[Comics] - Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews - Week 41

[Everlost_MI]

Welcome to week forty-one of Evil Avatar’s Weekly Comic Book Reviews.

For the month of December, two signed copies of Athena Voltaire: Flight of the Falcon #1 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=12588) that is being published by Speakeasy Comics (http://www.speakeasycomics.com/index.asp) will be given away by BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) every week. For those unfamiliar with Athena Voltaire check out the following press release (http://www.speakeasycomics.com/news/news_72805b.html) and the official Athena Voltaire website. (http://www.athenavoltaire.com/) The deadline for entry submissions for week forty-one is Midnight EST on Sunday, December 18th. The random winners will be drawn on Monday, December 26th, Click here (everlost_mi@evilavatar.com) to submit your entry and don’t forget to include your Evil Avatar screenname. Remember, you can submit one entry each week to increase your chances of winning.
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/avfof1.jpg (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=12588)

Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway provider BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) offers 35% off of comic trade paperbacks (TPBs) and 20-25% off of comics. In addition, they offer comic book subscriptions (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=7
) with many fringe benefits including no hidden costs, 20% off of cover price, all issues are bagged and boarded PLUS free* shipping for orders over $14.99 and cheap* shipping for orders under $14.99 (*see BCBcomics’ website (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=7
) for the details).

Remember, these are NOT spoiler-free reviews.

[Everlost_MI]

Week Forty-one:
Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews - Week 41
By Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief

Hard Time: Season Two #1 (An ongoing series)
Publisher: DC Comics
Writers: Steve Gerber & Mary Skrenes
Penciller: Brian Hurtt
Inker: Steve Bird
Colorsist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Editor: Joan Hilty
Price: $2.50 US/$3.50 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/hardtime2_1.jpg

The second season/volume of Hard Time re-launches with a recap of what caused the main character, Ethan Harrow, to end up in prison. Harrow and Brandon Snodd were two high school kids that were incessantly picked on. Snodd decided to take matters in their own hands and stage a fake copy-cat Columbine incident to turn the tables on their tormentors. However, Snodd snaps and begins to gun down every one of their antagonists. In that moment, a being of energy leaps out of Harrow and kills Snodd. Harrow was tried as an adult and is now serving a fifty years to life sentence for being involved. Now, the same being of energy that killed Snodd has kept Harrow alive during his prison sentence. Though Harrow is unaware of this being’s existence as he blacks out when the being appears.

Steve Gerber, whose past work includes the creation of Howard the Duck and Thundarr the Barbarian, has crafted a story that is full of social commentary while creating characters that are easily accessible to identity and empathize with. The dialogue and characterizations are excellent as they solidify the well paced story. Brian Hurtt and Steve Bird have done a decent job in creating the matching visuals to Gerber’s story. However, the coloring by Lee Loughridge is what really helps set the somber tone in this issue.

Bottom Line:
This title is worth looking through, however it might not appeal to everyone with its social commentary and the aim of being more of a “realistic” comic. This series would appeal to fans of Oz or Prison Break. The first season of Hard Times can be picked up for less than ten dollars in TPB format.

Rating: 4 out of 5 EvilEyes
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg


The Ultimates 2 #9 of 12
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Story: Mark Millar
Pencils: Bryan Hitch
Inks: Paul Neary & Bryan Hitch
Colors: Laura Martin
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/ultimates2_9.jpg

The issue starts with the revelation that Hawkeye was not killed in the raid on his house, rather he was spared for his security codes that were forcibly extracted by drugs. With the security codes in hand, an army of unknown assailants that include Loki, Black Widow and the Crimson Dynamo are able to disarm and commandeer S.H.I.E.L.D.’s own helicarriers and Rocketmen. Using the commandeered equipment and their own versions of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s super-soldiers, the mysterious army attacks S.H.I.E.L.D. and various key cities in the United States.. The results are utterly brutal from the assassination of Jarvis to toppling of the Statue of Liberty. The strategy of this attack was so well planned out that the Fantastic Four and X-Men were removed from the equation by confining them to prevent counter-attacks.

