ROUND 29: Comics For August 24, 2011

The is one of the last weeks of heavy promised comics reviews. I say this because I am graduating soon and have no idea where I will go and what I will be making post college. Let's not dwell on that though. Comics!

Also this week - no tie-ins! :O


Batman: Gates of Gotham #5
The story of Gates of Gotham was ultimately about families, both what brings the together and what they truly mean. Over the past 4 issues the story has been building up this back history of the families of Gotham - the Waynes (Batman), the Kanes (Batwoman), the Elliots (Hush), the Cobblepots (the Penguin) and the Gates. The Gates constructed the four bridges of the city, each named after on of the families but eventually the two Gates brothers went mad due to their construction/diving suits and one ended up in Arkham.
In the modern time the last remaining Gates family member turned to try and destroy the bridges as revenge for what he saw as the shaming of his family name. The entire new Bat family teams up to deal with last of the Gates eventually stopping him.
The dynamics of the family and the history come together especially at the end. With solid art and writing it is nice to see the Batfamily wrapping things up in the final issue.
Score +1


Batman Inc #8
I have never had such a differing opinion over the art and writing in a comic than in this issue. Instead of illustrating traditionally, the comic was digitally rendered using 3-D models as far as I can tell. Here is the thing. Video game tie in comics hire comic illustrators for the reason that digital character comics look horrible 90% of the time because they are either rushed models or they are so undetailed that it looks lazy.
They have reason though, a loose reason, as Bruce Wayne shows a group of potential investors his new virtual reality which actually recreates a city. When the meeting gets hijacked by zombie warriors of the King Worm though Bruce Wayne sends in Batman Inc spyware killers to deal with them. The question then becomes who introduced the virus and despite the danger hook of "if you die in the game, you die in life" the issue is a fun read. It also serves as a fun discussion about how we can separate digital lives and it is really in depth. But damn that art and damn the long wait until the next issue of Batman Inc. (The art kept this from being one of my two weekly picks.
+1


Deadpool #42
Deadpool who has been in the insane asylum finally gets out using a incredibly well crafted scheme as his character actually develops. Deadpool realizes that he's let himself go and he's stopped really doing anything in a dream sequence with Death and since he lost his voices he gets out. He gets Foolkiller, his enemy in jail, to switch places and when Foolkiller is pardoned Deadpool is free to leave. Except that he is sort of in love with his psychologist who is in love with him and everything is starting to get real for the Merc with a Mouth.
Seeing Deadpool out of his comfort zone has been really interesting. Limited violence, toned down humor and Deadpool actually curing his issues. Sure the next writer will probably change everything back to normal but this experience has been solid.
+1


Dungeons and Dragons #10
As the guild heads down into the Underdark for a heist the plan actually goes off without a hitch. Every team member does their part so they can gain access to the Guide of the Gates to Eldarin leader. Fate being what it is though, the party is forced to deal with unexpected changes like an old foe resurfacing and possibly something bigger going on.
The series itself is solidly written and drawn but if there were one thing I could change, I would love a slightly longer recap page which sounds weird to say. Still, solid issue.
+1


FF #8
Shit gets real as both Black Bolt and the Kree invade the captured city of the High Evolutionary with the Fantastic Four. The problem is that when you work with villains you need to plan for everything like the resurgence of a space king that everyone thought was dead, your fellow supervillains betraying you or even your child being busted out of time out by her friend.
FF continues to be a fun and beautifully told story that seems to be leading somewhere really big with a crew of well thought out characters from a variety of backgrounds doing what the do best.
+1


Mystery Men #4
The problem with any team coming together is that personal politics get brought into things. Romance, fears, history. The Mystery Men have been divided into two teams - the more reasonable heroes the Operative, the Aviatrix and Revenant one one side and Achilles and the Surgeon as the team who will do anything. As the two teams struggle against each, the General has teams with his resurrected goddess Nox to steal children for a sacrifice including the Lindbergh baby. The thing is, the General is just a tool to Nox and the tool is getting broken - okay that sounds hackneyed but this series is great and if you don't want to get back issues, wait for the trade which will be worth it.
+1


The Ultimates #1
The Ultimates starts off with a gang who look similar to the Future Foundation building a giant mushroom cloudy base as Nick Fury settles in to deal with Asgardian miscreants who are lifting bear. Meanwhile Iron Man continues living the high life until he is called to remotely deal with a ship threatening the world only to find it empty. Hawkeye meanwhile is one duty elsewhere reporting and the new Captain Britain is called in to deal with the Asgardians and a bear that is drinking bear.
Bear drinking bear.
And then stuff explodes and this wins as my favorite comic of the week.
Favorite Comic
+2


Uncanny X-force #13
As the group faces evil future Age of Apocalypse Wolverine who is possessed by whatever gives Apocalypse his power, things go downhill. The Black Legion - the group of combination superheroes that are villains face off against the remaining X-men to fight for the life seed that will be able to keep Archangel back in the real world from turning evil. The thing is, there were supposed to be two life seeds and there is only one, Wolverine doesn't seem to want them to go and when they finally get back, the Dark Beast is waiting there with a team of supervillains ready to steal the seed.
+1


Xombi #6
Xombi is a series that suffered from poor publication choices - namely that a Vertigo-styled book was published under the DC label meaning a lot of people who might have enjoyed it never got it. That said though with the reboot and cancellation of the book, there is not much that can be done in the situation.
The final Xombi issue deals with the Floating Skull base and the controller and his crazy Dr Who style monsters (and when I say that I mean they are incredibly creative and poetic in a spooky way).
The book is one I struggled with. I had to be in a mood to read it but this last week that it was running I was in the mood and so it wins Best Comic of the Week.
Best Comic
+2

DC: +4
Marvel: +6
IDW: +1

ROUND 27: Comics For August 17, 2011

Hey all you Trekkies and TV addicts, if you all either hold your hands together or fire off supportive emails or download his new single with Adam WarRock, I am pretty sure Tribe One will return. If not, we send out search parties.


