Marvel Zombies 2 # 1 Review

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Sean Phillips
Cover: Arthur Suydam

Hey Marvel Zombie fans, the sequel to the original series has arrived! The entire team responsible for the original Zombie series is back for an adventure set forty years after the conclusion to the original Marvel Zombies. The Galactus powered Zombies have literally eaten their way throughout the universe and find they are out of food. The Zombies have replaced their missing body parts and also added some new recruits to their ranks. These cosmic additions include: Zombie Thanos, Zombie Gladiator, and Zombie Dark Phoenix (which makes no sense, but this series isn't supposed to be taken that serious.) The Zombies remembers that Reed Richards had a machine that could transport people to other worlds, so they decide to head back to Earth. Zombie Thanos doesn't get to play though; Zombie Hulk makes quick work of "purple chin" and knocks his head off! The Zombies do stop for a snack before heading to Earth: Ego the living planet! This was very twisted and surprising, but that is what this series is all about!

Back on Earth, Black Panther rules over the survivorsof the original series. Black Panther's grandson finds the head of Hawkeye and takes the head to his grandfather. The people think since Wasp is functioning fine after fending off her hunger, maybe Hawkeye can be saved as well. The acolytes are getting frustrated in having to follow an old and decrepit king, and the threat of mutiny is looming large. One night as Black Panther and his wife sleep, an acolyte assassin stabs Black Panther. Wasp comes running in and realizes that in order to save BP, she must bite him. The bite takes effect and saves the Panther, but it also turns him. The Wasp loves the taste of meat and blood and attacks the Panther's wife, but T'Challa stops her and the two eat the intruder/assassin instead. BP realizes he and the Wasp must go back into containment facilities and wait out the hunger.T'Challa is a noble king and is still protecting his people despite the growing hunger. I feel that this can't end well and all hell will break loose soon.Meanwhile, the Zombies are headed towards Earth.

Thoughts/Comments:Well that was fun, but pretty much what I expected.This issue really felt more like a set-up to the next four issues. The only part of the book that really got my attention was when the Panther was bitten by wasp after being stabbed. Still, there were a lot of great and fun moments in the book. I loved Hulk knocking Thanos' head right off his body. The Zombies eating Ego the living planet was a hoot, and Hawkeye's head being found was pretty funny and a nice nod to the original series. I still have no clue how Zombie Dark Phoenix fits in, but as I said before this series has its own rules and continuity. The art was solid and the cover by Suydam was wicked! Kirkman retained his wit and humor and really made the zombies wacky and wild, just like before. I can't wait to see where the story goes and I have a feeling a second printing witha new Suydam cover will be available soon. I'd give this a B+ since it does a great job of setting up where the series will go from here.

Foolkiller # 1 Review

Author: Gregg Hurwitz
Artist: Lan Medina
Colors: Andy Troy
Cover: Lan Medina & Matt Milla

It seems like if you were a fan of comics in the 90's right now you would be feeling really nostalgic with the return of New Warriors, Terror, and now Foolkiller. If memory serves me correctly and it usually does when it comes to comics. Actually that is about all my memory is good for anymore. This incarnation of The Foolkiller will be numero 4. I remember one being a Spider-man villain, one scarring his own face, and one that dressed up like Zorro without a hat. Funny enough the Zorro looking one is brought up in this issue.

If you are expecting an origins issue from the first chapter you are in for a surprise. Instead we are told the story through the eyes of a looser enforcer, Nate. He has an obsession with finding the vigilante after he gets his wife and little girl killed. He keeps getting his information from people that have seen the vigilante. This new incarnation of Foolkiller seems to have nothing to do with the previous name-bearers. What we get in the first issue is that there is a new vigilante out on the streets getting rid of, yeah you guessed it fools. In really grim death scenes, it seems they are really using that mature label, even with the lack of sex. It never really shows the Foolkiller killing anyone, just the aftermath of his work. By then end of the book Nate does come face to face with FK and his big, black, and meanass looking dog!

I really don't know where I stand with this book. I find the main character to be really annoying and I feel no sympathy for him. He practically handed his family over to the bad guys and they were killed because he decided to steal $40,000. The new Foolkiller himself doesn't really stand out as a great character, hell he seems like the Punisher, but with a few more extreme ways of handling stuff. I wouldn't even compare him to the Punisher, more like Solo. The story really doesn't stand out in any unique way; I could get this kind of story from any Steven Segal or other vengeance movies from the early 90s. The art is very fitting of the tone and feel that I got from the book. Now, I don't know where I stand because I really enjoyed his art, it made the book move so smooth; He really is the saving grace of this book for me. His facial expressions are done with fantastic detail. The story moves like a movie due to his fantastic angles and backgrounds. This is not a book for me, but I can see other people enjoying it more than I did. So if you’re into Fuck yeah action, horrible protagonists, gang raping, and guys breaking little girls' necks....this might be up your alley. D+

X-men # 204 Review

Author: Mike Carey
Artist: Mike Choi & Scot Eaton
Colors: Sonia Oback

This is it. The epilogue to Blinded by the Light also serves as the prequel to Messiah Complex. It is also the ending of the Endangered Species chapters. With Beast coming to a conclusion about the end and the past, what’s going to happen to all the depowered mutants? Will Iceman be the only active member of Rogue's team? Will Gambit stay evil? Will I keep reading X-men even if Chuck Austen and Pat Lee take over the book?