Mark Millar created an issue that hit the ground running from the first panel as its packed with relentless action and intrigue. The story, dialogue, plot and pacing were excellent with the slight annoyance of not fully introducing all of the key assailants, which I am sure will be addressed in the next issue. Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary were firing on all cylinders in the art department, every panel was chucked full of detailed action and suspense. The facial expressions especially on Stark, Jarvis and Thor really nailed what Millar was conveying in his script. It quite interesting to see how the Ultimate version of the Scarlet Witch uses her power and how the army literally took a chunk out of Fury.

Bottom Line:
If you haven’t been reading the Ultimates series, you should. Especially if you enjoy super-hero team books with an edge. This book is worth the wait between issues for the story and art.

Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 EvilEyes
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4_5.jpg


Marvel Zombies #1 of 5
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Sean Phillips
Color Art: June Chung
Letterer: VC’s Randy Gentile
Editor: Ralpha Macchio
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/marvelzombies1.jpg

This series takes place immediately following Ultimate Fantastic Four #21-23, where the Ultimate universe version of Reed Richards was duped into coming to an alternate universe where everyone save a few have become zombies. Richards escaped with the help of Magneto, who was not yet infected, back to his proper universe. Unfortunately, Richards brought the zombified Fantastic Four with him. The results of that storyline have yet to be resolved, with the last known status of the zombies being trapped inside a prison in the Baxter Building. Back in the zombie filled universe, Magneto destroyed the machine that sent Reed and the infected Fantastic Four into the other universe. He was left to survive on his own as he became quickly surrounded by an army of undead superheroes. Magneto put up the fight of his life as he used his powers to try and take down as many as he could in his escape. The highlights of the fight included Magneto using Captain America’s shield and Hawkeye’s arrow against the undead mob. During the escape, Magneto is contacted by some apparent survivors that are left on the orbiting Asteroid M. The issue ends with the appearance of the Silver Surfer as the zombies discuss their predicament after overwhelming and devouring Magneto.

Robert Kirkman who has created The Walking Dead, one of the better zombie comic books, has taken Mark Millar’s story and expanded it beyond the normal zombie and Marvel mythos. The characterizations are excellent as they take the characters in a direction that hasn’t been explored before. The dialogue is disturbing and entertaining as the zombified heroes clamor for a piece of Magneto or as they discuss their condition. The artwork by Sean Phillips, whose past work includes the DC/Wildstorm series Sleeper, has created breath-taking visuals of the dark twisted world that reeks of carnage and horror. The outstanding use of shadows and June Chung’s coloring adds bleakness and gore to the horrified version of the Marvel Universe.

It’s humorous to see Marvel use the term “Marvel Zombie” that is often associated with fans who blindly follow/swallow the Marvel line of comics. I am personally a semi-recovering Marvel Zombie who’s often in denial.

Bottom Line:
This issue is worth your time and money. Especially, if you’re following the Ultimate Fantastic Four or just enjoy seeing some of your favorite superheroes in a totally different light. And if you’re a horror or Walking Dead fan then this series is a no-brainer. No offense Captain America.

Rating: 5 out of 5 EvilEyes
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e5.jpg

What else is worth reading this week…
• Down #2 – Things get messy fast as Price goes deeper in her undercover role.

The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week forty-one are two signed copies of Athena Voltaire: Flight of the Falcon #1 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=12588). The deadline for entry submissions for week forty is Sunday, December 18th with the random winners being drawn on Monday, December 26th.

Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway provider BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) offers 35% off of comic trade paperbacks (TPBs) and 20-25% off of comics.

Click here (everlost_mi@evilavatar.com) to submit your entry and don’t forget to include your Evil Avatar screenname.

Remember, you can submit one entry per week to increase your chances of winning.

[Nite_Moogle]

Marvel Zombies #1 of 5
I saw this and was expecting a solid half evil eye. That's awesome that they could do something cool with it.

[Murtaug]

Marvel Zombies sounds cool, I might have to try and pick that up.

Also, you only have four evil eye jpegs, and you gave it a 5 out of 5.

[Cerebus]

Well, the Marvel Zombie introduction in Ultimate FF was handled very well. They had you believing that it was going to be a straight crossover to the regular Marvel Universe but then you realize that it was all a trick. I was very happy about the zombies because it was stated that if the Ultimate Universe and the regular Marvel universe ever had a crossover it would only be because they ran out of ideas. I'm glad to say that they haven't run out of ideas.

[Everlost_MI]

Marvel Zombies sounds cool, I might have to try and pick that up.

Also, you only have four evil eye jpegs, and you gave it a 5 out of 5.

Fixed, thanks for catching that.

[Kefkataran]

I saw this and was expecting a solid half evil eye. That's awesome that they could do something cool with it.

From Robert Kirkman? The day that happens, I'll be stunned. This guy is a brilliant writer, even with an idea that sounds like a no-go such as this. I also picked up Marvel Zombies and loved it.

it was stated that if the Ultimate Universe and the regular Marvel universe ever had a crossover it would only be because they ran out of ideas. I'm glad to say that they haven't run out of ideas.

Or it could just be new management. Stuff like that happens in the comic industry.

[Heretic Machine]

I have only one thing to say about Marvel Zombies...

ROBERT KIRKMAN!

Probably one of my top three writers right now. Him, Millar, and Ellis being my favorites. I can't wait to start reading this Marvel Zombies stuff, though by that point in UFF I had already stopped reading (not because it wasn't good, I just stopped reading). I'll need to go back and check those issues out.

[Kefkataran]

Probably one of my top three writers right now. Him, Millar, and Ellis being my favorites. I can't wait to start reading this Marvel Zombies stuff, though by that point in UFF I had already stopped reading (not because it wasn't good, I just stopped reading). I'll need to go back and check those issues out.

I haven't read the UFF zombie arc, and I still adored Marvel Zombies; it's definitely not required reading, although I'm sure it's good. I'll probably check it out in trade eventually.

And I can't agree more about Kirkman and Ellis. Those two, along with Dan Slott, Peter David, and Ed Brubaker are definitely the guys who are keeping me reading Marvel these days. I've heard a ton of good about Millar, as well, but I still haven't checked him out. Soon, soon.

[Everlost_MI]

I haven't read the UFF zombie arc, and I still adored Marvel Zombies; it's definitely not required reading, although I'm sure it's good. I'll probably check it out in trade eventually.

And I can't agree more about Kirkman and Ellis. Those two, along with Dan Slott, Peter David, and Ed Brubaker are definitely the guys who are keeping me reading Marvel these days. I've heard a ton of good about Millar, as well, but I still haven't checked him out. Soon, soon.

So I assume you're going to pick up X-Factor #1 this week?

[Kefkataran]

So I assume you're going to pick up X-Factor #1 this week?

It's on my pull list! Didn't realize it was this week. Awesome!

[Nite_Moogle]

From Robert Kirkman?
Well, I hadn't read that part yet! Truth be told I am a very casual comic reader so names mean very little to me :/

[Kefkataran]

Well, I hadn't read that part yet! Truth be told I am a very casual comic reader so names mean very little to me :/

That's cool and understandable. Just know this: anything by Robert Kirkman is gold. Anything by Robert Kirkman about zombies (see: Marvel Zombies, Walking Dead)? PURE UNADULTERATED GENIUS.

[bardockkun]

I just got done reading Ultimates #9 (comic book sale so waited until today to pick up my stash and 50 other comics) and all i can say is just wow. Little details like the flying invaders going through the giant-men and into their ears and out the other make it all the more satisfying. Like really for this issue alone it totally redeems Mark Millar from making that terrible as hell Wolverine Holocaust story.

I just hope when the shit hits the fan in Infinite Crisis (out this wednesday) it comes somewhere close to this or beyond in letting you know the heroes are truly facing a threat. Though as much as it is a thrill to see heroes face a threat that's whooping their ass, it's going to be awesome seeing them come back (man can't wait to see Captain America come back, hopefully by next issue).

Just had to say that since everyone's tooting the horn of Marvel Zombies (which ill read tonight). Also Jeph Loeb and Joe Mad don't have a chance in hell of following up Millar and Hitch, especially after this issue.

[Kefkataran]

I just hope when the shit hits the fan in Infinite Crisis (out this wednesday)

IC is out this Wednesday too?! Fuck, either you guys are all nuts or Diamond needs to get their shit updated. They tend to add stuff at the last second though, so I'm not that surprised.

[bardockkun]

IC is out this Wednesday too?! Fuck, either you guys are all nuts or Diamond needs to get their shit updated. They tend to add stuff at the last second though, so I'm not that surprised.
Well it's always released the second week of every month. Though i'll admit it sure as hell doesn't feel like it's the second week. Though goddamn can't wait to get my hands on it (though more eager for Ultimates after reading it today).

[Heretic Machine]

Oh, other Kirkman fans: Read his Fantastic Four mini. It's called Fantastic Four Foes, and it's some of the most gruesome Fantastic Four comics you'll ever read...

[Kefkataran]

Well it's always released the second week of every month. Though i'll admit it sure as hell doesn't feel like it's the second week. Though goddamn can't wait to get my hands on it (though more eager for Ultimates after reading it today).

Actually, I did some double-checking, and it for sure isn't on the Diamond shipping list for this week, and DC's site doesn't list it until the 28th. :(

Oh, other Kirkman fans: Read his Fantastic Four mini. It's called Fantastic Four Foes, and it's some of the most gruesome Fantastic Four comics you'll ever read...

I'll have to check that out. Is it collected in trade? If so, I'll have the library order it in.

[Heretic Machine]

'll have to check that out. Is it collected in trade? If so, I'll have the library order it in.

I -think- it is. It's definetly old enough to be.

[bardockkun]

Actually, I did some double-checking, and it for sure isn't on the Diamond shipping list for this week, and DC's site doesn't list it until the 28th. :(
They've seriously delayed it? Goddamn, at least this week's release will give me a huge load of Dan Slott stuff, but still DC's biggest event should be on time.

Also finished reading Marvel Zombies and i hope the ending of it will be Galactus comes back to earth and all the zombies try and devour him. That to me would be the best ending for it. Other then that, bitchin book, glad Marvel gave Robert Kirkman the freedom to do what he wants (or at least so far).

[Kish]

Little bit of a spoiler




Who do you guys think that is on the last page of The Ultimates 2 #9? I was thinking Abomination, Crimson Dynamo, Executioner, Loki, and Enchantress... Maybe Zemo and I had a customer think the other guy was Whirlwind but I have no idea.

[Dr.Finger]

I thought Ultimates #9 is tied for the best single issue of the year with Daredevil #79. Great, great stuff.

I've heard a lot of speculation about who the Masters/Axis of Evil at the end were supposed to be, but the only easy one that isn't named is Abomination. Too bad the next issue isn't for at least 2 months.

[Kefkataran]

Goddamn, at least this week's release will give me a huge load of Dan Slott stuff, but still DC's biggest event should be on time.

Only Dan Slott due out this week, according to Diamond again, is the GLA special.

http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/shipping_121405.txt

I do see X-Factor #1 on there now, though! WOO! First week where I'm getting more Marvel than DC stuff ever.

[bardockkun]

Only Dan Slott due out this week, according to Diamond again, is the GLA special.

http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/shipping_121405.txt

I do see X-Factor #1 on there now, though! WOO! First week where I'm getting more Marvel than DC stuff ever.
Man nothing much this week, especially from DC. Though finally going to get my hands on Ultimate Iron Man #5.

For some reason all day today i was thinking of Spider-man eating Magneto. Damn you Kirkman!

[Kefkataran]

For some reason all day today i was thinking of Spider-man eating Magneto. Damn you Kirkman!

Mmmm. Not a better thought one's head could house.

Agreed, though, the DC offerings this week is slim pickings. But check out Newsarama. They just released their solicits for March, which is the big One Year Later jump, and the number of DC titles I have on my pull list just fucking skyrocketed.

[bardockkun]

Mmmm. Not a better thought one's head could house.

Agreed, though, the DC offerings this week is slim pickings. But check out Newsarama. They just released their solicits for March, which is the big One Year Later jump, and the number of DC titles I have on my pull list just fucking skyrocketed.
Man so will mine. I really hope they do something with Kyle Rayner and Animal Man during the one year jump since theyre my most favorite underrated characters (along with Nightwing, but then again with him appearing in IC#2 it's obvious something is going to happen to him).

Out of curiousity Kef, did you read the "hints" thing in the last issue of Wizard where they went down and gave a rundown of clues of things that will happen? Like the "who will take the mantle as most powerful hero" I've been trying to keep away from the supposed IC spoilers, but any guess's on it if you've seen it?

I just think it'd be badass if Animal Man suddenly becomes stronger then Superman (especially if Grant Morrison does the writting for that in the 52 mini with him, sweet holy mother god that would be awesome).

[Kefkataran]

I really hope they do something with Kyle Rayner and Animal Man during the one year jump since theyre my most favorite underrated characters (along with Nightwing, but then again with him appearing in IC#2 it's obvious something is going to happen to him).

New Nightwing is on the solicit. Bruce Jones is taking over as writing. Looks good and is on my list. As for Kyle Rayner, they recently announced he'll be reclaiming the name ION in his own monthly starting sometime this coming spring/summer (apparantly DC is starting one new book each week in the months of May and June).

Out of curiousity Kef, did you read the "hints" thing in the last issue of Wizard where they went down and gave a rundown of clues of things that will happen? Like the "who will take the mantle as most powerful hero" I've been trying to keep away from the supposed IC spoilers, but any guess's on it if you've seen it?


Heard of it, but I don't read Wizard, so I didn't actually read it. Apparantly the One Year Later solicits reveal the answers to at least one question, namely that Ollie is now the Mayor. Pretty cool twist if you ask me. Too bad Judd Winnick's writing it, and I'm absolutely not interested in him.

I just think it'd be badass if Animal Man suddenly becomes stronger then Superman (especially if Grant Morrison does the writting for that in the 52 mini with him, sweet holy mother god that would be awesome).

I'm still convinced (and sad) that Animal Man is probably going to die in IC because of that family scene at the start of issue 2. :( Hope not though. As for 52, writers have already been announced -- it's going to be plotted out by Keith Giffen and written by: Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid. I assume they'll just switch off each week. Shit, 52 is going to kick so much ass. Look at that writing team! That's the stuff dreams are made of.

[bardockkun]

Heard of it, but I don't read Wizard, so I didn't actually read it. Apparantly the One Year Later solicits reveal the answers to at least one question, namely that Ollie is now the Mayor. Pretty cool twist if you ask me. Too bad Judd Winnick's writing it, and I'm absolutely not interested in him.

I'm still convinced (and sad) that Animal Man is probably going to die in IC because of that family scene at the start of issue 2. :( Hope not though. As for 52, writers have already been announced -- it's going to be plotted out by Keith Giffen and written by: Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid. I assume they'll just switch off each week. Shit, 52 is going to kick so much ass. Look at that writing team! That's the stuff dreams are made of.
I'd go so far as to say Judd Winick is DC's Chuck Austen or Greg Pak. All i know is Animal Man plays a huge role in IC according to Geoff, so either he'll die or he'll become the strongest character ever (though i agree that he'll probably die).

Yah 52 will be badass, but goddamn itll be robbing me quick in no time.