Everlost_MI
08-13-2006, 10:49 AM
Welcome to week thirty-three of Evil Avatar’s Weekly Comic Book Reviews.
BCBComics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) is offering a ongoing code of “EVERLOST” to be used give an extra 10% off to Evil Avatar readers. In addition a special page ( https://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=340) has been set up by BCBComics to save money on various comics, TPBs, games and toys related to the comics that are reviewed each week.
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 who 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.
Remember, these are NOT spoiler-free reviews.
Week Thirty-three:
Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews – Year 2 - Week 33
New X-Men Vol. 2: Imperial TPB
Reviewed by: KefkaTaran (Philip Kollar), Associate Editor / Podcast Host
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Pencilers: Frank Quitely, Igor Kordey, and Ethan Van Sciver
Inkers: Frank Quitely, Igor Kordey, Prentis Rollins, Tim Townsend, Danny Miki, Rich Perotta, Scott Hanna, and Sandu Florea
Colorist: Brian Haberlin and Hi-Fi Design
Letterer: RS & Comicraft’s Saida T!
Editors: Pete Franco and Mike Raicht
Price: $19.99 US/$22.50 CAN
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/newxmenimperial.jpg
Constantly referenced as some of the best comics writing ever done on Marvel’s prominent mutant superhero team, Grant Morrison’s New X-Men led the X-Men and the Marvel universe into a brave new future where slowly but surely homo-superior outnumbered homo sapiens. Much of Morrison’s work now remains undone due to the events of House of M, but this healthy run stands as an indisputably important piece of X-Men history.
Most comic book historians point to the first volume, E is For Extinction, as the best in the run, but for my money, Imperial really shoves things into high gear. With Professor X left reeling from the last arc and the super-powerful new villain Cassandra Nova revealed (now starring in Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men), the X-Men and the Shi’ar Empire face a major tragedy.
Perhaps the biggest or at least most surprising success of this book is that despite the huge variety of inkers and pencilers listed up there (including EvAv interview veteran Ethan Van Sciver), the book manages to maintain a solid feel. While the art isn’t amazing, it flows well and works for the big action of the book.
Morrison’s dialogue is as good as it’s ever been, but what he really pulls off with the book’s storytelling is more impressive. Morrison does what is required to create a truly classic X-Men story: he diligently dodges the convoluted X-backstory while staying true to the well-loved characters. You don’t really need to know anything about what the X-Men have been through going into this (besides the first volume of Morrison’s run), and the main characters used are so iconic that you already know who they are. The slightly more obscure new mutants that Morrison uses are explained and well-developed in the book itself.
Bottom Line:
I’ve heard hardcore X-Men fans say that X-Men is an acquired taste, which would explain why they kept reading those books even during the terrible ‘90s runs. If that’s true, Morrison’s turn with the mutants in Imperial joins the likes of Byrne and Claremont as one of the most likely gateway drugs into further X-Men reading.
Rating: Worth the money and time. (4 out of 5 EvilEyes)
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg
She-Hulk #10 (An ongoing series)
Reviewed by: Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Rick Burchett
Inker: Nelson
Colors: Avalon’s Dave Kemp
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Cover Art: Greg Horn
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Price: $2.99 US/$3.75 CAN
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/shehulk10.jpg
The post wedding bliss of Mr. and Mrs. John Jameson comes to a screeching halt as Alistair Smythe’s triggers John’s curse of the Man-Wolf. As this occurs, Pug confronts the two newlyweds with information that Jennifer/She-Hulk and John are suffering from a massive dose of Starfox’s love/lust powers. Things go from bad to worse as John begins to transform into the Man-Wolf and helps expose Pug’s true feelings for Jennifer seconds before the newly transformed Man-Wolf takes a bite out Pug. Of interest, the Two-Gun Kid mentions to John early in the issue that he has a special bullet that he’s saving for the right occasion. Finally, Stu ends up as a mess on the carpet because he deduces that Artie Zixis is actually RT-Z9 the recorder robot for the Living Tribunal.
Dan Slott has created a witty script that’s matched by excellent characterizations and various storylines in this issue. The artwork by Rick Burchett and Nelson matches Slott’s script demands for remarkable facial expressions and body language during the dramatic sequences. The cover by Greg Horn was a great nod to the various sensationalized entertainment/news magazines.
Bottom Line:
The issue is a solid chapter in the She-Hulk saga as the various plots are beginning to bear fruit. Unfortunately, due to this issue being in the middle of a storyarc it’s not easily accessible to first time readers. This shouldn’t turn new readers away, as this issue should spark enough interest to search for the previous issues and trade paperbacks.
Rating: Worth the money and time. (4 out of 5 EvilEyes)
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg
Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #2
Reviewed by: Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Mark Brooks
Inkers: Jaime Mendoza with Mark Morales, Victor Olazaba and Mark Brooks
Colorists: Laura Martin with Larry Molinar
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Editor: Raplh Macchio
Price: $2.50 US/$3.50 CAN
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/ultimatespideyannual2.jpg
This issue deals with the Ultimate universe death of a corrupt Jeanne De Wolfe at the hands of the Punisher opposed to the 616 universe death of honest De Wolff at hands of the Sin-Eater. The main plot of the issue revolves around Spider-Man, Daredevil, Moon Knight and Punisher crossing paths in their quest to track down the thug named, Kangaroo. De Wolfe puts Spider-Man on the Kangaroo’s trail after she was instructed to do so by the Kingpin, who’s she happens to be involved with professionally and romantically. The issue ends with Daredevil offering Moon Knight an opportunity to join a team of superheroes to take down the Kingpin.
The Pulp Fiction like narrative was a nice change of pace from the typical storytelling that Brian Michael Bendis has used in the ninety plus Ultimate Spider-Man issues. The Ultimate Universe twists on the standards characters and situations were enjoyable as was the small tip that Foggy gave the Spider-Man as to why the Shocker keeps getting let out of jail. The dialogue was snappy and the character development was quite strong. Mark Brooks’ strong artwork rose to the occasion and was able to nail every action sequence and drama panel. If the powers that be at Marvel wish to keep the style that Mark Bagley has used in the Ultimate Universe series, they should look to Brooks to step up.
Bottom Line:
This was an action packed issue that deepens the history while creating an interesting setup for the Kingpin and the various heroes. If you’re an occasional or regular Ultiamte Spider-Man fan, this issue belongs in your collection.
Rating: Worth the money and time. (4 out of 5 EvilEyes)
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg
BCBComics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) is offering a ongoing code of “EVERLOST” to be used give an extra 10% off to Evil Avatar readers. In addition a special page ( https://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=340) has been set up by BCBComics to save money on various comics, TPBs, games and toys related to the comics that are reviewed each week.
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 who 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.
Remember, these are NOT spoiler-free reviews.
Week Thirty-three:
Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews – Year 2 - Week 33
New X-Men Vol. 2: Imperial TPB
Reviewed by: KefkaTaran (Philip Kollar), Associate Editor / Podcast Host
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Pencilers: Frank Quitely, Igor Kordey, and Ethan Van Sciver
Inkers: Frank Quitely, Igor Kordey, Prentis Rollins, Tim Townsend, Danny Miki, Rich Perotta, Scott Hanna, and Sandu Florea
Colorist: Brian Haberlin and Hi-Fi Design
Letterer: RS & Comicraft’s Saida T!
Editors: Pete Franco and Mike Raicht
Price: $19.99 US/$22.50 CAN
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/newxmenimperial.jpg
Constantly referenced as some of the best comics writing ever done on Marvel’s prominent mutant superhero team, Grant Morrison’s New X-Men led the X-Men and the Marvel universe into a brave new future where slowly but surely homo-superior outnumbered homo sapiens. Much of Morrison’s work now remains undone due to the events of House of M, but this healthy run stands as an indisputably important piece of X-Men history.
Most comic book historians point to the first volume, E is For Extinction, as the best in the run, but for my money, Imperial really shoves things into high gear. With Professor X left reeling from the last arc and the super-powerful new villain Cassandra Nova revealed (now starring in Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men), the X-Men and the Shi’ar Empire face a major tragedy.
Perhaps the biggest or at least most surprising success of this book is that despite the huge variety of inkers and pencilers listed up there (including EvAv interview veteran Ethan Van Sciver), the book manages to maintain a solid feel. While the art isn’t amazing, it flows well and works for the big action of the book.
Morrison’s dialogue is as good as it’s ever been, but what he really pulls off with the book’s storytelling is more impressive. Morrison does what is required to create a truly classic X-Men story: he diligently dodges the convoluted X-backstory while staying true to the well-loved characters. You don’t really need to know anything about what the X-Men have been through going into this (besides the first volume of Morrison’s run), and the main characters used are so iconic that you already know who they are. The slightly more obscure new mutants that Morrison uses are explained and well-developed in the book itself.
Bottom Line:
I’ve heard hardcore X-Men fans say that X-Men is an acquired taste, which would explain why they kept reading those books even during the terrible ‘90s runs. If that’s true, Morrison’s turn with the mutants in Imperial joins the likes of Byrne and Claremont as one of the most likely gateway drugs into further X-Men reading.
Rating: Worth the money and time. (4 out of 5 EvilEyes)
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg
She-Hulk #10 (An ongoing series)
Reviewed by: Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Rick Burchett
Inker: Nelson
Colors: Avalon’s Dave Kemp
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Cover Art: Greg Horn
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Price: $2.99 US/$3.75 CAN
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/shehulk10.jpg
The post wedding bliss of Mr. and Mrs. John Jameson comes to a screeching halt as Alistair Smythe’s triggers John’s curse of the Man-Wolf. As this occurs, Pug confronts the two newlyweds with information that Jennifer/She-Hulk and John are suffering from a massive dose of Starfox’s love/lust powers. Things go from bad to worse as John begins to transform into the Man-Wolf and helps expose Pug’s true feelings for Jennifer seconds before the newly transformed Man-Wolf takes a bite out Pug. Of interest, the Two-Gun Kid mentions to John early in the issue that he has a special bullet that he’s saving for the right occasion. Finally, Stu ends up as a mess on the carpet because he deduces that Artie Zixis is actually RT-Z9 the recorder robot for the Living Tribunal.
Dan Slott has created a witty script that’s matched by excellent characterizations and various storylines in this issue. The artwork by Rick Burchett and Nelson matches Slott’s script demands for remarkable facial expressions and body language during the dramatic sequences. The cover by Greg Horn was a great nod to the various sensationalized entertainment/news magazines.
Bottom Line:
The issue is a solid chapter in the She-Hulk saga as the various plots are beginning to bear fruit. Unfortunately, due to this issue being in the middle of a storyarc it’s not easily accessible to first time readers. This shouldn’t turn new readers away, as this issue should spark enough interest to search for the previous issues and trade paperbacks.
Rating: Worth the money and time. (4 out of 5 EvilEyes)
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg
Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #2
Reviewed by: Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Mark Brooks
Inkers: Jaime Mendoza with Mark Morales, Victor Olazaba and Mark Brooks
Colorists: Laura Martin with Larry Molinar
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Editor: Raplh Macchio
Price: $2.50 US/$3.50 CAN
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/ultimatespideyannual2.jpg
This issue deals with the Ultimate universe death of a corrupt Jeanne De Wolfe at the hands of the Punisher opposed to the 616 universe death of honest De Wolff at hands of the Sin-Eater. The main plot of the issue revolves around Spider-Man, Daredevil, Moon Knight and Punisher crossing paths in their quest to track down the thug named, Kangaroo. De Wolfe puts Spider-Man on the Kangaroo’s trail after she was instructed to do so by the Kingpin, who’s she happens to be involved with professionally and romantically. The issue ends with Daredevil offering Moon Knight an opportunity to join a team of superheroes to take down the Kingpin.
The Pulp Fiction like narrative was a nice change of pace from the typical storytelling that Brian Michael Bendis has used in the ninety plus Ultimate Spider-Man issues. The Ultimate Universe twists on the standards characters and situations were enjoyable as was the small tip that Foggy gave the Spider-Man as to why the Shocker keeps getting let out of jail. The dialogue was snappy and the character development was quite strong. Mark Brooks’ strong artwork rose to the occasion and was able to nail every action sequence and drama panel. If the powers that be at Marvel wish to keep the style that Mark Bagley has used in the Ultimate Universe series, they should look to Brooks to step up.
Bottom Line:
This was an action packed issue that deepens the history while creating an interesting setup for the Kingpin and the various heroes. If you’re an occasional or regular Ultiamte Spider-Man fan, this issue belongs in your collection.
Rating: Worth the money and time. (4 out of 5 EvilEyes)
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg