[Comics] - Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews - Year 2 - Week 3

[Everlost_MI]

Welcome to week three of Evil Avatar’s Weekly Comic Book Reviews.

The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week three is Cable & Deadpool #24 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14935) courtesy of BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/). The deadline of entry submissions for week three is midnight EST on Sunday, January 22th. 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 include:

· Down #2 ( http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14406&HS=1)
· X-Men: Colossus Bloodline #5 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14449)

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, 30-35% off of cover price (depending on the publisher), all issues are bagged and boarded and 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.

[Everlost_MI]

Week Three:
Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews – Year 2 - Week 3
By Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief

Ares #1 of 5 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14933)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Mike Oeming
Penciler: Travel Foreman
Inker: Derek Fridolfs
Colors: Len O’Grady
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Editor: Warren Simons
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/ares1.jpg

This miniseries focuses on Ares’, the Greek god of war, who is generally loathed by the gods of Olympus until his services are needed. Ares has always desired to be accepted into the fold of his fellow gods but upon the revelation that even his parents could not even stand his presence, he left Olympus and his warring ways behind to start anew on Earth. Ares sired a son, Alex whose mother has yet to be revealed, and is attempting to enjoy his role as a father. Alex and the world as a whole are unaware of Ares’ or Alex’s true nature. The joy of fatherhood and peace is short lived as Hermes pays an unexpected visit with a "request" that Olympus once again needs Ares. The call for Ares is due to a growing fear that the recent fall of Asgard will be repeated in Olympus. Ares solidly rejects the order and nearly kills Hermes as he plainly states that if the gods darken his doorstep again his full anger will be unleashed upon the gods of Olympus. Ares’ choice of rejecting his previous warring ways are swiftly taken away, as his son is kidnapped by Hermes. The issue ends with a very angry and determined Ares’ beginning his quest to reclaim his son and make the gods pay for their intrusion upon his new life.

Mike Oeming, whose writing skills include a great run on Thor, has created an interesting and captivate story with a character that usually is depicted as being two-dimensional. Oeming fleshed Ares out by creating a definite and identifiable desire for love and acceptance from his family that is touched by sorrow and the acceptance that he will never fit in. Ares is finally able to fill that void in his love and relationship with his son but by ripping that away from him has only unlocked the rage and flood of emotions that were suppressed for so long. In the end, Ares is going to be finally forced to face his own demons as well as his family in his fight to regain his son. The artwork created by Travel Foreman is clean and enjoyable. Forman’s battle scenes are chucked full of detail and fury that is accentuated by the excellent use of unique panel layouts.

Bottom Line:
This was a great issue to read and it that holds the possibility of being a great series. It is easily accessible to those who aren’t familiar with the standard Greek/Roman or Marvel version of mythology.

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


Daughters of the Dragon #1 of 6
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti
Penciler: Khari Evans
Inker: Jimmy Palmiotti
Colorist: Christina Strain
Letterer: Artmonkeys’ Dave Lanphear
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/dotd1.jpg

Marvel has another sleeper hit on their hands and it’s due in part because they’ve gone back into their vaults and blown the dust off of some of the better B listed heroes. Misty Knight and Colleen Wing, two characters that have been around since the early 70’s, are back in action with their Nightwing Restorations whose services include but are not limited to being private investigators and bail bondswomen. For those who aren’t familiar with Misty Knight, Colleen Wing and why they are called the Daughters of the Dragon, their history can be read here ( http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/k/knightmisty.htm) at Marvel Directory. ( http://www.marveldirectory.com/) Evidently, writer Jimmy Palmiotti is enjoying going deep into Marvel’s collection of characters with his interesting selection of B listed villains for the Daughters to deal with.

Jimmy Palmiotti has created a fun, well-paced, snappy story that makes the characters instantly likeable. The dialogue is fun and witty to match the enjoyable artwork created by Khari Evans. Evans artwork is reminiscent of Chris Bachalo’s early work and the depiction of Misty’s hair adds some great retro visual flavor to the story.

Bottom Line:
The long time fans of the Power Man and Iron Fist series should enjoy the fresh breath of life poured into Misty and Colleen. It’s nice to see these B-listed heroes getting some of the limelight after all these years of being treated as supporting characters. For those who aren’t familiar with these characters, give this issue a chance. It’s fun and the potential these characters contain should keep you coming back for more. Personally, I am hoping Iron Fist shows up before the end of the series.

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


Ultimate Extinction #1 of 6 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14952)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Brandon Peterson
Colors: Justin Ponsor & Paul Mounts
Letters: Chris Elipoulos
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/ultext1.jpg

Gah Lak Tus (Galactus) is coming and the Earth is doomed. That’s not a major news flash for anyone whose read Marvel Comics for a significant amount of time. However, Warren Ellis has taken the standard Galactus mythos and not only tweaked it for the Ultimate universe but injected a sense of Gah Lak Tus being more than just a powerful being that devours planets like cheeseburgers. By using the Ultimate versions of the Vision, Reed Richards, Sam Wilson, Carol Danvers and Captain Marvel (Mahr Vehl) the scope of power and the intricate methodology of Gah Lak Tus’ overwhelming might is clearly laid out. This drives home a level of despair and hopelessness that even the mightiest heroes can’t do anything to even slow down let alone stop Gah Lak Tus. Marvel is again pulling out some of their favorite B-list heroes from the vault the use and introduction of the Ultimate universe versions of Misty Knight and what I am assuming is Moondragon. The strength of this issue is the sub-plot of Misty investigating a winged Silver Surfer who’s depicted as some form of cult leader. It’s unclear if he is already a herald for Gah Lak Tus as he’s portrayed in the main Marvel universe.

This issue marks the strongest effort Warren Ellis has created in his entire Gah Lak Tus saga that’s spanned through Ultimate Nightmare, Ultimate Secret and finishes with Ultimate Extinction. The digloue, pacing and characterizations are excellent. Ellis has tapped the fear of the heroes with the impending doom of Gah Lak Tus and in less than fifteen pages established Misty Knight as a viable character in the Ultimate universe. Brandon Peterson’s artwork is excellent, especially in the doomsday scenario that Reed Richards lays out for S.H.I.E.L.D. and in the fisticuffs between Misty and the bald assassin. In addition, the outstanding use colors by Justin Ponsor and Paul Mounts added to the atmosphere of Peterson’s art and Ellis’ story.

Bottom Line:
For those who’ve been following the various Gah Lak Tus mini-series then this issue is one of the gems as it really shines in story and artwork. If you’re new to this storyline, it’s worth the money to pick up this issue as well as the previous series in trade paperback (TPB). There was a noticeable problem in regards to pacing when the single issues were released but if they are read in a single sitting the results are gratifying

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

Thanks to Marvel Directory ( http://www.marveldirectory.com/) for the link to the Misty Knight, Colleen Wing and Daughters of the Dragon information. ( http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/k/knightmisty.htm)

The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week three is Cable & Deadpool #24 (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14935) courtesy of BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/). The deadline of week three entry submissions is Sunday, January 22nd.

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.

[lpmiller]

I found Daughters of the Dragon to be half crap, half inspired. I dunno what i think of it yet.

[CapnBob]

The herald as a cult leader and the devourer as a swarm.... Galactus is a Tyranid?

[sflufan]

I was hoping for more action in Ares #1 - some more emphasis on his life in the ancient Greek times. But overall it was a very cool first issue.

[bardockkun]

Just had to toot the horn of it since i'm excited, but IC #4 should be out this week.

What will Batman do?! WHAT?!

[Spigot]

If they put the whole Gah Lak Tus storyline together into a trade, I'll definately run out and get it. From what I've read here on the previews, it looks like a very cool story and as long as the remainder of Ultimate Extinction gets good reviews, I'll be there for the trade with bells on.

I still wish they'd bring back Sleepwalker... Hmm... Ultimate Sleepwalker...

[mister_slim]

That's funny, just a few days ago I read an interview (http://www.buzzscope.com/features.php?id=1249) where the writer of the first book reviewed interviewed the writer of the third book reviewed (by which I mean Oeming interviews Ellis).

Maybe I should check out Extinction. I read Nightmare and it didn't really interest me, so I ignored Secret. Too much of the work Ellis does for Marvel/DC is uninspired and uninteresting. Oh well, at least he's got enough interesting stuff going on elsewhere.

[Kefkataran]

For those who’ve been following the various Gah Lak Tus mini-series then this issue is one of the gems and it really shines in story and artwork. If you’re new to this storyline, it’s worth the money to pick up this issue as well as the previous series in trade paperback (TPB). There was a noticeable problem in regards to pacing when the single issues were released but if they are read in a single sitting the results are gratifying


Maybe I should check out Extinction. I read Nightmare and it didn't really interest me, so I ignored Secret. Too much of the work Ellis does for Marvel/DC is uninspired and uninteresting. Oh well, at least he's got enough interesting stuff going on elsewhere.

What he said up there. Nightmare were damned sloooow reads for single issue, but the trades are pretty good. Meanwhile, Ultimate Extinction looks to be avoiding the problems of the first two with the same stellar writing, but much more interest, such as... well, you know, the actual appearance of Galactus and all.

I still wish they'd bring back Sleepwalker... Hmm... Ultimate Sleepwalker...

Sleepwalker was Marvel? Well, anyways, you know they'll tap everything they can eventually. :p Biggest and coolest-sounding rumor I've heard in a long time for the Ultimate U? Joe Q hinted in his Newsarama interview this week that Mark Millar is interested in doing an Ultimate Asgard series. Sweeeeet.

[Spigot]

Sleepwalker was indeed Marvel.

Ultimate Asgard sounds nifty. I like the Ultimate version of Thor in The Ultimates

[agentgray]

Great reviews Everlost_MI. You've gotten me back into comics again.

Curse you.

[Kefkataran]

Ultimate Asgard sounds nifty. I like the Ultimate version of Thor in The Ultimates

Ashamed moment of the month: haven't read the Ultimates yet. But a buddy just purchased both trades for Vol. 1 and I think I'll be reading them soon. I'm pretty strongly considering collecting all the Ultimate titles in trade form.

[Evil Avatar]

Great reviews Everlost_MI. You've gotten me back into comics again.

Curse you.

Agreed! These articles rock.

[bardockkun]

Ashamed moment of the month: haven't read the Ultimates yet. But a buddy just purchased both trades for Vol. 1 and I think I'll be reading them soon. I'm pretty strongly considering collecting all the Ultimate titles in trade form.
WHAT?! I am shocked! Shocked as...(insert simile here). I thought you would've read all of it and be collecting it now. Honestly read it, it's not piss poor Mark Millar writing (it's somewhat like his run on the Authority if you read that except I guess not as offensive). I'm sure you'll like it since i consider it to be one of my favorite series (until Loeb comes along...).

[Everlost_MI]

Great reviews Everlost_MI. You've gotten me back into comics again.

Curse you.

Thank you for the kind words, agentgrey and Evil. Oh and thanks for the curse, that's the best thing I've got since Christmas. ;) While I have the chance, I want to say that I am enjoying the weekly discussion that Kefkataran has been posting.

[AspectVoid]

Thank you for the kind words, agentgrey and Evil. Oh and thanks for the curse, that's the best thing I've got since Christmas. ;) While I have the chance, I want to say that I am enjoying the weekly discussion that Kefkataran has been posting.

The article was 1/3rd a great read. That, though, was because I already bought two of the comics you reviewed. What I like best about your doing these reviews is when you do comics I wouldn't have thought of picking up, like Daughters of the Dragon. If my local shop still has a copy when I go next week, I'll have to pick it up.

Oh, and if you like the discussion, you need to jump in. The more people chatting, the more fun it is. Don't just wait for once a week to talk about comics, talk about them all the time. :D

[Kefkataran]

WHAT?! I am shocked! Shocked as...(insert simile here). I thought you would've read all of it and be collecting it now. Honestly read it, it's not piss poor Mark Millar writing (it's somewhat like his run on the Authority if you read that except I guess not as offensive). I'm sure you'll like it since i consider it to be one of my favorite series (until Loeb comes along...).

Like I says, I'm pretty seriously considering collecting all the Ultimate titles in trade form, which would of course include Ultimates. And I'll definitely be reading my buddy's copies of The Ultimates vol 1 trades soon.

While I have the chance, I want to say that I am enjoying the weekly discussion that Kefkataran has been posting.

Thanks, man! You know I <3 your reviews as well. Feel free to join in the discussions any time you want. We'd love to have you.

What're my chances of getting my comic discussion thread front-paged every week? ;)

[AspectVoid]

Like I says, I'm pretty seriously considering collecting all the Ultimate titles in trade form, which would of course include Ultimates. And I'll definitely be reading my buddy's copies of The Ultimates vol 1 trades soon.


I hope you pick them up, as it'll be nice to have someone to talk to about them. I've found that this place is really the most fun for me to talk about comics, as the comic book forums I've stopped in seem to be filled with a bunch of snobs, and they're really no fun to talk to.

[Kefkataran]

I hope you pick them up, as it'll be nice to have someone to talk to about them. I've found that this place is really the most fun for me to talk about comics, as the comic book forums I've stopped in seem to be filled with a bunch of snobs, and they're really no fun to talk to.

Yes, just as videogame forums such as EvAv tend to be filled with elitist fanboys who force their opinion down others' throats, so do comic book forums have the same. Luckily, there are lots of intelligent reasonable folk here to discuss both.

[bardockkun]

I hope you pick them up, as it'll be nice to have someone to talk to about them. I've found that this place is really the most fun for me to talk about comics, as the comic book forums I've stopped in seem to be filled with a bunch of snobs, and they're really no fun to talk to.
Honestly if you want to join in on conversations just go ahead. Whenever there seems to be a heavy talk of comic books (continuity problems, costumes, morale decisions of a character, etc.) there always seems to be only two maybe even three people talking (always involving Kef though >.>). So it doesn't hurt to put your two cents in no matter how random it is.

As long as youre into or want to get into comic books, hell it's damn cool.

[Spigot]

Yes, just as videogame forums such as EvAv tend to be filled with elitist fanboys who force their opinion down others' throats, so do comic book forums have the same. Luckily, there are lots of intelligent reasonable folk here to discuss both.
I actually find the fanboy to coherent arguement ratio pretty low here on EvAv (on the fanboy side, that is). Whenever someone posts a blatantly fanboyish post, it's usually ignored, ridiculed or argued against using actual fact instead of rhetoric. That's probably why I've stuck around here as long as I have. That, and people actually seem friendly and polite here.

Thankfully there's the comic side of things here which is quite welcoming of veterans and newbies and those of us who have just been away from comics for several years. Keep up the great work!

And Everlost, make sure Kefka's mid-week discussion hits the front page! I'll trade in one of my pre-authorized comic book draw wins if you do. :rolleyes:

Don't make me put you in the starring role in my next movie!

[Kefkataran]

I actually find the fanboy to coherent arguement ratio pretty low here on EvAv (on the fanboy side, that is). Whenever someone posts a blatantly fanboyish post, it's usually ignored, ridiculed or argued against using actual fact instead of rhetoric. That's probably why I've stuck around here as long as I have. That, and people actually seem friendly and polite here.

I agree, and that's certainly the reason I've stuck around too.

And Everlost, make sure Kefka's mid-week discussion hits the front page! I'll trade in one of my pre-authorized comic book draw wins if you do.

WOO!

[mister_slim]

I actually find the fanboy to coherent arguement ratio pretty low here on EvAv (on the fanboy side, that is). Whenever someone posts a blatantly fanboyish post, it's usually ignored, ridiculed or argued against using actual fact instead of rhetoric. That's probably why I've stuck around here as long as I have. That, and people actually seem friendly and polite here.
Actually, 72% of EvAv posters are fanboys, you foolish man. Disagree and I'll fucking stab you.



(Pretend I ignored the "ignored" part, please?)

[Kefkataran]

Actually, 72% of EvAv posters are fanboys, you foolish man. Disagree and I'll fucking stab you.

Hey, it's still better than most forums. Sadly.

[bardockkun]

Actually, 72% of EvAv posters are fanboys, you foolish man. Disagree and I'll fucking stab you.
What are the other 28%? I want to say space mutants, but i don't think we have that huge a majority of space mutants. Perhaps Communists?

[AspectVoid]

Honestly if you want to join in on conversations just go ahead. Whenever there seems to be a heavy talk of comic books (continuity problems, costumes, morale decisions of a character, etc.) there always seems to be only two maybe even three people talking (always involving Kef though >.>). So it doesn't hurt to put your two cents in no matter how random it is.

As long as youre into or want to get into comic books, hell it's damn cool.


Umm...I do collect comics. I put up my thoughts on what I get every week in Kef's thread (where its him and me who do most of the talking). Just for reference, in the Comic Day week 2 thread, of the 38 posts in it, me and Kef combind for 27 of them. I have absolutely no idea why you think I'm not joining in the conversation. :confused:

[mister_slim]

What are the other 28%? I want to say space mutants, but i don't think we have that huge a majority of space mutants. Perhaps Communists?
Angels. Perfect fluffy pure angels. As you can imagine, their posts tend to get lost in the noise.