Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 05/14/08

Mother of god. There are slow weeks like last week and then there are the ones like this week that make my wallet weep. It seems like a plethora of new titles or storylines have brought me back to books this week, ranging from the debuts of Guardians of the Galaxy to Skydolls to the new storylines in Brand New Day (!) and Batman's RIP. Add my regular pull list to that and I'll be eating cup ramen until next payday.

Enjoy the previews and don't be afraid to let me know what's on your list or what you're looking forward to this week and why!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #559
Written by Dan Slott
Art by Marcos Martin

Peter Parker: Paparazzi! Part 1 of 3
"The Money Shot"
The DB, New York's trashiest tabloid, has just hired the sleaziest, most muckraking, lowlife paparazzi of them all...PETER PARKER?! Say it ain't so, true believer! Also in this ish, J. Jonah Jameson finds inner peace and harmony...(Hey, it could happen! Maybe.) All this and the first ever livestreaming super-villain: Screwball!
Dan Slott returns to Spidey, and he's bringing Marcos Martin (DOCTOR STRANGE: THE OATH) with him!

Kirk Says: Amazing Spider-Man? Back on the pull list? What the hell? Well, the short and long of it is that Screwball, with Slott's typical humour at the helm, was one of the only new villains that interested me, along with Mr Negative, and I decided to give the book another crack after the equivilent of about a year's worth of stories in the Brand New Day era. One thing that might be beneficial to this new thrice monthly deal is that you can wait a few months and hope something new comes along to get you back into it with these relatively self contained stories. Let's see if they can win back a reader with this arc.


BATMAN #676
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea

Are you ready for "Batman R.I.P."?

Beginning the epic story that will change the legend of the Dark Knight forever! Everything in Grant Morrison's groundbreaking run on Batman has been leading to this story, and nothing will ever be the same again.

Who will live? Who will die? Who will be Batman? The answers are sure to shock you in "Batman R.I.P.," featuring artwork by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea and covers by Alex Ross.

Kirk Says: I loved the opening arcs of Morrison's Batman. They were off the wall, filled with unique and new ideas and made the book fresh. However, the longer it went on, the less it felt like it was actually a Batman book and I dropped after the disasterous Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul event.

It looks like RIP will be a huge, "status quo altering" event, just like the Resurrection was, so I'm going to take another sip of the Kool-aid and see if things have improved as of late.


BOOSTER GOLD #9
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz
Art by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund

"Blue and Gold" continues as the Justice League International returns! In a desperate attempt to correct time, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle are forced to rebuild the team that defined them so long ago! But can what's left of the JLI stop Max Lord and save the world from his O.M.A.C.s?

Kirk Says: To be frank, this book is quickly losing my interest. It started out as a hilarious romp through the DCU's history with Skeets and Booster and their various team ups and it's quickly devolved into a rather generic alternate future story and there isn't an ounce of that wit and charm that the first half a dozen issues had. I'll stick it out until issue twelve, when Johns and Katz are scheduled to leave, but I doubt I'll be around after that, if the book even survives their departure.


GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #8 (OF 9)
Written by Frank Tieri
Art by J. Calafiore and Jack Purcell

Featuring Spoiler! Penguin and his troops now control the Gotham underworld scene — but when the various gangs under his control start squabbling among themselves, can even the Penguin stop his empire from crumbling? Plus, Batman vs. the Vigilante!

Kirk Says: The whole Spoiler mystery seems redundant now that she's been seen in Robin and even unmasked in those issues. Despite that, I've grown to like this series. It's not great, but it manages to keep its head above water long enough to tell a story and dishes out the odd surprise here and there.



GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #8
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton and Wayne Faucher

Still on the trail of the people responsible for Connor Hawke's condition — and subsequent disappearance — Green Arrow and Black Canary face their uncertain pasts…and a future of uncertainty! And Ra's al Ghul and his League of Assassins won't make that easy!

Kirk Says: Everytime I see a new issue of this on the list, I keep wondering how long this mini-series is going to last before I realize it's actually a monthly. I don't know why, but I can't help but think of this on-going as anything but a mini.

If you ignore all the inconsistencies and strange twists and turns, you'll probably enjoy this series. You pretty much have to ignore thigns like Ollie using a gay sex and donkey show as his means of interrogation from last issue and everyone having laughs over it while his son has been kidnapped after being shot by a mysterious and evil cloud and is now "brain dead".


GREEN LANTERN CORPS #24
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Patrick Gleason and Prentis Rollins

As their quest to track down Sinestro Corps rings continues, the Green Lantern Corps discover to their horror that fellow Lanterns Sodam and Arisia have been captured by Mongul and subjected to the dreaded Black Mercy, causing their deadliest fears to be dragged into the light.

Kirk Says: I was never a fan of these Black Mercy plants. They just seem to be used for the generic "dream realization" or fantasy illusion for the heroes to overcome before they usually pound Mongul into the ground, despite his supposed powerhouse status. It typically ends up 15 or so pages worth of dreams before they break out and then the quick wrap up I just spoke of and I feel ripped off everytime I see these damn plants. Add in Ion being captured so easily and enslaved by them and it's even more deus ex machina.

However, I've enjoyed just about every Tomasi penned issue of GLC and I'm hoping he avoids the generic pitfalls of these plants and gives us something worth while.


GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art by Paul Pelletier

Launching out of ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST, Marvel’s sci-fi heroes unite to protect the cosmos! Back-to-back Annihilation wars have weakened the boundaries of our universe. Dark gods and monsters are seeping through the cracks, reigning horror upon those still reeling from the recent calamities. In the face of terror, who stands to defend a desperate universe? Star-Lord and his squad of butt-kickers – the modern day Guardians of the Galaxy! You’ve heard that ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST rocks – the guy at the comic shop keeps telling you to try NOVA – well, now’s your chance to experience the glory that writers Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning and artist Paul Pelletier can unleash! All this…plus a wise-cracking raccoon and a telepathic dog!
C’mon, people, time to lock and load!

