Comic Book Reviews – 1/27/10
January 29th, 2010
So this will be the first of many posts, at least once a week and whenever I read a new (for me) trade paperback or graphic novel. The plan is to post at least every Wednesday (or near then) when the new comic books drop. I won’t be reviewing everything that gets put in my box, cause quite frankly, that is a lot. I also tend to favor Marvel over anything else, so the focus will be there, on the main events, the Avengers, and of course my favorite, Spider-man. I also read some Dark Horse, so there will be occasional reviews of the Star Wars series (Dark Times, Invasion, and Legacy.)
Of course for the sake of anyone concerned, all reviews will be placed behind a cut, for the obvious reason that they will contain spoilers. I will probably write a short synopsis for those that are curious about what’s happening in other series without desiring to purchase them. So you’ve been forewarned. Onward, to the first reviews!
So the first review will be the much delayed Captain America: Reborn #6 (of 6). This is a case of one of the few times I’ve seen Marvel get out of synch with their schedule. My often major complaint about DC is that they get convoluted in trying to join the continuity and time frames of all their series that issues may come out months later that are supposed to be squeezed between previous issues of the main event. While this isn’t the main event, Steve Roger’s return is a big factor leading up to the impending Siege which has now started. In fact, he’s already back in many of the other books, making this finale somewhat underwhelming. Still, how can you turn down such an epic splash page as this one:
Though, I’m not quite sure how Cap’s arm is positioned in that in order to get that angle on the shield. Oh well, it’s more iconic than factual, and Steve’s never been anything less than iconic. The Red Skull is ejected from Steve’s body back into its previous robotic container, only to later be destroyed in the issue. Is the Red Skull done for good now? Of course not. But there is some foreshadowing with his daughter Syn, who was burnt in the ensuing explosion, developing some facial scarring not unlike her father. I’m interested to see more of the dynamic between Steve and Bucky as they try and figure out what sort of roles they should now exist in.
Next up is Thor #606, another book that’s a few weeks behind. It wraps up the Asgardians’ time away from their home, since they’ve been living in Latveria with Dr. Doom. Loki, being Loki, has orchestrated a plan to return them to Asgard, which is still floating above Broxton, Oklahoma. Norman is planning a siege (hence the next big event) to oust the Asgardians from the United States, and this world entirely, since they do not belong. Thor throws down with Doom who is wearing enchanted Asgardian armor, powered by the life force of dissected Asgardians. As you can imagine, this upsets Thor. After the issue is dealt with, Thor once again departs on his own, for he is still exiled from the kingdom, while Balder reigns in his stead. Doom is teleported away by Loki before Thor can deal a killing blow, which was all part of the plan. But can the trickster be tricked? One of the last shots is of Dr. Doom holding a sample of Loki, and what looks like a failed clone of him on his examining table.
Avengers #61 was interesting, split between two story lines. The first follows Steve and Bucky as they check out the New Avengers’ former hideout which has been destroyed by H.A.M.M.E.R. and Osborn’s Dark Avengers. The other follows Spider-man and Spider-woman as they look at Avengers’ Tower, noticing there seems to be some extra movement going on (which is mobilization for the Siege.) The Hood has been powered up again (afraid to use his cloak because of Dormammu) by Loki (he’s got his finger in everything) and is able to share the wealth and power up his goons, who he sends after the Avengers. The most entertaining part of this issue to me is Spider-man’s comments and personality. No matter the situation, he cracks jokes, because that’s how he copes with things. He’s also still a bit socially awkward, which I love.
So the New Avengers are all rallied, mostly in New York. Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers are in Broxton, Oklahoma mounting an assault on Asgard. Hank Pym’s Mighty Avengers can basically be anywhere in the world (or universe) thanks to his crazy doors in the Infinite Avengers Mansion. Iron Man is recuperating in Broxton, thanks to the help of his physician, Donald Blake. Thor is getting his ass beat by Norman’s army. Most of this has happened by or in Siege #1, which came out two weeks ago. There are only four issues in the series, so expect it to be a crazy and intense ride that will start high and finish strong.
This is all leading up to a new age for Marvel, deemed the Heroic Age, starting with Avengers #1. No more New, Mighty or Dark, they’re all going to be consolidated again. Marvel’s looking to return to their roots, with more clear divisions between who’s a good guy, who’s a bad guy, and where the lines are. No more second guessing and questioning, mostly brought on by the Civil War. Some speculate this is because of the recent buyout by Disney, but Marvel plans several years in advance (the writers are actually at a retreat in New York right now planning what will be happening over the next couple of years. ) The return of the big three, Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, has been plotted for seven years, ever since Avengers: Disassembled. So know that this has been the goal all along.
I’m excited to see where this all goes. There has been a very natural progression from event to event in the Marvel Universe, and I don’t expect that to change. I also love me some Avengers, and want to see these guys back on the same side. The other big thing happening this year, according to Marvel, is that 2010 is the year of Spider-man. He’s currently going through the Gauntlet set up by the wife and daughter of Kraven. Thus far he’s faced Electro, Sandman, the Rhino, and currently Mysterio. Dr. Octopus and Lizard are sure to make an appearance, as it seems the Sinister Six have unwittingly been reunited. This is also similar to Kraven’s Last Hunt, an amazing series that has Kraven pitting Spidey against most of these foes, studying his tactics, and then becoming Spider-man, while the true one lies comatose in a grave. It seems Kraven’s daughter and wife are softening him up for something similar, already with Madam Web and Spider-woman (Not Jessica Drew) in their capture. Here’s the teaser image for the year:
Is One More Day going to be removed? Something’s obviously going to happen with Peter reaching for MJ wearing a wedding dress. There’s our buddy Dr. Curt Connors as the Lizard, and behind him in the background Kraven’s daughter, holding a Spider-man costume (perhaps for herself?) The other spiders are in the upper left, Madam Web, Araña, the Scarlet Spider (clone of MVP from the Initative), and a black-suited Spider-man. Note that it’s not Mac Gargan, who is currently Venom. Nor is it Eddie Brock, who is currently Anti-Venom. That one is wearing a fabric black suit. Top center is a baby, seemingly encircled by Doc Ock’s mechanical arms. Baby May Parker? Someone else’s? And to the right, Peter kissing a spectacled girl who has a striking resemblance to Carlie Cooper, the NYPD CSI who has a thing for Peter. However, the girl in the image has what seems like long hair, whereas Carlie just adopted a short (pixie short) hair style. So many questions. We’ll just have to see what 2010 has to bring.
Tags: Avengers, Captain America, Comic Book Reviews, Comic Books, Iron Man, Spider-man, Thor