Random Comics, 12/28/2011

DC:

Aquaman #4 – So Aquaman and Mera have found the creatures’ nest, which is apparently an old Atlantean ship. Aquaman and Mera find the missing townspeople stored in cocoons to feed the creatures’ queen. So what does Aquaman do? Trigger a volcanic eruption in the trench and seal it off, of course. The people are saved, Aquaman gets a dog, and the next issue blurb promises, no THREATENS to reveal why Atlantis sank. So, that's our first arc and it was...not what I'd expect out of Geoff Johns. Basically, it was all people don't take Aquaman seriously even though he does all this amazing stuff, and it took four issues to establish that...why?

Green Lantern – New Guardians #4 – Larfleeze and Sayd have arrived and you best believe it’s Clobbering Time. The fight doesn’t have a clear winner, but Sayd promises to Kyle to help him find out why the rogue rings chose him. Munk teleports everyone out but Arkillo refuses to leave the fight. Saint Walker uses the blue ring to give Arkillo his tongue back. He tries to give Bleez her mind back, but she flees. Sayd tells Rayner of the force that tried to steal the rings and drew them to him, and it led her to a massive solar system-sized ship called the Orrery and that’s our destination for the next issue. I'm still in this for the long haul, especially Sayd's new motivation to get the old Ganthet back. I like this rainbow team with the exception of Saint Walker, who we know of already. Why not Brother Warth? He hasn't been established all that well.

Marvel:

FF #13 – Val and Evil Reed open up the way to the former Council of Reeds and now headquarters of some very angry Celestials. Kristoff, Doom, Evil Reed, the Kids and Nathaniel go through the portal and Evil Reed finally frees Doom. Franklin tries to heal the Celestials with his powers but manages to mark himself a threat. Everyone escapes through the portal, but Doom remains to make sure Evil Reed pulls the trigger on the Ultimate Nullifier. I love how this is basically a .5 issue to the FF series, filling in the blanks yet still retaining its identity as the Smart Kids book. I really love how Hickman has been writing Doom, especially with the last page giving us a glimpse of the old Doom we know and love, and yet retaining that air of arrogance even while concerned about his goddaughter Valeria.

Secret Avengers #20 – So, Steve Rogers, War Machine and Sharon Carter die and Rhodey leaves Black Widow with a time-traveling device. Oh boy. So we time-jump all over the place, finding out where Black Widow’s time-travel device came from and preventing Steve, Rhodey and Sharon’s deaths.While I hate Time Travel stories, I like this because I'm biased towards Ellis' writing. It's a clever way to play into Black Widow's slowed aging and the whole changing-history-while-NOT-changing-history thing Warren did this issue. Fun, fun issue. It's just sad next issue is his last, but since he's limiting his Comic projects for now, it's nice to get more Ellis.

Pick of the Week:

Avengers – The Children’s Crusade #8 – Dr. Doom gets Wanda’s reality-warping powers though SHENANIGANS. Doom refuses to give the power up and sends Wanda and the kids home. The X-Men and Avengers debate Wanda’s fate and Wiccan throws the hypocrisy of harboring Magneto and former criminals in their faces and yet wanting to kill Wanda for what she did. Doom arrives and offers everyone what they want as long as they bow to him. So yes, FIGHTY TIME. Wanda and Wiccan open up a portal and Victor’s power drains. He flees, but not before hinting that he’s behind No More Mutants. And there is a casualty. I wasn't sold on Children's Crusade for the first six issues (way too slow a build) but once Doom goes all Beyonder on us again, things kicked into high gear. Wiccan's speech about the hypocrisy of both the Avengers and the X-Men was brilliant and goes to show Heinberg really knows these characters in and out. As for the casualty...well, never say die in the Marvel Universe. But with next issue being the last and it leading directly to the Avengers vs. X-Men event next year, you never know.

Random Comics, 12/21/2011

DC:

Green Lantern Corps #4 – Last time, a handful of Lanterns (including John Stewart) were left behind to fend off the Keepers while Guy Gardner tries to interrogate one of them. Luckily, his old pal (although they don’t know each other anymore DAMN YOU NEW52!) Martian Manhunter lends a helping hand and we learn that the Power Batteries have Keepers, who are these fellows. And they’re coming for the central power battery on Oa. Oh dear.

Red Hood & The Outlaws #4 – So Jason and Roy get arrested for a bar fight, having been led to that town by clues to The Untitled. Starfire tries watching over them but gets attacked by someone who looks like an alien named Crux. Meanwhile, Jason and Roy subdue the female police officer only to find that SHE is an Untitled and yay fighty time. Back with Starfire, Crux explains his origins a little too long and Starfire gets the upper hand, but is blasted by an attack by Crux’s Tameran technology which apparently gives her human emotion. Jason prepares for another round with the Untitled.

Marvel:

Daredevil #7 – So, Murdock’s taking some blind kids to a lodge and they get into an accident and we flash back to the Christmas party days earlier, and we’re back to Murdock Daredeviling it up and leading the kids away from the accident. In the cold. In the course of the trek, Daredevil passes out and the kids build a sled and take him to a nearby farmhouse where he calls the cops and they’re all rescued. What a nice feel-good ending until the ominous last page.

Amazing Spider-Man #676 – THE SINISTER SIX ASSEMBLE. Doc Ock is on his last legs and gets a major tech upgrade to pull off one final job. And for that job, they need to steal the Intelligencia’s Zero Cannon (which can hurl anything into orbit). And it’s an all-out Supervillain brawl as the Six battle the Intelligencia. And it’s not going well for the Intelligencia as the Six outmaneuver them and DESTROY the Zero Cannon. Ock promises to take over the world in 2012.

Pick of the Week:

Fantastic Four #601 – We get our feel-good moment when Johnny Storm arrives and THROWS THE CLASSIC FOUR SYMBOL IN THE AIR. Everything’s gonna be all right. Supremor readies the Nega-Bombs as Ronan refuses to go with it and leaves with Crystal. The Fantastic Four reunite and Johnny uses the Cosmic Control Rid to summon the Annihilation Wave to try and stop the Kree armada. And the Inhumans drop by to help even the odds a bit and the earth-bound heroes have a new crisis: Debris. Reed Richards calculates that winning may be moot because if it keeps up, there won’t BE an Earth to come back to. Oh boy.

Random Comics, 12/7/2011

DC:

Justice League International #4 – So, the villain of our first arc is called Peraxxus. Very 90’s DC. Although I expected a new, more New52ish design for Manga Khan. Alas. Guy Gardner fights him while the entire team has been captured. Peraxxus teleports the entire team underground and Godiva’s still a whore while using her hair to look for Batman’s Laser. Peraxxus is a miner who wants to break Earth apart to take its minerals. That’s when Godiva stops molesting Batman and frees the team with the laser…and they’re too late as Peraxxus starts the fragmentation process. Well, that’s that.

Red Lanterns #4 – So, after getting memories of Bleez telling Skallox, Ratchet and Zilius to “Kill Atrocitus. We Must”. So, Atrocitus throws the three into the sea of blood for them to relive their memories and they ask for clemency and gain some level of intelligence. Atrocitus still distrusts Bleez and goes to speak to Krona’s Corpse…which has now mysteriously disappeared. Also, the subplot of Earth’s Red Lantern continues.

Marvel:

Defenders #1 – When last we saw the Defenders, they were She-Hulk, Krang, Damion Hellstrom and Nighthawk. Supposedly their mini would lead into something huge, but it never panned out. Here, Nul, the Asgardian being who possessed Hulk, is free from the Hammer and causing much chaos. Dr. Strange recounts Hulk visiting him, needing help. Strange and Hulk seek out Namor and the Surfer. Hulk says he can’t fight Nul because he can’t risk merging with it again. He recommends Red She-Hulk. Once they convince her, they enlist Iron Fist’s help. Nul is heading for Wundagore Mountain and that’s never good news. And yep, Iron Fist’s plane blows up and Prester John and the Ani-Men appear. Uh-oh.

X-Factor #228 – So, uhh…Peter David just killed Madrox last issue. Well, BLOODBATH did, but we really know who did it. And he’s been pwning our merry team pretty hard. Except he jumps in Jamie Madrox’s dead body and Layla performs an exorcism taught to her by Doom. But it’s too late, because she can’t bring Jamie back to life. Why? HE’S IN THE FUTURE~

Pick of the Week:

Amazing Spider-Man #675 – Carlie and Peter (as SPIDER-MAN) break into the Morgue so Carlie can examine the Vulture Gang’s victims. Speaking of the Vulture Gang, Adrian Toomes and the gang plan a mid-air heist of a valuable coin collection. Too bad their hideout is a nightclub where Mary Jane is in. Carlie and Peter do some good detective work and links the three victims to a nightclub. Peter gets MJ’s call and confirms the nightclub’s name as the Wake, as in Wake of Vultures. Spidey heroes off and Carlie follows him on foot. Spidey saves one of the Vultures who pocketed two coins from the heist and heeeeeeeere we go. Spidey, with Carlie’s help, brings down the Vulture Gang with magnetic webs. Toomes gets away and Carlie starts to talk to MJ. Exes talk. Oh boy. this does not bode well for Pete.

Random Comics, 11/23/2011

DC:

Green Lantern: The New Guardians #3 – So, Kyle just went Rainbow Lantern on us and fizzled out, destroying all the other rings except Kyle’s Green ring (which Ganthet tried to rescind but something happened to Kyle when he used the Ranbow rings) and the Orange ring which turned out to be Fake and contained Glomulous. The crew going after Kyle goes in for them, but get their asses handed to them by the Guardians when LARFLEEE DROPS BY WITH SAYD. Aww yeah.

Aquaman #3 – Undersea Humanoid People Eaters. And Aquaman and his wife are going to kick their asses. The Mer-Cannibals finally retreat and Aquaman takes a dead one to the man who trained him to use his powers to find out more about it. Oh, and this guy tried to kill him. Good times. They find out that the creature came from the Trench and…uhh…that’s it. Damn it, Johns.

Marvel:

Invincible Iron Man #510 – After Fear Itself, Tony stark hires Splitlip the Elf on his company. And he’s only been three days sober. And Zeke Stane and The Mandarin are working together. The Mandarin somehow found out about Tony falling off the wagon, and leaked it to the press. Oh boy.

The Mighty Thor #8 – So apparently with Tanarus’ arrival, everyone forgot Thor existed…except Loki. And Norrin Radd is getting a JOB. And apparently, Tanarus is an ILLUSION cast by Karnilla…which means Thor is still SOMEWHERE. And that somewhere? The Demogorge! Aww yeah, we’re in for a treat.

Pick of the Week:

Fantastic Four #600 – We’re thrown in a full-scale Kree invasion due to the rebirth of the Supreme Intelligence out of two of the alternate Evil Reed Richardses. The Fantastic Four and the Avengers try to save New York as the Four Cities WAR. Evil Reed has kidnapped Doom and Nathaniel Richards to Latveria. The Annihilation Wave was going to be started but OH MY GOD HUGE RETURN. We go flash back to this man’s last moments and it is revealed THIS MAN led a resistance in the Negative Zone and in a bad-ass moment, he kicked Annihilus’ ass. MEANWHILE, Black Bolt and Medusa talk Psychically because she’s the most favored wife. Bolt doesn’t know these wives. They reaffirm their love for one another as Medusa tells the Queens of the Inhumans to prepare. MEANWHILE, Reed Richards meets Galactus, who says the Earth will be “broken” and will save it because of the Galactus Seed still on it (as seen in recent issues of Thor) and warns Reed and Sue about…Franklin? Uh oh. MEANWHILE…waaaaaaaay back, Franklin created a baby universe and put it in his closet. Him and Leech have been coming to that universe to clean it up and…umm…the universe talks back. Uh oh.

Random Comics, 11/16/2011

DC:

Justice League #3 – LAST ISSUE: STAR Labs exploded in a burst of Mother Box and so did Victor Stone. THIS ISSUE: Wonder Woman fights some Parademons and joins Supes, GL, Flash and Batman. Meanwhile, Victor Stone’s dad puts Apokalyptian technology on him and AQUAMAN HAS ARRIVED TO KICK SOME ASS. This was waaaaay more action-packed than the last two issues combined.

Green Lantern Corps #3 – So yeah, Guy Gardner and John Stewart bring a bunch of Lanterns to investigate some murders and they get overpowered. Good thing they’ve got the entire corps as backup. But the teleporting guy didn’t get all the Lanterns. So John Stewart and a handful of Lanterns are now up against an army of guys who actually use Willpower, too.

Marvel:

Avengers #19 – It’s team-building time, right when Norman Osborn is rebuilding his Dark Avengers. Daisy Johnson (of Secret Warriors fame) is investigating Norman’s escape, Our new fighting Avengers are: Captain America, Iron Man, Red Hulk, Hawkeye, Vision, Spider-Woman, Daisy Johnson/Quake, Noh-Varr/Protector and Storm. And who interrupts the Avengers unveiling press conference than Norman Osborn himself. This won’t end well.

Avengers Academy #22 – I love how Magneto helps with the Jocasta murder mystery just because Hank wasn’t among the Avengers who wanted to kill Wanda. Nice little reunion between Quicksilver and his father. And of course it doesn’t go well, so YAY FIGHTY TIME. They eventually stop and Magneto informs them that of the power sets of the faculty and students, the culprit isn’t among them. And Finesse finally meets Magneto for the first time and decides his way of teaching isn’t for her, and requests Quicksilver’s way instead. Nice.

Pick of the Week:

Amazing Spider-Man #674 – THE VULTURE IS BACK! And the Kingpin is angry that his Hand army doesn’t have Spider-Powers anymore. BUT WHAT’S THIS? He has a mole in Horizon Labs with a Spider-Sense jammer. Uh-oh. Apparently, there are a bunch of new Vultures burglarizing high-rise apartments. I like Vulture’s new look. HE PIMPIN’ NOW. Out with the green, in with the black.

Random Comics, 11/9/2011

DC:

Green Lantern #3 - So to recap, Sinestro is asking for Hal’s help in stopping the Sinestro Corps from taking over Korugar. Back on Oa, Ganthet, recently un-emotional again, suggests creating a third army to replace the Green Lanterns. As a failsafe if ever Sinestro needed to shut down his corps, a Green Lantern battery is needed to be placed inside the Central Battery of the Sinestro Corps. But…well, shit. That didn’t go as planned.

Marvel:

Point One (One Shot) – So yeah, this baby sets up next year’s storylines, with a framing story about two people infiltrating Watcher’s hideaway since the Watcher is in a fugue state once every three years for 42 minutes. Here, they observe these events: a Nova Corpsman escaping the coming of the Phoenix (now in Blue), something about a human squad called the X-Terminated in the AoA universe, Kaine leaving New York after Spider-Island and establishing himself as the new Scarlet Spider, Twins called Coldmoon and Dragonfire going after a corporation that made them - Taiji, Doctor Strange discovering a man who has seen a machine that…contains the Defenders, and the Ultron War. The two people who saw all these will use the data to give to someone called the Unseen, who will kill the Watcher. Uh-oh.

New Avengers #18 – The new Dark Avengers are gathered: Skaar, Barney Barton, Ai Apaec, Gorgon, June Covington and Superia as Hulk, Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Scarlet Witch and Ms. Marvel. In addition, AIM has also recovered the Thor Clone, Ragnarok. Uh-oh. Apparently we’re marching toward the Ultron War with this, so…I’m intrigued.

Battle Scars #1 – We’re introduced to Sgt. Marcus Johnson, a soldier, who is apparently going to be one of the most important people in the Marvel Universe. At his mother’s funeral, Steve Rogers and Sharon Carter apparently know who he is. Taskmaster goes after him, but is stopped by Captain America. So who is Marcus Johnson and why is he so important? I’m hooked.

Pick of the Week:

Magneto: Not A Hero #1 – Footage leaks on the Internet of a murder of an anti-mutant group by Magneto. The President has Captain America look into it. Scott Summers and Magneto arrive to say they have proof that Magneto was five states away from the incident at the time, but Cap and Iron Man have DNA evidence. Magneto uses his own Magnetosphere version of Cerebra to find the culprit and…oh my god, I am blown away by the reveal. Longtime X-Fans should be, too.

Random Comics, 11/2/2011

DC:

Red Lanterns #3 – So yeah, Atrocitus is giving Bleez more intelligence so he can have someone to help him rein in the other Red Lanterns. After a quick blood bath, Atrocitus brings Bleez to her home planet to kill those who led her to the Sinestro Corpsman who ripped her wings off. And sort of regrets his decision. I’m impressed, this actually felt like a whole issue instead of just a decompressed issue like the past two were.

Justice League International #3 – Booster Gold has a plan to stop the giant thingies that are threatening to destroy the Earth and just maybe regain his cred as the leader of the JLI. And of course things go wrong. Our villain is called Peraxxus, apparently. I am very sad it is not Manga Khan.

Marvel:

Uncanny X-Men #1 – So, Sinister will have something to do with the Dreaming Celestial. Uh-oh. Our new Uncanny field team is Cyclops, Emma, Magneto, Namor, Storm, Colossus, Magik, Hope and Danger. And back to Sinister, somehow he’s gotten control of the Dreaming Celestial and Cyclops’ new Extinction Team as he termed it is on the case. And they’re not doing well against a Celestial-powered Sinister. I’m intrigued, Gillen. Continue.

Avengers Academy #21 – There are some new recruits at Avengers Academy, and all of them are familiar. But…the old kids kind of resent it, but they get new full-time students in the new White Tiger and Julie Power. Hawkeye joins the teaching staff, and…umm…someone kills Jocasta. OH THAT LAST COUPLE OF PAGES. I’m in for the long haul.

Pick of the Week:

Amazing Spider-Man #673 – It’s the aftermath of Spider-Island and everybody’s naked. Aww yeah. And some revelations about MJ last issue have threads throughout this one. Madame Web informs Kaine that he miiiiiiiiight need the Stealth Suit he borrowed from Pete last issue. Oh, and a BREAKUP HAPPENS. Oooh, drama. And apparently because of Pete’s admission that he also has Spider-Powers from a few issues ago over the Internet no less, the spell Doctor Strange cast has weakened, and any sleuthy person can now find out Peter Parker’s identity as Spidey. COMPLICATIONS. But Mayor Jameson actually does Spidey a solid at the very end and we’re all good.

Random Comics, 10/26/2011

DC:

Green Lantern: New Guardians #2 – So, Kyle finds himself in a conundrum: Lantern Rings from the spectrum choose him as a host, and he doesn’t know why. Representatives from each Corps fight him. At least until Saint Walker arrives and they head for Oa to seek Ganthet’s counsel…but Munk, Arkillo, Bleez and Fatality are in hot pursuit. The rings finally attach themselves to Kyle and…oh boy.

Aquaman #2 – So, some weird shit. Sea-Men (HAH) are crawling up from the deep to eat puny humans, and Aquaman and Mera reminisce until a cop calls for their expertise to find the missing half of a seaside town (attacked by the creatures). The Aqua-couple discover a cocoon full of these creatures, and after some fighting, say something about the Trench. DECOMPRESSION~

Marvel:

Amazing Spider-Man #627 – Spider-Island comes to a rip-roaring conclusion as Steve Rogers, freshly un-Spidered teams up with Venom while Peter and Kaine Parker (I love typing that) figure out a way to stop the Queen. With a dash of powered Mary Jane Watson to save the day. And it’s pretty awesome. This is an event done right and that’s a tall order. I enjoyed this more than Fear Itself, even. Well, there’s still a Spider-Island epilogue coming, but STILL.

FF #11 – The War of the Four Cities rages on as Ben Grimm arrives with the Avengers to help turn the tide. Ronan intends to use the two captured Evil Reeds to restore the Kree Empire…by turning them into the Supreme Intelligence. And with him comes the Kree Army. Oh shit. Hickman, you glorious bastard. Next: FANTASTIC FOUR #600.

Wolverine & The X-Men #1 – So, the dawn of a new era. Wolverine opens up the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning. Doop is heading Student Registry. Beast made the School. Iceman is the Bookkeeper. Gladiator sends the school Tech along with his delinquent son. Kade Kilgore introduces himself as the new Black King of the Hellfire Club and causes Logan grief by siccing a gigantic rock thing, and all on the Board of Education inspection day. Yep, the X-Men are FUN again.

Pick of the Week:

Daredevil #5 - I love how Waid’s making this Superhero thing fun again. A lot of Marvel writers are doing it right now (Hickman, Slott, Aaron, etc.) but not to the extent Waid is with Daredevil. Matt Murdock’s new client is blind, and he gets saved by Murdock’s senses. Murdock leads him to his hideout and recreates the conditions of his client’s work (including the tea he drank) to evoke memories. They stumble onto a Hydra (AND OTHERS) plot and Foggy sets Matt up on a date. Nice. I love this book so much.

Random Comics, 10/19/2011

DC:

Justice League #2 – So yeah, Flash, Batman and Green Lantern fight Superman for half the issue. Oh, and there’s the Mother Box. At least it’s better than the incredibly decompressed first issue, yes? Shockingly, the Mother Box does something bad.

Red Hood & The Outlaws #2 – LAST ISSUE: CONTROVERSY! This issue…umm…backstory about Jason. And “let’s-put-more-clothes-on-Starfire-so-the-internet-gets-off-our-back” was hilarious. Come on, DC. Oh, and there’s Zombies. Ha.

Marvel:

Fear Itself #7 – EVERYTHING ENDS. The Avengers have all been given Asgardian weapons to counter the Serpent’s hammers. And I gotta say, I like a lot of the Mighty’s redesigns. There’s an insanely awesome moment with Cap, and the final battle claims a heavy casualty. This event has been pretty…spotty to say the least, but I can’t wait to read the aftermath.

Uncanny X-Men #544 – The end of an era, the last vol. 1 Uncanny X-Men issue. and it’s drawn by Greg Goddamn Land. I really do love the Kirby recap page from Uncanny #1 to serve as a send-off to the series, though. The rest of the issue…? Mr. Sinister a has a douchey pornstache. Iceman and Cyclops reminisce before Bobby leaves for Westchester, And Sinister threatens. Ooooh. Scary.

Pick of the Week:

X-Factor #226 – As much as I rag on Peter David’s propensity to cause drama for his pet characters, I really dig this actual investigation into a murder mystery. I mean sure, there’s still DRAMA, but there’s a lot less of it this issue and it works out.

Random Comics, 10/12/2011

DC:

Green Lantern #2 – So yeah, from last issue, Sinestro gives Hal a ring that he controls. Of course, our impulsive Hal goes off and tries to save a collapsing bridge, but Sinestro actually repairs it while saving lives, outclassing Jordan. After a brief, surprise battle, Sinestro lays out details of the plan and…wait…that’s it?! That was a really short issue. Geez.

Marvel:

Amazing Spider-Man #671 – Spider-Island continues and this is the reason why Slott is the best writer they could ever hope for. Mary Jane gains Spider-Powers, J. Jonah Jameson takes a bite out of crime (and Alistair Smythe), and more hell breaks loose. Oh, and Number 6 is revealed, and it’s not who you think. This issue is just jam-packed with action as the end is in sight. I’m pretty damn excited.

X-Men Regenesis (One Shot) – The way they’re dividing the X-Men makes sense (except Shadowcat and Colossus. She just got BACK.). I’m not exactly sure about the caveman framing story/analogy, but it serves its purpose. I’ll be sad to see the old UXM go, but I’m excited to see what both X-Teams do from here on in, which Is what Marvel’s banking on, anyway.

S.H.I.E.L.D. #3 – So, you’ve got a raging Celestial kid on your hands, driven insane by math. What do you do? Throw SCIENCE at it. It usually works. God, I love the concepts of this book. Hickman, you glorious bastard.

Pick of the Week:

FF #10 – The War of the Four Cities continues! As much as I’d love for Crystal and Quicksilver to get back together, I love what Marvel has done bringing her and Ronan together as a couple. Speaking of couples, I LOVE the scene with Reed and Sue. You may be the smartest man alive, but your wife is still smarter, Reed. It’s character moments like these (and the big concepts) that make FF the best Marvel book out there. Hickman GETS these characters. And I’m loving this entire storyline leading up to Fantastic Four #600.

Random Comics, 10/5/2011

DC:

Red Lanterns #2 – Last time, Bleez was talking Revolt. This issue, Atrocitus metes out punishment. I like that they’re fleshing out his character more. I see they’re turning him into Ghost Rider, except with blood vomit instead of hellfire.

Justice League International #2 – Yes, we get it, Godiva is horny. The JLI’s first mission is a bust, they regroup and Guy Gardner is angry that Ice got injured. This is pretty much a get-your-shit-together issue with Booster actually getting votes of confidence from his team.

Marvel:

X-Men: Schism #5 – Knock-down drag-out three-way fight between the Sentinel, Wolverine and Cyclops that was pretty damned brutal. The X-Kids actually did more good than Cyclops and Wolverine and forced them to work together. After the battle, they finally decide to part ways, and where Logan and his team of X-Men end up will brighten up a classic X-fans’ day. Certainly did mine.

Secret Avengers #17 – Got this a week late and by God, was it worth the wait. Warren Ellis is at his batshit insane best here, AND playing with the Avengers and super-spies. And a cyborg kidnapping Truck. Yep, it’s like Optimus Prime, without the Robot mode.

Pick of the Week:

Spider-Island: The Deadly Hands of Kung-Fu #2 – For some reason, the Bride of Nine Spiders attacked Shang-Chi last issue (probably something to do with the Spider control thing by the Queen) and he got saved by our old gal Silver Sable. I love this book so far. Exciting Kung-Fu action, SPIDERS, and everything ties in to the main storyline. And THAT LAST PAGE. Nnng. So awesome.

Random Comics, 9/28/2011

DC:
Green Lantern: New Guardians #1 – Seems weird that the first eight pages of story re-tell Kyle’s induction to the Corps, but then again Reboot. But I thought GL books won’t be affected…eh, whatever. Anyway, for some reason a ring from each of the Corps leaves its bearer and finds its way to Kyle, and various members from each Corps (Arkillo from the Sinestro Corps, Fatality from the Star Sapphires, Bleez from the Red Lanterns and Munk from the Indigo Tribe) show up to retrieve the rings. Oooh, mystery, intrigue and RINGS. But is it enough for a #1 issue?

Aquaman #1 – Ah, poor Aquaman. Always the butt of many a joke. But not this Aquaman. This reboot was actually needed, and after his return at the end of Blackest Night and the entirety of Brightest Day, DC needed to reestablish him as a premiere hero and Geoff Johns has done it again (following Hal Jordan and Barry Allen…well not so much Barry.) by making Aquaman a human being. Johns actually plays up the butt-of-jokes-talks-to-fish Aquaman and gives him CHARACTER with those characteristics dogging him. The issue sets Aquaman up as an Earth-bound hero, not just the sea. But of course, new villains from the sea pop up. THIS is more of what I want out of New52.

Marvel:
Amazing Spider-Man #670 – The Spider-Infection is mutating its hosts. Oh boy. And apparently that one guy everyone thought was a certain guy was really someone else. Weird. The main villain was finally revealed, and it’s a doozy. Anti-Venom’s curing the afflicted, and the X-Men are here for some reason. A new player is introduced into the mix and oh boy, that last page. I am I loving Spider-Island so far.

Avengers Academy #19 – I’m getting a bit fatigued about this storyline. I mean I love the book, but haven’t the kids been stuck in the Infinite Mansion for several issues now? Anyway, Absorbing Man is making the Infinite Mansion grow until it hits Earth. And since the Mansion is as large as a city…yep, thousands dead. The kids make tough decisions as brilliantly as the adults do. And that’s why I love them.

Pick of the Week:
Ultimates #2 – In Hickman we Trust. This was pretty much ass action, with the usual Hickman SUPER-SCIENCE to explain the vast technologies involved with the Ultimate Future Foundation/Children of Tomorrow. Reed Richards is our villain for this storyline (unsurprising because of Hickman’s ties to the FF, and what Bendis established in the Ultimate Doom trilogy) and goddamn, is Hickman writing him well. The ending is spectacular and I can’t wait to see where this goes.

Random Comics, 9/21/2011

DC:

Green Lantern Corps #1 – Yep, we’re back to the old status quo in GLC. Screw the reboot. Someone’s killing Green Lanterns, it’s up to the buddy cop team of Guy Gardner & John Stewart to stop the perp. Y’know, after trying to get jobs back on Earth and failing. But then they assemble a GL team and stumble on to a mystery. I like it, it’s like a police procedural show, but in SPACE.

Red Hood & The Outlaws #1 – Well, at least Roy Harper has his arm back. And Starfire isn’t a victim of the New52 Pants-on-girls epidemic. But damn, this was a fun boom. Mysteries! Sex! Confusion about Jason’s new buddy named Essence! That Lady in Violet again!

Marvel:

Generation Hope #11 – This is pretty much what happens between panels in Schism, of course focusing on the GenHope kids. They fight amongst themselves (a Schism, if you will), and the New X-Men kids show up. Oh boy, team-ups are fun! Right until a gigantic Sentinel goes straight for Utopia (as seen in Schism #4). Fun little conflicts between Hope and Laurie. I’d like to see them butt heads more often.

X-Men: Schism #4 – This was excellent. You can actually see yourself on either Wolverine or Cyclops’s side. Neither is wrong. After reading this issue, I’m fully on board with the X-Men relaunch. I was iffy about Wolverine and Scott being on opposite sides, but with what they did in this issue? I’m in.

Pick of the Week:

Daredevil #4 – As much as I loved Schism, Daredevil was just excellent (AGAIN). Nnng, that wonderful art. I love the new direction Nelson & Murdock is taking, especially with other lawyers taking the Daredevil-is-Matt thing to their advantage. The clients representing themselves with Matt and Foggy’s help is a brilliant move, and Matt still does some Daredevil-ing on the side. This issue, Matt takes on a wrongful termination case, and his client’s blind. The last page is a nice little hook for the next issue. Brilliant writing from Waid and amazing art by Marcos Martin.

Random Comics, 9/14/11

DC:

Green Lantern #1 – Sinestro doesn’t care about the reboot so his title has none. But the Lady in Violet shows up so it’s in the combined timeline. Basically, Sinestro how has Hal’s ring and the Guardians force him to serve. Meanwhile, Hal Jordan is on Earth readjusting without a ring. And he’s basically Peter Parker without the Spider-Powers. Big thing at the end that’ll make me want more.

Red Lanterns #1 – Lady in Violet appears here as well as Atrocitus embarks on a new mission…if the Red Lanterns actually listen to him, anyway. Dex-Starr’s here, so I’m obviously in this for the long haul. Sot quite sure where the other plot is going, possibly a Sector 2814/Earth Red Lantern? Or maybe that’s Dex-Starr? I’m intrigued.

Marvel:

Amazing Spider-Man #669 – Spider-Island’s always in high gear, and it’s fun. Here we learn Mayor J. Jonah Jameson now has the Spider-Infection and our big baddie is revealed. I guarantee you won’t guess who it is. But hey, the book’s so damn FUN. Go get it.

Fear Itself: Hulk vs. Dracula #1 – Oh boy, really? Anyway, Hulk lands from his battle with Thor in FI #5 riiiiiight near where Dracula set up shop after the X-Men storyline. Gischler’s forcing a new team of Vampires called The Forgiven on us because, I don’t know…they can stop a Hammer-Powered Hulk? Who knows. Anyhoo, the issue is mostly Dracula throwing random monsters at Hulk to find his weak spot. Yep. Gischler’s still in love with Vampires and I’ve been over them since I first watched Interview with the Vampire.

Pick of the Week:

Daredevil #3 – Mark Waid has done it again. This run will define Daredevil as the Kevin Smith, Brian Bendis, Ed Brubaker and Frank Miller runs have redefined the character for different generations. Last issue, Daredevil gets captured by an echo-clone of the Klaw, who has shacked up in one of Nelson & Murdock’s Client’s buildings. This issue, he has a pretty awesome fight with Klaw. And a nice set-up for Nelson & Murdock’s future. Don’t miss this issue. Hell, get the first two issues too. They’re just that good.

Random Comics, 9/7/11

DC:

Justice League International #1 – So, the big news this week is the first wave of new titles in the apparently unified DC/Vertigo/Wildstorm timeline they’re calling The New 52. JLI begins with a man named Andre Briggs who is empowered to form a Justice League that operates under UN Authority. The team, composed of Booster Gold, Fire, Ice, Rocket Red (Gavril), Vixen, Godiva (from Flashpoint), August General in Iron (from the Chinese Super-team the Great Ten) and Guy Gardner, who promptly bolts. The team is sent on its first mission, joined by Batman replacing Guy Gardner, at least for the mission. Of course, this being the JLI, the team butts heads and Booster Gold actually acting competent. All in all a promising first issue if not a bit heavy-handed with the team butting heads.

Stormwatch #1 – As part of the merged timeline, Martian Manhunter joins Stormwatch (basically The Authority for those more familiar with the old timeline) but they’re seeking Apollo, apparently as powerful as Superman. Far from the public heroes they were as the Authority, Stormwatch is more low-key and apparently handles big-concept threats like the Authority does. This was the best book out of the New 52 issues I’ve read so far. Let’s see how this goes.

Marvel:

Spider-Island: The Avengers (One Shot) – Spider-Island has been a pretty fun crossover, and it brought us this very fun issue. Frog-Man joins Power Woman (that’s Jessica Jones for the uninitiated), Hawkeye and Ms. Marvel for a fun romp as the UN building is threatened by the Flag-Smasher and ULTIMATUM (who reminds you that they stand for Underground Liberated Totally Integrated Mobile Army To Unite Mankind) who have gained Spider-Powers. Unfortunately for them, Hawkeye has Spider-Powers, too. Too bad he can’t use them well. Overall a very fun issue from Chris Yost. I wouldn’t mind him writing more Avenger-y stuff now and again.

Thunderbolts #163 – We find ourselves in a new direction for the series as Mr. Hyde, Satana, Boomerang, Centurius, Troll, Man-Thing, Fixer and Moonstone escape from the Raft with the Thunderbolts Tower…into the Past. Oops. At least they’re fighting Nazis. And who else is there in the Swiss Alps with all the Nazis? Why, the Invaders, of course. It’s an old-fashioned team-up! This can only end well.

Pick of the Week: Casanova: Avaritia #1 – Say what you will about Fraction’s work on Thor, X-Men and Fear Itself, Casanova has always been his best work. The first issue of Avaritia is no different. We learn that Cass has been eradicating entire dimensions, and pretty much, he’s tired of it. There are a lot of bombshells dropped, and the issue is a nonstop ride. Far and away this week’s best book.