Posts Tagged ‘The Weekly Stack’
The Weekly Stack 011409
Read this weeks comics before looking at the images and text after the comic covers. They are spoilerific.
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Final Crisis #6 of 7: Looks like Batman’s dead, again. But at least he takes Darkseid with him. Um, didn’t Batman (Bruce Wayne) just die (or fake his death) in Batman R.I.P.? If that happened before Final Crisis, then when did he come back from the dead? If Final Crisis happened before Batman R.I.P…. then same question. I thought these Crises were supposed to make continuity CLEARER?
X-Infernus #2 of 4: Darkchilde trades her hooves and tail for her soulsword… now if she could only regain her soul.
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Captain Britain # 9: I hate covers that flat out lie. OK, maybe I’m a sap for hoping for a happy ending for Brian and Meggan, but I thought she’d catch up with the gang or Cap Britain would relaize she was not just a figment of the “Dream Corridor.” I guess they are just setting up a future story. Meggan is gonna be MAAAAD!
Punisher: War Zone #5 of 6: Garth Ennis’ homorous and irreverent equal to his original Punisher: War Zone series is nearing a boil as Frank Castle starts to see the connection between Elite and the mysterious game of multiple Ma Gnuccis’s just in time for every hood in the NY region to descend upon him and the gun-toting lesbian Lieutenant Von Richtofen
Action Comics #873: Lots going on in this 10th installment of New Krypton as Alura’s forces (revealed to be working for Zod) shoot Kandor into space and grow a planet for it in orbit opposite the Earth. Oh yeah and the new Superwoman kills the new Guardian by burning holes in his brain with her heat vision – just as he was breaking into General Lane’s and Lex Luthor’s anti-Kryptonian lab.
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House of M: Civil War #5 of 5: A fitting end to the story of how Magneto ended up as benevolent dictator on the House of M reality. About what you’s expect plus how Ms Marvel got to be so high up in Magnus’ esteem.
Booster Gold #16: This arc with the Egyptian knife charged with temporal energy isn’t really up to the previous issues. I like this title and hope it gets back up nearer the top of my list.
Titans #9: Well at least they are finally explaining what’s going on with Jericho and why he can talk. And since this story is set within 24 hours of the finale of DCU Decisions, it takes place the day after election day. Took them long enogh. They couldn’t have found a better artist?
Green Arrow and Black Canary #16: I don’t like how this title is portraying Black Canary. She is way too good a fighter to be taken down by Merlyn. She would have Canary cry blasted those arrows if she couldn’t dodge. She’s married to (and undoubtedly spars with) the best archer in the world, she can dodge arrows.
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The Weekly Stack 120308 – Better Late Than Never
This one sort of slipped past me – figured I ought to post it BEFORE i go to Whatever to buy this weeks comics.
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The Weekly Stack 112608
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Teen Titans #65: I hadn’t been liking either Titans title but lately that is changing. Sean McKeever’s storylines are starting to come together and I’m loving the work of the current artistic team (Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose). Plus Wonder Girl breaks free of Ares’ strings and takes her power back (long time coming).
Kingdom Come Special: The Kingdom One Shot: The ranks of the JSA start to split over Gog. Why is he here? What does he want? What does any “God” supposedly want? Our faith? Our worship? Our fatted calves? Our first-born-son? Our very lives? I’m guessing it’s going to be more than singing some hymns every Sunday while standing and kneeling a lot.
X-Force #9: The X-Force team “convinces” the Vanisher to bring them into the a lab where Mr. Sinisters cloned backup Mauruders run amok after his death. Even Elixer has a silver and black X-outfit – bringing him right into the fray. I think his charachter will be the most changed by his tenure in this title. Plus Ghost Rider give Warpath demon bear killing lessons.
Secret Invasion: X-Men #4 of 4: The X-Men save San Francisco from a Skrull invasion – like there was ever a doubt. Scott is focused, determined and willing to make tough decisions. Definitely not the often doubting Slim Summers of my youth. But I like it. I think they want him to be a little less boy scout – so Wolvie isn’t the only bad boy alpha male.
Superman #682: Supergirl’s mom, Alura is a bitch without any shred of human empathy. She’s going to be a real problem for Kal and the Kandorian. So are the policemen that the Kryponians killed while rounding up Superman’s “Rogues Gallery” for exile to the Phantom Zone. Now what will this mean for Mon-el not to mention General Zod and the rest of the Phantom Zone inhabitants.
Secret Invasion: Inhumans #4 of 4: Do NOT get between Medusa and her man. Didn’t realize she had piercing damage with that mad mane of hers. I thought she was strictly limited to grapple checks. Also LOVE Black Bolt’s judicious and controlled use of his power. All in all did a nice job of setting up War of Kings.
