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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 4, 2013 12:36:26 GMT -5
Issue #2 -
Decent issue overall, but like tom mentioned before, not much story progression, just flashbacks.
I see what you mean about the beginning. A 'Previous' page that is only a reprint from the first issue. They need to jazz it up some, like over in DD, their synopsis page looks the front page of the Daily Bugle, with the story bits as headlines. Maybe lift a page from the LSH, who had Omni-Com updates, maybe have some sort of J.A.R.V.I.S. update or recap.
The symbols page, yeah, I still like it, like it even better that they listed the names so I can better match the name to the symbol.
The villains' backstory, well, there's always an 'older' race, right ? Interesting but I felt something lacking about Ex Nihlio and Abyss' birth. Adelph released them because he felt he had finally found a species worth evolving. Only one panel gave any indication that they did so and to me, that species looked like the Sh'iar.
The recruitment scenes were funny and enlightening. Some new members, but as Tony and Steve mentioned, some classic members mixed in to maintain a strong foundation to the core team.
Wolverine - funny, but an old joke by now.
Spidey- have to wonder now, which Spidey did they recruit?
Falcon - made sense
Sunspot and Cannonball - funny and spot-on. Leave behind feared and hated for loved and adored. Rock on Bobby.
Manifold - never heard of him till now. Kinda reminded me of Gateway, I think his name was, the mutant teleporter the X-Men used while they were in Australia.
Spider-Woman and Capt. Marvel - probably liked this scene the best, no gimmicks, no hinting around, just tell us what we want to hear, and Carol's response to Cap's direct proposal got a smile out of me.
But my man Shang-Chi is finally an Avenger, about time. And due for some kind of upgrade from Tony. Can't wait to see what that is.
Interesting that they tipped their hand early by showing their recruiting (or going to) of Capt. Universe, Hyperion, and Smasher. Foreshadowing in some weird way. How they recruit an entity like Universe will be fun to see.
A lot of exposition and flashback, but still liking so far. The epic feel is still present, Cap's little speech at the end kinda gave me goosebumps as I read it. Here's to hoping for an epic fight next issue.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 4, 2013 12:07:13 GMT -5
Must say, I like the blue t-shirt better than the white one. What a cool gift!
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 28, 2012 1:01:13 GMT -5
ASM #700 came out, a classic title comes to an end. In case you haven't read about it somewhere else on the worldwide web, here be spoilers...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doc Ock managed to switch his mind with Peter, leaving Peter trapped within Ock's dying body while Ock strolls around in Peter's body. Peter apparently dies in Ock's body, but not before (somehow) making Ock merge with Peter's own memories of his life and times. This epiphany causes Ock to re-think his own goals, and realizing 'with great power comes great responsibility', Ock decides to carry on with Peter's work.....along with picking up Peter's life.
So your new Superior Spider-Man is Doc Ock!
Thoughts?
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 28, 2012 0:50:12 GMT -5
Thoughts on #1 (a tad late, I know, but that's the postal system for you):
I can understand everyone's feelings about where are the classic Avengers in these line-ups or their more noticeable absences, but going on what I know of the current MU, I can certainly see the point(s) behind Tony's talk with Cap, about having to expand the team where and when needed to handle these greater threats. Also seem to be hints towards more specific line-ups to handle specific threats, so there may not even be a line-up in the classic sense (other than the core members presented here perhaps).
I see this as an expansion of Bendis' Initiative efforts. I may not agree completely with the idea that every single hero in the MU is worthy of membership, but here, the expansion seems more natural rather than a consequence of some mandated law.
Hickman is definitely planning big, judging by those foreshadowing scenes. Hyperion (rescued by AIM?), the Imperial Guard, the Light(?) and an interstellar war at least. From what I consistently hear about his FF run, Hickman will deliver on these long-term plots.
As for the actual fight, Ex Nihlio sounds familiar but this is the first time I've read of him. The fight was rather typical, Tony being outsmarted (at first), Hawkeye and Widow getting in some good shots but then falling, Hulk being manipulated into fighting Thor, and Cap never giving up. This fight would seem to re-enforce the book's goal of bigger Avengers squads as Cap needs to summon replacements. It wasn't bad just straight-forward.
Opena's art was decent but his Hulk looked rather...skinny to me. This is my first exposure to his art and I liked it overall.
