Josh was forced to go it alone yesterday, but came through with stellar reviews of Nemesis #1, Uncanny X-Men #522, The Guild #1, Green Lantern #52, Thor #608, and the Frank Miller GelaSkins!

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Josh was forced to go it alone yesterday, but came through with stellar reviews of Nemesis #1, Uncanny X-Men #522, The Guild #1, Green Lantern #52, Thor #608, and the Frank Miller GelaSkins!

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S ARRIVALS

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Questions? Comments? Post them below!

Wow! I got so excited about Avengers vs. Agents of Atlas #2, I stepped off my stool today to give you an up-close look at this slice of superhero goodness! Josh and I also profiled the new Bettie Page GelaSkins, Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows #3, The Stand: American Nightmares #4, Siege: Dark Avengers #14, KOTOR #50, Uncanny X-Men #521, and Supernatural: Beginning’s End #2:

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Wow! I got so excited about Avengers vs. Agents of Atlas #2, I stepped off my stool today to give you an up-close look at this slice of superhero goodness! Josh and I also profiled the new Bettie Page GelaSkins, Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows #3, The Stand: American Nightmares #4, Siege: Dark Avengers #14, KOTOR #50, Uncanny X-Men #521, and Supernatural: Beginning’s End #2:

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Questions? Comments? Post them below!

AVENGERS VS. ATLAS #1: Well, this kicks arse. Writer Jeff Parker is clearly in his element here, writing the Agents as the over-the-top science-fiction heroes they should be. The enemies they go up against are as creative as the best Atlas stories, and the twist at the end is a ton of fun. If you’ve never read an Atlas book before, this is a great place to start.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #602: Ahhhhhhhh. If you’re wondering what that means, that’s a big, happy sigh, a release from the clenched breath I’ve had while reading Captain America stories lately. Whatever you think about Reborn, whatever you think about the multiple appearances a certain Mr. Rogers (no, the other one) has made in various titles, and whatever you thought about the various one-shots, apologies, and spoilers: this is Captain America the way we like it, Ed Brubaker style. It’s a great cap story, tied into the intricate continuity Brubaker has set up, but eminently accessible. And, like all the good stories Bru has been telling, it’s reflective of the world around us. If you’ve been sitting out the capital letters Big Events happening in Cap, come on back for this issue.

DARK AVENGERS #13: Don’t let anyone tell you that Brian Michael Bendis doesn’t have balls. The beginning and ending of this issue are practically Bendis poking the collective fan community in the shoulder, daring them to complain about the plot in this issue. And as pissed off as it made me, I think that’s the point; and I kind of love him for that. The Sentry, since his creation, has been a way of playing with fan expectations of superheroes. Every mini-series he’s been in, from Paul Jenkins original, to the excellent Age of the Sentry, has posited an entirely new origin for the character, an entirely new set of rules for his powers.

The only constant is, there’s Robert Reynolds (The Sentry), and The Void (his exact opposite). From there, it’s really just how the author wants to use him. So reading this issue, and reading the new info Bendis “reveals” about Mr. Power-Of-A-Million-Exploding-Suns, as inflammatory as it may be, might be equally untrue. Or at least, easily overturned the next time someone else tries to explain away the character. Heck, Bendis has even gone over The Sentry’s origin himself once in an earlier Avengers issue. It’s the biggest joy, for me, of the character, and I think the thing that’s most infuriating to comics readers.

The majority of comics (in continuity ones, at least), is explanation and rectification of prior continuity. The fact that writers of The Sentry not only purposely ignore anything that’s previously happened to him, but also seek to contradict it must drive continuity lovers* mad. So why not, if you’re going to go for it, go as insanely over the top as Bendis does in this issue? And why not have Mike Deodato draw insane two panel spreads filled with intense violence and gorgeously rendered action?

Point is, it might make you angry, but at least its getting a reaction out of you. That’s what, whether you like it or not, good art does.

DARK WOLVERINE #82: I have no idea of what Daken’s status quo will be post Siege, or what the future prospects for this title are, but Way and Liu are riding it out for all its worth, letting Daken play all allegiances against each other, and bringing to a head relationships and plot lines that have played out since this title changed, er, titles. There’s a huge moment towards the end of this issue that I’m shocked didn’t play out in Siege itself, and some god related craziness thrown into the mix that I’m not quite sold on; but I’m definitely on board to see how this all turns out.

DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH #7: The Gisch is really starting to get into a groove with this title… While Daniel Way’s Deadpool is more grounded (if that’s possible), Merc With a Mouth works best the more insane it gets. And this issue is pretty insane, as Wade jumps from dimension to dimension, encountering alternate versions of himself along the way. I’m always a sucker for parallel universes drawn by different artists, and its a kick to see Rob Liefeld and Kyle Baker (among others) taking their own stabs at other Deadpools. This issue isn’t going to change the world, but its a fun almost one-shot, with some good art and silly jokes.

HULK #19: Okay, that’s now five issues in a row that Jeph Loeb has consistently delivered a fun story mixed with actual character development. It’s probably a little too early to declare that Mr. Loeb has gotten his groove back, but he’s certainly bringing a clarity and focus to the character of Red Hulk that hasn’t existed for the first twelve or so issues. Like the character himself, Loeb has stoped puffing up his chest and trying to show us how awesome he is, punching out Watchers and breaking cool s**t just to see what happens. Loeb, and by extension Rulk, have stopped being the high school bully, and instead are growing up into what that bully usually becomes: a businessman. Well, or the town drunk. Lucky for us, Loeb is setting Rulk up as a master strategist, and its paying off with a lot of fun. My big caveat here: Loeb is great at the set-up, and only about 50/50 on delivering. Here’s hoping with Greg Pak et al on board for this Fall of the Hulks event, the whole thing’ll pay off.

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #140: My guess is, this is the awesome, fun, actiony issue, before next issues heart-breaker. Regardless, I’ll keep saying it, until you start buying it: every issue of this series is great. If you like good stories, fun characters, and comics that you’ll enjoy reading (again), pick up Incredible Hercules.

INCREDIBLE HULK #606: Greg Pak and Paul Pelletier are the perfect team on Hulk. Never, ever let them stop doing this title. That little bit out of the way, once again, Pak turns in a near perfect issue of the Hulk, mixing all the drama and pathos we expect from a Banner-centric title, with plenty of humor and big, bold set pieces. The question of whether Bruce Banner is a hero or a villain continues, and perfectly parallels with Skaar’s similar journey. This is quickly becoming my favorite title at Marvel after Incredible Herc. Oh, and a little note about the Fall of the Hulks storyline: I wasn’t totally sold on the idea in advance, but this issue, and Hulk #19 have amped up the danger and intrigue enough that I’m dying to know what happens next. Here’s hoping the later chapters pay off on that promise.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #33: With comic book in-jokes a-plenty, strong ties to continuity, and big Avengery moments, I’m hoping this title – and team – come back after the Avengers “cancellation” in April. Tying up the Cosmic Cube two-parter with panache, the team of Dan Slott and Khoi Pham prove that even with Dark Avengers, your comic doesn’t need to be dark. Fingers crossed, the Heroic Age looks a lot like this issue.

SPIDER-WOMAN #5: Bendis and Maleev writing a female super-hero in Noir-ish style? You kind of can’t go wrong there. There’s a bit of a continuity hiccup at the end of the issue, but getting past that, and the slight lack of skrull fightin’ going on, you have another solid issue that plays better in comic form than motion comic form. Hopefully, this gets to be an ongoing.

THUNDERBOLTS #140: Jeff Parker’s first arc ends with a bang, quite literally, as we get one of the more shocking moments in this title in a while. There’s also some good creative solutions to problems going on (but, you know, more fun than that phrase makes ‘em sound), and solid character moments throughout. But it still feels a little like we’re treading water until we get to the next, post-Siege status quo. On another note, anyone else feel like Ghost is the next break-through character at Marvel, that he’s really stepping it up as a uniquely creepy villain? I’m hoping he doesn’t get TOO popular though, or we’ll just get another anti-hero title. Additionally: I realize Ghost is not a real person, though the last two sentences may not convey that.

UNCANNY X-MEN #520: Is X-Men coming out every week now or something? I feel like I just read the last two issues… Regardless (and I kind of hope that’s true), Matt Fraction continues to write his X-Men in broad strokes, with action movie flourishes. Three fan-fave X-Men head to New York to trail down the last Predator X (mutant eating beastie), while back on Utopia, Magneto just wants to help out the only way he knows how: by taking charge. I know a lot of people aren’t fans of Fraction’s run on this, but I’m really enjoying this cinema-esque approach to the team, especially with (and here is where I loose all credibility) with Greg Land on board. Fraction’s script perfectly compliments Land’s glossy art. It’s big, and loud, and fun, and I’m enjoying the heck out of it. Is it Claremont’s sad, soap opera X-Men, mixing angst with action? Heck no. But every writer has to forge his own take on the group, and Fraction’s X-Men are slick, modern, and fun, all catch-phrases and quips. I like it.

