Comics of January 17, 2018

We’re just over half-way through January of 2018. It’s always nice when there are five Wednesdays in a month, and it’s extra nice to start the year off that way. I’m getting into my Pixar movie blogathon – 4 movies into their 19 movie catalogue, and I’m right in the middle of their own golden age. In terms of my physical goals for the year, I said that I aim to be able to finish a 400m im in a 50m pool in less than 8 minutes by my next birthday. Well, last month I swam my first ever 400m im, and I did so in a 25m pool in about 9 and a half minutes. 5 days ago, I swam my second ever 400m im in that same pool, and I completed it a full minute faster. People tend to swim slower in a 50m pool than in a 25m pool, but I’m still well on my way to achieving that goal. Going to the gym more often since mid-December and focusing primarily on my shoulders and arms is really helping with that.

Anyway, the comics I picked up this week include All-New Wolverine 29, Star Wars 42, Generation X 86, The Mighty Thor 703, Super Sons 12, Red Sonja 12 and Superman 39. Here are my first impressions, and links to full reviews will be added when they’re posted. I might need to stick to only two reviews this week because I have a lot of non-blog related stuff that needs to get done.

All-New Wolverine 29 review

Star Wars 42 review

Generation X 86 is great. The situation with Monet attacking the school intensifies. While the kids make a last stand, Jubilee does her best to get some much needed help. I can’t say anything else because 1 – this is a fairly action intensive issue and 2 – the reveal at the end is huge. It’s also a long time coming. The only thing really holding back this issue, and the series, is the mediocre art. One thing’s for sure, Jubilee fans won’t want to miss this issue.

The Mighty Thor 703 is intense. The issue’s focus is split between Mangog reaching Asgard and wiping the floor of the Asgardians who try to stand in his way, and Jane Foster learning how severe her cancer has grown since taking over for Thor. It leads to some tough decisions in this issue. Can’t say much else without going into unnecessary detail on other plot threads throughout the series. It’s been a very complex run from an intertwining story standpoint, but this issue is fairly straight forward. If you’re a Thor fan who hasn’t checked out Jason Aaron’s run, it’s worth looking into. That said, it’s probably best to start as far back as Thor: God of Thunder back in 2012.

Super Sons 12 is good. For the closer of a fairly intense crossover involving a returned future Tim Drake, this issue feels kind of relaxed and anti-climactic. It does a great job at showing how close Superboy and Robin have grown since they first met, and there some other great dramatic moments, but those looking for an action packed climax after the previous issue might be disappointed. Personally I liked it as is, but it’s worth saying.

Red Sonja 12 is great. The previous issue made it look like this series was about to end. Well, it’s true that Red Sonja isn’t in modern times anymore … she’s just found herself somewhere far worse. Saying anything else would spoil the fun, but in a way, Sonja is back in the kind of environment she’s used to fighting in. If this issue is any indication, this story arc should be great. Red Sonja fans will likely enjoy this issue.

Superman 39 is nice. This issue takes a bit of a break to show Superman taking on enemies that are hopelessly outmatched. He then spends the rest of the issue hanging out with sick children and giving them the experience of a lifetime. It’s a great issue that shows what Superman is all about. There are also some decent laughs with the kids trying to get Batman to smile in the Justice League satellite. I wouldn’t want an issue like this all the time, but for Superman, a comic like this every now and then just feels right.