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Post by Marvel Boy on Feb 21, 2016 18:57:25 GMT -5
Welcome to Pleasant Hill #1...
...I really can't say too much about the opening solo to this event without spoiling it. Suffice to say, the Pleasant Hill community is one with a dark secret engineered by Maria Hill and SHIELD (via the possible usage of Cosmic Cube fragments). That secret may about to be undone as some of the residents learn the truth of their real identities. Maybe it's because I avoided previews and spoilers and such before this, but kudos to the creators, the last page has a reveal that is a really good twist, I did not see that coming at all.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Feb 21, 2016 18:47:34 GMT -5
#5...
...where things begin to take a darker turn. We start seeing Vision testing his new ability to project hologram figures. After a successful test, he wipes the computers' records of his experiments clean.
Later, as the team tackles the Mad Thinker's latest scheme, (whom we sadly do not see here), Vision is assisting Ms. Marvel as she faces off against a large robot created by the Thinker. Using judo moves taught to her by SamCap, she's able to flip and throw the robot, crushing it.
But her victory soon turns to a failure after the team returns to their hanger HQ. Vision accuses her of putting innocent civilians in harm's way. Tony and Sam ask for proof, which Vision provides by showing them a holographic record of Ms. Marvel's fight against the robot, only this time, there's people in danger of being crushed when she flips the robot (people added in by Vision's new hologram ability). Despite her protests over that being false, Sam takes her to task, chastising her for her inexperience. Tony agrees and the two then kick her off the team.
She leaves, upset and runs into Nova, who's just arriving. When he learns what's happened, he becomes angry and upset too. Remember, Vision was blackmailing him over his connection to Warbringer and now Vision has engineered Ms. Marvel being kicked off the team. Enraged, Nova surges into the hanger, attacking Vision. The others restrain him and despite Nova's accusations, Vision convinces the others that Nova is too unstable and inexperienced as well which leads Sam to kicking Nova off as well.
A new threat emerges, another amped up superhuman similar to Cyclone last issue, Equinox is running amok and the team rushes to stop him. During that flight time, Tony discusses his concerns over Lady Thor with Sam that were raised last issue.
The attack quickly turns more lethal though, as portals start opening up and future versions of Equinox start appearing, all of them chanting the same theme, Respect the Dynasty. The nature of the portals and their chant clues Tony into the only True Dynasty they know of, that of Kang the Conqueror of Time!
At this realization, the mysterious Mr. Gryphon appears. Seeing him, Vision then blasts SamCap and Lady Thor through one of the open portals, trapping them on the other side in a future moment. It's worse for Lady Thor, who was about to retrieve Mjolnir but now cannot by being trapped. The time limit magic spell takes effect and as the pair are about to be attacked by more Equinoxes, Sam is startled to see the secret of his new ally, as the sickly form of Jane Foster appears before him!
This issue had a little bit of everything. For starters, there's Vision and what he accomplishes here. Why? What's his goal? Is he working for Gryphon or being controlled by him? It's scary to see Vision acting in this way with little reasoning as to why, especially since the young ones respect him as a senior Avenger and a legendary hero. But to see Vision twist that respect and use it against them is unsettling to see.
But then there's Sam and Tony's views on the young ones here, views that lead them to expel two of them from the team. They blame their inexperience and lack of proper training for putting people in unnecessary danger. Yet, the question then becomes, why did you let them join the team in the first place if you truly felt that way? Maybe they felt that they could mentor them in the right way but Vision manipulates Tony and Sam into seeing the young ones as a danger instead. It's an interesting dichotomy.
Another solid issue by Waid as the team starts to fracture from within.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Feb 18, 2016 10:36:48 GMT -5
Lady Thor's new title sees Aaron and Russell Dauterman pick up from where they left off previously.
Jane Foster's breast cancer has returned with vigor. She's undergoing chemo treatment but every time she transforms into Thor, the magic washes the treatment clean so in effect, she's not getting any better the longer she's Thor. (And HUGE kudos to Aaron for doing his research. The first two pages of Thor #1 sees Jane describing the effects of chemo and Aaron NAILED it. I had to pause for awhile reading the issue for the description was so accurate, it brought forth recent memories).
War is brewing among the Nine Realms as Malekith, leader of the Dark Elves, launches an all-out attack on the kingdom of the Light Elves, with the help of Roxxon, to whom Malekith has promised all the resources they could plunder from the realms. The Council of the Nine Worlds fears getting involved especially considering how Odin is still on the warpath about capturing/killing this new impostor Thor.
Things become even more difficult when Loki becomes involved, seeking to join Malekith's dark congress. After proving his worth to his father, the newly revived King Laufey, (and proving that he is no longer his father's son), Malekith sends Loki after Thor, who is helping to protect the Light Elves. An intense confrontation occurs between a new Thor whose identity and motives are secretive and a Loki who desires to change his future and nature from yore. The two finally have to work together in order to survive the last all-ditch assault on the palace of the King of the Light Elves.
In all, Aaron provides a potent mixture of myth, wit, and action that creates a unique blend and tone for this book and character. Mock all you want about a female Thor but Aaron is doing wonders with her characterization. Dauterman's art is nothing less than amazing and engrossing, capturing that perfect blend of magic and mysticism.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Feb 18, 2016 10:11:26 GMT -5
#4...
