X-Men Legacy #11

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Pencilers: Paul Davidson & Tan Eng Huat
Inkers: Paul Davidson & Craig Yeung
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 22nd, 2013

"Invasive Exotic Part Two"

I am still really loving this book. I think that Spurrier has really gained an understanding of what makes David Haller tick and why he makes the choices that he does. I also am enjoying the dynamic between he and Ruth and the things she has to deal with to make their relationship work.

This issue was split between the two of them. David is trying to figure out exactly what the pill that will "cure" him of his mutant abilities will do to him and who created it while Ruth is trying to build a team of X-Men to stop him from making this terrible mistake. David seems to be hell-bent on figuring out a way to not end up causing the future that he knows is coming even if it means going into a comatose state.

Ruth, knowing her love for her David, does not want him to give up what he is and thinks that there are other ways to stop the future from happening. I am really excited to see what she does to stop David from getting rid of his powers, if she even can. I am also intrigued as to how Spurrier is going to use the twist that he revealed at the end of the issue.

I have said this many times, but if you aren't reading this X-book you really should be. It is so much different than everything else out there and that is a good thing. I look forward to it every month and have not been let down.

Uncanny X-Men #6

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Aritst: Frazer Irving
Lettering: Joe Caramagna
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 22nd, 2013

I have to start by saying that there are so many magnificent page spreads in this book that it took me a while to even get through it because I wanted to absorb all of the detail. The reveal of Dormammu after the center of the book was amazing. Okay, now that I have gushed over the art...

I am loving how Bendis is handling the new X-Men kids. They are definitely not ready for the crap that is being thrown at them and neither is Angel. With the truly powerful members of the team not having complete control over themselves and the new kids learning their powers it is fun to see how they handle any situation and the fact that Dormammu did not go down in one issue makes plenty of sense. This seemingly darker version of the X-Men is truly a pleasure to read.

That said, I am not certain about the last page reveal. I have never been a huge fan of the mutant that they show but in Bendis' hands they might be something worthwhile. I suppose I will find out in issue #7. Until then, I will keep reading Bendis' main books and keep enjoying them.

Uncanny Avengers #8 AU

Writers: Rick Remender & Gerry Duggan
Artist: Adam Kubert
Color Artist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Cory Petit
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 22nd, 2013

This is the first AoU book that has felt slightly relevant to me. I am not saying it is relevant really to the AoU story...it really isn't. I just feel that it is relevant to show the growth of the Apocalypse twins that we are dealing with in the main Uncanny Avengers book.

I like that because Remender knows he is using a time traveling, timeline jumping antagonist, he is able to bring the same characters we are reading in the main book into the timeline that we are dealing with in this AoU event. The dark and painful challenges that the Apocalypse twins deal with in this book are surprising. It is really sad to see what happens to Alex Summers as well as Rogue.

The thing that I enjoyed about this book is that I am starting to see the why behind the Apocalypse twins and I am starting to see more and more of what exactly Kang the Conqueror is up to. More than piquing my interest in AoU, this gave me a renewed hope for the Uncanny Avengers title which I was starting to get a little turned off of. So far, this is one of my picks for the tie-ins of AoU, even if it is for the wrong reasons.

The Superior Spider-Man #10

Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ryan Stegman
Inks: Ryan Stegman & Cam Smith
Color Art: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 22nd, 2013

"Independence Day"

Peter Parker is no more and that is obvious with the way that Otto is handling himself now. He has started to blow off M.J. and many people are starting to take notice that Spider-Man is not the guy he once was. Even the cops are starting to notice that he isn't leaving fun notes on the captured criminals that he leaves for them and that the criminals seem much more worse for wear than he used to leave them.

It is incredibly fun to see Otto running around as Spider-Man, fighting viciously, using his powers to the fullest extent instead of how Peter kept them pinned back so that he didn't hurt anyone. On the not superhero side of things, I am finding his relationship with Anna interesting as well and makes him feel a little less like a villain and more humanized.

I am also enjoying watching the water slowly start to boil which is the story that is connected to Green Goblin. We are starting to see Goblin collecting hoodlums for his henchmen and we are starting to finally see him move. I am intrigued as to how Otto is going to handle Peter's other greatest enemy.

With people noticing Spider-Man acting up, with Carly closing in on her investigation and with Green Goblin on the horizon this book is nothing short of fun. I am so incredibly excited to see where it is going and am beyond impressed with Dan Slott's work. I can hardly wait for issue #11 next month.

Scarlet Spider #17

Writer: Chris Yost
Pencils: Carlo Barberi
Inks: Walden Wong
Colors: Rex Lokus
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 22nd, 2013

"Wrath Part 1"

A while back Kaine made a deal with the Assassin's guild that if they left him and his friends alone that he would kill someone for them in the future. The future is now and they want him to kill someone who will not die easily, Wolverine.

The interaction between Kaine and the guild was fun and a reminder that he handles things quite differently than Peter Parker would. I choose words carefully because I am convinced that the current Spider-Man would have handled things somewhat similarly. Anyhow, Kaine and Aracely go to New York to try to take care of the business at hand.

Aracely seems to think that she is now a superhero as well and creates a costume for herself coining the name Hummingbird. She accompanies Kaine to the Jean Grey School to try to pin down Wolverine and take care of business. There seems to be some extra shadey stuff going on around the school and it even seems as if Kaine has been set up.

The interactions between the protagonists of this book and the X-Men was truly fun to watch. Kaine proves that he has become a pretty solid fighter and Hummingbird seems as if she may be incredibly useful in the near future. The ending of the book is no surprise and I am pretty certain I know what is going to happen at the start of the next issue but it is handled very well. I am really starting to enjoy this title again, which is good, because I was starting to grow nervous.

Fearless Defenders #4 AU

Written by: Cullen Bunn
Penciled by: Phil Jimenez
Inked by: Karl Kesel
Background Inks by: Aaron Mcconnell
Colored by: Antonio Fabela
Lettered by: Clayton Cowles
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 22nd, 2013

This Age of Ultron tie-in takes place in the timeline that was created by Logan and Sue Storm killing off Hank Pym. It focuses on Hippolyta (Warrior Woman) trying to get revenge for her Amazons by going to Latveria to put the smack down on Doctor Doom. We get a little more of a glimpse into the state of the world outside of New York in this timeline but it all seems pretty run down all the same.

Although watching Hippolyta beat the crap out of a few people (including her father) and regaining the support of her Amazons, this book felt sort of pointless. This story took place in a timeline that isn't supposed to exist and probably will not after the conclusion of AoU. The only thing that I can think is that Marvel may try to have a few titles become ongoing within this timeline but I think that it would be a stretch. I wish these tie-ins had been more relevant overall. They have not been terrible, they are just seeming to lack purpose.

A + X #8

"Spider-Woman + Kitty Pryde [& Lockheed]"

Writer: Gerry Duggan

Penciler: Salvador Larroca

Colorist: David Ocampo

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

"Hawkeye + Deadpool"

Writer: Christopher Hastings

Artist: Reilly Brown

Colorist: Brad Armstrong

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Price: $3.99

Release Date: May 22nd, 2013 

Well it seems to be official that I was duped and that this is an ongoing book. That said, I will keep collecting it until I get another complete stinker of an issue then I will drop it like a call in the subway. I think that was a poor analogy but what can you do?

The first half of this book focused on Spider-Woman and Kitty Pryde trying to stop Hydra, A.I.M. and The Absorbing Man from getting their hands on a meteorite. There were many silly moments in the tale but Kitty does something truly badass to The Absorbing Man that I wasn't certain that she could even do and Spider-Woman just kicked her normal level of ass. There were a few jokes dealing with Lockheed and the ladies but nothing life shattering. Regardless, this first part was a fun read.

The second half was also interesting being a mix of two jokers, Hawkeye and Deadpool. The two heroes were doing the normal save some guy and then save the world sort of adventure. The main focus of the issue seemed to be the banter between the two guys which was incredibly amusing. I especially enjoyed Deadpool's attempt to give Clint a nickname, all of which didn't stick because they were all overused.

As always, this title wasn't anything too spectacular but it was full of two stories that were pretty fun to read. It is a battle to decide if I would rather retire this book for something else (I have been starting to eyeball some DC) or keep my $3.99 a month here. I will make my call soon enough.

Weekly pulls for 05/22/13

We are coming down to the final month of Age of Ultron and I am still a bit meh about the whole situation. I feel as if it has been dragged out and fluffed to a point that wasn't necessary. I really do hope that the conclusion is something special or I may have to bow out of the next Marvel event or two (that would include Infinity). I suppose only time will tell.

Other than that this week in comics was the normal pull of the normal stuff. I did get the chance to finally record episode 11 of The Panel Scanners with Darren and Jonny but it has yet to be posted. Follow the link if you want to catch up on some episodes and by the time you click it the new episode may be there to tantalize your eardrums.

I suppose I may as well jump into my books since I have very minimal to say...

A + X #8
Fearless Defenders #4 AU
Scarlet Spider #17
The Superior Spider-Man #10
Uncanny Avengers #8 AU
Uncanny X-Men #6
X-Men Legacy #11

A little bit of a larger pull for a lighter week on comic book news. Perhaps next week I will have more exciting things to share with all of you. Until then and until I can get my reviews up, happy comic book reading my friends.

Wolverine and the X-Men #29

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Ramon Perez
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 15th, 2013

"Key to the Future"

This issue screamed filler to me more than any other book I have read in a long time. I get the point that Aaron wanted us to see that somehow everyone makes it through to at least 25 years later but was it really necessary? Logan is still hiding his past from his friends, the students are still students and Logan gives another speech about how he isn't great at giving speeches.

Yes, we are seeing growth of Logan as an educator. Yes, we are seeing the students of the school becoming closer and becoming actual classmates. The thing is, this could have been done a lot more naturally than some sort of chopped future Logan wanting to warn past Logan that things are about to go to crap. Of course things are about to go to crap, they are X-Men.

I am not saying the issue was a bad read. It really wasn't. I just didn't feel the necessity of it while we are all waiting for the Hellfire Academy stuff to start. I am happy that in the last few pages we saw another staff member of the school get recruited and another student added to the roster but that was all. I have really been teetering on this X-title for a while now and am starting to lose my extreme attachment to it. I really hope this next arc kicks me out of this funk which I do have faith will happen. Fingers crossed, this was my favorite book for a while.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #23

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: DAve Marquez
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Lettering: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 15th, 2013

"Spider-Man No More"

This book was hands down my favorite this week. This issue picks up one year after Miles' mother was shot and killed and a year since he put on the costume. He is dating Kate Bishop and keeps getting into trouble for making out with her. He sure knows how to pick them huh? He is debating telling her about his past and that he was once Spider-Man while Ganke is trying to convince him not to. Miles is really convinced that he will never be Spider-Man again and sees no harm in it, everyone else feels otherwise.

Jessica Drew is hounding him a bit about being the webslinger again as well. She even gives him new web shooters and a new costume since his last one was wrecked during the fight with Venom. He is very quick to tell her he is done and leaves her with the costume. She ends up leaving it in his bedroom later for him, just in case.

We learn through a conversation with Miles and his father that they have grown a bit closer and that they are suing the city because a police officer was the cause of Miles' mother's death. They discuss it over dinner in which they run into Gwen which is quite an emotional moment. It is funny seeing how Miles' father is convinced he has some game.

The last few pages show that it may be difficult for Miles to not be the webslinger for too much longer and showed to characters we haven't seen yet in the Ultimate Universe. I am so excited for where this title is going and am beyond impressed with how well Bendis has been handling a different person under the Spider-Man mask. I have really grown attached to Miles and can't wait to see what his future brings.

Gambit #12

Writer: James Asmus
Pencilers: Clay Mann, Dexter Soy & Leonard Kirk
Inkers: Clay Mann, Dexter Soy & Jay Leinstein
Colorer: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release date: May 15th, 2013

"Tombstone Blues"

Have I really been clinging to a Gambit title for twelve issues now? Sheesh...LUCKILY I was not let down with this issue. There was finally plenty of interaction with Rogue, we learn the last little bit to what the hell is going on with Joelle and get a little closure on most of the first true arc of the book. Well, other than the cliffhanger ending.

All of the pieces to the game meet up at the hospital where Joelle's daughter is dying just as Tombstone is getting kicked out of a window. The heroes split, Gambit to fight Tombstone and get back the potential weapon that he has and Rogue to stop Joelle from...well being Joelle. The fight between Gambit and Tombstone is fun and quick. It is great to see how resourceful he is against a foe that he really has no chance of beating head to head.

The conversation between Rogue and Joelle is well done and finally clues us in to exactly what she is about. I did feel that the final moments between Joelle and Gambit felt a little rushed bit it did tie her story up in a neat little bow. I am also happy to see that the chemical weapon that they found was taken care of...

Honestly, I am debating dropping this still but the cliffhanger with Fence is keeping me on. This issue was definitely the strongest we have gotten in a while as well so it is giving me enough to go on. Regardless, I wont be surprised if I drop Asmus' book soon to make room for something that piques my interest a bit more.

Cable and X-Force #8

Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Color Artist: Frank D'Armata
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 15th, 2013

My faith is slowly beginning to get restored in Hopeless' work in this title. I am finding that I am starting to really like the characters that are in this team because I am getting a chance to see each one do their own thing. This issue allowed for me to see a bit more of Domino in action and I have to say that she is a badass. I used to always feel that the mutant power of being lucky was pretty dumb but it seems to hold a lot of weight in a team that really does need luck.

I am also really happy to see Colossus back with the team. Seeing him on the solicits when this title was launched was one of the main reasons I was excited to get it. I was nervous that they were just going to keep him in jail while the rest of the team got to have all of the fun, I am glad that isn't the case. I am also interested to see if there is going to be an actual relationship between he and Domino or if it was just a fleeting moment early in the series.

I am excited to see where Hopeless is taking this team and with a promised interaction with the Uncanny Avengers in coming issues it should be fun to see. This book is really giving me a chance ot get to know a group of mutants that I left back in the 90's, it seems like it would have been a waste to leave them there.

Age of Ultron #8

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Brandon Peterson
Color Artist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 15th, 2013

This issue focused heavily on the repercussions of what Sue Storm and Logan did in the past. There wasn't a ton of forward momentum in the sense of the Age of Ultron, but a lot of movement in the world that our heroes are now trapped in. It is impressive to see how the death of one man can lead to so much crap and allow for a single villain to gain so much power but this isn't exactly what I was expecting from this event.

I can't help but feel that a lot of this middle stuff is going to be unnecessary. There seems to be a pull for Sue and Logan to bounce back, stop themselves from killing Pym and then figuring out some other way to help their friends in their own timeline which would make this issue and the last relatively pointless. I do hope that everything ties together neatly in the end but I am beginning to lose a little faith.

Oh well, eight issues in with the main story and quite a few tie-ins it is impossible to give up now. I hope we get some sort of explosive conclusion. Once again, I am not saying that I am not interested in this event, it is just that it was supposed to have massive ramifications to the Marvel Universe and I fail to see how that is going to be the case.

Weekly pulls for 05/15/13

This is going to be one of those rare weeks in which I do not have a whole lot to say on my weekly pulls blog post. Not a whole lot happened really. I will be participating in the final round of the "No Man's Land" Heroclix tournament tomorrow and will probably place somewhere toward last. I am also debating picking up some new pieces in relation to Fear Itself which just hit the shelves on Wednesday...

Other than that, the only thing that happened this week is that we had to postpone recording The Panel Scanners episode 11 due to Darren being ill. It isn't a huge deal but I was definitely looking forward to it. If you have not taken a listen to our budding show, follow the link that I just posted and give us a listen and feedback. We are trying to get better and we can't do that without fans.

On to the five books that I pulled this week:

Age of Ultron #8
Cable and X-Force #8
Gambit #12
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #23
Wolverine and the X-Men #29

While flipping through my books I just saw that the back cover of AoU #8 was bent...frick. Oh well...reviews are to follow. Until then, happy reading comic book fans.

Uncanny X-Force #4

Writer: Sam Humphries
Penciler: Ron Garney
Inker: Scott Hanna
Mindscape Pages: Adrian Alphona & Christina Strain
Colorists: Marte Gracia with Israel Gonzalez
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 08th, 2013

"Street Fighting Man"

I am starting to really get into this title. It is starting to get the X-Force feel that I loved about Remender's run on the title. The battle between Psylocke and whatever was in Bishop's head was wonderfully illustrated by Alphona and Strain showing how unbalanced and violent his mind is. I am actually excited to see how Bishop actually acts now that the...err...let's call it Owl is now gone from his head.

I am intrigued as to why this Ginny girl is so important. I know that she can manipulate people but is that the main reason that the Owl is so interested in her or is there something more? Regardless, it seems that Ginny will become quite the problem for the team now that she is possessed as Bishop was. Also, I feel really bad for Spiral considering how much she seems to care for Ginny and that she is now going to have to do something about her.

On the other story arc, I am enjoying the little specs with the three Fantomaxes. I am glad that they didn't just instantly show up on Psylocke's doorstep able to help her through her problems. I think it is adding to the forming of this team and I am actually hoping that the two good Fantomaxes, Spiral and Bishop are now also team members because if they are the team should have a lot of personality to work with.

This was the first issue of this run that I have actually been insanely excited for the next issue. I am intrigued as to where Humphries is taking this and hope that it continues to get better as it has the past few issues. I am now officially stuck on this title.

Uncanny Avengers #8

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuna
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 08th. 2013

I am really happy I re-read some back issues for this title because now I am not half as confused as I was when I wrote the last review. There is still a lot going on in this book but everything does seem to be connected really well. I feel as if what is happening with the Apocalypse twins is bound to lead to the moment of Onslaught that we saw quite a few issues ago.

I am loving how everything that is happening to the heroes feels and looks so calculated. There is an incredible moment where Cap is in the basement of a destroyed church and finds a recording meant directly for him mentioning the damage done to his arm. I think this is the first moment he realizes that they are fighting someone who can manipulate time or at least travel through it.

Thor and Sunfire are currently trying to deal with the fact that Jarnbjorn is in possession of the Apocalypse twins and are trying their best to find a way to stop them while the remainder of the team is trying to get to them as well. Right as the team begins to approach their location the twins start their plan to control the world and it is explosive.

Remender is writing quite the heavy story and I am certain it is going to continue to grow into something amazing. For now, I feel as if he is trying to squeeze a ton of story into a single arc. I hope it doesn't become too convoluted in the end.

Avengers Assemble #15 AU

Writer: Al Ewing
Penciler: Butch Guice
Inkers: Tom Palmer with Rick Magyar
Colorist: Frank D'Armata
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 08th, 2013

The tie-in books for AoU have been really interesting just in the fact that we get to see how well heroes function when there is very little that they are able to do. We see them struggle to find glimmers of hope in a dark world and are even willing to toss their lives away so that other people may be able to find happiness again. I feel THAT is what these tie-ins are doing well.

This issue was no exception to that. The major focus is on Captain Marvel and Captain Britain with a little backup support from Excalibur and Black Knight. They are all in London after the Ultron take over and are trying to figure out how to remove him. It is incredible to see how bad things are around the world and that there is so much Ultron to battle. The aftermath of his aggressive takeover is astounding and it is sad to see how quickly everyone falls.

I know I didn't discuss the issue itself too much but I think just knowing who is in it and what has happened thus far gives you an idea of what the outcome was. This just reaffirms that there has to be a ripcord moment near the end of the event that fixes most of the stuff that goes down or the Marvel Universe is going to be short a lot of characters.

Avenging Spider-Man #20

Writer: Christopher Yost
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 08th, 2013

"The Chameleon Sanction"

This book has been pretty unstoppable ever since the Spider-Man within became Superior. I have been having a ton of fun watching Otto interact with people int Peter's life and this just expands on it so much further. This issue we get to see him interact with S.H.I.E.L.D., namely the new Nick Fury, as well as Hawkeye and Black Widow. Considering the recent events in the flagship title, it isn't surprising that Hawkeye continuously reminds Spidey that he is on probation.

