Hola, comic fans! Welcome to another great issue of Wednesday Is New Comic Book Day! This week we’ve got a great set of reviews, and we’ve also got some amazing things in the background. The above image is actually a hint at one of the things, but I will say this: next month we will be talking to someone who secretly invaded comics by disassembling a house that he will soon lay siege to. Get it?
Anyway, click behind the cut for some awesome reviews, and be sure to pick up our Book of the Week. It was quite a shocker.
Book of the Week: Green Lantern Corps #42
Matt’s Thoughts: Well, did anyone see that coming?
Green Lantern Corps was a surprise hit to me. It’s gone hand in hand with Green Lantern for a long time now but to me it has always been it’s inferior. However, with the Sinestro Corps war GLC elevated to it’s equal, and now with Blackest Night I would say that the superior book is always in question. Each issue is better than the last, and this issue in particular was a real shocker. There were several moments that were just jaw dropping for fans who have stayed with the book for every issue, and the final page of this book was easily the first moment of Blackest Night since the first issue that REALLY shocked me. Talk about a ballsy move. I literally shouted outloud a very extenuated “Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?” And that, my friends, is what I believe Blackest Night should be about all the time.
Blackest Night is all about shocking us and changing up the way we look at the Green Lantern books/Corps. While the Green Lantern book has been stellar, this just knocked it out of the park. This is the first major change to the Green Lanterns Corps we’ve seen since it started, and with this incident it definitely won’t be the last. Kudos, Tomasi. You took a stand and I highly approve this decision, as shocking as it was.
David’s Thoughts: Blackest Night is a hot topic right now in comics, arguably the hottest in fact as we gear up for Marvel’s Siege. With good reason, as it is the rare event comic that is both well conceived and well executed, yet there were overarching issues with it. Leave it to Green Lantern Corps, the distant third in recognition behind Blackest Night and Green Lantern proper, to bring the single best issue of the event so far, as this issue featured a little bit of everything.
This issue featured Peter Tomasi showing that he has the chops to be one of the best, as he perfectly handled every character in the issue (especially Kilowog and Kyle Rayner), superbly implemented the Black Lanterns master plan for Oa (it needs to be seen to be believed), and even made the death that we all knew was coming (not the who, but just that a death was coming) both shocking and truly devastating. Tomasi really has a feel for the dramatic, layering the moment with all of the emotion and power that could be expected from such a high profile moment. That he has such a stellar and underrated creator in Patrick Gleason working at his side just makes this book that much better. In my book, the best Green Lantern book we have today.
Gil’s Thoughts: While I had issues with Tomasi’s tie-in to Blackest Night focusing on Batman, he’s at the top of his game here. What could have been another ho-hum crossover into the DC Event has in my mind surpassed the tent pole title because it’s not just a shocker title with dozens of deceased heroes and villains being disgusting, there was actually a lot of heart in this issue.
You have Guy, who is consistently one of the best things in an already consistently awesome book. There’s Kyle, who really up the ante by showing that he can be a leader, and a creative one that that. Then there are the Alpha Lanterns, who are really just dicks. Finally, even the black lanterns here are scarier than in the other titles, because they have a real connection to the characters (in the sense of being other fallen green lanterns) as well as just being plain icky. Anyone who remembers Kryb and her victims knows exactly what I’m talking about.
Continued belowAs for the plot, things are about as bad as they can get for the Lanterns, the tagline of this issue being “DEVOUR WILL!” No, Sheldon Cooper doesn’t run the BLC for the purposes of revenge against Wesley Crusher; they really want to destroy the will in the universe. It all culminates into one of the best endings for the book in ages, since the Ring Quest arc. That’s a hint, but I’m not giving it away! God I love this book.
Brandon’s Thoughts: A title this good and it’s the secondary title in the line of Green Lantern books? Is that even fair? This issue goes to show why the Green Lantern characters and mythos have seen an explosion of popularity in the last five to six years. Strong writing and brilliant art telling stories that get us emotionally invested and then slam us down with tragedy.