Avengers #16
Wow this was a sort of dumb pointless comic. As Steve Rogers tries to hunt down Sin he brings along three nonsuperheroes, runs into his general team of villains who aren't really explained and then a castle blows up with nothing to gain. Ugh. The art also bothered me. I mean I like Romita's work but here it seemed inconsistent.
-1





Avengers Academy #18
As the Avengers Academy students face off against Titania and the Absorbing Man (with Action Hammer Power!) the students realize that they are not only outmatched, but they are also outclassed. The students realize they can try and play fair and lose or they can attempt to cheat but as the saying goes - cheaters never prosper, a lesson they find out as the Absorbing Man starts overpowering the school's Pym Particle reactor causing the school to grow and threaten to breach reality. Great art, fun action and the character are still excellent to read.
Best Comic
+2


Daredevil #2
As Daredevil continues his pursuit of his mysterious case, Daredevil is forced to confront his past when he got possessed by a demon and became a leader of a ninja guild and did that... yeah. Cap wants answers but realizing something else is up, the two part ways so Daredevil is free to look more into the case only to find something not human, not alive and maybe non even fully real. The art on the book really sells it for me and the interesting dialogue and story gives it double value!
+1


Fear Itself: Deadpool #3
Deadpool ended up finding out that the Hammer he gave the Walrus was magical and was made to fight werewolves, only for the werewolves to steal Deadpool's money while Deadpool fought the Walrus for the hammer. The episode veered more towards the level of the first issue with everything feeling a bit rushed. Also the reliance over Alice In Wonderland and Beatles references got rather weary for me personally. I don't know, it didn't strike me much one way or another.
+0



Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #3
It turns out the New Fantastic Four (Hulk, Spider-Man, Ghost Rider and Wolverine) who got summoned in the last issue were servants of Psycho Man to inspire fear and as the Fearsome Four get beaten they realize they need to fight back.. more than they were. Luckily Howard has a secret weapon and banishes the five enemies, but the problem is Man-Thing is still there and he's burning to touch his teammates. The issue did nothing for me. Nothing funny despite Howard the Duck and Spider-Man and somewhat confusing. Glad there is only one issue left.
-1


Flashpoint: The Outsider
Last time it turned out that Martian Manhunter was the assassin after The Outsider and here we find out his good reasoning for it. The Outsider found, tortured and sold the Manhunter to Russia (which was partially controlled by Black Adam). The Russians then tortured the Martian with fire only to overdo it so he overpowered the natural fear of fire and killed everyone in the group, destroyed Black Adam and then was sent after The Outsider who killed him in a quantum portal more or less leaving The Outsider still in the dark about who (Aquaman or Wonder Woman) is trying to stop him. Fun, mysterious with solid art. I really wish the series was going to continue.
+1


Hulk #39
So way back during Planet Red Hulk, I thought Omegex the robot the Watcher sent after Hulk was captured in a time loop. I was wrong. As Ross returns home and reflects on his past he realizes the connections of who is trying to kill him and the origin of the Black Fog, only for Omegex and Black Fog to show up with everyone looking for a piece of one another. Dang Jeff Parker, you put out an issue almost every two weeks and the art is always great as is the writing. Thank you very much!
+1


Journey Into Mystery #626
As Loki finishes assembling his team of warriors he lands in Limbo only to be betrayed by his Hel-Hound (who is gobbled up soon after). Loki makes a deal with Surtur the fire demon for Surtur to give Loki his sword in exchange for Surtur being allowed to destroy Asgard. As Hel is invaded the warriors Loki has waiting begin to worry but Loki arrives in time with the Destroyer and with the announcement of their mission - to destroy Asgard. Journey continues to be a wonderfully fun and beautiful book to read.
+1


Spider-Island: Spider-Girl #1
As Anya is attempting to readjust to her new life with powers, her enemies from the past, the Wasps, show up, only to meet and fight the Hand ninjas who are actively attempting to protect Anya. Only things get worse when Hobgoblin captures her and sends her to the Kingpin who offers her work because the Kingpin protects his own people, the Spider-People. Fun art and writing and Paul Tobin snuck in an LCD Soundsystems reference. Yes!
+1



Superman/Batman #87
Continuing last week, the Joker is planning to kill Clark Kent only for Batman to stop him as it turns out that the Joker was paying the Gotham newspaper to print a story about Batman's secret identity. The Joker killed the reporter and it got confusing but the Joker got put away. Simple. Not the best but okay. Still, never before has the Joker looked like he had a white vagina for a face and I say this in all seriousness because the Joker's face, well that is what first came to my mind. So many weird folds on that thing.
+0


Thunderbolts #162
After Zemo launched his biobomb army thing at Chicago, the Thunderbolts were ordered to stop the monsters which they were more than happy to do. Only, the B-team of the Thunderbolts is using this as a chance to escape and Man-Thing is absorbing the beasts become a "Giant-Sized Man-Thing". That line happened so naturally that I actually fell over laughing. Thunderbolts is a book you should be reading and it is easily my Favorite Comic of the Week.
+2



Ultimate Fallout #6
Ultimate Fallout ends as it should with life returning. Aunt May and Gwen Stacy take up Tony Stark's offer to move anywhere - in this case France. Meanwhile Kitty Pryde, Johnny Storm and Bobby Frost move into the Morlock Tunnels to start a new life. Meanwhile Captain America quits SHIELD and Nick Fury reveals his past with the Parker family to Mary Jane. The art was solid as normal but I think I am really ready for actual issues to start up again.
+1



Venom #6
As Flash attempts to leave Betty behind with his dying father, a giant spider monster attacks the city and Venom is sent in to clean up and capture. The problem is, as soon as the beast is brought back and subdued, it escape with Flash outside of the symbiote with the spider-beast shooting out infectious spiders. Also that beast might be Captain America. Nobody ever said that this was going to be an easy job. The art was good though some action scenes were a bit messy but overall fun.
+1



Zatanna #16
A fun and simple Zatanna story where Zatanna wanting to rest comes into contact with a Witch Boy wanting to be her apprentice and then deciding he'd rather rule the world leading to a multidimensional race and ultimately capture. A fun no worries end to a fun series with great art and great creativity.
+1





Total Scores:
Marvel +8
DC +2

Next Week: More Comics!

