Final Crisis pairing announcement

Although Grant Morrison and JG Jones do, indeed, make an excellent pairing, that will only be true on Final Crisis if Grant is heavily edited. Otherwise, we'll end up with storylines which are non-linear in the extreme as The Invisibles was, or nonsensical - especially when considered in the framework of the greater universe - as Marvel Boy was. Both of these series require the reader to hold an advanced degree in Philosophy (or the equivalent thereof) to even begin to make sense of.
I'll admit openly that after reading the full series of The Invisibles, I still had no idea what it was about. I did not like it, Sam I Am.
Likewise with Marvel Boy. The series makes no sense, since it occurs in what is quite obviously NOT the mainstream Marvel Universe, yet Noh-Varr shows up in Civil War: Young Avengers and Runaways. Either that's a dfferent person, or somebody seriously dropped the ball on that one.
Morrison's work on Batman has been spectacularly disappointing - and nowhere near the readability of his Animal Man stories, which I consider a classic by any definition.

It all boils down to the editing. If Morrison is given Carte Blanche, we're bound to get an indecipherable mess.
If, however, the editors force him to more or less obey the established constraints of Superhero writing, we may very well end up with a classic.

Regardless, it will certainly be pretty.

Iron Man #20

Iron Man #20
If all issues of this title are as good as this one, I just might have to seriously reevaluate my take on it. I haven't read this book since right after Ellis left. It sucked then, too, it's just that it never came out, so I was giving the full story a chance. Then Civil War happened. I've got to say, that didn't pique my interest in this series one bit. Reading about an awful fascist? I'll pass. But now? World War Hulk? I love the concept. I wasn't sure how it could be dragged through so many series, yet it almost seems like too few now, I mean, what about Fantastic Four and FF2? Sure, some writers have seriously dropped the ball on this, and by that I mean Ghost Rider and Heroes for Hire with their crappy, nearly unrelated tie-ins, and, of course, the X-Men mini. But there's no way that I could follow WWH and not read this title. And you know what? I'm glad that I did. Because it's VERY GOOD.

Amazing Spider-Man #542

Amazing Spider-Man #542
This is the first issue I've read completely since just before the horrible mess that was Civil War. It's OKAY. I have no idea why I read it. Kingpin seems to be horribly mischaracterized. Spider-Man is not the Spidey that we all know and love. I can see where this storyline is going, and let me tell you, I don't like it one bit. But for all that, this issue was at least competent. A by-the-numbers fight between Kingpin and Peter Parker where Peter delivers the beatdown to end all beatdowns, and tells Fisk most definitively that if Aunt May dies, so does he - simple as that. I still don't much care for this title. But I'll probably read the next issue.

Sub-Mariner #2

Sub-Mariner #2
Very cool cover, especially the title logo.
Wow! A spittle line! I haven't seen those since the 90s!

Well, this title still isn't much more than passably EH. The only reason to continue reading it is to find out whether Namor is truly dead or not. As to the how, I think it's quite obvious - Nitro did it. I really can't see how they're planning to drag this out to six issues. Perhaps three or four, but six? That's just too much.

New Avengers #32

New Avengers #32
VERY GOOD. If ever there was a way out of the mess that Civil War put us into, this is it. Of course, Tony Skrull is a Stark. And the guy who drafted the registration law, and the president, and my boss, and my mother - well, okay, maybe not my mother, but my boss is definitely a Skrull. And President Bush is clearly a Skrull as well. I mean, really, nobody can be that stupid unless it's on purpose! I'm really looking forward to seeing what Bendis does with this idea.

Thor #1

Thor #1
Not nearly as sacrilegious as I expected. I'm still not quite clear on the mystic explanation for the Gods and Asgard existing without the looming threat of Ragnarok, nor am I comfortable with the notion that Donald Blake has been waiting in limbo since Thor's original encounter with Beta Ray Bill, way back when, NOR can I completely buy that Thor got sent to limbo after the fall of the Gods, NOR can I truly believe that now that Odin's dead, some of the things he did have been nullified, but not others, but if I were to take these explanations at face value, without necessarily reading too much into them, then I'd say that this is a decently OKAY story.
And it's got beautiful art. Unfortunately, even the art isn't good enough to help me understand exactly WHO it is lifting Mjolnir is the desert, or WHEN this event occurs. But thankfully, the cover images have been retooled so that it no longer seems as if Thor is wearing fishnet stockings, so there's that.
At least it's not Clor.

The Irredeemable Ant-Man #9

The Irredeemable Ant-Man #9
I just picked this up. I guess it must have just gotten left behind. But it's an incredibly EXCELLENT issue.
But...what's this? Could Eric O'Grady be becoming redeemable? (Or would that be unirredeemable?) Certainly not! Could he? There he is, having made a real friend of the Black Fox, having done Monstro a tremendous favor for nothing, and feeling bad about the $#!++y things he said to his girlfriend, Abigail. Actually crying! Does it make me a wuss if I admit that I cried too? It does? Well, then, I absolutely, positively, 100% affirm that I DID NOT cry! But I did smile wistfully when I saw Eric and Black Fox playing Wii with each other. And I laughed for nearly a minute straight when I got a look at Slaying Mantis' Superhuman Registration Card! Does this mean that the title will be changing? Perhaps to The UNirredeemable Ant-Man? Hopefully not ending, as this is one of the few books with the guts to call it like it is regarding that Civil War stupidity - "that's just a marketing term. It was a street fight -- not a war." That's absolutely true. And is, in fact, the most clever and refreshing quote I've read all week! Quote of the Week! And it's also so refreshing that this book is one of the few at Marvel without an Initiative banner. Those things are just so darn annoying, especially since the story inside usually has nothing to do with The Initiative.

And it has another EXCELLENT Mini Marvels back-up strip by Chris Giarrusso!

Nova #1 - #3

Nova #1 - #3
Wow. These first three issues have been really good. Perhaps not Excellent, but nearly so. What makes them so incredible is, among other things, Nova's reaction to the aftermath of Civil War. As someone who's been off-world since before any of the Civil War stupidity began, he's shocked to discover the degree of importance which those he encounters ascribe to what, in the cosmic scale of things, amounts to not much more than a minor scuffle. While he was out saving the Galaxy, these small-minded individuals were ignoring anything beyond their petty disputes, elevating their small conflict to a disproportionate scale of import. And Rich recognizes this fact. And he tries to impress it upon those he speaks with - his parents, cops, Stark, the Thunderbolts, and - the stupidest evolution of a character in the history of the Marvel universe - "Penance". Nova BEGS Robbie not to get caught up in the petty dramas of self-important individuals. And then he just can't stand it anymore and takes off.

The best part of the third issue occurs following the Thunderbolts' confrontation with Nova where they put civilians in massive jeopardy, blow up entire buildings, and all because Richard isn't registered? Sure he is! He's a registered member of the Nova Corps! And if S.H.I.E.L.D. and the CSA (still the Confederate States of America to me) are unable to recognize the authority of any law force stationed in another country, let alone another world or part of the galaxy, well, then, there's something incredibly wrong with them.
At least Tony Stark takes them to task for having put civilians in danger for such a spurious goal as apprehending NOVA! He promises consequences, but I doubt that these will be forthcoming in any other book. Seriously, most of the writers on Civil War aftermath books seem to think that it was a terrific plot device, and the greatest thing since the New X-Men! This book shows it for what it is. Stupid. And, unfortunately, something that must now be dealt with. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - this is what happens when you make a penciller your editor-in-chief.
VERY GOOD.

Also, it's quite refreshing to actually have a book bannered as an Initiative crossover which has something to do with the Initiative, unlike most books bannered thusly, which often don't even pay it lip service!

Sub-Mariner #1

Sub-Mariner #1
Well, it's competent, at least. Really, though, I don't see the need for this story. And where's the Initiative? The book is bannered a crossover, so wouldn't that imply their involvement?
In the scope of the larger Marvel Universe, now that the Superhuman Registration Act has gone into effect, what are the general populace going to do the next time a Stamford-scale tragedy occurs? They've already blamed the superheroes, and were listened to. So who are they going to blame now?

Civil War was stupid, there's no doubt about that. Seriously, people don't react as they were portrayed in that series. However, since they have been portrayed like that, what will these irrational fear mongerers do now? Who will they scapegoat next?

Notice that I didn't have much to say about this particular book? That's because I really don't believe that Namor is going to die as hinted at in the book's opening pages. It makes no sense. (Therefore, you must acquit.) Whatever, all I can muster so far is an EH. At least it's better than the Namor series from a few years back which tried to rewrite Namor's origin in modern times or some such nonsense.

World War Hulk #1

World War Hulk #1
While a bit unwieldly at times, this book is still one of the best things I've read since the beginning of Civil War. I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to Hulk ripping Iron Man's puny human head off. However, now that that's done, is the rest of the War going to be about taking vengeance on Reed and Strange? Not to mention Doc Samson. Anyways, a VERY GOOD start to this year's summer event from Marvel, and as I said in an earlier post, Hulk's anger is righteous and I hope that he gets his vengeance.

New Avengers #31

New Avengers #31
Huh. Well, that was unexpected. Whodathunkit? But does it really explain anything? Or, as Danny implies, does it only raise additional questions?
Take a look at that last page - Jessica really should be breast feeding her baby. He's apparently not getting enough nutrients!
The best part of this issue was the scene where Spidey and Hawkeye/Ronin were quipping together. In fact, it was so good that I'm going to post a scan of it here and nominate it for Quote of the Week!
This book is highly OKAY, but in the wake of Civil War still doesn't seem to have found its footing. Prior to CW it was mostly good. Lately it's been - not so much.

Fantastic Four #546

Fantastic Four #546
I've begun reading this title again following JMS's disastrously bad run and then the stupidity of Civil War. Still, this is not what I'd expect from a Fantastic Four book. Maybe the problem is that I was spoiled by Waid, but this material just seems incredibly uninspired. Until the very end of the book, that is. At that point it changes tone completely and gets fun again. Perhaps it's just that I view T'challa and Ororo as inherently boring characters. Regardless, although readable, this book remains an EH.
And now you can read the last issue of Black Panther.
Last thing: What's the deal with the Initiative bannering on this title? It's completely unrelated! It's not a crossover issue, and to banner it as such is misleading and dishonest. It's damn near close to false advertising.

Captain America #26

Captain America #26
Of course, I have to review this, don't I? Truthfully, I really wish that this book had come out immediately following #25. Because, as it is, all the various miniseries and one-shots that Marvel has seen fit to release in the interim cheapen the entire event. Not only that, but this book shows people reacting to the "Death of Captain America" in a much more organic, human, believable, (insert your own adjective here) way than the three issues (so far) of Jeph Loeb's Fallen Son miniseries.
Honestly, I'm not all that clear on what's happening in the Red Skull interlude in this issue - but that's probably because I didn't read any of the Civil War issues of this title. I'm sure that it'll all make sense eventually. It seemed to me though, to be setting up Cap's return due to some time machination. Basically, Cap comes from the past and lives in the future or something. He'd still die and wither to a mummy-like corpse, but he'd be alive and well in the future.
Still no sense of who Brubaker is planning for the next Captain America to be. The story in this book provides us with three strong candidates though: 1) Falcon, 2) Winter Soldier, 3) Sharon Carter. Personally, I'd prefer to see the narrative take the third possibility. But perhaps that's just because it would be so completely unexpected. Let's just hope that it doesn't end up being Storm and Black Panther. Oh god, would that suck donkey balls.
I'm wavering between a score of good and very good on this issue - its impact is just so lessened by the passage of time since the previous issue. Whatever, VERY GOOD.

Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America - Captain America

Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America - Captain America
What? Hawkeye as Captain America? When is this supposed to happen? What? Overcoming my complete and utter incredulity at the premise of this story, which I note was conceived of by our old friend JMS, I must admit that the writing in this issue is actually not that bad. Until the end. Since when does Tony Stark talk like this? Since everyone and their mother started writing him with completely different personalities? I wouldn't be surprised if Marvel ended up getting out of the hole they're digging for themselves by diagnosing Tony with DID (dissociative identity disorder - often incorrectly referred to as multiple personality disorder/syndrome). At least New Avengers #30 is already out. Because, otherwise, wouldn't that suck? Not bad, just EH. I really don't find myself vested in this "series" at all, however surprisingly GOOD the last issue was. At least each issue is essentially a one-shot. I wouldn't recommend not reading this, but I just can't find a convincing argument towards recommending reading it. Other than inking by Klaus Janson over lines of John Romita Jr. Although some characters' probosci seem altogether too long for their faces.
And whose idea was it to include the phrase "The Death of Captain America" in every single issue? How unbelievably lame is that? What, are we trying to remind people that Cap is dead, hoping it will sink in? Ummm, yeah, sorry Marvel, nobody's buying it. We all know he's coming back. I mean, this very issue brings Hawkeye back. They promised that he was dead. They swore that he was dead. Even the She-Hulk arc that "brought him back" still ended with him being dead. Well, guess what? He's baaack! So really, how long do you think it'll be before Marvel realizes their colossal stupidity and brings Cap back? God, trying to get my thinking into JoeydaQ's brain hurts. Whatever. Allow me to end this post by restating my opinion that a sprocking penciller should not be Marvel's editor-in-chief.
No, one more thought. Wouldn't it have been a better idea to title this book Hawkeye, instead of Captain America? I mean, they've put him on the cover, for God's sake! It's not that big of a surprise when he shows up on the first page, now, is it? Plus, he's already been officially brought back in the pages of the aforementioned New Avengers, and, lame as it may be, Marvel has been beating around the bush refusing to deal with it. How about a five issue series called "The Resurrection of Hawkeye"? Oh, please don't take that seriously. Oh my god, you're really going to do it, aren't you? Goddammit!

Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America - Wolverine

Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America - Wolverine
Oh my lord. Jeph Loeb, what has happened to you? You used to be brilliant. Since you moved to Marvel you've churned out one piece of CRAP after another. Wolverine? CRAP - I can't even read it. (It's certainly pretty to look at though.)
And now this travesty. This book is CRAP from the get-go. How many times can we get the title into this issue? I dunno Jeph, let's see...ugh.
And Wolverine turning to Daredevil on account of his keen senses? If Loeb knows Wolvie this well, he has no business writing Wolverine's own book. Honestly, I couldn't even finish this.

[Got this response from Marvel regarding this review:
Sorry you couldn't finish it, Spot -- but thanks for writing in.
Your Man @ Marvel,
Bill Rosemann]

Civil War: The Confession

Civil War: The Confession
Why is it that Brian Bendis, from whom all characters speak with the exact same voice, without fail, is the only one to have gotten this Civil War crap right? Okay, maybe not the only one, but close to it. Fine, not really, but I'm allowing the EXCELLENT Mighty Avengers to color my opinion overly. So sue me.
Anyways, the first half of this issue comes off as a public apology to us on Marvel's behalf for the ludicrousness in hackneyed plot hammering and hackery that was Civil War. And it works. But sorry, I can't forgive that easily. By editorial mandate, looking for the next big event, Marvel has corrupted the universe of my youth. When I was a kid, I looved Marvel. I hardly ever read DC, but for the big events. But now? Now, I can barely stomach most of what Marvel puts out, and I looove the DCU. Well, for the most part (see recent reviews of 52).
Why? And how long is this going to last before I can conscionably return in full force?
Taken on its own merits, this issue is GOOD, but in light of Marvel's recent boneheaded moves, it's merely OKAY. Sorry, Marvel, I can't forgive you this easily.

