We’re the second week into All-New Marvel. Last week I picked up precisely 0 number 1’s. This week I picked up 3 … but only 1 from Marvel. Yeah, most of the titles I’m looking forward to begin in either November or later, especially because of Extraordinary X-Men’s full month’s delay. In any case, I’ll focus my reviews on the number 1’s.
On the writing front, I’m gearing up for Nanowrimo, and my plans for this year are a bit ambitious. Last year I ended up writing 191,000 words in 30 days. I have no specific goals for this year, but let’s see if I can top that. Of course writing that much might affect my energy for comic reviews. It’s bad timing considering how many new number 1’s are coming out next month. I’ll try to review as many of the 1’s as possible, but there’s no guarantee I’ll have the energy to do them all.
The comics I picked up this week include Spider-Gwen 1, Marvel Zombies 4, Ms. Marvel 19, Switch 1, I Hate Fairyland 1, DC Bombshells 3, Starfire 5 and Batman 45. I planned to pick up A-Force 5 and Civil War 5 as well, but my local shop was shorted a full shipment box again. Seriously, with all the damages and late deliveries they get lately, someone needs to be fired. Here are my first impressions, and links to full reviews will be added when they’re posted.
Marvel Zombies 4 is great. It concludes Elsa Bloodstone’s journey through the zombie infested realm of Battleworld with an intense fight between her and her re-animated father. The humour is fun, the drama is intense and the flashbacks throughout the mini-series mesh well with the current story. Even with all the dark storytelling and the brutal violence, this mini-series feels like a character study for Elsa Bloodstone, and she’s definitely a good enough character to warrant such a study. If that interests you, or you just want to read a good Secret Wars series with zombies in it, pick this up whether in single issues or in trade.
Ms. Marvel 19 is great. This concludes the first volume of Ms. Marvel with a dramatic issue. Every character in the series is touched on, and through the chaos of the 616 Universe’s end, Kamala realizes who she cares about. Although we already know she’ll be back, this is a good way to sign off for a few months before Kamala returns. Fans of Ms. Marvel should make sure to read this.
DC Bombshells 3 is fun. The alternate Universe starring DC’s female superheroes in WWII finishes its first arc with the arrival of a powerful villain, Wonder Woman vs. tanks and 40’s Harper Row making an appearance during Batwoman’s segment. If any of this sounds interesting, check it out.
Starfire 5 is good. This issue isn’t quite as fun as the previous four, but it continues to build on Starfire’s surroundings and manages to touch on a number of plots without feeling overcrowded. Anyone who’s enjoyed the previous issues should also enjoy this. Also, those interested in a comedic series about a superpowered alien trying to get used to living on Earth should give Starfire a chance.
Batman 45 is great. One can’t accuse the Jim Gordon as Batman plotline to be moving slow. This issue suggests a major change in Jim’s existence as Batman coming up soon. In the opening fight, there’s a clever twist on the whole Batman and his backup convention. Bruce Wayne also has some good moments, and the villain, Bloom, is on the move. A lot happens in this comic, and it’s all well-written. Some might not enjoy Jim Gordon as Batman, but for those who find the concept interesting, you should check this out.
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Spider-Gwen was good. It was a fine issue. Not much else to say.
Marvel Zombies was great. A bit of a sweet ending, but Elsa’s version of sweet, which means sarcasm and profanity, because Elsa is awesome.
Ms. Marvel was wonderful. Such an emotional issue, showing the depth of Kamala’s relationships with the people around her. I loved that she turned Bruno down, not because she worries about him or anything like that, but because she wants to focus on being Ms. Marvel. It’s so much the opposite of how a scene like that would normally play out, and that just makes it more effective. And of course, the scene with her mother was really touching.
I thought about picking up Fairyland, but decided I wasn’t interested enough. I could still change my mind by next week.
A-Force was a fun finale, with lots of superheroes fighting lots of zombies. Civil War was pretty good. Probably better than the earlier issues. The whole thing definitely ends up being better than the original Civil War.
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