Avengers #8 Review

Firstly I am just going to start off by stating that I really can't believe that this series has reached issue 8 already. Just, wow. Companies are desperate to release number 1 issues in order to get new readers, then seems desperate to get as many issues out as possibly; which by their logic would mean less people would want to read them due to the high numbering. Oh well. The good thing about this series, regardless of being bombarded by issues, it is still a cracking series. Things really started to unfold in this issue, and some characters are starting to show their true colours.

Three quarters of this issue focused on the confrontation between the Starbrand and the Avengers. For whatever reason, mainly due to not reading solicits, I believed that this would all be pretty friendly experience. I really could not have been more wrong. A big battle soon erupted which helped to showcase some of the abilities Starbrand possesses; which look pretty awesome by the way.
We also saw some pretty awesome team work by Captain Marvel and Hulk; which also looked absolutely stunning. It was not just this scene that looked awesome, but the book as a whole looked amazing. The facial expressions were awesome, and I did find myself looking quite deeply into a lot of the panels.

The remaining quarter of this issue focused on Nightmask showing Starbrand exactly who he was and why he was here. I am going to be honest, some of this did go slightly over my head. I did understand it, but it did seem like quite a bit to take in. That is not a compliant by the way, I am just hoping that Hickman does not expect everyone to remember everything that they have read in future issues. If they keep up their impressive "previously" section then all should be just fine.
What was awesome about this scene was how it ended. Is Nightmask going to turn out to be baddie after all? It certainly looks like it at the minute. We also saw the reappearance of some of Hickman's newest bad guys on the last page too. I was starting to forget about them even though this is all linked to them in some way, so I am happy to see these guys back in the pages of the Avengers.

I know this series is not for everone; which is evident due to a lot of peoples opinions on the internet relating to it. However, I am still loving this series. I have a feeling some of the events may become lost on me in the future due to it bordering on being quite complicated, but I am enjoying the ride nevertheless. Unlike Morrisons' Action Comics run, which has thankfully come to an end, this is still fun. Not only that, it is keeping me completely engaged issue after issue. Yeah, I am a big fan of what is happening here, and I really can not recommend it enough. It is a series that is not afraid to make you think, which is something I am sure many people were not expecting from the Marvel NOW! Avengers series, but I think it is doing a great job at being itself.

Rating: 8.2 / 10

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Comic Book Thoughts

Revival #8 - Another great issue that just had so much going on. I really can't believe how much story Tim Seeley can get into one issue. It really is jam packed, but there is absolutely no filler in it whatsoever. This book had pretty much all of the characters that have appeared in this series so far, as well as a couple of new faces.
We learnt a bit more about some characters that we have not known too much about previously, such as Lester Majak, who is quickly turning into one of my favourite characters. I really can't wait to find out the truth about that man.  I also think, but don't hold me on it, that the mayor is a new character. Don't recall him being in this series, so I am looking forward to see exactly what he is hiding.
This was just another great issue, and one that fans of this series will just lap up. Good work guys.
9.5 / 10

Supergirl #18 - H'el on Earth is over so now Kara can go back to her own story lines *YAY*. This book has been consistently good since the start, so I am very excited to start reading about solely Kara once again.
This issue sets up the fact that her powers will most probably be temperamental in the future. It also looks like she is getting taken in by the government in this issue, which is something that confused me as I don't understand why they all of a sudden have an issue with "supers". However, confusion aside, it still looks interesting. Add the fact that apparently Power Girl seems to be getting involved in things in the next issue; and we have quite an intriguing little story ahead of us. This issue wasn't exactly ground breaking stuff, but it did do a nice job at setting everything up, and getting me very excited for #19 in a months time.
7.8 / 10

Wolverine #1- This book came out a couple of weeks ago and I haven't read it due to being scared that it was going to be crap. I finally read it tonight and I can safely say that I surprisingly really enjoyed it. I am desperate, like many others, for a great Wolverine title come out. I don't know if this is it yet, but it sure got off to a great start. I enjoyed the characterization of Wolverine, and the story is intriguing me. It may still turn out yet to be utter crap, but so far I have liked what I have seen. Definitely will be picking up the next issue, and crossing my fingers hoping it will be as great as this. 8 / 10

