March 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

March 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Time to pay a visit to the pages of the latest Previews. We are looking at issue 306, the March 2014 issue which lists product to appear in stores starting in May 2014. First will be Marvel as they have impressed me more and more with the releases under the All-New initiative. I will highlight some of my favorites, and make suggestions on what you should be picking up.

Original Sin #1 Original Sin #2           Before we dive into the regular monthlies we cannot fail to mention the start of the next crossover. As much as people complain about crossovers, they still sell and because of that we get Original Sin. This sees the death of the Watcher, a chronicler of all major events to hit the Marvel Earth, but his days of watching are now over. Part crime procedural, part superhero drama, this is an interesting idea, but will hopefully not drag out as some of these events at the big 2 do, and yes this is meant as a jab at the bloated and going on too long Forever Evil over at DC. After having the 0 issue in April, May brings the true start of the series in Original Sin #1 and 2 (of 8) penned by Jason Aaron with art by Mike Deodato. The premise is solid enough so I may check out the first issue out of curiosity.

What I will be passing on are the tie-ins. I have found that the majority of tie-ins are completely unimportant to the main series, and other than the titles I collect regularly I will pass on them, but for completionists be on the lookout for tie-ins in Avengers #29, #30, Mighty Avengers #10, and Deadpool #29, each one with the same solicitation text “What did he see?”

Amazing Spider-Man #1.1Amazing Spider-Man #2          With the return of Peter Parker and the Amazing Spider-Man title we are also getting a Dan Slott written, Ramon Perez drawn year one story that will give us a new take on the first 60 days of the wall-crawlers adventures. With his origin having been retold in two movies, a Season One graphic novel, and countless times in his own series, I am going to pass on this. This is being numbered using the numbering from the Amazing Spider-Man series but adding a .1 to it. While the quality of Marvel’s output has been incredibly enjoyable I wish they would stop with all of this point numbering system. It plays on a completionists urge to have a full run and in my eyes is taking advantage of the collector’s wallets.

Moon Knight #3          Now that my one Marvel rant is done, let’s look at books that you should be checking out. Moon Knight is a character I have found not to be as new reader friendly as he could be but that changed when I picked up the first issue of the new series written by Warren Ellis and drawn by Declan Shalvey. They aren’t shying away from playing with the title characters mental state, and even reference his past series but this take is extremely fresh, and you can go into it without any previous knowledge of the character.  His costume has changed into something sleeker and much more recognizable, no more hiding in the shadows for this guy. The first issue shows us a very dangerous and effective Marc Spector and the last page reveal is intriguing and makes me want to see more of this world that Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey are building for our anti-hero. Issue #3 is out in May and is worth picking up; get the first two issues while you’re at it.

Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #1          The character that Marvel is trying really hard to make us like is getting a four issues mini. Deadly Hands of Kung Fu features Shang Chi. Mike Benson writes and Tan Eng Huat draws. I may check this out on the stand but just the sheer fact that Marvel is pushing the character on us in the pages of Avengers World (really a 22 page fight sequence?) is making me leery of this series to begin with.

Magneto #3          Magneto by Cullen Bunn (W) and Gabriel Hernandez Walta (A) is an odd book. While I liked the first issue everything about his characterization struck me as off. He seems to be more of a What If watered down version of the once great Master of Magnetism. The art is interesting and if the leap in character development was a little more believable I would have been willing to go further with the book. Cullen Bunn is a very capable writer but he explains everything too hard in an attempt to make this new status quo acceptable, but unfortunately, he doesn’t quite capture the character the way other new launches from Marvel have.

George Romeros Empire of the Dead Act One #5          The first act of George Romero’s Empire of the Dead draws to a close with the fifth issue of the series. While I did not like the original announcement that vampires would be playing a role in the book as it seemed it would be similar to Max Brook’s Extinction Parade, I have grown to enjoy this series after having read the first two issues. The power plays between humans, vampires, and zombies are much more political in nature and the boardroom drama is just as intriguing, if not more when compared to Extinction Parade. It is also nice to see how the zombies evolved over time and with their increasing intelligence I am sure we will see this kind of idea play out in other zombie fiction. This is a must buy for Romero and horror fans alike.

Uncanny Avengers #20          While I am sampling multiple Avengers titles at the moment as I pick and choose which ones will be on my pull list and one that grabbed me and reeled me back in was Uncanny Avengers by Rick Remember (W) and Daniel Acuna (A).  The most recent issue I read was a chapter in Ragnorak and boy talk about a cliffhanger, and even though I know full well the entire world was not destroyed, otherwise there wouldn’t be solicitations in May but the storytelling by the creative team pulls you in and with the upcoming Planet X storyline my appetite is back for this Avengers, X-Men mash up, plus Kang continues to play with the timeline, which is never a good thing but it is a fun thing to watch.

Thanos Annual #1          Even though he doesn’t have his own series, Thanos is getting an annual by two people who know the titan quite well: Jim Starlin (W) and Ron Lim (A). My only complaint about this book is the hyperbole present in the solicitation: “…redefine the Marvel Universe in the near future.” How long before every solicitation reads this because it seems at least one comic book in each monthly Previews seems to make this claim. We get it Marvel, everything is changing but why not stop and tell stories in the newly changed universe before doing it again. This book does act as a prequel to Thanos: The Infinity Revelation, an OGN due for release soon.

Loki Agent of Asgard #4          Loki: Agent of Asgard continues to impress and while the second issue wasn’t as strong as the first issue it is understandable as the Trickster from Asgard is still building his supporting cast. My disappointment lies in the missing follow up to the interesting cliffhanger from the first issue but I will stay with this title assuming that the issue one reveal will play in future issues. Al Ewing (W) and Lee Garbett (A) bring us back to the continuation of the story from the All-New Marvel Point One issue which saw Loki locate the sword of Sigurd and take it as his weapon. In issue 4 out in May, Sigurd wants that sword back.

Black Widow #6          The first arc of Black Widow draws to a close with issue 6 in May when Natasha confronts the big bad who has been in her life for awhile, without her knowing. While the writing by Nathan Edmondson is strong, it really is Phil Noto on art that gives this book such an independent identity and a definitive look for Black Widow while fusing with Edmondson’s writing to make this a must have for fans of the toughest lady to be a part of the Avengers.

She-Hulk #4          Marvel is really doing well by its female characters because She Hulk by Charles Soule (W) and Javier Pulido (A) has carved out a permanent place on my pull list as long as the two creators are part of the book. In the first two issues we are treated to a Jennifer who is striking out on her own, starting her own law firm in Brooklyn, and getting an interesting supporting cast including Hellcat, and an assistant with a monkey, that is with her at all times. Throw in a case involving Doctor Doom being sued by his son and this is a quirky title that will give She Hulk an identity all her own in the Marvel Universe. This is another book that is a must have. Daredevil fans take not, Matt makes an appearance in issue 4 out in May.

All New X-Factor #7 All New X-Factor #8          All-New X-Factor has issues #7 and #8 out in May and while Peter David (W) and Carmine Di Giandomenico (A) continue the slow build of the team it is incredibly captivating. Issue #3 brought Danger into the book as well as the knowledge that Quicksilver is reporting back to another character that has a strong interest in the current team, and Polaris especially. Cypher and Warlock will eventually join the team and with Cypher on a May issue cover that will surely be sooner rather than later.

That wraps up our look at Marvel for May. Good reading and don’t forget to head on down to Book Fair to pick up these and many other titles. If these books don’t interest you, there is a book out there for you, don’t be afraid to experiment.

February 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

February 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

          Marvel’s current wave of All-New titles have me even more excited than the first wave did. I cannot heap enough praise on certain key titles and I want to highlight those first.

 

Ms Marvel #3          Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson (W) and Adrian Alphona (A) grabbed me with the first issue. The large supporting cast was surprisingly fleshed out for a first issue intro, and Kamala has a big family so that is no small feat. The artwork is beautiful, and an example of the way Marvel is trusting the creators with their characters and allowing them to create superhero books that have a good chance of appealing to those that have stayed away from superheroes. Ms. Marvel needs to be left in its own corner of the Marvel Universe while it finds its audience and voice, which it seemed to already do with the sold out Ms. Marvel #1. The third issue is out in April it should be going home with you, yes you, the one reading this, get this book. If the first issue is sold out be on the lookout for a second printing scheduled to hit some time in March. I have a firm belief that this book will do well in collected form as well. With the female hero sadly under represented by the big two this book deserves the attention needed to make it a hit. I hope a year from now I am still talking about this title.

 

Black Widow #5          Speaking of female heroes, another title I cannot get enough of, especially after the unexpected twist involving Natasha’s handler, is Black Widow. Nathan Edmondson is a great writer when it comes to pacing and Phil Noto truly has made this book his own within the first couple of issues. His style adds to the big screen espionage feel of this book. It also clearly illustrates how Natasha should be handled on the big screen, tight action scenes, worldwide espionage, and a body count that would make the Punisher cringe. Natasha has never come across more bad ass, or deadly as she has in the hands of this creative team. I rarely mention colouring in this article but that is another fist bump I have to give Noto, he nails the colouring with aplomb. The transitions between scenes is often handled by a change of the colour palette, indicative of the action of the scene or perhaps the mood of the main heroine of the series. If you like spy action where one woman can make the difference between our survival or extinction, this is the book for you.

 

All-New X-Factor #6          All-New X-Factor is everything I hoped it would be and more. It seems to blend the best aspects of both iterations of X-Factor that have previously struck a chord with readers. On one hand we have a superhero team that is corporately sponsored, which really isn’t that far off from a government sanctioned team, and on the other hand we have the character interactions that Peter David had in spades in his previous Madrox led title. Issue #6 of the series brings us Warlock, but Serval Industries wants him taken down and sends in X-Factor, including Cypher, who was at one time a teammate of Warlocks. This is another book that is worth picking up. With the sixth issue in April, the first trade should be out soon. If you don’t mind a second printing of the first issue, which should be coming soon, go out and find the back issues. You will not be disappointed.

 

Loki Agent of Asgard #3          The fourth title I have quickly fallen in love with is Loki: Agent of Asgard. Al Ewing (W) and Lee Garbett (A) continue to tell the story of the trickster of the Marvel Universe who is now under the guidance of the All-Mother. Issue 1 had an amazing last page reveal that I was not expecting, and I do not want to ruin it for anyone but boy the story possibilities are endless! The third issue is out in April, so it is not too late to catch up. Note though that the first issue is sold out at the distributor level so keep an eye out for a second printing as it is going back to press.

 

Original Sin #0          The Marvel summer event kicks off in April with Original Sin #0. This issue looks at who the Watcher is and what is coming for the Marvel Universe, and ultimately what his life means, all through the eyes of one of the newest heroes, Nova. This will lead into the death of the Watcher which will be rocking the foundation of the Marvel Universe this summer. This tale is brought to you by Mark Waid (W) and artist extraordinaire, Jim Cheung.

 

Amazing Spider-Man #1          Amazing Spider-Man returns, as we all knew he would, in Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Dan Slott (W), and Humberto Ramos (A). I am not personally a fan of Peter Parker but understand his importance in the Marvel Universe. I am hoping that somehow we get more Doc Ock because his time as the web-slinger has been one of the most entertaining and risky moves that Marvel has made. Perhaps Marvel could treat us to an omnibus of the Superior Spider-Man’s reign?

 

Iron Fist Living Weapon #1          While I have not always warmed up to Kaare Andrews writing, I have loved his art and he handles all of the creative duties in Iron Fist: Living Weapon. The first issue is out in April and the story of his return to his roots as K’un-Lun beckons for help and Danny answers. This is worth checking out, and with Marvel’s recent success with their All-New initiative I have expectations that are high, and will undoubtedly be met.

 

Hulk #1          Sigh….Hulk is launching again with a new #1. Bruce Banner is shot, Hulk has to figure it out. No offence to Mark Waid (W) or Mark Bagley (A) who are coming onto this book but when is Hulk going to be allowed to just exist without being drawn into cross-overs and being relaunched again, and again. At least we aren’t getting a different colour Hulk with this relaunch.

 

X-Men Legacy #1          X-Men Legacy #1 by Chris Claremont (W) and Todd Nauck (A) hits in April and focuses on Nightcrawler. It is a smart move keeping this in the X-Men Legacy book since a Nightcrawler solo book would not attract too much attention, plus throw in Chris Claremont, and you have a questionable title at best. Before Claremont fans attack I will say that I have appreciated what he has done to help build the foundation of the X-Verse we have today but his modern day work from the past 10 years has done nothing but led to me dropping titles. I find his writing style is for such a niche audience that it will be tough to see this title survive. I expect a creator team switch within the first year.

 

All-New Doop #1          Peter Milligan gets to write a character that is so perfect for him, so perfect he co-created the character with Mike Allred, and a character that could, at least in my opinion, actually support a monthly. Doop. All-New Doop #1 is the first of a five issue mini-series that looks at the Avengers Vs. X-Men saga through the eyes of who may potentially be the most powerful X-Man ever.

 

Deadpool #27          Deadpool gets married in April. Deadpool #27 is a 100 page extravaganza with a hefty $9.99 price tag. I would list the writers and artists but it is easier to say that pretty well anyone who has written the Merc with a Mouth breaking the 4th wall will bring their words to Wade’s mouth in this issue. I will admit to a curiosity about who the bride is. I will be peeking at this one on the shelf, and depending on the bride I may pick this up.

 

What If Age of Ultron #1 What If Age of Ultron #2 What If Age of Ultron #3 What If Age of Ultron #4 What If Age of Ultron #5          The What If series is back with 5 issues in April. This one looks at Age of Ultron and what would have happened if a key Avenger was removed from the time-line. We see the Age of Ultron without Wasp in issue 1, Iron Man in issue 2, Thor in issue 3, Captain America in issue 4, and even one without Hank Pym in issue 5. The last What If focusing on Avengers Vs. X-Men seemed like a snuff film, reminiscent of the wholesale slaughter of the Ultimate Universe in Ultimatum, and seemed like an old What If tale where everyone dies. This What If needs to regain some of the loss of interest that the previous volume created but the premise is strong enough that it may just get back in my good books.

 

All-New Ultimates #1 Ultimate FF #1Ultimate Spider-Man #200 Bagley          Speaking of the Ultimate Universe, what I expect is the latest attempt to breathe life into that sagging line is about to hit in April as we get the monumental 200th issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, plus All-New Ultimates #1 by Michel Fiffe (W) and Amilcar Pinna (A), and Ultimate FF #1 by Joshua Hale Fialkov (W) and Mario Guevera (A). Judging from who made it onto the rosters of this team does not bode well for many of the existing characters that are fending off Galactus in the current Cataclysm cross-over. Lets hope this iteration of the Ultimate Universe does well because there are only a certain number of times that they can relaunch the line.

 

Avengers AI #11 Avengers AI #12 Mighty Avengers #9          While a lot of Marvel has been wowing my I do have to point out a disappointing read, Avengers A.I.. Sam Humphries is a writer I have enjoyed in previous books but the 8th issue of the series, which was one of Marvel’s .Now books, meant as a good jumping on point for readers, did nothing more than confuse me as to it’s true purpose. Marvel should revisit it’s Avengers line because this book and Mighty have both left me scratching my head wondering what their purpose is in the grander scheme.

 

          Possibly the last collaboration with Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning appears in the pages of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Prelude #1 (of 2) which introduces us to Nebula before her big screen debut. Fans of DnA should pick this up because who knows when, or even if ever, these two will work together again.

 

That is my look at Marvel for April 2014.

January 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

January 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Hawkeye #18         With DC out of the way we turn our focus onto Marvel for product shipping starting in March 2014. I still find it strange that I have switched my love from DC to Marvel. When DC launched the New 52 I loved so many of the books, the chances they were taking, the way the creators were sharing their visions of the iconic characters, but now more than two years in and the corporate control of the characters has become painfully clear and Marvel has clearly shown more trust in their creators and that has payed off with an amazing roster of creator driven books that blend the creators voice with wonderful, rich characters. Marvel is taking what has made Hawkeye a critical and fan favorite and applying it to other characters, including an amazing string of female centric titles. “Hawkeyization” is the word bandied about to describe what Marvel is doing, and it fits.

 

Daredevil #1 ANMN         Let’s dive into what they have coming up. The All-New Marvel Now initiative is still rolling out and while they seemed to be playing it safer with the first round, this new initiative is grabbing the independent bull by the horns and crafting truly creative books that combine some of the best creators in the industry and truly letting their voices shine through. One of the biggest critical and fan favorites that didn’t get an All-New banner the first go around joins the party. Daredevil #1 takes the Man Without Fear and moves him from the mean streets of Hell’s Kitchen and transplants the hyper sensed lawyer to San Francisco. The creative team that made the previous volume a hit are back. Mark Waid writes and Chris Samnee provides the art for what is sure to be another smash.

 

Moon Knight #1 ANMN         Not that long ago Moon Knight had a Bendis written series that came and went without much fanfare. They are giving the character another go. This time the writer is one of my favorites, and one sure to bring allot of focus onto the character, namely Warren Ellis. Declan Shalvey is nothing to sneeze at when it comes to an artistic vision. The combination of Ellis and Shalvey will bring a completely new take on the multi personality defender of New York, and one that you should check out.

 

Silver Surfer #1 ANMN         Silver Surfer has long been absent in the Marvel Universe, making sparse appearances here and there, but nothing devoted to him only, until now. Dan Slott, the man who made Doc Ock as Spidey work, writes the stories of the herald of Galactus, and Michael Allred, the creator who made us love the quirkiest X-Force lineup ever, draws the adventures of the bearer of the power cosmic. The preview in All-New Marvel Now Point One made me laugh and excited to try the first issue of Norrin Radds new series Silver Surfer #1.

 

All New Ghost Rider #1 ANMN         One of the most radically redesigned characters to appear in this series of launches is in the pages of All-New Ghost Rider #1. Felipe Smith (W) and Tradd Moore (A) have replaced the motorcycle with a sports car and the slight horror appeal with a manga sensibility. I don’t know allot about this series but the redesign is enough to pique my curiosity, and the East LA based hero will be in my reading pile for at least the first issue.

 

Captain Marvel #1 ANMN         Carol Danvers is a busy lady, working with the Avengers, joining up with the Guardians of the Galaxy, and soon she can add her own comic book to the list. Kelly Sue DeConnick is back as writer and with her is David Lopez on art. The book had a very vocal, but small, fan base the first time around, and with strong hints at her appearance in the Marvel movie-verse in the future this series may just stick. The only thing that kind of threw me off in the solicitation is the mention of a new romance. I’m not saying that romance isn’t needed in comics, it absolutely is, but it should never be at the forefront of a solicitation. Comic books are sadly still a boys club. There are female readers but the bulk of the readers, especially of superheroes, are male. Men will not buy a comic book to see the blossoming relationship of a hero but want to see a character who grows, kicks butt, and takes names. Hopefully that will be seen in Captain Marvel #1. The first issue will be joining my reading pile and if it embodies a feeling like the first issue of Black Widow it may just find itself on my pull list.

 

Iron Patriot #1 ANMN         Poor James Rhodes, he hasn’t got much love in his War Machine persona but Ales Kot (W) and Garry Brown (A) are going to give it another go, this time though in his Secret Avengers persona of Iron Patriot. After breaking off from the Secret Avengers he brings the war on the bad guys to the home front, while a new villain makes his presence known. This will be worth a look at on the shelf and if the writing is as strong as the art looks it may just make it home with me.

 

Magneto #1 ANMN         Magneto has long been a vital part of the Marvel Universe and Cullen Bunn (W) and Gabriel Hernandez Walta (A) break Magneto away from Cyclops and his group of X-Men and takes him on a more proactive journey and one that Wolverine’s kill squad (X-Force) once went on. A journey that sees him take down threats, new and old, to mutant kind. Magneto has shined as a leader of the darker side of mutantdom and he has lost allot of that recently. Don’t get me wrong he is still pretty bad ass but it will be a nice change to see him return to a darker Magneto. The first issue of this book will be worth checking out.

 

Secret Avengers #1 ANMN         Ales Kot is writing Iron Patriot and fittingly he is also the writer of the 3rd relaunch of the Secret Avengers. I was a huge fan of the first Secret Avengers but the recent volume did little to excite but with any luck this volume will rekindle the love I once had for this title. The lineup is similar to the last go around so I am not getting my hopes up. Either way I will try out this first issue out of loyalty, and hopefully the magic that has been created in the pages of Hawkeye and Black Widow is magic that Ales and Michael can bring to this once great title.

 

Avengers Undercover #1 ANMN         I did not like the wholesale slaughter that littered the pages of Avengers Arena, but Dennis Hopeless (W) and Kev Walker (A) may redeem themselves in my eyes with an intriguing concept that may not have been possible had it not been for Avengers Arena, and that is Avengers Undercover. Anachronism, Deathlocket, Bloodstone, and Hazmat are broken from their experience and them turning to the dark side is believable. They hope the Masters of Evil think so too. In a bid to take down some of the deadliest Avengers enemies they decide to play evil themselves. How long before their pretend evil begins to become reality and the urge to take down the Masters of Evil becomes an urge to fully join their ranks? I look forward to seeing how Dennis Hopeless explores what could be the darkest chapter of these characters lives in Avengers Undercover #1.

 

Fans of Doc Ock Spidey take note, Peter is returning. With the very close, inevitable relaunch of Amazing Spider-Man with Peter in the drivers seat, it gives limited time to enjoy the tale that Slott has been crafting. I will be sad to see Peter return but look forward to a hopeful future omnibus collecting Dan Slott’s amazing story.

 

Black Widow #4         A new series that I will be hyping as long as the quality is retained from the first issue is Black Widow. The fourth issue of this recent go at the Widow’s tale hooked me with Phil Noto’s beautiful art and Nathan Edmondson’s guiding words. Even with only the first issue out it is clear that this is the team that can make this book a hit, and I can’t imagine anyone else on the book, even this early in its run. Black Widow’s solo titles have always dealt with retribution for a dark past and this one continues that tradition but in a way that is fresh and new. If it wasn’t for Hawkeye’s recent success we wouldn’t have this addictive take on one of the deadliest women in all of comics.

 

All New X-Factor #4         Another title I cannot rave about enough is the Peter David written and Carmine Di Giandomenico drawn All-New X-Factor. A corporate sponsored team is nothing new but the way Peter David keeps the true nature of Serval Industries covered by a thin veil of mystery is going to keep me coming back for more. Like Black Widow this book will be on my pull list for the foreseeable future. The series double ships in March with issues #4 and #5 bringing Danger to the team.

 

Well that concludes our look at Marvel for the March shipping issues and already has me excited for what the April solicitations might bring.