Cape Town Capsule Reviews, 12/22/10 Releases

By Don M. Ventura

Power Girl #19

DC Comics

«««½

Month in and month out, Judd Winick churns out another chapter of his modest Power Girl epic that serves as a complimentary tale to his Justice League: Generation Lost biweekly series. While a few issues have served as one-shots, the book has ultimately been a single story involving the recently revived villain Max Lord toying with Power Girl and her alter ego Karen Page. The story seemed nearing resolution until halfway through the book where Power Girl finds herself squarely in the same place she began on Winick’s run, unsure who was screwing with her and her company.

While this book has not been doing anything revolutionary, it has continued to be a fun book where Winick has been able to tell a solid story (at his own pace) and throw in plenty of humor. When Power Girl questions whether Nicco’s (her own Oracle) intel has led her to the correct coordinates he replies “No. I’m joking. I’m throwing you a surprise party and this the only way I knew I could get you there.” Power Girl and Nicco’s working relationship has become one of my favorite parts of this series.

What really sets this book apart is artist Sami Basri who is poised to become a breakout artist. This issue continues to come out on time, but Basri’s art, while not overly complex, looks like it’s time consuming. Basri gets an opportunity to draw the JLI from the 80’s, the Royal Flush Gang, and some of the JSA in this issue and the artists draws each character with a distinct look—nothing is thrown away.  Sunny Gho (Velocity and Superior) is quickly becoming one of my favorite colorists; she handles this issue with Jessica Kholinne. Gho has a distinctive palette, adding nice textures to all of the artwork.

X-Men #6

Marvel Comics

«««½

Victor Gischler’s “Curse of the Mutants” arc ends on a high note with Cyclops leading the X-Men to Xarus’ lair for a final match against the vampires that have been attempting to take down Utopia. This has been a well-written mini-epic opener to Gischler’s ongoing X-title. He’s kept some of the best X-characters in the forefront of the action, written Cyclops as a believable leader and strategist, and injected the proper amount of humor into his vampire tale.

This issue features a great showdown between Xarxus and his legendary father Dracula. Papa demonstrates, in a truly vile but appropriate manner, why his son was never able to make a name for himself while standing in the far-reaching shadow of his father.

In this issue there are some nice standout moments for the characters that remind us why we root—or should root—for them. First Wolverine. He’s interrogating a vampire to track Xarxus. He has one claw up to the eye of the bloodsucker and says “Where?” In the end Cyclops has to stand visor to eye against Dracula, and Dracula blinks first (I assume). One minor gripe was seeing Storm and Gambit in the background and not having anything to do or say.

Artist Paco Medina turns out another wonderfully drawn superhero comic book. His artwork is sharp and clear, and the colors by Marte Gracia are fine. Gracia colors most of the action in muted neutral tones to identify the rising dawn.

Batman Incorporated #2

DC Comics

««««

This week I really enjoyed Nick Spencer’s ability to create a genuinely BAD bad guy in the pages of Morning Glories #5. Not to be outdone, Grant Morrison continues to create a memorable nasty in Lord Death Man in Batman Incorporated #2. Last month he not only melted off the hands and face of Japan’s hero Mr. Unknown, but he dumped the girlfriend of Mr. Unknown’s ward Jiro Osamu into a tank with a killer Octopus. In this issue he blows up a bus with disabled children on it. Bad enough for you?

Batman Incorporated is the fun international Batman that Grant Morrison has wanted to write for years. Batman and Robin enjoyed an adventure on the other side of the pond early in their series, but this is a James Bond cool version of Batman that still remains true to the character. Another nice thing about this title is that the first arc is finished with this issue—I’ve been going through fatigue with having to follow so many six issue arcs that begin to flatline during their fourth and fifth issues.

This issue features the ascension of Jiro from Mr. Unknown to the Japanese Batman. While we don’t see the transformation, we are treated to a great final splash page with Jiro Batman fighting a big gorilla in a mask. Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette have created an excellent adventure yarn with fast paced action that still allows for Morrison’s clever dialogue.

There’s a cool panel with Jiro taking the same oath Robin took before flying into the night with the Caped Crusader (the room is ever lit by a single candle between the two). It’s these nice touches that bring a nostalgic smile to my face.

The Invincible Iron Man #33

Marvel Comics

«««½

There is a cinematic feel to Matt Fraction’s Iron Man that is engaging. The Invincible Iron Man #33 was the final issue of the “Stark Resilient” storyline in which Tony, after having rebuilt himself, rebuilds his company with Pepper, Rhodey, and a new supporting cast.