All New X-Men #9 - Awesome issue. Everything linked together beautifully in this chapter. I loved the appearance of Lady Mastermind almost as much as I love the plot that broke her. This issue also did a great job at highlighting the younger Xmen' age difference. You can tell mentally that they are nowhere near as mature as their older counterparts; which is largely due to them not having gone through a lot of what the older guys have gone through yet. Bendis' dialogue was spot on as always here. Oh, and Jean Grey is becoming more awesome every issue. 8.4/10

Age Of Ultron #3 - I am still enjoying this series, however I thought this issue didnt really go anywhere. Most of this issue surrounded the question of who was going to be traded to Ultron; which was an answer we already knew. Thankfully Bendis' dialogue in this book is pretty awesome, and the reveal at the end also came out of nowhere, meaning that this issue ended up being above average. 7.4 / 10

Fatale #13 - This was just outstanding. I think this is the last of the one and done issues; and if that is the case then Brubaker and Phillips really made sure that they finished them with a bang. This one followed a woman named Bonnie, and was set in the wild west. It really was just great. This is how you do a one off issue which totally immerses the reader into the story. Great stuff. 9 / 10

Superior Spider-Man #6AU - Meh, this was ok. I was going to skip it but for some reason I thought it was still a Slott issue...I was wrong. I am enjoying this crossover event as I mentioned earlier, however this issue can be missed. It highlighted the fact that Doc Ock is in Peter Parkers' body, and that is all really. Oh, and the fact that he started the book hating on the Avengers, and then ended it with the understanding of why Parker is involved with them. As I mentioned, this was just ok. 6.6 / 10



As you guys can tell, I have not really updated this blog much over the last couple of weeks. I have been horrendously busy with work so I have had no time whatsoever to dedicate to reviews. I am still reading comics and keeping up to date with goings on, but I am just about a week behind at the minute. Due to this, I will be updating my blog with "comic book thoughts" posts for the next couple of weeks. Towards the end of April I will start writing full on reviews again ( I may even sneak in a couple a bit sooner ).

Just thought I would let you guys know what is going on. Hope all is well with everyone.

James

Daredevil #24 Review

Here we are once again with one of my most anticipated books each and every month; Daredevil. Waid and Samnee have been doing such a great job on this from day one, and I am sure they have got many more readers are producing a new reader friendly issue recently. This issue does not do too much in moving the current story arc forward, but what we do get is an interesting book with lots of good character moments; along with some very well placed humour.

So we kind of see the person who is behind this whole plot to take down Matt, however, I do not know who it is. If what we saw in this issue is a hint, then I am unfamiliar with the character. However, it still freaked me out slightly, and I am desperate to know more to find out exactly ho it is and why they are doing it.
In this issue they sent a crate of dogs that had been made radioactive to try and take Matt down; failing of course.There wasn't too much to this battle, but of course it angered Matt that this person could get to him so easily. I did like the way that this battle ended as it saw Matt defeat them in a pretty clever way. Simple yet effective.

After the last issue in which we learned about Foggys' condition, we had a couple of scenes that were very Foggy and Matt heavy; which was perfectly fine with me. I liked the dedication that Matt showed to him, which is to be expected, as well as us learning that the illness may not be terminal. After last issue I really thought that that was it for the poor guy, but now Waid has given himself the chance to prolong this a bit more. I am looking forward to a whole " will he, won't he" style theme in respect to this plot line in the future.

Another plot point of this issue was the relationship between Matt and Kirsten. Matt went to see her in order to try and end things, but it was Kirsten who ended up putting her foot down. Matt is now pretty confused about his feelings towards her. I am not too sure how I feel about Kirsten still. I mean, I do like her, but I really think she may need to be in the book more like she was in this issue. Some of her dialogue here was pretty great, and I wish we could see more of that. However, I do appreciate the fact that it is pretty difficult to get her page time with everything else going on in this book. This particular scene also had the best humour of the issue. I am hoping we see more of Kirstens' new boyfriend, if only for some decent one liners aimed at him by Matt.

As I said, the plot didn't really move forward much until the last page, however this was still an utterly enjoyable issue.If you have been enjoying the series then you will more than likely enjoy this issue too. The action may have been toned down, but the writing was just as good as ever. I find it a shame though that Waid can't seem to recreate his form here on his Hulk book. A Hulk book written like this would be awesome. Oh well, never mind, this Daredevil is more than enough for me.

Rating: 8.9 / 10

Superior Spider-Man #6 Review

This series, for the last couple of issues, has finally started to be what it was supposed to be from the very start. Slott is starting to really get into the character, and the development has been amazing. This issue is no different, as we start to see more of Doc Ock's nasty side come out. Not only that, but a certain group of superheroes are becoming very concerned over Spidey's actions.

This issue started as making me think it was just going to be a one and done. Jameson ordered Spidey to take down Screwball and Jester after he got embarrassed by them in public. I was under the impression that he was going to do that and then that would pretty much be it. Oh how very wrong I was.
Before he took them down, we were shown Doc Ock back at college, where he harmed a couple of bullies for the way they treated his friend Anna Maria. This was once again a quite aggressive way of dealing with a problem, so we were once again reminded of the fact that this is how Doc deals with things. We were not actually shown him dealing with these guys, but we were still given a pretty good idea as to what happened. This actually shocked me, and I am glad that Slott is starting to be consistent regarding his toughness used on certain enemies.

We were then shown how he eventually dealt with the two pranksters, and let me tell  you, he didn't let them off lightly. The thing is, all of this was being broadcast live on the internet, so I am looking forward to see what I expect to be a bit of a backlash towards Spider-Man from the public.
This is the number one reason this issue surprised me; the fact that now the public at large are more familiar with the way Spidey is now dealing with his enemies. It has opened up a can of worms that I am sure are going to make some problems for Doc.

As touched on earlier, a certain super group were discussing how to deal with Spidey. This was once again something that I was not expecting to see. I am happy that they have picked up on the fact that he is acting totally out of character. I had a feeling with this series that it would take everyone ages to pick up on things, but Slott seems to be doing everything perfectly regarding this. The next issue, where it looks like Spidey gets confronted by these guys, will be very interesting. I really can't wait to see this stand off / discussion take place. I really wonder hoe Doc will be able to control himself in a situation like that, but I am just going to have to wait and see.

I am absolutely loving this series at the minute. I am even becoming a fan of Ramos' art too. Everything just seems to be clicking at the moment with this, and I really think Spidey fans who abandoned this when it first came out are missing out big time.
 I really recommend this issue, as once again we have seen some important character development. Some people may read up on the plot and decide to skip it; but honestly, pick it up. It is a great little story, and some of the outcomes in it will be having an effect on Docs' future. Definitely not just a filler issue.

Rating: 9.1 / 10

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Comic Book Thoughts

Colder #5 - What a fantastic little series this has been. Absolutely loved this last issue, in which the art was the best we have seen. Nimble Jack also really came to the forefront in this issue, and was even more terrifying than we first thought he was. The way this book ended was also unconventional, as I had a set last page in my mind as to how I thought it would end. This turned out not to be the case, which leaves me wondering if we have seen the end of Colder? Even if we have, the ending still rules.
Last week I wrote how I was not too impressed about how Happy ended. Colder goes a long way in showing that this is how you close out a mini series, so Morrison et al should take note. Superb. 9. 2 / 10

Sex #1 - I am really not to sure what to make of this issue. I mean, I did think it was fantastic after I finished it, but there really was a lot of questions and nagging doubts I had in my mind. There were bits of the back story left out from this issue, which I am sure will be told to us in some form in the future, however it did leave me frustrated in parts.
 Revival gives me lots of questions every month, but it is done in such a way that I do not mind it at all. Sex did it in a way that was frustrating as I felt like some of the details really should have been filled in. Saying that, it was still a great read, and I do really want to come #2 to come around as soon as possible. 7.8 / 10

Mara #3 - I was going to drop this book, as I was under the impression that I was not too sure on the first two issues in this mini. However, on the bus on the way to my LCS I was thinking about the first two issues and realised that I actually did like them quite a bit; hence why I couldn't help but pick this one up. I'm glad I did because this issue rules. I love development that has gone on in this issue, and all of a sudden we can see how Mara herself will be used in the future. This is a very solid issue that has left me desperately wanting the next instalment in my hands right now. What is great is that I also think Wood and co will be picking up the pace even more in the remaining three issues. 8.9 / 10

Superman #17 - Here marked the end of the H'el on Earth story line; which is something that I have very much enjoyed. However, this concluding issue was something that left me feeling a little underwhelmed. I did like the way H'el was defeated, and I was glad it was a certain character who ended it all, but the build up to that just was not good enough for me. Everything just felt a little bit flat. I have been enjoying this Superman title for what it is, but it would be nice if the quality of it did improve to catch up with the likes of Batman at DC. 6.8 / 10

Daredevil End of Days #6 - This is still an absolutely awesome series; however I feel like it didn't really go anywhere with this issue. If this was an ongoing series then an issue like this would be fine, but unfortunately it only has two more issues left now and I the pressure is now on. The appearances of Owl and The Purple Man were nice enough, however they didn't really add much. The Punisher is now getting heavily involved, but I am still unsure as to what his role will be in the grand scheme of things. The art was still amazing like always, and the story was still way better than a lot of things out at the minute. However, I just feel that a lot needs to happen in the next two issues. Oh well, in Bendis and co we trust! 7.3 / 10


Katana #2 - This was just horrible. Not touching this series anymore that's for sure. I was very impressed after the #1 issue, but this was just terrible. I am not interested in Katana or the rest of the cast at all in this series. I do, however, looks forward to reading her in JLA; where hopefully she will be written slightly better than in this. Save your money folks, avoid. 3 / 10

Thor God Of Thunder #6 - This was a great issue and was definitely an improvement on #5; which I thought was good but just not as good as the series has been. In this issue we saw how Gorr has become the thing that he is. It made us feel sympathy towards him, as well as giving us some real understanding into what he is doing. I really liked this as now I feel like I actually KNOW the character. An issue like this can sometimes go wrong, but Aaron really knocks this one out of the park. Do not skip this one if you are following this series.. 8.4 / 10

Wolverine and the X-Men #26 - A solid issue, however I was not amazingly interested in the content. Not read much about Dog before (Wolverine's brother), and this issue didn't do a great deal to get me interested.  Nick Bradshaw missing on art is also a bummer. Good enough though, and I am looking forward to hopefully seeing more of the kids in the next issue. 7.2 / 10

Fearless Defenders #1 and #2 - Great issues. Not familiar with the characters at all, but thus series is a great way to get into them. Very good plot so far too. Looking forward to #3 coming out soon. 8.6 / 10

Saga #11 Review

This issue has taken the same route as the last few have done. It firstly showed us a glimpse into the past of Alana and Marko, before hitting full stride with events happening in the present. I am loving this kind of set up, and I am just still loving this series in general. It is still an absolute monster of a book, and this chapter was of the same quality of all others that had come before it.

I loved the first section which showed Alana and Marko sharing an intimate moment; that looks like it may have been the moment that created their daughter. The conversation between the two of them after this event was awesome to read as it was just so very human. I am sure many of us have had conversations of this kind with people, and due to scenes such as this, we connect to these characters even though they aren't human.
I really loved some of the language Alana used in this scene. It was something I wasn't expecting, which made me actually laugh out loud at one point, and it also made me fall in love with the character even more. Fiona Staples also maintained her record of shocking us with a first page spread, showing us things that we certainly do not expect to see on the first page of comic books. No complaints coming from me regarding this by the way as I believe it helps make this series what it is.

We then moved on to events in both ships, as they were attempting to get away from the planet that is sucking them in from last issue. So you may think that there has not been much progression in this issue then; but you would be very wrong. For one, a character that I thought got killed off at the end of last issue actually got saved in this issue; which is something that made me very happy.
There was also a very emotional part of this scene that I am sure will have effects on these characters for quite some time. However, I am slightly disappointed that the creators decided to go this way with one of the characters, as I think that he could have stayed with us for a while longer. Oh well, I am sure these guys know what they are doing, so I am not going to dwell on it too much.

After the emotional part of the scene was done with, we saw Marko have a flashback that was all in his native language. However, it was clear what it was showing, as well as clear as to what was being communicated ( even though we don't know the language). This once again shows just how great this team are together at getting their story across. I am sure everyone reading this saw exactly what was happening here. I was shocked that I understood it so well; but I guess I should have expected such great story telling considering it is the best series in comics at the moment.

This was yet another very solid issue. I can't actually imagine a time where this book will actually have a bad issue. It is just so consistent, but not only that, it just has a winning formula. If these guys are smart, then this book will be staying fresh for quite a while yet. For those people who have been in from the start of this book, you will love this issue like all the rest. Get a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this issue.

Rating: 9.6 / 10

Uncanny X-Men #3 Review

I am a big fan of this series so far, and after last issue I was very excited to see what was going to happen between Cyclops and the Avengers. We did not get a big fight scene; which to be honest is something that I was not holding high hopes for anyway. However, what we did get was some great dialogue, along with an argument that Scott Summers actually came out on top of. Yes you heard that right. Maybe the man is not as crazy as we all first thought.

Bendis has been building up the fact that Scott Summers actually has a pretty good argument for some time now. However, in this issue it really came to the forefront. I found myself agreeing with a lot of what he was saying; which I am sure many other fans found themselves doing too. He came across as the good guy who is being completely misunderstood, not just by the world but also the Avengers as well.
Speaking of the Avengers, in this particular issue they were written to come across as complete assholes. Ok, maybe that is a little bit too strong, but they were totally single minded in their understanding of what Scott and his gangs intentions were. They also seemed more than happy to ignore true facts that Scott was bring up to them. I understand that Bendis wrote them this way intentionally in order to get Scott across in a certain way, so I did love the way that this worked. However,I am hoping that the Avengers don't continue to think in this way for a prolonged period of time. The members are not stupid, so I hope it doesn't get to a point where I feel like screaming at the pages at them.

Magneto also came forward in this issue to admit that he was the one who told the Avengers where to go to confront them. I am glad this came out here as it was quite obvious who it was. Leaving this unanswered for a few issues would have been the wrong move; so I happy with what I read here. However, something I was not expecting, was the fact that Magneto seems to be playing SHIELD. I was not expecting this at all, but it does make sense. Bendis really has pulled off something here, and I am looking forward to seeing how this is going to develop.

One of the new recruuits of Scotts team, Eva Bell, came to the forefront here too. It was nice to get a brief glimpse into her past, and I also enjoyed the scene in which she not just stuck up for her leader, but also helped in stopping a big battle from breaking out in front of her own home.
One of the things I did not like in this issue, which is unusual as I usually like the way Bendis does this, was the constant humour throughout. Normally I think that this is really well placed, but here I thought it all felt a little forced in places. As I say, it is something I am normally a fan of, so it is not something I am too concerned about.

This was another great issue in which Scott has come across in very well. I am very happy this has happened because I have not been the biggest fan of Marvel turning him into a complete baddie. The end of this issue also leads me to believe that may hear another big speech from him in the next issue; which is something I am also looking forward too.
This series continues to be great, and as I have mentioned earlier, this is a very exciting time to be a fan of the X-Men. If you didn't pick this title up because you were frustrated that it was being rebooted yet again; then I really advise you to have a change of heart. The character development, along with the foundations being set for the future of the team, are things that just can't be missed.

Rating: 8.1 / 10

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