Birds of Prey #124: The Birds take on the Silicon Syndicate as Oracle faces down Joker again. He recognized her and came back to finish what he started in the Killing Joke. At first I enjoyed the battle – Babs got in a few great shots and shatterd his winning smile, but then he mopped up the floor with her and threw her down an elevator shaft – He would have finished her if the cavalry hadn’t arrived (Misfit of all people).
Wolverine – Origins #30: Almost makes me care about Daken. Almost. One cool thing is that it seems like Wolverine’s memories have been restored too. Big reveal (to me at least) from the arc was that it was Charles Xavier who was responsible for the missing memories that have followed him thoughought his time on the X-Men.
Madame Xanadu #6: Nimue’s journey continues as she ages and is visited by Death of the Endless. I’m really enjoying this intriguing tale of one of DC’s most mysterious women, her journey through the ages and tenuous connection to the Phantom Stranger.
The Incredible Hercules #123: I’m glad Marvel is firmly bringing the gods of Greek Mythology back to the big time. Its been all Norse all the time around there for far too long. I should have known it was Hera behind it. Who else?
Legion of Super heroes #48: I don’t know how they can wrap this up in 2 more issues. THIS incarnation of the title is canceled as of #50. I’m sure a new one is planned to ride the coattails of Legion of 3 Worlds and the Legion’s 50th Anniversary.
Thor – Man of War One Shot: Thor throws a tantrum and daddy odin shows him whose boss. Ever wonder how Thor was banished to Earth? Ummm who is Arkin Torson? I thought Thor was banished into Dr. Donald Blake? Never followed Thor that closely in the old days.
Ultimate X-Men #98: Dropped this after Northstar’s crippling overdose. Should have stayed dropped – and now it will. I picked this up for Ultimatum tie-in, but don’t really care about the Ultimate universe anymore.
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The Weekly Stack 111908
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Fantastic Four #561: Ummm WOW! I should have seen that coming. Ties the earlier story arc in nicely and reminds us that Dr. Doom REALLY is an world class murderous asshole. Plus it was drawn by Bryan Hitch so not only is each and every panel is its own work of art, but also collectively they compose layouts that are just as classically beautiful.
Ex Machina #37: I must admit to being disappointed that Trouble ended up just being an obsessed fangirl yet amused that “Hizzoner” can’t punch out a deranged fangirl without breaking his hand. Compared to past arcs this was pretty tame – hoping its a calm before the storm.
Uncanny X-Men 504: Did Scott eject Emma from his mind after telling her “Jean taught” him how to hide his secrets from a telepath. I think she thought he was an open book, but now knows better. The real question is why is Scott hiding the fact that Madelyne Pryor is alive? And even if she is alive, since when can she raise the dead?
Kingdom Come Special: Magog One Shot: Insight into the character of Lance Corporal David Reid – who was recently killed and ressurected as Magog.
Greatest Hits #3 of 6: I’m REALLY enjoying this title, but it feels rushed. I wish this was 12 issues not 6. David Tischman’s complex storytelling draws you into the secrets and foibles of the fab four superhero team, The Mates. Glenn Fabry’s art is every bit as gorgeous as fans of his many Vertigo covers would expect.
Young X-Men #8: I’m still liking it much better than the previous stories, but a few things worry me – more on this in a spotlight post soon.
X-Factor #37: Ding Dong the witch is dead! Larry Stroman is OFF the title!!!! A little bird told me even Peter David (the writer) was unhappy with the childish scrawls that had masqueraded as artwork for the past few issues.
X-Men Legacy #218: I still don’t really care about this Daken clown. So he’s Wolverine’s kid. So what. How many clawed wolvie wanna be’s do we need? X-23 has grown on me but Mr. Extreme tattoos mohawk mullet guy, not-so-much. Miss Sinister kinda folds faster than the Flash doing Orgami.
Avengers/Invaders #6 of 12: Really not sure where this is going (especially with the LMD revolt) but I’m enjoying the ride. I wished for the return of Captain America so its partially my fault too.
Terra #2 of 4: Another short mini that is seeming rushed. Terra makes cryptic comments throughout – talkshe talks about terrans and humans, and knos about the original Tara Markov and the Time Trapper. Who is this girl? How does she have Tara’s DNA?
Supergirl #35: OK well we have an explanation for much of the weirdness that surrounded the current Kara Zor-el – Kryptonite poisoning causes hallucinations, mood swings, personality shifts and memory distortions.
Batman and Outsiders #13: Not that interested in what’s happening in Gotham not that Batman is off in cloud kookoo land with bat-Mite or wherever he went. but I do have the say that the new Vigilante is looking damned hot. More on that in with spotlight post (and maybe a hot desktop if you’re good) later…
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The Weekly Stack 111208
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Superman: Kingdom Come Special One Shot: the first true Alex Ross created follow up story to the original epic Kingdom Come is here. Earth-22’s Superman isn’t sure where or if he belongs on the Earth he now calls home. He has a talk with Lois Kent and Norman McCay. Ross’s pencils, inks and paints are as powerful as ever and his words tell quite a story as well.
Action Comics #871: We begin to see into the minds of a few of the many new Kryptonians on Earth, including Zod’s soldiers and the new Nightwing and Flamebird. Also a dozen or so Kryptonians dogpile on Doomsday – yes you read right, Doomsday.
Captain Britain and MI-13 #7: Keeps getting better and better. Blade and Lady Farsworth start to hit it off (or at least he stopped staking her for now). Captain Britain finally has his long lost wife Meggan in his sights, or does he? All this plus the Black Knight goes berserk?
Titans #7: I wasn’t impressed with the Sins of the Father arc. This one interests me much more. We finally get some resolution on the Match/Jericho situation. I’d already figured out that it had to end with Jericho going nutzo – as it was exposed in DC Decisions that his mind retains a residue of the people he possesses – and he’s posssessed some BAD people. So I knew where it was going, yet I still enjoyed the ride more than the previous 6 issues. This issue takes a big jump up my list. I loved the artwork too.
Manhunter #36: This is a great title that was resurrected from cancellation due to fan interest – but I hear it is in trouble again. Not only is it an interesting story with an intelligent, heroic female protagonist, but it also is an unpredictably fascinating story and even has a positive somewhat realistic (for comics at least) portrayal of a loving relationship between Obsidian and his boyfriend.
Booster Gold #14: More Starro. Since when is Chronos twins? The Starro 2 parter seems like a filler story designed to establish a cryptic relationship between the female Chronos twin and Booster. But even a filler story on this title is pretty damned good.
X-Men: Magneto: Testament #3 of 5: This miniseries does an excellent job of telling the horrific story of what happened to the family of one of Marvel’s mightiest mutants – Magneto. It is a beautifully told tale unlike any other comic I’ve read. It is a testimonial to the excellence of every book higher on my list that this is so low on my list this week. It is a wonderful albeit sad book.
Green Arrow and Black Canary #14: OK, Conner Hawke’s alive, with a healing factor based from Plastic Man’s DNA, but forgot he is a pacifist and how to shoot a bow. Looks like a new heroic Identity for Green Arrow II, the name is linked to the bow.
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The Weekly Stack 110508
Enough politics for the moment – here’s the comics I read this week. I also picked up Twilight to see what all the fuss is about. I’ll let you know what I think.
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Secret Six #3: The Six are up to their ears in enemies as they transport a priceless artifact made by the devil (of the DCU – Neron) himself – a “get out of Hell free” card.
Plus, how hot is Catman?!
X-Men Manifest Destiny #3 of 5: Mystique is still gunning for Iceman – or is she. Raven’s manipulations have always been Machiavellian, but I suspect she might actually be doing something to help him live up to his almost limitless potential. I’ve long suspected that Bobby is an underachieving Alpha mutant (his power level has been hinted at by a number of writers over the years, but then overlooked again and again).
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The mysterious Graymalkin is the X-Men’s latest LGBT member, Then he and Anole can hookup and be a new dynamic duo known as the “Gray and the Green”
Graymalkin’s dad caught him in the barn with a boy, beat him half to death and buried him alive, where his latent mutant power kicked in leaving him alive but imprisoned for 200 years. The poor kid is gonna have some serious issues.
Justice Society of America #20: Starman’s outfit was engineered by THREE Brainiac 5’s! Looks like there’s more to Legion of 3 Worlds than Superboy Prime and the Legion of Supervillains… Can’t wait to learn more.
Avengers: The Initiative SPECIAL One Shot: Emotional roller coaster. Lets hope this is just a roadbloc on the highway of love for Hardball and Komodo. I like them together.
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The Weekly Stack 102908
With Halloween and Alternative Press Expo this weekend – I didn’t have time to get my choices up until now. More on A.P.E. later…
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The Weekly Stack 102208
Lots of good stuff this week and I was able to read it in a timely fashion for a change. As always, beware spoilers in commentary after the cover gallery.
