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Post by woodside on Aug 23, 2012 22:26:44 GMT -5
Avengers # 36
The Avengers are cleaning up after Maximum Security, but Wasp can't help but feel like this is but the calm before the storm. Back at the mansion, Mrs. Chandler (3-D Man's wife) shows up and yells at Triathlon for having her husbands powers and symbol. She also reveals that her husband has gone missing. In the meantime, the Triune Understanding decides that in light of an approaching threat, they are going to launch a new PR approach the Avengers to bring in my converts.
This leads to an attack on the Avengers by Pagan and Templar. Hank is called in from a walk, but is ambushed by his mysterious "other self." Back at the mansion, the battle rampages. During the conflict, Wasp receives a message from Cap, asking for their help. Wasp sends a reluctant Iron Man, Wonder Man, Photon, and Scarlet Witch to Slorenia.
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This issue really has a dark feel to it, thanks to the brief and excellent pencils by Steve Epting. This is actually the first issue since the new team formed that I really enjoyed. It feels like a transition -- the Avengers cleaning up after Maximum Security; dealing with the fallout from Ultron Unlimited; revealing new hints and information about the Triune Understanding; and putting Wasp in a great spotlight as leader. Kurt really writes an excellent Jan and she comes across as a great, hard-nosed leader. Highlight of the book was her COMMANDING Iron Man to Slorenia.
Good ish!
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Post by woodside on Aug 23, 2012 22:44:27 GMT -5
Avengers # 37
The battle with Pagan and Lord Templar continues to Central Park, where they are joined by Yellowjacket-as-Goliath and a returned Photon. Eventually, they take down Photon -- and then Triathlon finishes Lord Templar with nothing more than a kick (which he understanably questions).
Meanwhile, in Slorenia, Cap and the gang try and stop the giant and super powerful Bloodwraith. Wanda is tasked with breaking his connection with the dead, but she soon discovers she can't and instead, bonds him to the country, trapping him there.
Frustrated and angry, Cap snaps about how they've left threats out there that have come back and bit them in the bum. Wasp understands, asks Cap to return to the Avengers, and wants to take a new approach to the team . . .
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Epting continues to deliver with this issue. His art is such a perfect fit.
This is really just a wrap up of last issues adventures. I liked it, even if there wasn't much to it. The Triune Understanding subplot is finally getting some legs to it.
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Post by woodside on Aug 26, 2012 9:53:07 GMT -5
Avengers # 38 - 40
The Avengers have reorganized and rebuilt their operations in the wake of Cap's temper tantrum last issue. Going pro-active, they vow to tackle threats before they become threats -- such as going after Taskmaster, monitoring Slorenia, building a listening post in space, and more. The team has also expanded, bringing in Quicksilver, Black Knight, Firebird, Living Lightning, Photon, Jack O'Hearts, Quasar, and Thor.
This lead them into a conflict in Greece, where someone has released a strange dust that has turned a whole town into Hulks. The emergency interupts Vision and Carol's date, which was taking a weird turn anyway.
Once there, Hank determines that the Hulks are unstable and by throwing them together, they can form one big Hulk that Hank can then shrink down. The Avengers go along with this, but it backfires when the MegaHulk destroys his portable lab. Hank begins to have seizure, but still manages to develop a new plan. Quicksilver then leaves to get Bruce Banner and drag him over.
Meanwhile, back in NYC, Diablo shows up and steals some sort of N'Gari thing from underneath the surface (right across from Avengers Mansion, of course). Silverclaw battles with him, and is eventually joined by Wonder Man and Triathlon. Together, they defeat him.
Back in Greece, the Avengers and the Hulk enact their plan. Banner changes into the Hulk, merges with MegaHulk, and is able to push all the little Hulks, changing them back to normal.
Diablo turns out to not to have been Diablo at all, and the Avengers head home, feeling good about saving those townspeople.
Little do they know that Kang and the Scarlet Centurion have been watching them and are ready for a war!
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Loved these issues. Busiek hits all cylinders. The town of Hulks is a funky, fun, ol' school kinda idea. It brings a ton of fun, energetic visuals. I wish he had spent a little more time dealing with what these people had gone through (mentally). All of the people we see at the end look like average adults -- we don't see any children, senior citizens, babies, etc etc. Why not take a panel or two to check on in on these poor people?
But let's not worry too much about that. The inclusion of the Hulk was a good choice, as I had been rooting for Banner to make an appearance since issue one. I do wish a little more was done with him, but I understand that the editors probably wanted to keep their stories separated at this time.
Character wise, the focus is on complicated relationships between Vision, Simon, and Wanda. Vision's date with Carol was nice to see, but it certainly took a strange and awkward turn when he started talking about Wanda. And Simon questioning his future with Wanda was well done.
Hank's story takes another step forward, which I'm glad about, because it's not being dragged out.
The art is great. Alan Davis has always been one of my favorite artists and his work here is exceptional. He flows right along with Busiek's writing. It's certainly different than Perez, but it works just fine.
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Post by woodside on Aug 26, 2012 10:30:51 GMT -5
Avengers: The Ultron Imperative
I debated about where to put this particular one-shot and eventually decided it should take place before Kang Dynasty, despite references to those events. My reasoning is simply that this story would detract from the atmosphere of Kang Dynasty, so I placed it here, just before hand. I really wish they had just taken out the references and just let the story go on without, but it's Busiek . . . he has to reference and have flashbacks. It's in his contract, I'm sure.
