Reviews for Aquaman #4, Captain America #6, Secret Avengers #20 and more!

Holy crap this was a big week for comics.  My pull list topped out at 14 or 15, after digital comics of course.  Was a decent week, with a surprising amount of mediocre or bad comics.  But the good ones shined bright.  Here we go.

Marvel Comics

Alpha Flight #7:  It's almost the end of another Alpha Flight series.  And besides the goofy villain, the series continues to chug along at a great pace.

Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente add everyone's favorite mutant this month, but the issue doesn't focus on him that much. The issue is still about Alpha Flight and Wolverine just happens to be there.  The characterization is great, with some patented Pak/Van Lente humor thrown in.  What has bogged this series down is the goofy villain The Master.  Having aliens JUST invade Canada is a little awkward when you think about the scope of the plot.  The whole anti-unity machine is never properly explained, except that it will undo the the process.  

Dale Eaglesham continues to do some of his best pencil work.  The action scenes look great as well as the facial expressions.  What impresses the most is that he continues to do this great work without needing a fill in artist like he did with Fantastic Four.  And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Eaglesham pencils some beautiful women.

Alpha Flight #7 gets 3.5/5.

Reviews for Batman #4, Daredevil #7, Wolverine & the X-Men #3 and a lot more!

It was a big week for comics this week.  Bought nine at the store and bought two digitally.  Hope you all have a great holiday weekend, and you all get some great comics.

DC Comics

Batman #4:  Scott Snyder continues his almost perfect run on Batman, giving us an inexperienced Dark Knight.

One of the most entertaining aspects of Snyder's Batman is that Bruce is still learning the ropes of what it means to be the protector of Gotham.  While he maybe experienced, he still seems a little green when it comes to how to handle the enemy.  And Talon takes full advantage of that in #4.  The final page brings up plenty of implications that will test Batman as a detective and strategist.  Snyder's inner monologue for Batman during the trip wire scene was brilliant, bringing order amongst the chaos.  Snyder even has a great hold on Dick Grayson.  Bruce's childhood is a time that we don't know much about, so it's always illuminating to see how Bruce became the person he is today, besides the day his parents were murdered by Joe Chill.

Greg Capullo continues to churn out beautiful looking comics.  The trip wire scene is the best example, as he makes Batman look so calm and collect amongst everything blowing up around him.  #4 is a quiet issue, with not much varying in background or scenes, but Capullo makes it all great to look at.

Batman #4 gets 5/5.

Reviews for Avengers: X-Sanction #1, Journey Into Mystery #632 and a lot more!

It was a relatively short week for comics.  It's a little more than a month after Fear Itself ended, and Marvel is already getting read for their next event.  Let's get started shall we?

Marvel Comics

Avengers: X-Sanction #1:  When buying this book, the comic shop owner said "Jeph Lobe gets about one out of four things right when writing."  Right now, this isn't looking like that one out of four.

Loeb writes a very barebones script.  While I can understand and respect writing a script that gives new readers as much info on the characters as possible, but this is a little extreme.  Jeff Parker has done a great job with the Red Hulk making him a relatable character, but I'm reminded of his horrible origin here.  But this is the first issue, so Loeb deserves a little slack.  He recaps what happened to Cable in Second Coming fairly quickly and sets up the nature of the miniseries well as well.  I just wish I knew more about what is going on.  The final panel doesn't hit home the way it should, and it's lazy writing.  While it is possible for writers to give us cliffhangers we know won't stick, they still need us to care for them (Zeb Wells in Avenging Spider-Man #2 is a good example).

On the plus side though, Ed McGuinness' art is brilliant.  The lines are crisp and the action is fluid.  Morray Hollowell's colors fit perfectly in this issue.  The issue is one big fight scene, which suits McGuinness' somewhat cartoony art.  The reader can feel that Cable is having a hard time of living at the moment, which looks great.  I'll probably continue reading this book just to see his art.

Avengers: X-Sanction #1 gets 3/5.

Reviews for Avenging Spider-Man #2, Animal Man #4, Venom #10 and a lot more!

Hello faithful readers!  I'm in information grab mode, trying to find out as much as I can bout the new Marvel event, Avengers vs X-Men.  All I know so far is the title is all we know, and I haven't heard about  a new volume of Nova.  And that's a crime.  Anyways, onto reviews!

DC Comics

Action Comics #4:  Since I started reading comics years ago, I have always wanted a great Superman story to be told.  Yes there are older ones in trades, but I'd love one in monthly form.  Sadly, Action Comics still isn't that.

I'm a big Grant Morrison fan.  I have never read a bad issue from the guy.  But something is wrong with Action Comics.  Morrison can't seem to get the transitions down from panel to panel.  Scenes are all over the place and bogging what is, at heart, a very interesting story.  Morrison has created an interesting villain, and is doing some great character work with the Superman family.  Lex Luthor in particular.  His work on Clark/Superman isn't his best, but it's still damn entertaining.  Steel's entrance is forced, but ok.  The ending will peak the interest of long time Superman fans, and it brought a slight smile to my face when I realized what the future will hold for Action Comics. I still can't shake the feeling that Morrison is looking at Spider-Man as new inspiration for Superman.  Each issue he seems more and more like the wall crawler.  Anyone else notice this?

Rags Morales pencils the entire issue this month.  This keeps the issue having a consistent look, but Morales' pencils still need some work.  The book is one big action scene, and Morales makes the fights look great.  His face work needs to be worked on.  It looks very rushed.  Much like Morrison's script, Morales can't seem to transition from panel to panel well, but that might be more Morrison's fault then his.  

Action Comics #4 gets 3.5/5.

Marvel Subscriptions Need an Overhaul

As you many notice in each week's reviews, I always have a section of Old Comics.  The reason for this is I'm a subscriber through Marvel.  I pay around 50% less to get my comics through the mail.  Awesome right?  Well I'm getting to the point with them where I'd rather pay the full price then wait almost two months to get a comic.

I had to wait almost a month and a half to finish Spider-Island (Marvel Comics)

Now before I talk about how this program needs to be changed, it is a great deal.  I can't deny I like getting two books for the price of one.  I'm still a subscriber for a good chunk of my Marvel books (although that number has slowly been dwindling).  In this tough economy, it's easy to sacrifice getting the books on time to have the price be really low.  It's even better with a book like Amazing Spider-Man which is released multiple times a month.

When I started, just with the Amazing Spider-Man, I got books the day they were released or the day after.  This went on for a few months, then books became late.  A week or two isn't that bad.  But then it became a month.  Now it's on average a month and a half to a two months.  This is just unacceptable.  The only thing I can think of that keeps these comics from getting to my house on time is the fact that Marvel charges so little.  They can't be making much money on this, and must be taking a loss of some kind to ship these books.  My suspicions were confirmed when my long time subscription to Deadpool was cut short because the book din't sell as well anymore.  Same with Venom at issue #3.

Reviews for Angel & Faith #4, Herc #10, Uncharted #1 and more!

Hello all. It was a fifth week month this past week, so not a big week release wise.  DC didn't even sell one of the new 52 books.  But it was a surprisingly strong week for the books.  Not one book sold got under a 3.5.  Lets get to it.

Dark Horse

Angel & Faith #4:  Like the recent split in X-Men books, the new Buffyverse book is surprisingly a lot better than the original book.

Christos Gage keeps upping the ante every month, and writing these character in a way that rivals Joss Whedon.  When reading this book, or Buffy, I always hear the actors saying the dialogue in my head.  In the Buffy books, I sometimes question the dialogue (not in issues written by Joss), but I have never done that here.  It's pitch perfect to the characters.  Pearl and Nash could go for some deeper characterization, but I'll let it go with the rest of the issue so great.  Gage even captures the essence of the old show in the hard decisions that Angel is willing to to make, something that Buffy doesn't necessarily want to do sometimes.  The tease near the end is great and long time Buffy watchers/readers will get a kick out of it.  And the more I think about the tease, it makes a lot of sense for Angel.  Makes me that much more excited for next month.

Rebekah Isaacs is another reason this books is firing on all cylinders.  The fights look great, even at their most hectic.  But the real treasure is that nothing looks photo referenced.  She seems to have figured out how to draw these characters perfectly like their actor counterparts.  Even grimaces look exactly like their actors, which I just find stunning.  I love Phil Noto's work (who is penciling a fill in issue next month), but I'll be missing Isaacs' work.

Angel & Faith #4 gets 4.5/5

Reviews for Aquaman #3, Fantastic Four #600, and a lot more!

