The MC2 Presents: Secret Warriors, Week 8

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 “Age of Apocalypse”, “Civil War”, 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

Civil War #1
Written by Charles Soule
Illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu
Reviewed by James Johnston

The record more or less shows that, below “Identity Crisis”, “Civil War” is on the list of my least favorite things about comics. Specifically how it ended with Captain America recognizing THE TRUE HEROES and its debates about legislature. And Penance. Oh my god Penance. As such, I wasn’t exactly thrilled to read this new “Civil War”. But what I found wasn’t a retread on an overrated book, but a compelling expansion of the original story.

“Civil War” finds Captain America and Iron Man having divided the country in half after the climax of the original conflict ended with St. Louis completely destroyed. There are forces at work to keep the two sides from arranging a peaceful resolution and bringing the United States back together. Funnily enough, I am straight up mystified at how big some of these domains are. The entirety of Marvel 2099 got one city but Civil War gets the entire continental US? Ridiculous.

What I like about this “Civil War” compared to the one from 2006 (THAT WAS NINE YEARS AGO! YOU ARE OLD!) is how it doesn’t feel the need to undermine anyone’s characterization. In the old series, Tony Stark just turned into this weird semi-fascist dick because someone had to. Here, he’s been manipulated into seeing Steve Rogers as the dude who not only sides with the people who blew up Stamford, but who might have caused the incident in St. Louis. It’s a bold choice, but one that reminds me I’m reading a superhero comic and not a pretentious ass post-9/11 debate from the point of view of one writer. Or at least I was, until Steve and Tony sit down in a room together and discuss their political ideologies. BOO! BOOOOO!!

In addition to helping clean up some characterizations and adding some genuine intrigue, I’m pretty excited to see Francis Leinil Yu on this book. He’s not the type of artist I would put on a small-scale faux-indie comic, but perfect for big event stuff like this. Though some of his close-ups are a bit, uh, eccentric, there are still some cool moments in the form of St. Louis’s destruction and the arrival of Stature. Seriously, major props to colorist Sunny Gho for selling the impact of that moment with a nice lens flare.

Final Verdict: 6.8 – “Civil War” #1 started off pretty stellar until it decided it was time to sit down and start politicking. If we can move away from that and get more into the “Captain America is going to punch Iron Man with the power of the entire West Coast”, I’ll be pleased. Fans of the 2006 series should be pleased, but there’s enough at stake here to draw in the newer fans as well.

Age of Apocalypse #1
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Illustrated by Gerardo Sandoval
Reviewed by Jess Camacho

When it comes to X-Men epics, “Age of Apocalypse” is as epic as you can get. This was a world that, at one point, completely replaced what was then the Marvel 616, but was eventually retconned into an alternate universe. In “Age of Apocalypse”, Legion went back in time to try and kill Magneto. He arrives at a point where he and Xavier are still buddies and ends up killing his dad instead of Magneto. Apocalypse watches this and then this is where he decides to attack and take over the world.

That’s the world we find ourselves back in with “Age of Apocalypse” #1. The issue opens with Destiny running away with Doug Ramsey, a young mutant with language powers. He’s wanted by Apocalypse for a reason unknown to almost all the characters. Holocaust, Apocalypse’s son and head Horseman is in the Savage Land to get him when the X-Men arrive to try and save him. This goes horribly wrong, they all die and Doug ends up with Apocalypse. The issue re-introduces us to this world and who’s living in it and sets up a new story within this world that’s been explored so much already.

Nicieza is a creator who worked during the crazy times that were the 1990’s and that’s why this works for what it is. This isn’t the best of the “Secret Wars” tie-ins but it doesn’t hide what it is. This is a steroid fueled 90’s tribute that never allows itself to get into the more offensive nonsense that went down back then. The story is framed nicely thanks to Doug being a likable kid mixed up in more than he can handle and some of the dark versions of these characters are quite fun. The problem is that we really don’t learn a lot about the conflict driving this miniseries until the end. It’s almost too much build up without enough payoff.

Gerardo Sandoval gives us big, crazy artwork that features anatomy defying biceps and lots and lots of pouches. I don’t have a deep nostalgic tie to that era of comics but when approaching something like this, you either go big or don’t bother. Sandoval goes big. The first splash page of the issue is this huge image of Holocaust trying to kill the X-Men and it’s a doozy. Holocaust is massive looks like the most 90s villain imaginable with one exception, the execution is good. It knows what it is and Sandoval gives us this big action book with lots of fun visual moments.