Of course, the new symbol chart for the team(s) screams LSH to me, with all their little symbol representations. It's cool just something new to get used to, especially after I become more familiar with whose symbols are whose.
Overall, I liked this issue, Hickman is building a sense of grandness and wonder here. This may not be our classic Avengers of yore, but I'm excited to see where this is going.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 25, 2012 11:34:04 GMT -5
Happy holidays to one and all!
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 21, 2012 0:02:15 GMT -5
Another set-back for a long-standing teen book is that the MU isn't really set up for that type of hero. Ever since Lee turned the teen sidekick trope on it's ear with Spidey, teen heroes have either had to grow up mighty fast or end up retired or dead.
There's also not much tradition, legacy, or call for a sustained teen hero team within the MU, made worse by the New Warriors' involvement with the initial destruction that lead to Civil War.
New Mutants may count as the longest running/surviving teen hero book, but I think that is the exception to the Marvel rule, given they were mutants and the whole 'hunted and hated' mantra that made sure the kids got into certain conflict.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 20, 2012 23:55:55 GMT -5
Argh, mail subscription runs about a week behind the release date, so I should get #1 this week hopefully with #2 following soon given it was released yesterday.
As for lack of 'proper' members, Wasp and Scarlet Witch are probably set within Uncanny Avengers. Unsure about Quicksilver's status, if he's appearing in any of the X-books. Didn't Quasar die during one of the Annihilation events?
I sure miss Black Knight though........
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 20, 2012 23:47:17 GMT -5
Don't forget that Mount Justice has been blown up and that various teens (including Miss Martian's amphibious boyfriend whose name I can't recall at the moment) have been kidnapped by the Light for possible alien examination.
Those solicits also confirm that is indeed the Anti-Monitor on the GL cartoon. Definitely want to see more now.
I also liked the Queen family dinner with guests where Ollie makes the comment that the Hood needs a better nickname; the elder Merlin suggests 'Green Arrow' to which Ollie quickly shoots down as being lame. ;D
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 14, 2012 23:12:45 GMT -5
Hm, a broad question, for through what standard are you judging this? Strength? Spirit? Power? Knowledge?
In the broadest sense, I would say either Spidey or Cap, for both have an incredible sense of responsibility, vast resourcefulness, and neither ever, ever give up.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 14, 2012 22:56:38 GMT -5
CN confirms that YJ and Green Lantern will return Jan. 5th.
Although judging by the episode solicits, they are picking up from where they left off instead of re-airing the seasons from the beginning.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 11, 2012 18:57:16 GMT -5
Re-reading this run, an interesting thought comes to mind. Back in #4, when the new membership is being determined, I found the media attention to this event to be about on par with the selection of the next Pope. They were camped outside the mansion, interviewing whomever exited all the while eagerly awaiting the news of the new line-up. I can see that within the MU, given the importance and history of the team, but still, it seems odd when shown on-panel. But it adds an extra depth to the story and these characters, to show how public their lives are (despite having secret identities) Can you imagine all the news networks' coverage of this? Fox News would be digging up all the dirt on all possible candidates, every exit poll would be running on who should be a member and CNN would break live with the exciting news.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 9, 2012 11:54:13 GMT -5
Recent interview with Gillen and McKelvie on their upcoming Young Avengers title: www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=42540I'm still on the fence about this title. I think my budget could accept it and I have faith in the creative team. I know almost nothing about these teens but reading Kid Loki by Gillen is always fun. I just want Marvel to put their weight behind a teen superhero book and sustain it.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 9, 2012 11:26:39 GMT -5
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I see many similarities between this and the Dark Phoenix Saga, in that you have a subtle, powerful threat slowly build amidst a more-known dangerous threat that leads to a tragic crescendo.
As you mentioned HB, plenty of classical elements at play here. Carina's betrayal of her father, Michael's motivations mis-understood, a deep love and bond that in the end, brought both of them down. The panel of their hands almost touching after Carina falls was really dramatic and moving.
As was that whole fight scene. Brutal, shocking, numbing, wow. I don't expect Cap to take a direct hit from a foe of this level and power and then get right back up to fight. Yet being just a man, he goes to fight anyway, displaying tremendous courage in this tragic scenario, as did every other Avenger.
I'm not sure if I agree with the four-page epilogue included in the TPB editions. It seems to undermine Michael's thinking and basically says he got it all wrong and now he has all eternity with Death to ponder his mistake.