Round 25: Comics for August 10, 2011

Another week of comics! Boom! Skipping the back issues I got on saturday though because none of them were all that fun and I don't have them on hand. They were Rocketeer Adventures #3 and Gates of Gotham 3 and 4. Onto new stuff though.


Amazing Spider-Man #667
Oh man. Spider-Man traded off Fear Itself for this event and already it is so much fun. The Jackal went and hooked up the crime gangs (and other random civilians like Peter's current girlfriend Carly Cooper) with Spider-Powers. The problem is the Jackal also gave the criminals costumes. And Lady Web is there and that is never a good sign. This is already shaping up to be mega fun and as infectious as an STD (spidey transmitted disease).
+2



Batman and Robin #26
I bought this solely for the cover as Batman, Robin and Nightrunner (the faux controversial French-Muslim parkour Batman) stood off against the whole of France being controlled by The Son of Man (in reference to the painting), Sister Crystal (who could turn people to crystal), The Id (who could mentally control masses), Skin Talker (who could hypnotize with messages on his skin) and Ray Man (who could make people trip balls. This all takes place at the Louvre and is filled with a lot of fun stuff like the ultimate reveal of the Son of Man. Dang!
+1


Deadpool #41
Deadpool continues his stint in prison and he is actually recovering. No commentary from the boxes. No madcap antics. The story is interesting in how un-Deadpool-y he is being. He is being forced to confront what he did but I have a feeling something deeper is happening. I honestly can't say I ever pictures this happening or being interesting but it is totally both.
+1




Fear Itself #5
As Thor faces the Hulk and the Thing (presented by Evil Hammers ®), Tony Stark talks to Odin and Steve Rogers, the original Cap goes up against Sin, daughter of the Red Skull. Thor defeats the Thing launching Mjolnir through him leaving him dying in the Baxter building while Tony pleads to Odin for the chance to have a chance - by making weapons. Meanwhile Thor launches the Hulk into space while Ben Grimm is restored, just in time for the Serpent to land on Earth (and for Spider-Man to leave). A lot of great stuff here and set up for the final two issues that I am really looking forward to.
+1


Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #3
The final issue bring the group of Frankenstein, his bride, Velcoro (the man bat) , Griffith (the werewolf) Nina (the aquatic creature) and the monster hunter Shrieve, daughter of the original leader off to Romania. Once there they are confronted with the military's top monster killing robot and the monsters he killed. Nina's father, the original scientist who created the monsters is there for medical duties as the Frankensteins and Velcoro fight the robot. Velcoro ends up dying a hero's death and Griffith is turned back to human and then I guess the Frankensteins and Shrieve ride on horses to try and stop Wonder Woman and Aquaman which is just not as good of an ending as I hoped. This issue wasn't as fun or satisfying as the others but I am still looking forward to Lemire's long running series in the future.
+1


Hellboy: The Fury #3
As Hellboy faces the dragon he's been waiting to face all of his life, all hell breaks loose and everything ends.
+1










The Incredible Hulks #634
The Hulk destroys the world. But before that Amadeus Cho, Dr Strange and Monica Rappaccini go to stop him and fail as The Hulk and his current girl Umar face off against She-Hulk (red), Tyrannus, Fin Fang Foom and the Mindless Ones. Strange escapes when Rappaccini and Cho decide to stay only for the Hulk to destroy the world and bring them back. The Hulk begins and eternal battle with the She-Hulk before Tyrannus and a super chaged Fin Fang Foom kick it out of a portal and go to take over Earth. one issue left. Dang.
+2


The New Avengers #15
I will not lie, I am a fan of Squirrel Girl and how amazingly overpowered she is and that is the one rule in my personal cannon - everyone she defeated she defeated. When she got to spar and beat Wolverine in this issue - amazing. When she broke through a Nazi mech - yes! As the nanny to Jessica Jone and Luke Cage though, she's going to get a lot more work as about 30 mechs just surrounded the mansion and yes.
+1



Spider-Island: Cloak and Dagger #1
Oh man. I've had a passing knowledge of Cloak and Dagger mostly through comics like Runaways but this book is a great introduction as the two start to fall apart. While Cloak wants to be more of a hero, Dagger is interested in a simpler life. Getting called into the fray of the Spider-Man invasion looks like this is going to turn interesting. Meanwhile Mister Negative is worrying about his death which has been predicted to come at the hands of Dagger? Bum bum bum! The writing in this is super solid and Nick Spencer makes some good comics and with Emma Rios on the art that is all cranked up.
+1


Spider-Island: Deadly Foes #1
2 issues for $4.99! Dang!
As Phil Urich, the Hobgoblin goes over his revenge he explains his infatuation with Norah Winters, the Bugle Reporter currently dating the son of the current Bugle editor, Randy Robertson. Greed is a big problem but when the Hobgoblin tries to kill Randy, he finds that those new Spider-Powers Randy has are a lot worse. In the end Randy leaves Norah for risking her life (stupidly) to try and cover a story to get back at Betty Brant only for Norah to swing over to Phil.
In part 2, we meet the Jackal and his past and his future as he brings back Kaine (who died but not really in the Grim Hunt) only to be confronted by his first failed clone of Gwen Stacy. As she attempts to kill her father, the Jackal, Tarantula saves him only for the three (Jackal, Kaine and Tarantula) to meet a yet unidentified woman.
The first part was a lot more fun with Slott on the writing but the second half actually made the Jackal seem like a Jackal, more bestial and psychotic. Overall though, this was a lot of fun.
+1


Ultimate Comics Fallout #5
Quicksilver/Pietro plans to sell the mutants to be tapped for their powers while Nick Fury faces a stretched budget. The issue ends with Quicksilver almost getting incesty with his sister the Scarlet Witch but he luckily freaks out especially after being told to go to Egypt. Shadow King or Apocalypse anyone? I am actually interested in the new Ultimate X-men but I am also glad the next Ultimate Fallout is the end.
+1



Final Scores:
Marvel +10
DC +2
Dark Horse + 1

Next week:
Superman Batman
Avengers
Avengers Academy
Daredevil
Fear Itself Deadpool
Fear Itself Fearsome Four
Hulk
Journey Into Mystery
Spider-Island: Spider-Girl
Thunderbolts
Ultimate Comics Fallout
Venom

Also, got a hook up by getting Lucifer Vol1 for about $7. Thanks LCBS!

