Thanos Rising #2 – Review

By: Jason Aaron (Writer), Simone Bianchi (Artist), Ive Svorcina (Colorist)

The Story: Thanos grows tired of school and a lot that entails to it as he tries to make his own discoveries at his own paces, leading to some revelations about just what kind of a person he is.

The Review: These are strange times for Jason Aaron. With multiples series written by him coming out at the moment, we are treated to superb books like Thor: God of Thunder or to books that are struggling like Wolverine and the X-Men. This mini-series about Thanos, though, has been unfortunately much more akin to the latter, with the first issue of this mini-series being kind of a letdown. Considering the talent behind it, can this issue redeem the direction and the general atmosphere that we know both the artist and writer can deliver?

Journey into Mystery #626 – Review

by Kieron Gillen (writer), Doug Braithwaite (pencils), Ulises Arreola & Andy Troy (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters)

The Story: Loki cuts a deal with the biggest, toughest demon in limbo before seeking the aid of a very shiny resident of Asgard.

What’s Good:  One thing I’ve really appreciated about Kieron Gillen’s Journey into Mystery has been it’s pacing.  Each issue is a full experience, seeing Loki get himself into a scrape, cut a deal with a megapower or two, and achieve an objective.  Each issue then leaves us with a prelude for next month’s issue, showing where Loki’s going to be heading to next.  It’s a really great format that makes each issue comprehensive and satisfying, while also leaving the reader desperately wanting the next installment.  It’s a fine balance, and Gillen rides it well.

Meanwhile, Loki remains as endearing as ever as we once again watch his machinations unfold as he constantly seems one step ahead of the big boys of the Nine Realms.  Gillen makes it easy to see suggestions of how exactly Loki is manipulating the great powers he runs up against, Surtur in this case, yet that the big demon seems unaware of any foul play ends up forging a kind of link between Loki and the reader and makes us all the more attached.  Loki’s escape route was also a really nice touch of comedy and mischief.  Similarly, it’s just so easy to root for Loki as he runs from a vengeful Hel-Wolf or dodges giant demon swords, as the character manages to be crafty and lovable, but also vulnerable.  As witty and smart as Loki is, Gillen is aware of his physical fragility and how most readers will react to a kid in danger.

Meanwhile, Doug Braithwaite is as epic and generally awesome as ever and despite the extra colorist, there’s really not any noticeable difference from previous months.  I remain impressed at how Braithwaite is able to produce detailed, impressive work like this month after month without any delays.

Also, that ending…  Wow.  Just wow.  It’s as though Gillen sat back and thinks to himself each month “how can I make Kid Loki more awesome?”

Mighty Thor #2 – Review

by Matt Fraction (writer), Olivier Coipel (penciller), Mark Morales (inker), Laura Martin (colorist), and Joe Sabino (letterer)

The Story: Thor and Sif begin training a new team of heroes, Odin may be up to no good, and the Silver Surfer brings Asgard an ultimatum from his purple-hatted master.

The Review: Now that’s more like it. I was one of the, apparently, few people who enjoyed Fraction’s arc on Thor.  That said, there was something vaguely underwhelming for me about the first issue of Mighty Thor, something I wasn’t quite able to put my finger on.  This time out though, I got a rock solid experience.

As I noted last month, I continue to enjoy Matt Fraction’s use of Sif.  She’s the major cast member she’s supposed to be and, as Thor’s significant other, she’s frequently in the thunder god’s company.  Between this, the new “brigade of realms” Thor forms out of a motley group from the various worlds, a brief but humorous Volstagg cameo, and a tense scene of dialogue between Odin and Heimdall (plus Destroyer!), this is becoming more than just a Thor comic.  It’s becoming almost a “Thor family” title, or an Asgard comic.  Thor is a major member of the cast, but he by no means carries this comic.  The result is a very satisfying package that feels like it has more meat on its bones.  It’s one thing to have a comic where you get to read Thor, and it’s another thing entirely to have a comic that lets you read Thor’s world, or at least his corner of the Marvel Universe.  Character-wise, Fraction is doing a solid job of using almost all of the tools at his disposal.

