Rocket Raccoon 2, Legendary Star-Lord 2

Rocket Raccoon 2
Young (w and a) and Beaulieu (c) and Eckleberry (l)

After handing himself in, Rocket is put in and subsequently, with the help of the Groot shard he smuggled in, breaks out of one of the highest security prisons available. On the way out, he finds and takes with him fellow inmate Macho Gomez, a criminal he put in prison originally but who will actually have transport available once they get out. Though Macho does not like Rocket, he wants to get out of prison and he wants to see his own boss Funtzel, with whom Rocket wants a meeting, destroy the raccoon. As they escape and set out, to the chagrin of the other raccoon-like life form, they're accosted by the fleet of Rocket's ex-girlfriends.

This book is unrepentantly and unabashedly fun, something you rarely see in mainstream comics these days. I would say that something like SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN is the closest you'll get to this level of humor and excitement and weird plot turns and so on, but even that is a little more entrenched in the giant established Marvel Universe. There's only so much you can do with a group of characters who live in a continuity-based universe and are acting in the one major city on which that universe focuses. Rocket, on the other hand, has a whole unexplored galaxy to play in with completely different rules and freedoms. He's only tied to things insofar as he's a functioning part of this universe (now more than ever) but everything else Young is having him play with is fair game. It's exciting and lawless and fun and Young is taking full advantage.

Total Score: 5/5


Legendary Star-Lord 2
Humphries (w) and Medina (p) and Vlasco (i) and Curiel (c) and Caramagna (l)

Star-Lord has just found out he has a sister (well, half-sister) who works on behalf of the Spartax Empire. Though he's captured by her in an attempt to collect a giant bounty on his head from a Mr. Knife, they manage to come to a middle ground where each can understand where the other comes from. Star-Lord is, you know, Star-Lord, we pretty much know his deal, and half-sister Victoria wants to collect the bounty in order to help the destabilized innocents of the Spartax Empire since Star-Lord threw things into chaos by exposing J-Son's crimes. They work out a plan wherein Victoria turns Star-Lord over to one of Knife's lieutenants but the two end up duping him and cashing in even more credits from all of the accounts Knife holds. Though it paints a bigger target on Star-Lord and Victoria, it gives her the money to really help the Spartax and at least leaves her feeling amicable towards her half-brother. Meanwhile, though, Mr. Knife isn't so pleased.

Boy, it sure was clever of me to review ROCKET RACCOON first, though my typical alphabetical listings skewed the other way at first glance. I'm glad that I did that one first because I almost wish this book, already, was more like that one. This one is embroiling Peter in the same sort of anti-Spartax fight he seems to be constantly fighting in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. Some of that is fine, sure, and he certainly has more personal vendettas than someone like Rocket in his established history already, but I'd love this series to come in with a bang as we see this wild card roguish chaotic good sort of dude tramping around the galaxy and pretty much Han Soloing or Mal Reynoldsing. Instead, we get right into the politics and the daddy issues we've been seeing so much of in GUARDIANS. This seems the perfect place to break away from that a little and, particularly on the coat-tails of Chris Pratt's charming portrayal of the character, give us that sort of character for this universe. That's not to say it's not coming, certainly, but to get so invested in a sort of standard story when you have such a galaxy of opportunity, like in ROCKET RACCOON, seems like a waste. This issue isn't awful by any stretch, I just feel it's a missed chance to really explode with fun and excitement but it ends up feeling a little boilerplate.

Total Score: 3/5

Rocket Raccoon 1, Legendary Star-Lord 1

Rocket Raccoon 1
S. Young (w and a) and Beaulieu (c) and Eckleberry (l)

Rocket Raccoon, gun-toting rogue and last of his species, takes a date to a wrestling match between his friend Groot and another powerful alien. However, things take a turn for the worse when Rocket and the girl are caught on the kiss-cam and the arena's jumbotrons immediately begin to out Rocket as a wanted criminal. He's forced to flee through the sewers with guards in hot pursuit, leaving his date behind and picking up a splinter of the nearly destroyed Groot from which the tree will once again grow. He tries to call for help to Star-Lord and his fellow Guardians but they're a little busy on their own, though Peter is able to discern why Rocket's a wanted raccoon. There are plenty of cases of murder open on him, which Rocket contests, believing any murders he's committed were done on the down low or with the rightful conviction of the law. It gives him pause, wondering if rumors he heard about another of his kind looking just like him might not be true. Thinking about it, he turns himself in to the authorities, hoping to bring out another like him. Meanwhile, the many ex-girlfriends of Rocket, who set up his new date in the first place, continue their own quest to stop the wiliest Guardian.