Round 23: Comics For August 3, 2011 - 10th Issue Special

Guess who had to deal with Batman filming traffic to get these comics? Sort of me! But first, let's get to the comics!


Avengers Academy #17
The Academy is sent home after their first battle is over with more psychological battle scars than physical. Veil and Mettle end up going through some personal therapy to deal with killing people, despite being Nazis while Reptil, Finesse and Striker discuss death. Meanwhile Titania and The Absorbing Man (powered by Hammers!) escape from the Antarctic breaking through into the Academy, ready to give Pym payback - through his students.
Gage continues to write incredibly well thought out and fleshed out characters and the book does a really good job tying in the Fear Itself and the worries that the students have about becoming evil.
+2 - Best Comic


Daredevil #1
I've not read Daredevil before and then I heard a lot of good things about this new start and decided to give it a shot. Daredevil is this character with a large history that is really affecting his life in the series but in depth knowledge is not needed. Matt Murdoch isn't struggling as much as he is being bothered by the fact that most people "believe" they know he is Daredevil no matter how much he denies it and when this causes him to get kicked off a case no one else would take, he decides he needs to find out why no one else would take it. There is also a solid back up story about Murdoch and how he sees the world and both stories are beautifully illustrated. Try it out!
+1


Dungeons and Dragons #9
The group makes a pact with the local elf lord to retrieve a powerful artifact so the elves can remove the threats to their kingdom and the party can go back to their world. This issue is Fomorians (not the ant guys), giant magical giants with a giant magical madness inducing eye. And a castle of driders (drow+spiders) and the fact that something killed all the spiders. Snappy dialogue made this a solidly fun issue.
+1




Flashpoint #4
Oh Flashpoint, you like wantonly killing people with really muddled action and confusing character choices. Element Woman who is insane for reasons not explained joins the Flash, Batman and Cyborg as they try to recruit Shazam/Captain Marvel who is controlled by a team of kids. The issue is that the kids don't all want to go. Also Hal Jordan dies. When the team finally reaches the battle Reverse Flash seemingly knocks out or kills everyone and meeeeeeeh. It isn't bad or anything but it isn't fun either.
+0



Herc #6
Last time Herc was turned into stone to be snuck in to fight Kyknos before he could resurrect Ares with help from Hectate. The problem is Kyknos was really angry that his father wouldn't be able to kill Herc so he distracts himself with some more chaos before Herc gets cured and lays the beatdown by transferring the powers of Kyknos' worshippers to his new teammates Basilisk, Man-Bull and Griffin. Then Herc wins the day and conquers all of the fears. Ever.
+1



Hero Comics 2011
Got this out to support comic artists and for some of the big things - Gaiman reuniting with his Sandman team, a Chew mini comic and more.
the Gaiman piece was too text-y for me and I was expecting more of a classic comic so I will not lie and I will say I skipped to the piece after.
The Chew piece showed what happens when Tony Chu the cibopath (meaning he sees the life of what he eats) takes drugs and it is insane and fun and ends up explaining what happens if he vomits as well. DARE to resist drugs kids!
The third multi-page piece is sort of an illustrated conversation between Gaiman and the other creators which isn't bad if you enjoy reading conversations (though in this case I found it rather dull but that may be due more to me wanting to read more explosions.
The fourth Elephantman piece really didn't for much for me either since it didn't tell a story as much as do a memorial and for a comic that could be drawing in new readers like Chew did it wasn't the best thing in my opinion.
In between stories are page long strips by beneficiaries of the money from Hero Initiative and that support (and the Chew Comic) made buying this worthwhile!
+1


Heroes For Hire #10
The Shroud and Elektra face the Purple Man's army of prisoners while Gargoyle and Paladin do damage control over on Yancy Street and Misty Knight sees the same damage on Earth. Eventually Shroud is able to black out the room long enough for him and Elektra to defeat the criminals... only for Purple Man to take control. Meanwhile the drug-changed chemist from the last issue has become able to turn into people's fears defeating Gargoyle and Paladin single-handedly. It's time for Misty Knight to hit the streets again!
+1


Hulk #38
The Thing! The Red Hulk! M.O.D.O.K.! Zero/One and The Black Fog! 4 teams! Only one enemy. When M.O.D.O.K. stops Black Fog from killing the Hulk after the Thing (brought to you by FEAR!) M.O.D.O.K. and Zero/One meet up to discuss that if the Nazis win, they won't be able to rule the world with brain power so M.O.D.O.K. and Zero/One form an alliance to kill some Nazis while Hulk is smashed away. A lot of fun, eye pleasing, brain pleasing. Hell, it is like Jeff Parker is writing this comic specifically for me.
+1


Moon Knight #4
Moon Knight improves slightly in this issue though it does have an incredibly clunky action scene. As Echo tries to find out who Moon Knight is/was/will be by contacting the New Avengers, she finds that nobody really knows. The two (Moon Knight and Echo) meet up as civilians only to be accosted and threatened by the Night Shift. The battle itself is really clunky with what seems like half of the panels of the panels missing and everything being really herky-jerky. The art is solid, it is just the battle is incomprehensible as far as the flow goes. It is getting better, just very slowly.
+0


Superman #714
Last issue an unknown woman had kidnapped and threatened Lois. This issue after hiding Lois, he discovered the woman had been infected with Superman' doubts and fears as well as his powers. Superman, after realizing he was wrong about there not needing to be a Superman, destroyed the infection she'd had by showing her the hope he had and the belief in Truth, Justice and The American Way and in the end, her being saved by Superman led to her saving Superman in return. This is Superman at his best.
+2 - Favorite Comic


Thunderbolts #161
As the Thunderbolts deal with the fallout of a Juggernaut (enhanced with Hammer!) doing the equivalent of a nuclear blast, a new threat appears - Zemo (who got back stabbed way back in the prelude to the story). Zemo decides to launch an invasion of his own with a bio-bomb capable of creating an army in second. On advice from Fixer, the team returns to Chicago to meet the oncoming army - or will it be their doom?
+1




