#IReadsYou Review: Wolverine #1

WOLVERINE #1 (2020)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Benjamin Percy
ART: Adam Kubert; Viktor Bogdanovic
COLORS: Frank Martin; Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
EDITOR: Jordan D. White
COVER: Adam Kubert with Frank Martin
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Alex Ross; Chip Kidd; Jeehyung Lee; Jim Lee with Jason Keith; Rahzzah; R.B. Silva with Marte Gracia; Skottie Young; Gabriele Dell'Otto
72pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (April 2020)

Parental advisory

Wolverine created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita, Sr.

“The Flower Cartel” and “Catacombs”

Wolverine is a Marvel Comics character, a member of the superhero team, the X-Men, and one of Marvel's all-time most popular characters.  Wolverine first appeared in the last panel of The Incredible Hulk #180, but his first full appearance was in The Incredible Hulk #181 (cover-dated: Nov. 1974).  Wolverine was created by then Marvel Editor-in-Chief Roy Thomas, writer Len Wein, and then Marvel art director John Romita (Sr.)  Romita designed Wolverine, but the late artist Herb Trimpe drew Wolverine's earliest comic book appearances.

Wolverine first starred in his own solo comic book in the four-issue miniseries simply entitled Wolverine (cover-dated:  September to December 1982), which was famously written by Chris Claremont and drawn by Frank Miller.  Claremont and the late comic book artist, John Buscema, launched Wolverine's first ongoing comic book series with Wolverine #1 (cover-dated: November 1988), the first of many Wolverine ongoing comic book series.

Summer 2019, writer Jonathan Hickman revamped, rebooted, and re-imagined the X-Men comic book franchise via a pair of six-issue comic book miniseries, House of X and Powers of X (pronounced “Powers of Ten”).  October 2019 welcomed “Dawn of X,” the launch of six new X-Men titles.  The new series are Excalibur, Fallen Angels, Marauders, New Mutants, X-Force, and X-Men.

The seventh Wolverine ongoing comic book series headed the “second wave” of “Dawn of X” titles.  Wolverine (2020) is written by Benjamin Percy; drawn by Adam Kubert; colored by Frank Martin; and lettered by Cory Petit.  The first issue of the new series also includes a second story written by Percy; drawn by Viktor Bogdanovic; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by Petit.

Wolverine #1 (“The Flower Cartel”) opens to find Wolverine and his cohorts:  Marvel Girl, Domino, and Kid Omega, in a sorry state.  The story turns to a flashback from several days earlier, with Wolverine on Krakoa, the living island and mutant nation-state that is the home to all mutants on Earth (if those so choose).  At the behest of Kitty Pryde, Wolverine begins an investigation/mission to discover who is selling narcotics based on a Krakoan flower from which medicine is derived.  Wolverine will come across many players in this narcotics trade before finding himself tangling with an entity known as “The Pale Girl.”

In the second story, Wolverine begins another investigation/mission, this time to discover why the homicidal mutant, Omega Red, suddenly showed up on Krakoa in a grievously wounded condition.  Who whipped that ass?  Wolverine vehemently opposes Red being given sanctuary on Krakoa, but he does want to know what happened to him.  Wolverine heads to Paris where he discovers that blood flows freely in the “Catacombs” beneath Paris.

If I had to give a grade only to the opening story, “The Flower Cartel,” I might give it a “B.”  Ten of the 30 story pages simply meander, but when the action kicks into gear, it has quite a kick.  There is nothing here by the creative team that stands out as any of its members' best work, and I am disappointed to say that because I always expect a lot of Adam Kubert.

The real treat in this issue is the second story, “The Catacombs.”  For a grade, I will give it a solid “A.”  I don't want spoil anything, but Benjamin Percy's story reads like a slickly, produced dark fantasy, mystery-thriller.  Viktor Bogdanovic's illustrations and storytelling recall some Marvel stalwarts, like John Romita Jr. and Art Adams, 1980s work.  Matthew Wilson's color is pitch perfect for the tale, and Cory Petit's lettering creates an edgy, but alluring rhythm.

I am inclined to seek out the second issue of this new series to see if the plot of the second story plays out in the next issue.  Beyond that, the fact that Adam Kubert is drawing a Wolverine comic book will keep me curious about it.  The truth is, however, the main story of Wolverine 2020 simply does not stand out as exceptional material.