But hey, I’ve not even touched upon the Surfer/Galactus stuff.  I love Fraction’s bringing the old school sci-fi/cosmic stuff into what is otherwise a fantasy comic.  It ends up feeling like a jam session of sorts.  More than that though, after dealing with monsters and, earlier in the issue, a “stone colossus,” there’s something very cool about having the Asgardians facing down someone like the Silver Surfer.  They’re facing something so far out of their world, that it’s out of their genre.  When Heimdall says that the Surfer comes from “beyond” or calls him a “star-bastard,” it’s just really, really cool.  It’s akin to, say, a group of Predators showing up in the Hyborian Age to challenge Conan the Barbarian.  It shouldn’t work, and yet it does, and it’s awesome due to the weirdness.

Thor #606 – Review

by Kieron Guillen (writer), Billy Tan (pencils & inks), Batt (inks), John Raunch & Paul Mounts (colors), and Joe Sabino (letters)

The Story: Thor battles the Doom-controlled Destroyer and Balder ventures into the Latverian dictator’s secret lab.

What’s Good: Guillen has done such a fantastic job in writing a comic so seamlessly linked to Straczynski’s work, if it wasn’t for the name on the cover, it feels like JMS himself actually penned it.  Given that this issue is meant to conclude  JMS’ run and tie up the loose ends, that’s a pretty big compliment.  It feels like an organic point of closure for the series and serves its purpose as a gesture to Thor’s re-integration into the larger stories of the Marvel universe.

Everything feels perfectly paced; I wasn’t left feeling that any of the major players had been brushed over or used merely as means to an end, nor did any scenes, narrative components, or subplots feel stretched or rushed.  Each conflict is more or less resolved in good, if expected, form and there really aren’t any needlessly dangling moments or deus ex machina troubles.

Guillen’s also proven that he can write some damned good bad guys.  Though a little more restrained this month, he continues to write a fantastic Dr. Doom.  Guillen has the balance of inferiority complex and arrogance down perfectly, without letting one overpower the other.  Doom never feels overpowered, nor does he feel like a whiny weakling.  He’s Doom.  Pure and simple.  Even when seemingly outdone, the issue also ends with a bit of a cliffhanger that is the specific kind of awesome that only Doom can deliver.

Loki is also as volatile and inconsistent as ever under Guillen’s hand.  At one moment, he’s working in complete cooperation with his fellow Asgardians, being a team player without being sycophantic.  Then, on the turn of a dime, he’s back to his plotting as one of the Marvel Universe’s key unsavory figures.  This night-and-day approach by Guillen is the perfect method for portraying the deceptive trickster’s nature.

Meanwhile, Balder has perhaps his most sobering moment and decision since Thor’s exile.  Guilt-ridden and increasingly conscious of the weight of the crown and, interestingly, his legacy, Balder is more intriguing a character than ever.  Guillen actually made Balder, a character I’ve at times found rather mediocre, compelling.

Finally, though I can’t remember being much of a fan of Billy Tan’s, his work on this arc has been nothing but stellar, and that remains here.  His action scenes are bombastic and loud, as befits an Asgardian comic and his Destroyer looks fantastic.

Thor #605 – Review

by Kieron Guillen (writer), Billy Tan (pencils), Batt (inks), Christina Strain, Emily Warren, & Paul Mounts (colors), and Joe Sabino (letters)

The Story: Thor confronts Doom, only to discover the Latverian dictator’s pet project.

What’s Good: Billy Tan is putting out the work of his life on this comic.  I’ve never really been a big fan of his, but this is fantastic, cinematic stuff with a really slick, “high budget” feel.  There’s a lot of detail, a lot of big, flashy images, and Doom’s creations look all kinds of awesome.  Also, while it’s thanks to a combined effort by Tan, Batt, Strain, Warren, and Mounts, the issue does wondrous things in its combinations of light and dark.  The team does “night in Latveria” really well.  Everything feels inky black, navy blue at best, while Thor’s flashes of lightning and the torrential rain really sets the mood and only highlights Tan’s already impressive work.  Tan also draws a deceptively “nice guy” Loki.  It’s a joy just to flip through this book.

Invincible #66 – Review

by Robert Kirkman (writer), Cory Walker (pencils & inks), Dave McCaig (colors), and Rus Wooton (letters)

The Story: More details are revealed regarding the Viltrumite Empire, as Nolan and Allen prepare for war.

What’s Good: It really shows what a master of subplots Kirkman is when he can have an entire issue without its namesake, picking up on two characters we’ve not seen in some time, and have it actually be a fairly good read.

Of course, it’s hard to fail when one of those two characters is Allen. The jacked-up Unopan has got to be one of the most lovable characters in all comics today. He lights up any page he’s on with optimism and humour. Whether he’s describing his favourite food with wide-eyed joy as Nolan looks on in disgust, or attempts to stay off his sex-starved girlfriend, he’s just such a great character that legitimately makes you feel happy. If you dislike Allen, or are even impartial to him, I suspect that you aren’t human. Any issue is improved by his presence.

I also enjoyed the book’s final scene. Seeing Nolan’s pulp novels come to life actually leads to the book itself taking on a pulp sci-fi tone. A guy named the “Space Racer” who wields a magic ray-gun? That’s a lot of fun and the cheesy, retro tone of the scene promises much more fun yet to come.

This issue also marks the return of Cory Walker. Some of the visuals here are impressive. The giant splashes of what the Viltrumites do with their dead are particularly flabbergasting, as Walker manages to portray the enormity and scale of it all, making it really hit home with the reader.  Overall though, the art is solid and in fact feels stronger than his earlier work on Invincible.

What’s Not So Good: By and large, this issue’s obvious purpose is simply to provide info and nail down things we’d already assumed. It’s necessary groundwork as a prelude for things to come. That of course, doesn’t make it the most exciting book. Prepare to be smacked with expository text and some fairly meaty captions and bubbles. More than anything, Kirkman is just setting up the backdrop and getting the ball rolling, but all of this is done through pure exposition and in not the most subtle fashion. It’s basically one character opening his mouth and saying “here’s what’s going on.”

What’s worse, none of these revelations are particularly reveling. Much of it has been hinted at or mentioned indirectly in past issues of Invincible, so readers will probably feel like they already knew most of what’s being told. It’s necessary, but ultimately Kirkman is just nailing down those hints and assumption, fully realizing them, rounding off the edges, and providing the details. Essentially, we’d already read the back of the book, but now Kirkman’s actually reading the pages to us.

Finally,although he may be the co-creator, Cory Walker is sadly no Ryan Ottley. And even though I love him, Dave McCaig is no FCO Plascencia. Walker simply doesn’t put out the level of detail or vitality that Ottley does. McCaig’s colors are also much more subdued than Plascencia’s glossy, high-budget feel. As a result, the art just feels simpler and more laid-back than we’re used to. 

Conclusion: This book was obviously needed to move things along, but that doesn’t make it thrilling to read. Allen the Alien rules though, and is a definite selling point.

Grade: C+

-Alex Evans

Destroyer #4 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Cory Walker (Art), and Val Staples (Colors)

The Story: Destroyer and Turret attack a Horde base where they fight Krakoom. Blood is shed and Destroyer dwells on what might be his greatest mistake.

What’s Good: Robert Kirkman tosses in some effective character moments, but there’s no denying that Destroyer #4 is the art team’s show. Cory Walker and Val Staples craft a brutal fight scene that is colorful, clever, and just the right kind of over the top.

What’s Not So Good: Destroyer #4 is over far too fast and lacks the urgency that made the last issue such an intense read.

Conclusion: If you like seeing Destroyer living up to his name, then be sure to check out the latest issue of Robert Kirkman’s MAX mini-series.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

Destroyer #3 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Cory Walker (Artist), and Val Staples (Colors)

The Story: Destroyer and Turret try to figure out how to find Scar, the mortal enemy of Destroyer that kidnapped Felecia. When Scar is finally found, all hell breaks loose as Destroyer fights to both save a life and get some revenge…

What’s Good and What’s Not So Good: Brutal, intense, violent, and full of great Destroyer character moments, the third issue of Destroyer is one hell of a ride. That said, it’s not perfect. The biggest problem is that some of the action is a bit hard to follow (possibly due to the ridiculous amount of blood being shed). The other problem is that the supporting cast continues to be completely forgettable. While the graphic violence and badass (endearing) senior citizen go a long way towards making up for Destroyer’s weak points, the negatives are rather noticeable at times.

Conclusion: I have a feeling that you’ll be having too much fun with Destroyer #3 to notice the flaws.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Destroyer #2 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Cory Walker (Artist), and Val Staples (Colorist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Marvel’s MAX mini-series Destroyer uses a simple, yet effective formula. It takes a cool concept (dying hero wishes to take out as many baddies as he can to protect his loved ones before he goes) and brings it to life with old-school storytelling, attractive visuals, and a dash of the old ultra-violence. While the first issue left a bit to be desired, as Rob points out in his review, I still found myself looking forward to chapter two. Time to find out if Destroyer has what it takes to keep me around for a few more issues.

The Story: The second chapter of Destroyer largely focuses on the details surrounding Keene Marlow’s ultimate goal and what he feels must be done in order to find some peace before dying. The goal’s name is Scar and he’s an enemy that Destroyer believes is the ultimate threat to his loved ones. The problem is that Scar hasn’t been seen for quite some time and Keene knows that it’s going to take some action in order to track his nemesis down. Unless Scar makes the first move…

What’s Good: Robert Kirkman excels at crafting realistic, sympathetic characters and Keene is definitely one of them. You almost have to root for an old guy that has such great character moments. With help from the crisp, clean artwork, the senior citizen superhero manages to come across as both grandfatherly and totally badass all at once. It works to great effect and makes Destroyer feel unique as a series and as a character.

While I wish there was a bit more to the story, it has a certain simple charm that I know will keep me reading until the end. And now with the introduction of Scar, there is a menace in the plot that should ratchet up the tension level. Time will tell.

What’s Not So Good: The supporting cast in Destroyer is pretty weak and it undermines the entire plot in a way. Chapter two only really accentuates that fact. Keene’s wife and his friend seem to be little more than plot devices and it leaves me feeling as though couldn’t care less about what happens to them.

Conclusion: Destroyer, thanks to the character of the same name, continues to entertain despite its fairly simple (sometimes bland) trappings and unremarkable support characters.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Destroyer – Review

By Robert Kirkman (writer) Cory Walker (art)  Val Staples (color)

The Story: In a remote pocket of the Marvel Universe exists The Destroyer, Stan Lee’s first creation, a hero with super strength and near-invulnerability. I say “near” invulnerability because The Destroyer, Keene Marlow, is actually a senior citizen with a heart condition that could claim his life at any moment. The thrust of this series is the Destroyer destroying (there, I said it: “Destroyer destroying”—you happy now?) all individuals that would threaten his family’s safety after he passes on.

What’s Good: Robert Kirkman has mastered the science of creating fictional worlds that are interesting and natural. Little details, such as a doctor’s office under the sea or a bionic arm on the Destroyer’s wife, lend to a unique and inviting setting.

I like the idea of a “grandpa” superhero who is brutal and tough as nails. Unlike his AARP counterparts in the DC Universe, like the original Green Lantern and Flash, the Destroyer is a realist who solves problems with his fist (usually by putting in through the skull of his enemies), and not a sentimental idealist.

Cory Walker’s art is unique and detailed. His style is definitely unmistakable. There are many more wordless panels in this book than an average comic. However, like Invincible, these panels are full of expression and meaning. There is one scene where just by seeing the Destroyer from a far, we can tell from his body language a lot of details about his life that are expounded later, like his sickness and mental state.

What’s Not So Good: This comic is bookended by excitement and momentum, but the majority of the story is, well, kinda boring. I found some of the scenes between the Destroyer and his family to be a bit torturous to read. Additionally, the fight scenes and graphic, I mean GRAPHIC, violence is a tad protracted, which builds to the burgeoning sense of boredom I found myself falling into.

Conclusion: This is a solid introduction to a unique character and there is definitely a lot of potential for a good mini-series here. I think Kirkman’s creations are best when there are multiple characters for him to work with that interact with and shape the main character. I don’t see that happening here and I think that the Destroyer is worse off because of it.

Grade: B

-Rob G