Last week’s installment gave us the second of Barry Windsor-Smith’s two Storm-based collaborations with Chris Claremont, a standalone issue called “LifeDeath II” that foreshadowed the return of (still powerless) Ororo to the X-Men. This week gives us a killer issue leading up to Uncanny #200…and, as comics fans well know, those issues with important numbers are always…well…important. Claremont, Romita and Green certainly weren’t resting up for the main event, though! [Read more…] about Old-School X-Men with Lincoln Crisler: Uncanny X-Men #199
Reviews
Marvel NOW! Review! Iron Man vol 2 & vol 3: The Secret Origin of Tony Stark
Origin stories are a staple of superhero comic book lore, as essential to the mythology as wolves to romulus & remus or sweet teeth to Hansel & Gretzel. At some point, every comic book fan wants to know how their heroes got their start, which is why we see miniseries like Wolverine’s “Origins” getting a second chance at life a decade after the original. Within the last decade, this obsession with origins has also led to the more dramatic “secret origin,” the twist or new light brought to a revisiting of an established character’s roots. Typically, “secret origins” has been a DC Comics labeling, with the likes of Green Lantern’s Secret Origins launching a modern favorite run on Hal Jordan (and ultimately spawning a disaster of a film). It was only a matter of time before Marvel co opted the language, and hence, we have Kieron Gillen and Greg Land’s “The Secret Origin of Tony Stark.” [Read more…] about Marvel NOW! Review! Iron Man vol 2 & vol 3: The Secret Origin of Tony Stark
Moon Knight #7 Review! They’re gone but, it’s still good
Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey are gone. Luckily, the book’s still good and continues on the Moon Knight story that Ellis and Shalvey started in those first six magical issues. Obviously this isn’t exactly what those issues were and can’t replicate what they did. Although so far it is one of the more successful transitions between creators. The one thing that I particularly liked about the new creative team was that they didn’t try to do a one-shot and are going for a more original story arc. In short, don’t judge this book too fast before you give it a chance. [Read more…] about Moon Knight #7 Review! They’re gone but, it’s still good
Black Widow #10 Review! The Spider and the Archer
Before I get to this issue, isn’t it just impressive that this book has had the same writer and artist for ten issues straight, and the book has remained on time? That rarely happens now (unless your artist is John Romita Jr. or Mark Bagley) in either Marvel or DC titles, and even Image titles need to pace themselves out. Now to issue #10. [Read more…] about Black Widow #10 Review! The Spider and the Archer
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #15 Review! This Comic, Right?
So continues the series that does not want to die. This is also a book I cheer every time it comes out, because it has been a consistently funny and charming read. Following a group of C-level (at best) supervillains as they attempt to make a name for themselves in the Marvel underworld and achieve personal wealth and power. All along the way they stab each other in the back, lie through their teeth, and generally just can’t seem to get along. This series has shown that writer Nick Spencer can write very funny comedies when he’s allowed to just have fun with the world, including established serious characters (Dr. Doom anyone?). Steve Lieber also proves that he has great comedic timing when it comes to portraying the actions of the characters, the most notable example would be Mark 7’s attempts to maneuver out a window or around a room with his wings extended. [Read more…] about Superior Foes of Spider-Man #15 Review! This Comic, Right?