Secret Avengers #1

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Nick Spencer. In fact, you could say I'm addicted to him like crack, but only the biggest of morons use crack, so let's say I'm addicted to him like I am redheads. While his creator-owned books are some of the best books I've ever read, his mainstream work has never been his strongest. So when it was announced he was writing this book (his second time on the book), and he was bringing my two favorite Avengers in Black Widow and Hawkeye with him, I was excited, with a bit of trepidation.

Any fear went out the door almost immediately. Spencer takes all of the mystery and intrigue he puts in his own books and attaches it to Marvel's long-standing heroes as well as their up and coming new characters. Some people could look at this book as just a way for Marvel to integrate their movie universe into their comic universe. All of the characters are big players from the Avengers movie, including Agent Coulson, who first premiered in the movieverse. But this title is far from a throw-away tie-in book. It's a spy book first and foremost, with SHIELD taking the spotlight. It's a genre that has really disappeared from the comic racks the past few years, especially at the Big Two comic companies. If you're a fan of the genre, then don't miss this book. Everything from the gadgets, to the exotic locales, to the deception is present here. But the strong suit is the dialog Spencer brings to the group. The humor is reminiscent of Bendis, while the technical jargon reminds you of Hickman, blended together as only Spencer can.

Luke Ross' art is not as realistic here as it was during his time on Captain America. I can only assume it's because of the humor, and to make sure the characters don't look 100% like their movie counterparts. We need to know this is the comic world, not the movie world, and his pencils keep us firmly reminded of that. The coloring by Matthew Wilson plays an integral role in telling the story as well since it sets the mood. Mood is one of the most important things in a spy thriller. Shadows are always present, but if it's too dark, you can't tell what's going on. Wilson does a great job of allowing the reader to clearly tell what's happening while still portraying the dark and seedy environments flawlessly.

There are a ton of Avengers titles out there on the stands today. This one sets itself apart from the rest by bringing something different to the table. What it brings is the suspense, thrills, and humor that no other Avengers title has. If you want a little more from your Avengers than just the huge interplanetary battles, then look no further.

Uncanny X-Men #1

Hmmm, I feel like I have already reviewed an Uncanny X-Men #1. Oh, that's right! It's because I have. In today's market, books get renumbered almost on a monthly basis. It's frustrating to keep track of which number goes with which volume, but it's a sad necessity if certain titles want to survive. Long gone are the days of creators staying on books for years (with a few exceptions like Bendis, Brubaker, and Johns), as well as readers sticking with a title forever due to prices constantly rising. So companies relaunch to get higher exposure, and hoping to get readers to try something different. While not ideal, Marvel's current NOW! initiative has taken the idea and done it quite well. Shifting creators on almost their entire line of books was a bold move, and renumbering, in this case, was needed. So while this might be the second Uncanny X-Men #1 we've had in just the past couple years, I feel this one will not be renumbered anytime soon. And that is thanks to Brian Michael Bendis.

Bendis has come over to the X-Universe and completely made it the top franchise at Marvel, something it's taken a back-seat to the Avengers to for the entire time he wrote Marvel's mightiest heroes. All-New X-Men is the best book on the stands right now. It has the feel of newness that Stan Lee wrote back in the 60's combined with the present day of today's ever evolving world. If you are not reading that, mutant fan or not, you need to. You won't be disappointed.
But Uncanny has a different feel from All-New. While All-New has a feeling of hope for mutants, Uncanny has a feel of desperation. Cyclops is doing all he can to recreate the mutant race with his version of the Xavier school, recruiting new mutants as they arise after the fallout of the battle with the Phoenix Force. Cyclops' task isn't an easy one though, because now he and his group are wanted fugitives. He still believes in the next generation of mutants, but as an army, not students. He wants to teach, but must teach them survival, because now thanks to him, the world hates and fears mutants possibly more than they ever have.

This is a great sister book to All-New. Together, we get to see both sides of the coin. We get the Xavier/Magneto dynamic in Wolverine/Cyclops. Both men feel they are on the right side, and both men will fight to prove their point. This series is all about Cyclops' transformation into the Mutant Messiah, a title previously thought to belong to Hope Summers. After all the build-up of making it seem like Hope would save the mutant race, it ends up being Cyclops who will do that. And by any means necessary.

In this first issue, Bendis does a great job of blending a tale that alternates back and forth between dramatic dialog, and frenzied action, something he has always excelled at (unless you're a comic message board commenter, then you hate him). The scenes between Maria Hill and the mystery character are more important than the climatic battle scenes Cyclops' X-Men engage in. The last page twist sets up this series in the most intriguing of ways.
Chris Bachalo has been a favorite of mine for almost 20 years, dating all the way back to his Generation X days (hellllooooo 90's). But as great as he is, I'm not sure if he's the perfect choice for this book. I feel the book would be better off with an artist who does more "clean" lines. This team of X-Men is akin to a para-militaristic force, and I feel the characters need a more regimented look. Bachalo's hectic style sometimes makes the action scenes confusing, making it hard to tell exactly what's happening in certain panels. It's not anything that overly brings down the book, I just feel his strengths are better off suited for books with a bit more humor. Like his time on Wolverine & the X-Men. Cyclops is the farthest from being a hilarious chap. It'll be interesting to see what Frazer Irving's take on the book is with the next arc.

In any case, this is a fantastic read. Worthy of relaunching the original X-title into the next phase of Marvel's history. Whether you're a long time reader, or are jumping on board with the new #1's, it's a great time to be a fan of Marvel's mutant franchise.

Uncanny X-Force #1

This book most definitely continues the wave of excellence that the term X-Force has been riding the past few years. I have never read anything by Sam Humphries before. In fact, before The Ultimates (which I gave up on long before he took over), I had never heard of him. I didn't hear many things about his run on the book, and the few things I did hear weren't glowing. But he's hooked me right away. He fills in the gaps of what happened after the last incarnation of the team disbanded almost immediately, while still leaving a few questions left to answer to get you to come back for more. You still get a sense that this is what an X-Force book should feel like, but with it's own new take on it.

All of the characters are easily introduced in a way that new readers can get into the groove right away, even if the lesser known characters aren't fleshed out entirely. You get the feeling you'll learn what you need to in the next couple of issues. One of the best attributes of the book is the fact that, so far, all of the characters have back story together. It's not like the readers nor the cast don't know who anybody is. We can get right past introductions and on to the meat of the story right away.

Ron Garney has been a favorite of mine for many a year, and this book really shows you why. He has a way about him that allows him to draw the grittiest of battle-hardened heroes, to the most sexiest of women. In this instance, they are one in the same. His stuff looks the best it has in years. The coloring almost acts like a character itself as well, setting the mood quite exquisitely in each exotic locale.

Rick Remender's run on the last volume of Uncanny X-Force drug on too long. The book needed a fresh perspective. This is without a doubt that. While there are currently two books with the name X-Force on the stands, I feel this one just made itself the true bearer of the name.

Oh, and that last page is sure to get some tongues wagging across the 'Net!

Young Avengers #1

This book didn't really grab me like I hoped it would. I am a huge Jamie McKelvie fan, but Kieron Gillen is hit or miss with me, with mostly misses. But the two of them together really tend to shine. I just couldn't get into this first issue, though.

The characters were really take 'em or leave 'em. First we see Kate Bishop (who I think is still going by the name Hawkeye) and Noh-varr (formerly Marvel Boy, formerly The Protector). Right here is where I have a major problem. Noh-varr seems to have already forgotten he had a somewhat girlfriend on Earth. Granted, it's only the first issue, and maybe we'll get into that, but I feel like it was a topic that should've been brought up immediately upon the reader seeing his actions with Kate. Hopefully Gillen hasn't forgotten that bit in Noh-varr's history, which is not that deeply involved.
Next we get Hulkling and Wiccan. This made the book for me. Their relationship has always been an important part of every previous Young Avengers series. It's never played out just for the fact that it's a gay relationship because that would be very offensive, it's always been about accepting the fact that two people can truly love each other, no matter their sex. Gillen does a fantastic job with Teddy and Billy. Every bit as good as Allan Heinberg, who co-created them.
Finally, we see Kid Loki and Miss America. Loki is as fun as he has been the entire time Gillen has written him. I only read Journey Into Mystery when it crossed-over with New Mutants, but even there you could see Loki as a youngster really should only be written by Gillen. Miss America, on the other hand, has been a boring character since she premiered in Vengeance. There's just not much to her. If Marvel was just looking for a strong Latina character, I really wish they had used Arana. She at least has some history to work with.

It's too early to tell exactly where the plot is going. This first issue set up about three different story lines with no clear hint of where they're heading, or if they connect. I'm going to assume they connect, or why are all these charcters coming together as a team?

At least Jamie McKelvie gave me everything I wanted (and somewhere so did Mike Norton, because he's also credited on art, but for the life of me, I see no difference in art style). I love how bold and clean every panel is. And there are a LOT of panels in this book. It has a very modern look to the storytelling. Without a doubt, I feel the art is the big selling point here.

This Young Avengers series is a far cry from every previous incarnation. I'm not sure every YA fan will be pleased with the new additions to the title. I know I wasn't happy with the subtractions. I still have hope for the book, because Gillen's stories always have a long lead-in to the overall plot. I'm just not sure if the plot is all that interesting to begin with.

Wolverine and the X-Men #24

This issue is what you'd call one of those "Great jumping on points!" And it really is. Nowadays, how many people don't know who Wolverine or the X-Men are? I'd wager very few. There's no need to get into who everybody is at the beginning of every arc anymore. I remember growing up and reading The Punisher, and every six issues you'd be reminded that his family was killed in a mob shootout in Central Park and he killed criminals for vengeance. It got so tiresome. I understand the need to fill in new readers, but in today's world of Google, and websites, and whatever, if the audience needs background info, they can find it easily without being constantly bogged down story-wise every few issues. This issue realizes all of that.

The premise this time is simple: date night. After all the months of crazy things that the X-Men have had to go through, they decide to take a night off to have some fun. We see the teaching staff leave the school to party, leaving Wolverine in charge, which he does not appreciate. Kitty Pryde and Iceman have their first official date, which is about as awkward as a first date can go. Jean Grey and Quentin Quire have a nice little exchange that shows how Jean is adapting to today's youth. And yes, there just might be a kiss that the cover blatantly spoils.

Wolverine and the X-Men has always been a lighter book, which is something you wouldn't expect from Jason Aaron. But I've always felt, since it's beginning, that it's portrayed the X-Men exactly how they've always acted at their core. It makes them human. The X-Men have always been the characters you're supposed to connect with because they could be you. Aaron does a wonderful job making you feel like these characters could be your neighbors, friends, or even family.
David Lopez on art even takes it a step further and draws the majority of the cast in normal clothes, almost making you forget you're reading a superhero book. His style here is almost reminiscent of the old 60's romance comics. He's been doing great with the super heroic action over in X-Men recently, and now he gets to show another side of his fantastic art. Some of his facial expressions he gives Kitty and Jean are priceless.

This isn't the perfect issue to introduce anybody to the X-Men if they're expecting action and wild powers. But it is the perfect issue to show them that the X-Men are more than a team with powers, they are us.

Savage Wolverine #1

It's another Wolverine title! Hooray! I just don't understand how Marvel can keep pitching this idea to anybody anymore. But they do. And they do it with Spider-Man, and DC does it with Superman and Batman. And why do they do that? Because it's a safe sale. Sometimes the titles end up being worth it and sometimes they end up being worthless. It's too soon to say where this title stands.

I didn't hate this book at all. It was fun, gory, and exactly what it's supposed to be: savage. The trouble is, is this the main Wolverine title or is the Paul Cornell/Alan Davis "Wolverine" book the main one? Wolverine does not need two monthly ongoings. He's in Wolverine & the X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, All-New X-Men, Avengers, Uncanny Avengers and now two self-titled books. That's way, way too many to justify two solo books. So one of these will not last. I have a feeling this will be the one to go. Like I said, I didn't hate it (even though I despise Savage Land stories and am sick to death of how many there have been in the Marvel Universe lately), but I feel once Frank Cho is no longer on the book, this title will become pointless. Cho is the strong point with this title. It has everything he's known for. You can see and feel his personal touch all over this book. If you are a fan of Frank, then don't miss this. I really hope he's on the book for a long time, and the Savage Land story is only the first arc. I'd love to see Frank write & draw Logan in Japan, interacting with the Avengers, teaming up with the Punisher, basically anything. But I don't want to see this book without Cho on it. It would become just another watered-down Wolverine title. That's not to belittle any other creator out there. I just feel like the aforementioned Cornell/Davis Wolverine title is going to be the solo book that affects Logan's ongoing history. This Savage Wolverine title should be a series of mini-series only done by Cho.

This is one of the few times I'd suggest picking up the book in trades. I feel like it's going to work best in arcs. Maybe I'm wrong and each successive issue will change my mind into thinking this book will be the main Wolverine title. But for right now, I feel this is a niche Wolverine book. By no means bad, but not entirely worthy of ongoing status.

Superior Spider-Man #1

 

One word to describe the first issue of this new era of Spider-Man's life: amazing. Everyone is going to have their personal opinions of this book before they even read it. Whether you're a long-time fan, casual reader, or this is your first time picking up anything with the name Spider-Man on it. The internet fervor has been widespread. Most of it has been hate. I think that's sadly unfair. You have to go into this series knowing full well this will not be permanent. How much in comics ever is? And this won't be the first. But what it is is an interesting tale, if you give it a chance.

 

This was the first time reading a Spider-Man comic that I felt like I knew what it was like to be in the costume. Marvel's characters have always been more relatable than any other companies'. But this took it one step beyond that. We as the readers are experiencing what it's like to actually be in Peter Parker's shoes along with Otto Octavious. And it's not easy. Would we be able to do it? Would we do it differently? Could we do it better? These are all things the former Doctor Octopus will be figuring out in his new lease on life. He's struggling with things he's never had to deal with before. He's helping innocents where he never would've cared before. He's dealing with relationships he never had the opportunity to do before. And he's getting admiration from the public for the first time. It's a very unique chance to see Spider-Man from behind the mask in a way that's never happened before.

 

Dan Slott being the writer to create this drastic change is a very smart move by Marvel. With their NOW! initiative, almost every creator has switched books, but it was very important for Slott to stay on Spider-Man. He can continue with storylines that have been going on for many months, while at the same time making everything brand new. Ryan Stegman on art is adequate. A bit too rough on the Spider-Man scenes for my taste, but very spot-on with the "Peter Parker" scenes. Hopefully his style improves on the action sequences. 

 

I know most of you are going to be hesitant with trying out this book, but you need to look past your bias and see what Slott has planned. It's a well thought out story that is just beginning. It deserves to be allowed to play out. And if you think Peter Parker's legacy will be trampled upon, I just have two words for you: Last. Page.

New Avengers #1

New Avengers is a misnomer. This book should really be called New Illuminati. And there's not a single thing wrong with that. Unless you didn't like the Illuminati. Which then can I interest you in some All-New X-Men?

Anyways, assuming you did like the Illuminati and are still reading this review, here's the deal. Black Panther takes center stage in this opening salvo. And I do mean salvo, because the action gets hot and heavy pretty much immediately. That pleases me very much. I thought Hickman's Avengers was just way too wordy. I understand that's his deal and writing style, but that's not for me. I never read his Fantastic Four, but I appreciated what he brought to the table with all of the scientific elements that book deserved. But that's not the Avengers. That's a book that should be about global-scale butt-whoopin.' Sure, Tony Stark and Bruce Banner are big brains, but that's why you read their solo titles. With the Avengers, I expect to see huge villains and their nefarious schemes being tackled by a massive group of heroes doing what they do best: fight.

New Avengers started off like Avengers did with a lot of scientific jargon. It almost turned me off. But as soon as T'Challa showed up, the action got going. For as well Hickman writes technical intricacies, he can also write a damn good fight sequence. Black Panther might be one of the best characters for him to write. The character has always been as much brain as he has been brawn. And both qualities were put to the test from the get-go.

This issue set up the threat that the Illuminati will have to tackle. Originally it seemed like this book was going to be another Exiles-style book. But instead, the multi-versal threats are coming to OUR planet, instead of the team going to the other planets. Well, we can't have that, can we? So in steps the team that shouldn't exist to fight the threats no one else can.

This is the first book by Johnathan Hickman that I've actually enjoyed. Again, I'm just not into the scientific stuff. Probably because I never did well in science and math in school. But here, Hickman blends science and action so perfectly, that I can't help to love his style. And having Steve Epting on art is an amazing choice. Steve had been stellar on Captain America the past few years, so it's a treat to see him get to draw so many of Marvel's heavy hitters in one title. One titanic title.

If you love the Avengers, you'll dig New Avengers. If you were like me and thought the Avengers was a bit lacking, try New Avengers. It's what you'd think an Avengers title should be.

Incredible Hulk #12

Jason Aaron's run on the Incredible Hulk has been one of the most disappointing things I've read in a long time. This is a writer who perfectly replaced Garth Ennis on the superb PunisherMAX, who wrote some of the most twisted Wolverine stories ever, and who is writing the current best X-title out there in Wolverine & the X-Men. So when I heard he was taking over the Jade Giant, I figured we'd get some of the most insane, epic brawls the Hulk has ever been in. But what we've gotten is the strangest take on the Banner/Hulk ideal ever. And it has not been good in any way, shape, or form. In fact, the issue that guest-starred the Punisher was one of the worst books I've ever read. The whole "Stay Angry" arc has been a horrible read. Each part has introduced the dumbest elements ever seen in a Hulk book. From mutated dog drug dealers, to Atlantean hicks, to space bears (which I will admit was an absolute hilarious issue), to a city of sasquatches, this has been a painful story to read. Except for this issue. This is the one where we finally see what Aaron could've done with his run.

The issue's main story is nothing we haven't seen a million times: the Hulk vs Wolverine & the Thing. And it's everything you'd expect out of that almost-annual battle. It's non-stop destruction, clobberin,' slashing and smashing. But it's the dialog that made me love this issue. If you read my review of New Avengers #29 (And if you didn't, why not? Don't you like me?), then you know sometimes all you need for a great story is to have great dialog. This issue shows you can have great dialog at the same time as great pummeling. Each character is given an equal amount of time to shine with their fists and their thoughts. The bickering between the three is exactly how you'd imagine these rivals to act. The funniest take on all three.

Carlos Pacheco really nails the brutality and savagery in the combatants. His art starts out smooth and refined, then ends sharp and rugged once the main event unfolds. I think it's his best art since returning to Marvel. I also think Roger Bonet does an exceptional job on inks giving each character the depth in their muscles to show their strength and ferocity. Laura Martin's colors really shine in this issue as well, giving everything a brutal shine with each blow delivered.

So while I can't recommend this entire Incredible Hulk series, or even this whole arc, I can say if you want an issue where three legendary brawlers pound the living snot out of each other while delivering the most killer one-liners, then look no further than this book.

New Avengers #29

My original plan was to review every single part of AvX after I had my first published review on Bleedingcool.com with #0. But the series blew up so big that it seemed like every person on the planet was reading it, so I didn't feel the need to review something everybody already had their hands on. And while that feeling still holds true, this tie-in issue was so good, so powerful, that I had to share my thoughts.

To me, Brian Michael Bendis is one of the best, if not THE best, at giving characterizations. This issue personifies that quite possibly better than anything else he's written. It's easily my favorite of any AvX issue so far, including the main series. It centers around Captain America's calling together of the remaining members of the Illuminati with the hope of talking some sense into Namor. As each member shows up, they all tell Cap how futile an effort it is to expect Namor to actually show up to peace talks. But Cap holds out hope that one of his oldest compatriots will see the light.

The entire issue is nothing but one big conversation, and that is what makes it perfect. Each character's thoughts on the whole AvX battle is truly eye-opening. The reasoning with which Reed Richards explains why he feels the X-Men might be right is a logical surprise. Professor X's inner turmoil about feeling blamed by the others for Cyclops' turn and his own feelings of failing Scott as a father is gut-wrenching. Iron Man's jerkish attitude hides his inability to find a solution to a crisis he feels he created when his weapon spilt the Phoenix into the Phoenix Five. Dr. Strange's slight indifference of doing anything other than taking orders from Cap. And of course, Cap's staunch refusal to believe his teammate is beyond reasoning with.

All of the emotion is brought to life brilliantly by artist Mike Deodato. The facial expressions he gives each character is exactly what you'd expect someone to look like in a real life situation. But that's always been one of Mike's best qualities as an artist; his realism. You can actually believe these people are out there doing these things. Even if it's just sitting around a table debating.

The only problem with this issue, and it's a pretty big one, is I'm not sure when it takes place. All of the Phoenix Five have their powers here, but that hasn't been the case for over a month. And when you factor in Namor's attack on Wakanda, this issue had to be before AvX #7. I just can't place it.

That possible continuity flub should in no way make you pass on reading one of the best written books in years. It's definitely the hands-down best written tie-in of any of these event books that have been the norm for the Big Two the past 8 years or so. Yes, there's really no action in this issue, but sometimes words are the most powerful weapons.

X-Treme X-Men #1

This book is exactly (or should that be x-actly?) what I figured it would be: pointless. There is just no need for this title to exist. It springs from an Astonishing X-Men storyline that was bad, and it doesn't get better here. Didn't we already see this book? Wasn't it called Mutant X? Oh, I'm sorry, I meant Exiles. It's the same old, same old. Just this time we get Dazzler! Hooray. No offense to any Dazzler fans out there. I like Alison. If anything, this gives Dazzler fans exactly what they want. She'll finally get a starring role. But honestly, how long will this book last? It is offered as an on-going, but shouldn't be more than a mini-series. It's too much to expect readers to stick with this book for two years, three years, or more. If this lasts one year, I'll be shocked.

It's not even that the book is bad. There's good dialog, and nice fluid art. But all of that is wasted on an over-used plot. And a plot the X-Men seem to own all to themselves. One of them gets sucked into another dimension and have to team up with that dimension's X-Men to save other dimensions? Oh man, sign me up for that original idea! Sigh.

Greg Pak is a very talented writer. It's sad to see him wasted on a book that shouldn't ever have been made. Why couldn't this just be another arc in Astonishing X-Men, like the story that inspired it? I just don't get it. Maybe Marvel was going to lose the rights to the term "X-Treme X-Men" like they almost did with "X-Factor" almost 15 years ago? It's really the only explanation I have as to why they bothered making this a monthly title.

If you love Dazzler, get this book. By all means, support this so Marvel will continue to actively use her. If you have no interest in her at all, then there's really no need bother with this.

Avenging Spider-Man #9

Avenging Spider-Man has kind of started to lose it's purpose anymore. It's still the Spidey team-up book, but I just feel it's really redundant now. With all of the guest-stars that are in Amazing Spider-Man each month, what's the point of this title? Maybe it's just the fact that the last few issues haven't been that great. This latest issue continues that disappointing trend.

This issue was truly crappy. From horrible dialog, to a very uninteresting plot, to a lame new character. I'm not sure if it's because this came out before Captain Marvel #1 and yet takes place AFTER that, or what. All I know is, since this was written by the same writer of the new Captain Marvel book, then that book is not going to last long. I couldn't stand any of the characters in this issue. I didn't care if they won or lost, lived or died. And I like Spider-Man and Carol Danvers. All I cared about was for this issue to be over and to see who Spidey would team-up with next month. Imagine my horror when the dreaded "To be continued" reared it's ugly face on the last page. Ugh.

At least the art was nice. It's by the Dodsons, so that's no shock. But even they couldn't make me care about Carol's new costume. What was wrong with her old costume? Heck, they could've at least put her back in her original one.

On a side note, I will say I like the art on the new Captain Marvel book. So it at least has one good thing going for it. Maybe one of you will tell me if the story and dialog is any good. Change my mind for me people!

Here's to hoping issue #11 comes by a lot quicker so it washes the taste of this arc out of my mouth. But then again, it could also be another disaster in the waiting...

Space: Punisher #1

Yep, this book is exactly as it's title implies; Punisher. In. Space. And it's awesome! When I first heard the announcement for this, I just rolled my eyes. I thought "Here we go again, just over saturating the market with more pointless Punisher junk again like back in the '90's." Now don't get me wrong, I love the Punisher. I have every appearance of his. Every one-shot, on-going, mini-series. Everything. But there comes a time when sometimes I buy the books to finish my collection, not because it's a good read. This was not one of those occasions. This is most definitely a worthy book. The over-the-top wanton destruction is magnified by the fact that it takes place in an area that has no limits. And no, I don't mean space, I mean non-continuity. Sometimes that is the best place for the Punisher to exist. No rules, no limits, no mercy. Only vengeance. Glorious, violent vengeance.

Frank Tieri is a true pro at crafting hardcore, action-packed books. I have no clue why he's not on more monthly titles. If it's not by his choosing, then some companies have some 'splaining to do. Frank does an excellent job with this first issue of not hampering us with a bogged down origin of the Punisher. By now, if you don't know what turned Frank Castle into an unstoppable killing machine, then why are you even reading anything with the name "Punisher" on it? We, as readers, already know why the Punisher does what he does. In this instance, just add "space" and you're done. Presto! Instant bringer of pain.
Anyways, the story is pretty much straight forward. The Punisher is looking for all of the men, or in this case, aliens, that are responsible for the murders of his wife and children. There are six heads of mob families that he is hunting. Each of the mob bosses are an alien version of well-known Marvel villains. And not all are ones you'd expect the Punisher to cross paths with. Tieri does a great job in delivering the action and the requisite attitude you'd expect in a summer blockbuster style of action movie. Don't expect for Shakespeare, expect Stallone.

Mark Texeira is no stranger to the Punisher. He can draw Castle with an intensity few artists ever have been able to. Now with basically no restrictions, his art is even more alive. The explosive scenes of destruction are true masterpieces. Seeing the Punisher take on a hive of symbiote infused Brood is a sight not to be missed. I cannot wait to see his designs for the remaining mob bosses.

This is a very creative series. One that most people wouldn't think would be possible with the character involved and the environment it takes place in. If you're looking for a fun read, this is it by far. The only thing that could've made it better was if it was released under Marvel's adults-only MAX imprint. I think the creative team would've destroyed our eyeballs with awesomeness!!

Avengers vs. X-Men #0

*This review was originally posted on Bleedingcool.com.*

Before I start, let me give a quick introduction. My name is Chris Miller, and I manage Illusions Games and Comics in Salisbury, MD. I've been collecting comics for thirty years, and even owned my own store for six years. I love this industry and everything about it. But hey, you're not here for me, you're here to get an early peek into Marvel's biggest event of the year: Avengers vs. X-Men!

This zero issue is split into two chapters: the first (written by Brian Michael Bendis), focusing on the Scarlet Witch, and the second (written by Jason Aaron), focusing on the mutant messiah, Hope. Both chapters are drawn by one of today's best "good girl" artists, Frank Cho.
We open with the Scarlet Witch making a go at being a solo superhero, as she foils an attempt by M.O.D.O.K. to kill an ex-A.I.M. scientist. Eventually Wanda is joined by Ms. Marvel and Spider-Woman, and the trio dispatch M.O.D.O.K. and his crew. After the dust settles, Ms. Marvel convinces Wanda to come back to Avengers Mansion to catch up with her former teammates. Once arriving there though, not everyone is excited to see their old friend. The Vision immediately confronts Wanda, and a very emotional exchange is had between the two. It's a confrontation that has been brewing since the beginning of Bendis' work on the Avengers. After Wanda leaves the mansion, we are left to wonder if this emotional state is the reason the Phoenix could be drawn to her. The dialog between the ex-lovers is where Bendis shines in his part of the book. People either love or hate Bendis for his copious amounts of dialog, but I really don't think there will be any denying the impact of this sequence. To me, the raw emotion the Vision emits is the most pivotal part of this entire issue.
The book closes with a story about Hope trying to find answers to her purpose for being. She confronts Cyclops about the Phoenix. She knows all about it's history with Jean Grey and what it did to her, and that it's on it's way to Earth. Scott can offer no answers, so Hope storms off to respond to a call from a police scanner. The call is about an attempted bank robbery by the Serpent Society. Hope surprisingly has little trouble taking on the crew single-handedly. But when you think about it, D-Man could probably stop them by himself. It's the Serpent Society, for crying out loud! The fact that Hope could take them down so easily isn't the point here, it's the ferocity in which she does it. Is this the dark side that the Phoenix is attracted to? Is this the reason Hope should be possibly feared more than lauded? Jason Aaron has a great grasp on the nuances of the different X-Men. He has quickly become one of the few writers today that I trust with my beloved X-Men. I think that's what makes he and Bendis the perfect choice for co-writers to begin this whole event. Frank Cho's art compliments their writing style perfectly. He obviously draws beautiful women, and those talents are on display in the first story. But his energy in action sequences is equally exciting, which excels in the second story. It's almost like you can see the crackle of electricity in his pages. I like to think of him as a summer blockbuster artist.
All in all, AvX #0 is an enjoyable opening act. It doesn't exactly answer anything, like why the Phoenix is no longer attached to Jean Grey. I could've sworn I read somewhere that this issue was supposed to give that closure. I either misread that, or Marvel switched gears. What it does however, is set up the two characters who will have the most impact on this entire event. An event that should be a fun read. I say should, because who knows anymore? There's top talent across the board on this project, with all of Marvel's top characters involved. It just seems nowadays that these big events always start out well enough, but eventually deteriorate into "is it over yet?" I don't want to feel that way. I love the X-Men, and am a big Avengers fan thanks to Bendis. I am just going to sit back and see where this story takes us. I've heard the rumors of what might happen post-AvX, but until anything is confirmed, I'm not going to let possible outcomes cloud a fun beginning. This issue starts everything heading in the right direction. I'll be sticking around for what has the potential to be an extremely wild ride.

Avengers Academy #23

I wanted to review this issue when it first came out, but things kept coming up, and issues kept coming out, to the point it felt too late. But with the recent press it's gotten again over the past few days I felt the need to review it still.
My review is only going to focus on one part: the fact that Striker comes out as being gay. This series has always done an exceptional job of portraying young super heroes trying to learn who they are in a world that needs saving. But in this case, the book excels at showing how even heroes have doubts as to who they are. And that fact makes them just like us; human. I have always said that comics, movies, tv, and music help us get through ordeals that talking to people sometimes can't. It's not that we don't have people we can turn to, it's more the fact that unless you're in that person's shoes, you really can't get a feel for what they're going through. But when you see it on film, or hear the lyrics in a song, or read it on the page, your problems are outlined for you. You can see that there's a path out there someone has already walked down, and it gives you hope that you can travel those miles as well.
Striker's case is a common one in today's society. Are the conflicting feelings you have right? There are no right or wrong answers for this. There are only emotions. There will be people that think emotions are wrong. Those people are misguided. You have to decide for yourself what is right for you, not what anybody else says is right for you. This is what Striker learns.
This issue should be commended for treating the subject material in an open, honest way. It doesn't sugarcoat anything, nor does it present a clear-cut answer. What it does is present it in a way that allows you to connect with the character, whether you are straight or gay. A way that hopefully people can turn to and realize that there is hope for every single one of us.

Winter Soldier #1

Winter Soldier, or Bucky Barnes to you and me, is a character who has gone through more changes in the past few years than any other character in comics. He was found to be not dead since WWII, he was brainwashed into working for the Soviets, he broke free from his captors, became the new Captain America when Steve Rogers died, and then "died" again during Fear Itself. But he didn't really die. Not everyone in the Marvel Universe knows that fact though. And that brings us to the point of this new series.
Bucky is now hitting the underground, trying to right the wrongs he did as a puppet of the Russians. Along to help him is his current gal pal, the Black Widow. The book is full of the espionage and intrigue you'd expect from the best James Bond movie. Ed Brubaker has taken a character he did not create, and turned him into one that should not be written by anyone else. Bru has such a take on Bucky that fits more perfectly than any writer with any character today. Bru's backed on art by one of his best partners-in-crime, Butch Guice. Butch always fired on all cylinders when he drew Captain America, and he hasn't slowed down one bit here. In fact, he might have even stepped up his game. The book has that atmospheric feel that makes you believe this spy tale could actually happen in our world, even with all the fanastical aspects of the book (you'll see what I mean when you get to the last page). A lot of that atmosphere is in part due to colorist Bettie Breitweiser's amazing talents. Colorists, much like inkers, don't get enough credit when it comes to how well a book looks. The color palette Bettie uses matches Guices moody pencils in a perfect manner. The color plays an important role in this book because you can't have spies believably sneaking around in the light, but you can't also make the pages so dark that the reader can't tell what's happening. There's a perfect blend here.
Winter Soldier is a return to form for Brubaker to me. His current Captain America series has just not clicked with me since the relaunch. This book on the other hand, is exactly what I think of when I think of Bru. To me, Bru + Bucky = brillance.

Wolverine and the X-Men: Alpha & Omega #1

If you are a fan of the main Wolverine and the X-Men series, then you should not miss this side series. It lets Quentin Quire shine brightly, where he doesn't get the full attention in the main book. Quentin's always been a jerk (to put it "kid-friendly"), but that's what makes him a great character. You can't have every character be your obvious hero, or run-of-the-mill villain. Is Quentin a hero? Nope. But he's not a clear-cut villain, either. That's what makes him interesting. You want to see what mischief he starts.
The mischief he brings about in this series is completely directed at Wolverine, someone who he has a huge problem with currently. Quentin traps Logan and Armor in Logan's mind, for a reason that is yet to be fully explained. Sure, the simple answer is simply to screw with Logan, but nothing is ever simple when it comes to Quentin Quire.
It's good to see Brian Wood back at Marvel. It's been probably over a decade since he's written anything for them. He's still got a great grasp on characters that he has never written before, or written very little of in the past. He immediately makes Quire his own. The story fits it amazingly well with Jason Aaron's main series.
I am torn on the art. I love Mark Brooks' art, so the psychic parts of the story work well. The multitude of inkers is a little jarring, but not distracting. Just...noticeable in certain panels. But, I do not like Roland Boschi's art on the present day parts. I've seen better from him before, so it's disappointing he didn't bring his A game to such a high profile book. I really hope it gets better in subsequent issues, or quite frankly, it could be a huge detraction from the overall series.
But for now, the book is a worthy read. It leaves you with just enough story to satisfy, but also enough "I don't get it" so you'll come back for the answers.

Carnage U.S.A. #1

Carnage is back, and he's as sadistic as ever. This time he plans on re-making an entire town in his image, then the world. It's up to Spider-Man & the Avengers to stop him.
Zeb Wells is quickly proving himself to be one of the best Spider-Man family writers of the past 10 years. He was one of the better writers on Amazing Spider-Man during the Braintrust days, and he's currently hitting it out of the park on Avenging Spider-Man. In this sequel to his Carnage series from last year, he's taking the vileness of Cletus Kasady & Carnage to a whole new level. But he still manages to throw in the right amount of levity that the best Spider-Man stories have. Hawkeye is especially well portrayed.
Clayton Crain continues to prove himself as one of the top digital artists in the field. I'll admit that sometimes his artwork gets muddled down to an almost confusing level because of all the complex detail he adds. Not in this issue though. Everything is clean and precise and absolutely stunning. Sometimes grotesquely stunning. Not many artists can use a computer to create such magnificence like Clayton can.
This was an extremely fun book to read. And some of that fun was the twisted mind of Kasady. Does that make me a bad person? Who knows. But it definitely doesn't make this a bad book. Definite recommendation on this one.

Avengers: X-Sanction #1

The road to Avengers vs. X-Men begins here. Well, technically it began in Marvel Point One, but that was such a short story, that we'll just call that a prologue.
Cable's back, and he's got 24 hours to stop the Avengers. Stop them from what? That's the catch. All we know is it has something to do with Hope, who will also be a huge focus of AvX. This first issue has Cable already back, setting his trap for the Avengers, as he takes them out one by one. That's a cool aspect, because if he was to take them on all at once, he probably wouldn't stand a chance. But Cable's been around long enough, and in enough skirmishes to know the best way to stop his opponents.
I just wish it wasn't such a quick read. I feel with only 4 issues in this series that we should've gotten more backstory in this first issue. The way it's laid out, it seems like the whole series will be jumping back and forth from the present where Cable attacks the Avengers, and the future, where we see how he managed to survive the end of the Second Coming story to return to the past (our present). Hopefully it doesn't take all 4 parts to tell us how he comes back, because that'll be quite needless. But we'll have to see.
It's nice to see Jeph Loeb back on Cable again. Jeph's got a long history with the character, and there isn't a better choice to handle his return. Even though I have a feeling it's going to be a short lived one. Having Ed McGuinness as Loeb's partner-in-crime on art is the perfect complement. Those two have always been a great match. Maybe even better than Loeb & Sale. And Ed's really on his game here. The combatants really exude that superhero style you want in a book that's just one big brawl.
While I was hoping for more explanations and plot, I did enjoy this book for what it was: a ground layer for much bigger things to come. There's a storm brewing, and it's name is the Phoenix...

Uncanny X-Force #18

The Dark Angel Saga has been one of the most ambitious X-Men storylines ever told. It definitely harkens back to the similarly titled Dark Phoenix Saga. The total corruption of Warren Worthington III into Archangel yet again into the reborn Apocalypse has been an incredible journey.That's why it saddens me that the final part has left me feeling flat. It just didn't have the finality that we, as readers, deserved. The payoff, while nicely unexpected, just didn't fit to me. Maybe it's because there's more story to be told. Maybe it's because after all is said and done, I feel this whole story was almost a set up for a different story. Maybe it's because it drug on for about 2 issues too long. I just know for sure this last part seemed rushed. The final battle reminded me of what's so wrong with a lot of today's blockbuster movies; the build-up is phenomenal, but the climatic battle is short, and eventually anti-climatic.
Overall, the book still had everything that makes Uncanny X-Force the best X-title out there: the art was fantastic (the mixture of Jerome Opena on the main story and Esad Ribic on the dream sequences was shared expertly), the dialog was sharp, and the characteristics were spot on. It's just the wrap up was too short. Too neat of a package. I expected much more, and got about half of what I feel we deserved after putting so much into so many months of reading.
Does this make me want to stop reading the book? Not at all. Like I already said, it's the best X-book out there. I guess that's why I expected more from it.