This issue will surely raise the ire of some fans that claimed that when a certain somebody came back a certain somebody else would probably be killed off. While this is surely a noble death that has great impact there WILL be some who see this as the final step in a transition that started years ago. In retrospect this probably could have been foretold. Hal cam back and there is a new Ion representative; Guy is the loud mouth hardass who we know is unique. Now that leaves one guy out there that’s the most likely to eat it during this foretold even called Blackest Night. Someone had to die it’s just a shock that it finally happened.
I had to take some time to think this through and like any death you go through stages of dealing. Currently I think I’m rationalizing. I mean this is Blackest Night right? The dead walk? We haven’t seen the last of this guy. Black Lantern anyone? Perhaps even a return from the dead when it’s all said and done? Who knows at the moment? What I do know is that this title is brilliant and is surely cementing itself as a must read in the DCU.
MATT’S REVIEWS
Batman and Robin #6
Mmm, Grant Morrison. This man can write anything and I’ll get fully behind it. This is of course the case with Batman and Robin, which I have loved since it’s inception. Morrison is definitely the current definitive Batman writer because the other Batman books are nothing compared to this. Tony Daniel and Judd Winnick’s Batman has been very subpar and none of the other books that feature the new Batman capture the attention and excitement that used to be present in all Batman stories like this.
In this issue we finally meet the Flamingo, who we had been teased about for several issues now. Morrison loves to bring in brand new and twisted villains into his stories and Flamingo is right up there with the rest of them. Although we only have him for one issue, the Flamingo is very clearly one crazy mother. He spends the whole issue growling while both Red Hood and Scarlet as well as Batman and Robin try and figure out how to beat him. I loved the whole interaction, and the end of the fight is a very big “we haven’t seen the last of him” moment, so I can only hope he will come back at some point. The issue also successfully closes the arc as Todd gets carted off to jail and Scarlet disappears, leaving Batman and Robin in continuous disarray as well as doubt. Of course, that’s not all. That’s never all. Morrison teases us about what’s to come with the back shot of a villain that I definitely recognized as well as a tease about the return of Bruce Wayne. Hmm.
Now, unlike Gil and David, I don’t mind the artwork. Yes, it’s not Frank Quitely who has done a terrific job of portraying Morrison’s twisted worlds for many comics now, but in this issue Tan does abandon his normally smooth aesthetic for a bit more of a disturbed one. Scarlet definitely does have an ugly tone returned and the Flamingo does equate to a rather disgusting and horrifying character visually. I approve. Would I prefer Quitely? Always. But that is not to say that no one can move in and still do a good job, and with another frequent Morrison collaborator coming in for the next arc (Cameron Stewart from Seaguy) I can only express my further excitement for the book.
Continued belowSo should you buy this? Yes. This is the only Bat-book you need. Sure, Detective Comics is kicking ASS right now, but if I had to pick between one or the other? Batman and Robin. Always bet on Morrison – the man knows how to deliver, and for people who kept up with the entirety of his run on Batman from Batman and Son through RIP, you can expect a whole lot of pay off in January.
Final Verdict: Buy
Booster Gold #26
For my second Blackest Night book, I decided to read Booster Gold for the first time. I don’t really care for Booster Gold as a character, never have. And despite Geoff Johns writing the initial run of the book, I still haven’t paid it any attention. Of course with the option of getting a Lantern ring as well as me being a Blackest Night completist, I decided why not? I can give it some attention. And it really wasn’t bad.
In this issue we have the return of the original Blue Beetle, Ted Kord. Ted died right before Infinite Crisis thanks to Max Lord in a move that helped act as the inciting incident to Infinite Crisis. It was totally awesome, not gonna lie. And while I’ve never been a big Blue Beetle guy, I did like that death, so Kord coming back was exciting. More so than most of the people coming back in titles like this, to be honest. Only thing is, it really didn’t play out a lot. Most of the other BN-tie in books have focused heavily on the attack of the Black Lantern attacks, but this book really only had Kord appear at the end. For the most part everyone was either looking for Booster Gold or, in his case, hanging out at Ted Kord’s funeral. And, as I’ve never really been a fan of “Boosta”, I couldn’t really say I cared about that. But the end, with the initial battle against Kord? Well, that was awesome.
So I’m torn. I’m not overly impressed with the issue and I am still not a Booster Gold fan, but as a Blackest Night tie in, the final five pages were really good. Like, REALLY good. Blackest Night Ted Kord is exactly what I’d hoped he would be, and considering how little I actually know about Blue Beetle as a whole that should say something! So ultimately I’d rate the issue fair. I’d imagine that the next issue though, where Booster actually fights Blue Beetle, should be really entertaining.
Final Verdict: A buy if only for the ring. You know you want that ring.
X-Babies #2
I was shocked at how much I liked the first issue. We’re talking jaw on the floor shocked. I thought the first issue was ridiculously funny and I had absolutely zero expectations for it. I mean, come on. It’s X-Babies. But since I enjoyed it so much I decided to follow it. It’s only 4 issues, it won’t be any major dent in my wallet.
Unfortunately, this issue lacked the same amount of humor as the previous issue. It was still funny and definitely as ridiculous as the first (as the X-Babies battled science, wizardry, and a robot made up of words to defend nerds), but it definitely was missing the same factor the first issue was. I think what made the previous issue so great is that the replacement babies were there and we had a hilarious panel sequence where we saw the new X-Babies as well as the old X-Babies’ reaction. That was absolutely priceless in my opinion. This issue had Planet Terry (hehe) and his dance crew, which was pretty hilarious, but just not the same thing.
X-Babies is a ridiculous concept that is very clearly something that didn’t need to happen. But for what it’s worth the book is still an entertaining little mini. I can’t recommend this like I would recommend a book like Blackest Night or Batman and Robin, but I’d still say it’s definitely worth at least a pick up and a look through. I’m sure it will be pretty easy to find the previous issue as well. It’s just silly!
Continued belowFinal Verdict: At least a browse
Vengeance of the Moon Knight #3
This is the book for me! Definitely right behind Batman and Robin as book of the week for me, the latest issue of Moon Knight features the return of his ultimate nemesis, Raoul Bushman, resurrected by the Hood. Everyone at this site has their own special character they love – for Gil it’s Dark Hawk, Brandon has Maggot, and I have Moon Knight. So this book speaks DIRECTLY to me as a fan of the character and it plays off of all the updated mythos we had when Huston relaunched the book a couple years ago.
As I said, this book features the return of Raoul Bushman. Bushman is a creepy character and was killed by Moon Knight a while ago when Moon Knight literally cut and peeled his face off. It was 100% brutal but 100% awesome, and Bushman has been a character since, speaking to Moon Knight as part of his split personality and acting like a twisted Jimminey Cricket. Of course, having the real villain back is just as good, and he immediately enlists the help of a bunch of other creepy villains to all hunt and take down Moon Knight. This? This is awesome.
I’m sure most people haven’t been following Moon Knight like I have, and that’s unfortunate. This latest book is most definitely the best Moon Knight stuff I’ve read since Benson came on and ruined the book. The Moon Knight stories have been reading fresh and exciting, and while it definitely is geared to people like me who have been fans of the book for a while, those who want to jump in now are in for a treat. I’d say that Gregg Hurwitz has a great grip on the character, and Jerome Opena is doing amazing at the artwork. It’s like a mix of Francis Lenil Yu’s characters with Francis Manapul’s color scheme. I love it. This is definitely a book to be following.
Final Verdict: Buy
DAVID’S REVIEWS
Batman/Doc Savage
When I first heard that DC was going to be relaunching their pulp properties (like Doc Savage and The Spirit) in the hands of master creator Brian Azzarello (he of 100 Bullets fame), I responded somewhat similarly to this: “Helllllll yes.” Azzarello is about as locked in right now as any creator, and setting him up with a concept such as this and a title like this one is the most fitting conceptual arrangement since last week when Greg Rucka launched his female detective story Stumptown.
That he took this concept and turned it into a slow burn stunner like this one, effectively creating a whole new universe with an entirely different look and feel than the DCU we’re used to, is solely thanks to his unique and robust skill set. While we knew he could write Batman (as seen in Wednesday Comics with 100 Bullets collaborator Eduardo Risso), his immediate grip and immersion of the reader into the brilliance of Doc Savage is a masterful stroke by him. As a reader, I had absolutely no need for Doc Savage in my life before this issue, yet I am completely and utterly entranced with the prospect of reading First Wave and beyond now. He even layered in an exciting mystery that we’ll surely get to later and the beginnings of a beautiful collaboration amidst the stellar character work (best young Bruce Wayne since Frank Miller: fact).
Artistic collaborator Phil Noto does serviceable if not unspectacular work on this title, handling everything he’s asked to but never really giving this issue a real active feel. His work reminds me a more pulpy and pencil heavy Ariel Olivetti or Clayton Crain, two creators who make sharp figures but never give a scene much power. One thing Noto does far better is creating backgrounds, as his Gotham sparkles on the page.
This title really is the start of something special. You can tell while reading it, and I can’t wait for Rags Morales to join up with Azz and really kick this party up a notch. Get excited comic fans, this is the next best thing.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: Buy
Fables #90
More story in 22 pages than most comics convey in an entire arc? While also making the whole thing paced like a metronome and massively entertaining? Developing side characters in a few scenes to the levels of our all time favorite? Stunning art work uniformly on every page? Surprise endings that hearken us back to previous arcs? Quick asides with seemingly forgotten former adversaries?
Ho hum.
Such is life when you’re trying to review Fables. This issue finds Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham doing what they do best: making better comics than anyone else. This issue has no less than 8 (EIGHT!) plot threads going in its pages, yet it never has anything that remotely resembles a pacing issue anywhere. All are utterly important, all are well told by Willingham, and all are beautifully rendered by Buckingham. Really, there is nothing more to say. Now that we’re well past The “Great” Fables Crossover, this title is back to where it belongs: at the apex of the comic world.
Final Verdict: Buy
DMZ #47
Matty Roth and his love of Delgado Nation continues its dramatic downward spiral in this issue, as this issue finds Roth moving more and more into his own newfound cutthroat mercenary personality. There really is no other way to put it at this point: Roth is a thug. When his father calls him out, when he judges himself for nearly murdering his once lover Zee, when Delgado comes over and manipulates him for seemingly the thousandth time…it all adds up the complete degradation of Matty Roth’s persona. While I know this is all part of Brian Wood’s plan, the decision to basically destroy the foundation of the series by removing Roth as a pillar of reason for the title is both tough to handle as a reader and as a person who lives in the DMZ (not that I do, but the characters in the title do). While it’s great for dramatic tension, it’s quite frustrating to read as a fan of Roth.
Series artist Riccardo Burchielli continues his stellar work, giving us grit without hampering his own character and building work. He has time for some killer splashes, particularly at the end as the United States of America begins their move against the recently nuclear Delgado Nation. His work is uniformly excellent, and it’s really difficult to come up with something negative or even different to say about him at this point.
This title is at an interesting point. Wood is effectively turning what worked on this title for the first 40 or so issues so well on its head by giving us this most recent incarnation Matty Roth. Roth was once the voice of reason, now he’s just another lackey. It’s an upsetting turn for the character. That it works so well dramatically and from a readership standpoint just proves Wood correct, but damn if it isn’t frustrating to read.
Final Verdict: Buy
Daredevil #502
I suppose the best thing you can say about Andy Diggle and Roberto de la Torre’s run on Daredevil so far is this: if you didn’t notice a name change on the outside, there is a fairly decent chance that you wouldn’t notice that much of a difference from Ed Brubaker’s run. In fact, you could say this more properly reflects the best parts of his run, as it does away with all of the perpetual relationship brooding (save one nightmare scene that is well played by both Diggle and de la Torre) and gives us a new supporting cast of Master Izo, Black Tarantula, White Tiger, and a raging Foggy Nelson (don’t make him angry…you won’t like him when he’s angry). This change is working out very well, as the newly morally foggy Murdock seems to have a different vision for what he wants as the new leader of the Hand than he’s letting on.
Diggle slowly lets us on to that throughout this issue. While it’s quickly revealed that Izo is not dead as it appeared at the end of last issue, you can tell by his hesitance with Izo that their plans with the Hand have diverged after the actions Bullseye and Osborn took in Daredevil: The List. Starting with Matt paralyzing the Owl in issue #500 (more with him this issue), you can tell he’s headed down a dark and far more violent path. His handling of crooked cops at the end of this issue is truly shocking, and really opens up this series for an entirely new era of Murdock.
De la Torre is a very good artist, and on paper, he seems like he’d be a good fit for this title. His work is dynamic and dark, akin to what we’ve come to expect from this title from such luminaries as Michael Lark and Alex Maleev. Yet, something is missing, as much is lost in the details and the pervasive darkness emanating from the page. Often figures are too shrouded in shadows, losing a good amount of the emotive power that we’re used to from others (it may be brooding, but it’s still an emotion). It’s solid work, but I could go for a new inker/colorist on this title.
All in all, it’s a fine start from the new team on one of the sneaky flagship Marvel titles. I think they are working out the kinks, but it’s still a very good book and one that definitely deserves you as a reader.
Final Verdict: Buy
GIL’S REVIEWS
PunisherMAX #1
In the latest issue of Wizard, Jason Aaron expressed his excitement that he was going to take over the reins of the newest Punisher series on the MAX imprint, and being a fan, I had to pick it up this week, partly as a dose of fresh blood (it’s not a Green Lantern, Hercules, or Spider-Man book) and I’m glad I did, because it was a stellar book.
First off, Aaron really has a good grasp on the character of Frank Castle and his war with the various mafia families in New York City. It’s very clear they’re scared, and they are fighting defensively. And in an interesting twist, while the book is called “Punisher,” much of the book focuses on the families and their fear of Frank Castle, and the rise of a bodyguard named Wilson Fisk to the title of the previously mythic “Kingpin.”
Wilson is portrayed as being one of the most dangerous and more intelligent characters in the book, and the “dangerous” is only elevated by Steve Dillon’s extremely clean yet ultimately disgustingly visceral pencils( Especially for someone like me with issues when it comes to eyes being burst out of their sockets). Ugh. But I mean that in the best way possible.
There is no denying this is an adult comic. If the violence weren’t enough, the Swears should be another indication. There are F-Bombs peppered liberally throughout the issue. This is not a complaint though. I think it fits in a book like Punisher. The guy is an HBO series waiting to happen. And I’m not talking HBO Kids.
If you’re a fan of Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon, you should definitely pick up this book. It’s off the chain. Hell, even if you aren’t (why wouldn’t you be?) you should check it out.
Final Verdict: Buy
S.W.O.R.D. #1
Again, I’m trying new things, maybe a chance to get into a new book on the ground floor; first with Punisher MAX, and now with SWORD. While I didn’t hate the book, I wasn’t as good as I had hoped. I almost wish Joss Whedon could take it over since he has a lot more free time now that Dollhouse has been canceled (cue one solitary tear from me), and since he created SWORD in the first place. I’m not saying the book is terrible, but I do feel the art dragged down an otherwise adequate book.
Again, it’s not terrible itself, but some of the character designs are confusing. Everyone knows Hank McCoy is more cat-like than dog-like, but you wouldn’t know that from reading this book. He looks closer to the Big Bad Wolf from the old Droopy Dog cartoons than he does a cat. Otherwise the art is sufficient, but I would have preferred something a little less cartoony. One thing I liked was that the SWORD base reminds me of the JLA satellite from the cartoon.
I did enjoy most of the characterizations, from Lockheed, who at the moment is drinking his troubles away, to Brand’s hardass demeanor to her brother (yes, brother!) being such a conniving bastard. There’s even a robot that almost creeps me out more than pedobear. My only problem is the increasingly annoying characterization of Beast as this sort of foppish puppy dog in love. The pet names are getting increasingly irritating, and it makes me like the character less and less.
There is a lovely back up story featuring the same characters, however. The focus is on Lockheed and his search for Kitty. I actually preferred it to the main story, as I enjoyed he art a lot more, and I love Lockheed’s haughty attitude. I was always a fan of the character, but now I love him even more.
