Monthly Archives: October 2013

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Comic Review: A Vs X Consequences

A Vs X Consequences

Following the end of Avengers Vs. X-Men, Consequences deals with the aftermath of Scott Summers actions. This Marvel series is written by Kieron Gillen (Generation Hope, Journey Into Mystery) and illustrated by Tom Raney (Outsiders, Stormwatch)

The world is slowing picking up the pieces after the destruction caused by Phoenix Force. The Avengers are trying to track down those involved in the bloodshed but it’s proving difficult. As Cyclopes awaits trial in jail he shows little remorse. He believes that it is thanks to him that mutants are once again returning. It’s only a matter of time before he is killed for his actions or worse, he is able to escape.

There is a lot that is addressed during this series, the future of Hope, the public’s view of mutants and fate of the other Phoenix members. Now that Scott has time to think about what has happened we get to hear what he truly believes. The end of Consequences leads into Uncanny X-Men.

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Comic Review: Before Watchmen Ozymandias/Crimson Corsair  

Before Watchmen Ozymandias/Crimson Corsair

In this volume of Before Watchmen you have the story of Ozymandias, all the back pages of Crimson Corsair collected into one and you get the Dollar Bill single issue. Come enjoy these DC titles written by Len Wein (Batman, The Incredible Hulk), John Higgins (Swamp Thing, 2000 AD) and illustrated by Jae Lee (Inhumans, Wolverine), John Higgins and Steve Rude (Nexus, Dark Horse Presents).

In the Ozymandias we take a look at the life he had before his betrayal. Starting from a humbling childhood, he built an empire out of nothing. In Crimson Corsair we read the tale of the cursed life of Gordon McClachlan and his search for freedom. The Dollar Bill one shot is all about a man simply looking for a job. In time he turned into one of the most well known heroes in the country.

Let me say how great it is to have all the Crimson Corsair’s collected in one place. Very annoying having to read 2 pages of story in the back of each issue. The Ozymandias story is quite impressive especially his younger years. The artwork and story have a very sleek feel to it. Dollar Bill is a nice change of pace from all the other Before Watchmen stories. It’s a lot more heartfelt and thoughtful.

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Comic Review: New Avengers Vol 1 Breakout

Marvel Comics New Avengers Vol 1 Breakout TP

The aftermath of Avengers Disassembled have left Avengers Mansion in ruins and the team in disarray. Now life must go on without comrades who have fallen and a surprising event awaits them.   Brian Michael Bendis  (Daredevil, Ultimate Spider-man) creates his first Marvel series with artwork done by David Finch (Dark Knight, Ultimatum).

This story directly continues from the Avengers Finale and is the aftermath of the events that occurred in the Avengers Disassembled storyline. With Avengers Mansion destroyed and Tony Stark no longer willing to continue funding for the Avengers, the Avengers have disbanded. Steve Rogers, Captain America, is disillusioned by the events that have occurred but is unwilling to accept it. After all, a leader without a team to lead is no leader at all.  This leads him to try to revive Avengers by recruit old and new members which includes Wolverine and Spider-man are met with much skepticism. Unknown to Rogers and the other potential members is that events are slowing unfolding that will soon have the world needing the Avengers once again.

I have to say that I was still in shock from the events that happened in Avengers Disassembled when this new series came out. Nevertheless, I had to try to go on with life just as Steve Rogers did. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read the first issue but as the events unfolded in future issues, sure was glad I continue reading it. This series and Avengers Disassembled directly lead into the House of M storyline.  Anyone who wants to read the current Avengers titles MUST read this title as a prerequisite. It is here where Brian Michael Bendis begins to weave his stories that will change the Marvel Universe for years to come. The artwork by David Finch wasn’t too bad either.

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Comic Review: Wolverine Origin

Wolverine Origin

Since the introduction of Wolverine in the 1970’s, everyone has wanted know his origin and it’s finally here. Does it live up to the hype or does it fail to meet your expectations. This much anticipated Marvel title is written by Paul Jenkins (Sentry, Peter Parker: Spider-man) with Bill Jemas and Joe Quesada and penciled by Andy Kubert (Ka-Zar, Captain America) with digital painting by Richard Isanove (Dark Tower, Daredevil).

Set in the late 19th century in Canada, the story is about the friendship of two boys from very different backgrounds. James Howlett is the son of a rich plantation owner and is constantly sick. To help aid this, James’s father hires an orphaned girl named Rose to take care of him. Dog Logan is the son of the Howlett’s groundskeeper, who is violent and often takes it out on Dog. Over the years their relationship becomes strained due to the animosity between their fathers.

Personally, I like this story because this is an example of how you are now is based on where you come from. The artwork feels very natural to the location and date. Story starts off pretty tame but things pick up quickly and you are in for quite a twist. It’s good that it’s not overly violent and concentrates more on the story. If you want to know where Wolverine came from, read Origin.

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Comic Review: Dark Reign The Hood

Dark Reign The Hood

A lot has changed for The Hood who went from a small time criminal to a crime boss but can he stay on top? This Marvel series is written by Jeff Parker (Hulk, Thunderbolts) and illustrated by Kyle Hotz (The Nightman, Evil Ernie).

Things are going great for The Hood these days. He has a loyal crew that he can trust, the Avengers can’t touch them, he has more money than he knows what to do with and he is a member of the Illuminati. Yea things couldn’t be going better for the Hood except for one small thing. A masked woman has made it her mission to kill him. Not knowing why this is happening The Hood is doing his best just to stay alive and it’s only the beginning of his problems.