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.  Was a good week for comic books, with Fantastic Four #600 taking up the majority of my reading day.  Also saw the Muppets, so that took up a few hours.  But lets get on with the reviews shall we?  I'm going to try a new thing where I don't' give recaps, as most of the people reading this have already read the comics.  If it's something you want back, let me know and they shall come back.

Marvel Comics

Alpha Flight #6:  We are getting dangerously close to issue #8, and the end to the current Alpha Flight volume. At least Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente are going out in style.

Pak and Ven Lente use #6 as the transition in the series.  The last of the plot pieces are being put into place.  The tone of the book really feels like these two know what they are doing and giving the reader a breath of fresh air before the big two issue climactic finale.  They give the issue their patented sense of humor, without it ever feeling forced.  The highlight of the issue has to be the retelling of Master of the World's back story.  As someone who had never read an Alpha Flight book before this, it worked without bogging down the book.  The best part of this guy though is that he is actually trying to make the world better.  And these are the best type of villains.  He isn't as fleshed out as someone like Magneto, but it overall makes the conflict that much more interesting.  Having Wolverine appear this late in the series works more as it seems natural.  If he had appeared during the Fear Itself crossover, I would have cried foul, but this is much better.

Dale Eaglesham pencils one of his best issues since his days on Fantastic Four.  The characters all look different are expressive to the point that makes me wonder "how the hell did Eaglesham get that facial expression?"  But what I have loved most about his work on Alpha Flight is that he hasn't missed a deadline.  I remember he needed lots of fill in work while on Fantastic Four, but he has been great month in and month out here.

Alpha Flight #6 gets 4/5.

Marvel Comics

Astonishing X-Men #44:  I picked this up on a whim, and I'm very happy I did.  I haven't actually read Astonishing X-Men since Joss Whedon left the title.

With his run on Incredible Hulks over, and Herc and Alpha Flight ending in a matter of months (or weeks in Herc's case), it's great to see Greg Pak continue to write.  #44 is a great example of what Pak can do; a great plot without sacrificing characterization.  He picks up readers who didn't read Schism fast, and it never bogs down the plot.  In fact, he uses the recap panels as a jumping off point for some perfect dialogue for Emma.  It's incredible talent.  The plot is very interesting, and like Astonishing has always prided itself on doing, is very continuity light.  Pak dangles the carrot in front of us hard and makes us want to come back for next month.  Not sure if the Storm angle was a great one, as she is already appearing in Avengers and doesn't look anything like this.  It's a small grip in a great issue.

Mike McKone keeps up his fantastic work here.  The characters are expressive and the action looks great.  The reader is really sold on the idea of Cyclops using his optical blasts for balance from the way McKone pencils them.  Muck like on his time on Amazing Spider-Man, his characters can lose body shape when the action hits.  Emma looks sickly thin, but again, it's a small gripe.

Astonishing X-Men #44 gets 4/5.

DC Comics

Aquaman #3:  Geoff Johns continues his fantastic run on Aquaman, and slows down the plot to give the reader some info.

I have never read Aquaman before this volume.  I started picking up the series when the reboot hit because of Johns great work during Blackest Night and Brightest Day.  Johns keeps up the tone of Arthur being a certified bad ass, and the same with Mera, while giving the Trench monsters a motive.  The reader had the idea that all they wanted was food, but finding where they came from and how they work works well.  Johns gives us a quick background of Mr. Shin, and to an inexperienced Aquaman reader like myself, it's welcomed.  In the space of a few sentences we get who he is, what he is like, and why Arthur doesn't like him.  That's it, and I could tell you everything about the guy.  That's how amazing of a writer Johns is.

Ivan Reis' art is his usual phenomenal stuff.  The painted like scenes work well in the beginning, and look great when juxtaposed to the harsh pencils of the fight.  A complaint I had about Blackest Night was that it was hard to tell who was who in a fight some times.  Not a problem here.  I could pick out every character in the big fight scene without a second of hesitation. Much like Johns and his great recap of Mr. Shin, Reis does a great job as well.  The few panels where we see his house work well to give us a great feel of who the character is and what he is about.

Aquaman #3 gets 4.5/5.

Marvel Comics

Fantastic Four #600:  With any anniversary issue, it's always a chore.  It takes hours to read and every story needs to do something to keep me from putting the issue down after the main story line.  Thankfully Fantastic Four #600 does this for the most part. SPOILER WARNING.

Seriously, you have been warned.

Jonathan Hickman writes every story in this issue, and every story actually affects the overall plot of FF and Fantastic Four.  But much like FF, the main story has the problem of not characterizing anything that well. It's quick scene to quick scene.  Granted Hickman brings together a lot of plots that have been boiling for a while, and in a way that makes long time readers very very happy.  I thinks it good that we have two Fantastic Four books now, as it will calm down the books and give more panels to certain characters.  Johnny Storm's story is easily the best.  Hickman has a great handle on why Johnny his a great hero and how he can do great things when put into the right situation.  His story will also satisfy many Cosmic Marvel fans.  It was only a matter of time before Annihilus' story came to fruition in some way.  Black Bolt finally get some time to talk since his resurrection.  Not much happens, but more is teased.  The Galactus storyline is very ominous, and teases more that 2012 is going to be a massive year for Marvel.  I liked that Hickman tied the short story into Matt Fraction's The Mighty Thor.  The quick story about Franklin was nice and light hearted, even though it will no doubt be an emotionally charged story in later issues.  

Art on each story works rather well.  Steve Epting's pencils look great, but the real star of this issue is Carmine Di Giandomenico.  His pencils look great and suit the Cosmic Marvel setting really well.  Maybe he should pencil a new volume of Nova?  Leinel Francis Yu's pencils are more refunded than usual, as some points of Superior were a little untamed for my tastes.  It reminds me of his Secret Invasion work.  

As much as I'm glad there are going to be two Fantastic Four books, I'm not sure if this is a great idea.  I was only reading FF because I wanted to see more of Reed, Susan, and Ben.  I'll only be following FF because I have a Marvel subscription to it (which I shall rant about soon in a blog post, as they treat their loyal fans like utter shit) that still has around six issues left.  It will be interesting to see if FF stays around after Hickman leaves the series.

I reread the book, and the main story didn't click with me as well as the first time.  Reread it again to make sure.  The book loses a .5 on the score.

Fantastic Four #600 gets 3.5/5.

DC Comics

The Flash #3:  Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato continue their perfect characterization of the Flash while giving both new and old readers something new.

It always amazes me when writers jump onto a book and think up some way to use an old heroes powers.  It's usually something so simple that no one every thought of it in the first place.  That's what Manapul and Buccellato do here in The Flash #3.  Using Barry's ability to vibrate in an insane way with the plane.....how did no one think of this before?  These two first time writers are doing amazing work characterizing everyone, having a few plot lines going, and not missing a step.  It's fantastic work. The cliffhanger isn't anything special, as I know nothing happened to Barry.  It's his comic and we are three issues in, of course he's fine.  The two are giving readers a great amount of reasons to like Patty as Barry's new girlfriend.  I love Iris and all, but it's nice to see someone else be Barry's squeeze.

The art is the real shining light of The Flash.  Making Barry slow down time really gives the small panels a bullet time affect.  The opening double page with a film reel type layout looks fantastic.  Really, every layout on every page looks fantastic.  Even pages with just people talking look great.  I could stare at any issue of this series forever.  Oooooooooooo preeeeeeeeatty.

The Flash #3 gets 4.5/5.

Marvel Comics

Secret Avengers #19:  Warren Ellis' run on Secret Avengers is almost over, and I'm sad to see it start to be winding down.  But #19 doesn't wind down and keeps up the high action espionage.

Ellis' idea about having "super soldiers by possession" is a great idea, but doesn't work 100% here.  I would have liked the idea more if the end of the issue wasn't a big exposition dump to explain everything.  The best ideas in comics are simple ones, and Ellis is a great writer.  We didn't need this big convoluted thing near the end.  I was kind of hoping we didn't find out how this stuff worked so that I could make my own assumptions about where the stuff came from.  Everything up to the ending is a lot of fun though.  The plot is very simple, but this work well in Ellis' favor.  Moon Knight works well as a business spy, and his dialogue with the prostitute is great.  Sharon Carter and Black Widow even get a few great lines in there before the end of the issue. This still feels like an issue of Planetary, but set in the Marvel Universe.

Michael lark's pencils have really been refined since his days on Daredevil.  The action works better, and the possession scenes look fantastic.  His business version of Moon Knight's costume looks great, and I hope that Alex Maleev (the artist on Moon Knight) uses this costume more in Moonie's book.   The big city views are very detailed and don't look as photo referenced as his work can some times.

