Posts tagged Marvel comics
The brand new trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man, which hits theaters on July 3.
A couple thoughts:
- The costume looks pretty damned bad, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over it. Too much blue, too much over-design, too much “Oh, the mask got removed so the actor can have more face-time.”
- They still have that whole “trying to quip with a mask muffling your voice” problem that the Raimi films had, and it really hurts how these lines are delivered.
- I like how they touch on Pete being a genius - or at least approaching one - but it’s not clear if that’s a “him” or the Spider powers.
- This “untold story” thing makes me really nervous. I’m not sure why, but I just have a really bad feeling about them adding something to Spider-Man’s origin that’ll taint the whole thing.
- I like Gwen’s interaction in this film, as she actually seems to have a point.
- Dennis Leary is going to be the JK Simmons of these movies.
Probably will skip this when it comes out, but catch it on Netflix/DVD.
(Source: marvel.com)
Ah. Crap.
As an Iron Fist fan, I’m not sure how to take this.
On one hand, it’s not Jean Grey.
On the other, Iron Fist’s character has gone through a number of changes recently that seems to be shifting him away from the whole Ku’un Lun origin, like the whole “white divine costume” at the beginning of New Avengers and then this.
I’m surprised at Bendis (who is supposed to be a big Luke Cage fan) that he might completely circumvent the amazing backstory that was fleshed out in Immortal Iron Fist by Brubaker and Fraction. (Presumably) taking away Danny’s connection to the dragon that gives him power is similar to the whole Colossus/Juggernaut storyline: the powers become the point of the character, opposed to another facet.
I see Iron Fist being the catalyst of the Avengers vs. X-Men conflict, or at least a major player; I’m happy with this, but I’m kind of disappointed it might come at the expense of a rich backstory and a unique setting.
Exclusive Marvel Reveal: NEW AVENGERS #25 - AvX Tie-in at Newsarama
Review: The Amazing Spider-Man Issue #677
The Amazing Spider-Man #677 (Mark Waid, Emma Rios)
The Good
For starters, I have to applaud Marvel in bringing Mark Waid over to write a few issues of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN while pulling double duty on DAREDEVIL. It’s fitting, because the latter teams up with Spidey in this issue for some hi-jinks.
But here’s the thing: Waid writes Spider-Man and Daredevil in having a kind of comraderie that I never thought them having before. In short, Spidey and Hornhead act like long-time bros in this issue, and it suits them immensely.
Hearing Daredevil saying that his swining routes have changed because of renovations to a building and a lack of “grip points” switched on a lightbulb in my head that made me think “Hey! They do travel using the same method. Why wouldn’t they talk about “traffic conditions” like any other commuter?
Spider-Man has a great personality in this issue, and it shows during certain exchanges with Black Cat; as a recently-dumped dude, his desperation shows, and the boiling over point where he tells Daredevil that he’s “Having a bad day, dammit!” really made me smile. We can tell this is one of the many bad days Peter has dealt with during his life, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better.
The Bad
The only thing I can say that I didn’t like about this issue is the art; I find that it was far too messy/gritty for the story it was telling, and at times Peter simply didn’t look like Peter. I know the brown-hair-and-lean build isn’t exactly unique, but there’s always been unique indicators that keep Pete, Pete.
In this issue there was some of those missing, which is a pity, considering the praiseworthy art that’s been present in DAREDEVIL and this title in the past.
The Verdict
Like I said above, this issue makes great use of characters, and has a witty use of technology to involve both Spider-Man and Daredevil’s powers. There’s a bit of misdirection with DD’s blindness that pays off in a big way, which left me grinning.
I think what’s most important to realize in this issue is that it harkens back to the old-school team-up, and it manages to refresh it nicely. No longer does Daredevil “just happen to be in the neighborhood”; Spider-Man finds him due to their past association, and characters from both stories intertwine. I loved seeing continuity between the two titles, and it only served to reinforce that these are some of Marvel’s best books right now.
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Cover by Arthur Adams, Gabriel Hardman
Seems like ol’ Hawkeye is getting around these days. Teacher at the Avengers Academy and leader of the Secret Avengers? Not doubting Cliff’s experience, here, but I think they just needed a buzz-cut marine to replace Steve Rogers after his return to the Captain America cowl. Perhaps this was also a move to drum up some excitement for the Avengers movie.
Good cover, good colors, few complaints. I don’t like Beast’s appearance, because the goggles look hokey and I thought it was clear that Hank was brought in for his brains, not his brawn. Now that Warren Ellis is off the book, it’ll be interesting to see how Rick Remender (Punisher) uses him.
Black Widow’s hair looks like a Chia Pet, and Valkyrie seems to be stepped down a little from the beefed-up warrior maiden we’ve seen in this title and Thunderbolts.
Captain Britain will be an interesting addition to the team: his face in the first panel of the last page is priceless.
Secret Avengers #21 is out tomorrow from Marvel. If you liked this post, follow me on Tumblr or Twitter; I’m about 5 followers away from 1000 on the latter!
Today’s comics haul, all from BMV in the Annex, Toronto:
A Drifting Life - Yoshihiro Tatsumi ($34 $15)
Reinventing Comics - Scott McCloud ($30 $9.99)
Making Comics - Scott McCloud ($30 $9.99)
New Mutants (Vol 3 TPB #1), Return of Legion - Zeb Wells, Rogenes Venes, Zachary Baldus ($19.99 $9.99)
Second-hand bookstores = love.
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This week’s comic pick: DAREDEVIL #6 (MARVEL COMICS)
Written by: Mark Waid
Art & Cover: Marcos Martin
Spoilers ahoy
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I’ve been really digging this new Daredevil series because of its lack of continuity and its back-to-basics approach to super hero stories. After the clusterfuck that was Shadowland, I think Matt Murdock needed a bit of a reprieve from the whole “ninjas and demons and possession” thing.
This issue has Daredevil fighting Bruiser, who kind of struck a chord with me as a unique villain; he wants to “move up the ranks” of fighting heroes in order to fight people like the Hulk, but realizes that he has to gain experience at doing so, lest he get whupped.
This seemed to be quite a weird quality to have, but I ended up enjoying it a whole bunch; Bruiser didn’t seem necessarily evil, just misguided. I mean, the guy could have easily been a wannabe hero starting at street level with aspirations of taking down the mob, but sometimes the villain-y role just seems more alluring.
Sometimes, simplicity is best: he’s a hired thug, but he’s not dull and/or dumb. He brings the fight to Daredevil and is taken down by logical and practical means. I also found it kind of cool that he’s sponsored by various terrorist groups, and wears patches like a NASCAR suit: a guy’s gotta eat, I guess.
As usual, Martin’s art is phenomenal, and the above sequence was easily my favourite part of the book. The contrast between Daredevil’s silhouette and red eyes on the blue of the water really gave me the feeling of sensory deprivation.
There’s also a sequence later in the book where Daredevil uses his radar in order to figure out that Bruiser’s skeleton can’t support the strain that his center-of-gravity-shifting powers are putting on his body. I found this a novel and interesting way to expand DD’s power set without crossing into ludicrous territory; having him being able to sense the guy’s bones cracking doesn’t seem to be too farfetched.
All in all, I’m impressed by Mark Waid’s ability to write a likeable, interesting Daredevil. Matt Murdock is personable and competent, giving readers a likeable protagonist between his stints in red pyjamas. His supporting cast — hopefully supplemented by an addition this issue — remains robust and important.
Martin’s art can be described as a “rough Samnee”, in that it’s “old school” without ageing the content that’s being shown. I’d say it’s different from Darwyn Cooke, whose art tends to make the stories he tells seem just as antiquated (DC: The New Frontier, his Catwoman stuff).
Martin’s cover has an old-school boxing/wrestling poster vibe to it, which I just love. It frames the conflict of the issue, introduces both parties and lets us know we’re in for a hell of a ride: it doesn’t disappoint.
If you’re not reading this book, you should be. Even if you don’t like Daredevil, you’ll find this book is very newbie-friendly, and the art will make it look amazing on any shelf.
(Source: comicbookresources.com)
Comics I’m buying this week: November 30
Hoo boy - end of the month already? November kind of flew by and after last week’s bonanza of good books, this week seems a bit slow.
A friend of mine who works at Toronto’s Silver Snail mentioned on her blog that November technically has five Wednesdays, which throws off the shipping of comics a bit. I’ve never considered that before, and it’s kind of interesting.
The off week doesn’t necessarily mean that the books this week aren’t good; check out my picks below!
Marvel Comics (Click names for links)
Thunderbolts #166 - Jeff Parker writes a lovely Thunderbolts story, but I feel like I’ve either missed the last issue of this book, or it hasn’t come out in quite a long time. I’ve been following this book since a little bit before Fear Itself, so it’ll be interesting to see it settle into its own book.
Wolverine #19 - I blogged about the sexy-ass cover to Wolverine #19 a couple weeks ago, and now I actually get to read the issue. Matt Fraction’s Fat Cobra showed up last issue, as well, so the comedy’s going to be laid on thick. It’s no coincidence that #18 was my pick of the week two weeks ago: this story reeks of awesomeness. Bring me my wenches of reading!
Daredevil #6 - Mark Waid’s run on Daredevil has me the most interested I’ve been about the character since he was impersonated by Iron Fist. The art, the story, the old-school vibe: it’s super-heroing without complications, and that’s needed sometimes.
Red Skull: Incarnate #5 (of 5) - Controversy aside, David Aja’s covers for this series are works of art. I love the old-school design, and the story within is gripping, detailed and almost surreal; after years of demonizing the Red Skull, it’s weird to think of his back-story. I’m not saying he evokes sympathy - no, he’s quite the bastard - but Greg Pak gives another side to the megalomaniac murderer.
Image Comics (Click names for links)
Skullkickers #12 - I have nothing but good things to say about Skullkickers, as it tugs at my D&D nostalgia heartstrings while bringing the comedy. I’m heartily enjoying the saga of Baldy and Shorty, and just picked up the second trade, which came out last week.
This week’s issue looks to be a series of short, contained “tavern stories” between major story arcs: give it a look if you want a taste of what the series has to offer.
Comics I’m buying this week: November 23
DC Comics
DMZ #71 (pictured above) - Oh gosh, the series is almost over. This is one of my favourite books of all time, so it’s a bit sad to see Matty Roth get put on trial for war crimes. If you haven’t read this book before, you’ve got some catching up to do before the finale in #72. Author Brian Wood said that this one is “the big one” in terms of story resolution, and I fully expect to be blown away.
Flash #3 - Francis Manapul’s art is awesome, and this comic is the first book to make me care about Barry Allen. I’m really enjoying the giant set-pieces that he’s drawing, and the whole “vibrating a plane through a bridge” scene has been set up/previewed for a long time.
Shade #2 (of 12) - Wait, The Shade’s series is out, and I wasn’t notified? Time to catch up! I wrote a column about why Shade needed his own series awhile ago, but it turns out that web site has stopped publishing; oh well. Bad-ass villain turned bad-ass character.
Image Comics
Invincible #84 - I’ve been a bit disappointed by this book as of late because of the large hangover period that came after the story’s major story arc. Mark Grayson has been making a growing series of bad choices as a superhero, and to see a complete 180 in such a small amount of time is disconcerting.
Next issue marks the return of Cory Walker to the book, which I’m quite excited for; nothing against Ryan Ottley, but I just prefer the former’s work. This seems a bit dumb, as, well, the latter has been working on the majority of Invincible’s run, but for some reason the latest arc really turned me off.
I don’t really like when comics I usually enjoy reading unsettle me; I’ve written about this before, and sometimes Invincible’s gore and violence make me want to put it down for a bit.
Marvel Comics
Captain America and Bucky #624 - I’m reviewing a bunch of Marvel books for ComicVine this week, and this issue of Cap & Bucky is the first one I’ve ever read. Shall be fun diving into a new series, and I may pick up a couple back issues in order to get an idea of where the series is.
Invincible Iron Man #510 - Quality from Matt Fraction as always; can’t go wrong with Tony, Pepper and the boys at Stark Resilient. Another review for ComicVine on the way.
Mighty Thor #8 - I’ve been liking this series because it’s relatively continuity-light, and they’ve done some lovely things with Galactus and the Silber Surfer. I’m looking forward to the Fear Itself fallout and seeing some of this “New God of Thunder” business.
Secret Avengers #19 - Warren Ellis. Secret-y things. Beast, Moon Knight, Captain America and Black Widow. Hi-jinks. Secret Avengers is like a more serious Nextwave, and I enjoy every minute.
Pick of the Week - Punisher #5 | Marvel Comics
Messed around with a vlog format that I’ve been toying around with for awhile now.
