This previous week was an exceptionally busy one and we finally made some progress with Marvel that brought some hope to the reboot. I have to say I enjoyed the opening story of Secret Wars Too which basically toyed with the idea that Hickman had no idea how to end Secret Wars, mainly because of its massive delays. Though he wrote it, I refuse to believe that to be the case, quite obviously there is to be a giant fight against Doom that would combine universes. Simple. It’s nice that he recognises the frustrations of his loyal readers. Elsewhere I was quite sad at the weak ending to Bizarro, despite the artwork being lovely. It was forced, heavy handed and lost the honesty and purity of friendship that it had succeeded in earlier. Action Comics was uncharacteristically banal and no longer had that Clark inner turmoil. It entered into a guest good guy turned bad story with Kal having to reach within to find his resolve again. It’s unfortunate given the quality this book has shown but this whole arc has been generally weaker. Almost every Marvel book was worth getting this week which is quite remarkable. All except an X-Men book unsurprisingly. Extraordinary #2 was quite unimpressive in that old man Logan is still grumpy, there is Inhuman hatred over mutants and Jeanie is still a bit of a weak character. Well I guess we have time yet. The indy scene saw a couple of weak moments including Wayward. This is the return issue but as good as the art is, the story was too much set up when we were expecting a cohesive new Gods ready to fight. It’ll certainly come good but this issue was quite average. Tokyo Ghost has only really trundled downhill because the story is just not that interesting. The return to life of the male character from the digital age was rushed and very impersonal. It wasn’t even very sci-fi, more a rural retreat to cleanse oneself. The art is lovely as always but it is far to much of a beautified Japanese commune for no reason. It may not seem it but there were many great books to read!
Marvel Codes
Extraordinary X-Men #2 – THM9XCXVWQMK
Black Knight #1 – THM615ZY90AZ
Marvel
Star Wars: Vader Down #1
I quite enjoyed this as a crossover comic which took the slow build of his solo book and forces a confrontation between father and son. Vader seems so strong and yet quite vulnerable.
Ms Marvel #1 – THM41ECZGM7E
I have been wondering how they were going to manage the new Avengers role with her everyday life, but they just mention it and move on back to everyday escapades. Once again this book is excellent at bringing the sense of normality to a superhero character. Bruno’s new girlfriend is the focus of this issue and is handled magnificently.
The Mighty Thor #1 – THMMJS4QWNEW
This book needed the last set of arcs to build the Jane Foster as Thor story, so that this issue could work so well. Seeing Jane struggle with chemo is very sad but then seeing her fly as Thor is magnificent. The balance is struck so well as her courage is far from the actions of her hammer but more her attitude to saving lives except her own.
Captain America #3 – THM44IW7TWSV
When I read this I suddenly realised it is possible to write a ludicrous everyday story and write it with good humour and character. Sam turns into a werewolf and it is personal and delightful. Well done Nick Spencer.
Star-Lord #1 – THMAZFYB7GGY
I was so pleased Humphries took this book back to Quill’s childhood and his turbulent growing pains. I find Peter a little dull in the other books but the read about his maturation is a much better angle. The art was clean yet detailed.
The Astonishing Ant-Man #2 – THM809ZD0H7G
I really do appreciate Spencer’s dedication to continuity as he spends a large amount of this issue talking about his past with Darla. It harks back to Fraction’s FF which was great and tries to repair that relationship whilst continuing a grander plan to why Scott is in prison. Great writing.
Deadpool #2 – THMJ50D6V1I2
I am surprisingly enjoying the dialogue between the different Deadpool doppelgangers. They are unique and have quite distinctive voices. I’m not sure I’ll like the grand plan but it is enjoyable so far.
Spider-Woman #1
This whole issue seemed to break the mould of a Marvel reboot except that it was heavily based on narrative and there was a pointless twist at the end. But the writing about Jessica being pregnant was sweet and her fears of motherhood well appreciated.
Independent
Shutter #17
Check my entry for Aaron Meyer’s Honour Roll!
I Hate Fairyland #2
This book shows some delightful moments of pure anger and frustrations. The cutesy angry girl schtick won’t remain fresh for long but the great scenes of violence and monsters will entertain you for a while to come.
Phonogram: The Immaterial Girl #4
I’ve no idea what happened to the regular story but this tale of two phonomancers uniting through common ground was really well told and excellently drawn. Overall it is probably the delicate use of colour that had the most impact, well the mardiness is a bit much!
Pretty Deadly #6
I maintain that this is Deconnick’s best writing because I didn’t think I wanted to read this book but that changed as soon as I read it. The art and colouring is wonderful and the story has moves forward enough with the right changes to maintain a freshness. Just a beautiful book.
House Of Flying Scalpels 