Superior Spider-Man #6

Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Humberto Ramos
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Color Art: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 20th, 2013

"Joking Hazard"

 

Oh man Otto, you are really starting to mess up. It is sad to see that all the years of being who he was has made his fuse so short and for him to come across as almost immature. He is quick to defend other people being picked on and if he feels picked on, oh man does he snap. That is what this issue was showing, how unbelievably unbalanced Otto is becoming.

The use of weird b-class criminals was good here. Slott really know how to set up an arc by using people you really don't care about first. I think the fact that Spidey is also working closely with JJ should have also been a flag that things were going to start going to crap quickly. I think the whole "Superior Spider-Man" complex has tilted Otto over the edge and everyone is aware. EVERYONE...that includes the Avengers. They see how he is handling his criminals and how different he is versus the Spider-Man they added to the team and they feel it is going to be time to do something about him. They can't have an Avenger out there shooting villains in the head and beating non-superpowered people into a pulp.

For all of the naysayers out there about this title I really hope you have given it more than the first issue as a chance. There is a lot to love and and I am becoming more and more convinced that the Otto thing will be temporary. I have a gut feeling that as soon as Otto completely ruins Peter's reputation and life, he will get his body back. We can't have a too happy Spider-Man for too long, can we?

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #21

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Sara Pichelli
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Lettering: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 20th, 2013

Wow Bendis, write much? Seriously, five titles in my pull list have Bendis' name sprawled on the title. The thing about it is, it isn't a bad thing. He is knocking them out of the park and this book is definitely not an exception.

Miles Morales, much like his predecessor Peter Parker, is just an unlucky guy. Just because he isn't the original Spider-Man doesn't mean he doesn't have to deal with Spider-Man's problems and Venom is a big problem. It seems the Venom is empty and is trying to find something to connect to. Sadly, Venom thinks Miles' dad is Spider-Man and is trying to do something about that.

I am loving the fact that we are getting a taste of Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy in this book and they are trying to help Miles. The wheel is turning for something big to come and soon and I am beyond happy that I will be there for the ride. I think it is about time something horrible is going to happen to Miles and there is no better way to do that than to use Venom as a vehicle. I really wish this was a twice a month book so I could get a little more Miles Morales in my life.

Deadpool #6

Writer: Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan
Aritst: Tony Moore
Colorist: Val Staples
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 20th, 2013

"National Maul"

 

I have been teetering on this title now for a few issues and I am still not completely sold. I will admit that I enjoyed this last chapter to the first arc and I definitely laughed on and off. Posehn and Duggan write a pretty damn funny Deadpool and do a nice job making him serious when he needs to be but the story is lacking a little. It just feels slapstick from time to time and lacks a little consistency. What they decided to do with Agent Preston killed it for me and forced me to weigh some heavy odds.

Considering this is the end of the arc and I really need to drop a title I think I may be retiring Deadpool. It is always hard for me to put down a book but this seems to be the one. So, thanks for killing undead presidents Wade, but you also killed my interest in Deadpool. It was a fun ride while it lasted and I hope you keep other readers, this title just wasn't right for me. Sayonara my friend. We laughed, we groaned and we sort of enjoyed our time together.

Cable and X-Force #6

Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colorist: Frank D'Armata
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 20th, 2013

I find it hard to believe that we are already six issues into this book. I am glad to see a little bit more of Colossus in this book and I like the way that Wolverine handled him when he turned himself in. The sad thing is that he is probably going to be in court for murder and not for the cosmic stuff he also wants to find a way to make up for. Poor guy...at least Domino is into him, right?

I am surprised to see Boom-Boom in this title. I can't remember the last time she was actually utilized in a Marvel book but I suppose she fits. She does feel a little tacked onto the team but she does well enough to help Domino break into the prison I am interested to see what is going on with the thing they are breaking out...tick tick....

Lastly, Forge and Cable are up to something big too. I guess they have to get to space somehow to take care of his vision. That is opening up a lot more questions for me which is what this title has been for me so far, a lot of questions. That said, I am starting to actually enjoy it and am becoming connected to the characters. Plus, I want to see what the conversation that is starting on the last page will lead to. I will be staying on for a while longer because these X-books so far have been something great. If Cable and X-Force picks up its pace a little more I will easily say that the X-books have my full attention...for now.