Kirk Says: I wouldn't say Conquest "rocks", but it definitely had its moments. I think the scope and scale of the setup was great, but it then dove tailed into something lowbeat, like infiltration and Ultron getting new bodies and turning into a 100ft robot. Great concept, poor execution, but just enough to make it an entertaining, if not perfect, read.

That said, Starlord and his crew were the best part of the event and I can't wait to see more of them, especially Mantis, Groot and Rocket Raccoon. I could do without Wraith or Quasar, but we do get a monthly with Gamora, Warlock and Drax, three more of my favourite characters. I'm hoping this turns into the Green Lantern Corps to Nova's Green Lantern for the Marvel Universe and gives us a decent cosmic selection of titles for the first time in years.


JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #15
Written by Geoff Johns and Alex Ross
Art by Dale Eaglesham and Ruy Jose

"Thy Kingdom Come" continues! The cracks begin to show within the Justice Society as the "Heartbreak Slayer" stands revealed. Now, the Justice Society are face-to-face with an ancient being whose mission to help the world surpasses even their own.

Kirk Says: The cliffhanger ending, and all of the last issue, was amazing and Johns is finally giving us what was promised with this less than spectacular and, what I'd describe so far as, boring storyline. I can't believe it's taken so long to get to this point, but this book just skyrocketted back up to the top of my list.



SECRET INVASION: FANTASTIC FOUR #1
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Barry Kitson

"NO ONE GETS BACK ALIVE!"
Part 1 (of 3): "Negative Energy"
The invasion has started, and no one in the MU is safe, not even the First Family of Comicdom! Aware that some of the Earth's most advanced technology and weaponry is housed in the Baxter Building, the Skrulls have neutralized the building--by transporting it and its inhabitants straight to the Negative Zone! With one member of the Fantastic Four M.I.A. and another "replaced," it's up to the remaining family members--not to mention Franklin and Val—to get back to our dimension, Skrulls or no Skrulls. But are any of our heroes who they think they are?

Kirk Says: The reason I'm grabbing this tie-in series, despite my disinterest in Secret Invasion, is that I'm digging the creative team slated for this book and I was curious to find out what happened to the Fantastic Four, specifically Reed, after the Pym reveal, and how Invisible Woman was replaced to begin with. It's kind of sad those things aren't being explained in the main series, but I guess the Fantastic Four won't be a big part of this Skrull invasion for some reason.


SKY DOLL #1
Written by Barbara Canepa & Alessandro Barbucci
Art by Alessandro Barbucci

The internationally acclaimed best-seller is now finally presented in English! Meet Noa, a so-called Sky Doll; a life-like female android without rights, who exists only to serve the State's needs and desires. But when Noa meets two so-called "missionaries" who aid in her escape from her tyrannical master, all hell breaks loose for our cyborg siren as she uncovers clues that she may be much more than just a robotic toy. The first release in a new partnership between Marvel and cutting-edge French publisher Soleil!

Kirk Says: First thing I noticed, after having seen the original cover and solicit for this issue way back when, is that they have censored / edited it. There used to be a robotic nipple just under her crossed arm on that breast that was just barely visible (don't ask me why I remember such details). Now, this might just be a "revised" version for shelves so small children buying books with women overly sexualized and typically stuffed in refridgerators don't see, gasp, a robotic nipple, of which Batman movies have featured rubber ones on costumes, but I'm also fearful that the interior of this issue may have undergone similar treatment.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not buying books for boob or ass shots, but I also believe in artistic expression, the original message intended and all that jazz. As such, I'm going to be highly disappointed if Marvel went to such lengths to edit the interiors of a MAX labelled mature readers book.

As for the book, I think this is a title everyone should make room for in their budget. I've read the first issue already and was thoroughly impressed with the unique writing style, beautiful artwork and fantastic story of the book. It's an excellent blend of themes that touches on religion, politics and sexuality, but it is by no means a porn rag and there's only a handful of scenes that features nipple shots and there wasn't any sex or other questionable things in the book to my knowledge.

The fact this received a MAX and mature readers label at all is kind of a sad reminder of the western mind frame where having women with their 44DD breasts in skimpy costumes punching holes in bad guys and snapping villains' necks is more acceptible than a non-sexualized robotic nipple to the point that the latter is censored and labled as inappropriate material.

In conclusion, please give this book a try. I'd love to see more books like this come out over here and I think most people will enjoy this book, provided you're willing to try non-super hero comics.


THUNDERBOLTS #120
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Mike Deodato

It’s all-out war inside a locked-down Thunderbolts Mountain, where a team of rogue psychics are twisting the minds of the field team. Venom's on the loose, the Swordsman has reverted to the crimes of his father, Norman Osborn is losing it...but the psychics have already written off one Thunderbolt, and completely forgotten about another...

Kirk Says: Hmm, looks like Venom is relatively fine, after receiving that skewering from Swordsman last issue, on the cover, but those are rarely accurate to begin with, so who knows how he is.

If I had known the delays would be this long, I think I would have trade waited this series. It really kills the momentum of Venom eating a bunch of guards and having an epic battle with Swordsman from last issue when it's two or three months between issues. I'm still looking forward to this, but excitement fades after so long a wait.


WOLVERINE #65
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Ron Garney

“GET MYSTIQUE,” Part 4
"Get Mystique" comes to its bloody conclusion in the deserts of Iraq. The quest for Mystique is over, and now the no-holds-barred face-off between her and Logan begins. Only one will walk away, but both will pay a price.

Kirk Says: This has been the most enjoyable Wolverine story I've read in ages. If Aaron's going to be sticking around after this issue, I think this book might be finding a permanent spot on my pull list.




X-MEN ORIGIN: COLOSSUS #1
Written by Chris Yost & Craig Kyle
Art by Trevor Hairsine

The origin of fan-favorite X-Man Colossus is finally revealed, brought to you by Chris Yost (New X-Men, Messiah Complex) and Trevor Hairsine (X-Men: Deadly Genesis). Deep in the wastes of Siberia, young Piotr Rasputin discovers his mutant abilities -- and becomes the newest target of the ruthless KGB! Guest-starring Professor Xavier.

