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Iron Man #6 Review

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Feb 242013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Iron Man

Issue #6

Written by Kieron Gillen, Art by Greg Land

Published: April 2013

I just don’t get this series at all. Having followed Iron Man for quite some time I am irked at almost every aspect of this new re-launch. From a marketing standpoint I get the idea of a re-launch. But, why do it in the way it is being done? Iron Man III is coming out where he faces off against the Mandarin which was covered before the NOW issues. Avengers II and the Defenders are a bit down the road…yet here we have Tony off bumbling around in space with no particular point or focus.

Focus. I think that is what gets me the most. After an epic battle with the Mandarin that took Tony through all sorts of emotional places that series ended with him walking away from it all. That made sense. He needed to get away from it all and try and find himself and his place in the world. If that is the case then why in the hell is he just being plain ole Tony cruising in space and hitting on anything female whether it is alien or not? Where is the focus? Where is the growth of character we should expect? That is my problem with this series. It is just so random and it feels like Keiron Gillen is just playing off the character or expected character of Tony Stark rather than delving into it. It is just a waste.

The art is…well it is still being drawn by Greg Land. This issue is marginally better than the last mainly because of the change of scenery. Overall I think it matches the story well in that they both aren’t right for Iron Man.

This is another putrid 4 or 5 out of 10 review. On another note, I am less enthused about the suit then when this series started. I think that says a lot as the title is Iron Man. You don’t need to tweak everything to make it better or cooler. Small, thoughtful adjustments were always the best ones.

New Avengers #3 Review

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Feb 232013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

New Avengers

Issue #3

Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by by Steve Epting

Published: April 2013

I think this is my favorite of the new releases on the Avengers in the NOW series. The reason is because this book feels more original in scope compared to the others. It is a higher level concept in a sense because this group seems to have a different purpose or goal in the way they will deal with problems. In effect but having them members of the team also be the Illuminati there is a subtle shift that I find very intriguing.

In this issue Hickman reveals a big event that the team needs to overcome involving another universe crashing into our own. There is some great stuff in this book such as a perfectly done flashback, some super powerful items that need to be used perfectly (and are), an angry Captain America, and some great reflective work regarding the mistakes and outcome of A vs. X. The issue rolls along pretty well, takes a wicked twist in the middle, and then rushes towards a dark ending. It is difficult to review as I want to say more, but really can’t because you need to read it. Great dialogue in certain spots and a well developed plot make this a very good read.

Add to that solid plot some of Steve Epting’s art and you have a book that is fun to read. He nails it again with great character work and a nice, dark tone. The bottom line is a very solid 9 out of 10, perhaps even squeaking into the rare 9.5 territory. Honestly there is stuff covered in here that will replay in other books in the future, so it is probably a good pickup for most people.

Secret Avengers #37 Review

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Feb 202013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Secret Avengers

Issue #37

Written by Rick Remender, Art by Matteo Scalera

Published: March 2013

Wow, what a great ending to a very good series. I have to say, Rick Remender went out strong with a gripping conclusion to by far one of the better Avenger runs in recent memory. The whole idea of the Secret Avengers was to use such a wide range of players that it almost felt like cast-offs in some sense. At the same time these great characters get some solid face time to show off their quirks in a team environment and end up going toe-to-toe with some bad guys yet still manage to scrape out the win.

That was exactly the type of story we had here. Father is an uber bad guy (well not so bad from certain perspectives) that is going to destroy humanity. The Avengers have to give it everything they have, plus a little help, to save the world yet again. In the end good triumphs but at the same time it is how Remender reminds us that evil is out there in many shapes that makes this ending so good. Humans have flaws or perceived flaws and Remender capitalizes on that in his story telling in a very nice way that adds the possibility of reality to it.

The art is solid by Matteo Scalera. I like his work in general and there was some very nice panels in this book. There were a few panels where it almost seemed like work was unfinished or overly hurried but overall it is good, especially the fight scenes with Hawkeye.

The bottom line is a very solid 8.5 out of 10 ending to a series that I will truly miss. I liked the cast of characters and for the most part enjoyed the last dozen or so issues that Remender penned. Fare thee well Secret Avengers!

Avengers #5 Review

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Feb 172013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Avengers

Issue #5

Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by Adam Kubert

Published: April 2013

Um okkaaaaaayyyy. I am not really sure what to make of this issue let alone the direction of this series. I felt that the new launch of Avengers started strong with a nice three issue arc that laid some solid groundwork as to what we are going to be all about. I even complained about not enough character development for newer characters. Oooops.

