Avengers #5 Review

This particular issue of the Avengers just focused on one of the lesser known characters named "Smasher". I had never heard of this character, as I have not been reading comics for a massive amount of time, and I ended up really enjoying this issue. That goes to show just how well Hickman is writing these origin stories. Last week we had the origin for Hyperion, which was an issue I really enjoyed too, and this week it feels like the quality of the series just keeps getting better.

Before this issue I really could not have cared less about the character named "Smasher". If you told me I would read a comic dedicated to her and enjoy it; I would definitely think that you were wrong. I loved the origin in this issue, and I also loved the supporting characters in her origin story such as her grandfather. He was only in this issue for a short amount of time but it was clear to see just how big an impact he had on her life. His personality also pretty much jumped off the page, which once again showed off Hickman's talent of getting you interested in a  character that you may have never heard of.

This issue also gave me a bit of a lesson on the structure of the Shi'aa imperial guard. This was a topic that once again I was not very familiar with, as well as also pretty uninterested in. After this issue, I felt like I had a bit more of a basic knowledge of the extended Marvel universe, as well as a genuine interest in what could happen next to them in their world.

One thing I liked about this issue, which is something I do not think we see enough of, is the way Izzy reacted when she got her new powers. She was not scared and full of questions. No, instead she just took off into space and started exploring. I know some people do not like this, and I have read some reviews that have this as a negative point, but it is this joy for life which I think made her so endearing to me in this issue.

I do not really want to spoil much with my review on this issue so I am just going to stop it right there. Hickman's run on the Avengers still looks like it is going to be epic. We have one more origin story next time around and then we are straight into the second team arc. These origin stories have been an absolute blast, and I am hoping we will see plenty more in the future after the next one.

Rating: 8.5 / 10

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Iron Man #6 Review

The first arc of this new series did just enough to keep me interested in this book. In fact, if it was not Iron Man then I would have dropped it by now. I did not even think that #6 would appeal to me, with the new direction and all, however I am now glad that I did not decide to drop it. Gillen has written a very humorous book here, that was actually a lot more interesting than I thought it would be.

This issue mainly focuses on Tony and his attempts to sleep with some kind of alien woman. Things end badly with this, and a twist at the end shows us that Tony is is a situation that he never thought would be possible. In three lines I have pretty much summed up this issue, so surely that means this issue was bad? No not at all. It was enjoyable, and I felt that it flowed a whole lot better than any of previous five issues of this series. It is clear that Gillen is starting to get into the flow with Iron Man, and I hope that this continues.

One thing that impressed me in this issue was how well developed this alien race were considering this was the first issue they appeared in. We still do not know an amazing amount, but we have learned quite a lot from just one issue. I am now interested in them, and I got even more interested in them when I found out who their dead god is.

This was not a perfect issue, and there are the same flaws in this issue that I have found in the previous ones. The book goes by far too quickly. I do not want a dialogue heavy book as that would go against the tone that is being made here, however I think there could be slightly more content included. This issue flowed better than others, as I mentioned before, so maybe we are going to see more packed issues in the future.
I am also still not a massive fan of the art by Greg Land. I do not think it is half as bad as people say it is, but I think this book would really benefit from a different style completely. I can understand why Land has been chosen as Tony is one of the biggest draws for Marvel, and his style is simple and does not over complicate things; which may have put readers off.

Overall, this a lot better from Gillen, and I am hoping for more of the same during the rest of this arc. I went into this issue waiting for an excuse to drop this series, and by the last panel I was certain that I would be picking up #7 when it hits the shelves.
This issue really should have been #1, but it still works as a great jumping on point for new readers. Lets hope that the development of this new race, as well as the character development of Tony, keep going in the same direction as in this issue.

Rating: 7.25 / 10

Avengers #1 Review

The Avengers have been very much like the Hulk for me in recent time. I have been desperate to get into an ongoing Avenger series but none have ever really stood out or done enough to keep me interested. With Marvel NOW! I thought I may as well pick this up and give it a go. All I can say after reading this issue is: "congratulations Jonathan Hickman", this may be something special...

The tone is set for this book straight away in the opening few pages. While I was reading them I honestly thought that this could have been the beginning of the Avengers film sequel. Everything feels so epic and it really grabs you from the get go. I also loved the way the story was going backwards and forwards in time in a similar fashion to the way Hawkeye has been operating. It flowed really well, and added to the epic feeling that this issue gives as a whole.
The introduction of the new villains has made me very intrigued. We are all unfamiliar with them at the moment, which I think was a great call by Bendis. I was not expecting any new villains, but I am sure happy now that we have been given some. Their plan is also of epic proportion. What is also great about them is the fact that they have not just been thwarted by the Avengers after just one issue, You really get the feeling that these guys will be sticking around for a while.

I can also honestly say that I am not too familiar with any artwork previously done by Jerome Opena; even though the name sounds slightly familiar. However, I thought that in this issue his work was absolutely stunning, and it fits this title down to the ground. Some of the panels were really just breathtaking.

Overall, this was an absolutely fantastic setup issue for what I am sure is going to be a very exciting series to keep our eyes on. I am desperate to learn more about the bad guys along with their powers, as well as seeing how our heroes escape from the predicament they have found themselves in. It is clear that Hickman is creating something here on an epic level, and it is something that I am desperate for more of. I have finally found my Avengers book.


Rating: 9.5 / 10

Indestructible Hulk #1 Review

I have been wanting a Hulk ongoing series to really get my teeth into for a while now. I enjoyed Jason Aarons' run on the title, but it just wasn't the type of Hulk book I was looking for. With Marvel NOW, Mark Waid is attempting to write the book that the fans need. He has worked wonders on Daredevil, so can he do the same with The Hulk.

This issue is more of a set up issue for the series, much like the new Iron Man book, and it really looks as though this may be a series to keep your eyes on. Bruce Banner has come to realise that he has been wasting his intelligence, so he is learning to control the green monster inside him. He knows that when he is focused he can create things that can help and save the world, that is his new goal. However, he wants SHIELD to fund his research, and in return they have The Hulk at their disposal when needed.

I really like this concept and think Waid is going the right way about writing this book. In this issue I really enjoyed the scene in the diner between Hill and Bruce Banner. I thought the tempo was perfect, and the conversation flowed really well. It didn't feel like things were being spelt out for the reader, so I was happy with it.

I also really enjoyed the fight scene with The Thinker. Yeah it was simple and he was never going to be much of a match for The Hulk, but it was nice to see, and it was what the story needed in this particular issue. The art also looked stunning in this scene. However, I found a couple of panels during the fight slightly confusing. I think that may be down to the colours. Let me stress though, I found only a COUPLE of  panels confusing. The art as a whole was fantastic, even in the Diner scene. It is setting a tone, along with Waid's writing that I think suits this book perfectly. I am eagerly anticipating the new issue. You should check this out even if you are not a fan of the main character, because its Mark Waid. That should be reason enough considering the form he is in at the minute.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Excitement for series: 9 / 10

Uncanny Avengers #1

So Marvel Now! is here. Well kind of. Most of the new books are not starting until next month. So yeah, its here but not here. I was quite excited for this series, but that was more due to intrigue. Going into this issue I wasn't too sure whether I was going to pick this series up regularly or not. Did this issue convince me one way or the other? Not really unfortunately.

Firstly, the team of the Uncanny Avengers consists of characters that I am not exactly massive fans of. Yeah sure, I love Cap, Thor and of course Wolverine. However, I am not really major fans of the Scarlet Witch or Havok. Saying that, I do think it is great t that Marvel are pushing forward some of their characters forward that are not as well known as others. Seeing the same characters team after team can get pretty boring, so thumbs up to them for trying something new.

Even though lesser known characters are being pushed in this series, Wolverine still had the best moment in the issue. He performed a perfect eulogy at Xavier's funeral, which was actually a very touching moment. Even though you could see it coming it still has the desired effect on you when reading it. Havok seeing his brother in SHIELD base was also pretty intense, and did a great job at making Cyclops come across as a real asshole. I know this is what they have been trying to do in other series during and after AvX, and in my opinion have failed miserably seeing as he is still one of my favourite characters. However, in this book his ideology really does seem flawed. He seems so full of his own importance and is therefore very very un likeable. As hard as that is for me to say. But as I stated, it is something that really need be done well, and they certainly succeeded.

A major turn off in this book for me were the villians used. Avalanche was just fine. His appearance was pretty good, which saw a solid little battle between him and some of the team in the middle of the book. It is the bad guy team that interrupted Scarlet Witch and Rogue that totally sucked. I assume they are new villians, but oh wow did they suck. They just looked terrible. They may be working for one of the most famous villians in the Marvel universe ( at least I think they are working for him ) at the end of the book but I hope that they do not play a big part in this opening arc. Red Skull was awesome to see at the end ( as seen in last sentence ) and his plan of action is pretty interesting and unique. It could be a devlopment to keep your eyes on.

Yeah so I am not totally convinced on this book just yet. Some pretty cool bits which got my attention, but overall it didn't make me desperate for the next issue. Saying that, I will probably purchase it to see more of Red Skull, Havok, Wolverine, and Cyclops. We will see. If I do I may only give it one more issue to really grab me. I really hope Marvel Now! as a whole is better than this.

Rating 6/10