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Columnist Thunder Mod
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The Mighty Reviews 6/4/09
Sam Wilson’s Reviews
Deadpool: Suicide Kings #3
Marvel Comics
Written by: Mike Benson
Drawn by: Carlo Barberi
For those of you who have been sitting under a rock, Mike Benson is the hottest writer to be added to the Marvel Bullpen in the last few years. He’s completely turned around Moon Knight, making him the bad-a** we always knew he was capable of being. To clarify, Mike Benson is that guy who used to write “Entourage”, you know, that show on HBO that earned an Emmy award under Mike’s pen? Anyway, hot off the heels of last month’s “Deadpool: Games of Death” (also by Benson) one shot is “Suicide Kings”. In his own book, Deadpool has had his own problems lately. He pretty much singlehandedly ended the Skrull Invasion (sort of), and Norman Osborne took credit for it. Now he’s sent the Thunderbolts to kill him (yipes). I’m guessing that isn’t going to work out and a few of them will probably end up dead or severely fu**ed up. Anyway, in “Suicide Kings”, Wade Wilson (aka Deadpool in case you didn’t know) there are no Thunderbolts or Norman Osborne, Wade’s just picking up some side work. Side work that get’s him a sh** ton of trouble of course…
“Suicide Kings” starts out like a normal day for Deadpool, he tries to pick up some work, kills all the other mercenaries competing for the job, and lands a gig that could pay him a cool million. Instead he gets set up as a terrorist and finds himself in the middle of some sh** with Tombstone (that albino mob boss from Spider-Man) and the Punisher hot on his a**. In issue two Deadpool goes round and round with Frank, and ends up getting shot in the eye. For comfort, he seeks his old comrade in arms Outlaw (aka Inez Temple, you may remember her as one of the Mercs in Agency X, and her early appearances in “Agent X”) who takes pity on him and puts him up. Things seem like they may calm down for Wade until Frank catches up with him, only to have Daredevil pull Wade’s fat out of the fire, which brings us to the current issue. DD and Wade decide to team up (sort of) to find Tombstone and clear Wade’s name. Meanwhile, Tombstone schemes to lure Wade out into the open, the Punisher still wants to kill Wade, Inez (Outlaw) gets yet another apartment fu**ed up and Spider-Man shows up…
“Suicide Kings” is awesome. Mike Benson gets the ball rolling right away by throwing Deadpool in the sh** like no other writer has before. Mike Benson is to Deadpool like peanut butter is to chocolate, no question. Carlo Barberi is top notch as well, his manga style suits this book perfectly. “Suicide Kings” is a welcome addition to the Deadpool cannon, and I’m down for it until the end.
Scalped #29
DC/Vertigo
Written by: Jason Aaron
Drawn by: R.M. Guera
Cover by: Jock
Dashiell Bad-Horse is the baddest motherfu**er in comics. Let me explain: he has a background as a combat vet, having served in Bosnia; he’s pretty adept at Jeet Kune Do (and the use of nunchucku by extension); and he’s a bona fide FBI agent. If you’ve been reading “Scalped” from the beginning like I have, you really don’t learn all that stuff until a few issues in. Dashiell introduces himself by beating the living fu** out of a bunch of people. With nunchucku. Yeah. Word. Soon enough we learn he is a tribal cop working for Chief Red-Crow, who is pretty much the Don of his rez (a South Dakota Native American reservation). Red-Crow came into power pretty much by violence and intimidation, and he is also responsible for the murder of two FBI agents, a crime which dates back to Wounded Knee in the 1970’s. Involved in that murder is Dashiell’s mom, whom he left when he was 13 intending never to come back. But he came back, and now works as a cop for the man who was indirectly responsible for his mother’s death and who lives off the subjugation and exploitation of his own people. Well, Dashiell really doesn’t work for the Chief. He actually works for a corrupt FBI agent who was friends with the agents Red-Crow killed back at Wounded Knee, and who wants Red-Crow taken down by any means necessary. Dashiell is more or less a tool, used by both sides unwillingly. Dashiell usually deals with the stress of this life by beating the living sh** out of people, having meaningless sex with old girlfriends, and most recently, drugs. So where is the story now?
