Why would ANYBODY like Penance?

I have no clue, but apparently there are about 23 people who actually do, according to the most recent poll over at Randy Lardner's relatively new home, Comic Pants.

I, personally, voted for Kate Spencer, Manhunter. And I can't believe that she's getting beaten out as "favorite new character" by Amadeus Cho! I mean, sure, he's a cool character and all, but there is a major problem with him, in that his supposed powers are extremely ill defined. And in the hands of the wrong artist, he appears to have no powers whatsoever. Which I actually wouldn't mind. I mean, present him with the following statement, "this kid is the absolute smartest person in the entire Marvel Universe, hands down, tactically, scientifically, or otherwise", and I'd be inclined to believe it if it were properly set up and sold. But once you go ahead and make his intelligence some sort of mutant ability or something, well, seriously, that's a bit stupid, no pun intended.

Plus, the origin of Kate Spencer is MUCH more organic. A district attorney who finally got fed up with bad-to-the-bone criminal murderers getting off on technicalities or childhood abuse defenses, and who decided to do something about it. Sure, you may not agree with what she does, but you can certainly understand it.
Whereas, with Amadeus Cho, his motivations are a bit unclear. Does he hate SHIELD because they want to recruit him? Because they want to kill his coyote pup? Because he feels like it? So, again, though he's a cool character, the central problem with him is that he's poorly defined.

He's probably only beating Manhunter out because she currently has no feature title, whereas Cho features prominently in the kickass summer blockbuster, World War Hulk.

Oh, well.

But, seriously, Penance? What, are these guys on drugs?

Sensational Spider-Man #40

Sensational Spider-Man #40
A VERY GOOD issue that is essentially the coda to Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's interesting take on Spidey in this title. (Next month's final issue is part of JMS and JoeyDaQ's "One More Day" storyline.) Although the central conceit of this particular story is somewhat haughty, RAS manages to pull it off. Peter meets God. God does not look like Stan Lee. He looks like a reject from a Marvel Zombies title crossed with a homeless man. Possibly someone with necrotizing fasciitis. Interesting artistic choice by the ever versatile Clayton Crain. (If this is actually supposed to be a representation of one of the creative team, I sincerely apologize.) God appears to Spidey as he finishes beating the crap out of a dumpster, heals his hands, buys him lunch, takes him to the beach, and plays therapist. Along the way, God tells Peter that everybody suffers, it's just the way that the world was created, and that he's endured it better than most by allowing it to affect him positively rather than negatively. He shows Peter a vision of all the lives he's saved in his short tenure as a superhero. He tells Peter to be brave and strong in the face of all that is to come. And then He drops Peter off in the alley behind the hospital.

This interesting tale is sandwiched between two shorter tales, one of which is only a page in length.

In the first part of this issue, RAS and CC have their turn at revisiting Spider-Man's origin and backstory. Clayton Crain gets to draw his take of the cover for Amazing Fantasy #15. A couple of errors are made in the retelling of Spider-Man's origin. A slightly erroneous addition is made to the canonical origin story by the inclusion of Liz Allan offering young Peter Parker the seat next to her on the bus when going to the fated field trip (which, of course, wasn't a field trip but rather an independent visit way back when). Also, RAS seems to be unaware that Norman Osborn is still alive. No matter. If not for retcons, he wouldn't be. If not for The Clone Saga, he wouldn't be. So let's just pretend that he is. What? He's the director of the Thunderbolts, you say? No! Oh, well, then. Let's just view the Marvel Universe with blinders and pretend that that title doesn't exist, shall we?

The epilogue to this book occurs in the future, as a middle-aged Peter Parker relaxes on the sofa with his wife Mary Jane, and their children Benjamin and Mary (probably intended to be May). And everything is wonderful and Blessed. Finis.

While I haven't been very enthused about the majority of RAS's run on this title, I did enjoy issue #28 very much. In general, though, RAS's story choices and decisions while writing this title seemed bizarre. So much so that this book should have been called The Bizarre Spider-Man. Still, it was better than anything JMS was doing simultaneously in the parent title. It's sad to note that the two lesser Spider titles will be folding into the parent title upon the conclusion of JMS and JoeyDaQ's "One More Day" crapfest.

Fare thee well, Sensational Spider-Man. Better luck next time, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.

Thunderbolts: Desperate Measures

Thunderbolts: Desperate Measures
Explain to me what the point of this one-shot was? Explain to me why this wasn't merely an issue of the Thunderbolts' main title? How dumb. And what the hell? Osborn has a palm pilot device that cost 16 million dollars that lets him use satellites? That doesn't even make any sense! And if you overload Robbie with pain, then he'll send out a pulse that will incapacitate his foes? But what about Bullseye? Really stupid. This smells like ASS.

Thunderbolts #114

Thunderbolts #114
Yet another issue with bad art. Half the time, I can't figure out what's going on. And it looks like the Thunderbolts are right the fuck there, and American Eagle and Steel Spider are just standing around talking. They should be fucking running, hiding, something! Oh, and by the way, Peter Parker IS registered...did nobody read Civil War #2? And how is this an Initiative crossover? ASS.

