The first bit of news here is the heartbreaking news - Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie will be ending their run of YOUNG AVENGERS, effectively ending the fourth volume of YOUNG AVENGERS (it might just be the third? I don't really remember and I'm too broken up to check), with issue 15. It sounds like this was a decision made by Gillen and McKelvie, not by Marvel, as addressed on Kieron Gillen's Tumblr. All along they've referred to this ongoing story as the first season of YOUNG AVENGERS, leaving themselves with enough story and enough of an opening to keep going if they wanted but also giving them a backdoor if they wanted a way out. They're taking the latter and, while I accept and maybe even kind of adore their choice (go out strong, make sure you don't let it sit too long and stagnate), it's still heartbreaking news. Brilliant book all the way through, will definitely cherish the final few issues. I will also say that it doesn't come as a HUGE surprise because they've definitely been very guarded about their plans after the first season's conclusion, which certainly has the feel of a goodbye issue.
WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN will also seemingly be coming to an end in February with issue 42, as reported by Aaron on his blog. In the very least, it will be Jason Aaron's last issue with the book, whether or not that exactly means the book is ending. He was hoping to run this book and AMAZING X-MEN side-by-side but it seems like his work schedule is catching up to him and he had to let one book go. I'm not terribly upset about this one.
Meanwhile, it's been confirmed that WOLVERINE will be relaunching as a part of All-New Marvel NOW in February, following the conclusion of Paul Cornell's "Killable" arc on the current WOLVERINE series. The relaunch will feature Cornell still writing but swapping out Alan Davis for Ryan Stegman. While I like that move (I prefer Stegman's work to Davis' by about a mile), I'm still not totally into Cornell's WOLVERINE as is and I'm not sure how I feel about him continuing the run. This new series will apparently feature a shift for the character, though, as Wolvy seems to be coming out of this arc still without his healing power; the teaser image proclaimed "MORTAL" and Cornell has said that it will impact the way he works, giving us a more strategic Wolverine rather than a more guns-blazing Wolverine. Could be interesting, though this one promises to also put Wolverine on a team of not-so-good-guys so we'll see. According to the article linked above, they've apparently also announced a Fantastic Four relaunch that I think I missed. OH NO WAIT, I remember seeing something about it. Hang about.
James Robinson, who will also be leading the new ALL-NEW INVADERS series (pumped), is relaunching FANTASTIC FOUR with a bit of a strange bent to it, from the summary. The FF are evicted from the Baxter Building, Johnny is powerless, Thing is arrested for murder, Dragon Man is sentenced to death, Franklin's imagination is running wild, Val is on her own, etc. Weird, right? We'll see how this goes too.
Showing posts with label Jamie McKelvie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jamie McKelvie. Show all posts
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Sunday, September 1, 2013
This week's picks
Ton of books out this week seems like a justifiable excuse for why I'm having so much trouble picking my top three. Look guys, I have one locked down and one almost locked down. It's tricky because most of the books didn't blow me away this week, even the typical standouts. They were good, they weren't the best. In some cases that affected my decision more (I really liked the Cap arc finale but it didn't totally blow me away, which it seemed like it should have), in some cases it didn't (one or two of the books that made this list are in that category). One of the books in consideration was Deadpool which I thought was a good issue, surprisingly so because I haven't liked the series, but it still wasn't an amazing issue (it almost made the cut because it was such a far cry from how I've felt about the rest of the series). Okay, I'm stalling. Here we go.
Journey into Mystery 655
I tend to give more consideration to a book on its final issue. That still won't get it on this list if it's a bad issue, but I tend to bump it up a little for time served. This week, Journey into Mystery didn't even need that boost. It was a really good issue, a solid end to a solid arc with beautiful art and fun writing which served to enhance the plot and to characterize people involved. Just a really good issue and, sadly, the last time I'll get to choose this book for a top pick. The book that spawned Kid Loki and Kieron Gillen's defining run at Marvel has now reached its end after a great Kathryn Immonen run. She better find a new book quickly at Marvel. Marvel's made a few good moves in terms of trying to highlight women characters and women writers and it's clear they want to make that something of a priority (slowly but surely). It would be ridiculous to have such a talented and proven female writer at your disposal and not put her on a book immediately. Buy this issue. The art alone will make it worth it.
