Marvel really needs to figure out how to spread out their X-Men comics better. Three Wolverine issues released this week (sort-of). There’s All-New Wolverine 5, Old Man Logan 2 and All-New X-Men 4 (which is mostly about Laura). In any case, this is my big week for the month, with 12 comics that I picked up. Also, I should note that both Nathan Fairbairn and Ian Herring coloured two comics that I read from this week (Nathan did All-New Wolverine and Batman, while Herring did both Ms. Marvel and All-New Hawkeye).
The comics I picked up include Old Man Logan 2, All-New X-Men 4, The Ultimates 4, Ms. Marvel 4, All-New Hawkeye 4, All-New Wolverine 5, All-New All Different Avengers 5, Radioactive Spider-Gwen 5, Darth Vader 16, Starfire 9, Gotham Academy 15 and Batman 49. Here are my impressions, and links to full reviews will be added when they’re posted.
All-New Wolverine 5 and All-New X-Men 4 review
Old Man Logan 2 is good. As expected, it’s mostly a fight between Logan and the new Hulk, Amadeus Cho. The fight itself is both intense and fun, and the flashbacks add a lot of emotional context to the fight. There’s nothing particularly special about this issue, but it’s not trying to be special either. It does exactly what it sets out to do and has fun with it. If you like Old Man Logan, or are interested in seeing him fight the new Hulk, pick this up.
The Ultimates 4 is great. Blue Marvel is emotionally tested in this issue when he meets a former enemy of his. This enemy caused him a lot of emotional trauma way back, but he doesn’t remember anything that he did. Will Blue Marvel enact revenge, or will he remember the very purpose of the Ultimates team – to solve problems. Not only does this issue feel intense, but it feels very personal as well. This is easily among Marvel’s best titles right now and this issue easily proves that. Definitely check this series out.
Ms. Marvel 4 is fun. It focuses on how overwhelming Kamala Khan’s life is becoming, and with Bruno’s help, she comes up with a solution that could very easily go wrong. It’s setting up what could be a very fun yet dramatic story arc. It’s nice to see a lot of focus on Kamala’s family too, which sometimes gets pushed into the background for the sake of the story. Ms. Marvel fans should enjoy this.
To be honest, I don’t remember much of what happened in All-New Hawkeye 4. It was in the middle of my reading pile and after reading 12 issues in one sitting, I forgot most of what happened in this. I do remember liking it though. I’ll try to expand on this issue after I read it a second time, whether that’s today or tomorrow.
Update: After a second reading, I can say that All-New Hawkeye 4 is good. The main story is about Hawkeye (Clint) and some shield agents attacking a Hydra crew. It’s a fun action scene. The flashbacks this time focus on Kate Bishop’s childhood and they’re quite dramatic. So, good issue.
All-New Avengers 5 is fun. As promised on the cover, Ms. Marvel is cut from the team, but in a way that puts one of the other member’s motives into question. The fight at the end of the issue is pretty intense and leads to a cliffhanger I didn’t see coming, but one that will most likely change the team dynamic. Avengers fans should check this series out, as should fans of the characters on this team.
Radioactive Spider-Gwen 5 is good. This one mostly focuses on a conversation between Captain Stacey and Matt Murdock, who in this universe, is a much darker character. The conversation itself is pretty intense, and it does a lot to develop Spider-Gwen’s world and separate it from the main Marvel Universe. Spider-Gwen regulars should enjoy this, but as fascinating as evil Matthew Murdock is, this isn’t the best jumping on point.
Starfire 9 is fun. Starfire, Atlee and Stella begin their trip to Atlee’s underground home in this issue. The dialogue is fun as usual, and it takes its time for a lot of good character development. The ending feels a bit rushed though, with several big moments happening in the span of one page. Still, this arc looks like it will show Starfire in a weakened state, which should be interesting. Starfire regulars should enjoy this.
Gotham Academy 15 is kind of hard to follow after reading 11 other comics in one sitting. As such, it’s hard for me to say whether it’s good or not. Like issue 14 though, it’s a bunch of small stories from different writers and artists. I didn’t like the previous issue all that much after a second reading, and I’ll probably feel the same with this one. The next issue looks like it’ll return this series to normal, which I’m looking forward to.
Update: After a second reading, my overall feelings are meh. it’s the second of two yearbook issues. If you liked the first, you’ll probably enjoy this one. If not, skip it.
healed1337 
Old Man Logan was good. Gorgeous art. I love Sorrentino and Maiolo.
ANXM is well-written. It’s a good comic. But Laura is really not written well here. Bagley’s still an amazing artist, though.
Ultimates is so great. I loved this exploration of Blue Marvel’s anger and resentment over his wife’s death. Great character work here. Also, Carol’s exploration armour had such a great design. And I like that Monica and America can survive just fine in the universe that kills people. They’re just that badass.
Ms. Marvel is Ms. Marvel. It is one of the best things in existence. So much fun, balancing comedy and drama.
Hawkeye was great. Loved seeing the glimpses of Kate’s past. The art in those sequences is so frigging gorgeous.
Wolverine was excellent. Just great stuff going on.
ANAD Avengers was really good. That fanfic scene was made of yes, and I want someone to write that fanfic. But then Kamala cried and it was heartbreaking. Vision is a dick.
Spider-Gwen was good. It’s nice to see Captain America still in the story. And Evil Matt Murdock is always fun.
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