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: FALLEN ANGELS #1

FALLEN ANGELS #1 (2020)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Bryan Hill
ART: Szymon Kudranski
COLORS: Frank D'Armata
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
EDITOR: Jordan D. White
EiC: Akria Yoshida a.k.a. “C.B. Cebulski”
COVER: Ashley Witter
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mark Bagley and John Dell with Israel Silva; Gabriele Dell'Otto; Greg Land with Frank D'Armata; Pepe Larraz with David Curiel; Rob Liefeld with Romul Fajardo, Jr.; and Tom Muller
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2020)

Rated T+

The X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby; Fallen Angels created by Jo Duffy and Kerry Gammill

“Bushido”

The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team and franchise created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Jack Kirby.  The X-Men #1 (cover dated: September 1963) introduced readers to a professor and his students who had unique powers and abilities because they were “mutants.”

One of the X-Men spin-off titles was Fallen Angels.  Created by writer Jo Duffy and artist Kerry Gammill, Fallen Angels was more accurately a spin-off of the X-Men spin-off, The New Mutants.  The Fallen Angels was a team that featured two New Mutants, Sunspot and Warlock, and Boom-Boom of X-Factor.  The team's only appearance was in the eight-issue miniseries, Fallen Angels (cover dated:  April to November 1987).

This past summer (2019), writer Jonathan Hickman revamped, rebooted, and re-imagined the X-Men comic book franchise via a pair of six-issue comic book miniseries, House of X and Powers of X (pronounced “Powers of Ten”).  October 2019 welcomed “Dawn of X,” the launch of six new X-Men titles.  The new series are Excalibur, Marauders, New Mutants, X-Force, X-Men, and the subject of this review, Fallen Angels.

Fallen Angels 2020 is written by Bryan Hill; drawn by Szymon Kudranski; colored by Frank D'Armata, and lettered by Joe Sabino.  Fallen Angels focuses on the outsiders of Krakoa, mutants who don't belong in paradise because of their anti-heroic pasts.

Fallen Angels #1 (“Bushido”) opens as Kwannon does something bad.  Meanwhile, on Krakoa, the living island and mutant nation-state, Psylocke is in a state of meditation, in this new world of “Mutantkind,” unsure of her place in it.  But she gets a warning, a demand that she face a new threat, a god named “Apoth,” and it seems as if Psylocke's past is starting to come back to her.  Seeking the aid of Mr. Sinister and gathering the mutant warriors, Cable and X-23, to her side, Psylocke begins her personal mission of revenge.

I have come across commentary on the inter-webs that Fallen Angels is the best of the first wave of “Dawn of X” titles.  I am sorely disappointed to say that I have practically nothing to say about it.  The first issue barely registers with me, which is surprising.  I am a fan of Bryan Hill's writing, and his potent, forceful storytelling always moves something in me.  I'll check in on Fallen Angels later, but I still think that fans of this new X-Men direction should check out at least the first issue of all six titles.  In the meantime, I don't have a grade for Fallen Angels #1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and  syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: WOLVERINE VS. BLADE SPECIAL #1

WOLVERINE VS. BLADE SPECIAL No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Marc Guggenheim
ART: Dave Wilkins
COLORS: Dave Wilkins
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Darren Shan
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Dave Wilkins
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matteo Scalera with Moreno Dinisio; Gabriele Dell'Otto
44pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated “Mature”

Blade created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan; Wolverine created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita

I like Wolverine, and I love Blade, so...

Blade is a Marvel Comics character created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan.  He first appeared in the comic book, The Tomb of Dracula #10 (cover dated:  July 1973), as a supporting character.  Blade is Eric Brooks, who was born half-vampire and half-human, after a vampire attacked and killed his mother.  Possessing a vampire's speed, strength, and healing, Eric became Blade the vampire hunter and killer.

Wolverine is also a Marvel Comics character.  He was created by Roy Thomas and Len Wein and artist John Romita and made his full-length debut in The Incredible Hulk #181 (cover-dated November 1974), after making a cameo appearance at the end of The Incredible Hulk #180.  A member of the X-Men, Wolverine is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, a powerful healing factor, and three retractable claws in the back of each hand.

Wolverine and Blade meet in the new one-shot comic book, Wolverine vs. Blade Special #1.  It is written by Marc Guggenheim; painted by Dave Wilkins; and lettered by Travis Lanham.  This special pits two of Marvel's deadliest hunters ever to have stalked the night against each, Wolverine and Blade... with a horde of vampires circling them.

Wolverine vs. Blade Special #1 opens some unknown numbers of years in the past.  Wolverine and Blade are battling vampires in Wolverine's stomping grounds, the island-city of Madripoor.  The bloodsuckers, which belong to a vampire cult known as “The Creed,” have congregated at a temple where they practice ritual sacrifice of humans.

Six months later, Wolverine is in New York City hunting Dragoness, a mutant who has lately been killing humans and other mutants, and Wolverine is shocked to discover that Dragoness is no longer what she was known to be.  Meanwhile, in Von Stadt, Germany, Blade is battling the vampire, Count Von Stadt, when the vampire displays a shocking power not usually associated with vampires.  WTF?!  These different missions are connected, but will Wolverine and Blade kill each other before they become allies?

Although I am always down for a Blade comic book, I was cynical about the Wolverine vs. Blade Special.  After all, Marc Guggenheim apparently starting wrote this special over a decade ago around the time he wrote the short-lived, 12-issue, Blade ongoing series (2006-2007) and the “Logan Dies” story arc in Wolverine (2003) #57 to #61 (which was published in 2007).  I read recently that Marvel even cut three-pages from this story which was also drawn ages ago.

However, I am happy to say that Wolverine vs. Blade Special #1 is a fun read.  It is not great, but I wish there was more of it – say 48 pages instead of the 40 pages presented here.  Guggenheim writes this somewhat in the spirit of those Blade stories that Marv Wolfman and Chris Claremont wrote for Marvel Preview and Vampires Tales in the mid-1970s, which were badass and gory.  Guggenheim apparently takes delight in his two stars killing vampires in the most gruesome and brutal manner.

Artist Dave Wilkins' art and graphical storytelling seems a little outdated, like those Radical Comics titles from the 2000s.  However, he draws a snazzy, sleek, and gleaming Blade and some righteously monstrous vampires.  His Wolverine is a little stiff – too much muscle and brawn and an awkward-looking costume.  Still, what Wilkins does best – Blade and vampires – is graphical striking, and in general, my eyes think of some of the art here as candy.

Travis Lanham's precision lettering and murderous sound effects push Wolverine vs. Blade Special #1 over the top; it is like hearing a raucous audio track.  Hey, this comic book is not great, but it is better than you would think.  Who knew Wolverine and Blade were two great comic book tastes that could taste quite good together?

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.


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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Darth Vader #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – DARTH VADER No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Ramón Bachs
COLORS: Stéphane Paitreau
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Gabriele Dell'Otto; Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Tommy Lee Edwards; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2019)

Rated T

“To The Letter”

Darth Vader is one of the most beloved and feared characters in the Star Wars film series.  Many fans think that he has the most fascinating character arc in the Star Wars films (although some, like myself, dear readers, would argue Luke Skywalker does).  Darth Vader debuted in the original 1977 Star Wars film, but he appears as Anakin Skywalker in the “prequel trilogy” films, and as Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (also known as Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that is comprised of three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic (which has been completed), Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Ramón Bachs; colored by Stéphane Paitreau, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  This issue, which is set after the events depicted in Revenge of the Sith, finds Vader having to bend his knee to an Imperial bureaucrat.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 (“To the Letter”) opens on the “Mid Rim” world of Namzor.  Aboard a Star Destroyer, its commander, Governor Ahr, seethes after Darth Vader goes against his wishes.  When he takes his complaint against Vader to Emperor Palpatine, Ahr is surprised by the result.  Vader, however, realizes that he has something left to prove and to learn.

The few “Age of” Star Wars comic books that I have read have been average, good, and really good.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1, like the recent Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1, is one of the really good issues.  The best entries in this series offer insight into the characters or into their relationships or focus on some stage of character development.  Darth Vader does both.  Without spoiling the story, I can say that writer Greg Pak presents a nifty tale showcasing the badness we expect from Vader and Palpatine.

Artist Ramón Bachs is an interesting choice for this story.  For one, his graphical style is appropriate for science fiction comics.  Secondly, his graphical interpretation of Darth Vader recalls the designs for the villain executed by the late Ralph McQuarrie.  It is as if the earliest version of Darth Vader has finally come to life, and Bachs presents him as a tall, dark, menacing figuring.  In this story, Vader is a black wraith stomping through this story to bring death.

Colorist Stéphane Paitreau adds layers of hues that have a threatening aura.  Letterer Travis Lanham have been providing excellent work on these AOR titles, and continues to do so here.  Lanham especially strikes a dark note on Palpatine's dialogue.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I hope the next arc, Age of Resistance, can offer a least one or two issues as good a this Darth Vader comic book.

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: DAREDEVIL #1

DAREDEVIL No. 1 (2019)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted in Patreon.]

STORY: Chip Zdarsky
ART: Marco Checchetto
COLORS: Sunny Gho
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Devin Lewis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Julian Totino Tedesco
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Alex Maleev; Joe Quesada; Skottie Young; Gabriele Dell'Otto
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2019)

Daredevil created by Stan Lee and Bill Everett with Jack Kirby and Wally Wood

“Know Fear” Part 1

Daredevil is a Marvel Comics superhero created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett.  The character first appeared in Daredevil #1 (cover dated: April 1964).  Daredevil is Matt Murdock, a vision-impaired attorney who was blinded as a child after being exposed to a radioactive substance.  That substance enhanced his senses to a supernatural level and gave him a 360-degree radar sense.

Marvel Comics is giving Daredevil the comic book something of a reboot.  Daredevil 2019 is written by Chip Zdarsky; drawn by Marco Checchetto; colored by Sunny Gho; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Daredevil #1 opens in the wake of the events depicted at the end of writer Charles Soule's run on Daredevil and in the subsequent five-issue miniseries, Man Without Fear.  After recovering from grievous injuries and intense physical therapy, Matt Murdock returns to Hell's Kitchen.  As the story begins, Matt has already acted once as Daredevil (although apparently not in costume).  However, there is a new sheriff in town.

Straight outta Chicago comes Detective Cole North.  He has been tasked by New York City Mayor Wilson Fisk, formerly known as The Kingpin – the crime lord of New York City, to take down costumed superheroes in NYC.  When he dons the Daredevil costume for the first time in a long time, Matt may end up doing Detective Cole's work for him.

Daredevil #1 (2019) is quite a good start for the new series.  First, there is Julian Totino Tedesco's beautiful cover art.  Inside, Marco Checchetto offers his most disciplined compositions to date, with an emphasis on storytelling that makes the most of atmosphere and mood and characters' emotions.  Previously, Checchetto was good at these things, but his drawings seemed to emphasize style.  Sunny Gho's colors are beautiful and emphasize reds and blues to create a sort of rose-tinted Film-Noir look.  The artists' depiction of Daredevil's radar sense is also quite nice.

Writer Chip Zdarsky's storytelling here reminds me, in some ways, of writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzuchelli's “Born Again” story arc in Daredevil (1964) #227-231.  It is also something of a spiritual heir to the last year of Frank Miller's original run on Daredevil as writer-artist/designer (with Klaus Janson as artist).  I don't know if Zdarsky's work on Daredevil will reach the great heights of Miller, but I like how Zdarsky emphasizes Matt's moral conflicts and his past, as well as emphasizing Wilson Fisk as being an existential threat to Matt Murdock-Daredevil.  Clayton Cowles lettering creates a nice rhythm for Zdarsky's script.

I was not looking forward to Daredevil (2019), but happenstance dropped a copy of Daredevil #1 (2019) in my lap.  I am glad I read it, and I am recommending it to Daredevil fans.

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Review: DOCTOR STRANGE #1

DOCTOR STRANGE No. 1 (2018)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mark Waid
ART: Jesús Saiz
COLORS: Jesús Saiz
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
EDITOR: Nick Lowe
COVER: Jesús Saiz
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Chris Bacholo and Tim Townsend; Gabriele Dell'Otto
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2018)

Rated T+

Doctor Strange created by Steve Ditko

“Sorcery Supreme of the Galaxy” Part One

Doctor Strange is a Marvel Comics magical superhero character.  Doctor Strange first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (cover dated:  July 1963) and was created by writer-artist Steve Ditko, although Marvel Comics also recognizes writer Stan Lee as the character's co-creator.

Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange is a brilliant, but egotistical neurosurgeon who only cares about using his career and talents to become wealthy.  A car accident severely damages his hands, ending his ability to perform surgery.  His pride causes him to lose everything, but his encounter with the Ancient One changes him.  Doctor Strange becomes the “Sorcerer Supreme,” the “Master of the Mystic Arts,” who is the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats from wherever they may come.

Marvel Comics recently launched a new Doctor Strange comic book with a shockingly new direction.  This new title is written by Mark Waid; drawn and colored by Jesús Saiz; and lettered by Cory Petit.

Doctor Strange #1 opens with the good Doctor... Strange wrapping up some mystical ass-kicking.  Now, he is ready to return to his “Sanctum Santorum” in Greenwich Village, New York City and resume his role as the most powerful and lead defender against all occult and arcane threats to our realm.  Seven years later, Stephen Strange begins to lose his ability to see the reality behind the obvious, which humans cannot see.  Soon, Doctor Strange is a mystic physician no longer in touch with the magical and the mystical.

He reaches out for help, but no one can help him.  Then, Tony Stark suggests that Strange leave the Earth and travel the stars to get his mystical groove back.

First, I have to say that Jesús Saiz's art and coloring are absolutely beautiful.  I don't know if Saiz digitally paints his art, but so far, this iteration of Doctor Strange is one of the best looking comic books with painted art that I have ever read.  The prettiness of the art does not distract from the storytelling, which is surprisingly fraught with emotion.

Yeah, when writer Mark Waid is good, he is fantastic, although when he is bad, it is painfully mediocre.  Ain't no mediocrity here, as Waid starts one of the most improbably Doctor Strange story lines ever.  That is something to say considering that we have had over five decades of glorious Doctor Strange weirdness to enjoy.

Yes, via Cory Petit's stylish and evocative lettering, we have a good strange Strange to read.  I recommend that we stay with it, or, if you have not started, get on board this intergalactic bus.

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Review: INTERNATIONAL IRON MAN #1

INTERNATIONAL IRON MAN No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: Alex Maleev
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Mike Deodato with Frank Martin
VARIANT COVERS: Gabriele Dell'Otto; Marco D'Alfonso; Skottie Young; John Tyler Christopher
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2016)

Rated “T+”

I did not know that a few years ago it was revealed that Tony Stark was adopted as a baby by Howard and Maria Stark (in Iron Man #17 – 2013 series).  Tony's quest to uncover his legacy is at the heart of the new Iron Man comic book series, International Iron Man.  It is written by Brian Michael Bendis; drawn by Alex Maleev; colored by Paul Mounts; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Who is Tony Stark, really?  International Iron Man #1 begins the quest to discover the answer to that question.  The story opens with Iron Man in Sofia Bulgaria at the “Monument to the Soviet Army.”  He has just got his butt kicked.  His mind drifts back 20 years earlier when Tony was a student at the University of Cambridge.  That is where he met Cassandra Gillespie, a mysterious young woman from an even more mysterious family that is marked for death.

I have never been a big fan of Iron Man, not the way I heart for Spider-Man (Parker and Morales), Batman (and Robin), and certain X-Men.  One Iron Man book is enough for me, and that one is currently Invincible Iron Man, which is also written by Brian Michael Bendis.  I guess this is my way of saying that I did not feel particularly moved by this first issue of International Iron Man.

Bendis and Alex Maleev are remembered for their run on Daredevil last decade, so fans of that comic book may rejoice at the chance to see if this team can do for Iron Man what it did for that book.  I wouldn't know what they did, as I have never read a single issue of the Bendis-Maleev Daredevil.

So I'm coming from a place of ignorance in some ways.  Apparently, Doctor Doom will play a part in this series, and while traveling the globe, Iron Man will discover things about the Marvel Universe that he did not know existed.  I'm kinda intrigued.  I may keep reading International Iron Man, but I won't go out of my way.  So how is that for a review?