Anyways, weird Avengers robots are on the rampage in NYC, causing all sorts of chaos. The real Avengers are called in and eventually split into two teams -- with one head to Greece and the other going to Egypt. Hawkeye is along for the ride, since Alkhema is based off on Mockingbird's brain-waves. In Egypt, they fight and all but Hawkeye and Grim Reaper are captured. Hawkeye has a Savage Land Vibranium arrow that can kill Alkhema, but he's not sure he can use it because it would basically be killing Mockingbird all over again.
Meanwhile, the Robos reveal synthezoids, which are being constructed by Alkhema. Except, the synthezoids are in fact building a new Ultron. Alkhema tells Hawkeye that she would rather die than to have Ultron live, so she has him kill her. She dies, all the robots explode and take Ultron with them. The Avengers regroup, the crisis averted.
At the end, we see a sole surviving bio-synth named Antigone come out with Ultron's head, looking to play and explore.
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I think I enjoyed this, though it dragged on and on. The artist/writer jamboree made it an interesting read.
I was pleased that we saw the conclusion of the Alkhema sub-plot, tied up nice and tight. And I also liked that this was more Hawkeye's story than Pym's. An excellent twist on an otherwise predictable story.
Overall, I liked it.
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Post by woodside on Aug 28, 2012 23:50:49 GMT -5
Avengers # 41
Kang and Scarlet Centurion prepare for their attack on the Earth as the Avengers continue to work as a larger force. Wanda and Simon mull over the end of their relationship while Carol trains hard.
In Siberia, Cap, Thor, Black Knight, Firebird, and Quicksilver investigate a strange radiation surge.
Meanwhile, back in the US, the Scarlet Centurion makes his move against the Earth. Triathlon, Wasp, Goliath, Vision, Iron Man, and Thunderbird move in again him, but are repelled. Eventually, his flirtatious with Carol and an attack by Triathlon are enough to throw him off for a defeat.
Kang then shows up and destroys the UN building -- but preserves that lives of those within! Why? Because he can save humankind from its own destruction!
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This was a killer issue. I liked all of the character stuff, including Simon/Wanda's break-up and Triathlon comparing himself to Deathcry. Even the little things, like the shot of Vision reading a ton of magazines, helped pad out the characterization.
The Siberia scenes added a little extra danger.
But of course, the big part of this issue was Kang's arrival. I'm pleased that I don't remember much from this run and I have COMPLETELY forgotten about how Kang believes he is the key to saving mankind. Hmmmm
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Post by woodside on Sept 25, 2012 0:55:56 GMT -5
Hey guys! Just a quick up-date!
I'm sorry I've fallen off the face of the Earth lately, but I've had two things happen:
1) Major computer problems;
2) We had our second baby three weeks ago! She was born two months early, so has to spend some time in the NICU.
Wee W should be home mid-to-late October, but is doing good so far.
I was able to use my work laptop to write up some reviews, so I'll get those up once we get back up and running. Hope you guys are all doing well! Be back soon!
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Post by Doctor Bong Crosby on Sept 25, 2012 6:39:25 GMT -5
Congrats, Woodside! Best wishes for you and your expanding family.
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Post by spiderwasp on Sept 25, 2012 17:08:36 GMT -5
And a second to Bong's comment. Congratulations WS
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Post by woodside on Sept 29, 2012 16:35:02 GMT -5
Thanks guys! Baby is still in the NICU and will be for the next several weeks. It's rough going, but she's getting better everyday.
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Post by humanbelly on Sept 29, 2012 18:29:14 GMT -5
Please, PLEASE keep us posted on when she does make the big trip home, right? I imagine several of us are going to be quietly carrying around a small, sub-conscious worry-packet until then. And do give your doctor/hospital a big shout-out from us, as well. Enough cannot be said about the dedication and perseverance of modern neonatal medicine. You're sounding strong and stable, brother--- good job. We're with you, of course. Oh! What was the name we finally forced upon you for your firstborn? Wasn't it Wolverina? Or was it Wanda? Hmm, so for this sprite. . . how about: Warrenia Worthingtonia Woodside? (Lord, I can't believe I just wrote that-- just let me apologize right now. . . ) Actually. . . "Pepper Woodside" has kind of a cute ring to it. How receptive is your lovely wife these days? ALWAYS the domestic nuisance- HB
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Post by woodside on Sept 30, 2012 20:30:06 GMT -5
Actually, we went with Alana Woodside. I'm trying to stay busy - lucky work has been crazy and it's kept my mind from going nuts from not having our little one here. Comic stuff, too, has helped.
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Post by sharkar on Oct 3, 2012 9:12:44 GMT -5
Congratulations, W. Wee W will be home with you before you know it. As HB said, keep us posted. Actually, we went with Alana Woodside. Inspired choice--what a beautiful name!