If you were expecting answers to those questions, you won't find them here. Bobby is feeling guilty for the choices he made that led to Cannonball getting brain damage. Blindfold has more dark visions of things to come. Meanwhile Cyclops is trying to come to terms with losing his son.....again, while Emma tries to be understanding. The Marauders are trying to get the Books of Destiny out of Rogues head and Bobby confronts Scott about the future of the team. Ohh yeah and Scarlett Witch tells Beast a really pointless story that makes her possible role in Messiah Complex confusing.

Carey really shined in this issue and I can't point out what it really was but everything just read so well. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed an X-men comic this much. I have to say the best part about the issue was the confrontation between Bobby and Scott. Two original X-men arguing over Rogue's leadership abilities and whether the team should be shut down or not, brings back memories of the team hanging out at Harry’s. It really shows how much Bobby has grown from being the joker of the team to one that takes responsibility for his fallen comrades. I remember Professor X during the Inferno saga making a comment that Bobby could be the most powerful mutant, because he could freeze the world. I loved the interaction between Gambit/Rogue/Mystique, because you really don't know what is on their true agenda.

Mike Choi's artwork was the perfect choice for a story like this. I can see that he is growing as an artist. The older characters are now looking their proper age and I can actually tell the men apart. I think the only complain I have was his portrayal of Mr. Sinister. He looks too Vampire Lestat for me, but everything else looks fantastic. I wouldn't mind having him as a regular artist. Even though the ending of Endangered Species was very anticlimactic, with the exception of Beast burying all the victims of Neverland, I am still very excited about Messiah Complex. It's been a few years since a big X-over (I think Operation Zero Bullshit was the last one). It almost brings out the 12 year old in me looking at the upcoming covers for the cross-over. A

She-Hulk # 22 Review

Author: Peter David
Penciler: Shawn Moll
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Covers: Mike Deodato Jr. & Ed Mcguiness

Preparing myself for this issue, I caught up reading She-Hulk 1-21 by Dan Slott. I remember enjoying the 12 issue run that Slott wrote, before it got canned and damn, is the ongoing series just as fun! Sure some of the guest stars were completely written out of character. But seriously who took this book that seriously? Nobody! And that’s what made it so damn flawless. Instead of cancelling the title when Slott left, veteran writer Peter David has stepped up to try to fill that gap that most people will miss. Of course he is no stranger to the Hulk family at all.

I can safely say that Peter David has decided not to write Slott's She-Hulk, instead giving Jennifer Walters a whole new status quo and a leap in time a few months. That in my opinion is Peter David’s most wise decision. Some other writer might have tried to imitate Slott's writing and it would have been disastrous. I think distancing himself from Slott's work is the best approach. I am a bit upset that after all the trouble that Slott went through to get Jenn back to law, she is now a bounty hunter. But, I guess that it makes more sense than her being an Agent of SHIELD. Lately the villains had been pulled from other Marvel books, so it was nice to be reminded that She-Hulk also has a great rogue gallery.

The big trouble is there’s no real flow here from last month’s issue to this one. Nowhere in the book was it mentioned that we were skipping ahead a few months. Hell, if you didn't read any interviews with David you might have been a little lost at first, but I would like to think most people could have figured it out. David has promised that he will fill in some of the blanks later. That’s fair enough, but it does make this book feel rather disjointed and it might turn some readers off if they didn't know his agenda.

I was never a big fan Rick Burchett's art work. I thought it was too dull and just bland because despite the humor, She-Hulk is still a super-hero book. So, Shawn Moll’s artwork is a big improvement. Moll has a more detailed and has a more traditional style. The art really comes alive visually and the action is top notch. Sure he's not the greatest artist and still has plenty of bolts to tighten up, but I think he really flatters David's script. The new direction is simple, but I can see it working down the line. Peter David is more than capable of sending the character in a bold new entertaining direction. I mean seriously if you've gotten into the character by now, it really won't kill you to stick around a few issues to see where the direction takes us. B-

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man # 24 Review

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Joe Quesada and Danny Miki
Colors: Richard Isanove
Cover: Quesada and Isanove

One More Day continues in this final issue of FN Spider-Man. The issue really felt kind of like a repeat of what has been going on with Peter and May for the last few months, but there was a very nice continuity treat in this issue. So why this saga promises to pretty much destroy the Peter/MJ marriage, the story still hasn’t pissed me of quite just yet.