Kirk Says: I don't even like Colossus and I'm buying this issue on the strength of Yost and Kyle's work on New X-Men and X-Force and that's not something I typically do for any writer or artist. If they can make Colossus interesting outside the random Russian or language joke, then I do believe miracles can happen.

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Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 05/07/08

Pretty light week for me coming up. Seems like it's only a handful of books. I took a gander at the following week and I can see why. Looks like I'll be needing a U-Haul to carry the number of books I'll be buying next week.

However, this is about this week and there's one thing I comment on that I want to give some more space to here and that is concerning Marvel and their goddamned variant covers. What is this, 1994? Secret Invasion #1 had like six or seven variants. This week's Invincible Iron Man has like six variants, Logan has two or three, Avengers: Invaders has half a dozen, Cable seems to have a perpetual set of two covers, Dark Tower has three or four, SI #2 has four or five and the list goes on and on.

I don't buy variants anymore. I've only really caved a couple of times and bought multiple copies of the same book. One for Thunderbolts #1, where I bought the second printing pink cover and went back for the original, again I bought both T-bolts #2 covers and I think the Dreamwave Transformers #1 I bought the holofoil and the Decepitcon covers because I'm a nostolgia whore, or that's what I'm telling myself. I can't recall any other times I've done it.

So, when I complain about this, it's not due to my having to buy them, but the fact it's retarded and one of the things that nearly killed the industry with the speculator and collector mentalities back in the 90's and Marvel's bringing this crap back in full force now. The random black and white variants or the odd variant for a #1 or 2 issue was alright, but this is just getting ridiculous now and there's nothing I can really do about it besides bitch on the internet about it, so that's why you guys get to read this spiel here.

Anyways, I'm done ranting. Don't buy variants and hit the jump for all this week's previews.

ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #11
Written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Art by Adam Kubert

The extra-length conclusion to "Last Son" is here! Superman and the new Superman Revenge Squad — Lex Luthor, Bizarro, the Parasite and Metallo — take on General Zod, Ursa and Non in a battle for Metropolis, the future of Krypton and Christopher Kent!

Kirk Says: Conclusion? Conclusion to what? I don't remember any "Last Son" story. Did this happen recently? Oh wait, I remember. This is that story from a year ago that never got finished. Yawn. I guess I'll get it just to finish the story off. I've long since stopped caring about how it ends and don't even really remember where we left off last.



INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Salvador Larroca

A bold new ONGOING TITLE for the biggest hero of 2008!
IRON MAN! You know you love him! And as the summer’s most anticipated movie boot-jets its way into theaters, here’s the perfect jumping-on point for new readers and Iron Man fans alike! Tony Stark – Iron Man, billionaire industrialist and director of S.H.I.E.L.D. – faces the most overwhelming challenge of his life. Ezekiel Stane, the son of Tony’s late business rival and archenemy Obadiah, has set his sights, his genius and his considerable fortune on the task of destroying Tony Stark and Iron Man. What’s worse, he’s got Iron Man tech, and he’s every bit Iron Man’s equal and opposite…except younger, faster, smarter…and immeasurably evil. Rising star writer Matt Fraction (IMMORTAL IRON FIST) and superstar artist Salvador Larroca (UNCANNY X-MEN) join forces to repulsor-ray your comic books to a cinder!

Kirk Says: Marvel needs to pull its head out of its ass and put an stop to these ridiculous variant covers. Secret Invasion had like a half a dozen or more and Invincible Iron Man has at least five that I know of.

This series seems to be picking up where The Order left off with the Stane subplot from there. I couldn't get into The Order, despite giving it a healthy chance to impress me, but I'm not going to let that stop me from picking up this issue to see if it can be a worthy addition to the impressive Knauf Iron Man title.


LOGAN #3
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Eduardo Risso

In the gut-wrenching conclusion to Vaughan and Risso's epic story, Wolverine must make the single most difficult decision of his long and bloody career.

Kirk Says: To be honest, I expected more from BKV and Risso. For two big name creators, this mini should have been incredible. It wasn't bad by any means, but it was decidedly average and retread a lot of standard Wolverine cliches. I don't regret buying it and am looking forward to this issue, but I can't help but think of how good this should have been with someone like BKV at the helm.



MIGHTY AVENGERS #13
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Alex Maleev

Where has Nick Fury been and who are the new Howling Commandos? It’s the debut of all-new characters and some surprising revelations about some classic ones as Nick starts to put his plan to stop the Invasion together. But will it be enough?
The Eisner award-winning team of Bendis and Maleev bring this very important Secret Invasion issue to life.

Kirk Says: Man, Mighty just came out like two weeks ago and here we are with another one. Hard to believe we were waiting months between issues just a few months ago.

It looks like that Secret Invasion cover with the Young Avengers alongside Nick Fury didn't mean they were the Howling Commandos. From what I've seen, it looks like he'll be handpicking some conveniently new "no one knows about these super powered individuals but me" to be his new HC's.

I don't have a problem with that, but was kind of looking forward to some more YA love. Last issue could have been told as a two page flashback to Fury finding out about the Skrulls and seemed more like it was set up just for that splashpage at the end to throw out even more Skrull identity misdirection for readers, but I still enjoyed it and look forward to more of the same this time around.


NIGHTWING #144
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Don Kramer, Rags Morales, Christian Alamy and Michael Bair

While still dealing with the fallout from attacking the League of Assassins' secret island stronghold, Nightwing must face a hostage situation under the mean streets of New York City. Meanwhile, the League decides to grow their undead army using their newest captive: The Great Ten's Mother of Champions.

Kirk Says: Nightwing has been nothing short of amazing since Tomasi took over and I'm really enjoying this return to form for the character. It hasn't been this good since the title launched way back when with Dixon.



NOVA #13
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art by Wellinton Alves

Beginning a three-part adventure – starring Galactus and the Silver Surfer! Nova has received an emergency call from a planet in peril – but how do you save a world being devoured by a force of nature? Is there any way to stop the big G from eating, or do you instead try to save as many refugees as possible? And do you reach out to your former ally – who is once again a feared Herald? Whatever Nova decides, nothing will prepare him – or you – for the horror known as Harrow! With all these awesome ingredients (Galactus! Silver Surfer! Nova! A new villain! A killer creative team!), this is your chance to jump onboard the book that Wizard calls “one of Marvel’s most consistently entertaining monthly books!”