All-New X-Men #9

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Wade Von Grawbadger
Color Artists: Marte Gracia & Rain Beredo
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 20th, 2013

Wow Bendis is doing a phenomenal job showing how much the main team has grown over the years. This issue opens with the young versions of the X-Men struggling to fight off a few Sentinels while in Times Square. This was of course a Danger Room exercise but it showed how unprepared for the world this team really is. I personally love the way that Bendis is having this team treat Kitty as their "professor" considering the lack of Xavier.

I think the handling of Jean Grey has also been intriguing to say the least. She isn't bad or evil by any stretch of the imagination but without the proper training from Xavier she isn't using her powers in a way that is acceptable or controlled. She is dipping into everyone's minds and breaking a lot of rules she...err...her other...err...the Jean we are used to? Yeah that, the Jean that we used to lived by. The transition of Scott being called out about Mystique and her little jailbreak was also really nicely done. I am excited to see where that part of the arc is going.

Lastly, we are finally seeing a true overlap between this book and Uncanny X-Men on the last page. The final pages of this issue and the last issue of Uncanny X-Men mesh nicely and continues to build my excitement for the issues to come. It seems that Bendis needed the refresher of going to a new title because this man is currently blowing my mind.

Weekly Pulls for 03/20/13

This is the first week in three that I haven't had an issue of Age of Ultron waiting for me and I was actually a little sad. I know that we haven't been getting a ton of story so far but I seem to be getting attached. I want to see how the heroes get out of their dilemma and how and where this fits into the normal Marvel NOW world. I am also intrigued by this version of Spider-Man because I cannot for the life of me get the feeling that he is Otto.

Other than that it was a pretty standard week. I have been insanely busy at work so I haven't had much time to do any industry stuff and we still don't have the newest episode of The Panel Scanners on our site so there isn't a ton to share. I do want to mention that my reading of the full run of Amazing Spider-Man is going well BUT I am starting to have problems with issues not connecting due to other Spidey titles going on at the same time. I am also sad to see that only two issues of Maximum Carnage happened in ASM and am tempted to read the whole thing anyhow. It was hard to be a Spidey fan in the 90's.

My pull list was fairly standard this week. I grabbed five new issues of my ongoing titles:

All-New X-Men #9
Cable and X-Force #6
Deadpool #6
Superior Spider-Man #6
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #21

I will try to get reviews up this weekend but there are no promises. They may have to wait until some time next week or even the following weekend due to this being the last week of school before Spring Break and I am one busy teacher. Until then, happy reading my friends!

X-Men Legacy #7

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Penciler: Tan Eng Huat
Inker: Craig Yeung
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 13th, 2013

"Holy Ghosts"

 

This issue was the moment of truth. The first incredible arc by Simon Spurrier came to a close in the last issue and it was time to see where this book is headed. The answer is somewhere good. For the last six issues (other than #1 which confused the hell out of me until I read it three times) this book has sat at the top of my pick list hanging out with Hawkeye. Spurrier just seems to have such an understanding of how to write David Haller well and to not make it feel like any other X-book or Marvel book out there right now.

After the events of the last few issues, David is finding it difficult to handle his many personalities. On top of that, he is starting to want to impress Ruth Aldine, Blindfold, because he seems to have gained a bit of a crush on her since the kiss a few issues back. In this issue David decides to visit the Church of the Happy Host, a well known mutant hate group that Luca happened to have been a part of. His whole intention of going seemed to have something to do with researching Luca and trying to show Ruth that he cares and that she should like him (which she seems to already).

Things don't go incredibly well for David but everything works out. I found myself chuckling a bunch in this issue. I mean, he uses his telepathic ability to use pigeons as weapons. He has them poop on a drone so it short circuits. Spurrier just keeps writing amazingly funny, entertaining and passionate issues that keep me hungry for more. I can't wait for issues #8 and beyond. I think this book will sit on my pull list as long as it is around.

Wolverine and the X-Men #26

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Ramon Perez
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 13th, 2013

"Savage Learning Part 2 of 4: A Boy Named Dog"

 

I spent a little time in the last issue of this book confused. I didn't read Origin so I wasn't overly familiar with the fact that there was another Logan. This issue gave me the back story I greatly needed and answered the big question of why Dog was hunting down Wolverine.

The majority of this issue is Dog's story. We see him being raised poorly by his father and easily tossed away. He always feels less than his brother, James, and is always seeming to want to prove himself. While hunting for James, he stumbles across an item that lets him travel through time and he claims that Wolverine is bad for the future and that he will ultimately cause the death of his students. That is the reason he is there and the reason he is trying to dispose of his brother.

I am a little iffy on the story, especially based on the last page spread of robots, cowboys and cavemen. I trust Aaron's writing because I have enjoyed this book thus far but some of these choices make me nervous. There are two more issues to this arc and I really hope that I get a little more invested. I have a bright outlook though, the Hellfire Club story arc is promised to start soon and that will be epic.

Uncanny X-Men #3

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler/Colorist: Chris Bachalo
Inkers: Tim Townsend, Jaime Mendoza, Al Vey & Victor Olazaba
Lettering and Production: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 13th, 2013

Bendis strikes again with another amazing chapter to his X-Men story. We last left the new team of X-Men standing toe-to-toe against the Avengers. The new mutants, to say the least, are a bit overwhelmed by the presence of super heroes. Notably, Eva Bell, the mutant that can freeze time, has immense respect for Captain America and seems a bit star-struck when she sees him.

The dialogue here really sets up Scott's reasoning for everything he is doing and he has some amazingly strong points. I mentioned in the podcast this week (that isn't posted yet, I will let you know when it is) that Bendis' writing of Scott has been starting to make me like the guy. It is hard to hate him when he is fighting so hard for something he really believes in. He also makes a strong point that if it weren't for Tony Stark's haphazard response to the Phoenix Force, there wouldn't have even been a death of Charles Xavier.

The other key part of this issue was Magneto's explanation as to why he betrayed his team. I find it intriguing and don't want to get into exactly why he did it. If you want to know, you should read this. Hell, if you aren't reading this book at this point and you enjoy or have ever enjoyed X-Men, shame on you. Go out to your comic shop right now and pick up a copy, you wont regret it.

Avenging Spider-Man #18

Writer: Christopher Yost
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 13th, 2013

I have to admit that coming into this issue I didn't know what to think. I have only recently started to enjoy Thor at all (due to my reading of Thor God of Thunder digitally) and I didn't think that Electro would be that interesting fighting against someone who can control him. I was very mistaken.

The recent issues of Avenging Spider-Man have been surprising. Yost has done a great job keeping the Otto feel to his Peter Parker and there is actually seeming to be a story growing within the pages which is not what this book ever really was. It always felt like a one-shot, team-up book which was the purpose. It is still definitely a team-up book but Otto is up to something and this issue added to it.

The fight between Electro and Thor was epic. Electro went through a quantum conversion that basically made it impossible for Thor to control him (and made him insanely unstable). Thor, being a god after all, ignored Spidey's warnings and tried to take on Electro anyhow. It didn't go very well and Otto actually ended up saving the world again. Just when you start thinking that he is completely a good guy he does something fishy though. He is collecting something (which I don't want to spoil yet because I want to see where Yost is going with it), and I think it is something bad.

On top of a great story, a solid fight and nice interactions between Spidey and Thor, the art of this book by Checchetto was gorgeous. Spidey was clean, Thor was appropriately sized and there was a ton of electricity dancing over the pages. This book keeps surprising me and I am beyond happy I didn't listen to my comic guy about dropping it. Right now is a good time to be a Spider-Man fanboy.

Age of Ultron #2

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Bryan Hitch
Inker: Paul Neary
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 13th, 2013

Book two of the new Marvel event still felt incredibly introductory. I feel like the first two issues of this series could have been balled into one book but I that doesn't mean this issue was bad. It is good to see that not all of the heroes are together but it also brought up a lot more questions as to what the hell is actually going on.

One of my big issues with this book so far is trying to figure out who is actually Peter Parker. Bendis' writing of Peter doesn't feel very Otto like but he has stated that the story does take place in the Marvel NOW continuum and there is a Superior Spider-Man book tied in so I am a little lost. Maybe because crap is so serious Otto isn't really himself...who knows... I did like Peter's story as to how he ended up tied to a chair in the first issue but that ALSO brought up more questions.