Ultimate Fallout #2-4
My local comic book store was able to get me back issues 2 and 3 which I missed last week so this is my shout out - if you are in Pittsburgh PA, head over to Oakland and visit Phantom of the Attic - well stocked, friendly and knowledgeable.
#2
The funeral begins with Captain America blaming himself for the death of Spider-man to Aunt May who takes it hard. As she tries to leave she is consoled by Jameson. Meanwhile Thor pauses to remember Spider-man is in Valhalla with the other heroes (and yet not Hank Pym...). Meanwhile Rogue struggles with fears of the end of the world as Mary Jane struggles with what the world did to Peter Parker.
#3
Tony Stark meets after his brother's funeral (Tony Stark had a secret brother whaaaaaat?) with the richest people in the world who want to change it. Meanwhile Kitty is fed up with the funeral and the media circus and decides to leave to the new mutant safe place taking Iceman and Johnny Storm with her. Meanwhile in the SHIELD helicarrier, the Hulk is prepped to be controlled for mysterious reasons.
#4
The new much hyped Spider-man deals with negative feedback over taking Spider-mans costume as he struggles to learn about his powers. Meanwhile Reed Richards, who was an evil dick, struggles to leave the Negative Zone, before starting an organization that looks very familiar to the Future Foundation. Meanwhile it is revealed that the truth is going to come out about how the United States invented mutants.
Overall there is some strong emotional stuff going on here but there is also some stuff that makes less sense if you haven't been following the Ultimate Universe as closely.That said though, I do look forward to this future.
+1/+1/+1

Final Scores:
DC: +2
Marvel: +10
IDW: +2

Marvel really did a great job this week. I had about 3 other issues marked as possible +2s.

Next week:
Hellboy The Fury #3
Flashpoint: Frankenstein And The Creature Of The Unknown #3
Alpha Flight #3
Amazing Spider-Man #667
Deadpool #41
Fear Itself #5
Incredible Hulks #634
New Avengers #15
Spider-Island: Cloak and Dannger #1
Spider-Island: Deadly Foes #1
Ultimate Comics Fallout #5

Be there or be ... not there.

Koltreg Review Annual #1

Holy butt toast I have been gone. I am declaring this to be my annual since it encompasses 5 weeks of pull list reviews. Vacation took away my desire to write reviews as well as my money but now I am getting paid so I can write reviews so for this 45 issue monster edition, I welcome you back!

For this long list, I just dropped a bunch of +2s for what I really liked and there was a lot.

Amazing Spider-Man #664-666 (Hail Satanna)
#664 -
Mr. Negative revealed to the public! Wraith revealed! Spider-man hiring Peter Parker for tech! This sort of ties in a bit more to prior stories that I like but nothing too confusing though newer readers would have not been able to guess the identity of the Wraith. I wasn't.
+1

#665 -
New Avengers used in skeeball by Arcade, deals with Peter's relationship with Betty Brant. When she is held up it shows how close the Daily Bugle family is while Spider-man goes out for revenge. Eventually Aunt May calls him back reminding how he always disappears after loved ones are hurt. And then Aunt May and Jameson Sr. move out of New York because it is finally too dangerous. All in all a great character piece reflecting on the interpersonal dramas of the characters.
+2
#666 -
The Spider-Island begins with Spider-man hanging out with his teams as he is unable to notice the bigger picture, namely the Jackal giving citizens of New York Spider-man powers. Also now Spider-man is a master of kung fu. Kung fu mastery is cool. Also they brought back Kaine because they brought back Kaine. I am looking forward to seeing where this arc is going though despite the horrors I have heard about the Clone Saga.
+1

Avengers #15
What makes Avengers great with the Fear Itself storyline is that they don't explain shit so they can just have the team fighting the Hulk interspersed with the interviews between the team members that develop the character. I want to say I am tired of this whole format but damn they make some cool battles. I need to remember this for Socialfist.
+2

Avengers Academy #16
While Hank Pym faces Serpent-powered Titania and The Absorbing his students fight in New York. There is a bunch of cool stuff in this issue like Pym building a giant gate out of destroyed buildings literally by stacking them. The comic really hits though when in her fury, Veil kills one of the enemy soldiers and is forced to deal with the consequences of taking one's life.
+2

Deadpool #40
Not entirely sure how I feel about this issue of Deadpool. After his last rampage when Deadpool tried to commit suicide via the Hulk due to his realization that he had no friends, he got committed to an insane asylum in England where his psychologist has suggested plastic surgery to fix his face - and possibly his mind. This is an interesting idea but early on Deadpool's escape borders on the on the macabre more that the humorous. I am interested in where this goes though.
+1

Fear Itself #4
First off I would like to thank my friend Devin for getting Matt Fraction to sign a copy of Fear Itself #1 for me. Also thank you Matt Fraction for signing that.
This issue ramps up everything as the Serpent's fate and Thor's are revealed to be intertwined (since they are destined to kill each other). Meanwhile Captain America goes to avenger Bucky who was killed by the Red Skull and Tony Stark is forced to meet and deal with Odin. Thor gets tossed out of the Serpent's realm and comes face to face with evil-hammer powered The Hulk and The Thing. Shiny!
+2

Fear Itself: Deadpool #2
Last time Deadpool decided to throw the Walrus a bone in the form of a fake magical hammer to cash in on the whole "everyone is afraid of villains with hammers so why not give one to an idiot so I can stop them for money." The problem was the hammer was magic and Deadpool is finding out the hard way. Unlike the last issue which was a bit unbalanced the newest issue had some great laughs, especially in the form of Deadpool's biggest fan - a little girl and the bedroom of Cable's biggest fan which Deadpool sent the Walrus to destroy.
+1

Fear Itself: The Deep #2
I don't know but for whatever reason The Deep isn't really holding my interest. The battles might be too dialogue heavy. It might be that it doesn't feel like much is being accomplished. If anything it is like grinding in a video game - fighting monster after monster for more experience except they just get more and more tired. Let them punch Attuma already!
+0