Issue 29 concludes the story “High Lonesome”, and par for the course, things have been pretty brutal. Dash is being forced by a criminal he took down as an FBI agent to rob the casino, and meanwhile we’ve been giving some backstory two to major “Scalped” characters, Baylis Earl Nitz (the FBI agent) and Diesel, everyone’s favorite psycho 1/16 Kickapoo FBI agent/the anti-Dash. We also got the story on what really down with those two FBI murders all those years ago at Wounded Knee. The final part of “High Lonesome” focuses on Dash. Since the murder of the young man with the crackhead mother and the subsequent shooting and arrest of Diesel, Dash has pretty much gone full junkie, from crack to heroin all the while fu**ing around with his hooker girlfriend who enables his habit. When Dash is forced to rob the casino, he’s at the tail end of a 12 hour binge and not in a good place. The robbery, a crime of opportunity executed by professionals, but still a crime of opportunity doesn’t go exactly to plan and things more or less go to sh**. All the while we bounce around a little in Dash’s drugged out head and catch some glimpses into his past, and at the same time maybe he reflects a little as to what he has to do for his future, and so it goes...
Hands down this is my favorite book coming out right now. Not since Preacher have I been this excited about a monthly. Jason Aaron is brutal, raw and unflinching in his story about life on the rez. After reading scalped sometimes you will think to yourself, “man, how bad ass is this? “High Lonesome” ended with the single most bad a** moment in comics in a long freakin’ time and you are missing out if “Scalped” isn’t on your pull list. Word…
Ultimatum #4 (of 5)
Marvel Comics
Written by: Jeph Loeb
Drawn by: Dave Finch
10 or so years ago when “Ultimate Spider-Man” first burst on the scene people raised an eyebrow. They did more than that actually, many feared a reinvention and didn’t want to see or hear anything about a possible new Marvel Universe. Tears were shed, LCS owners were !%&!%&!%&!%&!%&ed at and the powers that be at Marvel were cursed upon, heavily. Until of course the unexpected happened, the “Ultimate Spider-Man” was the best thing that had happened to Peter Parker in years. The books that followed were equally strong, “Ultimate X-men”, “Ultimate Fantastic Four”, “The Ultimates”, all were indeed fairly awesome and had the creative juice to back them up. With the likes of Warren Ellis, Bendis, Mark Millar, Bryan Hitch, and Adam Kubert, each of those books had strong creative teams and for a while provided a fresh and unhindered look at our favorite characters, free of years of baggage that was honestly weighing them down. Yeah, Nick Fury was black and Dr. Doom had hooves, but whatever. Things were good and got better. Dave Finch and Greg Land did stints on Ultimate X-Men and Ultimate FF, Bendis and Bagley stayed on Spider-Man for over 100 issues, even the Ultimate Annuals were pretty good. Of course nothing good lasts forever. Shorty after Land left FF the book took a severe turn for the lame. Loeb and Madureira on the Ultimates wasn’t nearly it was cracked up to be. “Ultimate Power” started strong, but I would have rather seen “Ultimate Power” finish in its own continuity than the attempted crossover, which resulted in the loss of one of the coolest characters in the Ultimate U. There was the fairly awesome Ultimate Extinction trilogy, and Ultimate Origins was pretty good, but those were the only two positive surrounded by a few years of meh. As far as “Ultimatum,” we are promised a whole new “thing” (whatever that may be) for the Ultimate U, and with Dave Finch and Jeph Loeb on the case things are defiantly looking up (yes, Finch is one of my favorites, no secret there). So how is it?