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Superman: New Krypton One Shot: I especially loved Gary Frank’s gorgeously penciled sequence – Jonathan Kent’s funeral. I haven’t seen such a beautifully drawn solemn occasion since John Byrne’s chronicling of of the X-Men mourning Jean Grey directly after the Dark Phoenix Saga. Some interesting developments as Kandor starts to adjust to life on Earth or is it vice versa. I’m still waiting for explanation of Supergirl’s happy reunion with the father she recently thought sent her to kill Superman – anyone got one???? Also, Supes may have lost his father, but his dead father-in-law isn’t quite as dear or departed as Clark might like.
True Believers #3 of 5: I wish this wasn’t just a miniseries. It feels monthly to me. This is an “idea” book and it needs space to tell us a story. I understand miniseries like Wanted and War heroes that are just illustrated screenplays, but not EVERY untested idea needs to start as a mini.
The New Avengers #46: How did the Red Hood and his ilk find out about the Skrull invasion? And where did he get his daemonic power – as in which demon?
Secret Invasion #7 of 8: Its pretty much a battle royale. And someone REALLY should have told Luke Cage’s wife Jessica Jones that Jarvis was a Skrull. She might not have thought him a suitable mid-battle babysitter had she known. PLUS who shows up when things get epic? Uatu The Watcher!!! (or as my bf, popapathy calls him the big-baby-headed-man-in-a-toga – my Marvel Select Uatu scares him)
Final Crisis #4 of 7: Things get worse. A petty criminal with a family and the right powerset may be pivotal. Turpin needs to moisturize. And Barry Allen must kiss the world to freedom.
X-Men Legacy #217: Hmmmm Wolverine’s son and Miss Sinister could be the new blood that the Hellfire Club has been sorely lacking since their initial recruits were slaughtered. Dacosta was never going to step into the role. But I could see Daken growing to be a great villain. Much more interesting than if Logan can save/redeem him.
DCUniverse Halloween Special One Shot: Cute stories, great cover, narrated by my favorite dead elongated detective Ralph Dibny and his lovely dead wife Sue.
She-Hulk #34: Jen and her best Sh’iar (don’t ask) gal pal Jazinda are joined by the OTHER Lady Liberators to bring aid to an impoverished and corrupt nation stricken by an earthquake. Plus Russia’s Winter Guard.
Runaways #3: I’ve enjoyed all the previous incarnations and this one is interesting me thus far. i AM definitely warming to the overly stylized art.
Birds of Prey #123: Joker face to face with the woman he crippled… And I can’t spoil it – read for yourself. These Platinum Flats baddies are pretty creepy. I’ll be glad to see them put down.
Ms. Marvel #32: This felt like the first 20 minutes of the Iron Man movie in drag.
Thunderbolts #125: Secret Invasion filler issue – nothing happens here that isn’t in Secret Invasion – except that it plays like a Norman Osborn propaganda film.
Final Crisis – Submit: The arrival of the endangered family of an obscure yet conflicted supervillain with JUST the right powerset to carry on Metron’s “circuit” was a bit too coincidental.
X-Factor #36: STILL LOOKS LIKE IT WAS DRAWN BY DAMNED MONKEYS!!!! No more Larry Stroman! New art team!!! I suppose that is the one good thing about the short artist runs that on most titles. When someone sucks, sometimes you can ride it out.
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The Weekly Stack 101508… Better Late than Never
I’ve been meaning to get this up for days. Sorry the day job has been taking too much of the day lately. I’ll try to get some previews etc up this week. Here are last weeks picks a bit late (I didn’t even have time to read them until Sunday). I’ll try to get this weeks up more promptly.
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The Weekly Stack 100808
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Action Comics #870: I great finale to a story that not only made Brainiac scary again but also introduced 100,000 Kryptonians to the Antarctic. But I don’t know if I buy Supes just leaving Brainiac alone in the swamp trusting him to be defeated by a fear of microbes. I know his dad was dead and all, but I think he’d have called for the JLA while transporting the cities? You’d think the citynapping of Metropolis would have already have had them on the case.
X-Men: Magneto Testament #2: Continues a very personal telling of the events that made Magnus into Magneto. Testament combines history with Marvel fiction in a way I’ve never seen. I’f you aren’t reading it and consider yourself a 4-color connoisseur. Start!
Secret Six #2: The Secret Six’s new monthly is off and running. With the cat distracting the bat, the rest of the crew start off a cannonball run stye caper that just may be the death of them yet. Another MUST READ!
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The Weekly Stack 092408
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War Heroes 1 & 2: I missed these in past weeks but picked them up. I’m a big fan of Mark Millar’s words and Tony Harris’ pictures so once I heard about this I knew I had to pick it up. I’m still not EXACTLY why this was included… but here’s some odd eye candy. Nice staff sergeant.
New Avengers #45: Sit back and enjoy M-Day from the Skrull point of view as the Skrull Queen finally witnesses the power of the Scarlet Witch.
Secret Invasion: The Initiative #17: Mutant X is a redhead. Jocasta’s back. and the Skrull Kill Crew now has a teleporter in Devil-Slayer. Time to take it on the road.
Madame Xanadu #4: Nimue’s journey through the ages continues in the court of Kubla Khan. But she’s on her own again next issie, despite her attempts to charm the Phantom Stranger.
Fantastic Four #560: WELL this arc FINALLY makes sense to me now. Major revelations explaining how the New Defenders are lead by a Dr. Banner and how to mug Galactus.
1985 #5 of 6: Our hero Tobt has reached the Marvel Universe, but can he get past Jarvis? This miniseries heats up with a last page new arrival that could rock our world to the core.
X-Men Legacy #216: Charles and Emma take a leisurely stroll through his memories as she helps him remember the sins of his past.
The Immortal Iron Fist: Orson Randall and the Death Queen of California: I picked this up on a lark and it was an entertaining one-shot period tale of the 1920’s Iron Fist in Hollywood.
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The Weekly Stack 091708
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Captain Britain and MI13 #5: Blade the vampire hunter joins the team, but that isn’t good news for Spitfire unless she ENJOYS stakes through the heart. How do you get a traditional muslim family to allow their daughter to fight crime? Let them hold Excalibur for a sec.
Action Comics #869: Goeff Hohns and Gary Frank continue to take us on an epic jorney against Brainiac. Whats old is new again as this returns Brainiac to the arch-villain status he deserves. One thing… The Zor-El that Supes chats with doesn’t sound like the daddy Kara remembers (see this months image below from this week’s Brave and the Bold).
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The Mighty Avengers #18: Ever wonder what basic training with Nick Fury would be like? Read this issue.
Guardians of the Galaxy #5: Oh oh, looks like Drax the Destroyer is of the kill-em-all-let-god-sort-em-out when it comes to uncovering Skrulls. That might be bad news for his teammates.
True Believers #3: The origin of Payback and the True Believers! What is a “Variant a?” What does Luke cage have to do with her mission?
Uncanny X-Men #502: Dazzler is on board, Pixie bails but has second thoughts, Wolvie gets deja vu as he cuts up Hellfire goons, the Red Queen looks like the White Queen? or does she?
Titans #5: This in-between issue was MUCH better than the previous arc. We have some quality art. Donna is back in her starry togs. I still don’t get why one of Raven’s half-bros has a costume and the other 2 fight in street clothes. It is a peculiar character design approach.
The Incredible Hercules #121: In this issue we meet a character who is essentially (or at least mythologically) Marvel’s Wonder Woman. Princess Artume of the Amazons is also the daughter of Hippolyta.
Birds of Prey #122: Oracle may think she has the crime lords of Platinum Flats on the run but she doesn’t really know who she’s up against. That changes with this issue’s cliff-hanger… it all comes down to Barbra Gordon face to face with the man who crippled her, the Joker.
Brave and the Bold #17: This issue supports the story I’ve been reading in Supergirl. Her father trained her to kill and wanted Kal-El dead. Kara seeks out Raven of the Titans to discuss their similar Daddy issues.
Secret Invasion: Thor #2 of 3: Donald Blake… delivers a baby as the Beta Ray Bill defends Asgard against the an invasion of “godkiller” Skrulls. Bad news for the Skrulls, the baby’s out and its fine, Thor’s back in the game next ish.
Batman and the Outsiders #11: Where’s Bats? I haven’t been reading R.I.P. so I dunno. The pink outfit and bat-mite were just too much for me. Everyone’s looking for the Caped Crusader, including his very own black-ops team.
Young X-Men #6: Attempts to wrap up the mess of issues 1-5 BUT… It looks like Pixie is not the only former New X-Man whose looking a bit more grown up. Check out the youth team’s only out and proud member… cute ‘lil Anole – definitely looking a bit less boyish. I bet he’ll have a hot time in San Francisco. They better give him a boyfriend now.
X-Factor #35: STILL LOOKS LIKE IT IS BEING DRAWN BY MONKEYS!!!!! His art was bad the first time around – dump Stroman!
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The Weekly Stack 091008
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X-Men: Magneto Testament #1: For the first time truely see what shaped Marvel’s most infamous mutant. This Marvel Knights tale is a seriously beautiful take on Magneto’s horrific origins as a Jewish youth in a Germany embracing Nazism.
NYX No Way Home #2: I will definitely have to pick up the trade of the first series. I don’t know who the hell these kids are but I am loving it thus far. I look forward to figuring out what the hell is going on.