Thor: God of Thunder 12
As good as the heavy-hitting action and revealing characterization of a really great comic book can be, occasionally the change in pace can be as meaningful as anything else. We rarely see Thor in a capacity as an emotional hero; his role has very much become the strong character role (it really always was) so they bring him out in the biggest situations because he's too powerful to use on, say, street-level villains. It's really gratifying to see him take a little time off from punching Kang to travel around and do equally important but more one-on-one heroic things. It's very neat and it was really well done. Nic Klein's art is very impressive as well. It's no easy feat following up Esad Ribic or even leading in comic veteran Ron Garney (who I think is on at least the next issue). Really solid issue.
Young Avengers 9
Young Avengers is a phenomenal book. Every issue has been wonderful and had little hidden wonders to it, on top of the very blatant wonders. It's got stunning art, great characterization, interesting plot, and fantastic writing. All of that said, I did think this was a very slightly weaker issue than we've had from this book. However, slightly weaker from this book is still scores above most other books so it's impossible to not put it on this list (and it would be silly not to). Even with it being slightly weaker (it just felt a little slower than the ones we've had already, and not in a "this needs to be slowed down" kind of way), it still had a ton to love (including, as ever, the art). Also, an adult-ish Leah looking both super cool and oh my god she's going to wreak some serious havoc, you guys. Look, this book is great and always worth your time. Check-check it.
I don't want it to go
This is a new segment, to be used probably just this once, to award the book I least want to be over following this most recent issue. This week's winner is, you guessed it, Journey into Mystery. GUYS, I'M JUST REALLY SAD ABOUT THIS, OKAY?
Journey into Mystery 655
Thor: God of Thunder 12
Young Avengers 9
I don't want it to go
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Comics this week
This is a really interesting contrast for me after last week. There were a limited number of books out last week and I had trouble picking out five to be excited about as a result. I did it because I'm a professional, obviously, but it was trickier than normal. This week, there are only 13 books, again a relatively small week, but my top five jumped out easily as I compiled the list. In fact, I'd say over half the books out this week are worthy of being on this list. Means we're in for a good week, you guys.
Avengers Arena 12
Hazmat and Reptil have rejoined the fight and time is winding down for these kids. Arcade promised at the start that only one would remain alive at the end of the month and their month is almost up. Who will live? Who will die? Did everyone who died really die? We're still waiting to see if Nico's cry for help with her dying breath caught anything. I also think this week (maybe it's next issue, I don't remember) we're supposed to see a little bit of why no one has realized these kids are missing. I remember seeing that brought up in an interview at some point and I want to say it was in relation to Arena 12 or 13 so that could be fun. Surprisingly stellar series keeps on trucking.
Daredevil 28
After the amazing issue 27 that turned things for Daredevil completely on their head by showing a calm and collected Daredevil successfully face off against Bullseye, Lady Bullseye, and Ikari, we're bound to get a little bit of a winding down. Don't expect this issue to be a waste issue; Waid isn't known for those. We're likely to see a bit of aftermath, maybe a bit of clean-up or a bit of rest for Matt and Foggy or, still a possibility despite what I've said already, maybe we'll dive headlong into the next plot. I'll be honest, I was heartened to see Black Widow and Iron Fist make a very quick appearance in the last issue. I'd be pretty thrilled if they got a little more involved in this series, especially with Black Widow and Matt's always entertaining relationship and the severe lack of Iron Fist throughout Marvel NOW.
Hawkeye 12
With Grills dead and Kate and Lucky packing up and moving west, what's left in the city for Hawkeye? Okay, still as much as there was before this series but Clint's going to have to take a look inward to see what exactly he's been doing that's pushing his allies away or getting them killed. To add to that, he's still targeted by the formidable New York criminal syndicate and, in particular, the Clown. To add to THAT, we're set for a reappearance of Clint's older brother Barney Barton, the villain(/hero, if you were reading Jeff Parker's Dark Avengers) known as Trickshot. Because that's just what Hawkeye needs right now.