Honestly, it’s pretty damn good. First off, it’s beautiful. I know personally that Dave Finch put a lot of time into this book and it looks fantastic. Yes, art alone doesn’t make a comic book but with Ultimatum it comes damn close. Most of the major players are featured in this book and they never looked better (his Ben Grimm is awesome and his Valkyrie is just hot). As far as the story goes, that’s pretty sweet as well. It starts out with the red dot thing from “Ultimate Origins” showing up, and then several simultaneous catastrophic world events happening. Reed Richards flips out big time. A major Ultimate U baddie seems to be behind it all (if you’ve seen any of the preview covers you know who) and he just so happens to be in possession of Thor’s hammer. In issue two things get way, way worse. Two members of the Ultimate U meet with what seem like awful, disturbing deaths (well, one for sure), Thor goes to hell to save his girl (seriously) and finds Captain America there? For real, which brings us to issue three. Things get worse. Magneto is using James Maddrox to make an army of suicide bomber dupes to mess things up worldwide, and they hit the Triskelton. Meanwhile, the X-men regroup to mourn their losses and prepare to fight another day, while Thor and Captain America take on Hell and its mistress Hela for the soul of Valkyrie. Issue four follows up on the recent events in “Ultimate Spider-Man”. All the demons held in Dr. Strange’s SoHo loft have been set free by the Hulk and the Dr. pretty much gets his a** handed to him by the Dread Dormammu. Dormammu is also using Johnny Storm to fuel his powers, which brings Sue and Ben into the fold. Meanwhile, Reed Richards, Dr. Doom and Zarda go to the Supreme Universe (read “Ultimate Power” for the story on that) to bring Nick Fury back because the world is coming to an end and they need him. The final part of the issue has Captain America and what’s left of the Ultimates and the X-men storming Magneto’s citadel, all coming to a conclusion next issue…
This is the kind of book you want to re-buy in oversized hardcover format. Finch is sharper than he’s ever been and I’ll forgive Loeb for Red Hulk if he keeps things at this pace. Buying this book without being down with the Ultimate U would be a source of confusion for most, events in this book pick up where a lot of recent events in the Ultimate U left off, but whatever. “Ultimatum” lives up to the event hype around it. My highest recommendation.
Batman and Robin #1
DC Comics
Written by: Grant Morrison
Drawn by: Frank Quitely
Speaking on behalf of the Mighty Reviewers, none of us bought “Batman and Robin”. For several reasons, first, none of us believe Bruce Wayne is dead. He will be back and all this other bullsh** is just hype. Second, Grant Morrison made the X-men retarded, he’s made Batman retarded, and well, we won’t pay $4 for retarded. Also, Damien. I guess he’s the new Robin. Possibly the single most retarded character to ever come to comics in the last 10 years. Damien, yeah, that name sucks, he’s a little bi**, and no one cares. It’s bad enough Jason Todd came back, but Damien had to come into play. Really. Damien. No one cares. What could have been the awesomeness of Dick Grayson being Batman has now become the retarded with the addition of Damien and Grant Morrison. Anyway, we aren’t buying this book, and we don’t really care if anyone else does, if you choose to that is your right and we aren’t going to stop you. We just wanted to say, as your reviewers, that in no way to we give a flying rat crap about that retarded sh**. Thank you.
Dawg’s Review
Amazing Spider-Man #596
Marvel Comics
Written by: Joe Kelly
Drawn by: Paulo Siqueira
So we’re getting closer and closer to issue #600 and as we have taken steps to get closer to that monumental feat, I have noticed that the Spider-Man stories are also getting better and better. This is a great thing for us faithful Spidey fans. There have been some major hiccups in the Spideyverse as every Spidey fan knows, but you cannot deny if you have stuck with this title through Brand New Day, that it has been increasingly good since the new status quo began.
Now we are in the second issue of the “American Son” arc by Joe Kelly. The first issue blew me away with both the amount of complexity in the story as well as the art by Phil Jimenez. This issue we lose Jimenez, but absolutely none of the story. I am not sure why you would begin an arc with a particular artist only to have a different one take up the reins the very next issue and it is noticeable if you are paying attention. That having been said, I will not take anything away from Paulo Siqueira. Paulo’s art is very much right at home for this title and characters therein.
