Wolverine and the X-Men #24

Writer: Jason Aaron
Pencils: David Lopez
Inks: Alvaro Lopez
Colors: Morry Hollowell with James Campbell
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 23rd, 2013

"Ain't No Sin to be Glad You're Alive"

I was not looking forward to this issue at all. Anything that is marketed as "date night" sound like a lame comic book. I couldn't have been more wrong. I should have known better because of the date issue during AvX but I am a naysayer at times.

This issue paints a picture of the couples that exist in the immediate X-Universe that we should be aware of as well as couples that wont exist. There is also a great moment where Quentin Quire (second issue this week that he is highlighted in) has a run-in with Jean Grey. It is a comedic moment and once again makes the reader wonder if Quentin is going to start playing a bigger part in future arcs.

The only moment in here I was a little offset by was the page of kisses. I agree with Toad when he says "Too much damn kissing." I guess it was an interesting way to show a change in Storm as well as give her a new haircut, but it still felt a little strange. Lastly, I am interested in what is happening with Broo. The teaser at the end of the comic makes me a little impatient for the next issue to hit the shelves. All I can say is that once again, Jason Aaron has not let me down.

Uncanny X-Force #1

Writer: Sam Humphries
Penciler: Ron Garney
Inker: Danny Miki
Colorist: Marte Gracia with Israel Gonzalez
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 23rd, 2013

"Let it Bleed"

Out of all of the new X-Men titles this is the one I was the least excited about. I came into this with minimal knowledge of the recent X-Force team due to my absence from comics for many years and it was just something I never really thought to pick up. The main reason I decided to tackle this title was because I am trying to keep updated with all of the Marvel NOW! X-titles and I assumed this was going to tie-in nicely, especially with Cable and X-Force.

I have to admit that I am intrigued by this title. I have always been slightly interested in Psylocke and hearing the Spiral was in this was also a draw. This first issue simply introduced us to the idea of this team forming again with some new people added to the mix. There is no doubt there is going to be some...uncomfortable moments between Spiral and Betsy but I think it will make the comic fun.

Oh, did I mention that Bishop blasts through a portal and screams "I'm BAAACK!" I am not exactly sure where he was but this seems to be a pretty big deal. It seems I have a little bit of research to do to completely follow this tale.

Anyhow, I am interested in what is to come. It is always good when a #1 piques your interest. If any of my readers can add some input that would be phenomenal. I feel this was an incredibly scatter-brained review simply based on my lack of knowledge.

Uncanny Avengers #3

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: John Cassaday
Color Artist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 23rd, 2013

FINALLY this issue was released. For anyone else that has been following this book you may have realized that there was a major delay for this book. I think the original release date was around two months ago and I was honestly getting discouraged. I wasn't super hooked after the first two books to begin with so I almost pulled away from this title. I am beyond happy that I didn't.

The Xavier powered Red Skull is a force to be reckoned with. His pure evil and his natural ability to suggest things to people is so super powered that he very well could be the biggest enemy that mutants have ever faced. He is able to control people with a simple thought and he has a pretty powerful group of villains that work with him. His power of suggestion is so strong it even starts to have power over Cap, which is saying a lot.

This issue was mostly one major fight that spread between many different heroes and we are introduced to Red Skull's team of baddies. The mental and physical whooping that occurs is enjoyable with every flip of the page. Cassaday's art does a good job showing the emotions of everyone involved to the point that Remender's text isn't always needed. There is a moment in here where Wolverine learns what Red Skull has done and he is literally foaming at the mouth.

The final moments of this comic were jaw dropping. I am so happy to have finally received this comic and I hope that the next issue isn't delayed at all or at least not half as long as this one. It is painful to wait two months for something that is building up to be something great. This was easily my favorite book this week if not this month. I await (hopefully patiently but not too long) for issue #4 to join my collection.

Gambit #8

Writer: James Asmus
Penciler: Pasqual Ferry with David Baldeon and Clay Mann
Inker: Pasqual Ferry & Scott Hanna with Jordi Tarragona & Clay Mann
Colorer: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 23rd, 2013

"Forever Endeavor"

It seems it is time for Gambit to take a break from his thievery and time to be a hero again, at least for an issue. Gambit has found his way to the Forever City to save a group of college kids from, well he isn't really certain. It seems that there are highly evolved monster/animals that are hunting these kids which is making it impossible for them to leave the city. Alone, Gambit works his way into the city to save the kids and try to make his way out without getting anyone killed.

The issue was actually a bit enjoyable considering I was starting to pull away from this title. I am starting to feel the normal struggle that Gambit has being a leading man in a comic. He is really likeable out the gate but he soon starts to feel like a one trick pony. He is always barely escaping everything but for some reason always seems to have known the best way to get out and is always quick to push off the concept of being a hero. It doesn't help that he seems obsessed with Joelle still from the earlier issues (which she makes a cameo at the end) and it also seems she will be back in it faster than really necessary. I would like to see Gambit get into some more moments with other mutants, maybe the future contains that.

Regardless, there were some solid moments in this issue but I feel everything wrapped up too neatly at the end. Much like with Deadpool, I don't think this is a bad comic. I just think that my interests may start to be drawing away from it. I intend to give it another issue or two before I make a final decision but I have a feeling Gambit is going to fall off of my pull list in the near future.

Deadpool #4

Writers: Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan
Artist: Tony Moore
Colorist: Val Staples
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 23rd, 2013

"The Quick and the Dead and the Really Dead"

Right out the gate I was chuckling at this issue. There is always something funny about Deadpool in a dress...especially while flirting with J.F.K. Also, per the cover, I was ready for a boxing match with Abe Lincoln which I was also not let down about. Other than that, it was more of the same really. I am not saying that it is a bad thing to see Deadpool run around and kill already dead presidents while making jokes about no one remembering a lot of them, it isn't. The thing is it has become a bit drawn out. The idea is great on paper and is quite funny but it is starting to lose the draw for me.

Regardless of my general losing attention to the story, it is still very funny and I am not going to discredit the writers for that. I guess I just want a little more content from my books than random attack montages where Deadpool kills people. It has been done, let's move on. I am not certain how much longer this story arc is going to happen but I hope it comes to a close soon. This is my first ever Deadpool ongoing but my friends have told me that they all had the same feelings when they have read him in the past. It is fun for a little while but it is easy to move on. If this book keeps the same pace, it seems I will be moving on much sooner than I anticipated.

A+X #4

The Beast + The Amazing Spider-Man in Planet of the Beasts!
Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews
Penciler: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Captain America + Quentin Quire in The New Deal?
Writer: Jason Latour
Penciler: David Lopez
Inker: Alvaro Lopez
Colorist: Jim Charalampidis
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 23rd, 2013

This little mini-series has actually been fun the past couple of issues. I like that way it shows relationships that aren't touched on in the mainstream stories as well as combining people that wouldn't necessarily be a team. This issue was no exception.

The first tale was the classic Amazing Spider-Man teamed with The Beast before his recent transformation. They are in a futuristic world that somehow is run by the offspring of Beast. All human forms are zombies and the rulers definitely are not fans of them (or any humans really, which would include Spidey).  There are a lot of fun moments in here and the intelligence of the two front-runners is not overlooked. Kaare Andrews does a nice job with sharp artwork that fits the tone as well as writing quick and entertaining dialogue. This short story was a joy to read.

The second tale in this comic was a bit more strange in my opinion due to the team-up. I would never have thought to put Quentin Quire with Cap but it actually works here. Quentin is on loan from Wolverine to help Cap with some telepathic work and to help build some of that mutant/human relations thing that is getting big in the Marvel universe. There is some cool and comedic mental moments with M.O.D.O.K. minis referred to as M.O.G.O.D. (Microscopic Oddities Generated Only For Disintegration?). The story works and I caught myself smiling at the end. Maybe we are starting to see a more positive version of Quentin Quire in the near future.

Anyhow, it seems my initial desire to pull away from this title is gone. I think that it is enjoyable but I am not upset that there are supposedly only two more issues. I think this is a fun ride, as long as it is a temporary one.

Weekly pulls for 01/23/13

Another week in the wonderful world of comics and, as always, I am in a good mood about things. It was an incredibly great week for me to catch up on reading some old comics due to the fact that Ohio has been a freezer the entire week. I started off with no work on Monday due to the holiday. The following two days were blessed with what we call in Ohio cold days. They exist, truly they do. It basically means that it is too freggin cold outside for kids to wait at bus-stops or to walk to school so we are forced to close schools. Trust me, teachers like these days just fine.

Enough about my life though. What you guys read this blog for is comics and the happenings in the comic world. On that, there wasn't too much news in the comic world this week that blew my socks off. It was a pretty standard week of comics trickling out with only a couple #1s from the Marvel NOW! run. If anything, the news is the amazing amount of #1 comics coming out these days is astounding. The guys and I talked about it a little bit on our podcast this week, The Panel Scanners Episode 9, that currently at writing this isn't posted yet but should be soon so if you would like you can check out the embedding link and catch up on listening or if you are lucky the new show will be up.

I really don't have too much else other than the actual pulls for the week:

A+X # 04 (Captain America + Quentin Quire, The Beast + Amazing Spider-Man)
Deadpool #04
Gambit #08
Uncanny Avengers #03 (Finally!)
Uncanny X-Force #01
Wolverine and the X-Men #24

It seems this week was the heavy week of my month but I am not upset about it. There is a lot of good in that stack and very minimal meh. My reviews of each book should follow later today but until then, happy reading!

Venom #30

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Pencils: Thony Silas & Roger Robinson
Inks: Decastro, Mendoza, Bit & Robinson
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 16th, 2013

"The Unwanted"

 

The first half of this issue was the holy crap moment that I suppose anyone reading a Venom comic was waiting for. The, what will happen if Flash Thompson doesn't have control over the symbiote, moment. At the end of the last issue we saw Flash slapped aside, starting to get up while wearing the visage of the Venom we all remember, and this issue starts there.

It is incredible the power that the symbiote has and the fact that it is able to do so much damage to the U-Foes without even really trying. It is able to control other humans and use them as puppets while it pummels other with its tendrils and the fists of its host. This is shown in spades throughout the first half of this issue and it is almost sad to see how powerful Flash could be if he would just lose control. I think that other scary part is it is hard to tell if it is just the symbiote anymore considering there is also that demon inside of him.

Regardless, that is not what this comic is about. It is about Flash being a human and trying to be the best person he can be. After he...well the symbiote...disposes of the U-Foes he is left alone in Philadelphia to start his new life. There is actually a kind of sad, and creepy, scene on a rooftop of Flash talking to himself...sort of.

On top of all of this mess there is some serious crap going down in New York. It seems the Eddie Brock has resurfaced and if you remember the last time we saw him he had found himself a new symbiote to have use him. So it seems Toxin is coming and the coming Venom issues should be entertaining. Glad I didn't drop this title, it seems we are starting to pick up steam again.

Avenging Spider-Man #16

Writer: Chris Yost
Pencils: Paco Medina
Inker: Juan Vlasco
Colorist: Dave Curiel
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 16th, 2013

It is official, Superior Spider-Man is everywhere. If you are not on this bandwagon by now it is time you bail from Spidey comics. I suppose it would be hard to have another ongoing in the same universe as Superior if the main character wasn't Otto Parker, but this is Marvel.

Anyhow, this is our second issue of Avenging Spider-Man where we no longer have Peter Parker as the front man and this is one of the first moment where Otto could be in trouble. He get stuck teamed with the X-Men to fight a tri-bred Spider-creature that is attacking New York. It sounds very Spider Islandish and they even make a comment about it in the issue. Regardless of how meh the setup is, the issue is a lot of fun to read.

It is so strange to see Spider-Man as a violent guy. Someone that is willing to do whatever he can to get the job done and the people around him are noticing. Specifically in this issue, Wolverine has a bad feeling about the guy. Heck, the two of them end up fighting briefly. This leads Wolverine to ask Rachel to dip into his mind and see if something is up. Otto is quick on his feet and finds some quick talking to get out of the situation but he realizes how bad a telepath could be for him.

The issue was a lot of fun to read. There were some great action moments and it was another great place to see how Otto is going to function as Spidey. I am still buying into it. I am enjoying the more vicious, take no prisoners, jackass style of Spidey that he is playing...for now. I think that this will be fun for a while but may lose steam in the not too far off future.

I do continue to stand by this title though. Avenging Spider-Man has had some weak moments but all in all it is a fun book with amazing art (Kudos to you Medina) and some supplemental material for the main Spidey book. If you are still following the adventures of the Superior Spider-Man, I recommend this title whole-heartedly.

All-New X-Men #6

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Color Art: Marte Gracia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 16th, 2013

Wow, this book is really picking up pace. I have to admit that I am not surprised that there is such a heavy focus on Jean Grey but I am a bit surprised that Kitty Pryde is getting so much play. It is sort of cool seeing the two ladies who once knew each other so well start their relationship all over again. I am also enjoying watching Jean learn how to control her powers that she has just discovered. Bendis is doing a nice job showing her struggle and the page layouts of her not able to filter her telepathy are really cool.

I am also finding that the relationship between Wolverine and young Scott Summers is interesting. I like that even though Scott doesn't really know Logan, he isn't a fan and, as always, Wolverine is not a fan of Scott. Their short scuff is definitely fun to see and makes the reader wonder how long Scott is going to even stay with the team and if he wont perhaps join his other self.

Also, I think that the introduction of Angel to...well...Angel was done nicely. I think that this may relieve a bit of Warren's initial worry (considering he thought he may be dead) and to be fair, I love this current iteration of Angel and I think it will be fun to see him interact with his younger self which he no longer remembers.

Lastly, I think it would be a crime to not mention the art in this book. Marquez's work in this issue kept my eye dancing across the page to no end, causing me to flip back to previous pages to make sure I didn't miss anything. He keeps the fight scenes clean with sharp lines to draw focus while calmer moments he fills the panels with excitement.

It is hard to really find things to complain about so far with this title. Bendis and his team are consistently giving me a good book to read twice a month. If he is able to keep this up I may have found a good, long running X-title to keep my attention. 

Weekly Pulls for 01/16/13

I must admit that I am surprised myself that I am writing this blog this early this week. I feel like I have been setting up a precedent of putting my blog out on Sundays and I am breaking that. Oh well...I happen to be off of work today and I have been sleeping so much due to the wicked flu I have been battling that I am surprisingly rested and willing to share my thoughts on comics this week!

Firstly I want to send major kudos out to Simon Spurrier, the wonderful writer of X-Men Legacy. Not only did the man take time out of his busy schedule to read my reviews of his books, but he also re-tweeted my blog out to the masses that follow him to create more buzz for me. It is hard to not appreciate that. It really makes you like people more when they are willing to hear what their fans have to say.

Also, I want to mention that we will be recording The Panel Scanners episode 9 this Thursday (the 24th) and it should be posted to the here soon after. The podcast has been a blast to do and I appreciate anyone that takes the time to listen to it. I understand that we are still new to it and have hiccups but that is part of the fun. It is just three guys, shooting the breeze about comics. There is nothing wrong with that!

Alright, so I guess it is time to discuss the books that I actually picked up this week. I actually picked my books up a day late this week and almost missed out on All-New X-Men because my guy forgot to pull it for me. I grabbed the LAST issue off of the shelf...it was a bit shakey for me there for a moment. I was really looking forward to it and you will see why in my review. So, with that book there were a total of three books that joined my collection this week:

All-New X-Men #6
Avenging Spider-Man #16
Venom #30

It was nice to have a light week on comics actually. I am trying to bank a little extra money so that I can grab a brick of Amazing Spider-Man Heroclix next month and that is not cheap. I can't have the wife getting too mad at me for dropping too much of our hard-earned money on comic related stuff can I?

Well, that is it for now I suppose. I will follow this up with reviews as I always do. Feel free to leave any comments or questions for me to answer on this post or any of my other blog entries! I hope all of you are doing well and have had better luck dodging the flu than I have so far. Well, until my other reviews, happy reading comic book fans!

X-Men Legacy #4

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Jorge Molina
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 9th, 2013

In four issue Simon Spurrier has dethroned Jason Aaron as my current favorite X-Book writer. I truly thought that was impossible but his work in this run with David Haller has floored me. He has some sort of strange insight as to what goes on in that unbalanced mutant's head that makes it entertaining, exciting and gripping to read.

The beginning of this issue had David standing off against Wolverine which is incredible. Without any punches thrown (because David knew he wouldn't win) he is able to take Wolvie down with a snap of his fingers. The rest of the X-Men are handled in much the same fashion. The use of the different personalities and powers in David's mind is truly ingenious.

The one thing that I really wasn't expecting was the use of Blindfold. It only makes sense that someone else who seems unstable would be able to do something about David who, no matter how stable he becomes, can still be argued as unstable. The thought of her as his nemesis is...intriguing.

There are so many mysteries floating around in this book, let alone the fact that it is impossible to tell what or how David is going to do something that it is hard to put it down. I am beyond happy that I took a risk jumping onto this ride with a character I really knew very little about. If you haven't given X-Men Legacy a chance yet you really need to. It isn't your average mutant book, it is truly special.

Wolverine and the X-Men #23

Writer: Jason Aaron
Pencils: Nick Bradshaw
Inks: Walden Wong, Norman Lee, Craig Yeung & Nick Bradshaw
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9th, 2013

"The Last Frankenstein"

I have never been too huge on the whole classic monsters as villains thing that comics try to do but I have to admit that it is done well here. This is just more proof that Jason Aaron just doesn't seem able to do wrong with this title. The fact that he can relate Frankenstein to the new Hellfire Club is amazing, and the monster is done well also.

Art wise, this issue was pretty standard for what you'd expect from Bradshaw but there is a great two page spread of the X-Men coming after the circus folk. My personal favorite is a lovely Kitty Pride and a Doop with brass knuckles that spell out Doop.

The fight between the monster and the last Frankenstein is well done and Idie has really started to come into her own. There is a great moment of growth in this issue where she seems very violent and ready to do anything. Perhaps she is finally becoming broken, which may not be a good thing for her position in the X-Men.

It seems something very dark is coming in this title and I am excited to see what Aaron has up his sleeve. I am still a little uncertain about the teaser of Wolverine with Storm...I guess only time will tell. Even with that on the horizon, I am excited to see what will come now that Murder Circus is gone.

The Superior Spider-Man #1

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Ryan Stegman
Color: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9th, 2013

"Hero or Menace?"

I have to intro this as I have the past few Spider-Man comics; there are spoilers here from ASM #698 - 700. If you do not know anything about the events in those comics and you care (which to be fair at this point if you don't know them you probably don't care) you need to stop reading thing now.

Okay, with that out of the way...this is our first issue of Spider-Man as Otto Octavius. There is a lot here just dealing with him getting used to the day-to-day life of Peter Parker and how he feels he should change it. The issue begins with him paying his respects to Otto...err...Peter...err...the body in the ground! There we go...anyhow, it starts there and quickly transitions to him battling the group of villains that are calling themselves the Sinister Six. This, of course, makes Otto not too happy.

Other than fighting the Sinister Six, we get to see Otto, in Peter's body, go on a date with M.J. I think it was done really well. He is definitely not the Peter we are used to and he is quite pervy. It makes you feel as if people will definitely begin to notice something is up, and they should notice it soon. I also feel that the date was handled well due to the fact that there is a lot of buzz on the net that the whole relationship feels a little like rape. It is true that Otto is not Peter and M.J. think he is, but nothing affectionate happened so that is good.

The final fight at the end of the book with the Sinister Six was amazing. Otto shows how more thought out he is than Peter and that he is ready for anything...sort of. He does lose his cool and almost kill someone but he is stopped by something. Something that is a buzz on the internet and is a glorious closing page for a comic that should relieve some of the other readers that are not happy with the direction that the book is going and at the same time anger others. I am indifferent for now and will leave the final page a mystery for those of you who did not read it. Just know that the direction that this comic is going may not be the direction you initially thought it to be.

Anyhow, I must say that I enjoyed reading this quite a bit. There is a lot to enjoy about it and I am actually excited about the final page. I know that Jonny, who I do the podcast with, thinks it is ridiculous but I understand where Dan Slott is going and I trust Slott. I am excited for this book and will readily pick up each issue as it hits the shelves at my comic shop.

Secret Avengers #36

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Matteo Scalera
Color: Matthew Wilson
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9th, 2013

"Grandfather Clock"

With this being one of the last two issues of Remender's run on Secret Avengers I am finally getting excited about this arc. The beginning of the book was a bit weak..I think the whole universe 666 thing was pretty lame and the escape was quick and relatively pointless. I just don't think it was necessary or done very well. The world that Beast, Captain Britain and Hawkeye return to on the other hand is quite cool.

This issue is riddled with action in a world that is crumbling. Everything that was going on with the Descendants is coming to fruition and we even get to see Hank Pym again for the first time since he was converted a few issues back. Just when it starts to feel like the tide may be turning for the heroes things get messy again and it leaves the ending open. This is even with Flash going crazy and basically turning into the Venom everyone remembers, big, burly and out of control.

The final page shows the cliched image of the heroes on their last legs, getting ready for their final moments alive. There is no doubt that this is going to quickly turn around and the heroes will win. I guess I am just not feeling the stress on these pages. As I said earlier, I did enjoy this issue. There were many good moments and beautifully penned fights. I just feel like Remender lost something in this final arc. It is almost as if he doesn't care about it as much as he did earlier. Alas, in one more issue I will have dropped this title even though there is a new writer. I continue to say farewell to Avengers titles and look to the future for other books. 

Scarlet Spider #13

Writer: Chris Yost
Pencils: Khoi Pham
Inks: Palmer, Pallot & Bit
Colors: D'Auria, Mossa & Fabela
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 9th, 2013

"In the Midst of Wolves Part 1"

So we are finally coming back to Aracely's story. I am not upset by this one bit. She has been incredibly intriguing since the beginning and her "powers" have always seemed misplaced. It makes sense now that there are some strange shape-shifting, werewolf like people trying to find her. Too bad Kaine is in the middle of it...poor guy.

