I’m about a week into editing my book (7 days of editing; I take Wednesdays off to read comics and refresh my mind). 160 pages in 7 days is a good start, in fact it’s going faster than I expected. I’m hoping it will be ready to send out by the end of the month. But this post isn’t about that, it’s about comics.
The comics I picked up this week include Nightcrawler 1, Captain Marvel 2, Avengers Undercover 2, All New X-Factor 6, Mighty Avengers 9, Avengers AI 11, All New X-Men 25 and Batgirl 29. Marvel has a few other number ones this week, but none that really interested me. A lot of this week’s comics are good, but not great – it’s sort of a middle of the road week. Here are my first impressions; links to full reviews will be added as they’re posted.
Avengers Undercover 2 was alright. While searching for their friend, the other Arena survivors find themselves getting along with supervillains surprisingly well. Save for Cammi, they find themselves tempted to stick around. There’s some decent character development, but nothing in this issue really sticks out. While this series will likely anger those who still hate Avengers Arena, it has potential. I’m not sure if I’ll stick with it, but I’d recommend it to Avengers Arena fans.
All New X-Factor 6 was fun. This issue is all about Warlock and Doug (Cypher) joining the team. Besides more scenes building on the growingly suspicious Serval Industries, there isn’t too much noteworthy about this issue. Still, the dialogue is fun and the character work is well-written. That and the cover of Danger stabbing Doug from behind is simultaneously accurate and misleading. X-factor fans will enjoy this, and it’s also worth recommending it to anyone who likes either Warlock or Doug.
Mighty Avengers 9 was good. The flashbacks are helpful for someone like me who has no idea who Blue Marvel is. The first half sums up his history with his son, and why there is a great distrust between them. The climax includes a very creative combination of She Hulk and Monica Rambeau’s powers. The issue caps off with a teaser regarding a side-character named Ronin, and the reveal of his identity. Not sure how that will play out in the future, but I’m curious. With Avengers Assemble finished, this might be the best Avengers title right now (although it will be confusing to readers who are new to comics).
Avengers AI 11 was fun. There are some huge story reveals in this issue, followed by the second time the Avengers’ AI team enters the digital realm of Dimitrios. This isn’t the best issue of Avenger AI, but it’s still a fun title that just got a lot more epic. The title is worth checking out for anyone intrigued by an AI focused Avengers team, but by this point you’ll be lost if you don’t start from the beginning.
All New X-Men 25 was great. The overarching story focuses on Old Beast as he lies restless, contemplating his decision to bring the original X-men to the present. It’s a dark issue, exploring the consequences of his actions. To lighten the mood, there are a lot of entertaining scenes. Better yet, the lineup of guest artists is impressive, and each brings their own unique charm. The second half is full of entertaining scenes and intriguing what if scenarios. You don’t have to like the main series to enjoy this issue – I’d recommend it to any X-men fan.
Batgirl 30 was fun. After last issue’s bizarre situation with the somewhat delusional vampire hunter, Silver, Barbara Gordon faces a supernatural slug named “the midnight man”. It’s just a fun, one-off story that hints that Batgirl may be facing more supernatural threats in the future. That’s fine by me.
On a side note, Batgirl 30 keeps suggesting that Nightwing has died. I’m not reading forever evil, but if that’s the case, why DC?
healed1337 
Nightcrawler was good. I liked the little nods to the past. Kurt and Rachel hanging out, and Kurt visiting Amanda (complete with Kurt on the couch with a Bamf doll!). We’ll see if the series as a whole remains good.
Captain Marvel was great. A lot of fun.
Avengers Undercover was OK, but I still can’t forgive Arena.
ANXF was good. Not great, but good. I expect better of PAD. Though he wrote an interesting take on Cypher. And I do appreciate just how much attention PAD pays to continuity.
MA was really well-written, as usual. But I’m disappointed in Land’s return. Fuck Greg Land.
Avengers AI was great. I’m so sad this series is ending with the next issue. It’s been fun and weird and brilliant.
ANXM was an OK story with some great art.
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I’d almost argue it’s worth picking up ANXM just because of all the fan artists that were brought into a printed comic. A lot of the guest artists are good and deserve more recognition.
Greg Lands art wasn’t as bad as it has been at times, but that is what holds back this week’s MA the most. At least She Hulk had muscle definition this time – in the AVX tie-ins he drew, she looked anorexic.
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Nightwing actually hasn’t died. Forever Evil is the worst. He still *might* die. Luthor suffocated him and Batman forgot what CPR was, the last issue isn’t out yet in which his fate will be decided. This book has been delayed too much and taken far too long.
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I just went and did some snooping, apparently he will live, but everyone will think he’s dead. And his new series will be titled “Grayson” and the last Forever Evil apparently isn’t out til 5/21. which is ridiculous.since the last one came out March 6th.
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My local comic shop owner was commenting on the delay last week. A lot of DC titles are delayed because they tie into the last Forever Evil issue. It begs the question, why didn’t they make sure the mini-series was finished before they released the first issue?
And Nightwing appearing dead to everyone else? Um … OK. This is why I read more smaller publisher and independent books than I do DC.
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