Skottie Young, who in recent days has been known for his Marvel babies variant covers (which are all fantastic), returns to Marvel for a full ongoing, one that he both writes and draws. This first issue, I'd say, is a phenomenal success for him, hitting its mark exactly where it wanted to hit. It's an incredibly fun and frantic book with plenty of genuine humor and action to match Young's art. It's very clearly a book that knows what it is right out of the gate and is more than happy to embrace that, even going so far as to include fun sound effects (like Rocket's dropping his gun when surrendering himself to the authorities with the apropos "mmmmmmmm DROP") and plenty of censored swearing. There are books where, as readers of this blog know, I'd be hesitant to accept things like that (or those oft-maligned and dreaded "funny introduction captions") but that's always because they don't work with the book they appear in. Here, Young very clearly establishes a fun/funny book that isn't trying to toe a line or keep its foot in the door for a dark or gritty series. The only falter of the book in my opinion is that the plot gets a little muddied in the first issue with tons of different settings and perhaps a little too much exposition to kick things off. Regardless, don't let that dissuade you from at least picking this book up and feeling out whether it's for you or not. I think you'll know in the first five pages or so if it's your kind of book. Also kind of nice, as much as I do love those baby variants, to see Young get to spread his wings again and draw people and aliens of all size and shape and age, not to mention backgrounds and settings.

Total Score: 5/5


Legendary Star-Lord 1
Humphries (w) and Medina (p) and Vlasco (i) and Curiel (c) and Caramagna (l)

Star-Lord finds himself face-to-face with the Badoon as he and the aliens both try to steal the Mandalay gem, an incredibly powerful artifact, from the walls of the orphanage in which it's been hidden. The woman in charge of the orphanage had previously though Star-Lord was there to help protect them from the Badoon but begins to realize he's maybe only there for the gem himself, putting him at odds with everyone in the room. The Badoon knock him out and take the gem themselves, but Quill has a few tricks up his sleeve, or rather in his boots. He calls home briefly to flirt with Kitty Pryde (seems to be no other reason for the call) and then uses his rocket boots to break his way out of his cell, recovering his element gun (tuned only to his DNA so only he and those related to him can use it), and breaking his way out of the ship with the gem. He returns to the orphanage with a bag of cash, telling the woman in charge that he fenced the gem, worried that it would continue to draw unwanted attention to the orphanage and giving the profits to her. He leaves, revealing that he actually just gave over his own savings and kept the gem. Unfortunately, he immediately runs into more trouble as a member of the royal Spartax guard shows up with a gaggle of other guards and claiming that she, as the daughter to J-Son, must apprehend him on behalf of the former emperor. Star-Lord is shocked to find he has a sister.

I KNOW, my summaries always seem to run long. However, in this one, there's kind of a reason for that. This issue kicks off with a bit too much exposition for my tastes (and maybe a bit too many exclamation points, truth told) as Humphries really wants to get the audience caught up with just about everything that's been happening with Star-Lord. There is a sense of the sort of movie-ization of Star-Lord here as he begins to take on a very distinct persona and look, one that seems to match Chris Pratt in the trailers for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy. It's one of those times where comic fans are reminded that this beloved entertainment is, in fact, a business and businesses set out to make money. Tying to a major motion picture release certainly is a key way to do that, especially in the wake of so many previous successes for Marvel going that route. I'll give Humphries credit for not going too overboard or getting too cynical in the attempt to tie to the movie and perhaps tying to the movie will work wonders for this book and for the GUARDIANS brand as a whole (bit early to tell) but right now it's a little too hard to tell. Still, the book didn't really blow me away and I couldn't help but be a little colored by the similarities (even insofar as Quill stealing a powerful artifact, losing said artifact to an enemy, and blasting his way with his boots and gun to freedom from said enemy) to just the trailers of the upcoming film. Okay, so maybe it was a little cynical.

Total Score: 3/5

New STORM ongoing and STAR-LORD ongoing announced

For I believe the first time, Storm will be getting her own ongoing series. Written by Greg Pak, writer of such books as WORLD WAR HULK and, most recently at Marvel, X-TREME X-MEN, and drawn by Victor Ibañez, known more for his DC work, STORM is set to debut in July. Excited to see this one. Storm's a great character who deserves more recognition. I'm a little nervous that she may be someone who works better on a team but I like Pak's work and I think that he'll find ways to set her into the world. I've no really worries that she can handle it.

Along with that announcement (made at Chicago's C2E2 this past weekend), Marvel also announced that Sam Humphries (AVENGERS AI, UNCANNY X-FORCE) and Paco Medina (NOVA, ULTIMATE X-MEN) will head up a new solo series called THE LEGENDARY STAR-LORD. This is another one that makes me a little nervous, mostly because I don't love the newer, often borderline goofy look at Star-Lord and I think the announcement of Humphries means he'll stay more in that direction. Still, could be wrong and I think Humphries, for some of the problems I've had with his books in the past, has talent.

