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Post by woodside on Jun 24, 2012 23:49:24 GMT -5
Avengers # 23
Reeling from the recent Ultron battle, the Avengers find their focus on more domestic matters with this issue. Protesters have camped out right in front of the mansion. Cap gets his new old shield back. Oh . . .
And all the tension between Vision, Simon, and Wanda explodes. Vision has firmly placed his relationship behind him, but reveals that he has been suffering of a identity crisis, feeling that his life is nothing more than a carbon copy of Simons. After a violent confrontation, Simon reveals that he has been envious of Vision's life -- and just how different their lives have gone.
Ultimately, the Vision decides to leave, to soak in this new information.
***
This issue felt like a breather and was much-needed after the intensity of Ultron Unlimited. While Ultron Unlimited is dealt with here a little bit, I wish there was a little more to it. We only briefly seen Hank and Jan, and we needed a little more to these two. After such a huge emotional victory, I think we needed to spend more time with Hank and get a better idea as to what he's experiencing.
The protests are an interesting choice, though a little forced. T'Challa's presence and his eventual turning down of the membership offer felt right considering the previous story-arch, what was happening in his book, and the reason why they offered him membership again (the protests). I also was very pleased with Cap getting his shield back.
So, the crux of this story is the Vision/Simon/Wanda confrontation. I don't have a hold lot to say about it, to be honest. I felt like it was about d**n time this subplot was resolved (even if it wasn't completely). Vision's reason for being creepy are well-reasoned, but the true twist regarding Simon's confession was the best part of this issue. I felt good when that information came out and the Vision's reaction (pure shock) was really heart-felt.
Overall, a decent issue. I liked the break in the action and the turning point in the Vision subplot, but I would have liked a little more fall-out from Ultron Unlimited.
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Post by woodside on Jun 24, 2012 23:32:13 GMT -5
I don't know if it'll be that bad. Hickman seems to have a better grasp on history and characterization than Bendis does. Plus, Marvel is officially making a move towards small, 1-3 part stories as a opposed to 4-6 parts. Honestly, though, I'm heart-broken to hear that Brubaker is leaving Cap . . .
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Post by woodside on Jun 22, 2012 7:48:43 GMT -5
*raises periscope* For the love of God, is Bendis gone yet!?!? *lowers periscope* Just a few more months!
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Post by woodside on Jun 19, 2012 23:25:09 GMT -5
I know I've gushed about it at some point in the past, but-- isn't this the arc where Perez draws a big grid of panels that only depicts the eyes of each Avenger as they view Ultron's mayhem? I feel like that artistic moment can never be hi-lighted enough. Only the eyes-- many, many pairs (16, maybe? 20?)-- and you can identify every set. The first time I read the book, I gasped, and took the time to see who everyone was. And I thought, "that's it, man-- game over. George is the best comic book artist ever. No one will ever be able to recreate this brilliant, subtle, moving moment." HB Yes! I lingered on that page, loving it for all the reasons you've written about. I also loved the big splash page of the Pentagon (right?) where you see all these really neat levels, leading down to the central table, and even a few level below that. I completely forgot about those two pages until I turned them and was wowed all over again.
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Post by woodside on Jun 17, 2012 11:30:45 GMT -5
Avengers # 0, 19-22
Happy Father's Day, all! My mother-in-law watched W Jr last night, and so I got a chance to sit out on my porch this morning and read some Avengers! Much like Avengers Forever, I debated whether or not to break these into single issues, but I ultimately decided not to as the story was just too exciting to put down.
Through the eyes of a TV news program, readers are caught up to speed with the Avengers post-Onslaught exploits. This issue also gives us a key scene -- the Grim Reaper has gone missing!
Back the mansion, the Avengers are holding a press conference to help their recent PR problems -- when its interrupted by the Wasp, who reports that Hank Pym has been kidnapped by Ultron.
Meanwhile, Black Panther's Quinjet production plant is attacked by Alkhema. The Avengers head out and confront Alkhema, who reveals that she is out to disrupt Ultron's plans, but she has no use for the Avengers. Scarlet Witch attacks Alkhema's molecular rearranger, which allows the Avengers to take her prisoner.
The Avengers quickly learn that Ultron has made his move by attacking the country of Slorenia -- wiping out the country's super-heroes, cutting it off from the outside world, and summarily killing every living thing in the country. The Avengers head over to the Pentagon to plan out their strategy. Scarlet Witch, Wasp, Vision, and Wonder Man instead go to Hank's lab, but are soon attacked by Ultron and captured.
The remaining Avengers - Cap, Thor, Iron Man, Black Panther, and Firestar - lead a massive UN assault team in Slorenia. They immediately encounter cyber-zombies, but the Avengers press on.
