Secret Invasion and Props to Marvel

Okay first off I have to give some credit to Marvel Subscriptions. For three weeks in a row now, almost an entire month, I’ve gotten my comic books ahead of time, sometimes by as much as 3-4 days ahead of time. This has been awesome and a great change from previous years of service. I’ve complained more then once on this blog about the tardiness of my comic book deliveries with Marvel. I’m enjoying this new early service, and I hope I’m not jinxing it by acknowledging and appreciating it publicly.

Secret Invasion is Marvel’s big crossover event for Summer 2008. It’s already ramping up with the first issue of the flagship title coming out a couple weeks ago and more action being included in the Avengers titles and Ms. Marvel. I received the latest New Avengers yesterday in the mail which advanced the story considerably with a big reveal at the end of the book. A much more satisfying ending then the one offered by last weeks Mighty Avengers.

Don’t get me wrong. I love Nick Fury, and last week’s Mighty Avengers offered me something I’d wanted for awhile, a solid Nick Fury story. But it really didn’t offer anything new. All it did really was signal us, the readers, that Nick Fury is aware that something is going on with Skrulls and he’s working on figuring it all out. Other than that, no big info was revealed and the story didn’t really advance at all.

All in all I’m digging Secret Invasion a lot. The Skrulls have always been fun aliens, and this new, religious motivation for their invasion of Earth adds an interesting twist. The new weapons at their disposal makes the Skrulls more dangerous than ever which is really cool for an alien race that hasn’t always been taken seriously by writers.

I also have a lot of hope that this invasion will serve as a unifying factor the groups of heroes splintered by the Civil War event in 2006. If you’ve been hesistant about getting onboard with Secret Invasion, I recommend coming along for the ride. This is a strong start and so far the support materials in the other titles has been above par as well. I wasn’t a fan of the Hulk Event last year, you could see where it was going from the start. This event seems to be a little more sophisticated and a little deeper. We’ll see how it bears out in the end of course. And if it starts to suck, I’ll complain about it here. But right now, I’m enjoying it immensely.

Summer Comic Hero Movies

I guess its more like Spring movies since Iron Man is opening on May 2nd. I can’t put into words how excited I am about this flick. Everything and I mean everything I see and read has me confident that this movie will be true to source material, and brought to the big screen in spectacular way. Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau are both building my expectations with their excitement about the project. Every screen shot and trailer I’ve seen since last year at San Diego Comic Con to now has been first rate. Its just looks like they done a great job. SO to say I’m looking forward to it is an understatement. Which is odd, because honestly Iron Man isn’t one of my favorite characters, I haven’t bought an Iron Man book in AGES. I only know what’s going on with the character right now because he’s involved heavily in the Avengers and Captain America titles that I read. This excitement however should be mistaken for unrealistic expectations. This Iron Man film, being the first in what I’m guessing will be a series of movies, suffers from need to include the origin of the character and develop him up to the Iron Man we know and love. This can make a movie suffer a bit, while we go through this big set-up. Honestly I’ll be happy when this first movie is out of the way so the next one can be made without the need for the origin tale. Because as good as this first movie will probably be I’m guessing the 2nd one will be better.

Onto another Marvel character getting a film this summer, the Hulk… I’m a huge fan of the Hulk character. But man is it tough to be a Hulk fan this year. First off the Hulk comic book to me has been terrible. I was going to write a review of the Hulk #3, but just wasn’t in the mood to be so negative. I read it a couple times to give it a fair shake. I’m not going to review it now, either. I just wish I’d read some of Jeph Loeb’s other limited series that are supposed to be brilliant first, without the taint of Ultimates 3 and the new Hulk Series in the back of my mind. Because these recent examples of his storytelling skills are less then impressive.

Getting back to movies, The Incredible Hulk specifically is concerning me. I haven’t had the same bowled over feeling viewing the trailers for this movie as I had with the Iron Man trailers.  Ed Norton’s current silence and what appears to be unhappiness with the direction of the project starts to seed some doubt as well. Plus in my mind Norton doesn’t seem like the natural choice to play Banner. I mean Downey as Tony Stark/Iron Man seemed to be a perfect fit. Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, is brilliant.. but Ed Norton as Banner, meh I guess its okay. Of course, I’ll have to see him in the role to judge, but right off the bat it doesn’t seem as perfect a fit in my mind.

Regarding the story it sounds cool from what I’ve picked up here and there. The Abomination isn’t might first choice for a villain since it means we’re going to end up with a CGI slugfest. I’d personally think the Leader would have been an awesome choice and would provide a more interesting story… but I’m not paid to write for Hollywood so what do I know. I’d been a long advocate of the Scarecrow as a film nemesis for Batman and it turned out to produce a cool film.