Toward the middle of this issue there is a great dream sequence of Aracely getting in touch with herself, seeing Xiuhcoatl grabbing her through the flames of her past telling her that the wolves are coming for her. It is some good writing and some nice use of a dream sequence. 

It is crazy to think that the human trafficking story arc from the beginning of this title has come back so strong. It is hard to believe that the thing that has held Kaine in Texas for so long is the thing that is causing him such grief at this point. It is also obvious that his interaction with Carnage recently is causing him to second guess his old, willing to murder, self. This may not be a good thing as he battles these wolves.

Regardless, the final page of this book had me biting my lower lip. The pain that Kaine has been suffering as late is incredible and this issue definitely doesn't lessen it. I am interested to see how Kaine gets out of the bloody mess he is in and what these wolves are actually all about. Scarlet Spider is still proving to be an incredible Spider-Book. Bravo Chris Yost, keep it up.

Cable and X-Force

Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Salbador Larroca
Colorist: Frank D'Armata
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9th, 2013

We have FINALLY found out what Cable's mission was and why he and his X-Force are surrounded by bodies at the beginning of issue #1...at least that is how it seems by the end of this issue. I am really enjoying the pacing of this so far and am continuously impressed by Hopeless' work with Hope and her father.

This issue does, however, make me long for more Uncanny Avengers which has been really poor on release dates. It has gotten to the point that I asked my comic guy if the series was cancelled. At this point we should at least have issue #4 in hand and yet we are down to only #2. It is weird seeing Alex Summers and his group holding Hope for questioning when they barely even seem like a real team at this point. Oh well, it is still handled is a good way.

The strange mutation that is happening in this issue is also weird and has haunted my dreams. I don't want to ever be a misshapen fat tumor that seems to attack anything in sight. Shivers...seriously, even now just flipping through the pages of the book.

Cable and X-Force is promising to shape up to be a pretty solid book. I am enjoying the almost torturous naming of X-Force and the things that are going on. The story is taking a little while to really catch stride but I don't think that is a bad thing. It is wetting the whistle for what is to come, and I think that something that is coming is going to be big.

Weekly pulls for 01/09/13

Another week in comics, another week of smiles. There were a lot of titles I was looking forward to this week and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. It is hard to know where to start my ramblings.

I suppose first I should apologize for the tardiness of my posts this week. This was the first week I was back to work after winter break and I was insanely busy. While trying to catch up on my grading, write OGT lesson plans, read comics, go to the gym and the other many things I do during the week it was hard to find the time to actually write anything for fun. Today is the first day I have really had the chance to sit down to type and even that is going to be scattered throughout the day due to having to do grocery shopping and laundry with the wife.

Anyhow, enough complaining. As I was saying, there were a lot of books that came out this week that I was excited to read. The one that I do not get in a paper format that blew my mind was Thor: God of Thunder #4. That book has been nothing short of amazing and I still argue with myself with each issue about grabbing an actual copy. The other big book was Superior Spider-Man #1...but I will get to that in the reviews because that I actually purchased physically.

So, the glaring question is what were the actual pulls for this week? Well...the six books (first time in a bit the number was that high) are as follows:

Cable and X-Force #3
Scarlet Spider #13
Secret Avengers #36
Superior Spider-Man #1
Wolverine and the X-Men #23
X-Men Legacy #4

As always my reviews...or discussions I suppose...of each of those issues will follow throughout the day, so keep your eyes peeled! Until then, happy reading comic fans!

Venom #29

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Pencils: Thony Silas
Inks: Nelson Decastro w/ Terry Pallot
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 02, 2013

"Drowning in a Nightmare"

Shocker! Flash didn't die at the end of the last issue. Oh wait, that wasn't surprising at all...oh well. He is still in Philadelphia and he is trying his best to help find the kidnapped Katy Kiernan as well as take down the U-Foes...as much as he can.

The issue dealt a lot with what the U-Foes are actually up to and Flash trying to find where they are keeping Katy. With a little investigation he finds them and quickly starts a fight with them while trying to free Katy. Of course he brings a little help this time...his, err....girlfriend? Valkyrie (he isn't even sure their relationship status it seems) who is a great help but is also very discouraged that they stand a chance against the U-Foes.

The fight gets out of control which leaves pretty much all of the heroes laid out...which of course leads to the Symbiote starting to lose control. The issue ends with something that looks more like the old Venom ready to start a brawl.

