Welcome back to the MC2, Multiversity’s panel of noted Marvel experts. The three of us (MC3 sounded weird) are covering Marvel’s straight up CALVACADE of “Secret Wars” tie-ins! This week, we tackle “Red Skull”, “Future Imperfect”, and more whilst giving up our own thoughts on the event as a whole! Feel free to join in the conversation in the comments and let us know what you think about Marvel’s latest crossover. Spoilers below!
Micro-Reviews
Red Skull #1
Written by Joshua Williams
Illustrated by Luke Pizzari
Reviewed by Alice W. Castle
As the weeks have gone on and we begin to get more and more used to the Battleworld and what the tie-ins to “Secret Wars” have in store for us, the more and more I appreciate the ones that catch me off guard. To say I wasn’t sure what to expect would be an understatement as it was a book I had heard little about prior to actually reading it and, thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. The basic premise is this: the Red Skull was an asshole, surprising no one, and tried to overthrow Doom (I still don’t know why Doom would bring Red Skull back, knowing he’s like the Most Evil Man possible, but, hey, whatever) and was sent off into the Deadlands to, well, die. Except now he’s being viewed as a martyr by people across Battleworld and Doom has put together a ragtag group of not-quite-heroes, not-quite-villains to venture into the Deadlands and make sure he’s dead.
Seeing Joshua Williamson’s name on the cover, I knew this was going to be good. The “Nailbiter” writer has proved himself time and again and his writing didn’t disappoint here. However, as this is a three issue miniseries (as opposed to the rest of the tie-ins, which are ongoings? yeah right…), this issue focuses a whole lot more on set-up than the actual search for Skull. The majority of the issue is dedicated to the team leader – I don’t want to spoil their identity as it’s a pretty cool idea – explaining to the team the mission and why they’re all there. It’s a sequence that gets just a tad longwinded and I found myself relieved when the story finally transitioned into the Deadlands. Unfortunately, by that point, the issue was pretty much over and we only get a taste of what the team experiences. Still, it should be a sign of how much I enjoyed myself with this issue that I wanted more, right?
While Williamson’s writing was solid throughout the book, the artwork by Pizzari was a little more rocky. For the majority of the issue, it’s actually pretty stellar. The style is rough and the inks heavy and thick and it brings a very rough aesthetic to the book which is perfect for the nitty gritty feel of the writing. This is a look at a seedier side of Battleworld than we’ve seen before and Pizzari’s style definitely works. The problem is that when the issue finally gets to the Deadlands, Pizzari’s artwork loses a lot of detail in the linework of the larger panels. Trying to handle such a large environment while keeping the six main characters accounted for and then layering a hoard of zombies on top of that means things go from rough to messy. It’s unfortunate as that’s the big action beat for the issue and is supposed to hook us to come back for the next issue, but Pizarri’s art loses some of the effectiveness it had in the beginning.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – Despite some flaws, one of the more genuinely enjoyable books to come out of “Secret Wars”.
A-Force #2
Written by Marguerite Bennett and G. Willow Wilson
Illustrated by Jorge Molina
Reviewed by Alice W. Castle
Surprising no one, “A-Force” continues to be very enjoyable. I’ve started looking forward to any week that a new issue of “A-Force” comics out as that’s now two for two in assuring that there will be at least one good “Secret Wars” tie-in that comes out that week. This issue, the rest of A-Force learn about the existence of the mysterious girl who looks like cosmos and must figure out what to do with her, which naturally sparks some disagreements because superheroes just can’t agree on anything these days. Then a Sentinel shows up and we all have a lot of fun as A-Force dismantles it by punching it a whole bunch.
Continued belowThis issue is simple, but effective. There aren’t a lot of big plot revelations and instead focuses on the smaller moments as it establishes Nico’s protective feelings over the newcomer because of her guilt over losing America and She-Hulk’s reluctance in believing the newcomer means trouble because she doesn’t want a repeat of what happened to America. This is a nice touch and it’s great to see one of these tie-ins slow down a little and focus on the characters instead of just charging on full steam ahead. Wilson and Bennett take a lot of care this issue to blend the action with characterisation this issue and it’s all the more enjoyable for it.
