Earth-811 is never really a “healthy” source of nostalgia- unless you’re fond of no-win dystopias. The conclusion of writer Marguerite Bennett and company’s “inspired by” riff on the Claremont/Byrne touchstone isn’t so much about course-correcting and bringing about a much-needed ray of sunshine as it is full-bore allegorically presaging the shape of things to come. [Read more…] about YEARS OF FUTURE PAST #5 Review: “Cage-Free Metaphors!”
Secret Wars
FUTURE IMPERFECT #5 Review: “The Norseheim Screwjob!”
As a general rule, thirty-year Marvel veteran Peter David writing a Hulk story is something that at least deserves a once-over. Every time. Let’s face it, he is at the front of a very short list regarding the character’s definitive writers. Furthermore, the reprisal of his watershed dystopic time-travel story isn’t so much “safe territory” as it is a genuine bankable crowd-pleaser. All of this is to say, that right from the first panel, there is tremendous comfort in recognizably witnessing a master in his wheelhouse. No preamble. No lip service. David’s script is large, in charge and it has brought the gamma-rage thunder! [Read more…] about FUTURE IMPERFECT #5 Review: “The Norseheim Screwjob!”
SECRET WARS #5 Review: “If I Did It: The Victor Von Doom Story!”
Although this week’s installment hits another talk-heavy interlude, it is decidedly not a rehash of the “shock pathos” treatment from the third issue. God Emperor Doom is now covering the tracks of his kill-crazy rampage and showing increasing signs of reverting to his super-villain roots. Or, in the words of our national poet, Dr. Dre: “Y’all gonna keep f***ing around with me and turn me back to the old me”. [Read more…] about SECRET WARS #5 Review: “If I Did It: The Victor Von Doom Story!”
SIEGE #1 Review: “Catch Twenty-Doom!”
Winding down assignments from the publisher, writer Kieron Gillen creates an unlikely yet compelling ensemble of cherry-picked Marvel properties from his personal catalog. Instead of resting on well-earned laurels and churning out a self-congratulatory novelty book, Gillen smartly positions his “Greatest Hits” as one of the most integral Secret Wars spin-offs. [Read more…] about SIEGE #1 Review: “Catch Twenty-Doom!”
1872 #1 Review: “A Fistful of Marvel!”
One of the few Secret Wars series not based on a prior storyline, writer Gerry Duggan and artist Nik Virella give Marvel’s pantheon an all-new Old West overhaul. Although the broad strokes tend toward tribute of the Silver and Golden Ages, it’s unfolds with a noir-ish pastiche reminiscent of gritty 1970s cinema. [Read more…] about 1872 #1 Review: “A Fistful of Marvel!”