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Post by humanbelly on Oct 3, 2012 21:33:38 GMT -5
Actually, we went with Alana Woodside. I'm trying to stay busy - lucky work has been crazy and it's kept my mind from going nuts from not having our little one here. Comic stuff, too, has helped. Oh golly, I'm echoing Shar-- that's a very, very pretty name. Is it "A-lah-nah" or "A-la(short "a")-nah"? *sigh* There may still be a spot in ol' Uncle HB's heart that's gonna keep thinking of her as "Pepper", though. . . Oh man! How did I not even think of suggesting "Jarella"-?? HB
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Post by woodside on Oct 20, 2012 16:12:16 GMT -5
Alana is doing well, but still in the hospital. Our hope is that she's home by the end of next week (all she has to do now is take her bottles; she's taking at least 75% of them right now, but not with every feeding). It's been difficult for us, though distractions have helped.
I thought I'd start posting my reviews again! The reviews aren't the longest in the world, mainly because I spent so much time writing the overviews. I may just end up cutting out the overviews and sticking with just the reviews. Thoughts?
Anyway . . .
Avengers # 42
In NYC, Kang presents to the United Nations and the Avengers several possible dark futures – including several alien invasions; Mutant domination; enslavement by a radioactive disease; zombies; replacement by Ultron-bots; and more. He then declares that he plans on conquering Earth, starting in Europe and promises that any others that sign-on will have a high rank in the new world. His plan is to conquer Earth and ensure that these futures never come pass. The Avengers and UN rebuke this offer. However, Attuma of Atlantis and a legion of Deviants agree and begin to attack the surface world.
Meanwhile, in Siberia, the other Avengers encounter the Presence – one the threats that Kang mentioned!
***
A lot to enjoy in this issue. I liked the way that Busiek tied the mention and preview of the Presences’ threat to the growing danger in Russia. It really brought the two stories together in a neat, interesting way. I also enjoyed the ‘dangers to come’ segment and I was finding myself wondering just how much do they add up to what has happened since.
Alan Davis continues to contribute well in the art department, but no surprise there!
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Avengers # 43
Cap, Black Knight, Quicksilver, Thor, and Firebird continue to fight the Presence in Siberia. On the Canadian coast, Jack O’Hearts, Wasp, Goliath (now Yellowjacket again), Scarlet Witch, and Triathlon battle with the Atlanteans and a monster named Torg. Stringray enters the fray and points that Attuma and some wizard are controlling Torg. Triathlon takes down the wizard, releasing Torg and allowing the Avengers to defeat him. The Atlanteans withdraw.
In China, Black Widow, She-Hulk, Warbird, Vision, Silverclaw battle with the Deviants, eventually forcing them back underground. Back in Canada, Jack is made a full-time Avenger – and then Hank passes out and starts to fade away.
Over in Siberia, Thor and Firebird are the only survivors of a deadly attack – one that has transformed Cap and the others in radioactive skeleton monsters in the thrall of the Presence!
*** Another great ish. I loved the use of secondary Avengers - esp. Stingray and Firebird – who shine very well in this issue. I also liked seeing She-Hulk and Black Widow again, having it been a while since they’ve been on board.
The threat of Kang feels heavy, what with the double threat of the Deviants and the Atlanteans. I wish they themselves seemed like more of a threat.
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Post by humanbelly on Oct 21, 2012 10:03:48 GMT -5
Alana is doing well, but still in the hospital. Our hope is that she's home by the end of next week (all she has to do now is take her bottles; she's taking at least 75% of them right now, but not with every feeding). It's been difficult for us, though distractions have helped. I thought I'd start posting my reviews again! The reviews aren't the longest in the world, mainly because I spent so much time writing the overviews. I may just end up cutting out the overviews and sticking with just the reviews. Thoughts? Anyway . . . Avengers # 42 In NYC, Kang presents to the United Nations and the Avengers several possible dark futures – including several alien invasions; Mutant domination; enslavement by a radioactive disease; zombies; replacement by Ultron-bots; and more. He then declares that he plans on conquering Earth, starting in Europe and promises that any others that sign-on will have a high rank in the new world. His plan is to conquer Earth and ensure that these futures never come pass. The Avengers and UN rebuke this offer. However, Attuma of Atlantis and a legion of Deviants agree and begin to attack the surface world. Meanwhile, in Siberia, the other Avengers encounter the Presence – one the threats that Kang mentioned! *** A lot to enjoy in this issue. I liked the way that Busiek tied the mention and preview of the Presences’ threat to the growing danger in Russia. It really brought the two stories together in a neat, interesting way. I also enjoyed the ‘dangers to come’ segment and I was finding myself wondering just how much do they add up to what has happened since. Alan Davis continues to contribute well in the art department, but no surprise there! ------------------- Avengers # 43 Cap, Black Knight, Quicksilver, Thor, and Firebird continue to fight the Presence in Siberia. On the Canadian coast, Jack O’Hearts, Wasp, Goliath (now Yellowjacket again), Scarlet Witch, and Triathlon battle with the Atlanteans and a monster named Torg. Stringray enters the fray and points that Attuma and some wizard are controlling Torg. Triathlon takes down the wizard, releasing Torg and allowing the Avengers to defeat him. The Atlanteans withdraw. In China, Black Widow, She-Hulk, Warbird, Vision, Silverclaw battle with the Deviants, eventually forcing them back underground. Back in Canada, Jack is made a full-time Avenger – and then Hank passes out and starts to fade away. Over in Siberia, Thor and Firebird are the only survivors of a deadly attack – one that has transformed Cap and the others in radioactive skeleton monsters in the thrall of the Presence! *** Another great ish. I loved the use of secondary Avengers - esp. Stingray and Firebird – who shine very well in this issue. I also liked seeing She-Hulk and Black Widow again, having it been a while since they’ve been on board. The threat of Kang feels heavy, what with the double threat of the Deviants and the Atlanteans. I wish they themselves seemed like more of a threat. Great news that our littlest Young Avenger is about to make the trip home very soon-! Has the non-bottle feeding been via I.V.-- or has it been via a feeding-tube? Hmm. . . maybe some Joe Weider protein shakes worked into the mix'll pack some high-density weight onto her frame. . . plus she'll be able to beat up beach bullies and the like. (Granted, neo-natal nutrition may not be my strong suit. . . ) When you refer to the overviews in your review capsules, you're referring to the synopsis that you begin with, yes? My vote would be to keep those intact, even if it means a few less overall review posts, as that synopsis does a lot for bringing the specific issue back to the active memory-cells, as it were. Hey, give our best to the lovely Wifeside, of course--! HB
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Post by woodside on Nov 9, 2012 11:15:59 GMT -5
Hey y'all! Sorry for the lack of up-dates to this thread. Luckily, we just brought baby home yesterday and she's doing pretty good so far. Even our first night wasn't that bad! I'm just happy to have her home. She's sleeping next to me as I type this. I love it.
Here are the next couple of issues:
Avengers Annual 2001 Hank is rushed to mansion, where the Avengers are joined by Photon and Jane Foster. Hank tells Jan about the other Hank and she rescues him and takes him in. After Foster declares that she is unable to help them, Triathlon suggests they enlist the spiritual help of the Triune Understanding. Jan relucatantly agrees.
Once there, it’s discovered that the Hanks split in two due to their conflicting nature, but thanks to the Triune Understanding, they unite to form one, awesome, mega-Hank. Meanwhile, Photon gives Triathlon some good advice about fitting in . . . and then meets up with Justice and Firestar, who are undercover at the behest of Iron Man. They show Photon a big ol’ spaceship the Understanding is creating to defeat an enemy threat.
With all the business finished, the team returns to New York to take the fight back to Kang.
***
I was really satisfied with the events of this issue, as it nicely resolved the Pym problem and even put some kind light on the Triune Understanding. Iron Man’s move to put Justice and Firestar into the Triune Understanding is a little underhanded . . . but I liked it.
Other than that, there’s not much to say about this issue. It was good, but not really amazing.
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Avengers # 44 Back in Canada, Stingray manages to take out the Atlanteans’ air supply. Hercules then joins the battle against the ground troops.
In China, Warbird leads the team in the Deviant tunnels and challenges the leader to a battle for leadership. The leader agrees and Carol fights a tough battle, but wins and has their weapons destroyed.
Meanwhile, Thor gets furious when Cap is “killed” and pulls all of the radiation into hammer and sends it away. Everyone reverts to normal, but Thor is left questioning the weight of his friendships.
***
This issue does a good job of resolving the immediate crisises without ending the larger threat of Kang’s attack. It also shed some great light on Firebird and Thor’s personal problems. I’m hoping to see more of those secondary charcters in this story arc.
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Avengers # 45 In this bit of a down issue, Cap, Wasp, Thor, and Firebird go to the Pentagon to talk about Kang. Vision, Jack O’ Hearts, Warbird, and Triathlon go out for some drinks. Thor has some angst about people dying and his outliving all of his friends and Firebird tries to cheer him up. The government reveals that they are prepared to use Sentinels against Kang’s base if the Avengers fail to stop him within the next 96 hours.
At the end of the issue, all of the major cities in North American are surrounded by huge, technological walls, created and owned by the Master of the World.
***
There are a lot of things I liked about this issue, but a few things I didn’t. I liked the down time with the Avengers back in NYC, as it feels right that they take some time to relax amongst the chaos. I liked the appearance of Sentinels, and it kinda foreshadows the ONE program from the "Decimation" era. I also enjoyed Quicksilver’s small scene with Jarvis, in which he confessed his failures in personal life.
But what I didn’t like is the Thor subplot. It feels forced and out of character.
The Master of the World arrival feels a little nutty. I don’t know this guy at all and it feels . . . odd . . . that such an obscure character would make such a huge move, but we don’t hear peep from any of the other Big Bads (Count Neferia, who was used so well during the Thunderbolts crossover, would have been perfect; same with Imus Champion).
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Post by Doctor Bong Crosby on Nov 10, 2012 3:25:07 GMT -5
Glad to know things are going well.
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Post by humanbelly on Nov 10, 2012 6:21:49 GMT -5
Hey y'all! Sorry for the lack of up-dates to this thread. Luckily, we just brought baby home yesterday and she's doing pretty good so far. Even our first night wasn't that bad! I'm just happy to have her home. She's sleeping next to me as I type this. I love it. *Sigh* Baby daughters are just about the best thing on Planet Earth. And then they turn into teenage daughters. . . and you find yourself wondering how no one has ever tapped into this scorched-earth, defcon 5-worthy potential weapon of mass destruction. I don't see Alien OR Predator being able to long withstand the focused ire or determined, relentless contrariness of a 14-year-old freshman girl. . . ;D HB
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Post by humanbelly on Nov 10, 2012 6:37:02 GMT -5
Avengers # 45 In this bit of a down issue, Cap, Wasp, Thor, and Firebird go to the Pentagon to talk about Kang. Vision, Jack O’ Hearts, Warbird, and Triathlon go out for some drinks. Thor has some angst about people dying and his outliving all of his friends and Firebird tries to cheer him up. The government reveals that they are prepared to use Sentinels against Kang’s base if the Avengers fail to stop him within the next 96 hours. At the end of the issue, all of the major cities in North American are surrounded by huge, technological walls, created and owned by the Master of the World. *** There are a lot of things I liked about this issue, but a few things I didn’t. I liked the down time with the Avengers back in NYC, as it feels right that they take some time to relax amongst the chaos. I liked the appearance of Sentinels, and it kinda foreshadows the ONE program from the "Decimation" era. I also enjoyed Quicksilver’s small scene with Jarvis, in which he confessed his failures in personal life. But what I didn’t like is the Thor subplot. It feels forced and out of character. The Master of the World arrival feels a little nutty. I don’t know this guy at all and it feels . . . odd . . . that such an obscure character would make such a huge move, but we don’t hear peep from any of the other Big Bads (Count Neferia, who was used so well during the Thunderbolts crossover, would have been perfect; same with Imus Champion). This is definitely coming back to me now, as this was the precise point where I felt the series was beginning to go a bit off the rails. While I was still enjoying the character development and focus (and I actually did like the introspective Thor thread, as it was attempting to address some of the obvious attachment issues that long-lived "Immortal" characters would certainly have to have w/ us regular folks), the huge Kang overplot at this point became too big for me. Not only were its consequences not being seen at all in the rest of the MU titles, but it certainly looked like there was going to be a level of damage & destruction down the road that could never, ever be believably resolved an issue or two later. In other words, the scope of the coming events would HAVE to alter the status quo of the MU. . . and that didn't seem to be in the works at all, elsewhere. Thus, the impact of this story already began to come into question for me. Your point about the other Big Bads is also well-taken. Remind me, did Doom even make a cameo in all of this? Or have some stake in it? I don't recall, but man-- this was exactly the kind of scenario where he'd jump in and do his best to usurp Kang's power. HB
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Post by woodside on Nov 12, 2012 0:16:42 GMT -5
I actually address the lack of impact on the MU as a whole in a later review.
This story came at an awkward time for Marvel - right when the franchises were being separated from the massive Marvel line and were receiving a lot of individual attention. Between 2001 - 2004 (pre-Disassembled), there are virtually no crossovers whatsoever. If this story had occurred two years earlier, then we may have seen some more impact.
What's funny is that we had two other similar stories going on about the same time -- one in "The Order," also by Busiek, which featured the Defenders taking over the Earths; and the other in X-Treme X-Men, where a villain who had conquered hundreds of alternate Earths arrived with an army to conquer 616 Earth. The fact that Kang Dynasty is not mentioned at all during "The Order" (or vice versa) just drives me batty!
But I'll have more on all this later . . .
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Post by woodside on Nov 12, 2012 9:13:05 GMT -5
Avengers # 46 The battle in Europe has begun! Joining European super-heroes MicroMax and Le Peregine are Thor, Firebird, Hercules, and She-Hulk. Meanwhile, Black Knight and Stingray investigate the rings. Warbird, Quicksilver, Yellowjacket, and Silverclaw go to break into the Master’s base in the Artic.
Meanwhile, Vision goes to join the Triune Understanding, pretending to take interest in it, but to really spy on it. While Triathlon introduces him to Jonathan Tremont, they are interrupted by the news that a great threat – the Triple Evil – has arrived in the solar system.
The Master of the World captures all the city leaders, tells them his story, and his plan to allow everyone in every continent except North America to die. The Avengers invade his base, but he blows that section up.
Finally, Cap, Photon, Jack, and Scarlet Witch launch into space to attack Kang’s base!
***
This issue was another excellent installment to the Kang Dynasty saga. It’s great to see the Avengers in action, trying to take the fight to enemy. The issue had a great, “this is the middle of a war” feel to it and plays out very well.
There weren’t a lot of character beats, unlike many of the other issues, which was just fine.
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Avengers # 47 Warbird, injured after last issues explosion, is confronted by the Scarlet Centurion. He is looking to help her, but she rejects him. However, they do decide to enter the Master’s base together so she could complete her mission. They manage to and despite his similarity to Marcus, she warms up to. He then leaves and Warbird hooks back up with Silverclaw, Yellowjacket, and Quicksilver.
Back in space, a big ol’ evil pyramid enters the solar system.
***
Decent issue, but mostly filler. Having no connection with the original Marcus story, I can’t really comment on that backstory. I did really question why Marcus was willing to help Warbird enter the base, but then I realized that in this game of honor and strategy, it didn’t make much of a difference to him.
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Avengers # 48 Cap’s team attack Damocles Base, but aren’t getting anywhere. Back on Earth, Thor’s team continues to push back Kang’s forces. Over in Texas, Tremont has Justice, Firestar, Triathlon, and Vision and two of his followers hop into the psychic-powered ship to launch into space and fight the Triple-Evil.
Up in the Artic, the Avengers battle the Master, and Warbird kills him in an act of war and to take control of his technology.
In space, Cap’s team fails, and the Sentinels are launched. Unfortunately, Kang takes control of them and sends them back to Earth. For having attacked his command center, Kang’s decided to fight back and puts them on target to Washington. He also blows up Cap’s Quinjet.
***
Whew! Big issue!
I wish Cap’s battle had more to it. It felt very bland compared to what it could have been.
Warbird’s attack on the Master felt huge. I don’t recall the aftermath, but I hope it’s well-handled.
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Avengers # 49 Kang attacks Washington. It’s freaky huge. A lot of people die. The United Nations surrenders.
***
I loved this issue. I loved the visuals and the rhythm of the story and the way it unravels. The fact that Wasp was the one who was forced to sign the surrender notice just added weight to it.
I did like that it was a silent issue, as it was unique and effective. But, if memory serves, it was weird gimmick that all of Marvel had to do that month, which does diminish its impact.
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Avengers # 50 I’m not going to bother to explain the Triune Understanding backstory, but it all gets explained. It’s convulted and boring. Ultimately, Tremont is not the chosen one (three), it’s Triathlon. Turns out he’s merged with 3-D Man and they share the same existence. He defeats the ultimate evil, Tremont is defeated, Pagan and Templar are defeated, and the Avengers (including Cap’s team, Vision, Justice, Firestar, Living Lightning, and Quasar) head back to Earth – because it’s been weeks since the surrender.
***
I’ve never cared for the Triune Understanding subplot, and I especially don’t like it here. With the war with Kang, this issue stands out like a sore thumb. I would have rather seen this whole story resolved before the Kang Dynasty even began, and allowed the two stories to be separate.
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Post by sharkar on Nov 12, 2012 11:51:06 GMT -5
Hey y'all! Sorry for the lack of up-dates to this thread. Luckily, we just brought baby home yesterday and she's doing pretty good so far. Even our first night wasn't that bad! I'm just happy to have her home. She's sleeping next to me as I type this. I love it. That is wonderful news!!! I also enjoyed Quicksilver’s small scene with Jarvis, in which he confessed his failures in personal life. Yes yes yes! Great scene. Busiek captured Pietro perfectly: Quickie is disappointed in himself and well aware of his status as the eternal outsider.
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Post by Crimson Cowl on Nov 12, 2012 13:17:39 GMT -5
This is definitely coming back to me now, as this was the precise point where I felt the series was beginning to go a bit off the rails. While I was still enjoying the character development and focus (and I actually did like the introspective Thor thread, as it was attempting to address some of the obvious attachment issues that long-lived "Immortal" characters would certainly have to have w/ us regular folks), the huge Kang overplot at this point became too big for me. Not only were its consequences not being seen at all in the rest of the MU titles, but it certainly looked like there was going to be a level of damage & destruction down the road that could never, ever be believably resolved an issue or two later. In other words, the scope of the coming events would HAVE to alter the status quo of the MU. . . and that didn't seem to be in the works at all, elsewhere. Thus, the impact of this story already began to come into question for me. HB Yeah, I agree completely about the excessiveness and the lack of regard for consequences. It basically stops being a Marvel book in any traditional sense at this point by completely failing to stick with a manageable tether to our actual reality. But isn't this actually Busiek's response to 9/11? Considering its timing and the tone that was my presumption anyway (IIRC this was published within a year of the Twin Towers attack). A lot of comics I've seen from around this time try to address the real life events one way or another and are mostly knee-jerk reactions with a complete lack of perspective (but perhaps that's understandable under the circumstances, although it does make the comics virtually unreadable). In any event the destruction of Washington DC is wildly excessive and complete overkill. What does make me wonder though is the Avengers surrender. The idea of 'surrendering to terrorism' would surely have been anathema at the time so it did occur to me that Busiek might be rather slyly placing the Avengers and the earth in the position of the Afghans; being invaded by an overwhelming force and far more technologically advanced civilization. I appreciate the danger of slipping into a political slanging match here. That is far from my intention, I'm really not interested in debating the why's and wherefore's here (so please be circumspect in that regard if you respond to this-let's keep it about the comics). I'm just intrigued by the idea that Busiek might've adopted such a radical position here, if admittedly covertly. Any thoughts?
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Post by woodside on Nov 12, 2012 22:11:10 GMT -5
But isn't this actually Busiek's response to 9/11? Considering its timing and the tone that was my presumption anyway (IIRC this was published within a year of the Twin Towers attack). A lot of comics I've seen from around this time try to address the real life events one way or another and are mostly knee-jerk reactions with a complete lack of perspective (but perhaps that's understandable under the circumstances, although it does make the comics virtually unreadable). In any event the destruction of Washington DC is wildly excessive and complete overkill. What does make me wonder though is the Avengers surrender. The idea of 'surrendering to terrorism' would surely have been anathema at the time so it did occur to me that Busiek might be rather slyly placing the Avengers and the earth in the position of the Afghans; being invaded by an overwhelming force and far more technologically advanced civilization. I appreciate the danger of slipping into a political slanging match here. That is far from my intention, I'm really not interested in debating the why's and wherefore's here (so please be circumspect in that regard if you respond to this-let's keep it about the comics). I'm just intrigued by the idea that Busiek might've adopted such a radical position here, if admittedly covertly. Any thoughts? That particular issue came out in December 2001, a mere three months later, so it was too soon to serve as an allegory and too late to be re-written. This was also the year that Grant Morrison destroyed Genosha and Impereix declared war on DC's Earth, causing tons of property damage and loss of life. Marvel also kicked off a book called Brotherhood, which focused on Mutants as a terrorist network. This was all pre-9/11. In Busiek's last issue, in his heart-felt good bye letter, he thanks Joe Quesada for letting that issue still go to print in light of the attack. It's interesting to compare that today -- where DC attempted to delay an issue Batman Incorporated so soon after after the Colorado shooting because it contained gun violence.
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Post by spiderwasp on Nov 12, 2012 22:41:46 GMT -5
In Busiek's last issue, in his heart-felt good bye letter, he thanks Joe Quesada for letting that issue still go to print in light of the attack. It's interesting to compare that today -- where DC attempted to delay an issue Batman Incorporated so soon after after the Colorado shooting because it contained gun violence. I can see DC's logic though. 9-11 had nothing to do with the Avengers or any other comic book in any capacity. The two events were completely unrelated. In the latter case however, the violence took place at a Batman movie. The concern would be much greater.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Nov 12, 2012 23:14:43 GMT -5
Actually, we went with Alana Woodside. Lovely name, congrats good sir on your family's newest addition. Great job on the reviews as well.
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Post by Crimson Cowl on Nov 14, 2012 11:44:14 GMT -5
That particular issue came out in December 2001, a mere three months later, so it was too soon to serve as an allegory and too late to be re-written... In Busiek's last issue, in his heart-felt good bye letter, he thanks Joe Quesada for letting that issue still go to print in light of the attack. It's interesting to compare that today -- where DC attempted to delay an issue Batman Incorporated so soon after after the Colorado shooting because it contained gun violence. Unless you've got something more solid I don't think that is very convincing. You're suggesting that issue 49 was 'in the can' three months before it was released? I can't claim any expertise on the logistics of the industry but what I have read about it would lead me to expect that the bulk of the issue would actually have been written and penciled in October and maybe November -in other words in the immediate aftermath of the attack when feelings were no doubt running very high. I had a look at the 'letter' you mentioned which just thanks Quesada for allowing him to destroy a major city. There is no suggestion here that this is related to bad timing -if anything the natural conclusion to reach would be that Busiek wanted to destroy Washington and, reading between the lines, this was most probably driven by a response to 9/11. Choosing to read something else between the lines as you have doesn't seem warranted to me. Following up on this I did read that Busiek claimed that the attack on Washington was always planned. I'm sure he's not lying but I suspect it's more likely a rationalization after the fact ie the attack on Washington was probably one idea they threw around as part of the climax but the decision to actually do it, the severity of the destruction and the tone of the book must surely have been the result of the impact of the WTC attack. Similarly there is the note about the 'wordless script' supposedly being the result of a 'dare' from over a year beforehand. Really? You don't think that stinks of an attempt to defuse any potential hostile reactions from kids, their parents or just the more simpleminded readers who might interpret the material as 'unpatriotic'? You know, I'm sure that at some point in the past some remarks may well have been made regarding the challenge of producing a comic without words but I have absolutely no doubt that the actual issue was produced that way to create a suitably solemn tone as a response to the very near-at-hand real life events. The 'dare' is just another post rationalization and the actual need to print that apologetic is a dead giveaway. Anyway, I just don't buy the denials. Methinks the lady doth protest to much! Surely the immediately subsequent 'Avengers in Guantanamo' storyline must be the final confirmation of what was really driving the plot at this time. Oh, and lest I forget, allow me to add my congratulations on the sprog too.
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Post by tomspasic on Nov 14, 2012 12:22:02 GMT -5
Didn't a whole bunch of marvel comics that month have the "silent" treatment? I believe that they did. And I can't imagine why if it were a post 9/11/01 reaction that Busiek or someone else would not have said so by now, a decade on.
Marvel did print several stories in reaction to 9/11, but I don't think that this long-running story that began long before it was one of them. I could be wrong though..
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Post by woodside on Nov 14, 2012 20:18:51 GMT -5
Unless you've got something more solid I don't think that is very convincing. You're suggesting that issue 49 was 'in the can' three months before it was released? I can't claim any expertise on the logistics of the industry but what I have read about it would lead me to expect that the bulk of the issue would actually have been written and penciled in October and maybe November -in other words in the immediate aftermath of the attack when feelings were no doubt running very high. I had a look at the 'letter' you mentioned which just thanks Quesada for allowing him to destroy a major city. There is no suggestion here that this is related to bad timing -if anything the natural conclusion to reach would be that Busiek wanted to destroy Washington and, reading between the lines, this was most probably driven by a response to 9/11. Choosing to read something else between the lines as you have doesn't seem warranted to me. Following up on this I did read that Busiek claimed that the attack on Washington was always planned. I'm sure he's not lying but I suspect it's more likely a rationalization after the fact ie the attack on Washington was probably one idea they threw around as part of the climax but the decision to actually do it, the severity of the destruction and the tone of the book must surely have been the result of the impact of the WTC attack. I understand, but why didn't they just come out and say it was a 9/11 allegory? Marvel produced a few 9/11 books (notably Amazing Spider-Man # 36). But this issue was not billed as one of them. It came be argued that issue 56 (the post-Kang Dynasty aftermath issue) is more of the 9/11 allegory issue. The implication is that this issue was planned by Busiek several months before hand (with the comic at least in production during the month of September), and there may have been some reluctance from editorial that blowing up an American city (the capital, of all things) so soon after 9/11. This attack was actually foreshadowed several issues before hand, when Kang threatened to attack a national capital if his own command ship was attacked. In such a long formed, carefully plotted story, it's really doubtful that Busiek planned this issue to serve as a 9/11 allegory. 99% of the entire Marvel line took part in the silent month, so I don't think it was a "post-rationalization." . . . except the Guantanamo Bay scandals didn't take place until some time after this issue came out. :/ [/QUOTE] Oh, and lest I forget, allow me to add my congratulations on the sprog too.[/quote] Thanks! (I'm barely awake)
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Post by Crimson Cowl on Nov 15, 2012 9:58:42 GMT -5
I understand, but why didn't they just come out and say it was a 9/11 allegory? Marvel produced a few 9/11 books (notably Amazing Spider-Man # 36). But this issue was not billed as one of them. First of all, let's be absolutely clear, it was definitely not a 9/11 allegory. The actual events of the story should make that very clear. As a reaction to events of the time it could, as I elaborated earlier, be seen as highly contentious. So there was very good reason not to bill it as such. Having the Wasp surrender to Kang is hardly the same thing as Spider Man providing a heartwarming tribute to the bravery of NYC firemen (I haven't read that comic btw, I'm just going on what I heard). There is no implication in the letter -you are inferring it because that is what you believe. You are building on your assumptions. So am I, as it happens. I am just contending that my assumptions are more natural than yours. Regarding the attack on an American city. Sure, it was mentioned as a possibility and may well have been planned. But we've all seen attacks on cities in comics, movies and TV shows putting the world in peril many, many times. This was something different. The sheer level of devastation, both shown and implied, was really shocking and unlike anything seen previously in a Marvel comic in a real location and on such a massive scale (AFAIK, the only comparable event I can think of was in the New Universe). They didn't have to do it that way, not remotely (indeed they certainly shouldn't have done it- it's a terrible decision that makes a mockery of the continuity and of Marvel's real world setting!). The surrender in those circumstances was also really shocking -it's surely impossible to view that without considering the real life events that were occurring, and the launch of the 'War on Terror' as some kind of crusade (a word that was actually used by the President at the time!) for justice, with all the usual ramalama about the indomitable will to fight and not give in to brutality. As for the timing. Even if it had been produced prior to the attack (which I seriously doubt -the actual issue would much more likely have been worked on in the weeks after the WTC atrocity and whilst the invasion of Afghanistan was underway) there was plenty of time to have produced an entirely new issue let alone make a few alterations (as with the major alterations to X Men 137 for example), had they wished to. The choice to publish that story was a deliberate choice, not constrained by the calendar. That I did not know. Evidently I stand corrected. I think you misunderstood. I was not referring to the subsequent scandals but rather to the incarcerations themselves. It was well publicised from within the first few days of the invasion of Afghanistan that people were being captured and interned in Guantanamo on the other side of the world (as were concerns that the heroin dealers who were the Taliban's main local opposition, and thus became the allies of the allied forces, might just be dobbing in business rivals and anyone else who had crossed them -so the potential for injustice was topical). tomspacic wrote:In my experience there is still a lot of political investment in 'The War on Terror' and discussion of it can get very heated and stir up bad blood, particularly amongst Americans. I had a bad experience last year with such a discussion on another forum I've been part of for many years, and it's one in which free and frank discussion often took place, but the forthrightness was normally accepted as part and parcel of being there -people didn't really hold grudges about it. Even though people from all political spectrums agreed that the guy who provoked it was a lunatic fringe extremist and virtually a moron the debate provoked deep rifts amongst people who were longstanding friends. The debate really strained a lot of relationships and I'm sorry to say that the scars have never properly healed. Many of us don't really talk any more (so I can assure you that I wasn't kidding around when I stressed that I didn't want to get into the actual politics -it was heartfelt). In that light I'd say that Busiek would be wise not to advertise such a controversial story as being about the WoT. He could potentially suffer a severe backlash, or even boycott from parts of fandom, let alone the heat he could suffer at conventions and the like. Indeed, in many respects a story like that is more effective if not overt. The story still makes its' impact without people 'choosing sides' beforehand. Besides which, I'd keep quiet about it as I'd be ashamed of such an excessive over reaction. That's actually the thing though. I think issue 49 is ridiculous and a huge mistake, but I can forgive Busiek under the circumstances. They were extreme times and an extreme emotional response is understandable. If I were to adopt the belief that some seem to have that this had nothing to do with the concurrent events then I don't think Busiek would have any excuse for making such a hash of things here.
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