Apparently Jonathan Hickman gave in to my desire because this issue and the last seem devoted to developing new characters. Well I get the idea; this book is titled “Avengers”. While the plot is loosely related to a general Avengers themed book, this issue and the last have been basic one issue character developers. While that might be nice to some people, I would prefer a little more team oriented action with a set cast and then spending part of an issue on background. Instead we get an issue that is mostly centered around developing a new character that has links to Captain America through her grandfather. Sure, Hyperion was an interesting issue, but this one really isn’t. Maybe it is just the character herself. Either way, I really hope this isn’t going to be the trend of developing individuals as filler between arcs.

The art is okay. Honestly I expect good to great work from Adam Kubert but this issue was less than stellar. Maybe he wasn’t feeling Smasher either. Perhaps it was the erratic pace of the story that threw off the flow? I really don’t know the answer.

The bottom line is that this issue came out to a disappointing 6 out of 10 rating. The story wasn’t bad, it was more odd, but at the same time not compelling or overly enticing. Plus it felt erratic during the read. Not the best way to hit the 5th issue in a series where you should be building excitement.

All New X-Men #7 Review

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Feb 152013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

All New X-Men

Issue #7

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by David Marquez

Published: April 2013

I was a bit torn after reading this issue. There are some good parts, a few small bad parts, and then a general sense of “hmmmm” I had about a lot of the issue. Of course after reading Brian Michael Bendis for so long, that is generally par for the course, right?

One thing about Bendis that has been very consistent is his love of dialogue. But, that also seems like is undoing sometimes. It is like he gets overly wrapped up in his dialogue for a bit too long sometimes which can take away from the overall story. This issue had some very strong dialogue points. For the direction Bendis is exploring, it almost has to. There are so many relationships to touch on…something Bendis is very good at doing…that obviously you need to have a certain amount of talking going on. At the same time when you do a complete issue of that or even more than one issue in a row, it takes away a bit of the luster of a comic which to me should combine action and adventure with the dialogue. While I do love the way he is setting the stage, I would also prefer some more spice in the interactions and maybe a bit more tension.

The art of David Marquez is decent but still has me clamoring for Stuart Immonen. Part of it is style but mostly I am not a fan of some of the little facial expressions that change the overall feel of a character. I think I understand what he is trying to do, but I just am not a big fan of it. Still, it is decent work.

For this week I have to give this book a solid 8 out of 10. It is good, but not great. Some people might prefer a bit more action, but when you read Bendis you know that there are quite a few dialogue issues that set up arcs down the line; this is one of those.

Superior Spider-Man #2 Review

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Feb 052013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Superior Spider-Man

Issue #2

Written by Dan Slott, Art by Ryan Stegman

Published: March 2013

Time for the second book on this interesting ride Dan Slott is taking us on. Talk about taking an idea that is completely out there and going with it! First I have to give props to Marvel and Slott for giving this a whirl. It is groundbreaking and has so much potential. Of course just like with any good superhero…will that potential be used properly?

The end of the first book provided a startling revelation – the ghost that walks, or at least the ghost like thing that is Peter Parker. Now it feels like we have a weird helper ready to be pulled into a story whenever needed. It reminds me of the invisible Angel on the shoulder idea whispering encouragement. Now I have to say, having the Doc Ock brain seems to have advantages. He opted to set up an app on his iPad to find out when crime is happening. Rather amazing seeing that Parker was supposed to be pretty brainy that he never did that. Then Ock is getting rather suave with Mary Jane. Now while I like the ghost Peter aspect, I really hope it doesn’t get overplayed; by the end of this issue it was starting to grate a bit. It would be better if he was only able to pop in occasionally so you never knew when he would be around. That could cause some situations of interest.

The art by Ryan Stegman is solid again. Really two issues in you expect a certain level of adjustment as the artist finds the character but Stegman seems to have a grasp on exactly what he wants to do visually. Overall it was a solid job by the art team to create a good looking story with its own identity.

So how does it rate? A 7.5 out of 10 feels about right but it might be closer to and 8. Overall I like the direction and idea. Doc Ock’s fumbling combined with egotistical genius arrogance is funny as he tries to figure this all out. The ghost Peter aspect was a bit overplayed and certainly is a cause for concern. So the end result was an interesting book that was good but not great.

Avengers #4 Review

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Feb 032013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Avengers

Issue #4

Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by Adam Kubert

Published: March 2013

It’s like Jonathan Hickman read my review on the last issue and incorporated the constructive criticism I provided. Highly unlikely, I know, but it still seems that way. The first arc was very busy, like a grand introduction to the way Hickman would write this series. He obviously has solid team chops with his excellent run on Fantastic Four so the expectations are high as this new run gets going.

With one arc under wraps Marvel is still on a steroid pace with weekly issues to keep readers excited about these new titles. I like it, mainly because I am a bit of a comic junkie. In this book Hickman takes my advice and slows down the tempo a bit. The last book was packed with a lot of stuff, as many arc endings tend to be. Instead of going overboard in this issue, we actually get to slow down and evaluate how the team did and take the time to connect with new players on the team. This week the focus is Hyperion, a character with an odd history within the Marvel realm. Apparently Hickman is taking a ‘clean slate’ mentality with this version, simply having him come from an alternate universe to help clear up any back stories from other sources.

The art is honestly a slight step back. My usual gripe about changing artists so often comes into play. Adam Kubert is a solid artist and does good work, but it is not at the same level as the first three books. The colors were okay but also a minor bit different which lent the entire read a slightly changed feel to it. Overall that dropped the score down a notch for me.

The overall review is a solid 8 out of 10. This is a great jumping in point for new readers. At the same time we don’t have anything amazing happening, just solid story development. Still, as far as the new releases go this one has been good so far and should stay that way with Hickman at the helm.

Uncanny Avengers #3 Review

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Jan 302013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Uncanny Avengers

Issue #3

Written by Rick Remender, Art by John Cassaday

Published: March 2013

I love the Red Skull as a villain. He is a classic, old school, a true Marvel Original and it is nice to see him taking some serious limelight. In a way it is like they way Norman Osborne or Doc Ock got a big bump last year from being a villain that was a nemesis to a single hero became a world-wide threat. The Skull was a world-wide threat before it was a world overpopulated with heroes and now he is back and looking pretty tough.

I like that the Red Skull stays on target with his Nazi roots to eliminate the ‘unnaturals’ like mutants. Of course he has to use a mutant brain to allow him to so this in perfect comic irony. On the other side of the coin we have Captain America running a mixed team mainly for the purpose of showing the world that mutants and non-mutants can work together. So we have good versus evil battling on a large scale which is what the Avengers is all about. What more could you ask for in the first arc for this new run?

This issue was great because we had a lot of the Red Skull being diabolical and evil. I loved the dialogue and thought the writing was very strong. Plus there are some interesting points like Havok being more of the leader. We even had a nice twist that I won’t share. On the art side we have John Cassady just nailing it all over the place. There are subtle images on the edges of panels, emotion that you can see, and excellent detail; really top notch work. The colors were a bit off though, too bright in some spots which distracts.

Overall this issue felt like an 8.5 out of 10. Again my love of the Red Skull as a big villain made me overlook the less than stellar explanation for how he got his powers, but I enjoyed the overall read very much.

Avengers #3 Review

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Jan 292013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Avengers

Issue #3

Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by Jerome Opena

Published: March 2013

The first two issues of this re-launch came out strong so it was a bit disappointing to see even a slight drop off. But, that is what we have here. This initial arc ends with a good conclusion. I had hoped for great but there were a few things that Jonathan Hickman did which left me a little disappointed.

Honestly I will try and not spoil the issue and instead just focus on the likes and not likes. What I liked was the dialogue. We had some crisp and funny exchanges that really helped the issue feel light and fun. Also the concept is still strong; the Avengers are a team that deals with big problems, not the nickel and dime stuff. The Earth is in danger so you call in the big guns. I really like that they need to use an expanded roster to tackle big problems instead of dealing with issues that Iron Man or Thor alone can probably handle (or does handle in their own books). The writing is solid with a developed idea and some really great moments.

What I didn’t like are things that I hope will improve. First off, the expanded roster needs more attention. Instead of a three issue arc, four should have been used to give the entire team more coverage rather than making some members seem more like a single issue cameo. Next, when Thor and the Hulk are part of the team the threat really does need to take longer than a few panels for resolution. Or if it will be that easy then one of two should be neutralized to make it more of a struggle. In issue #1 the team wasn’t strong enough so they beefed up with more members, but then it was too easy.

The art by Jerome Opena was very nice. He drew some beautiful scenes, especially on Mars. He did a great job with the varied cast plus all of the action. The bottom line is a solid 8.5 out of 10 to finish the arc. I had hoped for more but this is still a fun issue and a lot of people should really enjoy this comic if it stays strong.

Deadpool #4 Review

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Jan 272013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Deadpool

Issue #4

Written by Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan, Art by Tony Moore

Published: March 2013

The Deadpool re-launch has been pretty decent over the first four issues. Deadpool is a complex character to write, probably more than a lot of others because of all the different ways he has been used over the years. The constant undertone of comedy that is pretty much required makes other aspects of drama that you might find in other solo books harder to use. As such sometimes writers forgo a lot of character development and focus on having fun; that is exactly what we have going on here.

Duggan and Posehn are comedians so it is not a huge surprise that they went the funny route with Deadpool. I just don’t think they have it in them to delve into his character, his motives, or other deep musings unless it is in pursuit of laughs. But that is okay. Four issues in now I have gotten used to it and am just taking Deadpool for what it is, a very fun ride. Really when you have a zombie Abe Lincoln in a boxing ring on the cover what can you expect? Deadpool fighting Abe Lincoln in a boxing ring of course! We are getting some really zany and odd directions but since it is Deadpool it all sort of works. Some of the work is great and some is so-so. More than likely different people will enjoy it more than others; Deadpool fans tend to be a varied bunch.

The art by Tony Moore certainly elevates this issue and gives it some great readability. Great action scenes that really keep the pace going make this book visually appealing even in slow spots. The bottom line is a 8.0 (maybe an 8.5) out of 10. The book was light and fun which made me laugh a lot. Duggan and Posehn do good work and if you like a funny Deadpool then give this new run a chance.

New Avengers #2 Review

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Jan 262013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

New Avengers

Issue #2

Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by by Steve Epting

Published: March 2013

To start, I loved the cover of this book. It was just a great concept to use in combining the Avengers and Illuminati. Really it made me eager to read the book because that type of hook has to bode well, right?

I have to say that I was a bit impressed. The first book received a so-so review because I didn’t like the pace and there were a few moments that were confusing. Right off the bat we get a second issue delivered in a quick release to lend some understanding to the situation. Plus there was a lot more tension in this issue that you could literally feel while reading. My favorite aspect of this issue was the tension created and dialogue that Hickman used. There was a lot to cover and the subject matter was serious. This appears to be more of a solemn team of people that carry the weight of their actions and I loved every panel of it. The art was matched perfectly lending itself to the story with great facial features and a plain and somber backdrop.

Really I felt like this issue unlocked the last making me want to rate it higher, but it only works after reading this issue. The book really explained and expanded on the idea of what this team is about. Hickman really showed a good feel for the characters as he found the voices of Stark, Namor, and Doctor Strange. It was a tremendous second issue that now has me eager for a lot more of what he is selling!

Sign me up for a very nice 9 out of 10 rating. It was dark and moody with plenty to keep a reader interested. If you haven’t yet, pick up this issue and the first to read in quick succession for a nice beginning to a new story.

Daredevil #22 Review

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Jan 252013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Daredevil

Issue #22

Written by Mark Waid, Art by Chris Samnee

Published: March 2013

It’s like riding a great roller coaster and every time the ride is about to end the operator just waves you on past for another go round! That is exactly how I feel every time I grab a new issue of Daredevil. Somewhere in the back of my mind I expect a letdown of some sort. I mean, it has to happen eventually right? Writers just can’t nail it issue after issue. Yet…Mark Waid does.

This is the best comic Marvel has out right now (and that includes right NOW too). It has been 22 issues of fantastic stuff and this book is no different. Really with Spider-Man #700 now old news why not introduce the old/new web slinger into Daredevil’s world? After all this is a filler issue so let’s go all out here!

I love this book on so many levels. Waid just “gets” Murdock and Daredevil in all the little important ways. Do we open with a fight scene? No we get to see how a blind man deals with the issue of figuring out if he just gave someone a twenty or one-dollar bill. He grounds us in the character and then sends us off into a tremendous issue of challenges Matt has to face. He is supposedly unstable, down, out, fired, and now has Spider-Man coming to take him out; just your average day! The story twists and turns marvelously and it almost seems like we might have a new relationship developing between Daredevil and Spider-Man that can be explored in the future. Then the issue ends with an absolute punch to gut that I won’t spoil.

The art by Chris Samnee is perfect as always. Expressions, fight scenes, and backgrounds just flow so well together and match the story along with the classic style of Daredevil so well.

This issue is a brilliant 10 out of 10. You need this book in your bag and this issue is a great starting

All New X-Men #6 Review

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Jan 242013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

All New X-Men

Issue #6

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by David Marquez

Published: March 2013

Man down, man down! It was bound to happen but only 6 issues in? David Marquez takes over on art duties and I am peeved. Stuart Immonen had done a masterful job for the first 5 issues and it annoys me to know end when there is an abrupt shift in art duties. Writers aren’t suddenly pulled mid-arc!

Sigh. So in the actual plot we have a lot of good stuff going on. Bendis does his normal thing of investing time in developing each character and involving them in interactions and situations that then lend to self analysis. Jean Grey was a focal point last issue but this time around she fades a bit while Young Scott Summers and Wolverine step a bit more to the forefront. In a way it was a nice change of pace and almost direction as this issue was bent solely on development. I do really like when Bendis does this because it provides a slow-down breather to really get more connected and involved. He looks at the Young X-Men and focuses on their teenage aspect, much like with Avengers Academy.

So the art wasn’t bad. In its’ own light it was good in most spots. But, if you are like me and love Immonen’s work so far then it is just too much of a shift in style to accept easily. Luckily the story was at a slow pace so it was less noticeable but it was still enough to annoy me.

The bottom line is a 8 or 8.5 out of 10. The art knocked it down a peg because the first 5 issues were so good I became spoiled. Overall it was a nice issue and a good point to jump into the series.

Superior Spider-Man #1 Review

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Jan 212013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Superior Spider-Man

Issue #1

Written by Dan Slott, Art by Ryan Stegman

Published: March 2013

The good, the bad, and the ugly…all within a single issue! The controversial re-launch of one of the classic Marvel titles was met with much speculation and trepidation. So how did it do? Honestly, it could have been better.

Let’s start with the good. Dan Slott has been writing Spidey for a while and has a solid grasp of the plot and the players (obviously has he has been directing the plot). This switch of shoving Doc Ock into Spider-Man was a solid move, groundbreaking, and unique. So far so good as the story itself is fresh and new which is easily displayed with the dialogue. Slott does some great character work and seems to really nail it with our new ‘superhero’. There is a whole new perspective being explored and that is just fantastic in my opinion.

The bad and the ugly came to together on the other side of this book…the art. Ryan Stegman is a decent artist but he did not do a great job here. The panels were cramped and crowded which made reading the dialogue difficult and distracting. The pacing of the action just felt off. However one saving grace was the brilliant idea to change the basic color tone of the issue. The slight shift marked the subtle change of the book itself nicely.

So the bottom line is somewhere around a 7.5 or maybe an 8 out of 10 rating. The plot is very compelling because of the new perspective, but the art really dragged it down. I think new readers might like what is going on here and I will certainly be back for more as the art can easily change.

Secret Avengers #36 Review

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Jan 192013

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Secret Avengers

Issue #36

Written by Rick Remender, Art by Matteo Scalera

Published: March 2013

A slight uptick from the last issue but I still feel like Rick Remender is not making the most of the table he set! First things first, Remender is very good at slowly developing a story across numerous arcs by bringing small things up and then wrapping them together in an intricate web. But, it seems like when the web is drawing to a close things seem to get a bit jumbled.

In this issue we have things drawing to a head with our Avengers team getting ready to throw down with Father. We have some nice dialogue, a solid story, things coming together, and a whole bunch of cool fight scenes. From the overview that sounds like a pretty darn good issue; and it was. Except…there were a few things that stood out as unnecessary or out of place. To start with, Remender pushed too much into the issue. He should have slowed down the pace a little more and added depth to moments that needed it. It felt like sections could have been developed more. Next, Black Widow and Valkyrie just got worked and it was a bit sad. Unless there is a reason a few issues down the road it just made the women heroes come across as lesser or weak. Finally, why did Spider-Man get so much face time and not add anything to the issue?

For art Matteo Scalera kills it again. I love the way he draws the Human Torch and Captain Britain plus Hawkeye. The battle scenes were fairly awesome and he really showcased the powers and abilities of our heroes nicely.

The bottom line is that we squeak an 8 out of 10 rating here. It is starting to come together nicely even though this issue felt a little sloppy in a few parts. I have high hopes that the big finish will peak nicely.

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