The Hood is such a great character that it really is a shame he doesn’t have an ongoing series. This time around he is more in tune with his powers. At the same time his personal life is spiraling out control. I like that he has to deal with the negative consequences of being a criminal rather than things always working out because it’s his book. A great series that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

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Comic Review: Before Watchmen Minutemen/Silk Spectre   

Before Watchmen Minutemen/Silk Spectre

A collection of DC’s Before Watchmen including Minutemen, the group that started it all and Silk Spectre who is stepping out from under her mother’s shadow. Both series are written by Darwyn Cooke (The Spirit, Superman Confidential) and illustrated by Amanda Conner (Power Girl, Wednesday Comics).

In the Minutemen, the original Nite Owl, Hollis Mason, recounts his time with the Minutemen. Starting from how they all met, secrets the pubic never knew and the disappearance of one of their members. In Silk Spectre we take a look at growing up with a super hero for a mother. During her teenage years she was taught how to fight and defend herself. Soon at odds with her mother she runs away from home to the city of San Francisco.

The Minutemen had to be my favorite of all the Before Watchmen tales. There were so many things that were talked about the Minutemen in Watchmen that were never answered. In this series all of those questions are answered. Besides Rorschach,of course, it’s the darkest series. The Silk Spectre is the opposite as it is all about growing up and trying to figure out who you are. You get to see her first foray into crime fighting. Very rich with color and optimism is a good way to describe this series.

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Comic Review: Wolverine The Best There Is The Complete Series

Wolverine The Best There Is The Complete Series

A completely messed up tale about everyone’s favorite X-Man that is ramped up with tons of violence and sex (well sex appeal). It’s Wolverine like you’ve never seen him before in this Marvel title written by Charlie Huston (Moon Knight, Deathlok) and illustrated by Juan Jose Ryp (No Hero, Lady Death).

Things aren’t too looking well for old Wolverine. First he is trapped and caged and then forced to be in a dog fight. Next he meets a beautiful women and the night seems alright until everyone starts to hallucinate and go crazy. Finally, he is once again captured and held captive, but it’s a lot worse this time around. He is pushed to his physical and mental breaking points. He is brought to and from the brink of death over and over again. Is there a point to all of this or is it just for the pleasure of the pain?

Now, this is a series that it’s either love or hate. Yes, there is a plot and you do want to know why this is happening but getting there might lose you. Everything they do is super over the top grotesque violence. If that’s not your thing then you won’t enjoy this, but if it is, come, sit, read and enjoy.

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Comic Review: New X-Men Volume 1 Ultimate Collection

New X-Men Volume 1 Ultimate Collection

Taking reign of the X-Men World, Grant Morrison (The Filth, The Invisibles) starts the series completely from scratch. Along with illustrator Franky Quitely (Batman And Robin, All Star Superman) a new adventure begins with Marvel’s New X-Men.

Mutant kind faces one their worst days yet. In one fell swop the whole of Genosha is destroyed, killing 16 million mutants all at once. The X-Men are left to pick up the pieces and figure out who is behind such a despicable act. While this is happening Wolverine and Cyclopes are being held captive. The woman’s name is Ms. Nova and she has a single thought in her mind–to kill the X-Men.

Grant Morrison is known for being extremely innovative in whatever he touches and this is no different. By leaving behind the old story lines he is able to take the series in any direction he wants to go. He gives the X-Men a much more modern and fresh take on who they are. With the artwork of Frank Quitely this is breathtaking ride that should not be missed.

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Comic Review: Transmetropolitan Volume 1 Back On The Street

Transmetropolitan Volume 1 Back On The Street

If Spider Jerusalem is writing a story you can bet no one is safe with their secrets, no matter who they are. With artist Darick Robertson (The Boys, Wolverine) and Warren Ellis (Planetary, Gravel) writing this book for Vertigo you know a couple things right off the back. It’s gonna be weird, witty, futuristic, truthful but most importantly–good!

Spider Jerusalem is a journalist who has been living up in the mountains alone for the past 5 years with enough weapons to arm a small militia. He receives a phone call from his publisher reminding him of the two books he has yet to write for them. With no other alternative he must descend from the mountains into the depths of the city and return to journalism.

There is so much going on in this comic. Right from the first couple of pages you can tell this is going to be a very frantic book. It’s a story that does not slow down for a second. You may find yourself lost if you aren’t paying attention. Some of the things dealt with here may be futuristic in tone but are very relatable topics to the present day.

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Comic Review: Marvel Universe Vs. The Avengers

Marvel Universe Vs. The Avengers

With a strange disease ravaging the world and the population quickly dwindling, it’s up to the Avengers to save everyone. This mini series is written by Jonathan Maberry (Marvel Universe Vs The Punisher, Marvel Universe Vs Wolverine) and illustrated by Leandro Fernandez (Punisher MAX, Wolverine).

The world changed over night when, what appeared to be Spiderman trying to stop Rhino was actually Spiderman attacking him. From this singular event a disease started to spread across the world. The disease caused people to become mad with rage and an urge eat flesh. The Avengers tried to rally together but in the end they failed. The remaining members are now holed up together trying whatever they can to stop the disease.

This series is placed after Marvel Universe Vs. Wolverine but before Marvel Universe Vs. The Punisher. The story is told through the perspective of Hawkeye and how he views these events. Great story with an unexpected twist at the end of the first issue. You feel quite hopeless as you see what the Avengers are going through. Can be read out of order as each mini-series is set in a different time period.