I’m not doing a video this week because I’ve come down with a pretty bad cough, although I’ll still be doing text reviews.
In any case, these are my first impressions for all the comics I bought this week. That includes Wolverine 2, Uncanny X-Men 4, Age of Ultron 5, Uncanny Avengers 6, Avengers Arena 7, Avengers 9, Batman 19 and Batgirl 19. I also picked up Fearless Defenders 3, Thor: God of Thunder 7 and Fantastic Four 6, but haven’t had time to read them yet. I’ll add links to full reviews as their posted.
Uncanny X-Men 4 was good. Much of it takes place at the same time as All New X-Men 10, but it focuses on Emma Frost’s telepathic interactions with the Stepford Cuckoos, while we also see the new mutants unsupervised at the new Xavier institute. There’s some great character development for Emma Frost. My only complaint is that it spoils the next issue of All New X-Men. Otherwise, X-Men fans and Emma Frost fans should definitely read this.
Age of Ultron 5 was good, but it doesn’t add much to the story from the last issue. The heroes debate about the plan that they already decided upon in the last issue, and that drags this issue down a bit. Still, it’s a quiet issue in the middle of an event, and it takes time for character development. If you’ve enjoyed Age of Ultron so far, this is still worth reading even though it’s not as good as the first four issues.
Uncanny Avengers 6 was good. It’s mostly a flashback issue showing Thor’s previous encounters with Apocalypse. There’s really not much else to say.
Avengers Arena 7 was great. This issue is all about Arcade and what motivated him to create this new Murder World. It’s kind of a tragic issue, but in a delightfully demented way as Arcade is repeatedly humiliated by other super villains at his own birthday party. None of the Arena kids even show up in this issue, so don’t worry about any of your favourites dying this week. Even so, most people have already made their mind up about this series.
Batman 19 was great. It doesn’t spent too much time mourning Robin’s death and instead focuses on Batman’s upcoming battle with, well … I shouldn’t spoil who he’s fighting against. It’s a compelling start to what could be a good storyline. This is an easy recommendation for Batman fans, even if you haven’t read any of Scott Snider’s series yet.
Batgirl 19 was also great. Gail Simone is back on the series and you can tell right away. It concludes the struggle between Barbara and her criminal brother. It has quite the conclusion, and one that will likely have lasting ramifications. It also explains pretty much everything you need to know in case you haven’t read Batgirl before. It’s an easy recommendation for Batgirl regulars and anyone curious to check her series out.
healed1337 
Wolverine was good, I guess. But I can’t get into Cornell and Davis on it. I love both of them. Just . . . not here.
UXM was great. Bendis gave the Cuckoos more characterization here than they’ve had in years. Emma gets some nice characterization, too. Magik’s apparent problems are neat. And the new kids are all cool.
AU was pretty good. More character-focused than the last two issues, and setting up great action in the next issue.
UA was pretty good. Kang has some interesting plans in action. I’m very interested in seeing where they go.
AA was good because I always love Arcade. And I kinda want to see more from Miss Coriander. Of course, I still miss Miss Locke, too. Still hate the very concept of this series.
Avengers was . . . OK, I guess. I don’t know. I think Hickman’s focusing too much on the big concepts, on the ambitious ideas, and not leaving enough character in it. As for Assemble under DeConnick, she’s writing the most classic Avengers book. I’ve been really enjoying it.
Defenders was pretty good, actually. This is a series worth reading. The interactions between Hippolyta and Val are really fun.
Thor was cool.
Fantastic Four was really cool. As usual.
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