Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 5748 Location: California
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:55 pm Post subject:
Not as much of a load as last week...
Captain America #29
No way. It's not possible that writer, Ed Brubaker could actually write Captain America without Steve Rogers and yet he pulled it off. It's amazing how addictive this arc is going so far. It's almost like this formula could work in any other comic book.
Things are all going to hell as Sin releases Crossbones from capivity, Falcoln and Sharon are getting closer to Bucky but are being followed by Black Widow, Bucky after learning Crossbone's fiasco, realizes that he's heading for Aleksander Luskin (who's arguing with the Red Skull inside him). Woof, big 'ole ish.
Grade: A
Sub-Mariner #3
Well-rounded issue with a classic action/dialogue/action sandwich. It works well sometimes, like in this case, but it'll feel like they're overdoing it. I kinda like the whole Atlantean Civil War plot. Really well thought out. Some pretty good pencils also make this issue that much enjoyable. Venom has been displaying some freaking sadistic behaviour lately. First, he bites Steel Spider's arm off and now he's... RIPPED NAMOR'S ANKLE WINGS??!!
Grade: B
Quasar #2
Not really as good as the other Annihilation: Conquest titles like Nova or Star-Lord, this issue is really advancing the plot with no hurry at all. But the whole thing with Quasar and Moondragon is getting really repetitive. "I can't control my powers!!" "Just remember that I love you!" "Okay, I'm fine now..." Oh, but this Super-Adaptoid character's really cool. He has all of the Avenger's powers at his disposal which means hell for Quasar. It's great seeing old-school villians getting the spotlight.
Grade: B-
Ultimate Spider-Man #112
Dammit, it's gonna be hard to get used Immonen's style. I wonder if I ever will. Some good setups have been made for this arc, like Peter and Kitty being assigned to a project and Norman demanding to see Nick Fury. Kitty's solo costume though... Ugh. It looks ridiculous. Speaking of which, what the hell's up with Carol Danver's hairdo? In Ultimate Secret she had it short as was in Ultimate Power, then in UFF, it got pretty long, almost like Sue's and now it's almost like 616. On another less trivial criticism, I'm excited to see how Immonen will go on... even if I miss Bagely.
Grade: A
Wizard #190 & 191
It's been forever since I've read an issue of Wizard! I was beginning to doubt that I was going to. Like always, the articles are very top-notch and the side commentary is hilarious. Although there are some small things that are different, I dig Wizard. Especially, the Elektra-Skrull cover to 190. It's unsually glossy for a Wizard cover.
Grades: B+/B _________________ Proud Member of The Ultimate Marvels!!
"If we encounter hostiles, silent throat cuts only." -Brick Tamland
Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 5748 Location: California
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:04 am Post subject:
Marvel
The Amazing Spider-Man #543
If you want an amazingly good and emotional story arc, then you'd better check out this one. Capping it off, Strazynski crafts one helluva turn for our Friendly Neighborhood or in this case the Not-So-Friendly Nieghborhood by deconstructing him as very desperate and willing to do whatever it takes to help the ones he loves by any means necassary. Although, the ending really does nothing but just lead into One More Day, I enjoyed this arc.
Grade: A
The Order #2
I'm starting to like this here series. Some drama with a great concept and some sweet action is the perfect equation for a good series. The art is very crisp and quite stunning meanwhile the development of the story is just as attracting. Add some good characters and you've got me hooked. Hopefully, this'll continue to just as captivating as this keeper.
Grade: A-
Iron Man: Director Of S.H.I.E.L.D. #21
This book is slowly developing this humongous resolution that's really not that attracting. I can't tell when this will happen but by the looks of it, lots of casualties will be made. Every issue someone dies or gets badly injured. Not that it's a bad thing but I feel like these should be made by the end of this conflict because it's like the only reason you need to read this is to see who bites it.
Grade: C+
Justice, Like Lightning... Thunderbolts #116
Damn, Warren Ellis can script fericious fight scenes when he wants to. Penance cuts loose while Mindwave annihilates some cops! Progession here is spot on! Everybody's dialogue is believable and the art fits perfectly here. I can't wait for the next issue!
Grade: A
World War Hulk: Gamma Corps #2
Now this series is starting to annoy me. More importantly, I don't see the point of this series besides the fact to show casualties of some Hulk-related events. Every team member's origin is explained without any hurry. Nothing big really except the ending which leaves you wondering when this takes place. I'm not liking how WWH is having this many crappy tie-ins...
Grade: C-
World War Hulk Gamma Files
Now how the hell did I not know that this was a handbook? If I would've known, I wouldn't have bought this! Basically, if you want some back info anything Hulk, then get this book; if not, whatever...
Grade: C
Star-Lord #2
This book rocks! Kieth Giffen rules at sci-fi action! He writes a perfect blend of fighting while advancing the storyline. Out of all the Conquest titles, this has got to be the best one by far! By adding a crew full of odd members, Star-Lord shines! I only wish that they would actually turn this mini-series into an ongoing. It's a shame this is only four issues long...
Grade: A
Ultimate Fantastic Four #45
Nothing huge happens here except, of course, Silver Searcher's (Yes, Silver Searcher) mysterious origin. It's pretty much like 616 except some minor differences and yet I actually prefer this one over the original. Spectactular art from Pasqual, as usual and Mike Carey's dialogue is pretty well done but I think this feels like a filler for the next issue. Oh, and the last page was outstanding!
Grade: B+
Halo: Uprising #1
It was damn near impossible to get this book being a minor and all, but I did! This book is freaking badass. Bendis just got the number one slot in my Top 10 favorite writers because of this book. Oh, and don't get me started on the art-- dammit, it's great! Maleev is unbelievably superb here! Seriously, this book kicks tons of ass.
Grade: A+
Dynamite Entertainment
Army Of Darkness #12 & 13
First off, let me explain that the only reason I got these were because I was told that these were a prequel to the Marvel Zombies Vs. Army Of Darkness mini from a while back and well... I think these issues are retarded. Well, I guess I'm saying that because this is the first time I've read Army Of Darkness and some past plot points are mentioned from earlier issues that I never read before but no, the plot here is beyond the bizzare and it ends with a rather big contuinity mistake! The MZ Vs. AoD writer was much better at portraying Ash than this guy-- much better...
Grades: F/F _________________ Proud Member of The Ultimate Marvels!!
"If we encounter hostiles, silent throat cuts only." -Brick Tamland
Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 3932 Location: Wisconsin
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:47 pm Post subject:
Time to grade this week's comic book (October 24, 2007) :
with minimal comments.
MARVEL
Ultimate Spider-Man #115 - [A+] Loved it! Green Gobby and Spidey fight! WOOOO! Really good ish, especially the cover. I got the variant edition, featuring my favorite cover of the year: Zombie Ultimate Spider-Man!!!!!!
Moon Knight #13 - [B+] Solid ish! The art was crazy, but I liked it. And MK had gone completly insane this issue! Khonshu speaks through Marc! It's awesome!! And I'm looking forward to the new artist, forgot his name, but he was amazing in Ghost Rider!
What If? Planet Hulk - [A-] I really was looking forward to it and it didn't let me down. I liked the first tale better than the 2nd, but they were both enjoyable.
X-men #204 - [A-] Really enjoyed the artwork. Eye CANDY!!! Good story too. Gambit seems to be getting more like he used to, a little anyways.
Thunderbolts #117 - [B-] Eh, it was all right. Doc Samson was a little more crazy than I thought he was. Phsycho. It was good artwork, although some panels seemed a little sloppy. I loved the ending though. I won't give it away. *Whistles*
Marvel Spotlight: Marvel Zombies - [A-] Haven't read through it, but I like what I see. Anything Marvel Zombies related, I have to get. God, I love Marvel Zombies!!!
Black Panther #31- [C+] - Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. It was just straaaange! The art, was nice, but the whole storyline is goofier than a... goofy thing! I don't know how much longer I'll be collecting it! It's not because of today's issue, it's because I have to keep my weekly costs down!
DC
Tales of the Sinestro Corps #1- Superman Prime - [A-] Good art, good origin recap, of DC's biggest evil pyschoptath, Supes Prime. It sets the stage for an epic fight, and I cannot wait. Sinestro Corps has been the best storyline this year, right there with WWH.
Green Lantern Corps #17- [B-] - Another good edition to the Sinestro Corps saga. The only reason I give it a B-, is I don't like how this new artist depicted GL Guy Gardner in a few parts.
Green Arrow Year 1 #6 - [A] The conclusion of the recap of GA's origin, it had everything I expected: Action, comedy, and some really nice parts. Good mini series, but it is now over. GOOD! Another comic eliminated from my monthly costs!
My pick of the week goes to:
Ultimate Spider-Man #115!!!
With What If? Planet Hulk, a close second!
And rounding it out at third is:
Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Superman Prime #1 out of 1
See ya next week, folks! _________________ "THE ULTIMATE MARVEL TRIVIA GAME! C'mon it's Fun!"
Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 4341 Location: Michagan
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 1:02 am Post subject:
Okay today i picked up
BATMNA AND ROBIN BOY WONDER!!! Written by Frank Miller. Drawn by the one the only JIM LEE!!! So needless to say that art is amazing. They show the Joker back and just as crazy as ever. Dick grayson is trying to find a suoer hero idenity. He tries to become the hood and be an archer but Batman wont let him. Bat ends up meeting the green Lantern and arranges a meeting with him beacuse Hal wants to talk to him. Its an amazing issue and im going to have to pick up the rest. Issue 9 gets an A+ _________________ CowBoy From HEll
Proud Member of The Ultimate Marvels!! [
Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 3932 Location: Wisconsin
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:08 pm Post subject:
Okay I haven't done this for a while, but I'll attempt it again this week!
December 19, 2007
MARVEL
The Incredible Herc #112 (Hulk) -
Okay I actually really enjoyed this issue. Pak did an absolute bang up jon of writing Herb and Amadues in this issue that I didn't even care that Hulk didn't show up in it! I almost didn't pick it up, and I'm glad that my common sense prevailed and I did buy it! The art is crisp and fresh, the story is exciting, and hell, I think I'm a big Hercules fan now! Great issue and I can't wait for the next one. Ares vs. Herc looks to be a good angle!
Grade: A
WWH AfterSmash: Warbound #1
Pak and Kirk made a great team in this issue as I loved Pak's writing and Kirk's drawings! This series, I was very excited about, and the 1st issue met my expectations! I really loved this one! I can't wait to see the fates of the Warbound, as I love each of them in my own way! They are all unique and interesting characters that Pak almost always brilliantly writes! I hope none of them die, especially Korg! And that back-up tale! Kudos Pak! Great job on this issue!
Grade: A
The Mighty Avengers #6
Okay this was a decent wrap up to an average arc, in my opinion. At first I liked all the little thought bubbles, but I'm starting to get sick of them now! They just aren't that funny to me, more of an annoyance! The art is slick an I like it, like I did from the start! There were obviously some loose threads left in this issue, that will be further explored in the upcoming issues! I loved the ending that perfectly fit with New Avengers! That last page was brilliant! And I'm super thrilled for the next Venom arc! Bendis and Bagley- re-unite for one arc!!!! Genius decision!
Grade: B+
Marvel Holiday Special
The cover was awesome! That first story was easily the best! The 2nd was kind of average for me, so go figure! Oh I did like that guess the Marvel characters dressed as Santa type cartoon thingy! The last story wasn't too bad either, better than average! I read last year's Marvel Holiday Special and I'd have to say this one was better so that's good news! The 1st story was the best by a mile though!
Grade: B
Avengers Classic #7
Reprinting the original Avengers #7 by Stan and Jack is great but including the sweet back-up tales in each and every issue, all for the low price of 3 dollars, makes this series a great value! And this issue featured the best back-up tale to date! I loved it! Oeming's painted art is so cool! This was a great issue, good to read the old original issues, and the new and exciting back-up tales!
Grade: A
Captain America: The Chosen #5 (of 6)
This mini-series is really great and each issue seems to get better. I love the art so much!!!The coloring also deserves a nod, as it's so moody it makes you feel like you're actually there! And it's really cool how Cap A. isn't really there with the solider in Iraqi, but he's giving him the strength to do the impossible! Gives you a feel of how much the troops are important and what they do for our country means so much!!!! I have nothing bad to say about this issue or any of the issues in this series so far! Really good mini!
Grade: A
New X-Men #45
Messiah CompleX Chapter 8! Great event so far, and I liked this installment as well. The Deathstrike/X-23 fight was great! And I can't wait to see what Cable's big plan is here! Another solid issue to a great event!
Grade: A-
Ultimate X-Men #89
Kirkman did a damned fine job here! The whole Shadow King thing was pretty cool actually! I liked his story and it fit well. I'm just surprised we never saw Storm's ex before... That's my only real complaint here! Solid issue really!
Grade: A
What If? Civil War
Now this was spectacular! I loved both of the stories here and I wish the second one would have happened. I LOVED that idea! That was pure genius! The art and writing, and really the plot..were AMAZING! This whole issue was really well put together and I loved it! This was very close to perfection!!! Possibly the best single issue of the year!
Grade: A+
X-Men First Class #6
Jeff Parker is a talented writer who really respects the classic X-Men and their history. He does a bang up job on this book and I'm a big fan of him and the art in the book. All around you would be hard pressed to find a better X book on the shelf right now. This book, although not the best in the series so far, is still very good. I won't say too much about it, but it is a good issue, not the best so far, but nontheless a fantastic job was done on this one as well. Great series, pretty good issue.
Grade: B
DC
Metamorpho Year One #6 of 6
A good finale to a very good re-telling of Metamorpho's origin. Good mini-series. I liked it very much! I love Metamorpho now! Overall I'd give the series a B+ and this issue gets a...
Grade: B+
JLA #16
Nowhere near as good as the last issue, but still the art shined through well. The story is a little weird in this issue and the art (although great) lacked a little on a few panels. Not a bad issue, but I kinda miss Brad Meltzer! Oh well.
Grade: B-
Countdown Arena #3
I don't care what people say. This series is good! I LOVE it! I don't care if the compromise seems dumb, I like it! This issue was just as good as the last 2 and I can't wait for #4, the finale! I actually like the art and writing and the idea. So whatever. I like it and I thought this issue was very enjoyable like the last 2.
Grade: A+
My pick of the week is...
Countdown Arena #3 by a hair over What If? CW!
GO COUNTDOWN ARENA!!!! YAYY!!!!
I didn't get Countdown #19 today, I'm waiting 'till next week when I have more cash!! _________________ "THE ULTIMATE MARVEL TRIVIA GAME! C'mon it's Fun!"
Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 5748 Location: California
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:36 am Post subject:
The Mighty Avengers #6
Hot damn, it's finally over! After too many delays, the belated conclusion to The Mighty Avenger's first arc has arrived. I can't understand how it took Frank Cho so long. Also, sorry to report, but if you've been reading New Avengers, you've officially spoiled the next MA arc. The way this was supposed to be pulled off with New Avengers and Mighty has immensely backfired. It sucks, but at least we got Bagely for the next storyline before he moves to DC...
Grade: B-
The Incredible Herc #112
Fred Van Lente joins co-writer Greg Pak in this book that was originally The Incredible Hulk and I'm pleased to inform that it's a kickass new status quo. The storyline kicks off to a steady beginning only to be rocked with a conflict that catalyzes both Hercules and Cho on a buddy-cop ride. The art's not really that impressive especially when it comes to a certain Greek God of War's eyes... Pick this mofo up and enjoy the rollercoaster ride that ensues, people.
Grade: B+
Warbound #1
Jeez, when will Greg Pak lose grip of these guys? Hopefully, never! Pak packs (horrible pun intended) a nice setup for the limited series that stars my favorite crew of misfits. Oddly enough, I was taken by surprise to find the issue ended halfway only to reveal another story related to the former. What a treat! Art's okay... Not too bad, but not too good either. So, while you're already taking Incredible Herc, take this book for the long haul, too.
Grade: B
New X-Men #45
And I thought Messiah Complex couldn't get any better... Lots and lots of action is all smushed into this keeper. X-Force Vs. Deathstrike & Co. Vs. Cable... nice. And everything crescendoes on up to a kickass end of the chapter. But, dammit, the art can be hard to digest. The Messiah and Layla Miller's eyes are not kosher... But, fortunately, that's my only nitpick.
Grade: A
The Order #6
I'm not so sure I'm liking how late we are into this series and how slow we're being introduced to the cast's personalities. On the other hand, the core storyline is surprisingly impressive! I mean, hell, I think it's luck I read a certain "aquatic" miniseries before "diving" into this one... Kudos to Matt Fraction and Barry Kitson.
Grade: B
Ultimate X-Men #89
Well, after the Sentinels arc, I assume Kirkman wanted to slow things down a bit by revealing some hidden secrets of Ororo's well-being. Before that even begins though, there's a conflict with Wolverine that kinda seemed like it could've been expanded, honestly. I waited so long for this confrontation, only for it to be sweeped under the rug. As the description states, Shadow King drops by to lay out a big ol' smackdown. I would've probably dug this book even more if this was laid out as bigger arc, like Sentinels. Though I understand how Kirkman wants to set everything for #100, still... couldn't this have been explored after that to enact a bigger effect? Aw, well... The art's quality is given a huge upgrade thanks to X-Men veteran, Salvador Larroca. Oh, hey, is that Sinister on the cover for #90? Hmm...
Grade: C+
What If? Civil War
Diehard fans of Civil War were in for a modern classic when they followed the crossover series. Little did they know the Marvel Universe would never be the same-- ever. The recent issue of What If? shows how small differences during the series, could've had shit hit the fans (the wind machines, guys, not the readers!). There are two short stories that has Ed Brubaker have Iron Man witness two different realities. The first one written by Kevin Grevioux, in my opinion, isn't that special. The art blows and the storyline's pretty good, but nothing special. The latter is totally worth looking into. Written by Christos Gage, the guy who brought you Iron Man/Captain America Special, unleashes a harsh slap on the face to poor Tony Stark. One miniscule change could've saved the heroes a hassle, but was never put to fruition... How tragic. Makes good storytelling though!
Grade: A
The Umbrella Academy #4
*ahem* THIS BOOK KICKS ASS!!!!!! I've never been so intrigued by a wierd book quite like this... Everything about this issue is unbelievably good. Gerard Way's writing is sensational and Gabriel Ba's art is beautiful. I can't wait to see how this all ends.
Grade: A+ _________________ Proud Member of The Ultimate Marvels!!
"If we encounter hostiles, silent throat cuts only." -Brick Tamland
Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 5748 Location: California
Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:42 am Post subject:
Oh, hey, 'scuse me...
MY PICK OF THE WEEK GOES TO...
Umbrella Academy #4. Read this bad boy and you'll be blown away, guys. The balance of the multiple plots are pulled off so damn beautifully that it's bizarre how incredibly talented My Chemical Romance's frontman truly is. Worth checking out. _________________ Proud Member of The Ultimate Marvels!!
"If we encounter hostiles, silent throat cuts only." -Brick Tamland
Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 4341 Location: Michagan
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:29 am Post subject:
Speaking of werid art have you guys ever seen the comic oof 30 days on night? _________________ CowBoy From HEll
Proud Member of The Ultimate Marvels!! [
Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 3932 Location: Wisconsin
Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:02 am Post subject:
(originally posted in The Ultimate Marvels OFFICIAL thread, page 660!)
So here's what I ended up getting this week (grades included!):
Captain America #34(A+) PICK OF THE WEEK!!!
Captain America: The Chosen #6 of 6 (A) AMAZING series. Really inspirational, shows what Cap A. means to soldiers! I totally recommend getting it in tpb format, cause it was great!!!!! Too bad it was overlooked!
Ultimate X-Men #90(A-) LOVED it! Shocking issue! Sad and shocking! Great fight scene!
The Mighty Avengers #8(B+) Good, but just a rehash of what we already saw in NA, from a new perspective! This series is going absolutely nowhere....
Ultimate Spider-Man #118(A) Classic issue! Pure Benids dialouge! Reminds me of the good ol 'USM days!
Ultimate Secrets(A) GREAT handbook, I love it! The only reason I don't give it an A+ is because of DragynWulf!
The New Avengers Annual #2(A-) Great art and coloring. Bendis shines here a LOT more than he does in MA.
Daredevil #104(B+) Really good issue, but when is he gonna get Mr. Fear already???? DAMN!!!!!
What If? Spider-Man versus Wolverine(D-) Totally utterly worthless piece of shit!
Batman #673(A-) Kooky issue, but finally, finally Morrison shines through!
House of M Avengers #4(B+) Enjoyed it a lot and can't wait for the conclusion to a really decent mini!
Green Lantern #27(A+) If not for Cap A. #34 this was the best of the best this week. GL is my favorite series right now, save Moon Knight, Cap A., and Booster Gold! This series is frickin' gold!
Pick of the week....Cap #34!!! _________________ "THE ULTIMATE MARVEL TRIVIA GAME! C'mon it's Fun!"
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I don't know how much longer I'll be collecting it! It's not because of today's issue, it's because I have to keep my weekly costs down!