Back at the mansion, Justice dives in and does a ton of research on ways to destroy Ultron.
Ultron monologues and reveals his plans to his captured guests: to create a new society of robotic life, with their brain patterns based on those he has captured (those he has identified as his family). We also learn that Hank based Ultron's brain patterns on himself, meaning that Ultron is like a weird, twisted version of Hank. It clearly weighs heavily on him.
The Vision frees himself and tries to peacefully end the situation with Ultron, revealing that he still has feelings for Wanda. Ultron refuses and blasts him away, but Vision had time to free the Grim Repear. Repear frees the others.
On the surface, the Avengers battle one of the Ultron units (using all of their strength to do so) and then head into Ultron's central command. Here, they are confronted by hundreds of Ultrons. Eventually, the Avengers mow through them, show up and kick off a huge battle with the prime Ultron unit. Just as things seem their darkest, Justice shows up with anti-metal vibranium. Giant Man takes it and smashes away at Ultron, eventually destroying him and effectively ending the battle.
The Avengers, shaken but victorious, head home. Back in Slorenia, a freed Alkhema finds the brain-patterns of the captured Avengers and begins her own planning . . .
***
Avengers # 0 serves as our jumping on point. It's neat to see how many stories are public knowledge (Zombie Avengers, Squadron Supreme, the Triune Understanding) and what isn't (Moses Magnum, Thunderbolts team-up). It's also kinda cool to see the Avengers treated as celebrities, with paparazzi following Simon, Vision, and Wanda. It's a perfect prelude to what is surely Busiek and Perez's best story yet (and possibly ever).
Busiek has built the threat of Ultron up throughout his run. We've seen him here and there, watching and waiting, planning and plotting. Even as this story kicks off, we don't see his plans truly begin until close to the end of the issue. Alkhema kinda hangs out there as a force of chaos. Something else for the Avengers to worry about.
But when Ultron captures the Avengers and launches his attack on Slorenia, the stakes quadrople. We see just how huge a threat Ultron is. We can see just how evil he really is.
You guys are well aware of how epic this is. I don't have explain just how amazing the intense battle scenes are. Perez strikes pure gold with his depiction of this story.
What works best for this story, epic in its storytelling as it is, is the great character development. We get all these reflective flashbacks that add context to Ultron's history. Unlike the Squardon Supreme, Morgan LeFaye, and Moses Magnum -- Ultron's villainy is deeply personal to the Avengers. He was created by an Avenger and has had major, major impacts on their long history.
This story gives us tiny moments of characterization. We see the fall-out of Black Panther's motives for joining the Avengers (as detailed in Priest's excellent Black Panther run). We see Iron Man struggle with the dark side of technology. We see Cap just keep going. Justice finds his own place on team, learning that these people are the heroes he admired . . . but are also very human and flawed. Firestar almost gives her life against one of the Ultrons.
But the two biggest character arcs - Hank and Visions - come to a head here. Vision's unloading on Ultron about his feelings and his perceived place in the world is almost a relief to hear after such a long, angst-ridden run of seeing him creep around the mansion. Hank's revelation about Ultron, the subsequent beat-down, and his "winning a part of my soul back" is more contained to this arc than the whole run, but it was excellently played.
I daresay that this story is Busiek and Perez's best. We have stellar artwork, spectacular battles, a huge and personal threat, and emotional ending.
I read this one when it first came out and I was so happy that it has aged so well. This is the Avengers story I've been waiting for.
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Post by woodside on Jun 16, 2012 0:04:03 GMT -5
A little more caught-up, although I'm missing Avengers Academy and X-Men: Legacy for now. I'll try and pick this up down the line, but I just don't have the money for these tie-ins at this time. Also, please note that I'm actually overhauling the Read Order. I think the editors were snoozing when they went through these books. Avengers and Secret Avengers completely and totally contradict each other. They sneak a reference box into Avengers # 26 to the Secret Avengers books, but how is it the Quinjet is blasted to bits in Secret Avengers but is slightly damaged in Avengers? Hopefully the last issue of the Secret Avengers tie-in will resolve some of this. The "new" way of presenting this crossover will be in three ways: 1) AvsX and Avengers vs X-Men This main title is very tight, so I think it would be best to isolate it and take it by itself -- with the Avengers vs X-Men mini to help pad out the fights. 2) Avengers Mainly following the Avengers POV throughout crossover 3) X-Men Mainly following he X-Men's POV throughout the crossover Read Order # 1: Avengers vs X-Men AvsX # 0 AvsX # 1 AvsX # 2 (pages 1 - 10, panel one) AvsX: Avengers vs X-Men # 1 AvsX # 2 (rest of issue) AvsX # 3 AvsX # 4 (pages 1-14, panel 2) AvsX: Avengers vs X-Men # 2 (Captain America vs Gambit) AvsX # 4 (pages 14-15) AvsX: Avengers vs X-Men # 2 (Colossus vs Spider-Man) AvsX # 4 (rest of issue) AvsX # 5 (pages 1-10) AvsX: Avengers vs X-Men # 3 AvsX # 5 (rest of issue) Read Order # 2: Avengers Avengers # 24.1 New Avengers # 24 Avengers # 25 New Avengers # 25 New Avengers # 26 Avengers # 26 (pages 1-8) Secret Avengers # 26 Secret Avengers # 27 Avengers # 26 (rest of issue) Avengers # 27 Read Order # 3: X-Men Wolverine and the X-Men # 9 Uncanny X-Men # 11 Wolverine and the X-Men # 10 Uncanny X-Men # 12 Wolverine and the X-Men # 11 Uncanny X-Men # 13 Someday I might just be crazy enough to put together a chronological reading of this crossover.
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Post by woodside on Jun 14, 2012 20:40:57 GMT -5
It's funny that you remember reading these issues so clearly, because so do I! I remember first reading these back in 1999 (right?) the morning after one of my parents "wild" parties. I remember finding these three pretty bland and unfortunately, they haven't grown with age.
I'm salivating to re-read Ultron Unlimited (probably will this weekend). Paragon was a mess.
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Post by woodside on Jun 14, 2012 20:30:32 GMT -5
From what I understand, Astonishing titles aren't necessarily out of continuity -- they're mainly presented as a "jumping on" title for new readers, typically light on the history.
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Post by woodside on Jun 14, 2012 20:23:56 GMT -5
If I were to venture a guess, I would assume that it was "left behind" or "lost" during a battle between Odin's forces and the Frost Giants -- based solely on the fact that the battle at the beginning of "Thor" takes place at the same village the Terraract was discovered "Captain America." As far as how the Red Skull found it? More than likely, in-depth research. That sounds about right to me. I'd presume the skull tracked it using clues from myths and legends and then from historical Viking and later monastic records. That's really cool about the village from 'Thor' being the same as the one in 'Captain America'. I didn't realise. Where does it say that? In both opening scenes, when the village is introduced.
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Post by woodside on Jun 12, 2012 7:36:32 GMT -5
Avengers # 17 and 18
I don’t typically group reviews, but it seemed to work best here for these two issues. I’m looking to get caught up on these because, simply, life has been very busy with me lately.
The Avengers find out that the Wrecking Crew and Photon have been teleported to Polemachus, the home of Arkon. With the Black Knight in tow, the team heads there and finds it overrun and conquered by the Wrecking Crew. They join forces with Arkon’s mate, Thundra, but Captain America is soon captured.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, Justice is recovering from the injuries he sustained in battle and Iron Man has him sit the next mission out. This mission being finding Carol Danvers, who has been captured by the Doomsday Man and the mysterious benefactor for the Wrecking Crew. Iron Man, Wasp, and Giant-Man join in against the Doomsday Man, and as the Thnderbird has the thing on the ropes (apparently he wanted to join with her or something), Justice shows up, helps out, and then breaks his leg. Doomsday Man is defeated.
Back on the Polecahus, the Avengers use some clever plotting to overthrow the Wrecking Crew, free Photon, depose the Grand Vizer who was a bad guy, and then pack it on home.
***
By and by, these installments are lacking some of the fun of the first one. Doomsday Man feels bland and the Wrecking Crew just doesn’t have the fun, chaotic energy they had in issue 16. I never once felt like anything major was happening that was going to change the status quo. I have no attachment to Polemachus, Arkon, or Thundra, so their struggle just didn’t do anything for me. I did enjoy Justice’s fool-hardy attempt to save the day. Even though he managed to, I did like that he ended paying for it pretty badly. Nice to see realistic consequences to super-hero actions. I also loved Tony and Hank’s “encouragement” as he was being hauled off on the stretcher.
Black Knight also added a new dynamic to the team and I liked his interaction with Firestar. Photon didn’t bring much to the table, though. Thunderbird just kinda came off as obnoxious and bitchy.
To be honest, this felt a lot like Jerry Ordway just getting nostalgic for these characters and these places. I can’t that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I think for fans that aren’t as familiar with his work on Avengers, some of this three-parter lacks the accessibility of Busiek and Perez’s stuff.
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Post by woodside on Jun 12, 2012 7:18:12 GMT -5
If I were to venture a guess, I would assume that it was "left behind" or "lost" during a battle between Odin's forces and the Frost Giants -- based solely on the fact that the battle at the beginning of "Thor" takes place at the same village the Terraract was discovered "Captain America."
As far as how the Red Skull found it? More than likely, in-depth research.
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Post by woodside on Jun 4, 2012 23:00:50 GMT -5
I hope my comments have not offended anyone. My dislike of BMB (and Marvel)'s treatment of the Avengers franchise should not be misconstrued as a dislike of my fellow Assemblers, regardless of their tastes. Hey, it's just comic books. Nevertheless, it's nice to know that someone out there is as passionate about the Avengers as I am. To be honest --- If you are someone who understands what made the Avengers great, you will get it. If you are a poser Avengers fan, or a fan of crap like Bendis writes, you won't get it. This really offended me. Just because I like what Bendis is writing (sometimes) doesn't mean I don't get what made the Avengers great. I love the Avengers. What makes them the Avengers is their strength, their honor, their fight-to-the-last-man no matter what attitude. It's also about people from all up and down the power scale, coming together to avenge those that can't avenge themselves and to protect humanity (and sometimes other worlds) from foes that no singular hero can withstand. Maybe I don't get it by your terms, but I certainly get it by mine. Back to Whedon. To clarify and offer my final thoughts about his Astonishing X-Men run and how it would effect his hypothetical run on Avengers. I felt his stories were flat, yes. There are some excellent emotional punches, but my criticism regarding some of his stories stand. Too many questions were left unanswered and it just didn't sit well with me since this was a self-contained story. That being said, it is notable that my biggest problems with Busiek's run on Avengers is that we are lacking in the big villains. None of the enemies the Avengers face between issue 4 and issue 15 tend to bring the weight of some of their heavy hitters. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as Busiek focuses nicely on the inter-team drama, but having some bigger bads would have helped him hit a home run for this first year. Not that it's a bad first year, but it could have been bigger and better with strong villains. So, I imagine Whedon's run would be similair to that, in that it would focus on characters and drama more than end of the world threats and big bad super-villains.
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Post by woodside on Jun 3, 2012 0:46:22 GMT -5
You criticize Whedon's excellent work on Astonishing as unoriginal, but won't measure Bendis with the same ruler. Well, seeing as how I haven't measured Bendis at all in this thread, you can't exactly say this, can you? Bendis isn't original, either, but I found that Whedon retreaded a lot of old ground when he was writing Astonishing X-Men. It's one thing to re-use story types and to recreate ideas already out there, but I felt that Whedon didn't execute it well. I don't think I can really compare Bendis originality with Avengers, because, honestly, I've only been reading the past 15ish of Avengers. I've got some back issues, but not many. X-Men, I am very well in tune with and I can pick out the "deja vu" moments in Whedon's run. Thanks for the assurance. So was there a page missing from my Giant-Sized Astonishing X-Men that revealed what happened to Danger and Cassandra Nova; revealed how Ord's people knew about Colossus; explained why no one could chase the bullet with a spaceship? Because I think I better go get a new copy of that issue so I can finally read that page! But let me reiterate my point: just because a writer has flaws doesn't make them lousy. I don't think Whedon is a lousy writer; I just felt that his work on Astonishing X-Men was not up to par. Since when is a writer only "good" or "bad?" Why can't they be "kinda good" or "somewhat mediocre" or "weak in some places?" The point I'm just trying to make is that Whedon is not so perfect when it comes to super-hero comics, as evidenced by his run on Astonishing X-Men. As for Bendis, I certainly have critized him and there are things about his run I've poo-pooed and things I've enjoyed. I'm not the Bendis worshiper you all think I am; I just try not to let the little crap bother me. Just like I did with Whedon. There are plenty of good things about his run that I liked. Am I writing this clearly enough? Is there something I'm saying that you guys just aren't understanding? Maybe I'm not. Let me be clear:
Joss Whedon, a writer and director with good credentials, wrote what I consider an "above average" run on Astonishing X-Men. I felt his villains were flat and his stories were ho-hum. I thought his characterization was excellent, his pacing was good, and his scripts were impactful. But there were too many lose ends and too many plot holes to convince me that he should be writing Avengers on a regular basis.
Joss Whedon should instead focus on telling his Avengers stories in a cinematic fashion, which is the medium that he is best suited for and has shown to strive in.
Comparing a movie by Whedon and a comic run by Bendis is like comparing all seven seasons of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine to Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Different cast at different points of development, different production team, different story-telling techniques, and MOST OF ALL a different medium.
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Post by woodside on Jun 2, 2012 19:16:11 GMT -5
I couldn't disagree more, my friend. However, I'm certainly willing to hear you out RE: the plot holes and inconsistent story elements in Astonishing X-Men. Could you give us the specifics? The reason I ask (since this thread is about comparing Whedon and Bendis... a fair discussion, I believe, now that the movie has come out) is I don't believe Whedon is a sloppy writer. That being said, I may have missed his mistakes. I ask for clarification out of curiousity, not antagonism. I've reviewed the series over at my Uncanny X-Periment blog, which is what I'm citing here: Regarding "Gifted:" Regarding "Danger:" So my problem with the first two arcs are mainly a lack of originality. These are well told stories, but they offer very little in terms of creativity and new-ness. Regarding both "Hellfire" and "Unstoppable:" Now that is lazy writing. Personally, I think Whedon wouldn't be a good fit on Avengers. But I also don't think that comic writers should be divided into "GREAT" and "LOUSY." My point is simply that I don't think he would be a great fit for the Avengers. I want someone who will move the franchise forward, who won't be afraid to change it and bring in new ideas. I don't think Whedon is that kinda writer. His scripts are great, his characters are excellent, but his villains and threats lack.
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Post by woodside on Jun 1, 2012 23:03:21 GMT -5
If you are a poser Avengers fan, or a fan of crap like Bendis writes, you won't get it. Guess I don't get it. I clearly did not enjoy the movie because I'm a Bendis fan. Oh well. Why do I even bother with this stupid forum?
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Post by woodside on May 31, 2012 23:01:54 GMT -5
Didn't you come into this thread solely to express how Whedon would be a lousy writer on the Avengers comic? So let's recap; you came into the thread to complain about a writer, but then get annoyed when people in greater numbers complain about a different writer? Nope. If you read my post, you would see that I was simply critical of him, citing things that were both Whedons strengths and weaknesses. I wasn't complaining. I simply stating that I didn't think he would work very well on a team comic like the Avengers. Whedon's style is very cinematic with a heavy focus on character and less on plot. This works well with movies, because these things go through several re-writes with several different people. The Astonishing X-Men story in question has notable plot holes and inconsistent story elements. The characters are great, but the four stories of that run are a little sloppy. That doesn't make Whedon a lousy writer. It makes him a writer that focuses more on the cinematic elements of a comic (creating big, splashy scenes) and character development. And no point did I refer to Whedon as lousy and I certainly didn't call him a hack like you did Bendis. Why was this thread even written as an anti-Bendis thread anyways? Why the negativity? Why not have it be called "Joss Whedon should write the Avengers comic" and focus on how cool it would be to have Joss Whedon -- as opposed to the beating of a dead horse that is Bendis bashing?
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Post by woodside on May 29, 2012 20:24:48 GMT -5
Isn't this all a little moot? A year from now, Bendis will no longer be on Avengers. You're just shoveling dirt onto his grave.
Hey! I have an idea! Let's find ANOTHER way to voice our dislike of Bendis by comparing him to a different writer in a different medium with a cast of characters taken at a different point of their development.
You guys hate Bendis. We get it.
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Post by woodside on May 28, 2012 10:25:49 GMT -5
Avengers # 16
Jerry Ordway shows up to give Busiek and Perez a bit of a break, which is deserved, to be sure.
The Wrecking Crew, recruited by a mysterious benefactor, are sent to retrieve Ms Marvel. They head down to New Orleans to draw Ms Marvel out (who they think is Captain Marvel -- or, really, as she is known as now, Photon). Photon summons the Avengers, who were being visited by the Black Knight. The Avengers head to New Orleans and tussle with the Wrecking Crew during Mardi Gras (of course). The Wrecking Crew manages to get the upper hand, grab Photon and get ready to teleport out . . .
Of course, when their mysterious benefactor discovers no trace of a Kree energy signature among the Wrecking Crew, he instead teleports them elsewhere (appearing to kill them). Meanwhile, risking detection and fed up with his idiot villains for hire, the mystery simply scans for a Kree energy signature, finds Carol Danvers and teleports her away -- which of course, the Wasp witnesses.
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Hmmm. Well, to be honest, this is far from the greatest. It's a little silly and nutty, but it was so much fun! The battle between the Avengers and the Wrecking Crew was a real blast. It had a ton of fun moments and turn the Wrecking Crew into a bad-ass bad guys capable of taking on the Avengers!
This was a fun story and so I can forgive a lot of the little stuff, but I'm not sure if I can handle two more issues of it.
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Post by woodside on May 28, 2012 9:46:38 GMT -5
For the record, it should go like this:
Avengers # 1 - 7 Avengers Annual # 1 Avengers # 8 - 11 Avengers Forever Avengers # 12 - 15 Avengers Annual # 2 Avengers # 16 - 34 (also some Thunderbolts issues in here) Avengers Infinity Maximum Security Avengers # 36 - 40 Avengers: Ultron Imperative Avengers # 40 - 56
The reason being -- Iron Man doesn't return to active duty until issue 15, but he's present in Avengers Annual # 2 (1999). So it just makes sense that it goes there.
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Post by woodside on May 27, 2012 23:02:59 GMT -5
Avengers # 15
The Avengers are on the trail of Lord Templar and it leads them to the Triune Understanding. After being turned away by Triathlon, Pagan shows up and the Avengers battle him . . . to the dismay of the Understanding. Lord Templar appears then and defeats Pagan, taking him way.
The Avengers back down and head out. Templar then appears to the Triune Understanding's leader and founder, Jonathan Tremont. The two merge, raising the question: are they one and the same?
Meanwhile, Ultron learns that Hank Pym has made a break-through on his communications research and is planning on using it to destroy mankind!
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I'll be honest and up-front: all this Templar, Pagan, and Triune Understanding non-sense just annoys me. It's boring, it's bland, and it's going nowhere.
On the other hand, I really enjoyed the meeting. Wanda's solution for better team cohesiveness is sound and I enjoyed the review of the Avengers current foes.
I did like Triathlon's appearance, too. He's a welcome addition to the team, even if he isn't an official Avenger or anything. It's nice to check in on him.
One thing I thought was pretty stupid --- Wonder Man has been hanging around since issue two and he's not an official Avenger? Really? He's helped in EVERY SINGLE BATTLE since issue three and he's just a guest? Really? This is why I'm not a fan of stuff like the Avengers charter and what-not.
Moving on . . .
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Post by woodside on May 22, 2012 22:11:30 GMT -5
Avengers # 14
Beast stops by for a visit and takes Wanda and Simon out for a night on the town. The eventually bump into Vision (as Victor Shade) and they reminence and angst for a while. Meanwhile, Cap takes some of the Avengers to Washington DC where Lord Templar has appeared once again.
Little things are dropped in this issue, like the apeparances of Lord Templar and the slow build-up to Ultron's attack on Pym (in the form of manipulating him).
The action gets ramped up when the mysterious and monsterious Pagan shows up in Time's Square. The Avengers battle it out with him -- but he escapes, much to Cap and Scarlet Witch's chagrin.
***
I think I liked this issue, even though Pagan's arrival and fight felt really pointless.
I liked Wanda and Cap's differences in leadership; it shows just how differently they approached the situation and even though we see the mistakes that Wanda made, we can also see how Cap was too harsh on her and mis-evaluated the situation.
Beast was a lot of fun and even though I prefer him with the X-Men, he made a great and awesome Avenger.
What was really fun for what felt like a little lighter and bit of a throwaway issue? Kurt and George showing up and discussing the issue while it was constructed. Lots of cute fun.
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Post by woodside on May 22, 2012 22:04:43 GMT -5
Avengers # 13
Justice and Firestar hang out from the New Warriors for the night and help break up a gang deal with AIM. Justice finds himself more relaxed adn more at "home" with the New Warriors than he does with the Avengers, forcing him to question his judgement.
Meanwhile the Avengers are in a scramble for a new deputy leader. Iron Man's sick or dying or something (which is very awkwardly dropped); Thor has his mortal life to tend to; and Cap is missing on his own business. The Avengers therefore elect Scarlet Witch to run the team.
Her leadership is tested when the Avengers have to help the New Warriors out at the AIM. The battle is interupted by the bizarre appearance of Lord Templar! Lord Templar brings the fight to the Avengers and the New Warriors, goes on about the corruption of the world governments, and then finally vanishes after a bout with Thor.
After the battle and the Avengers recover, Firestar tells Justice that she wants to move into the Avengers mansion . . . just as he is starting to question his place on the team.
***
I think the New Warriors made for some nice guest-stars and I would have liked to have seen more little team-ups like this. Just a good ol' fashioned team-up. A lot of Busiek's run is about the prestiege and glory of being an Avenger. To see this big huge team fighting alongside a team of young adults like the New Warriors, well, it's kinda cool.
This issue really served as a character step for both Wanda and Vance. While Vance finds himself questioning his place more and more with the team, Wanda finds herself solidified even more into it! It's a very interesting contrast that works really well.
I don't quite remember what kind of role Lord Templar plays in the future, but I know it has to do with the Triune Understanding or something like that. Guess we'll find out, right?
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Post by woodside on May 20, 2012 8:56:22 GMT -5
Good post, Crimson Cowl! I'll reply properly in a few moments!
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Avengers Annual 99
The Avengers are called into action to defend the Prime Minister of some country from terrorists who want one world government. The Avengers win the day, but Cap gives the crap for sloppy mistakes. Meanwhile Jarvis composes a letter and talks to Justice a bit about the post-Onslaught days.
We learn that Black Widow attempted to reform the Avengers in the wake of Onslaught, but was unable to get anyone to commit. She eventually stopped trying and moved. The mansion was shut down and the staff released.
Presently, re-made Sentinels in the form of Avengers attack NYC and the Avengers themselves. Remembering the chiding from Cap earlier, the Avengers do well against the robots. Jarvis recognizes something that the robots said as something he heard from one of the former staffers. He goes after the staffer and confronts him. Jarvis saves the day, then finishes his letter, which we find out, is for Black Widow.
***
Though I was a little unsure about how this issue would go, I found myself really enjoying it. John Francis Moore has a good feel for the new team of Avengers -- as well as Black Widow. The Jarvis-centered issue is a good break from the norm and allows Marvels favorite butler to have some of the spotlight.
The Black Widow part of the story was also really good. I liked her angst over having the team die while she was in command, as well as her efforts to rebuild it. What's interesting is that I don't think she returned to the team until Mighty Avengers # 1 (am I right about this?).
Leonardo Manco is unfortunately one of those artists that we don't hear from that much anymore. That sucks because his sketchy, scrathy style brought this issue together for me, esspecially the flashback sequence.
The story itself is a little convient, but not that bad. I can live with the conviences of the plot and the predictable elements. The issue does a good job of answering some questions, giving Jarvis the spotlight, and knocking out a good ol' fashioned super-hero story.
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Post by woodside on May 19, 2012 8:40:01 GMT -5
I'm not sure if I agree on the Kang issue. I don't think Busiek was out to make Kang heroic or romantizing him. Mainly, I think he was trying to reveal his more human side (which even evil dictators have) as well as give us a clear, linear biography for Kang/Rama-Tut. Busiek did give Kang a very clear voice, which was needed, if you ask me. I always found him generic and boring until Busiek got his hands on him and made him more interesting to me.
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Avengers # 12
The Vision finally returns to his physical body and is clearly troubled by Simon and Wanda being together. Hank Pym helps Firestar with the side-effects of her powers. Cap is bothered by Hawkeye showing up with the Thunderbolts.
This leads to a battle with the Thunderbolts at the old headquarters of Dominius. Hawkeye soon smoothes things over, but then the headquarters actives and becomes a giant robot called Dominix and it starts off for the ocean to destroy the world. The Thunderbolts are able to get inside of it and Iron Man instructs them how to take control of it/destroy its computer brain. The Avengers, though uncertain about this team of former criminals, allow them to complete their mission -- and then let the Thunderbolts go with Hawkeye in charge.
Oh, also Firebird guest stars
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After such a hefty read with Avengers Forever, I found myself really liking just reading a good ol' fashioned action-y, done-in-one issue. The confrontation with the Thunderbolts has been building since early in the series, with all sorts of nods to the team, as well as with Hawkeye's exit. It's a really good pay-off, with plenty of action and an opportunity for the Avengers and the Thunderbolts to start trusting each other. It's also a good resolution (of sorts) for Hawkeye's leadership angst.
The Wanda/Vision/Simon drama continues, but remains simply sizzling. I know we're in for a payoff soon!
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Post by woodside on May 19, 2012 8:22:01 GMT -5
MARVEL execs---PLEASE convince Joss Whedon to start writing the Avengers comic book! I disagree. Side-stepping the continual Bendis-bashing, I don't think Joss Whedon is really suited to write a team book like the Avengers on a regular basis. The reason I say this is because of his 25.5 run on Astonishing X-Men. The guy is great at character dynamics, pacing, humor, and action -- but where he lacks is proper storytelling. The Astonishing X-Men comic has some great scenes, but some of them are really out of place and inconsistent. His run had major emotional impact, sure, but it also had a some major plotholes that you could ride a giant bullet through. Maybe he's improved? I don't know. I do know that his writing on Avengers was pretty good . . . but screenwriters don't always transition perfectly to comics.
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Post by woodside on May 11, 2012 22:43:50 GMT -5
Good day, all! Sorry for my brief absence, but my computer suffered a bit of a blow and that, plus work, a recently-added new routine, and the regular pressures of being a family of 3.5 and being the only source of in-coming has prevented me from writing a review of Avengers Forever until today!
I'm going to be a little more brief than normal, as I don't have a lot of time and would like to continue to read Volume Three as soon as possible.
Overall, Avengers Forever is about a team of Avengers hand-selected by Libra and summoned by Rick Jones to protect Rick from the machinations of Immortus. Turns out that the Supreme Intellgience reactivated Rick's latent powers and his connection to the mysterious "destiny force." Immortus seeks to kill Jones, but Kang openly opposes Immortus and aides the eclectic team of Avengers simply because he hates Immortus. Time travel high-jinks, sub-plot resolution, and charcter drama ensue -- and eventually the Avengers are confronted the Time-Keepers, beings who seek to wipe out several timelines because the Avengers (and Rick and his connection to the Destiny Force) go bad. An army of good and evil Avengers war with each other. Rick throws himself into the cannon (or, as I like to call it, the "canon cannon") and saves the day. Immortus is killed but a new Immortus is created by ripping Kang into two. Kang then kills the Time Keepers. The Avengers then return home, the majority of them none the wiser.
****
The Pros: - the cast. I loved just how wild and vivid the cast was. Two Hank Pyms? Songbird? The future Captain Marvel? A demoralized Cap? Non-powered, young Hawkeye? Wasp as the leader? This is a very intersting, very unique set of Avengers that help make this stroy so great. I loved the drama and angst associated with these characters and the way they still all united
- likewise, I thought Rick Jones was pretty cool in this series. I wish we would see more of his destiny force. Libra and Supremor were neat. Immortus was great.
- Kang! Kang stole the show! The chapter that was all about his life was excellent. It would be interesting to see an up-dated version of this, taking into account the Kang Dynasty, Iron Lad, and the recent appearance in Avengers Volume Four.
- The Time-Keepers felt like a major threat - as did Immortus. I think Immortus was espcially interesting, having trying to save humanity even as the Time-Keepers worked against him
- the art by Carlos Pacheco remains some of my favorite
Cons: - the story, as its told, is really convulted and weird. I don't mind a complicated story, but the exposition just seems to make it even more complicated. It's hard to put into a basic premise. Too many characters have too many motivations. Libra, the Supreme Intelligence, Kang, Yellowjacket, Immortus, the Time-Keepers --- all of these characters are manipulators. It becomes bogged down with exposition and with all the different elements running around, Busiek has to almost remind us constantly what the story is about. I'm not saying the story is bad by any means . . . but it's too complicated for its own good. The 50s Avengers and the cowboy adventure could have been removed. Libra felt somewhat unnecessary, as did Supremor.
Overall: I'm not exactly pleased with how the story has aged. I don't think it's aged as well as I had hoped. It was a blast reading it 12-13 years ago, but now, it's just a little more messy.
But that being said, the characters make the story. I like that we had a lot of sub-plots revealed and we had new wrinkles added into the history of the Avengers.
It is possible that we see these wrinkles even today. Note the Civil War occured at the exact same time as Annihilation and preventing Earth's heroes (notably the Avengers) from helping against the forces of the Negative Zone. Plus, in the aftermath of Secret Invasion, the Avengers had to go into hiding because of the rise of Norman Osborne. Could Immortus be behing some of this now? Hmmm.
Avengers Forever feels like a bit of a primer in Avengers history. For all its history and characterizations, I can walk away with a feeling of fulfillment. Despite my issues with the plot and the mass of manipulators, Avengers Forever remains a decent read. You just have to take notes.
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Post by woodside on May 4, 2012 0:16:36 GMT -5
I'll be going on Saturday afternoon. My nephew and I are going to hit up a store or two for Free Comic Book Day, then head back home for a bit before the big show at 5:00.
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Post by woodside on Apr 30, 2012 23:12:25 GMT -5
I'll be watching Avengers on Saturday with my nephew. As a sort of countdown for this, I've decided to watch Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America. I watched Iron Man today and enjoyed just as much as I did when it first came out.
Anyone else doing something similar to this?
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Post by woodside on Apr 26, 2012 19:30:36 GMT -5
Say, WS-- y'think World War Hulk would be elligible for the list? I actually would vote for that one, now that I've thought it over. . . HB Crap! I knew I was forgetting one! And I really liked that crossover. For me, it comes down to Civil War. You can still find my review on this website (somewhere). Disassembled was absolute mess. House of M was really more of an X-Men story with the Avengers guest-starring. Secret Invasion and Fear Itself were both pretty clunky. I didn't read Chaos War and only about half of the space crossovers (though they were good). WWH was good too.
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Post by woodside on Apr 26, 2012 7:53:46 GMT -5
I was just kinda curious, although I know a lot of you will pick "none of the above." ;D
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