The reason that Otto is on a S.H.I.E.L.D. carrier is that he is trying to finish collecting his Sinister Six for whatever he is planning. If you remember, Chameleon was the most recent member to that team and he is currently being held captive for, well being himself. The only issue is that Spidey is not the only person looking to interact with him. Moscow is a little concerned that The Chameleon is going to leak their secrets so they want him taken out.

So, Spidey's well laid plans go to crap and there is a rather large battle on the S.H.I.E.L.D. carrier that leads to one of the members of the doctor crew to get a little mad. You wouldn't like him when he is mad. That is where the issue drops off and leads to a continuation next month.

I have to admit that I am really happy I have stuck with this title. I know that the run is coming to the end by changing its title to Superior Team-Ups or something like that in the coming months. This will be the first time in a long time I have collected a full run of a series and I am not mad about that one bit.

Weekly pulls for 05/08/13

I was starting to think that I was never going to get this post up and with the upcoming weeks being so busy I wouldn't be surprised if those blogs are also pushed back, so be advised! As a teacher May and June are two of the busiest months (especially working at a year round school) and if you ball that with hunting for a new teaching position and trying to actually enjoy life it is hard to find time to do anything really. Alas, the writing goes on.

This past week was a good time to be a comic book reader. I was able to attend my local comic shop's Free Comic Book Day last Saturday and received around 22 books. That is not including the multiple issues within one bound book. I always find that day to be a blast because it gives you a chance to read some things that you may never even look twice at. I was able to read a small part of Finding Gossamer which Darren had been telling me for a while now was quite good and I must say I was impressed. There were a few other titles in there that were interesting but nothing that I can really think of off of the top of my head. I also received a free Iron Man Heroclix piece which was fun.

Speaking of Iron Man, I was able to see the third installment of the movie franchise last Saturday and I must say I was impressed. The only real grief I have with it is the ending being a tad lackluster and easily guessed but I don't want to ruin anything considering it has only been out a little over a week. I will say that if you have enjoyed the Avengers movie runs you should not let this one pass you by.

Of course finally, this week I had a light week from my pull list. I only grabbed four books:

Avenging Spider-Man #20
Avengers Assemble #15 AU
Uncanny Avengers #8
Uncanny X-Force #4

I am nervous that I have had two light weeks of books in a row. That makes me think this upcoming week is going to be quite heavy. Also, this upcoming week I will be recording The Panel Scanners episode 11 with Jonny Capps and Darren. It should be good times considering we took a short hiatus due to life being too busy. Well, until later this week, happy reading comic book fans.

X-Men Legacy #10

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Paul Davidson
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 1st, 2013

"Invasive Exotic Part One"

Ruth and David's relationship keeps making me chuckle. They are both so freaking awkward and sneaky that it makes sense. I really do hope that they can somehow make it work and that Ruth doesn't end up having to kill David as it seems she is destined to or where David has to kill her. That is actually what this issue is about.

David knows that there are moments in life that you are predetermined to do something. We get a glimpse as to what exactly he is destined to do through him cutting a deal with the monster in his brain that has taken the form of his father. The deal that he cuts is a tad troubling and I am sure it will come back to bite him in the long run. For now though, it gave him a bit of knowledge.

Piggy-backing off of his interaction with the church two issues back, David travels to the San Francisco Institute of Bio-Social Studies to talk to the founder, Marcus Glove, about the mutant "cure". A large part of the center of this book shows how tragic Marcus' life really was and how he ended up in the shape that he is in (not pretty) and that in reality he should hate mutants. The things that is shocking is how he doesn't hate them, he is just aware of their power and is greatly concerned with what their overall impact on the world will be. He isn't proclaiming that mutants must be killed, he just says "Something has to be done."

The final two panels of this book are awesome. David proclaims something truly shocking and Ruth, who had been spying on him using Cerebra to not be detected for the whole issue, stands with her jaw dropped. Simon Spurrier consistently has me digging this book. Every issue I seem to be getting more and more connected with David and Ruth and I love that. They are two characters I couldn't give two craps about before Marvel NOW! started and now, they are two of my favorites. For that, I have to bow a little to Spurrier. Now I have to wait till next month which is that hardest part of reading any good comic.

The Superior Spider-Man #9

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Ryan Stegman
Color Art: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 1st, 2013

"Troubled Mind Part Two: Gray Matters"

We are now nine issues in and they just keep getting more exciting. This issue specifically has been flagged as something that will either anger fans much like ASM #700 or paint a picture of what is to come. With that said, this is going to be impossible to do without spoilers so be warned now, this review is riddled with spoilers. There, I said it...run away if you haven't read it yet. If you have (or don't care) read on.

This issue picks up exactly where issue #8 left off. Ock is sitting in a chair with the Neurolitic Scanner he acquired on his head ready to go into his brain to wipe out the traces of Peter's mind. Peter lashes out using the right hand that he has control over to try to stop Otto from doing anything. From here the issue dives into the brain of Otto/Peter and the battle ensues.

The concept itself is pretty hard to read. Not in a it was written badly sort of way but in a I have been reading Spider-Man for the span of my life and Slott is showing Otto making it crumble. Peter of course does not stand by and just let it happen. Because he is in his own brain he is able to bring forth all of his memories, his friends and family, to help fight back Otto. Sadly, that meant that Otto was also able to call forth his friends, every villain Peter has ever fought, to murder all of his friends and family in front of him.

The climax of the battle had The Amazing Spider-Man squaring off against The Superior Spider-Man which seemed to be the struggle of the whole series so far. Which Spider-Man is the better Spider-Man? Who is doing the better job and who deserves to wear the mask. Otto points out during this fight that Peter almost allowed him to kill the girl he was operating on in the last book just so that he never found out that Peter was actually in his head. This seemed to be the final blow forcing Peter to his knees and letting the mind-wipe of Peter's memories to happen.

In the end Otto sat in a chair free of Peter's memories claiming to be free. I am convinced this will be a mixed bag for Otto considering a lot of the things he does with Spider-Man and Peter's life he does while referring to those memories he has now deleted. I think the main grief for everyone also is that Peter is now totally gone.

To that I say, is he? Slott has been doing a wonderful job layering this story and he got rid of the one easy out. That is not a bad thing. There are plenty of ways for Peter to come back. Remember, Otto is in Peter's body and has his brain (technically), Peter can always resurface. Also, what about the golden Octobot that Otto asked to be destroyed. We never actually see it happen and Peter's mind is still contained within it. Please don't give up hope and go along for the ride. This book has been great and full of moments that make it insanely interesting. I am a huge Spider-Man fan and I am not calling foul. To that I say bravo Slott, just keep up the good storytelling.

Lastly I have to say that Ryan Stegman's facial work in this book was spot on. Every moment that needed to bleed emotion physically he made happen. The pages felt alive with action and just felt right. I think he was a great choice for this much darker book.

Hawkeye #10

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Francesco Francavilla
Letterers: Chris Eliopoulos & Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 1st, 2013

I have to admit that initially I was a little let down with this issue. On my first read I really wanted some form of closure over the cliffhanger of the last issue. I didn't think it was a bad issue at all at that point, I am just still shaken from the events on the rooftop that this issue also ends with.

After a second read I have to say that I love this issue. It isn't too often that we get to dive into a "villain"'s history so quickly after being introduced to him. Kazimierz Kazimierczak feels sympathetic out the gate. His family was murdered and his family business was destroyed in front of him. Soon after his brother, his only living family member is also taken away from an explosion. It makes complete sense that he would turn to a life of crime and murder to get back at people for the hardship that was his life.

The thing that is terrifying is that he actually interacts with Kate Bishop before his act on the rooftop (still don't want to spoil it) and it seems he was actually there to kill Clint. I am beyond excited to see where this arc is taking us. Fraction is doing something with this book that should not be overlooked. There is a reason I have loved this title since the beginning and there is no way I am putting it down any time soon.

Before I finish this, I believe it is criminal to not mention Francavilla's amazing art that blends so well with the story as well ass Eliopoulos and Cowles letter work. Every page fits so neatly and flows so well that the book is fun to read. This is overall an incredible book and I am mad that I initially was let down. I am glad I don't always go with my first impression.

