AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #615: Javier Pulido’s gorgeous art and Javier Rodriguez’s muted colors perfectly match Fred “Javier” Van Lente’s haunting lullaby of a story. The events of the previous issue are poignantly followed up on, as Spidey’s cast of characters try to move on in the wake of the destruction of the Daily Bugle. We get new status quos, some great character moments, and a deadly new Sandman. The best part of this issue is the amount of invention Van Lente and Pulido bring to Sandman’s moves (hey, he’s not just making hammers with his fists!), and more importantly, they explain how Spidey swings from the city to the center of the East River. That’s been a long time coming. Possibly my favorite issue of this title since Dan Slott and Marcos Martin’s Paper Doll arc.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS: ANTI-VENOM – NEW WAYS TO LIVE #3: I’m not 100% sure we needed a return of “Venom: Lethal Protector,” but it’s also not like Zeb Wells did a bad job with this series. There’s a nice underscoring of the theme on the last page, and the art is solid enough, I’m just still suffering from a bad case of the Venom over-exposure I caught during the ’90s.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #33: I’m not saying this isn’t fun. The splash pages and giant panels in particular are totally insane and poster worthy, and Warren Ellis has his usual “I read a science article this morning and now it is a comic book” ethic going on. But it’s also like Ellis spent the day watching a bunch of sitcoms, and then aped the speech rhythms of said sitcoms. There’s a lot of banter in here, and pacing that almost demands a laugh track. We’re not really getting anything except broad character strokes, so if you’re thinking about picking this up, do so knowing you’re in for a silly, big budget ride of a comic.

CABLE #21: I swear to god, if Hope ISN’T Jean Grey, I will eat my hat. I don’t own or wear hats, but I will go out, buy a hat, and put it on my head until the X-Men Second Coming event starts next year, just to prove a point. However, that hat will be made out of cheeseburgers. FYI. Anyway, this issue is great, as usual. Bishop and Cable are the super serious, time-traveling versions of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner I never knew I wanted to read about on a monthly basis, until I did. If this series ends when Cable and Hope get back to “our” time, I’m going to be very sad; though, I don’t know how the mission statement of the book couldn’t completely change. Ah well.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #5: Well, that just went crazy-pants. And in my book, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that. Bryan Hitch and Butch Guice get to draw some insane, over the top battle sequences, including the intro of one character that, if it doesn’t fill you with abject glee, you’re not a Marvel fan. Unfortunately, given all the build-up (I’m including the entirety of Brubaker’s run on cap, because let’s be honest, this is what it’s all been building up to), the Red Skull’s plan comes off a little half baked. And generic. Which is too bad, because otherwise it has the action fans have been craving for most of the series. This is going to collect very well, and I think there the pacing will feel a little more classically three-act, but as is, it hasn’t quite been working in the issue format.

DAREDEVIL #503: I’m not a big fan of characters telling me, “things are going to get real bad…” or “There’s a storm coming…” or just generally letting me know things are getting bad, without actually showing me that. And, as is, it’s not like Daredevil doesn’t know he’s in over his head, we don’t need to keep telling him that. Still, Andy Diggle does a solid job solidifying the status quo in this issue, thoough I wonder how long it can hold for. We shall see…

DARK AVENGERS #12: Last issue I said I’m a sucker for a good Molecule Man story, loved what Bendis, Deodato, and Horn did with the look and pacing of the issue, and was curious to find out more about Victoria Hand. I wouldn’t abjectly say those fizzled out with this issue, but it definitely feels like, to use a television metaphor, the last five minutes after the last commercial break. The issue looks fantastic, and there’s at least two big plot points here (one I’m not crazy about, the other, at the end, is blindingly obvious once you think about it, but also incredibly satisfying), but as an issue, it’s a light one.

DARK WOLVERINE #81: When Daniel Way and Marjorie Liu completely avoid action, and instead focus on making Daken a diabolical mastermind, this series soars. Reason it works is, most monologuing bad guys don’t have frickin’ bone claws and assassin skills to back up their smarts, just a few bombs and some henchmen. Daken, in case you haven’t guessed, has bone claws. And, in this issue, is completely terrifying. A quiet character piece using Ms. Marvel (Sofen-style) as a window, this is a great one-shot to get on board the title, and another illuminating piece of the puzzle for Daken, who is quickly coming out of the shadow of his father.

DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH #6: Last issue, I felt like Victor Gischler was really finding his stride with this title, making Deadpool his own; and I think that’s solidified with this issue, especially in light of Daniel Way’s take on DP in the… Main, I guess? Title, which is far more anti-hero-ish, than goofy. This is goofy. Almost shticky. It’s weird to say, but this is the comedy counterpart to Deadpool. Where there’s almost zero character development, and everything is to set up far more ridiculous situations for Deadpool and his talking zombie head to get into. Far be it from me to criticize someone else for being shticky, so I’ll just stop there.

DOCTOR VOODOO: AVENGER OF THE SUPERNATURAL #3: I’ve really enjoyed the first two issues of this, but this third one just devolves into the supernatural mumbo-jumbo speak people pick on when they talk about not liking magic comics. Arts still good, though.

HULK #18: Jeph Loeb continues his streak of solid character pieces about Hulk characters with this issue’s smartly written focus on Leonard Samson. Seriously? Did I just write that sentence? And it’s true? Everything I know and love is wrong.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #32: After the last, excellent arc, this title is finally firing on all cylinders, giving us the old school Avengers action we (well, I) wanted. Dan Slott takes solo scripting duties this issue, and as usual, he gives nicely textured character moments, big action, and at the end, a threat so big it needs two Avengers teams to take it on. For now, at least, this title has replaced Avengers: The Initiative as the best title to get a sense of what’s going on in the Marvel Universe right now.

MS. MARVEL #48: If Brian Reed is going to wrap up his run on Ms. Marvel in two issues, he’s definitely going in style. Great second page, great last page, a fun romp throughout that plays on elements seen throughout Reed’s run on the series. I’ll miss it when it’s gone.

REALM OF KINGS INHUMANS #2: As usual, a solid and enjoyable effort from Abnett and Lanning, but I’m going to repeat my slight, unfair dismay from the previous issue. In my mind, the Inhumans work best when you can radically change their status quo in a mini-series, allowing them to completely change over the course of four or five issues. As, you know, their whole thing is change. Previous Inhumans mini and maxi series have been some of my favorites put out by Marvel in the past two decades. Here, though, for the first time, DnA have given them a solid, interesting status quo. And I like it. However, I don’t think it really lends itself to a series, so much as having them now be supporting character in the back-drop. Also, I don’t think matters are helped by strangely crossing over the second issue of a mini-series with an ongoing series (Mighty Avengers). Again, I like both titles, Inhumans fans should definitely pick this up, but the whole endeavor is striking me as a little off.

THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #2: Easily the must absurd issue of this series (as well as the previous one), it’s far more dialogue based than the previous issue, so more on writer Eric Shanower’s shoulders than Skottie Young’s. But… It’s still great. Every issue of this is great, and like I say pretty much every time, if you want to get a kid you know hooked on comics, give them one of the Marvel Oz books.

THUNDERBOLTS #139: It’ll probably take a few issues before Jeff Parker finds his footing and makes his mark with this title… Right now, it feels like it’s skimming on the surface of the water set up by Warren Ellis, then Andy Diggle. It helps, though, with this issue that Parker lands himself in comfortable waters by having the T-Bolts go up against his pet project, Agents of Atlas. And it’s a fun, creative fight in this issue, well worth picking up; though at this point, I’d love to skip forward five months and see where this title will be after Dark Reign finishes.

ULTIMATE COMICS ARMOR WARS #3: Okay, so after three and a half issues of Tony Stark boozing it up, havin’ da sex, and kicking arse without a care, we finally get a challenge worthy of the name Armor Wars. But again, he just kind of kicks arse, and I imagine the next issue he’ll again, easily solve his problems. Warren Ellis always knows how to make cool, fun tech, and write big battle scenes with quippy dialogue, but this, like most of his Marvel work, is characterized by far less interest and care than his creator owned work. Which is too bad, because he could make an insane Ultimate Armor Wars, if he put his mind to it.

VENGEANCE OF THE MOON KNIGHT #4: I’m just going to keep reiterating the same thing every issue: Jerome Opena’s art is spectacular and cinematic; I still don’t know why I should be caring about Moon Knight.