This issue was actually a bit better than the last and is starting to rekindle my excitement for this book but it is still the weakest on my pull-list currently. I am interested to see where this story arc goes and I will make my final call at that time. Until then I will continue to watch Flash struggle with his inner demons.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #19

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Sara Pichelli
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Lettering: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 02, 2013

"Venom War: Part 1"

It was only a matter of time before Miles ran out of the webbing the Peter left and this is the moment. This is also the moment that we all realize that he is not a chemist like Peter and it is going to be a lot harder for him to make new product. Thank goodness for his buddy Ganke and the fact that he is willing to give up his Lego money to help Miles make more webbing so that he can function as Spider-Man. That part is the light-hearted part of this issue.

Venom is back. I assume that it is Eddie Brock but there is not mention of the person that is engulfed in the Symbiote, the only thing is that it seems he is pissed. In the mean time we have Miles' father, Jefferson, dealing with the fact that he single-handedly fought off Hydra soldiers and is considered a town hero even though he doesn't want to think about it or his past.

The final piece to the story is J.Jonah Jameson discussing why he had no desire to run a story on who the new Spider-Man is and once again why he is so protective of him. It is so weird to see a pro-Spider-Man Jameson but I like it.

This is building up to something big, it is hard to not feel it. I stand by my love for this comic and this is one of the main reasons I have so much faith in Bendis on X-Men as well. It was hard to get used to someone being Spider-Man but Miles fits the tights.

All-New X-Men #5

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Stuart Immonen
Inkers: Wade Von Grawbadger with Craig Yeung
Colorists: Marte Gracia with Jason Keith
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 02, 2013

Every issue Bendis continues to impress me with his take on these X-Men. This issue focuses a lot of Hank McCoy's illness as well as how Jean Grey is handling the events of the past couple days. Hank is of course trying to help Hank (remember there are two) and even uses Jean to get into his own, future mind to figure out what to do to fix the messed up mutations....writing that made me feel like a crazy person.

Another part of the issue shows present day Scott picking up the mutant from the last issue. This is the first time it really shows the New Charles Xavier School for the Gifted that Scott is trying to put together. I think that we are going to start seeing less of that team in this comic once we get the new Uncanny X-Men in February.

The most interesting part of this issue is Jean and how she is handling everything she learned from delving into present Scott Summer's brain. She is not handling her telepathic knowledge too well but she does decide to stay in the current time flow to try to fix things before she is returned to her time. The other Original X-Men, other than Angel, decide that they should stay too. Angel seems concerned that no one is talking about what has happened to him.

Oh, also it seems we are referring to Kitty Pryde as Professor K now. Or at least original Hank McCoy is...seems that she may be starting a new legacy. Regardless of all of that I stand by my original analysis of this title which is READ IT! Seriously, this is a really solid X-book. I know that a lot of people are iffy on Bendis but give him a shot. He is shining here as are our X-Men.

Avenging Spider-Man #15.1

Writer: Chris Yost
Pencils: Paco Medina
Inker: Juan Vlasco
Colorist: Dave Curiel
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 26th, 2012

Once again, stop! If you haven't read Amazing Spider-Man #700 this will definitely spoil the story. This comes AFTER the events in that book. You have been warned.

This issue basically is dealing with the day after the battle at Avengers Tower and how Doc Ock is handling his new body. He discusses his plans to make better technology and how he plans to function as Spider-Man. He does seem to have some problems controlling his urge to stop criminals. He feels that it is just instinct but is slightly put off by it.

He decides to enter one of his old bases to find some tech and then realizes that it will attack him while there because he is no longer in his body. He easily fights off his own security and decides that he is better than his old self. He sees how Peter was able to beat him so many times. With this information in mind he has decided that he is better than himself and his greatest enemy of all time and seems quite happy with being Superior Spider-Man.

This issue was a nice end-cap for #700. It was cool to see Doc Ock in Peter's body and it solidified my excitement for Superior Spider-Man #1. I can't wait to see what Dan Slott brings to the table with his new title but I am definitely staying positive.

Amazing Spider-Man #700

"Dying Wish: Suicide Run"

Writer: Dan Slott

Pencils: Humberto Ramos

Inks: Victor Olazaba

Colors: Edgar Delgado

"Spider-Dreams"

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis

Pencils: Giuseppe Camuncoli

Inks: Sal Buscema

Colors: Antonio Fabela

"Date Night: A Black Cat Storybook Adventure!"

Writer: Jen Van Meter

Pencils: Stephanie Buscema

People who worked on the whole book...

Letters: Chris Eliopoulos

Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)

Price: $7.99

Release Date: December 26th, 2012

Okay, on to the actual review. To start...for everyone...pay attention....THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!!! Seriously, you have been warned.