The story so far has not been action heavy because Fraction has utilized strong characterization to move the story along. However, this was a fast paced issue in which Tony races in Stark Resilient’s newly unveiled car from the Hammer drones and Detroit Steel while Pepper lays dying. While Justine Hammer does not succeed in bring Tony down, the story ends with the inclusion of two more Iron Man baddies into her fold to create an eventual big time headache for our hero.

Salvador Larroca is perfect for this book because he draws sleek technological doodads and a pretty fantastic Iron Man (who doesn’t appear in this issue). My only qualm is the somewhat distracting character models he uses, which I have previously mentioned sometimes takes me out of the story.

Fraction writes a fine dialogue-free follow-up called “Good Morning Tony” that offers a day in the technology-based life of Tony Stark.  Jamie McKelvie handles the artwork on the eight-page story and I would not be averse to seeing more from the artist on this title.

Uncanny X-Men #531

Marvel Comics

«««

Greg Land’s artwork is not always my cup of tea. When his female characters are smiling I imagine them shouting “Weeeeeee!” I don’t hate it, because it is oftentimes quite dynamic, but it doesn’t mesh well with Matt Fraction’s current “Quarantine” storyline. I’d like to see Land’s work on something lighter I think.

Regardless, I am enjoying Fraction’s story of a mutant flu strain that has the mutants on lockdown in Utopia while Dr. Rao attempts to cure what ails the children of the atom. Fraction humorously uses introductory captions to establish each character and and as a commentary device where they might normally be used to identify the character’s power (“Namor. King of the Sea. Snotty, however you choose to define it”; “Scott Summers—Cyclops. Optic blasts. Bit sniffly”).

The story also involves a faux-mutant X-Team created by Lobe, a team of five heroes designed to mimic the powers of the five original X-Men. Another story has Angel forming a team of non-bedridden X-Men (Storm, Pixie, Dazzler, and Northstar) to take down the Collective Man.

Finally, all of Emma’s scheming seems to have been fruitless as Sebastian Shaw has not proven to be as easily disposed as she had hoped. Fraction writes few pages of their history to illustrate how far Emma has come from her wicked origins with the Hellfire Club.  There’s a lot of story going on in Fraction’s Uncanny X-Men and all of the stories are keeping me fully absorbed.

The Fantastic Four #586

Marvel Comics

««««

Were this any other arc of the Fantastic Four it would still be top-notch. Knowing that this is the penultimate chapter in Jonathan Hickman’s eventually infamous “Three” storyline that will feature the death of a beloved member of the team.

The team has been segmented into three separate dangerous scenarios with their most infamous adversaries. Reed with Galactus, Sue with Namor, and Ben and Johnny with Annihilus. Hickman has masterfully amped up the danger for each of the members. I’m reminded somewhat of Identity Crisis in which we knew there was going to be multiple deaths and, while reading it, you crossed your fingers that it actually wouldn’t happen because Brad Meltzer brought great compassion to the characters. Hickman demonstrates, perhaps more skillfully than Meltzer, the ability to remind us why these characters are beloved without knocking us over the head with it.

So Reed is saving the Earth from the wrath of Galactus, Sue is trying to stave off an Atlantean war, and Ben and Johnny are fighting off some frightening bugs who report to Annihilus. As exciting as this unfolding story is, things are looking gloomier than ever for the FF.

Rating Scale:

Excellent ««««

Good «««

Average ««

Poor «

Wednesday's Finest: 'Morning Glories' #5

By Don M. Ventura

Morning Glories #5

Image Comics

««««

Whether it is in movies, books, or television, I think some writers have a difficult time writing a really good bad guy who the viewer/reader can get behind hating. I always use the first appearance of Darth Vader in Star Wars as a shining example of badassery. Sure, Grand Moff Tarkin does the unthinkable and orders the destruction of Alderaan.  However, the scene when Vader first appears and chokes the Rebel soldier as he interrogates him is, for my money, a truer scene of evilness.

It isn’t easy to relate to a villain who wipes out a city or planet, but there is something frightening about a bad guy who is willing to commit murder or inflict great suffering on a person, while an audience watches, and not show a sign of remorse for the gravity of his crime. It’s these smaller scenes of unconscionable acts that have always made my favorite villains.

Nick Spencer brings Mr. Gribbs to the forefront of the story in Morning Glories #5 and the instructor demonstrates that he is fully devoid of a moral compass—by normal human standards at least. Gribbs would beg to differ. This issue presents a long monologue by him in between the story’s action and we learn that he is one bad egg who is firm in his beliefs in the goals of Morning Glory Academy—a seemingly very nasty place.