There are a few other films coming such as Batman being a real obvious one, that I’m excited about of course. BUT my time is short tonight, with it being a “school night”.

Jon Favreau, man don’t let me down

Everytime I see stills from the upcoming Iron Man film I get pumped up for this movie. I was totally geeking out at San Diego Comicon when we got to see footage from the film. As good as it all looks I so afraid that for some reason something will go wrong and the story will suck or something like that. I’m hoping beyond hope that this is unfounded worrying. After the steaming pile of crap that was the Hulk movie, it’s hard not to be a little gun shy when a new film comes out based on a Marvel property.

Quick Shot Reviews: Batman & the Outsiders #1, World War Hulk #5 of 5

Batman and the Outsiders #1, DC Comics

Chuck Dixon & Julian Lopez

This is a pretty good first issue, no time is wasted getting the characters right into a  mission that showcases each of their abilities and personalities, showing how they fit and for some don’t fit into Batman’s new team of Outsiders. I dug these comic in the 80’s and I’m glad to see it back especially with Metamorpho and Katanna in the ranks. From what I’ve read there will be some changes to the line up on this team, I’m guessing Martian Manhunter and Catwoman will be on their way out. Lets face it Catwoman isn’t a “joiner” and Martian Manhunter is going through an odd stage in his life, the only team he really belongs on is the JLA. I haven’t read a lot by Chuck Dixon, since I’m not a devoted reader to the Batman family of titles, but he impressed me with this first issue. Especially considering the sudden creative change up that dumped this title in his lap. 7.5 out of 10

World War Hulk #5 of 5, Marvel Comics

Greg Pak, John Romita Jr. Klaus Janson

All I gotta say is I’m glad this is over. For a series that I think was drawn out over more books then necessary this delay for the final issue was brutal. The final battle between Hulk and Sentry was pretty satisfying. Again JRJR really drives home the raw power of the characters through his artwork. I’m not sure how New York was able to rebuild so quickly in other books like the Avengers titles. In this book it looks like the Big Apple has been through World War III. The ending didn’t really catch me by surprise, though the future titles announced at the end of the book did. The tales of the Son of the Hulk looks pretty cool. But I’m not sure about this Incredible Hercules comic, where Hercules takes over the Incredible Hulk title right down to continueing the numbering (though artwork by Art Adams, does entice me) or the new Hulk book by Jeph Leob and Ed McGuiness. Time will tell with those books. Overall great artwork, but no surprises in the story for me and the lateness of the book didn’t help my opinion either, 6 out of 10.

Comic Book News Wrap – Issue 8

Thor #3 Pages revealed – Thor vs. Iron Man

Marvel has released a few pages from next month’s issue of Thor. The title character has a bone to pick against Iron Man. I mean Thor has reason to be pissed. Iron man,who is supposed to be his friend makes a clone of him that is used to kill another friend and hero, along with being responsible for a civil war that has torn his world apart while he was taking a death break. Thor is about to really let his feelings known in this upcoming 3rd issue… looks like Tony is going to get his ass-kicked again.

Thor #3: Preview artwork - courtesy of IGN.com

Thor #3: Preview artwork and dialog – courtesy of Newsarama

Weekly World News Closes Shop

While it wasn’t a comic book the kooky tabloid that brought us the Batboy, the adventures of aliens, Bigfoot among other hilarious articles provided a great deal of entertainment and laughter for a modest price. Whenever I needed an easy laugh there were many times I’d buy an issue of the WWN over the latest Mad Magazine. Its truly a shame to see this publication being canceled. With so many troubling, sad and serious headlines on the newstands, having that one humorous paper there to catch you off guard with a scoop like “Dick Cheney is a Robot!” will be something I miss.

Take sometime to see what Bigfoot or the Alien Baby are up to: WeeklyWorldNews.com

Russell Crowe to Appear in Batman: The Dark Knight film

It appears Christian Bales’ 3:10 to Yuma co-star is also slated to appear in the upcoming Batman film. It’s not clear what role Crowe will play or how much screen time he’ll have. But the sources are Crowe and Bale on this one so I’m guessing its true. Anything that brings more people to see this movie is fine by me. I loved the first film and I’m hoping the quality stays at the same level for this next one.

