Most weeks it can be difficult to figure out a general theme for an intro. This week seems to have two themes for my pull list. It’s both the week of issue fives and the week of final issues. Most of these issues were good, several were very entertaining, and one was mediocre with a very worrying ending.
The comics I picked up this week include Amazing X-Men 5, All New X-Factor 5, Marvel Knights X-Men 5 (final issue), Guardians of the Galaxy 13 (final issue of the crossover), Indestructible Hulk 20 (final issue), Avengers Assemble (final issue), Superior Spider-Man 30, Tomb Raider 2, Legends of Red Sonja 5 (final issue) and Red Lanterns 29. Here are my first impressions; links to full reviews will be added as they’re posted.
Guardians of the Galaxy 13 review
All New X-Factor was great. This is pretty much a Danger showcase issue, while also having plenty of jokes and some interesting development for Quicksilver. This is shaping up to be a very entertaining series. Whether you enjoy Peter David’s writing, any of the characters involved, or just want a classic-style superhero team with mutants, this is an easy recommendation.
Marvel Knights X-Men 5 was kind of amazing. Darla’s power of bringing people’s memories to life goes way out of control in this issue. Despite all the chaos, there’s still room for solid character moments, both from the X-Men and the new mutants. It also makes good use of referencing classic X-Men events without being intrusive. If you’re an X-Men fan, you should definitely pick up this mini-series whether in comic or trade paperback form.
Indestructible Hulk 20 was fun. Maybe it’s because I was rushing through it (and doing a few other things at once), but I found this one a little confusing. Still, it wraps up both the Inhumanity tie-in and the Indestructible Hulk series. Plus it has quite the cliffhanger for the start of “Hulk”, also by Mark Waid. I’m not sure if I’ll pick up “Hulk” or not, because I am trying to cut down a bit and I’m more interested in “She Hulk”, so it depends on how many other comics I pick up when it releases. Still, Hulk fans should definitely read this series if they haven’t already – there hasn’t been a single issue that wasn’t at least fun.
Avengers Assemble 25 was awesome. After a storyline where each issue had one or two issues working with Spider-Girl, they finally all work together to take down a villain who has been plaguing both them and AIM. This features Kelly Sue DeConnick’s usual hilarious dialogue, fun action, a satisfying ending and even a poem after the comic’s ending. This really was the best Avengers title during its run once DeConnick took over and I’ll miss it greatly.
Superior Spider-Man 30 was great. It’s hard to talk about this one without spoiling it, even if most people will probably guess what happens. Still, there’s some good story development, some decent humour and great art. If all copies are like mine and include a free copy of Black Widow 1, then this should be an easy recommendation for everyone – you get two good $4 comics for the price of 1.
Red Lanterns 29 was good. I mostly picked it up because Supergirl officially joins the Red Lanters in this one, and Charles Soule (She Hulk) wrote it. What I found was that this was much better than last week’s “Supergirl” issue and did a much better job to justify her joining the Red Lanterns. I’m not sure how this compares to other Red Lantern issues, but I thought it was pretty good. I might stick with this title as long as Supergirl is in it (maybe even replace “Supergirl” with it if her solo title doesn’t improve).
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Amazing X-Men was good, but left me feeling a bit cool. But a lot of that comes down to my dislike of Aaron as an X-writer. There was good characterization for Nightcrawler. And hopefully, the Azazel plot thread is one that won’t be picked up any time soon.
ANXF was really good. Lots of PAD’s characteristic witty dialogue.
MKXM was awesome. Such a great mini. I hope Revel gets more work with Marvel, because he did a fantastic job with this story.
GotG was good. Some very interesting stuff with Jean.
Indestructible Hulk was cool. That’s certainly an interesting cliffhanger.
Avengers Assemble was great. So much fun. I loved the knock-knock joke. And June telling her minions to piss in AIM’s fridges. This just made me want to see more of June Covington as written by KSD.
Superior Spider-Man was good. Very cool. And we finally get confirmation that all the people who bitched about this series early on were idiots.
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