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Good Stuff #26: Over Half of 2008 is Gone! Superman Has NEVER Met Brainiac, More Skrull Questions, Dr. Jones, Thor and Cap Get Ready To Kill Skrulls, Justice Society Loves and Hates Gog, Nemesis Fights Gorillas and Spider-Man Works at a Comic Store!
Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
The Good Stuff. Of course, that all comes down to personal opinion and what your general tastes are. Here at the Comics Bulletin, you can speak your free mind and discuss this blessed art-form with other individuals who are just as passionate about comics as you are. At Comics Bulletin, we pride ourselves on great reviews, fantastic features and a spectacular atmosphere for discussion. Our reviews are second to none covering every corner of the industry from the big guys to the little guys. But sometimes a comic book that doesn’t achieve a certain mark features a scene or a moment that really stands out. A 2.5 bullet book could have the best scene of the week’s stack, but the overall book could come up short in a reviewer’s opinion. So here it is, a column devoted to those moments, a “best of the week” type thing that acts as an addition to our extraordinary reviews. Feel free to agree, disagree, call for the tar and feathering of Kevin Powers, but take a second to check it out; maybe you missed some of the Good Stuff and you can grab it with this week’s stack.
Good Stuff #26: Half of 2008 is Gone! Superman Has NEVER Met Brainiac, More Skrull Questions, Dr. Jones, Thor and Cap Get Ready To Kill Skrulls, Justice Society Loves and Hates Gog, Nemesis Fights Gorillas and Spider-Man Works at a Comic Store!
Where is it? Invincible Iron Man #3
Written by: Matt Fraction
Cover by: Travis Charest
I’m a real sucker for the iconic character covers lately. Alex Ross has been turning in some memorable Superman and Batman covers and everyone from Ross to Greg Horn to Adi Granov have all turned in some gorgeous covers for Marvel. There have also been a number of notable smaller publishers to turn in iconic covers over the past year. Marvel delivers yet another fantastic cover with the 50/50 Variant by Travis Charest. The image is simple yet beautiful. Iron Man blasting off straight up into the air, the movie armor fully realized and the sun in the background, sharing the same color of the flames from Iron Man’s rockets. I mostly love two types of covers, those that are directly related to the plot of the issue, and covers like this one by Charest, covers that focus on the characters in purely iconic images and poses.
Where is it? Action Comics #867
Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Salvador Larocca
What is it? Brainiac
Whenever Geoff Johns get his hands on a character, great and magical things happen. He had one of the most memorable Flash runs ever, he brought back Hal Jordan and helms the fantastic things happening in Green Lantern and now he’s onto the greatest superhero of them all, Superman. Thus far, Johns has introduced Superman II favorites Zod, Ursa and Non, he’s begun to redefine the very fabric of Krypton and also revitalize the best aspects of the character’s history and putting them together into one coherent mythology. The current storyline features a chilling reimagining of Brainiac, who next to Lex Luthor, may be Superman’s greatest enemy. However, we learn in this issue that Superman has never actually met the real Brainiac. In fact, Supergirl informs him that every incarnation of Brainiac that Superman has confronted was actually a probe of some sort and that the real Brainiac is much more dangerous. This ret-con adds a fresh flavor to the story-arc and also provides a completely plausible solution of introducing the new and real Brainiac. If you aren’t reading Action Comics, start with issue #866 and continue forward with this issue, you won’t be disappointed or lost.
Where is it? Amazing Spider-Man #565
Written by: Marc Guggenheim
Art by: Phil Jimenez
Well it turns out Peter Parker’s got a new job since Dexter Bennett removed him from the DB! Staff. The paparazzi gig wasn’t working out for Peter both morally and in terms of helping clear Spider-Man’s name, so he’s got to take what he can get. With a fledgling economy and lots of web fluid to make, Peter takes a job at one of the Midtown Comics stores in New York City. It looks like it is the Grand Central store on the outside, but I don’t think the interior isn’t meant to be either store. Cleverly, the comic shop owner makes a quip about an over-rated series that comes out three times a month, and Peter says that reading comics reminds him of work, and that he doesn’t want to read “Codename: X-Men” because he doesn’t get along with most of the X-Men. Very clever, Mr. Guggenheim.
Where is it? Wonder Woman #22
Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: Aaron Lopresti
What is it? Nemesis vs. Gorillas
Gail Simone has got some pretty bizarre things happening in her current story-arc on Wonder Woman as she places the Amazon in a more fantasy oriented realm. While Wonder Woman is off in another realm, Nemesis has been tasked with discovering whatever his partner Diana Prince is hiding. Upon investigating her apartment, he comes across her unusual house guests, the four gorillas from Simone’s debut arc. Upon discovering the gorillas, hostilities immediately break out. Nemesis doesn’t hesitate to use his gun on the gorilla, but he quickly realizes he’s going to have to outsmart them rather than use force. After he shoots one of them, the other three immediately give chase. Nemesis makes his way to Diana’s bathroom and finds a bottle of perfume and transforms into one of the gorillas. When the real gorilla opens the door, he’s caught off guard when he sees Nemesis and then catches a bottle of perfume to the face. He then drops two grenades to knock out the gorillas only to be confronted by Donna Troy. While the fight itself is actually rather brief and not totally special, I really liked it because of Nemesis’ dialogue as he runs from the gorillas. “Bad Monkey, Bad Monkey” and singing out “In a minute” as the angry gorillas bang on the bathroom door, just made me laugh at the brilliant way in which Simone handles this character. She even takes the time to take a shot at the ridiculous stygian killer hornets from Amazons Attack. I really like Nemesis and this battle, while brief, is a very good use of his character and perfectly captures his intelligence when it comes to such odds.
Where is it? Green Arrow/Black Canary #10
Written by: Judd Winick
Art by: Mike Norton
Who is it? Holy Batarang to the face, Batman!
I know… I can’t believe I’m still reading this book either. It may not be the best book ever put out, but I’m hooked on the artwork. First there was Cliff Chiang and now we have Mike Norton. Both artists have a style that seems kind of cartoony but also looks quite exceptional. So yes, like All-Star Batman and Robin, I flip through this book solely for the art. However, unlike The Goddamn Batman, I actually do read this book mostly because I do like Judd Winick and this series does have its moments. Take this week’s category of “Best Takedown” for example. After fending off the “League of Assassins,” Speedy and Dodger make a quick escape while the “League” gives chase until Speedy and Dodger lead them to Black Canary, Green Arrow, Plastic Man and Batman. I love the moment when the “League” thinks they have the advantage because they have greater numbers. Batman asks Speedy one simple question, who is the “biggest problem?” Speedy answers “I think the short dude is a telekinetic or does force-fields.” The next panel is actually quite funny as a batarang sails into the short dude’s face, hitting him square in the nose and knocking him out. I’ve got to admit, this was a pretty cool knockout and a purely Batman move.
Where is it? Ultimate Origins #2
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Butch Guice
What is it? Captain America Takes the Fight to the Nazis!
I love Butch Guice’s artwork, I always have been a fan, and a lot of his recent work on Iron Man and Captain America was beautiful. While I was bummed to see him leave the rotation on Captain America, I was actually really happy that he’d be taking on Ultimate Origins. I knew there’d be plenty of Captain America as well as plenty of great artwork of the Marvel characters’ Ultimate incarnations. This issue tells the story of Ultimate Captain America and the procedure he underwent in becoming the super-soldier. While the basics are more or less the same as the mainstream, there’s a fantastic two page spread concluding this issue. While I do love the classic Jack Kirby World War II Cap, I do have a great appreciation for Bryan Hitch’s “realistic” re-imagining of the World War II uniform. On a side note, I hope that is the uniform used in the World War II based Captain America film. Anyways, these final two pages of this issue show Captain America leaping off of a motorcycle and right into the Nazi firing line. It looks like the battle might be D-Day and the invasion of Normandy, but Ultimate Universe or not, Butch Guice beautifully draws Cap in his original form, diving head first into battle during World War II.
Where is it? Final Crisis Requiem
Written by: Peter Tomasi
Art by: Doug Mahnke
What is it? Black Canary: “Um, Ollie, I’m on Fire.” Green Arrow: “I know babe, but I’m just too tired.”
Okay, so this is the last place I expected to find the best and funniest line of the week, then again that’s why it’s the best line. Final Crisis: Requiem was a fitting tribute to the Martian Manhunter character as he’s been killed off for the time being to advance the plot of Final Crisis. It was a very well done story by Peter Tomasi and in addition to a fitting tribute for Martian Manhunter, it was also a detailed and sinister account of how the hero was murdered. However, there’s a classic line in this issue that sums up the always over sexual relationship between Black Canary and Green Arrow. As Martian Manhunter dies, he sends out a telepathic beacon to a Superman, Batman, Zatanna, Hal Jordan and Black Canary. The beacon makes the heroes ignite into flames as they fear the worst about their friend. Black Canary is awakened in the middle of the night and Ollie is sound asleep next to her. Black Canary wakes up, her lower body on fire, and she says to Ollie: “Um, Ollie, I’m on Fire.” Without skipping a beat, or so much as rolling over, Ollie replies “I know babe, but I’m just too tired.” This line is brilliant because even in an otherwise somber issue, Tomasi stays true to the characters and offers the appropriate amount of tasteful humor.
Where is it? Secret Invasion #4
Written by: Brian Michael Benis
Art by: Leinil Yu
What is it? Black Widow has Gorgeous GREEN EYES???!
The Spider-Woman Skrull, the Skrull Empress, tries to get into Tony Stark’s head, explaining to him that he is actually a Skrull. She’s explaining who he allegedly is and how he simply can’t remember that he’s a Skrull. This moment itself is a rather ambiguously Skrully moment because it’s still not 100% sure that Tony’s not a Skrull. However, the most Skrully moment comes right before the Skrull Empress tries to convince Tony. Outside the room where they speak waits the Black Widow. Leinil Yu and Brian Bendis use three panels to zoom out from Widow’s eyes. So what’s the big deal? Well Black Widow’s eyes are green. So what, you say? Well if you look at the Marvel Character Database and just about every other character bio page you’ll see each one notes that Black Widow’s eyes are blue. But then she comes in and fights off the Empress and tells Tony he’s not a Skrull. Could this be part of the Skrulls’ plan? Is really a Skrull? Are we all reading too much into it? Who do you trust?
Where is it? Secret Invasion #4
Written by: Brian Michael Benis
Art by: Leinil Yu
What is it? A Crack of Lighting, A Toss of That Mighty Shield
I’ve said a few times that I think the main Secret Invasion series is weak when compared to the tie-ins. For the most part, I think the main series acts more as a guide and only shows certain key elements to the story as a whole. However, it certainly is the catalyst for the tie-ins and the ending of the latest issue leaves me salivating for the next issue. Why? Because after we see Tony on the verge of a breakdown, Agent Brand in a showdown with Skrulls and the Jarvis-Skrull demanding Maria Hill hand over S.H.I.E.L.D., we are treated to some new players in the battle. First, the Hood decides he’s going to round up the villains and try to save the planet. But the Skrulls are still terrorizing New York City. Ms. Marvel, Fury and Fury’s commandos are outnumbered, and things look dire for Earth. However, the Skrulls definitely forgot about two variables. First there is a crack of lighting striking the Skrulls and saving a group of bystanders. This panel is followed by Thor, holding Mjolnir above his head as he floats above New York City. Then someone is looking at Thor through binoculars. This is followed by the final panel of the issue, a shot of a familiar red, white and blue shield and shiny new Bucky-Cap armor. Hell yeah.
Where is it? Marvel Adventures Hulk #13
Written by: Peter David
Art by: Juan Santacruz
What is it? Hulk Vs. Silver Mummy
Forget the Marvel Zombies or Marvel Apes, in this issue of Marvel Adventures Hulk, Rick Jones and Bruce Banner make their way into the abandoned New York City streets. Everyone from police officers, to the common folk, to the Avengers have been transformed into mummies by the Living Pharaoh. It’s a simple and fun story that pits the Hulk against mummies. However, the best moment of this issue comes when the mummified Silver Surfer soars in to battle the Hulk, claiming the Living Pharaoh as the supreme power. The Hulk disagrees and leaps onto the Surfer’s board, and they battle back up into the sky. They disappear in the story while Rick Jones makes his way to where the Living Pharaoh is using his powers. When they confront him, the Pharaoh transforms into the energy based Living Monolith. However, just as the Monolith prepares to unleash hell, the Hulk comes surfing into the scene on the Surfer’s board, with the mummified Surfer strapped underneath the board. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at this moment and revel in its sheer hilarious brilliance. The Hulk surfs right into the Monolith’s mouth, the Power Cosmic does its work and everything is back to normal.
Where is it? Indiana Jones and the Tomb of the Gods #1
Written by: Rob Williams
Art by: Steve Scott
What is it? Dr. Jones, Obtainer of Rare Antiquities
I loved the official return of Indiana Jones to the comic book realm. My review of this issue found here: http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/121590775534655.htm, is a testament to that statement. This issue was fast-paced, action packed and set up the groundwork for the coming quest exceptionally well. For 22 pages, writer Rob Williams covered a hell of a lot of ground and immediately raised the bar for Indy’s current comic book stint. However, my favorite moment of the week came towards the end of this issue when Indy and Marcus Brody make their way to Tibet. There’s some good humor at Marcus’ expense when he dresses for wintery temperatures and gets a balmier climate. Indy’s response? “First rule of traveling, Marcus… you gotta dress right.” It’s the imagery that I loved about this moment. For the first time in the issue we see Indiana Jones in the classic Indiana Jones outfit, fully realized climbing down some rocks. Steve Scott’s artwork was solid throughout the issue but he really captures the essence of Indiana Jones in this one panel. It wasn’t until that very moment that I truly felt that Indiana Jones officially returned to comics.
Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Fernando Pasarin
I don’t have a specific category for the book this week, but I did want to take a second to mention it on its own. I absolutely love where this book is headed. At first I was wary about the relation to Kingdom Come and the appearance of KC Superman. But then again, this book is in the very capable hands of Geoff Johns. It’s a methodically paced and slow-building story but it is certainly setting up something big. I’m getting the sense that the reason for the abundance of characters is due to the fact that Gog is going to cause a rift and split the team. It’s really becoming obvious, the way that Gog “restores” certain heroes’ flaws like Damage’s face and Dr. Mid-Nite’s eyesight, and the way he ignores Steel and Mr. Terrific because they don’t really believe in what Gog is doing. This series has been fantastically done and I hope my theory proves true as it would add a very interesting dynamic to the legacy theme of the book.
Picks of the Week
Action Comics #867
Indiana Jones and the Tomb of the Gods #1
Captain America White #0
Justice Society of America #17
Joker’s Asylum: The Penguin
Final Crisis Requim
Invincible Iron Man #3
Young X-Men #4
Captain Britain and the MI13 #3
Books I’m Looking Forward to This Week
Final Crisis Rogue’s Revenge #1 : Johns! Kolins! Back Together! The Flash Rogues! Hell YES!
Captain America #40 – Bucky-Cap Vs. Grand Director… Advance Review HERE: http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/121613446866566.htm
Moon Knight #20 – A Classic Moon Knight tale featuring Werewolf by Night. Reprints of Moon Knight’s first appearances, and art by Mike Deodato. A MUST HAVE. Advance Review HERE: http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/121610931646459.htm
Punisher #59 – Second to Last Garth Ennis Issue…
Brothers in Arms #2 – The first issue blew me out of the water, I’ve been really looking forward to this story.
DARK KNIGHT THIS WEEK! GO SEE IT!
Special Thanks to Bob Layton for a FANTASTIC Commission of Iron Man.
Thanks for reading,
KP
kevin.powers@comicsbulletin.com
kevinpowers70@yahoo.com
Check Out My Personal Website:http://kevinpowers.hypersites.com
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