Read This Soldier: Army @ LOVE #1 Review

Publisher: Vertigo
Written by Rick Veitch
Art and Cover by Veitch and Gary Erskine

This book delivers exactly what it promises: War and Sex. War is the setting, the Iraq War of course, and sex is thrown in clearly in one place and then give or take once or twice more. It’s a pretty solid read because it feels like I’ve been poked in the ass with a rifle all the way through recruitment and past basic training. The sex part is pretty hot, however some of the faces can start to look fairly distorted, like a fun house mirror, which sucks because the cover is hot! For me personally this book had a very Heavy Metal feel to it, which is not a bad thing, merely an observation.

I was also “pleasantly surprised” that there is more than just body parts getting blown off and men and women getting off. There is a clear underlining story to the main story that also includes a back-story. So there is plenty this book has to offer. I have to see that by about page 18 or 19 I found the dialogue (while very well written) began to be too heavy and I lost interest. I started to skip through some of the panels and then got to something that sparked interest back into me. Other than that little hiccup and the goofy faces I’d say this book earned a B+. Oh and by the way though this is a comment on current political affairs the book covers its ass, so don’t go and google Afbaghistan, you wont find anything…for a little while.

Cable & Deadpool #38

Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Penciling: Reilly Brown

Just when I was about to leave...they pulled me BACK IN.

The past couple of issues of Cable & Deadpool have been...well lackluster, tell me I'm wrong but, the overall feel was "Meh". This issue everything I loved about Cable & Deadpool is back, the non-stop humor, the bizarre storylines, no more of that Civil War downer stuff, no more of Deadpool torturing himself and generally trying to prove himself. Again, the funny be back.

The issue starts with the still small Wade Wilson being inlisted to save Agent X aka Alex Hayden, (think like Deadpool but more "serious"). Apparently, as Alex was breaking into a Hydra facility, he got caught and captured by some unsavory scientists. Prompt by some lovely ladies, Wade breaks into the Hydra facility, rescuing the now morbidly obese Agent X

Now summing it up right there, it doesn't sound that great....actually it sounds pretty corny and Cable doesn't even show up but, seriously, if you don't laugh at least ONCE while reading this issue, your are an inhuman bastard that is devoid of laughter. The book has regained its funny, from Yoda references, to Hydra's job benefits, there is enough random humor in here to fill an episode of Family Guy and Futurama 2 times over. The pacing of the story only added to the overall humor and enjoyment of this sucker. Believe it or not you even start getting engrossed in the story if only because towards the end it gets....a little weird.

Brown does a good job with the art, though honestly having to draw all of this stuff you just know he probably turns to Nicieza once and awhile and goes "Dude what in the WORLD were you smoking when you wrote this!". The cover done by Skottie Young was pretty pimp too, I must admit.

In closing, if you want to read a hilariously entertaining title this week pick up Cable & Deadpool #38. A+

Runaways Saga #1

Writer: C.B. Cebulski
Pencils: Humberto Ramos

New readers, this is a comic for YOU!

The Runaways story has spanned over two hardcovers with a third coming out soon...now if your strapped for cash like I am....constantly....then this 3.99 issue is for you.

Runaways Saga is for all intents and purposes a "Previously on Runaways" type of comic. If you haven't read Runaways and want a primer, this is it. The story starts off with the other Runaways reading Molly's diary, while she is asleep in the Leapfrog. Sorta out of character for them to do this but, whatever. Pretty much Molly's diary entries cover the whole story of Runaways, from the beginnings to the current storyline. Weighing in at about 45+ pages, C.B Cebulski does a pretty damn good job at summing up all of the Runaways storylines....kinda impressive really. Ramos artwork is alright but more serves as an afterthought at times to the writing.

In short, if your looking to read this, to see Molly's side of things, maybe see something different about the Runaways....yeah...your not really gonna get that...BUT, if you don't know jack about Runaways or missed a story arc during the series run, pick this sucker up. It's a good starting off point before Whedon's run, and if it gets you interested in the series more, all the better. B+

PS: First person to respond that has never read Runaways EVER, will get my copy of this title. See, ha ha, it pays to read to the end of a review

Early Review: Amazing Spider-Man #539

This Review was Submitted by Spider-ben:
"Back in Black" Part 1
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Ron Garney and Bill Reinhold
Cover: Ron Garney

Following immediately where last issue left off, May is shot and losing lots of blood. Peter realizes the sniper is still close by, rushes outside and hurls a vehicle at the sniper. The sniper flees, leaving a component of the gun behind in the room. Peter turns to May, refusing to follow the sniper and help his aunt. He rushes her to the hospital, and the doctors take May to the ER immediately. She is in bad shape, and Peter can't stay with her since he is a fugitive.

