Mary Louise Eklund

Category: Marvel

Comic Comments – When A Hot Date Goes Bad

This is a decent tie-in to the AvX. If you’ve been reading you know my issues with AvX and I’m not following it beyond when it interrupts my pull list. This falls into that category. However I will say this issue is much better than the last issue which didn’t center on the school AT ALL. This centers on the school even though it’s a date between Kitty and Piotr (Colossus who is possessed with the Phoenix). We see the strain on the staff to have Hank, Rachel, Bobby, and Logan all off in the stupid war. We also see the strain between Kitty and Piotr differences over the school concept as well as the Phoenix force.

All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

The creative team for the issue is as follows: Jason Aaron, Writer – Jorge Molina, Penciler – Norman Lee, Inker – Morry Hollowell, Colorist – Chris Eliopoulos, Letterer – Nick Bradshaw & Justin Ponsor, Cover Artists – Jordan D. White, Assistant editor – Daniel Ketchum, Associate Editor – Nick Lowe, Editor – Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Jow Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

Since the Scott/Logan issues from Wolverine and the X-Men title this is the best. That’s not saying much really but it’s something. This one like those centers on the school and tell how the AvX interruptus effects the staff and students at the school. Let’s face it I come to this title to read about the school, preferably Logan and his staff, students and how they interact AT THE SCHOOL he founded. I don’t come here to read about some alien race fighting the Phoenix force or some big sales pitch multi-title arc. This issue gives me what I buy the book to read and for that I am thankful.

There are many plot threads here that are developing – the return of staff that sided with Scott at first but don’t like what he’s become. Will the be welcomed back or turned away? Toad’s collecting Husk’s discarded skin and playing house with them. That’s gotta surface in some odd way some time. The relationship of Bobby/Kitty and Pitor/Kitty which is the future and will the headmistress stay at the school or go for a man? Oh and how is the school coping with so many of the staff gone? What if they are attacked when at low staff will Logan’s edict of ‘kids don’t fight’ stand? All great plot threads started in this issue and all centered around the school at the school.

While I’m in what I like/don’t like mode let me say I still don’t like Colossus being alive. Nope I don’t. When he was brought back in Ultimates I thought it was a disservice to his character that made a noble sacrifice to kill a virus that was deadly. I thought okay this is a separate universe I’ll go with the what if he survived in the Ultimates but don’t dare bring him back in the main 616 universe. But some how it bled over – why some things that happen in the Ultimates stay in the Ultimates and don’t bleed over but other stuff does is beyond me. It makes no damn sense. Then to bring back a character that performed a heroic death only to make him the monster he’s been becoming over the last year I don’t like at all. In my book Piotr is dead from the virus stayed dead and is a noble hero. Don’t care about the Ultimates any more and if he lives over there so be it. Don’t cross streams Marvel and for gosh sakes DON’T CROSS STEAMS ARBITRARILY!

As for the art – VAST improvement over the first arc in this line where it was so busy I had to cling to dialogue to tell what was happening in the story. There is no distortion of mouths or hands, no curling greyhound-ties, no pointy feel girls. It’s good solid art that I enjoyed VERY MUCH. I do think the color palette was a bit too far on the light or pastel side. I enjoy bolder colors but it didn’t bother me at the school so much as in the date scene. As for the cover, I love that art. Oh please please let that team do a few arcs in the story some time. PLEASE for me…

In the end I liked the story for what it was a forced tie-in from the title to the overall marketing arc that was undoing the House of M stuff for now at least. I’ve learned don’t count on Marvel to ever do much that lasts or is new and lasts. They almost always go back and forth on the same road. Yet hope does spring eternal and I hope that one day they will grow up and move beyond that. If only the money would let them.

As for this title there’s a few more AvX interruptus issues then they get an arc of their own. Shall we hope it’s as good as Alpha and Omega was? ohhh dare I hope even BETTER! Yes yes I’m climbing down I won’t go over the edge into insanity.

*** a few scanned pages that might be deemed spoilery** I didn’t want to spoil how the date went so here’s the staff meeting I enjoyed more than the date any way.

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November 20, 2012
Comic Comments – We All Make Mistakes

I got The First X-Men on a whim and regretted it. It’s not the story so much, that’s good. It’s not the art that’s great. It’s me. This is one of those comics that is the reason I don’t rate them. As comics go this one brings what comics should bring, story and art working well together. It’s just not for me. Stay tuned and I’ll tell you why.

The required legal statement – All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

Credit where credit is due: Neal Adams & Christos Gage, Writers – Neal Adams, Artist (issue 1) & Penciler (issue 2) – Andrew Currie, Inker (issue 2) – Mathew Wilson, Colorist – VC’s Clayton Cowles, Letterer – Adams & Wilson, Covers – Jordan D. White, Assistant Editor – Nick Lowe, Editor – Axel Alonoso, Editor In Chief, – Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

I’ve been through the start of the X-Men so many times. I did the original. I did the Ultimates. I did the XMen movies (2 starts). I don’t need another. I got it. Really I do. It’s kind of like Xavier deaths. Been there got a T-Shirt the first few times now I’m bored with it. That’s why I stopped after two issues. I don’t need yet another take on the retelling of the X-Men getting together. I’m old for a comic reader – near 50. I’m not male. I’m not the typical audience comics are written toward. I get that. I’m not the audience for this one.

By now you get this is a new take on how the X-Men get started. Apparently here the major influence in starting it all is Wolverine. He’s not the odd amnesiac that shows up later trying to do the right while figure himself out. He’s doing what the mainstream character took decades to mature into – uniting mutants to live together in peace with non-mutants and protect one and all. Here in this story Xavier is the one dragging his heels on the idea.

Like I said the writing is good. It’s a different take on the start for a different generation. I have no beef with that. The Ultimates was the same thing but I think I enjoyed that because Aaron was young and it was introducing his generation to the concept. I went through the introduction with his eyes. Now he’s a young man. I don’t have a kid to go through the new tale with and this almost 50 reader doesn’t want to start again unless the start is face meltingly awesome. This isn’t. It’s good. If I had endless comic book fund I’d stay on but I don’t so this gave way and dropped from my pull list.

As for the art, I like it. It’s great comic book art. I enjoyed it. It has elements of classic comics and new elements to it. I can’t put my finger on just what it is because I’m not an artist to get the details of style phrased just right. Still I enjoyed it and would like to see more of this work in mainstream titles.

Bottom line: If you are up to starting a new X-men universe or have never experienced another retelling of it – then by all means jump on and enjoy!

You know what’s next a few pages to give you a feel for the books. If you don’t want possible spoilers then don’t look Myrtle!
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November 3, 2012
Comic Comments – Everyone DIES!

When the title says Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe it ain’t kidding. When Marvel says PARENTAL ADVISORY NOT FOR KIDS they aren’t kidding either. Our comic relief Deadpool takes on a darker new persona that’s more not the quipping funny guy with battle skills any more. His inner dialogue is more philosophical than campy. This is not the usual Deadpool but this isn’t part of the normal Marvel universe where AVX interruptus is going on any way.

First let’s give the crazy guys who created this nightmare credit. Cullen Bunn, Writer – Dalibor Talajic’, Artist – Lee Loughridge, Colorist, VC’s Joe Sabino, Letterer – Kaare Andrews, Cover Artist – Jordan D. White, Editor – Nick Lowe, Senior Editor – Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief – Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

Next the required legal statement – All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

I have to say I went into this not knowing what to expect and came out oddly conflicted but liking it.

What I don’t like about it is what makes it the have the parental advisory – the gore. Comic books often show fighting, often show deaths of heroes and villains (most of the time death doesn’t last) but generally it’s not gory it’s more like the old Westerns where the violence was cleaned up. Someone gets shot they just fly against the bar and slump kind of thing. Here it’s not that clean – though why it isn’t I don’t know. It could have been. I can only guess it isn’t because it doesn’t have to be being a stand-alone short.

I have to tread lightly here about what I like about it so I don’t spoiler it too much. I like DP’s motivation and the whole concept of why he’s doing it. It’s developed and unveiled well over the four issues. Though I have to say I got it before it became hammer proportions as it is in the final issue. The reason suits Deadpool in the end.

Once I let go of my dislike of the graphic nature of it I did find amusement in how DP went about killing off both heroes and villains alike. He makes endings that oddly suit the victims. His prattle contains the clues to his motivation.

As for the art – leaving the goriness aside – it’s awesome. I like it very much for me Talajic hits a home run on it. It actually reminds me of the Walking Dead art which I like very much. Only this is colorized. A good grounded in reality comic book artist is what this story needed being so graphic and dark. It is exactly what it got.

Now for the final test – would I recommend it? Not everyone no by a LONG shot. I think this only appeals to hardcore Marvel fans. You’ve got to know the victims to get a lot of the story. You have to know Deadpool to understand the irony of him. Given that I’m still not sure I’d say buy it – maybe borrow it or check it out of the adult section of the library (ours has an adult graphic novel section bet yours does too). IF you are a Deadpool fan as I am a Wolverine fan – then yes I’d say you need this. Otherwise – take it or leave it.

*** NOTICE FROM ON SPOILER SCANS*** I did choose scans that were NOT graphic or gory. Being me I looked for more story and character related moments.

I would just like it noted that my Wolverine said it wasn’t a good idea to do what started it all. Just please take note he’s the only one! He knew this wasn’t a good idea and boy it wasn’t.

For those who don’t know this is an Observer – Marvel has had them as narrators on and off for years. I hate them. I don’t know why but I don’t like an omnipresent narrator. It’s lazy writing. It’s telling not showing. So I did enjoy the fact that DP got one as one of his first victims!

Okay maybe this is graphic – Howard The Duck with his goose cooked. I’m sorry I thought it was funny. Does that mean I’m perverse? Nah just have a good sense of humor.

Here’s where the hints of his motive is becoming hammer. Really Chuck you shouldn’t have put DP in an institution.

In the final books DP spells out his motivation. Makes you think about all we put our favorite characters through just for our own entertainment. I have to say I do enjoy it as a reader and thinking up such things as a writer.

Until next time!

October 25, 2012
Comic Comments – Deadpool Can Die

When we left Deadpool he was ‘cured’ of his healing factor and handsome again. Now he’s honing his skills as he got soft healing from injuries. BUT now that he is killable his enemies would like to oblige. Thus starts this three issue arc entitled Blacklisted.

First the legal stuff: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

Next credit where credit is due: Daniel Way, Writer – Salva Espin, Artist – Dommo Sanchez Aymara, Colorist Issues 58 & 59, Guru eFX, Colorist Issue 60 – VC’S Joe Sabino, Letterer – Dave Johnson, Covers – Jordan D. White, Editor – Nick Lowe, Senior Editor – Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief – Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

This story has all of Deadpool’s enemies who have Black in their name going after him. Black Box a villain that can control electronics uses social media to notify the villain world that our beloved Merc with a Mouth can die. The hi-jinx ensue from that.

This was what I look for in a Deadpool comic – comic relief poking fun at the superhero/supervillain genre while loving it too. Deadpool is crazy and clueless but talented fighter. His villains are bumbling and would be dangerous if only they could get it together. Inter cut with all of this is the constant inner dialogue of Deadpool himself the sane and the insane. Then add his 1980s action movie quips based on current pop culture and you have a fun read.

No when I come to a Deadpool comic I don’t want to see character growth. I don’t want a tight story. I don’t want top shelf art. I want DP to be himself, just like Roadrunner is always himself. I want a romp of a story that’s amusing, fun, and has action. I want art that’s a bit cartoony or comical at times. I have to say this arc gave me all of that. I walked away from the story contented. I got exactly what I came for and it was fun!

**Warning** Warning**Scrolling further MAY result in spoilers as I chat about some particular pages from issues **WARNING**WARNING

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October 22, 2012
Comic Comments – Pull List Update

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a post updating on my pull list status. Some comics have fallen by the wayside and others have come on the list. Let’s look at what I am reading and why.

If you’ve been to Cons you’ll laugh and nod while reading.

The Adventures of Comic Con Girl had me laughing and nodding. I’ve been to Cons and I know of what they are parodying. This is a limited run and fun to laugh at ourselves. I look forward to her adventures and know if this was on-going it’d drop but for the short limited it’s worth the read.

This issue Logan IS the bomb.

Actually I’ll have to say it wasn’t Logan being a bomb that brought me back. What brought me back into this title was the previews of this issue. I loved how the team reacted and worked together after the Logan bomb went off. How they supported him and worked with each other to figure it out. I like that kind of X-Men story it’s too much inter fighting and not enough teamwork stories lately. So I went back to issue 50 just before Northstar’s wedding issue. Oh Logan blew at the wedding reception luckily he’d left the tent to walk off his ‘too many canapes’ that were upsetting his stomach.

You wouldn’t know it today since I’m heavily Marvel and Independents but DC and I go way back. So far back that my first word was Batman, not Mom, not Dad, but Batman. However I burned on DC decades ago. I’d tried about every five years or so to make a foray into their titles to be disappointed. However the free Earth One I got with the preview of the Batman story line hooked me. That was a title I liked with just Batman. I put my old buddy back on the list in hopes we can renew our friendship. Would be could to welcome him back with Wolverine and Bigby as a favored hero.

I liked Top Cow back in the day. Then with the buzz surrounding this and the kickstarter project I just gotta see the results. So this went on the pull list. I’ll let you know what I think.

