As promised here are my thoughts on the issues Marvel released this past week.
X-Men Schism # 1
I for one was real excited going into this event. Schism is supposedly going to be the defining event that has lasting consequences over the next few years. It is not off to a good start. The four part Prelude event that wrapped up a couple of weeks ago went absolutely no where and foreshadowed a battle that many of the X-Men believed would be their last. There were some interesting back stories told, but the prelude ended before any real action began. Schism starts off with Wolverine returning supposedly from some Avengers mission. He is quickly told by Cyclops that before he could rest, he would be serving as Cyclops's personal security at an arms conference. A mutant calling himself Kid Omega shows up at the conference and telepathically forces the world leaders that are present to confess their darkest secrets, There is a good exchange here between Cyclops and Wolverine where Cyclops says "I don't know if we should kill the boy or give him a medal," and Wolverine replies "We could always do both." Feeling threatened by mutants once again, the world begins building Sentinels. During all this, Kade Kilgore, a 12 year old boy, murders his father, takes over as C.E.O. of his arms company, and becomes the new Black King of the Hellfire Club.
Rating: Shows promise, but needs more weight to live up to the hype.
Incredible Hulks # 632
I'm a big hulk fan and Pak defiantly pulled me back in way back with Planet Hulk. Since then, I have felt that a lot of his stories are kind of hit or miss. The current story, Heart of the Monster will be that last as Marvel is putting this Hulk on hiatus when Pak leaves. Hulk villain Tyrannus's well of eternity has been transformed into a wishing well that has dire consequences when someone makes a wish. As such, many of Hulk's villains have returned to do battle once again. So far, the story feels weak as Hulk is at his most powerful so he easily defeats his foes. As of this issue, apparently his cousin Jen and Rick Jones have been cured of their hulkness as they are once again in normal human form. Every time I finish an issue of this arc I feel like that sad piano music is playing in the background. I'd rather see Hulk go out smashing than moping cause his friends and family have been hulked out.
Rating: Like most Hulk stories, needs more smashing.
New Avengers # 14
This series has a lot of humor in it and has been really enjoyable. I say has because this issue seems way out of place and continues Bendis's idea of having everybody sit around as if on some reality TV show doing interviews with a camera. This idea worked pretty good at the beginning of Fear Itself, but it has gotten old quick. It especially doesn't work now, almost 3 months into the Fear Itself event. This issue really feels out of place as it seems to be taking place at the beginning of Fear Itself. Despite all of that, it was a good way to deal with Mockingbird's being injected with the Infinity Formula/ Super Solider Serum. I like Spider-Man pretty much telling Victoria Hand to fuck off and accusing her of still working for Osborne, but that gets interrupted by Mockingbird walking into the room. I really hope this comes back up soon.
Rating: Good, but stop with the personal interviws
Journey Into Mystery # 625
Loki, as a good guy, who would ever think that would work. I like this kid version of Loki. He is actually trying to help the Asgaurdians In this issue, Loki makes a deal between Mephisto and Hela to help fight the Serpent. I honestly don't have much to say about this issue, it pretty much stands on its own. I would like to see more of Thor's story though.
Rating: Good
Captain America # 1
Did we really need a new Captain America series just so Steve Rodgers could once again pick up the shield? There is no mention of Bucky's death, I'm assuming he is dead after seeing him laid out after the battle with Sin in Fear Itself. This new series tells a good story that reaches back to the WW II days. Codename: Bravo, a secret agent who worked with Cap and Nick Fury in WW II has resurfaced and is apparently working with Baron Zemo against Cap. Oh, and Cap totally stole his girlfriend Peg from Bravo back in WW II Paris. Hate that a series was begun, but it defiantly shows promise.
Rating: Great, shows promise
New Mutants # 27
Ugh, I have nothing to say other than I like the teaser for the next issue. Get back to Illyana. I don't care about any of these characters.
Rating: Its not bad, but get back to characters people care about
Daken Dark Wolverine # 11
I think I am missing something here cause it seems like this comic is actually promoting drug use. Now Daken is in LA and some F.B.I. agent is apparently after him. This story arc suffers from being overshadowed by the previous one. The whole X-23/Daken story in Madripor was good, this one just doesn't have the weight to follow it. Still waiting to see what Daken is trying to do in his own book.
Rating: Not bad, not good
Wolverine # 12
First Wolverine was sent to Hell, then the X-Men had to deal with the demon in his body, now Wolverine is seeking revenge against the group that sent him to Hell, the Red Right Hand. This story started strong, and has gotten weaker and weaker to the point where I wish it would just end. This and the issue before it have had the majority of the action happen off panel and instead told the back story of one of the Red Right Hand members. Need more Wolverine, you know, the title character.
Rating: Just get to the killing
Amazing Spider-Man # 665
I really don't want Spider Island. All of Manhattan developing spider powers, I can't think of an idea I like less than that. On that note, I really like what Dan Slott has been doing with ASM. This issue is full of emotion and even goes so far to parallel Betty Brant getting hurt with Uncle Ben dying. Parker is too busy tracking down the man who assaulted her to be there at the hospital. It takes Aunt May getting on to him for him to realize he should be there.
Rating: Great, now make Spider Island as good
Black Panther: The Man Without Fear # 521
I like Black Panther, but just go ahead and bring back Daredevil. Ever since the art for "the American Panther" was revealed I have been worried where this story was going. While this was not what I had feared, it is not good either. Your villain is the Hate-Monger, that should tell you all you need to know. The events of Fear Itself are going on in the background and T'Challa is protecting the helpless at his dinner in Hell's Kitchen. I give this issue some points as it has a bit of political overtones about immigration.
Rating: Did you let a 12 year old write this?
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