Indestructible Hulk 10
Another Waid book makes the pre-game cut, as does another appearance of Daredevil. One of the villains from the group Hulk and Daredevil stopped last time managed to escape with a very powerful sonic weapon and, after fleeing the two heroes, brought it to the devious Baron Zemo. Now Hulk and Daredevil are going to have to find Zemo and contend with both him, already a task, and the new weapon. Hulk and Daredevil's relationship has been a pretty interesting one so far as both heroes have, in recent days, been less averse to team-ups and have a level of respect for one another that you don't always get in superhero books. Solid title overall and this storyline has been particularly interesting to see how the new Hulk fits into the superhero community, if you can call Daredevil's world that.
Young Avengers 7
We return to Young Avengers this week after, apparently, three months have passed since last seeing them. There are likely to be changes abound and some explanations to be expected as McKelvie returns on art for this book after a pleasant interlude from Kate Brown. They're also teasing a new Young Avenger (which could very well just be Prodigy but I don't like looking at preview art) and they have plenty of problems to solve, including the mysterious villain last issue, dressed as the Patriot, who disappeared Tommy, and the Skrulls from issue one who are said to make another appearance. One of Marvel's best books right now just as, I could say, all of the ones I've selected here are. What an exciting week, everyone!
Avengers Arena 12
Hazmat and Reptil have rejoined the fight and time is winding down for these kids. Arcade promised at the start that only one would remain alive at the end of the month and their month is almost up. Who will live? Who will die? Did everyone who died really die? We're still waiting to see if Nico's cry for help with her dying breath caught anything. I also think this week (maybe it's next issue, I don't remember) we're supposed to see a little bit of why no one has realized these kids are missing. I remember seeing that brought up in an interview at some point and I want to say it was in relation to Arena 12 or 13 so that could be fun. Surprisingly stellar series keeps on trucking.
Daredevil 28
After the amazing issue 27 that turned things for Daredevil completely on their head by showing a calm and collected Daredevil successfully face off against Bullseye, Lady Bullseye, and Ikari, we're bound to get a little bit of a winding down. Don't expect this issue to be a waste issue; Waid isn't known for those. We're likely to see a bit of aftermath, maybe a bit of clean-up or a bit of rest for Matt and Foggy or, still a possibility despite what I've said already, maybe we'll dive headlong into the next plot. I'll be honest, I was heartened to see Black Widow and Iron Fist make a very quick appearance in the last issue. I'd be pretty thrilled if they got a little more involved in this series, especially with Black Widow and Matt's always entertaining relationship and the severe lack of Iron Fist throughout Marvel NOW.
Hawkeye 12
With Grills dead and Kate and Lucky packing up and moving west, what's left in the city for Hawkeye? Okay, still as much as there was before this series but Clint's going to have to take a look inward to see what exactly he's been doing that's pushing his allies away or getting them killed. To add to that, he's still targeted by the formidable New York criminal syndicate and, in particular, the Clown. To add to THAT, we're set for a reappearance of Clint's older brother Barney Barton, the villain(/hero, if you were reading Jeff Parker's Dark Avengers) known as Trickshot. Because that's just what Hawkeye needs right now.
Indestructible Hulk 10
Another Waid book makes the pre-game cut, as does another appearance of Daredevil. One of the villains from the group Hulk and Daredevil stopped last time managed to escape with a very powerful sonic weapon and, after fleeing the two heroes, brought it to the devious Baron Zemo. Now Hulk and Daredevil are going to have to find Zemo and contend with both him, already a task, and the new weapon. Hulk and Daredevil's relationship has been a pretty interesting one so far as both heroes have, in recent days, been less averse to team-ups and have a level of respect for one another that you don't always get in superhero books. Solid title overall and this storyline has been particularly interesting to see how the new Hulk fits into the superhero community, if you can call Daredevil's world that.
Young Avengers 7
We return to Young Avengers this week after, apparently, three months have passed since last seeing them. There are likely to be changes abound and some explanations to be expected as McKelvie returns on art for this book after a pleasant interlude from Kate Brown. They're also teasing a new Young Avenger (which could very well just be Prodigy but I don't like looking at preview art) and they have plenty of problems to solve, including the mysterious villain last issue, dressed as the Patriot, who disappeared Tommy, and the Skrulls from issue one who are said to make another appearance. One of Marvel's best books right now just as, I could say, all of the ones I've selected here are. What an exciting week, everyone!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Comics this week!
We press forward with Marvel NOW! as my pre-picks this week include two number ones and one number 14 which is NOT really part of Marvel NOW! though it very well COULD have been Avengers 3 or FF 3 if I had gone that way. SPOILERS: I didn't.
Uncanny X-Force 1
I was more on the fence about this one hot off the heels of the last X-Force. Not because I didn't love the past X-Force; I think I've gone to some great lengths to prove how much I loved it. It was that love that made me skeptical about this X-Force incarnation. I didn't see how it could match up. We'll see if it does. Sam Humphries has done himself well to make me interested in interviews and the like and because Fantomex has come back. Previously, I had said "boy, I like Psylocke and Storm, but there's no one that REALLY draws me to this book" until they revived Fantomex and split him into three. NOW I'm really interested.
Winter Soldier 14
As a huge Cap fan, I am also a huge Winter Soldier fan. I'm also a huge Brubaker fan and this is his final Marvel book I imagine. He loves his own stuff and it's all great and, I'm sure, very freeing. Still, he clearly didn't take MY advice into account. So this is the end of that era, his time with his character at Marvel in his little corner of the universe finished, likely forever. I've loved his run here and with Bucky as a whole and I'm heartbroken tomorrow finishes the whole thing. I wish only the best for Jason Latour but that doesn't make this issue any easier. ALSO, it's probably going to be intense. Hopefully everyone's okay on the other side.
Young Avengers 1
This is another book I was trying to not be excited about simply because I don't want to feel like I need to spend millions on comics each week but BOY is that not happening here. I was, of course, foiled from the start by the fact that this is Gillen and McKelvie teamed up. I like Phonogram, I loved Journey into Mystery and I adore anything McKelvie has ever drawn. I'm interested in the team and I've greedily drank up every bit of "Meet the Team" Gillen has posted on his tumblr and I'm pretty gosh-darn excited. I trust this writer/artist team and I'm excited to see what they can do on a long-form Marvel book together.
Like I said, Avengers and FF could have been on this list and I'm happy for a handful of other releases, but these three are what I'm most looking forward to. Another good week from Marvel.
Uncanny X-Force 1
I was more on the fence about this one hot off the heels of the last X-Force. Not because I didn't love the past X-Force; I think I've gone to some great lengths to prove how much I loved it. It was that love that made me skeptical about this X-Force incarnation. I didn't see how it could match up. We'll see if it does. Sam Humphries has done himself well to make me interested in interviews and the like and because Fantomex has come back. Previously, I had said "boy, I like Psylocke and Storm, but there's no one that REALLY draws me to this book" until they revived Fantomex and split him into three. NOW I'm really interested.
Winter Soldier 14
As a huge Cap fan, I am also a huge Winter Soldier fan. I'm also a huge Brubaker fan and this is his final Marvel book I imagine. He loves his own stuff and it's all great and, I'm sure, very freeing. Still, he clearly didn't take MY advice into account. So this is the end of that era, his time with his character at Marvel in his little corner of the universe finished, likely forever. I've loved his run here and with Bucky as a whole and I'm heartbroken tomorrow finishes the whole thing. I wish only the best for Jason Latour but that doesn't make this issue any easier. ALSO, it's probably going to be intense. Hopefully everyone's okay on the other side.
Young Avengers 1
This is another book I was trying to not be excited about simply because I don't want to feel like I need to spend millions on comics each week but BOY is that not happening here. I was, of course, foiled from the start by the fact that this is Gillen and McKelvie teamed up. I like Phonogram, I loved Journey into Mystery and I adore anything McKelvie has ever drawn. I'm interested in the team and I've greedily drank up every bit of "Meet the Team" Gillen has posted on his tumblr and I'm pretty gosh-darn excited. I trust this writer/artist team and I'm excited to see what they can do on a long-form Marvel book together.
Like I said, Avengers and FF could have been on this list and I'm happy for a handful of other releases, but these three are what I'm most looking forward to. Another good week from Marvel.
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