Mary Jane goes to the hospital and tells them that she is May Fitzgerald, her aunt. This protects her real identity and won't shed light on May and MJ being related to a fugitive. Peter is furious and almost in shock. He realizes they don't have money or insurance to cover he medical expenses since they are fugitives, and vows to find the sniper. Meanwhile, the Kingpin is still in jail (taking place before DD 93) and is told the main target wasn't acquired, but a secondary target was. Wilson is happy with this news. The next day, Peter meets MJ in an alley and tells her to keep watch over May. Peter returns to the sniper's room across from their hotel and finds the part of the gun.

He then tracks down tons of criminals in the city, demanding to know who makes this type of gun and where they can be found. The criminals face Peter Parker madder than ever, and outside of costume. Peter breaks one thugs hand demanding answers. Finally, Peter finds out where this kind of weapon is made. He has one more stop to make before continuing on his quest. At night, atop a building, Peter pulls out an old webbing pack, containing his black costume. He had it hidden here all these years, in case something ever happened when he would need it again. Peter dons the costume, still furious and in shock, claiming to find the sniper and whoever gave the order.

Thoughts/Comments: SWEET! This is what I'm talking about. Peter is super pissed off, and he really shows off just how strong he can be. Sure, this is a darker, grimmer Spider-Man but it perfectly reflects what is happening to him. The only thing I don't get is why he is making jokes in the New Avengers, yet he is all dark and gloomy here. Garney did a great job with the art, and the crooks really looked scared to death as Peter faces them, demanding answers on where to find the sniper. Mary Jane was super supportive and concerned, watching over May while still being supportive of Peter and his new mission. The dialogue is real and heartbreaking, and Garney does a mean interpretation of the black costume. I'd give this issue a A, definitely pick it up if you are a fan of Spidey or the black costume.

Spider-man Reign # 1-4 Review

This Review was Submitted by Spider-ben:
Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews
Covers: Kaare Andrews

This review will be much shorter than the usual full length reviews I do, mostly because this mini-series didn't do a whole lot for me as a fan. First of all, this is pretty much taking Frank Miller's classic Batman story "The Dark Knight Returns" and throwing Spider-Man into the spotlight. The story focuses on the future, a bleak and distopian Manhattan ruled by Mayor Waters and his harsh followers. Members of the police force enforce the law with cruel and unfair tactics and methods. The entire city is enveloped by this electronic web technology, supposedly keeping the city and it's people safe and isolated from the outside world. Peter Parker is an old man, working in a flower shop. Parker is fired and decides to brood over the loss of Mary Jane, and also decides to wallow in self pity focusing on all his other mistakes in life.

J. Jonah Jameson is also alive and well, and decides to pay Peter a visit to smack him out of his funk and put on the costume to oppose Mayor Waters and his storm trooper policemen. The sinister six is put back together to fight off Spidey again, and they must obey since they have technology in their bodies that prevents them from straying or not following orders (basically the same thing being done to the Thunderbolts). Peter puts on the black costume, gets his butt kicked, wallows in more self pity, reveals his spider-cum was responsible for killing MJ, gets his encouragement back, and goes off to fight once more. Along the way some kids revolt against the police officers, the sinister six are guarding Mayor Waters, the Mayor's lackey reveals to be Venom and behind the whole thing, Sandman finds out he has a daughter to can turn to cement girl, Peter puts on the red and blues again, and Peter fights off the sinister six and faces Venom. More symbiotes attack the city, Jameson continues to fuss and whine, Sandman watches cement girl die and sacrifices himself to help Spidey.

The symbiotes go boom, the rule of Mayor Waters is over, Spidey continues to web swing despite being super old, and Jameson continues to bash him for it.
The end.