WOLVERINE WEAPON X #9: See, now that’s how you make a new villain. There’s not as much explanation, or story, as I might like in the last chapter of “Insane in the Brain,” but there’s more than enough, well, insanity, to keep Jason Aaron fans satisfied. Plus, Dr. Rot is a great new adversary for Wolverine to deal with, and honestly, I’d rather have less “my claws are bigger than your claws” enemies for Mr. Howlett, and more intelligent maniacs like this.

*Someone please get me one of those Continuity Lovers pizzas from Dominos, stat.

Check out the (nifty, if kinda dorky) video below. Marvel isn’t giving out any specifics, but they do offer a brief sketch of Kitty’s history: created by John Byrne in 1980 and introduced in the pages of Uncanny X-Men #129, Kitty was introduced as a highly intelligent 13-year-old girl who could “phase” through objects like a ghost. She bonded with surrogate mother Ororo (Storm), had a rather chaste (and age-inappropriate) romance with Peter (Colossus), and joined the team as the youngest X-Man (Xavier tried to punt her over to the New Mutants, but it didn’t take).

She later was possessed by a ninja demon, bonded with Wolverine, injured and left in a permanently “phased” state, joined Excalibur, rejoined the X-Men, and then sacrificed herself by bonding with a giant bullet, phasing it through the earth, and hurtling into space.

Whew. So what’s up next for this plucky heroine? And hey, where has Lockheed been? Post your comments below!

DARK AVENGERS ANNUAL #1: This issue almost functions as an origin story for Noh-Var, formerly (and possibly future-ly) Captain Marvel, and I’m sure, a back-door pilot if you will for a Noh-Varr series. You could do worse that Bendis spending most of the issue on emotional conversation about what it means to be human, which he excels at as a writer, and Chris Bachalo on art (which he always excels at all the time). Also, that’s a hell of a last page, especially as… Well, let’s just say it takes place about a month from now.

DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #898: The backwards numbering for this series is so weird it hurts my head, but if we keep getting fun stories where Deadpool teams up with Mexican wrestlers, I’ll deal with far too many Deadpool stories.

FALL OF THE HULKS: ALPHA: Jeff Parker makes an excellent case in this issue as to why the Fall of the Hulks event is happening, who’s involved, and why you should care about any of this. I’m getting a little tired of the “secret club who has been running everything behind the scenes” meme that’s going on in the MU, but simultaneously enjoy the nods and winks Parker puts into the book. Plus, Paul Pelletier pencils, and I’d read anything he does. He’s becoming more and more like Alan Davis with every passing year, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Fun story, classic art, well worth a pick-up.

IRON MAN VS. WHIPLASH #1: Another blatant “we’ll collect this in the trade so you can pick it up when the movie comes out,” but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Marc Guggenheim sets up an interesting, out of continuity (I think) mystery involving Tony Stark, the Iron Man armor, and the origin of Whiplash. The end of the issue is a little rushed, but the first half is solid villain building. I might wait for the eventual trade on this, but if you’re looking for clues about Iron Man 2, here’s a good place to start.

IRON MAN: REQUIEM: Though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend picking this up (though there are some nice reprints in here), it is a fascinatingly weird attempt by Matt Fraction to reconcile all of Iron Man’s continuity into the current storyline in his book. Probably not worth it for the four pages, but again, if you’re an Iron Man completest, why not?

PSYLOCKE #2: For some reason, this series is just not grabbing me. I like Chris Yost quite a bit, and am a total sucker for Psylocke. The big problem is, given the cheeky “Kill Matsu’o” title of the arc/series, it’s just not that much fun. This issue certainly gets closer to the tone Yost is looking for than the first, but its still dealing with Psylocke’s overly convoluted, and kind of uninteresting history. Ulises Arreola’s colors are quite nice, though.

SIEGE: THE CABAL: Speaking of secret clubs, and clubbing you over the head with metaphors. Yes, we get what Bendis is referring to here, not every real life/Marvel U parallel needs to spell it out for you so plainly. So that doesn’t really work, which unfortunately is the back-bone of the Siege event. But the character work is reliably good, including a very natural feeling meltdown for Normie. Oh, and if you’re wondering who the shadowy figure behind Norman is… Keep wondering. This has to be revealed sometime soon for the mystery to not start to get annoying, but the teases in this issue are agonizing enough to make me get over my genera dislike of the shadowy figure trope. A must-read for Marvel U. devotees, and the explanation for Siege, it might as well be issue #1 of that series.

STRANGE #2: If I was to venture a guess, I would say that the four issues of this series could very well have started as a pitch for an hour-long Dr. Strange TV pilot. Well structured and characterized, the first issue felt off, but in retrospect, could easily have been the cold open/first act of an hour long, with this issue functioning as the second act. I’m excited to see where it’s going, as Waid is making me more interested in Dr. Strange and his new apprentice than… Well, I think I’ve ever been.

THOR #604: Kieron Gillen, as expected, doesn’t really miss a beat falling into the Thor scripting duties, I assume finishing off JMS’ story in the next few issues, before Siege hits. As it is, Gillen turns in a well written comic with at least one money moment, and one exchange that proves if anything happens to Jonathan Hickman, he could probably jump on Fantastic Four, too. As is, though, and I thought I’d never say this… I’m a little tired of Dr. Doom. Hopefully after this next round of stories, we can give him a rest for a while. His plans are becoming repetitive.

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #5: Okay, so a couple of great things happened when this title moves to its new numbering. First, it got David LaFeunte, who’s perfect art knocks it out of the park every issue. Not only that, but the synthesis between Bendis and LaFuente is perfect, they both make each other better. Second… Did the issues get longer? Because it used to be you’d get an ish Ultimate Spidey that was one fight scene, and a few “Oof!” and “Thwip!” sound effects, and you were done. These issues are packed to the brim. Ultimate Spidey is at least as good as its ever been, if not the best ever.

UNCANNY X-MEN #518: Here’s a great jumping on point for new readers. Actually, you know what? Scratch that. Matt Fraction has, for the first time in probably a decade, made every issue of X-Men a good point to jump on to. X-Men, the most convoluted franchise in comics history. And you can pick up an issue, just like that! Hooray! Anyway, the focus is mostly on Scott trying to get the Void out of Emma, and it mostly works, though the B-plot featuring the science squad is far more interesting, with better character moments. Either way, its way less action movie than the last issue, and in general, Fraction is doing a bang-up job on this title.

WHAT IF? SECRET INVASION: The nice thing about alternate realities is that you have to spend a lot of time explaining what’s different about them. Oh wait, no you don’t.

X-FORCE ANNUAL #1: Boy, I loved this. Robert Kirkman contributes the main story, which is over the top action as it should be from X-Force. But the real gem is the back-up story showing what Deadpool is doing on X-Isle during Necrosha, and it’s laugh out loud funny. I’m sure at some point we’re all going to get tired of DP’s over-exposure, but this is not that point.

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #30: Despite some great character moments with Penance and Trauma, this is not my favorite issue of this series ever. It’s VERY texty, to a fault, especially considering there’s some great action set pieces. And it feels like the title is in a holding pattern until the next status quo, when previously, it was almost the backbone of the Marvel U. Too bad. If you’re a fan of the series, pick ‘er up, but otherwise not the best point to jump on board.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #613: Paul Azaceta’s art, once again, fits perfectly with the electrical (Electro is the villain, natch) nature of this storyline, with his jagged art, and thick lines. Mark Waid also turns in a solid script, though there’s a few too many “Whoops, the villain disappeared, guess we’re done with him forever!” moments for my liking. Spider-Man continues to be a solid read, though, week after week, and not many comics can say that.

DARK AVENGERS: ARES #2: Last issue, I said I loved what writer Kieron Gillen was doing up until the end. Oops! I was wrong! There’s a great twist in here that completely forgives the ending of this issue, and proves Gillen has a well thought out series. Fans of Incredible Hercules, in particular, will appreciate this as the more serious, hardcore action piece to that series’ emotion and humor. I’d love to see Gillen on an Ares ongoing, dovetailing with Hercules as both Greek Gods continue, creating their own mini universe. But maybe that’s just me.

SECRET WARRIORS #10: Jonathan Hickman proves, once again, that he remembers just as much about the Secret Warriors as the rest of us do – which is to say, not at all. Other than Phobos and Nick Fury, none of ‘em appear in this issue, and that’s a great thing. A character piece focused on the relationship between Phobos and his father Ares, with a little Fury thrown in for good measure, it works to further deepen the relationship between father and son. I’m honestly at a bit of a loss with this title, in general. Some excellent art; as mentioned, great character work by Hickman; but no one has any idea who any of the characters are, and it doesn’t seem to have a purpose. If you want a Nick Fury book, I’m totally behind you. If you want an Ares & Son book, I’m cool with that, too. But the team Secret Warriors doesn’t seem to be working. Maybe it’s the title? Maybe Secret Warriors sells more than Nick Fury and His Amazing Friends? I dunknow. Whatever it is, there’s something off about this, and it needs to be fixed… Even with the good quality of this issue (and most issues) as a whole. Weird, right? Anyway, hopefully his upcoming S.H.I.E.L.D. mini-series will address these concerns.

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #138: Every issue of this is perfect. Why aren’t you reading it? You should be reading it. Good, glad we settled that.

FANTASTIC FOUR #573: In one issue, Jonathan Hickman completely dumps everything in the first half of Mark Millar’s run, and all of Fantastic Force. Hey, I didn’t say this was a bad thing, it’s just surprising that it happened so quickly. As is, I still like but don’t love this series. But! Franklin’s birthday party in the next issue should, I think, kick it up that extra notch. We shall see…

MS. MARVEL #47: I wish this was a LITTLE more fun. Brian Reed has shown that he knows how to write Spider-Man, in, you know… Spider-Man. And he knows what to do with Ms. Marvel. But this issue paints Peter as a slob, which is a little too broad, I think. And we don’t really learn anything necessary, other than a tidbit that sets up the next (and last) arc of the series. Too bad, as there’s a lot of great comic and emotional possibilities, which, other than a few exceptions, aren’t present in this issue. Not bad, but not my favorite issue of this series so far.

DARK WOLVERINE #80: Daniel Way and Marjorie Liu are doing a splendid job fleshing out Daken’s character in this series, and actually making him someone I would want to read more about. While this arc isn’t quite as successful as the first (the motivations are even murkier, as are the antagonists), I’m eagerly awaiting whatever comes next.

WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #2: There’s a fun surprise guest in the too-short Electro origin story in this issue that, nevertheless, makes it worth a pick-up. And the Jonah Jameson story in the back is a delight. Spider-Girl, I know, is good, but its so dense it makes my head hurt I’M SO SORRY.

SON OF HULK #17: With the last issue of this series, I have a far better idea of who Hiro-Kala is, and where he’s going than when we started, and that’s a good thing. Though I don’t think he can support his own series, I’m looking forward to the next appearance of this addition to the Marvel Cosmic Universe. Which is kind of a repetitive name.

THOR GIANT SIZE FINALE #1: Sigh. It’s solid enough, and has some great Warriors Three moments, but the steam has gone out of JMS’ run with this issue. You can almost feel him turning the script in because he had to. I don’t blame Marvel for this, they did give him amazing latitude for a main Marvel character, I just wish he had gotten to finish the story he was telling. Maybe someday will get an out of continuity finish the way he wanted to do it? Regardless, I’m looking forward to Gillen’s run and seeing what he does with good ol’ Hammer-Master. That’s my name for Thor.

NEW MUTANTS #7: I’m sorry. You bring Douglock into the equation, and I just can’t properly review a title. I’m sure it’s good or something, but you’re not going to win my over with flashing back to Fall of the Mutants, the most seminal story for Dougheads (you know, Doug Ramsey fans), Zeb Wells. You won’t win me over. Never. Maybe.

POWERS #1: I love that Powers is back, and it’s great to see Mike Oeming and Brian Michael Bendis back as a team; they perfectly compliment each other. If you haven’t previously read the series… Well, first, what’s wrong with you? Second, this is not the BEST jumping on point, but its as good as any other for a series that alternates between easy to follow to mysteries, and dense character continuity. Pick ‘er up.

HULK #17: …And we’re back. Sigh. This arc went one issue too long, and a few too many angsty Rulk lines to be believable. It’s still silly fun, and I would argue probably one of the more classically structured comic books Marvel is publishing. But with the copious unnecessary nudity, and grim and gritty dialogue, ya lost me. And just when I was starting to get into the character. Ah well. Anyway, Fall of the Hulks should be fun.

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #4: Given the amount of Ultimates stories where the Avengers try to take down one of their own, before teaming up to beat the big baddie, you’d think I’d be tired of it. And yet…

UNCANNY X-MEN #517: It’s pretty clear that Matt Fraction is channeling an action movie for his run here on X-Men, and whether you like it or not if pretty dependent on whether you like your X-Men big and broad, or angsty and playing baseball. Me? I like it, its big and fun and though the cast is huge, its easy to keep track of. But Claremont era fans might be bristling in their juices right now.

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AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #606: The Black Cat returns! This isn’t a spoiler, because it’s in an ad in every Marvel comic. And, you know, the cover. Anywho. I’m kind of getting repetitious with beating the “Spider-Man is as fun as it has ever been” drum, so here’s one particular aspect of this issue I found surprising in a negative way: it felt like a big step backwards for the Black Cat. Not that I don’t love the her and Spidey romance issues (creepy roof-sex aside), but she’s grown a LOT as a character in the intervening years, and doesn’t really deserve to find herself back with Spidey, yet again. Yeah, weird, I know. Other than that, relatively fun issue, but also a slight step down from the creepiness of Van Lente’s excellent Chameleon arc, and the gang-busters over-sized #605.

ANITA BLAKE, THE LAUGHING CORPSE – NECROMANCER #5: This preview had, without a doubt, the longest file name I’ve ever seen.

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #28: Though this series continues to be good, it’s suffering from what a lot of books get after the main purpose, and the main creative team move on… This used to be the backbone of the Marvel U, and I used to recommend it to anyone who wanted to know what was going on in Marvel comics. It was a great refresher, good character stories, and great art, issue after issue. It still has most of that, but it’s no longer the backbone, it’s more of a, I don’t know, what’s an unimportant bone? The skull? Well, anyway, the series is still reflective of what’s happening in the Universe at large, but it no longer seems to be effecting it. I’m curious to see whether this title will stick around in the long run.

DARK REIGN: THE LIST – X-MEN ONE-SHOT: As a gigantic fan of John Byrne’s work on Alpha Flight and the Fantastic Four, there’s a page in here that absolutely killed me and ripped my heart out like nothing else I’ve read this week. Beyond that, Matt Fraction turns in a reliably solid story directly following off the Utopia cross-over, and though I usually swoon over Alan Davis’ work, this was not my favorite issue he’s ever done. And in the larger view, I’m finding that this List event, while a solid series of comics, is not really delivering the lasting change that was promised. Like most of Norman Osborn’s projects, its all spin.

DARK X-MEN: THE CONFESSION ONE-SHOT: I would contend that this issue goes in the exact opposite direction of what you’d expect to happen. I’d also contend that maybe this is a good thing. And for those of you expecting big action, well… It’s called the Confession, not the Explosion. Nice one, Zalben.

ENDER’S SHADOW: COMMAND SCHOOL #1: All of these series so far are very, very good, but the books about Bean are a step above. I wouldn’t say this issue is necessarily a good jumping on point, but both of the Command School books are far more focused than the Battle School books. Makes me want to read the actual novels, and that’s a compliment.

FANTASTIC FORCE #4: Two points about this: 1) I wonder if, in Hickman’s book, when Ben and Johnny visit Nu-Earth, this series will be referenced at all, and 2) Last page has the most ridiculous, over the top thing Wolverine has ever done in the entire history of published Wolverine comics. This is not hyperbole.

FANTASTIC FOUR #571: The promise of last issue’s final page is fulfilled, if not in full, then at least in satisfying fashion. Plus! Though we’re pretty much focused on Reed(s), everybody else’s dialogue reads far more smoothly than it did last issue. Also! I’m really starting to think this series is not taking place in our main universe. Not going to say why, just my pet theory. Prove me wrong, Hickman. Prove me wrong. Or prove me right, either way is fine.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #18: Every single time I get sent an issue of this, I think Marvel has started publishing Gargamel comics, but that’s probably only weird to me (they abbreviate its title as “GARGAL”). And I know you’re all interested in file names, but on to the review of the issue: this series is darn good and fun. This issue, in particular, reminds me of a certain Bill Murray movie (if you said “Operation: Dumbo Drop,” you would be wrong), and is much lighter than the last issue in tone and execution. And I’m curious, more than anything, to see what the long game here is, and how it will play out. That’s enough to keep me on for the long haul.

IMMORTAL WEAPONS #3: The best thing about this series is that each issue has its own look and feel to it, as each one focuses on a different Immortal Weapon (hence, you know, the title). While this is my least favorite of the three so far, that still means its heads and tails above most comics, and Iron Fist fans should be picking this for Duane Swierczynski’s back-ups alone.

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #135: Every issue of this series is a fabulous adventure that deserves to be collected and read over and over. When people ask what the best comics of the first decade of the century were, they’ll fondly recall Pak and Van Lente’s classic run on Incredible Hercules. If you’re not reading it, you might as well give up reading comics. This is also not hyperbole.

INCREDIBLE HULK #602: People have been saying my critical faculties towards Hulk comics have been compromised since I wrote Hulk Team-Up (still on sale at comic book stores everywhere!). But if that were true, would I say that Incredible Hulk is back, and as good as it’s ever been? That the pairing of a de-powered Banner, and a finally starting to have fun Skaar is enjoyable, high action, smart comics? I mean yeah, I guess I would. But that doesn’t make it any less true.

MS. MARVEL #45: This arc may have gone on about one issue too long (it’s starting to feel a leeeeetle flabby), but damn if Brian Reed hasn’t taken Ms. Marvel to a new level, breaking the character down and making her completely unique and worthwhile.

NEW AVENGERS #57: Okay, remember earlier when I was complaining about things not mattering in Avengers books? This matters, for one character in particular, and the Marvel U at large. One of Bendis’ tightest, punchiest arcs on the book so far, full of fun moments, danger, and great character work.

NOVA #29: This issue is an ever-so-slight comedown from the great War of Kings tie-ins, but if you’re looking for old school comics at their best, look no further. I’ve never been a fan of the cosmic stuff, but I’m a fan of good comics, and Abnett and Lanning have made a believer out of me.

SPIDER-WOMAN #1: That’s weird… This motion comic barely moved at all.

UNCANNY X-MEN #515: A great character issue for Cyclops fans, showing probably the most realistic reaction to a big event I’ve ever read in a comic in a while. Also, a killer last page, but then, we all knew it was coming. Right?

WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #19: “Wah, wah, wah. Comics are expensive. Wah, wah, wah. I can’t buy comics without having to buy a thousand other comics to understand what’s going on, so I won’t buy comics. Sniff, sniff. Everything is so dark, why aren’t comics fun anymore?” Hey crybaby: Wolverine First Class is an easily accessible, super fun comic book series for readers of comics new or old. This one comes with a fabulous Skottie Young cover, and only cost $2.99. Peter David writes (you like him, right?), and Dennis Calero draws (you DEFINITELY like him, right?). Game, set, and match, a-hole.

WOLVERINE ORIGINS #40: I really, really hope that this Romulus stuff pays off by revealing the mastermind behind everything is Remus, King of the Bird-People. But then, that’s only one of the many reasons I’m not writing Wolverine Origins.

WOLVERINE: OLD MAN LOGAN GIANT-SIZE #1: Goatse cover aside, this is a fun, big action conclusion to Millar and McNiven’s run on the title. And I’m going to reiterate what I’ve been saying all along: this is going to be a fabulous collection. Each individual issue, this one included, is like a light snack, with pretty much one major action beat per comic. But read as a trade, it’ll be a full, satisfying meal. McNiven’s pencils are cinematic, as always, and Millar writes cheeky action scenes like no one else. There’s one totally unnecessary Millar perversion in this issue, which must have seemed very funny at the time, but plays as just plain crass; though that shouldn’t stop you from picking this up. What might stop you is the back half of the issue, which is just a bunch of covers from the series, that, presumably, you already purchased. At $5 for an (albeit, over-sized) story, to throw in 20 pages of bonus material that will most likely appear in the upcoming trade collection is just a wee bit unfortunate.

The following review is excerpted from Comic Book Revolution (click here to read CBR’s full review)

Art: 8/10
Story: 3/10
Overall: 5.5/10

The Good

I will say that this was probably the best issue that we have gotten since Fraction has come aboard Uncanny X-Men. Of course, that really is not saying very much.

Despite the lame super-Nazi storyline and the accompanying Nazi Rule violation, I still like the addition of Dr. Nemesis. He is a rather neat character and his haughty and abrasive personality should give Fraction a character to have a little fun with. It will be interesting to see how Dr. Nemesis meshes with the other X-Men.

I found the plotline involving the tattooed man and Colossus to be mildly interesting. I do like Colossus so any plotline designed to give Peter a bit of the spotlight is always a good thing. Hopefully, Fraction can make this into something that is actually interesting and entertaining.

The best aspect of Uncanny X-Men #504 is that Marvel is finally getting around to addressing the various dangling plotlines from the Messiah Complex. I was beginning to think that Marvel was never going to get around to addressing the fallout in the pages of Uncanny X-Men.

I liked that the Beast has had his sense of hope renewed by the birth of the first mutant child since the end of the House of M event. This plotline builds off of Brubaker’s Endangered Species storyline where the Beast embarked on a journey where he visited some of the most brilliant minds in the 616 universe for a way to return ex-mutants their mutant genes.

Beast is an incredibly optimistic character and I am glad that he is once again trying to assemble a team of brilliant scientist in hopes of saving mutantkind. And that this time it appears that Beast is having much more success in enlisting the help he needs. This is an interesting plotline that has some potential.

Fraction delivers a solid hook ending that picks up where Messiah Complex left off. We see that the Purifiers have set about trying to paint their slaughtering of the town in Alaska as the work of a terrorist group. And that the birth of a mutant was the direct source for the town being wiped out. This sets the stage for what should be a rather compelling story. I enjoyed Messiah Complex and am looking forward to seeing Fraction deal with the various plotlines that spun out of it.

Terry and Rachel Dodson did a quality job with the artwork in Uncanny X-Men #504. It was a breath of fresh air to have someone other than Land doing the art on this title. This was not the best work that I have seen from Terry Dodson, but it was still a good effort and I am thrilled that Dodson is now the regular artist for Uncanny X-Men.

The Bad

It seems that all we have gotten on this title since Fraction came on with issue #500 has been nothing but set-up. He continues this trend by laying the foundation for the Madelyn Pryor plotline, the Colossus plotline and the Purifiers plotline.

The character work also continues to be a serious weakness on this title. None of the various X-Men have a developed or unique personality. Fraction also displays a poor feel for the established personalities of the various X-Men. I found it odd that Nightcrawler would ever refer to Emma as a “filthy girl.” That just did not sound like Kurt at all.

I found it strange that Fraction would have Colossus regress back into a depressed and mopey state over Kitty’s death. I thought that the purpose of Brubaker having Nightcrawler, Wolverine and Colossus travelling to Europe together was to help Peter move past Kitty’s death. And I also got the impression that Brubaker had Colossus grieve and finally come to terms with Kitty’s death and ready to move on and rejoin his fellow X-Men.

Fraction’s move to have Colossus regress back into his depressed and mopey state lacked internal logic and was largely unnecessary. Again, Fraction continues to display a lack of knowledge of stories that occur on a title prior to his arrival. It takes some work and effort, but professional writers always make sure they perform some research before taking over a specific title. And usually that includes reading up on at least the most recent story arcs on the title that they are taking over.

I also found Fraction’s version of Colossus to be incredibly wimpy. Fraction has Colossus turn tail and run and then throw up outside of the restaurant at the site of the tattooed thug. I am sure that seeing the tattooed man was jarring and clearly a childhood nightmare, but I found Colossus’ reaction to be out of character and unbelievable.

Colossus is a longtime X-Man who has faced numerous incredibly deadly and vicious villains with nothing but bravery in his heart. Colossus even sacrificed his own life in order to cure the Legacy virus. I just have a hard time reconciling how Colossus has been written up to this point and how much of a newbie coward he appears to be in this issue.

I found Scott’s mind being a massive hotel full of every single woman that he ever thought was attractive during his entire life to be an incredibly odd move by Fraction. Scott has largely been presented as level-headed and happy being in monogamous relationships with incredibly attractive women like Jean, Madelyn and Emma. This was just another example of how Fraction feels compelled to inject sexual themes where there really is no point and purpose for them. In the end, this issue only served to make Scott look like a creepy letch.

Fraction performs a little plot progression on Madelyn Pryor’s plotline by giving us a quick scene where Maddie enlists Sliver into her “sisterhood.” I am vaguely curious to see if Pryor can truly raise the dead or if she is simply preying up the weaknesses of these women. However, for the most part, Fraction has failed to hook my interest in Pryor’s plotline at all. Of course, I should disclose the fact that I have never found Pryor to be an interesting character and I definitely feel that Pryor should have remained dead.

Overall

The Revolution continues to be summarily unimpressed with Uncanny X-Men ever since Matt Fraction came aboard. However as I mentioned at the start, Uncanny X-Men #504 is probably the best issue that we have gotten since his arrival.

Despite all the negatives, I do feel that Fraction has several plotlines in place that have the potential to be rather interesting. I think that die-hard X-Men fans will enjoy this issue as will any reader who is a fan of Fraction’s style of writing. Outside of those two groups, I would be hesitant to recommend that you spend you hard earned cash on Uncanny X-Men at this point.

For more reviews, scans, story recaps and news visit Comic Book Revolution!

Who will save the X-Men from the Hellfire Cult? It’s not Wolverine. It’s not Cyclops. But it better be someone because they’re a minute from death. And who is that mysterious red-head?
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IN STORES: October 15, 2008