Secret Invasion #6 of 8: Thor joins the fight, the heroes regroup with Nick Fury and Reed’s got a way to expose the Skrulls. All this and the Skrull forces are confronted by the heroes of Earth. But what EXACTLY was it in that syringe SkrullYellowjacket gave to the Wasp? and why does her presence please the SkrullSpiderwoman so much?
Final Crisis Revelations #2 of 5: Spectre – the Spirit of Vengeance, has to execute the Question because of a diety’s clerical error? Thank goodness Radiant – the Spirit of Mercy was able to deliver a holygram and tell Crispus to back off.
Booster Gold #12: Some fun twists and turns in this title. I’m glad Booster has his sister back. I’d still like to see Ted Kord back too. They just need to take him before max Shoots him AND fake his death, framing Max well enough to fool Batman. Easy as pie.
Ultimate X-Men / Ultimate Fantastic Four #1: OK things get interesting when a group of X-Men from the future (including a webslinging Kitty Pryde, Wolverine, Rogue Captain X America (?) and a Phoenix that may be Franklin Richards) and promptly try to assasinate Mr. Fantastic.
Ex Machina #38: The story of trouble continues to unfold out of time on multiple fronts, yet still intrigues me. I have no idea what will happen next. If only the outcome of the election it is set against was as unclear.
Secret Invasion X-Men #2 of 4: The SuperSkrulls that were called in after the initial X-assault were more formidable than the initial ground forces. But that’s not a surprise. The mutants switch to guerrilla tactics. I’m just confused about ONE thing. We saw a feather-winged Warren flying costumed as Angel in the first half of the book, so who is the metal-winged Archangel who dives in with X-Force to save Pixie?
Secret Invasion: Inhumans #2 of 4: I’m enjoying watching the Inhumans kick some Skrullbutt, but since when can their elemental Crystal take being slammed into a stone pillar hard enough to shatter it and get up brush off some dust and jump back into the fray? I’d buy it if she had transformed the pillar into something to catch her – but she didn’t, she slammed in with full force and sound effects.
Deadpool #1: I picked this up for nostalgia, can’t justify continuing to buy it – but it was fun. Especially loved the career recap backup tale.
Secret Invasion: Runaways – Young Avengers #3 of 3: I love both teams of characters, but not much REALLY happened in these 3 issues. Xavin knocks out the Runaways to save them, both groups get separated, The fight some Skrulls, find each other, defeat a big bad and them rejoin continuity. Only thing of note is Hulkling taking his prophesied future a bit more seriously.
Green Arrow / Black Canary #12: Actual truth was a bit anticlimactic. Shado’s got a sick kid and Dr. Sivanna says he’ll help if she kills Green Arrow. She tries to do it in a roundabout way by pretending to be Ra’s etc and then her hitter ends up hitting Conner. I was hoping for a master plan to take over Green Arrow’s son and demoralize him beyond belief. Turns out it was all bad luck. Oh yeah and now Green Arrow has 2 fully grown sons.
Ms. Marvel (and her boobs) #30: Cover was a bit over the top in the rack department. Carol Danvers faces down a SuperSkrull that even the other SuperSkrulls fear. Its some kind of Hydra-manufactured abomination with whatever powers it wants. And Ms. Marvel kills it by… well that isn’t really clear.
Wonder Woman #24: Nemesis asks Hippolyta for permission to date her daughter. That alone should be worth the cover price. But it wasn’t. Then Wonder Woman meets with Hollywood executives about making a movie of her life to find that one of them is… Who is she? She never says, but she looked like the Queen of Fables to me.
Ultimate Origins #4: Aha, Nick Fury is over 90, Hulk killed Spidey’s folks, Hank Pym was a slacker genius, and the stone thing is an Ultimate Watcher… OK what’s next? Oh you say the most significant event of this generation? Coming Devastation? Is it the Ultimate Lila Cheney concert?
King Size Cable #1: Bishop chases Cable through time! Still? REALLY? Yeah. Cable laid a few amusing traps with the help of a descendent of Irene Merryweather, but generally a yawn.
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The Weekly Stack 090408
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Secret Six #1: This is how you start a new title. Monster mobsters-in-a-box, Catman naked and armed, convenience story robbery 101, stages of grief, cake, a stripper, a suicide mission and a warning from the Bat.
The Boys #22: The conclusion of The Legend’s tale, but his answers bring new questions to mind… The story of what is to happen with Annie and The Seven is still to come.
1985 #4 of 6: Still really enjoying this title, but the issues seem too short. It may be best read as the trade it will inevitably become.
Green Lantern #34: Again Geoff Johns can do no wrong. If you like Hal Jordan and are not reading this title, shame on you.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #18: I’m still unclear about what Dark Willow is up to. Why she hanging with vamp-boy? What would drive Wil to want the Bufster dead? We don’t find out this issue, but things in the future are definitely heating up.
X-Men Manifest Destiny #1: The Iceman story has some good twists. Looking forward to seeing where it’s going. It was the only story I really liked though. The Boom Boom / Meltdown story is kind of a throwaway. I didn’t like the portrayal of Karma. That character has been trough hell and back and I don’t see her losing control over the twins acting out. I did love David Yardin’s art.
Madame Xanadu #3: I missed this last week so it ends up on this weeks list. This 3rd issue deftly connects Nimue’s time with Merlin and Camelot with the Xanadu, the court of Kubla Kahn and the travels of Marco Polo.
Authority – World’s End #2: Definitely a post apocalyptic tale. But Lynch has a olan to tretore the world to what it was, only no one will listen. Isn’t that the way it always goes?
Titans #4: Not impressed with Trigon’s latest offspring or Winick’s writing. How did Changeling know “each weilding the power of a deadly sin” as he just laid eyes on them second before? Ok looked like something happened to raven’s belly when her half-bros tried to claim their birthright. And now she’s puking? A rosemary’s baby in the works for her?
Ms Marvel Annual #1: Meh. OK story. Ms. Marvel tries to arrest Spidey until they hav eto team up for the greater good.
Supergirl #33: I just picked this up to learn about Empress. Didn’t reveal that much. I keep wanting Supergirl to be a great title, but it’s just not. This was better than some recent attempts though.
Reign in Hell #2 of 8: I love Zatanna so want to get into this, but all the demonic crap is kinda boring me.
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The Weekly Stack 082008
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X-Factor: Layla Miller #1: This is SOOOO good. We’ve heard the Summers Rebellion mentioned in whispers in X-title arcs involving the future, but now we get to see what it is about. Creepy, kooky and altogether spooky, Layla Miller “knows things” about the past, present and future of the Marvel Universe. For the first time we get a glimps of what that must do to her. I hope she sticks around in the future for a year or so – enough time for at least 12 issues of a new x-title set in this period with Layla, Ruby Summers and who knows who else… This seems more like Generation Next than anything from genius-turned-hack Chris Claremont.
Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #1 of 5: This actually tied Layla Miller for 1st place. With art by George Perez and words by Goeff Johns, Lo3W probably should have beat the Layla special but I was just so surprised at how much I loved Layla in the future that she got some extra points. Check out the comic book beefcake shot of Superboy Prime I HAD to post – its a few posts above.
True Believers #2: Best new book in ages. Its fun, entertaining and compelling. The potential for this concept (a superteam dedicated to “the pursuit of truth at all costs) is limitless in universe as currently screwed up as Marvel’s.
The Incredible Herc #120: The God Squad vs. the Skrull Gods. Nuff said.
Guardians of the Galaxy #4: The seeds of dissention have been sown as SKRULLS are discovered on Knowhere.
Uncanny X-Men #501: Still loving the new home in San Francisco, but I had some problems with a few things this issue… With Emma’s Astonishing comments on Oakland, she may not be the only one with a snobbish view of Oakland. Writed scripted Pixied gang attack there too. Pixie could handle N’gari demons, but not a bunch of masked wannabe thugs? How the hell did Pixie get all the way from Oakland to X-Men HQ after that beating? (we should have seen her ‘port in) and where is her friend? I like the red Queen… Madelyne Pryor I hope.
Birds of Prey #121: Things will be heating up with joker to stir the pot. Wizkid WAS a pain. I groaned when I saw his manga armor – glad he’s not going to be a feature. Not surprised Joker would murder a child crime prodigy in cold blood.
Justice League of America #24: Enough with Amazo already. They have been there, they have done that. The cover doesn’t match the story at all. it should be cover to next month’s issue.
Batman and the Outsiders #10: I’m confused. They keep calling the ugly critter whose bite either kills or bestows meta powers “the Parasite.” I can’t find anything in his wiki entry about him being transformed into a huge nasty looking monster?
Brave and the Bold #16: Cute story. I’m not really big on cute. Probably dropping this. Loved the initial Perez arc, but its over and its time to move on.
X-Factor#34: THIS TITLE LOOKS AS IF IT WAS DRAWN BY MONKIES!!!!! Especially frustrating with the amazing X-Factor Laya Miller special out at the same time. Lets cancel the regular series and give Layla her own title.
Young X-Men #5
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The Weekly Stack 081308
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SPOILER WARNING!!!!!!!!!! READ YOUR OWN BOOKS FIRST!
Secret Invasion #5 of 7: The story is REALLY starting to take off with Norman Osborn’s manipulations of Captain Marvel back to our side, a Skrull telecast from friendly and fearsome faces, Agent Brand to the rescue, a brilliant strategic use of LMD’s by Maria Hill…
Agent Brand gets the biggest brain on earth back in the game and Clint Barton is massively pissed.
Action Comics #868: I just love this arc on Action. I can’t say for sure if it is Geoff Johns words or Gary Frank’s pencils or the magic combination of the two that makes it an instant 4 color classic. My psychic abilities tell me this storyline and the one following it WILL be released as a hardcover sooner than later.
Captain Britain and MI-13 #4: Better the Devil you know… Pete Wisdom made a deal with the devil and once the Skrulls are taken care of, he may regret it. Shades of Wanda…
First mutants everywhere, now no more Skrulls in England… Easily pluralized groups really should watch out for magic.
Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1 of 4: Damn it looks like them damn dirty Skrulls got a lot of agents replacing Inhumans. This first issue does a good job of setting up a feeling or suspense as situations begin to simmer to an epic boil.
Final Crisis: Revelations #1 of 5: I knew Dr. Light was going to buy it from the preview, but it felt good to read it. Lets hope he’s not transfigured to return as an evil being of pure light. I prefer him snuffed out by the Wrath of God. Which apparently has no power over “Libra.” He must work for or BE a more powerful Deity. Plus The Question may have some explaining to do next issue.
Booster Gold #11: Its Booster Gold as Killer Moth against Batman, Robin a Batgirl and he must win or they don’t exist. Or must he? Oops! This time traveling romp is a great read every month so try it if you haven’t. I don’t think Booster has really processed losing Ted again. His “dead” sister’s arrival might have something to do with that.
Astonishing X-Men #26: The art is breathtakingly penciled and finished and the dialog is in character and snappy even if it now lacks that Whedon quality. Warren Ellis is on a short list of writers who I’d be glad to see step in after Joss.
X-Men Origins: Jean Grey: We all know her origin and this didn’t really tell us anything new, but it is a lovely retelling of the events that brought the little girl who would grow to be Phoenix to the care of Charles Xavier.
Secret Invasion: X-Men #1 of 4: Cary Nord and color artist Dave McCaig have turned out a beautifully illustrated first chapter of Mike Carey’s the X-Men’s place in the Skrull invasion. Their take on Marvel Mutants is art.
Turns out the Skrull intel on San Francisco was a bit out of date and the Skrulls don’t seem prepared for super-resistance… at least not THIS issue. By next issue they’ll have Super Skrulls and Depends.
Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers #2 of 3: I truly love these characters and this is their place in a story I’m throughly enjoying, so I did like it a lot. But I’m just not loving the art. His Young Avengers looked like Sunday funnies versions.
Fantastic Four #559: I don’t trust Reed’s ex. I’m confused about this Dr. Banner that looks like an alternate version of the smart Hulk that ran with the Pantheon for awhile. How exactly did he capture Galactus and where would you put him if you did capture him? How big is that base? Where is it? These New Defenders MUST be from another dimension or the future. No other explanation.
Secret Invasion: Thor #1 of 3: Beta Ray Bill is back! And he’s going to battle Skrulls while Lady Loke breeds mistrust and betrayal and Thor… plays mid-wife? Not selling me with the first issue, but the last page interested me again.
Amazing Spider Man #567: I LOOOVES me some Phil Jimenez. H could probably pencil the adventures of the Fuller Brush man and I’d buy it. I’m not a Spider Man purist, and haven’t really picked up a Spider title myself in awhile so wasn’t QUITE as outraged as some at the Brand New Day fiasco. I liked this issue, but didn’t really buy that Spiderman would set up innocent people as potential targets by making people think they were him, but I COULD see him doing that to a villain whose identity he had guessed. I’ll be buying parts 1 and 2 as back issues.
One thing puzzles me… Accorcing to this family tree on the computer screen, lil jailbait Kraven is supposed to be 12-13 and her vixen mom is a very well preserved 84?
Green Arrow / Black Canary #11: They are losing me. It’s Ra’s, Its not Ra’s. Now Ollie was the target and its Shado in a Ra’s holo-disguise? Is she that big a bad? I don’t know her that well.
The Last Defenders #6 of 6: I’m still sort of intrigued by the line-up. I wish it hadn’t taken all six issues to get there. Someone else might have written the team coming together in #1 and told us a real story with 2 – 5. I tire of multi-issue stories where NOTHING HAPPENS!
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The Weekly Stack 080608
Later than usual… but here it is.
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