imagination but I am definitely intrigued as to where it is going. Also, this is only going to be four issues and it is interesting to see Deadpool as a much more serious and controlled person, even if he is a murderer... If you are tired of the slapstick of the current Deadpool comic run this is a good comic to grab...but I have to note that it is dark and it will probably get darker before it comes to a close at the end of the month.

All in all, I give #1 a 7/10...nothing spectacular but it could grow into a classic if the remainder of the story is done well.

Weekly Pulls for 08/01

Hey all! There is A LOT to be excited about this month in Marvel Comics considering the amount of one-shots that are occuring, the new series that are starting (Gambit and Hawkeye) AND Spider-Man's 50th anniversary! How could comic lovers, especially those who enjoy webslinging antics, not get excited for this month?

Anyhow, my pull list was a little shorter than I initially thought (which is good considering it is a five wednesday month and I only allow a certain amount of funds go toward comics) but there is plenty to enjoy!

The pulls for 08/01 are:

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1
Avengers vs X-Men Round 9
Hawkeye #1
Avengers Academy #34
Avenging Spider-Man #10
Peter Parker Spider-Man #156.1

Notice the random Spider-Man title in the pull list. This is one of those one-shots I was talking about to commemorate Spidey's fifty years of being around. I will get to it in its own review but I am definitely happy to get a little more of my favorite web-slinger this month. Remember, reviews are to follow and please leave me some comments! I love hearing what my readers have to say.

One last note...if you google Avengers vs X-Men reading order...I am on the first page now! Thank you to all of my readers that made that possible!