Category Archives: David’s Diamond Review

David Grouix reviews the upcoming new comics from the Diamond Previews catalogue.

April 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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Hello comic book fans and welcome to the Previews Review for the magazine dated April 2014, showcasing product appearing in stores starting in June 2014. It has been a busy time for me with 2 moves happening within a very short span of time. Once this move is done I hope to get my life back onto a schedule which includes my writing, so with any luck and a major readjustment to my sleeping schedule this will be my last delayed article.

First up will be DC Comics. With delays plaguing many of the Forever Evil related titles these solicitations could be considered suggestions at this point but let’s jump in anyway and see what we have coming up, maybe in June, maybe not, we’ll see.

Infinity Man and the Forever People #1          For many months the New 52 has been an inaccurate description of the publishing line up with the title count not really coming close. DC looks to change that with the first of many new titles launching. We only get one new launch in June but it is an intriguing one. The legacy of Kirby’s Fourth World has been touched upon but the door is thrown open by the creative team of Dan Didio (W), Keith Giffen (W, A), and Scott Koblish (A) in the pages of Infinity Man and the Forever People #1. The premise seems simple enough, 4 students from New Genesis come to Earth to help with the advancement of humanity, that’s the simple part. Expect twists and turns as this is the creative team that brought us the incredibly under-appreciated OMAC launch at the start of the New 52. With Geoff Johns titles mostly playing it safe, Didio is known for taking a few more risks. This is a must buy for me.

New 52 Futures End #5          One thing I am picking up from the previews and solicitations for Futures End is that there have been apparently no new characters to appear in the five year leap forward. While it would have been nice to see the hint at future characters and concepts, the changes that the existing characters have gone through is quite drastic, primarily Frankenstein and Black Widow, never expected to see that. If you haven’t seen it, do look online or wait until the series starts rolling. June sees issues 5 through to 8 on the stands.

Justice League United #2          I am torn on Justice League United. On one hand the title was originally supposed to highlight the Canadian version of the team but instead we get the galactic adventures front and center. On the other hand it is written by Jeff Lemire who I have a large amount of faith in. Issue 2 transports us, and the team to Rann, plus we get a visit from fancy Lobo. While I am missing the Canadian content I am looking forward to reading the continued adventures of the country displaced team.

Worlds Finest #24          World’s Finest #24 by Paul Levitz (W), R.B. Silva (A), and Joe Weems (A) starts a storyline that will bring the two title characters back to Earth 2. Could this series be ending soon? Could it be the start of the road to the Earth 2 weekly that will possibly be joining Batman Eternal and Futures End on the shelves?

Superman #32            I mentioned earlier how Geoff Johns seems to favor the tried and true a little more than taking risks and that is clear in the solicitation for Superman #32 which sees the creative team change. Geoff Johns takes the writing reigns and legendary artist John Romita, Jr. lead the charge that sees Clark get an invitation to return to the Daily Planet. The solicitation promises new villains, and new heroes, and I hope that is true because Superman needs to change with the times, if the readers and DC allow it.

Batman and Ras Al Ghul #32          The question about Damian Wayne’s resurrection may be answered in June when Batman and Ra’s Al Ghul #32 comes to the comic shop. Peter J. Tomasi writes and art is provided by Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray for the concluding chapter of “The Hunt for Robin”. While I have not followed Damian’s exploits prior to his too soon death it is clear he had a following and he brought a human quality to the Dark Knight that you rarely saw in the character, and maybe that is something that will be back soon.

Batgirl #32          Could Oracle be returning in some form? That’s what I would get from the solicitation from Batgirl #32 from Gail Simone (W), Fernando Pasarin (A), and Jonathan Glapion (A) when Barbara has to deal with an enemy who is electronically her true identity. Instead of donning the cape of Batgirl she has to think of an alternative. I have missed Oracle so much since the New 52 rebooted and I feel that we lost something when Barbara left that identity behind in the old DC. Here’s hoping for Oracles return.

Larfleeze #12           Larfleeze is ending in June with issue 12. This may sound harsh but is anyone surprised? The only thing more surprising is the continued publication of Batwing.

Batman 66 Meets Green Hornet #1          Dynamite and DC are teaming up retro pulp style with the release of Batman ’66 Meets Green Hornet #1. This is a digital first series but June will see it in print. Written by Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman with art by Ty Templeton, this is sure to be a hit, as long as Smith respects the theory of a deadline with this one.

Tiny Titans Return to the Treehouse #1          All ages fans look alive. June sees the return of the fan favorite Tiny Titans in Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #1 (of 6). Art Baltazar (A,W), and Franco (W) are back with their Eisner Award-winning series. What happened to the treehouse and why is it so small? This is what Superboy and Supergirl and the others need to find out. These books are fun and a wonderful way to introduce a younger generation to the fun of comic books.

Well that’s it for DC, up next is Marvel!

March 2014 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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March 2014 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Hello comic book fans. This is the third and final look at the product shipping to comic book stores starting in May 2014. Marvel and DC are done so let’s see what the other publishers have to offer.

 

Star Wars Darth Maul Son of Dathomir #1          While Marvel has gone into meetings recently considering their direction with the Star Wars comics Dark Horse is still releasing some exciting product. Season 6 of the amazing Clone Wars series recently came to a close but Dark Horse has Star Wars: Darth Maul-Son of Dathomir. It is a four issue mini-series that tells a story originally intended for the animated series. After being sliced in half, and being rejected by his mentor, Darth Maul is pretty pissed (being cut in half would tick me off as well) and he intends to take on all of his enemies with an army of Mandalorians. Darth Maul was the best thing to come out of The Phantom Menace and an angry Darth Maul is even better.

 

Brain Boy Men From Gestalt #1           Brain Boy is back in the four issue mini Brain Boy: The Men From G.E.S.T.A.L.T.. Fred Van Lente is again penning the adventures of Agent Price and instead of a power hungry, powerful leader of a military controlled country he is pressed into action against a politically driven cult leader who wants the President dead. The first mini and the zero issue pulled you in and, at least for me, made this a character to watch. Issue 1 is out in May. Pick it up and while you’re at it look for the trade collecting the first mini and the zero issue. You will not be disappointed.

 

Dark Horse Presents #36         The anthology that could, Dark Horse Presents, is ending its current run with issue in #36 in May but it will be back in a slightly smaller (page count) and lower price version, so be on the lookout.

 

TMNT 30th Anniversary Special         I still can’t believe that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are at the 30th Anniversary Special but they are and IDW is celebrating with a 30th Anniversary 48 page anthology featuring stories from Kevin Eastman, and many other creators who have helped guide the heroes in a half shell through all of the different publishers over the years. It still blows me away that they premiered when I was only 9. The price tag of $7.99 is a little high but for such a classic set of characters that have withstood the test of time it is completely worth it, plus the cover from the co-creators of Eastman and Laird is totally worth it.

 

Trees #1         Warren Ellis has always been a writer I enjoyed but with the recent brilliance of Moon Knight over at Marvel, I am more inclined to pick up a book with his name attached and Image has a first issue with him writing and Jason Howard on art that has piqued my interest. The solicitation is cryptic and involves aliens being among us but even though I know very little going in Warren Ellis is writing science fiction and that is all I need to know. Trees #1 is out the last week of May and I look forward to him playing in a sandbox of his creation.

 

COWL #1         With the plethora of superhero books and universes hitting the stands it makes sense to try something different with the genre. Kyle Higgins (W), Alec Siegel (W) and Rod Reis (A) are going to do just that when they unionize them in C.O.W.L. #1. In Chicago the superheroes have to battle not just super villains but a public that grows weary of the antics. This means the heroes have to try and prove their worth a little more but can they do that while dealing with corruption within their own union? I don’t know but I want to find out.

 

Afterlife with Archie #7 Francavilla Afterlife with Archie #7 Pepoy         For regular readers you know one of my favorite titles and that is Afterlife With Archie and this month is no different. Advance solicited for June is issue 7, and it begins the second arc and with an ominous title like “Betty R.I.P.” you know it isn’t going to end well. In a series that has clearly demonstrated that no one is safe that storyline title should make you nervous. This is also a chance to further see the rest of Archie’s America while the gang, those left anyway, try to celebrate Thanksgiving in the forest of Pennsylvania. Things don’t go well, but for the Riverdale survivors does it ever in a world overrun by the living dead?

 

Clive Barkers Nightbreed #1         Years ago I remember watching Nightbreed for the first time and Clive Barkers brilliance shone on the big screen. He returns to that world writing new stories with Marc Andreyko and being joined by Piotr Kowalski on art in Clive Barker’s Nightbreed #1. This is the same world but new stories set in both the past and present. Boom Studios should have a hit on their hands with this one since the visionary creator is directly involved and cannot for Marc, his work has been a critical favorite with his DC series Manhunter being one of most cherished fan favorite series from the pre New 52 DC.

 

Chaos #1 Campbell Chaos #1 Rafael sub         They may not be celebrating a 30th Anniversary but Purgatory, Chastity and Evil Ernie, amongst others, are coming back when the Chaos Universe gets relaunched with Chaos #1 (of 6). While I was a huge fan of these characters and collected my fair share of bad girl comics I will be skipping this only because Tim Seeley is writing. His writing style is not for me and I admit I am a little sad I will be missing this but for fans of his writing, and of the Chaos Universe do not hesitate to pick this up. As we approach release for this I may change my mind because at the end of the day it may be something I like and writers have surprised me before.

 

Rai #1 A Crain Rai #1 B Hitch Rai #1 C Segovia Rai #1 D Allen Rai #1 Plus Edition         The last book I want to bring up is from Valiant. They are launching a new initiative known as Valiant First which aims to not only bring a new number one each month but also make sure that their books are at the top of their reading piles, and Rai #1 by Matt Kindt (W) and Clayton Crain (A) is sure to hit the top of mine. The artwork is fully painted and looks beautiful with a dark moody look at the Valiant Universe of the year 4001 A.D., and if you have read Mind Mgmt you know what kind of writer Matt Kindt is and what kind of pedigree he brings to what is sure to be a big release. Ignoring the brujaha that the first issue cover caused, this tale of a warrior who is driven to protect the billions of citizens of the Japan of the future looks to be a solid and entertaining read. Check out the previews online and judge for yourself but it is books like this that make Valiant a publisher to watch.

 

The summer months are coming up which means, much like the temperatures, the publishers are sure to be heating up in the next few months. See you in a few weeks when we see what is hitting in June of this year. As usual good reading to all of the fan boys and fan girls out there.

March 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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March 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Let’s pay a visit to DC Comics and what they will be shipping starting in May 2014.  With Forever Evil finally over the DC Universe heads into the next chapter of it’s editorially controlled story. Where Marvel seems to be allowing more creative freedom and very different takes on its characters DC seems to be going for the opposite. Most titles are serious and generic superhero titles.

 

Wonder Woman #31          The prime example for me is Wonder Woman, which is one of the rare titles that launched with the first wave and has maintained a strong independent voice on the comic stands, but that is even coming to an end when the creative team is changed and they bring the book more in line with her Justice League character. What this means to me is that DC is losing the one book that has truly shone a light on a character that has struggled in the past to find her own voice and identity, and turning it into another generic superhero book.

 

This limits my excitement for DC, who does not seem to want their characters to be different from each other, but instead they are all to be cut from the same dark and serious superhero mold. Not all of DC is like this and the creators are doing what they can with what little freedom they are allowed but as a fan I am just sharing my impressions. With that out of the way let’s look at some of the more interesting solicitsin Previews.

 

New 52 Futures End #1          A second weekly is joining the lineup in May. Futures End begins with a bang as a Justice League member dies. With that being said I am looking at this series as more of an Elseworlds as fans know DC would never make such drastic changes permanent. Grifter appears in the first issue and Stormwatch and their fate are discussed in the fourth issue. This is a relief as with the cancellation of Stormwatch (not surprising considering the title never found a voice through its entire run) there are no Wildstorm characters of prominence in the DCU in the regular line, and many of those characters have so much potential that has been thoroughly wasted since the launch.

 

One other exciting story point is the introduction of Batman Beyond into DC continuity. He is on a mission to stop whatever dark future will presumably envelop the DCU. As a self admitted geek I can’t help but wonder about the conundrum this will create. If Batman Beyond goes back in time to prevent a dark future, and ends up being successful then in the future Batman Beyond would not need to go back in time creating a paradox. I know this may not matter to most and that time travel is not a real thing (at the moment) but my logic cannot shake this point, hence the Elseworlds view I have of this title. It may sound like I am bad mouthing the title but it will be on my pull list because, logic aside, this book has a list of strong creators involved (Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Aaron Lopresti, Art Thibert, etc.) and should be a fun read. The first 4 issues drop in May.

 

Justice League United #1          Animal Man by Jeff Lemire may be cancelled but his adventures will continue in Justice League United #1 written by Lemire and drawn by Mike McKone. While Justice League of America seemed like nothing more than a really drawn out Forever Evil prelude where the characters were driven purely by the crossover, United will hopefully allow these characters to grow, plus they are in Canada, which has been ignored on a regular basis by DC Comics. It will be nice to see our country represented. Issue #1 follows up on the April shipping 0 issue and will be added to my pull list, for the time being.

 

Secret Origins #2          Secret Origins #2 is out in May and its lead story is Batman. A strange addition, and really a wasted edition as Batman’s origin is being played out in his main title written by Scott Snyder.  The other two origins could hold promise though as we will be treated to the beginnings of Aquaman and Starfire.

 

Batman Eternal #5          The other weekly continues in May with issues #5-8 of Batman Eternal hitting stands. I will pick this up for the entire run as long as Scott Snyder stays involved.

 

Batman and Frankenstein #31          Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE was one of my favorite books when the New 52 launched but since it did not feature Batman, or Superman it wasn’t supported by readers (readers who still claim to want something different, and still do) and the character is relegated to occasional appearances. He makes a surprising appearance when he joins Batman on his search for Robin in Batman and Frankenstein #31. Anytime Frank appears and mutters “Hurrrmmm” I am onboard.

 

Movement #12          The Movement comes to a close in May with its twelfth issue. This is a solid book that didn’t have a chance in a market where new DC concepts are rejected by readers in favor of more of the same. Here is hoping that the characters that Simone wrote will make appearances elsewhere.

 

Sadly that brings an end to our look at DC Previews for May. With the recent announcement of more launches in the coming months I look forward to potentially having more books to highlight.

March 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

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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

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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.