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

[Everlost_MI]

Welcome to week two of Evil Avatar’s Weekly Comic Book Reviews.
The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week two is X-Men:Colossus Bloodline #5 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14449) courtesy of BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/). The deadline for entry submissions for week one is Sunday, January 15th. The selection of the random winner for the January books will occur on Monday, January 30th. 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.

The list of books that are going to be given away for the month of January at this point are:

· Down #2 ( http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14406&HS=1)

If you’re tired of missing out on your regular or new comics then you’re in need of a reliable comic book subscription provider. Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway provider, BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) offers 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 Two:
Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews – Year 2 - Week 2
By Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief

Marvel Zombies #2 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 CA

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/marvelzombie2.jpg

The issue picks up exactly where the last issue left off with the undead Marvel heroes scanning the skies for the Silver Surfer. Hank Pym/Goliath excuses himself and sneaks away to a hidden bunker where he’s been studying and slowly feeding off of a very sedated but alive Black Panther. Janet Pym/The Wasp followed Goliath and discovers the secret only to be dealt with in a most unsavory way. The future of this undead world is discussed between the exchanges of Goliath and the Wasp as well as Iron Man and Captain (Colonel in this universe) America as they realize they will start feeding off of one another if more living food isn’t found. The issue ends with the Silver Surfer declaring Galactus’ impending arrival and in the process opens himself up as a target for the undead masses to attack.

Robert Kirkman has again created an interesting character driven issue chucked full of excellent dialogue while planting the seeds of a potential sinister end for Galactus. Robert Kirkman’s dark gritty artwork is firing on all cylinders as it accentuates Kirkman’s bleak alternative future of the Marvel Universe.

Bottom Line:
This issue and series is worth your time and money. Especially, if enjoy horror/zombie books or want to see some of your favorite superheroes and villains painted in a totally different light.

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


The Exterminators #1 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14436) (An ongoing series)
Publisher: DC/Veritgo Comics
Writer: Simon Oliver
Artist: Tony Moore
Colorist: Brian Buccellato
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Cover artist: Philip Bond
Created by Simon Oliver and Tony Moore
Editor: Jonathan Vankin
Price: $2.99 US/$4.00 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/exterminators1.jpg

This issue and series revolves around Henry who’s been recently released from prison and has been given a job with as an exterminator with Bug-Bee-Gone. His mother worked as a bookkeeper for the Bug-Bee-Gone company and ended up marrying the owner, Nils. Nils wants to hand the business down, however his son is not in the picture due to his past transgressions and it seems that Henry is his choice. Henry is learning the ropes of the extermination business from a co-worker AJ while embarking on his own self-discovery. Meanwhile, it seems the city’s roaches have mutated and react to the best rat poison, Draxx, on the market as if they’re steroids and not pesticide. If an alternative to Draxx isn’t found within eighteen months, the company will have to go back to a mysterious and implied dangerous substance named Code Four. The issue ends with AJ shooting up with Draxx as if it was heroin in a bathroom stall and the foreshadowing of a possible grizzly end of a single mother and a small boy from the mutating roaches.

Simon Oliver and Tony Moore have built upon cockroaches being survivors and have made an excellent attempt at creating an interesting first issue. The dialogue and characterizations are enjoyable and draw the audience into quickly. The artwork of Tony Moore, formerly of The Walking Dead, is excellent and it’s a small treat to see more than just covers of his work colored.

Bottom Line:
If you’ve enjoyed other Vertigo titles such as Y: The Last Man or Lucifer then this issue will spark your interest. This initial issue is a decent read but it hasn’t quite sold me yet on the series as a whole. However, I will pick up the second issue to see if it’s worth staying on. At least leaf through the issue for the artwork and see if the story tickles your fancy.

Rating: 3 out of 5 EvilEyes
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e3.jpg


Doc Samson #1 of 5
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Story: Paul DiFillipo
Pencils: Fabrizio Fiorentino
Inks: Jimmy Palmiotti
Colors: Val Staples
Letters: Artmonkey’s Dave Lanphear
Cover: Daniel Acuna
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/docsamson1.jpg

This book hurt to read. Doc Samson, the psychologist who attempted to cure the Hulk on multiple occasions, has as of this latest series become Marvel’s muscle bound version of Dr. Phil. Samson multitasks as he dishes out psychological fixes to one of the Skrulls who’s threating some form of mass destruction while opening up to Samson about having flashbacks of being a cow, actually a rather interesting story that can be read here ( http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/kingscrossingskrull.htm) at the Unofficial Handbook of the Marvel Universe ( http://www.marvunapp.com/), as a requested by Nick Fury via S.H.I.E.L.D. while volunteering to help his goddaughter find her missing parents. In the end, Samson saves the day and gains the help of his goddaughter and Dr. Strange’s new protégé for the remaining issues in this limited series.

