Magen Cubed's Blog, page 26

Comic book review: Avengers #8

The Avengers face off against the World Breaker. From Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver.

The Machine continues to spiral into chaos as the Avengers attempt to take in Kevin Connor, the Starbrand. Overwhelmed and confused by the death he has just caused, Kevin soon rebuffs the team as they try to take him into their custody, using his newly discovered powers to trounce the heroes. Captain Universe and Nightmask (now going by Adam again, which, yes, is a little confusing) intervene to stop the skirmish, and Adam whisks Kevin away to see what remains of the Superflow of the universe.

The system left behind by The Builders is dying, the machinations that led to the birth of avatars like them broken beyond repair. With no others such as themselves to usher in this new age, Adam and Kevin are alone. What is left is a conflict between the system in use now and the systems that existed before, causing chaos throughout the multiverse that they must set right, not unlike what is going on in Hickman’s New Avengers book. This conflict takes Adam back to The Garden at Mars, where he was repurposed from the old system to the new one, where he brings Kevin before Ex Nihilo to find answers.

Although this leg of the arc is a bit dry, Hickman manages to balance the exposition with the action as the mystery deepens. The issue moves quickly and Weaver’s art keeps things humming along at a good pace, which utilize some nice design work and dynamic action sequences. Overall a satisfying read.

Comic book review: Captain Marvel #11

Terror from the skies as Captain Marvel confronts a new version of an old foe! From writers Kelly Sue DeConnick and Christopher Sebela and artist Filipe Andrade.

Another terrific read from DeConnick and Sebela, as Carol wakes in the hospital after her scuffle with Deathbird. The doctor tells her that the lesion is affecting her hybrid Human-Kree physiology, and any continued use of her flying abilities will damage her brain tissue so severely as to cause permanent memory loss. Carol is dismissive of the diagnosis, but Tracy permanently grounds her. Frustrated, she takes Wendy and Captain America up on their offer for the redesigned flying motorcycle, taking it for a spin with Dakota North. Things, of course, go awry, as Carol and Dakota become further embroiled in the mysterious appearance of this new Deathbird, who turns out to be an imposter sent to hurt Carol at her most vulnerable.

Fun, funny, and full of great character dynamics, this issue doesn’t disappoint. Andrade’s delicate pencils carry the action along effortlessly, their painterly quality enhanced by Jordie Bellaire’s wonderful color work. Nearly flawless.

Comic book reviews: Captain America #5

Zola’s terrible experiments on the indigenous creatures give birth to a terrible new foe! From Rick Remender and John Romita, Jr.

Nearing death, Steve takes the fight to Zola in one last stand. As Zola begins exterminating the Phrox Steve and Ian intervene, fighting back the mutated parodies of Captain America Zola has created. Fueled by the alleged death of her brother, Jet enters the battle, looking for revenge. She soundly thrashes Steve until Ian gets between them and, seeing the boy, Jet and Zola realize who he is.

Jet is willing to show Steve mercy, as he had done for her as a child. She and Zola take Ian and leave Steve to die as they continue massacring what remains of the Phrox. Determined to get his son back, Steve uses a knife to cut the Zola virus out of his chest, breaking the screen and with it Zola’s influence over him. Bleeding out, his chest a gaping wound of exposed wires and tissue, he resolves to end this fight once and for all.

This issue is another solid offering from Remender and Romita, Jr. Steve’s poignant tenacity continues to be the big draw of this series, which doesn’t pull any punches in its exploration of just what makes up Captain America. However, Remender’s narration continues to be bit redundant at times, and, as is the same in Uncanny Avengers, he just can’t help himself with the Cap-themed cheese. The moment that took me out of the whole thing was Jet stripping down to that skimpy black leather number before fighting Steve. I understand what they were probably going for, but what ensues is basically mud-wrestling in the rain, while wearing a ridiculous outfit. The whole thing is so silly it begs for camp. Beyond that, however, this is an enjoyable issue.

Comic book review: Deadpool #6

The epic finale of Dead Presidents! From writers Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan with art by Tony Moore.

Posehn and Duggan manage to end this rather clumsy arc with a bit of dignity as Deadpool squares off for a final battle against George Washington. Fueled by Preston’s death, Deadpool swears his revenge on any and all dead presidents left standing between him and Washington. Our first president uses Michael’s stolen book to wreak havoc on D.C., which is in a state of total chaos as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents get publically pants by hordes of zombies. Deadpool saves the day, and is even spared being drawn and quartered by S.H.I.E.L.D. higher-ups thanks to a convenient appearance by the Avengers. Except for an ominous message from Doctor Strange, things are generally looking up, until Michael’s attempt to revive Preston goes awry and her spirit ends up in Deadpool’s body.

The juvenile one-liners aside, this issue actually offers a few genuinely somber moments for Deadpool, as he deals with Preston’s death and resigns to stopping Washington at any cost to himself. This feels like the Deadpool I know and love. There are even a few surprisingly humorous moments as well (as in, I actually laughed this time), such as Washington’s severed head being punted into the lap of the Lincoln Memorial with a stoic “I deserve this.” I’m unsure if I have any confidence in this Deadpool-Preston business, but for the first time since issue one, I can say that this wasn’t a bad book.

Comic book review: Avengers #7

The Avengers must scramble to deal with the threat of another Universal SYSTEM. From Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver.

In this issue, Hickman brings us right into The White Event, his latest pan-reality arc. Something terrible is ripping through the Superflow, the hidden structures inside of every universe. One by one these structures are being destroyed, laying waste to the observation posts left by The Builders and taking these realities with them. In Universe 616, Nightmasks begins using Tony Stark’s computer and satellite systems to find other Nightmasks, fellow harbingers of this new coming age. The Avengers can only stand by and try to help, and understand, as Captain Universe and Nightmask make their next moves.

There are machinations in place to create a Starbrand, a planetary defense system. Transformed from a normal human, the Starbrand is a being powerful enough to destroy a planet in order to protect his home world, but the machine is broken. This being appears at what is left of a college after it is leveled, destroyed in a devastating explosion that leaves a brand scorched into the earth. Rushing to the scene, when the Avengers arrive they find a young man amid the flames, the Starbrand born anew.

Quick-paced and carried by Weaver’s engaging design work, this book moves forcefully into Hickman’s next event. Hickman delivers a solid issue, an anxious tension running through the story as the Avengers scramble to deal with this new threat. Weaver, who has been handling the cover art thus far, brings his A game in this issue, his art well-rounded with the help of Justin Ponsor’s gorgeous colors. Overall a very enjoyable  read.

Comic book review: Iron Man #7

Tony Stark must fight for his life in this latest issue from Kieron Gillen and Greg Land.

Tony is having a relatively unhappy birthday as he sits in prison on an alien planet, awaiting trial for the crime of killing The Phoenix Force. An unlikely ally presents itself in the form of 451, a rogue Rigellian Recorder on a mission to help those in need across the universe as he avoids returning to his masters. Seeing Tony’s plight, 451 advises him to earn his freedom through gladiatorial games. The Voldi people, a romantic and leisurely species that has grown bored with their own excess, have not seen games such as these in centuries and are excited to see them. They cheer Tony on as he easily fights his way through his unprepared opponents, although the Justicar is not amused. When Tony makes his last bid for innocence, he goes up against Death’s Head, and realizes this is a much tougher fight than he first thought.

Gillen continues to develop a fairly interesting arc in this issue, taking Tony far out of his comfort zone and forcing him to rely on his resourcefulness to survive his trial. I enjoy seeing Tony without his suit and stable of super-friends to back him up, and there is a fair amount of intrigue to go around. Land’s pencils are so-so. He continues to do some pretty eye-catching design work, but his faces and expressions are still cheesy and repetitive. The art, as ever, feels out of step with the story, which makes the book less engaging. Still, for a quick entertaining read, I am interested in seeing where this arc goes, even though there will likely be few (if any) lasting implications for the character or story.

Comic book review: Uncanny Avengers #4

Red Skull and his S-Men move forward their takeover of New York. From Rick Remender and Joe Cassaday.

An energetic issue with a few interesting twists along the way, we see the conclusion of Red Skull’s attack. Still plagued by doubt, Havoc continues leading the Avengers against Red Skull, trying to curb his murderous spree across the city. Meanwhile, Scarlet Witch tries to bring Thor back from Skull’s psychic vice as Captain America struggles to save himself from the same fate. Besieged by Skull’s violent ideologies and visions of a bloated, failed America, he is barely able to fight back against the assault as Skull and his S-Men retreat.

The entire team bloodied and beaten, Havoc and Cap pick up the pieces and try to provide what hollow comfort they can to those awakened from Skull’s control. Back at the mansion, Wanda and Rogue attempt to reconcile as Alex and Steve try to work on a strategy. Thor comforts an injured Logan and tries to assure him that they didn’t fail, and that Logan didn’t fail Charles Xavier’s dream. These reflective moments are fleeting, however, as the book jumps forward three months to show the apocalyptic repercussions of Skull’s Eternal Reich, ending on a chilling vision of the future.

Another strong issue from Remender and Cassaday, the action is once again well-balanced by thoughtful characterization. I’m really enjoying the scope Remender’s established here, using rotating perspectives to cover every angle of the situation. Even amid the large-scale battles, there’s still time for the characters to continue to develop. There’s a lot of good here, but there’s still a few low points. One is that there are many places where the narration feels a bit redundant, simply rehashing what’s going on in-panel, and sometimes comes across as ham-fisted. The other is Cap’s brainwashing scenes, where Red Skull shows him visions of a gross, ignorant, Capitalistic American middle-class, are so on-the-nose that they lose some of their punch. And having Cap scream about how much he loves America? Always gets on my nerves.

Despite a few nitpicks, this is a very enjoyable issue with a building mystery and enough surprises to keep things fresh and engaging.

Comic book review: FF #4

It’s Valentine’s Day at the Baxter Building! So why does that spell trouble for She-Hulk? From Matt Fraction and Mike Allred.

As Scott tries to rally the kids to help John Storm take out Doctor Doom once and for all, moral questions are raised. Alex calls Scott’s motives into question, accusing him of being blinded by his need to avenge his daughter’s death, which ends in an unpleasant confrontation. These tensions cause rifts in the team, which only serve to undermine Scott’s authority with the kids. Medusa, still unsure of the truth in John Storm’s story, provokes him in front of Scott and Darla in order to see how he would react. Another confrontation ensues and John leaves abruptly, which only raises more questions.

Meanwhile, Jennifer, looking to get away from the drama surrounding her new gig, goes on a (not)date with Wyatt. Little does she realize, the Moloids, in love with her and aided by Bentley-23, spend the entire night trying to ruin her romantic endeavors. As the kids’ sabotage backfires on them, Jennifer and Wyatt rekindle their feelings for each other, and Bentley, feeling like a failed villain, goes off to sulk. However, things are not quite what they seem, as Medusa (or someone who looks like Medusa) tries to console Bentley and assure him that she wants him to meet his full villainous potential.

Endearingly strange and funny, Fraction and Allred deliver another strong issue. While a little more somber than previous issues, with the team’s internal strife and the mysteries still surrounding John Storm, this issue is sincere in both its tone and delivery. The Moloids’ attempts to meddle in Jennifer’s affairs, however, provide the kitsch and humor we’ve come to expect from this title, while the ending leaves us on a somewhat foreboding note. Enjoyable as always.

Comic book review: Young Avengers #2

It’s the attack of the Stepford Parents in this whip-smart issue from Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie.

When Billy realizes that Teddy’s mother is not what she seems, the parasite begins turning all the adults against them. First Billy’s parents are turned into pod-people and then, as the boys reach out to Scarlet Witch and the Avengers, the parasite clouds their perceptions and drops the boys into another dimension. Loki conveniently arrives on the scene, breaking Billy and Teddy free in order to make them pay back his tab at his favorite diner. The tab paid for, the three of them conspire over coffee and cheap food, trying to find a way to stop the parasite. Little does Loki realize, Billy knows what part he played in summoning the monster in the first place, and the three of them go to Asgardia to seek help from a higher source. However, things go a little pear-shaped as an Ice Giant greets them to take Loki back to Laufey.

Gillen’s characterizations and dialogue is nothing short of satisfying, striking the perfect balance of humor and sincerity. Anchoring the story so far in Billy and Teddy’s relationship works so well, finding a emotional nice counterpoint to the intergalactic, interdimensional craziness of the larger plot. Likewise, McKelvie’s pencils are spot-on and engaging, and a perfect complement to this story. His panel designs are fun and highly inventive, especially the other-dimensional prison cells, which were genius. I don’t often gush but this book is just a joy to read, quickly becoming one of my favorite titles. If you’re not reading this book, you are missing out.

Comic book reviews: Captain Marvel #10

Unable to fly, Captain Marvel has to fight to stay alive as an old enemy emerges from her past. From Kelly Sue DeConnick and Christopher Sebela with art by Filipe Andrade.

Still in denial about the extent of her illness, Carol is having nightmares about falling from space. Carol’s friends and neighbors begin to reach out to her, trying to convince her to take some time off and worry about her health, as her headaches and blackouts worsen. Always the first to prove everyone else wrong, however, Carol stubbornly continues her usual superheroics, despite the advice of Frank, Wendy and Steve Rogers, as Deathbird shows up with a beef to pick with her. After an attack in in the subway, they take to the skies in a brawl above Carol’s rooftop, and as her neighbors look on, Carol is overcome by pain, blacking out and plummeting to the ground below.

As with last month’s, there’s so much to like about this issue. From the great dialogue and character dynamics to the gorgeous pencils, DeConnick, Sebela and Andrade each pull their weight in delivering a solid, highly enjoyable issue. With the action and adventure grounded by Carol’s struggle with her illness, this arc is shaping up to an engaging and personal journey.  The light, buoyant quality of Andrade’s art, supplemented by Jordie Bellaire’s beautiful color work, keeps the story moving with grace and energy, and almost steals whole the show.

Another fun, affective read.