Final Verdict: 7.5 – “Age of Apocalypse” is not something every reader is going to really “get” but those who do will have fun with how 90’s it is.

Spider-Island #1
Written by Christos Gage & Tom Defalco
Illustrated by Paco Diaz & Ron Frenz
Reviewed by James Johnston

Real talk: I completely forgot the original “Spider-Island” event was a thing until I picked this up. WHOOPS!

“Spider-Island” focuses on Most Underappreciated Character of the 2010’s, Flash Thompson in his Venom suit, as he fights back againts a Manhattan that has been overrun by spider-people. Like “Civil War”, I’m happy that “Spider-Island” asks the main question at the heart of these tie-ins: What have this storyline went on forever? The wider scope this book has kind of makes me appreciate the original series a little bit more, and helps it stand apart. Plus, Flash Thompson’s unorthodox solutions and Paco Diaz’s messed up depiction of the spider-heroes should be enough to pique interest.

But that’s not all “Spider-Island” has! Readers will be surprised to find a Spider-Girl story in the back written by the original team of Tom Defalco and Ron Frenz. The art makes it look a little dated, but that might be a comfort for “Spider-Girl” fans. Frenz just makes it look like another issue in the series. The story focuses on Mayday Parker dealing with her dad’s death in “Spider-Verse” (the event from last year, not the tie-in from this year) after being framed for it by fellow hero American Dream. I’m not so hot on this story compared to “Spider-Island”, but that may be because I never found myself on the “Spider-Girl” hype train when it was first released. Die-hard Spider-Girl fans will assumedly have a great time with the back-up and all the faces it brings back, but newer readers might get a little sidelined by the early 2000’s feel of it all.

Final Verdict: 7.1 – “Spider-Island” #1 features two fan-pleasing stories for the price of one. I really want a tally of how many Battleworld tie-ins focus on an underground resistance group fighting against whoever rules their domain. That’s like 80% of them right?

1872 #1
Written by Gerry Duggan
Illustrated by Evan “Doc” Shaner
Reviewed by Alice W. Castle

When this whole “Secret Wars” thing was being announced, “1872” was one of the titles I knew I was going to be reading no matter what. The idea of Marvel characters as set in a Western is one that I think is genius and second only to the idea of having Steve Rogers be sherriff. That’s really all you need to know going into “1872” as this is one of the more self-contained tie-ins we’ve encountered (in that it could easily just not be connected to “Secret Wars” and would still work just as well) and this issue lays out everything you need to know.

Duggan and Virella do a great job creating a first issue with “187” #1 that introduces us to all the major players in the story, their connections to one another and a glimpse into their history together. This isn’t that easy when you have so many characters and interconnecting grudges, but this issue is cram packed with the history of the town of Timely and what has lead to this situation they’ve found themselves in. They also manage to juggle introducing all these elements with keeping the story engaging with a number of action scenes that Virella illustrates wonderfully.

Nik Virella is a fantastic artist and her artwork here suits “1872” perfectly. Her linework has a scratchy, gritty edge to it, but manages to keep her figures clean and recognisable. The linework in the backgrounds is usually pretty thick and heavy, often creating large, dark shadows and this also contributes to the gritty edge that “1872”’s artwork has. Virella’s storytelling techniques in this issue are also impeccable as she crafts pages built around one or two panels of wideshots while keeping the pace lively and focused with a number of smaller panels focusing on close-ups.

All in all, I would recommend “1872” #1 even if you haven’t read a single “Secret Wars” issue up to this point. Hell, I would recommend this issue even if you haven’t read a comic before. Sure, you won’t get the in-jokes the way someone who is invested in the Marvel Universe will, but what you’ll get regardless is an engaging, exciting comic with amazing artwork. What more can you ask for?

Final Verdict: 8.6 – One of the better tie-ins to this event as it’s a comic that doesn’t require the main “Secret Wars” series to hold it up.

Runaways #2
Written by Noelle Stevenson
Illustrated by Sanford Greene
Reviewed by Jess Camacho

“Runaways” #1 left me a interested but also a little weird. It’s not the “Runaways” I loved years ago but with this second issue, it feels more and more like the original run. “Runaways” #2 jumps right into “Team Puce”, the team made up of the kids who were in detention, getting right into their first final exam. They’ve never worked together and if they can’t win their fights, they won’t make it past this school year. Even worse, they find out what their test really is and the stakes go up to a whole new level.

Stevenson’s script is sharp. The interactions between the kids feels really natural and there are differentiation in each interaction. Skaar and Amadeus Cho don’t have the same distance that Jubilee and Ty have. The tension is high from the beginning because you believe the danger they’re in and it gets even better once we realize what’s actually happening to the kids. I don’t want to spoil it but it’s a big twist that has me really looking forward to what comes next. This twist isn’t as big as the original series’ twist but it has the same kind of impact on the story. It’s quite fun that Valeria Von Doom is at the root of this; she’s so tiny but so, so evil.

Sanford Green’s art is much improved in this issue. I found myself more into what was happening visually. The action scenes capture a lot of movement and I like that Greene has a clear fighting style for each character. They all move differently based on their abilities. The facial expressions are strong with lots of variation. John Rauch’s colors are a bit muted but the clothing really pops out more. It brings your focus to the characters. The virtual reality room features a lot of heavy blues and pinks and they’re just neon enough without feeling overwhelming.

“Runaways” #2 is the start of something big and it’s really exciting to see this story developing this way. It’s feeling like a true spiritual successor to the classic series and that’s a great thing.

Final Verdict: 8.0 – It’s not my favorite tie in but this is a strong follow up to th

Ghost Racers #2
Continued below

“All-New Ghost Rider” isn’t coming back in the October reboot so just imagine a very childish angry face writing this review. I’ve turned into a literal >:(.

Anyway, “Ghost Racers” fills the Robbie Reyes sized hole in our hearts by showing how he got himself involved with Arcade’s racing circuit. Apparently, the Thor Corps track down all people who have a Ghost Rider spirit and immediately send them to the race tracks, which is stupidly radical. Plus, the rivalry between Arcade and Robbie heats up (like a flaming skull) as Arcade attacks Robbie with his own past.

More than any other tie-in, “Ghost Racers” feels like a direct continuation of its sister series. Like, this could easily have been a story in “All-New Ghost Rider.” Not only does it match the expectations by the artists from the original series, but Juan Gedeon amps up the action with some truly breakneck racing scenes. It’s everything that made Fury Road fun, but with skeletons. I’m trying to come up with a bad thing to say but the image of Ghost Rider 2099 riding a chainsaw just has me smiling.

Final Verdict: 8.1 – I’d say “Ghost Riders” is aiming to be my favorite out of the “Secret Wars” tie-ins, though that may just be a reflection of my love for Robbie Reyes. Still, it’s worth look if crazy racing action is your thing.

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #2
Written by Dan Slott
Illustrated by Adam Kubert
Reviewed by Alice W. Castle

Now, this is more like it. In my review of this series’ first issue, I noted that Slott and Kubert had created what felt just live any other fight between Spider-Man and Venom. Nothing in the story, save for the existence of Peter and MJ’s daughter, felt any different from your average filler issue of “Amazing Spider-Man”. Thankfully, both have stepped up their game and this second issue feels like the first issue we should have gotten. This issue jumps ahead in time and shows how the world has changed because of the Regent – in case you’re like me and forgot about what happened in the first issue about five minutes after you read it, the Regent is basically Mr. Sinister on steroids – and how Peter and MJ’s life has changed.

As someone who was, let’s say, not a fan of Dan Slott’s Spider-Man writing before now, his writing here is refreshing, to say the least. Slott manages to balance having the issue introduce us to a world without superheroes, patrolled by the Regent’s men (who all just happen to be Spider-Man villains because of course they do) looking for superpowered individuals, while showing what life has been like for Peter, MJ and their daughter. Slott even, essentially, replays the major action beat of the first issue by once again having Peter and MJ’s daughter in trouble. However, because of the established context that Peter has been in hiding and must expose himself as Spider-Man to save her, the situation feels actually dire and, once again, like this should have been the first issue.

While Dan Slott’s writing felt like it improved between issues, Adam Kubert’s artwork was already great and so this issue is just another showcase in great Kubert art. Right off the bat, opening the issue treats you with a double page splash of a nightmare sequence that Kubert has hauntingly painted and cast in a horrific orange glow from the flames. This sequence basically recaps the first issue and, once again, is better than the entire first issue was. From there, Kubert continues to showcase amazingly detailed linework that brings the world to life and intense action that shows a side to Spider-Man we don’t normally see.

