[Comics] - Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews - Year 2 - Week 26

[Everlost_MI]

Welcome to week twenty-six of Evil Avatar’s Weekly Comic Book Reviews.

We’re reached the halfway mark of the year, pretty amazing as the time’s flown by. We’re going to shake things up a bit in regards to the monthly giveaway for the column. BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) has been the gracious provider of the free comics since day one of the column but over the course the time, the interest in giveaways have greatly declined. So in an effort to make everyone a winner, there will be weekly codes that can be used at BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) to save money on various comics, TPBs, games and toys.

For the week 26, starting Sunday June 25, 2006 at noon PST until Saturday July 1, 2006 at midnight PST the code ULTIMATEVIL will give all items an extra 10% off. In honor of the comics being reviewed this week, a special page ( https://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=340) has been set up for pre-orders and in-stock items related to these comics.

If you’re already a BCB subscriber you can add any of these items to your pull list and/or the code to save on shipping.

For those aren’t a BCB subscriber and are in need of a friendly, reliable, discounted source for comics, gaming and toys then look no further than BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/). They offer comic book subscriptions (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=7
) with many fringe benefits including no hidden costs, 30-35% off of cover price (depending on the publisher), all issues are bagged, boarded and offer cheap* shipping on all orders (*see BCBcomics’ website (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=7
) for the details). In addition, the comics featured on BCBcomics home page are 50% off or just $1 if you’re a subscriber. The list is in the neighborhood of 200 to 400 titles that will be emailed to the lucky winner after the drawing.

So without further ado, let’s get to the reviews. Remember, these are NOT spoiler-free reviews.


Week Twenty-Six:
Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews – Year 2 - Week 26

Leave it to Chance: Shaman’s Rain TPB
Reviewed by: KefkaTaran (Philip Kollar), Evil Avatar Podcast/Radio Editor
Publisher: Image Comics
Writers: James Robinson
Artist: Paul Smith
Colorist: Jeromy Cox
Letterer: Amie Grenier
Price: $14.95 US/$16.95 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/leaveittochancetpb.jpg

I want to start this review by making two things as clear as possible. First, I am a James Robinson fan. His amazing, character-defining Starman run? I think it’s probably the best run on any superhero comic ever. His current OYL arc in the Batman books? Utterly intriguing and exciting. Hell, I even mostly enjoyed his oft-shunned movie, Comic Book Villains. Robinson’s definitely a favorite of mine.

Secondly, I do not dislike all-ages books. One of my favorite on-goings right now, for example, is Sean McKeever’s Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, and I was also a huge fan of his Sentinel mini-series. I pride myself on not shunning a book just because it’s marketed as potentially for kids as much as for adults, and I’m often rewarded for it.

With both of these points laid out, it’s with a tinge of sadness that I must report that James Robinson’s attempt at an all-ages book, Leave it to Chance, just isn’t all that good. The art is good, the colors are bright and beautiful, and there are dragons, ugly ogre monsters (called ‘troggs’), and a giant toad. It seems like everything is set up for this to be a really strong book, but when it comes down to it, the heart is missing. Try as he might by putting them through crazy, dangerous, and action-packed escapades, Robinson fails at making the characters worthy of being cared for.

Part of the problem may just be that this book is rooted very firmly in fantasy cliché. The world Robinson has built up is interesting and has a lot of potential. He mixes a classic fantasy world with modern political intrigue and strange pagan rituals. But within this diverse setting, he pulls out a bunch of the same old tricks we see everywhere: a young girl desperate to take over the family tradition that is only supposed to be passed down to men defying her father and befriending a young dragon who amazingly becomes her protector. Yawn.

Bottom Line:
In the Afterward, Paul Smith says he and Robinson were going for what he calls “the Bullwinkle effect”: “funny at five, funnier at fifteen, hysterical at twenty-five.” It’s a damned shame, but this volume does not succeed in this at all. Not only is the book not hysterical, it’s not even really very entertaining at all. Because it’s Robinson, I’ll give subsequent Leave it to Chance volumes a shot, but this one did not do it for me at all.