I understand that these early issues are meant to set the pieces in motion and by the last page of the book there does seem to be some motion happening. I am excited to see what "the plan" is in the next issue and I am still insanely intrigued as to how the world went to shit over night. I have a lot of faith in Brian Michael Bendis right now and I trust he wont let me down.

Weekly pulls for 03/13/13

Another lovely week in comics and I must say it was a busy one. Well, not necessarily the week of comics but my week. I am really liking the fact that my life keeps getting more busy but the days aren't getting any longer. I am so happy that I have found comics again in my adult years because there is nothing more relaxing than laying in bed at night and reading through the most recent issue of Spider-Man or X-Men. It is a form of release that is hard pressed to get anywhere else. I know it can be argued that books can do much the same but they are missing the key element of visual art. I am not slamming books, I am an English teacher and I LOVE reading novels, but comics give me something that books never could.

Anyhow, this week was another relatively heavy week. I think that my average book pulls will be around five until Age of Ultron has come full circle. I think that is the worst part of these cross over events, there are just too many comics to read and purchase and a lot of them aren't really necessary. Who knows though, perhaps with Marvel's choice to make AU comics to pair with the main book of this series they will be more necessary (I am sure this is wishful thinking on my part).

I suppose there isn't any other pressing musing on my part for now so onto the pulls:

Age of Ultron #2
Avenging Spider-Man #18
Uncanny X-Men #3
Wolverine and the X-Men #26
X-Men Legacy #7

There was a lot of good reading there and reviews will follow. Until then, happy reading!

Venom #32

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Declan Shalvey
Color Art: Lee Loughridge
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 6th, 2013

"Toxic Lifestyle"

 

For the first time in a long time Flash is feeling very alone. He is starting to rely more and more on his suit and isn't even completely sure if he still has control over it. I think that is what is the most interesting part of Bunn's telling of Venom. Other than that I think this whole Philadelphia thing is forcing Flash to look at his life and what exactly he is going to do from here on out.

He has finally found a job as a gym teacher which doesn't sit well with him or his students considering he is confined to a wheelchair while he is Flash Thompson. He sees a lot of himself in his students and he keeps questioning his choices as a youth.

On the Venom half of his life he is dealing with some strange enemies. The emaciated man that he battles in this issue is almost a reflection of his angst as a person and also has an extreme hunger as his suit is known to have. The goodness in Flash is what ultimately allows his enemy to escape only to reveal to us that Eddie Brock has found his way to Philadelphia.

I am glad that I stayed with this title with the tease of Toxin a few issues back. I am starting to relate with Flash again and I always love a good Eddie Brock storyline. I am sure Toxin will have a big presence in the next issue and I can't wait.

The Superior Spider-Man #5

Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Inkers: John Dell & Giuseppe Camuncoli
Color Art: Edgar Delgado & Antonio Fabella
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 6th, 2013

"Emotional Triggers"

 

I can't believe we are already in the fifth issue of Otto being Spider-Man. I am growing used to the concept of him doing things his own way with a strange Peter consciousness following him around judging his every move. The whole new feel of what Spider-Man is has made it fun to watch the character grow and wonder that if/when Peter does get his body back, how long it will take for him to remedy the problems made by Otto if he is able to at all.

This issue finishes his dealings with Massacre and he definitely handles it differently than Peter would have. He doesn't pay attention to his surroundings as well while at the same time he is a much more prepared version of Spider-Man. He thinks things out before the attack but during the attack he isn't as quick thinking. I find that interesting considering that one of the reasons Peter always beat Otto is that he was quicker on his feet and more aware during the fight, even though Otto always seemed to be better prepared. I wonder if this is foreshadowing how Peter may get his body back.

After his dark dealing of Massacre he is also shown with the power of what he is starting to go to his head. Otto really does feel superior to everyone and thinks that New York belongs to him. This may be his greatest misstep and lead to him being defeated. I am also wondering what is going to happen with the reappearance of an old enemy that was teased at the end of issue #4.

It is obvious that there is a lot going on here and there is a lot to enjoy. Slott has a great understanding of Spider-Man as a character and I am really happy I trusted him going into this series. I still wait twice monthly with excitement to get this book. If you gave up on The Superior Spider-Man, I highly recommend you giving it one more chance.