You’d be doing yourself a favor if you at least check out the book on the comic stands before buying it.
Final Verdict: Browse
Amazing Spider-Man #611
Now that the clone revisiting is (mercifully) over, and Gauntlet stars next week, we get a sort of prologue to the upcoming event, with Deadpool being hired to “annoy” Spider-Man for about an hour so Kraven and her mom can kidnap Mattie Franklin.
The book itself is a lot of fun. What do you get when the two biggest smartasses in the Marvel Universe tangle? Why, this book. Joe Kelly is probably the best Spider-Writer on the market right now, and he’s always had Deadpool’s voice down (you can decide if that’s a good thing or a bad thing). Both of the characters feel right, and are never overbearing on the reader or each other. There is even an unexpected cameo from someone working for the “Distinguished Competition,” a certain heavy hitter by the name of Geoff Johns. It’s rightly hilarious, and there are even a couple references to Blackest Night.
The low point, if there can be a low point, is the art. I’m not saying it’s bad, not by a long shot. It’s just really quirky, and some people might not like it if they’re used to more mainstream art. I liked it just fine, but if you’re used to ultra-realistic art, then you might as well just pass.
I’m usually kind of annoyed that Deadpool shows up everywhere, but this was a worthwhile book for me to read in between two major arcs. So, if you’re OK with some offbeat pencils, then check it out, otherwise, at least browse to see if you can stand it at all.
Final Verdict: Browse
Walking Dead #67
I’m starting to agree with David. This book is incredibly frustrating to review this book because it’s so consistently good that there’s no real scale by which to measure it. I mean, is it awesome? Should it be more awesome than last month? I’m not sure. It’s certainly less action oriented, and there’s even less gore than usual. But the character interactions are top notch as always, and the Carl and Rick interaction is especially heartfelt. Carl, despite his young age, has grown in maturity so quickly during the zombie apocalypse. He confesses his “crime” to his father, and they share a moment that breaks your heart.
We also learn more about the mulleted scientist Eugene, in a revelation that might alter the course of the series. There’s not much more I can say without spoiling it. So we’ll leave it at that.
Continued belowKirkman’s writing is of course fantastic and Adlard’s art is one of the best fits this side of Tony Moore. I actually feel that Adlard gets a bum rap, because he’ll never be Tony Moore, but I’ve learned to appreciate it as not being better or worse, just different.
Yes, again, you should be buying this. If you’re not…I don’t know how else to convince you.
Final Verdict: Buy
BRANDON’S REVIEWS
Strange #1
The cover to this title is excellent. It has a dark occult feel to it that quickly drew me in when I saw the solicitations. Add Mark Waid as writer and I am there. Fast-forward three months to it’s release and I now have it in my hand. Upon opening the title I won’t lie, I kind of frowned and let out an exasperated breath.
I had heard this title would deal with Strange in his newfound position without being Sorcerer Supreme. I had heard we would see him reacting to this differently than we might have expected. I had heard he would take on an apprentice. What I hadn’t heard is that the cover was nothing like the cartoony interior. I also was absolutely not expecting the story to be essentially Dr. Strange haunted baseball hunter.
I kid you not this issue deals with Dr. Strange playing baseball for the souls of a crowd of baseball fans and players. He actually plays baseball… let that sink in.
I think I’ve said just about all I can think to say about this title other than that this might have worked better as an episode of Marvel Superheroes than as a introduction to the new life of Stephen Strange.
Final Verdict: Oh hell no!
Supergod #1
This was a Warren Ellis book. No doubt about it whatsoever. This is not a bad thing. While Ellis’ outlandish sexual deviance works its way in here it feels right considering the writer and the material. I knew what I was in for when I saw the writer’s name. Once the masturbating hit I couldn’t complain. When buying an Ellis book it’s like signing a contract that says I understand there will be some nasty shit in here and I’ll just deal with it and even potentially enjoy it.
This issue obviously sets up the series and does so in a fantastic way. It introduces you to some of the key players and lets you know what current climate is on this Earth. It also gives you some great foreshadowing of the main player from America and then in the end pays it off with a cliffhanger that doesn’t give much away but leaves you wanting to read the next issue.
The art here is nothing short of perfect for the title either. Garrie Gastonny has the perfect style for this title and draws a couple double page splash pages that convey the perfect effect of disaster that is intended. Gastonny really shines when it comes to drawing the Indian Supergod. The character looks great and I’d love to have an action figure. Just saying.
This title is a lot like what if Supreme Power featured engineered supergods who really went all out? I highly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys Ellis but isn’t really digging his Astonishing X-Men like myself. This is Ellis in all his sadistic, sexual deviant, foul-mouthed bliss. It’s a title called Supergod and it has me praising its glory.
Final Verdict: Buy this now!
Dark X-Men #1
What happens when Norman Osborn puts together his own team of X-Men that consists of two straight up villains, one conflicted mutant and one straight nut job that’s responsible for decimating Canada’s Alpha Flight? Well nothing good that’s for sure. You’d expect that this group’s first mission would be like an Amtrak train hitting a school bus and it’s pretty damn close.
Having said all that I enjoyed the issue because it was a train wreck. You get a sense that this group is as messed up as Norman’s psyche. The characters on this team are so individualized that the team dynamic is just not there and that is perfect for a team put together by Osborn. Why would they align perfectly? If Osborn put together a team it wouldn’t be thought out it would be for show and power. This team has plenty of power and show.
Mystique shines in this title as a great antagonist for Osborn as well as an uber bitch. The look she takes is great for the reasoning’s she gives. The reason it would work is also great. I love the character of Mystique and after reading this title I can’t wait to see Paul Cornell do more with her.
Also, if you liked the last interpretation of Excalibur than you’ll love this title because it’s by the creative forces that brought you that title. The art and writing are as crisp here as they were on that title. It’s clear that these creators haven’t lost a step since their last team-up.
Now how could I finish this review without mentioning X-Man?! He’s here in this issue. Let’s get that set and clear. I wont say to what extent he is here but he is here and it’s the X-Man that we last saw and he clearly brings past continuity with him. This is a great thing that I worried wouldn’t happen. All I gotta say is Mystique’s new form and Dark Beast meeting X-Man is a great moment that will surely payoff next issue.
If you like X-Man or Mystique or Norman Osborn’s misguided Dark Avengers or Excalibur as done by Paul Cornell than you’ll like this title. I know I did.
Final Verdict: Buy it
Cable #20
If hints that Marvel has dropped over the last couple of months than this title is heading into the home stretch. It directly leads into the big X-Over Second Coming that finalizes the trilogy that started with Messiah Complex and then continued into Messiah War. It’s a shame if this is true and I hope if anything it takes a hiatus and returns post Second Coming.
This issue ends the current arc that finds Bishop and Cable dueling over Hope while battling the Brood and a misguided love struck boyfriend respectively. This issue was action packed and featured some great moments of character development between Hope’s would be boyfriend, Emil and Cable. While Cable has had his hard and gruff moments while protecting Hope he rarely has had the soft intimate moments like the one he shares with Emil at the end of this issue. While not a hug it out kind of intimacy it’s a respect and understanding that would count for one of the closest things to intimacy from Cable that we’ve seen in this title.
We also get a break through with Hope as she seemingly comes to finally appreciate the protection and caring that Cable has provided her as he has watched over her through her life. She finally makes a choice between Emil and Cable and in my opinion makes the correct one. Now that the two understand each other a little bit we move onto the “Homecoming” arc where the two seemingly will return to the X-Men’s time. It’s an arc that I am incredibly excited for I must admit.
This issue was well done in that it supplied no shortage of action but yet gives us some character plot movement as well. Duane Swierczynski has a great grasp on the character and though the art on this title hasn’t always matched his talent he has provided wonderfully consistent characterizations of Cable and Hope. I am excited to see the character interact with the main titles. Swierczynski has single handedly raised her from a mutant baby of hope into a three-dimensional character with emotions and hesitations about the role she is expected to take. What will ultimately be the correct position on Hope, whether it Bishop’s or Cable’s, is still unknown but thanks to issues like this one I am excited to find out.
Final Verdict: Buy It!