In the end, I am genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed this issue. After how safe the first issue felt in comparison to the “Secret Wars” mission statement of ‘Just go nuts,’ this issue really impressed by doing exactly that. I really have to wonder if this issue was intended to be the first issue as it is just stronger across the board and feels much more engaging as an introduction.

Final Verdict: 7.4 – If you skipped the first issue of this series, don’t skip this one.

Spider-Verse #3
Written by Mike Costa
Illustrated by Andre Araújo
Reviewed by Alice W. Castle

“Spider-Verse” #3 is the perfect example of a middle-of-the-series, second act issue therefore I won’t talk long about it. Mostly because there’s not a whole lot going on. The issue picks up from the cliffhanger dropped at the end of the last issue where our intrepid gang of Spider-Kids face off against the Sinister Six. This is a really impressive scene as Mike Costa has Spider-U.K. narrate the sequence, showing his experience and how inexperienced the group is as a whole. This also allows Andre Araujo to work his action muscles and he really intricately designs the fight around the fact that there are six different Spider-People facing off against the six unique powers of the Sinister Six. This really was the highlight of the issue.

Unfortunately, the issue kind of drops off from there as it descends into the Spider-Gang just standing around talking. There’s a plot revelation mid-issue that I’m assuming is going to be important, but we don’t get a lot of context of what it actually means for the story. This means that the pacing of the issue stops dead in order for it to drop a bomb that only left me more confused than anything else. This is also where, sadly, Araujo’s art fails the book. Andre Araujo’s art excels during the momentum of the fight, but doesn’t impress in the slower dialogue scenes. His linework doesn’t feel as detailed as it has in the past and some of the panels feel rushed and scratchy.

This is a pretty disappointing third issue to a series that I was really enjoying up to now. While the opening action scene is really well done from both a writing and art standpoint, the decision to follow that up with pure dialogue scenes needed a bigger plot revelation than the one we got. Or at least, it needed one that makes sense in this issue.

Final Verdict: 5.9 – I’m really disappointing in how this one turned out as the last two issues have been much stronger. I’m hoping for better next time.

Master of Kung Fu #3
Written by Haden Blackman
Illustrated by Dalibor Talajic
Reviewed by Alice W. Castle

“Master Of Kung-Fu” continues to be one of the strongest tie-ins “Secret Wars” has to offer. There, that’s it. Review over. Wait, you want more? Okay, how about: once again, Haden Blackman and Dalibor Talajic deliver as this issue we see Shang-Chi face the trial of the Thirteen Chambers and face off against the best martial artist in K’un-Lun in order to face his father.

Dalibor Talajic continues to be the shining star of this series as his artwork continues to astound. This issue, in contrast somewhat to “Spider-Verse”, focuses almost entirely on the action, with the set-up being taken care of right at the start of the book. This allows Talajic to focus on the fights between Shang-Chi and the challengers. However, we only actually see one fight in full this issue. Because of space, the majority of the fights are cut down to two double page splashes that show moments of each fight in what is essentially a montage. They’re two amazing pages and are the highlight of the issue, but it’s just a shame we couldn’t see the fights in full.

This series continues to astound and Haden Blackman and Dalibor Talajic continue to impress with each issue. The simple story of Shang-Chi having to come out of his drunken stupor and face his father has developed a lot over these three issues and feels like the best Marvel martial arts comic that never was.

Final Verdict: 7.9 – Once again, this is a comic so good I would recommend it regardless of your interest in “Secret Wars”.

Secret Wars 2099 #3
Written by Peter David
Illustrated by William Sliney
Reviewed by James Johnston

I’m really happy that “Secret Wars 2099” is still giving itself room to change, because for a while issue #3 was losing me. Alice mentioned something similar about “Spider-Verse” #3 but some these comics are really struggling in their second act. And “Secret Wars 2099” #3 did as well, at least until the team’s heel turn at the end sparked some interest, even if it was coming from a mile away. But it’s Peter David’s penchant for writing clever characters that really helps this comic out. Seriously, Hercules and Namor have a drinking competition. It’s kind of worth it.

But while there certainly are funny moments (Hawkeye’s reaction to Silver Surfer) there are a couple of forced jokes (Hulk reenacting the Thor punch from Avengers with Hercules for no reason). And while William Slinky certainly does a good job in certain funny moments (seriously Hawkeye’s face with Surfer is great), it feels pretty artificial all around.

Final Verdict: 6.7 – Aside from some funny Peter David moments, “Secret Wars 2099” did little to impress me. It’s certainly not a bad comic, but one that felt a little bland at times.

Inferno #3
Written by Dennis Hopeless
Illustrated by Javier Garron
Reviewed by Jess Camacho

If you’ve been reading this column then you’re already aware that I’ve been pretty into “Inferno”. It’s not a story I had a huge attachment coming into this miniseries but it’s proven to be one of the more fun reads during this event. “Inferno” #3 unfortunately sours much of that with a twist ending that just doesn’t work and takes away the more personal feeling of the story.

“Inferno” #3 is where it all hits the fan. Colossus, Domino, Maddie Pryor and company finally make it up to Illyana’s throne room. The problem is, she’s not there. All hell has literally broken out and it’s gone past the force field around her domain. She’s corrupted Nightcrawler and he’s using his teleportation power to get her and the demons to the X-Men’s headquarters. This leads to a massive fight between both parties with a twist at the end that will lead us into what I presume is the big conclusion in issue four.

Like the first three issues, the team dynamic is really solid and Hopeless has a good handle on these characters. There’s some cute moments in this issue between Domino and Colossus but more importantly, she finally calls him out on this obsession he has with saving Illyana. He’s finally held responsible for this crusade he’s been going on and while all that’s great, the twist at the end messes things up a bit. “Inferno” was a pretty personal story for Colossus. It’s been focused on he and Illyana’s relationship and what that has meant for the X-Men as a whole. Hopeless did a great job building this up but the twist adds in a character that feel unnecessary. This twist takes away the personal aspect by creating this whole bigger plan with a puppet master behind it.

Javier Garron does a nice job with the action heavy parts of this issue. I like the amount of movement in the flying and the force behind the super powers. I like how this series has so far avoided looking too serious. A lot of the facial expressions and features have been quite cartoony with lots of emotion and exaggeration. I do wish they were a little more consistent though. Domino’s face sometimes doesn’t look the same from panel to panel and it can be a little distracting.

Final Verdict: 7.2 – The twist ending might have deflated my enthusiasm for this miniseries. f

Mrs. Deadpool and Her Howling Commandoes #2
Written by Gerry Duggan
Illustrated by Salvador Espin
Reviewed by Jess Camacho

I wasn’t so high on the first issue of this miniseries. I’m just not the biggest fan of “Deadpool” but like I said a couple weeks back, Duggan has been doing solid work with this character when I have checked it out. “Mrs. Deadpool and the Howling Commandos” #2 is a big improvement. The team dynamic is much more settled as the Howling Commandos (based on the most famous monsters) and Shiklah begin to work together much better. Shiklah is much more in charge in this issue as the Deadpool commentary is scaled way back. He’s not ignored but he’s used far more effectively and the humor hits much better.

Salva Espin’s artwork is really solid with the right balance between comic book action and cartoony expressions. The Howling Commandos designs are solid as they’re instantly recognizable but also something unique to Espin’s style. The facial expressions are what sell much of what happens because it’s comedic enough to pair with Duggan’s script well. Staples colors are bright, vibrant and really pop. The colors are what make the art click well because it sets the right mood.

Final Verdict: 7.0 – An improvement from the first issue but something I’m still not completely feeling.

Squadron Sinister #2
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Illustrated by Carlos Pacheco
Reviewed by Alice W. Castle

What happens when you throw House Of Cards and the Justice Lords into a blender and pour that mix all over Battleworld? You get a comic that, while technically proficient, is just kinda there. Much like James’ reaction to the first issue of “Squadron Sinister”, I found myself wondering who to actually care for in this story.

Initially, I thought it was supposed to be Hyperion until I learned that he was nothing like the bara daddy Hyperion we recently saw written by Jonathan Hickman in “Avengers”. Then you have not-Batman who also doubles as not-The Punisher and not-Frank Underwood, but I don’t know enough about him to know why he wants overthrow Hyperion other than for shits and giggles. Maybe Warrior Woman, I thought, as the story revealed she was working against Hyperion, but the story never really focuses enough on her to get into her motivations. Then, before I knew it, the Frightful Four were showing up and they were fighting the Howling Commandos in World War II? And that’s when I realised this book had lost me.

In trying to create what I assume is supposed to be some grand epic about superheroes and a warning against a lust for power, Marc Guggenheim and Carlos Pacheco have stuffed “Squadron Sinister” with so much that everything feels muddled. There’s no emotional core to the series and many of the characters who could easily serve as that core barely get any page time. The artwork, thankfully, is gorgeous as Pacheco’s style is simple yet effective. It plays the superheroic nature of the world very straight the juxtaposes the very raw, underhanded way the characters act in the writing.

Unfortunately, as much as I think I want to like “Squadron Sinister”, this issue felt like it was suffering from having just too much going on. Trying to juggle a main cast of five characters is hard enough without having them all trying to play one another while the rest of the world has it out for them. It’s a shame because the writing and artwork is technically proficient and should be good, but there was just nothing in the story I could latch onto.

Final Verdict: 6.0 – There’s enough here that someone will enjoy it, but I just wish the story had been more focused.

Final Thoughts:

Jess: This was a super overwhelming week and I sadly didn’t get to everything. What I did read was just okay, nothing really blew me away. A few series started this week with the big two being “1872” and “Civil War”. I’m still kind of undecided on “1872” because I think some of what was included is going to be an issue for people and this might be the best place to get into that. “Civil War” however kind of annoyed me. It was so heavy on it’s themes. It ended up being two guys in a room literally saying their different ideologies. I really like political drama and anything that gets into political theories but this was too heavy handed. “Renew Your Vows” is definitely bugging me because this Peter Parker is not what I wanted to see. He talks a lot about great power and great responsibility but it all comes off very selfish and makes it feel like something other than Spider-Man. There are a lot of tie-ins and while delays happen, it’s a bit ridiculous to release this many in one week and expect that things won’t totally fly under the radar.

Alice: This week was too big. Like Jess, I didn’t get a chance to read all of the tie-ins that came out this week, not by a long shot. There simply wasn’t enough time in my week to read this many comics and that left me with about five books unread (“AOA”, “Inferno”, “Mrs. Deadpool”, “Runaways”, and “2099”, for those wondering). This is a problem that really only effects us as reading all these books in a timely manner is only important because we want to get this thing up in time, but dropping this many books at once is definitely a problem for the wallets of readers.

Sure, with this many books, there’s definitely a grabbag of quality and some books were definitely better than others, but I think it’s a huge fuax pas on Marvel’s side to drop this many tie-ins in one week. Not that I think every reader is buying every tie-in, but I know I would personally be buying more than half of this week’s issues even if I wasn’t doing this. That’s a lot to expect from a readership and would have been a huge bomb on my wallet.

Outside of just how ridiculously huge this week was, the quality was pretty hit or miss. The three new #1s I read – “1872”, “Civil War”, and “Spider-Island” – were all pretty enjoyable, but it was some of the others this week that I felt lacked in quality. The major drop in “Spider-Verse” #3 was disappointing and “Squadron Supreme” continues to just do nothing for me. Thankfully, the week had “Master Of Kung-Fu” #3 to save it and the massive leap in quality with “Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows” #2 was a pleasant surprise.

Still, with five book unread simply due to time constraints, I feel like this week dropped the ball overall.

James: Like Alice and Jess, I also felt there was too much going on this week. It might have been prudent for “Secret Wars” to go ahead and take the “Convergence” formula of doing two issues per series. It’s quick, it’s clean, and I don’t feel like anyone’s trying to stall to turn a two issue mini-series into four parts. It’d be a much more cleaner impact to come in, present the idea, and then duck out rather than dragging out some of these tie-ins.

I was a pretty big fan of “1872” and “Ghost Racers”, even some of the “Spider-Island” bit sin “Spider-Island.” I’m digging a comic a lot more if it does anything other than “resistance group tackles enemy that took over” since that’s every other tie-in here. Ask me what the difference is between “X-Tinction Agenda”, “Years of Future Past”, and “Age of Apocalypse” and I’ll truly have nothing for you.

So yeah, like everyone the sheer amount of comics this was week come off very overwhelming and negatively impacted my enjoyment of the crossover. It’s not even that I mind there being a lot of titles, so much as how some titles don’t need more than three issues to get their point across.