Young Avengers Presents: Hulkling Review

Author: Brian Reed
Art: Harvey Tolibao
Colors: Jay David Ramos
Cover: Jimmy Cheung

Young Avengers continues in some way or another and this is its latest incarnation: A spotlight miniseries focusing on one member of the team at an issue at a time. After a respectable and moving first issue it seems that the new creative team couldn’t recreate that mood. Of course they weren’t intending to, but it still a story that wasn’t very compelling.

Much like the last issue, this one again isn’t really about the Young Avengers, but more of a chance to show their reaction to current events. However, this is something that at one time or another had to be addressed somewhere. Hulkling meets his father Mar-Vell for the first time. This is a very monumental meeting because Captain Marvel has been dead for years, but it doesn’t feel monumental. It just seems like Reed just swept the story under the rug and although it showed promise of exploring the relationship between father and son it really ends on a dull note. This story does not move the character of Hulkling forward, but instead makes him out to be an angsty about how his dad may or may not visit him again.

The art was decent; while Tolibao really hits it home with his action sequences, his character interaction could use a little help. And that help comes in the form of Jay David Ramos, whose colors are phenomenal. He adds so much detail to the art that I think he needs to be credited as artist instead of just colorist. In the end this book does nothing more than promote the Captain Marvel mini-series written by Reed and this story really could have been told within those pages. C

X-men Legacy # 208 Review

Author: Mike Carey
Pencils: John Romita Jr. & Scot Eaton
Inkers: Klaus Janson & John Dell
Cover: David Finch

For the second time in its lifespan X-men has changed titles again. When Morrison took the book over the title changed to New X-men. Now, after the rushed events in the last four pages of Messiah Complex, the book has had another name change. Although this time it’s not because a “hot and happening” writer is taking over, there is an actual purpose to the name change.

The issue is divided into two different stories. One depicts the reality in which Exodus and a handful of Acolytes are watching over Xavier’s comatose body and the other is a dream world where Xavier seems to be experiencing his past. We are reintroduced to Amelia Vought, an Acolyte who shared a past with Xavier and it’s because of her love for Xavier that Exodus decided to keep Xavier alive (it doesn’t seem like it was an art fluke, his body was really missing)! After scenes of dreamlike flashbacks Exodus doesn’t think there is anything left for him to do, so he calls on the one man that can help them. His old leader of the Acolytes, Magneto himself comes to the rescue.

This new series seems be another take on a formula that has been ran into the ground. How many times are we going to explore the X-men’s past? How many secrets can Xavier really hold? Everyone from Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Mark Waid, and Ed Brubaker has explored the past to tell more stories for the future. But in the end these stories of retelling a hidden past or trying to change a thing here and there to suit your story really doesn’t add much to the X-men mythos. You want past stories? Go buy some Essentials or trades. I can’t imagine this story going on for more than five issues, unless every five issues it spotlights on a different character. They want to impress me with a secret past….write the secret past of Maggot or the hidden agenda of Cecilia Reyes.

Now that I am done with a small gripe I guess I can talk about the story in this issue. I really like how Moira Mactaggert plays Charles conscience in the flashbacks and how Amelia seems to be playing Exodus’ conscience. I think the use of the five Acolytes is a fantastic idea. These five individuals I speak of stand out, because at one time or another they have fought on the side of the angels and given up their evil ways. I think that makes Carey shine; using C-list characters for purposes to move a big story forward. My main gripe with the story mainly comes from the fact that none of the X-men know that Xavier’s body was taken by the enemy and why they don’t seem to care enough to try and retrieve it. I hope they bring this up sometime in the near future.

Eaton’s art is great, he will be missed on X-factor and for some reason more and more his style is starting to look like Finch’s art. JRJR on the other hand reminded me how much I didn’t enjoy his return to the X-books in the mid 90’s. Where everyone was shaped like a box and had oversized bodies. Overall, it was an interesting book with a couple of shining moments. I hope the quality of the book continues and they spotlight other characters that haven’t had a shining moment in years…..Cough cough Gambit…Nightcrawler. If they do explore their past I hope that not everyone has an evil hidden secret. B

Cable & Deadpool # 50 Review

Plot & Pencils: Reilly Brown
Script: Fabian Nicieza
Inkers: Jeremy Freeman & Bob Almond
Colors: Gotham

It’s really surprising that this comic made it to issue 50 and I’m not saying that in a negative town. As a matter of fact I am really sad to see this book go. It’s been my favorite Marvel title since its debut and I really can’t imagine a Deadpool book working without Nicieza, yes I’ve read Casey’s and Simone’s run, but nothing comes close to what Fabian has done with this book. I mean these are characters that haven’t shined since the mid 90’s, but somehow Fabian made it work.

Series artist Reilly Brown stepped in as guest plotter while Nicieza contributed the script for the last two issues. Deadpool, Weasel, Bob, Agent X, and the rest of the gang team up with the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and the citizens of NY to take on the SYMBIOTE DINOSQUAD. I’m assuming this was set during the horrible Venom crossover in Mighty and New Avengers. Even Cable manages to help out, well sort of and everything goes back to where it all started. With Deadpool chilling out on the couch and Bea Arthur.

It’s a great send off to a fantastic run of comics. Fabian’s dialogue is top notch and Brown’s pencils really shine in this issue. I have no idea why neither one of these two is not working on a high profile comic. It’s sad to see that the Cable storyline couldn’t be resolved because I’m sure Marvel has put any stories featuring him off-limits, well that is until his Lone Cable and Cub comic comes out. I’m depressed and I will drink myself to sleep now. A

Wolverine Origins # 22 Review

Author: Daniel Way
Art: Steve Dillon
Colors: Matt Millar

I’m so glad I decided to read this book first and then head over and read Cable and Deadpool 50. Because it would have made this train wreck of a book seem more like the Titanic. The only thing that Deadpool brings with him is his costume, because the funny must have been left behind.

Deadpool is trying to kill Wolverine for some reason. But then again, does Deadpool really need a reason to do anything? Probably not. I’m sure someone has hired him to deal with Wolvie…..but surely it can’t be that simple can it? Deadpool tries everything from dropping a piano to shooting Wolverine, so it is exactly the same thing that happened last issue and I’m sure will keep happening for the next three issues too.

The story and art are bland and nothing really unique comes from Way or Dillon. I can’t figure out if he is writing Deadpool’s voices in his head for the purpose on a new take on the character or because he just simply cannot write Deadpool. I really have no idea how Marvel decided that this new take justifies Way writing the new Deadpool book. I really have no idea how this book is being published. But what baffles me the most is I really have no idea what the heck I am doing reading this book!!!? Cool cover though. D

Ultimates 3 #2 Review

Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Joe Madureira
Colors: Christian Lichtner

This book should be titled “Ultimate Therapy” or “Ultimate Counseling” because most of the characters are crazy in this book. The plot of this issue is pretty confusing and a lot of questions from issue one still remain unanswered. The book begins with Hawkeye targeting Spider-Man (Joe Mad does a great Spidey by the way) and shoots Spidey with a dart that paralyzes the hero. Hawkeye thinks Spidey sent Venom after the Ultimates, but Cap shows up and sort of saves the day. Back at the mansion, Hank is still unconscious thanks to his overdose of medications, Tony is very drunk, Jan doesn’t know what to do, and Pietro is sad he isn’t getting any off his sister who is now dead. Magneto and the Brotherhood show up and fight with the Ultimates. The Blob has some wicked new mouth that looks a lot of like Venom’s, and some Spirit mutant possesses Thor who has to fight his new girlfriend Valkyrie. Magneto confronts Pietro and the two sort of make up since Pietro helps the Brotherhood take Wanda and leave. The issue ends with Wolverine showing up to help the sales of the book even more.

Thoughts/Comments:
That was different. The art was very beautiful, but the story is really hurting my head. Like I said above, most of the team members need therapy of some sort. Hawkeye is bat shit insane shooting tons of Madrox multiples with no regard for life while Hank had some overdose on medications. Pietro was doing his own sister and now is sad she is dead, while Tony is extremely drunk after losing Natasha. Even Magneto has issues; he still can’t look at Pietro without being reminded he once fell in love with a human. Plus, when did Magneto’s costume revert to his 616 colors? I thought the Ultimate Magneto costume was darker similar to how it was portrayed in the X-Men movies. The art was great but the story hurts my head. I give this issue a C.

Mighty Avengers #9 Review

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mark Bagley
Inks: Danny Miki

Wow! Two issues of Mighty Avengers shipped in one month! God bless you Mark Bagley! This issue continues the Symbiote Virus story arc begun in New Avengers months ago. The issue opens with Hank giving Jan his Giant Man formula so she can grow or shrink in battle. Jan still thinks this is his way of getting “ex-sex” but Hank really is trying to do something nice for a change. He’s probably a Skrull, but we’ll save that for later. The issue is basically a huge fight between the New and Mighty Avengers against the New York Citizen symbiotes. Some members of the Avengers symbiote out, while others don’t. The two suspicious members are Ms. Marvel and the Sentry, they didn’t get hit by the Virus when they probably should have. I know Ms. Marvel has some alien Kree powers or something, but it’s still suspicious nonetheless. Tony heads to the Baxter Building to develop an antidote to the virus since Reed is not in town. More fighting commences between both Avengers teams and the thousands of symbiotes. Tony finally creates an antidote and everyone reverts to normal. The New and Mighty Avengers has a face off, but the Mighty Avengers gang lets their fellow friends go without arresting them. Tony flies up into space and finds out the satellite that dropped the symbiote bomb was developed by a Latverian scientist. The Mighty Avengers gang regroups and head for Latveria to confront Dr. Doom in a beautiful two-page splash that ends the issue.

Thoughts/Comments:
This was another wonderful issue by Bendis and Bagley. The art was gorgeous and the story was full out super hero action from start to finish. I still think that Tony created the antidote a tad bit to easily, but this was still a fun book. Having Bagley draw the New Avengers gang for a few pages was a bonus, and I loved how Bendis picked up plot threads left from “Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America” Cap issue featuring Clint. The only complaint I have is that when Tony talks to his armor it is very difficult to read the boxes. I forgot to mention this in issue one and other fans have pointed this out on other message boards. Still, I’m glad the book is shipping on time and I can’t wait to see the Mighty Avengers tackle Dr. Doom next issue! This issue gets a solid A.

Amazing Spider-Man #549 Review

Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colors: Jason Keith

The second month of Brand New Day begins and I’m still not that impressed. I’ve really wanted Salvador Larroca to draw a Spider-Man comic for some time now (not counting the Spider-Man: House of M mini series) and the art was pretty sweet for this issue. Still, the new status quo leaves a terrible taste in my mouth despite whatever creators are working on the book.

The issue is pretty straightforward as Spidey tries to track down a new threat called Menace. Menace isn’t really shown in full in this issue. The issue opens with Spidey saving some workers whom are taking down the Daily Bugle letters after a small cameo attack by Menace. Spidey saves the workers and stops the giant letters from hitting the citizens on the ground. The spotlight of the issue focuses on Jackpot for the most part. Most signs point to MJ being Jackpot but nothing is confirmed just yet. Spidey is upset that a spider-tracer was found on a murder victim (continuing plot thread from last month’s arc) and Peter Parker meets his new boss at the Daily Bugle, a man named Dexter Bennett. Dexter thinks Peter is a great employee always running in and out and looking for news stories. Peter is still hanging out with Harry, Lily, and Carlie (I really don’t care for these characters, but whatever) and he wants to know if anyone has heard from MJ. Later on, Spidey runs into Jackpot again and actually hits her thinking her to be a goon of Menace’s. The authorities show up and Jackpot tells Spidey he is about to be arrested.

Thoughts/Comments:
To quote the fastest Nick alive, “meh.” I just can’t get into this new status quo for Spidey. I like Dan Slott, Steve McNiven, and Salvador Larroca. But not even Stan Lee can save this new direction for Spidey. I hate that Harry is alive, I hate Peter being single again, and it seems like MJ is now a disco garbbed hero named Jackpot. I’m only picking the book up because I have to have my Spidey fix, but I am not enjoying the book like I used to. Thanks Joe Quesada, this issue gets another D from a long time spider-fan.

Ultimate Spider-Man 118 Review

Writer: Bendis
Penciler:Immonen
Inker: von Grewbadger
Colorist: Ponsor

This. Book. Is. Fun. Cover to cover, I had a really fun time reading this issue, and truth be told, a pretty good time reading the last 117 books too. This issue doesn’t appear to have a name, but judging from this cover and the next cover it is definitely the beginning of a new storyline and not just an in-between issue. In the last issue we had the wrap up of Norman Osborn again coming back and terrorizing Peter, and his son, Harry. Then a very tragic thing happened that hit Peter pretty hard.

Right off the bat in the first two pages we get an acknowledgement that Peter wont be getting over the recent events anytime soon, and we get a hilarious moment from one of the supporting characters. Bendis has really built something here. When you’re tired of his roller coaster rides like New and Mighty Avengers, and you just want something consistently good, always turn to Ultimate Spider-Man, and chances are you will never be disappointed. It is easy to see that what Peter is dealing with is personal and he will put on a figurative “mask” to keep everyone out so that he can deal with his problems personally, and so the story can advance, rather than get sucked into a depressing spiral.

The funny moment by the supporting character comes from Kenny, the big bald classmate who wants to date Kitty Pryde. I won’t ruin the funny part, but I will mention that he has figured out on his own that Peter is Spider-Man. What is funny is how he comes across in the first person narration that takes up the first six pages of the book. Every page focuses on a different character’s thoughts and it is a great tool to prove their depths and complexities.

Kitty Pryde has already joined the cast of characters a few issues back but in this issue we get a surprise appearance from not just Iceman but Johnny Storm as well. Iceman adds a little unwanted tension between Kenny and Kitty (who I am really rooting for), but it’s just like real life, when you’re about to make your move the ex always manages to show up, and I guess in this case it’s an ex who is also an X-Man, is that why the X-Men always have so much soup opera drama, because X and ex’s are pretty much a given?

Anyway, the way everyone comes together both makes sense and is comically ridiculous, and I completely loved it. Again it was just plain fun. MJ’s friend Liz, who doesn’t like mutants, is back in the gang but she has been going through her own troubles (she kept saying woof, and at first I was afraid she would be werewolf by night or something, and my second guess ended up being what actually happened). And I think her troubles are about to be Spider-Man’s and judging by next weeks cover Magneto is going to take it upon him to add to the equation. I don’t like knowing the story before it happens but at least I’ll have fun reading about it, and you never know, there could always be a twist, hey at least Mephisto’s not in it.

I guess I should mention the artwork sense the past reviews have always resulted in a fierce debate about the art, and sense I wrote the review I guess I get to have my say too. I love Immonen’s Spider-Man and his work all over this book. I hated his Ult. X-Men run, and actually think it ruined BKV’s writing, which should have been some of the best of that series and it just flat out wasn’t. His artwork for me started getting better with Nextwave, and when I heard he was coming on this I didn’t know what to think, other than that Spider-Ben would hate it. I saw the previews and thought it looked decent. And now being a fair amount into Immonen’s run I have to say that I am really digging his work. He has great pace and storytelling ability, his action scenes are vibrant and well crafted, there is always plenty of things going on panel to panel, and though some of his facial expressions are a odd at times at least he is using expressions, which is a must for this book and why not just any artist will work on it. I didn’t like when he used line shading in some places, in my opinion just leave any middle tone shading to the colorist for this kind of artwork. He seems to favor Leinil Francis Yu on some things but I would like it more if he left the overabundant lines alone. A. Woof.