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: CHEWBACCA #1

CHEWBACCA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Gerry Duggan
ART: Phil Noto
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Phil Noto
VARIANT COVERS:  Ariel Olivetti; Gabriele Dell'Otto; Alex Ross; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated T

“Part I”

Since Marvel Comics starting publishing Star Wars comic books again, they have already produced two character miniseries that each focus on a classic character from the original Star Wars movie trilogy.  The two series, Princess Leia and Lando, were both five-issue miniseries.

The latest one miniseries focuses on Han Solo's longtime friend and co-pilot, the Wookie, Chewbacca,  aka “Chewie.”  Entitled Chewbacca (of course), the five-issue miniseries is written by Gerry Duggan (Deadpool) and drawn and colored by Phil Noto (Black Widow), with letters by Joe Caramagna.

Chewbacca #1 (“Part 1”) is set directly after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977).  Chewie is on an important and personal secret mission when his spacecraft malfunctions, stranding him on the planet, Andelm-4.  He is trying to procure the “flight stabilizer” he needs for his ship, when he becomes ensnared in a young native girl's problem.  Her name is Zarro, and her father, Arrax, is in trouble with a powerful crime boss-type.  As Chewie and the Zarro come to an understanding, their problems are actually getting bigger.

A Chewbacca comic book can only work when a comic book writer understands how to take advantage of Chewie's expressive nature and also understand how to play a character that is like a force of nature.  The comic book artist will have to be able to depict Chewbacca's physicality in a way that expresses both the extremes and the ranges of his emotions.

After one issue, Gerry Duggan seems to be that writer, and Phil Noto seems to be that artist.  Noto's distinctive style correctly sets Chewbacca as distinct from the rest of Marvel's Star Wars titles without making it estranged from them.  Duggan offers up a playful and sly Chewie to balance the dangerous Wookie whose “heavy” and destructive side will be needed for him to be the hero.

I am as yet unsure about Zarro.  She could be an attractive heroine or an annoying spunky type or she could be the victim slash damsel.  I hope Duggan gives her fight.  It looks like Chewbacca will be another Star Wars character miniseries hit.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: PRINCESS LEIA #1

PRINCESS LEIA #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

WRITER: Mark Waid
PENCILS: Terry Dodson
INKS: Rachel Dodson
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Ross; Mark Brooks; J. Scott Campbell; John Cassaday; John Tyler Christopher; Butch Guice; Gabriele Del'Otto; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2015)

Rated T

Princess Leia: Part 1

The third title to come out of Marvel Comics' return to publishing Star Wars comic books is Princess Leia.  A five-issue miniseries, Princess Leia is written by Mark Waid, pencilled by Terry Dodson, inked by Rachel Dodson, colored by Jordie Bellaire, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Princess Leia #1 (“Part 1”) opens during what is the final scene in the original Star Wars (1977), the awarding of medals to Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.  The Rebel Alliance has just scored a major victor at the Battle of Yavin by destroying the evil Galactic Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star, but the rebels have little time to celebrate or to even mourn their dead.

Princess Leia Organa is ready to move on to the next stage in the battle against the Empire, so she is surprised to discover that her new role is to be a protected asset.  A contentious encounter with Evaan, a pilot who is also from Leia's now-destroyed home world of Alderaan, spurs Leia into action with a new mission.  Her fellow rebels, however, may not like Leia's new mission.

I must admit for the third time that I am pleasantly surprised by Marvel's new Star Wars comics.  Marvel's flagship Star Wars and the recently launched Darth Vader comic book surprised me by being more enjoyable than I expected, especially Darth Vader.  When writer Mark Waid is good, he is usually really good, and he seems ready to let Leia show herself in full bloom – without having to share the narrative with either Luke or Han.  The original Star Wars films only hinted at Leia's full capabilities as a rebel leader, as a warrior, as a woman, and as a bad-ass.  It looks like Waid is going to try to tap into every bit of her potential.

As for the art:  many readers of Star Wars comic books have probably wanted an Adam Hughes-drawn Star Wars comic book since the first time we ever saw Hughes draw a Star Wars illustration.  Terry Dodson has a drawing style that is clearly influenced by Hughes, so we finally have a Adam Hughes Star Wars comic book in Princess Leia, or as close as we are likely every going to get.  Some of Dodson's composition in this first issue is a bit awkward, but Terry and Rachel Dodson have captured the spirit of classic Star Wars.  So I have decided to follow where Waid and the Dodsons take me on this galactic adventure.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: ALL-NEW MIRACLEMAN Annual #1

ALL-NEW MIRACLEMAN ANNUAL #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITERS: Grant Morrison, Peter Milligan
ART: Joe Quesada, Mike Allred
COLORS: Richard Isanove, Laura Allred
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos, Travis Lanham
COVER: Gabriele Dell'Otto
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2015)

Mature Content – Parental Advisory for Strong Language & Content

Miracleman (Marvelman) created by Mick Anglo

All-New Miracleman Annual #1 is a one-shot comic book published on New Year's Eve 2014 (Wednesday, December 31, 2014).  It contains two stories set in the world of Alan Moore and Gary Leach's revived and re-imagined version of Marvelman, the 1950s and early 1960s British superhero character created by British comic book writer-artist, Mick Anglo.

When Alan Moore's Marvelman was brought to America and reprinted by the late Eclipse Comics, it was renamed Miracleman.  After acquiring the rights to the Marvelman characters, Marvel Comics is currently reprinting the material produced by Warrior and reprinted by Eclipse and also, Eclipse's own Miracleman comics that it began publishing in the mid-1980s.

The first story in All-New Miracleman Annual #1 is The Priest and the Dragon: “October Incident: 1966.”  It is a Marvelman-related story written by Grant Morrison for the British comic magazine, Warrior, the home of Moore's Marvelman revival.  No art was produced for the story after it was originally written, and it was put on hiatus when Warrior ceased publication (according to the “Behind the Scenes” section of All-New Miracleman Annual #1).

The story finally sees light with art by former Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada (now Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Worldwide, Inc.).  The story centers on an elderly priest who had an encounter, three years before this story begins, with Johnny Bates a.k.a. Kid Miracleman.  The story, really, is a vignette, but it is the kind of vignette that can be very powerful and effective with the right artist.  Joe Quesada is an effective graphical storyteller, so this story allows us to see Quesada working as a storytelling comic book artist, which he has not been for much of the last decade and a half.  Even the lettering by Chris Eliopoulos for this story is potent.

The second story features the Miracleman Family (the Marvelman Family):  Miracleman, Young Miracleman, and Kid Miracleman.  The story, entitled “Seriously Miraculous,” is written by Peter Milligan and is drawn by Mike Allred with colors by Laura Allred and letters by Travis Lanham.  I think that this is an entirely new story.

The story pits the Miracleman Family against the Dictator of Boromania and his hired gun, Gargunza, a Miracleman adversary.  While constantly foiling assorted diabolical, but weird plots, Miracleman notices something strange about the places where he and his family have fought.

“Seriously Miraculous” is a hugely enjoyable story.  Peter Milligan's name is not often mentioned among the great British comic book writers who started producing work for U.S. comic book publishers in the 1980s and 90s, but it should be.  I don't think that I have ever read something by him that was not interesting or inventive or both.  He may not have created a Watchmen or a Sandman, but he is never ordinary.

In “Seriously Miraculous,” he has written a story that perfectly plays to Mike Allred's retro-modern style, but not just in terms of style.  Milligan and Allred come together for a story that pays homage to Mick Anglo's old Marvelman comics, but also hints at Alan Moore and Gary Leach's revival, while allowing Allred to add his ironic and surreal touches.

Milligan and Allred are a good team, and Quesada brings Morrison's decades-old story to life with the kind of power that it might not have had it been drawn when it was originally intended.  All-New Miracleman Annual #1 is a must-have in this second revival of Marvelman/Miracleman.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: AVENGERS & X-MEN: Axis #1

AVENGERS & X-MEN: AXIS #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Rick Remender
ART: Adam Kubert
COLORS: Laura Martin and Matt Milla
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos
COVER: Jim Cheung with Justin Ponsor
VARIANT COVERS:  Gabriele Dell'otto; Adam Kubert with Edgar Delgado; Mike Mayhew; Mico Suayan; Skottie Young; Chip Zdarsky; and The Young Guns with Mike Deodato with Frank Martin
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2014)

Rated “T+”

The Red Supremacy: Chapter 1

About three years ago, I read the first two issues of Avengers vs. X-Men (#0 and #1), and I didn't find anything that made me want to keep reading the much-anticipated and much-talked about event “maxi-series.”  So I don't know why I'm reading the new Avengers/X-Men crossover event miniseries, Avengers & X-Men: Axis.  Maybe, I'm curious?