Spidey decides to go and visit Dr. Strange in hopes of finding a way to save May. I’m a bit confused why Peter goes to push the doorbell considering he is a member of the New Avengers and should already know how to get inside. Anyway, Peter tells Dr. Strange what has happened to May and he is desperate to do anything to save her life. (We know Peter, you have been saying that over and over for months now!) Dr. Strange explains dying is a part of the natural order of the universe, and that cannot be stopped, changed, or interrupted no matter how noble the cause. Dr. Strange summons the hands of the dead to let Peter go and visit multiple places in our time, hoping to find some information. Peter visits friends and foes alike in seeking a cure for May. Among some of those he visits: Storm and Black Panther, Reed Richards, the Beast, Dr.Doom, Dr. Octopus, Morbius, Dr. Curt Conners, the Night Nurse, Dead Girl from X-Statix, and a few more. However, they all tell Peter the same thing: there is nothing they can do to help May. She is going to die, and Peter will have to live with that guilt.

After returning to his normal body, Dr. Strange goes to get Peter a drink while he recovers from traveling the space/time continuum. Peter is not ready to quit, and uses Latin to recite a spell to send his astral form back in time. He reaches back to Amazing #538 where the Civil War crossover ended. He cannot stop the sniper but tries to warn himself from going into the hotel room. The Peter of that time stops, almost sensing his astral form (Yay, continuity!) and May ends up getting shot anyways. Then the nightwalkers arrive, beings destined to protect the space/time continuum and prevent anyone from altering their destiny. They injure Spidey, biting him with their mystical chompers.

Dr. Strange arrives to help the injured Spidey, taking him even farther back in time when he wasn’t at his Sanctum Sanctorum. Dr. Strange puts Spidey in a room as his injuries heal, when a knock is heard on the other side of the door. Spidey recognizes the voice: it’s his own! No, we aren’t talking clones. This is a scene from early in the Straczynski run, from Amazing Spider-Man volume 2, issue #42 where Spidey fought the Shade who was abducting homeless kids off the street. The dialogue is the same and it really ties up a loose end from years ago. Back inside, Dr. Strange and Spidey return to our time, and the good doctor tells Peter to go be with May in her final hours. Hold her hand and be with her is the doctor’s advice, but Peter isn’t ready to stop just yet. Outside, Peter remembers Dr. Strange’s words and is lured to a small girl offering to help him out. The girl looks like a young MJ, and I’ve got a feeling she is evil. This can’t end well.

Thoughts/Comments:

Not bad considering this saga is totally going to undo something I love about Spider-Man and his history. Let’s start with the good, the art was beautiful! Quesada is the man when it comes to art, and I loved how he drew Dr. Strange and all the magic going on. Second, the nod back to issue #42 was really kick ass. It makes the original story all the better knowing that Peter is also on the other side of that door. The nightwalkers were cool looking and made for some very cool visuals. OK, on to the bad. This issue still felt like a repeat of what we already know: Peter wants to save May; no force on Earth will stop him. WE GET IT ALREADY! Geez, how many times has this been said in the past 4 or five issues of Amazing Spider-Man? The double page spread of Peter visiting friends and foes was really cool, but this issue still felt kind of slow. The little girl at the end is probably Loki or Mephisto in disguise, which will end up somehow undoing the marriage in order to save May.

Notice the red bird flying around in part one and this issue? Probably means something evil is about to happen. I also wish there was some kind of letters page in this issue thanking Peter David for his work on this title since this is the last issue. Also, can we please have MJ in the story a bit more? If this is their final story as husband and wife at least give her a bigger part in the story. I’m still intrigued on how this will end, but this issue gets a B- from me. Hopefully part three will pick things up.

Mighty Avengers #5

X-men: Die By the Sword # 1 Review

Author: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Juan Santacruz
Inker: Raul Fernandez
Colors: Rob Ro

The title is a little misleading, yes I know some of these characters have been X-men at one time, but this is nothing more than an Exiles and New Excalibur cross-over. Considering that Chris Claremont is writing both titles and both teams have ties to each other, it was only a matter of time before these groups came together.

After the victory over Albion, Excalibur's leader Captain Britain decides to throw a little party. The Exiles team decides to drop in on Excalibur so that Psylocke can see her brother and Thunderbird his lost love Nocturne. As the teams meet, however, a new threat emerges in Cross time, the space between universes, which may require both teams to defeat. It looks like Mad Jim Jaspers is back from his big hiatus (I don't think I've seen the guy since the original Captain Britain run or the Trial of Magneto). It also looks like James is also bringing the Fury along for the ride. And a new character who takes out Captain Britain is introduced: Rogue-Mort....but I think it's supposed to be Rouge-Mort which is French for Red-death! That's right; her power is that she is constantly on the fucking rag! Damn....that's all I got to say about that.

This miniseries really doesn't need to exist because this is a story that probably would have been far better served by simply crossing between the two titles. It's amazing how Chris Claremont can make anything into a huge threat and makes me believe it. Hell, even the Impossible Man had me sweating at times when he would attack the X-mansion. However, some characters like Thunderbird are acting different. How come he didn't ask about the baby? When did Betsy realize that Longshot had lost his memories? Where did that random kiss between Wisdom and Dazzler come from? I hate to talk bad about anyone's art, but I have to say that the art in this book was pretty bad. I really give people the benefit of the doubt, but some of these pictures are just horrendous. It really looks rushed on some panels are just sloppy, the tear on Roma's face is the size of her nose. The character design on the rag queen is atrocious. She's got a fucking gigantic zipper in the front of her costume....nice. I really hope all the plotlines are resolved by the end of the series, because I really don't want the New Exiles running into Merlin and Roma. C+

New Warriors # 5 Review

Author: Kevin Grevioux
Penciler: Paco Medina
Inker: Juan Vlasco
Cover: Nic Klein

I am so glad I gave this series a fair chance, because it is up there amongst my favorite comics to have debuted this year. Hell, with Civil War Aftermath and Initiative logos all over the first two covers I really didn't think this book would be on my pull list. I love it when I am wrong and to quote my friend Chris, pleasantly surprised.

The team loses two members when Longstrike is killed by the Zodiac and Sofia is severely injured helping the Warriors. After arguing over whose fault it really was that got Longstrike killed, Thrasher has enough and decides to disband the New Warriors. Sofia has a near death experience and the two detectives are still investigating the identity of Night Thrasher that leads them to technology from Wakanda and Black Panther. That really is all that happens in this issue, since it is mainly a brawl for the first half of the book.

Five issues in and we still don't know half the people that make up this team. It was revealed that Longstrike was Tattoo which makes me think that Phaser is Radian and that there are way too many of Morrison's X-men on this team. Now I really fear for the identity of Night Thrasher (damn, I hope he’s not one of the Cuckoos or Quentin). I wish there were more surviving members on the team like Silhouette or Rage.

It seems that with each issue Medina is producing some really kinetic shit. His pages have so much energy in them, from action scenes to facial expressions. Of course there is a drawback to his art and it's the way the characters look. Jubilee has never had a rack that big and Beak was never a supermodel. Although the story feels a little decompressed at times it is still a fun book to read and this is the closest I have seen Marvel rival the new Teen Titans book. Young Avengers who? A-

Punisher War Journal #12

Cable and Deadpool # 45 Review

Author: Fabian Nicieza
Penciler: Reilly Brown
Inker: Jeremy Freeman
Colors: Gotham

Seriously, Marvel! You want to cancel this wonderful book and replace it with Cable? I'm a big Cable fan, but I never thought the character was solid enough to carry his own book (even though it lasted over 100 issues). Having both Cable and Deadpool in one book makes perfect sense. It always brings that perfect balance of funny and serious.

Now I see what Deadpool is going to do. This is Marvel's answer to Booster Gold! How fucking awesome would that be to have Deadpool travel back in time and mess up events in Marvel history! I'm sold; here is my 2.99 take it now. Having saved the world from Hydra, the Penetraitor's damaged armor caused a hiccup of sorts, in time last issue. It took Deadpool and Bob Agent of Hydra, and leaves them in the midst of World War II, just in time to team up with Captain America and Bucky on the trail of the mad scientist Arnim Zola. Deadpool is excited to be working with the living legend, while Bob finds himself torn between his Hydra training focusing his hatred on Cap and the fact that Captain America is just fucking awesome. I found it funny to see how Bucky was acting more like Winter Soldier than Bucky. Perhaps Deadpool going back made Bucky become the Winter Soldier. Man, I really am sold on this idea of Deadpool going back in time. If you haven't read Deadpool (volume1) # 11...you really need to read that hilarious issue of Deadpool going back in time to Amazing Spider-Man # 47.

Here I thought Bob was a one-joke character to have a prominent role in this book, but damn Nicieza proves me wrong again. I love the fact that the series has ran this long and I hope that Deadpool gets his own book, but only if Nicieza writes it. Because to me Nicieza is Deadpool...and Speedball...and Cable...and Night Thrasher...well you get the point. The art is nice, but could be tighten up some. The characters just seem a little off at times, but the backgrounds are solid. I really dread the day I don't read a C & D book monthly. B+