I’m staying with this title out of nostalgia. I loved Dark Shadows back in the early 70s and this has kept the vibe. Unlike the Depp/Burton butchering of it, this held true to what I adored. So as long as they keep up with the original I’ll keep this on my pull list.

Deadpool‘s own title the best of the Merc with a Mouth. I enjoy him as the antidote for the overly serious superhero/villain stories. He’s staying on the pull list for the fun that he is.

Fables is a staple of any pull list I ever create. when starting a pull list first on the list is Wolverine and second is Fables. Fables for consistence excellence in writing and art. I’ve never been let down by them in the years I’ve been reading.

The latest and currently on-going spin off from Fables. Just like the main titles have never let me down – neither have the spin-off titles. So I’m on board.

I have a handful of favorite characters in Marvel beyond Wolverine. One of the is Nick Fury. When this started set in the 60s with great cover art I was interested and haven’t been disappointed. I’ve heard the tale of Fury in WWII many times but Fury in the 60s-80s not so much and enjoy this take on him.

Another favorite Marvel man of mine is Gambit. He’s had his own title many times – this is his 5th. I wouldn’t miss it. I’m waiting for the first arc to complete before reading but I have flipped through. I’m anxious to see what he’s like here as teacher by day – superhero thief by night.

I’m a fan of the Ghosbusters movies. The first DVD I ever bought was the first movie. So I had to try this comic, they had me at John Beluishi as Jake Blues was the guardian angel of Ackroyd’s Dr. Raymond Stanz sold me on the series.

With the pleathra of paranormal “reality” shows and my penchant for loving those types of stories I had to try out this title. I’ve not been disappointed and it still sits on my pull-list in a well deserved spot.

When Marvel Zombies were introduced I loved them as a novelty gag. I didn’t nor am I interested in a series based on them. BUT a Halloween special SURE! Zombies, Marvel, and Halloween pass the candy corn I’ve got reading to do. I’ll also be getting the Holidays special just like last year. Hopefully I’ll be more timely in reviewing it.

Speaking of zombies – this centers around zombies in Wisconsin. I couldn’t resist. I’ve not read waiting on complete first arc before I dive in. I know it’s been highly praised and is in multiple reprints to meet demand.

I read great reviews of this and jumped in at issue 6 which was sold as a good jumping on point. I liked it so much I went back and bought issues 1-5. I’m a fan of the odd and strange. I’ve been intrigued by UFO tales since there was a bulletin board outside my 3rd grade class about them back in 1974. This story is good at weaving in all the classic tales, theories, incidents, and such into the telling. I am enjoying it very much.

Okay another type of story I enjoy the heist/scam story. Think Oceans 12, The Heist, The Sting, etc. Scam struck me as being in that vein. I put on the list and was surprised when I got issue 1 that it’s more than a double sized issue. I’ll stay on to see where it goes. So far so good.

Okay I jumped on this for two reasons 1) awesome reviews 10 out of 10 rating this I gotta see and 2) I’ve had to make similar decision (not so extreme) working in the rad waste industry as a consultant. I’ll be honest I’ve not read them yet again waiting for a full arc so I can judge. But if it lives up to a portion of what the reviewers claim – it’s awesome.

I got this to see where the over all Marvel universe goes post AvX interruptus. I hop on and off the New Avengers boat as the title and arcs grab me. I’m not sure how long I’ll stay on this Uncanny Avengers title but for now I’m willing to stay for at least the first arc.

I’m on and off the X-Force boat like I’ve been the Avenger boat. Anytime Cable isn’t there I’ll consider it. I don’t like Cable and avoid him unless Deadpool is there then I consider it REAL HARD. So here we have Wolverine and Deadpool my most favorite character and one of my other favorite Marvel men. So I’m on until this title ends at issue 35, which is 4 more issues.

Okay I’ll admit it I hopped on this title after falling for the TV show it inspired. Yes they are two different stories with the same characters and kinda the same plot but not exactly. Both are excellent both get my time, neither am I dropping. Good writing will always keep me enthralled.

Remember back at Fables I said whenever I start a pull list… well this is the first title on it. My favorite character by far in the comics is James “Logan” Howlett. This title at times rocks and other times sucks (like the most recently completed arc sucked.) At times it’ll be so bad I’ll drop comics all together for years (AHEM Evolution arc I’m looking RIGHT AT YOU) but then something awesome will come and I’ll be back. So this time I put on my barn boots and waded through the last arc of Sabertooth Reborn and hoped for better. Isn’t that always how it is with the one you love they’ll drive you crazy.