Crowe to star in new Batman movie – Ireland Online

Technorati Tags: Thor, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Russell Crowe, Weekly World News, Batman, superheroes, art, Christian Bale

Comic Book News Wrap – Issue 7

Avengers/Invaders Return Details

Yesterday Marvel released more details on the upcoming Alex Ross project, Avenger/Invaders Return. Basically this will be a time-travel story happening within the Marvel U. continuity where the WWII versions of Captain America, The Submariner, and other Invaders members will meet up with the modern day Avengers. On the discussion boards, many are speculating that this series will facilitate the return of Captain America. As a fan of the Invaders and Alex Ross, I’m looking forward to this series. I’m not totally sold on this being the way they bring back Cap, but it might work. A time hiccup seemed to be a good way to bring back Captain Marvel.

Avengers/Invaders: The Return - Marvel.com

‘The Twelve’ Revealed

Newsarama has been showing the detailed character studies of each member of the Twelve as drawn and reimagined by Chris Weston, for the upcoming Marvel series. ‘The Twelve’, announced at San Diego Comicon, is comprised of Golden Age heroes from Marvel back when the company was known as Atlas and even as far back as when they were called Timely. Some of the characters look pretty strong, some of the costumes are odd or seem rather generic. A lack a large pantheon of Golden Age heroes has been one thing that has had Marvel at a disadvantage compared to DC Comics. Sure Marvel has Captain America and The Submariner, but aside from few other characters truly from the Golden Age they don’t come close to the rich tapestry of Golden Age characters that DC Comics has at its disposal. Maybe establishing some of these forgotten heroes will help round out the history of the Marvel U. Either way, seeing Chrs Weston’s interpretations of these heroes is pretty cool.

Twelve Days of ‘The Twelve’ – Matt Brady, Newsarama

Technorati Tags: Avengers Alex Ross Invaders Captain America The Twelve Marvel Comics DC Comics Marvel Golden Age Captain Wonder Atlas Comics Timely Comics superheroes CC! SDCC comic books Submariner

Quick Shot Comic Reviews – 08/04/07

Justice Society of America – #8, DC Comics

Geoff Johns, Fernando Pasarin, Rodney Ramos

Right off the bat, I love the covers by Alex Ross. This story gives us a lot of the back story on Liberty Belle. And a cool Liberty Belle developement when she and the rest of the JSA go up against the Flash villain, Zoom in Atlanta, Georgia. Geoff Johns has done a great job with this team book. I’ve enjoyed the introductions or re-introductions he’s given us to some of the newer generation members of the team, but not at the sacrifice of a larger story to involve the whole team. A quality team book and in my opinion the best team book being put out by DC right now. 4.5 out of 5 rating

World War Hulk, #3 of 5, Marvel

Greg Pak, John Romita, Jr., Klaus Janson, Christina Strain

This time its long time Hulk enemy, Gen. “Thunderbolt” Ross leading the charge with the army behind him. Lets see with the Avengers and every other available superhero worth a crap failing to contain the Hulk and his alien crew, what do we think the odds that a combined strike by copters and tanks is going to anything? This time they’re armed with adamantium rounds… so they have a chance this time right? Sure, sure. Other then some interesting bits with Dr. Strange this book fell flat with me. I mean its really just plodding on like a video game. With an enemy taken down in a relatively few panels every issue. First issue it was Black Bolt and Iron Man, 2nd issue we had the Avengers & Fantastic Four, this time the Hulk goes against the army. I’m disappointed that this series is so predictable. And unfortunately the battle scenes with the exception of the initial battle against Iron Man haven’t been that fun to see on the printed page. The Hulk/Thing battle barely covered 3 frames for crying out loud. JRJR is putting in solid artwork and I’m glad he’s getting these books out on time so it doesn’t break the flow. I’m sticking with it, the end of this issue got my interest. 3 out of 5 ranking

The Immortal Iron Fist – #7, Marvel

Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Travel Foreman, Derek Fridolfs, Leandro Fernandez, Francisco Paronzini, Khari Evans, Victor Olazaba

This is a one shot, self contained story that serves as a break between our main story line. Usually I can’t stand these little pauses in the ongoing story. I’ve been known to even skip the book altogether as use my cash for another title to check it out. The cover and interior art grabbed my interest and the story was so good I’ve read it twice. Basically this story is the tale of the first woman to hold the power & duty of the Iron Fist. It’s a story with humor, romance, and pirates. With so much talent contributing to this book doing the art chores on the different parts of the Iron Fists life as she grows, it really makes for a special book. Hell I’d read a mini-series on this Iron Fist I found her so interesting. Great job on this one. 5 out of 5 ranking

Technorati Tags: Justice Society of America JSA Iron FIst kung-fu Hulk DC Comics Marvel Comics Marvel comic books characters Ed Brubaker Greg Pak Liberty Belle Hourman Power Girl Iron Man World War Hulk reviews superheroes