So last issue we left off with Harry Osborn accepting his father’s offer to come on board and be a part of the “Avengers”. Harry has his reasons, as it seems that his ex-girlfriend/super-villain girlfriend Lily Hollister is pregnant with his child and Norman Osborn has her in his care.
Peter does not know this information, and he can’t help but question his best friend Harry’s motives. Harry hates his father and yet all Pete sees is Harry running off to be manipulated by his father.
This is the driving force behind this issue… Peter wanting to figure out what is up with Harry. He seeks out advice from Aunt May and her new Fiancé J. Jonah Jameson Sr. Aunt May tells Pete that it’s Harry’s problem and that Peter should not involve himself, but Sr. gives Pete some insight as well as some fatherly advice that was a great moment for the developing character.
Pete decides to infiltrate Avengers tower and getting a little help from Sue Storm, takes on Venom and Bullseye, unbeknownst to Bullseye. The best part is by using a snazzy bit of Reed Richards technology, Spider-Man is able to dispatch Venom and then disguise himself as “Dark Spider-Man”.
Spider-Man is determined to take Norman down once and for all, and not let him have access to Harry any more. I cannot remember when I have seen Peter so driven to aggressively take one of his foes down rather than letting the fight come to him. It’s a refreshing side of the character and yet it is not at all out of character either.
I can’t help but enjoy this arc so far. Joe Kelly is writing Spidey better than anyone else has right now and that is saying a lot with Slott and Guggenheim also writing in this title. It’s my pick of the week and I cannot wait for the next piece of the puzzle.
Wktf’s Reviews
The Mighty Avengers #25
Marvel Comics
Written by: Dan Slott
Drawn by: Stephen Segovia
Cover by: Khoi Pham
Having just saved Earth from the god of chaos, Hank Pym has gone a long way to fixing his highly tarnished reputation (as if mental breakdowns and creating Ultron isn’t enough to give you a bad rep he did, in fact, commit the truly unforgivable act of physically abusing his wife). Pym wants to make good. He wants to be a hero. And in saving the day when no one else could, he’s earned the respect of his Mighty Avengers team mates and maybe even some self respect as well. Still, he’s got a long way to go. Why bring all this up? While the team was doing what they do, Jocasta and Jarvis were left safeguarding the PymPocket, a lab that exists outside of time and space except that you can get to it through the entrance to a mall closet. Osborn’s HAMMER team managed to track them down and to prevent capture Jocasta severed the PymPocket’s link to our dimension. Having returned from their adventure The Mighty Avengers learn that they have less than two days until they’re forever cut off from Earth and stranded in a side-dimension. The key to restoring Pym’s lab to our reality rests with a device created by Hank’s former partner, the now deceased Bill Foster, that made use of Hank’s Pym Particle Theory but now resides at the Baxter Building with The Fantastic Four.
This seems like a pretty simple solution. Hank contacts his friend Reed, explains the gravity of his situation, Reed gladly gives Hank the use of this critical device in which he had a hand in creating, Pym’s lab and The Mighty Avengers are restored to our dimension. But here’s where things go south. In a truly shocking and even partially hilarious scene the conversation between Hank and Reed goes from cordial to downright hostile, where the two end up trading insults and barbs to such an extent that Sue demands Reed apologize, Ben scratches his head in disbelief and Johnny ends up on the floor in laughter. Something’s up with Reed. And Hank’s sign-off to Reed simply is the icing on the cake. I’m not sure what but it must be something for him to act this way. Suddenly, it’s on and Hank makes plans to match wits with the smartest man in the world (should be great for all his complexes) and send his Mighty Avengers to take on The Fantastic Four.
While a super team slugfest is always fun in a ‘70s kind of way, Slott’s injecting additional energy into this with a light but fast moving story, typically great characterization and exceptional dialogue. Additionally, artist Stephen Segovia’s pencils, along with Noah Salonga’s inks and Jean-Francois Beaulieu colors, create a darker and sketchier mood than we’ve seen thus far in this latest rendition of this book. The visual character expressions are spot on and the match up at the end, though a bit one-sided despite the Mighty Avenger’s strange skepticism, should make for a spark-setting opening to next issue.