Avengers & X-Men: Axis #1 (The Red Supremacy: Chapter 1) opens with a brief recap/overview of what has happened since the shocking end of Avengers vs. X-Men, in which the X-Man, Cyclops, killed his mentor and founder of the X-Men, Professor Charles Xavier.  The result was the branding of Cyclops as a criminal and also the founding of the Uncanny Avengers, a unity squad of Avengers and X-Men.  Of course, a new team wouldn't make them better for long.

Fast forward:  Magneto kills Captain America's arch-nemesis, the Red Skull, which leads to his resurrection as “The Red Onslaught.”  Now, there is a wave of psychic energy and hate, initiated by Red Onslaught, because he possesses Prof. X's brain and psychic powers.  This psychic wave, or onslaught, if you will, has the world in turmoil, so the Avengers and X-Men have to come together to stop Red Onslaught.

Wow.  It has been an unknown number of years (but it is many) since I have read an issue of a comic book event series in which superheroes and super-villains engage in a slug fest.  Part of me enjoys seeing so many of the superheroes that I've known most of my life together, even the new versions.  I enjoyed the Scarlet Witch angle of this story, as well as the Scarlet Witch-Rogue subplot.  I think this Red Onslaught character is ridiculous, however.  I did not plan on reading any more of this, even while wondering why I was reading Avengers & X-Men: Axis #1 to begin with.

Then, I saw Sentinels at the end of the first issue, and then, I decided to read more.  I think that is how these superhero crossover events work.  The writers, artists, and editors throw so much into the event (something we can compare to a pot full of ingredients), and the readers are bound to find something to appeal to them.  So there you have it.  I thought I was out, but they dragged me back in.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: UNCANNY X-MEN #1

UNCANNY X-MEN #1 (April 2013)
MARVEL COMICS

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS/COLORS: Chris Bachalo
INKS: Tim Townsend, Jaime Mendoza, Al Vey
LETTERS: VC’s Joe Caramagna
VARIANT COVERS: Skottie Young; Joe Quesada and Danny Miki with Richard Isanove; Francesco Francavilla; Gabriel Del’Otto; Stuart Immonen with Marte Gracia
28pp, Colors, $3.99 U.S.

Rated T+

Part of Marvel Comics’ Marvel NOW initiative (the re-launch of their comics line) is another re-launch of Uncanny X-Men. The new series is written by Brian Michael Bendis, who is also writing Uncanny’s sister title, All-New X-Men. For the time being, the art is being produced by Chris Bachalo (pencils) and Tim Townsend (inks). Longtime comic book readers know why I’m saying “for the time being.”

The roster of X-Men that makes up this new Uncanny X-Men is Cyclops, Magneto, Emma Frost the White Queen, Majik, and two new mutants. The newbies are an Australian girl, Tempus, and a boy who is a healer and who has not chosen his mutant name, yet. Cyclops/Scott Summers, one of the original X-Men, has become a highly controversial figure and is also the public face of a new mutant revolution.

Uncanny X-Men #1 opens in an underground S.H.I.E.L.D. interrogation bunker. Director Hill is about to interview a mysterious figure who has shown up out of nowhere. He has a tale to tell about Cyclops and his band of X-Men. It begins with the rescue of Fabio Medina, a young mutant whose powers have just awakened. What is this stranger really offering S.H.I.E.L.D. and what does he really want?

Brian Michael Bendis is proving himself to be the best X-Men writer in a decade or, at least since Grant Morrison on New X-Men. Bendis is doing his excellent work without making the changes Morrison did when he became an X-writer. In this first issue, the set-up of the mysterious stranger peddling information creates a thrilling sense of mystery, drama, and anticipation. It’s enough to have me coming back.

OK. Chris Bachalo. Yeah, used to like him a lot. He has done some really good work. Bachalo is from the school of eye-candy comic book art. He has sometimes been more about style than storytelling, and his compositions can be crowded, though not always. Gawd, remember Steampunk? Luckily, the crowding is down significantly. In Uncanny X-Men #1, the storytelling is off-kilter, at times, and the page design is sometimes a jumbled cluster-fk that makes certain pages annoying to read.

Thank God for Bendis.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux