Secret Invasion #2
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Leinil Yu; Inker: Mark Morales
I’ve reread this issue several times trying to put my finger on exactly what I don’t like about it.
I’ve enjoyed some of Bendis’ buildup (‘Mighty Avengers’ #12 is excellent) and hated others (‘New Avengers’ #40 is dreadful).
And this issue, unfortunately falls into the latter.
There are way too many characters to do anyone justice — the younger Wolverine (and many others) are just window dressing. Clint Barton is the only character to get any oomph.
That said, not a bad final two-page spread.
And for those of you enjoying the return of Nick Fury, ‘Mighty Avengers’ #13 is worth a read.
From Marvel (preview): “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!!” On sale May 7, 2008.
Logan #3
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Eduardo Risso
Eduardo Risso’s artwork continues to impress but a disappointing concluding chapter by Brian Vaughn closes out what had been a terrific series.
Logan, the mutant who cannot die (‘Logan Dies’ notwithstanding), is confronted by another who conceivably cannot die — the proof being his survival of the atomic blast at Hiroshima. So believe me when I say that the final confrontation is a letdown of epic proportions.
It never fails to amaze me how often writers can create such awesome and seemingly indestructible villains, only to inexplicably depower them for the finale. What ever happened to clever plotting?
If you want to read exactly the type of clever plotting I’m talking about, give the Naruto manga (not the anime) a chance. You may be pleasantly surprised.
From Marvel (preview): “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.” On sale May 7, 2008.
Marvel Comics Presents #8
“The Rabbit Hunt”
Writer: Andy Schmidt
Artist: Marco Turini
This eight-page Cyclops & Wolverine tale features a somewhat forgettable story and extraordinarily uneven art.
Marco Turini’s rendering of Wolverine wearing cowboy hat looks more like comic relief from an old Western than a menacing superhero.
Flip through the story at your local comic book store if you must, but this is for completists only. And I, unfortunately, am a completist.
From Marvel (preview): “Aaron Stack has been drinking again…drinking to keep the ghosts of his past at bay. It wouldn’t be a problem if he was just a man—but he’s MACHINE MAN, and his past has a way of coming alive! Join 24/7 creator Ivan Brandon and Pride of Baghdad artist Niko Henrichon for the debut of an all-new 5-part Machine Man tale! Plus: CYCLOPS & WOLVERINE go hunting, WEAPON OMEGA battles U.S. Agent, and VANGUARD reveals the truth about the murder of John Doe.” On sale April 30, 2008.
Ultimate X-Men #93
‘Apocalypse, Conclusion’
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Harvey Tolibao
First thing’s first… Nipple-less Phoenix?
And I won’t even go near her hairless, genitalia-less… um… woman’s trousers area.
With that out of the way (and believe me, it’s hard to ignore), Robert Kirkman wraps up his ‘Ultimate X-Men’ run (after 27 issues) with a serviceable, but flat finale.
I would love to get the inside story on what really transpired during Kirkman’s run. The last year’s worth of stories have been so pedestrian and lacking in passion compared to his first year that I wonder if something happened behind the scenes that caused Kirkman to mail it in. Something like Alan Coletie of ‘Heroes’ fame signing on to write the next ‘Ultimate X-Men’ arc perhaps?
From Marvel (preview): “It’s Robert Kirkman’s final issue of Ultimate X-Men – and he’s going out with a bang! Has the worst happened? Has Apocalypse triumphed? If so, there is only one force in the universe with the power to end his iron fisted reign. But it is a power of such magnitude that its slightest misuse could bring about the end of all things!” On sale April 30, 2008.
Avengers/Invaders Sketchbook
Sketch Materials: Alex Ross
Penciled Pages: Steve Sadowski
This free preview of the ‘Avengers/Invaders’ mini-series is full of stunning pencil sketches by Alex Ross and equally impressive penciled pages by Steve Sadowski. And the finished covers by Alex Ross (four are reproduced inside) promise to be as awe-inspiring as always.
If you can still find a copy, it’s definitely worth it for the sketches (Wolverine is featured once inside and on both the front ant back covers).
From Marvel: “Alex Ross makes his jaw dropping return to Marvel in May’s Avengers/Invaders #1, but this is your chance to get a first look at his designs and the interior artwork of Steve Sadowski! With special commentary from Ross, Sadowski and co-writer Jim Krueger, now’s your chance to get a sneak peek into one of 2008’s most anticipated new series.” Free in stores on April 23, 2008.
Mighty Avengers #12
Writer: Brian Bendis
Artist: Alex Maleev
Wolverine only has a brief cameo lifted directly from the pages of ‘Secret Wars.’
But Bendis finally does reveal where Nick Fury has been all this time and the result is surprisingly good.
In fact, this issue is so well-written that it should have been the first chapter in the ‘Secret Invasion’ saga. It sets up the suspense and the conspiracy perfectly and would have made every other issue that much more believable.
That said, I should mention that Wolverine does NOT appear in ‘New Avengers’ #40, a thoroughly unappealing issue that tells, in excruciating detail, how the Skrulls prepared for the Secret Invasion. And aside from a HUGE reveal on the final page, it’s really not worth the read.
From Marvel (preview): “The Eisner-award-winning team of Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev 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!” On sale April 23, 2008.
X-Force (Vol. 2) #3
‘Angels & Demons, Part 3’
Writer: Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle
Artist: Clayton Clay
Wolverine and X-Force don’t make much of an appearance as the villains take center stage.
But next issue promises to be a doozy.
However… I still don’t like the costumes. If you want to run a black ops team, why not go with black costumes? I know they’re not visually compelling, but isn’t that the point?
Oh… and glowing red belts and eyes? Probably not at the top of my list of stealth accoutrements.
And yes, I know I’m the only one who doesn’t like the costumes, so have at it in the comments.
From Marvel (preview): “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.” On sale April 23, 2008.
Uncanny X-Men #497
“Divided We Stand, Part Three”
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Mike Choi
Not a whole lot of plot for Wolverine and company this issue.
And that, folks, is a good thing.
As Wolverine says, “Meet you guys outside!”
A genuinely terrific fight sequence in the skies over the former Soviet Union makes for a most enjoyable ride.
From Marvel (preview): “In the wake of Messiah CompleX, there are no X-Men… Something strange is going on in San Francisco and Archangel gets pulled into the middle of it. Can Cyclops and Emma Frost save him and get out alive? And Wolverine, Colossus and Nightcrawler’s road trip takes a turn for the dangerous.” On sale April 23, 2008.
Wolverine: First Class #2
“Surprise!!”
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Andrea Di Vito
This series continues to be a pleasant surprise, especially if you can transport your mind back to the ’80s while reading it.
Take the ‘Ninja Dojo’ restaurant — it may seem a little over the top now, but back at this point in the chronology, the X-Men had just visited Arcade’s clownish Murderworld (and would again in a few issues).
Sabretooth makes a terrific appearance and, again, this story does a good job evoking the simpler days of the X-Men.
Bottom line: if you’re a fan of the Claremont-Byrne and Claremont-Cockrum X-Men, this is a must read.
From Marvel: “The good news: Kitty’s managed to figure out Wolverine’s birthday and has arranged a surprise candlelight dinner with the love of his life, Mariko Yashida, as his present. The bad news: The reason Wolverine never tells anybody about his birthday is that every year on that date Sabretooth shows up to dice him into cutlets. And Kitty has put Mariko within Sabretooth’s grasp!” On sale April 23, 2008.