First, it's rare these days within the Big Two where a scene on the cover is actually within the issue itself. So far, Alex Ross has been contributing some fine covers for this series and with this issue, he provides an intimate close-up of Lady Thor kissing CapSam. What?! What's even better, this scene is actually in the issue. Further context upcoming.
We begin with the esteemed Edwin Jarvis, waking up and getting ready for work. With solid support from his mother, Jarvis drives to Jersey, to an abandoned Stark Industrial airfield/hanger, the new headquarters of the new Avengers!
Inside, we find the team busy repairing their only Quinjet and fixing up the place. Tony is upbeat about their new situation despite the low and limited resources. Jarvis is not impressed, with the place nor with the kids. But this is interrupted by the sudden onset of a hurricane in Atlantic City. Lady Thor rushes ahead and learns that she cannot quell the hurricane, seeing as how it's been artificially induced by a rogue superhuman named Cyclone. The danger was so sudden that everyone in the surrounding area was caught completely off-guard. So half the team responds by rescuing civilians while Miles and Ms. Marvel try and take down Cyclone, who admits that he's only a hired thug for some mysterious group called the Dynasty. They nearly succeed but it's only through intervention by the Vision that Cyclone is stopped.
Now, where does the kiss come into play, you may ask? In the aftermath, Lady Thor and CapSam overhear comments from a few of the rescued civilians where they question the validity of this team (as in "Where are the real Avengers at?"). Sam is bothered by this, over people questioning his and their legitimacy even after saving their lives. Lady Thor responds by telling him not to fret over such worries and then she simply kisses him. Shocked (but pleased), Sam asks why she did that. As she flies off, she advises him to live in the moment, act on your impulses for life's candle burns far too short.
This strikes both Sam and Tony as an odd thing for a supposed immortal to say, as they both begin to question just how much do they know about their new ally.
Another fun issue, seriously, the tone of this book is about as far from Hickman's grandiose cosmic schemes as you can get. The inclusion of the young blood may seem odd but their outlooks provide some interesting contrast to the veterans of the team. (For example, their differing reactions to Vision's cold nature). They seem eager to please which is helpful, but how long before that may turn harmful? Waid provides some solid characterization along with classic superhero fare and danger.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Feb 18, 2016 9:49:08 GMT -5
At the other end of the spectrum, think of McFarlane's huge coup- where they created a new Spidey title (SPIDER-MAN) all just for him-- as both artist AND writer. The art, if you liked McFarlane, was him at his subjective best-- but the script on that book was almost breathtakingly bad. About a 30 word vocabulary, and not a shred of discernible characterization for anyone whatsoever. Wolverine had exactly the same "voice" and speech patterns as Peter. It was astonishingly poor (and sold millions of units--ugh), and IIRC it did not last long as a title. That's because, in this instance, McFarlane wasn't a professional writer, only beginning to scratch that surface. I remember reading one particular interview with him where he admits that his plotting Spider-Man #1 consisted of him laying out various random panels and shots he had drawn on the floor and re-arranging them into some coherent form resembling a story. I guess in some bizarre reverse Marvel Method style of writing. He admits that had some of the pro writers of that time at Marvel known of how he did this, they would probably be yelling from the rooftops. But it seems my problem has been solved. For it appears that this May, Marvel is releasing Avengers/Iron Man: Force Works TPB which collects #1-15, the ashcan edition, Century:Distant Sons #1 and material from the Collector's Preview.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 28, 2016 9:39:40 GMT -5
#3....
...sees our heroes rescued from drowning in the flooded sewer tunnels. Nova is resuscitated after having dreams of the other Avengers beating on him for drawing Warbringer into this conflict. He clearly feels responsible for Warbringer's presence and resultant actions.
He's hesitant to speak up for this but before he can, Iron Man calls the group together. Tony is concerned over the youth and inexperience of Nova, Ms. Marvel and Miles. But with some sage advice from Vision and seeing their determination and enthusiasm, Tony relents and the team takes back off after Warbringer....
....whose has now found the last piece of the artifact he needs, thanks to the mysterious Mr. Gryphon. Located in a graveyard, Warbringer completes the artifact, opening a gigantic portal above NYC, full of raging Chitauri warriors. Gleefully exicted, Warbringer races off to summon his new army while Gryphon explains that he needs the artifact after Warbringer is finished with it. Warbringer notices something odd about these new warriors and before he can explain it, Gryphon vanishes as our heroes catch up to Warbringer.
A fight ensues, where it's apparent that Warbringer is still a powerful foe to contend with. Tony hatches a new plan. He wants Miles, who now has the artifact in hand after Warbringer dropped it during the fight, to open the portal and then, using his speed, to destroy the artifact the split-second after he does so. Confused, Miles carries out this plan while Nova, angered, catches Warbringer unawares, renewing their earlier vendetta against each other.
Meanwhile, Gryphon has secretly returned, watching Miles, Ms. Marvel, and SamCap in the graveyard. He then summons forth the zombie-like dead of the graves to attack this trio, for Gryphon is still intent on acquiring the artifact. Everything is going haywire, Miles opens the portal, Nova throws Warbringer through it and Miles is barely able to destroy the artifact before being overwhelmed by zombies, who then vanish along with the portal in the sky.
Impressed, Tony realizes that there still is no official Avengers team. Despite limited resources, he asks if any of them would consider joining a new team. All three youths eagerly raise their hands. Tony accepts, and now they are officially a group.