What to buy on 5/09

Countdown - Maybe...they don't have the same level of talent writing it as they did 52, but if they learn from the mistakes of 52 and don't repeat them, it could turn out to be a good series. I'd wait though, before recommending it.

Green Lantern Corps - One of the worst titles being produced by DC right now. A title with zero sense of direction, no feeling for the characters, and ludicrous plots. I really don't like this book.

Hulk and Power Pack - Only if you enjoy the Marvel Adventures series would I recommend this.

Invincible - Absolutely! Highly recommended.

Jack of Fables - This current arc is seriously EH. Overall, a good title, but if you haven't been reading it, I can't say as I'd recommend starting with this issue.

Marvel Zombies Dead Days - looks interesting. It might be worth picking this one up. At least you wouldn't have to worry about potentially adding another continuing series to your pull list.

New Avengers - I'll read it, but the fact that Bendis has been jumping back and forth in time is really jarring to the reading. I wouldn't recommend it.

New X-Men - This new arc could be good. And Skottie Young's art on this title is very cute.

Nova - I wasn't sure how to feel about last issue. And in this issue, Marvel editorial imposes Iron Man upon Nova in order to tie in the events of Civil War. I think it's a mistake to do something like that in such an early issue of a new title.

Punisher War Journal - If every issue of this title were as good as last week's Spidey annual, I'd say no question. As it is, last issue was pretty EH, and the title has really been hit or miss for me as a whole. It's not that it's particularly bad writing. It's just that Fraction's Punisher isn't someone I really care to read about.

Spidey/FF is definitely worth keeping on your list. Because even if every other single book you buy is utter shite, this book will leave you with a pleasant taste in your mouth.

Thunderbolts - An odd title. I'll read it, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it...especially to someone who hasn't been reading it.

Y The Last Man - This title is in the homestretch. If you've enjoyed it thus far, I'd say definitely pick it up. Otherwise, wait for the trade.

Thunderbolts #113

Thunderbolts #113
Now why didn't I see that coming? Of course Osborn would choose to go after the Steel Spider next. Of course, I don't remember any of these supposed heroes. I suppose that's the point. Yet, it happens to be quite annoying. I know that I'm supposed to care about these unregistered superhumans, or tech heroes, or vigilantes, or whatever - man the Superhuman Registration Act is sooooo vague - but I still can't find myself caring for characters I know nothing about. Hey, Marvel? Howsabout giving us an "Essential Storylines" briefing for each of these characters, as DC is in 52? Also, the C.S.A.? I always thought that acronym referred to the Confederate States of America, but apparently not. Perhaps Ellis doesn't know that...he is British after all. Could someone please tell him?
I like the way that this entire issue is comprised essentially of vignettes featuring one or two of the characters. And not even a single fight! That's pretty good writing. Again, I find myself wavering between okay, and GOOD, but the Osborn scenes put it over the cusp. GOOD.

Thunderbolts #112

Thunderbolts #112
I have a lot of problems with this series. Primarily, I'm not sure if Warren Ellis is dead serious with his portrayal of these Thunderbolts, or whether he is having a bit of fun at Marvel's expense. It certainly wouldn't be the first time. First, we'll get the boardroom scene at the beginning of this issue where the new Thunderbolts seem to be no different than the New Warriors were when this whole mess started - it being all about the ratings and such. Then Ellis will spoof on "Stan Lee's Who Wants to Be a Superhero?" and I'm back to thinking that he's joking. Then I'll think he's serious as he has a locker room scene with Mac Gargan being introspective. And then Bullseye will be completely psychopathic insane and I think Ellis is kidding again. I really don't know what to make of this series, so I don't feel that I can really give it an honest rating. For now, I'm staying with EH, but if I'm ever able to definitively conclude that Ellis is joking and sticking this whole series in Marvel's face, I'd be able to up that to GOOD. If, on the other hand, he's dead serious, this series is ASS, no two ways about it. So, if you think you know what's going on here, then good for you. Take the rating that suits you best. Otherwise, EH.

Thunderbolts #109

Thunderbolts #109
And while we're on the subject of titles I don't read, here's another one! I'm upset that I never read this title before (except for the odd crossover issues - which really weren't very good). Now I've got 100+ issues to make up. I should've known, seeing as how I usually enjoy Fabian Nicieza's writing. So, again, I read this issue by itself - without having read anything before it, and, while it's not nearly as good as Busiek's Aquaman, it's OKAY. Even though I know nearly nothing about any of the cast members. And that should just show how good the writing actually is - to be able to take obscure characters, and craft a story with them...my only complaint is that there's too little background given on any of the characters, even on the recap page. But that's my fault, for not having given this series a shot earlier. Now that Nicieza's leaving, and Warren Ellis is coming on, I suppose it's time to start reading this title. I really like Ellis' other work, like Fell, Nextwave, etc., so I'll probably like his stint on Thunderbolts as well.
Now to get Nicieza back together with Busiek...