Secret Avengers #19 gets 3.5/5.

Marvel Comics

Wolverine and the X-Men #2:  Jason Aaron delivers another fun issue that really feels like something the X-Men franchise hasn't seen in a while.

Aaron's big thing for this issue is showing that Bobby Drake isn't the pushover that he can seem like sometimes.  It works well, and also shows us that really anything can happen in this book going forward.  Aaron  makes this issue one massive fight, but he peppers in some great characterization, more than just Bobby.  Lockheed even gets a little moment.  The new pint size Hellfire Club are a dastardly bunch, and they are portrayed as villains we want to see more.  Just for the fact that they are so much fun to read.  They want to kill penguins with a hammer....of course they are great villains.  The kiss between Bobby and Kitty is an interesting story line that I didn't see coming, and I'm looking forward to greatly.  Kudos to Aaron for bringing readers up to speed on who Krakoa is.  I had no clue before this issue.

Chris Bachalo's art is all over the place.  And that's a compliment.  The panels are hectic, much like the fight.  But for some reason the panels never feel cramped.  The talking head panels between characters like Idie and Brood are quiet, even though there is so much chaos going on around them.  It reminds me of a big action movie sometimes.

In the wake of Schism, Wolverine and the X-Men is going to be the X-book to watch.

Wolverine and the X-Men #2 gets 5/5.

Old Comics

FF #11 gets 3.5/5.

That's it folks!  See you next week when we have books like T.H.U.N.D.R. Agents starting back up again.  Hopefully there will be lots of TPB deals on Amazing this Black Friday.

That's it folks.  

DC Crushes Marvel in Sales for October

For the first time in years, DC has won the monthly sales percentage (according to Diamond Publishing).  It's amazing how two months in, and the nuDC is doing amazing.  But we need to look to the future, and what does this mean for DC and Marvel?

The full results can bee seen here

Wonder Woman #2 was one of the better selling comics (DC Comics)

On the plus side for all of comicdom, seven tittles sold over 100,000 copies.  That hasn't happened in a long time.  It paints a picture of a slightly brighter future, as more people are putting their money into market.  Justice League #2 was the highest selling comic, followed by Batman, Action Comics, Green Lantern, and The Flash to round out the top five.  The top selling comic for Marvel was The Incredible Hulk #1, which also sold over 100,000 copies.  Wolverine & the X-Men #1 was the other top selling comic for Marvel (although it didn't sell 100,000 copies).

Marvel has already responded by canceling numerous books.  Besides the already announced Alpha Flight, Herc, and Iron Man 2.0, Marvel recently cancelled X-23.  Looking at the sales, it was barely above the death line for Marvel (around 23,000 copies).  They have also cancelled numerous miniseries, including Victor Von Doom, the Nick Spencer miniseries many were looking forward too.  The things bout these series was that none of these series had even been released yet.  Many had already had a few issues penciled, inked, and colored.

DC has really put a shot of adrenaline into the market.  As much as DC took a lot of money away, they seem to be bringing attention to the medium.  As noted in the Comic Book Resources article, October saw an increase in over one million issues compared to October 2010.  And as DC starts to bring in new ongoings and miniseries, they will no doubt bring more eyes to the market.  Especially the six issue miniseries T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents coming up soon.

Marvel was in dire need of a slap in the face creatively wise.  Many of their main books are doing great, but the always heavy flow of miniseries was starting to drag down sales a bit for the house of ideas.  It's sad to see some great series have to be the example that needed to be made, but it had to happen.  Canceling X-23 probably wasn't a good idea, as the fan outcry hasn't been ideal.  The renewed need to be back on top will force them to focus on putting out the best books possible.  This will mean series like Herc and Alpha Flight can't live, but hopefully they can some day.

The Incredible Hulk was Marvel's biggest selling comic (Marvel)

The only thing I noticed in the DC books that was notable was that all their new books either sink or swim.  They either sell more copies than a Justin Beiber CD at a middle school, or they sell nothing.  Which begs the question...when will DC start canceling books?  Hawk & Dove, Mr. Terrific, and books like that are selling poorly and soon won't be able to sustain themselves for long.  Also, do the numbers for Justice League count the combo pack as well?  I'd like to see those numbers and see if that experiment is working out for them.

Reviews for Avenging Spider-Man #1, Journey Into Mystery #631, and a lot more.

Another week, another batch of reviews.  Twas a good week overall, with one disappointing comic.  Got a little busy this weekend with work and such, so I apologize for not having long for reviews

Marvel Comics

Avenging Spider-Man #1:  For quite some time, Peter Parker had almost four ongoings.  Even with Amazing Spider-Man shipping twice a month, people can't get enough Spider-Man, and his new ongoing has a strong start.  Zeb Wells gives us a snarky Spider-Man, which is great to read.  Joe Madureira's pencils are great, and are really suited for superhero comics.  Not using inks was an interesting choice, and it works for the most part.  And DC?  THIS is how you do a combo pack.  Make it free.  None of this extra dollar bull shit.

Avenging Spider-Man #1 gets 4.5/5.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #3:  Andrew Chambliss writes a fantastic issue.  He has a great hold on these characters, and especially Xander.  Xander has some of the best lines the character has had in a while.  These last few issues really show that these characters still have a lot of stories left in them, and we need to see them.  George Jeanty's pencils look better this month, and his characters are as expressive as ever.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #3 gets 4/5.

Fear Itself #7.2:  As Fear Itself keeps going on and on....and on, we see how it affected Thor.  I may be the only one, but I never thought that Thor's death was going to stick and seemed like it was a plot device.  And this issue sets that up nicely.  Fraction sets up a lot of things for The Mighty Thor, which make me very interested.  Adam Kubert's pencils look good, if not slightly rushed.  His pencils convey the grief that all the characters have.

Fear Itself #7.2 gets 4/5.

Ghost Rider #5:  I have been a fan of this new volume of Ghost Rider, something that has never happened before.  Issue #5 isn't the issue we need though.  It's a filler issue that doesn't move the plot along, or even set up some threads that will come down the road later.  After Fear Itself, this new volume of Ghost Rider needs to establish it's own identity.  Rob Williams give some compassion to Alejandra, but nothing else.  Lee Garbett's pencils look very good, and the painted quality with the colors adds to the great look.

Ghost Rider #5 gets 2.5/5.

Green Lantern #3:  After a couple of just ok issues, Green Lantern #3 kicks it back into gear.  Geoff Johns has a great hold on these characters and why they still continue to be great characters.  The cliffhanger isn't that great, as we know that won't stick.  Dough Mahnke's pencils look less rushed this time around, and it's always great to see him penciling massive monsters.

Green Lantern #3 gets 4.5/5.

Journey Into Mystery #631:  I'll just be blunt, I loved this issue.  The art was a little lack luster, but Kieron Gillen's writing more than made up for it.  A lot happens in this issue, but Gillen never makes it feel like exposition or filler.  His Loki is becoming one of the most interesting characters in the Marvel Universe.  Whilce Portacio's pencils are eh, but who cared when Gillen is so on his game.

Journey Into Mystery #631 gets 5/5.

Marvel Point One:  This was an interesting concept, and I like it overall.  I just wish the stories would have been better.  Scarlet Spider and Defenders get the best start, but they still aren't as great as they should be for short stories.  I hope Marvel tries this again in the future, just have better content.

Marvel Point One gets 2/5.

Wolverine #18:  Jason Aaron is finally letting his comedic bone stretch a little.  It's fun to see Wolverine be in a zany situation, and also have Gorilla Man and Fat Cobra in a book.  Garney's pencils look fantastic as well.  Aaron and Garney always work great together.

Wolverine #18 gets 5/5.

Old Comics
Amazing Spider-Man #671 gets 3/5.
Amazing Spider-Man #672 gets 5/5.
Invincible Iron Man #509 gets 2.5/5.

Reviews for Animal Man #3, Fear Itself #7.1, Moon Knight #7 and more!

I HAVE POWER!  GLORIOUS ELECTRICITY!  Well, the great thing about not having power was that it gave me time to reread stuff and read new stuff.  Started Incognito: Bad Influence and Criminal, caught up with Chew, and reread every issue I have of FF.  Was a great couple of days.  Ok, you are here for reviews, so I'll give you reviews.

DC Comics

Action Comics #3:  Grant Morrison is a writer I always give the benefit of the doubt.  He is allowed to have a bad issue or two.  Action Comics #3 is an average issue.

Back on Krypton, there is a big party going on.  Baby Kal-El sits alone.  Jor-El warns his wife, Lara, to get out of Kandor, as there is something that is about to destroy Krypton.  Something invades all of their systems, killing many who are connected to the system.  The thing starts to bring a bunch of metals together to form one thing.  Back on Earth in the present time, the Metropolis police force are investigating Clark Kent's apartment again.  Clark meets with Jimmy and Lois, who scold him for trying to bring down Glenmorgan, as well as bring him over to the Daily Planet.  Clark says no, and walks off.  Clark gets a call from an unnamed source, who gives Clark plenty of information on Glenmorgan.  Superman saves a little girl from being run over by a truck, but people aren't happy with him.  Metropolis isn't happy that Superman is there and wants him out.  The same thing that took down Krypton is in Metropolis, and it seems that Lex Luthor is behind it.....

I'm glad that Morrison didn't waste anytime in showing us his version of Krypton.  It's big and out there and I hope we see more of it soon.  But the rest of the issue is a little all over the place.  Clark Kent is turning more into Peter Parker by the issue, and I'm starting to wonder if this is a good thing.  Does that mean that Spider-Man is the real "all-American" superhero?  The book shows us that Metropolis really hates Superman, but Morrison doesn't give us any transition from panel to panel.  We just see random scenes.  Morrison also drops a lot of hints about why things are happening, and knowing Morrison, they will come back in later issues.  The ending is interesting though.

Krypton looks beautiful.  Gene Ha's art is simply astounding in these scenes.  It's futuristic, and his bold lines look great.  The big double page spread near the beginning had me staring for a few minutes.  Rags Morales art is really starting to suffer.  His faces change shapes from panel to panel.  It looks rushed.  Instead of having Morals pencil just half, have someone pencil the entire issue and give him time to catch up.  Marvel does this and it works great.

I originally gave Action Comics #3 a 4, but after another read through, Morrison's disjointed plot really got to me.

Action Comics #3 gets 3/5.

DC Comics

Animal Man #3:  This is hands down the creepiest book I have ever read.  God I can't wait for #4.

Buddy and Maxine make their way into the Red.  They meet past Animal Men, and they discuss what Maxine means in the upcoming war against The Other.  It seems that Maxine is more connected to the Red than Buddy is.  Buddy is told he is an Avatar, but he was used to protect Maxine so that she could be ready for this.  Buddy is also told that the aliens who gave him his powers didn't really give him his powers, and that these past Animal Men gave him his powers.  The aliens were used so that Buddy would accept the powers easier.  The Other monsters attack the rest of the Bakers, who make a run for it.  Two of the Others invade the Red, while Buddy protects Maxine from them.  The other Other, impersonates a detective that Ellen and Cliff Baker know, putting their lives in danger.

Jeff Lemire crafts a very creepy story.  The idea that something is tied deeply to the animals of the world isn't something new, but Lemire makes it work really well here.  But the strongest part of this book has to be the family aspect.  Lemire really sells the fact that the Bakers are a family, and that Buddy's wife and kids aren't a plot device.  I loved how Ellen was smart and reacted quickly, something the wife of a veteran super hero would do in that situation.  Lemire quickly sweeps aside Animal Man's old origin, but as I didn't know anything about the character before this series, I could honestly care less.  This relaunch is about new beginnings right?

The real star of this issue is Travel Foreman.  His art is creepy as all hell and really gets under the readers skins.  The Others in human skin are slightly deformed, but it makes them that much creepier.  The heavy line usage is starting to grow on me.  The first couple of pages could easily be turned into posters.  I'd love some creepy comic art hanging in my room.

Animal Man #3 gets 5/5.

Marvel Comics

Fear Itself #7.1:  Time for the grand story of what happened to Bucky and what it all meant to Steve.  And while I'm pumped for the future, this story is a little bit of a cop out. And yes, spoiler warning.

Nick Fury comes to talk to Steve Rogers before Bucky's funeral later that day.  Bucky is still alive.  After Steve almost rips Nick a new one, Fury explains.  Flashback, the paramedics at Blitzkrieg USA are able to keep Bucky alive, mostly by giving him the last of Fury's Infinity Formula.  Bucky heals up, and decides to come with Nick Fury to tell Steve.  Cap is naturally pissed, but Bucky says he needs this to get his life back.  Bucky is still a fugitive after the "Gulag" arc.  After the funeral, Hawkeye notices that Steve might have been smiling during the eulogy.  Bucky heads off into the sunset, ready to make right on the things he did in his Winter Soldier days.

As a long time reader of Ed Brubaker's Captain America, I love the way this comic ended.  It takes an event and turns it into something great.  Steve did need to be Captain America again.  And Brubaker used the opportunity to the best he could.  I just don't think this was the best way to go about it.  It feels like a massive cop out.  It's the old scenario in comics of "oh he survived, you just didn't see it."  Maybe I'm a jaded comic book reader.  But enough bashing.  This issue puts the Captain America section of the world into a very interesting scenario.  The Winter Soldier series is something I'm really looking forward too, as well as how Brubaker handles Fury potentially dying soon.  I only hope that enough people will read Winter Soldier that it won't be cancelled.  With the recent budgetary constraints at Marvel, I'm very worried about any second tier characters.

Butch Guice's art is always magnificent.  The massive double page spread looks great, and Guice can always catch the essence of scene.  He also seems to be channeling more and more of Jack Kirby, which is always a good thing.  In the scene with Fury and Black Widow in the helicopter, Guice gives so much emotion to Widow.  The reader can feel every tear she cries, and how hard it really is for her.

Fear Itself #7.1 gets 3.5/5.

Marvel Comics

Moon Knight #7:  This seems like as natural a point as any to end an arc.  Even though it gives no indication that it's an arc. I love it.

Marc Spector confronts Buck for ratting him out to the Avengers.  Spector gives him a hard time, but Buck agrees to keep helping Marc be Moon Knight.  Buck heads to a club where Snap Dragon is working, hoping that she will lead them to the kingpin of LA.  Well, it does.  The kingpin of LA is Count Nefaria, an old Avengers villain who is way out of Moon Knights league.  Buck gives Nefaria the Ultron head, but it's a fake.  It explodes and temporarily weakens Nefaria.  Moon Knight bursts into action and smacks Nefaria around a little bit.  Echo tapes the entire thing, showing that Nefaria can be attacked and isn't as powerful as he makes himself off to be.  The voices come to talk to Moon Knight while Echo is still filming.  And she is very confused.

Bendis' trademark dialogue is on display this week.  But the greatness comes from how Moon Knight handles Nefaria.  Moonie doesn't back down even though he is fighting a villain so out of his league it's not funny.  The altercation is real, and not some fist fight.  Moon Knight uses different tactics, and it works.  So well I can't wait until the next issue.  Naturally Echo's reaction will lead some interesting story beats.  It's nice to see that Bendis is dedicated to the character and has a real plan.  This issue alone does a lot to show that Moon Knight is an actual smart character and not a one note hero who hears voices in his head.

Alex Maleev's art is great as usual.  He's toned down the photo referencing, and it really helps the story.  The colors by Matt Hollingsworth are great, especially in the scene where the Ultron head explodes.  OOOOOOOO shiny.

Moon Knight #7 gets 4.5/5.

DC Comics

Swamp Thing #3:  This and Animal Man have to be the two strongest books that DC is putting out right now.

The issue opens with a kind in a plastic bubble.  His name is William, and he is allergic to chlorophyll. Since the stuff is everywhere, it's impossible for him to breathe in normal air.  But something is calling William, much the same way that plants call Alec Holland.  Abigail Arcane introduces herself to Alec Holland, via a shotgun pointed in his face.  He proves he is Holland and she is determined to help him.  Abigail explains her past history with the Swamp Thing, the same Swamp Thing that Alec was.  She is the mysterious woman that he remembers.  Her mission is to bring him to see William, who has a connection to the Rot.  Abigail's family has always had a connection to the Rot, but she has tried not to help it.  William is her her half brother.  When the two arrive at the hospital, almost everyone is dead.  William realized he had the connection and killed all the kids that made fun of him, and then everyone else.  Time for Alec and Abigail to find him.

The plot thickens in this issue, while still unloading a lot of exposition.  But it never feels like exposition.  That's the mark of a great writer.  Scott Snyder gives us all this information, but in a way that we want to keep reading more and more.  Most of it has to deal with Abigail and her history to Swamp Thing.  Now that all the back history is out of the way, no doubt the plot will move along at a nice pace starting with #4.  I also see a potential crossover with Animal Man.  Snyder paints William with a lot innocence, which makes his deadly turn that much more alarming when it happens.

I was expecting this entire issue to be pencilled by Yanick Paquette, as his name is the only one on the cover for artists.  Victor Ibanez does a good job on pencils, but can't match Paquette's, so it sometimes leaves the readers little confused.  Holland's face looks suddenly different in a few panels by Ibanez.  Paquette's panel layouts can't be matched, so Ibanez doesn't try.  I'm not bashing Ibanez, just saying it's hard to go from insanely detailed panel layouts to the usual.

Swamp Thing #3 gets 4/5.

Marvel Comics

Uncanny X-Men #1:  Now comes the second big Regenesis relaunch.  Sadly, Uncanny isn't as great as Wolverine & the X-Men.

Uncanny will focus on the Extinction team.  This team faces the big level threats, the ones that threaten to kill all mutants.  Cyclops briefs the team on what they are about, and then sends them on their way.  All the different teams are keeping San Francisco safe.  While this is going on though, the Dreaming Celestial is still there from when the team went back in time in issue #512.  Agent Brand, head of S.W.O.R.D. gives Utopia a call, asking them about this.  The Extinction team makes their way over, and X-Club says there is something wrong with the Celestial.  The Celestial's head then transforms to look like Mister Sinister, and the X-Men attack.  A massive fight ensues, and the X-Men calm the body part down, but the head goes missing.  It lands near by, and makes everyone in the area look like Mister Sinister.

Kieron Gillen sets up the team very well.  He seems to be putting Cyclops in a Magneto type role, which i think is a great idea.  The big table conversation was a blast to read, especially Storm's idea about Scott.  The Emma angle that appears is very interesting, if only something that won't last very long.  Gillen handles the Colossus and Magik relationship very well.  One thing that I must commend Gillen for doing is giving everyone time to shine.  I don't feel like anyone was left by the wayside.  This is the first issue, so let's see what happens in the future.  One thing that did bug me though is the fact that this Regenesis relaunch is suppose to bring about new things.  And Uncanny X-Men #1 feels like nothing has changed at all.  That is was a relaunch to get a new #1.  And that's a big reason why this didn't get a 4 or a 4.5.  Wolverine & the X-Men really felt like something new for the X-franchise.  This feels like Uncanny X-Men #545.  I'm not sure that's Kieron Gillen's fault, but has to be to blame for a little of it.

Carlos Pacheo's artwork looks great.  He seems to love penciling Emma Frost with as little clothes as possible, which I no doubt will find hysterical.  It's funny to see how much artists can get away with.  The Celestial battle looks great and is very detailed.

Uncanny X-Men #1 gets 3.5/5.

Old Comics

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3 gets 4.5/5.

I lost power, who knew you need that to write on a computer....

Hello everyone.  My house got hit by the storm and I lost power for almost two days, so I was not able to write long form reviews.  Hope everyone had a great Halloween and dressed up like comic book people (even though I did not).  Here are the ratings for last weeks comics.

Marvel Comics

Angel & Faith #3 gets 4/5.
Aquaman #2 gets 5/5
Daredevil #5 gets 4.5/5.
Deadpool #45 gets 3.5/5.
The Flash #2 gets 4.5/5.
The Incredible Hulk #1 gets 3.5/5.
Journey Into Mystery #630 gets 5/5.
Red Skull: Incarnate 34 gets 4.5/5.
Secret Avengers #18 gets 5/5.
Venom #8 gets 5/5.
Wolverine & the X-Men #1 gets 4.5/5.

Old Comics
Avengers #18 gets 4/5
FF #10 gets 4/5.
New Avengers #17 gets 2.5/5.
Uncanny X-Force #16 gets 5/5.

Digital Backup Features

The final issue of Alpha Flight (Marvel Comics)

Recently Marvel announced they were canceling three books; Alpha Flight, Iron Man 2.0, and Herc.  While the cancellation of Iron Man 2.0 was excepted, the other two books are fan and critical favorites who just couldn't find an audience.  But is Marvel missing a great chance to keep fans happy?

Reviews for Fear Itself #7, Uncanny X-Men #544, Wonder Woman #2 and more!

Marvel ends one event and starts the aftermath in one week.  DC has another strong week.  Overall, it was a great week to be a fan of comic books.  Many of the books I bought were great reads, and only had minor problems.  Shall we get started?  I think we shall.

DC Comics

Reviews for Ghost Rider #4, Morning Glories #13, and more!

Well, another hectic weekend has kept me from writing long reviews.  After going to Walt Disney World a few weeks ago and being really sick, I plan on writing full reviews next week.

Alpha Flight #5:  I did not like the alien angle at all, but Pak and Van Lente are making it work a lot better this time around.  They add a lot of depth, and give the team some great character moments.  Dale Eaglesham has a few art hiccups though.  Most in the faces of Guardian too.

Alpha Flight #5 gets 3.5/5.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #2:  Now that Joss isn't writing the book full time, this issue proves if the book can stand.  And it does.  The dialogue is witty, and if I hadn't looked at the cover, I would have sworn that Joss Whedon wrote the book.  George Jeanty's art is the usual bunch.  Sometimes it's hard to tell which characters are which.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #2 gets 4/5.

Ghost Rider #4:  The ending of this issue leaves me very excited, seeing the two Ghost Riders working together.  I think Adam could have been a villain to come back, but whatever.   Matthew Clark's art is blasting on all cylinders.

Ghost Rider #4 gets 4.5/5.

Green Lantern #2:  Geoff Johns has put this book into a very interesting situation, but let's hope that he uses that situation to the best.  Hal Jordan should have stayed a human longer though.  There was so much potential to explore who Hal Jordan is outside of being a Green Lantern.  Doug Mahnke's art seems a little rushed this issue.

Green Lantern #2 gets 4/5.

Morning Glories #13:  #13 might be the best issue of the series.  Lots of strange things are brought up, and they make me wish it was next month already.  I would like a few answers, but with issues this great, I could really care less if I get them.

Morning Glories #13 gets 5/5.

The Punisher #4 gets 4/5
S.H.I.E.L.D. #3 gets 3.5/5
X-Men: Regenesis #1 gets 3/5

Reviews for Aquaman #1, Brilliant #1, Secret Avengers #17 and more!

This week was just massive.  The end of month one of the nuDC ended on a high note.  Marvel released a ton of books this week.  Review time everyone.

Dark Horse Comics

The nuDC Report, Weeks 3-4

I based my opinions in the following report from reading numerous DC #1s, and reading reviews from IGN and Comic Book Resources (CBR), who I think have some of the most detailed and analytical reviews of comics.

It's official, the nuDC is a hit for DC Comics.  All 52 books sold out, which is unheard of in comics these days.  One series might sell out a lot, especially an event, but not all the books published in a month.  Week 0/1 was great, week 2 was average, but week 3 and 4 seemed to have found a pleasant medium.

DC Comics

Reviews for Buffy: Season 9 #1, Daredevil #3, Demon Knights #1, and more

Another week, another massive pull list.  And I love you guys so much, I keep trying out new DC books to review as well.  Week 2 of the DC wasn't as great as Week 0/1.  Marvel had some brilliant books, but also some below average ones as well.  In the words of Leroy Jenkins, LET'S DO THIS.

Marvel Comics

Alpha Flight #4:  Hooray!  Alpha Flight has been upgraded to an ongoing series!  The series has been great so far, but #4 takes a slight dip in quality.  Mostly due to the backstory of the main villain.

The nuDC report, Weeks 0-2.

I based my opinions in the following report from reading numerous DC #1s, and reading reviews from IGN and Comic Book Resources (CBR), who I think have some of the most detailed and analytical reviews of comics.

This is the start of new column, report, whatever you want to call it.  It will come every other week, giving plenty of time to get sales figures.  It's a little different this week, as the report covers three weeks.

The massive DC reboot is upon us.  As a fan of the comic medium, I wanted it to succeed.  I'm a Marvel fanboy, but anything that gets interest in the medium, I'm fine with it.  Going into this, I knew that I would be reading books that I already picked up (Flash, Green Lantern, Batman, pretty much whatever Grant Morrison is writing), and only planned on picking up one new series, Aquaman.  Two weeks in, I have started reading four more series.

Justice League was a good, if safe, start to the reboot (DC Comics)

Reviews for Action Comics #1, Red Skull #3, Swamp Thing #1 and more

Some big names in DC finally make the appearance this week, and it's a very strong start to their revamp.  Marvel also had a strong week.  I don't think I was really disappointed by one comic this week, something that hasn't happened in a while.  Ok, enough out of me, lets get onto the reviews!

DC Comics

I'm on Facebook!