Fear Itself: FF
Bunn (who also did The Deep) doesn't do much in this issue except show a bit of the psyche of the possessed Ben Grim aka The Thing. Because he is such an important villain though, nothing happens in the one-shot making it feel a bit wasted. It definitely feels more filler-y than anything and ultimately doesn't feel satisfying at all.
+0

Fear Itself: Fearsome Four
Duck yeah Howard the Dinosaur! When we last left our heroes Man-Thing had turned them all into monsters with his Nexus-y powers. As they quickly are defeated they find out that Psycho-Man is behind the Man-Thing's rage in an attempt to make a fear bomb with his emotion controlling I-pad. And then the tagline for the next issue is The Old New Fantastic Four Vs The New New Fearsome Four. Oh man, this is what a fun issue is.
+1

Fear Itself: Uncanny X-force
It is pretty easy to tell someone different is writing this issue of X-force. The characters don't mesh as well, the story is muddled and I have no idea what the goal or point is. Apparently the anti-Mutant group the Purifiers captured a mutant and plan on killing him but I have no idea what makes this so special (minus a limited number of mutants). Still, confusing, disorienting and not fun.
+0

FF #5-7
#5
Sue, Spider-man and Alex of the Power Pack face off against an evil Reed and nobody warned Sue. Seriously? Nobody thought to warn the people that there are evil Reed Richards? Dick move. And then the Inhumans returned from space. It was okay but nothing really grabbed me.
+0

#6
I have no idea what is going on in this issue. I picked up a brief recap of War of Kings which I haven't read but I guess the Inhumans control the Kree or something? Really unintelligible especially for newer readers. And then Black Bolt was back from the dead.
-1

#7
So Blackbolt returns and then is like "we gotta go and have an Inhumans meeting and Blackbolt finds out he married 4 other women including a horse. I still have no idea what any of this means. Comics Alliance, I need those annotate FF articles please! Unlike the past two though, there was some fun stuff like Black Bolt fighting a giant octopus in space.
+1

Day 2:

Herc #5
As Hectate and Kyknos (the son of Ares who hates Herc) team up to bring New York under the thrall of magic, Herc, Man-Bull and Basilisk head to The Isle of Coney to confront the foes. On a giant centipede subway. Fighting police officer bugbears on dragons. And fire breathing baboons. Nuff said!
+2

Heroes For Hire #9
While Paladin and Gargoyle (not the Gray French hammer-powered one, the Etrigan plus wings one) team up to clear Yancy Street after the Thing attacked, a drug dealer conquers his fear, mortality, and humanity becoming something monstrous. Meanwhile Shroud and Elektra (being paid extra to not kill) run into trouble in the shape of Puppeteer and Purple Man (and Purple Man's armies). Oh man this is fun stuff and I look forward to the next issue.
+2

Hulk #36-37
#36
Hulk, Zzzax and MODOK in a three way battle for problems Ross (aka Red Hulk) caused. Zzzax for the uninformed was a monster Ross controlled mentally to fight Bruce Banner way back. When MODOK 2 shows up hunting the beast Ross realizes the threat and stops MODOK by taking over Zzzax one more time to save his partner. MODOK runs away swearing revenge most likely having had absorbed the electric creature. The art and layouts in this book were great with tons of well conveyed action.
+2

#37
M.O.D.O.K. did capture Zzzax after all! As he watches below, the Red Hulk returns to fight Ben Grimm in a battle we saw a while back in the Avengers resulting in the destruction of Avenger's Tower. Meanwhile, the Red Hulk's other enemies send the Black Fog (the genetically enhanced serial killing boogeyman) to finish the job the Thing (hammer powered) started. M.O.D.O.K. decides he's going to need a front seat and oh man Jeff Parker knocks out another great issue!
+2

The Incredible Hulks Annual
Last time our Parker watched as alternate super powered (he stopped Galactus) and sort of evil Peter Parker got coma'd doing the right thing. Then Deadpool and alternate Deadpool (who was really Victor Von Doom) became friends until the alternate Wade Wilson (acting as Doom) killed his friend. Deadpool took revenge sending alternate Wade to Hell. Also alternate Bruce Banner is the Sorcerer Supreme who banished the Hulk to Hell and now regular Bruce Banner can't Hulk out. And alternate Hulk is a demon who just got let out.
So Deadpool is transfomed into Banner to act as a distraction for demon Hulk as alt-Banner undoes the banishment before sacrificing his life to kill the Hulk once and for all. Alt-Parker is then released from hell by the spirit of alt-Banner and comes back as Ghost Spider who sends the heroes back to their own world.
+2 +2 +2 Oh man. If that didn't sound awesome what is wrong with you?

The Incredible Hulks #632-633
#622
Arm'cheddon who wished for a giant war fleet in the wishing well a while back gets his turn against the Hulk with help from a captured She-Hulk and A-Bomb (Bruce Banner's cousin and best friend) who he poisons curing them of their Hulk-ability. As Arm'cheddon continues his assault he pushes the Hulk too far threatening Betty Ross (the Red She-Hulk) and leading the Hulk to kill mercilessly. Damn.
+2

#623
As Umar, lover of the Hulk and leader of the Dark Dimension steps up to bat against the Hulk, she takes him home with her ending the battle of monsters. With the Hulk as her consort she begins her conquest of the Dark Dimension but Amadeus Cho, professional Hulk fan has issues especially since Betty Ross got pulled in. Teaming up with Monica Rappaccini, Scientist Supreme (meaning she comes with sour cream and tomatoes) the world's foremost poison expert and scientist, they create a portal to send Dr. Strange, Cho and a cured (Rappaccini dealt with the poison) Jennifer Walters (formerly the She-Hulk) in after him only to find the world's magic gone and Tyrannus and Red She-Hulk bringing the ruckus. The conclusion is coming closer and it will be titanic.
+2

Journey Into Mystery #625
Oh man. So Loki is setting up a deal so Hel (of the Norse Hell) and Mephisto (of normal Hell) will team up and fight the Serpent. And Loki all the while is this little asshole who is too smart for his own good until you remember his looks are deceiving and then he kills himself to go to Limbo on his Hell Hound. The art, writing and everything else about this are fantastic.
+2