Kirk Says: Come off it. Just look at that cover and tell me you don't want to buy this issue! That cover just gets my blood pumping thinking about this issue. This'll be the best issue this week in my opinion.


SECRET INVASION #2
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Leinil Francis Yu

The Invasion is here!! The Marvel Universe is in shambles. The Skrull Empire's plan has birthed itself into perfection. It is hero versus hero!! Resurrections and reunions!! Is Tony Stark a Skrull? And is that actually Captain America leading the heroes into a new era?? EXPECT CHANGE!!

Kirk Says: "It is hero versus hero!!". You're damn right it is. I'm really getting tired of it, too. I can't remember the last time a real villain was featured in the Marvel Universe. It's been Civil War followed by the Hulk followed by this. I'd love to see some honest to goodness bad guys for a change. Yes, I know these are Skrulls, but if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a super powered Marvel character. Wait, that's not right. Whatever, my point still stands!

I was a little rough on the first issue, but it wasn't like it was bad. I just didn't particularly care about anything that happened and everything that did just seemed like common occurances in the MU. Things like the Baxter Building blowing up or crashing in the Savage Land or random no name space division getting destroyed. They were supposed to create suspense and a shit has hit the fan type response, but I couldn't help but yawn. I'm going to stick it out for the long haul and I'll try to be subjective, but don't be surprised to see rather negative reviews from me with this title.


X-FACTOR: QUICK AND THE DEAD #1
Written by Peter David
Art by Pablo Raimondi

He’s gone from the son of the one of the world’s greatest villains, to one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and then to one of the world’s greatest villains in his own right. Now, Pietro Maximoff, Quicksilver, the man behind the Decimation of the world’s mutants finds himself depowered and trapped in a prison cell, where he must confront all the demons of his past. Be sure not to miss this momentous, unforgettable story of the world’s former fastest mutant, with an ending that will have massive ramification for the mutant universe.

Kirk Says: I'm not complaining here, but what's the deal with all these one-shots replacing issues for that month? If it's the same creative team and the same characters from the regular series, but with a focus on a minor character, why not just have it continue in the sequential numbering for the series instead of a new one? There were the Iron Fist one-shots, which were all great, and the recent DD: Black Tarantula one and a few others I'm forgetting already and I assume more to come in the future. I sound like some old fogey here, but, back in the day, these were considered asides or character building issues and were told in the actual title, not random one-shots. Is it because the shiny #1 on the cover boosts sales? I can't figure it out. As long as the story is good, I don't mind that much, but it just boggles the mind as to why they do it.

As for this issue, it's X-Factor, you should be reading it. That's all you really need to know.


YOUNG X-MEN #2
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Art by Yanick Paquette

Who are the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and what do Dani Moonstar and Magma have to do with it? Whatever their plan is, Cyclops has put together the Young X-Men to stop them. But can they survive?

Kirk Says: Young X-Men? On my pull list? What the heck? Well, to be honest, I was a little rough on the fledgline title and wanted to confirm if it was just complete trash or if my love of New X-Men was clouding my judgment a bit in regards to this issue. I still don't agree with some of the story choices for this series, but I'm a little intrigued to see if the Brotherhood deal is a fake out. At least, I pray that it is as it doesn't make any sense otherwise.

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Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 04/30/08

Some real heavy hitters coming out this week. I'm a little scared of the new Blue Beetle issue. It's got a new writer and it's an all Spanish issue, making it even more difficult to get into, but I love the book and I'll stick with it for the time being. I think New Avengers is the issue I'm looking most forward to. I know I've been less than enthusiastic over the Skrulls and, in general, a bit negative over it, but this issue supposedly tells us all about how they gained their new powers and infiltrated Earth. Should answer a lot of questions for fans. DCU #0 is out as well and for 50 cents, I expect most will pick it up. I think it's just going to be a promo book advertising the upcoming Final Crisis event and its now numerous tie-ins, so I'm not too upset dropping 50 cents on it.

Anyways, let me know what you intend on picking up or what you think of my picks this week. I meant to do a review of Manhunter's first couple trades on the weekend, as the series was recommended to me by some readers, but ran into some difficulties. I'll post that tomorrow when I have some free time. Tip: It's awesome and you should try to check it out if you can.

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #12
Written by Dan Slott & Chris Gage
Art by Steve Uy

"CHANGING OF THE GUARD"
Daddy's home. IRON MAN comes to Camp Hammond, and he's NOT happy.
The first year of the Initiative comes to a dramatic close as members are laid to rest, drummed out, declared AWOL, or...awarded their full Hero's License. See who graduates and find out what super-teams they'll be assigned to as the NEXT era of the Initiative begins! Plus: as a new 3-D MAN appears, the base is suddenly short one Skrull...but not how you'd think...
Also guest-starring MS. MARVEL!

Kirk Says: Well, the preview art for the fill-in explains why this is coming out so quickly after the last one. It's not exactly up to par with Caselli, to say the least. Slott and Gage are doing an excellent job with the characters, but it seems they've actually killed off some characters based on the same previews, which is annoying.

So far there's only two confirmed deaths, so not a complete cast wipe, but one of the more developed characters bit the dust. I know new recruits are coming in, but it's been like 2 weeks, Marvel-time, and everyone is graduating with their Hero License already? I hope Cloud 9, Komodo, Hardball, MVP, the (old) New Warriors and most of the black ops players, like Constrictor (if he survived KIA), Mutant Zero, etc, all stick around with the newbies.


BLUE BEETLE #26
Written by Jai Nitz
Art by Mike Norton and Trevor Scott

A special extra-sized Spanish-language issue, with the English script as bonus material! Blue Beetle takes Traci 13 to his family reunion, and having your girlfriend meet your family can be tough, especially when she's the only guest who doesn't speak Spanish! To make matters worse, two people have uncovered Jaime's secret identity — and one of them is the Parasite!