Thoughts/Comments: Overall, unless you are a die hard Spidey fan or completist, I'd advise skipping this mini. The art looks really bad, Andrews should go back to his old art style. The story was lacking in points, and it's clearly trying to be dark and gritty like Frank Miller's Dark Knight tale. Jameson should be dead he is so old, and Pete's spider-cum killed MJ. That's pretty lame. Overall, I'd give this a B-. It may seem harsh, but this just really didn't do much for me. I'm skipping on the hardcover as well. Hopefully Kaare's next spidey story will be original and fun, and maintain his old art style.

Onslaught Reborn # 3 Review

Author: Jeph Loeb
Art: Rob Liefeld
Colors: Matt Yackey

I'm going to make this review quick and easy. I don't know how many reviews I have read where everyone complains how inconsistent Liefeld is and how he has no sense of the human anatomy or how slow the guy is. You know what? This book is very very disjointed, but it's not Liefeld's fault.

I am one of the very few people that don't mind Liefeld's work....if not for him I wouldn't have one of my favorite books around today (Cable and Deadpool). The problem with this book is Jeph Loeb. Holy shit! What is happening here? If I wanted to read this crap I would take out an issue of Youngblood and probably get more out of it. I understand that no one is going to take Onslaught Reborn seriously, but I figured the writer would have a little fun with it. This isn't even dumb fun; it just feels like Loeb is just cashing a check.

Now on to the art. Sure it's everything that reviewers say, but you know what? By the end of the day it seems like Liefeld had a blast drawing nothing but fighting scenes. It's like he was back plotting Supreme or Brigade. This story is ridiculous and I truly believe that 90% of the editors at Marvel are out of their fucking mind for letting stories like this see print. D+

Omar and Chris' Duel Reviews: Civil War: The Initiative

Writers: Brian Michael Bendis & Warren Ellis
Pencils & Art: Marc Silvestri and Top Cow Studios

omar69: So, Chris, start us off. What did you think of the Initiative?
XSimpson: oh man, well the Artwork was really good overall, even if Silvestri has changed A LOT from his old work, he still draws hot chicks. But we should do the critique in a page by page format...so Mr. Fantastic made a bald joke, which I bet Bendis laughed at, cheeky bastard, both of them. And why are we just now finding out that Sasquatch is still alive, thats a surprise only because they withheld it for way to long, we learn in creative writing that thats called being an asshole
XSimpson: so that was the first segment, what did you think about the new Vindicator being the Collective?
omar69: Fuck the New Vindicator, Guardian, or Captain Maple Leaf or whatever this fuck decides to call himself. Way to shit all over your readers of old Alpha Flight. Was there even a funeral for Puck, Shaman, or Guardian or anyone? Did Wolverine go and cut this fuck up for doing this to some of his best friends? So what do we do in honor of these fallen heroes? We give the bastard that killed them a membership and your old pal's costume and replace 90% of the Canadian team with Americans and Beta Ray Bill!
omar69: Fuck me running! Beta fucking Ray Bill!
XSimpson: LOL you said that shit in a fucking nutshell man
XSimpson: How many suits you figure Walter's goes through?
XSimpson: never mind
XSimpson: this issue felt like a Diamond Previews, the back IS fucking Previews!
omar69: I love Oeming and Kollins, but this is the brainchild of Bendis. Yeah fuck me in the eye socket some more Marvel.
XSimpson: thats hot
XSimpson: Okay moving on to the Thunderbolts
XSimpson: I'm against the assembly of this entire group, I've seen Penance before…as fucking Voldo in Soul Caliber
omar69: Penance is not Robbie...Penance is the new America that Jenkins was talking about. Myspace+Youtube+American Idol+Emo= Shitty character!
XSimpson: He's more Goth than Emo
XSimpson: I still have much to teach you
omar69: My left fucking nut is more goth than that bitch.
XSimpson: the pain thing though, I just thought about a middle aged man writing that and thinking, shut the fuck up
omar69: I actually have been enjoying the New Thunderbolts so nothing against Ellis. Its Suicide Squad meets Weapon X meets Warren Ellis.