Meanwhile, Warbringer lands amongst the Chitauri warriors. The odd difference he noted before turns out be that these warriors are from a far future time, and they see Warbringer as some kind of archaic throwback joke. Shocked and dismayed, Warbringer vows his intention that he wanted to be a legend among his people for all time, when the others attack and kill him.
Also, Nova flies off with Vision, thanking him for his help. During the fight, Warbringer had called out his name of Nova, which drew the questions of some of the others afterward. Thinking the gig was up, Nova was about to confess when Vision offered the explanation that Warbringer had obviously encountered other members of the Nova Corps before and recognized Sam as such. Right? Yeah, Sam responds.
So Sam thanks Vision for the assist when Vision replies that's good as long as it's their secret and that Sam remembers that he is now in Vision's debt. Watching Vision race off, Sam is stunned to think that Vision, a long-standing Avenger, may now be blackmailing him.
Again, an other fun issue. Waid has a strong handle on these characterizations, the fight scenes were good, the plot moved forward at a good pace. The roster of this team may not be what you expect, but the kids and their interactions are making this a fun read.
What's odd is Tony's comment about the lack of an 'actual' Avengers team. Steve's Unity Squad over in UA is working with SHIELD so they seem to be the only officially recognized group (though they don't seem to be using the name) while Sunspot's team is at best seen as rogues and at worst terrorists. So it's definitely a different dynamic set up between these groups.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 28, 2016 9:07:25 GMT -5
Wow, okay. Two questions:
1) I've never heard, is there an official account or reason for why WCA was cancelled?
2) If the art was that terrible, could this be an instance where better art could've helped the story's quality? I've recently read some online discussions over which do you prefer more as a reader, the art or the story? Would you accept bad art if the story is that engaging? Can good art save a bad story? To me, it sounds as if the art was so bad all around, that it'd served as a major detraction and distraction from any quality the stories might have held.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 28, 2016 8:59:03 GMT -5
True but this is the 75th anniversary of the character so I'm thinking they just wanted to play homage to his original shield design from the Golden Age.
Besides, for me, this design is better than the energy shield he used back in the 90s. Never did quite like that idea.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 28, 2016 8:54:51 GMT -5
The strange thing is, I've read some other fan remarks that question why Tony and Mary Jane shouldn't recognize each other better considering the time she lived with Peter in Avengers Tower during his time with the team. Here with Bendis, you get the impression that they're just meeting for the first time.
Of course, to answer this, fan theories jump to the memory wipe of One More Day and whether or not Tony is still affected by that. My head started hurting by then so I just decided it'd be easier to accept this as given by Bendis. :lol:
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 22, 2016 8:58:13 GMT -5
Coming out of the upcoming 'Avengers Standoff' event, Marvel seems to be teasing the return of most, if not all, the original founding members of the Thunderbolts. Thunderbolts teaser imageNo word yet of any potential creators connected to this project.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 22, 2016 8:43:30 GMT -5
What's the general opinion of this title?
I've never read any of it, this occurred after I basically dropped out of all Avengers-related books. I would think any work written by Abnett and Lanning would be worthwhile but I can't remember hearing anything (good or bad) about this book.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 22, 2016 8:27:53 GMT -5
We've reached #5, the end of Bendis' first story arc. Despite a few hiccups, overall, I've rather enjoyed this. Marquez's art has been very good throughout and while Bendis can get dialogue-heavy at certain points, the characterization has been equally good.
As for the story, Madame Masque has been acquiring various mystical objects and abilities. As Tony continued to investigate, Whitney became more increasingly angered and vengeful, which was revealed to be caused by her mystical inexperience leading her to become possessed by a demon. Only with the help of Victor Von Doom was Tony able to free Whitney of this, who then turned her over to Strange for further convalescence and help.
Towards the end, Tony's fight with Whitney ended up wrecking Mary Jane Watson's new club. As a result, Tony contacts her and offers her a job, mainly managing his business/daily life as sometimes his tight focus and adventures leave his attention on such matters a disaster.
While at first, a strange addition, after reading how Bendis handles and presents this, I'm starting to think that Mary Jane may actually work in this title. She's leery of superheroes and cynical enough to think that Tony will hit on her eventually (though Tony swears he has no such intentions).
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 22, 2016 8:16:49 GMT -5
Marvel announces Steve Rogers returns to being Captain AmericaSo, yes, Steve will become Captain America again while Sam Wilson will also retain the name and costume (as well as the original shield). Nick Spencer, who currently writes SamCap's title, will write Steve's new title as well. Which is good, as Spencer's current run has garnered solid praise and would allow him to develop and hone the differences and new focuses of both titles and characters. I do like the new costume design and the new shield design (and it's new tricks) look cool.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 16, 2016 13:25:50 GMT -5
I love the Squadron Supreme. The Gruenwald limited series is my favorite comic series of all time. However, like most of today's Marvel, this isn't them so I have no interest. The fact that the rest of the beloved team that had so much potential (Though no one other than Gruenwald could seem to get to it) is dead except Power Princess further makes me know that I won't be buying it. On a scale of 1-10, my interest level is -2. Here's recent CBR article about that Gruenwald mini, where it's argued that low sales were a big reason for the lack of any continuation of that storyline, in which Gruenwald wanted to continue. DC suing over Gruenwald's Squadron Supreme?
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 16, 2016 12:57:14 GMT -5
And so it ends as we reach SW #9...
Admittedly, my desire to read this mini has waned over the months, thanks in no small part to delays to publication but also the release on new ANAD titles. In a way, this event became overshadowed by what has since come. Still, this is the last issue as we learn just how the Marvel Universe came back into being.
As you may recall, Strange had left for T'Challa a fully functioning Infinity Gauntlet that only works within Doom's home domain. Using outside insurrection and rebellion of domains as a front, T'Challa and Namor confront Doom in an attempt to overthrow him.
Meanwhile, Reed and the Maker (the Ultimate Reed Richards) breach the hidden lair of the Molecule Man, the source of Doom's powers. The Maker attempts a double-cross of Reed, in which Owen graciously stops him, saving Reed, only to tell him buckle up, Victor will be here soon.
Doom defeats T'Challa, almost laying waste to him till Victor realizes that this is a ploy to distract him and instantly leaves for Owen's lair, where he finds a waiting Reed.
Now the real confrontation starts. Owen levels the playing field per se between the two, causing the two foes in engage in a brutal fistfight. Reed admonishes Victor for not doing enough. It's not enough to just save everything you hold dear, but to make it better else your fears over losing what you have left consume you. Victor's responses are ego-driven, screaming that he knows Reed is arrogant enough to believe that, had he held the power, Reed would've done better with it.
In the end, Reed admits to this, he would've done better than Victor and that Victor knows it all too well. When Victor grudgingly admits so, Owen turns the tide, as everything goes white and Battleworld erupts.
As the wave of decimation sweeps the planet, a wounded T'Challa grasps a lone Infinity Gem in the afterglow only to awaken in Wakanda. A trio of scientists are talking about their latest mission, to which T'Challa quickly implores them to follow. T'Challa now sees Wakanda as the world's brightest light of hope for new ideas and technology and demands that they are the ones to lead humanity to the stars and beyond.
Earth is reborn, the Marvel Universe remade. How? We focus onto a small grouping of Susan, Valeria, Reed, Franklin, Owen, and the rest of the Foundation. Valeria explains to Susan that Owen is the battery and anchor, Franklin is a universal maker, and Reed is the Founder. Franklin creates new universes which Reed seeds with a portion of Owen's vast power. The FF are literally remaking the multiverse and cataloging it too. Reed discusses his new outlook on life with Susan as we end on a shot of Victor Von Doom, in Latveria, taking off his face mask, revealing a newly healed face and renewed vigor....
Wow right? What does all that mean? It's unclear. Reed did remake the Marvel universe albeit with some changes. Those changes have apparently been left vague for the benefit of future writers and stories. What's also unclear is if, other than the original Life Raft survivors of Battleworld, are these the 'original' Marvel characters or reincarnations?
For example, the dialogue between Reed and Susan along with bits of dialogue from Reed's fight with Victor would seem to indicate that this Susan is the previous reincarnation of Doom's making and that the original Sue died way back in #1.
In interviews, Hickman and Brevoort have suggested that this whole story started off as or could be seen as an ultimate FF epic, only to swallow up and include the rest of the MU. In a way, this seems right and I've certainly read reviews that would support this.
Otherwise, I'm not sure what to think. From his early work on FF through Avengers and NA to SW, the scale and scope of this epic is amazing. But I fear it's one that will takes years of re-reading and digestion to fully comprehend, if ever.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 10, 2016 11:33:06 GMT -5
Okay, Squadron Supreme by James Robinson with art by Leonard Kirk.
This team is comprised of sole survivors of Earths destroyed by Incursions. Hyperion is the same one seen throughout Hickman's Avengers run. You also have Nighthawk, Doctor Spectrum, Blur (of DP7 of the New Universe) and Power Princess (from Gruenwald's Squadron).
Having seen their respective worlds die, they are firmly intent on protecting their new home from any such similar threat, whatever the cost and whatever the consequence. So far, their actions have been conducted within the shadows, but their first public move is a big one, taking on Namor the Sub-mariner and Atlantis. Doctor Spectrum particularly loathes Namor, for his role in the Illuminati's actions that allowed her Earth to perish in an Incursion. Factor in Namor's continued attacks against the surface world over the decades and clearly it's time for someone to properly handle this ongoing threat.
The Squadron engages Namor and his forces in an attack, where things appear to be going as usual, until Nighthawk's deception comes into play. Namor believes to have gotten the upper hand on Hyperion, taking him out when in fact, Hyperion departs to enact Nighthawk's plan; take Atlantis out of the equation, you then solve the problem. Namor watches in stunned horror as Hyperion lifts the entire city from the depths of the ocean, it's populace fleeing as best they can, falling back into the ocean. While the rest of the Squadron hinder his attempts to reach Hyperions, Namor can only watch as he then flies the city over land, throwing it from height where it crashes upon the surface, destroyed. Namor swears to kill Hyperion but then Hyperion, using his vision, kills Namor instead, beheading him. Finished with this personal goal, Nighthawk then declares the group can move on to actual business.
Public perception is, of course, widely divided. As news spread of the Squadron's subsequent attacks on global Hydra bases and Maggia operations, some people view their actions as being heroic and necessary (one woman even says they are doing what the Avengers have always been too scared to do) while others want to see them held accountable for their actions and crimes, no better than the villains they are taking down.
Meanwhile, their power and the death of Namor doesn't go unnoticed. Jim Hammond, the original Human Torch, now works with the Unity Squad of UA. He is furious over the death of his former comrade and the over-zealousness of this new highly dangerous group. SHIELD and Old Man Steve agrees, thinking the UA needs to do something about them now....
I was wary of this title at first, but wow, did it start off with a bang. Naturally, Robinson may have to walk a fine line here with the gray morals this team seems to favor against being viewed or rooted for as heroes. Or as Hammond described them, "The power of the Avengers with the reasoning of Frank Castle". A dangerous combination indeed. Kirk does a great job here with the actions scenes, from the rising and destruction of Atlantis to Namor's fate. The status quo has been greatly upset and it'll be interesting to see how this new Squadron fares in defense of their new home.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 10, 2016 11:02:36 GMT -5
Alright, here we go, the new Ultimates series by Al Ewing with art by Kenneth Rocofort.
To catch up, this team is composed of Blue Marvel, Black Panther, Spectrum (Monica Rambeau), Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) and Ms. America. Now, Blue Marvel (Dr. Adam Brashear) is a new character to me, he was introduced back in 2008. Simply, he's a living stable anti-matter reactor, which grants him numerous powerful abilities which can put him on par with the Sentry. He's also a genius physicist and engineer (perhaps in the same ball park as Banner, Pym, Stark and Richards). Also, his son is currently leading one of the scientific divisions on Sunspot's AIM island for the New Avengers.
Anyway, this team's self-stylized goal is tackle the ultimate problems and threats facing humanity and the world. They are based out of the same space station that Carol commands as part of Earth's first defense against spatial/cosmic threats. So naturally, their first goal is tackle the problem of Galactus. In which they find an unusual solution, in surmising that when Galactus first emerged after this universe's birth, he emerged too soon, before he could assume his true intended form. Which this group then manipulates Galactus into doing, transcending him into his true form of being a force for giving life instead of taking it.
Galactus returns to the very first planet he ever consumed and using his new powers, renews the planet's life-source, causing life to bloom once more upon it. When members of the Sh'iar Imperial Guard learn of this, they inform Gladiator who becomes infuriated over the continued meddling of humans in celestial matters.
His outrage falls upon deaf ears however as the group tackles their latest problem, the cracked nature of space/time. (This goes back to the dropped plot thread by Bendis in that 'Time is broken'). Too many temporal aberrations have occurred (and still occurring) that is pushing the continuum to the brink (highlighted by the Age of Ultron event). T'Challa theorizes that a piece of Doom tech, called Doomlocks, may be partially responsible as it prevents paradoxes from forming by any traveler's actions. Blue Marvel thinks the only way to truly diagnose the problem is to view the patient from the the outside, travel outside known space/time.
With the use of some highly modified Pym particles, the group traverses known space, travels through the Superflow that bleeds between universes, finally ending up in the Negative Zone, the last stop in known existence before...nothing. However, the group is surprised to find the Anti-Man here, Blue Marvel's former friend and bitterest foe, who was responsible for killing his wife. How and why he is in the Neutral Zone is still a mystery.
I have to give credit, this is a different type of title, not so much an Avengers book, but one where Ewing is clearly intent on keeping alive Hickman's model of the BIG IDEAS. It has action but it's more of a sci-fi flavor to it. This team tackles BIG problems and they have the power to handle it. The interaction between the members is good and Rocofort's art style may take some getting used to for some. But he handles the big ideas such as different dimensions and an altered Galactus with style, I think. This may be a title worth watching for what occurs within it.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 27, 2015 11:33:58 GMT -5
Well, Marvel did release a TPB of Avengers Infinity which I've just finished reading.
I really enjoyed this story. Yeah, nothing too earth-shattering in long-term effects here but the star here is definitely the characterizations and interaction of this particular roster. You have everything ranging from the old animosity between Thor and Moondragon to the lively debate of who should be team leader to Moondragon's superiority complex and so on. This felt like and read like a group of people who have worked together before, have a long history together, and yet still trying to find a way to work together to resolve this crisis.
Also have to say, have a newfound respect for Quasar and Jack of Hearts. This makes me want to re-read Gruenwald's Quasar run and Jack has always been one of those characters that I've found interesting but never really read much about. (It also helps that the TPB has a MU Handbook-type entry for Jack at the end). I'd stopped reading Avengers by the time he joined, so I know little about his time with the team (although judging by that entry, it wasn't all bells and whistles).
Chen's art was quite good, the action scenes were cool, overall a solid entertaining story.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 20, 2015 12:19:15 GMT -5
I'm going to wait a bit before seeing Star Wars. The wife really doesn't like large crowds at the theater so I'm hoping to let those crowds die down some.
I've seen the X-Men/Apoc trailer online, looks really good too. Singer is apparently going for a more traditional comic look for Apoc, which is interesting. I'm not sure how well such a look (and power set) may play on the big screen, but I'm trusting in Singer's instincts here.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 20, 2015 12:14:13 GMT -5
Marvel is shifting gears somewhat next year when we will see a group-line crossover event throughout the Avengers group of titles (as well as a similar event in the X-line). Entitled Standoff, the event focuses on the mysterious community of Pleasant Hill, where the various teams of Avengers are drawn and where secrets about their allies will be exposed. It's also meant to be part of the 75th celebration anniversary of Captain America (which occurs next year). Avengers Standoff solicits
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 20, 2015 12:06:44 GMT -5
#2.....
Vision arrives to help CapSam, Miles, and especially Tony, recover from their fight last issue with Warbringer, the Chitauri warrior. They encounter Mr. Gryphon, Stark Towers' new owner, who immediately accuses Tony of engineering this whole scenario. Our heroes depart, intent on tracking down Warbringer.
Meanwhile, Warbringer is tracking down the remaining pieces of the artifact Gryphon told him about. Surprisingly, he finds one piece on display in a museum in Jersey. As he attempts to retrieve it, Ms. Marvel arrives. As does Nova, who saw Warbringer's acts of destruction on the news and recognizes his most recent foe. However, conflict arises when Nova, as he tries to subdue Warbringer, causes property damage to Ms. Marvel's horror, who wants to avoid that along with any potential civilian casualties. Nova's ignorance on such matters infuriates Ms. Marvel, leading to more discord between the two as witnessed last issue.
The rest of the (non)Avengers arrive, all ready to thrown down with Warbringer. Warbringer retreats underground, landing in a large sewer tunnel. Our heroes follow when Lady Thor arrives, who throws Mjolnir at Warbringer. However, Mr. Gryphon, who has followed our heroes unseen, apparently casts a spell, teleporting Mjolnir where the hammer instead strikes the wall behind Warbringer, to the shock of our heroes. The blow renders the wall asunder, releasing a tsunami of water towards our stunned heroes.
This was another good issue, as our cast of heroes slowly comes together against this dangerous threat. Again, I love Waid's characterization, the interaction and dialogue between our cast as certain members do not see things equally. Really, this book has been fun and entertaining to read.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 20, 2015 11:48:45 GMT -5
I don't think that plot is that controversial. After all, without it Ben Parker couldn't have married May Parker (The Scarlet Spider) and they couldn't have given birth to Red Spider, Pink Spider, Silver Spider, Beige Spider and Spider-Gwen Jr. That makes it all worthwhile. Oh, okay. Well, don't forget to also address the mystery behind the existence of Magenta Spider when you reach your 73 part crossover of Catastrophe on Many Similar Planets Called Earth (CoMSPcE for those in the the know). You know how we all hate loose dangling plot threads.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 1, 2015 17:02:54 GMT -5
From the time I was a kid, I've always dreamed about what it would be like to write for Marvel. I had many great story ideas. Last night I was thinking about what it would be like to work for current Marvel and I think I'm perfectly qualified. Here's my idea of what meeting a fan at ComicCon would sound like: Fan: So, what big storylines do you have coming up? Me: It's going to be huge. There's a 53 part crossover I'm spearheading about the divorce of Galactus and She-Hulk. The custody of the Universe is at stake and much depends on her lawyer, Ironman. Fan: But, Tony Stark isn't a lawyer. Me. Of course not. Matt Murdock is Ironman. Tony Stark is Sandman, the founder and leader of the Fantastic Four. Fan: You mean the Frightful Four? Me: Don't be silly. I mean the Fantastic Four. You know, Sandman and his wife, the Invisible Woman, her brother the Human Torch, and his best friend the Thing. Fan: But what happened to Reed Richards? Me: He never existed. You'd know this if you had read my recent story in Avengers. It's the same story where the Scarlet Witch and her husband, Quicksilver, gave birth to the legion of Visions. Fan: Isn't Quicksilver her brother? Me: Wow. You are behind. Ever since the Portal to the Portal of Endless Portals closed, Sue and Johnny are the only brother and sister left on the planet. Fan: What? What about Northstar and Aurora? Me: What do the married lesbian co-leaders of the Defenders have to do with anything. Stick to the subject. See, I'm perfectly qualified to work for current Marvel. Hm, but are you sure about including the controversial plotline about Franklin Stark traveling back in time and becoming the father of Ben Parker, the current Spider-Man?
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 1, 2015 16:55:14 GMT -5
Hm, interesting, I didn't know that was a reprint issue. Did Englehart originally write that Beast solo too? Reading a bit about that story, the newly mutated Hank fashions a latex mask to wear so he can continue to 'appear' normal and work at Brand Corporation. That seems so out of character for him now, that's strange.
I've never read either version of that story but many moons ago, I did pick up a battered copy of #137, where Beast actually joins the team. I can't remember why I picked this issue out although the dynamics of the cover probably had something to do with it. (Beast leaping into action over a fallen Thor, what's not to love, right?)
Still, haven't read it in years so I remember very little about the story. May have to pull it out now to refresh some goodness.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 1, 2015 16:39:43 GMT -5
The first trailer for the film has been released. Who all has seen it?
It looks amazing. The sheer action of it all, William Hurt as Thunderbolt Ross, I love the apparent focus on the friendship of Steve and Bucky, the collapse of Steve and Tony's friendship, that last shot of Bucky & Cap fighting tag-team style against Iron Man, and BLACK PANTHER!
We're five months away and counting my friends...
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Post by Marvel Boy on Dec 1, 2015 16:29:32 GMT -5
Okay, ANAD Avengers #1 by Waid and Adam Kubert.....
To start with, for those of you that were put off by the huge roster of Hickman's run, have no fear, there's little sign of that here. In fact, at the beginning of this issue, there is NO main Avengers team, a fact that Sam Wilson (Cap) points out to Tony Stark after the two meet up after Sam saves some civilians in danger. Yeah, Sunspot may be 'borrowing' the name for his group but Old Steve's team is more Unity Squad than Avengers. The pair discuss this as we learn that Tony has sold his Stark/Avengers Tower to a new owner.