Kirk Says: Oi, I love Blue Beetle and all, but, even with the new writer, the all-Spanish previews have me scared. I've bought, and enjoyed, Marvel's "silent" issues from a few years back, so I'm used to the concept of just pretty pictures telling a story, but I feel cheated just reading the previews for this and I didn't even pay for it yet. I like the book, so I'll support it regardless, but I hope there's a fan translation of this popping up in the future so I know what was said.


DAREDEVIL: BLOOD OF THE TARANTULA #1
Written by Ed Brubaker & Ande Parks
Art by Chris Samnee

“Blood of the Tarantula”
Carlos LaMuerto, a.k.a. Black Tarantula, is finally doing something good with his life. Well, at least it ain’t all bad. Lying low after getting out of prison and wiping out an entire gang, Carlos has become a low-key Robin Hood -- cleaning up the neighborhood he used to run as a gang lord. But he’s about to discover that leaving his past behind isn’t as simple as a change of attitude…as ghosts from his former life haunt him, Carlos turns to his friend/adversary, Matt Murdock. Now Black Tarantula and Daredevil must work together to save the streets of Hell’s Kitchen from a powerful new gang from Carlos’ homeland.

Kirk Says: I like Black Tarantula. He was one of the best things to come out of Spider-Man post-Clone Saga and it was a shame to see him just disappear from the books. While it's a little odd having someone that can tear Spidey apart without breaking a sweat associated with the all too human Daredevil, it's great seeing someone like Brubaker take an interest in him, as only good things can come from it.

His earlier appearances in Daredevil, particularly the last annual, have set him up for this unexpected mini. At least, I must have been asleep at the wheel, as I have no knowledge of this even being solicited, but am damn happy it's coming out. Definitely looking forward to this one.


DC UNIVERSE: ZERO
Written by Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns
Art by George Pérez, Tony Daniel, J.G. Jones, Aaron Lopresti, Ivan Reis, Philip Tan and Carlos Pacheco

This is it! The greatest DC characters! Your favorite writers and artists! Everything leading to Final Crisis and beyond starts here for just 50¢! Take a journey through the past and present of the DCU, and witness the emergence of the greatest evil in the universe — and the stunning return of a force for good! You dare not miss DC Universe: Zero!

Kirk Says: For 50 cents, this might be worth the cost. Yes, Johns and Morrison are writing, but, by all accounts, this is a "preview" book that has no real story and is just a bunch of promos for upcoming stories and Final Crisis tie-ins. I will be surprised if anything noteworthy comes out of this or if it's anything other than the equivilent of Marvel's Secret Invasion 10 page online prologue from a few weeks back.


GREEN LANTERN #30
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert

"Green Lantern: Secret Origin" part 2! The origin of Green Lantern continues as Hal Jordan struggles with life after the Air Force and life at Ferris. But Jordan's world will change completely when he meets Carol Ferris again for the first time and the alien Abin Sur. Plus, who murdered Abin Sur? His fellow Corpsman and friend, Sinestro, wants to know.

Kirk Says: I was extremely disappointed with last issue's one page, plus ads and 21 pages of reprints, of story for $2.99. If that one page in the preview of Abin Sur is all we are going to get in this issue of new material, I will be livid.


IMMORTAL IRON FIST #14
Written by Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction
Art by David Aja

This is it, kids--the skull–busting, chest–punching, punch–kicking conclusion to THE SEVEN CAPITAL CITIES OF HEAVEN. Seven practitioners of super kung fu, champing at the bit to bloody each other to a pulp. A rogue Hydra cell, intent on destroying K'un-Lun from Earth, loads its terror train full of explosives and prepares to fire it through a warp in space-time. A schism in the leadership of K'un-Lun threatens to tear the city in two. The original Heroes for Hire, outgunned, outmanned, and out of time somewhere in Tibet. And Davos, the arch-rival of Iron Fist, intent on exploiting all this chaos, wants to assassinate Danny Rand once and for all. When was the last time a comic melted your face off? When was the last time you read THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST?

Kirk Says: The last two questions for this solicit are all that has to be said. Iron Fist is a book that melts your face off with awesomeness every month, barring delays, and it has been probably been since the last issue of IIF that I have last had my face melted off by a comic. There was no indication, but I hope this is a double sized conclusion to this storyline. I can't imagine how they will wrap up the Hydra invasion and the Thunderer's insurrection and the other random subplots left open.


LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #41
Written by Jim Shooter
Art by Aaron Lopresti and Matt Ryan

Part 2 of the "Enemy Rising" arc! The threat of the extinction of all life grows! Meanwhile, with newfound, hideous strength, Princess Projectra rampages in downtown Metropolis! Invisible Kid, Brainiac 5 and Saturn Girl attempt to spy on a secret U.P. operation! And the Legion is busted!

Kirk Says: As I've said before, I'm really enjoying this soft reboot of the Legion series by Starlin. The art is great, in a Bagley-esque sort of way, and, as a Legion newbie, the pacing is perfect for introducing me to all these characters. I've always felt overwhelmed by the huge cast size of the Legion books and this one is doing a great job easing me in.


NEW AVENGERS #40
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Jim Cheung

Very special guest artist Jimmy Cheung returns to the pages of New Avengers for this very important tie-in issue. Spinning right off of events in NEW AVENGERS: ILLUMINATI #1, find out exactly how the Skrull empire was able to infiltrate the Marvel Universe and who instigated the invasion and why.

Kirk Says: I love Cheung's artwork. It's a shame he's slow as cold molasses, as I'd love to see him on a monthly. This seems like it should be a must read issue for anyone reading Secret Invasion and I'm surprised it's only a tie-in and not something covered in the actual series. You'd think something as silly as how the Skrulls gained their new powers and infiltrated the Marvel Universe would be something people should be told in the Secret Invasion mini-series. I'm not worried too much, as I was buying this book either way, but when they trot out the "oh, you don't need to buy any of the tie-ins to understand the story" card, it's kind of annoying with stuff like this happening outside the series proper.


THOR: AGES OF THUNDER #1
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Patrick Zircher

As the Mighty Thor reclaims his rightful spot in the Marvel Pantheon, we join Matt Fraction and Patrick Zircher for a special examining the triumphs and tragedies that have befallen the God of Thunder across the eons. As the things he holds dearest are threatened by unimaginable forces of evil, Thor must rise up, again and again, to hold the line against terror and chaos as only the God of Thunder can!

Kirk Says: Not sure what to think of this. Zircher is an artist I've enjoyed watching progress through the years and my first experience was back in Thunderbolts after Bagley left. All previews have his art looking incredible, so that's one reason for me picking this up.

The other is Matt Fraction, who has been Marvel's go-to guy of late and seems to be writing every other book these days. JMS has done an excellent job with Thor's relaunch, but I'm curious to see how other writers handle the newly returned god.

However, the solicit has me thinking this might just be a Thor highlight reel showcasing all of his most memoriable moments from years past. Hopefully there's something of substance here, but I doubt I'll be disappointed even if it's a simple recap issue.

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Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 04/23/08

I think this is the fewest books I've had on my pulllist for any given week. Hard to believe I'm stretching to get around half a dozen books for this week, but I'm sure there's something I'll see on the shelf that'll catch my eye that'll up the book count. Hit the jump for the previews.

COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #1
Story by Paul Dini
Story consulting by Keith Giffen
Script by Paul Dini
Art by Scott Kolins

The Great Disaster has occurred, and all hell breaks loose as all the storylines in COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS come to a climax, threatening Darkseid and Jimmy Olsen and Mary Marvel and the future of their Earth!

Kirk Says: All I can say is, thank god. Still wondering why Kyle had to be a part of Countdown so bad. He didn't do anything, nothing happened to him and he wasn't integral to any plot or storyline. Yet, they had to spoil the Sinestro Corps War and bring him in here to, I don't know, boost sales or something. Donna Troy remains a joke of a character. Atom is basically responisble for wiping out Earth-51. Twice. Makes his whining over his wife's insanity a little sad in comparison. Jimmy knows who Superman is, but nothing's been done with that. Harley and Holly have been turned into complete jokes. I think Harley should survive and most will forget her role in this, but Holly, with Catwoman cancelled, will forever remain a joke. We won't talk about Mary Marvel.

Basically, all Countdown accomplished was taking a handful of decent characters and running them through a meat grinder with no chance of redemption for some. Glad it took 51 issues for this.


MIGHTY AVENGERS #12
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Alex Maleev

The Eisner-award-winning team of Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev (NEW AVENGERS ILLUMINATI, HALO: UPRISING) reunite to answer the question that has been on every comic fan's mind for years...WHERE THE HELL HAS NICK FURY BEEN?? Rewinding the clock to Fury's time in SECRET WAR, follow Fury as he puts together the pieces of his life and starts finding clues to a Secret Invasion that makes him TARGET NUMBER ONE. A major Skrull reveal happens in these pages!

Kirk Says: These Skrull covers are really grinding on me. One was cool. The second was alright. By the 30th cover like this, I'm sick and tired of them already.

As for this issue, this should answer a lot of lingering questions since Secret War and where Nick's been. Probably shacking up with the earthquake causing girl, but that's just how Nick rolls. As for the major Skrull reveal, I guess someone from SHIELD since this is a Nick Fury related story. Maybe the president or some other high ranking official that sparked his decision to go underground. Doubt it's Maria Hill, as it's too obvious and she didn't even want the job and couldn't figure out why she was picked. Whoever appointed her might be the Skrull though.


MS. MARVEL #26
Written by Brian Reed
Art by Adriana Melo

Out–gunned and on the run! With S.H.I.E.L.D. convinced she’s a Skrull impostor, Ms. Marvel must fight for her identity and her life against her very own Lightning Strike Force! But when the Strike Force has a Ms. Marvel of their own, even Carol can’t be sure she’s Carol anymore! SECRET INVASION: The Infiltration continues here from Brian Reed (Captain Marvel) and Adriana Melo (Witchblade).

Kirk Says: It's a slow week and there's still the whole Machine Man aspect of this book to look forward to. Otherwise, I'd probably not have even bothered picking this up as I don't particularly care for this Skrull story that started last issue.


THOR #8
Written by J. Michael Stracyzynski
Art by Marko Djurdjevic

The God of Thunder keeps sizzling off the stands! Part two of a two-part arc by writer J. Michael Straczynski (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) with sumptuous art by DAREDEVIL cover artist Marko Djurdjevic sees the mighty Thor ruling over a newly glorious Asgard and all its people! But what danger has risen on the horizon of its American heartland surroundings? And how will Thor equip himself to face it??

Kirk Says: After a slow and soapbox-like start by JMS, Thor has quickly become one of my favourite books. I hope they stick with this rotating team of high quality artists to help minimize the delays, as that's the only problem this book faces right now.


ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #121
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Stuart Immonen

The return of Omega Red! The deadly assassin is out for blood—J. Jonah Jameson’s blood to be exact! Why does he want to slice the Daily Bugle’s publisher to ribbons? And what can Spider-Man do about it? Find out in another action-packed issue of the series IGN.com calls “a wonderfully enjoyable read.”

Kirk Says: Well, if IGN says it's a wonderfully enjoyable read, who am I to argue? Not a fan of the Ultimate Omega Red, but USM is consistently the best book on the market and the best Spider-Man title available. I want to see more of the Amazing Friends, but it looks like Bendis is taking a break from that aspect of the book for a while. Shame, as Liz had finally become interesting. Still, you'll never hear me complain about an issue of USM coming out.


X-FORCE #3
Written by Chris Yost & Craig Kyle
Art by Clayton Crain

ANGELS AND DEMONS
As X-Force searches for their missing teammate, Wolfsbane strikes—and she’s not taking any prisoners! But the Purifiers have more than an ace up their sleeve— they’ve got the deck stacked. And when Wolverine, X-23, and Warpath learn the truth behind Risman’s nefarious plan…no one is safe. And no one is guaranteed to get out alive. Part 3 (of 6)

Kirk Says: X-Factor has been slow to recover from Messiah Complex and that leaves X-Force as the best X-title currently availabe. My only concern is whether or not this book will break out of the "Wolverine and his character clones kill people" routine. There's been some story here, but, for the most part, it's just hack and slash with a Terminator 2 level body count. If every issue maintains this pace, I'm going to get bored fast. For only two issues in, though, I'm optimistic they won't fall into relying on the shock killing factor to sell the book.


YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS: THE VISION #4
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Mark Brooks

The Vision is going through changes. He's a passionate man. And an impulsive one, if his decision to go and visit Stature at her Initiative training camp is anything to go by. He's got some important things to tell her. But will getting intangibly stuck halfway through her body while A.I.M. are attacking put a damper on his ardour?

Kirk Says: I don't think I've overly enjoyed a single issue of these Young Avengers Presents books. They haven't been bad, but they haven't captured the Young Avengers feel that the original series and the Winter Kill's one-shot with Bucky from a year or two ago. Don't recognize this writer, but I'll stick with this, as I like the characters. Not too enthusiastic about it though.

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Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 04/16/08

Busy week in comics coming up, mostly dominated by Marvel, that features some gems, such as Captain America, the conclusion to the not-so annihilating Annihlation Conquest and an all-star creative ensemble cast for X-Men: Divided We Stand. DC's got mostly ancillary Bat-titles, like Catwoman, Outsiders and Gotham Underground, and that's about it.

I'm really looking forward to the X-Men special. The creative force behind that title is incredible and if you're a New X-Men fan, it's probably the last chance to see a Yost or Kyle penned tale. Even Skottie Young gets in on the action with a New X-Men story of his own. On top of that, Jaime McKelvie is doing the art for one of the stories. He's from Suburban Glamour and Phonogram fame and I can't wait to see some mainstream work from him. So, yeah, even my love of stuff like Cap or Annihilation can't stem my anticipation for this book.

Anyways, Pittsburg / Ottawa game is on. Enjoy the previews!

ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST #6
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art by Wellinton Alves & Tom Raney

This is it: Marvel’s rag-tag group of sci-fi heroes vs. Ultron – in a double-sized finale! The surviving warriors face-off on the battlefield, with the fate of the entire Kree Empire – and perhaps the Earth itself – at stake! Who will fall? Who will rise to become a legend? It’s an extra helping of adventure, humor, drama and eye-candy that IGN.com calls “one of the best event books of the year.”

Kirk Says: Conquest started strong, in my opinion, but has faltered along the stretch. It's not bad, but it's not the space epic that the first Annihilation was. If this was just a regular, non-event / hyped story, I think it would be lauded for how great it was.

However, it's not a small mini-series or Nova storyline and it's looking like it might fizzle out by leaving all the resolutions to the last minute for this rather pedestrian trip through space. It's double sized, though, so they could turn this around for a spectacular finish. I think I'll enjoy it either way, but the inevitable comparisons to the first Annihilation will probably be the death of this event in the eyes of most people.


AVENGERS: THE INIATIVE #11
Written by Dan Slott
Art by Stefano Caselli

"Killed in Action" Part 4 of 4
Worst Case Scenario
By now you know who KIA is, what he wants, and who he's killed.
Initiative regulars, new recruits, and big name characters: no one's been safe. And that's never been more true than here at the bitter end. Join what's left of the Initiative as they and the MIGHTY AVENGERS try to stop their greatest threat.

Kirk Says: This is the best Avengers book on the market and seems to have taken the place of New X-Men in my heart now that it's gone. My only problem is the early New X-Men-like cannon fodder. Killing can be great and add tension. The first MVP death had a lot of impact. However, I think it's time someone reigned in Slott and keep him from tapping that well too often. Maybe with the addition of Gage, they can avoid those pitfalls.

Still, this KIA storyline has been great. Cloud 9, Hardball and Komodo have all had great character defining moments. We even got to see a New Warriors reunion. As long as Slott and Gage don't toss these characters aside and replace them with new recruits or write them out of the series, this should remain one of my favourite books.


BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #6
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Carlos Rodriguez and Bit

As the Outsiders perform a search-and-rescue mission for missing member Metamorpho, Batman and his team stumble into a terrifying conspiracy that begins at the edge of outer space…and goes far beyond!

Kirk Says: Batman & The Outsiders is a guilty pleasure for me. I like all the characters, it's got decent writing and art and it's the equivilent of a summer action flick. I don't pretend or imagine that it's All-Star Superman or anything, but I enjoy it nonetheless.

However, I don't know if I like this talk of cosmic conspiracies and menaces. The team should be left grounded in the more black ops / behind the scenes stuff. Once you start stopping cosmic threats, it kind of defeats the purpose of a team that "does things the JLA and JSA can't do due to political and public opinions".


CAPTAIN AMERICA #37
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting & Jackson Guice

ACT THREE OF "THE EPIC THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA" STORY BEGINS!
With a new Cap now established, things go from bad to worse as the Red Skull makes an unexpected move for the very soul of America! And what was it that Sharon Carter saw at the end of the last issue? Act Three - The Man Who Bought America - begins here! By the most popular Cap team in years - Brubaker and Epting!

Kirk Says: I sound like a broken record, but this is the best super-hero book on the market. It doesn't matter if you're a Marvel or DC fan or if you hate Captain America as a character, this book is amazing and you shouldn't let past prejudices get in the way of enjoying something as epic as this.

That said, the current storyline is a bit slow right now. I understand why Brubaker is doing it, but this slowburn, made for trades feel as he builds up Bucky as the new Cap is painfully slow in monthly form. It's not painful in that the story is bad, but in that I have to wait another month between issues to continue. We'll hopefully get to see what the real deal with the Steve Rogers in the vat from last issue. I don't think we'll get a clone, but I know it's not the real Steve, so we'll have to wait and see.


CAPTAIN MARVEL #5
Written by Brian Reed
Art by Lee Weeks

The end is here. The truth of Mar-Vell's trip to the future is revealed once and for all. Brian Reed (MS. MARVEL) and Lee Weeks (INCREDIBLE HULK) bring the last chapter of Captain Marvel's saga to light as the Secret Invasion begins.

