02/21/11 Trip to the Comic Shop, Reviews- Detective Comics #873, Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine #2

Toy review- Marvel Legends ‘Mr. Sinister’

from Sentry Productions–

About Mr. Sinister. from Wikipedia–

Writer Chris Claremont conceived Mister Sinister as a new villain for the X-Men, having felt “tired of just going back toMagneto and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the same old same old” Claremont recalled:

“Dave Cockrum and I were over ideas and what we were coming towards was a mysterious young boy – apparently an 11-year-old – at the orphanage where Scott (Cyclops) was raised, who turned out to be the secret master of the place. In effect what we were setting up was a guy who was aging over a lifespan of roughly a thousand years. Even though he looked like an 11-year-old, he’d actually been alive since the mid-century at this point – he was actually about 50 […] He had all the grown up urges. He’s growing up in his mind but his body isn’t capable of handling it, which makes him quite cranky. And, of course, looking like an 11-year-old, who’d take him seriously in the criminal community? […] So he built himself an agent in a sense, which was Mister Sinister, that was, in effect, the rationale behind Sinister’s rather – for want of a better word – childish or kid-like appearance. The costume… the look… the face… it’s what would scare a child. Even when he was designed, he wasn’t what you’d expect in a guy like that.”

 

01/12/11 Trip to the Comic Shop, Reviews- X-Men #1, X-Men #2

01/05/11 Trip to the Comic Shop, Reviews- Batman The Dark Knight #1, Detective Comics #872

The Good, the Not-so good, and the UGH: Reviews Batman: The Dark Knight #1, Spider-girl #2 and more!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! The books I picked up this week are DC Comics Presents T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1, Batman: The Dark Knight #1, Spider-girl #2, Thunderstrike #2, and Heroic Age: X-Men #1.

THE GOOD

Batman: The Dark Knight #1– David Finch’s first (I think) full issue as writer and penciller is good, but not great. A childhood friend of Bruce (love the retcon kid friends Bruce has been given the last few years, how about you?) has been kidnapped and he becomes obessed in trying to find her. He encounters Killer Croc who is high on a variation of Venom, and is given a name. He’s on the trail, but is it a trap?? If so, who set the trap? Like I said it’s ok, but not great. I’ll give it another couple of issues, and hope that things will get better. This title is on my pull list, but nothing is in stone.

DC Comics Presents THUNDER Agents #1– For the last couple of months, DC has been collecting certain story arcs and reprinting them with the “DC Comics Presents” banner. Most I already have original, but jumped at the chance to get this. This books reprints issues 1, 2, and 7 of the Tower Comics that were original published back in the 1960s. The origins of Dynamo, NoMan, and Menthor, plus the inclusion of the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. squad is here. It’s like the Justice League meets Mission Impossible. For someone who hasn’t read these books before, but heard a lot about them, this was great. It was a fun read and it’s great to see classic artwork from Wally Wood, Gil Kane, and George Tuska among others here. RECOMMENDED!!!

Spider-girl #2– Anya and the Fantastic Four are battling what appears to be the mind-controlled Red Hulk. Unfortunately, Anya’s father is part of the collateral damage and dies. Anya decides to quit being Spider-girl until her friend Rocky tells her how are her mother died being a hero during a battle between Spider-man and the Green Goblin. I won’t reveal what is on the final page, but we are given a clue to what’s going on here. However, the questions who, and why will have to wait to be answered.

Thunderstrike #2 – The aftermath of Kevin’s transformation as Thunderstrike and battling the Rhino starts the book. Kevin is not interested in being Thunderstrike since that’s what killed his father. A possible romantic interest enters as well as a friend for someone who wants to be alone. Meanwhile, the mysterious stranger who wants the Thunderstrike sends a strike team to get it. At which Gruenhilda of the Valkrior appears to assist Kevin and informs him that she is here to instruct him of the Thunderstrike and its abilities. Unfortunately, the team obtains the mace at the worst possible time for Kevin…

THE NOT-SO GOOD

None

THE UGH

None

N/A

Heroic Age: X-Men #1– So sue me, I kinda like these “database” books. Steve Rogers assess the mutants, former mutants, and mutant sympathizers as well as their enemies. I put this in a “Not Applicable” because these books never really fit a Good, Not-So-Good or Ugh category. If you’ve never read the mutant titles, or (like me) haven’t read them in a long time, this gets you back in the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 Don’t forget to join the next Fellowship Live on January 10 @ 7:00pm CST!