Paul DiFillipo has utterly destroyed the Doc Samson character in the record time of three pages, especially if one has read any of Peter David’s or John Byrne’s stories involving or revolving around Samson. DiFillipo’s characterizations and dialogue are off and forced. However, the in-jokes regarding the Skull Cow Milk and the reference of Thor turning into a frog are rather amusing but only if someone has been reading Marvel for at least ten years. And in that case, the portrayal of Samson in this light is a disservice to those who have this knowledge. The artwork by Fabrizio Fiorentino and Jimmy Palmiotti is passable, but it does not help nor save this issue.

Bottom Line:
This issue and series is definitely not worth your money or time.

Rating: 0 out of 5 EvilEyes
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e0.jpg

Thanks to Unofficial Handbook of the Marvel Universe ( http://www.marvunapp.com/) for the link to the be Skrull Cow information. ( http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/kingscrossingskrull.htm)

What else is worth reading this week…
· Down #3 – Everything goes to hell and gets messy fast.

The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week two is X-Men: Colossus Bloodline #5 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14449) courtesy of BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/). The deadline for week two entry submissions is Sunday, January 15th.

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.

[Kefkataran]

I loved Marvel Zombies #2 as well as the first ish of Exterminators. Still not totally sure where they're taking the Exterminators storyline, but I'm definitely on for the first arc at least. The writing was quite strong, so assuming I like that, they've got me full-time.

[Kish]

This book hurt to read

Best line ever.

Marvel Zombies so far has been pretty good, but Exterminators looks like the winner for me this week. Been craving that dark/strange/odd sort of comedy. Plus I like Tony Moores art in Walking Dead so it was a must grab for me anyway.

<plug>
On another note we just put up the new batch of 50% off comic pre-orders, if you get the chance you should check it out.
</plug>

[TrackZero]

Sweet, gotta go to the store tomorrow and find Marvel Zombies #2 then. As a bonus, this series got me to go back and pick up the Ultimate Fantastic Four run, which so far I've found pretty enjoyable as a whole.

[Spigot]

Woohoo! More Marvel Zombies! I loved the first issue and can't wait to see what will happen in #2. Thanks for the heads-up.

[bardockkun]

Again time for me to toot the horn of Marvel Zombies. I really hope it leads to a Contest of Champions type spin off where every zombie is trying to kill and eat one another to survive.

Also i hope there will be a Galactus massacre, goddamn that would be brutally sweet.

Also Kef, All Star Batman & Robin #3 mehhhh...was there a reason why one of the gropers looked like Oliver Queen? That really, really bugged me and the quality after issue 3 doesn't look like it'll improve anytime soon. Frank Miller is better off making original mini's like 300.

[Everlost_MI]

Also i hope there will be a Galactus massacre, goddamn that would be brutally sweet.

I am thinking that Galactus will be bitten and converted into a planet devouring
zombie. He would then infect his heralds and send them to discover new planets as spreading the infection throughout the entire Marvel Universe while becoming the embodiment of a black hole.

[Kefkataran]

Also i hope there will be a Galactus massacre, goddamn that would be brutally sweet.

It's gotta happen.

Also Kef, All Star Batman & Robin #3 mehhhh...was there a reason why one of the gropers looked like Oliver Queen? That really, really bugged me and the quality after issue 3 doesn't look like it'll improve anytime soon. Frank Miller is better off making original mini's like 300.

Yeah, I dunno... it seemed like that had to be on purpose, but they never mentioned his name, huh? Either way, I didn't know what to think with this ish... it's so bad, that it's almost funny. It's gotta be self-parody, right? Still so confused on this series.

[bardockkun]

I am thinking that Galactus will be bitten and converted into a planet devouring
zombie. He would then infect his heralds and send them to discover new planets as spreading the infection throughout the entire Marvel Universe while becoming the embodiment of a black hole.
That's a damn good theory. Though he already eats planets full of life anyways so not like that big a difference except i guess maybe a bit more indulgent.

I figure that has a better chance of happening as opposed to Contest of Zombies.

Speaking of the dead, is there a solid date yet on that damn Deadgirl Special?

[Everlost_MI]

That's a damn good theory. Though he already eats planets full of life anyways so not like that big a difference except i guess maybe a bit more indulgent.

I figure that has a better chance of happening as opposed to Contest of Zombies.

Speaking of the dead, is there a solid date yet on that damn Deadgirl Special?

As a zombie maybe he would be less choosy? He'd go on a serious binge/bender? :)

According to this posting (http://www.marvel.com/catalog/listing.htm?title=x-statix) on Marvel.com (http://www.marvel.com/) it's slated for 01-18-2006

[Kefkataran]

Speaking of the dead, is there a solid date yet on that damn Deadgirl Special?

It starts this month, I believe. Not sure on the date the first issue is out, though.

EDIT: What Everlost said.

[bardockkun]

Yeah, I dunno... it seemed like that had to be on purpose, but they never mentioned his name, huh? Either way, I didn't know what to think with this ish... it's so bad, that it's almost funny. It's gotta be self-parody, right? Still so confused on this series.
I'd like to think Frank Miller was capable of that, but mehhhh i doubt it. Since i can only take so many over the top dark, dark changes to a character.

*edit* thanx Everlost and Kef, it should be on my pull list so hopefully ill have it with me

*another edit* actually i imagine Galactus eating every planet until a black hole is formed and all the marvel zombies are in the Ultraverse.

[Spigot]

Colour me clueless, but what's the deal with the whole X-Static series? The Deadgirl stuff looks interesting, but in a spoofy kind of way. Is this just a big in-joke series for Marvel fans or is it a serious X-title that is having some fun with the special?

[bardockkun]

Colour me clueless, but what's the deal with the whole X-Static series? The Deadgirl stuff looks interesting, but in a spoofy kind of way. Is this just a big in-joke series for Marvel fans or is it a serious X-title that is having some fun with the special?
X-Statix is more of a spoof on the X titles and pop culture. It's about a group of mutants fighting gloabal threats (like the abduction of a cuban refugee) all while being filmed for the mass media. Trouble is they face low, low mortality rates, but while theyre alive they face things like growing populairty, leadership, and gay team mates.

Really good series and near the end they had a story abour Princess Diana that was supposed to be about her being a secret agent entitled "Di Another Day." Though too much controversy surfaced from that and it was canned, either way good series and GREATLY recommended.

[Kefkataran]

I'd like to think Frank Miller was capable of that, but mehhhh i doubt it. Since i can only take so many over the top dark, dark changes to a character.

I don't think they're meant to be serious dark changes though. I think they're parody. I think. I mean how could that Superman scene NOT be a joke? And, hey, at least it's out of continuity.

Colour me clueless, but what's the deal with the whole X-Static series? The Deadgirl stuff looks interesting, but in a spoofy kind of way. Is this just a big in-joke series for Marvel fans or is it a serious X-title that is having some fun with the special?

!!!! Do whatever you can to dig up the X-Force and X-Statix trades by Milligan. Believe it's two volumes of X-Force and four of X-Statix. They are COMPLETELY awesome. It's an in-continuity X-title, but it's definitely more of a spoof than the other X-stuff. Very fun, and with awesome pop-art by Mike Allred, who is just grand. These are easy to find on Amazon if you're willing to plunk down some cash. Otherwise get them through your locally library or whatever way you have of digging up trades. VERY good stuff.

Anyways, the Dead Girl special is basically the first reunion of the X-Statix team we've had since the series ended. Should be good.

Really good series and near the end they had a story abour Princess Diana that was supposed to be about her being a secret agent entitled "Di Another Day." Though too much controversy surfaced from that and it was canned, either way good series and GREATLY recommended.

Wasn't actually canned, persay. They just had to change the character from Princess Di to avoid controversy. Still did the storyline and it was still fairly obvious who they were referencing...

[bardockkun]

I don't think they're meant to be serious dark changes though. I think they're parody. I think. I mean how could that Superman scene NOT be a joke? And, hey, at least it's out of continuity.

Wasn't actually canned, persay. They just had to change the character from Princess Di to avoid controversy. Still did the storyline and it was still fairly obvious who they were referencing...
I just remember reading interviews from Peter Milligan that he had to change alot of the story. I still would like to know what he had in mind or in store though, goddamn it's something that really makes me curious.

Yah i know it's out of continuity, but cmon it's supposed to a reimagining within some familiar parts of the DC Universe. I really think Frank Miller is thinking/mistaking the whole DC Universe as Sin City.

[Kefkataran]

Yah i know it's out of continuity, but cmon it's supposed to a reimagining within some familiar parts of the DC Universe. I really think Frank Miller is thinking/mistaking the whole DC Universe as Sin City.

Just saying, long as it's not in continuity, at least we don't need to really worry.

[bardockkun]

Just saying, long as it's not in continuity, at least we don't need to really worry.
And then during the events of Infinite Crisis, Alexander Luthor destroyed the current DC Universe and instead sent them to a darker DC Universe of All Star Batman and Robin land and DC Comics jumped one year. The end.

Oh yah, that reminds me, i was right about Alexander Luthor destroying the watchtower.

[Kefkataran]

And then during the events of Infinite Crisis, Alexander Luthor destroyed the current DC Universe and instead sent them to a darker DC Universe of All Star Batman and Robin land and DC Comics jumped one year. The end.

:(

Oh yah, that reminds me, i was right about Alexander Luthor destroying the watchtower.

Eh? Wasn't it Superboy-Prime?

[bardockkun]

Eh? Wasn't it Superboy-Prime?
Well that part i was wrong (since i figured Earth-2 Supes) but meaning more so over the OMAC's and such.

[Kefkataran]

Well that part i was wrong (since i figured Earth-2 Supes) but meaning more so over the OMAC's and such.

I have no clue what you mean. But Batman discovered on the video that it was Superboy-Prime who Martian Manhunter saw right before he disappeared and the place blew up, right? So it was probably him who did that. What about the OMACs though?

[bardockkun]

I have no clue what you mean. But Batman discovered on the video that it was Superboy-Prime who Martian Manhunter saw right before he disappeared and the place blew up, right? So it was probably him who did that. What about the OMACs though?
I figure i might be jumping the gun probably, but still i figure just Alexander Luthor is responsible for the new protocol

[Kefkataran]

Oh, yeah, probably. I'm sure that's going to be how all the Countdown minis are connected -- in the end they'll be behind it on some level.

[bardockkun]

Oh, yeah, probably. I'm sure that's going to be how all the Countdown minis are connected -- in the end they'll be behind it on some level.
That reminds me, you get your hands on the Day of Vengence special yet? I still haven't picked it up at my comic store yet and curious as to if there's a big revelation in there.

[Kefkataran]

That reminds me, you get your hands on the Day of Vengence special yet? I still haven't picked it up at my comic store yet and curious as to if there's a big revelation in there.

I have a review up there. It's very packed and VERY worth reading. More happens in this one-shot than in the whole six-issue DoV countdown mini. I'll give a recap if you want.

SPOILERSSSSSSSSSSSSZZZZZZZZZ WARNING--

Shadowpact, the Marvel family, and a TON of obscure C- and D-list magic character gather together in Gotham to find the remaining pieces of the Rock of Eternity (the big rock Shazam was on that was destroyed at the end of DoV) as well as to hunt down and capture the Seven Sins. Each of the Shadowpact gets highlighted capturing a different sin. The major thing here is that Nightshade is captured by villains working for the Society, who remark "Luthor still needs you alive." Seems she'll be getting added to the anti-Monitor machine.

After the Sins are collected, Nabu (the disembodied helm/cape of Dr. Fate, who recently died in JSA), confronts the Spectre explaining that he is the last of the major magic forces left in the world. He explains to Spectre that once he (Nabu) is destroyed, the Ninth Age of magic will be complete and the Tenth will begin. He also says that he *wants* Spectre to kill him because it will be so huge that it will get God's attention, forcing God to finally give Spectre a new host. Sure enough, Spectre kills Nabu and then is suddenly flung off to find a new host. Nabu comments that it's too bad: "We were working together, Shazam and I and all of the great lords, to finally create a single, stable, perfectly rational host for you. She would've survived the ages... too late now. You need a new host, and there's no time to build the perfect one. So once again he has to take you to whoever's available. Another inadequate and temporary solution."

My guess? His host will once again be Jim Corrigan, who is as corrupt as the original and all set up to be killed in the final issue of Gotham Central next month.

Finally after Nabu dies, he requests that the Shadowpact toss the Dr. Fate helmet into space and let it land on earth wherever it shall, therfore truly letting Fate choose who the new Dr. Fate will be. So we're all set up to have a new Spectre and a new Dr. Fate. Was hoping one of them would be chosen by the end, but alas.

Oh, I guess the other big thing is that they did get the Rock of Eternity put back together with Zatanna's help. Once it was in place, Captain Marvel was informed that someone needs to stay there to keep it together, and it had to be him because of his relation to the now-dead Shazam. Not sure where they'll go with that, but it's interesting for sure.

All-around great one-shot. Willingham's got me on for the Shadowpact ongoing. His writing's not always perfect, but it's when he's on, it's great.

[agentgray]

How does a zombie book have good dialogue?

j/k

Will have to check it out, or wait for the TPB.

[Everlost_MI]

How does a zombie book have good dialogue?

j/k

Will have to check it out, or wait for the TPB.

Hey, that made me laugh. I never thought about it that way, most (all?) zombie flicks contain zombies that have moaning and monosyllabic dialogue. But if I remember right Deadworld and Marvel Zombies are two zombie comic book examples where the zombies talk.

Ok...that was the weirdest thing I've written all day. Time to do something more realistic, like watch Battlestar Galactica from last Friday!