This would be number 3 on my pull list. I love this title and hope, hope that they assign strong artists to it. I adore the growth of character it took to make Wolverine headmaster of his own school. Five years ago we’d thought it’d been Scott but no it’s Logan who inherits Xavier’s dream and carries on. It makes perfect sense in many ways. I love watching it be carried out. I hope this title is around for a VERY long time and sits there on any pull list I make with Wolverine and Fables.

The final title doesn’t have a preview cover released yet – Wolverine Max. It’s a Wolverine title so yeah it’s on my list. It’s another retelling of the Wolverine tale so I might like it if it’s limited like Wolverine Noir was or I might get bored and dump it. Been there done that don’t need another universe to follow… like recent First X-Men title for me. Only time will tell. Check in to my next pull list post and see if it stayed or read the Comic Comments I do and see what I think.

Until next time!

October 16, 2012
Comic Comments – Happy Holidays!

So I’m either late or early depending on how you want to look at it. I was going through my comics to be reviewed and noticed the Marvel Holiday Edition 2012 fell through the cracks. I always enjoy it and loved the Wolverine and the X-Men story last year that I thought I had to do a quick review. We are coming up on the holiday season again. Heck stores even have Christmas decorations out! It seems now from Halloween to New Years it’s all one push through the holidays. So I’m joining the early kick off with this review.

There are 4 stories in the issue “Cold Hearted Christmas” writer Miljenko Horvatic, Artist Andrew Trabbold, Colorist Jeff Campbell, Letters Rob Steen, and Editor Jody LeHeup. Next my personal favorite of course “Logan’s Lost Lesson” Writer Kurtis J Wiebe, Penciler Patrick Schergerger, Inkers Patrick Scherberger & Cory Hamscher, Colorist Veronica Gandini, Letterer Simon Bowland, and Editor Jodan D. White. Third is “Ol’ Saint Nick” writer Aaron Shaps, Artist Sebastian Piriz, Colorist Jeff Campbell, Letterer Rob Steen, and editor Sebastian Girner. The final one is “Chinese Food For Christmas” Writer Jamie S. Rich, Artist Paco Diaz, Colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu, Letters Jeff Eckleberry, and editor Daniel Ketchum. Cover artists are Tim Seeley & Leonardo Olea. The Digital Production Manage was Tim Smith3, Collection Editor Cory Levine, Assistand Editors Alex Starbuck & Nelson Ribeiro, Editors Special Projects Jennifer Grunwald & Mark D. Beazley, Senior Editor Special Projects Jeff Youngquist, Senior Vice President of Sales David Gabriel, SVP of Brand Planning & Communications Michael Pasicullo, Edior in Chief Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, Publisher Dan Buckley, and Executive Producer Alan Fine.

Next we’ll get the legal disclaimer out of the way: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

First story features Spiderman and some villian called Cold Heart. Don’t know her – don’t care but it’s a sweet story where Spiderman is after her after she escapes. However he gains insight into her while assuring she’s captured. He remembers her on the holidays. Aww….

Second goes after my heart with Logan willing to be the one the staff and students team up against. He has the main student characters out in the snowy woods to play hockey and learn about teamwork and situational awareness while they play hockey without powers. Oh and since this is detention for wrecking Hank’s lab – no fun shall be had. However despite his best efforts – the kids and staff pull together to have fun at Logan’s expense thus “accidently” building community spirit.

Next is another one of my favorite characters – Nick Fury. Here it’s Christmas and he’s breaking into a Hydra base to find The Scar “a young upstart rising quickly through the ranks of the insidious organization as a genius saboteur.” Exactly why Nick himself is doing this when he’s supposed to be in semi-retirement as well as what happens when he gets to The Scar are all part of the holiday surprise. Nick is again another character with a tough exterior but heart of gold.

The final story is about what do the Jewish Marvel heroes do while the others are celebrating Christmas. The answer is have a Chinese food feast. Apparently it’s something Ben Grimm looks forward to every year. There’s just one problem Ben winds up chasing a Christmas thief when he’s Jonesing for some Chinese. It makes him late to the dinner.

Overall this is what a Holiday Special should be – fun short stories that fill in the gaps between the big action stories. It’s a romp with beloved characters. The stories only reaffirm the aspects that make us love the characters in the first place. Sure during the year I rant and rave about things going on in the plots – but it’s stories like these I’ve always enjoyed and get to the heart of why I come back even after being totally pissed off. I honestly care about the core of my favorite characters.

The art of the stories varies showing a range of styles. Some styles I love – like Spiderman’s tale (minus the Photoshop generated snowflakes in the air) to ones I just don’t care for – Fury’s tale and the cover. Still none are so bad then make me cringe or I’m pushing through. I liked Logan’s tale’s art and think Patrick Scherberger would be an improvement to be a regular in the Wolverine and the X-Men title. The final tale with Ben Grimm was a bit too cartoony for my every day taste but it fit the light story and added to the fun.

Over all it was a book that took me out of the holiday stress for a bit and gave me a few smiles along the way. Isn’t that what a Holiday Special is supposed to do? This one did it well.

I want to see the poutine lesson from the next day. I can see Logan teaching the original and the T-Rex. He’d call the one with veggies a sissified poutine.

Who knew Fury want to learn needlepoint so much?

You know it’s a happy ending when Ben Grimm finally gets to his Chinese feast and General Tso’s chicken!

Until next time!

October 9, 2012
Comic Comments – Wolverine Worst Day Ever

This was a small book for young readers that was offered to me for 50 cents when I was buying some used copies of Wolverine Novels on-line. Thought what the heck give it a try. I was a volunteer at an elementary school library for two and half years. So I do enjoy YA material.

So let’s get the legalese out of the way – All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique.

Now for the credits: Barry Lyga, author, Marvel Entertainment Inc., Publisher, Copyright 2009, ISBN 978-0-7851-3757-3. The cover art is by Todd Nauck and John Rauch. The interior features art work by the follow: Roland Boschi, John Cassaday, Phil Jimenez, Julia Bax, Kris Justice, Hugo Petrus, Francis Portela, Roger Cruz, Andrea DiVito, Salva Espin, Clayton Hentry, Steven cummings, Bob McLeod, Sal Buscema, Matteo Lolli, Jim Calafiore, Andy Park, Dave Cockrum, Mark Robinson, GURIHIRU, Joe Barney, Joe Madureira, Mike Norton, Juan Santacruz, and Julia Bacellar.

Okay X-Men fans let’s roll the clock way back to when Xavier ran a school for mutants in Westchester with a non hairy Beast on staff, Jean Grey called herself Marvel Girl, Cannonball was a student, and Wolverine was the new teacher on the block. That’s the setting for this story. It is written as if it is a blog from a new student to the school. The pages are set up to have a bloggy-computer look to them to add to this feel. (more…)

September 21, 2012
Comic Comments – Wolverine Noir

This is a 4 issue limited series. It takes the characters of the Wolverine stories and casts them in a hardboiled private eye Noir story set in in 1937 Bowery NY. All the characters appear as versions of themselves Logan, Dog, Mariko, Yuriko, Smitty, Thomas Logan, Victor Creed, and Rose. They all put in an appearances in the tale. None of them are mutants, just regular people. It is well done and I enjoyed this take on them.

The series is written by Stuart Moore; C. P. Smith, Artist; Rain Beredo; Colorist, Jeff Eckleberry, Letterer; Daniel Ketchum, Editor; Axel Alonso, Executive Editor; Joe Quesada, Editor In Chief; San Buckley, Publisher; Alan Fine, Executive Producer; C. P. Smith and Dennis Calero, Covers.

All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

As I said when I placed this on my pull-list I love Noir fiction. I’m not sure what my passion for dark tales with no one is clearly a hero but there are clear villains says about me personally but I do enjoy a good dark tale. This certainly falls in that category and pulls all the tropes of Noir into play.

Wolverine is cast as Jim Logan a private eye with his “brother” Dog Logan they run a seedy detective agency in the Bowery called Logan and Logan. Dog is a simple muscle head with Jim being the brains of the outfit. The story starts with the high class dame walking in off the street and hiring them. Classic! This is Mariko’s role. She’s a rich Japanese woman here on business for her father. She needs them to find out who has been following her and why. Clues lead to a local flophouse. Dog pleads to investigate that on his own and Jim lets him go. That’s when Dog goes missing and Jim sets out to find him. Along the way we meet Amiko and Victor Creed. In flashbacks we get the story of how Jim and Dog wound up in the Bowery and in doing so meet this story’s versions of Smitty, Thomas Logan, and Rose. In true fashion the story ends with Jim not being totally innocent over all but being a victim all the same. The twist at the end is who is behind making him the victim. Like all good Noir tales it’s a shocker but makes sense. I’ll not divulge it well worth the read.

I love the seedier versions of the familiar characters. Some actually wind up better in this tale they they are in the main continuity. Thomas is a preacher. Victor is rich and gets the best of Jim at every turn. Some are worse, Jim doesn’t get all the noble qualities of our Logan but has enough to make him recognizable. Amiko comes out equal but Mariko get short changed of true love in this tale. Rose is totally different but still is the ‘Little Redhaired Girl’ of Jim’s heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the story but I don’t want to see it continued. Sometimes a good tale is enough – don’t mess with it.

The art suits the style of the story. I like it here very much. It’s dark gritty and never quite gives you a clear image of what is really going on. Which matches what a true Noir tale is completely. However I’d find this annoying in a regular comic. I think it is important to match art style with the script and this is a perfect marriage. The perfect match gave more punch to the story overall and made this a success in my book (and I’ve read A LOT of Noir books). Cudos.

This covers all the completed recent arcs in my in-box until my next shipment. When that shipment arrives several titles will be completing arcs. Until then I’ll hit some older issues I like of various titles.

Next – panel and pages comments:

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September 7, 2012
Comic Comment – WXM Alpha and Omega

Wolverine and the X-Men: Alpha & Omega was a limited run five issue story. I will have to say I LOVED this story. It’s the kind of thing I come to a book about Logan running a school for mutant kids to find. KUDOS! I don’t know why this wonderful arc wasn’t part of the main title. I can only guess it would have interfered withe AvsX Interruptus and we gotta support the annual Big Event to sell dem comic books. Never mind great art and great story telling we need multi-title gimmicks. AT least we got this story!

I want to give credit to the creators of this arc. They are: Brian Wood, Writer; Roland Boschi & Dan Brown, Art (Westchester); Mark Brooks with Andrew Currie, Jay Leisten, Norman Lee, & Ronda Pattison, Art (Construct) Issue 1; Mark Brooks with Andrew Currie, Walden Wong, Ronda Pattison & Andres Mossa, Art (Construct) Issue 2; Mark Brooks with Andrew Currie & Ronda Pattison, Art (Construct) Issues 3 & 4; Mark Brooks with Andrew Currie, Cam Smith & Ronda Pattison, Art (Construct) Issue 5; Mark Brooks, Cover Art issues 1 & 2; Joe Tyler Christopher, Cover Art Issue 3, 4, & 5; VX’S Joe Sabino, Letterer, Jared K. Fletcher, Designer; Sebastian Girner, Assistant Editor; Jeanine Schaefer, Editor; Nick Lowe, Group Editor; Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief; Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer, Dan Buckley, Publisher; and Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

I’ll start with the art. I like the covers. Though they aren’t always accurate for the story. Like Beast doesn’t appear in any issue but on the cover of 5. They all reflect the story well and represent what is going on in the books. It’s not stock images stuck on to finish it off. My favorite cover is 4. I just like the composition of it and the idea of Quentin trying to force Logan into doing something and Logan fighting that control. So the covers are cool and despite all the little Liefield pouches on Logan in the first one I like them.

The interior art is well conceived. I like having two distinct styles for the two settings of the story. One is the school – real life what’s going on here in reality. The second is the construct – what’s going on in the mind game Quentin is running. The art for Westchester is bright crisp and clean. The art for the construct (images cobbled together by Quentin from his favorite video games, action movies, and books) is darker and grittier. The concept works beautifully to quickly and clearly let you know where you are. The characters are well done in both worlds. Well except Rachel at times looks odd… in Westchester. I had a few nit picky things because I am a nit picky person when it comes to my favorite character in comic books but over all I was happily reading and enjoying the experience of a good story told with words and art.

The story is a simple one but profoundly reveals much about the two main characters and who they really are. Logan proves he’s a changed man, even the berserker rage in him has changed. Quentin exposes the real kid under all the bravado he puts on most of the time. The only problem is the whole school gets caught up in these two strong personalities coming to terms with each other and themselves.

Quentin is bored. He’s rebellious and resents having to go to classes. He focuses most of his frustration on Logan as the headmaster. Quentin feels he’s being held prisoner here by Logan given how he came to be a student (scroll down for black and white scan to see the deal Logan made). To prove he doesn’t need to go the psychwar 101 class he decides to take over the mind of the headmaster. Also there’s a bit of jealousy that Logan is “the coolest dude in the room.” So he captures Logan’s conscience into this mind construct he’s built. Immediately there are problems. First Logan was sparring with Hisako Ichiki, Armor, at the time and the mind capture caught her in the construct too. Second there’s the bodies of Logan and Hisako collapsing on the grass in front of the school.

Quentin deals with these problems and goes about playing games with Logan in the construct. Only another problem surfaces, Quentin didn’t capture all of Logan’s mind. The berserker part is still in Logan’s body and now has control of it. Not good to have an angry Berserker running loose in the school screaming for Quire! The school goes into lockdown while Rachel tries to figure out where Hisako is and what’s happened to the headmaster.

Quentin is feeling the strain. Logan very experience in mind games realizes something is up in the construct. He’s fighting against it and trying to put it all together. Hisako is taking his lead. This ups the stress level on Quentin who realizes he has to shut this down and get Logan back in control of his body. After Logan tore up Quentin’s room looking for him.

When in the construct a few things come to light. Quentin isn’t as confident as he seems he’s really a terrified young man with a magnificent power. He’s not totally sure how to use it or control it. He’s lonely and scared and truth be told admires Logan. Logan stays true to himself he’s willing to fight to keep Quentin and Hisako safe. Quentin realizes how important the school is for so many people like himself and Hisako. He knows if Logan doesn’t make it out of the construct then that’s over. Only problem is Quentin can’t get them out! It’s taken on running itself and he has no idea on how to shut it down.

In the end Quentin grows up some and makes a sacrifice of himself for all the others he knows needs Logan and the school. They finally make out of the construct but not damage free. However, both Quentin and Logan learned some important things from the debacle. They come to a new understanding between the two of them.

Like I said this is an awesome story for the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning. It’s what I want from the title. Logan is not Xavier as headmaster but it’s growing into the role and making it his own. His students aren’t being groomed to be a fighting team but they are being groomed to be responsible mutants in life. This story underlines that concept and reaffirms it not only for the title that is currently just supporting the AvsX arc but for Logan himself.

Next up we’ll be leaving Marvel for a look at my free preview issue of DC’s Batman Earth One. A funny fact – you can confirm this with my parents – my first word in life was Batman. No joke. I was DC fan way back but left it behind in the 70s and move to Marvel. Who knows maybe this issue convinces me to try DC again. Stay tuned.

You know what’s after the jump. Commentary on panels and pages.

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August 22, 2012
Comic Comments – Born Warbird

This is Kid Gladiator’s father fighting the Phoenix. Why it’s on the cover of Wolverine and The X-Men is beyond me. Its tie to this title is very tenuous at best. Are we now going to be treated to a series of covers of parents of students at the school reacting to the Big Event? So goes the whole issue 13 of the title. It’s not about the school, staff members, students, but rather the bodyguard of a student.

Still I like to give credit where it’s due. As Charlemagne said no one ever did me a favor or an injustice without being richly repaid (or words to that effect as a high schooler I wanted that on my tombstone see why Wolverine is my favorite). Those responsible for this issue are: Jason Aaron, Writer; Nick Bradshaw, Penciler; Walden Wong, Cam Smith, & Nick Bradshaw, Inkers; Guru EFX, Colorist; Chris Eliopoulos, Letterer; Nick Bradshaw & Justin Ponsor, Cover Artists; Jordan D. White, Assistant Editor; Daniel Ketchum, Associate Editor; Nick Lowe, Editor; Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief; Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer; Dan Buckley, Publisher; and Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

We all know my rule about MY X-men – no aliens and no magic! This issue centers around an alien bodyguard of an alien student who I pretend isn’t alien but is a rich mutant brat with a mutant bodyguard. It didn’t work well in this issue. She is of Shi’Tar no that’s not shittier that’s Shi’Tar a warrior like race (think Klingon but cleaner with brighter colors).

We learn Warbird was given Kid Gladiator as her charge to be punished. She tells of how she liked to draw, let an enemy kid go during a battle, and still longs to learn how to live. Her culture teaches her how to die, but she’s struggling to learn how to live.

That story is told with the obligatory cuts to the Big Event story of Warbird going with Gladiator (the father) to get her charge. Kid Gladiator has gone to fight with the X-Men. Since the Phoenix is with the X-Men they have to do battle with it. The warrior race the Shi’Tar get their asses kicked.

No sign of the school, no sign of the staff, no sign of Wolverine named in the title, just the memories of a student’s bodyguard and fights scenes. Don’t care about any of that I come to this title for the stuff that was left out this time.

It is on that note we leave this title to churn away in AvsX interruptus. Hopefully when it pops back up in the rotation we’ll be through with that and can get back to the reason for the title.

Up next is a great limited run title that does take place at the school, that is about the students and staff. Wolverine and The X-Men: Alpha and Omega issues 1-5.

Not much here just one scan of a few panels. You hear Warbird tell us her punishment for letting a kid go and see a bit of the fight action.

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August 20, 2012