WHAT IF? DAREDEVIL VS. ELEKTRA: Of these new batch of What Ifs, this comes the closest to telling an actual story. There’s a review for you!

X-FACTOR #200: Ah… That’s more like it. After a cramped last issue, X-Factor is back with a super-sized spectacular, and as good as ever. This is a great jumping on point for new readers, as Peter David expertly introduces each character, as well as the new, central mystery. In a certain way, after the massive amounts of continuity and crossover-itis in the past few arcs, it’s bringing the title back to basics. And I like it. Plus, a killer last page, as usual.

X-FORCE #22: This is very much a middle chapter of the Necrosha cross-over, and while there are some big moments involving Rahne’s condition, and a great little moment with Blink and Eli Bard, for the most part, not too much changes; we’ve got far too many parts of this cross-over to go. If you’re picking this title up, keep picking it up, but this may not be the best time to jump right in.

X-MEN LEGACY #230: More like, “X-men leg you see,” because they all have legs, and you can see them, am I right? No, I’m not. Anywho, another solid issue by Mike Carey, wrapping up his Emplate arc in a big way. But again, broken record time… What’s this series about, really? what’s the mission statement? Because I don’t think we’re going to find out for another few issues, until the Necrosha cross-over is done, and I’m missing a compelling reason to pick up this title.

PCS says: Did you know Continuity Studios, which handled the creation of the final AXM motion comic, is owned and run by legendary creator Neal Adams? That in itself is pretty awesome!

Marvel is proud to unveil your first look at episode 2 of the Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic! Based on the acclaimed story by superstars Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and John Cassaday (Captain America), the X-Men are faced with a mysterious new villain and a possible cure for the mutant gene! Now Cyclops, Wolverine and all your favorite mutants must face the greatest threats of their lives and, before it’s all done, experience one of the most jaw-dropping moments in Marvel history!

ASSAULT ON NEW OLYMPUS PROLOGUE: For those of you wondering when to jump on Incredible Hercules — this is the issue. Pak and Ven Lente make every issue of Herc brim with humor and intelligence. It’s a dense, fun read in exactly the right way… Only problem is, it ain’t sellin’ too good. So here we go with a universe spanning cross-over, kicking off with a fight with Spider-Man, and guest appearances by the big stars of the Marvel U. It’s a sales ploy… But it totally works. This issue builds on months of Herc storylines, and introduces every single bit of the storyline, conflict, and characters succinctly in one or two pages, without feeling needlessly expository. Plus, even if you haven’t been paying attention to the title before, there’s a new/old adversary, the big bad of the series, who also is effortlessly added in. Fun, funny, sexy, and darn near perfect: you need to know nothing to pick up this issue, other than that you have a love of comics and things that are good.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #32: Can I say I like this current storyline approximately one million times better than the last one? I think I probably can, because I’m writing this review, so I’ll just go ahead and put this on record: I can totally get behind biological sentinels that shoot brood from their fingertips. That’s good comics.

BLACK WIDOW: DEADLY ORIGIN #1: I love Paul Cornell, and though this is a blatant “let’s get the series out, so we can collect it in trade before Iron Man 2″ move, he completely makes the issue work. In particular, the first scene is a doozy of spy one-up-manship. The rest of the issue is a current day story mixed with flashbacks to the Black Widow’s, um, deadly origin, and while I’m not a huge fan of the “huge swathe of a person’s life” montage, Cornell does make the flashbacks fluid and easy to read. What I’m not as crazy about is the current day story, but as that’s given the least page time, I could change my mind next issue.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #4: Now, that’s what I’m talking about. Four issues in, and we finally get the huge action movie we were promised from the start, with big reveals, big villains, and big, big action. Hitch draws the crap out of this issue, and Brubaker writes a totally perfect Dr. Doom. One issue can’t really forgive the wheel-spinning of the last two issues (I’ll say I liked the first, for the record), but if it keeps up this pace for the next two, we are good to go.

DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #899: There’s been a lot of talk about why there are so many Deadpool books right now, and whether three ongoing series is too many. The thing is: you guys are buying them. Personally, I’ve been mildly enjoying them, with Daniel Way’s main series my fave of the three, but Fred Van Lente turns in a fun old-school team-up in this book, that ties into current continuity, while still existing nicely on its own. My only quibble is the three dueling Deadpool voices. Again, Van Lente makes it work for the story, which is great, but the dueling narration is Daniel Way’s thing, and I wish it would stay in his book. Meaning, being an author’s tool, rather than the way Deadpool is portrayed across the board. Don’t think I’m going to get my wish there anytime soon.

DEATHLOK #1: Hey, everybody: in the future, war will be like sports! I don’t really like sports. That aside, and ignoring the fact that makes this book a little impenetrable to me, I do think the Starship Troopers vibe Charlie Huston cleverly injects the Deathlok concept with doesn’t quite mesh with the hyper-real art of Len Medina. They’re both good at what they do, I’m just not sure its working together. The opening sequence, introducing (I think) a new Deathlok works quite well, but the subsequent pages and action are a little too stiff.

DOCTOR VOODOO: AVENGER OF THE SUPERNATURAL #2: I like the fact that Dr. Voodoo is trying to get a handle on who he is, now that he’s Sorcerer Supreme, just as we, the readers are doing the same. Writer Rick Remender has also done an excellent job of throwing DV in a situation way out of his league right off, so we know he’ll be more worthy of the title once he conquers this sitch. Though, knowing Remender’s work, its actually possible he might find himself deeper in a hole than he is now. Anyway, this second issue sells me more on the title than the first did, and that’s a good thing.

GHOST RIDERS: HEAVEN’S ON FIRE #4: I love than Jason Aaron is really flexing his comedy muscles, in general, and that shines through nicely in this issue. The panel with Ghost Rider (yeah, you read that right) is one of the funniest of the week, and the rest of the issue is pretty amusing, too. Plus, Aaron balances the humor with great moments of horror and terror, as well as a delightful trip through villains of the Marvel U. past. Possibly the most fun Ghost Rider has ever been.

HOUSE OF M: MASTERS OF EVIL #4: A good story is a good story, no matter what, right? Except not exactly so in the world of mainstream comics, where continuity and universe building trump story-telling… At least most of the time. Point is, I have intellectual problems with this series, and questions why it even exists. But beyond all that, Christos Gage has built a solid story that exists better on its on, than when compared to the House of M event and universe. Its not necessary reading, but it is a well done story. And that should matter more in comics than it does.

MARVEL ZOMBIES: EVIL EVOLUTION: Zombies vs. Apes shouldn’t be nearly as complicated as it is… But it is. Ah well, I was really liking the Marvel Apes stuff up until now, and the Zombies stuff tied itself up nicely with the last mini. Let’s just pretend this issue never happened?

PSYLOCKE #1: Psylocke has got a complicated history at this point, and though I may be singing a different tune at the end of this mini, I don’t think this first issue helps that much. You need to know most of her history, most of the current X-Men history, and even a little international law to get into this. Plus, the art is a little too action-manga-esque for my tastes, at least when melded with a Western coloring style. I trust Chris Yost enough to give the next issue a try, but this did not grab me.

THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #1: “Perfect” is a pretty big word to throw around, and I don’t use it lightly, but the first Oz series by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young was a perfect comic book experience, beautiful to look at, and a joy to read. The one thing hampering it, perhaps, was the familiarity of the story, which took the reader out a bit… We’re all familiar with the movie, the book less so, and the differences led to a less immersive reading experience than an unknown story would have. Which is why this new series is so great. I’ve read the Oz books, but so long ago that I don’t even vaguely remember what happened in the novel version of this story. So its a completely new experience, and perfectly recaptures the magic of “The Wizard of Oz,” and moreso. Skottie Young’s art is brilliantly paired with Jean-Francois Beauleu’s lush coloring for a unique artistic experience unlike anything on the stands. Plus, kudos to both Shanower and Young for adapting a book, making it literary, but still uniquely molding it to the comic book form. Once again, I’m pleased to say this is a perfect comic book experience.

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #4: Along with Skottie Young’s work on the Oz books, David LaFeunte’s take on Ultimate Spider-Man is one of the two best drawn books Marvel is currently publishing… As much as I love Mark Bagley and Stuart Immonen, LaFuente’s unique characters have taken Bendis’ plotting to the next level. This is as good as, if not better than, Ultimate Spider-Man has ever been. One of the great things about these first four issues is that Bendis nicely bucks the trend of this title, that would intersperse very dialogue-light issues, with dialogue heavy ones, and instead has found a way (with LaFuente’s help, I think) to merge the two sides of his brain into a glorious whole. All of the characterizations are great, the mysteries are interesting, and this whole package earns the right to call itself “Ultimate,” once again.

X-MEN ORIGINS: ICEMAN: Honestly, I don’t remember whether Iceman has ever had his origin told before, but this probably isn’t it? For me, Angel: Revelations is the gold standard to which all of these Origins books should be held, which sounds unfair, except… Sorry, they should be. That Origin, and Magneto: Testament were quality pieces of work, and unique bits of storytelling. I like the idea of having Origins stories for all the X-Men, but this needed to be a little less generic. Bobby Drake is the happy mutant; why does he have to have the exact same origin as everyone else? Couldn’t we see some other side of things? Not to mention, there’s bits that just don’t fit, like Professor X talking about having a school for mutants, and us seeing full grounds of kids… But then, at the end of the issue, Xavier clearly states that there are only two students, Cyclops and Iceman. Unfortunately spotty work.

X-MEN VS. AGENTS OF ATLAS #2: I really hope you picked up the first issue of this, and now pick up the second, because this series is tons of fun. Its accomplishing the same thing as Assault on New Olympus, giving a lighter, easier story for people to get into the Agents of Atlas, and like AoNO, it works. Other, side note: Read this before you read the back-up in AoNO, it’ll make more sense that way.

From the press release:

“MarvelFest NYC 2009 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who loves Marvel’s great characters” said Mike Pasciullo, Vice President of Merchandising and Communications. “This is something that’s never been done in the comic industry and we can’t wait to see how New York turns out to celebrate the premiere of Astonishing X-Men. Not only do you get a front row seat for a piece of entertainment history, but you can meet your favorite comic creators and dress up like your favorite heroes or villains for awesome prizes. And who doesn’t like Mighty Marvel Giveaways?”

Click here for full-size poster
Click here to read the full release

Visit www.marvel.com/fest for more information.

“GHOST BOX,” PART 3
Big action. Big Science. And a big mystery to solve! The superstar team of Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi take the X-Men to the “Second Stage”! “Messiah CompleX” pulled the X-Men team together, “Divided We Stand” tore them apart. Now the X-Men are back to business — with a new look, a new base of operations, and a mission that will take them into mind-bending and previously uncharted territory — one that will test them — and their leader Cyclops — to their very core. You won’t believe your eyes.
Rated T+ …$2.99

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: October 15, 2008

click for full page

On a side note, I didn’t get it til this issue, but with the investigation underway I’m getting a Planetary-ish vibe from this arc. Maybe things are looking up :)

“UNSTOPPABLE” PART 3 (OF 6)!
Ord and his people of Breakworld lead the charge to take down the X-Men and S.W.O.R.D. And when this fight’s over… Not everyone is coming back!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

IN STORES: 2007-05-02

Join War Machine and the Gauntlet as they lead the Initiative’s fresh faced recruits and a division of Marvel’s finest fliers against the forces of Hydra. All this and a pivotal moment in the life of Yellowjacket.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

IN STORES: 2007-05-02

“UNSTOPPABLE”
The secret is out! With the knowledge that Colossus is the mutant destined to destroy Breakworld, what will Ord’s next move be?! And what exactly has happened to Cyclops?! Part 2 (of 6)!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: 2007-02-14

“UNSTOPPABLE!” Part 1 (of 6)
Strap yourselves in, folks! It’s the beginning of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday’s final arc on Astonishing X-Men! After the shocking and brain-smashing events of last issue, the X-Men are off to protect the Earth from its destruction at the hands of the Breakworld. And when it’s all over, nothing will ever be the same! No really, we mean it! Whedon & Cassaday prove they are more than Astonishing: They are UNSTOPPABLE!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: 2006-12-27

THE STORY:
“TORN”
It’s the jaw-dropping conclusion to “Torn!” How will Emma’s betrayal affect the team?! Will the Hellfire Club stand victorious?! This issue also sets up the events leading into John and Joss’ final arc of Astonishing X-Men! Don’t miss it!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: 2006-11-15

“TORN” // The X-Men have been ripped apart and mentally destroyed. Only one remains standing. But with the combined power of the Hellfire Club standing in their way, what chance do they have?! Part 4 (of 6)!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99