Marvel cancels AVENGERS AI, readies launch of ROCKET RACCOON

Couple of big news pieces this week, as, it seems, is true any week with new month solicits. First up:

Avengers AI cancelled after issue 12

Sam Humphries has made it known on his Tumblr that AVENGERS AI will be ending with issue 12. Along with the picture at left, he promised that the last three issues will be the wildest yet and thanked Marvel for giving him such a long leash, series artist André Araújo for his work on the series, and the fans for their support and love. Can't say I'm particularly surprised by this, as I've kind of been expecting this in many of my AVENGERS AI reviews, but it is nonetheless a little sad that the series wasn't able to really find its niche or its footing until it was too late (if it has or indeed will at all). This isn't a favorite series of mine by any stretch but there are bits and pieces here that made the story worth telling. Humphries fans shouldn't cry just yet though, even after the cancellation of UNCANNY X-FORCE and AVENGERS AI, as Humphries also promised that he had lots more coming from Marvel this year.

Marvel announces new Rocket Raccoon ongoing written and drawn by Skottie Young

Readers of this blog will probably know that I rather adore Skottie Young. I think his art is incredible, I think his sense of humor is strong, and his writing is solid (mostly his art is incredible, that's the biggest and best known aspect of Skottie). So, while I'm surprised and maybe a little skeptical about an ongoing series starring the always-strange Rocket Raccoon, I think that Marvel couldn't have picked a better creative lead for it. Just look at that art at left. Skottie Young is an immense talent and this sort of book could be the sort of book that is exactly up his alley. What's really intriguing, though, is the idea that maybe he'll get to draw a baby variant for his own book. That'd be real cool. Anyway, more Skottie Young art in the world is never a bad thing and it's Young's first shot at an ongoing in the greater Marvel Universe (he previously had been the artist behind Marvel's OZ books, but those don't really play in as much as you might think). ROCKET RACCOON is set to launch in July.

Si Spurrier combining and taking over X-Force

More news! Si Spurrier, writer of the phenomenal X-MEN LEGACY, will be taking over for both Sam Humphries and Dennis Hopeless as he combines the two ongoing X-Force teams into one team, starring Cable, Psylocke, Fantomex, and Marrow following the four-part crossover between the two series "Vendetta" early next year.

I like Dennis Hopeless a lot and I've liked his series and I think Humphries is coming along on his series so I'm a little sad to see the shift here BUT I'm not terribly sad because this sounds amazing. I absolutely love Spurrier's work and an interview of his (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/11/07/x-force-comic-book-series/3464365/...I would link it more casually but I'm on my phone and there aren't many options for that) is super encouraging. I just love his take and his view on characters and I'm particularly interested in his ideas for Fantomex, who I love anyway. Very, very excited. Also in that interview is mention of an X-Force movie? I'll look into that more later, hmm?

Uncanny X-Force 12, Ultimate X-Men 32

Uncanny X-Force 12
Humphries (w) and Alphona (a) and Sotomayor w/ Rosenberg (c)

We get a look at how Spiral's been passing the time with X-Force and Bishop dealing with Revenants and, as it happens, Spiral's been on the tail of the Revenant's too. She has been searching for Ginny relentlessly, holding her vicious nature in check as best she can to try to get information out of any sources. Two different sources, one woman who has lost a friend recently and another who was killed trying to save her daughter (reanimated by Spiral so she could relate the tale), point Spiral to a White Robe cult. Neither woman seems to know much about them except that neither has heard from the person they lost since they joined up with the cult. The killed woman manages to relate to Spiral where to find the White Robes and Spiral sets off their quickly, eventually (with a couple stops first) leading her to the base of the Revenants, where she finds out that the Owl Queen has taken over Ginny's body and that she's really Cassandra Nova, evil, seemingly immortal twin of Charles Xavier. Spiral relates all of this to X-Force, having realized she cannot do this alone.

Solid entry that both serves to clear up a few things about the Revenants (while also asking a few more questions) and to establish Spiral better for this series. We already know her connection to Ginny and we can trust, even more now, that it's particularly strong and meaningful to her. More importantly, though, we get the real, mostly unbiased look into her psyche as someone who has been broken and molded by Mojo into whatever it is she is now and who has stepped so far from her humanity that she's left with only the killer inside of her. We also see a little bit of her magical abilities with the reanimation of the killed woman, though she's quick to point out that her magic is far more limited these days. Finally, we get the reveal of Cassandra Nova as the big baddie and that has its own implications, especially in a world where, as she so immediately recognizes, Charles is dead. Interesting stuff and Spiral's short nature makes the book move pretty well, even with as much narration as we have. One of the better issues of this book so far, I'd say, even with just the fairly brief action sequences.