Jorge Molina’s artwork is beautiful, there I said it. This book looks stunning, regardless of if we’re seeing the A-Force team up to take down a Sentinel or if they’re all just standing around chatting. Molina’s style is animated and full of exaggerated expressions, but is graceful and beautiful at the same time. It’s hard to be objective about a book when everyone is so goddamn adorable throughout the book. Molina really shines, as you might imagine, during the fight scene with the Sentinel. His art is action packed and fast paced and the fight feels huge and dangerous while his storytelling remains crystal clear, never obfuscating what is happening to the reader. It also gives us a chance to see A-Force and action as a team and Molina pulls it off spectacularly, showing how each member play off of one another to take down the Sentinel.
“A-Force” #2 isn’t exactly going to blow you out of the water as it chooses to slow down and focus on the character ramifications of the last issue instead of trying to throw another plot curveball at the reader, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. The writing is a lot of fun and mixes the nuances of great characters with a big action set piece that is a blast to read and really showcases Jorge Molina’s talents.
Final Verdict: 7.2 – Just a fun comic and is there any more you can ask from it?
Secret Wars Journal #3
Written by Hot Soccermom & Frank Tieri
Illustrated by RB Silva & Richard Isanove
Reviewed by Jess Camacho
Secret Wars Journal” rolls on with two new stories in this anthology format miniseries. These minis stories so far have been a mixed bag and this week’s “Secret Wars Journal” is really the definition of that.
The first story, “Who Killed Tony Stark?” by Frank Tieri and Richard Isanove that is exactly what it’s advertised as. Someone in Old Town killed Tony Stark and now Wolverine is tasked with finding out who did it. I have to admit, I’m kind of annoyed that this is in this issue. This contains a lot of stuff and it ends up being rushed because it’s got to be a story told over just a few pages. You have an appearance from Pepper Potts and a bigger conspiracy surrounding the murder of Stark that should have gotten the attention of the Thor Corps. However, because Tieri and Isanove had such a limited amount of space, none of this gets explored more. Richard Isanove’s art is a dark, pulpy style that I usually like but for all the great facial expressions and old Hollywood like costumes there are a fair share of problems. The shadows can be a bit much and you lose what’s happening in some scenes. I’m all for a character being hidden a bit but there are times in this story where you can’t make out what they’re conveying visually. It’s too heavy. There are a couple of times where Wolverine’s face changes a little bit and it’s a little disorienting.
The second story “The Smashing Cure” by Scott Aukerman and RB Silva is quite charming. Near The Greenland (a zone of all Hulks), Doc Samson is working as an anger management counselor. In this world, which we saw in “Planet Hulk”, gamma radiation has been unleashed on everyone. Everyone can turn into a Hulk and it’s caused major problems. Doc Samson is trying to keep as many people as he can civil and teach them to control their anger so that their world doesn’t become some kind of wasteland. Obviously we know this is what happens but this story is very focused on Doc Samson’s session with a young Peter Parker. He’s Hulked out and dealing with the aftermath of Uncle Ben’s death. Aukerman writes a really funny but very heartfelt story that works as something short. It also ties into one of the bigger series happening and that makes it feels like matters more which is a big bonus. It’s not absolutely vital information but it fleshes out a specific part of the Battleworld in a way that connects you to it more. RB Silva’s art is really fun. Some of the more distanced facial expressions come off a little muddled but the up close moments are very good. Silva can get very animated and the Hulk scenes, especially the massive scene in traffic, is a ton of fun.
Continued belowAgain, these anthology series aren’t really necessary to what’s happening in “Secret Wars” but you can get a nice, enjoyable story from them. If you’re committed to this event, I could recommend this for the Doc Samson story alone.
Final Verdict: 7.3
Future Imperfect #2
Written by Peter David
Illustrated by Greg Land
Reviewed by James Johnston
I feel like, at all times, Marvel should have a special corner of the Marvel universe to kind of let Peter David do whatever he wants. I’m like half sure that’s what “X-Factor” was. “Spider-Man 2099” hasn’t been filling that gap for me lately, but “Future Imperfect” is sure scratching my Peter David itch.
After The Maestro was appointed Baron of a place literally named Dystopia by Doom, Ruby Summers and another X-Factor favorite team up to destroy his regime. This issue in particular features a no-holds-barred fight between Bruce Banner and his old arch-foe and demonstrates how Greg Land can be… kind of good sometimes? Sure, all of his female characters are still lifted from the nearest Sears catalog but damn if he can’t draw a brutal brawl. Land’s not my first (or second choice) for an artist, but he’s not so bad once you get past the model pasting he’s prone to.
The best thing I can say about “Future Imperfect” is that it helps elevate titles around it. It’s not JUST a nostalgia grab that loosely ties into the Battleworld concept, it attacks it straight on. Some readers might not be totally familiar with David’s characters but at least their goals are super clear. For contrast, you’re about to read my “Ultimate End” review and I don’t even know what was going on for the credits page of that book.
Final Verdict: 7.6 – “Future Imperfect” #2 features a satisfying brawl and some truly dastardly villains. Those not overtly familiar with David’s backlog might be slightly lost but at least you can never really go wrong with a Hulk vs. Thing fight.
Ultimate End #3
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by Mark Bagley
Reviewed by James Johnston
As a millenial, I feel I should explain my weird relationship with the Ultimate Universe. I’ve never known a world without it. For better or for worse, it’s a huge part of my vision of Marvel, as well as the visions of plenty of other people. It’s a monumental imprint, one that more or less invented the modern Marvel Cinematic Universe. So how funny is it that it’s dying in this dumpster fire of a tie-in? Truth: Ultimates vs. Avengers could have been the plot of “Secret Wars” if only Marvel’s spinner wheel didn’t choose Hickman and his Doom fetish.
For one, I kind of don’t know what’s going on in “Ultimate End.” I know that the Ultimates and Avengers are upset at each other, but that’s more or less it. Both universes have clashed but so has every other universe? None of this is helped by Bagley’s art which seems disjointed to say the least. The sequence of events in “Ultimate Ends” could be illustrated on a seismometer. The biggest compliment I can give to this issue is that, when Frank Castle(s) show up, everything goes insane in ways that please me.
The greatest tragedy behind “Ultimate End” is that I truly have nothing to say about it. It’s a blip of a comic book that I can’t imagine will appeal to anyone previously invested in the Ultimates. It’s a major crossover stuffed into a corner of an even bigger one. How can I care about Hulk vs. Ultimate Hulk when Doom is literally turning into a god four blocks away?
Final Verdict: 3.2 – This is the Ultimate world ends. Not with a bang, but with a “meh.”
Years of Future Past #3
Written by Marguerite Bennett
Illustrated by Mike Norton
Reviewed by Alice W. Castle
You know we, as the MC2, have kind of come by the rule of thumb that our favourite “Secret Wars” tie-ins seem to be the one that focus on their own, insular story that’s entirely separate from the main story? I think, given that, “Years Of Future Past” is my favourite “Secret Wars” tie-in. It’s a story that takes its inspiration from a well known and loved story and uses that as a jumping off point to explore the ignorance of the world that has evolved since 1981. Marguerite Bennett and Mike Norton have created a story that is the perfect example of what a good X-Men story should be: it takes the superheroic conflict between the mutants and those who hate them and uses that to talk about the real life ignorance and hatred people face every day because they are ignorant.
Continued belowThis issue, much like “A-Force” #2, slows things down a lot. Picking up from where the first issue left off, our band of mutant heroes are being hunted by Sentinels and are forced underground to find the mutant sanctuary of Centrum to hold up. This allows Bennett to really dig into the personalities of Chrisse Pryde and Cameron, the daughter of Shadowcat and Colossus and the son of Wolverine, who serve as the book’s new generation of mutants and their hope for future. Bennett does a great job of showing them bond and relax in this safe haven despite the horrors they’ve seen up above and it’s heartwarming to read. This is framed by a focus on the plan to rescue Senator Kelly and the way the media are portraying the mutants as terrorists that set up how things will likely go in the next issue and beyond.
Mike Norton is kind of the unsung hero of “Years Of Future Past”. While this issue certainly focuses on a lot of walking and talking, it could have been so easy for the art to take a backseat and let the dialogue do all the talking. Instead, Norton puts his all into this book, filling the world with characters who are varied and immediately recognisable and feel real in how they emote in each panel. This isn’t a case of moving stock characters from one place to another between panels, Norton conveys the motion of these characters amazingly well and makes the art just as interesting as the writing. Not only that, but he excels at what few action beats we do see in this issue by focusing the action around the powers and personalities of each character. Hell, we even get a fastball special.
“Years Of Future Past” is so good, I forgot it was tied to “Secret Wars” until, like, the third last page when Doom is referenced. That is amazing to me as Bennett and Norton have managed to create a mythology within the Battleworld framework that works entirely on its own without the main story to support it through incredibly well-written characters and smart dialogue and gorgeous art that bring the world, messed up as it is, to life.
Final Verdict:: 8.6 – Even if you’re not reading the main “Secret Wars” book, you should definitely be reading this.
Giant-Size Little Marvel: AVX #2
Written & Illustrated by Skottie Young
Reviewed by Jess Camacho
If you’ve been reading this column for any length of time, you would have noticed that one of our biggest pet peeves has been the feeling that none of these tie-ins really matter to the bigger plot of “Secret Wars”. As this whole thing has gone on, I’ve kind of moved to the place where I don’t so much care anymore if the miniseries is good. “Giant – Size Little Marvel Avengers vs. X-Men” (now referred to as “Little Marvel AvX” from here out) is a tie in that has nothing to do with “Secret Wars” outside of taking place in the Battleworld but is easily the most fun miniseries going on.
“Little Marvel AvX” #2 picks up with the loose plot of new kids moving into town. The Avengers and the X-Men are fighting over the allegience of these two and it leads to a dodgeball game that quickly devolves into super powered chaos. Later at school, they decided to invite them to both secret clubhouses but again, that turns into another big fight.
Skottie Young absolutely nails ever part of this issue. The humor is amazing with the jokes coming from self-referential humor and straight up playground style rivalries. The classroom scene is great wit the highlight being Hulk’s transformation for being denied a bathroom pass. The silliness of this isn’t down played at all. I mean, the super secret clubhouses were right next to each other. Young channels Tiny Toon Adventures with the jokes because they’re not only funny to adults but there’s no reason why you couldn’t give this to a little kid. It makes me long for something like this in the Marvel mainstream line. “Rocket Raccoon” was a blast but this is absolutely something that should always exist because of the amount of characters it will introduce younger readers to.
Continued belowSkottie Young has a niche but he doesn’t really settle on the same thing over and over. He’s done so many covers with so many scenarios but the guy keeps doing new things that are bound to put a smile on your face. The expressions are cartoony and the action is over the top and not a page goes by where you don’t laugh. It’s the little things like Venom’s house being covered in symbiote goo and Cable’s crazy eyes when he’s shooting off all his weapons that really add something extra. Jean – Francois Beaulieu’s colors are simple but effective. This is bright, fanciful and really pops.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – “Giant – Size Little Marvel Avengers Vs. X-Men” #2 is a blast and I wish something like this existed outside of “Secret Wars”
X-Tinction Agenda #2
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Illustrated by Carmine Di Giandomenico & Noland Woodard
Reviewed by Jess Camacho
I wasn’t crazy about the first issue of this series and unfortunately I can’t say anything much better about this one. Once again we get the X-Men fighting each other instead of working together to save their own asses. Havok, Rahne and their team of desperate mutants have gone to the X-City to abduct Triage in the hope of saving the sick mutants on Genosha. The entire issue is an extended fight scene where we once again wach Hank McCoy struggle with making choices revolving around time travel that he probably shouldn’t be doing anymore.
“X-Tinction Agenda” #2 is kind of weird. It’s one giant fight scene but there’s some cool moments, specifically the Genoshan mutans level of preparation. However, for a second issue, there is a real lack of introduction here. Rachel Grey and Beast have this entire conversation early on about traveling the timeline and it really comes out of nowhere. It adds an extra bit to this story that I don’t think really needs to be here given that this is taking place over a finite amount of issues. It seems like an odd critique but when there’s glimmers of an interesting philosophical debate over whether X-City did enough to help Genosha, this just feels like a waste of time. It also again attempts to villify Beast the way Brian Michael Bendis did during his X-Men run and it’s honestly one of my biggest pet peeves about that run so I’m not happy to see it here.
Carmine Di Giandomenico does an okay job on pencils. I think he creates some very dynamic and big action scenes. He’s got a knack for interpreting power sets and the costumes are very well done. My problem is more with some of the facial expressions. I think the eyes on everyone can look a bit too similar. They all have this squinty, pained expression and in a lot of instances, it doesn’t work. Nolan Woodard’s colors are bright in a dark world and the action scenes really come alive thanks to the way he brings to life the different power sets.
“X-Tinction Agenda” #2 has some things going for it that with proper execution would probably be something I’d be into much more as an X-Men fan.
Final Verdict: 6.5 – This is a miniseries falling flat and it’s a shame because there are some elements here that could lead to something great.
Final Thoughts
James: I’m still feeling a little overwhelmed with all these comics, but at least I’m beginning to discern the focus of most of them. “Little Marvel” is just a really fun time, “Future Imperfect” and “Red Skull” help flesh out Battleworld and its domains, and I don’t know what’s happening in “Ultimate End.” I think I like Brian Michael Benis a lot more when he’s not writing Mark Millar fan fiction.
I’ve been mulling this over and I don’t know if there’s any tie-in I would really try and recommend to my friends. I know that’s not a foolproof scale of what makes a good comic or not, but I feel its relevant for Marvel’s big summer event. I’m stuck in this weird place where I can’t determine if I like a lot of these tie-ins because they’re good or because I’m already familiar with their characters. Was “Future Imperfect” really good or do I just really like “X-Factor”? I don’t know if Marvel anticipated people having these anxieties but dozens of titles based off nostalgia bumps are truly not helping.
Continued belowStill, Hot Saucerman got his name on a Marvel comic so I’d say this was one of the better weeks thus far. When’s J.W. Stillwater meeting Daredevil?
Jess: So this week was definitely an improvement from last week. I think that was just because there were more things out that I was actually looking forward to reading. “Red Skull” was kind of a weird adventure that I’m sort of on board for. I like the idea of a guerrilla warfare Red Skull but I am a bit cautious about crazy Nazi guy coming off like a hero. I did enjoy the next issue of “Years of Future Past” because it got into some interesting thematic things in a post 9/11 world but it may have been a bit heavy handed. “A-Force” continues to be super entertaining for me and I’m actually looking forward to how this unfolds. Obviously the big thing this week was the release of “Secret Wars” #4. That was cray cray. Cyclops got owned which gives me weird feelings as a long time X-Men reader. It was also fairly shocking and what would be cool would be seeing what happened at the end impact the rest of the tie-ins. I’m fine with the tie-ins not meaning a lot as long as they’re great but it’s a development that should
have an impact. I guess it’d be safe to assume that’s why tie-ins got delayed when “Secret Wars” #4 did?
Alice: This week, I’m happy to report that I had a lot of fun with the books I read. “Secret Wars” #4 continues to be the main event we’ve all been waiting for and each issue continues to be incredibly strong, but for once I’d say even some of the tie-ins outshone it. “Years Of Future Past” #2 was so good, I’m going to be sad when it’s over. “A-Force” #2 was a blast with some gorgeous art. “Future Imperfect” is still better than it has any right to be. Hell, even “Ultimate End” seemed to improve a lot this week, although not by as much as I’d want.
This is perhaps the first week where there hasn’t been a stand out “Why are we even doing this again?” for me that pulled me out of any of the books. Everything just seemed to line up and I’m very hopeful that this is the point where everyone started getting into the rhythm of Battleworld and that we’ll continue to see more and more weeks full of enjoyable books like this week was.
Or it’ll all crash and burn and we’ll go insane trying to cover it all. Y’know, either or.