The Good, the Not-so good, and the UGH: Reviews -Incredible Hulks #619, Secret Avengers #8 and more!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! The books I picked up this week were: DC Universe Legacies #8, Dead Avengers #2, Incredible Hulks #619, Larfleeze Christmas Special, Secret Avengers #8, The Stuff of Legend Volume II: The Jungle, Part 3.

THE GOOD

DC Universe Legacies #8– The Death of Superman, Knightfall and Emerald Twilight are the focus of this issue. I have really been enjoying this miniseries, and saddened to realize that there are only two more issues left. It’s not just the history of the DC heroes, but also about a police officer who was inspired by their actions. Lein Wein has done a great job writing the main story and backups (btw – this issue’s backup involves the New Gods with art by Frank Quitely).

Green Lantern Corps #55– “The Weaponer” part three. I bought parts one and two last week and really enjoyed the arc so I’m continuing the story. The GL honor guards have gone to the planet Qward to rescue Sora from the Weaponer. It is revealed how the Weaponer is able to create the right weapon at the right time. Gathnet also reveals what’s been going on in the Emerald Warriors title. The thunderers see their chance to get rid of the Weaponer. I won’t reveal the cliffhanger, but I expect to see a lot of yellow in the final chapter of the story.

Larfleeze Christmas Special – This is cute. Larfleeze wakes up Christmas morning to find out that he did not receive any gifts from Santa. So he heads out attacking anyone wearing a Santa suit and causing a lot of damage until he’s told that Santa lives at the North Pole. Hal Jordan shows up to contain him and tells him about the Christmas spirit. I won’t ruin the ending, but it’s sort of a typical Christmas story ending. Also included are: a recipe for orange cookies, a Larfleeze Christmas ornament, a maze game for you to help Larfleeze find the North Pole, and a two-page short story featuring Glomulus.

Incredible Hulks #619– It is revealed that Zom is controlling Doctor Strange. Team Hulk is still trying to protect Marlo since she has been touched by Death. She decides to use what abilities she has to help the team by bringing additional help in the forms of Doc Samson, Jarella, Glenn Talbot, and Hiroim the Oldtrsong. The Abomination decides that two can play this game by bringing back…I’m not telling. As I’ve stated before, I’m not reading Chaos War, just a couple of one-shots and the Dead Avengers miniseries (the latest issue reviewed here as well). I was worried about not being able to follow what’s going on, but for the most part that is not the case.

The Stuff of Legend Volume II: The Jungle, Part 3– The toys are still in the jungle trying to find their master and rescue him from the Bogeyman. The animals have a problem with the toys as they see them as slaves to their master (the boy). They are very resentful of Jester and Harmony as they have a human appearance. Meanwhile we find out what the armies of the Boogeyman are doing after the attack of the Golems last issue. Questions are answered and new ones are asked. It seems like it has been at least two months since part two came out. I don’t know why there was a delay outside of the fact that it’s a small independent company. If you are not reading this, do yourself a favor and get the Volume I collection and read it. It won’t be a waste of money I swear!

Secret Avengers #8– The team may have discovered Fu Manchu’s origin and the reason he needs his son Shang-Chi. They are alerted to an attack in downtown Hong Kong. However, the attack was a diversion so Max (the Nick Fury LMD) and John Steele (a WWII ally with Steve Rogers) can kidnap Agent 13 to use as trade bait to get Shang-Chi. A little more action in this one, but this is a covert/espionage book so there are times were there would not be a lot of action. I like the Shadow Council as the foil to the Secret Avengers instead of pulling out A.I.M. or HYDRA. HYDRA is being used enough with the Avengers cartoon and the upcoming Captain America movie.

THE NOT-SO GOOD

Dead Avengers #2– This is the second part of this three-issue mini-series. Newly resurrected Mar-vell, Vision, Swordsman, Deathcry, Doctor Druid, and Yellowjacket are hanging in trying to not to be killed again by the Grim Reaper and Nekra. Storywise, not a lot happens; the focus was more to the individual backstories and the interactions between the members of the group.  Part of me wishes that it were a four-issue mini because there seems to be too much of the flashbacks packed into this issue.  However, as I said, story-wise nothing really happened until the end. So, three may be enough. There’s been rumblings about an Avenger or two remaining alive after this story ends. I doubt it, but if it is the case – MAKE MINE MAR-VELL!!!

THE UGH

I won’t be a Grinch this week and say UGH. 🙂

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The Good, The Not So Good, and the Ugh: Reviews- Birds of Prey #7, Brightest Day #16 and more

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The books I picked up this week were Black Panther #513, Birds of Prey #7, Brightest Day #16, Batman: Orphans #2, and Green Lantern/Plastic Man: Weapons of Mass Deception.

The Good

 

Black Panther #513– Like Hercules took over the Incredible Hulk book after World War Hulk, Black Panther is taking over Daredevil the Man without Fear title. Fresh from abdicating his throne and title as Black Panther, T’Challa has come to New York to become Hell’s Kitchen’s new protector by the request of Matt Murdock. He has adopts the identity of Mr. Okonwo, and manages a diner called Devil’s Kitchen. He wants to live on the level of the people he has chosen to protect. His first task is to deal is a crime boss by the name of Vlad Dinu. It’s an interesting start to the series and I may give it another issue to two to see where it goes. Not familiar with David Liss’s writing or Francesco Francavilla’s art, but it works in this issue.

Brightest Day #16– The main story is Aquaman informing Jackson of his birthright and what is responsibilities are. Jackson at first doesn’t want it, but upon hearing Arthur’s story and hearing that he didn’t have a choice as well, decides to help in stopping the impending war. The secondary story is the heroes trying to help Firestorm control his powers before he destroys the universe. Meanwhile, Deathstorm is mentally torturing Jason’s father and Professor Stein. The issue’s end is another “WTF!” It was interesting like most issues, but I’m ready for the pace to pick up. With ten more issues left, it should be picking up soon. I hope.

Birds of Prey #7– “The Death of Oracle” – Gail Simone wouldn’t do that, would she? The issue begins Savant reporting to the Calculator that Barbara has fallen into their trap. Later he reports to Oracle that the Calculator may or may not believe him. Calculator enlists the help of Mortis, Goddess of the forgotten dead. Oracle takes Batman (Bruce) on tour of their new headquarters and reveals to him that “tonight Oracles dies. Once and for all.” I am not sure what to make of that. Meanwhile the rest of the Birds are celebrating Dawn’s (Dove) birthday at a strip club. There is some funny stufff there until Mortis shows up with some assistants ready to take out the Birds. Once again Gail does a great job and I like Ardian Syaf’s pencils. I hope he stays with the book.

The Not So Good

Batman: Orphans #2– This is the second part of this two issue mini-series. Batman, Robin, and Nightwing find out who’s the mastermind behind the imposter and the army of orphans. I didn’t really care for this mini-series and I’m not sure why. I also wonder why this came out now. This is an “untold tale not long ago,” but it has to be before Infinite Crisis because Tim is wearing his original suit. I think that an orphan or two will resurface in the Batman Inc. title – either as a sidekick or as a young Batman clone. I may be wrong, but just remember that I said this…

The Ugh

Green Lantern/Plastic Man: Weapons of Mass Deception- To me was not worth the $4.99. Plas recruits Hal Jordan to help him investigate a crime where the perpetrators used alien weapons. It turns out to be a smuggling operation run by alien…ducks? Oh boy. Tongue was definitely in check when Marv Wolfman (co-creator of New Teen Titans, writer of Crisis on Infinite Earths) wrote this story. I got tired of reading the book. Not even Brent Anderson’s art helped me. Maybe I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to read this book. I may try again later.

 

 

by: Thomas(of The Fellowship of the Geeks)

Don’t forget to join the next Fellowship Live on December 28th @ 8:00pm CST!

The Good, the Not So Good, and the UGH: Reviews – Incredible Hulks #618, Red Robin #18 and more!

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The books I picked up this week were DC Universe Holiday Special 2010, Incredible Hulks #618, Invaders Now #4, Red Robin #18, Star Trek: Khan Ruling in Hell #3, and Widowmaker #1.

The Good

Incredible Hulks #618– Penciller Paul Pelletier joins writer Greg Pak on this issue. I’m not familiar with his work, but like what I saw. Team Hulk is returning to Earth receives a message from Doctor Strange informing them (and the reader) of the events of the Chaos War. The Hulks land in New York and are attacked by Demons and the newly returned (and augmented) from the dead Abomination. I won’t give away the cliffhanger, but I didn’t see it coming. The only thing that sucks about this issue is that it’s a Chaos War tie-in.

DC Universe Holiday Special 2010– Six tales to spread the holiday cheer. I remember when it used to be called the Christmas Special. The Jonah Hex, Superman, John Stewart, the Spectre, Legion of Super Heroes, and Anthro were the stars. I liked it overall, the only exception being the Anthro story. The best (IMHO) were the Jonah Hex and Superman stories. I would recommend this book if you want to get in the holiday spirit.

Invaders Now #4– The Invaders are trying right a wrong back from their days in World War II. With the help of Marvel’s brightest scientific minds and a little magic, the team may have the way to break the spell that is over the small village. The only thing that stops them is Arnim Zola and…the demon Shuma-Gorath! I’m digging the classic team being back together. I hope they stay together after this mini-series is over.

Red Robin #18– I’ll just come out and say it, I love the writing of Fabian Nicieza and glad he’s writing Tim again. Red Robin is in Russia investigating Viktor Mikalek, a Russian executive of possible ties to the Society (of Secret Villains). Money-Spider is also investigating the Unternet, a communications grid for villains. It’s great to see Red Star again, acts like Batman. Tim (in civilian identity) meets with Mikalek regarding his Neon Knights project when a female terrorist (?) bursts in swearing that Mikalek will answer for his crimes against the people. Red Robin tracks the “terrorist” down and hears her side of the story when Red Star appears. Let me just say something is wrong in Denmark, or actually Moscow.

Star Trek: Khan Ruling in Hell #3– The chronicles of Khan Noonien Singh and his small army of superman marooned on Ceti Alpha V by the crew of the Enterprise in the classic story Space Seed continues. In this issue, they are trying to survive the effects of the destruction of Ceti Alpha VI. An opposition group has formed against Khan’s leadership and his belief that Captain Kirk and crew would return to save them. Crewmembers have died due to creatures that live underneath ground but have surfaced searching for food. Joachim, Khan’s right hand man studies them and realizes that before the madness and death the victim is susceptible to mind control. Meanwhile, the opposition group, led by Tamas has kidnapped Khan’s wife McGivers and places a creature in her ear to control her with orders to kill Khan. The attempt fails and she goes mad and dies soon after. Everything is setup for a huge battle in the next issue. Scott and David Tipton do a great job of capturing Khan’s voice that I can almost hear Ricardo Montalbán speaking. I’m not thrilled with the art by Fabio Mantovani, but it doesn’t really affect my reading enjoyment.

 The Not So Good

Widowmaker #1– To be fair, this was more of a “meh.” I wanted more out of this start of the Hawkeye/Mockingbird/Black Widow mini-series. Hawk and Mock are investigating the murders of several spies and find out that Mockingbird is on the list. The trail leads them to Russia and the Black Widow who chastises them for not questioning the source of their information. Their investigation is interrupted by the Supreme Soviets who capture Hawkeye because the leader who’s behind the murders is using the Ronin identity. If you remember, Hawkeye was using that identity when he came back from his self-imposed exile. I wanted to like this story more than I did. Jim McCann wrote the story (also wrote the short-lived Hawkeye and Mockingbird series) and the art was by David and Alvard Lopez. Don’t know if I’ll try issue two. We’ll see.

The Ugh

None for this week – again!

by: Thomas(of The Fellowship of the Geeks)

Don’t forget to join the next Fellowship Live on December 14 @ 8:00pm CST!

The Good, the Not So Good, and The UGH: Reviews- Brightest Day #15, Heroes for Hire #1 and more!

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 The books I picked up this week were Batman: Orphans #1, Brightest Day #15, Heroes for Hire #1, Marvelman Family’s Finest #6, Shadowland #5, and She-Hulks #2.

The Good

Brightest Day #15-There has been times I’ve wanted to drop this book because there are issues where essentially nothing happens. In a way, this issue is no different, but it was still a good read. J’onn is the focus of this issue as he is still under the mind influence of D’kay. We are treated to Mars reborn and all is right – until something happens to members of the JLA who are there to attend a ceremony in J’onn’s honor. This reminds me of Alan Moore’s Superman story “For the Man Who Has Everything.” The final few pages deal with another one of the return, but I won’t spoil it. I’m sticking with this series because we are already halfway through and only 11 more issues to go, the action will start to pick up soon. I hope.

She-Hulks # 2– I started this book thinking it was a miniseries, but it appears to be an ongoing series. Jennifer and Lyra are still on the mission to track down the members of the INTELLIGENCIA (this issue it’s the Red Ghost). Lyra is also trying to get accustom to being in this time since she can’t back to her future timeline. She also has to deal with the scariest and hardest thing imaginable – high school. I’m enjoying this series so far, but as I said, I wasn’t planning on an ongoing series. I won’t drop the book because the stories are bad or the art is horrible, just a question of finances. I don’t remember the pencils of Ryan Stegman, or the writing of Harrison Wilcox before, but they are doing a good job.

Heroes for Hire #1– I was looking forward to this series because of who Marvel showed would be involved. It was a good read, and I’ll hold on for a couple of more issues to see how it really goes, but it starts off like a rip-off of Birds of Prey (which is not really a bad thing). Heroes are “hired” to tackle a mission by Control, who we find out is Misty Knight – a holdover from the previous HoH. The twist at the end made me think that she won’t always be on the sideline, but we’ll see. If they continue this “are you available?” form of drafting a team, it’ll be different, but not bad. The dynamic duo of Dan Abnett and Andy Lansing, who have been out in space with Marvel’s cosmic characters, have come back to Earth to handle some of the company’s loners. Brad Walker does a nice job on pencils. Overall, it was a good book.

The Not So Good

Batman: Orphans #1– Never really heard any pub regarding this two issue miniseries, which sometimes is not a good sign. Nightwing and Robin are investigating a death of a young man wearing a Robin suit (umm…that was done in Gotham Central – sorry). Meanwhile a Batman imposter is recruiting runaway youths to form an army. To what purpose…read the next issue. I picked this up thinking “Hey, it’s only two issues. Not too much time would be wasted. Once again, I’m not familiar with the writer Eddie Berganza or the penciller Carlo Barberi, but they did a decent job. I’m also have a sneaking suspicion that one or two of these members may show up again as part of Batman, Inc.

Marvelman Family’s Finest #6– The final issue that reprints classic adventures of Marvelman, Young Marvelman, and Kid Marvelman from the 1950s. On the whole, I’ve enjoyed reading these stories, but it also reminds me how weird and stupid some comics were back during this time. It’s also weird reading Marvelman reprints from Marvel Comics, but the characters are rip-offs from Captain Marvel and the Marvel family – who are owned by DC!!! LOL!

Shadowland #5 – It’s the concluding chapter of the miniseries and like last week’s Batman Beyond, I was disappointed. Daredevil’s friends and comrades –in-spandex unite to stop the possessed hero and his associates as Hell’s Kitchen goes to – well – hell. A standard ending to which I thought would be an above average miniseries. Billy Tan’s art is good as usual, but I expected something a little more from this tale written by Andy Diggle. Oh well, you can win them all.

The Ugh

None this week – yay!!!!

 

 by: Thomas(of The Fellowship of the Geeks)

Don’t forget to join the next Fellowship Live on December 14 @ 8:00pm CST!

The Good, The Not So Good, and The Ugh: Reviews- Batman Beyond #6, Incredible Hulks #617 and more!

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The books I picked up this week were Batman Beyond #6, Batwoman #0, Incredible Hulks #617, Secret Avengers #7, Teen Titans #89, Thunderstrike #1, and Vampirella #1.

The Good

Batwoman #0-It really should be called “Batman – The Road Home: Batwoman.” Not that it’s a bad thing. The issue is a teaser for the series that starts in January. Bruce/Batman is trying to confirm Batwoman is Kate Kane and has the abilities to do the job well. Greg Rucka is not around anymore so J.H. Williams III’s partner in crime is W. Haden Blackman. The story is well written and I am optimistic for the series if this is what we’ll get. Williams is still handling the pencils except for the Kate Kane sequence, which was penciled by Amy Reeder. GET THIS BOOK!

Incredible Hulks #617– It’s the final chapter of “Dark Son.” This is probably the longest I’ve been on the Hulk title and it’s due to Greg Pak. I jumped on at World War Hulk, which was back in May of 2007! I’ve read Peter David’s stuff, but only in collected editions. The thing about his handling the character is that he makes Bruce seem more dangerous than the Hulk! Bruce has an edge and as the Hulk he is stable and focused. I’m not sure if this happened before Planet Hulk, but I like it. The Hulk family tries to stop the Hulk’s son Hiro-Kala from destroying Earth and stop his other son Skaar from killing Hiro-Kala. Nice little moment with Bruce and Betty who soften and transformed back to human form from Red She-Hulk made me think there was a chance, but it disappeared quickly. Too many She-Hulks (3), but I’m not sure which one should go away. Jennifer is the original, Betty as Red She-Hulk presents nice story possibilities, and Lyra (She-Hulk from an alternate future) presents story potential with the “stranger in a strange land.” The only thing that sucks is the next couple of months the title will be involved with the Chaos War event, which I’m not reading. UGH.

Secret Avengers #7- I am really enjoying this series. Granted, not a lot story wise happens in this issue, it’s still good. Shang-Chi (future member?) has to be rescued while the team tries to stop the resurrection of his father, Fu Manchu. Mike Deodato’s work is perfect for a series like this (or Moon Knight, or Batman – hint, hint) and I like Ed Brubaker’s writing. Definitely on my pull list!!

Thunderstrike #1- I believe this is a five issue series, but wouldn’t be upset if it lasted longer. Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz fresh off their run of Spider-Girl (goodbye Mayday Parker) come back to a character they created back in 1988, sort of. DeFalco does a great job to inform new readers of the backstory and get them caught up. I personally liked the M2 universe (the marvel of the future) that they did back in the 90s. This is a start toward that direction (the only one now since MJ and Peter aren’t married anymore – again goodbye May Parker, you never existed). It will be interesting to see if this is successful enough to do an ongoing and incorporate him into the Marvel universe (and maybe Avengers?).

The Not So Good

Batman Beyond #6- It’s the concluding chapter of the miniseries and a prelude to a new series (How did I miss this?). Kinda disappointed with this as Dick Grayson and Terry McGinnis battle the younger clone of Dick to save Gotham. I’m not sure what I was looking for, but this wasn’t it. Adam Beechen is a good writer and I can tolerate Ryan Benjamin’s pencils, so I have hope for the series.

The Ugh

Teen Titans #89- I picked this up because I wanted to see how the team would react to the inclusion of Damian to the team. J.T. Krull handles the characters well, but the story was blah. Nothing that you wouldn’t be surprised and I guess that’s why I didn’t like it. Nicola Scott’s art is great as usual, but didn’t like the first time you see Beast Boy, he’s got the one fang hanging out like his counterpart in Teen Titans Go!

Vampirella #1 – I’ll be honest. I got this book because it’s a number one and I got the J. Scott Campbell Cover (hubba, hubba). I’ve known of the character, but not really know much about her. Vampi is in Seattle trying to track down Dracula. The story gives you a little insight, just enough to get along. Wagner Reis’s art, what can I say? It reminds me of Mike Deodato which I like and is appropriate for this book. I don’t care for the outfit she is wearing – which seems a lot like Wonder Woman’s new costume.

 

 

by: Thomas(of The Fellowship of the Geeks)