But this is not the only reason that Morning Glories #5 was the best book published this week. Spencer continues to flesh out his well drawn characters and illustrates that their situation, while almost totally hopeless, is not totally hopeless. Especially for the Glories’ leader Casey, who exhibits her ability to think several steps ahead of her captors; this is not lost on Gribbs.

Spencer continues to pile on the mysteries, with zero resolution to the predicament these kids are in, and I have enjoyed this series for the writer’s topsy turvy approach to storytelling; it is reminiscent to the most confounding moments of Lost.

In last month’s issue, three of the Glories (Casey, Hunter, and Zoe) have gone rogue within the school grounds to rescue their captured friend Jade when Ike turns them in to Ms. Daramount. While Hunter causes a distraction, Casey and Zoe are on the run and eventually separated. The mysterious spirit that lobotomized a student in the first issue of the series beheads a guard and comes face to face with Zoe; she recognizes him and calls him David. That may be considered a hint of resolution in your book, but for me it’s just another head scratching moment—albeit an enjoyable one.

The Glories are eventually all rounded up and we learn that this was the plan the entire time. Casey and Zoe distracted the administration so that they could successfully free Jade which impresses Gribbs to no end. He admits to Casey that she is one of the most gifted of all of the students at Morning Glories Academy (though we have no idea how these gifts will be used). But he muses whether or not her cohorts similarly gifted.

To express the expendability of the lesser students on campus Gribbs chokes Jason, one of the Academy’s shining stars, right in front of Casey. The whole time Gribbs explains how he raised Jason since the student was five and that a similar fate might befall the other Glories should they fail to prove they are as invaluable as Casey. Jason struggles and cries until his lifeless body is slumped across Casey’s desk. That Gribbs is one evil dude.

Series artist Joes Eisma handles the artwork nicely as always. He draws a squirm-inducing scene as David (the spirit) slowly beheads the guard; the eyes hanging from their sockets was a nice touch.

Morning Glories #5 was an excellent example of Spencer’s ability to flesh out his characters. We learn that Casey and Briggs are both forces to be reckoned with, both of them have a strong will and determination that will make them formidable adversaries. I am eager to see their rivalry unfold over the course of the series.

Rating Scale:

Excellent ««««

Good «««

Average ««

Poor «

Break Time is Over!

The Cape Town Community Blog was on a two week break to do all of the holiday stuff that makes this season a busy one. Your friendly neighborhood blogger is back and ready to jump right into 2011!

Cape Town Capsule Reviews, 12/8/10 Releases

By Don M. Ventura

Superboy #2

DC

This second issue of Superboy works much better than its first. While I enjoyed much of the art last month, I was not immediately sold on what I found to be a clunky introduction to the series.

Writer Jeff Lemire has warmed up to the storytelling as this first arc, and all its mysteries, begin to unfurl. Smallville has been ravaged by monstrous vines, the M.O. of Poison Ivy who appeared at the end of last month’s issue, and Superboy is searching for the source of the destruction. Ivy claims she has nothing to do with the overgrown weeds but Superboy isn’t immediately convinced.

Once the source is located, Ivy shows her true colors. Thankfully Superboy’s budding sidekick Simon Valentine is on hand to save the day in an amusingly inventive scene. I was immediately reminded of another brilliant scientist who came out of Smallville but fosters an aversion to characters with a big “S” on their chests. It will be interesting to see if a similar future is in line for Simon, a character with enormous aspirations.

Pier Gallo’s artwork is nice, but I continue to have issues with the faces of some of his characters. There can be a soullessness to their eyes. However, his Poison Ivy was quite lovely. Phil Noto has drawn a strikingly beautiful cover with Superboy ensnared in Ivy’s diabolical vines.

27 #1

Image

“Take care of that one,” said my comic book proprietor handing me the much sought after first issue of 27. The comic book has been sold out at the distribution level for weeks which caused a frenzy in the comic book community.

“Is it any good?” I asked.

“Does it matter?” he said with a laugh. He was joking of course. Thankfully it was a good book with a dark indie vibe in both the art and the story. Will Garland is on the brink of being a washed-up musician, a star with talent but no longer the physical ability to continue making music.

Will is a likeable character suffering from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy who has traveled the world searching for a way to play music again without being in debilitating pain. Will finally finds a doctor who is more Frankenfurter than Oz. The doctor (and his cats) promises to give Will his ability to play again and transforms the 27-year old musician into something more than he was at the beginning of the story.

Writer Charles Soule has written something of a psychotic ghost story with the background of contemporary rock music. The story was not at all what I expected based on the solicits, but I enjoyed how the book unfolded nonetheless. Renzo Podesta’s artwork was apt for a book like this and fit the thick newsprint paper used on this title.

Bring the Thunder #1

Dynamite

I’ll say right up front that war stories, or scenarios, tend to not immediately enthrall me. Not that Bring the Thunder is bad, it’s simply not the type of title that I normally seek out.

Jai Nitz, who plots this book with cover artist Alex Ross, has written an interesting script featuring some refreshing dialogue that lifts it from being a forgettable origin story. The newly powered hero of Bring the Thunder reminisces over his two favorite rock albums after likening the sound of the blows he and his antagonist are laying upon one another to a symphony.

The fight ends with the hero on the ground, then begins a flashback to show how he came to gain his as of yet defined powers. Wayne Russell is a Para Rescue soldier in Afghanistan who comes across what looks to be an alien weapon while in battle. After seemingly blowing up, he finds himself transported to his home in Chicago a year after disappearing.

The set up for Bring the Thunder has been handled interestingly enough. I’d like to see Wayne explore his life back home and dealing with the consequences of having disappeared for a year. I think the star here is Nitz and his inventive scripting; Russell’s narration was incredibly human and kept me more involved in the story than I would have expected.

DC Universe Holiday Special (One-Shot)

DC

A few months ago we got a nice fat Halloween Special from DC, and now we have nice fat Holiday Special just in time to spread a little super-powered cheer. These books can be a mixed bag sometimes, but there’s nothing really awful inside.

The best of the lot, surprisingly, is an Anthro story called “Sometimes the Bear…” in which Anthro must hunt for food with his father to provide for his hungry family. It’s the Solstice and Anthro promises to bring back food and perhaps a gift for his younger brother.  The script by Joey Cavaleri and art by Carlo Soriano is positively top-notch and never veers towards schmaltz considering it’s a holiday tale after all.

There is drippy sentimentality to be had in a Superman tale called “Hero of Heroes” that lays it on a bit thick. Similarly there’s a Spectre story called “The Gift” that isn’t as maudlin, but following the Superman story, I was hoping for something less steeped in reality.

A closing story featuring the Legion of Super Heroes in a story titled “Holiday” by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning was more along what I enjoy in a comic book like this. Factions of the Legion are soaring through Metropolis chasing a series of false alarms when they would rather be enjoying some respite from their day jobs to do a little holidaying. Chris Batista and Rick Perrota handle the art and make a strong argument that they should be drawing a regular Legion title.

The Flash #7

DC

Seeing Scott Kolins working with Geoff Johns always feels right. The two broke out with their original work on the Wally West Flash book in 2000 and turned that book into a must-read for fans of the Scarlet Speedster.

Flash #7 serves as an origin story for Captain Boomerang before jumping back into the book’s second arc. Johns presents most of the story in flashbacks as we see how Digger Barnes’ fondness for boomerangs grew and his eventual move from the Australian Outback to America.

Desiring to be an idol for the children of Central City, he had no chance of holding a stick to the city’s speedy protector. So he threw boomerangs at him to the admiration of the Flash’s Rogues.

Johns writes another strong expository story and ends by introducing the next Flash tale; Digger proves again that his judgment has just never been so hot. Kolins artwork is enjoyable, but his style is noticeably different than when he and Johns originally worked together. Series colorist Brian Buccellato keeps the look of The Flash consistent and sharp as with the issues that have preceded it.

Knight and Squire #3 (of 6)

DC

Knight and Squire Editor Janelle Siegel must say to writer Paul Cornell, “Paul, just do whatever you want.”

The first issue was an odd mix, but I have grown to enjoy the whimsy and humor of this mini-series. Each issue brings dialogue that is increasingly easier to follow—the first issue came with a glossary on the last page. Really. The third issue opens with the not-initially sinister plan to resurrect King Richard III.

Knight surmises that Richard III may not be the villain Shakespeare made the royal out to be. In true Shakespearean fashion all of Richard’s plotting is done by way of monologue and within earshot of whoever is near. Cornell’s plot grows wackier as Richard raises other former kings, initiating a coup in England. Of course Knight and Squire are on hand to thwart the former royals’ plans using social media such as Twitter and YouTube to bring them down.

If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you might not want to pick up Knight and Squire. However, I’ve found this to be one of the more charming books being published today.

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #7

Marvel

Thor finally gets what’s coming to him in this issue. Jane Foster’s pants. I couldn’t resist. There’s a funny scene the day after when Thor notices a great deal of wreckage outside Jane’s home and she wonders “How could we not notice that?”

“Perhaps our attention was wrapped in other matters,” says Thor. Only a God could be so diplomatic post-coital. I’ve enjoyed this title for the last seven months and it’s been fun watching Thor and Jane’s relationship blossom since she found the amnesiac God of Thunder in the first issue. The citizens and authorities think the rampaging to be the handiwork of their resident Asgardian and turn on him.

Along with Ultimate Thor, Thor: The Mightyt Avenger has been a wonderful and pared down approach to the character who can sometimes be written a bit heavy handedly. Writer Roger Langridge never compromises who Thor is; Langridge has presented a Thor who is at times a victim of his own hubris but ultimately a likable guy. Chris Samnee’s artwork, of which I have become a fan, has been entirely pleasing from one issue to the next.

Halcyon #2

Image

Aha. This issue presents something that was not alluded to in Halcyon #1. In the inaugural issue of the series, readers were introduced to the members of Halcyon, a super team that was on the precipice of becoming obsolete.

Villainy appeared to be coming to an end and there didn’t seem to be much to do in the way of superheroics. Halcyon #2 begins with Transom racing to stop a tsunami—the only threats to the world anymore are natural disasters and manmade accidents. Otherwise Earth is fairing pretty nicely. And this is the mystery: there appears to be something unnatural about the new world order, but nobody understand what it’s cause is.

Marc Guggenheim and Tara Butters have written a solid follow-up that lets the reader into the predicament a little more and we begin to see how this world’s heroes are adjusting. The dialogue and pacing are strong and the story seems to have clearer direction in this issue. Ryan Bodenheim’s artwork is quite satisfying. There’s not a lot of background, but that’s acceptable because his character work is well detailed.

While I’m not getting blown away by Halcyon, I’m going to continue picking it up because the story is intriguing and the creators’ work is solid enough to keep my interested in what happens next.

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #2

DC

Some might accuse this issue of T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents as being a bit on the “talky” side, but since Nick Spencer is scripting, I say “talk away.”

The first issue of T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents introduced readers to the new team’s handlers; the second issue introduces Henry Cosgei, an Olympic champion in running from Kenya. Most of Henry’s story is narrated. The reflections on his love for running, his achievements in the sport, his family life, and finally his downfall that are all explored. It appears that Henry has been framed in a plot to coerce him into joining the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents.

Now as the hero Lightning, Henry believes he has been given a chance at redemption. Like the first issue, Spencer delivers a fantastic script and proves again to be adept at characterization. By the end of the book the reader has a solid understanding of who Henry is.

CAFU’s has turned out more excellent pages on this book, but Chris Cross steals his… uh… thunder with two separate double pages spreads of Lightning running. These pictures are nothing less than astonishing.

I Am an Avenger #4 (of 5)

Marvel

I’ll always have a soft spot for a good Thing story, and Robert Aguirre-Sacasa has written a really special one in this Avengers anthology. ‘Ol Ben Grimm, sporting an enormous Hawaiian shirt, tells his fantastic family that he has decided to join the Avengers.

Sara Pichelli’s illustrations are lovely to say the least. Can I also say cute without sounding off-putting? Because Ben calling his family to dinner, Valeria looking doubtfully at her Unca, and the Thing riding away on a Fantasti-bike are all incredibly cute. Aguirre-Sacasa’s story is as heartwarming as it is funny as Ben affirms to Reed and company that the Avengers is a team but the Fantastic Four is his family.

The final story in the Sean McKeever’s three-part “Closure” storyline featuring Firestar and Justice is nicely illustrated by Mike Mayhew. There are also a couple of pleasant short stories by Colleen Coover (featuring Spider-Woman and Ms. Marvel) and Lucy Knisley (featuring Stature and Iron-Man) that might also feel at home in Marvel’s Strange Tales II mini-series.

Detective Comics Annual #12

DC

Detective Comics Annual #12 continues the revitalization of the Batman franchise established with Grant Morrison’s Batman Incorporated. Not that the Bat-books were bad, but there are stories to be mined from the idea initiated by Morrison.

David Hine has come up with an exciting story that has Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson in Paris to establish a French Batman and solve a string of strange murders of political movers and shakers followed by the suicide of their killers. It doesn’t matter that there are two characters in Batman costumes because Hine writes Bruce and Dick’s dialogue well enough to distinguish the two.

The story opens with the Batmen following a Parisian masked character that they believe might be involved with the murders. There are a couple of amusing scenes with Bruce Wayne attempting to convince the head of Police Nationale to allow him to initiate a Batman program within the city of love to prevent additional murders.

Possibly even more enjoyable is the follow-up story by Kyle Higgins called “The Night Runner” which is something of an origin tale of the Parisian Muslim character that Bruce and Dick are chasing at the outset of the Hine story. The art by Trevor McCarthy with colors by Andre Szymanowicz is absolutely gorgeous.

Batgirl #16

DC

Oracle informs Stephanie Brown that the Batarang used to frame Batgirl for murder is irradiated, a clue that the police investigating the case have missed.

