Review: Avengers The Initiative #8

Avengers the Initiative #8
Killed in Action Part 1 of 4: Snafu

Dan Slott and Christos Gage – Writer
Stefano Caselli – Artist

Synopsis:

Told in flashbacks, we follow Hank Pym from the inception of the Initiative to the present, starting with 4 hours after the explosion in Stamford, Connecticut that began the Super Hero Civil War. Days later, Hank, Reed Richards and Tony Stark begin putting the Initiative in place. Then we move forward to the announcement of the Initiative.

Then we catch up to one week ago, when an Initiative team is bringing the Dragon Man in. The team consisting of Triathlon, Cloud 9, Hardball, Komodo and Thor-girl, unfortunately enrage the Dragon man who then escapes. It’s up the War Machine to wrap up the embarrassing mess.

Afterwards, Gyrich announces that the Taskmaster will be taking over as the new drill instructor. Stature does not approve of this decision and argues with Pym as a new bus load or recruits “fall in.” The recruits include The Crusader, Melle, Geldoff, Dragon Lord, Geiger, Red 9, Diamondback and Ant-man.

Soon, after Ant-man disses on the previous Ant-man, who happens to be Stature’s father, Stature attacks Ant-man, who also grows to giant size and they battle. Before long, Hank joins the battle until the Taskmaster takes them all out with a blow to their Achilles tendons.

Gyrich is displeased with the cadet’s actions and begins contemplating a larger band of MVP clones. Which leads us back to NOW, where Yellowjacket, alone in the burning buildings of Camp Hammond is faced with the threat of MVP.

Review:

Slott and Gage weave an amazing amount of the Marvel Universe into this quickly paced story. We get the Civil War trio of Yellowjacket, Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic creating their 100 plans. We get the Avengers landing at Camp Hammond and the creation of the Initiative. We get the cast of cadets battling Dragon Man. We get a new batch of cadets including the return of Ant-man. We get a battle between Ant-man, Yellowjacket and Stature. We get the awesome inclusion of Taskmaster into the Initiative, who also gets to whoop us some hero ass. Brilliant. We also get brief appearances from War Machine, the Constrictor, the Scarlet Spiders, and more. No one else writing for Marvel could squeeze all that into 22 pages like Slott and Gage. This feels like the center of the Marvel Universe.

It’s not all action and guest spots either. Hardball and Komodo are given key character moments. And Cloud 9 is given an important scene with the Scarlet Spiders where she possible recognizes their secret identities. Gyrich is given some face time, as he makes important decisions and actions for the story arc. And, of course, Hank is the center motivation for the entire story as we witness his idea slowly corrupt and deteriorate around him.

The artwork by Caselli is fantastic. I am thoroughly enjoying his vision of the Marvel Universe. He is given the opportunity to illustrate dozens upon dozens of characters and does so admirably. Amidst all the action, he is able to illustrate some tender moments like the exchange between Hardball and Komodo.

This is the Avengers at its best. I love this series.

Rating:
4.5 out of 5

Review: Punisher War Journal #13

Punisher War Journal #13
Hunter/Hunter Part 1

Matt Fraction – Writer
Cory Walker – Artist

Synopsis:

The Rhino, having suffered many a defeat recently in the Marvel Universe, has allowed himself to be suckered into an exceptionally small band of criminals planning a bank heist. His task is simple, run thru the bank create both a large distraction and easy access to the loot. No problem for the Rhino, except, an aging Security Guard gets in the way and is cast aside receiving fatal injuries.

This catches the attention of Frank Castle, the Punisher. He effortlessly takes out the petty thieves and prepares to take down the Rhino, once and for all. However, Spider-man, swinging nearby is alerted, thanks to his “Spidey-sense,” and saves the Rhino from the Punisher’s final firepower.

This makes the Punisher none too happy; he’s even more disturbed when Spider-man webs him up to a wall while he disables the beast man without “killing” him. Then suddenly, Kraven the Hunter attacks taking Spider-man by surprise with a tranquilizer dart. As the Punisher watches, Kraven makes off with the unconscious Rhino.

Later, the Rhino awakens in a cage. He finds the Vulture in the cell next to him. “Kraven’s been on the hunt,” the Vulture shares. “For guys like us, all of us.”

