Daniel Sherrier's Blog, page 37

Today’s Super Comic — The Adventures of Superman #472 (1990)

The early 1990s was not a stellar era for comic books, but Superman fared better than most, primarily because the writers demonstrated an excellent understanding of his character.

This shows in the “Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite” arc, an old storyline I’m just now reading for the first time thanks to a local comic store’s going-out-of-business sale. The story centers on a familiar trope—Superman loses his powers! Oh, no!—but the trope is used to reveal character as much as it’s used to create obstacles. What kind of man is Superman beneath all those amazing super-powers?

According to The Adventures of Superman #472, which is the second and most recent part of the story I’ve read as of this writing, Superman is a guy who will stand up to a rampaging, super-strong maniac, regardless of the personal risks. He’s a guy who isn’t too proud to ask for help. He’s a guy who still worries about his friends, despite his own major problem.

This Superman is just as super whether he has powers or not—which is exactly right.

The Christopher Reeve is strong in this one, and it’s a solid read for Superman fans young and old.

Writer/Penciler: Dan Jurgens

Inker: Art Thibert

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Comixology; included in Superman: Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 8 and up

Today’s Super Comic — The Avengers #32 (2012)

Brian Michael Bendis kicked off his nearly decade-long stint of writing the Avengers by demolishing the team in the “Avengers Disassembled” arc, so it’s fitting that his final storyline reunited the classic team and un-killed the Avengers’ original heroine.

Issue #32 is the second part of what we might as well call the “Bringing Wasp Back from the Dead” arc, though it’s technically dubbed “End Times.” The team’s roster has swelled considerably and branched off into two squads (maybe three if you count the Secret Avengers, but they’re secret, so…shhhh!), but here much of the focus narrows onto Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Giant Man has they shrink into a micro-world to, they hope, find the Wasp and bring her home, like she’s Matt Damon or something.

So, if you don’t count the Hulk and if you want to grandfather Cap in, that means the story focuses on the original Avengers in all their original glory. Whether it’s due to the history or the characters’ chemistry, watching these five working together is always a treat.

In particular, Bendis’s lively characterization of the Wasp is spot-on, and the reunion scene is about perfect. Even at the end of his run (which finished two issues later), Bendis still had it.

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Pencilers: Mike Mayhew and Brandon Peterson

Inker: Brandon Peterson

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Marvel Unlimited; Comixology; included in Avengers vol. 5 (TPB) (2013)

Appropriate For: ages 12 and up

Today’s Super Comic — Ms. Marvel #1 (2006)

In recent years, as Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers has become one of Marvel’s preeminent superheroes. She should have been an A-lister when she first became Ms. Marvel in the ‘70s, but writers have not always treated her character well. A supernatural pregnancy led to her leaving the Avengers, and later a pre-X-Men Rogue absorbed her powers and memories, stealing her very identity in the process.

Carol eventually reemerged as a superhero, first as Binary (not the name of an A-lister, for sure) and later as the alcoholic Warbird. By 2006, she was overdue for another shot at the Ms. Marvel title—and her own solo title—and in this series written by Brian Reed, she earns it.

The first issue acknowledges Carol’s tendency to go astray, and it establishes her determination to rectify that situation and become one of the greats.

That’s going to take time, as shown by her knee-jerk reaction of calling for the Avengers when an extraterrestrial threat appears. But she’s working at it.

As Captain Marvel today, Carol is one of the best superheroes in the Marvel Universe, as she should be. And this is where her resurgence began.

Writer: Brian Reed

Penciler: Roberto de la Torre

Inker: Jimmy Palmiotti

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Marvel Unlimited; Comixology; included in Ms. Marvel vol. 1: The Best of the Best (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 13 and up

Today’s Super Comics — The All New Atom #17 & 18 (2008)

The Atom and Wonder Woman team up! Not the original Atom, though, but that’s fine. Ray Palmer has always been plenty likeable, but he tends to work best as a supporting character rather than a lead, making the Atom a strong candidate for an “all-new” version.

The titular All New Atom was Dr. Ryan Choi. Like his predecessor, he worked as a college professor in Ivy Town and was an all-around good guy…just younger, a lot less experienced, and a lot more awestruck by the whole superhero thing. It was a great opportunity for writers to build a new Atom from the ground up, retaining what worked but crafting an engaging new character free from continuity baggage.

The series got derailed somewhere along the way, and offhand I can’t recall what’s become of this Atom. But the original run of issues written by Gail Simone remains a fun look at a novice superhero coming into his own. You can always count on Simone to deliver solid superhero stories.

In these two issues, the Atom goes on a date with Giganta and becomes incredibly awkward around Wonder Woman. Which is to say…good times. And Wonder Woman’s evaluation of the new Atom serves as a fitting end to Simone’s time on the book.

Writer: Gail Simone

Penciler: Mike Norton

Inker: Trevor Scott

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Comixology; included in The All-New Atom vol. 3: Small Wonder (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 13 and up

Today’s Super Comic — Astonishing Ant-Man #3 (2015)

Ant-Man and Captain America team up! Though it’s neither the original Ant-Man nor the original Captain America … but it is Scott Lang and Sam Wilson, who are both great characters with a lot of history in the Marvel Universe. Besides, by now, the Ant-Man identity belongs to Scott more than it does Hank Pym. And knowing how comics operate, I have no doubt Sam will inevitably return to his Falcon role and hand the shield back to Steve Rogers, but he’s a worthy substitute for the short term.

Plenty of fun ensues in this issue, particularly with Scott critiquing Sam’s performance in his new role.

As written by Nick Spencer, The Astonishing Ant-Man does not take itself too seriously. For Exhibit A, this issue features what might be the first Ant-Man vs. Giganto fight, with one combatant making short work of the other. The stakes don’t feel terribly high, but it makes for an entertaining scene.

The book is just goofy enough to delight, but Spencer avoids getting too ridiculous with everything. Scott’s personal problems help ground it just enough.

I’m liking it and ready for more.

Writer: Nick Spencer

Artist: Ramon Rosanas

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: recent back issues; Marvel Unlimited; Comixology; included in The Astonishing Ant-Man vol. 1: Everybody Loves Team-Ups (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 12 and up

Today’s Super Comic — Invincible Iron Man #5 (2016)

I hereby continue my ringing endorsement of Bendis’s Iron Man series.

Issue #5 wraps up the first storyline. It maintains the same balance of character, action, and humor that made the first four issues so enjoyable—and David Marquez’s great art brings it all to life. Mary Jane Watson officially joins the cast, which is an excellent decision, though it’s a toss-up as to whether she or Doctor Strange gets the issue’s best moment.

I briefly wondered why Mary Jane and Tony Stark didn’t seem to know each other. I could’ve sworn they met in the early issues of New Avengers when Spider-Man joined that team … but of course Spidey and MJ were married at that point, and a deal with the devil has since erased their marriage from continuity (rest assured, I will not be including that particular storyline in this series of all-positive reviews). So Tony and MJ are meeting as strangers. On the bright side, a fresh start enhances the book’s accessibility to casual readers.

In any case…more, please. When does the collection of the second volume come out?

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: David Marquez

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: recent back issues; Marvel Unlimited; Comixology; included in Invincible Iron Man vol. 1: Reboot (HC)

Appropriate For: ages 13 and up

Today’s Super Comic — Batgirl #16 (2011)

This Batgirl was such a fun series before the New 52 killed it.

It starred Stephanie Brown, the former Spoiler, as the new Batgirl operating under the guidance of the original, Barbara Gordon. As written by Bryan Q. Miller, this Batgirl’s personality leapt off the page and set her apart from DC’s ever-growing cast of Batman-related characters. She’s a fantastic lead.

Issue #16 is a typically solid example of what made this book a joy to read. Batgirl is wanted for a crime she didn’t commit—murder, specifically—which of course turns the police and public against her. And that plot serves the character; the situation highlights Stephanie’s drive to be the best Batgirl she can be, perhaps for a mix of altruistic as well as selfish approval-seeking reasons.

But it never pulls her down to a dark or brooding place. For the most part, she retains her lighthearted demeanor, and the book retains its strong sense of humor.

Example one from Stephanie’s first-person caption narration while she’s falling through a roof:

And it was only then that young Stephanie truly realized gravity would forever be her enemy.

And example two, this exchange with her police officer friend/crush:

“Your boomerang—”

“—batarang.”

“You realize that sounds more ridiculous, right?”

“Ridiculously awesome.”

Truly one of the most purely fun Bat-books in recent years, and one cancelled much, much too soon.

Writer: Bryan Q. Miller

Penciler: Dustin Nguyen

Inker: Derek Fridolfs

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Comixology; included in Batgirl vol. 3: The Lesson (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 12 and up

Today’s Super Comic — All-New Hawkeye #2 (2015)

The previous Hawkeye series was so phenomenally brilliant, any follow-up with a new creative team was destined to pale in comparison. No one’s at fault for not getting lightning to strike twice in the same spot.

But while All-New Hawkeye isn’t quite on the level of its predecessor, it’s still a perfectly fun superhero book (based on the two issues available on Marvel Unlimited).

This series veers closer to traditional superhero territory than the previous run, and in its wisest move, it enhances the focus on the unconventional mentor/mentee relationship of the two Hawkeyes, Clint Barton and Kate Bishop. And that relationship is strained at the moment—two moments, actually. The story jumps back and forth between the present day and twenty years from now, when Kate is the big-time superhero pulling old Clint out of retirement.

All good stuff so far. I’m on board for more.

Aaaaand after writing that and preparing this post, I just realized this is the second All-New Hawkeye series by the same creative team. The first lasted five issues, and all of these came out in 2015. Yes, this is the second All-New Hawkeye #2 by Jeff Lemire and Ramon Perez that came out in 2015. Marvel, can you please wait at least a full year before renumbering? I promise, there is no need to revert to #1 after each storyline.

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artist: Ramon Perez

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: recent back issues; Marvel Unlimited; Comixology; included in Hawkeye vol. 6: Hawkeyes (TPB) (Yeah, the trade paperback numbering they kept, even though the book’s title changed.)

Appropriate For: ages 13 and up

Today’s Super Comic — Captain America #1 (2004)

Of course I was going to review a Captain America comic on the Fourth of July. What do you think I am, some kind of commie?

Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting had an absolutely fantastic run on a (yet again) relaunched Captain America title, and the quality shows right from the start. Between the Red Skull being at large and the Avengers having recently disbanded, Cap is on edge and feeling guilty about all the soldiers he couldn’t save. And the Skull is indeed up to something.

But what really sells this first issue is the great twist at the end, which hints at a character who will play a major role throughout the series.

Brubaker’s writing is in top form, and Epting’s grounded art style is a perfect fit for the world of soldiers and spies. They make a terrific team and a thrilling Captain America.

Issue #1 kicks off the “Winter Soldier” arc, a title moviegoers will recognize. Though they share similarities, the comics and movie tell different stories. Both are well worth your time.

Writer: Ed Brubaker

Artist: Steve Epting

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Marvel Unlimited; Comixology; included in Captain America: Winter Soldier (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 14 and up

Today’s Super Comic — Superman #65 (1992)

Catch-up post 4/4! All caught up! Whew!

Before the movies had Independence Day, Superman comics had “Panic in the Sky!”

The title comes from the classic George Reeves episode, but the scope of this seven-part storyline far exceeds what was possible in 1950s television. This is pure blockbuster—just turn your brain off, indulge your inner child, and enjoy the wild ride.

The Earth faces an extraterrestrial menace led by Braniac, and Superman must assemble an army of his fellow superheroes to stop it. Superman #65 is the “gathering of the troops” part of the story, in which Superman reluctantly accepts the fact that he’s the one who needs to organize and lead the planet’s defense. It’s fitting for the character, who has never craved power but will humbly accept the mantle of leadership if he needs to.

Guest stars abound—Wonder Woman, Aquaman, even Deathstroke the Terminator, and so many more. It looks like a company-wide crossover, but the story stays confined to the Superman titles, allowing him to remain the undisputed protagonist throughout.

It’s just good clean, action-packed fun, and great for younger readers.

Writer/Penciler: Dan Jurgens

Inker: Brett Breeding

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Comixology; included in Superman: Panic in the Sky! (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 8 and up