XSimpson: I don't agree with Green Goblin but whatever
omar69: but I do not take that book to be seriously in Marvel continuity
XSimpson: yeah, no
omar69: much like I don't take 80% of the books Marvel puts out in Marvel continuity
XSimpson: I also don't like Swordsman's costume
XSimpson: he looks like a wussy paintball player
omar69: I think Silvestri is always a pleasure to look at, but it seems like his style has reached its limits. It hasn't changed in the last few years and that to me can be rather boring. Why the hell does he need a background artist? He's not superstar Pat Lee!
XSimpson: lol
XSimpson: see I think it has changed it's still identifiably him but I can tell a difference I actually liked the stuff with Jessica Drew, Carol Danvers and how she told off Iron Man
XSimpson: Plus another ass shot angle, nice
omar69: If this book is the beginning of Marvel comics, it is a rather DC mid 90's feel to it. I'm just waiting for Tony to go and kill all the guardians of the galaxy...err I mean Nova Corps and get their power! Four Captain Americas to take the cowl!
XSimpson: something fucking like that
XSimpson: okay so Tony says bring up the Avengers candidates I really wish they would stop showing random fucking characters for nostalgia's sake
omar69: Didn't care for the book, but damn that art is still pretty to look at. C-
XSimpson: he pulled up characters that don't fit that at all
XSimpson: Yeah it is, Spider-Woman saved this book C+

Omar and Chris' Duel Reviews: Captain America # 25

Author: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting
Color: Frank D'Armata
XSimpson: So, I'll kick it off by asking you what you thought of Brubakers scripting on it?
omar69: I thought he did a phenomenal job with what he had to work with. Being forced to kill off the main character of your book is tough task. I really felft for the character of Captain America. Hell it was even written in the style that Superman #75 was written in. That is for new readers to understand what kind of man Steve Rogers was. It made you feel for the character and the rest of his cast.
XSimpson: Yeah I completly agree with you on that front. You know my feelings about Brubaker have been lackluster at best, Deadly Genesis sucked but his Captain America Run was good dispite my personal feelings about bring back Bucky
What I thought was also nice was how the death seemed to culminate with the sotryline already taking place
XSimpson: it made it understandable to have it in Captain America rather than Civil War
omar69: yeah although it was a smack in the face that he died after he just gave up. It was still great to see Cap die the way he did. To protect an innocent life.
XSimpson: yeah that was cool even a plot twist I was surprised by. I thought/and still kinda think Nick Fury has something bigger to do with it. How does this compare with Superman's death do you think? I know you already kind of mentioned it.

omar69: The plot twist with Sharon and Faustust was great. It has been building up for quite sometime, with her going to see the shrink and all.
XSimpson: I thought so too, I'm torn between a really good issue and a really horrible idea.
omar69: What I really enjoyed about this issue is that it is intense. Bru does a fantastic job of building the intesity by going back and forth with the main story. He kept going back to a variety of distractions such as Winter Bucky's, Sharon's and Falcon's memories of Captain America, or went back to the Red Skull, or the news.
XSimpson: right the build up of tension is important and he used good examples of friendship, loyalty, love, and villiany to keep the reader interested in both sides of the story, rather than meaningless flashbacks that are only a distraction
omar69: As to how this compares to the death of Superman? Well I don't expect to their to be a Funeral for Friend or World Without Cap. It's rather silly to think that Captain America (Steve Rogers) is actually dead though specially with so many returns recently. Back then nobody knew when Supes was coming back; but today everyone doesn't give it more than a year until Steve returns.
omar69: To be fair Cap has been dead and replaced before and he always managed a way to come back.Wish they would have told this story at the end of Civil War 7, I mean it would have made more sense to have the story end in that book.
omar69: I thought it was funny that Ms. Marvel mentioned that Cap was not dead in the issue of the Initiative. Yet no where in that book do they say that it's not true. But in an interview on Newsarama they said it was lie.
omar69:Email from Melanie: I know you started to tell me yesterday, but you never got the chance to explain. I thought you meant the actor died .. a student just told me that CAPTAIN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DIED BY A SNIPER OF ALL THE STUPIDIEST THINGS. I am truly angry right now. I can t believe they are that stupid at Marvel to do this, and I don t even follow the character!!!!! What poor, lame writing. I am so angry.
XSimpson: thats the thing though is that the writing was actually good it was just a shitty editorial mandate to make civil war have impact and it didn't even happen in civil war or directly relate to it, it did indirectly but that is all.
omar69: The part of his death that really pisses me off is that Captain America stood for the good that once was. For Christ sakes he was the type of guy that would hold door open for the ladies and help old people across the street. These kind of hero is a person who reminds us of what's great and good in all of us, not just in the US, but good in all human beings. We actually need that more than ever with all the crazy shit happening around the world. What we don't need is fucking validation that the american dream is dead. Where the fuck is Walt Whitman when you need him? O Captain! My Captain! Sorry had to put that there.
XSimpson: yeah, and if they don't spin it somehow I think a lot of people are going to be upset about this in the long run. I know everyone says oh it wont last it never lasts but it still happens and it still hurts everyone involved. Just to make a little extra money that quickly fades away
omar69: Captain Bucky won't cut it. I love Bru and I have high hopes, but this will be rough to pull off.
XSimpson: yeah I don't like that idea at all either it doesn't fit the character. Lets face it no one can fill the Captain's shoes
omar69: Nomad....oh wait he's dead. US Agent John Walker! Ohh wait he's in that shitty Omega Flight
omar69: What did you think of the art?
XSimpson: at first I thought it was a different guy
omar69: how come?
XSimpson: okay I guess it was just a few pages that looked different from Eptings usual stuff
XSimpson: he does shadow work really well and there are just a few panels of broad color screen tv and it looks very bland, but otherwise I of course thought the black and white was fitting for the backstory and everything else was eerie and moody as always so I liked it
omar69: I think the art really carried this story at points. His dark heavy inks keeps the tone of the book grim, while his characters carry a lot of emotion in their faces. The reporter is one great example. I can't think of very many artist that can show that much expression from one character in sevem different panels.
omar69: What would you rate the book?
XSimpson: yeah I noticed the emotion in her face and liked it too, I guess I put a lot of expectation on the mood being dark
XSimpson: given the subject I can't morally give it an A
XSimpson: so a B
omar69: Unfortunately Captain America being killed by a sniper (even if it is Crossbones) and gun shots is still a stupid idea, considering all the guy did was dodge bullets in WW2. But Brubaker did an amazing job with such a plot. Overall I give it a B. Ohh and that variant cover by Ed Mcguiness is really shitty. Nothing to do with the story at all, just Marvel's way to make more money.

