On the heels of all the reductive funneling found in the last few installments of writer Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers epic, this week’s issue takes a slightly different tactic. Front-loaded with several flashback segments, “…And All That’s Left is Ashes” is surprisingly additive as it plows ahead. It’s a lot like throwing on a bunch of last minute topping ingredients right before the whole thing goes into the oven that is Secret Wars. [Read more…] about AVENGERS #43 Review: “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
NEW AVENGERS #32 Review: “Are You There, Beyonders? It’s Me, Thor!”
For a series touting “Everything Dies” as its mantra since inception, there is some pretty clear intent. However, the make-good on that promise doesn’t ease the blow any – no matter how much it’s projected. After thinning some of the support cast last time, this week writer Jonathan Hickman turns to the Multiversal Avengers, culling from Earth’s Mightiest in “The Fall of Gods.” [Read more…] about NEW AVENGERS #32 Review: “Are You There, Beyonders? It’s Me, Thor!”
GUARDIANS TEAM-UP #3 Review: “Frenemy Mine!”
After a cluttered front half, the focus of Marvel’s cosmic “Black Vortex” storyline tightens this issue but also curveballs, surprisingly spotlighting the unlikeliest cast member. This midstream maneuver by writer Sam Humphries is an unexpectedly bold choice in a tale already overrun with protagonists and slow to gain momentum. It’s also doubly bold as the new Guardians Team-Up book is yet to find proper footing. Indeed, risk as its own reward is thematic as the mic passes to… Ronan The Accuser?! [Read more…] about GUARDIANS TEAM-UP #3 Review: “Frenemy Mine!”
NEW AVENGERS #31 Review: “The Man Behind the Curtain”
After a few installments of fairly straightforward exposition and gripping apocalyptic drama, the captain is once again flashing the overhead “spoiler alert” as Jonathan Hickman turns over one of his major cards this week. Entitled “Rabum Alal”, the latest New Avengers spotlights Doctor Strange uncovering the identity of one of the mystery power-players in the upcoming Secret Wars. The captain is also advising that exposing the Great Oz, err.. Destroyer will lead to thorough gobsmackery for all and medium-grade digging into the back issue bins for those inclined. [Read more…] about NEW AVENGERS #31 Review: “The Man Behind the Curtain”
HOWARD THE DUCK #1 Review: “Episode Waugh!!”
The latest in a string of offbeat hits from Marvel, Howard The Duck relaunches this week by writer Chip Zdarsky, artist Joe Quinones and colorist Rico Renzi. As much as this is the ground floor of something new and exciting, there’s achievement in the undertaking simply on a profound “balls to dust this off” level. Cementing itself to the epicenter of the Marvel Universe whether anybody asked it to or not, the debut issue is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny and wildly accessible entertainment. [Read more…] about HOWARD THE DUCK #1 Review: “Episode Waugh!!”