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The Good Stuff #18! “Last Son” Finally Concludes! Moon Knight Doesn’t Care How Much Money Iron Man’s Movie Has Made! Norman Osborn will forever be the Goblin! Comet Let’s the JLA Know Why Humanity is Safe From Aliens!
Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
The Good Stuff. Of course, that all comes down to personal opinion and what your general tastes are. Here at the Comics Bulletin, you can speak your free mind and discuss this blessed art-form with other individuals who are just as passionate about comics as you are. At Comics Bulletin, we pride ourselves on great reviews, fantastic features and a spectacular atmosphere for discussion. Our reviews are second to none covering every corner of the industry from the big guys to the little guys. But sometimes a comic book that doesn’t achieve a certain mark features a scene or a moment that really stands out. A 2.5 bullet book could have the best scene of the week’s stack, but the overall book could come up short in a reviewer’s opinion. So here it is, a column devoted to those moments, a “best of the week” type thing that acts as an addition to our extraordinary reviews. Feel free to agree, disagree, call for the tar and feathering of Kevin Powers, but take a second to check it out; maybe you missed some of the Good Stuff and you can grab it with this week’s stack.
Good Stuff #18: “Last Son” Finally Concludes! Moon Knight Doesn’t Care How Much Money Iron Man’s Movie Has Made! Norman Osborn will forever be the Goblin! Comet Let’s the JLA Know Why Humanity is Safe From Aliens!
Where is it? Action Comics Annual #11
Written by: Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Cover by”Adam Kubert
Finally, the conclusion to the Richard Donner/Geoff Johns Superman epic, “Last Son,” arrived in stores last week. While I’ll talk a bit more about the issue itself in the next category, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the cover. I thought the cover of this issue was a fantastic way to not only capture a reader’s attention, but also a great way of using the Superman mythos. In fact, when I got to my store last Wednesday, I actually flipped a few of the issues upside down to see if anyone would notice. On the “right-side up” of the cover, everything was normal, but when you flipped it upside down, all the letters were in Kryptonian. Seeing as how this whole story-arc has focused on Kryptonians, I felt it prudent that the DC design team create something like this. I also love that the image is the Kryptonian criminals emerging from what could be the Phantom Zone.
Where is it? Action Comics Annual #11
Written by: Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Cover by”Adam Kubert
Sure, it took a LONG time for this issue to finally come out. Week after week, people would come into my comic store and wonder where it was. What I found interesting is that very few customers actually complained about the delay. I think it’s gotten to a point where customers realize that delays are going to happen but believe that when it is a good story, it is worth waiting for. For me, the conclusion to “Last Son” was worth the wait. I thought it was extremely well done, the artwork was above par for arc and there was a lot happening that is ultimately very good for the Superman mythos. While one of my favorite Superman story-arcs of all time is “Ending Battle” featuring Manchester Black, I felt like this arc is right up there with it. Of course, this arc is now best enjoyed from start to finish is one shot, but the way that it concluded is enough to make any Superman fan happy. Metallo gets a new look, Superman goes after the Kryptonian criminals armed with Kryptonite guns, Lex Luthor reverts back to his classic self as “the savior of humanity,” and the fate of the boy, Christopher Kent, is decided. I really loved this issue and I felt it was a perfect example of how to tell a Superman story. My ONLY real problem with this issue and the arc was that our lord and eternal ruler did not demand that the Son of Jor-EL KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!
Where is it? Young X-Men #2
Written by: Marc Guggenheim
Art by: Yanick Paquette
What is it? Ink Betrays the X-Men?
When the first issue of ”Young X-Men debuted, I was really intrigued by one of the new characters, Ink. In fact, in “The Good Stuff #13” from April 9th, Ink made the category “Best Character Introduction.” I really liked the idea behind his powers, he would get a tattoo and then that tattoo would manifest as his powers. For example, in this issue, he tattoos a brick pattern on his hand and uses it as a battering ram. However, I knew something was suspicious about the character when he was introduced last issue. He was getting a biohazard symbol tattooed on his hand, and when he was confronted by police officer he uses it on them, making them violently ill. I figured he was nothing more than the obligatory X-Men loose cannon. I even stated that he was probably going to be the “loose cannon/anti-hero” of the group. Now I feel like I should have seen it coming. When the Young X-Men go after the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Ink and Blindfold manage to subdue Moonstar. Immediately following this, Ink takes Moonstar’s shotgun and knocks out Blindfold. I’m not totally sure that Ink is now a villain or that he was just testing Blindfold’s precognitive abilities. I will say that with this simple question, I am definitely looking forward to the next issue.
Where is it? Midnighter #19
Written by: Keith Giffen
Art by: Lee Garbett and Rich Burchett
What is it? The Midnighter vs. Assassin8
For the past few issues of Midnighter, Keith Giffen hasn’t filled a great deal of page time featuring the Midnighter with dialogue. Instead, the Midnighter has been locked into combat with Assassin8. Assassin8 has stolen the Midnighter’s identity and is using it to try and bring down the Authroithy. However, our hero has tracked his adversary down, and Giffen gives us yet another issue heavy on the action and easy on the dialogue. Whenever I think of comic books fights that involve very little dialogue, I always think of G.I. Joe #21, “The Silent Issue.” It’s quite the task for a writer and artist to rely solely on action as comics are “still imagery.” Regardless, Giffen, Burchett and Garbett do a fantastic job capturing the action and the insane fight scene that takes place in this issue. During the fight, there is actually little to no dialogue. While both characters are wearing the Midnighter’s costume, Giffen, Burchett and Garbett cleverly differentiate the two by having the real Midnighter throw a card that lodges itself in the doppelganger’s head. There are quite a few weapons used as well, everything from a mailbox, to a tractor trailer, to a bottle of mustard. Even if you have never read an issue of Midnighter, you should really check out the past few issues just for some great fight scenes.
Where is it? Rann/Thanager Holy War #1
Written by: Jim Starlin
Art by: Ron Lim
What is it? The Continuing Saga of DC’s Deep Space Exploits
Here is an excerpt from my review of the issue:
“I’ve always followed DC space epics; this latest chapter in the Rann/Thanagar saga has actually been brewing for quite some time. Now, you don’t have to read the titles I am about to list to understand what’s going on, Starlin does a an excellent job condensing the basics and key plot points into this issue, but I am highly recommending the titles not only as supplements, but for your own personal enjoyment. Adam Strange: Planet Heist is really where it all begins. Planet Heist is what leads to the The Rann/Thanagar War, which is actually a key element to the current status of the DC Universe. 52, particularly the story starring Animal Man, Adam Strange and Starfire, will give you plenty of background information on Lady Styx. Mystery in Space will explain everything you need to know about Captain Comet. Countdown to Adventure follows up on the storyline from 52 and sets the stage for the religious beliefs that the people of Rann have taken up in this issue. You might be scared off at that list of titles, but like I said you don’t have to read them all to follow this story. They will help you grasp the full effect. Now don’t tell me “I don’t want to have to read all these stories to read this one.” Well I hate to tell you but that’s always been the nature of the business, so sit back, get some reading and enjoy yourself. Although, at the very least, check out Countdown to Adventure
Where is it? Thunderbolts: Reason in Madness
Written by: Christos Gage
Art by: Ben Oliver
Who is it?The Goblin
Last week’s Thunderbolts One-Shot focused primarily on Venom and Norman Osborn. This issue is actually very important to the coming arc in Amazing Spider-Man because it should explain how Venom is able to leave Thunderbolts Mountain without being in danger. Basically there is a set-up between Venom, Osborn and some older “C-List” villains. The basic thing you need to be aware of is that Venom pretty much teams with Osborn and they take down the old villains who are trying to blackmail Osborn. When it comes time for a fight, Norman Osborn unleashes his inner Goblin. Instead of his orange pumpkin bombs, he uses USB drive-bombs while screaming that he is “the Goblin” and laughing manically. Now, it’s no secret that Osborn still has his questionable moments, but this moment serves as proof to me that he will eventually re-assume the Goblin identity and makes his way back into Peter Parker’s life. We know that Venom is coming to Amazing Spider-Man and this issue explains how he will be able too, but I really feel like it’s only a matter time before the original Green Goblin puts Menace in his place as the true master of the glider.
Where is it? Rann/Thanager Holy War #1
Written by: Jim Starlin
Art by: Ron Lim
What is it? Comet Explains Why Aliens Aren’t Going to Invade Earth
So I did really enjoy the first issue of the Rann-Thanagar Holy War mini-series. However, there was one scene in particular that I felt stood out amongst the rest. If you’ve been following DC’s current space saga, you may have come across Jim Starlin’s Mystery in Space mini-series. In that series, the original Captain Comet was succeeded by his nephew/clone, Comet, who is a bit more of a jerk than the original. However, in a meeting with the Justice League set up by Hal Jordan, Comet briefs the Justice League on alien threats to Earth. Here, Starlin inserts a bit of a political/ethical message by having Comet completely blindside the JLA with the answer. Comet informs the JLA that there is no immediate alien threat to the planet Earth because it is most aliens believe that Earth will destroy itself. In other words, the constant threat of nuclear annihilation, pollution, war and overpopulation will make Earth inhabitable within twenty years. It’s kind of frightening to think about but Comet is right.
I had a conversation a few weeks ago where I said something along the lines of “human beings are nothing but intelligent savages.” You may agree or disagree, but as technology advances and countries rise and fall, the one constant in our history is war. It’s quite a thought-provoking moment that Starlin provides us with and I believe should open some discussion.
Where is it? Moon Knight #18
Written by: Mike Benson
Art by: Mark Texiera
What is it? Moon Knight Snaps a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent’s Wrist
My favorite moment of the week comes from my favorite Marvel book, which is also the title that belongs to my favorite Marvel character. Of course, I am talking about Wizard’s 149th “Greatest Character of all Time,” Moon Knight. In last week’s issue after months of waiting, Moon Knight finally comes face to face with Iron Man as the two discuss Moon Knight’s recent media coverage and how he got his hands on his registration card. Not only does Moon Knight not even flinch as he’s surrounded by fully armed S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, but when Stark tries to flex his muscle, Moon Knight flexes his right back. Not since Steve Rogers has a character so blatantly defied and not back down from Iron Man. The best moment of this issue is when Stark brings up Moon Knight’s “extreme behavior.” Moon Knight replies by telling Stark he shouldn’t question his “extreme behavior” without his Iron Man helmet on. A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent then grabs Moon Knight’s arm, and Moon Knight nonchalantly grabs the agent’s wrist and crushes it. Still, Moon Knight doesn’t back down and as he stares down Iron Man’s repulsor ray, he says “Hope he doesn’t pitch for the S.H.I.E.L.D. league.” This is a fantastic moment that brilliantly captures the current tone of this series.
Where is it? Moon Knight #18
Written by: Mike Benson
Art by: Mark Texiera
What is it? Crawley “Affectionately” Tells Spector that he is his hero.
Crawley has long been Moon Knight’s street level informant. However, in the current series he’s become much more of a friend to Marc Spector than anything else. He took Spector’s pain pills to help him overcome a dependency and reassume the mantle of Moon Knight. In last week’s issue after Spector is told by Tony Stark to cease his activities as Moon Knight, and is then beaten by the Black Spectre, he crawls into his wheelchair and calls Crawley, demanding his pain pills. When Crawley arrives he finds Spector wallowing in his own self-pity, almost beating eaten by his own madness. Instead of giving Spector the pain pills, Crawley first attempts to talk him out of his funk. When that fails, Crawley starts to literally smack Spector around, long enough to get Marc pissed off so that Crawley can reveal why he continues to support him. Crawley reveals that Marc has had a very positive impact on his life, that Spector is his hero. This is, of course, enough for Spector to man up and get a spare costume, knowing he has had some kind of positive influence on someone. The way Crawley handles the situation is brilliant, but the way he smacks Spector around is not only daring, but you’ve got to be a bit of a bad-ass to pimp smack the fist of Khonshu.
Moon Knight #18
Action Comics Annual #11
Invincible Iron Man #1
The Man With No Name #1
Rann/Thanagar Holy War #1
Check back next week to find out what was “The Good Stuff”
Hit the boards for fun conversation.
Thanks for reading,
KP
kevin.powers@comicsbulletin.com
kevinpowers70@yahoo.com
kevinpowers.hypersites.com (I’ll actually have updates soon)
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