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Post by woodside on May 10, 2014 22:08:25 GMT -5
What's going on, everyone? The board seems pretty dead lately.
I'm enjoying some current comics. Uncanny Avengers is exciting. The soon-to-be-cancelled Brian Wood Star Wars book is really groovy. Not the biggest Star Wars fan, but it's engaging. Saga is my all-time favorite comic right now. Just a phenomenal comic. Uncanny X-Men and All-New X-Men by our boy Bendis is surprisingly good! Batman Zero Year is pretty bangin' too. Scott Snyder's got it.
Brian Wood's X-Men isn't living up to its potential and I'll be dropping it. And my favorite writer right now - Jason Aaron - is leaving Amazing X-Men, so I think I'm done with that.
Original Sin # 1 was pretty good, though.
What's everyone else reading?
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Post by woodside on Jan 30, 2014 21:58:30 GMT -5
I don't like change. lol - this is not meant as a criticism, just as a humorous observation but it's funny to hear this from the one person here who likes "New Marvel". It's usually the rest of us that say that. HA! I was kinda being ironic, but I also really hate the new layout. But you have to realize it was change for US, not for him... from what woodside has told us, if I understood correctly, he got into the Avengers about the same time Bendis got reign over them (I have a terrible memory, so I could be wrong...). So, if I got it right, he would be a lot like us in the sense that his "starting point" Avengers would be the ones he feels more comfortable with, its just that we would be talking of different Avengers when it comes to him and (most of the rest of) us... . But I agree with humanbelly, having different (even at times conflicting) points of view enriches our board. Gives us a chance to try to see things from a different perspective, which is, in my book, always a healthy thing. Nicely stated, Doc. Y'know what occurs to me? "New Marvel" is now a number of years old, yes? Not really new anymore. Although the view from the outside is that it's been in pretty much a constant state of overwrought upheaval (esp. in the Avengers wing), I do wonder if it's about due for another big shift in direction? WS, it may not be long before you find yourself pining away for the good old days of The Raft and The Initiative and the gritty Secret Avengers and that early run of Mighty Avengers, etc. The passage of time may, in many respects, make you "one of us". (Heh-heh-heh. . . ) You, however, do carry a particular burden of responsibility as the guy representing the Bendis era for us. (Hmm-- do we have a Gatherers rep on the board? Really, one has to be fair. . . ) I am still in full admiration of your committed faithfulness to that period. You're like the (usually) very enjoyable, conversant token conservative commentator on NPR for us here. Don't shy away! HOWEVER-- I just bet that it's multiple Dad-hood that's got you feeling generally change-adverse! When one is well into a couple of years of sleep deprivation, one MUST be able to rely on consistencies in the peripheral aspects of one's life just to survive. . . ! HB I actually started reading Avengers in 1996, with the Onslaught crossover. I picked up some of Heroes Reborn, and then read most of Busiek's run (not all) (and re-read last year . . . er, the year before, that is). I stopped mid-way through Johns run and avoided Chuck Austen like the plague. "Disassembled" look exciting and it drew me back in. To be fair, I've enjoyed about 75% of Bendis' material. He's far from perfect, but he's brought some interesting changes to the franchise (most of which have been reversed). I actually pine more for Busiek's era. I kinda wish he would come back after Hickman's done and kinda clean house, Avengers-wise. But yes, I'll forever be the Y2K Bendis/Millar Avengers fanboy ambassador for you guys. OH! And HB! I'm trying to decide how I feel about "conservative commentator on NPR." I'm certified loveable liberal who has habitually listened to NPR since I was a wee Woodside. I think prefer "dumbfounded Democrat on Fox News."
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Post by woodside on Jan 28, 2014 20:49:13 GMT -5
I don't like change. Also, I miss the karma
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Post by woodside on Jan 13, 2014 0:56:43 GMT -5
Anyone else remember when trade paperbacks were big deal and would often come with commentaries and introductions and special features? I mean, I like having TPBs (especially for harder to find or recent stories), but I do miss the special-ness of TPB. THE PHOENIX SAGA was one of the early ones, wasn't it? That one is first-rate, I must say. And yes, I seem to recall a very long intro/interview with. . . Byrne & Claremont, maybe? But of course, comic strip collection books once did the same thing as a rule-- or would have introduction pages penned by other artists. I do miss that feeling of "special-ness" as well. . . HB Was it the PHOENIX SAGA or DARK PHOENIX SAGA? The Dark Phoenix Saga was the first TPB I ever got. I remember trying to save up to buy it when I was 11 or 12, but being so impatient because my $5.00 allowance only came every two weeks! Meaning it would have taken me six weeks to save up to buy it. My Dad eventually caved and agreed to pay for two/thirds of it. I still have that copy. It's beaten up and shows clear signs that I've had it for - GASP! - 19 years! I imagine I'll keep it until it crumbles. Anyways, Shiryu, the Marvel's Finest Kree-Skrull War above is the one I have. I found the pages to be very glossy. I hate that cover, though. It's way too silly. 4 posts in a 24 hour period? How is it possible for me to be doing this? I should be applying for a new job or something . . .
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Post by woodside on Jan 12, 2014 21:57:29 GMT -5
I think I got my copy in 2001 or 2002 (back when trade paperbacks were just starting to become a more regular thing). It was billed as "Marvel's Finest" and had pretty good, glossy paper quality.
Anyone else remember when trade paperbacks were big deal and would often come with commentaries and introductions and special features? I mean, I like having TPBs (especially for harder to find or recent stories), but I do miss the special-ness of TPB.
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Post by woodside on Jan 12, 2014 15:18:37 GMT -5
Everything you're saying about this book echoes my thoughts about it so perfectly, especially the part about not knowing where the story is going. I know that the deaths will be undone and the events of this title are slowly but surely growing out the books scope . . . but d**n, if it isn't well done.
FYI I finally had a chance to read "The Dark Angel Saga." By Odin's beard! It was amazing! The climax of the story actually had me in tears.
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Post by woodside on Jan 12, 2014 15:01:26 GMT -5
Sad to say though, Bong, that I think the heyday of our beloved pastime (at least in a form that we easily recognize and have a deep connection to) has passed-by for many of us folks here. I'm glad that we have Bobc & Marvel Boy & SpiderWasp & a few others keeping up with the current Avengers titles a bit and giving us the on-going low-down-- but for me, and I suspect for several in our rough age bracket, what we think of on this board as "The Avengers" had a finite existence that has drawn to a close. What continues on in its place seems distant and. . . I don't know. . . lacking legitimacy? But I recognize that that's a terribly condescending and snobbish-sounding statement, so please don't anyone get too offended by it. Ultimately, I think the Bendis-ization of the MU took a terrible toll on our board here, as well. It became hard to talk about anything new, because most of the opinions (including mine) were relentlessly negative, and one gets tired of just kvetching and complaining non-stop. And the few folks here who were honestly enjoying that era tended to get clobbered or at the very least, made to feel unwelcome or unappreciated. The final major price jump was a pretty darned big factor for me personally, as well. So, w/out a body of new comics that most folks here would be reading, we do tend to run out of timely topics to discuss and opinions to share. Personally, as someone who has really enjoyed the past 8-10 years of Avengers, it became tedious and downright difficult to have a civil conversation about recent books. Things have calmed down, but back in the old days (2007? 2008?) , I felt so alienated and just unwanted, that I left this place. I came back, of course, but there were more than a few heated arguments back then. Things are better here. I like the discussions on "Uncanny Avengers," even though I'm always way behind on that book. I'd love to post more here, but my comic buying is really limited right now and the only Avengers title that interests me is "Uncanny Avengers." Even event books aren't pulling me in like they used to. Maybe someday I'll be complaining about how the Avengers just ain't like the ol' Bendis days? In any case, my family and job are keeping me really busy. This post has taken nearly twenty minutes to write, with multiple interruptions from the kidders. You know, Marvel is showing some love with its trade paperbacks and the like. Maybe you guys could put together a list of recommended issues and story arcs that newer readers would appreciate and enjoy. Taking this thread back to its topic, I'd like to extend a happy birthday to our fantastic founder, good ol' Van Allen Plexico!
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Post by woodside on Oct 19, 2013 20:20:50 GMT -5
How about Annoying Avengers? Ant-Man Avengers (there are three Ant-Men, after all)? Alphabetical Avengers? Excellent Avengers? Awesome Avengers?
Just outta curiosity, Shiryu, who is speaking in that page?
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Post by woodside on Oct 13, 2013 0:49:31 GMT -5
Asgard Avengers!
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Post by woodside on Oct 12, 2013 16:25:23 GMT -5
How many Avengers titles is this now?
Avengers New Avengers Secret Avengers Mighty Avengers Avengers AI Avengers World Uncanny Avengers Avenger Assemble
Am I missing anything? Pet Avengers an on-going yet? What about Inhuman Avengers? Fantastic Avengers? Defender Avengers?
I like that each team kind of its own identity, I guess. Just weird.
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Post by woodside on Sept 30, 2013 21:23:44 GMT -5
Oh, you guys know I love you.
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Post by woodside on Sept 29, 2013 12:28:35 GMT -5
As 97% Bendis/Millar/Quesada/Jemas/Alosono haters.
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Post by woodside on Aug 21, 2013 21:24:47 GMT -5
My teeth hurt just looking at that thing.
Woodside want . . .
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Post by woodside on Aug 21, 2013 17:28:16 GMT -5
YUM!
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Post by woodside on Aug 20, 2013 21:33:22 GMT -5
Sorry. I've been on one of my hiatuses (hiatusi? hiatus'?) from here. Nothing against you guys, I've just been overwhelmingly busy. I got the two kiddos, a missus who works evenings, and my job sucks (and is getting worse). ON TOP of that, I'm working on self-publishing a novel, trying to up-date the Uncanny X-Periment (trying trying trying), and dealing with a lot of other major stressers in my life. Finding time to read comics is one thing . . . being able to post about them? Gone. I actually took today off to just relax and take it easy . . . and I got stuck at Wal-Mart for an hour getting tires! Then running a bunch of errands and paying bills. Alas, this is getting older. 31! Ugh. Sorry if I'm coming off a little negative. Just feeling crabby. I thank you very much for your birthday wishes. It's very nice to remembered around these parts. I'll try and post more . . . I want more cake.
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Post by woodside on May 21, 2013 17:57:28 GMT -5
WOODSIDE LOVE WORLD WAR HULK!!!!
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Post by woodside on May 3, 2013 17:46:07 GMT -5
So, in the recent Age of Ultron crossover, Ultron has taken over the Earth. Faced with no other options, Wolverine is sent back in time to kill Hank Pym just before he builds Ultron-1. Yadda yadda yadda. I'm not reading the actual series, so I can't comment on the quality of this story. What's impressed me, though, is this list that Bendis cooked that basically addresses everything that changes as a result of Hank Pym being dead in the past. I was wondering what some of you guys thought of this list: www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=45304I'm hoping to have a discussion about the list itself and I'm hoping this doesn't turn into another standard, I hate NuMarvel/Bendis discussion.
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Post by woodside on Apr 28, 2013 21:02:05 GMT -5
Actually, if you peruse the Uncanny Avengers section of the forum, this turning out to be a (GASP) loved book.
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Post by woodside on Apr 17, 2013 19:27:22 GMT -5
Marvel's a business.
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Post by woodside on Apr 14, 2013 0:43:34 GMT -5
A little of both, I imagine.
In some ways, it makes sense for this joint team to exist. It's where the Marvel Universe has been heading for the past 8ish years. The Avengers franchise has grown pretty large, challenging the X-Men in sheer size and volume. All the while, they've had their own, on-going storylines and subplots and only really crossed over when big events occurred and even, there was little to no interaction. It does make sense to have a team to that touches both sides of the fence as it were - a team familiar with both big, large Avengers-type threats (Kang, Ultron, etc) and Mutant-related threats (Apocalypse, Sinister, etc).
I think it's kinda cool to have a book that can be pointed to as the basic center of the MU. Remender is very well liked and the artists they have are pretty good. So far, it's been pretty surprising and has had some very interesting twists and turns.
I like that Havok has become more important. I like that Captain America is taking a more active role in Xavier's dream.
I don't really know how much more money it's really bringing. They could have just had million-ith X-title or Avengers title. At least it's unique?
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Post by woodside on Apr 3, 2013 20:45:50 GMT -5
Zzzzzzzzzz
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Post by woodside on Mar 31, 2013 10:20:44 GMT -5
That was my thought, tomspasic.
It's really weird to have so many Avengers-related titles out right now. Avengers, New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Avengers Arena, and now this one. I love that Avengers has exploded into such a large, X-Men-style franchise, but it's . . . just weird.
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Post by woodside on Mar 12, 2013 16:06:24 GMT -5
I'm not huge on digital comics, but with digital books, downloaded movies, etc etc, it's almost impossible not to jump into it. And if anything, it is a good way to reach an audience that may not be comfortable with having a huge amount of long boxes. It's a little easier to go "click click click" and suddenly have the issue in front of you than to go "dig dig dig dig is this it? no dig dig dig."
There will always been a collectbility (is this a word?) aspect comics. I think it'll be a LOOOONG time before print comics go. They're still making money. In fact, according Comichron (http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2012/2012-12.html) sales of print comics are up 16% over what they were in December 2011. As long as they're making money, we'll see print comics.
Plus, there's a lot of other issues that factor into this, including comic shops and Diamond printing. The Big Two know their money lies in their hardcore base, the majority of which (I believe) still want their paper comics (since they can also get the digital for free for a limited time after buying the comic new, it's like getting two copies).
You do strike a good point about ownership. It's one of the reasons that I still buy books, CDs and paper comics (and I'm only 30, still in the target age bracket). But digital is the future of everything. I think it would be foolish for the comic industry not to get in on this.
FYI, did you guys see Marvel's promotion for 700 free # 1s? For a limited time, they offered 700 first issues for free download. Crazy!
Also, if none of this made sense, it's because I had a two year demanding to sit on my lap the whole time.
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Post by woodside on Mar 11, 2013 19:40:19 GMT -5
But their digital medium are still comics . . .
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Post by woodside on Mar 10, 2013 9:30:52 GMT -5
If you're looking for story-wise, a surprising amount of Bendis stuff has ended up being resolved now that's he left the books. For example:
- Scarlet Witch has been on a track of redemption. She helped restore the Mutant race and save Scott Lang. It was also revealed that she was under the influence of super-powerful Life-Force during the events of Disassembled and House of M.
- Norman Osborn, who had managed to take over SHIELD after Secret Invasion, was knocked out of commission when he illegally declared war on Asgard. During this battle, the Sentry and Ares were both killed.
- Captain America briefly became the new head of SHIELD, but after Bucky-Cap was "killed" during the Fear Itself event, he took up the shield again. Bucky wasn't really killed; he was instead put back to work as a spy/assassin. I believe Maria Hill and Nick Fury Jr are running SHIELD now. (Nick Fury Jr is based on the movie/Ultimate version of Nick Fury)
- Doctor Strange became Sorcerer Supreme again
- Luke Cage quit to raise his family
The Avengers consist of two basic teams, but it's a little bit more complicated. There are now four "core" Avengers titles.
Avengers Assemble focuses on the primary team, which based on the movie's roster. The primary team is Cap, Thor, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Hulk. Spider-Woman is also very prominent in this title. It's really by Kelly Sue McCormack.
Avengers also focuses on the primary team, but also has a rotating team of reservists based on the type of threat and style of the mission. Newst additions to the team of back-ups are Cannonball, Sunspot, a new Captain Universe, Hyperion, and Smasher (from the Imperial Guard). The stories featured in "Avengers" run alongside the events of New Avengers, which features an Illuminati-type team that deals with big threats before they become threats. Both books are written by David Hickman, who is known for more sci-fi type, long form stories. So far, arcs have been limited to 2 -3 issues, with a few stand alones that focus on characters.
Uncanny Avengers is second team of a Avengers is actually a joint team with the X-Men. It's Cap, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Rogue, Havok, and Wolverine. This team was formed after the death of of Professor X during a war between the two teams over the Phoenix. Cap felt as though he wasn't doing enough to boost Mutant/human relations and so he formed this team of both X-Men and Avengers.
There are some other Avengers titles out there that I'm in as informed on. "Avengers Arena," which features a lot of teen characters being stuck on an island and having to fight it out for survival (it's not well liked). "Secret Avengers" is basically a SHIELD book about Hawkeye, Black Widow, Winter Soldier and others doing some deep undercover black ops work that they don't remember. "Young Avengers" which is about the young Avengers. "Hawkeye" which is about Clint on his days not being Avenger.
Right now, there's a big event coming called "Age of Ultron," which is supposed to be Bendis' big swan-song for his Avengers tenure.
Personally, I'm rather limited on my funds, so I'm only picking up "Uncanny Avengers."
Your mileage may vary.
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Post by woodside on Jan 29, 2013 23:12:36 GMT -5
Sounds nice. Someone let Jarvis know.
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Post by woodside on Jan 27, 2013 11:25:37 GMT -5
Avengers # 56
Several different Avengers are called in for an audit of a recent mission. Um, that’s all?
***
Compared to the heavy lifting of the past 15ish issues, this one is rather light-hearted and fun. Busiek’s run began with bold images and a big, epic feel that swept in all of the Avengers (past, present, and future) to fight a madwoman who sought to remake reality. It ends, quite simply, with two accountants auditing a recent mission involving a few members and non-members of the team. It’s a cute way to dovetail an amazing run. There’s very little grand-standing here. It’s not very deep and the threat is hardly interesting . . . but that’s kinda the point. This is simply an audit; an understanding of the events of the past in order to deal with the repercussions. At the end of the day, it’s telling of what this entire run has been like.
Busiek has played his stories in line with past ones. Each arc contained at least one flashback. Character subplots from all the way back to Avengers # 1 are built upon. In many ways, Busiek has audited the past 40 years of the Avengers and his results were the past 70 odd issues (including minis and annuals).
“Fudge the details.” I loved it.
In summation, this book is the perfect coda to Busiek’s run, bringing back a sense of fun to the title and to lighten the dramatic load at the Kang Dynasty. Nods to the future (or present) events help make the point I was trying to vocalize earlier – Kurt’s run is the end of the Old Marvel, making way for NuMarvel.
As a whole this run did a great job of righting wrongs, of answering old questions, and bringing characters arcs to new levels. It hasn’t been perfect. Outside of Kang, Count Nefaria, the Kree, and Ultron, the villains have never really lived up to the greatness of the team itself. Moses Magnum? The Triune Understanding? The Exemplers? Bah!
But Busiek gave us the chance to see the history of the Avengers get clarified and we saw characters flourish. With one notable exception, there were very few issues where a guest Avenger would show up and not receive a moment of strong characterization or insight.
I’m still happy with this run, despite its flaws, and I’m very glad I was able to share my thoughts about it with you guys.
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Post by woodside on Jan 20, 2013 20:59:48 GMT -5
Hey everyone! Life has been crazy busy the past several months. So sorry I haven't gotten these up sooner. Aside from the family and a lot of overtime at work (plus the holidays), we are buying a house and are working hard at getting that ready and getting us moved in.
So here's the second-to-last set of my reviews. Please to enjoy!
Avengers # 51
Kang has sufficiently conquered the Earth. While pockets of resistance persist, most of the heroes and the world governments have laid down their weapons to Kang.
Simon is captured and tossed into a prison camp with Wanda. The two wrangle their feelings for each other, and eventually decide to end their relationship. Using some trickery, they manage to get Wonder Man out and about.
***
Now we got down to it! Much like the Warbird/Scarlet Centurion story, this one is more character driven and down to Earth, working at a more grounded level. We see the results of Kang’s invasion and conquest – hunted heroes, warring countries, and a weak resistance. I liked that we saw glimpses of the other heroes, but I wish there was more. I wish Marvel had just done an annual or a one-shot or even just an issue of Avengers that spent time dealing with the other super-heroes during this time.
Not to mention the common man; I assume that everyone was forced to just sit at home and do nothing as Kang continued his campaign. I imagine that since Kang took over America, he forced all military and police personnel to answer to him and his underlings. It was more than likely “business as usual” until Kang would have time to start his genetically engineered breeding program.
As for the other heroes, I just want to know what was going on. Where were the Fantastic Four, who have overcome all these cosmic obstacles? Where were the X-Men, who had defeated Apocalypse even when the team was at half-power? Where were the Defenders, who were comprised of some of the most powerful people on Earth? Where was Doom? Magneto? Loki? Why didn’t Thor try and convince Odin to help Earth and send down the Warriors Three or Sif?
These are questions that either don’t get addressed or get swept under the rug. I’ve got a theory regarding some of them, but it requires a lot more nerd-tastic energy than what I’ve got right now.
The story presented is pretty solid. The relationship between Simon and Wanda dissolves completely, but with a sense of hope at the end when Wonder Man gets released. It was good and helped paint the picture of what America is going through.
Avengers # 52
The Avengers finally get their act together and free the Wasp. They prepare a counter-attack on Kang and unleash the Presence, Deviants, and Atlanteans upon Kang’s forces. Kang counterattacks, prompting Thor to lead a team to attack Damocles Base. Kang is then attacked by the Trion’s pyramid, and presents himself a giant hologram to deal with it – only to be faced with equally sized holo-Cap.
***
This is issue where the Avengers fight back – and in full force. With President Bush to boot!
I liked this issue, but didn’t love it. It was a bit chaotic. I did enjoy seeing all these elements from earlier come back – including the Presence, the Deviants, and the Atlanteans. And the mention of the Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Alpha Flight fighting back was neat . . . but where were they? Weren’t they established as captured last issue? ARRRRGGGH!
The big, dramatic scene with the pyramid slamming into the Damocles Base was neat. Kang’s giant hologram was kinda dorky, but . . . I can live with it.
Avengers # 53
Quasar, the Vision, Photon, Jack of Hearts, Living Lightning, Justice and Firestar, launch an attack on Damoclues base. They are later joined by Thor, Thor, Warbird, Iron Man, Wonder Man and Firebird – then, finally the Presence, Starlight, and Triathilon. On Earth, Wasp has Stingray, Hank, and Black Knight to attack as well. They pour onto the force field, but it’s the death and release of energy from Jonathan Tremont that does it in. The battle then goes inside, leading Warbird to the power core. She encounters Scarlet Centurion, who then fights Jack of Hearts. Warbird absorbs the core and then explodes it. The Avengers withdraw and the ship goes crashing into the atmosphere.
***
This issue really flew by and I really wish it had been double-sized or something, because it contained so much plot, that much of felt cluttered and uneven.
Holo-Cap vs. Holo-Kang feels unsatisfying and a little hookey. Not like the forgivable “the Avengers feeling” from Morgan LeFaye’s House of Morgan story . . . but more like “really? REALLY? GIANT HOLOGRAMS IN SPACE?!”
The battle into the ship and the subsequent war within is far more interesting. I loved seeing Firestar and Justice in action again. Carol’s moment with the Scarlet Centurion was neat too – as well as the final blow that destroyed the ship. And man, was I never more happy with this book than when Jonathan Tremont died. I also liked Kang saving his son, handing over an empire.
Avengers # 54
The space Avengers following the ship down to Earth and Cap takes down Kang once and for all. The Avengers reunite at the mansion, the war now over. The Master’s technology dissolves, the armies retreat, and the war comes to an end rather effectively. Kang, now defeated, is prepared to face his execution as a war criminal, happy to leave his empire to the Scarlet Centurion. His son, however, shows up and rescues him. Kang kills his son because of his lack of judgment in helping Warbird.
***
I LOVED THIS ISSUE.
I think, out of everything, this might be Busiek’s finest Avengers issue. Here’s why: - Cap’s take-down of Kang. I loved Thor’s comment, “He’s all that’s needed.” Kang, for all his resources, has been stripped down to being “just a man.” - The Avengers taking in the weight of the war – and their subsequent return home. The outpouring of love completely counter-acts the Triune-fueled protests - Carol’s angst over having killed the Master - Kang resigning himself to execution and having handed over his empire to his son
The revelation that Kang knew about Marcus’ betrayal, combined with the fact that he has to kill him, just drives this issue home. That last sequence was gut-wrenching. Busiek built Centurion up to be a likeable character with real promise and loyalty. One screw-up, one slight betrayal, and it costs him his life. It was a punch in stomach and it was so well-done.
My one and only complaint about this issue is the convenient end to the Master’s walls and technology. But, meh, whatever.
Avengers # 55
The Avengers take in the impact of the war. Warbird has the Avengers court-martial her for her killing of the Master. Triathilon releases 3-D Man and his brother to Peggy. Duane’s brother Derek has a conversation with Tony. Thor decides his loves his friends and brings them a big Asgardian banquet. Finally, Tony, Cap, and Jan go to DC to honor the memory of Duane Freeman.
***
So now we have the aftermath.
The court martial nicely parallels the one from “Live Kree or Die,” even down to Carol’s approach to the team. I loved it. We had seen Carol go from rock-bottom, to sobering up, and now, elevating to an even higher level. Perfect.
I also loved seeing all those Avengers in the living room; it paralleled Avengers # 1 very nicely too. Justice’s advice to Jack got a chuckle out of me. I enjoyed the resolution to the Triathlon/3-D Man mess, as it finally buried the crap-tastic Triune Understanding arc. The Vision’s meeting with Darby was a nice nod to the past as well.
The Iron Man/Derek Freeman scene was about the only one I felt dragged out too long. It was heartfelt and resolved an old subplot, but it felt a little bloated. The same with Thor’s speech, though it was nice way to end a crappy character arc.
The final sequence in this issue is just as powerful as the last issues. The dedication and mourning over Duane Freeman was heart-breaking and stirring, in a quiet way. I wish the character hadn’t been so disposable. He’s been buried away for a good long time and I wish a mention of him would be made.
KANG DYNASTY, FINAL WORDS:
I basically split this story into thirds, being issues 42, 43, Annual 2001, 44 – 45; 46-50; and 51-56. The first third does a good job of dealing with the duel threats of Kang and the Presence, tying them together neatly. It also delivers the Atlanteans and the Deviants and we see the Avengers take them on in inventive ways.
The second third of this story gets strangled by the terrible Triune Understanding arc. It fails to focus on Kang material and instead forces this mess down our throats. Even when Kang’s story is at its most interesting and devastating, we are forced to see Triathlon become 3-D Man. It sucks to see such a superior storyline get bogged down by an inferior one.
The final third of Kang Dynasty is far better. We see the resolution of the story, as well as concepts from before come back to help tie it up. While it fails to address both the impact on civilian life (besides death and imprisonment) and what the other heroes are doing, it does allow the Avengers to take the spotlight. It adds more tragedy to Kang, making him sympathetic (while still a major baddie). We see Cap get mad; Iron Man get reflective; and Thor get lonely. Vision, Wanda, Simon, and Carol all have to deal with their relationships, both past and present. We get see Warbird rise up even further, becoming even more critical to the end of this threat.
Kang Dynasty, despite being uneven at times and penchant for getting side-tracked, is awesome.
In a broader sense, I believe that this story arc is not so much Busiek’s last (although he has one more issue), but it very much marks the end of Old Marvel. As styles and storytelling philosophy shifted in the Quesada/Jemas era, this book stands out like a sore thumb. At the time, it was one of the few Marvel comics to still use thought balloons and captions.
In 2001, Marvel’s new management were out to change the way Marvel’s books were being done. They saw the success of the Ultimate comics and wanted to see that pattern duplicated in their core titles. It’s an era ushered in with JMS on Amazing Spider-Man, Grant Morrison on X-Men, and Garth Ennis on Punisher; and, eventually Mark Waid on Fantastic Four and Bruce Jones on Hulk. Not all of it has been a success and we can debate that until the cow’s come home.
In a lot of ways, though, this story seems to take place before all those changes. Before NuMarvel and the great change over. This is a story – a run – that feels both nostalgic and progressive. Born out of the hot mess that was Heroes Reborn; riddled with history and flashbacks; focused on characters; and finally, ending as a sweep of changes overtake the books around it.
It marks the end of the Old and steps aside for the New.
One more issue to go . . .
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Post by woodside on Jan 12, 2013 17:42:12 GMT -5
It's a tough call. I think I would try and see what kind of movies, TV shows, and books they are into. One of the best things in comics now right is that there are a TON of non-super-hero monthlies and OGNs that are offer lots of diversity.
Yeah, it really depends on what they're into.
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Post by woodside on Jan 12, 2013 17:39:45 GMT -5
A very happy birthday to our beloved found, Van! Happy Birthday, boss!
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