And then they come right back at us with a big "Fuck You" in the second story.
Iron Man: Well... You're a sore loser, Captain America.
Captain America: You bet.
Gee thanks, you assholes. By inclusion of this second piece in the issue, it completely qualifies for a highly justified rating of ASS.

Civil War

As we saw in White Tiger #1, DaredevilFist uses a voice box. Why none of the other costumes even question it, when it was a big deal to White Tiger? Just another example of a CRAP story by a CRAP writer, which is why lately I've become so much more Johnny DC. When Marvel has this godawful series crossing over into so many unrelated books, it does nothing but weaken the entire Marvel line. I won't even touch this series - it's like poison - and the closest I'll get to it is the NON-JMS Iron Spider books, and Wolverine. I haven't even READ any of the other books with CW bottoms, and I really don't plan on it - except for Cable/Deadpool...eventually. What a mess.

Civil War #1

Civil War #1
Oh my god. This is just so ASS. Starting at the beginning of the book, does anyone really believe that a super-villains necessary reaction to a super-hero raid is "Everybody in costume"! No? I didn't think so either. What kind of psycho blows up an entire school just to prove that he's big time? Why not just unleash and kill the superhero on him? Whatever. Sure, the New Warriors were part of a reality TV show, but only as much as policemen are on C.O.P.S. Don't negate the good work they do, just because they did it on tape! And here come the cliches: Goliath: "this IS [sic] the straw that broke the camel's back". I vaguely remember Philly getting bombed as some evil dude's vindictiveness, but what did superheroes have to do with it? What could they have done? And where has Goliath been all these years? So how does he know if/that Wolverine actually threatened to KILL the president? More from him: "this is the start of the witch hunts...they'll be coming after us with torches and pitchforks." Next we have a priest who publicly denounces super heroes in general for having caused this tragedy. That's going quite too far. Maybe they could be blamed for not having been more on the ball, but Nitro was the psycho who DID it. Next, Johnny Storm gets beaten into a coma. Riiight, because over the years, he has had sooooooo much contact with the New Warriors, right? And of course, that big bruiser of a bouncer who is RIGHT THERE does nothing. And Johnny doesn't even bother flaming on. Whatever. Next we have Reed Richards refer to Dr. Strange as a "post-human". I have never seen that term used outside of a Brubaker independent book. First JMS steals Bendis' term, now Millar steals Brubaker's? We get a cameo here by Daredevil. Which Daredevil is this? Is this implying that the current storyline in Daredevil is a tale from the past? Or is this the imposter? Now we come to my number one gripe about this book, the mistreatment of national icon Captain America at the hands of S.H.I.E.L.D. Because Cap refuses to promise to keep the superheroes in line, he's attacked, eventually with lethal force, and all because he takes issue with a bill that hasn't even been introduced to Congress yet! Last I checked, a bill doesn't become law UNTIL THE PRESIDENT SIGNS IT!!! Oh my fucking god. Next we get a scene of a protest in front of the White House. When was the last time a protest of that size was arranged in the space of a day? Whatever, I can live with that, but EVERY SIGN that the protesters carry making reference to the victims ALL SAY THE SAME NAME! Damien. If 800 kids were killed, don't you think you might have quite the variety of names there? Nope. Apparently people only care about this Damien kid. And once again, the placards refer to superheroes as "Powers". Enough already. If Bendis were writing this book I could deal with it, but please be original. To cap off this exercise in ludicrousness, JoeyDaQ comes on and starts pimping trade paperbacks and assorted collections. Many that have only tenuous relations, if any, with the current story line. Okay, fine, the art is pretty, but the story is ASS. Save your money and read the story through all the press releases.