Uncanny X-men # 484 Review

Author: Ed Brubaker
Penciler: Billy Tan
Inkers: Danny Miki and Allen Martinez
Colors: Frank D'Armata

The saga of the Mutants in space continues and I'm still being fooled that Warpath is a badass! I don't think there has ever been a time I have liked James Proudstar this much, well he was pretty cool when John Francis Moore had him running around with Risqué and made him sport that badass Thunderbird tattoo on his back. But enough about Warpath....on with the review.

Have I mentioned how badass an Indian with two blades in space is? Solid! Professor X is still held captive while the X-Men and Starjammers plan their assault. Leading that offensive are Korvus and Warpath. So this issue splits between the Warpath/Korvus team-up fighting across the Shi’ar Empire, and the remaining characters making their assault on the Shi’ar fortress. Lilandra confronts Major General Ka'ardum and thinks that he can help join their fight against her own people by promising to restore his honor. It was really nice to see Rachel cut loose and mention the fact these are the same people that killed her family and tried to imprison her!

The issue read real well, between the flashbacks and the fighting scenes and Brubaker manages to even sneak in some character development. Although the romance between Korvus and Marvel Girl seemed really fast, this issue explains that both of them have been spending a great deal of time together subjectively while they have only known each other for a couple of days. There is also a sign of Havok and Polaris rekindling their relationship. There was a really good scene between Darwin and Vulcan which shows how strong willed Darwin really is. Although I don't like Vulcan's Iron-Spider with a cape costume, he is really starting to grow on me. Now, things I missed in this issue: No signs of Warpath's full powers are showing (the guy can fly), no Brood anywhere in sight not even one of their Acanti, and of course no signs of Adam-X even showing up as a cameo.

Billy Tan is really getting used to these characters, nothing against Clayton Henry, but I really miss Tan when he is not drawing it. He reminds me of an early stage Marc Silvestri, but with help from ink-master Danny Miki it evolves into a style all of its own. The colors look like they have been painted on and that gives this story an epic feel to it. I like what Brubaker is doing here and I'm curious to find out how it all turns out, but bringing D'ken back while killing Banshee is still an unfair trade. The overall story seems to drag at times, but fortunately this was not one of those issues. Of course any writer that can successfully use a character like Warpath has accomplished more than 75% of writers out there. Now let Shatterstar and Feral (oohhh wait House of Crap ruined that one) join the team and we'll see how great Bru can be.
B+