The Rhino looks around an finds many other animal-like villains also captures and caged. “I never thought I’d say this, but…” gasps the Rhino, “… I hope to God the Punisher comes and finds me.”

Review:

This story reads more like the Punisher of the Seventies and early Eighties long before he got his “edge.” It’s a little more lighthearted and whimsical. Some may not care for this type of Punisher story, but it suites me just fine; in fact, I prefer it. This was great. I was smiling every page. Matt Fraction has a great handle on the main characters: Punisher, Spider-man, and the Rhino. Good stuff.

The art by Cory Walker fits the story and he illustrates the action well. His pacing is fast and his style is light and energetic. If this wasn’t set more in the Spider-man slanted vision of the universe, it might not get the Punisher himself quite right. But it is, and the reactions he gives Castle are fantastic.

The only character that doesn’t quite feel right is Kraven. He doesn’t look or sound quite like the last time(s) he has appeared. But, I’ll give the creative team the benefit of the doubt for now, as Kraven’s involvement is more a mystery at this point.

Give this a try if you need some fun put back in your comics. It’s a gas.

Rating:
3 out of 5

Review: Captain America 32

Captain America 32
The Death of Captain America Act 2
The Burden of Dreams: Part Two

Ed Brubaker – Writer
Steve Epting – Artist
Butch Guice - Inker

Synopsis:

As the title suggest, the story continues the ramifications of the death of Captain America. Dr Faustus has Bucky and Sharon in his clutches, as he continues to work on breaking the Winter Soldier’s will. Part two begin with Bucky fighting the Doctor’s commands to shot Sharon by firing at Faustus himself. However, the gun is loaded with blanks.

Meanwhile the Black Widow and the Falcon recovering from Sharon’s treacherous trap last issue, follow her trail into the sewers and to a secret but guarded entrance to an A.I.M hideout.

On board a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, Tony Stark learns that Agent 13’s pregnancy. In response, he all electronic records deleted, all hard copies destroyed and no word of this to be spoken to anyone.

Bucky manages to escape as the Black Widow and the Falcon attach the base in search for Sharon Carter. Mistaken that Sharon will join him in his attempt, Bucky is instead apprehended by Agent 13 and returned to Dr. Faustus’ control; however, during Faustus’ retreat Sharon tosses Bucky out of their plane to keep the Falcon from continuing his pursuit.

Review:

As you can see from the synopsis, Ed Brubaker has crammed a lot into the story and it reads at a brisk pace, engrossing the reader in every page and in every player. Even though Captain America is nowhere in the story, and hasn’t been since issue 25, his present permeates every panel – it’s all about Steve Rogers and his legacy.

Rarely can a writer capture so many strong personalities in a single issue and maintain a focus on each individual’s plight. Even supporting characters, such as Tony Stark, are gifted with a richness that even their own series may not afford. This is comic writing at its best.

The art by Steve Epting and Butch Guice is fantastic, striking just the right mode and hitting all the right marks in its action. Not as flashy as more high-profile artists, Epting’s art is at his personal best. The pacing is fantastic and he captures all the right mode to accent the story.

This is a modern classic. If you’re not reading Captain America, you should be.

Rating:
4.5 out of 5

Incredible Hulk #111

The Incredible Hulk #111
Warbound – Part VI

Greg Pak & Jeff Parker – Writer
Leonard Kirk – Artist
Paguluayan, Huet and McCaig – Cover Artist

Synopsis:

As World War Hulk rages throughout New York City, the Renegades – Amadaus Cho, Hercules, Angel, Namora – scramble to save the city from the continued threat of Zom.

After the defeat of the Zom-possessed Dr. Strange by the Hulk, the Renegades team up with Strange’s right hand man, Wong, who is chasing after Zom’s now free spirit. They find the spirit residing in Iron Man’s Hulkbuster Armor.

As World War Hulk continues to explode around them – the Hulk and the Sentry fly by in the heat of battle, Amadaus Cho directs the team to corner the beast and outsmarts him allowing Wong to trap him in the Amphora. “It’s been ensorcelled to retrieve Zom’s spirit,” ensures Wong.