Cable and X-Force #5

Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colorist: Frank D'Armata
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 6th, 2013

I guess this issue would be considered the relaxation issue. The first mission of this X-Force team is completed and they all need to decide what to do next with their lives. There is a little bit of a potential relationship brewing between Colossus and Domino and Cable is continuing to piss off his daughter Hope. There are a few fun moments in this issue but not too much that was overly serious till toward the end.

Cable has another vision and he knows that he has a mission in space waiting for him. He collects the team (minus Colossus) and asks if they are willing to join him, which they are with minimal persuasion. It all felt very convenient but it did make sense. I do like that Colossus is struggling with the choices of the last mission and is trying to do what is right.

This is definitely feeling like the weakest X-book to me right now. I am not sure when or if I will ever gain a true connection with the team. If I don't start getting excited about it soon I will probably drop it to lessen my monthly pulls but for now I suppose I will stick with it...

All-New X-Men #8

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Color Artist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 6th, 2013

It is nice to see that Bendis is taking a bit of time to let each member of the original team share the spotlight in these early issues. This issue we finally get to see a little more of Angel and how he is handling things, which isn't very well. He doesn't seem overly comfortable with how he has turned out or how anything has turned out. He thinks that things are the way they are and there is nothing they can do about it and he wants to go home, it really makes sense.

Also, the Avengers are finally aware of Hank's choice to travel into the past and drag his old friends to the current timeline. Cap is obviously not thrilled at the idea but knows to not step over the line and force the X-Men to do anything they don't want to considering human/mutant relations are not great at the moment. There is a really nice interaction between young Scott and Cap that made me smile and start to not hate him as a character. I don't know what I will do with myself if I don't hate Cyclops...

Lastly, there is something to be questioned about how quickly Jean's powers are awakening and how she is dealing with them. Without Professor X there to explain what is right and wrong to her I am concerned she may end up wandering down a dark path. I think this is adding a new level of enjoyment to the book though and making it quite the fun ride.

Age of Ultron #1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Bryan Hitch
Inker: Paul Neary
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 6th, 2013

When they call this the Age of Ultron, they truly mean the age has already begun. We are dropped instantly into a ruined landscape of New york with a lack of heroes and pure darkness engulfing everything. Women are treated as playthings and villains sell out information to Ultron to keep their lives, even if it is temporary.

I thought it was interesting to see the use of Hammerhead and The Owl as enemies in this first book. I think it really shows how much the power of Ultron has spread over that even criminals that once were known are struggling to make ends meet. The beaten down form of each Avenger is also a bit to take. There are no masks to be seen in the issue other than Captain America's, and that is blocked by his arms. I am sure this was an intentional move to show that everyone is broken and that secret identities really hold no standing when things get this terrible.

There are a ton of questions that need answering after this first issue but we have nine more main books and I think nine so tie-in books in our futures that should answer these things. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this event, but after the first issue I have a lot of faith in what Bendis is doing here and can't wait to see how all of this happened and how it will end.

A+X #5

"Iron Fist + Doop"

Writer: Kathryn Immonen

Artist: David Lafuente

Color Artist: Jim Campbell

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

"Loki + Mister Sinister"

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Penciler: Joe Bennett

Inker: Mark Morales

Colorist: Jim Charalampidis

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)

Price: $3.99

Release Date: March 6th, 2013

This title is so back and forth with me it is insane. One month I love it to death the next I could care less. This was one of those months I could care less. The Iron Fist + Doop section was oddly paced and there is so much Doop dialogue that I didn't even care to attempt to translate it. I thought it weird that Iron Fist and Doop seemed to have such a close relationship while I can't remember a moment where they have spent a lot of time together. I get that the short story was meant to be funny and lighthearted but I just didn't feel it. It felt silly and pointless and by the end I caught myself really hoping that the next story in the book would be better.

The Loki + Mister Sinister story was a bit better than the first tale but I didn't find it completely redeeming. I am sure Sinister is mentioned here because he is sure to soon return to the X-Men books and Loki is here because he is in the Young Avengers title right now but it still felt a bit unnatural to have them share pages. The fact that the two of them are hunting down a sample of Loki's DNA that Doctor Doom had possession of and the fact that Loki so readily gave it to him seemed a little off. I also am not a huge fan of the "The End...?" cliche ending to any comic story. Maybe I am expecting too much from this title.