“Can your ‘magic clue machine’ trace it?” asks Stephanie. Sigh. It’s dialogue like this that brings me back month after month to this title. Writer Brian Q. Miller has fleshed out this wonderful new addition to the Bat-family nicely and has made this my favorite ongoing title.

Stephanie and Oracle are on the case to clear Batgirl’s name and bring the murderer of one of Stephanie’s classmates, Newton, to justice. Meanwhile Batgirl starts crushing on a Gotham Central Detective who is aware of her innocence and we introduced to a new villain and leader of the Reapers, the group that killed Newton for not joining their ranks.

Miller keeps the arcs short if they need be (this one was only two issues) and the laughs only where they are required. Dustin Nguyen has adapted well to the series as its regular artist; his panels are lively and he keeps Stephanie’s expressions wonderfully expressive.

Wednesday's Finest: 'New Avengers' #7 (Marvel)

By Don M. Ventura

Back in July I decided I wanted to get back into regular comic book reading again. For the past four years I had only mildly been reading things that caught my interest, maybe buying a few books a month and couple of trades every once in a while. After Blackest Night and Siege ended I decided I would go back to reading regularly because the end of a big event tends to be a good time to jump back into things. I’m one of those anomalies that has no strong affinity to either DC or Marvel—just give me some heroes fighting bad guys and I’m usually a happy camper.

The first books I picked up were the characters I like written by the writers I like. In fact, the creators who have almost single-handedly guided each of the big two comic book companies for which they work. I bought the first three issues of The Flash (and only now realize how late this book has regularly become) and New Avengers #1 by Geoff Johns and Brian Michael Bendis respectively. Interestingly enough it was Johns’ Flash and Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-Man that caught my fancy when I began reading comic books regularly again in 2001 after a long break during the 90’s (I know what I missed).

While I wasn’t taken with Bendis’ post-Siege Avengers title, I really enjoyed what he was did with the inaugural issue of The New Avengers. My feeling has been that this was the Avengers team with the characters whom Bendis really enjoyed playing with: Wolverine, Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel, Mockingbird, Doctor Strange, and their leader Luke Cage. Over the first six issues my affinity for this book began to wane as the story plodded along in an arc that felt two issues too long. I had decided that my New Avengers reading had come to an end.

When I saw New Avengers #7 on my pile this week, I thought “Put it back. This isn’t your thing anymore.” And while I am drawn to writing more than anything when it comes to my comic book enjoyment, that Stuart Immonen cover just called out to me; while hard to pinpoint a favorite artist, Immonen is easily one of my all time favorites.

Each issue of this title has, at the very least, been a marvel to look at. Immonen can draw any character with an individual look and body type. His backgrounds are equally fantastic; check out that formerly grandiose Avengers Mansion that looks like it should be knocked down instead of repaired. Wade Von Grawbadger’s inks Immonen’s work nicely with excellent colors by Laura Martin.

New Avengers #7 took me right back to what I originally enjoyed about the book. It is a transition issue in which the team deals with the effects of the last arc; the Avengers mansion is in shambles and everyone is trying to get a grip. The book opens with Luke discussing repairs to the Avengers Mansion with a member of Damage Control, who also happens to be an old flame who’s still interested in a spark or two with the muscle-bound hunk.

Luke’s wife Jessica has some of my favorite moments in the issue. First when Luke has to accept Steve Rogers’ financial support to repair the damages to the mansion. She says “And this is what it looks like when Luke Cage quietly gets off his high horse.” She later has a scene of complete authenticity in which she puts Luke in his place and accepts being on the Avengers payroll. Pride isn’t going to feed and clothe their new baby she argues.

This also brought me to another my favorite scene in the book. Victoria Hand, Norman Osborn’s former right hand woman, distributes paychecks to the team and everyone gets one except for Spider-Man. While reading The Amazing Spider-Man over the last few months I’ve been wondering why Peter Parker continued his destitute existence. Wasn’t he enjoying some solid Avengers money? When I was a kid I remember Cap and Iron-Man having to announce to a 15-member team that they were going to have to cut the team in half because the government cut their funding, so I’ve grown up with the idea that these heroes were also Earth’s Mightiest wage earners.

Spider-Man confronts Victoria about her connection to Osborn and says that he is not willing to provide his identity, the only way he can actually take home a paycheck. Victoria hand acknowledges that Spider-Man and Norman Osborn have a past and Spider-Man says “Oh, no you don’t.” As a longtime fan of the character, it was this scene that was so powerful because of what we know of the character. Of course he’s not going to give up his secret identity to a woman with ties to the man who murdered his girlfriend, no matter how hard it gets to make ends meet.

I also appreciated that Spider-Man was given a scene after being relegated so long to quips; he was has often been the equivalent of background noise in this series and in The Avengers. This issue also serves as the introduction of Squirrel Girl, as Luke and Jessica’s new nanny, and Dr. Strange onto the team along with his man-servant Wong as a self-described “second-rate Jarvis for a second-rate pile of Avengers.”

Second-rate my hiney.

'Thor' Trailer Debuts

The Thor trailer has premiered on Yahoo! Tonight and I am happy with much of what I see in terms of bringing the magical elements of the Thor comic books to the big screen, I still have one lingering fear that has hung with me since seeing the behind-the-scenes story on Entertainment Tonight earlier this year: the film may spend too much time on Midgard… err… Earth.

While this follows the original storyline of Thor—the God of Thunder stripped of his powers and banished to Earth by his father Odin—I’ve got my fingers crossed that most of the film is not Thor acclimating to life in New Mexico as he searches for a way back to Asgard. This is only a concern and not a complaint though. I have no evidence that Thor will take place primarily on Earth with little action actually taking place in Asgard.

I do like how faithful the film seems to the source material and I get the sense that director Kenneth Branagh has worked hard to maintain a serious tone for the film. Like the Green Lantern trailer before it, Thor appears to strongly embrace its sci-fi/fantasy roots.

Thor hits theaters on May 6^th, 2011 in 2D and 3D.

Dear DC: Make Us Believe a Man Can Fly (Again)

Dear DC,

Please bring the Super back to Superman in 2011.

J. Michael Straczynski started his run on the series with issue #701 and began Superman’s “Grounded” storyline in which Superman walks across the country to reconnect with the good people of America. So far we have gotten three terrible issues, a mediocre issue, and a fill-in Lois Lane-centric story by G. Willow Wilson that made me nostalgic for Straczynski’s work on the book.

Last month Straczynski found great success with his Superman: Earth One original graphic novel, a reinterpretation of the character and his origin which was a perfect fit for the writer who does not seem to work well within the constraints that sometimes come with writing the Man of Steel.

So what is DC doing with Superman? Putting this lousy storyline back in Wilson’s hands (preview above). Here is the description of issue #706 from DC’s blog, The Source:

Superman’s departure from Metropolis to walk across the country has led to a slow news cycle for the city’s biggest paper. If a lack of Superman front-page headlines weren’t bad enough for the paper, a muckraking news blog has accused the Planet of bribing Superman for their stories — putting even their journalistic integrity on the line!

With all of the paper’s best reporters on other duties, Perry White must recruit the help of a junior photographer to go undercover and save the Planet’s reputation.

Why is this happening? This is the second “Grounded” fill-in story—out of six—to not feature Superman. Consider this book officially dropped from my pull list.

I love human interest stories in comic books as long as they are not forced and contrived. And they can’t be written at the expense of the character. Straczynski could not find Superman’s voice and Wilson could not find Lois’ either.

DC, bring this long walk to an end.

'Venom' Ongoing by Remender and Moore in March

Venom is one of the characters that rose to stardom (and overexposure) while I wasn’t collecting comics during the darkest days of the 90’s. A new Venom is set to make his debut in Amazing Spider-Man 654.1 in Februay to be followed by the character’s own title by Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force and The Last Days of American Crime) and Tony Moore (Frankencastle).

Apparently the latest host is going to have control of the symbiote that has caused nothing but trouble for Peter Parker, Eddie Brock and Mac Gargan. With that track record it’s going to take a pretty big leap of faith that someone would actually say “Yeah, bond that sweet looking alien creature to my body.” However, I really like the character design (left)—it’s a more symmetrical Special-Ops version of the classic black and white Spider-Man costume.

Based on the newly released artwork I’m assuming the new host can control going from human form to full out muscle-bound Venom. Based on his work on Uncanny X-Force I have a feeling that Remender will be delivering a unique take on the former-villain. According to today’s official Press Release from Marvel, the new Venom will be a government agent responsible for thwarting planned threats against America.

So who is the new Venom? We’ll have to wait and see as the story unfolds in Amazing Spider-Man #654.1 (on sale February 9, 2011) and Venom #1 (on sale in March, 2011).

'Thor' Poster Appears On-Line, Official Trailer Debuts Tomorrow

Yahoo! Movies has posted the first poster for Thor tonight and will have the first full trailer online tomorrow at 4 p.m. PST.

If you didn’t see the Comic-Con preview that appeared online for the briefest of hours it will be interesting to start hearing reactions to this glimpse at Kenneth Branaugh’s film. Personally I enjoyed what I saw: several clips of a futuristic Asgard, the Destroyer destroying, Thor and Odin arguing, and Chris Hemsworth in a towel. Something for everyone.

Thor may be the hardest sell of next summer’s big three comic book movies. Green Lantern looks like a big fun sci-fi blockbuster with a likable star. Captain America: The First Avenger should be a big fantasy World War II epic with Nazis as villains and a likeable star. Thor has a strong supporting cast but has gone with unknowns for the lead (Hemsworth) and his antagonist (Tom Hiddleston as Loki). Add to this a director who is very passionate about staying true to the source material, but untested in this genre of filmmaking. That said I am keeping my fingers crossed that all three films find audiences next year.

Thor hits theaters on May 6^th, 2011 in 2D and 3D.

Superhero Hype Has First Spider-Man Set Photos

Possible spoilers.

Superhero Hype has just published the first pics from Marc Webb's Spider-Man reboot and the scene looks to be a bit on dour side. The scene, shot in Los Angeles, features Gwen Stacy standing in the rain surrounded by several members of the NYPD. I wonder if this means that Denis Leary's part as Captain Stacy will have a similar longetivity to Martin Sheen's (as Uncle Ben) or Campbell Scott's (as Richard Parker).

Doomsday Ready to Make an Impact on 'Steel'

DC teased “The Return of Doomsday” yesterday on the Source yesterday with a picture (by Ed Benes) of the ferocious villain about to pulverize Steel from the January Steel one-shot. This kicks off a five-part event that has the monster rampaging through the DCU and various titles until he ends up in… an as of yet unknown comic book.

Doomsday’s rampage begins in Steel #1 on January 5^th and continues as follows:

Part 2: Outsiders #37 (below, February 16)

Part 3: Justice League of America #55 (not solicited)

Part 4: Superboy #6 (not solicited)

Part 5: Unknown

'Walking Dead' Writer Negotiates for New 'Powers' Series

Powers is edging closer to coming to FX.

The Eisner-Award winning comic book series created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming will get the small screen treatment (it deserves). The fact that this is by the network that brought us Nip/Tuck and The Shield should bring consolation that the series would maintain its edge.

Powers is the story of two detectives in a world inhabited by costumed heroes, who investigate homicides related to victims with super powers. This is not, however, set in the world of Marvel or DC—Bendis and Oeming have established their own universe so that they may tinker with familiar archetypes who would otherwise be untouchable in those universes. Think Law & Order meets the Super Friends.

According to Vulture, former Walking Dead writer Charles H. "Chic" Eglee is currently negotiating to be a writer and executive producer on the new series. Bendis excitedly confirmed the rumor via Twitter yesterday, so the ball appears to certainly be rolling on the series.

Eglee has worked as a show runner on Dexter and an executive producer on The Shield; his writing credits include Murder One, Dark Angel, and NYPD Blue. Powers is right up the scribe’s alley.

This is exciting news for comic book fans as we begin to see more new properties picked up for television—Hulk, Wonder Woman, Cloak and Dagger, Raven and Batman are a small handful of characters with television projects in development at different studios.

'27' Sells Out! Should You Shell Out Big Bucks on eBay for a Copy?

As an avid comic reader, and former chronic collector, it’s frustrating to think you’ve missed out on the next big thing. It used to be that the words “sold out” were enough to get me in a panicky rush to begin an obsessive search for that comic I neglected to place on my pull list. Suddenly I’d find myself calling those out of the way stores and driving around town to obtain a book that until recently hadn’t even been on my radar.

Issue #1 of 27 might have been one of those titles had I not requested it three weeks ago from my comic shop. “Keep it safe,” my comics proprietor said as I picked up my books yesterday at lunch. “It’s sold for $25 on eBay already.” Oh boy. I’ve been there.

A few years back, when news of Captain America’s death hit the mainstream news, I instantly felt my heart sink after contacting a comic shop to find they were out of copies of issue #25, which chronicled the star-spangled character’s demise. Swept up in the panic that I might not ever get to read the book, or that a first-run issue might become cost-prohibitive, I shelled out $25 (plus shipping) on the day of publication just to get my hands on the book.  Conduct a search on eBay for that same issue today and you’ll find it priced significantly less.

My advice? Ask yourself before you go nuts how badly you want the book. Do you want it to read because you’ve heard it is good or because the book is hot?

The prices for 27 right now are fueled by a temporary demand and will eventually come down. A second printing is going to be released along with the second issue. Of course it is the holidays and if you are in the giving spirit, then by all means choose “Buy it Now” for $19.99 (or more) to get your hands on a copy of a comic book that is only a day old.

Shop wisely dear readers.