I finally created my own Facebook page.  Please Like the page, and I'll be posting all the links to my blogs there.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Comic-Book/226654730714956

Reviews for Angel & Faith #1, Flashpiont #5, Justice League #1 and more!

It's a legendary day in comic history.  DC is rebooting their entire line.  And Buffy Season 9 started as well.  So lets get started shall we?

Dark Horse

Marvel Super Hero Island: A Love Letter to the 90's.

Anyone who has been to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure has been to the Marvel Super Hero Island part of the park.  As a nerd, it's my favorite part of the park.  So it comes to my surprise that I didn't realize before.....this is a massive tribute to Marvel comics of the 90's.

Why do I say this?  It's evident when walking into the section from the front of the park.  We see the 90's Fantastic Four costume.  There is also the bright colors that surround the section.  While recent comics still have bright colors, it's to an almost comical extreme.  The X-Men featured have their 90's Jim Lee inspired costumes on.

In the Adventures of Spider-Man ride, it features villains that were popular in the 90's.  I don't need to mention anyone beyond Scream, but there is also Hydro-Man (someone who has been all but absent of late in the comics), and the original Hobgoblin.  Electro and Doc Ock are still popular, but they site the 90's angle well.

The Hulk ride has some terrible 90's looking animation during the pre show line.  That doesn't detract from the awesomeness of the ride.

Thankfully the comic shop isn't stuck in the 90's.  It had some great stuff, including a great Avengers shirt (which I bought).

Here is a borderline terrible picture I took, but it's the only one that I took in the area.

Property of Kevin Finnigan

Miles Morales is Ultimate Spider-Man

Marvel, via IGN

Marvel recently announced that the new Ultimate Spider-Man would be a new character, named Miles Morales.  As any person who has been around comics longer than a day knows, many people weren't to happy with this decision.  These people were the minority, but they were the most vocal part of the community.  A lot of racism came out of the woodwork, but there also came something else.  Some logical arguments about race in comic books.

Reviews for Flashpoint #4, The Punisher #1, and more!

Another week, another round of full reviews.  Was an ok week.  We see the end of Marvel's Big Shot books and the almost end of the DCU as we know it.  Let's get started shall we?

Reviews for Avengers #15, Venom #5, X-Men: Schism #2 and more!

Hey everyone.  My apologies for not having full reviews this week.  I got caught up reading Y: The Last Man and old comics.  Not making excuses, and I'll have full reviews next week.  This week, I'm just going to go over what was good about the issue and what wasn't good.

Reviews for Daredevil #1, Marineman #6, and more.

And here we are.  Comic Con International 2011 is upon us.  I am unfortunately working most of the weekend, but I'll be seeing Captain America and posting a review soon after.  Lets get to this week's reviews shall we?

DC Comics

Batman #712:  While some books are ending before the September relaunch, Batman is still going.  And the end to the current arc is somewhat lack luster, it's still a decent ending.

The DC 52, Which Ones Will Last?

I'm purple and can kick your ass

Much like everyone else, I'm very excited about the relaunch in September that DC is doing.  But the big question is, which ones will last.  There are a lot of books, and not all of them will survive.  Lets take a look at the list shall we?

There are a few books that DC won't cancel for any reason.  They will be big sellers or have to big a legacy to ever cancel (without a relaunch not far behind it anyways).  Those books are:

Reviews for Captain America #1, Ghost Rider #1, Green Lantern #67 and more!

Hey all.  After an off week, I'm back with full reviews.  It's a massive week, with 10 comics.  Couple of new series (one is a relaunch), and an ending of another until September.  Here we go.

Marvel Comics

Comic Book Movies: Are They Struggling?

After the Green Lantern was released, a lot of people are saying that the comic book movie is finally done and can't be profitable anymore.  What is funny about this claim is that every site, blog, whatever, they all look to the year The Dark Knight was released.

Reviews for Avengers: the Children's Crusade #6, Batman Inc. #7 and more

Hello faithful readers.  It's a very short week this week.  I was hoping that I was going to get a couple in the mail, but with no mail coming on the 4th, it didn't look promising.  Anyways, it was a good week with only one sub par comic.  Lets get started.

Marvel Comics

Avengers: The Children's Crusade #6:  It's been three months this time?  The waits are getting longer and longer, but this series is amazing and always worth the wait.  #6 keeps that trend going.

The Scarlet Witch remembers who she is.  With the Young Avengers just standing there watching, Beast, Jessica Jones, and Hawkeye appear to help the situation.  Ultrons appear, mimicking the final issue of Avengers when Wanda killed a few team mates.  They realize she is trying to kill herself.  Wiccan talks her down, and she admits that Wiccan and Speed are her children.  Wanda realizes what she has to do:  make more mutants.  She first heads to X-Factor to heal Rictor.  And it works.  But the X-Men find Wanda, and do not look pleased.

The story seems like it could have ended with this issue, leaving a lot of potential stories open.  Wait, we have three more issues?  I'll take that instead.  Heinberg doesn't move the plot along that much, but the character arcs get the most attention.  There are only two scenes in this entire book, and you can't even tell until you reread the book. 

Cheung's art is his usual greatness.  The action looks amazing, the characters are expressive, and his storytelling abilities are some of the best.  Some of his characters looked a little rushed at some points.  For a book that only comes out between 4 or 5 times a year, I would hope this wouldn't be a problem.

Avengers: The Children's Crusade #6 gets 4.5/5

Update on reviews for books that came out on 6/22

Hey everyone.  I completely lost track of time with reviews and don't have the time to post long form reviews.  I'll make sure to do it next week though.  If you want my thoughts on the book, just check the timeline on my Twitter for my reviews.  Again, my apologies

Reviews for Alpha Flight #1, Morning Glories #10, Uncanny X-Men #538 and more!

Another week, another round of reviews.  The grand total of books was seven this week, rather small compared to last weeks 14.  It was a good week overall, so let's get started.

Marvel Comics

Green Lantern Review

Here is the link to my Green Lantern review.  Sadly disappointing, but Ryan Reynolds own as Hal Jordan. http://mrcomicbookgoestothemovies.blogspot.com/2011/06/green-lantern-review.html

Whedon Alum + Avengers = Awesomeness

With the recent rumor that Felicia Day (The Guild, Dollhouse, Buffy) will be playing Agent Brand from S.W.O.R.D. in The Avengers, I thought of what other former Joss Whedon Alum actors would be good in the Avengers.

Nathan Fillion (Mal Reynolds from Firefly, and Caleb from Buffy) as Hank Pym, Giant Man
We know this has been highly rumored and it is sadly not going to happen, but I wish it was.  Fillion is a great actor, and one of the few I could believe hitting his wife and still being relatable.  An eventual appearance by Ultron would put Fillion's acting chops to the test.  Plus, Fillion is one of the best actors when it comes to interpreting what Joss writes.  The guys work on a different level.  Listen to a commentary from Firefly to see what I'm talking about.  Maybe he can make a quick cameo in a sequel?

Alan Tudyk (Wash from Firefly) as Hank Pym, Giant Man
Another fantastic actor who doesn't seem to get enough work in Hollywood.  Again, the Ultron saga would show fans how much he can act.  Look at Tudyk playing Alpha in Dollhouse for a prime example of a man being insane and being believable.  The guy has a quick wit as well..

Morena Baccarin (Inara from Firefly) as Janet Van Dyne, the Wasp
This would have worked perfect if Nathan Fillion was going to be Hank Pym.  The two showed great chemistry on Firefly.  Even if Fillion wasn't in the movie, Baccarin isn't foreign to being in big sci-fi epics.  Her quick cameo on How I Met Your Mother also showed she can be funny, which is something all Whedon actors need.  Need to be able to throw in a random funny sentence in a dark scene (with one word ending in Y).

James Marsters (Spike from Buffy and Angel) as Brian Braddock, Captain Britain
This would have to just be a cameo for now.  Marsters has a great British accent (even though he is from Texas).  While Spike is known as a villain and an all around ass, Spike redeemed himself in season 7.  I see this angle as good for Captain Britain.  But hopefully he could bring back some of that wit for a line or two.

Adam Baldwin (Jane from Firefly) as Frank Castle, The Punisher
Yeah, you heard me.  Baldwin hasn't had many acting jobs that give him room to stretch, but this could.  The franchise needs someone who is relatable, and Baldwin proved that as Jane.  A dumb ass who betrayed his team, but fans love him none the less.  Just put "loves to kill bad guys" in for "dumb ass who betrayed his team" and we have a winner.  You may be wondering why I am including the Punisher, but Marvel has said a few times they have the rights back to the Punisher.

Gina Torres (Zoe from Firefly) as Carol Danvers, Ms. Marvel
If you can look past the fact that Ms. Marvel is always white, this is a great fit.  Gina Torres plays the strong woman very well, something that Ms. Marvel has been known for.

David Boreanaz (Angel from Buffy and Angel) as Simon Williams, Wonder Man
Again, this could never happen with Boreanaz on Bones, but still fun to have ideas.  This would work better with recent versions of Wonder Man, who is very idealistic and doesn't fault from his beliefs.  This is a cornerstone of his character Booth on Bones.  And as Angel proves, he can brood as all hell, something that Wonder Man has been doing recently, given his stint in prison.  Look to the recent season finale (season 6) for anyone who is questioning his acting abilities.  That final scene is amazing.

Sean Maher (Simon from Firefly) as the Vision
It's hard to recommend an actor to play a robot, but Maher has the demeanor to play a robot who can be very human.  If his relationship with the Scarlet Witch ever became part of the movies, Maher can play the man who doesn't know how to act around women well.

Nicholas Brendon (Xander from Buffy) as Rick Jones
This is the real winner.  It's the only one that makes complete sense.  Rick Jones is the guy who doesn't have any powers (same as Xander) who is around people with powers.  He still finds way to be useful and provide moral support (again...same as Xander).  He could be the comic relief as well.  Marvel and Disney, MAKE THIS HAPPEN NOW.

And that's it.  Sorry Dollhouse fans, couldn't think of great roles for anyone on the show.  And while I favored Firefly heavily, that is because everyone on the cast can act the pants off most actors today.  Also couldn't resist putting up this picture.  Compliments of Fuck Yeah Hipster Joss on tumblr.

Reviews of Ghost Rider #0.1, Journey Into Mystery #624 and more!

Holy hell is it a big week.  Only bought a couple of books at the comic shop but got a ton in the mail. No DC books this week.  I wanted to get Morning Glories #10, but the comic shop had to order it specially since Image books don't sell.  The review will come next week.  With that said, lets get to it!

Marvel Comics

Amazing Spider-Man #661:  Dan Slott is taking a couple of issues off and ASM is having a semi-crossover with Avengers Academy.  Sadly the book isn't as good as it could have been.

While helping out the FF, Spidey and the team come across Giant Man, who asks Spider-man to be a substitute teacher.  Spidey is quickly proven to be an old school person, as the students think up scenarios to destroy whatever he says.  What does Spider-Man do then?  Go on patrol.  The kids prove to be confident until they come upon Psycho Man. 

On paper this issue should work.  One of the best things that came out of the JMS run was turning Peter into a high school science teacher.  Sadly the issue is bogged down in heavy exposition.  Christos Gage (the regular writer for Avengers Academy) writes this issue, and treats the viewer like they have never heard of the Avengers Academy before.  If this was last year and Academy was a young series, I wouldn't fault Gage for doing this.  But the series is going strong and just had #14 released recently.  The average reader knows about the Academy enough that this exposition could have been avoided.  The set up is really good though.  I'm interested enough in the kids that I have checked out a few issues of the series.  Psycho Man is an odd choice for a villain though.

Reilly Brown handles the pencils on this issue, and does a decent job overall.  Some of the faces look a little off.  The teen girls seem a tad beefcake to me.  I'm in the boat that teenage superheroes shouldn't be hyper sexualized.  The recent Spider-Girl series has done a good job of this.

Amazing Spider-Man #661 gets 3/5.

Marvel Comics

Amazing Spider-Man #662:  After the sub par #661, I was hoping this issue would find it's footing.  Sadly it's of the same quality.

Psycho Man is toying with everyones feelings, making the Avengers Academy turn on each other.  Spider-Man finds a way to break it and has to talk them out of the trance.  Reptil is the only one who listens to Spider-Man and helps him stop the rest.  After stopping Psycho Man, the group realize they learned a lot from Spider-Man. Although Spidey doesn't think he should be teaching anymore, and neither do the students.

Much like #661, the book never finds a consistent stride.  All the dialogue feels hokey and forced.  The concept is really good and I would like to see the two books interact again some time.  I'm guessing this was a filler issue(s) to give Slott some time off from the fast shipping rate.  If that is the case, it's a decent story for what it is.  

Reilly Brown does a better job this issue than #661.  While there is still a problem with faces, his work is better.  The action scenes flow better and the transition from Reptil to raptor look really good.  The beefacake issue from #661 is gone, as the girl are a little more proportioned.

Amazing Spider-man #662 gets 3/5

Marvel Comics

Amazing Spider-Man #663:  Now this is more like it.  With Dan Slott back to writing ASM, the book is back to the brilliance we know and love.

Wraith is taking down a lot of Mr. Negative's men.  Eventually Anti-Venom bumps into the new Wraith and her (that's right, her) secret identity.  Peter is finding that being Spider-Man is taking up a lot of his time, but it's making his job at Horizon's profitable.  Aunt May has a run in with Mr. Li (Mr. Negative's alter ego) and remembers what happened to her during the Mysterio arc of The Gauntlet.  Peter comes to the rescue, but is interrupted by Anti-Vemon attacking Mr. Negative.  Spider-Man doesn't know that Anti-Venom, actually Eddie Brock, is a good guy, so the two start fighting.  Spider-Man loses his abilities, as being in the vicinity of Brock weakens his powers.

The story is top notch.  It makes a lot of call backs without feeling bogged down or explaining everything to the reader.  While the power angle was used back in the New Ways to Die arc, it has a punch here that makes me excited for the next issue.  The back up tale leading up to Spider-Island makes me even more excited for the upcoming Spider event.

Giuseppe Camuncoli does a great job on pencils.  His faces are hyper expressive and realistic.  His Anti-Venom is amazing.  Look at Brock changing into the white monster and it just pops off of the page.  I wouldn't mind Camuncoli staying around.

Amazing Spider-Man #663 gets 5/5

Marvel Comics

Avengers #13:  Brian Michael Bendis has had a slightly sub par run of late with the Avengers.  The second arc of the series was all smash no content.  The Fear Itself tie in though seems to be putting the book on track.  

This book takes place after Fear Itself, with most of the Avengers talking about what happened during the event.  It starts with a party at Asgard and Ms. Marvel and Spider-Woman realize they haven't been on a date in a while.  Spider-Woman seems to be the object of interest for Hawkeye, which Ms. Marvel doesn't support at all.  Most of the Avengers talk about how they don't trust the Red Hulk, and how he played a big role in the event.

I have hated the oral history of the Avengers that has been in the back of the Avengers book for the past year.  They aren't interesting and just upped the price.  This way though seems natural and fluid.  There is a good amount of exposition in this issue, but it doesn't feel like it.  And while the Spider-Woman and Hawkeye love angle is completely out of left field, I'll allow it to play out and see what happens.

Chris Bachalo takes over for pencils for this issue, give John Romita Jr. a rest.  Bachalo does a great job, although I wish he had more room during the conversations.  Sometimes it was a little hard to figure out who people were.

Avengers #13 gets 5/5

Marvel Comics

Deadpool #37:  With the Deadpool hating done, it's time for the book to shine.  While #37 is good, it's not as good as past reflective Deadpool issues.

Deadpool realizes he wants to die.  As he is the Regeneratin' Degenerate, he doesn't die very easily.  Or at all.  He provokes Bruce Banner into turning into the Hulk to kill him.  This is seen as a game to Wade, who keeps nuking the Hulk to provoke him.  The Hulk continually takes the high road and walks away. Until Deadpool finally provokes him to far and he attacks.

There have been a few reflective issues during Daniel Way's run on Deadpool.  They have usually been the better issues.  This issue doesn't take advantage of the somber mood and goes more for laughs.  While this is a book based on humor, some reflective moments should be more serious.  Wade has been shown to grow a lot in Uncanny X-Force, so why not bring that tone over to his main book?  Deadpool isn't going to break down and cry, but some type of issue where he realizes something about himself would be nice.  Maybe we will get that with #38.  Way does make the issue enjoyable though, don't think it's all bad.

Common Deadpool artist Bong Dazo takes the pencil reigns in this issue.  His art is very cartoony, but maybe to cartoony for this issue.  Like I said, it seems like the story is suppose to be a little more serious, and Dazo's art is anything but.  I loved his art on Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth.  But here it seems out of place.

Deadpool #37 gets 3.5/5

Marvel Comics

FF #4:  FF has been a big hit for Marvel.  While #4 keeps up that trend, it's slightly sub par compared to the first three issues.

Reed Richards is talking to his greatest enemies to figure out how to stop all the Reed Richards from other universes.  None can seem to think of a way to stop them, as they don't care for their families like the Reed of 616.  Mole Man has also started some fighting up on Old Atlantis, which Sue, Spidey, and Alex Power go to take care of.  Sue is surprised to see another Reed.

The story is typical Jonathan Hickman.  And by that I mean great.  But for some reason the story didn't seem to be as great as the past three issues.  I'm having a hard time putting my finger on the issue.  I found the ending a little odd as how could Sue not know about the other Reeds.  I'm excited to see what the group of villains come up with as a way to destroy the Reed's, as it will no doubt make Reed rethink himself.  The slow burning of the four cities fighting is starting to make it's way to the front burner, which will pay off well for long time readers.

Barry Kitson fills in on art.  His characters look great, with each being very expressive and realistic.  There is one complaint on art though, as the inking wildly changes in some scenes.  And I'm not talking scene to scene.  I'm talking page to page.  We are still in the same room and the inking style wildly changes.  It's not necessarily bad, but it pulled me out of the story a little bit.

FF #4 gets 4/5

Marvel Comics

Ghost Rider #0.1:  I'm not a real fan of Ghost Rider.  I haven't read a lot of his back issues, but I have read enough to get a feel for the character.  With Ghost Rider #0.1, I am fully hooked and can't wait to see what happens next.

Johnny Blaze is talking to a bartender about why he hates his life.  He saves a beautiful girl and she turns out to be a vampire.  A strange man, named Adam, offers him a way out.  Blaze rejects his offer and tries to help out a woman being bother by her angry ex husband.  He is beaten to a pulp, as he doesn't understand the power of the Ghost Rider.  The woman heals him, and Blaze expects her to want something from him.  He doesn't believe her when she says no and storms off.  Johnny Blaze takes Adam's deal, and the Ghost Rider isn't attached to Johnny Blaze anymore....

Rob Williams deserves some type of award for the writing.  He paints Johnny Blaze as a witty smart ass who is somehow relatable.  That is an achievement in it's own right.  Not only that, Blaze is sympathetic.  It's kind of sad to see him go, although the teaser at the end seems to hint he will be be playing some sort of role in the series.  Williams opens up enough threads to keep the new series afloat for a while if written well.

Matthew Clark gives the issue a grind house feel.  This is an angle that will only help the series as it moves forward.  The Ghost Rider looks menacing and awesome at the same time.  The scene with Blaze driving through hell looks amazing and I can only imagine the fun Clark had penciling those pages.

Ghost Rider #0.1 gets 5/5

Marvel Comics

Invincible Iron Man #504:  The previous issue put some doubts in my mind that a Fear Itself tie in was going to spell the doom of awesomeness Matt Fraction has been planning.  #504 gets rid of all those fears.

Tony heads to Paris to deal with the Grey Gargoyle, one of the Serpent's Worthy.  He has turned the entire city to stone.  Tony has a very hard time taking this in stride, and Grey Gargoyle almost kills Tony.  While this is going on Pepper is off in the Rescue gear to hire a new chief of security for Stark Resilient.  Tony wakes back up form his savage beating to see a ghastly sight.  

Fractions writes his usual smart ass Tony, but it comes across as being funny because he is scared.  It's very subtle, but works very well.  It's not often we see Tony scared shitless and not being able to handle the situation.  The last page reveal will no doubt haunt Tony for issues to come.  The Tony-Pepper plot line is starting to heat up, and by heating up I mean they aren't happy with each other.  It's classic soap opera storyline, but Fractions adds Tony flair to it.  

Salvador Larroca does his usual work.  The fights look really good but the talking head panels are something to be desired.

Invincible Iron Man 3504 gets 4/5.

Marvel Comics

Journey Into Mystery #624:  It's simply stunning what Kieron Gillen is doing with this book.  The Thor part of the Marvel universe is no doubt the strongest.

Volstagg helps Loki get out of trouble (see Fear Itself #3 to see how Loki got in trouble with Odin).  Loki heads to Hell and Hel to trick Mephisto and Hela to fight so that they won't side with the Serpent.  Loki find help in the recently fallen Tyr.  Using his silver tongue, the young Loki gets his way.

Journey Into Mystery is the real companion piece to Fear Itself.  It's very tied into the overall plot without being dragged down by the big event.  This is mostly due to Gillen's writing abilities.  Most of the story is based of hiss time on Thor, and it's a great pay off from long time readers.  Young Loki is a very interesting character.  It's obvious he wants to help, but he is going through bad ways to get it.  No doubt this is a long term plan by Dead Loki, but damn if I'm not excited to see this all play out.

Douglas Braithwaite's pencils look great for this type of book.  I wasn't a fan when he was on Wolverine: Origins, but his pencils have found a home here.  The monsters have the grandiose they should in this type of book.  

Journey Into Mystery #624 gets 5/5

Marvel Comics

The Mighty Thor #2:  Fraction seems to be the guy to go to when starting a new volume of a book after a movie is released.  

Thor and Sif are training the Brigade of the Realms.  A giant rock creature is their target.  While Loki is one of the few brave enough to fight, they need to be saved by Sif.  The Silver Surfer is slowly making his way towards Asgard.  Odin puts the World Seed into a new Destroyer, and Odin starts what seems to be some sort of conspiracy.  The Surfer threatens Asgard and Thor teaches him not to do that again.  Fight time.

Fraction's trademark dialogue is on display here, and it's a blast to read.  Thor doesn't say to much in the opening scene, but it's hilarious.  Fractions has said he will work in JMS' Odinsleep thing soon, so the conspiracy no doubt has something to do with that.  Sif is a character that hasn't been used much recently, and I like what Fraction is doing with her.  She is coming to the front of the story, although this might be due to her role in movie.  

Olivier Coipel is a force to behold.  The first few pages are just beautiful and every comic book artist should look at them.  The page layouts looks chaotic, but once reading, it flows like a dream.  The giant rock monster thing is amazingly detailed.

The Mighty Thor #2 gets 5/5

Marvel Comics

Venom #3:  I have always been a Venom fan, and my fandom has only increased because of this book.

Flash Thompson is still working his way through the Savage Land after his run in with Kraven the Hunter.  The symbiote is taking over and making the mission that much harder to control.  Betty is kidnapped by Jack O' Lantern.  Flash takes a helicopter back to NYC, loaded with the vibranum that he was suppose to take for the military.  Spider-Man bumps into Venom and starts to lay into him, when the symbiote takes full control of Flash.

I'm surprised that Spider-Man is making an appearance so soon in this book.  But hey, it doesn't feel forced so who am I to complain.  Rick Remender writes Flash as a hero in a villain suit, and it's great to read Flash try to rationalize everything.  It's something that was never done enough with Spider-Man and the symbiote. It's almost as if Flash wants to redeem the symbiote.  It's sad to see the symbiote take completely over, and this is all due to Remender.  He gives the reader hope that Flash will finally be the person to control the symbiote, then pulls the rug out from under us.  Kudos to him.

It stinks that Tony Moore couldn't pencil this issue.  While Tom Fowler does a good job, his art does bring down the review by a point.  His talking head panels and action panels look great, but the second the symbiote starts to take over Flash, everything is out the window.  The jawline on Venom is wacky as all hell and doesn't even look attached to Venom at some points.

Venom #3 gets 4/5.

Marvel Comics

Wolverine #10:  Here we go, it's another Wolverine revenge arc. Oh wait, Jason Aaron is writing it, so it will be awesome.  For the most part

Wolverine is making his way to the Red Right Hand.  He is stopped by a villain named Cannonfoot.  Most of the issue focuses on the leader of the Red Right Hand and how he came to hate Wolverine so much.  It had to do with the Leader's (the reader isn't told a name) father being killed by Wolverine.  After this, he continually tried to kill the Canuckle head.  He soon realizes he isn't the only person that has a grudge against our favorite Canadian.  Wolverine makes quick work of Cannonfoot, and then another villain appears.

Jason Aaron gives us some much needed backstory for the Right Red Hand.  Sadly the story doesn't seem any different than anyone else that Wolverine has wronged in his long history.  The only real difference is that the guy is being proactive and bringing everyone together into one place.  This doesn't completely bog down the story, but it doesn't help.  While Cannonfoot is a one note villain, it's funny to watch Wolverine get the crap kicked out of him them kill the guy.

Renato Guedes is back on pencils.  He seems more at home here than he did Wolverine Goes to Hell.  The fight between Wolverine and Cannonfoot looks great.  I wish more of the issue had been devoted to that.  

Wolverine #10 gets 3.5/5