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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