Now that those of you are gone that shouldn't be here...this was a wonderful book. As you can see from the intro, there were three stories balled into a 104 page book with all of the variant covers added to the back pages, all of the covers for all of the Amazing Spider-Man run AND letters that were answered by Stan Lee himself. So before you snub at the price tag, it is well worth it. When I picked the thing up it felt like a magazine in my hands.

On to the actual story. We pick up with Doc Ock in the body of Peter Parker. He is spending some time with M.J. which some people are saying is insanely wrong because he is tricking her. I am torn here considering he has all of Peter's memories AND Doc Ock is sort of a dick. So it makes sense that he would put some moves on the lovely Mary Jane Watson.

Peter, still in Doc Ock's body, is not having as good of a time. He and his group of villains are not doing too well keeping him kicking. He actually flatlines briefly for a wonderful sequence in "heaven" that shows him interacting with all of the people he has lost throughout the series. It was pretty powerful. I applaud Slott for this moment every time I have read it (I am up to four reads now...)

Peter Decides that the only way for him to get his body back is to use the golden Octobot that Ock used against him in the first place and he goes to steal it from the police headquarters. Once he has it in hand he goes to Avengers Tower for his final showdown with Doc Ock. Doc Ock, now Spider-Man, holds Peter's friends hostage to urge him into the final fight which starts to show how Ock acts in the body, until he protects Aunt May from Scorpion. He starts to have flashbacks from Peter's past which shakes him heavily.

The fight leads to fall out of a window where Peter gets his final chance to use the Octobot which Doc Ock was ready for and defends his neck against. Peter lays on the ground, dying while he forces Doc Ock to remember his whole life because he realizes that he has access to them and if he sees all of the memories he will not be able to be such a violent man anymore and that he will fight for the greater good.

As the title states, Peter has a dying wish. He is stuck in Doc Ock's body as it gives up on him and he makes Doc Ock, "forever" trapped in Peters body, promise that he will be Spider-Man. That he will protect everyone. Surprisingly, Doc Ock agrees and he takes on the mantel of Superior Spider-Man.

Whew...that is a lot of book to rehash. I really like how they handled it and I think that it is an interesting way to move Spider-Man forward. I am not sure how long Superior will last and if they will find a way to put Peter back into his body after he is gone...it is Marvel after all and they do bring people back frequently. I think the fact that Doc Ock is in Peter's body and still retains all of his memories makes it so that he is sort of two people and that he is still somewhat Peter Parker. 

Regardless, if you are a Spidey fan or a fan of comics and you want to keep reading Spider-Man this is a definite pick up. The book is well done, penciled by one of my favorite Spidey artists Humberto Ramos and it was a great conclusion to the highest numbered Marvel title ever. The two stories that followed were also fun reads but I wont go in depth with them. They are an added bonus at the end of an already long and great tale.

So now I sit here, a week away from the first issue of Superior Spider-Man and I grow anxious. This book made one of my favorite superheroes ever even more interesting. This whole time I said that I had faith in Dan Slott and he did not let me down. Kudos good sir, now let's see what the future brings.

Weekly pulls for 01/02/13

Happy New Year everyone! It is good to celebrate the new year with comic books isn't it? To start, for those of you who do not follow me on twitter I took a hiatus last week due to the fact that the only comics that hit the shelves were Amazing Spider-Man #700 and Avenging Spider-Man #15.1 which both dealt with some major movements in Spidey's world. I didn't want to review them within the week that they were released because I wanted to give all of my readers a chance to read them before I spoiled everything. I will review both of those comics here in a little bit and they will contain spoilers. If you are still trying to dodge Spider-Man spoilers because for some reason you haven't read issue #700 stay away from my review, you have been warned.

This week was another light week and another week that was mostly filled with Spider-Man related titles. I want to note here that I did not, however, pick up Morbius the Living Vampire #1 in print but I did get the chance to read it electronically and am presently surprised. It isn't gold, but it could get there. It spends a lot of time focusing on the fact that he isn't a real vampire and what he has gotten himself into. It shows promise.

Anyhow, I guess it is on to the books that I grabbed this week:

All-New X-Men #5
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #19
Venom #29

As I said, short pull list again. I think I like it this way though. I am not overloaded on story-lines and am able to keep it all clear. Plus, the things that I am still reading are holding my attention without question...

I guess that is all for now. Happy New Year once again my readers. It is good to know that we made it to 2013 relatively unscathed. I trust that this year will be wonderful for everyone! Anyhow, to kick off the new year I will toss up those reviews that you guys enjoy looking at. Until then, happy reading everyone.