All-New X-Men #11

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Wade Von Grawbadger
Color Artist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 1st, 2013

I feel that the cover and focus of the first part of this issue wasn't really needed. The whole "who is leaving the team" thing was already answered in Uncanny X-Men and was not really a surprise. Granted, we learn a little as to why Warren left with Scott and his team, but I didn't feel that it needed as much focus as it got. I know it was necessary to show why Jean loses it a bit but it could have been done in half the pages that it took.

I do like the way that Bendis is portraying Jean. Other than her struggles with the Phoenix, she has always seemed to have her stuff together. I am liking that a younger mutant, she isn't certain how to handle things and is not handling them as well as she would have if Charles Xavier were still around. I am also enjoying the growth of her relationship with Kitty Pryde.

I am still really interested to see what exactly Mystique is up to. Her attacks around America that are being pinned on the original X-Men has to be leading to a bigger plan but I am not sure what. Is it just to keep the Avengers busy or is there more to it? I hate to theorize about it so I wont, I will just continue to wait with anticipation.

Bendis' work with X-Men has been quite enjoyable thus far. He has brought a breath of fresh air into something that was beginning to feel stale. I just hope that he can keep up the pace with the immense amount of writing that he has to do every month.

Age of Ultron #7

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Present:
Artist: Brandon Peterson
Color Artist: Paul Mounts
Past:
Penciler: Carlos Pachelo
Inker: Roger Martinez
Color Artist: Jose Villarrubia
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Dan Buckley)
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 1st, 2013

I am officially torn as to how I feel about this book. I was excited to see the direction it was heading but now I am not so certain. I knew that there would be repercussions for the death of Hank Pym but I didn't know exactly what to expect. I definitely wasn't thinking about how majorly the future would change without Hank surviving long enough to make many of his creations. I am convinced that Sue and Logan will go back in the past and stop themselves from making the choice that they did (even my analysis feels a tad convoluted...).

I also assume that the future group is no longer a thing because the timeline is all messed up but I really wanted to see how that played out. Maybe everyone died, maybe somehow they survived and MAYBE we will even get to see it. I am still lost as to how this thing is going to come to a conclusion that would make sense so that the rest of the Marvel Universe continues to make sense.

As of right now, I am too far in to give up on the event and to be fair I am not hating it. I just don't KNOW yet. Perhaps what will end up making this event good will be the fact that there are so many questions to be asked during the run. Only time will tell. We are in the final two months of this bad boy, let's keep them coming.

Weekly pulls for 05/01/13

I haven't been this excited for my pulls in a long time. I realized on my way to the shop this week that the five books that I was acquiring were (at least four of them) things that I crave to read. Not only that, but I was promised that one of the books was going to blow my mind (which it did).

I think this is what being a comic book reader is about. Actually getting excited about what is coming out and gaining possession of things that you want. I am finding that I am becoming more connected with my heroes and have started to think about the what ifs when not reading them. It is hard to think that Clint Barton and Peter Parker are not real people. To me (and many of their other fans) I feel that they are. They have families, friends and problems and I love feeling connected to them.

I also love the fact that there always seems to be a debate about what the writers are doing with these beloved characters. I have had multiple friends state that they HATE Dan Slott because of the direction he has taken Spider-Man. There is especially a lot of anger grumbling from this weeks issue. The reality of it is that the people who are writing these characters are telling a story. I understand if people think that they are doing something wrong, but it is up to them what they want to do. If you don't like it, stop reading it. If you care about these characters, see where it goes. You never know if you will end up loving it in the long run.

Okay, enough of that. On to the five books that I acquired this week:

Age of Ultron #7
All-New X-Men #11
Hawkeye #10
The Superior Spider-Man #9
X-Men Legacy #10

As you can see, three of those books have taken my pick of the month in the past and should continue to do so in the future. Expect some love and potential spoilers in the reviews that are to follow. It is hard to share these books without talking about the things that make them so great. Until I get those entries pumped out, happy reading comic book fans. Also, don't forget that Saturday is free comic book day! Go, get free books, it is awesome.