The story ends with Hercules consoling Cho after they witness the horrifying end to World War Hulk.

Review:

While it is interesting to see what was going during the events of World War Hulk, it is increasingly disappointing to have an issue of the Incredible Hulk without the Hulk actually starring within. That being said, Cho and the Renegades are an engaging bunch, only the Angel seems out of place. The interaction between Hercules and Cho, and later Hercules and Namora, are well played. Given that the next issue is called “The Incredible Herc” is indication this will continue on for the time being. I’m not sure how I feel about this. Hercules hasn’t been a favorite of mine over the years and none of the Hulk’s tried and true supporting characters are around. It feels – odd.

The artwork by Leonard Kirk is strong and solid. Some pages work much better than others. When he is characterizing Hercules and Namora together as they struggle to keep Manhattan from collapsing, the pencils truly shine. Oddly, whenever the Hulk appears, they pages feel rushed.


Rating:
2.5 out of 5

Review: Ghost Rider #15

Ghost Rider #15
Revelations Part 2

Daniel Way – Writer
Javier Saltares – Artist
Mark Texeira – Inker

Synopsis:

The second chapter of Daniel Way’s Revelations shares its focus on three characters: Darlene, Johnny Blaze and Jack Daniels.

Darlene’s story concerns her sudden pregnancy. Soon she gives birth to a set of twins, each with a pair of angelic wings. Shortly afterwords, Darlene and her little angels begin on their mysterious “mission.”

Jack Daniels is the devil in disguise. He has just purchased a high profile sports stadium and plans to lure thousands of victims, uh… fans, by offering free entry to the next game. His intentions are devious.

Johnny Blaze, viewing the announcement on the news, recognizes the true identity of Jack Daniels and races, as Ghost Rider, to confront the deformed millionaire. But, Jack Daniels has an ace up his sleeve, a cage full of innocent little leaguers hidden safely away in an unspecified location.

Review:

Daniel Way’s run on Ghost Rider has been lest than stellar, offering steaming piles of dreck each month. In 15 issues, Johnny Blaze has been given little to no characterization at all. The Ghost Rider is also thoroughly 1 dimensional as well. The devil as a villain has rarely been this much of a bore.

This series lacks a compelling direction and has no supporting cast to speak of. It lacks personality, spark or innovations. It’s crap, month after month. Because of my love for the Ghost Rider character, I suffer through it. I’m not sure how much more I can take.
The plot of this storyline does nothing to draw you in and is a major disappointment. This title needs new blood quick. It needs a personality.

Unfortunately, the art, while professional, has not been lifting the title much above the low standards of the story. It feels too familiar and stale, which is a shame for Saltares and Texeira are tremendous artist.

Oh, well.


Rating:
1 out of 5

Marvel Zombies 2 #3

Marvel continues to publish the Marvel Zombies phenom. Issue 3 of Marvel Zombies 2, coming December 2007, sports a Nick Fury and SHIELD zombie cover by Arthur Suydam. Fun, but the style doesn't fit the previous covers.

MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #3 (of 5)
Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
Penciled by SEAN PHILLIPS
Cover by ARTHUR SUYDAM

The sequel to last year’s smash hit continues! The Zombies have arrived back on Earth, but their stay on our world may be brief, because the living dead are at each others throats – literally! It's zombie vs. zombie in an all-out war – fighting over the last scraps in the universe! The returning creative team of writer Robert Kirkman, artist Sean Phillips and cover artist Arthur Suydam say “Bon appetite!”

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

Brother Voodoo

Brother Voodoo get some love. He shows up in Cable & Deadpool #48. Here's the Scotty Young cover. Interesting.

CABLE & DEADPOOL #48
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Penciled by REILLY BROWN
Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG

With his best pal gone, Deadpool continues his trek through time and space, spreading friendship and mercenary whoop-@$$ throughout the cosmos. After concluding his mysterious mission for Dr. Strange, Deadpool finds himself in the middle of a Louisiana swamp, confronted by He-Who-Has-Died-Twice, the Master of All Reptiles himself, BROTHER VOODOO. What shenanigans await these two? Find out in “Alone Again, Naturally” part 6!