Anyhow, I guess I am going to pick up the next one considering it should be one of the final issues and the new Captain Marvel is in it and I am really enjoying her as a character. The next book had better have love in it thought or I may be able to drop this title and never look back (even if it is almost over).

Weekly Pulls for 03/06/13

Finally I am getting caught up on my posts! I am sorry to my readers out there that actually try to read my posts weekly, it has been a hectic few weeks. My life has been out of control busy and I have been experiencing some pretty serious insomnia. I actually took today off of work to see what was wrong with me and to catch up on some incredibly needed sleep. Now that I feel a bit rested, I figure it is time for me to catch you all up on what I have been reading this week.

First I would like to mention that the newest podcast of The Panel Scanners is up on our website and I am growing more and more proud of the work we are doing as a trio. I am starting to see the true merit of doing it every month and hell, it is a ton of fun. If you haven't given us a listen yet, please do! I'd love to hear some feedback in the near future as to thing we can discuss and maybe even pointers on how to be a better received podcast.

This week in comics was also interesting. Marvel fans got their first takes of what The Age of Ultron is bringing to us and it really seems like Brian Michael Bendis is writing Marvel. Within the titles I am reading he is writing a lot of them: Guardians of the Galaxy, All-New X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, The Age of Ultron and I am sure there is more. I find it hard to believe someone is writing that much and the more surprising part is it is all good. Kind of shocking huh?

Anyhow, my pull list was a tad shorter this week than last. I "only" picked up six books. There is much to say about them and it will follow this post. As I said, there are six new books this week:

A + X #5
Age of Ultron #1
All-New X-Men #8
Cable and X-Force #5
The Superior Spider-Man #5
Venom #32

That is all I have for now. Check back in a little bit and I should have my comments on those books posted. Until then, happy reading out there.

X-Men Legacy #6

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Penciler: Jorge Molinda
Inkers: Norman Lee & Walden Wong
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 27th, 2013

The battle at the Jean Grey School is in full force. Blindfold's brother, Luca, has possessed the male twin (whose name escapes me) and is ready to murder Blindfold. David is quick to put himself in the school by tapping his powers to stop him and a great exchange ensues. I can't get over how much fun it is to see David tap his own brain for each of his different personalities so that he is able to stand toe-to-toe with his enemies.

The whole fight with Luca is interesting and it also proves interesting that Luca is unable to predict David's movements even though that seems to be his mutant ability. I am sure this will come up more in the future and have a gut feeling that it means that there is no way to actually figure out what David is ever capable of.

It is a little shocking how Luca's host is taken out by the end which I don't want to ruin but it fits nicely into the plot. The issue ends with David burning potential bridges again and walking away from the school after Wolverine realizes that David did everything for the better good which put a nice bow on the end of Spurrier's first arc of X-Men Legacy. There is a twist at the end that I am a little uncertain about but Spurrier has yet to let me down so I will wait impatiently for the next issue to hit my pull list.

Hawkeye #8

Writer: Matt Fraction
Penciler: David Aja
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 27th. 2013

I love that Clint Barton is just a normal human that hangs out with superheroes. I think that is the major draw to this title. It doesn't feel like any of the other hero books that I read and that is something fresh. I have discussed in the podcast that this book always sits at the bottom of my pull list because it tends to be the best and a great way to finish a week of solid books.

Clint just can't seem to keep himself out of trouble. He is failing as a ladies' man due to the fact that women seem to overlap. For the first time Jessica Drew appears in the book and "sort of" explains her lack of appearance thus far in the title. By that I mean there is an uncertainty with their relationship, at least on Clint's side.

Outside of a brief appearance of Jessica, Clint is dealing with a past hook-up from an earlier issue, the girl he refers to as Cherry, who just seems to keep getting him deeper and deeper into trouble. By the end of this he has Kingpin out to get him and it promises for something good in the future. 

As always I can't put this title down and am beyond happy that Matt Fraction is still slaving away behind this title. Eight issues in and it has yet to let me down. I think I say this every month but if you are not reading this you really need to start.

I also have to mention Aja's work in this book. It is so perfect for the overall tone of the story that I don't know if it would feel the same without it. Bravo you two...you have kept me happy for eight issues and hopefully many more.

Uncanny Avengers #4

Writer: RIck Remender
Artist: John Cassaday
Color Artist: Laura Martin with Larry Molinar
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 27th, 2013

It is incredible how powerful Red Skull has become since the beginning of this title. It is truly terrifying to think that he can have complete control over someone as powerful as Thor without so much as lifting a finger. It was a nice way to paint a picture that Red Skull is not going to be a joke and that this new group of Avengers has their hands full.

That said...the twist at the end caused me a slight issue. I am seeing a lot of reflections of the 90's returning and I am not certain that this reference is a good one. I remember quite clearly that the storyline that the cliffhanger of this issue referred to was one of the reasons I stopped reading comics such a long time ago. I hope it was a good decision to go down this road because so far I have loved this book and would hate to see it "jump the shark".

Oh well, so far so good. There is a lot of darkness going on in the Marvel Universe and it has potential to keep me reading for a long time, if done correctly. 

Uncanny X-Men #2

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler/Colorist: Chris Bachalo
Inkers: Tim Townsend, Jaime Mendoza, Al Vey & Victor Olazara
Lettering: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 27th, 2013

"Poink Is The New Bamf"

 

With a small team in place it is hard to not start to get excited for what is to come with this book. The team is still so fresh and new that it is fun to see them get used to their powers and the world of being a mutant. I am also loving seeing the struggle of the main team members trying to figure out their edited powers. I especially liked the time spent with Emma Frost this issue and her relationship with Scott. For the first time in a while I am not hating Scott completely which is saying something of Bendis' ability to tell a story.

By now the cliffhanger of the last issue is relatively common knowledge and Magneto is our "spy". I am not certain what his game is here or if he is actually trying to do what he thinks is right. His defaulting to help S.H.I.E.L.D. over his fellow mutants is a little surprising and with his past is hard to swallow. I am starting to wonder if the fact that Emma doesn't have her abilities to read minds may be a clue that Magneto may not be Magneto at all. We have seen a lot of Mystique references as of late and it is possible that she is posing. This is, of course, just a random guess for me though and I have no real proof.

I am incredibly excited to see the battle that is on the horizon as of the last pages of this issue. It will be great to see how much control the mutants really have over their powers and if they can stand toe-to-toe with anyone else who still has powers that they have always had. This book is a perfect pairing with All-New X-Men and I can't wait until they overlap in the future.

Uncanny X-Force #2

Writer: Sam Humphries
Penciler: Ron Garney
Inkers: Danny Miki w/ Scott Hanna
Colorists: Marte Gracia w/Israel Gonzalez and Wil Quintana
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 27th, 2013

"Gimme Shelter"

 

After reading Remender's run on Uncanny X-Force I am finding a bit more enjoyment with this title. The main part for me was I was incredibly confused as to who Fantomax was and why it was such a big deal he was kissing a female look alike of himself at the end of the first issue....now I know.

Other than that bit, the fight between Psylocke and Spiral was enjoyable to watch. The two of them have such a momentous past that it seems fitting. I have heard rumor that Spiral will be a main character in this series and I am interested as to how she becomes part of the team. I am assuming it is going to have something to do with Bishop battling them.

What is going on with Bishop anyhow? I know he made a few enemies with the Hope situation in the past but there seems to be a level of forgiveness. Why does it seem that he has lost his mind? The questions that surround him is what is going to keep me reading. I have a lot of faith with this book especially since all of the other X-books are so solid right now. I hope I am not disappointed.

Avenging Spider-Man #17

Writer: Christopher Yost
Pencils: Paco Medina
Inker: Juan Vlasco
Colorist: Dave Curiel
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 27th, 2013

Octo Spider-Man seems like a lot of fun to write for. He can get into the same situations as Peter Parker but handle them so much differently. A trip to spend time with the FF would be a fairly frequent thing for Peter but it is an event for Otto.

The event here is he is meant to be a babysitter the FF kids. This wouldn't be too serious if there weren't agents from the future coming to kill Bentley-23 to stop him from destroying the world. Here is where I have one of my biggest problems with the current Avenging Spider-Man title. It seems that every issue has someone that either knows that Spider-Man is Otto or could easily learn his identity. I don't think it is taking away from it really, it just seems to be an off-set joke.

Of course everything turns out for the better other than something important being stolen from FF Tower...but I think I'll leave that for the readers to find out. I am intrigued as to what effect it may have on the actual Super Spider-Man title if any effect at all. We are promised interactions with Thor in the next issue so hopefully that is more enchanting than this. As always, this wasn't bad, I just didn't love the issue. I don't fault that to the title as much as just now starting to get to know the FF as a group.

Gambit #9

Written By: James Asmus
Penciled By: Clay Mann
Inked By: Seth Mann with Clay Mann & Allen Martinez
Colored By: Rachelle Rosenberg
Lettered By: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 27th, 2013

"A Man Walks Into A Bar..."

 

Gambit has been a roller coaster of "meh" for me as of late. There are moments that I really want to love Remy's adventures while at the same time I feel like we are going in an endless circle. The whole relationship with Joelle feels lackluster and even forced at times. Even Remy wouldn't go through that much for a girl that he has only kissed...at least that is what I thought.

Now that he has fought dragons, infiltrated a villain bar and escaped with her and she is still aggravated with him just doesn't seem worth it. I actually became excited when I saw a flicker of Rogue, the "ex" appear briefly to scold Remy for his recent choices. Of course he didn't get the chance to explain because he was too busy hunting down Joelle.

I am really shakey here and I know this discussion is lost but that is how I feel with this title. I am being baited with Rogue currently for what is to come but if it doesn't happen or something worthwhile doesn't happen in the next issue this will be the first title I drop in mid arc. It is really sad, I loved this title when it started.

Guardians of the Galaxy 0.1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Steve McNiven
Inker: John Dell
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 27th, 2013


Going into this issue I really didn't know what to expect. I have never really read Guardians of the Galaxy, I really don't know the characters and to be fair I have never really cared. Regardless of all of this, my comic shop owner Jon slid it into my pull list and would not take no for an answer. Initially I felt a little robbed and sad until I opened the issue.

The first thing that jumped out was the art. It is so clean, bright and vivid that I caught myself smiling and actually start to lean a little closer to the page to let my eyes absorb the small details. Even space seemed to have been thought out to spread over the heads of the characters. Once I got over the surprise of the art I let myself fall into the story of Star Lord.

As I said earlier, I don't know any of these characters well and was excited to get an actual introduction to them. How Star Lord became the man of the universe that he is and the fact that he is half human was told in such a vivid way that I feel like I have known him for ages. I hope that Bendis does this with the other team members of the book so that I feel as connected to them.

I have to bow to my shop owner and tell him that he actually made a solid recommendation. I truly enjoyed this book and am thrilled to see what is coming with issue #1. Bendis has not been letting me down since he turned his attention toward X-Men and now it seems he has another book on my radar. It is a good time to be a fan of Marvel.

Weekly Pulls for 2/27/13

Well this entry is super late...matter of fact it is the week after my pulls. It is truly funny how life can get in your way sometimes isn't it? I do want to say that the reasons for my delay were necessary and I am going to try my best to scatter my reviews from last week and this week over the next handful of days so that by Saturday I will be totally caught up.

Reason #1 for the delay. On comic book day (2/27) I spent the evening recording a couple episodes of the podcast to play catch up. Hopefully within the next couple days episode #9 will hit the website for everyone to enjoy.

Reason #2 is I was busy with my teaching stuff and with my friends. It happens, I am human and some people like me I suppose. That ended with me needing to just rest and spend time with my wife over the weekend which got me to today where I am taking part of my lunch break to write this entry.

As for comics...oh man did it make up for the previous few weeks on quantity. I walked out of my shop with an astounding eight books which I was not expecting. My understanding is I am expecting at least another six or more this week. Age of Ultron isn't going to remedy this so I suppose I am bit happy no one left me with any recommendations last week when I asked.

Anyhow, enough of my ramblings. Here is the list of doom from last week:

Avenging Spider-Man #17
Gambit #9
Guardians of the Galaxy #.1
Hawkeye #8
Uncanny Avengers #4
Uncanny X-Force #2
Uncanny X-Men #2
X-Men Legacy #6

As you can see there is a lot here and I just got to read some of them last night. Reviews will follow in due time...until then, happy reading!