The Black Panther 2 #5
Marvel Comics
Written by: Reggie Hudlin
Drawn by: Ken Lashley
Cover by: J. Scott Campbell
Reggie Hudlin’s been running three separate storylines over the last few issues that are now threatening to come together. T’Challa lies in a deep coma after being brutally attacked by Dr. Doom following Namor’s invitation to join Osborn’s Dark Cabal. Why, specifically, Doom attacked the Panther wasn’t really made clear but T’Challa now lies at death’s door, while his soul lingers in limbo, as a result. Morlun, the Devourer of Totem’s from JMS’ Amazing Spider-Man days, literally hungers for T’Challa’s panther soul and has come to feast on The Black Panther. No amount of force can stop this creature and, so, T’Challa’s sister Shuri has gone before the Panther God to be judged worthy of assuming the Panther mantle. And, shockingly, last issue the Panther God rejected Shuri outright. Finally, Storm has sought the aid of a witch doctor named Zawavari to venture to limbo and return T’Challa literally from Death’s embrace.
With this issue Storm does, in fact, do battle with Death for T’Challa’s life as Wakandan forces desperately and futilely attempt to repel Morlun as Shrui grapples with why, despite rejection, the Panther God allowed her to live. There’s something Zawavari knows that Shui’s only just figuring out regarding this mystery that hold a key to the way this issue ends. I certainly don’t understand it but, then again, I don’t think I’m meant to until next issue. In the mean time, Storm’s rescue of T’Challa creates a no-win situation that’s unacceptable to our lead character and one, despite the mystic balance it necessitates, creates yet another impossible conflict for a hero who’s fighting his way back to life from death’s grasp.
Hudlin and Lashley have created a real nail biter of a story here. In the end, no matter how positive the outcome, we may well have at least one if not several unavoidable casualties from these conflicts. Hudlin’s story, characterization and character dynamics, especially between T’Challa’s uncle and his mother, are really rich. But it’s Lashley’s art that really stands out here, combining the detail and feel of Neal Adams with the kinetic action of Gil Kane. I’m really not very familiar with his work but I’m keeping an eye out for him from now on. No doubt, this book’s my pick of the week. Though, Marvel really needs to find a different cover artist as J. Scott Campbell’s art is beginning to ape Michael Turner too much and has an overall distorted look to it.
War of Kings #4 of 6
Marvel Comics
Written by: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Drawn by: Paul Pelletier
Cover by: Brandon Peterson
The attack on the Kree, now led by Black Bolt and his Inhumans, by the Shi’Ar led by the despotic Vulcan is still in full force. Vulcan’s mad attacks has stretched the Shi’Ar forces to their fullest, to the point where they’re in danger of being over-stretched. Black Bolt, fueled by his rage over his handling during the Secret Invasion, will not let up in his counterassault and any affront on the Inhumans’ pursuit and command of their destiny. And, of course, the power mad Vulcan cannot even concede the possibility of backing down. Unknown to Vulcan, though, last issue saw the biggest event of the series thus far. The Superman-like Gladiator, praetor of the Imperial Guard, betrayed his allegiance to Vulcan to protect and serve Lilandra, the exiled Shi’Ar empress.
It’s a little hard to say why or how, but the incredible momentum this series has been achieving thus far slowed down a bit with this issue. There was plenty of action, some important battles, a surprising new element that’s appeared in Vulcan’s defense and, for certain, a devastating shock ending. Still, overall, this issue felt like a bit of a lull. That said, I’m still digging this story and am on board completely to how this war of kings may set the direction of Marvel’s cosmic clan going forward. Abnett & Lanning have spun a terrific story and Pelletier’s dramatic and powerful art has never been better. For those on the fence you should definitely order the trade when it’s time. For those who’ve been reading, be sure to pick this issue up if only to see what’s likely to set Gladiator off on a mind-numbing rage next issue. Any one in his way better duck for cover.
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