I Reads You Review: SPIDER MAN 2099 #1

SPIDER-MAN 2099 (2014) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER:  Peter David
ARTIST: Will Sliney
COLORS: Antonio Fabela
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Simone Bianchi
VARIANT COVERS:  Rick Leonardi and Dan Green with Antonio Fabela; J. Scott Campbell with Nei Ruffino; J.G. Jones; and Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2014)

Spider-Man 2099 is a Marvel Comics superhero created by writer Peter David and art Rick Leonardi that first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #365 (cover dated: August 1992).  This character is, of course, based on the original Spider-Man created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.  This alternate Spider-Man character was created for Marvel Comics' “Marvel 2099” line of comic books.

Spider-Man of 2099 is Miguel O'Hara (the first Latino Spider-Man), a brilliant geneticist living in New York in the year 2099 A.D.  He was attempting to recreate the abilities of the original Spider-Man in other people, which led to the accident that caused half his DNA to be re-written with a spider's genetic code.  Miguel gained amazing powers and became Spider-Man of the year 2099.

He received his own series, Spider-Man 2099, which was set in a future dystopian America that was governed by corrupt mega-corporations.  Now, there is a new Spider-Man 2099 series, written by Peter David, drawn by Will Sliney; colored by Antonio Fabela, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Spider-Man 2099 #1 opens with some backstory, which tells readers that Miguel O'Hara.  Employed by mega-corp, Alchemax, he is the young genetics genius whose experiments turned him into the Spider-Man of the year 2099.  Miguel travels back to the present to save his father, Tyler Stone, the head of Alchemax in 2099, by saving the life of his grandfather, Tiberius Stone, in the present.

O'Hara finds himself stranded in 2014.  To protect his identity in the future, while living in the present, Miguel uses the name Mike O'Mara.  He sets about establishing his new life in the present, but something from the future has followed him.  Why does T.O.T.E.M. want to destroy Spider-Man 2099?

I had not planned on reviewing Spider-Man 2099 #1.  It was just another Marvel Comics, “All-New Marvel NOW!,” number-one issue that I was going to give a try.  I had the comic book for several weeks before I decided (as an afterthought) to read it.

I had forgotten how often I have enjoyed Peter David-written comic books, but Spider-Man 2099 #1 reminded me.  The story is simple and straight-forward in this first issue, but David wonderfully sets it up to launch a quality ongoing series.  While Will Sliney is not a spectacular artist, his compositions and storytelling capture the humor and action in David's script.  This looks to be a solid comic book, and not just another “acceptable” Spider-Man title.

B+

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: STORM #1 (2014)

STORM #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Greg Pak
ART: Victor Ibañez
COLORS: Ruth Redmond
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Victor Ibañez
VARIANT COVERS:  Simone Bianchi; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2014)

Rated T+

My favorite member of the X-Men, Storm, has an eponymous new comic book series, launched as part of the All-New Marvel NOW! initiative.  Storm is written by Greg Pak, drawn by Victor Ibañez, colored by Ruth Redmond, and lettered by Cory Petit.  Of course, you know that Storm a/k/a Ororo Munroe is a Marvel Comics super-heroine and longtime member of the X-Men.  She was created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum and first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover dated: May 1975).

Storm #1 opens in the country of Santo Marco, where Storm is trying to use her weather-based powers to stop a tsunami, without making the situation worse.  But Suncorp and a local military unit do not want Storm’s help.  Meanwhile, back at the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning, a young mutant girl, Flourish a/k/a Marisol Guerra, has stinging words for Storm and about the school’s mission.

I didn’t expect much from Storm #1, but being that I love, love, love Storm, I was determined to read at least the first issue.  If this first issue is any indication, Storm will finally have the great solo series readers and fans first thought she deserved and should get thirty years ago.

Greg Pak manages to put Storm’s powers on full display, while delving into the human side of her character.  Storm:  the matron, the leader, the mother, the hope, and the salvation, has been as interesting (if not more so) as the superhero side of her.  Pak depicts Storm having to balance her power and her humanity and to find a way to be true to both her principles and to her role as X-Man:  defender and fighter.  Pak does a lot with this character in 20 pages.

Victor Ibañez is a good storyteller, and his warm, vibrant, and earthy style is a good fit for Storm.  Ibañez presents the fight-comics side of the story in a unique way, and his character drama is equally electric.

Dear Greg and Victor, please don’t let Storm #1 be a fluke.

A

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: MILES MORALES: Ultimate Spider-Man #1

MILES MORALES: ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: David Marquez
COLORS: Justin Ponsor
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: David Marquez and Justin Ponsor
VARIANT COVERS: Fiona Staples; Brandon Peterson
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2014)

Rated T+

In 2011, Marvel Comics and writer Brian Michael Bendis introduced a Black, Brooklyn teen as the new Spider-Man.  Specifically, Miles Morales, of African-American and Latino extraction, was the new Ultimate Spider-Man, the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler and web-slinger of Marvel’s Ultimate line of comics (or universe).