Rating: Only if you're a collector of the series or the creators. (2 out of 5 EvilEyes).
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e2.jpg


The Ultimates 2 #11 of 12 (13?)
Reviewed by: Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Story: Mark Millar
Pencils: Bryan Hitch
Inks: Paul Neary
Colors: Laura Martin
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/ultimates2_11.jpg

The story begins with Thor mysteriously disappearing as the Ultimates begin to pick up the pieces of invasion as they square off against the Liberators. It appears that Iron Man has something large up his sleeve and the issue ends with a deafening crash as the Hulk reappears.

The adrenaline pumping storyline created by Mark Millar continues to hum right along providing jaw dropping action scenes that are gorgeously depicted by Bryan Hitch. The sheer amount of detail that Hitch pours into each panel matches the characterizations and dialogue that Millar has crafted. In addition, the inks and coloring provided by Paul Neary and Laura Martin are the icing on the cake.

Bottom Line:
If you can look beyond the delay between issues, this series has it all for those who enjoy team-based superheroes that have a contemporary and more realistic approach to the genre. I would highly recommend the original Ultimates TPBs as well as sequels. If you can’t wait for the two or three month gap that often plagues this series then I recommend waiting until the TPBs are released and to pounce on them immediately.

Rating: A must have! (5 out of 5 EvilEyes).
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e5.jpg

[Everlost_MI]

The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #1 (An ongoing series)
Reviewed by: Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief
Publisher: DC Comics
Writers: Danny Bilson & Paul Demeo
Penciller: Ken Lashley
Inkers: KWL Studio, Norm Rapmund, Marlo Alquiza and Jay Leisten
Colorist: Carrie Strachan
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Editor: Joan Hilty
Price: $2.99 US/$4.00 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/flash1.jpg
One Year Later, the Flash is gone. During the Infinite Crisis, Wally West, Jay Garrick and Bart Allen joined forces to stop Superboy-Prime but in the process Wally become part of the Speed Force. Jay and Bart lived but access to the Speed Force has been supposedly cut off, leaving Jay the only speedster left due to his metahuman genes. Finally, according the Bart in an issue of the 52 series, Wally is just taking time away with Linda to watch the twins grow. Whether this is true or not, time will tell. In the missing year, Bart returned to the present but instead of being the sixteen year-old he’s now twenty and seem to have many of Barry Allen’s memories as he deals with his new life. The issue ends with a new villain that causes an explosion trapping his friend under rubble; Bart decides to risk his life by attempting to tap into the Speed Force. The results of the risk were effective but can Bart or the DC Universe pay the price?
Danny Bilson and Paul Demeo have created a strong initial issue in reinventing the Flash series and have successfully planted the seeds of various future storylines. Bilson and Demeo did a good job of trying to bring new readers up to speed, no pun intended, of the deep Flash history without losing long time readers in the process. Ken Lashley’s artwork is enjoyable and provides great action scene. However, Lashley’s artwork and the issue suffer from the multitude of inkers that change the end results of the artwork from looking muddy to excessively detailed and frail.

Bottom Line:
This title appears to pay homage to the past while trying to forge ahead to a bright future and it may divide those who’ve been fans of the scarlet speedster. However, for those who have a fleeting experience with the Flash, may be turned off by the confusing past.

Rating: Decent, but leaf through it before buying it. (3 1/2 out of 5 EvilEyes)
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e3_5.jpg

Giant Hulk #1 (One shot)
Reviewed by: Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief
Publisher: Marvel Comics

“Green Pieces”
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Juan Santacruz
Inker: Raul Fernandez
Colorists: Studio F
Letterer: V.C.’s Randy Gentile

“Banner War”
Writers: Greg Pak
Penciler: Aaron Lopresti
Inker: Danny Miki
Colorists: Sotocolor
Letterer: V.C.’s Randy Gentile

“Hulk: The End”
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Dale Keown
Inkers: Joe Weems with Livesay
Color Art: Avalon Studios’ Dan Kemp
Letterer: John Workman
Editors: Bobbie Chase with Tom Brevoort
Price: $4.99 US/$7.00 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/gianthulk.jpg

This giant sized issue of the Hulk gives three enjoyable stories of the jade giant with only one of them, Hulk: The End, being a reprint. The first story, “Green Pieces” written by long time Hulk writer Peter David humorously expands on the history of the Champions and the origin of the She-Hulk. While “Banner War” explores the inner struggle that the Banner/Hulk psyche is waging during the present Planet Hulk storyline written by Greg Pak. Finally, the story “Hulk: The End”, that was originally written as a prose piece, has been reprinted again for those who may have missed the various previous offerings.

Peter David did an excellent job of creating a witty entertaining story in “Green Pieces” with the various jokes and contemporary references peppered in the characterizations and dialogue. In addition, David’s thought provoking story of “Hulk: The End” has become almost a timeless story in the Hulk mythos as it explores what could happen if the Hulk finally gets his wish, to be left alone. Greg Pak used his writing style to craft and merge the various approaches previous writers have used in the Hulk mythos to take the character to yet another level. The artwork provided by all three artists is excellent, however Juan Santacruz’s work in “Green Pieces” stands out with an Art Adams / Terry Dodson look.

Bottom Line:
This is an excellent oversized issue that’s worth the money for recent and long-time Hulk fans. And for those who are unfamiliar with the complex past of the Hulk this would be a great introduction to the character.

Rating: Worth the money and time. (4 out of 5 EvilEyes).
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg


What else is worth reading this week…

Everlost’s take:
· Astonishing X-Men #15 – A great story with various touches of humor that pays homage to the classic Claremont/Byrne story where Wolverine was fighting the Hellfire Club in the sewers.

KefkaTaran’s take:
· 52 Week Seven - Booster Gold finally gets what's coming to him... and damn it feels nice!
· Justice #6 - The bad guys continue their plot and Ross throws in his rendition of the Metal Men. Pure old-school superhero joy. Now if only
it wasn't bi-monthly

[Heretic Machine]

Bottom Line:
If you can look beyond the delay between issues, this series has it all for those who enjoy team-based superheroes that have a contemporary and more realistic approach to the genre. I would highly recommend the original Ultimates TPBs as well as sequels. If you can’t wait for the two or three month gap that often plagues this series then I recommend waiting until the TPBs are released and to pounce on them immediately.

That isn't an issue really anymore... There is only one issue left, so at this point a new reader would either being paying a lot of cash to buy up all the back-issues, or will be waiting on the TPB.

[thecrazyd]

Bottom Line:
In the Afterward, Paul Smith says he and Robinson were going for what he calls “the Bullwinkle effect”: “funny at five, funnier at fifteen, hysterical at twenty-five.” It’s a damned shame, but this volume does not succeed in this at all. Not only is the book not hysterical, it’s not even really very entertaining at all. Because it’s Robinson, I’ll give subsequent Leave it to Chance volumes a shot, but this one did not do it for me at all.
Maybe you are just not old enough for it to be hysterical?

[Savok]

I've tried to read Ultimates, I found it self indulgent and full of name dropping. Tony Stark and Nick Fury are the only redeeming features of it.

[BleedTheFreak]

I've tried to read Ultimates, I found it self indulgent and full of name dropping. Tony Stark and Nick Fury are the only redeeming features of it.

How is it self-indulgent? Or did you just want to throw a fancy term around?

[Savok]

The politics, the pre-mentioned name dropping, the constant need to prove how gritty it is, "hey lets make him a wife beater to prove how serious we are"

[MosBen]

I've got Vol. 1 of The Ultimates, and while I'm totally with you on the name dropping (there's just no reason for Shannon Elizabeth to be in there), but otherwise it's are really good book, particularly when they get into the invasion stuff.

[Sazime]

I liked the new Flash, but I have a buddy who just hated it. Didn't like the writing, the art, anything about it. I will say this though, he's a dick. Well, nah, he's just really hard on some comics. I'm dig'n it though.

[Heretic Machine]

The politics, the pre-mentioned name dropping, the constant need to prove how gritty it is, "hey lets make him a wife beater to prove how serious we are"

...You do know that he was a wife beater in the main Marvel Universe too, right?

[JazGalaxy]

I cannot BELIEVE you gave Leave it To Chance 2 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is singularly one of the best youth projects that the comic book industry has ever put out. I think it needs to be in every single library in the United States.

I'm not entirely sure who said it was supposed to be funny, or where that idea came from, but it's not supposed to be funny so much as it's supposed to be enchanting. I think it does an amazing job of it, especially in the middle chapters once Chance meets up with her school friends.

Also Chance is hands down the best female protagonist I've seen in Comic Books. Ever.

[Adewade]

Is there any way to catch up to 52? Or am I stuck, either missing the first six/seven weeks of story, or waiting until it all wraps up?

Any chance of a catch-up collection, partway through?

[balamoor]

I just got my Giant Sized Hulk..Yeah baby that's what I'm talking about! We need more Hulk of this caliber.


You know guys I never got the ultimates, of course I'm from the 70's/80's era of comics. I want to be entertained not drug through some sociological melodrama. In the next issue of Ultimate Spiderman Spidey Joins NAMBLA while Mary Jane and Morbius open up a Fetish club for LARPERS :rolleyes:

See Shane Hensley and Cryptic get this, thats whey thier MMO is still doing well and folk are actually buying thier comic (The COH Comic is sold out every month at my local shop and 80% of the readers don't play the game)

So call me niave or provincial but I don't want my X-men to be drum Beaters for Gay Rights nor my Superman to be and allegory to Christ. I want the superheroes of my youth.

[Everlost_MI]

You know guys I never got the ultimates, of course I'm from the 70's/80's era of comics.

So you're a person I can reminiscence with about the glory days of Power Man & Iron Fist, The Avengers of yesterday, The Champions and later the Defenders?

[Spigot]

That isn't an issue really anymore... There is only one issue left, so at this point a new reader would either being paying a lot of cash to buy up all the back-issues, or will be waiting on the TPB.
That's exactly the point I'm at. I was VERY close to picking this issue up but I don't have any of the previous V.2 Ultimates books (aside from the first trade). I'll just wait another year and get the Trade then :)

And I'm still interested in the giveaways. Sigh.

[earthworm48]

SPOILERS (Ultimates 11)

Ultimate grey Hulk?! He's also less savage it seems. Heres hoping that thats all explained in Wolverine vs. Hulk when that eventually reappears.

Question about Giant Size Hulk, if I don't buy it now, will it be collected in the Planet Hulk trades with that Planet Hulk tie in story? Or will that story at least be reprinted?

[Everlost_MI]

SPOILERS (Ultimates 11)

Ultimate grey Hulk?! He's also less savage it seems. Heres hoping that thats all explained in Wolverine vs. Hulk when that eventually reappears.

Maybe it's the Joe Fixit Ultimate verison...hehe that would be cool!

Question about Giant Size Hulk, if I don't buy it now, will it be collected in the Planet Hulk trades with that Planet Hulk tie in story? Or will that story at least be reprinted?

Good question, Marvel hasn't done the Giant Sized issue in years. But if you can snag it from BCBComics or your local shop for cheap I'd go that route...or wait for a Comic Convention and snag it there cheap.

[Mac]

The politics, the pre-mentioned name dropping, the constant need to prove how gritty it is, "hey lets make him a wife beater to prove how serious we are"

You sound like an absolute fool. He's been a wife-beater and all-around prick for the better part of Marvel history.

[balamoor]

So you're a person I can reminiscence with about the glory days of Power Man & Iron Fist, The Avengers of yesterday, The Champions and later the Defenders?

Why yes, yes you can. ;) Comics are a pale reflection of what they once were, no I take that back Marvel and DC are a Pale Reflection ....surprisingly some of the Indies are going back to the Silver Age type comics While Marvel and DC keep trying to prove how edgy and hip they are. :rolleyes:

[MosBen]

Well, I certainly can't speak for Savok, but while I did like The Ultimates overall, I felt the pop culture references were a little heavy handed. Referencing real life can give a work authenticity, but too much can leave it feeling dated a few years after publication. Ultimate Spidey does it much better.

As to the "glory days" when comics weren't "about anything", I don't think that really holds up very well. X-Men has always had sociological overtones. In the 60s it related to civil rights and racism, now that has shifted a bit towards gay rights. Green Arrow dealt with drug addiction. Hank Pym was abusive. The early Silver Surfer comics got philisophical. There has always, and continues to be, room on the shelves for books that just want to tell an epic adventure story, but if the only story a comic tells is the story of the main hero(es) punching Villain X, well, let's just say that that's the road comics went down in the 90s and that's coincidentally the time when the industry almost imploded.

The degree to which a comic should engage actual breaking events in reality is debatable, but if a comic, or any other fiction for that matter, isn't about anything than there's no reason to keep reading it over time.

[Dr.Finger]

Is there any way to catch up to 52? Or am I stuck, either missing the first six/seven weeks of story, or waiting until it all wraps up?

Any chance of a catch-up collection, partway through?
DC has said several times that there won't be any TBP's of 52 until it's wrapped up. You can go to the official (http://www.dccomics.com/sites/52/) website for recaps and Giffen's original layouts.
...You do know that he was a wife beater in the main Marvel Universe too, right?
He was a wife beater, but he's since been portrayed as remorseful; Ultimate Hank Pym just seems too one dimentional to me.

[balamoor]

Well, I certainly can't speak for Savok, but while I did like The Ultimates overall, I felt the pop culture references were a little heavy handed. Referencing real life can give a work authenticity, but too much can leave it feeling dated a few years after publication. Ultimate Spidey does it much better.

As to the "glory days" when comics weren't "about anything", I don't think that really holds up very well. X-Men has always had sociological overtones. In the 60s it related to civil rights and racism, now that has shifted a bit towards gay rights. Green Arrow dealt with drug addiction. Hank Pym was abusive. The early Silver Surfer comics got philisophical. There has always, and continues to be, room on the shelves for books that just want to tell an epic adventure story, but if the only story a comic tells is the story of the main hero(es) punching Villain X, well, let's just say that that's the road comics went down in the 90s and that's coincidentally the time when the industry almost imploded.

The degree to which a comic should engage actual breaking events in reality is debatable, but if a comic, or any other fiction for that matter, isn't about anything than there's no reason to keep reading it over time.



Yeah Mos I see what your saying and agree to a point however it's a far cry from the Overtones we had in the 60's and 70's to the heavy handed Ramming pet agenda down your throat that we have today. I never said I didn't want comic to be about anything, I just wish they would lay off the sermon for a couple months, I know I'm not alone I hear young comic fans say the same thing almost every day at my local comic shop.

[MosBen]

Is it really that bad these days though? I mean, some of my favorite writers do just the sorts of things you seem to dislike (Brian Vaughn, Warren Ellis, etc.), and they're certainly in vogue now, but is there really a derth of stuff for you out there? Granted, since I'm bound to TPBs I'm not quite as up on the bleeding edge of what's happening in DC/Marvel, but from what I gather of the IC/OYL discussions most of DC's books are tied up in problems internal to that universe instead of real world issues. I'm sure that once the current plotlines have unwound a little the companies will trade places.

[MosBen]

As a side note, can anybody give me the scoop on the new 52? Something big about Booster Gold?

[JazGalaxy]

Yeah Mos I see what your saying and agree to a point however it's a far cry from the Overtones we had in the 60's and 70's to the heavy handed Ramming pet agenda down your throat that we have today. I never said I didn't want comic to be about anything, I just wish they would lay off the sermon for a couple months, I know I'm not alone I hear young comic fans say the same thing almost every day at my local comic shop.

Seeing as how most of the original comic books were about Captian America: Nazi Smasher and so on... I've never felt this argument had much merit.

[Ozena]

Just a minor quibble . . . but it's supposed to read Astonishing X-Men # 15 in the first post, right?

On that page, I really dig Cassaday's and Whedon's work on ASM. As for Planet Hulk, I haven't read any, but it seems pretty neat. Maybe I'll grab the TPB.

[digitalErich]

As a side note, can anybody give me the scoop on the new 52? Something big about Booster Gold?

That actor that played Manhack for him outs Booster to the media with Dibney right there telling the press what a terrible person Booster is. We all knew this was coming, but I didn't think this would happen this soon. Booster will now be on the path to redemption I am guessing...it'll be interesting to see who the first hero is to trust him again will be. I'm guessing Dibney.

[digitalErich]

Just a minor quibble . . . but it's supposed to read Astonishing X-Men # 15 in the first post, right?

On that page, I really dig Cassaday's and Whedon's work on ASM. As for Planet Hulk, I haven't read any, but it seems pretty neat. Maybe I'll grab the TPB.

I am loving Planet Hulk so far...it's one of my favorite Marvel books right now. I can already tell this is going to go down as one of the great Hulk arcs of all time.

[Savok]

I stand corrected on the Pym thing (never was one for the Avengers), but you can't get around the current events in Ultimates being purely based on some Socialist's wet dream.

Nazis are nazis, everyone loves to beat up nazis, Hellboy has simply taken to punching people he thinks are nazis, it's what they're there for these days.

[Kefkataran]

That isn't an issue really anymore... There is only one issue left, so at this point a new reader would either being paying a lot of cash to buy up all the back-issues, or will be waiting on the TPB.

Two issues -- they upped it to 13.

Maybe you are just not old enough for it to be hysterical?

Meh, it's still supposed to be entertaining by their theory.


That is singularly one of the best youth projects that the comic book industry has ever put out. I think it needs to be in every single library in the United States.

I'm not entirely sure who said it was supposed to be funny, or where that idea came from, but it's not supposed to be funny so much as it's supposed to be enchanting. I think it does an amazing job of it, especially in the middle chapters once Chance meets up with her school friends.

Also Chance is hands down the best female protagonist I've seen in Comic Books. Ever.

Well, the creators said it was supposed to be funny. That said, I am definitely going to give the other two volumes a shot, and I'll review them for your sake. :) Hopefully I'll like them more. Chance did not grow on me at all though.

Is there any way to catch up to 52? Or am I stuck, either missing the first six/seven weeks of story, or waiting until it all wraps up?

Any chance of a catch-up collection, partway through?

Most comic shops ordered TONS of extra copies of the early 52 issues, so back issues is the way to go. As far as collections, DC has said they will not release any 52 trades or reprints until the whole series is finished, so you'd be waiting a while, unfortunately, if you wanna go that way.

Comics are a pale reflection of what they once were, no I take that back Marvel and DC are a Pale Reflection ....surprisingly some of the Indies are going back to the Silver Age type comics While Marvel and DC keep trying to prove how edgy and hip they are.

This statement makes me giggle at how ridiculous and false it is. I am one of the new guys who can still respect older comics, but writing these days is a million times better.

but you can't get around the current events in Ultimates being purely based on some Socialist's wet dream.

I'm actually curious what you mean by this. I've only read the Ultimates 1 trades and the first volume of Ultimates 2, and I'm not sure I get what you're saying -- could you explain?

I just should point out, unequivocally, that I think anyone making the argument that comics shouldn't address real-world issues in any way are silly and naive. I'm all about escapism, and there are still plenty of crazy, out there, escapist comics if you want them (see the trade I reviewed today, for example). There's no reason all of them should be though, and I've never heard a firm argument of why comics shouldn't address actual issues just as much as books or movies do (except for the people who think books and movies shouldn't either, in which case, I'm probably just going to disagree with you hardcore).

Also, I'm really looking forward to my copy of Giant Size Hulk. I've heard it's completely worth it for the Hulk: The End reprint alone.

[earthworm48]

Ultimates V. 2 Spoilers for Kef

In the second half of Ultimates V. 2 an "eastern" version of the Ultimates - called the Liberators has invaded the US, and basically taken it over, but the Ultimates have/are basically regrouping/regrouped as of issue 11. In the Liberators theres a guy from Iraq (or similiar) who has had teh same super soldier thing done to him as Steve Rodgers, Pym is working for them and has made Ultron robots for the Ultimate universe now, and we see Loki in this team and he was actually doing what Thor said he was doing. I don't really want too say anymore, I didn't want to say all that but I think thats a basic enough summary to get you up too speed and still leave lots and lots when you catch up!

Personally I've really enjoyed the second half of Ultimates V. 2.

[Kefkataran]

Earthworm, I didn't read the spoilers, I'm just curious about how Ultimates presents "some Socialist's wet dream". If that is all based in the second half of the Ultimates 2, I'll just wait until that's finished and I can get the trade. :)

[Savok]

You really need to read it yourself, granted those spoilers don't spoil a lot of it, they spoil important stuff (which is unavoidable if you want it explained). I'll put it this way, Thor the super left wing greenie was a bad sign to begin with. Ultimates did an ok job of showing the balence we have now but push came to shove and one side had to be "right" and the other "wrong".

I'm sure some will disagree, but I've waded through enough political crap to know how the lunatic left think.

[Sazime]

Yes, we're all insane. And now we have infiltrated comic books. BE AFRAID!!!

Here's a question though, have there been other comics laden with political reference? Was Ultimates the first? Is it something bound to happen when writers need ways of moving stories forward, or can/should political issues be avoided?

[Savok]

Not all left are lunatic left. If you've been aware of politics these past years you should be aware there's been an exodus from left because rather then bring a different point of view to the table, they've simply decided to contradict every single thought any right winger has ever had, including the ones that agree with the left.

Those with sanity have been trying to regroup and they're making progress, which is excellent news IMO, I don't agree with what they say, but we need at least two viable ways to go about running our countries. Because when one starts to lack, the other loses all restraint.

Team America summed it up best with the "dicks, pussies and assholes" speech. And now the thread is derailed, *sigh*

[Everlost_MI]

Just a minor quibble . . . but it's supposed to read Astonishing X-Men # 15 in the first post, right?

On that page, I really dig Cassaday's and Whedon's work on ASM. As for Planet Hulk, I haven't read any, but it seems pretty neat. Maybe I'll grab the TPB.

Fixed, thanks for the heads up.

[Everlost_MI]

I wasn't able to pick up a copy of Eternals #1 yet. Did anyone who did get it enjoy it or have any comments about it? I am damn curious.

[Dr.Finger]

I'm actually curious what you mean by this. I've only read the Ultimates 1 trades and the first volume of Ultimates 2, and I'm not sure I get what you're saying -- could you explain?
There was a sense at times that the bad stuff happening to the Ultimates was due to America being a bully in the world and getting it's comeuppance. There were also several unnecessary shots at Bush earlier in the series. My feeling? Millar's a socialist, but he's much less preachy here than he was on The Authority, where he portrayed America as almost evil.
I just should point out, unequivocally, that I think anyone making the argument that comics shouldn't address real-world issues in any way are silly and naive. I'm all about escapism, and there are still plenty of crazy, out there, escapist comics if you want them (see the trade I reviewed today, for example). There's no reason all of them should be though, and I've never heard a firm argument of why comics shouldn't address actual issues just as much as books or movies do (except for the people who think books and movies shouldn't either, in which case, I'm probably just going to disagree with you hardcore).

I generally don't mind comics dealing with real world situations as long as they don't get too preachy. Ex Machina for example deals with real world stuff, and politics, without being a diatribe for one side or another. BKV ovbiously has positions on the issues, but he doesn't demean the other position.

[agentgray]

I wasn't able to pick up a copy of Eternals #1 yet. Did anyone who did get it enjoy it or have any comments about it? I am damn curious.
Oh my blessed God.

I was hoping you were going to review it. I want to have Neil Gaiman's babies.

The book does a great job of introducing most of the characters and giving the essential backstory. There's some great, witty humor in there and an 80's toy reference or two.

There is also some CW stuff but nothing to be all to concerned about. If you're not into CW, you won't be lost or even notice it. Some of the eternals have completely forgotten who they are and some are trying to get back together. What is not explained is...well, it probably will be.

...and then there are the Eternals that appear to be working against each other.

[Cupelix]

I'll agree that Eternals is worth picking up, even if you have no previous experience with them (I certainly don't).

As for the whole "socialist" thing with the Ultimates - that's really not the vibe I got from it. I haven't read the events as the U.S. "getting it's comeuppance" - The Liberators have clearly been portrayed as the bad guys in the series. If they had been portrayed as doing something appropriate or positive, I may have agreed with you.

[Savok]

Had America been listening to the nice lefties (like Thor) none of it would have ever happened, basically what every panel sits there ramming home. Also the leader of the Liberators has more nobility in his pinkie then half the Ultimates combined it seems.

[captainspankypants]

Well, if you're looking at Pym and Banner, yeah. There's more to the team than that though. I think Captain America has a little "nobility."

[Savok]

Fully granted I'm talking about the sloppy half. I mean shit, Cap is Cap whatever universe it is.

[Kefkataran]

There was a sense at times that the bad stuff happening to the Ultimates was due to America being a bully in the world and getting it's comeuppance. There were also several unnecessary shots at Bush earlier in the series. My feeling? Millar's a socialist, but he's much less preachy here than he was on The Authority, where he portrayed America as almost evil.

Yeah, I remember the shots at Bush. And Miller is actually very open about his extreme left-leanings, so I guess I just know to watch out for that from the start.

Ex Machina for example deals with real world stuff, and politics, without being a diatribe for one side or another. BKV ovbiously has positions on the issues, but he doesn't demean the other position.

Very true, and something I think Ex Machina doesn't get praised for often enough. It's very well-done.

[Pigeon]

Had America been listening to the nice lefties (like Thor) none of it would have ever happened, basically what every panel sits there ramming home. Also the leader of the Liberators has more nobility in his pinkie then half the Ultimates combined it seems.

Really? So {spoilers follow}
deciding to execute all of his prisoners on live tv is noble? Putting all of their ground troops in suits they can't take off that kil them in less than 2 months is noble?
I'm not left or right but you're being a rather sensitive republican wuss. "Oh noes! Don't make fun of the president!" Get over yourself and your politics.

[Savok]

It was noble enough for the communists.

And yes, I hate the lunatic left therefore I love Bush, political logic at its finest.

[Kefkataran]

While I think calling Millar a socialist probably isn't far from the truth, calling him a communist is probably a bit of a stretch.

[Savok]

I've witnessed those decays of sanity first hand, ever since 9/11 things have severly polarized in many areas of the left (and right that matter, but in a different way)... but I suppose I'm rambling about things no one here has ever even dealt with nor really care about (a good policy if you haven't the stomach). Sleep time I think.

[Kefkataran]

I've witnessed those decays of sanity first hand, ever since 9/11 things have severly polarized in many areas of the left (and right that matter, but in a different way)... but I suppose I'm rambling about things no one here has ever even dealt with nor really care about (a good policy if you haven't the stomach). Sleep time I think.

I believe I know sort of what you're talking about, but speaking from a U.S. point of view the right has certainly been more mobilized and polarized than the left. What I'm saying, I guess, is that there's still definitely not a whole lot of hardcore communists running around here.

Also: sweet dreams!

[Cupelix]

For what its worth, I think Ex Machina is done the way it is because it is supposed to be more of a "real world" scenario. Mayor Hundred has to treat opinions he believes are incorrect with respect because as a politician he has to have a great understanding of what he is up against. It is what makes Hundred seem like a real person. Even though the Ultimate Universe is more "realistic" it is still a world where there are armies of super powered soldiers, which makes everything more exaggerated - perhaps more black and white instead of shades of gray.

Even outside of that, I think Ultimates is a shit-ton of fun without reading any political message. I'll avoid spoilers since people have expressed that they haven't read Ultimates 2 yet, but all the highs and lows of the team in this series have been some of the best moments in comics in my recent memory.

[Kefkataran]

Yeah, that's my thing. Even when Millar is obviously pushing politics, Ultimates is just so fucking fun and well-written that it's hard to be turned off by that.

[Sazime]

Sorry if my "BE AFRAID" sarcasm was lost on ya Savok. I too dislike the polarity and the freak'n insane crap people believe/say on either extreme. My brother is like that. His standing is if you don't agree, then you're wasting his time. It's annoying.

But yeah, Ex Machina is very well written and uses political situations. It stands to reason that at some point political plot points will be used in comics, it just sucks when it becomes too heavy handed.

[MosBen]

"YOU THINK THIS STANDS FOR FRANCE?!"

Man, I'm plenty far to the left, and I *hated* all that shit with the freedom fries and whatnot, but that line is pure gold.

[Kefkataran]

Same here, MosBen. In fact, my annoyingly extreme-left anarchist friend Jason absolutely loved that line. Laughed out loud and all.

[Pigeon]

"YOU THINK THIS STANDS FOR FRANCE?!"

That made me fall in love with Ultimate Cap ::swoon::

[Everlost_MI]

Oh my blessed God.

I was hoping you were going to review it. I want to have Neil Gaiman's babies.

The book does a great job of introducing most of the characters and giving the essential backstory. There's some great, witty humor in there and an 80's toy reference or two.

There is also some CW stuff but nothing to be all to concerned about. If you're not into CW, you won't be lost or even notice it. Some of the eternals have completely forgotten who they are and some are trying to get back together. What is not explained is...well, it probably will be.

...and then there are the Eternals that appear to be working against each other.

Very cool, thanks for the heads up. I'll hopefully snag it this week from the shop. Sounds like I need to do a review of #2 when it hits the stands.

[Savok]

"YOU THINK THIS STANDS FOR FRANCE?!"

Man, I'm plenty far to the left, and I *hated* all that shit with the freedom fries and whatnot, but that line is pure gold.
Yeah that was a great line, made all the more potent by the fact he actually lived it