[Comics] - Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews - Year 2 - Week 7

[Everlost_MI]

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

The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week seven is Franklin Richards Son of A Genius: Everyone Loves Franklin #1 courtesy of BCBcomics. The deadline of entry submissions for week seven is midnight EST on Sunday, February 19th. The selection of the random winner for the February books will occur on Monday, February 27th. Click here 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 February at this point are:

· Hulk #91
· WILDCATS: Nemesis #6
· Franklin Richards Son of A Genius: Everyone Loves Franklin #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 offers comic book subscriptions 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 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 Seven:
Evil Avatar's Weekly Comic Book Reviews – Year 2 - Week 7
By Everlost_MI (Brian K. Nichols), Editor in Chief

Franklin Richards Son of A Genius: Everyone Loves Franklin #1[/url] (One shot)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Story: Chris Eliopoulos and Marc Sumerak
Script: Marc Sumerak
Art and Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Color: Gurihiru
Editor: Mackenzie Cadenhead
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN



This issue offers four new short stories of Franklin Richards and H.E.R.B.I.E. being told and drawn in the vein of Calvin and Hobbes. The first story, Christmas Time Warp, did recently appear as a bonus story at the end of X-Men #181. The various stories show the mischief that Franklin gets himself into including gaining the affection of Katie Power from the Power Pack.

Chris Eliopoulos and Marc Sumerak have taken the magic of Calvin and Hobbes and transplanted them into the Marvel Universe into the one kid who not only could come up with the same out of the world ideas that Calvin had but also actually have the means of making them happen. The humorous stories and artwork are a fun quick read.

Bottom Line:
If you’ve enjoyed the previous Franklin Richards Son of A Genius or Calvin and Hobbes stories then this issue will pique your interest. Aside from being an unabashed copy of Calvin and Hobbes the other item that may be viewed negatively is how short the issue feels for the price.

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 EvilEyes



Ultimate X-Men #67 (An ongoing series)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Tom Raney
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colors: Gina Going-Raney
Letters: VC’s Randy Gentile
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Price: $2.50 US/$3.50 CAN



The issue opens with a half naked mutant who can’t remember anything before finding the bodies of his dead parents inside a mansion. The police bust in and accuse him of the murder but in a combination of despair and fear he teleports in a field. His escape is temporary as he faces an armed Nick Fury backed by two helicopters full of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents informing him that he is in their custody. Meanwhile, it’s date night for those living in the Xavier Mansion with the highlights being Sabertooth breaking up Storm and Wolverine’s date by informing them that Wolverine is his father. While Lilandra offers funds and other support to Professor Xavier from the Church of Shi’ar Enlightenment that just happen to worship The Phoenix.

Robert Kirkman has crafted a solid issue that’s created and solved various subplots while helping further define this incarnation of X-Men characters. In addition, Kirkman’s dialogue is excellent as it keeps the story humming right along. The artwork by Tom Raney is enjoyable as it’s a good fit with Kirkman’s script. However, the initial fight sequence between Wolverine and Sabertooth has some rather ugly depictions of the two characters, they look like they could have been spokesmen for Ex-lax.

Bottom Line:
If you’ve been following the Ultimate X-Men snagging this issue is a no-brainer. However if you’ve been semi-interested in this series for whatever reasons, this would be an exciting time to jump into the series

Rating: 4 out of 5 EvilEyes



Young Avengers #10 (An ongoing series)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Allan Heinberg
Penciler: Jim Cheung
Inkers: Rob Stull with Jim Cheung, Dave Meikis and Dexter Vines
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Letters: VC’s Cory Petit
Editor: Tom Breevort
Price: $2.99 US/$4.25 CAN



The team is on the hunt for the kidnapped Teddy, The Hulkling, and his captor the Super Skrull who killed the Skrull that posing as Teddy’s mother during the abduction. Out of ideas and time, the group shows up at the Avenger’s Tower looking for help only to find the Avengers away on a mission. Jarvis and the recently resurrected Iron Lad influenced Vision were left behind to hold down the fort. While Jarvis tries to get a hold of Iron Man, the Vision offers to locate more Young Avengers to help in the rescue of The Hulkling. The results of the search locate an incarcerated super speed powered teenager with the name the Speedster. The Speedster’s powers are similar to Quicksilver but his looks are nearly identical to Billy’s, the Wiccan. Speaking of looks, the Vision changes his appearance to match the classic Vision in an effort to be less disconcerting to Kate Bishop who’s still holding a torch for Iron Lad. The issue ends with the team successfully tracking down Teddy and the Super Skrull. But before the group can do anything, the Army of Kree arrive and shoot the Super Skrull as they lay claim to Teddy being Kree.

Allan Heinberg continues to build a solid story with an interesting cast of characters that sets this book apart from others superhero team books that are being written at this time. The dialogue and pacing of the story with the various hooks and curveballs keep the reader enthralled the entire time. The artwork by Jim Cheung fits this book like a glove, due in part to his style and being part of the creative force behind this superhero team. The action sequences and layouts add another layer of atmosphere to script, as does the coloring by Justin Ponsor.

Bottom Line:
This series is one of the best superhero team books out there, so if you’re not reading this title you should. It ranks up there with The Runaways, Justice, B.P.R.D. for a dynamic exciting team oriented book that doesn’t relent in action, drama and suspense.

Rating: 5 out of 5 EvilEyes


What else is worth reading this week…

· Marvel Zombies #3 – A great issue that proves that you are what you eat!

The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week seven is Franklin Richards Son of A Genius: Everyone Loves Franklin #1 courtesy of BCBcomics. The deadline for week seven entry submissions is Sunday, February 19th.

Click here 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.

[Everlost_MI]

My apologies to Savok, I was not able to find a copy of Cable/Deadpool #25 at any of the four comic books stores in my area to review this week.

On a different note, I’ve read various postings on the Internet regarding the theory behind Billy and Tommy’s appearances being similar. In the Young Avengers Special, it wasn’t until Billy met the Scarlet Witch outside the Avengers Mansion and she touched his forehead did his powers manifest themselves for the first time that next day. So people have suggested that Billy and Tommy are actually the twin sons of the Scarlet Witch and the Vision that were named Thomas and William.

I guess we’ll all find out in time.

[JazGalaxy]

I'm one of those who feels that Son of A Genius is a little TOO close to Cavin and Hobbes. It's one thing to be clearly inspired by a strip (Boodocks=Bloomcounty for instance) but it's another thing when some of the humor from your strip is grounded in the fact that people be familiar with the strip your strip is a rip off of. Son of A Genius feels that way.

On the subject of cartoons though, I feel like I should pimp for Chris Gariuso the guy who used to do the Mini Marvel strips in Marvel Comics. That guy is hilarious and his work is amazing. He works in The Savage Dragon now, I believe.

[JazGalaxy]

Originally Posted by Everlost_MI

On a different note, I’ve read various postings on the Internet regarding the theory behind Billy and Tommy’s appearances being similar. In the Young Avengers Special, it wasn’t until Billy met the Scarlet Witch outside the Avengers Mansion and she touched his forehead did his powers manifest themselves for the first time that next day. So people have suggested that Billy and Tommy are actually the twin sons of the Scarlet Witch and the Vision that were named Thomas and William.

It blows my mind how astute some people can be. I never even thought about that, and that sounds right on the money. Especially with the new guy having super speed as a power.

[Spigot]

I've got to hit the local shop tomorrow or Tuesday and see if I can find Marvel Zombies #3. It's sold out in downtown Toronto, according to my comic ninja. Sigh.

That Ultimate Hulk Vs. Wolverine sounds pretty sweet. It's out now, right?

[JazGalaxy]

I just saw the preview of hte first page where wolvering is looking for his legs because hulk had just ripped him in half. How can you NOT want to read that?

[Savok]

Originally Posted by Everlost_MI

My apologies to Savok, I was not able to find a copy of Cable/Deadpool #25 at any of the four comic books stores in my area to review this week.

Don't worry too much, a negative review might destroy my little universe

And considering past events (baby Cable, anime Cable, jesus Cable) that's entirely possible

[Kefkataran]

That Ultimate Hulk Vs. Wolverine sounds pretty sweet. It's out now, right?

I just saw the preview of hte first page where wolvering is looking for his legs because hulk had just ripped him in half. How can you NOT want to read that?

Yeah, Ultimate Hulk v. Wolverine is very good and worth picking up. Written by one of the head writers of Lost and just all-around a great read... so far. Only the first issue is out right now, although the second should be out any week now.

Edit -- Good reviews as usual. Nothing I'm reading, although I'd like to eventually get into Young Avengers through trade.

[Savok]

I don't see the grand worship of Lost, the thing is more drawn out then DBZ.

[bardockkun]

Originally Posted by Savok

I don't see the grand worship of Lost, the thing is more drawn out then DBZ.

Whoa, whoa there buddy, you're stepping on alot of people's toes there. Lost you either love or you just don't get, but saying it's drawn out like DBZ is a big statement (Planet Namek will be destroyed...in 5 minutes! On the next 5 episodes of Dragonball Z!)

Either way that writer can craft a mean Wolverine and Hulk story...with orgy hut.

[Savok]

I know, but we just got the 2nd season, and they had one ep of the hatch, then another playing the same sequence only with Michael flashbacks. I thought they were getting rid of the flashback shit? Ah well. Between that and fucking ads....

[Kefkataran]

I don't see the grand worship of Lost, the thing is more drawn out then DBZ.

I strongly disagree. *shrug*

I know, but we just got the 2nd season, and they had one ep of the hatch, then another playing the same sequence only with Michael flashbacks. I thought they were getting rid of the flashback shit? Ah well. Between that and fucking ads....

I had never heard that they were getting rid of flashbacks. That would take away a big part of the show in my opinion. That said, yeah, the first three or four episodes of the second season were repetitive to an annoying, silly degree. After those three, though, they get onto the normal pace, which, yes, is still slow, but not repeating the same shit over and over again like that.

[Savok]

Well thank god.

[Everlost_MI]

Originally Posted by Savok

I don't see the grand worship of Lost, the thing is more drawn out then DBZ.

I noticed in last week's episode of that Jeff Loeb is working as some form of consultant on the show as he is on Smallville. For those who don't know Loeb wrote Batman: The Long Halloween and various X-Force issues as well as the scripts for Teen Wolf and Commando.

For some reason though, IMDB isn't show Loeb being credited for his work on Lost.

[Everlost_MI]

Originally Posted by Savok

Don't worry too much, a negative review might destroy my little universe

And considering past events (baby Cable, anime Cable, jesus Cable) that's entirely possible

I enjoyed #22, I think that was the issue, I picked up of the series. I think Fabian is a good writer and love the hell out of Wade/Deadpool. When Joe Kelly was writing him, I couldn't get enough.

[Everlost_MI]

Originally Posted by Kefkataran

Yeah, Ultimate Hulk v. Wolverine is very good and worth picking up. Written by one of the head writers of Lost and just all-around a great read... so far. Only the first issue is out right now, although the second should be out any week now.

Edit -- Good reviews as usual. Nothing I'm reading, although I'd like to eventually get into Young Avengers through trade.

Thanks for the kind words. You should do yourself a favor an check out YA when you can, it's worth your time. I am quite sure you'll enjoy it.

[Kefkataran]

I noticed in last week's episode of that Jeff Loeb is working as some form of consultant on the show as he is on Smallville. For those who don't know Loeb wrote Batman: The Long Halloween and various X-Force issues as well as the scripts for Teen Wolf and Commando.

For some reason though, IMDB isn't show Loeb being credited for his work on Lost.

Yeah, I noticed that too and was surprised.

Thanks for the kind words. You should do yourself a favor an check out YA when you can, it's worth your time. I am quite sure you'll enjoy it.

I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for picking it up in trade format. I've heard the montly's a bit rough because it's late often.

[Dr.Finger]

If you're taking requests for reviews then I'm nominating Batgirl #73 (because it's hte last issue of a book I like) and Manhunter #19 (because it's a great book that isn't selling well).

[Kefkataran]

Oh, and I request the next issue of Action Comics which is due either this coming week or the next.