Miles received his own comic books series, Ultimate Spider-Man (or Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man).  Now, as part of the “Ultimate Marvel NOW” publishing initiative, Miles gets a new series, Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man, courtesy of writer Brian Michael Bendis, artist David Marquez, colorist Justin Ponsor, and letterer Cory Petit.

Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #1 opens in a secret S.H.I.E.L.D. “Containment Facility,” from which Norman Osborn is being removed for transferal to a federal prison.  In Brooklyn, two armored thieves commit a bold robbery.  Meanwhile, Miles Morales contemplates revealing his secret to girlfriend Katie Bishop, but the surprise in store for Katie is nothing compared to the surprise in store for Miles.

I have stated in previous reviews of Ultimate Spider-Man comic books that I thought that Brian Michael Bendis merged the best of classic Steve Ditko-Stan Lee Spider-Man and early Milestone Media Static comic books in his stories of Miles Morales as Spider-Man.  Miles’ stories are as much misadventure as they are adventure, because Bendis makes the foibles and trials and tribulations of teen boyhood every bit as engaging as the never-ending battle of a superhero.  Most of the time, I can’t wait for the story to switch from Spider-Man back to Miles Morales’ civilian life.  Well, that is because Miles is a quite interesting young fellow.

In the first Miles Morales series, Bendis was blessed with a fantastic storytelling collaborator, artist Sara Pichelli.  Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man finds Bendis blessed again with another talented collaborator.  David Marquez is rapidly coming into his own in terms of storytelling.  I like Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #1; it’s the kind of first issue that has me ready for more.

A

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: THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN #1

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 (2014)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Dan Slott
PENCILS: Humberto Ramos
INKS: Victor Olazaba
COLORS: Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos
COVER: Humberto Ramos
VARIANT COVERS: Marcos Martin; Ed McGuinness; Pop Mhan; Jerome Opeña; Skottie Young; Alex Ross
92pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (June 2014)

Spider-Man is a Marvel Comics superhero.  Peter Parker was once a shy and retiring teenager.  He was a freelance photographer.  He has always been a science wiz.  Parker is the Amazing Spider-Man.  Then, the gods of comics fate allowed Spider-Man arch-villain, Doctor Octopus, to swap his brain into Parker’s body.  Doc Ock became the Superior Spider-Man.

Peter Parker’s brain is back in his body, and the core Spider-Man comic book series, The Amazing Spider-Man, is re-launched.  This All-New Marvel NOW series is brought to readers by writer Dan Slott, artists Humberto Ramos (pencils) and Victor Olazaba (inks), colorist Edgar Delgado and letterer Chris Eliopoulos.

The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (“Lucky to Be Alive”) opens with Spider-Man fighting a group of oddball, semi-super-villains.  He’s doing that for relaxation.  Now, that Parker is back in control of his body, he discovers that Doctor Octopus completed Parker’s PhD and started his own company, “Parker Industries.”  But the company is a bit of a mess.  And Parker apparently has girlfriend named Anna Maria Marconi.  Spider-Man is back, but so are the troubles of Peter Parker.

I don’t read Spider-Man comic books as much as I once did.  I have been planning on changing that, and The Amazing Spider-Man #1 – 2014 edition – convinces me that I should.  This new beginning features classic pile-on-Parker with some web-slinging, and while I won’t call this great, I find it to be a good read.  As for artist Humberto Ramos, I am enjoying his work, which seems more like the work of former imprint-mate, J. Scott Campbell, than ever before.

Back-up features credits:
WRITERS: Dan Slott, Christos Gage, Joe Caramagna, Peter David, Chris Yost
PENCILS: Javier Rodriguez, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Chris Eliopoulos, Will Sliney, David Baldeon, Ramon Perez
INKS: Alvaro Lopez, John Dell, Cam Smith, Chris Eliopoulos, Will Sliney, Jordi Tarragona, Ramon Perez
COLORS: Javier Rodriguez, Antonio Fabela, Jim Charalampidis, Rachelle Rosenberg, Ian Herring

There are six short stories featuring various characters from the world of Spider-Man, with one being a preview of a side-series comic book.  These stories are extras, and I like anything that makes a comic book a bigger issue than it normally is.

INHUMAN #1
WRITER: Charles Soule
ARTIST: Joe Madureira
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC’s Clayton Cowles
COVER:  Joe Madureira and Marte Gracia

The Amazing Spider-Man #1 reprints the sold-out Inhuman #1 (Part 1: Genesis) by writer Charles Soule, artist Joe Madureira, colorist Marte Gracia, and letter Clayton Cowles.  Marvel Comics is re-inventing and revitalizing the Inhumans, a strain of humanity that began with genetic manipulation by visitors to Earth from an alien civilization (the Kree).

This first issue revitalizes my interest in the Inhumans, and I have not read an Inhumans comic book since Paul Jenkins’ 12-issue comic book series, The Inhumans, which was first published about 14 years ago.  This new comic book also offers some of Joe Madureira’s strongest art, in terms of storytelling and style, in over a decade.  This Inhuman #1 reprint is why I’m giving The Amazing Spider-Man #1 a high grade.

A-

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: MOON KNIGHT #2

MOON KNIGHT (2014) #2
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Warren Ellis
ARTIST/COVER: Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos
COVER: Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire
VARIANT COVER: Phil Noto
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2014 – second printing)

Rating: Parental Advisory

“Sniper”

Moon Knight, the Marvel Comics superhero character created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, recently received a new eponymous comic book series.  [Moon Knight first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32 (cover dated: August 1975).]  Courtesy of writer Warren Ellis, artist Declan Shalvey, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Chris Eliopoulos, the 2014 Moon Knight comic book finds the title character taking on serial killers, spree killers, and other mass murders (so far).

Moon Knight #2 (“Sniper”) opens with a focus on eight individuals, who wind down after a long day at work.  But their pasts have come back possibly to haunt them.  Perhaps, Moon Knight can stop the haunting.

I just read Moon Knight #2, and I like it so much that I had to start writing this review right away.  That’s funny, because I did not care much for the first issue of the “All-New Marvel NOW!” Moon Knight.  Nothing:  I didn’t care for Warren Ellis’ script, nor was I feeling buzz word-hot artist Declan Shalvey or just-got-lots-of-Eisner-nominations colorist Jordie Bellaire (whose work I usually like).

Ellis’ story has a heartbreaking quality to it, but he is clever in how he manipulates through information.  By the end of the story, you might be having thoughts about how justice is served or, at least, least be thinking about blow back and real world issues.

Shalvey has a graphic style that would be right at home at alt-comix and art comics publishers like Top Shelf Productions and Drawn & Quarterly.  This time his compositions offer the striking visuals that they did not in the first issue.  Bellaire’s colors are evocative, creating mood and also giving the story a forceful sense of drama.

Shalvey and Ellis come together to create a story rhythm that is a beating heart, with a jazzy vibe that is part noir and part superhero comic book.  Half pantomime (without dialogue and exposition) and half sparsely worded, Moon Knight #2 is a unique read.  It bodes well for the next few issues, and I’m on board for more.

A

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: MOON KNIGHT #1

MOON KNIGHT (2014) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Warren Ellis
ARTIST/COVER: Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos
VARIANT COVERS: Adi Granov; Bill Sienkiewicz; Skottie Young; Katie Cook; Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2014)

Moon Knight is a Marvel Comics superhero character.  Created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, Moon Knight first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32 (cover dated: August 1975).

Moon Knight is Marc Spector an American-born mercenary who dies in Egypt, under the statue of Khonshu, an ancient Egyptian moon god.  Khonshu appears to Spector and offers him a second chance at life.  After he awakens, Spector wraps himself with the silver shroud that covers Khonshu’s statue, turning it into a silver cloaked costume, becoming the Moon Knight.  A superb athlete and master of martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, Spector is also a skilled acrobat, gymnast, detective, marksman, and is an aviator who uses traditional and sophisticated weaponry.  In short, Moon Knight is Marvel Comics’ version of Batman.

It is easy to lose track of all the iterations of a Moon Knight comic book series that Marvel has published over the last four decades.  The latest Moon Knight title is part of Marvel Comics’ “All-New Marvel NOW!” initiative.  This 2014 launch of Moon Knight is written by Warren Ellis and drawn by Declan Shalvey with colors by Jordie Bellaire.

Moon Knight #1 finds Moon Knight back in New York City.  He apparently lost his mind, and perhaps, he is back to being normal – whatever that may be for Marc Spector-Moon Knight (MK for short).  The policeman, Detective Flint, who wants MK’s help, calls him “Mister Knight,” to keep MK from being associated with the dangerous vigilante he was.  MK or Mister Knight: by any name, can he stop a slasher killer who is good, albeit somewhat clumsy, at what he does?

I just read Moon Knight #1.  Interesting is one word that I can use to describe what I just read.  I’m curious, but it is hard to pass judgment on a new series in which the writer decompresses a short story about a not particularly interesting serial killer and kooky costumed hero into a full-length story about a not particularly interesting serial killer and kooky costumed hero.

I have heard rumblings of Warren Ellis’ Moon Knight being similar to Warren Ellis’ Planetary.  If you scratch hard enough, you may be able to pretend that Moon Knight is a scratch-and-sniff comic book ever so slightly oozing the leftover essence of the great Planetary… maybe.

Declan Shalvey is supposed to be some up and coming hotshot artist; oh, really?  And Jordie Bellaire has done better work.  About this new Moon Knight:  we’ll see.

B-

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: SAVAGE WOLVERINE #7

"Zeb not well; Mad is crazy good"

SAVAGE WOLVERINE #7
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Zeb Wells
ARTIST: Joe Madureira
COLORS: Peter Steigerwald
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
28pp, Color, $3.99 (September 2013)

Parental Advisory

One of the titles to come out of Marvel Comics’ “Marvel NOW” initiative is a new Wolverine series, Savage Wolverine.  The first five issues of the series were drawn by good girl artist, Frank Cho.  Now, Joe Madureira (A.K.A. Joe Mad) is the series artist, and he is delivering some of his best work in well over a decade.

In the current storyline, Wolverine and Elektra find themselves helping Wilson Fisk – The Kingpin.  Fisk is now the head of The Hand, the notorious ninja clan.  [I didn’t know that, either.]  A faction of The Hand apparently plans to resurrect the deceased lethal marksman, Bullseye, as their champion to depose Fisk.  No one, least of all Elektra, wants that Bullseye brought back to life.

As Savage Wolverine #7 opens, Wolverine and Elektra launch an attack on a New York City hideout of the Hand.  The two (anti) heroes end up in a pitched battle against a legion of ninja and some of the Arbiters, which are particularly grotesque members of the Hand.  Nothing can prepare Wolverine and Elektra, however, for the thing known as Shikaru.

I’ll be honest and admit that I bought Savage Wolverine #7 solely because of Joe Madureira.  I was a rabid fan of Joe Mad’s art after his then original art agent gave me a tip about a hot new talent.  After finding a few comic books featuring his art, “Joe Mad” became something like my Justin Beiber of comic book artists.  I am happy to say that his art in Savage Wolverine #7 reflects what I consider the period of Madureira’s best work.  That would be the latter half of his run on the Uncanny X-Men in the mid-1990s, when Tim Townsend was his inker, into the early issues of his creator-owned series, Battle Chasers (for Cliffhanger, an imprint of Image Comics’ Wildstorm Productions).

Even without Townsend as an inker, Madureira produces art for Savage Wolverine that also recalls the influences that shaped his style:   anime, manga, and Art Adams.  Peter Steigerwald’s colors give Mad’s Savage Wolverine art a kind of futuristic and apocalyptic mood.  That is a good thing, because the art’s sinister atmosphere saves the story.

All that writer Zeb Wells is offering in Savage Wolverine is an unimaginative, barely inspired rehash of everything that Frank Miller has done ten times better with Elektra, the Hand, the Kingpin, and Wolverine.  Yes, Virginia, Savage Wolverine #7 is a catalogue of Frank Miller clichés. There is a saying that those who can’t do, teach.  In comics, those who can’t do original, do Frank Miller.

B-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Albert Avilla Reviews: X-Men #1 (2013)

X-Men #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Brian Wood
Pencils: Olivier Coipel
Inks: Mark Morales and Olivier Coipel
Cover: Olivier Coipel and Laura Martin

Primer (Spoilers!)

They had me at the cover. They hit on all the important B’s: brawn, brains, beauty, boobs, and booty. Who else can put together a better all-female team? Even the villain in this piece is female. Girls just want to wreck it. Don’t let the good looks fool you; this is a band of thieves, ninjas, and former mutant-hunters who will kick some ass. If they did a survey of the top ten favorite female comic characters, where would most of these women place?

Mr. Wood doesn’t waste our time with origins; he hits the ground running. He gives a quick background of what the X-Men will be facing. Then, we have Jubilee with a baby running from a mysterious foe. She calls the X-Men, and they go running to save her. John Sublime goes to the Jean Grey School to ask for help against his sister who has an affinity for technology. Back on the train, the X-Men reunite with Jubilee. The baby is causing havoc with the electronics on the train. The X-Men jump into action to save the passengers. They take Jubilee and the baby back to the Grey School, where Sublime’s sister proceeds to take control of Karima Shapandar’s body. Yeah, that’s right; a being that has a biological imperative to dominant the earth has the powers of the Omega Sentinel. That’s the way you kick off a series.

Wood hits us with a fast-paced story and leaves us anticipating the story to come. With a team of characters with dynamic personalities and rich histories, Mr. Wood has a source of inspiration that should lead to a multitude of great stories.

The art is great. All of the different aspects of the art accentuate each other, which make for visual pleasure. Coipel has a great hand with faces and expressions. The costume design is also good.

I rate X-Men #1 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Captain America #7

Captain America 007
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Rick Remender
Pencils: John Romita Jr.
Inks: Klaus Janson, Scott Hanna
Colors: Dean White

Spoilers!

This is the best kept secret in comics, and it should not be. Get your !@#&%#$ out there and buy this book.

This is the seventh issue since the re-launch, and Remender has not given us a chance to catch our breath. The action has been kinetic. Cap has been stretched to his super soldier limits, and he has never hesitated in his assault on evil. Cap is being attacked on every level possible.

Zola’s mutates, and Jet has tested Cap’s fighting skills with brute force and superior physical abilities. Zola is taking over Cap’s body from within. Cap’s emotions have been wrecked by the kidnapping of his son, Ian. All of this is occurring in a hostile environment that requires super-human effort to survive. The only person that Cap has to depend on through these trying times is himself. Cap doesn’t sit back and moan about his situation; he is concerned about the faith of others. He pushes himself beyond his limits to make a difference.

Remender is telling an epic for the ages, and this issue continues what began in the previous issues. Cap keeps battling against all obstacles. He defeats Captain Zola. He fights Jet again, but leaves the fight to save a Phrox from becoming a Zola mutate. This inspires Jet to help Cap. She tells Cap that Zola City is actually a battle station, and that Zola is planning to attack Earth with a mutate army that will infect the Earth with the consciousness of Zola. This could have been the end of the story, leaving us filled with anticipation, but, no, the story continues. Cap pulls his demolished body off the ground to save his son. Then glazat! Cap is shot by his son. Double-thriller ending! Remender is giving us an epic for the ages. This is a great family story wrapped in kick-ass action.

Romita’s art is visual ecstasy. My copy is in horrendous condition from me repeatedly looking at the art.

I rate Captain America 007 Recommend It To A Friend. #1 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter

I Reads You Review: X-Men #1

X-MEN #1
MARVEL COMICS

WRITER: Brian Wood
PENCILS: Olivier Coipel
INKS: Olivier Coipel and Mark Morales
COLORS: Laura Martin
LETTERS: VC’s Joe Caramagna
COVER: Olivier Coipel with Laura Martin
28pp, Colors, $3.99 U.S. (July 2013)

Rated T+

Marvel Comics’ Marvel NOW initiative (which began in Fall 2012) is the major re-launch of the publisher’s comics line. Within that major re-launch have been several re-launches, and one of the big unveilings is a new comic book entitled, X-Men.

The new X-Men is written by Brian Wood and drawn by Olivier Coipel. That is a major creative team, but the really big news about this new X-Men title is that it features a female-only lineup. This new X-Men comic book stars Storm, Kitty Pryde, Psylocke, Rachel, Rogue, and Jubilee.

X-Men #1 (2013) begins with Jubilation Lee (Jubilee, of course) on the run, and in possession of an infant. Someone is following her, and she calls for the X-cavalry. Meanwhile, John Sublime shows up at The Jean Grey School for Higher Learning in Westchester, New York. He has a tale of impending doom to tell.

Writing the X-Men means recycling the ideas of other writers, ideas that were first published decades ago. What Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and Chris Claremont wrote can be and has been rehashed, re-imagined, remade, and re-jiggered into countless new comic book stories. This has gone on for decades and can go on for many, many more decades.

Along comes Brian Wood. He is one of those writers that can take someone else’s concept and write new stories that are as fresh and as innovative as the original idea. See him do it on Dark Horse’s new eponymous Star Wars comic book with artist Carlos D’Anda. Wood’s new X-Men is the freshest take on the franchise since Grant Morrison shocked us with New X-Men 13 years ago.

One of the elements that made Morrison’s New X-Men so bracing was the art by Frank Quitely. Wood has an artist collaborator who is still ascending. Olivier Coipel, the French comic book artist, has not yet reached his creative peak, but he is a good storyteller. His pretty, eye-candy style is made even prettier by Laura Martin’s dazzling colors.

Coipel is making X-Men a stimulating, refreshing read. Also, amazing is that he is the first “artist of color” (or how about “Black guy”) to be the series artist (and not a guest artist) on a main or “flagship” X-Men title in the 50-year history of the franchise. When you consider that people associated with Marvel have evoked Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X to describe the X-Men, it is ridiculous that it took this long.

By the way, no African-American or Black writer has been the series writer for Uncanny X-Men or X-Men. Is this an accident or is it because the powers-that-be over the years just wanted it that way? Well, I guess Brian Wood and Olivier Coipel are as bold as it’s ever going to get.

Any way, I like X-Men #1. This is just the first issue, but I already think that the 2013-launched X-Men is a fabulous comic book.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Albert Avilla Reviews: Young Avengers #1

Young Avengers #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Art: Jamie McKelvie with Mike Norton

(Spoilers)
“Style>Substance”

The story opens up with Kate Bishop waking up the morning after a hook-up with Noh-Varr. Then, the Skrulls attack. Hulkling is running around New York, posing as Spider-Man to fight crime. Another hook-up, this time it’s Hulking and Wiccan. After a heartfelt conversation about being superheroes, Wiccan does a little magic to help Hulkling.

At the local diner, Loki gets a warning from his food. He tries to stop Wiccan, but is interrupted by Miss America. Loki escapes when Hulkling bursts on to the scene. Miss America exits without as much as a word with Hulkling. Wiccan’s surprise for Hulkling is an alternate reality mother. Just what we need, another Skrull. Didn’t we just rid our planet of those filthy aliens? Hulkling’s mother doesn’t agree with Jeff and Rebecca’s parenting; she thinks that she knows better. She calmly disagrees with them, and then, she liquefies their bodies.

This comic book definitely has style, not so much substance. For a first issue, it didn’t get me interested in finding out how the story was going to end. Is this the first time that a member of a superhero team becomes a member through a one-night stand? There are a lot of things going on. Gillen throws us right into the thick of things. I enjoyed the frenetic pace of the action scenes.

Noh-Varr is an interesting character. Hawkeye apparently is a swashbuckler. Let’s hope that there is some semblance of responsibility in her approach to life. We know what we get with Hulkling and Wiccan. Why is Loki on an Avengers team? He is the evil that the original Avengers banded together to defeat. Miss America is the mystery character. Is she just a powerhouse? Does she have a connection with the original Miss America? Why boots with shorts and a jacket? Does she have a connection to the original Miss America?

The art is good comic book art, nothing to complain about, nothing to go on about. I did like how the artists handled the action scenes.

I rated Young Avengers #1 “Read a Friend’s Copy.” #3 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter

Albert Avilla Reviews: The Fearless Defenders #1

The Fearless Defenders #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Art: Will Sliney
Cover: Mark Brooks
Variant Covers: Milo Manara; Mike Deodato and Rain Beredo; Skottie Young

The cover was really awesome. That’s what having a great cover is about; it gets your expectations up. The interior of the book did not meet those expectations.

The Defenders have always had trouble attracting readers, and this issue will not do any better. This kind of story could squeak by once the series had established itself. I’m not familiar with Mr. Bunn’s work, so I don’t know if this is leading into a great climax or if this is par for the course. If it’s par for the course, then, I am keeping my money. I like mystery, but too much mystery leaves the reader in the dark.

A first issue should pull you in and build up your expectations. This story made me nostalgic for Indiana Jones movies. Archeology has been the basis for a lot of good comic book stories. My question is where is the evil god behind the artifact that Misty acquired? Give us an awesome villain to look forward to seeing.

Marvel NOW gets a “Marvel scowl” for this venture. Valkyrie and Misty Knight really look cool on the cover. Let’s hope that Mr. Bunn can convert that coolness into good stories.

The interior art didn’t give any more than the writing. It was average comic book art.

I rate The Fearless Defenders #1 “Read a Friend’s Copy.”  #3 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter

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

I Reads You Review: ALL-NEW X-MEN #6

ALL-NEW X-MEN #6
MARVEL COMICS

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
ARTIST: David Marquez
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger with Marte Gracia
VARIANT COVER: Chris Bachalo and Tim Townsend
28pp, Colors, $3.99 U.S.

Rated T+

All-New X-Men, a Marvel NOW title, is set at the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning. Here, Storm, Wolverine, Beast, Iceman, and Kitty Pryde try to keep Professor Charles Xavier’s dream alive. Meanwhile, Cyclops/Scott Summers, one of the original X-Men, has become a highly controversial figure and is the public face of a new mutant revolution. He and his teammates: Magneto, the White Queen, and Majick, are gathering new mutants as fast as they appear.

In a desperate bid to stop Cyclops’ activities from triggering a mutant apocalypse, a dying Beast/Hank McCoy goes back in time. He brings the original X-Men: Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Beast, and Angel, back with him. He wants young Cyclops see what he has become, so that he might change his ways and change his future.

All-New X-Men #6 opens after the original X-Men decide to stay in the present (their future) in order to save all our futures. Adjustment is difficult, however. Jean’s telepathic powers awakened for the first time. Angel is the only original X-Man who has not met his future-self. Cyclops has the most difficult time accepting what has happened, and that leads to a showdown with Wolverine.

With Brian Michael Bendis still writing, All-New X-Men is still good. His thoughtful, character-centric writing focuses on Marvel’s mutants both as people and as heroes. This makes All-New X-Men something like an evening teen soap opera / primetime drama.

David Marquez is now the artist on All-New X-Men. He replaces the team of Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger, who were the artists on the series’ first story arc. The results are mixed. Marquez storytelling is low-energy and his drawing style is bland. One of the problems with artists drawing from complete scripts is that they can become art robots, and Marquez’s art does lack a human touch. The robotic coloring doesn’t help.

Thank God for Bendis.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Albert Avilla Reviews: Captain America #3

Captain America #3
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Rick Remender
Pencils: John Romita Jr.
Inks: Klaus Janson

(Spoilers!)
Rick Remender is reminding us of who Captain America is. Throughout this story, Cap’s nobility and courage are displayed.

He escapes from Zofjor, not because he wants to live, but because he wants to protect Ian. Cap is willing to sacrifice his own body to accomplish his goal. Cap’s bravery inspires one of the Phrox to come to his aid. Cap is spared. Cap, always the champion of liberty, begins to convince Ksul that the tribe should stand up to Zofjor. This leads to Ksul being killed by Zofjor. Cap is able to defeat Zofjor, giving the Phrox their freedom.

Remender also gives us a flashback to Cap as a young boy to illustrate that Cap was a hero before he got his powers. The powers didn’t make Cap a hero; they just made him a more powerful hero.

The counterpart to Cap is Arnim Zola. Zola is a vile, wicked (wait, let me get my thesaurus) base, immoral, depraved, and beastly villain. In Zola’s flashback we see the results of his despicable experiments. He has changed his housekeeper Hilda into a foul creature and expects her to be proud of his success. In the present, he leaves the child, Jet, to fight for her life against an army of mutates. If Zola’s villainy is a measuring stick for Cap’s heroism, then, Cap is truly the living legend. At the end of the story, we see why Cap has been suffering. This story arc is slowly earning the status of epic. This is the way that we kick off a new series. Wow! Marvel Now.

With such a good story we need to remember to take some time to enjoy the work of one of the masters of sequential art. John Romita Jr. shows that he can do his thing with any story setting.

I rate Captain America #3 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Savage Wolverine #1

Savage Wolverine #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer/Artist: Frank Cho
(Spoilers!)

Savage Wolverine in the Savage Land, how else would you start a series? Let’s get savage in this piece.

It’s all Cho all the time. I am not familiar with him as a writer, but I do know that the man can draw a fine ass woman. His first guest star is Shanna, the jungle girl who runs around in a leopard print bikini. I thank you editors at Marvel for not being P.C. and giving this girl another costume that respects her as a strong intelligent woman. That girl has all the important B’s: boobs, booty, and bikini, and Mr. Cho is doing a great job of displaying them all. There is more good news: there is no Kazar or Zabu in sight to take up valuable panel space. I don’t know who else is in a scene when they try to share panel space with Shanna.

The story has good elements. There is foreshadowing beating us across the head. Mystery is keeping us interested in the outcome. Let’s not forget the reason we pick up this mag, Wolvie action. Good-old, vicious, animal attacks and human body parts flying all over the place is what I’m talking about. Even your-friends-stab-you-in-the-gut Wolverine action is in high gear. All of Wolvie’s mutant abilities are on display.

The plot is basic. Shanna and some S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents crash land on a mysterious island. They are unable to escape the island, because nature itself seems to be fighting them. The local tribe kills everyone except Shanna. Wolvie gets dropped into the situation by some mysterious force. Shanna and Oh, Uh, lost my train of thought the boobs are on my mind like crack on a crack head’s mind. Oh, yeah Shanna and Wolverine team up to try and find a way off the island.

I think that I covered the art enough for everyone to get the idea that Cho is the man. His stuff is just appealing to the eye.

I rate Savage Wolverine #1 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: New Avengers #1

New Avengers #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Pencils: Steve Epting
Inks: Rick D’armate & Steve Epting

“Memento Mori” (Spoilers!)

The Illuminati are coming together as a team of Avengers, minus Xavier plus Cap. Does Captain America have to be on every Avenger’s team?

This is a team of big time heavy hitters. Every member is a leader of great significance in the Marvel Universe. Reed Richards and Tony Stark are two of the greatest scientists; Dr. Strange is the greatest mystic. Blackbolt and Namor are kings of two great nations. Captain America is the symbol of his nation. T’Challa is all of these things in one hero, the Black Panther. Just the brainwaves emanating from the group should be able to knock out a few villains.

Oh, let’s not forget the greatest lack of personality, Blackbolt. I tend to forget that he’s in a story with the I-don’t-talk-because-my-voice-is-so-powerful. Learn sign language or something; whistle. With Richards, Stark, Strange, and T’Challa, there will be so much talking and contemplating; Blackbolt should be able to take good, long naps. Let’s hope that the loose cannon, Namor, can get them into some situations that they have to fight their way out of. There are some awesome fighters on the team.

Hickman delivers an emotional story. Three of Wakanda’s brightest stars are viciously killed by visitors from another mission to destroy an earth. If you’re trying to make people hate a villain, then, have them kill good, intelligent children who have a future – not like those little blessings that have been knocking down my garbage cans. The villains destroy the Earth with little effort – setting up the villains as a great challenge for Black Panther. T’Challa with such overwhelming odds facing him calls, in the Illuminati.

Epting’s art is an improvement over his past work. His style is the same, but it seems to be more pleasing to the eye.

I rate New Avengers #1 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter

Albert Avilla Reviews: Avengers #2

Avengers #2
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Jerome Opena
Cover: Dustin Weaver & Justin Ponsor
Variant Covers: Esad Ribic; John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson, and Dean White

“We Were Avengers” (Spoilers)
I lamented Bendis leaving the Avengers, but do not worry. Marvel’s greatest heroes have been put in capable hands. Hickman has won me over with a simple roll call story. You know: a story that comes around every so often when the Avengers lineup is changing.

First, we have the core group, the movie Avengers. If you don’t know who they are, then, I suggest that you go watch the DVD; I think it’s out. Next, we have the super popular Wolverine and Spider-man; two characters who have that never-stop-until-you-die fighting spirit. The two characters that I’m glad they have a spot on the team are Captain Marvel and Spider-Woman, no relation to Spider-Man. The Falcon is on the team; as Cap’s partner, this should be his home. It would be cool if Tony would give him an upgrade. What ever happened to Redwing?

The best hand-to hand-fighter in the Marvel Universe is on the team, The Master of Kung Fu, Shang Chi. Bringing youth to the team are Sunspot and Cannonball, the team supreme within the team. Manifold will make anywhere possible; I want to go on vacation with the dude. I want to see the pyramids when they where being built. Smasher puts the Avengers on a level with the Imperial Guard; I can’t wait for an Avengers-in-space story. Captain Universe brings awesome power to the team. The final player in the game is Superman, Oh, sorry! I mean Hyperion. Come on, we know that Hyperion is Marvel’s Superman. Think about it, Superman in the Avengers; get ready for some big time throwing down.

I enjoyed the humor. It is a good idea to keep the past lives of Smasher, Captain Marvel, and Hyperion under wraps for now; I’m expecting some good future stories. The Avengers have definitely gotten bigger. The villainous forces of Marveldom better step up their plotting and scheming.

The rest of the story gives the origin of Ex Nihilo and Abyss. They begin their transformation of Earth, and Cap marshals the new team for their attack on Ex Nihilo. It’s going to be on.

The art is unique in the good way; Opena’s style is beautiful. The coloring is detailed without giving the art that puzzle piece look. The character’s expressions are appropriate and related to the character’s emotions.

I rate Avengers #2 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Thunderbolts #1

Thunderbolts #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Daniel Way
Artist: Steve Dillon
Cover: Julian Totino Tedesco

“Enlisted” (Spoilers)

Red Hulk is putting together the new team of Thunderbolts; that’s right General Thunderbolt Ross is putting together a team called the Thunderbolts. What great mind came up with that idea?

The story begins with the General setting The Punisher up for the mob. While General Ross is pitching his project to the Punisher, we travel with the General on his recruiting trip. He talks to the prospective members at moments when they just happen to be splattering the blood of bad people. The other recruits are just as adept at splattering blood as the Punisher. We have Venom with weapons! The mime-killer, Deadpool, will add a little humor. To add the feminine touch to the blood splattering, Electra will be stabbing her way through the criminal world.

With this team, the biggest concern will be that they don’t drown themselves in the blood that they spill. Spill is too weak of a word to use, because there will be blood erupting out of their victims. Another concern is will Deadpool be able to find a straight man to play off of? Think about it: Deadpool with Punisher, Venom, Electra, and old stick-up-his-butt Ross.

Daniel Way does manage to tell a good story through all of the blood. Old Thunderbolt is both introspective and illuminating in his conversation with the Punisher. The most fascinating thing that he said was that the military studied the Punisher’s tactics and emulated them. The question is will the Punisher be able to adapt to a team situation.

When you talk about a signature style, Steve Dillon stands out. He does not try to imitate the popular style of the day. Dillon does his thing. His tough gritty style fits the team. Guru EFX’s coloring actually compliments Dillon’s efforts.

I rate Thunderbolts #1 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Indestructible Hulk #2

Indestructible Hulk # 2
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Mark Waid
Pencils: Leinil Yu
Inks: Gerry Alanguilan

(Spoilers!)
Hulk, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. is a good premise. This new direction for the Hulk is an excellent idea. Banner has decided to embrace the idea of being the Hulk, and using him in situations where he can do good. Why keep a potential force for good relegated to the status of criminal?

The Hulk is the ultimate stick for S.H.I.E.L.D. to wield. You better be committed to whatever terrorism you are thinking about, knowing that the Hulk might be a consequence of your actions. Just think about the money S.H.I.E.L.D. can save. Why develop any weapons? All you need is a truck; put Hulk in the back, and drive to the scene. “What’s up now Hydra? Suck on this!” Drop off the Hulk, end of evildoing.

This issue is about Banner being a super-scientist on a level with Reed Richards. With this new situation, Banner will have time to work, which should have a calming effect on him. He has a goal of completing an invention a week. I can’t complete any of my chores on the honey-do list each week.

Iron Man pays a visit to check out the situation, but he is unknowingly set up by Banner for a good-old, stress-relieving butt-kicking. This story would be a good bridge between two good story arcs, but as it stands, it’s just an unnecessary character developing story. When we pick up a Hulk mag, we expect more Hulk-smash for our money, not a sparring match with Iron Man.

The art is passable. The coloring goes a little too far; it makes the art look like pieces of a puzzle. A lighter hand may make the art more engaging.

I rate Indestructible Hulk 002 Read a Friend’s Copy. #3 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter