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Good Stuff #32: Black Panther Defends Wakanda, The Goblin's Blood Boils Green, Geo-Force Takes on Deathstroke, The Rogues Kill the Rogues, Super-Friends Will Never Be The Same, Eddie Brick Returns! There's A Lot to Cover Today! Click Here Now!
Posted: Thursday, September 4, 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 #32: Black Panther Defends Wakanda, The Goblin's Blood Boils Green, Geo-Force Takes on Deathstroke, The Rogues Kill the Rogues, Super-Friends Will Never Be The Same, Eddie Brick Returns! There's A Lot to Cover Today!
Where is it?Skaar: Son of Hulk #3
Written by: Greg Pak
Cover by: Ron Garney
This is how difficult this column can be, I have 35 books in my stack from last week. 35 books. That’s A LOT. Thankfully, I work at a store and I get the majority of them read during the week, but it takes me some time to go through each one and find an appropriate category for this column. The mainstay of this column has definitely become “Best Cover of the Week.” The criteria for this category is basically the one cover than stands out the most to me, whether it just looks great, gives an idea of the story or displays a character in an iconic way. Well, the cover to Skaar is definitely the one cover that stood out to me the most because there is a lot of weight in the one image. Ron Garney gives readers the first iconic cover and iconic image featuring Skaar. The cover is dark, the lighting fits what we’ve seen on Planet Hulk and Skaar is massive, wielding a very large battle axe. He stands in a swamp filled with skulls and the remains of dead warriors and he is pissed. I love this cover as it perfectly conveys what this character and title is all about.
Where is it? Nova #16
Written by: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art by: Wellington Alves
What is it? Super-Skrull Reports for Duty
Those of you who followed “Annihilation” know what a major player that the original Super-Skrull is and the friendly relationship he developed with Nova. In last week’s issue of Nova, the Super-Skrull and Nova meet up and fend off a Skrull attack. The Super-Skrull informs Nova of the invasion currently taking place on Earth and immediately gives his disapproval of his race and their actions. So the two team-up and head for Earth where they find the entire Skrull fleet in orbit. As they approach Earth, they are met with an entire battalion of Skrulls. Then the Super-Skrull grabs Nova by the neck and reports for duty. Holy mother, that was unexpected. But this twist falls directly in line with how the Skrulls are operating in gaining a human’s trust and then striking. So rather than have someone close to Nova turn out to be a Skrull, the Super-Skrull first denounces his race only to end up being yet another sleeper cell.
Where is it? Justice Society of America #18
Written by: Geoff Johns and Alex Ross
Art by: Dale Eaglesham
What is it?: Lance Becomes Magog
When the fictional grandson of Franklin Roosevelt, Lance Corporal David Reid, was introduced to the Justice Society, I really liked the concept of having a relative of the man who actually formed the JSA on the team. Reid developed powers after finding an artifact in Iraq and the JSA soon recruited him, not only furthering their desire to fill the roster with legacy heroes, but also continuing with the legacy theme of the book itself. I was once a staunch believer that Kingdom Come is a series that should not tie-in to the main DCU, however, Geoff Johns and Alex Ross have done a fantastic job so far. Thus when Gog appeared and revealed a new Magog would be born; the last thing I expected was the assumed harbinger of doom to be one of the Society. It’s interesting to note that with Lance becoming Magog, a crucial blow to the heart of the JSA is delivered as their one link to their founder FDR has become one of their greatest threats. Brilliant.
Where is it? Thunderbolts #123
Written by: Christos Gage
Art by: Fernando Blanco
What is it?: So Many Spiders… Only One Green Goblin
If you’ve been reading Thunderbolts and keeping up with the leader of the group, Norman Osborn, you know that he isn’t always taking his medications nor is he the most sane individual from time to time. So as the Thunderbolts jump into battle with the Skrulls, they are essentially let loose and go about battling the Skrulls in their own special way. Whether it’s killing handlers or betraying teammates, the Thunderbolts are the most dangerous and unpredictable group in the Marvel U. But as the Thunderbolts go wild, their leader, Mr. Osborn, stays relatively calm and tries his best to maintain coordination. However, the Skrulls make what could be a very fatal mistake. You see, because Osborn isn’t the sanest of individuals, you throw Spider-Man in his face and the old Goblin blood gets boiling. So with the Skrull’s method of attack being the addition of that personal touch for each person they attack, they decide to throw 8 Spider-Mans in front of Norman. The next and final panel of the issue? Norman Osborn hysterically laughing, the “HA, HA, HAs” colored in Goblin green. Something tells me the Skrulls are going to greet more than a few orange pumpkin bombs.
What is it? Kick Ass #4
Written by: Mark Millar
Art by: John Romita Jr.
Mark Millar has once again jumped up on my list of favorite writers. All I can say is that this book is completely insane. I don’t really have anything else to offer, it’s violent, it’s beyond crazy and I love it a hell of a lot more than I thought I would. If you haven’t starting reading it, please do so.
Where is it? Final Crisis: Rogue’s Revenge #2
Written by: Goeff Johns
Art by: Scott Kolins
What is it? The Real Rogues Kill the Fake Rogues
This may have been the most well-written segment of last week’s stack of comics. In fact, I loved the entire issue. There are no substitutes for the true Rogues of Keystone and Central City and in this issue the pretend Rogues try and threaten the real deal. I’d go so far as to say that in the DC universe there are two thing you do not do, 1) never tug on Superman’s cape, and 2) Don’t f&*k with the Rogues. The pretend Rogues think they have the real ones out smarted and they threaten families. They think they know how to use the Rogues’ powers better than the real ones do. This notion is proved to be quite foolish when the Mirror Master uses the pretend Rogues’ equipment against them and the two groups go at it with each other. The pretend Rogues are no match for the real deal and they are quickly, brutally and efficiently handed their asses on a silver platter. The real Rogues prove why they are one of the best groups of villains in all of DC Comics, and no one does them better than Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins.
Where is it? Amazing Spider-Man #569
Written by: Dan Slott
Art by: John Romita Jr.
Who is it? Anti-Venom
So I’m not sure if Eddie Brock’s new persona is going to be a hero, villain or anti-hero, but I love this new fresh new idea being brought to Eddie Brock. I thought for sure that since he kicked cancer and returned to Spider-Man, Eddie Brock was going to re-bond with the symbiote and kill Mac Gargan. But it seems that coming close to the symbiote has triggered something else inside Eddie Brock. Putting Eddie Brock back in the regular Venom outfit may have seemed a little tired, it may have caused critics to complain about the re-hashing of old story ideas, but instead Dan Slott and John Romita give us something different. Eddie Brock is arguably one of the most popular villains and anti-heroes of all-time and seeing him re-imagined in such a way has got me really excited. “New Ways to Die” could be the storyline that puts Amazing Spider-Man back on top and quiet all those who complained about “Brand New Day.”
Where is it? Teen Titans #62
Written by: Sean McKeever
Art by: Eddy Barrows
Who is it? The Guy who had a Half Moon Carved into his Forehead.
Remember Wendy and Marvin from the classic Super-Friends cartoon? The two-teenaged sidekicks and their pet, Wonderdog? Well if you’ve been reading Teen Titans, you’ll know that they have become mainstays over the past few issues and the caretakers of Titans Tower. I personally loved the edition of the duo and I felt they were a strong addition to the Teen Titans. However, in last week’s issue, Wonderdog makes his debut and quickly befriends Wendy and Marvin. I thought this was great and it brought back some otherwise cheesy memories from my childhood watching Super-Friends. But everything about this issue was not hunly-dory as Wonderdog transforms into a snarling beast and mauls both Wendy and Marvin to death as the Titans train in their “danger room” facility. Come to find out, that Wonderdog actually works for a new villain and my childhood memories of Wendy and Marvin were also mauled to death and I don’t think I’ll ever look at Super-Friends again.
Where is it?Black Panther #40
Written by: Jason Aaron
Art by: Jefte Palo
Who is it? Black Panther
The Black Panter is a true warrior. There’s no dispute that T’Challa, king of Wakanda, is one of the greatest fighters of the Marvel universe. Nothing highlights that point more than this issue where the Panther leads his fellow Wakandans into battle against the Skrulls. The Panther’s narration as he fights a Super-Skrull was fantastic; you really felt that T’Challa was connected to his people on another plane. He felt the pain of his brothers and sisters dying in battle and still took the Super-Skrull on with great courage. The Super-Skrull was made up of the fighting skills of Earth’s greatest fighters including Bullseye, Moon Knight, Luke Cage, Wolverine, Iron Fist, Black Panther, Shang Chi, Daredevil, Elektra and Captain America. Yet Black Panther managed to stay alive the entire fight, even catching the Wolverine claws when the Skrull uses Bullseye’s skills. However, the Black Panther strategizes until the most opportune time when he rips off the Skrull’s arm, pulls the Skrull’s eyes out and then destroys the Skrull’s knees. The battle is brilliant and Black Panther proves he is one of Marvel’s Top 10 bad-asses and one of their greatest warriors. I can’t wait to see how he handles the twist at the end of the issue.
Where is it?X-Force #6
Written by: Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost
Art by: Clayton Crain
Who is it? Cyclops
Ever since “Messiah CompleX,” I have praised the treatment and the advancement of his character from boy scout-pushover to hard-ass military commander as the X-Men transition into an army. Seeing as how “Manifest Destiny” will change the status quo of the mutants, X-Force is the commando unit of the military organization known as the X-Men. The four most violent X-Men, Wolverine, Warpath, Wolfsbane and X-23 make up the team and Cyclops secretly coordinates the attacks. The first story-arc of this phenomenal series concludes with the death of Purifier Matthew Risman but also Cyclops’ realization that former mutant opponents have been reborn as cyborgs. This issue ends brilliantly and in a way that truly sums up the direction and the very essence of this series. The issue concludes with Cyclops and Wolverine looking at a monitor displaying 9 of mutant-kinds greatest enemies, Matthew Risman’s face crossed out with Cyclops asking “Who’s Next?” This book has transitioned beautifully from commando style military book to a book about Cyclops’ crusade to ensure the future of all mutants.
Where is it?Avengers Initiative #16
Written by: Dan Slott and Christos Gage
Art by: Stefano Caselli
What is it? Grill Me Up Some Skrull Burgers
One of the first mainstream American comics produced by Grant Morrison and Mark Millar was a joint venture known as the Skrull Kill Krew. It centered on a classic Fantastic Four story where Reed Richards turned four Skrulls into cows. In Skrull Kill Krew, those cows were slaughtered and processed into beef patties in a small town. People became infected, essentially became Skrulls and were soon wiped out by a group of individuals calling themselves the Skrull Kill Krew. The Krew came back last week in the form of original members Ryder and Riot, with 3-D Man joining in this issue. While having a barbeque at the home of the original 3-D Man, Ryder throws the head of a Skrull on the grill, revealing that he has to eat the Skrulls to be able to detect them. But since he now has 3-D Man on the team, he reveals that it’s not about seeing the Skrulls anymore, he’s actually come to enjoy eating Skrull. This was by far, one of the grossest, funniest moments of the week. It was so outlandish and so crazy that it fit perfectly into the tone of the original Skrull Kill Krew book. If you don’t read Avengers: Initiative, pick up this issue, not only for this great moment, but for a great chapter in “Secret Invasion” as well.
Where is it?DC Last Will and Testament
Written by: Brad Meltzer
Art by: Adam Kubert, Joe Kubert and John Dell
Who is it? Geo-Force
You know what, I haven’t the slightest idea when DC Universe: Last Will and Testament is supposed to take place, nor what it really has to do with Final Crisis or anything else happening in the DC Universe, BUT it was a great marketing ploy to get this fantastic story about Geo-Force out on the shelves. Geo-Force has long been at odds with Deathstroke, Deathstroke is responsible for killing Geo’s sister Terra. But what this issue presents is a belief that the world may end tomorrow and one man’s dilemma of weighing morality vs. vengeance. His battle with Deathstroke is brilliant, it’s violent, and most importantly, it carries with it an great emotional weight that tosses aside the confusion brought forth by this issue. While neither character dies, the finale of their showdown is brilliant; Geo-Force’s entire dilemma leads him to make a move so bold, that it eventually defeats Deathstroke not only physically, but emotionally as well. I really wish Brad Meltzer would do more DC work like this. This issue is the only time anything remotely connected to Final Crisis has left any kind of emotional resonance for me.
Categories Without a Description!
Best Battle of Wits: Cyclops (and Emma Frost) Vs. Xavier, X-Men: Legacy #215, Cyclops is tired of being Xavier’s model student.
Best Escape: Daredevil leaps out of a window, through a helicopter and disappears out the other side. Daredevil #110
Best Vision of a Dystopian Future: One of the best interpretations of Logan’s future I think I have ever read. Wolverine #68
Most Important Secret Invasion Moment: More than one Pym Skrull all drawing one conclusion Mighty Avengers #17
Best Single Page: Renato Guedes introduces Krytpo, Superman #679
Wackiest Book: Ambush Bug #2. Just wow.
Picks of the Week
Final Crisis: Rogue’s Revenge #2
Kick-Ass #4
Superman #679
Wolverine #68
Mighty Avengers #17
X-Men: Legacy #10
Guerillas #1
Secret Invasion: Amazing Spider-Man #1
DC Universe: Last Will and Testament
Books I’m Looking Forward to This Week
Adam Strange Special – Adam Strange is my favorite obscure character and I love DC’s current space epic.
Green Lantern #34 - Like I really need to divulge the many reasons I love this book
Storming Paradise #3: Dixon, Guice and an alternate take on World War II.
Amazing Spider-Man #570 - You had better believe I am excited about this story.
Sub-Mariner: The Depths #1 : I like the sea-faring and underused characters of comics.
There’s a lot I’m looking forward too, I’m out of time.
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