The Weekly Stack 061808
Comics are ordered from top to bottom, left to right from my pick of the week to my least favorite
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Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #2 of 3: Even though between the solicit and my own suspicions, I already had most of this figured out, I still REALLY enjoyed it for the smaller moments that rang true… Such as: Johnny making out with a Skrull mid Secret Invasion, and the kids upgrading their status to full members, and Franklin outthinking Ben and Johnny (he IS Reed’s son after all). The only problem I have with it is… SEVEN? Franklin is only seven? Lets forget for awhile how many adventured he’s gone through, how old he was when he was with Power Pack, and how old Julie Power was in Loners, Just look t him in this issue - he looks at least 11.
Guardians of the Galaxy #2: HUGE Paul Pelletier, and his work is really shining on this title. The team really starts to come together when they find Vance Astrovik A.K.A. Major Victory of the Guardians of the Galaxy frozen in a block of ice with Captain America’s shield. Vance manages to solve their quest for the right name for the team, and provide a symbolic parallel to the origin of the Avengers in one fell swoop.
Justice League of America #22: A MAJOR improvement over last issue (story-wide at least - I LOVED Carlos Pacheco’s work last issue - it was the story I didn’t like. What I enjoyed about this issue was #1 it has Zatanna in it, #2 we FINALLY have Vixen address her power problems with the team, and #3 Black Canary handled the situation like a pro. She removed Mari from the team, but is going to marshal the resources of the JLA to help her figure out what’s wrong with the Tantu Totem. All this and Amazo too (kind of tired of Amazo, but willing to see where they are going with this).
Batman and the Outsiders #8: Not sure if I’m subconsciously cutting Chuck Dixon some slack because he’s had a hard week, but this ALSO felt like a major improvement over the last few issues. I was mildly amused my Dr. Miandad’s realization of who Alfred is… the guy who makes the sandwiches. I was also a bit touched by Grace and Thunder’s emotional reunion (not sure if Dixon tossed that in there to combat talk of him not handling their relationship well - but I appreciated the effort).
Ex Machina 37: Vaughan and Harris’ political super hero epic is bringing is some post Papal action with the “Dirty Tricks” story arc. We’re given a peek into “Trouble’s” past and, surprise surprise, her origins seem to be entwined with Mayor Hundred’s days as the the Great Machine. The intrigue will only get thicker as the Republican National Convention arrives in town. Tony Harris’ artwork is breathtaking as always.
The Incredible Hercules #118: I’m a big mythology buff, so the idea of Hercules leading a group of Gods against the Skrull pantheon really interests me. The fact that they are throwing in all kinds of great stuff from Greek mythology makes it even better. This issue shows a flashback about Hercules and Hylas. While it doesn’t come right out and say they were lovers, it does say Hercules spared Hylas (after killing Hylas’ father, Theiodamas) “on account of his great beauty which bewitched all who looked upon him.” And shows how Hercules abandoned his quest for the Golden Fleece in order to search for Hylas after he was lost. HUGE Kudos to writers Grek Pak and Fred Van Lente on including Herc’s gay history. Oh yeah and pup is a Skrull.
X-Factor #32: I knew Val Cooper has an offer they couldn’t refuse. And although they sure tried to say no (and we lost 5 months? so what were they up to during the Secret Invasion? or did this take place 5 months ago?), it seems Val isn’t taking no for an answer. Good. I look forward to seeing where this ride will take us. Next issue - She-Hulk visits! New base of operations, and its a Secret Invasion tie in!
Brave and the Bold #14: I’m a fan of both Deadman and Green arrow so this was a bit of a treat. It feels like the start of a new multi-part arc and they travel to Nanda Parbat to stop a Demon Priest who captured a God (Rama Kushna). I think Oliie knows Boston will go immaterial again once he falls far enough from Nanda Parbat, so he’s really just sending him for reinforcements.
Ultimate X-Men #95: Scott Summers - Childhood Bed Wetter, too much information? Cyclops is playing both sides as he tries to find out where the MGH drug known as Banshee is coming from. Colossus’ roided up X-team kicks some Alpha Flight ass, but are they too late to save his true love? They better not be. Northstar doesn’t look good on the last page. I WANT A HAPPY ENDING! Don’t separate these two!
Birds of Prey #119: Good issue, but was eclipsed by better stuff this week. Babs and the laides of BoP are still setting up shop in their new home town - Platinum Flats. It felt a bit like filler, but I think they were setting up a number of story points for an ongoing arc. I still want to know what’s up with recently empowered psychopath, Tabby Brennan.
Cyborg #2 of 6: I enjoyed seeing the Teen Titans team together again - the disassembled quality of the current storyline is bothering me so it was nice to see the gang all together again, even if it is in past continuity. Other than that… there were a few good moments, but generally just a so so issue.
Teen Titans Year One #5 of 6: This is just too cute and comical for me. The stylized artwork is fun, but the stories are fluffy crap.
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