Moon Knight #3
So Marc Spector's brief history as a television producer is delved into and it is okay. It is just Marc Spector is a pretty big asshole here with the whole dressing up like Bullseye thing. And I just don't care for Echo who has a tv that can translate phone calls to text because she is deaf. Seriously I don't get how they can't fix her hearing. Moon Knight does very little for me which is sad because I wanted to really like Moon Knight. When I re-up my subs I don't think this will be on the list.
-1

Mystery Men #3
As the General gets closer to awakening his master, the Mystery Men meet some new friends in the form of The Surgeon, a surgeon burnt in a fire but left with an aftertaste...for revenge and Achilles, the archeologist hired by the General to retrieve Achille's bracelet. When the General's attempt to kill the Archeologist goes south, the bracelet takes over turning the Archeologist into Achilles. As Nix, the General's god rises though, time is running out for the Mystery Men.
+1

The New Avengers #14
Gonna drop some truth on everyone. Before I watched the new Avengers cartoon I had no idea who Mockingbird was so her almost death meant nothing to me. She came back though pumped up with super-soldier juice (ewww) just in time to see Spider-man leaving the New Avengers and for Sin to launch an assault. The issue meant more knowing and somewhat caring who Mockingbird was and I don't know, it was enjoyable and not much else to say.
+1

Spider-Girl #8
By my estimation it has been about 4 or 5 months since the last Spider-girl and with this being the conclusion of her own series, it was too long. Raven, the evil American Ninja wielding group gets beaten by the newly repowered Spider-girl, Spider-man and Red Hulk avenging her father's murder and saving the day in time for Spider-Island. This is sort of melancholy-ish for me since I really loved the series and I wish it could have run longer but it wasn't meant to be sadly.
+2

Thunderbolts #160
As the Thunderbolts B-team plans to escape, A-team goes after the hammer powered Juggernaut who is ready for a fight. Unfortunately Satanna causes Man-Thing to poof away into Fearsome Four territory so she sends in Ghost (the cybernetic man) into Juggernaut in a sort of psychic Egyptian hierogylpic landscape where they see the Juggernaut controlled by the Serpent while keeping the power of Cyttorak in check. The Serpent then casts them out of the psyche and the comic ends with a bang. Great art, great story and dialogue. Oh man this is just such an awesome book to read. If you need a new comic, pick up Thunderbolts.
+2

Ultimate Fallout #1
I am actually tearing up over this issue, it hit me that hard. The city mourns Peter Parker's death in their own way as the truth comes out. When it comes to Aunt May meeting a child who Spider-man had saved though and the two of them hug, I honestly lost it. Macho points were lost but damn this was good.
+2
(I will get 2 and 3 in a week or so, my LCBS was sold out of it.)

Uncanny X-force #12
After getting stranded in the Age of Apocalypse, the remaining survivors and the X-force team up to get the Life Seeds, the one items capable of stopping Apocalypse once and for all - and the only way to save Archangel. The problem is Jean Grey and Wolverine are getting a little too close, the Sentinels found them and the team sent to stop the big base ran into The Black Legion who may be the best alternate world villains ever including Grimm Chamber (Ben Grimm + Chamber - the mutant who is a furnace inside), White Cloak (who seems to be Cloak and Dagger), Iron Ghost (Ghost Rider in the Iron Man Armor), Zombie Sentry (self explanatory), The Blob, Orange Hulk, Manphibian, Beta Red and Demon-Ock. Oh, and the alternate universe Wolverine. Snap!
+2

Venom #4-5
#4
As Venom races against the clock and Spider-man to save Betty and stop the vibranium shipment Venom's grudge with Spider-man and the return of Jack O'Lantern spice things up with bombs and distractions resulting in Spider-man saving Betty and Flash Thompson feeling resentment towards Spider-man, perhaps leading to some shared feelings with the Symbiote....
+1

#5
From the battlefield returns the warrior to find that his home is not as it was left and his experience in the war has darkened his vision. Before Flash can reconnect with Betty, he's called to find his father, the driving force behind Flash Thompson, the unappeasable father archetype. Flash is confronted with where his anger can lead and it sobered by it before being called off once more to serve his country. Also he fought the Human Fly in a classic Venom in the bell tower battle. All together really solid.
+2

And that is all of the Marvel with the point total at +42. Wheeeew. Day 2 finished at 4:37 am.


DC

Batman Inc #7
Man-Of-Bats and Raven, the Native American Batman Inc team get their time to shine both by having a light cast on them and creating a large back history through artifacts and connections. The comic has some fun ideas in it and I do like the Bats cave but the entire feeling over the issue seemed muddled to me. Is it supposed to be joking or what. I enjoyed it but it felt middling compared to what something more focused might have been.
+1

Flashpoint #3
So I like alternate universe stories and Flashpoint does some neat stuff but it does it poorly. Exposition heavy at times, the characters sort of lack much personality and feel like they are being dragged along. Also the Flash has to electrocute himself a second time in what is a really stupid comic. Seriously ugh. I do like Superman though as the emaciated and captured alien kept from the sun but the series doesn't really change anything, especially since after this the entire universe will change. Why not have people dying? Why not do more? Not bad but lacking courage and fun.
+0

Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #2
Frankenstein and his creature friends escape from the clutches of General Lane only for him to chase them down with G.I Robot and the granddaughter of their commander who had died trying to save them With grudges and parties at each other, Frankenstein discovers his next destination in Romania just in time to get surrounded. As the the creatures fight Lane's men and defeat them a new threat enters - Frankenstein's wife. Overall not as good as the first one (due to lack of Hitler killing) but still major fun.
+2

Flashpoint: Green Arrow Industries
If this title wasn't a one shot it could be one of the best Flashpoint stories out there. Oliver Queen, commonly the Green Arrow is in the business of converting supervillain tech into weapons. The problem is he doesn't keep track well, his factories get attacked and people want revenge. The common people. When his base is assaulted by a mysterious intruder intent on bringing his evils (that he isn't aware of to light) Queen is hit with his legacy - the fact that he is hurting people and by meeting his daughter. The story is compact, fun and action pact like an Iron Man story and honestly, I wouldn't mind the real Green Arrow doing this.
+2

