Reprinting stories from Wolverine #33-35, Black Panther #7, The Pulse #10, and Captain America #10
Writers: Daniel Way, Reginald Hudlin, B.M. Bendis, and Ed Brubaker
Artists: Javier Saltares,Trevor Hairsine, Michael Lark, and Lee Weeks (p), Mark Texeira, John Dell, Stefano Gaudiano, and Jesse Delperdang w/Lee Weeks (i)
Publisher: Marvel
This book collects some of the ‘House of M’ tie-in issues from other comics. We look at Wolverine’s last case for S.H.I.E.L.D. and his relationship with Nick Fury. Magneto tries to bring down King T’Challa. Hawkeye tries to tell reporter Kate Farrell that their world is a lie. And Steve Rogers thinks back on his life and how the world came under mutant domination.
First, a quick word about the tie-in issues not included. ‘Exiles’ #69-71 saw the team fight the ‘House of M’ version of Proteus. Proteus escapes into another reality, thus beginning the “World Tour” storyline. ‘Cable & Deadpool’ #17 sees Deadpool chasing Cable through alternate dimensions. In ‘House of M’, he finds an infant Cable in the care of Mr. Sinister. This issue is played mostly for laughs. All these comics will be reprinted in their own series’ TPBs.
One comic I wish was included was ‘New Thunderbolts’#11. Kree soldier Genis-Vell is tired of living in the shadow of his father’s legacy. Suddenly, he has visions of another world. Genis’ photonic powers and the cosmic awareness he inherited from his father are showing him the true universe. Human resistance fighter Eric Josten is prepared to kill Genis, but that would unleash energies that will destroy Earth. Genis appeals to Eric’s honor and better nature to put life ahead of personal revenge. ‘House of M’ versions of other Thunderbolt characters, including Baron Zemo and the Purple Man, also appear.
Now for this book: Not bad. Bendis does what he does best, and it ain’t writing team books or big action. It’s people talking like real people. Hawkeye finds the flaws in the Scarlet Witch’s reality that could have been found and exploited in the core series. Hudlin reminds us of what comics used to be like with a brutal fight scene, international war, humor, romance, and little throwaway bits of character all in one issue! An entire story that begins and ends in one issue, and it’s chocked-full of everything you want in a comic! Sadly, John Dell covers Trevor Harsine’s beautiful pencils marring an otherwise perfect comic.
Captain America thinks back on the history he’s made and witnessed. Although he captured Hitler and walked on the moon, the rise of mutants has destroyed his idea of an America where all people are free and equal. He takes some satisfaction in knowing he’s led a great life. His sentiments about the world around him echo what many senior citizens must think about today’s world. We might feel the same way when we get old. It’s a fairly quiet and low-key issue. Not much point to the story except to show what happened to Captain America.
The Wolverine issues take place in the past since Wolverine is occupied in the present. S.H.I.E.L.D. director Sebastian Shaw believes Wolverine has gone looking for Nick Fury. Fury, long believed dead, has been identified as the leader of a recent human terrorist attack. Shaw thinks Wolverine and his partner/lover Mystique are in collusion with Fury since Fury was once Wolverine’s commanding officer. Shaw uncovers a mystery solved only by Mystique’s love for Logan.
Not a bad story here. Ultimately pointless, since it sets up a possible ongoing plot that could never bee followed. Without spoiling too much, Mystique gives Logan a reason to fight again. Logan is seen as a soldier in need of a war. With the world at peace, Logan is almost useless. He is a weapon that needs to be used. It’s an accurate and unsettling understanding of Wolverine. Although this remains a stand-alone story in an alternate universe, it gives one a sense of what future stories from the same team will be like.
This collection is best read after reading issue #2 of ‘House of M’. Actually, that applies to all the trade books. And having bought and read them all, here’s a quick scorecard:
‘House of M Prelude: Excalibur’ - Unnecessary on many levels.
‘House of M’ - Lame, but important.
‘HOM: Hulk’ - Excellent stand-alone story.
‘HOM: Fantastic Four/Iron Man’ - Good books about humans in this world.
‘HOM: Uncanny X-Men’ - Claremont, Davis, & Bachalo do one last real Excalibur story.
‘HOM: Mutopia X’ - Possibly the best book in the crossover.
‘HOM: New X-Men’ - Eh.
‘HOM: Spider-Man’ - I don’t think Waid was trying very hard. I do think Peyer was trying hard. He’s just not very good.
And ‘House of M: World of M’? It nicely fleshes out the world and history of this alternate reality. Good stories in here, a little uneven, but not a bad package overall.
What did you think of this book?
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