Ultimate X-Men 32
Wood (w) and A. Martinez and J. Lucas (a) and Sotomayor (c)

Jimmy Hudson is attacking Tian so, for all intents and purposes, it looks like Utopia is attacking Tian. Jimmy manages to take down a few people though he's brought down surprisingly quickly by the full might of Tian. Derek Morgan, one of the good mutants in Tian, tries to stop him from attacking and lift him out peacefully but doesn't have any luck with that, eventually ceding to a troll in the city. The incapacitated Jimmy is brought to Jean, who begins to psychically attempt to kill him. Liz Allen steps in, though, at the expense of being called a traitor to deem Jean a murderer. Meanwhile, on Utopia, Kitty has decided she is going to Tian with the help of new Utopia resident Pixie and talk with Jean, which will, one way or another, lead to the end of this fight. Either Jean listens and they sort things out in a more peaceful manner (unlikely) or Utopia prepares to bombard Tian. It's time to end things.

I've praised this series' ability to keep tension running just as high from issue to issue without really missing a beat and it pays off in issue's like this, where you see the beginnings of the end of the arc. All the tension that has built up over the course of this series and, more directly, this World War X storyline is bubbling now and is likely to dispel as we reach the end. How quickly it dispels is anyone's guess but it's a perfectly structured story with smart characters and writing. That's all it takes to make a series this reliably good. Brian Wood is one of the best in the business at this kind of pacing and at writing a complete story, beginning to end, without particularly slow beats. This issue is another great example of it and you can already see the framework for the next issue, or for however long the resolution of this storyline takes. Really solid book and another particularly good issue. If you like the X-Men, even if you're not terribly familiar with the Ultimate Universe, this is one to get into. Frankly, it's a good one to get into even if you don't love the X-Men and just want to get into a book with understandably and unmistakably high stakes, near-perfect pacing and story, and solid characters and writing. Good book all around.

This week's picks

Tough picks to make this week with two sure bets and one that could go a couple different ways. On the plus side, it's pretty much just those four or five that I'm debating, everything else is significantly behind.

Avengers AI 1

It was between this and Iron Man (and a little bit Venom but not that much) and I'm still not sure which was the right one to choose. I think Iron Man may have been the actual better comic but this one's worth checking into for the feel of the comic and the nice way it's set itself up. Iron Man continued its great pace and its stellar story and writing but my recommendation, I think, goes to Avengers AI because I think it may fill a role in the Marvel Universe that isn't filled yet so I think people should be keeping an eye on it. No guarantee that it will all pan out but there seem to be places to go with this story and these characters and the book was fun overall. Read it, enjoy it, maybe pick up the Skottie Young variant if you can find it.

Red She-Hulk 67

I would be lying if I said that this wasn't always going to make my final pick. Bear with me, though, it's my last chance to be able to pick it. On top of that, it delivered an end to a good story and gave us some nice character resolution bits, including Red She-Hulk figuring out both worlds were real and choosing her world and X-51 learning that, although he's a machine with specific coding, he can still be an individual in the way he manipulates that coding. I'm particularly sad to see the main duo of Red She-Hulk and X-51 disappear for at least a bit because their relationship proved to be one of the most enjoyable in the Marvel Universe at current. It developed very naturally and improved along the way and became an incredibly fun and dynamic friendship. It's not easy to do that and it's especially not easy to do that in as little time as Parker had to set it up and build. A satisfying ending to a regularly pretty great title.

X-Men Legacy 13

Very interesting to see Spurrier switch narrator from our main character over to Pete Wisdom. It's rare to see a solo book (especially one as decidedly solo as this) take the focus off of that character and place it on another, particularly another established one in the Universe. I feel like most books that switch narrators for an issue or two will put it on someone who hasn't been developed enough to give the audience a sense of who they are. Wisdom is more developed though certainly I'd say he still fits that bill. Even more interesting is how defined David's voice has been, meaning that the decision to switch narrators isn't so simple. David's voice very much drives this book. Taking that away is a risky play but it worked out very nicely here and keeps us in the dark about whatever David's plans are, be they righteous or nefarious. More so, as I think we can fairly safely believe his motives are righteous at this point, we don't get his opinion on whether what he's doing, which is pretty clearly nefarious, is worth the righteous ending. Lot of questions opened up here and really should push this arc and this book as a whole to another new interesting place.


Best Cover

As I said in my review this week, Daredevil Dark Nights' art felt a little like cheating because anything set on snow is going to be pretty gorgeous (unless it's crazy hectic snow, like we've seen in Astonishing X-Men; interesting question, why does this, which is set up to be a huge and impenetrable storm, seem so much calmer in the images? Oh well, not what I'm getting at here). However, I also said that the art is pretty great in this book overall and this cover is no difference. It's maybe a little heavy-handed but that doesn't mean it's not still pretty great looking. don't miss the forest for the trees and all that. If that applies. I'm going to say that it does and I run this blog so no one is editing me out. Fantastic work again, Tim.