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September 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | September 11, 2012 - 3:32 PM |September 13, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

September 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

I want to start this months columns off with a disclaimer. Recent events have led me to reducing my pull list. This is by no means a reflection on the quality of the books, more a statement on a reorganization of personal priorities. I am attempting to reduce my pull list down to 20 monthly books give or take 1 or 2, and being a little more selective on the one shots and mini-series. Trades and original graphic novels will also not be on my pull list until I catch up with my backlog that my very patient and understanding comic book shop is holding for me. Thank you Book Fair. With that being said I still intend to highlight the more interesting titles coming to you through Previews every month.

With that out of the way lets begin to look at the Previews listing for products coming to shelves in November of 2012. Marvel’s much hyped and extended roll out, dubbed Marvel Now, truly kicks in with their November solicitations. Indestructible Hulk by the creative team of Mark Waid (Writer) and Leinil Francis Yu (Artist) introduces us to the newest agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Hulk. He now has the intelligence of Banner with the raw strength of the Hulk, combined into one unstoppable form.

Leinil Francis Yu was one of my favorite parts of Secret Invasion. His artwork is sharp, and detailed, and brings a realism to the page. Mark Waid, while controversial at times, is undeniably an intelligent writer, who knows how to weave intricate story lines, and I hope he can bring some organization to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Agency since they have seemed largely ignored, and without any sense of structure since the days before H.A.M.M.E.R.. With Banner amongst their ranks they may again become a force to be reckoned with.

Brian Michael Bendis leaves the Avengers franchise behind and focuses on the mutants of the Marvel Universe with the launch of the All-New X-Men. Stuart Immonen provides the art for the series and from the preview pages it looks promising. The premise alone would have enough novelty to it to carry it for several issues.

The original five X-Men are brought forward from the time the first came together to the world of Marvel in the year 2012. This effectively brings Jean Grey back to the Marvel Universe without going for any kind of cheesy resurrection. This is going to be an examination of what comic books used to be versus what they have become over the last decade.

How will Hank react to seeing the Beast he has become? Will Jean Grey be able to deal with her own future? Cyclops, so idealistic, will have to deal with who he developed into. Depending on the ending of Avengers Vs. X-Men we may also see the bizarrest love triangle to rear its head in the Marvel Universe, Cyclops loves Jean Grey, who loves Cyclops? Where will that leave Emma, if Emma is still in the equation when the dust from the latest cross-over event settles? Bendis is someone I find I need a break from but this one will be coming home with me, at least on a trial basis.

Fans of Jason Aaron are sure to follow him to the new Thor: God of Thunder. With his recently concluded run on the critically lauded and fan favorite series Scalped, he is sure to bring some of those readers with him. Esad Ribic brings the art and creates a world that is both fantastical and believable.

Fantasy themed comics have long since slipped below my radar and while I will not be picking this up, I recommend this to fans of Scalped or high fantasy as this will satiate appetites for both. This is being noted for a possible trade read once the first arc concludes.

Captain America is relaunching and writer Rick Remember, and artist John Romita Jr. are essentially being given their own universe to play in. The solicits have a big promise of sci-fi pulp fantasy, and while it is a strange setting for the Sentinel of Liberty, the creative team are more than capable of bringing the pulp.

Rick Remember has been the writer on my favorite Avengers title, the Secret Avengers, and it is because of him that I will be picking up this book. The stunning art and panel layouts of John Romita Jr. is icing on the cake. With a name like The Saga of Dimension Z, how could Marvel Zombies not be curious about this new era?

Also of note in November is the ending of the Bendis era of the Avengers as the main title brings us the last two issues of his run before the big relaunch. The same is happening with the New Avengers. The excitement about New Avengers is the introduction of a new Sorcerer Supreme. I honestly hope they go with what works and they put Stephen Strange back into the role which he owns.

In a way I am happy to see an end to the Bendis era, it has been too long and a new voice for Earths Mightiest Heroes is definitely needed but one cannot disagree with one important fact, it is because of Bendis and the creative teams he surrounded himself with that propelled this franchise back to the prominence it deserves. While this may be an end, it is also Bendis, and he promises to end in a way that will help set the course for these teams for the foreseeable future.

Not an official Marvel Now relaunch but an exciting new direction none the less sees the previously overlooked Lady Sif to the forefront in Journey Into Mystery. Following a critically acclaimed run by Kieron Gillen, we get the new creative team of writer Kathryn Immonen and artist Valerio Schiti

Marvel Comics (and the rest of the comic book industry) has a sordid history with female leads, with many books disappearing before really having a chance to grow. Lady Sif has proven herself on countless occasions as being a character that yearns to be explored with a history of a warrior difficult to beat, and a lover of Thor.

She gets her time to shine and for once we will truly see what makes this defender of Asgard tick. Wonder Woman over at the distinguished competition has proven that a fantasy driven, female led book can work and work well, and I am willing to give Marvel a chance. This will be added to my pull list and is my Marvel Pick of the Month.

MY ONGOING MARVEL PULL LIST

All-New X-Men
Avengers
Captain America
Indestructible Hulk
Journey Into Mystery (from issue #646)
Secret Avengers
Uncanny Avengers

Aug 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | August 4, 2012 - 2:34 PM |August 4, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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Aug 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

The October solicits are upon us and I finally did something I had been doing a little of but sat down and seriously looked at my pull list. I wanted to decrease my monthly single issues allowing me more room to purchase trade paperbacks and original graphic novels, and after a couple of hours (not joking) I have completed my task. Some of my choices might surprise people, at the end of the day this will allow me to focus on the characters and franchises that I have grown to love.

I want to start with Marvel Comics this month for two reasons: 1) The Marvel Now initiative is launching, and 2) Marvel was affected most by my pull list downsizing.

Marvel Now! Point One #1 is an introduction into the new status quo and features a who’s who of Marvels creative pool. Little is known of the actual stories in this issue but I am assuming it was similar to the peeks we saw in the first Marvel Point One issue, a mixture of genres, and style that brought to light some slightly faded characters, and threw them into the spotlight.

My Marvel Pick of the Month is going to the new Rick Remember penned Uncanny Avengers #1. John Cassady (one of my favorite artists) is handling the art chores for this team that combines the world of the X-Men with that of the Avengers. The starting roster of Thor, Scarlet Witch, Captain America, Rogue, Wolverine and team leader Havoc is intriguing and I actually tried to dislike the idea of this title but as it moves closer to it’s launch date I find myself increasingly excited at the story potential for such a mixture of characters and personality types. It is a powerhouse of a team, but also one that is riddled with emotional scarring from their collective pasts. I have the distinct feeling that this book will become the corner stone of the new Marvel Universe post Avengers Vs. X-Men and I want to be in on the ground floor.

A+X looks to be an anthology title that will feature two stories each month, pairing an X-Men related character with an Avengers related character. Looks promising enough and with an introductory creative team including the likes of Jeph Loeb, Warren Ellis, and Dale Keown, it could tell some good stories. I tried the Vs. title of the Avengers Vs. X-Men event and it wasn’t my cup of tea so I will probably pass this title up, but for fans of both franchises I am sure this is going to make them happy.

AVX: Consequences is a mini-series that has its purpose in its title. This intrigues me and I find myself hoping that this is a little more of a personal series then just a tour of the post Avengers Vs. X-Men landscape. Kieron Gillen has been proven to be an excellent writer, and Tom Raney provides the art. I think this might be the hidden gem of this entire storyline, one can hope anyway.

Just a quick thought, with all of the AVX spin offs and mini-series, one was noticeably missing, a Front Line mini-series. This would have been the perfect storyline to really explore the storyline from a regular persons view, and see who supports who.

With my recent pull list purge I am happy to say Avengers is staying. I went back and forth with this title but with the knowledge that Bendis is leaving the title I am going to hang tough while the guard changes. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy Bendis but there has been so much for so long that I need a Bendis break. This final arc seems to be heading to quite a climax, ensuring that Bendis’s playground will be ready for the new creative team!

My favorite Avengers title has been Secret Avengers for some time. This book highlights characters that normally don’t get the chance to shine in other books, but Remember seems to have a firm grasp of the characters and their interactions seem genuine. The only character that is throwing me off is Captain Britain, his personality seems a bit off from what I am used to from him. That is, in my eyes, the only flaw of this book. Remember pays tribute to what has happened before, while telling its own story. Even the chapters that were part of the Avengers Vs. X-Men debacle worked within the larger tapestry of it’s own story. The beautiful covers by Arthur Adams is a definite plus.

The adults get poker, and the kids get flag football. Avengers Academy #38 brings us the much requested match between Avengers Academy and the Jean Grey School. I was relieved to see this title still being solicited, all of the Marvel Now! Information has me worried about a couple of the titles I do collect. While I did have this one removed from my pull list I am still watching the solicits and hope to come back to it when the concept speaks to me a little more.

Allot of titles are ending in October, no doubt to make way for Marvel Now! Relaunches at some point. Those titles ending their runs include: Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four, FF, New Mutants, and X-Men: Legacy. I am not sad in the slightest to see most of these runs end. Even after relaunch I am sure most of these books will get another new #1.

Hulk becomes Red She-Hulk with issue #58. I understand how I haven’t read the book with any regularity and my knowledge of the Red She-Hulk is limited, but I don’t understand this change. I will check this out on the stand, and while I do like the idea of a female led Marvel comic book, it needs to feel a little more fluid.

Daredevil fans take note, Bendis, Mack, Janson, and Sienkiewicz, some of the most celebrated creators attached to the man without fear, bring us his final story – Daredevil: End of Days #1 . Ben Urich has a writing assignment that is full of mystery, what was Matt Murdock’s final secret?

Marvel always has a reason for dipping into their backlist, and Spaceknights #1 (of 3) is intriguing. This collects the 2000 Spaceknights mini-series by Jim Starlin and Chris Batista. I have three guesses, this is being developed as an animated series for Disney, with storytelling similar to Power Rangers, they will be major players in the cosmic Marvel arena, or perhaps, and I realize this could be a stretch, the Spaceknights are getting their own series as part of the Marvel Now! Initiative. I am expecting an announcement either way in the next couple of months.

Dexter fans can get a fix of their favorite crime fighting serial killer with this new five issue mini-series which pits him against the Skid Row Slasher, Miami’s newest serial killer, all during his high school reunion. New York Times Bestselling Author, Jeff Lindsay adds more layers to one of the most popular TV shows of this generation.

As you can tell I made several changes, it is always tough to slim down a pull list but every once in awhile you have to sit back and look at what you do collect, and decide if you are collecting out of a weird feeling of obligation or if you have a genuine love for the characters, or creators. The answers may surprise you.

MY MARVEL PULL LIST

Avengers
AVX: Consequences
Hawkeye
Secret Avengers
Space Punisher
Uncanny Avengers
X-Treme X-Men

SPECIAL ORDER

Fear Itself: Journey Into Mystery Premiere HC
Marvel Now! Point One #1
Oz: The Marvelous Land of Oz TPB

DROPPED AS OF OCTOBER

Captain Marvel
Gambit
Uncanny X-Force
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine & the X-Men
X-Factor

July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | July 17, 2012 - 12:30 AM |July 17, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Marvel in September brings the end to the event monster known as Avengers Vs. X-Men. While there have been some interesting moments sprinkled throughout this storyline, for the most part I am happy it is finally over. The only downside is I know that this will lead into the much hyped Marvel Now! Initiative. I am sure many of the books in this relaunch will be of exceptional quality, but I can’t help shake the feeling that Marvel has seemed to be in a state of constant flux, without any clear direction ever since the opening pages of House of M, and this Now stuff is not helping that perception. It seems like Marvel is throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks and what doesn’t. That being said, I will be dropping several Marvel titles but will be trying out some of the new or relaunched titles as their roll out starts later in the year.

Back to the business at hand, and that business is Marvel in September. The big issue of the month is the final issue of the Avengers Vs. X-Men saga. From the cover solicitation it looks like the entity settles on one of our merry mutants to be it’s host. I am hoping that they do not go with Hope nor Rachel and instead, the Phoenix bonds with someone completely unexpected. If Marvel wants to shake things up and make the Marvel Universe more interesting in their new landscape, go with something different, and let it stick for awhile.

Uncanny X-Men has long been a title I have been wanting to potentially drop, but with the series ending (again) in October I am going to stick it out, plus I have a feeling that the relationship between Scott and Emma is heading into rocky territory and I want to see where this particular soap opera lands.

New Avengers is one of titles I am dropping. With so many Avengers titles out there, this one seems like the most redundant – great characters, no direction. Plus in the solicitation it mentions that New York is burning. Just a note to Marvel, saying New York is burning in the Marvel Universe is like saying that the sky is blue, it happens all the time, I don’t know how people still live there at this point. There are only so many times that a city can be destroyed before I would want to move, seriously, quit destroying New York.

For my Avengers fix I turn to Secret Avengers. This is my Marvel Pick of the Month. This title provides me with an exciting dose of the unexpected each and every month, and has really made an interesting team dynamic that is like nothing out there. This is the hidden gem of the Avengers line and I enjoy this more than the main title. This is a title that highlights B-Listers, both heroes, and villains, and gives them a unique personality that you rarely see in other appearances, and handled by a different creative team. Top this title with an Arthur Adams cover and you have a winner.

I tried the first couple of issues of Dark Avengers, and while it is solid, I have to let it fall off my list. There are just too many books with the word Avengers in it, and as a fan of the franchise that actually makes me sad. In this day and age some people can’t afford to read all the titles, and they are not all that self contained. I think that’s what appeals to me about Secret Avengers, it is more into singular storytelling, on very much a shared stage, but can operate independently, without any other title. I do seem to have a lot of love for that title.

Avengers Academy is another title that I am sad to see go, but what could have been a great concept, has become almost directionless. Unfortunately, the seemingly shoehorning of Avengers Vs. X-Men did not help matters. The kids seem to have stayed in the roles of the defensive victims. If there is any title I might hop back onto, it would be this one, but time will tell if it starts telling stories that expands the characters lives instead of making them more and more emo.

Both Thanos and Jim Starlin fans will be happy with September. Two of the writers tales make their collected appearances. Thanos: The Final Threat, collecting Avengers Annual (1967) #7 and Marvel Two-In-One Annual #2. The added perk of this one is that Jim Starlin provided the artwork for the story.

The Thanos Quest brings us the two issues of the 1990 mini-series Thanos Quest. This paired Jim Starlin with artist Ron Lim. Both of these series brought to light the disturbing love that he had for death, and how that love backfired. If you are a Jim Starlin fan, or a Thanos fan, or both, get these books, you will not be disappointed.

After hearing about the animated feature that Disney is planning to make, I am not surprised to see this reprinted. Back in Volume 2 of Alpha Flight, a team of Japan’s superheroes made their appearance. They had enough of a positive response that they were granted two mini-series dedicated to them, including the first one, Big Hero 6 – Brave New Heroes, penned by Chris Claremont. This collects all 5 issues of that miniseries and if you haven’t read it, it is worth picking up.

Another Rick Remember book I love is Uncanny X-Force. This book does for the X Family, what Secret Avengers does for that book group. Provides us with singular storytelling while acknowledging all of the comic book continuity all around them. Issue #31 promises to be more of the same high octane, unpredictable action in the X books. The Final Execution storyline continues here and we meet the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. I look forward to whatever Rick is writing in the Marvel Now relaunch.

I was happy to hear that Peter David’s X-Factor is going to remain virtually untouched during the upcoming relaunch. One notable exception is Havoc. As the supposed leader of the upcoming Uncanny Avengers I can’t see him sharing time between the two. Besides Marvel needs to get out of the habit of everyone being on 2-3 teams at any given time. Why not bring some under-utilized characters together, just a sprinkling Marvel. Peter David makes this cast of characters sing. This looks like the story line that is going to be the wedge that drives him away from X-Factor, and possible Polaris.

MY MARVEL PULL LIST

MINI-SERIES

Avengers Vs. X-Men
AVX Vs.
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe
Space Punisher

ONGOING

Avengers
Captain Marvel
Gambit
Hawkeye
Hulk (Mayan Rule Storyline – up to and including #57)
Secret Avengers
Uncanny X-Force
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine and the X-Men
X-Factor
X-Treme X-Men

SPECIAL ORDER

Dark Tower: The Gunslinger – The Journey Begins TPB
Marvel Zombies Destroy HC
Zombies Christmas Carol TPB

DROPPED AS OF SEPTEMBER

Astonishing X-Men
Avengers Academy
Dark Avengers
Fury Max
New Avengers

June 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | June 4, 2012 - 1:11 PM |June 4, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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June 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

We have had our look at DC Comics for August, now it is time to turn our attention to Marvel Comics.

Avengers Vs. X-Men is in its final act, and several other comics have returned to their own storylines. Allot of the tie ins did not feel fluid, or really seemed to have a purpose, it felt like the writers were not given much of an option about participation, and if some of them did, shame on them for putting out what they did. There have been rare glimmers of fun during the crossover so far, with my favorite tie-ins coming from the team out in space, in Secret Avengers. The rest of the tie-ins are usually around the bottom of my read pile.

New Avengers #29 does have me excited because of an appearance from the Illuminati. This concept of the power players of the Marvel Universe deserves more room to develop but has very few appearances. In New Avengers the Illuminati, knowing they have failed to stop the Phoenix before, group together one last time to try and do what they have never been able to before. Will they stop it? Doubtful. Will it be fun to read about this group of characters trying to get over grudges, resentments, and mistrusts? Absolutely!

Over in Wolverine & The X-Men #15 a classic team of sorts is assembled. Xavier, Rachel, Beast, Angel, and Iceman charge into battle, led by Wolverine charge into battle. Wolverine & The X-Men has done a good job of advancing bits and pieces of it’s own story while including the Avengers Vs. X-Men story beats and that gives me hope that this will be another fun issue. With a line up like Wolverine is leading it is sure to be nothing if not interesting.

Avengers Academy leaves the main Avengers Vs. X-Men storyline behind and deals with the fall-out, the closing of Avengers Academy. Issues #34 and 35 bring parts 1 and 2 of “Final Exam”. With the actual ending of the crossover unknown it is too soon to speculate if this is truly the final exam or if the Academy will be welcoming any new students in the near future. Either way this will be staying on my pull list.

Secret Avengers is also back to it’s previous story and we find out why the Shadow Council is doing what their doing. A new Masters of Evil makes their presence known, all this and Max Fury as well. So much happens in this book that it normally sits on top of the Avengers in my read pile.

Zeb Wells helps celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man over in Avenging Spider-Man #11 where he teams up with the most important person in his life, May Parker. For Spider-Man fans this will be a must purchase, but Zeb Wells has proven in the past that he can always bring something different to the table, and is more than capable of handling Spider-Man and the most important supporting member of his cast.

That 50th Anniversary is also going to brings us back to different moments of Spider-Mans past with Peter Parker, Spider-Man #156.1, Sensational Spider-Man #33.1 and 33.2, and Web of Spider-Man #129.1 and 129.2. It’s a busy month for Spider-Man fans, lucky for my wallet I prefer seeing him in a team because this is allot of Spidey.

Matt Fraction has proven that he can tackle the spy genre with amazing skill, and I hope he brings that kind of sensibility to help flesh out the Avengers resident bowman, Clint Barton (a.k.a. Hawkeye). David Aja brings an amazing eye for layouts to Hawkeye #1. Hawkeye is out to prove (again?) that he is one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, this time with a sidekick, ex-Young Avenger Kate Bishop. The only thing I question about this book is the fact that Hawkeye has proven time and again that he has every right to be an Avenger, and an A-Lister. He has proven himself, so lets hopefully get some good stories where he holds up his reputation because he shouldn’t have to fight for it at this point.

Punisher vs. a six armed space Hulk? Yes please. Space Punisher #2 (of 4) is one I am excited to read. I like to have a selection of fun comics where I can just read, and enjoy, without worrying about any kind of continuity or crossover. There should be more of these put out by the big two.

The ClanDestine continue their return to the Marvel Universe in Daredevil Annual #1 and Wolverine Annual #1. Marvel Tales by Alan Davis Parts 2 and 3 close off the story began in Fantastic Four Annual #33.

If the early pencilled pages preview of Gambit #1 are any indication, writer James Asmus, and artist Clay Mann, have a very nice looking book hitting the stands in August. I appreciate the fact that the solicitation stresses that Bella Donna is not in this issue. This means that James and Clay might actually be adding something new to Remy’s story instead of rehashing that which has come before. I am not entirely sure why Gambit is getting another solo book launch at this time but I will roll with it for the first arc, besides I am a sucker for a pretty face, and Remy has that in spades.

Another out of continuity mini-series makes its debut, Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1-4 (of 4) ships weekly in August. Cullen Bunn writes and Dalibor Talajic draws the Merc with a Mouth as he cuts a bloody swath through the Marvel Universe. I was a fan of the mini-series Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe and I hope this brings the same level of homicidal wackiness that that one provided. With the horror genre one that Cullen has proved he can handle with ease I would assume that he is the right man to illustrate just how far Deadpool can take his depraved lunacy and answer the question, when does Deadpool go from funny to disturbing? That question alone propels this book to Marvel Pick of the Month!

That’s it for Marvel in August, coming shortly will be a look at IDW, Dark Horse, Dynamite, and Image for August!

MARVEL PULL LIST

Astonishing X-Men
Avengers
Avengers Academy
Avengers Vs. X-Men
AVX vs
Captain Marvel
Dark Avengers
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe
Fury Max
Gambit
Hawkeye
Hulk (Mayan Rule Storyline – up to and including #57)
New Avengers
Secret Avengers
Space Punisher
Uncanny X-Force
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine & The X-Men
X-Factor
X-Treme X-Men

SPECIAL ORDER

Dr. Strange: Season One Premiere HC
Essential Warlock Vol. 1 TPB
Ultimate Comics Ultimates by Johathan Hickman Vol. 1 TPB

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
					1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30

Tag Archives: upcoming marvel comics

September 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

September 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

MY ONGOING MARVEL PULL LIST

Aug 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Aug 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

MY MARVEL PULL LIST

SPECIAL ORDER

DROPPED AS OF OCTOBER

July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

MY MARVEL PULL LIST

MINI-SERIES

ONGOING

SPECIAL ORDER

DROPPED AS OF SEPTEMBER

June 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

June 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

MARVEL PULL LIST

SPECIAL ORDER

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