Flashpoint: Project Superman #1
A super soldier that loses humanity. That is the idea behind Project Superman. Neil Sinclair is a willing test subject in General Lane's race to make an American superhero but a disconnection from humanity and the beginning of omnipotence causes him to be feared and put on ice, seen more as a danger than a savior. The transformation and growth of powers and even the use is creatively done effectively putting you in his shoes. I need to remember to get the next issues of the series when they come out.
+2

Superman #713
Clark Kent decides Superman needs to go away and become a hidden crime fighter. The on;y thing that stops him - one of Superman's fans who reminds Clark and Superman why the world needs him. Superman does what is right for people. He defends them above all. He doesn't attempt to control anything and ultimately he cares. That is what Superman should be doing and should know in the depths of his heart. This is what the real Superman and all true heroes should know. This is what Chris Roberson shows and this is why he should have been given full command over the relaunch. Superman is the hero that makes me want to do more in my life, to be a better person and the fact that Chris Roberson can tell a good story at the same time - well that is just icing on the cake.
+2

Superman/Batman #86
If you recall I really didn't like the last issue of Superman/Batman but this one got it right. They totally absolved Batman of doing anything wrong, reminded Superman that Batman is ultimately good and dealt with the whole embezzling thing. When Batman takes tech from Wayne it is covered by insurance which is also owned by Bruce Wayne who then returns the money. The twist comes that it seems that the Joker killed the reporter and is about to try and kill Clark Kent. Oh man!
+1

Xombi #4 and #5
Xombi is a story that would do really well as a trade with everything collected and while I don't remember everything going on, there are giant floating immortal space cities and seriously, pick up the book. It is a bit confusing with breaks between releases but seriously, pick it up or wait for the trade (since DC is canceling the series after the reboot).
+2/+2

Zatanna #15
When a group of witch hunters target and mute Zatanna so she can't fully cast spells she has to use her other powers - intelligence and strength to save herself. I like the issue because Zatanna would totally be a character who would be prepared for this sort of thing. I mean not being able to use magic. Things did go macabre though when she sent the witch hunters back to Salem where they were burnt at the stake. No wonder Batman can't love you! Besides that though, this was another fun issue.
+1

DC Total - +15

Third Party Books

Hellboy: The Fury #2
As Hellboy faces the beast (I forget which one and it is late so I won't go searching) Alice goes to find out what is happening ( a bunch of witches commit suicide to escape torture). It's the apocalypse and Ragnarok all in one big Hellboy package!
+1

The Li'l Depressed Boy #5
After finding out the girl he liked and thought he was dating was actually dating someone else, LDB needed someone to lean on in the form of his friend Drew. As they hang out and trying to ignore the problems things look a little better until Drew gets arrested leaving LDB stranded out in the middle of a long highway with nowhere to go.
+1

The Sixth Gun #13
A train robbery of the corpse of the still undead General Hume, the low down dog too evil for the evil, conducted by servants of his wife who hired a necromancer to send a group of train robbing undead and a mummy to get his corpse and the 5 guns currently held by Drake Sinclair and Becky Montcrief. Big shiny train fights, plenty of shooting all rendered in wonderful color. Yes! This is a comic you should catch up with immediately. Don't let the train pass you by.
+2

Third Part Total - +4

Day 3 finished at 3:04 am.

For the totals, that is
Marvel: +42 with with 32 titles.
DC: +15 with 10 titles.
TPB: +4 with three titles.

Next week - regular review schedule.

ROUND 21: Comics For June 29, 2011 Vacation Edition

Welcome to week 1 of Vacation Comics-Athon. When I met the effluvious (not a real word) Rusty Shackles I ended up grabbing an issue I was looking for of the Rocketeer Adventures and I stopped off at the wonderful Laughing Ogre Comics in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday and along with a new Transmetropolitan volume and the Nextwave complete TPB I got a few comics I'd not seen before.

Back Rack, Meshach and Abendnego


Rocketeer Adventures #2
I will repeat that if I am aware that there is an attractive Betty Page-ish girl in a book, I will be more likely to buy it. It is the same rule that got me to finally get a copy of The Spirit #14 reviewed in Round 15 that I bought for similar reasons. So far my belief that Betty Page look-alikes in comics mean quality has stood up. The new Rocketeer Adventures is a fun blast of nostalgia with wildly different stories, brassy dames and wonderful art. And everything requires little knowledge of the world or setting so you can pick up these books.
Favorite Comic
Score: +2


Gladstone's School For World Conquerors
I like supervillains and I too have desired to conquer the world. Gladstone's is a place I would like to go fully of interesting and bright characters, storylines that are shaping up to something and a fun environment. If I had kids I'd give them this book and if I weren't going to get visited by the police I'd hand this book out to kids on the street. The book is a lot of fun so hook up a younger reader.
Score: +1




The Sandman Presents Petrefax
Petrefax came from that Sandman story World's End where he decided to leave his master to explore the worlds and this story follows the young mortician on his journey. The problem is the journey is full of tropes with confusing characters and really a lack of wonderment leaving it a very dry story, at least for me. While I found the characters interesting nothing ever felt vital or at risk and the 100 pages quickly became a bore to read through. It lacks the fun or magic of Gaiman but it is far from horrible. In the end like a corpse it is very dry.
Score: +0


Hulk-Sized Mini-Hulks
I decided to try another kids book this week because I'd see the Mini-Hulks back up feature and decided to give it a try. HSMH left me without much enjoyment. The jokes follow a painfully dull format. While it is a gag a day style strip, that in no way means it has to be dull. What could be an enjoyable book just feels like a newspaper strip with better printing qualities. I'd not give this to a kid.
Score: -1




The Spirit #14
This may be my favorite single issue ever. I reviewed it twice, I've kept on rereading it. It is a great issue of comics. BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT!

Score: + All The Points



































IDW: +2
Veritgo: +0
Image: +1
Marvel: -1
DC: + All The Points

...and then DC got all the points for the week. See you next week internet when I pick up some comics with Joe Hunter of Changeling and then I yell at him I guess.