I didn't know this was Gyrich's first appearance either. Nice to know he was a pain-in-the-butt from Day 1.
I've never been the biggest fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy, but it was fun reading of them. I think I'm going to adopt Starhawk's catchphrase to end my arguments on other forum boards, Accept the word of One-Who-Knows! ;D
Lastly, you can never have too much of Red-Sports-Jacket-With-Shades Wonder Man. Such a terrific look.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 6, 2012 0:32:30 GMT -5
Part of Wanda's problem, or at least my problem with her, is that her base mutant power is hard to show in a visual medium. It's not like Iron Man shooting repulsor beams or Pym shrinking. To understand what her hexes affected, you need either a thought balloon or a caption box, two traditional comic elements that Bendis has eliminated oh-so thoroughly.
Throwing magic bolts around is easier. But like Doctor Doom, her magic abilities are highlighted or subdued depending on the current writer's need. For example, that whole subplot with finding a new Sorceror Supreme after Strange 'quit', I don't know if Wanda was ever considered for that title, but I would have liked to have seen that.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 6, 2012 0:17:37 GMT -5
Hm, some interesting choices for the 'Not Appearing/Not Members' List. No Vision Sentry - Isn't he dead ever since Siege? No Daredevil Wonder Man - though he is set to appear in Uncanny Avengers Quicksilver- was he no longer a teacher at Avengers Academy? Iron Fist - though I'd rather see more of Danny than Luke. Who is Prince of Orphans? Psylocke - good, I'd rather see her on an X-Force team than an Avenger Moon Knight - His last title by Bendis & Maleev didn't last long and now he isn't an Avenger. Spector's luck stinks. No Mockingbird, Sersi or Crystal despite saying elsewhere about expanding the female membership. Still, for the first time since '91-'92, I now have a mail subscription to the Avengers. Eagerly awaiting this first issue.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 5, 2012 23:56:30 GMT -5
It's never too late to say, Happy Life-Giving Day HB!
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 2, 2012 1:30:24 GMT -5
Hahaha, alright, a closet Hulk fan! ;D Not that there's anything wrong with that. I've never read of the child-like Hulk from TtA. My knowledge of the history of the character is rather limited. I'd imagine that after they hit upon the idea of having Banner in control of the Hulk or straight-out mindless, enraged Hulk or the idea of split personalities in general, that the concept of child-like Hulk wasn't as intriguing or innovative as they needed. Which is a shame, sounds different. May have to track down some Essential trades for this. I can't recall if it was Mantlo or Englehart or whom, but I do remember reading the issue about the heart of Banner's rage, the abuse seen and felt at home during his childhood. That really served to hit the source of this rage and fantastic power, by tying it into a real social and domestic issue. I've also heard wonderful things about Harlan Ellison's story with Jarella. I keep meaning to read that but as with everything else, that list only seems to get longer and longer. If you have read it, would you agree with that review of it?
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 2, 2012 1:06:38 GMT -5
The plot progresses somewhat, but Havok still has no team to lead. Havok does have a good, touching moment with a survivor as the Avengers help in the aftermath of Avalanche's attack. Cap and Logan have a nice discussion on the state of human/mutant affairs and frankly, I like Cap's reasons for picking Alex over Logan for leading this new squad. The rest of the focus is on Rogue, Wanda, and Red Skull. I've always liked Rogue though I was unaware she had hooked back up romantically with Magneto. Her escape attempt was an interesting display of her powers. Loved her reaction to what happened to Xavier, especially since Remeder threw in a flashback to when she joined the X-Men back in UXM #171. Wanda....I don't know about Wanda. The whole time I've been reading Marvel, I've been confused over Wanda. She's a mutant, no, she's a witch, wait, she's a mutant witch. Her hexes affected probablities, then her hexes were magic. Then she got Bendis-ized and she could alter reality itself. Now, she's a mutant with elemental chaos magic who with enough power could still affect reality. O-kay. Interesting yet rather simple twist with Red Skull. Although the last time I really read him was way back in Mark Gruenwald's run on Cap, when we learned in Cap #350 that he was brought back in a clone of Steve's body. Here, he's just your more basic clone. I liked the attention towards his views on mutants, which I'm unsure if that had ever been addressed before now. I know Skull has had run-ins with Magneto (including one cool issue where they fought and Magneto ended up trapping Skull in an underground bunker) but I thought that was due more to Magneto's past in Nazi concentration camps than mutant hatred. So if you are planning any 'Master Race', then people with powers would seem to qualify as superior breed, to the Skull anyway. Skull with his own enhancements due to Xavier now seems terrifying on a whole new level. As for the art, it was good though Cassaday really needs to tone down the chain mail on Cap. He's starting to look like he has feathers on his chest. Oh, and it seems Daredevil is still an Avenger after all. In the first double spread, as the team searches the rubble for survivors, Matt can be seen atop rubble on the very top right of the scene. Another decent issue. Hopefully, after two issues of Cap saying he is the leader, Havok will actually lead someone in a capable fashion.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 1, 2012 22:18:59 GMT -5
As part of Jolly Ol' Christmas, I receive a small lump sum of money from a few family members and friends. (I guess the new perfect gift of the 21st century, but not the only gift I give or receive during the holidays)
This year, I decided to spend part of that sum on finally getting the TPB of the Korvac Saga, which I ordered from Amazon. This is one of those stories that I've always heard great things about yet never read. It's also one of those stories to receive sporadic collection. The edition I bought was one of the newer editions, which collects, I think, the Thor Annual story that kinda set-ups this arc.
Either way, I'm glad to see other members here agree about this being a great story. Really looking to forward to reading it when it arrives.
Curiously, while the Korvac Saga has been reprinted, nothing has been done with #158-166, which covers the fights against Graviton, Ultron and Nefaria. It would make for a good trade.
Actually, I think Marvel has now collected those issues in a TPB called the Bride of Ultron. In fact, during my Avengers search, it seems Marvel has collected issues from the late #140s all the way through the end of Korvac with #177.
The TPBs of those issues are The Serpent Crown, The Private War of Doom, Bride of Ultron and Korvac. Looks like I have more trades to buy.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 24, 2012 23:32:38 GMT -5
I plan on picking up the new Indestructible Hulk NOW! title by Waid and Lu when payday hits next week. Love Waid and his concept for the character and the book sounds like fun, so if you've read it, please share your thoughts on it.
As for Then, I was wondering what everyone's favorite run or version of the Jade Giant was. Do you like classic 'Hulk Smash!' or do you prefer Banner's intelligence running the show?
I first started reading Hulk during Mantlo's run, somewhere around the #270s, when Banner's intellect first came to the forefront when he was the Hulk and he was pardoned for all his previous crimes. For some reason, his fight(s) with the U-Foes really stood out for me, probably for the simple reason that they were the 'Evil' FF.
I read a smattering of PAD's run, with the Grey Hulk and McFarlane growing by leaps and bounds. When Byrne came aboard for, what was it, 7 or 8 issues, I read all of those as well.
Greg Pak seems to have done more for the character than anyone else in recent memory though oddly enough, I have yet to read Planet Hulk.
And if someone could explain to me the significance or need for Red Hulk, I would appreciate it.
Thoughts?
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 24, 2012 23:16:06 GMT -5
Okay, for my ongoing edification, which line-up is the Kooky Quartet and why that particular nickname for them? Ah yes-- it's nice to have an opportunity to revisit a bit of deep history on your behalf here, Marvel Boy. The line-up is the one that was announced by the end of Avengers #16, when the bulk of the Founding Members decided they needed a break. Thor, Iron Man, Giant-Man & the Wasp took a leave of absence, and left a very reluctant Cap in charge to hold down the fort. In their place were newly-recruited, former sort-of-villains Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and the Scarlet Witch (you may already know all of that). So, "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" at that point consisted of two non-powered guys, a mutant super-speedster, and a mutant witch with unpredictable powers (one day, she'd go head-to-head with the enchantress. . . the next day, a simple hex might make her faint from fatigue. . . ). Personally, I don't remember ever hearing the "Cap's Kooky Quartet" label until it was used in issue #151 (I believe) as part of a news announcer's "retrospective" on the Avengers-- although it was clearly intended to come across as being a long-used, familiar pop-media label for the team. Although a bit forced and a bit corny and certainly a minor retcon, it did have the effect of grounding our (the readers') perception of how the team was portrayed in the MU's public eye in a more familiar, real-world fashion. Less ticker-tape parade-ish, more Entertainment Tonight-ish. So, even though that tag doesn't seem to have appeared until about 10 years after that specific quartet ceased to be (when they were re-joined by Hank & Jan), it certainly has hung around ever since. HB I knew of that line-up change but didn't know that nickname belonged to them. I thought it was just a fan appellation, didn't know it was actually used within the book itself. Although I can see why they were described as such by the public MU, especially if, as suggested, the group was already well-established and famous by #2. They lost some powerhouse members only to be replaced by people you hope won't stab you in the back. Not exactly the prime members you want to defeat an Ultron or Thanos should they threaten. Although I find it strange, with all the NOW! noise about mutants becoming a larger, more involved part of the MU with wider membership in the Avengers, that the first real line-up change of the group featured two mutants.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 24, 2012 23:00:10 GMT -5
With all the hoopla and running around of Thanksgiving, forgot to give my thoughts on #1 which I did get via the mail.
Overall, I thought it was a decent start. I've liked Gillen's work on Uncanny X-Men, his mini-run on Thor, I've yet to read his JIM though I've heard terrific reviews of it. Thus, I think whatever slow stumbles are present here, Gillen will eventually pan out.
One slight stumble was Tony's idea of a getaway to space, to clear his head. Problem is, this is what he did at the end of Fraction's run. I know this is to set-up his encounter/joining the Guardians of the Galaxy, but it's still odd that he took two similar type trips so soon. (Of course, I think this relates to whatever crisis of faith he had at the end of AVX, but since I have yet to read that, I can't say for sure)
Bigger issue is Land's art. Pepper looks an awful lot like MJ here and Tony's date appears to be Emma Frost. As for why Kitty Pryde appears to crawl from a manhole, I don't know. His potential usage of photo-referencing is known so here, it was kinda distracting.
The fight and armor scenes looked good though. Love the new armor.
On a different note, with every issue via the mail, comes a subscription form. I was surprised to see this form updated with most of the NOW! titles and other new series. Usually, it lags behind with any title changes.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 24, 2012 1:34:18 GMT -5
Quasar always sounded like a character I would like but for some reason, perhaps his history or the history of the quantum bands themeselves, I never could quite get into.
I have a scattering of issues from this series, notably the Race issue with Buried Alien, an idea I have wonder why Marvel have never done before then.
Good to see they're reprinting some of it though, I'll have to check out that Vol. 1 tpb.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 24, 2012 1:11:15 GMT -5
Okay, for my ongoing edification, which line-up is the Kooky Quartet and why that particular nickname for them?
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 24, 2012 0:57:49 GMT -5
I like the Shakespearean dialect, makes everything they say more dramatic. The 'modern idiom' is okay, but I can live without reading why Thor likes lattes. Gloomy King Thor, I think, helps deepen the mystery around this new foe. Young Thor may be a hot-head so he may not take this threat seriously or even underestimate it, since he believes he can handle anything. But current Thor is more mature, so the question becomes, Why didn't Current Thor stop or contain this threat then? By the time of King Thor, he appears to one of the few, if not, the sole god left anywhere. So how did this threat become so powerful and large? The plot thickens........ Minor, minor spoiler: Did anyone else notice that King Thor's false arm looked remarkably like the arm from the Destroyer? BTW, love Wein and especially Conway. Solid, stalwart professionals who know how to deliver a terrific comic story. As for any remarkable accomplishments of theirs, consider these: Wein created Wolverine.........you're welcome. Conway killed Gwen Stacy.......sorry, Peter.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 16, 2012 0:10:20 GMT -5
The new Avengers title by Hickman is supposed to have a larger cast made up of classic members, new members, and mutants. The scope is supposed to be global, more epic thus why the expanded cast.
In contrast, New Avengers by Hickman deals with Bendis' Illuminati, a concept that sounds cool aloud but one I never really grew to like. The main Avengers handle the overt public threats, the New Avengers will handle and manipulate the hidden threats.
Avengers Arena is a title I don't understand fully. Gladiator-arena type fighting, something like that? Why would they put the kids through that?
Next year, Gillen is doing a new Young Avengers book. It features the YA kids, of whom I've read very little of except for their few appearances in Mighty Avengers. I might check that one out, but Young Loki, who Gillen was writing in JIM, is now on the team, so that's a bigger draw for me.
Honestly, as of right now, Daredevil by Waid is THE best title Marvel is publishing IMHO. Waid, Rivera, Martin, Samnee, they are just hitting outta the park.
Which is why I think Waid's Indestructible Hulk might be good as well. Banner working with SHIELD, Hulk basically an agent/weapon for them. It sounds crazy but if anyone can pull this off, I think Waid can.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 15, 2012 23:51:20 GMT -5
I'm happy to see him back, has always been one of my favorites. Unsure over this new outlook/attitude they have planned for him, but willing to see where it goes.
Sunfire is an interesting addition as well. I've always thought he had vast untapped potential, both story-wise and character-wise. Admired his sense of patriotism over serving some dream or ideal. Plus, he also provides a Japanese and samurai connection for Logan, which is one of the few facets of Wolverine I still like.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 15, 2012 23:45:49 GMT -5
Issue #1 by new creative team of Jason Aaron and Esad Rabic.
Really enjoyed this issue. Aaron has set up a nice dynamic in telling this story through Thor at three different points in his life: his youth, current age, and future King. As he learns more of this new threat, so do we the readers. It's also interesting to see how Thor changes and matures during these three times.
This story appears more straight-forward fantasy and mythic, to which Rabic's art is well-suited, full of wonder, grandness, and epic. His version of Young Thor with his axe held certain elements of Conan to my eye, especially with the cut of his hair and facial expressions.
Excited for this, off to a good start.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 15, 2012 23:31:32 GMT -5
It's good to enjoy, and look forward to Marvel comics. I've been largely missing both myself for nearly a decade. I think I disagree with you about what constitutes a reboot rather than a relaunch, but it's really not worth worrying or arguing over. Let's hope we all enjoy the new books/ new teams.. Yeah, let's just agree to disagree. I've had this particular argument elsewhere on the worldwide web and it never really turns out well. What I find frustrating is that, for an industry and hobby that prides itself on knowing the exact condition of the books that it buys, sells, and trades, some vague definitions are used to describe what goes on within those books. Also, that's not saying I haven't enjoyed parts of the New 52. Snyder's Batman is good, Flash is terrific, and the Legion keeps marching on.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 15, 2012 12:11:07 GMT -5
Like I mentioned in the other thread, I liked most of Fraction's work on IM. He did a good job of showing how Tony and IM can still be a relevant force in today's modern, tech-savvy world. The corporate/spy side of the story was more compelling and interesting than I'd first thought. Thirdly, hilariously, the "flagship" title, "Uncanny Avengers" a creatively bankrupt ongoing Avengers/Xmen title is already late, on it's second issue. As one wag on another forum put it, "Marvel Eventually". Also, Coipel will be a fill-in artist for, I think, #5 allowing Cassaday some time to catch his breath. New 52 is a re-launch, not a reboot. IMHO, a reboot means that a publisher takes all existing stories and canon, tosses them out, and starts over fresh from the ground up. DC hasn't done this. They cherry-pick what events they want to keep from the previous canon. Some titles were rebooted, others (like Batman and GL) were not. The description 'soft reboot' is too wishy-washy. Either you have or you haven't. But they have handled this relaunch much better than the '85 reboot of Crisis. Ever since it's announcement, right up till today, I have been more excited for NOW! than I ever was for New 52. Give Marvel credit, they are a business first and they make no qualms about wanting to earn your dollar. So, basically, let's restart some major titles again with new #1s again and fans will eat it up. The difference is, Marvel, over the past decade, has been more consistent than DC. Say what you will about Bendis, there's no denying his effect and influence on Marvel. Universe-wide, there's a been a steady progression of both stories and characterizations that build upon the last. May not agree with those progressions, but Marvel is making the effort. And they've been doing it with far more stable creative teams than DC. Fraction on IM, Brubaker on Cap, Bendis on Avengers, Cary-Gillen-Yost and others on X-titles, they've been on those titles for years. DC, on the other hand, has been having problems. Creative teams have been in flux on some major titles. I want to read Superman but the changing creators make it hard for any cohesive goals to form (plus how do you let someone like Perez go??) Liefeld may have gone overboard in his Twitter barrage when he left, but there's probably a few grains of truth hidden somewhere in them. Marvel's response to the New 52 was simply to relaunch their titles in light of their last major event. The same creators are now applying their talents to brand-new characters/teams for them. Really, bottom-line, for the first time in over a decade, I find myself excited, enjoying, and looking forward to Marvel Comics.
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