Cut to the new owner removing the last of Stark's old equipment from the tower when a mysterious energy pulse strikes, materializing into a Chitauri warrior. Oddly, this doesn't bother the new owner, who knows of the Chitauri and offers to help the warrior in his effort to strike back at humanity after the humiliation he suffered at the hands of the new teenage Nova. The owner offers up a ancient artifact left from millennia ago by visiting Chitauri to help when they discover Miles Morales, the Ultimate Spider-Man eavesdropping on them. They lash at him, which ends up drawing the attention of SamCap and Tony. The three soon assail the Chitauri warrior, only to be repulsed and knocked out by the ancient artifact.
Then, we switch to a backup story by Waid featuring Ms. Marvel and Nova. The very first page of this issue features an outraged Ms. Marvel yelling at Nova over his being a jerk as the pair stand among vast rubble. This backup story tells of their first encounter and it provides some great characterization, of them being teenagers and yet their intentions and actions being misconstrued by the other. Nova has a bit of a crush on Ms. Marvel but his attempts at trying to impress her only push her away and confuse her to no end.
For me, this was the best part of the whole issue, Waid's characterization. Yes, the whole team is not brought together here in the first issue (Lady Thor and Vision have yet to appear) but I love that Waid takes the time to flesh out these characters some, give them solid identities for new readers, and makes you look forward to how these people will eventually come together as a team, as THE Avengers. There is no complex epic plotting here, just a fun intro issue.
My only quibbles would be the nods to the MCU. The Chitauri, Stark/Avengers Tower looks exactly like the movie version, it's fairly obvious that they're using movie references to hopefully draw in new readers who may be only familiar with the movies. I can't fault Marvel for doing that but at the same time....*sigh*
Oh, as for the new owner, who is never named here, based on his dress, attitude, and actions, my first guess to his identity would be Loki. Whom, if it is, is a fitting choice to be the source of the formation of a new Avengers team.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Oct 24, 2015 9:52:00 GMT -5
Like HB said... it´s just TOO much... too many avengers... to me, it all kinda dilutes in the end... it´s like the X Men in the ´90´s, only more so! It's funny, I've been re-reading some issues of FF Vol. 2, the relaunch after Heroes Reborn. The subscription ads at that time are very telling. You had Avengers, Iron Man, FF, Thor, and such. But the X-titles took up a whole block on their own, there had to be at least 8, 9 titles being offered, crazy. I don't think the Avengers have reached that level of craziness just yet, maybe if you factor in the solo members' titles, perhaps. But as long as the team is a high-visible, money-making machine for Hollywood and Marvel, I don't see the new status quo changing anytime soon. But does anyone else feel like everyone knows the secret now? Spider-Man and Hulk have always been well-known through their various media displays over the decades, but growing up, if I met an adult who knew who Iron Man or Thor was, I was impressed. It was like they were in on the secret we now shared. But now, I walk into places like Wal-Mart and I see Avengers everywhere. Not just in toys mind you, but cups, caps, shirts, pants, coloring books, magazines, toothpaste for crying out loud. It's like the secret has been let out and there's no putting the genie back into the bottle now.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Oct 24, 2015 9:40:11 GMT -5
Alright, #1 by the new creative team of Bendis and David Marquez.
We start off with a clandestine meeting. A former member of A.I.M. is looking to sell his latest work in order to 'officially' retire and disappear. His buyer turns out to be Madame Masque who, upon verifying the contents to be sold, shoots and kills the guy, leaving with his work.
Switch to Tony doing what he does best, tinkering in his lab. Seems he's been feeling lost, left behind in the modern tech revolution. So, he's been modifying his armor, installing the latest updates that have sprung to mind. In the end, he produces a new armor, one that is able to adapt to any situation and mode (thus rendering obsolete all the various different types of mode armor) and one directly tied to his brain synapses (that seemingly bypasses or eliminates the Extremis elements of his physiology). A proud father, he wants to give the new armor a test-run when Friday (his new A.I) informs him that he is about to be late for his date with a noted biophysicist.
Tony meets up with Dr. Amara Perera, who is quite skeptical and cynical over what she has heard (and expected) of Tony's playboy habits. As the pair's date begins, we switch to a quick shot of Madame Masque evading security efforts as she steals something from Stark Towers in Tokyo.
Apparently immune to Tony's usual dating charms and tactics (which involved a quick neat comedic appearance by Lady Thor), Amara settles in to talking with Tony, who wants to converse with a fellow genius in their field, asking her if she has had any inventions that she's kept to herself, in fear of whether the world is ready for it or not or if her invention would be misused horribly.
She replies that she's had one, a cure for the mutant gene, one that is completely safe to the host. Fearful that such a cure would produce a mandatory law forcing it's usage, Amara has kept the cure a secret, not even bothering to write it down or leave any physical evidence. Tony fears that is not enough, for psychics and telepaths could possibly read her mind for the information. He wants to help her when Friday intervenes, telling Tony that Madame Masque has returned.
Leaving Amara, Tony suits up in his new armor while Friday informs him that Masque has stolen something from the remains of Castle Doom in Latveria. Flying there, we learn that Latveria is under siege, both from within and without, as Doom has lost control of the country. Tony lands in the ruined castle, searching for clues when he is accosted by local rebels, who demand his surrender. Before Tony can respond though, the rebels are taken out by a sonic attack, unleashed by a young man in well-dress attire, with a long scar on his face. The young man approaches Tony, saying that he is glad Tony has come for he was going to seek Tony out anyway, because Tony is going to need his help soon. Tony recognizes his voice as Friday informs him that all her scans indicate that the young man before him is Victor Von Doom.....
Color me impressed. I agree with the current fan theory that Bendis does better on solo titles than he does on team titles. Here, he does a very good job with Tony's characterization, his ego comes through but it's not over-bearing (or annoying). The dialogue with his date with Amara is terrific, as she rebuffs Tony's attempts at immediate romance. The pacing is well-done, leading up to that surprising cliffhanger. Marquez's art is perfect here. The pair opt for some unusual panel layouts, with some double page spreads that require reading the panels across the page instead of top-to-bottom. But in all, the whole book works rather well as it builds suspense and maintains good drama.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Oct 24, 2015 9:08:23 GMT -5
And now, for SW #6....
Doom is seeking an update from Valeria on her efforts to find our scattered heroes, the 'killers' of Stephen Strange. Her efforts are ongoing but privately, her doubts over who actually killed Strange are growing. Back at her Foundation HQ, Alex Powers informs her that strange tech drones have been spotted throughout the domains.
Those drones are the work of Reed and his partner, the Maker. They are scouring Battleworld for the source of Doom's power. Reed is having qualms over possibly killing Doom, worried over what may happen to Battleworld should Doom die. The Maker is more pragmatic, willing to take that chance if it ends Doom and wonders what could have happened to make himself so soft and sentimental. They do detect the the source of Doom's power and send their best spies to investigate, to wit, the Spider-Men, Peter and Miles Morales.
Our pair infiltrate Castle Doom, finding the large statue of Owen Reece. They also discover Valeria, who tracked them there. Peter recognizes her but she doesn't recognize him. She informs them of the hidden door beneath the monument while voicing her concerns over their supposed actions. She leaves the pair as they enter the hidden domain beneath the statue, finding Owen Reece himself, who is quite happy to see them. Before he can be of any help though, he requests substance. The only thing our heroes have on them is a 3 week old hamburger that Miles had been saving. Owen quickly munches it down and smiles upon our heroes.
Meanwhile, T'Challa and Namor have completed a long journey of their own, finally finding Strange's secretive Isle of Agamotto. The island's systems recognize the pair, allowing them entrance. Upon entering, they trigger a 'If-You-Are-Seeing-This, I-Must-Be-Dead' hologram speech from Strange, who says that he has two treasures that may help against Doom. One is the Siege Courageous (similar to the Siege Perilous that appeared in X-Men years ago), a gem that can transport anyone to any location anywhere while also transforming that person into a more accurate, truer representation of that person. That tidbit is washed over though when T'Challa spots the other gift, an Infinity Gauntlet. It seems that years ago after Battleworld's initial formation, Strange found within a domain remnant an intact set of infinity gems. He then surreptitiously convinced Doom to build his castle and home in that same domain. So, this Infinity Gauntlet can only work within the domain of Castle Doom (how convenient).
Meanwhile, Doom is convening a meeting of his most powerful and loyal Barons. A mysterious Prophet has arisen and has started what is quickly becoming a mounting rebellion. The Barons are concerned over this growing movement, but question more why Doom doesn't simply intervene to end it and this Prophet. Doom responds that God does not act so haphazardly and that if his Barons are truly loyal, they will find a way to quash this rebellion before he needs to intercede. After the meeting, Baron Sinister formulates possible ways to turn this situation to his advantage, with the help of his new aide, Carol Danvers, who has seemingly become brainwashed by Sinister (she has a diamond tattoo on her forehead similar to Sinister's tattoo).
Meanwhile (whew!), it's bedtime for young Franklin Richards, who requests his favorite bedtime story from his mother, Sue. She relates to him the story of the FF, a courageous group of adventurers comprised of her, her brother Johnny, their friend Ben Grimm, and lead by their father, Dr. Storm. Our heroes fight the good fight until their universe dies. All was chaos, Dr. Storm being killed amongst the madness when Doom arrived to bring order back to a renewed world. So grateful for his help, Johnny acquiesces to becoming the sun for this new world and Ben agrees to become the shield to protect it.
Which leads to our last Meanwhile, Thanos, having been 'scattered' to the Shield wall, conversing with the large stone face of Ben Grimm. It seems Ben has been literally transformed into the Shield Wall itself. Thanos is trying to pierce the layers of lies that Doom has built upon Ben in this state, finally asking if Ben would rather die on his knees and rise up instead. Thus, a 50 ft tall Thing steps up and breaks free of the wall, striding forward....
Honestly, this story is still engaging, but with Marvel starting to release their ANAD titles, I feel like that is now overshadowing this event. To me, it's become almost an afterthought, when we can now start reading of the renewed MU that is the end result of SW. Ribic's art is still amazing though, love it.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Oct 21, 2015 16:05:13 GMT -5
Deadpool is a hard sell for me as well. He's over-used (and since I'm a reader and not a collector, I could care less about variant covers with him).
Still have his first appearance though, New Mutants #98 by Liefeld, bought right off the racks lo' those many moons ago.
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