Kirk Says: The first three issue's of this series was great and, after that Skrull reveal at the end of number three, I thought four would be the best yet. Unfortunately, the train went of the tracks last issue. Let's hope the final issue tells us why Marvel attacked T-bolts mountain in Secret Invasion #1 and explains all this painting nonsense and who Cap really is.



CATWOMAN #78
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez and Alvaro Lopez

Catwoman's way off the Hell Planet is set and ready to go, but first she'll have to deal with the villains she's crossed. And she's crossed a lot of villains. Line forms to the left…let's start with the bloodthirsty, claw-wielding, kill-happy Cheetah!

Kirk Says: Only one or two more issues of this Salvation Run nonsense. Pfeifer has done a good job of making a mandatory tie-in not feel like a tie-in, but this is definitely the low point in the series, all due to DiDio. Hopefully the tie-ins lead to more readers, as this is a great series outside of the tie-ins.


COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #2
Story by Paul Dini
Story consulting by Keith Giffen
Script by Sean McKeever
Art by Jesus Saiz and Jimmy Palmiotti

The Great Disaster has occurred, and all hell breaks loose as all the storylines in COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS come to a climax, threatening Darkseid and Jimmy Olsen and Mary Marvel and the future of their Earth!

Kirk Says: 52 ends with World War III as Black Adam commits genocide, wiping out an entire country, and battles all the world's heroes and then goes on to recreate the Multiverse with a cosmic football toss of epic proportions. Countdown? It shits all over the Multiverse and gives us an "epic" battle between Darkseid and...Jimmy "Turtle Boy" Olsen. You can't see me, but I'm facepalming right now.


GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #7 (OF 9)
Written by Frank Tieri
Art by J. Calafiore and Jack Purcell

It's fireworks in Gotham City's underground scene as Penguin's troops take it straight to Tobias Whale's front door — and Vigilante decides to take on both armies himself! Meanwhile, Nightwing is saved by a mysterious yet familiar benefactor! All of this, plus appearances by Batman, Robin and Commissioner Gordon!

Kirk Says: Another guilty pleasure from the Bat-family, Gotham Underground, while nowhere near perfect, has been fun for fans of any of the characters featured here. Bane has been written perfectly and I haven't been this impressed with him since Knightfall or his 4 part battle with Azrael in the mid-30's of Azrael's solo title. The return of Spoiler hasn't been explained here yet, so I assume it's been handed off to Robin's book. Considering this all takes place before Salvation Run, it's pretty obvious how most of this takes place. Still, not the worst book you could be saddled with.


INCREDIBLE HERCULES #116
Written by Fred Van Lente & Greg Pak
Art by Rafa Sandoval

Is Hercules a Skrull? Maybe. But is he an Eternal? Ikaris and Thena certainly think so, and they may just kill Herc to prove it!

Kirk Says: I like the Eternals. I like Hercules. I want to see more of both. I'm picking this book up. I gave up on this book a little prematurely with my annoyance over the way Cho acts, but, when he isn't opening his mouth, this book is great. Look forward to this, but little leary of the whole God Squad thing coming up.






IRON MAN #28
Written by Daniel & Charles Knauf
Art by Roberto De La Torre

Tony Stark is losing his mind and his freedom. Maya Hansen is becoming a pawn in the Mandarin’s genocidal game. And the leaders of S.H.I.E.L.D. are under house arrest, unable to take any action. With the international community about to decide their fate, Iron Man and his allies are in deep…so deep, we’ll need a double-sized issue to reveal what happens next!

Kirk Says: Iron Man has been incredible since Civil War ended. It really gets a bum wrap based on the way Tony is represented as some neo fascists dick in every other book besides this one and Captain America. It's also a little hard to get into for a new reader, as the Knaufs, while telling a great story, don't hold your hand or give us filler or "decompressed" stories full of exposition to recap old plot points.

However, if you can spare a few bucks and grab four or five backissues or a trade, you can really get dragged into this political thriller of a story. The recent battle with the Mandarin was one of the best payoffs in a storyline and just an awesome battle between the two archnemesis.


X-FACTOR #30
Written by Peter David
Art by Valentine De Landro

THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN, PART 3 OF 5
As Rictor faces down death underneath a rapidly lowering, swinging blade, the rest of the team finds themselves in a Mutant Town transformed into the vicious Murderworld of the diabolical ARCADE! But who has hired the red-haired assassin to take out our heroes? This issue ends with an explosive finale that will literally change the landscape of New York City.

Kirk Says: X-Factor is getting back to its old self after months of crossover madness where the book barely featured any of the X-Factor cast. Not a fan of Arcade, but I have faith in PAD, so this should be good regardless. To be honest, I just want to see more development on Layla's eventual return or rescue from the future.


X-MEN: DIVIDED WE STAND BOOK 1 #1
Written by Mike Carey, Matt Fraction, Craig Kyle, Chris Yost & Skottie Young
Art by Brandon Peterson, Jamie McKelvie, Sana Takeda & Skottie Young

In the wake of Messiah CompleX, there are no X-Men. But where does that leave the mutants that WERE X-Men? Some of the industry’s hottest creators bring you stories of your favorite mutants. Mike Carey (X-MEN, ULTIMATE FF) and Brandon Peterson (ULTIMATE EXTINCTION) bring you a tale of Cannonball and Husk. Matt Fraction (PUNISHER: WAR JOURNAL, IRON FIST) and Jamie McKelvie (Suburban Glamour, Phonogram) tell a story about Nightcrawler. Craig Kyle & Christ Yost (X-FORCE) and Sana Takeda (Drain) take you to Wakanda for a tale of Storm, Black Panther and Neznho. And Skottie Young (NEW X-MEN) writes and draws a story about your favorite New X-Man Anole.

Kirk Says: I'm not a fan of the kicking to the curb the old status quo of the X-titles, but just look at that list of creators for this book. It's ridiculously good. Based on the previews, this is probably the only place you'll see a quality take on the former New X-Men members from Yost, Kyle and Young and it also has freaking Ja