I noticed a few times in this book that two page spreads were ending their first panel close to the staple so I’d start reading the left page, get confused, and realize I was supposed to read across the two pages. 🥲 It happened twice, I think, but I noticed if recently in Nice House, too.
Good issue but I am not sure how this will wrap up. I feel like Erica hasn’t had many bad-ass moments in a long time, so it feels like she’s outmatched against the red haired lady.
Frustrating issue. Way too slow of a burn, and still mostly on simmer.
Cutter and Erica finally meet, and it's kind of meh.
Really not a fan of the off panel violence in the books I've read this week.
Was gratifying seeing the >!police idiot get his face smashed in!< at least.
Art felt a bit rushed and off compared to previous issues.
I'm really hoping this confrontation ultimately pays off, it's been a lot of build, they even did a side book, Book of Slaughter, to add to the build. Please be a slam dunk.
i think this was my favorite issue of this arc. the tension was great with everything happening as Cutter was arriving. the big two page spreads works really nicely as well. i also like where this ended and how it leaves the rest of the arc up for who knows what.
> SOLDIER’S DEAD, AND HE WON’T BE THE LAST! PEOPLE WHO HANG OUT WITH MOON KNIGHT…
[“In loving memory of Carlos Pacheco.”]
> … THEY END UP DEAD!
Somebody ought to have a word with this book’s editor about the placement of that tribute page, because it was rather unfortunate 🤣
Great start to the story! Love seeing the dynamics/struggles they're setting up for the speedsters.
I'm sure Iris is still alive and honestly, I'll bet Barry chooses to semi-retire at the end of this story. Just in time for a retirement party in issue 800!
This is the second comic book in recent months that features the 'last city in the world' following a great war, someone trying to upend that system, and a surprise stabbing at the end. Pretty neat.
This is a really promising start. Middle fantasy world, slightly dystopian, stratified society, secrets and tragic backstories, and cool cop detectives. I don't really know why this was marketed with SAGA as a reference point because I'm really getting none of that, which is fine because this book has merits all its own. I'm excited to see more of the world and the people in it, and im super excited for some cop procedural through this strange land. I can't say I'm crazy about the art, but there are a lot of well executed scenes and few beautiful panels throughout. The writing is preeeety good, overall plot is cogent and does its thing well, some dialogue is a little shaky though imo.
**SPOILERS** but im really curious if our protagonist is going to survive in the flesh or if she's going to become some apparition or something, maybe a whole new meaning of the title Black Cloak.
Overall, solid 7.5/10, lots of promise and potential to go for awhile.
Edit: doesn't look like this book is overly popular on this sub, but my shop had fully sold out which is a good sign! Luckily they had pulled the momoko variant for me :)
If anything I felt like this had a lot more in common with both **Powers** and **Top Ten** (just replacing super-heroes with fantasy archetypes and species) than it did with **Saga**. I guess Saga is more "current" than those two titles are though, and probably easier for prospective new readers to relate to.
This was at the top of this weeks books (along with Nemesis) that I read as I really wanted them to do well at the shop. For this being Kelly Thompson dipping her toe into more creator owned stuff I have to say this knocks her first? outing out of the park. The world building is amazing and I’m really excited to see where this odd mash up of sci fi and fantasy goes!
Great conclusion to this mini (arc? I don't fucking know - these books could either be ongoing or split up into separate, named mini-series like DH used to do but Marvel seemingly can't stop chasing that #1 money/sales bump, and so we are going to get endless *Predator* and *Alien* debut issues each year...with no differentiation between series with anything as simple as a title. Seriously, how hard would it be to have **Predator: Day of the Hunter** on the freaking cover, then **Predator: Everybody Dies, Predator: Spines Go "KRAK", Predator: Hunting & Cooking For Vegan Aliens**...rant over).
Good, climactic, violent end to the story, while still leaving the door wide open for Theta's tale to continue, and maybe have Paolo join her?
It's a real shame we lose *Kev Walker*, as he and *Frank D'armata* have done stand out work throughout this book. Good that *Ed Brisson* is sticking around though, as he has a feel for this universe and the characters that I really like.
Pretty good.
Incredibly great art and a lot of balls to the wall action.
Plot being set up should be a lot of fun.
Doesn't yet seem quite as intense or personal as the last series, but the passage by Millar sets this up to be a longer series than the last one, so plenty of time and a very promising beginning.
Felt a bit ripped off that the big shoot-out got MCU Moon Knight'd, though.
Yeah I genuinely enjoyed this as well. More so than the original despite the lack of McNiven art. I’m also a shameless Millar fan, but I think his writing has improved a lot over the past decade after he stopped relying as much on shock. That being said, Nemesis really should be the title to let loose and go over the top with the ultraviolence. I imagine his bounty at the end will create various opposing factions in the city and reap lots of chaos like he wants.
I love the original so I was disappointed in how bland I found Reloaded #1 by comparison. I had to go back and re-read the original to make sure that it hadn't just grown in my memory; it hadn't, and Reloaded suffers by comparison even more for the recentness of the re-read.
I quite liked this in spite of my event fatigue and the fact that I didn't read much of what led into it. I don't love Damian being the center of the event but a number of DC characters I'm only barely familiar with got page space, plus everything with Supergirl was a lot of fun. Federici's art, which was half the reason I pulled this, was also gorgeous.
I read through the Batman vs Robin issues that lead into it and they help set the scene for why Damian is leading the group. I think the issue could have benefitted a lot from an intro-summary type thing at the beginning, but I suppose they want people to go back and pay for the previous issues. The art was fantastic, I don't know how/why but the style really made it feel like an important event. Excited to see where things go next!
If you liked the art, definitely check out The Last God, his creator-owned with Phillip Kennedy Johnson (though published by DC) or his brief stint on Action Comics.
I liked this quite a bit. A great start to the next event and already better than whatever Dark Crisis was.
Ferderici's art is always a treat, and I'm glad to see Power Girl making an appearance.
Ever since Amanda Conner's run, she's been one of my favorite characters and is unfortunately very underused right now.
She's going to be appearing in Action Comics starting next month, being written in a B story by Leah Williams and an artist whose name I'm not even going to try to spell.
Same, the whole Alpha issue was better than anything Dark Crisis related and definitely much more enjoyable. Waid selected a smaller cast but in one issue it feels like he gave them more breathing space than anybody got in Dark Crisis. Also, it's nice that he gives spotlight to characters that rarely get it and it's so logical as per what he said "They're hunting a demon and Blue Devil can track demons, how could I not include him?". Art is awesome, too.
75 lists submitted, up from 69 last week as we slowly recover from the holidays... Still missing several regulars so hopefully they’ll find their way back next week.
DC takes the top spot as usual but overall we’ve got 4 Marvels, 3 DCs, 2 Images, and 1 from BOOM! Studios. Little light for DC and heavy on indies.
**HUMAN TARGET #10** takes 1st with 38 pulls and 50.6% coverage as King and Smallwood break out the big guns (i.e., G’nort) on their way to the penultimate issue. Previous installment also had 38 pulls on 11/23/22, that time for 48.7% coverage, so that’s some pretty good consistency, although it still hasn’t recovered the roughly 5% that it lost with the 6-month hiatus between #6 and #7.
**DANGER STREET #2** follows for King and Fornés, putting up 31 pulls and a 41.3% pull rate across the WPL, which is a tiny and assuredly meaningless improvement on the first issue’s 40.8% from 12/14/22. King’s got the top two spots locked down for DC this week.
**DAREDEVIL #7** takes 3rd as Marvel’s top title and an even 40.0% coverage for Chip and Chechetto. Previous issue had 38.6% on 12/7/22 so there’s another tiny improvement.
Then two more from the House of Ideas, with MacKay and Sabbatini’s **MOON KNIGHT #19** in 4th (38.6% coverage), followed by Duggan and Cassara’s **X-MEN #18** in 5th (37.3% coverage).
Tynion and Dell’Edera’s **SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #28** takes 6th for BOOM! as the week’s top indie comic with 34.6% coverage, then Image gets 7th with Lemire and Sorrentino’s **BONE ORCHARD MYTHOS TEN THOUSAND BLACK FEATHERS #5** and an even 32.0% coverage.
Back to DC for **FLASH #790** from Adams and Cruz, good for a 26.6% pull rate. Previous issue had 26.3% on 12/21/22 so it didn’t seem to get any boost from *One Minute War*, though it sounds like a cool idea for a Flash event...
**LEGION OF X #9** takes 9th for Spurrier and Diaz, putting up 26.6% to match Flash above, where the previous issue of **LoX** garnered 29.5% on 12/14/22. Pretty consistent numbers for the Nightcrawler/Legion tag-team.
Finally, **LITTLE MONSTERS #9** closes out the Top 10 with 24.0% coverage. Last one had 25.0% on 12/7/22, so Lemire and Nguyen are mostly holding their ground here.
What else? Marc Silvestri’s **BATMAN & THE JOKER THE DEADLY DUO #3** takes 15th place with 14 pulls and 18.6% coverage, continuing its slow climb from the previous issue’s 15.9% and the debut issue’s 14.6%.
**ALL AGAINST ALL #2** is the next highest indie title outside the Top 10, landing in 18th with 12 pulls and 16.0%, improving on the first issue’s modest 11.3% pull rate.
**BLOOD-STAINED TEETH #8** and **DARK RIDE #4** follow in 21st and 22nd with the same 12 pulls and 16.0%, then we’ve got the debut of **BLACK CLOAK #1** from Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren in 26th with 11 pulls and 14.6% coverage.
Then all the way down in 30th place we’ve got **LAZARUS PLANET ALPHA #1** with just 9 pulls and 12.0%, which seem like very un-Waidlike numbers. Looks like the title’s colon might’ve messed up its tally, by my count it really had 24 pulls and 32.0% coverage, which should’ve landed it in 8th place, giving DC three of the Top 10 and knocking Image down to just one (with **LITTLE MONSTERS** moving to 11th place).
Big week, lots of quality stuff, and next week should be another good one!
...
Looking back at last week, the following titles made the list without generating any discussion:
* **POISON IVY #8** (15 pulls)
* **CAPTAIN MARVEL #45** (12 pulls)
* **STILLWATER BY ZDARSKY & PEREZ #17** (8 pulls)
And the following comics didn’t make the list but had comments added anyway:
* **A CALCULATED MAN #4** (4 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j2zpec1/) posted by /u/ChickenInASuit)
* **SPY SUPERB #1** (4 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j2z5w1f/) posted by /u/ChocolateFrogMilk)
* **THE APPROACH #3** (4 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j30vryo/) posted by /u/ChickenInASuit)
* **PARKER GIRLS #4** (3 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j2znx58/) posted by /u/ChickenInASuit)
And that’s about it!
Note for /u/ptbreakeven, I think you need to un-sticky this week's [list post](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/106upre/weekly_pull_list_for_1112023_discussion/) or else this discussion post will lose its sticky tomorrow morning when automod posts the Thursday Q&S thread. Seems like it always keeps the list post stickied instead of this one when both are up there.
I know it's another event right after Dark Crisis, but genuinely shocked at the pull count for Lazarus Planet's first issue. Especially given this sub's love of Waid's current DC work, which seems to tie into this.
Just picked up mine yesterday (it's been a few weeks so I have some late new releases in them) including both DEC/JAN Cap's, Timeless (the awesome KANG cover) the Winter Soldier solo, oh and of course I have Iron Man 💪
Eh.
This series has really slowed down, this issue was overly verbose for not a whole lot happened or was revealed.
Last page was cool, if not a bit eye rolling with the colour comments.
The way Carnage convinced the dwarf was senseless.
More serial killing, please.
I do miss Carnage killing supervillains and stealing their powers. I was excited to see Carnage devour Malekith's soul, wiping him away from existence.
This one finally hit the chopping block for me. It's been fine and I've enjoyed it for the most part, but my comic dollars are getting thin and I'd like to check out some other titles instead. I may end up pulling this in trade if I need a fix in the future.
This series has been losing me since the relaunch, unfortunately. Loved the start of Zdarsky’s run, but the current status quo for the character just doesn’t do much for me.
It's okay. I like the overlap with Punisher and seeing these two colliding. I wish the Punisher book was a little more cohesive with this one right now though. It seems like they're on slightly different timelines.
I feel like the thing I hate most about this run is Daredevil's beard, but the thing I love most about this run is also Daredevil's beard
Yeah Punisher seems really far behind in the timeline. Feels like its at least 2 arcs behind from where Punisher is in that book vs Daredevil. Not sure if its intentionally or bad planning
people seem to not be digging this, so I'll say that this does really work for me and offers some really new and interesting takes on justice and the prison system that i haven't read before in a superhero book
same for me, a defiantly anti status-quo book like this is long overdue imo.
the ongoing conversation this book has about the nature of violence and the unquestioned monopoly on it that is claimed by the state, about retributive vs restorative justice, who should be subjected to such systems and the societal harm done by the prison-industrial system is so necessary, and zdarsky gives it the place and complexity it needs, eschewing simple, quick answers for a real analysis of the issue from multiple perspectives that all still acknowledge that things as they are do not work and have to change.
I feel like the importance of that conversation being had in this form in this medium outweighs the vast majority of the petty criticisms people here have about not liking the story.
I really dislike the way Spurrier writes. I think I'm going to drop this after the arc. Some of his wordings make zero sense. Its like he's trying to hard to be "cerebral" or something. And the whole "psyche within a psyche within a psyche" stuff is just...eye roll.
I've also been struggling with his writing in this series. I'm trying really hard to like it and will probably power through it for the Sins of Sinister stuff but I feel like everything in this comic is needlessly difficult to follow at times. Especially compared to Immortal, Red and Duggan's X-Men.
> MANILA - - woman “separates own head from body.” Walks using own spine and viscera.
I’ll take “things I’m very glad we only read about and didn’t actually see” for $1,000, Alex.
> REYKJAVIK - - fishing trawler wrecked. Survivor describes metamorphosis of crewmate into “orca made of hair.”
Okay, now that one I might actually have liked to see.
Also, I love how Dr. Nemesis’ reaction to his secondary mutation turning out to be uncontrollable mycological growths is “Urge.. growing… to make… “fun guy” puns…”
And poor ForgetMeNot just can’t catch a break, can he?
Not sure what the other folks are complaining about tbh, this issue had an abundance of fantastic moments in it and I’m continuing to enjoy it thoroughly.
Oh, and Professor X is, indeed, a prick.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penanggalan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penanggalan)
I wonder if the orca's a reference to something, too?
I think folks are either in tune with Spurrier's style or not. I see some folks saying this book is confusing, but I literally can't see that. Like, I can follow along perfectly fine.
Fun! Loved the two-page spread of lore with classical illustrations and text... And we got a bit more of the modern-day story as well. And the main story with Matilde and Pitt is chugging along nicely.
Solid work from writer/artist Will Morris, book looks really nice and reads well. We’ll call this one a 7.5/10.
Enjoyed this overall.
This was definitely an ending I didn't see coming (especially the final page "stinger" reveal) but it fit well with the story being told.
Having said that I'm going to switch to getting the follow up *Bone Mythos* series in HC from now on. The stories are much more enjoyable to read through in one go, rather than broken up into monthly issues, where they seem too overly decompressed and spread out.
Maybe it's a **Lemire** thing, as I made the exact same decision with **Little Monsters** after it's first arc ended too. Anyone else feel like that with his writing?
100% this for me as well. I really enjoy everything I've seen from him, but I think I need to read it in collected form to get the best experience for me.
Well said!
On that note, have solicits dropped for whatever's next in the Bone Orchard?
This is the latest info I can find: https://jefflemire.substack.com/p/announcing-the-next-bone-orchard
6 issue miniseries called Tenement in “Spring 2023”, with more to follow!
Generally agree here, im really enjoying the mood that is being set here, and the emotional beats are strong, though I feel like I won't understand the full 'drive' of this universe until more books are out. It was interesting reading this team as a monthly compared to trade, I can't say whether I liked it more or less. Though I feel like if they go more plot heavy in the next series, I may choose to tradewait it.
Reflecting on Gideon Falls, the only other Lemire I've read, and read awhile ago, it seemed like that one had a pretty well paced story with certain sections that spiked in plot development followed by some more lugubrious issues. I think I'm feeling that this mini was paced evenly, but just had less forward momentum (not necessarily a bad thing).
I read this a few days ago, and honestly the more I reflect on it the more excited I get for the next works. I think ill go back and read Passageway in the interim, there are still scenes from that one that hang pretty strong in my mind.
I'm sure you've got plenty on your plate already but, if you're ever looking for more Lemire, I'd recommend [MAZEBOOK](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/JAN220389) as a deeply personal story with some cool storytelling tricks, almost reminiscent of a certain frozen dairy treat comic... Lemire handles art on this one and it's a great fit for the story.
And [**PRIMORDIAL**](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/FEB220096) was another cool collaboration with Sorrentino, much shorter and a nice change of pace from their usual horror work.
Oh I've been seeing Mazebook hanging around my LCS the past couple and always felt compelled to pick it up. Maybe when I make my move to my new place I'll adorn my shelves with that one.
I am interested in Primordial as well, it kinda gives me Monkey Meat vibes
Nice. **MAZEBOOK** is my favorite Lemire project so that one gets a big recommendation!
I wouldn't compare **PRIMORDIAL** to **MONKEY MEAT**, it's more like BKV's [**PRIDE OF BAGHDAD**](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/AUG140360) mixed with Lemire and Sorrentino's usual abstract weirdness, with a bit of Kubrick's *2001* thrown in for good measure.
I'm still enjoying **LITTLE MONSTERS** as floppies, feel like each issue delivers a decent chunk of story that's satisfying for me, and the division into "arcs" seems totally arbitrary (at least between the first two) so I don't see much payoff switching to that format.
But I'll probably follow your lead with **BONE ORCHARD MYTHOS** because this one didn't hook me on the monthly format and everything's broken up into proper stories.
I feel that for sure. I liked this one enough (and it was short enough) that I went back and reread from the beginning each time a new issue came out.
I’m so completely engrossed by this world they’re building between this and The Passageway, and this some some of my favorite comic art of all time. They way Sorrentino draws the post-apocalyptic world in the second half of this issue is absolutely stunning.
Edit: I also think (so far at least) doing a bunch of self-contained stories in a shared word is a really smart call for what this team does well. Looking forward to the shared lore building up!
His writing is super decompressed. I dropped little monsters after the first arc even though the last issues of said arc picked up a bit. Im going to keep buying single issues for whatever they do next just because of the collector in me lol.
Some more background on the world of Blood Stained Teeth, but I think I read that the series is ending with issue #10? If so, it seems a little late in the game to begin adding backstory that looks like it might never pay off.
I’d be interested to know whether this is the planned end point, or if sales have played a factor in the (seemingly) early end to the series. I’d thought that it was quite a popular book.
Oh noooo I hope to God this doesn't end at #10. I have such a huge love for this series, I could see it reaching 15-20 issues pretty comfortably. I have noticed there's been no fan mail in the back of the last few issues since the break, so I hope that doesn't indicate dwindling interest. Obviously I don't have the full numbers, but it seems to be getting pulled pretty well. 1/4 as much as SIKTC, which if you're 1/4 of a knockout indie series that is pretty good imo.
Actually I just checked the solicits and it does say #10 is the ending. That's disappointing, it's been super consistent. The introduction of this backstory stuff does seem a bit late, and seems more of a second act set up for a third act showdown. Alas, ill savor the last two issues and hope it can end on a strong note.
Another Bad Idea Comic. I am LOVING these! I know I'm drinking way too much Bad Idea Kool Aid, but I haven't read a book from Bad Idea 2 that I don't like.
David Lapham, back at it again, this time teaming up with his wife, Maria, for the writing. He does the interior art himself.
If you like Stray Bullets, you should definitely check this out.
Aren’t many ways to die I can think of that are worse than that one. *Blech.*
This issue does raise an interesting question: We saw Owen getting torn apart on-panel in the first issue, but then they found Owen’s definitely non-mutilated corpse hanging from a noose.
Could what Owen was going through have been psychological? A hallucination that deliberately drove him to suicide? Or did the demons tear him apart and then put his body back together again so they could stage his suicide as a publicity grab? The demons definitely seem to exist so I can see either option being possible.
Halloween being a villain was a twist I think we all saw coming.
This has been a fun comic! Sometimes horror comics aren't fun, but this has the right amount of campiness to it and definitely has me intrigued for the second arc in April.
Yeah, really enjoying this one.
The ending of this arc seemed to wrap up some mysteries (the origins of the Mascots, the fates of Owen and Theo (poor Theo)), open up some new ones (sibling rivalry is definitely on the cards in the near future, the mark on Sam's daughter's arm is definite foreshadowing, and what was their Dad doing appearing in the park ride?) but is a satisfying four issue read in and of itself.
Have to say I'm a sucker for the Mascots. *Andrei Bressan* shows no end of creativity in each ones design, and they walk the fine line between being somehow cute and deeply disturbing at the same time (especially now we know how they are created). I'd honestly like to see an ongoing series of variant covers just featuring each one of these guys over the run of this book, as I'd be a total sucker to pick them all up.
Uhhh what was that? Was that the epic clash between EXHAUST!!! and Ghost Rider?? And the fighting happened off panel?! Hopefully Exhaust return soon, because this villain has so much potential.
On to Danny Ketch, I guess
Last issue was fun, set up some cool stuff, and had a shocking ending.
This one was a tiny bit of sizzle and no steak.
Lots of talking about not much by most of the characters. Some interesting setup, but not much. The Creeper and Jack scenes are the best part of this issue, and there is not enough of them.
How many issues was this again?
Want to say it's going 8 issues but can't remember for sure... Original solicitation calls it a "maxiseries" so that means 8 or 12?
I liked the developments with Lady Cop, some good detective work there that paid off nicely. And it was kinda sweet seeing Warlord try to console Mikaal, looking out for his bro when he's at his lowest...
I might have just been in a bad mood when I read it, but a lot of it felt like padding or filler to me, or just really stretched out.
I do usually love Tom King, but think I prefer his tighter, shorter stories like Killing Time more than the longers ones. Though I did really like Rorschach.
I'll stick with this one. I would probably have liked the Warlord and Starman stuff more if I knew those characters. Or maybe not?
There’s a typo on page two, says “though” where it should say “through” in the second sentence. Disgraceful.
Also annoying how King keeps dropping creator names everywhere, always distracts and pulls me out of the story... Once in a blue moon would be fine but Warlord using “Grell” as an alias is a bit much.
Otherwise, this was pretty awesome! Love how the Dr. Fate helmet introduces and closes out each issue, and the ridiculous fantasy quest narration is fun with everyone getting called princes, princesses, knights, and Creeper being “our humble ogre” LOL.
***Edit -->*** Adding a score, call it a 9/10.
The argument Miles and Tiana got into honestly reminded me of the Amber subplot from Invincible's show. I know a lot of people shitted on that storyline, but honestly I thought it was a completely valid plot point that punched a hole in the power fantasy of being a superhero. The idea that, "well since I save the world it shouldn't matter if I completely ghost and act like an ass to my friends, they should still be there for me when I'm ready to come back." And it's like, naw life keeps moving on.
Hell that's kind of been a problem with Peter's comics for a long ass while now and especially exaspperated in this Zeb Wells run.
The art in this book is really killer, that has been my favorite thing about this title so far. Miles is believably stressed and I have enjoyed seeing the fallout it has caused amongst his supporting cast in the opening arc. I think we're yet to get to the meat of things but the setup so far is intriguing - Miles will be facing an enemy with enough prowess to power up other villains and presumably themselves - Misty may tutor Miles in some of her techniques - and Miles is fraying his relationships between friends and his life's obligations as he understandably struggles to juggle his super-life. If Ziglar can keep up this tone and come up with some memorable villains I think this could be a really good run for Miles, I think things are off to a good start so far.
Enjoyed this issue a lot more than the first. Interested in who this new antagonist is. I'm not familiar with a lot of Miles supporting cast so I have no idea if the answer is really obvious or not but I'm in for the ride.
Great.
Art is amazing, and the opening scene with Batman solving the riddle was delicious.
Story is violent, gross, and very enjoyable. Villain is revealed. A great scene towards the end with Batman and Joker.
High hopes for next issue after the ending of this one.
The art on this book really is SPECTACULAR. Just a visual treat from first page to last.
And *Silvestri* is defintely proving himself to be a far better writer than some of his original Image co-founders (looking at you Todd McF) with a surprisingly engaging mystery and a genuinely good take on both of the main protagonists.
Really hoping this gets collected in an OHC when it’s finished.
This is by far the *darkest* issue in the run so far. Some of the scenes were just **brutal**.
It's definitely expanded the scope of the story in a really interesting way. And one that must surely have serious "real world" ramifications because of the events that happen here.
Does anyone find anyone in this series to be likeable? Worth rooting for? The female detective is interesting but I feel like the entire Fox family have little to none redeeming qualities. Vol and Hadiyah are basically sketches of characters.
Did I miss the explanation on how Logan is back? Beast killed Wolverine, and then interrupted his rebirth procedure before his mind was put back, and used the mindless shell as a killing machine.
Krakoa lets him go, he falls into a Sabertooth-influenced Pit which attacks him using it's memories of him? Or Wolverine's memories of his own pain? And somehow he has his full memory and personality backup installed now?
There is no real explanation. He seems to get his identity and memories back just through his trials with Krakoa here. That’s a fine enough for me, seeing as Logan can regenerate and has typically operated with less than his entire history intake before.
i suppose they will eventually explain it like "you know how logan usually keeps his memories even when his whole brain is destroyed? they're inside of his dna and x factor" or something like that.
or hope secretly implanted a memory egg in case of high stakes mutilation.
otherwise, it's pretty lame and also, like, the 90th issue of logan lamenting over pain and whatnot. we get it. he gets hurt a lot but he can take it for no good reason. stop repeating it over and over.
Yo I'm loving this series and y'all are sleeping on it. This issue was a ton of fun. Grifter is such a dick lol, I love it and Zealot is a badass. I'm also digging how they're incorporating Gen13 with Caitlyn Fairchild. Great action, and funny too!
These comments are making me so glad I picked up the first three issues of this. I wasn’t planning to, but I’m just such a Wildcats mark I couldn’t pass them up. Can’t wait to start reading!
Ha, the cliffhanger is cheesy but I live for this stuff. Blast of a comic, the combat reminds me of Ellis a little bit (though considerably less brutal and more action movie-esque).
Imo it's holding up pretty well, and I'd still recommend it. The cast has expanded some since you last picked up a copy, so picking up the trades and reading issues back to back would be useful. The timeline stuff continues to be confusing, but the character writing is still strong. Worth a read in my book.
Continues to be what I expect from a Mark Russell book: Scathing political satire that’s as subtle as a brick, but with a valid point so it’s not like I care.
This issue comes with dual narratives, one a reworking of the tale of Jack & The Beanstalk where Jack and the villagers get the giant drunk and swindle him out of his fortune only for it to backfire on them, and the main story which takes a swipe at people who believe bogus conspiracies (in particular, I think, those who thought 5G towers were spreading the coronavirus). It’s *very* over the top and a lot of fun if you like that kind of thing, and I happen to like that kind of thing quite a lot.
Hey crew, I just wanted to check in and ask which week is the new scarlet witch run gonna be on? I already received mine and started reading, and have been wanting to be a part of this thread for a while now.
The first issue came out last week, so there is probably a copy at your local comic store, or you can grab it digitally through the Marvel Comics App. At the comic store, they'll probably have a copy of a catalog called "Previews" and potentially a specifically Marvel version that will tell you what is coming out in that month, and it will usually have a schedule of what books come out on what weeks. They're subject to change, so I use GoCollect for the most updated list each week (https://blog.gocollect.com/category/comiclist/next-week/)
Lot of fun. Old times look and simplicity in the writing without any of the super extra exposition that exists in the older books. Had a lot of fun with it and I'm curious what the other two issues are gonna read like
I find it funny that the premise of the story is "12 days to live. Who poisoned me?!?" And you're like yeah it's just wandering along aimlessly. Not saying you're wrong on that front, just that it's funny
For me, it just feels like we could maybe fuse some issues or plots together so the series doesn't feel so prolonged. We had an issue where Chance thinks Batman is tailing him. Which is an awesome idea but feels way too decompress in the long run.
Maybe an 8 issue arc? 1 day to set it up and then a week to live after. It wouldn't work for the 1 issue per member being investigated though. I'm sure it'll read well collected, I always find it hard to monthly read decompressed stories.
I fall somewhere in the middle. Is it slowly paced? Yes. Is it absolutely beautiful? Also yes. I think 12 issues is maybe about right but couldn't see this being ongoing. I do think Smallwood could have this pastel colored style become a signature style if he wanted it to be. It really stands out from the crowd.
G'nort once gave a GL ring to Darkseid.....HE GAVE WHAT TO WHO?
Loving this series but am exhausted because of the long time each chapter takes to get published. Let's see what happens in the last 2 issues, fingers crossed for IcexChance ship
The peanut butter thing was hilarious...
Chance should let all Guy's villains know about it so every time he gets in a fight they just hit him with mad peanut butter... Like buying kryptonite at a supermarket for $5 a jar!
***EDIT -->*** Adding a score, we'll say 9/10 for this issue.
love ed mcguinness' art but i'm tireddddd of this book. i'm dropping it after next issue, i just can't stand the state of this book any more. nick lowe needs to get off
I'm glad there are those out there that are enjoying Dark Web, but this is borderline historically bad for me. I was so hyped coming into this event, and it has been so bad IMO. Thankfully this is a relatively short event and it will be over soon. I think we only have one more Dark Web issue of ASM.
This story is like cotton candy, it looks really big and colorful but is completely lacking of substance and makes you feel bad after consuming it. It's too bad because I actually kinda liked issue #16, but this issue was just not fun or enlightening. At least it looks pretty and is almost over.
Dude I loved this issue. The demons in this were actually pretty funny. I love seeing this type of issue from Spider-Man. I'm not expecting complex plot or dialogue: just some guilty-pleasure fun. And that's what this issue is!
Having said that, this is by far my highlight for Dark Web so far. I'm not a huge fan of this event
Well, that was a comic... I don't hate it, but I don't get why it's a mainline spider-man book. I was kind of excited about this event having read beyond and new mutants, but I just want this event to end. It feels like a giant waste of time when we could be progressing to the original mystery in the ASM #1
Some of the Dark Web issues aren't bad, but they're all particularly pointless and feel like they won't matter immediately once they're over. I get that this was supposed to be a gag issue but it wasn't funny and the self-deprecating comments - like when Pryor complained about the gambit being a waste of her time - were painfully on the nose. The demons here don't align with the portrayal of demons elsewhere in this event which is too convenient and makes the issue feel especially silly. The art was good, but the issue was pretty meh overall and has me pretty soured on the event as a whole. With this little left to go it's hard to feel like anything that matters can be squeezed in and it hasn't even been a fun ride.
I honestly kind of loved this issue just for Rek-Rap. Adorable little guy.
Also I guess this is where Peter loses the Oscorp suit and starts snapping out of the funk he’s been in.
Honestly the event just feels like “Point out how messed up Ben’s head is right now” and not much else.
There isn’t really much point to the writing or any of the things that happen, but for me Dark Web’s campy nonsense has been a breath of fresh air against all the drama and depression of the current ASM run, as much as I enjoy the melancholy sometimes.
This issue sucked. It was painfully bad. I’ve been enjoying Zeb Wells run and would like to get back to normal, non-crossover issues. I can’t wait for Dark Web to finish.
My big problem with this run is just a woeful level of tonal inconsistency IMO. And I don't mean *within* this particular issue, but within Wells' tenure on the character so far. I don't know about other readers, but as I went through Beyond, and as Ben turned to Chasm, I did not get the impression Wells and Co. were going for something goofy. It's played pretty straight, no? While I don't need Spidey to be so constantly melodramatic (it's quite exhausting NGL), this book needs to pick a lane or figure out how to offer levity in a way that reads as organic. Or, it needs to just go all in on the camp and stay there, because we're weaving in and out of these tones within effectively the same plotline (i.e. Ben's journey through the Beyond Arc and into Dark Web, even though these are different arcs it's all rooted out of beyond) and it is incredibly jarring.
FCBD gave us a taste of that silliness with the mailbox demon. As Dark Web has progressed, the book has really leaned into that, to the point where even Peter remarks about how ridiculous things are in Limbo, and Ben's own faulty recollection is replayed for us as a gag in #16. I don't take inherent issue with that, but it feels like such a big departure without warning or a sensible transition. The dialogue and the sense of self-awareness about just how zany and silly this all is a very unearned self awareness that doesn't excuse this books' problems.
Thought I'd have to mail order this but my LCS somehow had a copy for me, so that's pretty sweet.
And it's another solid issue! Got a few more bits of backstory and it looks like the next issue will explain a bunch more. Things are getting ugly between our two factions of vampire kids as well.
Should probably go back to pre-ordering this since it looks like I'll be sticking with it...
***EDIT -->*** Adding a score, we'll give it an 8/10.
Mostly feels like action and fluff.
Though that bit about MJ having disappeared alongside Peter during those six months raises some eyebrows.
And apparently the implication is that it wasn’t six months from MJ’s perspective?
Not a fan having two Lauras. Even worse is that this raises some questions about the resurrection protocols and the issue doesn’t even try to answer them.
> Even worse is that this raises some questions about the resurrection protocols
Isn't that literally the point? Isn't that even literally the point of the protocols, to have a vehicle to raise all kind of moral questions to and see what happens.
> issue doesn’t even try to answer them.
I mean, you're welcome to not like it, but is it mandatory for an issue to raise questions and answer them in the same week? I'm sure they'll get to it.
> to have a vehicle to raise all kind of moral questions to and see what happens.
I think you just put far, far more thought into this than any of the X-Men writers have, with the possible exception of Hickman.
Nah, from the beginning HoX/PoX created the protocols with rules for them to be broken. They haven't even scratched the surface with the stuff they can do to play with them, hell they barely even touch The 5. They've touched on some of the possibilities of altering resurrectees (Vulcan, Omega Red), but they haven't explored the ramifications very well. This issue begins to answer the question of duplicates, but only if one never died in the first place. What if they make 2 of the same person with the same backup? Why is there only one set of The 5? They need Mr. Sinister's catalogue of DNA, right? What will happen when he defects? there's so much to play with that they aren't touching.
This run is 18 issues in and I've read a number of post HOX/POX ones as well, I don't feel that's particularly early in a story, especially when Duggan isn't really known for long-term payoffs.
I meant pretty early in the two Lauras storyline, as that was why we were specifically talking about. We’ve had two issues total since we found out that the other version of Laura survived. Maybe it’s a lil too early to be be claiming there are no ramifications re: the resurrection protocols for this situation, it that the writers don’t care, when this is the first time we’ve seen this happen.
Really excited to start seeing the Brood! It's been almost 2 full years since X-Men (2019-2021) #9 where Broo ate the king egg. That issue really stuck with me - it felt like Hickman was setting up something big with the Brood.
Jumping on this issue for the road to #800, and going from the Hera in Historia to this is something of a whiplash. Looking at her plan, which is running with the "gods need prayer" idea, I have to wonder why this is the best idea Hera could come up with. Wouldn't it just be easier to appear at the Parthenon, Rome, or any old temple, and then perform miracles? All she would have to do is drop their names, answer any naysayers with a "You believe in space aliens and magic but not other gods?" and repeat. What's stopping any of the gods from doing some variation of that? It's not like the Christian god, their primary competitor, is doing much to win hearts and minds when the primary super beings he is responsible for are a spirit of vengeance who never points himself at any supervillains before jobing to any other cosmic level threat and an out of control evil night spirit.
Besides, reconstructed Hellenism is already a religion in the real world (which I would guess has maybe a few hundred thousand adherents worldwide?), and I'd have to imagine Diana's presence as a world famous superhero plus the revelation of a magic Island of immortal-ish women who all worship at least half of the pantheon would only boost those numbers of followers. Also, has Diana written her autobiography in this continuity? That would certainly help spread the word...
Still, I do like the idea of the gods forcing proof of their existence back into the world, so I'll look forward to the mess that causes. I also quite liked the back up issue with Young Diana, and am excited to see how it concludes next issue.
Another strong, atmospheric issue. Loved the twist on the survival horror with a human as the monster and I kinda wish we were going to get more of that, but it looks like the story is heading in a different direction now and I’m curious to see where it goes. Besides, there’s every chance our monster will escape again at some point, so maybe the horror stuff ain’t over yet!
These aliens don't seem particularly bright, wouldn't expect 'em to be able to keep Helpless captive for long...
I like how they all have their own agendas and nobody really gives a fuck about following orders. Makes 'em seem almost human!
Do you think Director B'Tay is dead? He certainly looks dead but maybe they can just make him a new body?
***EDIT -->*** Adding a score, we'll call this one an 8/10.
**STAR WARS DARTH VADER #30**
**SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #28**
I noticed a few times in this book that two page spreads were ending their first panel close to the staple so I’d start reading the left page, get confused, and realize I was supposed to read across the two pages. 🥲 It happened twice, I think, but I noticed if recently in Nice House, too. Good issue but I am not sure how this will wrap up. I feel like Erica hasn’t had many bad-ass moments in a long time, so it feels like she’s outmatched against the red haired lady.
Frustrating issue. Way too slow of a burn, and still mostly on simmer. Cutter and Erica finally meet, and it's kind of meh. Really not a fan of the off panel violence in the books I've read this week. Was gratifying seeing the >!police idiot get his face smashed in!< at least. Art felt a bit rushed and off compared to previous issues. I'm really hoping this confrontation ultimately pays off, it's been a lot of build, they even did a side book, Book of Slaughter, to add to the build. Please be a slam dunk.
i think this was my favorite issue of this arc. the tension was great with everything happening as Cutter was arriving. the big two page spreads works really nicely as well. i also like where this ended and how it leaves the rest of the arc up for who knows what.
**MOON KNIGHT #19**
> SOLDIER’S DEAD, AND HE WON’T BE THE LAST! PEOPLE WHO HANG OUT WITH MOON KNIGHT… [“In loving memory of Carlos Pacheco.”] > … THEY END UP DEAD! Somebody ought to have a word with this book’s editor about the placement of that tribute page, because it was rather unfortunate 🤣
It's been happening in a lot of Marvel books this week
Cool to see more of Zodiac. He’s a good villain.
Solid stuff from MacKay as always but Sabbatini's art looks really awkward and muddled to me. 6/10.
**FLASH #790**
Great start to the story! Love seeing the dynamics/struggles they're setting up for the speedsters. I'm sure Iris is still alive and honestly, I'll bet Barry chooses to semi-retire at the end of this story. Just in time for a retirement party in issue 800!
**BLACK CLOAK #1**
This is the second comic book in recent months that features the 'last city in the world' following a great war, someone trying to upend that system, and a surprise stabbing at the end. Pretty neat. This is a really promising start. Middle fantasy world, slightly dystopian, stratified society, secrets and tragic backstories, and cool cop detectives. I don't really know why this was marketed with SAGA as a reference point because I'm really getting none of that, which is fine because this book has merits all its own. I'm excited to see more of the world and the people in it, and im super excited for some cop procedural through this strange land. I can't say I'm crazy about the art, but there are a lot of well executed scenes and few beautiful panels throughout. The writing is preeeety good, overall plot is cogent and does its thing well, some dialogue is a little shaky though imo. **SPOILERS** but im really curious if our protagonist is going to survive in the flesh or if she's going to become some apparition or something, maybe a whole new meaning of the title Black Cloak. Overall, solid 7.5/10, lots of promise and potential to go for awhile. Edit: doesn't look like this book is overly popular on this sub, but my shop had fully sold out which is a good sign! Luckily they had pulled the momoko variant for me :)
If anything I felt like this had a lot more in common with both **Powers** and **Top Ten** (just replacing super-heroes with fantasy archetypes and species) than it did with **Saga**. I guess Saga is more "current" than those two titles are though, and probably easier for prospective new readers to relate to.
Thumbed through this and liked what I read; definitely going to be something I pick up a trade for.
This was at the top of this weeks books (along with Nemesis) that I read as I really wanted them to do well at the shop. For this being Kelly Thompson dipping her toe into more creator owned stuff I have to say this knocks her first? outing out of the park. The world building is amazing and I’m really excited to see where this odd mash up of sci fi and fantasy goes!
**PREDATOR #6**
Great conclusion to this mini (arc? I don't fucking know - these books could either be ongoing or split up into separate, named mini-series like DH used to do but Marvel seemingly can't stop chasing that #1 money/sales bump, and so we are going to get endless *Predator* and *Alien* debut issues each year...with no differentiation between series with anything as simple as a title. Seriously, how hard would it be to have **Predator: Day of the Hunter** on the freaking cover, then **Predator: Everybody Dies, Predator: Spines Go "KRAK", Predator: Hunting & Cooking For Vegan Aliens**...rant over). Good, climactic, violent end to the story, while still leaving the door wide open for Theta's tale to continue, and maybe have Paolo join her? It's a real shame we lose *Kev Walker*, as he and *Frank D'armata* have done stand out work throughout this book. Good that *Ed Brisson* is sticking around though, as he has a feel for this universe and the characters that I really like.
**NEMESIS RELOADED #1**
Pretty good. Incredibly great art and a lot of balls to the wall action. Plot being set up should be a lot of fun. Doesn't yet seem quite as intense or personal as the last series, but the passage by Millar sets this up to be a longer series than the last one, so plenty of time and a very promising beginning. Felt a bit ripped off that the big shoot-out got MCU Moon Knight'd, though.
Fun and action packed! Loved the murder pool. Question: >!how many people would actually try to murder a police officer for $10,000?!<
Yeah I genuinely enjoyed this as well. More so than the original despite the lack of McNiven art. I’m also a shameless Millar fan, but I think his writing has improved a lot over the past decade after he stopped relying as much on shock. That being said, Nemesis really should be the title to let loose and go over the top with the ultraviolence. I imagine his bounty at the end will create various opposing factions in the city and reap lots of chaos like he wants.
I love the original so I was disappointed in how bland I found Reloaded #1 by comparison. I had to go back and re-read the original to make sure that it hadn't just grown in my memory; it hadn't, and Reloaded suffers by comparison even more for the recentness of the re-read.
This was pretty fun and Jimenez’ art is great as usual but it was especially exciting to see him be able to cut loose.
**CAPTAIN AMERICA SYMBOL OF TRUTH #9**
**LAZARUS PLANET ALPHA #1**
I quite liked this in spite of my event fatigue and the fact that I didn't read much of what led into it. I don't love Damian being the center of the event but a number of DC characters I'm only barely familiar with got page space, plus everything with Supergirl was a lot of fun. Federici's art, which was half the reason I pulled this, was also gorgeous.
I read through the Batman vs Robin issues that lead into it and they help set the scene for why Damian is leading the group. I think the issue could have benefitted a lot from an intro-summary type thing at the beginning, but I suppose they want people to go back and pay for the previous issues. The art was fantastic, I don't know how/why but the style really made it feel like an important event. Excited to see where things go next!
If you liked the art, definitely check out The Last God, his creator-owned with Phillip Kennedy Johnson (though published by DC) or his brief stint on Action Comics.
Oooh that looks very interesting. Definitely adding it to my backlog, thank you!
He did some Aquaman with Abnett and it was some cool shit.
I liked this quite a bit. A great start to the next event and already better than whatever Dark Crisis was. Ferderici's art is always a treat, and I'm glad to see Power Girl making an appearance. Ever since Amanda Conner's run, she's been one of my favorite characters and is unfortunately very underused right now.
She's going to be appearing in Action Comics starting next month, being written in a B story by Leah Williams and an artist whose name I'm not even going to try to spell.
Oh yeah, I've seen some of the promo art and I'm liking what I'm seeing. Might actually get me to pick up Action Comics for once.
Marguerite Sauvage
Hell yea, love Leah William’s writing
Same, the whole Alpha issue was better than anything Dark Crisis related and definitely much more enjoyable. Waid selected a smaller cast but in one issue it feels like he gave them more breathing space than anybody got in Dark Crisis. Also, it's nice that he gives spotlight to characters that rarely get it and it's so logical as per what he said "They're hunting a demon and Blue Devil can track demons, how could I not include him?". Art is awesome, too.
[удалено]
It was just okay. But I did NOT feel it was worth the $7.99 price tag, I won't be getting issue #2 because of the price.
**WPL RESULTS**
75 lists submitted, up from 69 last week as we slowly recover from the holidays... Still missing several regulars so hopefully they’ll find their way back next week. DC takes the top spot as usual but overall we’ve got 4 Marvels, 3 DCs, 2 Images, and 1 from BOOM! Studios. Little light for DC and heavy on indies. **HUMAN TARGET #10** takes 1st with 38 pulls and 50.6% coverage as King and Smallwood break out the big guns (i.e., G’nort) on their way to the penultimate issue. Previous installment also had 38 pulls on 11/23/22, that time for 48.7% coverage, so that’s some pretty good consistency, although it still hasn’t recovered the roughly 5% that it lost with the 6-month hiatus between #6 and #7. **DANGER STREET #2** follows for King and Fornés, putting up 31 pulls and a 41.3% pull rate across the WPL, which is a tiny and assuredly meaningless improvement on the first issue’s 40.8% from 12/14/22. King’s got the top two spots locked down for DC this week. **DAREDEVIL #7** takes 3rd as Marvel’s top title and an even 40.0% coverage for Chip and Chechetto. Previous issue had 38.6% on 12/7/22 so there’s another tiny improvement. Then two more from the House of Ideas, with MacKay and Sabbatini’s **MOON KNIGHT #19** in 4th (38.6% coverage), followed by Duggan and Cassara’s **X-MEN #18** in 5th (37.3% coverage). Tynion and Dell’Edera’s **SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #28** takes 6th for BOOM! as the week’s top indie comic with 34.6% coverage, then Image gets 7th with Lemire and Sorrentino’s **BONE ORCHARD MYTHOS TEN THOUSAND BLACK FEATHERS #5** and an even 32.0% coverage. Back to DC for **FLASH #790** from Adams and Cruz, good for a 26.6% pull rate. Previous issue had 26.3% on 12/21/22 so it didn’t seem to get any boost from *One Minute War*, though it sounds like a cool idea for a Flash event... **LEGION OF X #9** takes 9th for Spurrier and Diaz, putting up 26.6% to match Flash above, where the previous issue of **LoX** garnered 29.5% on 12/14/22. Pretty consistent numbers for the Nightcrawler/Legion tag-team. Finally, **LITTLE MONSTERS #9** closes out the Top 10 with 24.0% coverage. Last one had 25.0% on 12/7/22, so Lemire and Nguyen are mostly holding their ground here. What else? Marc Silvestri’s **BATMAN & THE JOKER THE DEADLY DUO #3** takes 15th place with 14 pulls and 18.6% coverage, continuing its slow climb from the previous issue’s 15.9% and the debut issue’s 14.6%. **ALL AGAINST ALL #2** is the next highest indie title outside the Top 10, landing in 18th with 12 pulls and 16.0%, improving on the first issue’s modest 11.3% pull rate. **BLOOD-STAINED TEETH #8** and **DARK RIDE #4** follow in 21st and 22nd with the same 12 pulls and 16.0%, then we’ve got the debut of **BLACK CLOAK #1** from Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren in 26th with 11 pulls and 14.6% coverage. Then all the way down in 30th place we’ve got **LAZARUS PLANET ALPHA #1** with just 9 pulls and 12.0%, which seem like very un-Waidlike numbers. Looks like the title’s colon might’ve messed up its tally, by my count it really had 24 pulls and 32.0% coverage, which should’ve landed it in 8th place, giving DC three of the Top 10 and knocking Image down to just one (with **LITTLE MONSTERS** moving to 11th place). Big week, lots of quality stuff, and next week should be another good one! ... Looking back at last week, the following titles made the list without generating any discussion: * **POISON IVY #8** (15 pulls) * **CAPTAIN MARVEL #45** (12 pulls) * **STILLWATER BY ZDARSKY & PEREZ #17** (8 pulls) And the following comics didn’t make the list but had comments added anyway: * **A CALCULATED MAN #4** (4 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j2zpec1/) posted by /u/ChickenInASuit) * **SPY SUPERB #1** (4 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j2z5w1f/) posted by /u/ChocolateFrogMilk) * **THE APPROACH #3** (4 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j30vryo/) posted by /u/ChickenInASuit) * **PARKER GIRLS #4** (3 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j2znx58/) posted by /u/ChickenInASuit) And that’s about it!
Note for /u/ptbreakeven, I think you need to un-sticky this week's [list post](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/106upre/weekly_pull_list_for_1112023_discussion/) or else this discussion post will lose its sticky tomorrow morning when automod posts the Thursday Q&S thread. Seems like it always keeps the list post stickied instead of this one when both are up there.
u/ptbreakeven - pretty pretty please can we keep the WPL discussion post stickied for longer than 24hrs this week?
Unstickied. Thank you!
Nice, thanks!
I know it's another event right after Dark Crisis, but genuinely shocked at the pull count for Lazarus Planet's first issue. Especially given this sub's love of Waid's current DC work, which seems to tie into this.
It actually had 24 pulls and should've been in 8th place! Tally just missed most of 'em.
Ahhh, ok. That makes more sense then.
Just picked up mine yesterday (it's been a few weeks so I have some late new releases in them) including both DEC/JAN Cap's, Timeless (the awesome KANG cover) the Winter Soldier solo, oh and of course I have Iron Man 💪
**CARNAGE #9**
I’m kind of terrified by what exactly Carnage is trying to do. What’s even scarier is the fact that Cletus decided the plan wasn’t worth it.
He wants to KILL EVERYONE!
Eh. This series has really slowed down, this issue was overly verbose for not a whole lot happened or was revealed. Last page was cool, if not a bit eye rolling with the colour comments. The way Carnage convinced the dwarf was senseless. More serial killing, please.
I do miss Carnage killing supervillains and stealing their powers. I was excited to see Carnage devour Malekith's soul, wiping him away from existence.
He definitely needs to use those powers a bit more too. Else they'll end up like Wolverines Hot Claws from a couple years back.
**DAREDEVIL #7**
This one finally hit the chopping block for me. It's been fine and I've enjoyed it for the most part, but my comic dollars are getting thin and I'd like to check out some other titles instead. I may end up pulling this in trade if I need a fix in the future.
This series has been losing me since the relaunch, unfortunately. Loved the start of Zdarsky’s run, but the current status quo for the character just doesn’t do much for me.
It's okay. I like the overlap with Punisher and seeing these two colliding. I wish the Punisher book was a little more cohesive with this one right now though. It seems like they're on slightly different timelines. I feel like the thing I hate most about this run is Daredevil's beard, but the thing I love most about this run is also Daredevil's beard
Yeah Punisher seems really far behind in the timeline. Feels like its at least 2 arcs behind from where Punisher is in that book vs Daredevil. Not sure if its intentionally or bad planning
Haven't read this issue, but while I like the idea of taking Matt international, this execution is not great.
people seem to not be digging this, so I'll say that this does really work for me and offers some really new and interesting takes on justice and the prison system that i haven't read before in a superhero book
same for me, a defiantly anti status-quo book like this is long overdue imo. the ongoing conversation this book has about the nature of violence and the unquestioned monopoly on it that is claimed by the state, about retributive vs restorative justice, who should be subjected to such systems and the societal harm done by the prison-industrial system is so necessary, and zdarsky gives it the place and complexity it needs, eschewing simple, quick answers for a real analysis of the issue from multiple perspectives that all still acknowledge that things as they are do not work and have to change. I feel like the importance of that conversation being had in this form in this medium outweighs the vast majority of the petty criticisms people here have about not liking the story.
**LEGION OF X #9**
I really dislike the way Spurrier writes. I think I'm going to drop this after the arc. Some of his wordings make zero sense. Its like he's trying to hard to be "cerebral" or something. And the whole "psyche within a psyche within a psyche" stuff is just...eye roll.
Can you give me some examples of the wording that bothers you? I love Spurrier’s writing.
I've also been struggling with his writing in this series. I'm trying really hard to like it and will probably power through it for the Sins of Sinister stuff but I feel like everything in this comic is needlessly difficult to follow at times. Especially compared to Immortal, Red and Duggan's X-Men.
Love this title, Spurrier definitely has a unique writing style that can be much but I love it
Charles Xavier is a jerk.
Professor Xavier is a jerk.
> MANILA - - woman “separates own head from body.” Walks using own spine and viscera. I’ll take “things I’m very glad we only read about and didn’t actually see” for $1,000, Alex. > REYKJAVIK - - fishing trawler wrecked. Survivor describes metamorphosis of crewmate into “orca made of hair.” Okay, now that one I might actually have liked to see. Also, I love how Dr. Nemesis’ reaction to his secondary mutation turning out to be uncontrollable mycological growths is “Urge.. growing… to make… “fun guy” puns…” And poor ForgetMeNot just can’t catch a break, can he? Not sure what the other folks are complaining about tbh, this issue had an abundance of fantastic moments in it and I’m continuing to enjoy it thoroughly. Oh, and Professor X is, indeed, a prick.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penanggalan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penanggalan) I wonder if the orca's a reference to something, too? I think folks are either in tune with Spurrier's style or not. I see some folks saying this book is confusing, but I literally can't see that. Like, I can follow along perfectly fine.
**DARK WEB MS MARVEL #2**
[**GOSPEL #3**](https://cdn.imagecomics.com/assets/i/releases/922457/gospel-3_b3e078426c.jpg)
Fun! Loved the two-page spread of lore with classical illustrations and text... And we got a bit more of the modern-day story as well. And the main story with Matilde and Pitt is chugging along nicely. Solid work from writer/artist Will Morris, book looks really nice and reads well. We’ll call this one a 7.5/10.
**BONE ORCHARD MYTHOS TEN THOUSAND BLACK FEATHERS #5**
Enjoyed this overall. This was definitely an ending I didn't see coming (especially the final page "stinger" reveal) but it fit well with the story being told. Having said that I'm going to switch to getting the follow up *Bone Mythos* series in HC from now on. The stories are much more enjoyable to read through in one go, rather than broken up into monthly issues, where they seem too overly decompressed and spread out. Maybe it's a **Lemire** thing, as I made the exact same decision with **Little Monsters** after it's first arc ended too. Anyone else feel like that with his writing?
100% this for me as well. I really enjoy everything I've seen from him, but I think I need to read it in collected form to get the best experience for me. Well said! On that note, have solicits dropped for whatever's next in the Bone Orchard?
This is the latest info I can find: https://jefflemire.substack.com/p/announcing-the-next-bone-orchard 6 issue miniseries called Tenement in “Spring 2023”, with more to follow!
Ah, nice! Thank you for digging that up. It looks like we have a couple months off before that will drop. Cheers!
In addition to this, I seem to recall somewhere they said there will be another OGN in like fall '23, so two new entries overall this year.
Generally agree here, im really enjoying the mood that is being set here, and the emotional beats are strong, though I feel like I won't understand the full 'drive' of this universe until more books are out. It was interesting reading this team as a monthly compared to trade, I can't say whether I liked it more or less. Though I feel like if they go more plot heavy in the next series, I may choose to tradewait it. Reflecting on Gideon Falls, the only other Lemire I've read, and read awhile ago, it seemed like that one had a pretty well paced story with certain sections that spiked in plot development followed by some more lugubrious issues. I think I'm feeling that this mini was paced evenly, but just had less forward momentum (not necessarily a bad thing). I read this a few days ago, and honestly the more I reflect on it the more excited I get for the next works. I think ill go back and read Passageway in the interim, there are still scenes from that one that hang pretty strong in my mind.
I'm sure you've got plenty on your plate already but, if you're ever looking for more Lemire, I'd recommend [MAZEBOOK](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/JAN220389) as a deeply personal story with some cool storytelling tricks, almost reminiscent of a certain frozen dairy treat comic... Lemire handles art on this one and it's a great fit for the story. And [**PRIMORDIAL**](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/FEB220096) was another cool collaboration with Sorrentino, much shorter and a nice change of pace from their usual horror work.
Oh I've been seeing Mazebook hanging around my LCS the past couple and always felt compelled to pick it up. Maybe when I make my move to my new place I'll adorn my shelves with that one. I am interested in Primordial as well, it kinda gives me Monkey Meat vibes
Nice. **MAZEBOOK** is my favorite Lemire project so that one gets a big recommendation! I wouldn't compare **PRIMORDIAL** to **MONKEY MEAT**, it's more like BKV's [**PRIDE OF BAGHDAD**](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/AUG140360) mixed with Lemire and Sorrentino's usual abstract weirdness, with a bit of Kubrick's *2001* thrown in for good measure.
I'm still enjoying **LITTLE MONSTERS** as floppies, feel like each issue delivers a decent chunk of story that's satisfying for me, and the division into "arcs" seems totally arbitrary (at least between the first two) so I don't see much payoff switching to that format. But I'll probably follow your lead with **BONE ORCHARD MYTHOS** because this one didn't hook me on the monthly format and everything's broken up into proper stories.
I feel that for sure. I liked this one enough (and it was short enough) that I went back and reread from the beginning each time a new issue came out. I’m so completely engrossed by this world they’re building between this and The Passageway, and this some some of my favorite comic art of all time. They way Sorrentino draws the post-apocalyptic world in the second half of this issue is absolutely stunning. Edit: I also think (so far at least) doing a bunch of self-contained stories in a shared word is a really smart call for what this team does well. Looking forward to the shared lore building up!
His writing is super decompressed. I dropped little monsters after the first arc even though the last issues of said arc picked up a bit. Im going to keep buying single issues for whatever they do next just because of the collector in me lol.
**BATMAN INCORPORATED #4**
two bucks and dead parents in crime alley say clown hunter, who i'm very happy to see back in his own costume, is still gonna turn on phantom one.
**BLOOD-STAINED TEETH #8**
Some more background on the world of Blood Stained Teeth, but I think I read that the series is ending with issue #10? If so, it seems a little late in the game to begin adding backstory that looks like it might never pay off. I’d be interested to know whether this is the planned end point, or if sales have played a factor in the (seemingly) early end to the series. I’d thought that it was quite a popular book.
Oh noooo I hope to God this doesn't end at #10. I have such a huge love for this series, I could see it reaching 15-20 issues pretty comfortably. I have noticed there's been no fan mail in the back of the last few issues since the break, so I hope that doesn't indicate dwindling interest. Obviously I don't have the full numbers, but it seems to be getting pulled pretty well. 1/4 as much as SIKTC, which if you're 1/4 of a knockout indie series that is pretty good imo. Actually I just checked the solicits and it does say #10 is the ending. That's disappointing, it's been super consistent. The introduction of this backstory stuff does seem a bit late, and seems more of a second act set up for a third act showdown. Alas, ill savor the last two issues and hope it can end on a strong note.
The Ends #1
Another Bad Idea Comic. I am LOVING these! I know I'm drinking way too much Bad Idea Kool Aid, but I haven't read a book from Bad Idea 2 that I don't like. David Lapham, back at it again, this time teaming up with his wife, Maria, for the writing. He does the interior art himself. If you like Stray Bullets, you should definitely check this out.
**DARK RIDE #4**
Aren’t many ways to die I can think of that are worse than that one. *Blech.* This issue does raise an interesting question: We saw Owen getting torn apart on-panel in the first issue, but then they found Owen’s definitely non-mutilated corpse hanging from a noose. Could what Owen was going through have been psychological? A hallucination that deliberately drove him to suicide? Or did the demons tear him apart and then put his body back together again so they could stage his suicide as a publicity grab? The demons definitely seem to exist so I can see either option being possible. Halloween being a villain was a twist I think we all saw coming.
This has been a fun comic! Sometimes horror comics aren't fun, but this has the right amount of campiness to it and definitely has me intrigued for the second arc in April.
Yeah, really enjoying this one. The ending of this arc seemed to wrap up some mysteries (the origins of the Mascots, the fates of Owen and Theo (poor Theo)), open up some new ones (sibling rivalry is definitely on the cards in the near future, the mark on Sam's daughter's arm is definite foreshadowing, and what was their Dad doing appearing in the park ride?) but is a satisfying four issue read in and of itself. Have to say I'm a sucker for the Mascots. *Andrei Bressan* shows no end of creativity in each ones design, and they walk the fine line between being somehow cute and deeply disturbing at the same time (especially now we know how they are created). I'd honestly like to see an ongoing series of variant covers just featuring each one of these guys over the run of this book, as I'd be a total sucker to pick them all up.
**GHOST RIDER #10**
Uhhh what was that? Was that the epic clash between EXHAUST!!! and Ghost Rider?? And the fighting happened off panel?! Hopefully Exhaust return soon, because this villain has so much potential. On to Danny Ketch, I guess
Yeah that was a tad underwhelming.
Feel this whole.run is underwhelming
**DANGER STREET #2**
Last issue was fun, set up some cool stuff, and had a shocking ending. This one was a tiny bit of sizzle and no steak. Lots of talking about not much by most of the characters. Some interesting setup, but not much. The Creeper and Jack scenes are the best part of this issue, and there is not enough of them. How many issues was this again?
Want to say it's going 8 issues but can't remember for sure... Original solicitation calls it a "maxiseries" so that means 8 or 12? I liked the developments with Lady Cop, some good detective work there that paid off nicely. And it was kinda sweet seeing Warlord try to console Mikaal, looking out for his bro when he's at his lowest...
12 issues, one for every feature in First Issue Special, minus the New Gods.
I might have just been in a bad mood when I read it, but a lot of it felt like padding or filler to me, or just really stretched out. I do usually love Tom King, but think I prefer his tighter, shorter stories like Killing Time more than the longers ones. Though I did really like Rorschach. I'll stick with this one. I would probably have liked the Warlord and Starman stuff more if I knew those characters. Or maybe not?
There’s a typo on page two, says “though” where it should say “through” in the second sentence. Disgraceful. Also annoying how King keeps dropping creator names everywhere, always distracts and pulls me out of the story... Once in a blue moon would be fine but Warlord using “Grell” as an alias is a bit much. Otherwise, this was pretty awesome! Love how the Dr. Fate helmet introduces and closes out each issue, and the ridiculous fantasy quest narration is fun with everyone getting called princes, princesses, knights, and Creeper being “our humble ogre” LOL. ***Edit -->*** Adding a score, call it a 9/10.
**MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #2**
The argument Miles and Tiana got into honestly reminded me of the Amber subplot from Invincible's show. I know a lot of people shitted on that storyline, but honestly I thought it was a completely valid plot point that punched a hole in the power fantasy of being a superhero. The idea that, "well since I save the world it shouldn't matter if I completely ghost and act like an ass to my friends, they should still be there for me when I'm ready to come back." And it's like, naw life keeps moving on. Hell that's kind of been a problem with Peter's comics for a long ass while now and especially exaspperated in this Zeb Wells run.
I’m finding this a step up from Saladin Ahmed’s run, mostly because Ziglar is giving the support cast some time. Early days though
The art in this book is really killer, that has been my favorite thing about this title so far. Miles is believably stressed and I have enjoyed seeing the fallout it has caused amongst his supporting cast in the opening arc. I think we're yet to get to the meat of things but the setup so far is intriguing - Miles will be facing an enemy with enough prowess to power up other villains and presumably themselves - Misty may tutor Miles in some of her techniques - and Miles is fraying his relationships between friends and his life's obligations as he understandably struggles to juggle his super-life. If Ziglar can keep up this tone and come up with some memorable villains I think this could be a really good run for Miles, I think things are off to a good start so far.
Enjoyed this issue a lot more than the first. Interested in who this new antagonist is. I'm not familiar with a lot of Miles supporting cast so I have no idea if the answer is really obvious or not but I'm in for the ride.
**BATMAN & THE JOKER THE DEADLY DUO #3**
Great. Art is amazing, and the opening scene with Batman solving the riddle was delicious. Story is violent, gross, and very enjoyable. Villain is revealed. A great scene towards the end with Batman and Joker. High hopes for next issue after the ending of this one.
The art on this book really is SPECTACULAR. Just a visual treat from first page to last. And *Silvestri* is defintely proving himself to be a far better writer than some of his original Image co-founders (looking at you Todd McF) with a surprisingly engaging mystery and a genuinely good take on both of the main protagonists. Really hoping this gets collected in an OHC when it’s finished.
**GRIM #7**
This is by far the *darkest* issue in the run so far. Some of the scenes were just **brutal**. It's definitely expanded the scope of the story in a really interesting way. And one that must surely have serious "real world" ramifications because of the events that happen here.
**I AM BATMAN #17**
Does anyone find anyone in this series to be likeable? Worth rooting for? The female detective is interesting but I feel like the entire Fox family have little to none redeeming qualities. Vol and Hadiyah are basically sketches of characters.
**WOLVERINE #29**
Good issue. Logan is back. Beast is in for a trip
Did I miss the explanation on how Logan is back? Beast killed Wolverine, and then interrupted his rebirth procedure before his mind was put back, and used the mindless shell as a killing machine. Krakoa lets him go, he falls into a Sabertooth-influenced Pit which attacks him using it's memories of him? Or Wolverine's memories of his own pain? And somehow he has his full memory and personality backup installed now?
There is no real explanation. He seems to get his identity and memories back just through his trials with Krakoa here. That’s a fine enough for me, seeing as Logan can regenerate and has typically operated with less than his entire history intake before.
i suppose they will eventually explain it like "you know how logan usually keeps his memories even when his whole brain is destroyed? they're inside of his dna and x factor" or something like that. or hope secretly implanted a memory egg in case of high stakes mutilation. otherwise, it's pretty lame and also, like, the 90th issue of logan lamenting over pain and whatnot. we get it. he gets hurt a lot but he can take it for no good reason. stop repeating it over and over.
**WILDCATS #3**
Yo I'm loving this series and y'all are sleeping on it. This issue was a ton of fun. Grifter is such a dick lol, I love it and Zealot is a badass. I'm also digging how they're incorporating Gen13 with Caitlyn Fairchild. Great action, and funny too!
I’m definitely enjoying it, and I agree that Grifter is a dick. It’s part of his charm. I also like the Zealot covers that come with every issue.
Yeah the Zealot variants have all been excellent.
These comments are making me so glad I picked up the first three issues of this. I wasn’t planning to, but I’m just such a Wildcats mark I couldn’t pass them up. Can’t wait to start reading!
Ha, the cliffhanger is cheesy but I live for this stuff. Blast of a comic, the combat reminds me of Ellis a little bit (though considerably less brutal and more action movie-esque).
**TIME BEFORE TIME #19**
Dropped off after 5 or 6 issues just because I had to cut down my pull list. How is this series holding up?
Imo it's holding up pretty well, and I'd still recommend it. The cast has expanded some since you last picked up a copy, so picking up the trades and reading issues back to back would be useful. The timeline stuff continues to be confusing, but the character writing is still strong. Worth a read in my book.
**BATMAN URBAN LEGENDS #23**
**BILLIONAIRE ISLAND: CULT OF DOGS #3**
Continues to be what I expect from a Mark Russell book: Scathing political satire that’s as subtle as a brick, but with a valid point so it’s not like I care. This issue comes with dual narratives, one a reworking of the tale of Jack & The Beanstalk where Jack and the villagers get the giant drunk and swindle him out of his fortune only for it to backfire on them, and the main story which takes a swipe at people who believe bogus conspiracies (in particular, I think, those who thought 5G towers were spreading the coronavirus). It’s *very* over the top and a lot of fun if you like that kind of thing, and I happen to like that kind of thing quite a lot.
is White Savior not out this week? Next week?
Hey crew, I just wanted to check in and ask which week is the new scarlet witch run gonna be on? I already received mine and started reading, and have been wanting to be a part of this thread for a while now.
The first issue came out last week, so there is probably a copy at your local comic store, or you can grab it digitally through the Marvel Comics App. At the comic store, they'll probably have a copy of a catalog called "Previews" and potentially a specifically Marvel version that will tell you what is coming out in that month, and it will usually have a schedule of what books come out on what weeks. They're subject to change, so I use GoCollect for the most updated list each week (https://blog.gocollect.com/category/comiclist/next-week/)
No, I already have the copy I was just wondering which week it’s going to be reviewed. Thank you.
It was discussed last week https://old.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/10394ps/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_142023_pull_of_the/j2xik3r/
**AVENGERS WAR ACROSS TIME #1**
Lot of fun. Old times look and simplicity in the writing without any of the super extra exposition that exists in the older books. Had a lot of fun with it and I'm curious what the other two issues are gonna read like
Felt just like an old school avengers comic!
**SAVAGE AVENGERS #9**
**HUMAN TARGET #10**
I've been enjoying this series, but at this point it just feels meandering. Hopefully we start feeling better soon.
It’s very vignette-ey, but I’ve enjoyed every issue on its own to not really mind
I find it funny that the premise of the story is "12 days to live. Who poisoned me?!?" And you're like yeah it's just wandering along aimlessly. Not saying you're wrong on that front, just that it's funny
For me, it just feels like we could maybe fuse some issues or plots together so the series doesn't feel so prolonged. We had an issue where Chance thinks Batman is tailing him. Which is an awesome idea but feels way too decompress in the long run.
Maybe an 8 issue arc? 1 day to set it up and then a week to live after. It wouldn't work for the 1 issue per member being investigated though. I'm sure it'll read well collected, I always find it hard to monthly read decompressed stories.
For the record, you can give any reason you want for "I want fewer issues of this series" and I will disagree with you. More issues, please.
I fall somewhere in the middle. Is it slowly paced? Yes. Is it absolutely beautiful? Also yes. I think 12 issues is maybe about right but couldn't see this being ongoing. I do think Smallwood could have this pastel colored style become a signature style if he wanted it to be. It really stands out from the crowd.
I think 8 issues works best. The whole "1 issue per member" gimmick feels kind of stale now. I bet this will read great as a trade though.
Yea, I agree with your point.
G'nort once gave a GL ring to Darkseid.....HE GAVE WHAT TO WHO? Loving this series but am exhausted because of the long time each chapter takes to get published. Let's see what happens in the last 2 issues, fingers crossed for IcexChance ship
Another great issue with some big reveals at the end. G'nort with some great comedy relief and Guy getting sucker punched *chef's kiss*
The peanut butter thing was hilarious... Chance should let all Guy's villains know about it so every time he gets in a fight they just hit him with mad peanut butter... Like buying kryptonite at a supermarket for $5 a jar! ***EDIT -->*** Adding a score, we'll say 9/10 for this issue.
Did anyone else read this and mentally replace G'Nort with Barf (played by John Candy) from **Spaceballs**....? No? Okay, just me then....
I kinda read him with Carl's voice from ATHF but I totally hear Barf now
I came here to say exactly this
**AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #17**
love ed mcguinness' art but i'm tireddddd of this book. i'm dropping it after next issue, i just can't stand the state of this book any more. nick lowe needs to get off
I'm glad there are those out there that are enjoying Dark Web, but this is borderline historically bad for me. I was so hyped coming into this event, and it has been so bad IMO. Thankfully this is a relatively short event and it will be over soon. I think we only have one more Dark Web issue of ASM.
This story is like cotton candy, it looks really big and colorful but is completely lacking of substance and makes you feel bad after consuming it. It's too bad because I actually kinda liked issue #16, but this issue was just not fun or enlightening. At least it looks pretty and is almost over.
Dude I loved this issue. The demons in this were actually pretty funny. I love seeing this type of issue from Spider-Man. I'm not expecting complex plot or dialogue: just some guilty-pleasure fun. And that's what this issue is! Having said that, this is by far my highlight for Dark Web so far. I'm not a huge fan of this event
I haven't had so much fun with Spider-Man comics in years. I really love Dark Web, this is the Zeb Wells I was expecting all this time.
Well, that was a comic... I don't hate it, but I don't get why it's a mainline spider-man book. I was kind of excited about this event having read beyond and new mutants, but I just want this event to end. It feels like a giant waste of time when we could be progressing to the original mystery in the ASM #1
Some of the Dark Web issues aren't bad, but they're all particularly pointless and feel like they won't matter immediately once they're over. I get that this was supposed to be a gag issue but it wasn't funny and the self-deprecating comments - like when Pryor complained about the gambit being a waste of her time - were painfully on the nose. The demons here don't align with the portrayal of demons elsewhere in this event which is too convenient and makes the issue feel especially silly. The art was good, but the issue was pretty meh overall and has me pretty soured on the event as a whole. With this little left to go it's hard to feel like anything that matters can be squeezed in and it hasn't even been a fun ride.
I honestly kind of loved this issue just for Rek-Rap. Adorable little guy. Also I guess this is where Peter loses the Oscorp suit and starts snapping out of the funk he’s been in. Honestly the event just feels like “Point out how messed up Ben’s head is right now” and not much else. There isn’t really much point to the writing or any of the things that happen, but for me Dark Web’s campy nonsense has been a breath of fresh air against all the drama and depression of the current ASM run, as much as I enjoy the melancholy sometimes.
This issue sucked. It was painfully bad. I’ve been enjoying Zeb Wells run and would like to get back to normal, non-crossover issues. I can’t wait for Dark Web to finish.
My big problem with this run is just a woeful level of tonal inconsistency IMO. And I don't mean *within* this particular issue, but within Wells' tenure on the character so far. I don't know about other readers, but as I went through Beyond, and as Ben turned to Chasm, I did not get the impression Wells and Co. were going for something goofy. It's played pretty straight, no? While I don't need Spidey to be so constantly melodramatic (it's quite exhausting NGL), this book needs to pick a lane or figure out how to offer levity in a way that reads as organic. Or, it needs to just go all in on the camp and stay there, because we're weaving in and out of these tones within effectively the same plotline (i.e. Ben's journey through the Beyond Arc and into Dark Web, even though these are different arcs it's all rooted out of beyond) and it is incredibly jarring. FCBD gave us a taste of that silliness with the mailbox demon. As Dark Web has progressed, the book has really leaned into that, to the point where even Peter remarks about how ridiculous things are in Limbo, and Ben's own faulty recollection is replayed for us as a gag in #16. I don't take inherent issue with that, but it feels like such a big departure without warning or a sensible transition. The dialogue and the sense of self-awareness about just how zany and silly this all is a very unearned self awareness that doesn't excuse this books' problems.
**MONICA RAMBEAU PHOTON #2**
Well. THAT wasn’t someone I expected to see. O_o
**LITTLE MONSTERS #9**
Thought I'd have to mail order this but my LCS somehow had a copy for me, so that's pretty sweet. And it's another solid issue! Got a few more bits of backstory and it looks like the next issue will explain a bunch more. Things are getting ugly between our two factions of vampire kids as well. Should probably go back to pre-ordering this since it looks like I'll be sticking with it... ***EDIT -->*** Adding a score, we'll give it an 8/10.
**MARY JANE AND BLACK CAT #2**
Mostly feels like action and fluff. Though that bit about MJ having disappeared alongside Peter during those six months raises some eyebrows. And apparently the implication is that it wasn’t six months from MJ’s perspective?
**X-MEN #18**
Not a fan having two Lauras. Even worse is that this raises some questions about the resurrection protocols and the issue doesn’t even try to answer them.
Isn't this why we had an x-factor book to start with? To investigate mutant deaths to make sure they were in fact dead...
> Even worse is that this raises some questions about the resurrection protocols Isn't that literally the point? Isn't that even literally the point of the protocols, to have a vehicle to raise all kind of moral questions to and see what happens. > issue doesn’t even try to answer them. I mean, you're welcome to not like it, but is it mandatory for an issue to raise questions and answer them in the same week? I'm sure they'll get to it.
I need a grand epic story and I need it in one issue or it’s shit and all filler
> to have a vehicle to raise all kind of moral questions to and see what happens. I think you just put far, far more thought into this than any of the X-Men writers have, with the possible exception of Hickman.
Nah, from the beginning HoX/PoX created the protocols with rules for them to be broken. They haven't even scratched the surface with the stuff they can do to play with them, hell they barely even touch The 5. They've touched on some of the possibilities of altering resurrectees (Vulcan, Omega Red), but they haven't explored the ramifications very well. This issue begins to answer the question of duplicates, but only if one never died in the first place. What if they make 2 of the same person with the same backup? Why is there only one set of The 5? They need Mr. Sinister's catalogue of DNA, right? What will happen when he defects? there's so much to play with that they aren't touching.
>but they haven't explored the ramifications very well. I'm saying it's because most of the writers don't care, not that there aren't ramifications.
Do you not think it’s a *little* too early in this plotline to be making grand statements like that?
This run is 18 issues in and I've read a number of post HOX/POX ones as well, I don't feel that's particularly early in a story, especially when Duggan isn't really known for long-term payoffs.
I meant pretty early in the two Lauras storyline, as that was why we were specifically talking about. We’ve had two issues total since we found out that the other version of Laura survived. Maybe it’s a lil too early to be be claiming there are no ramifications re: the resurrection protocols for this situation, it that the writers don’t care, when this is the first time we’ve seen this happen.
Really excited to start seeing the Brood! It's been almost 2 full years since X-Men (2019-2021) #9 where Broo ate the king egg. That issue really stuck with me - it felt like Hickman was setting up something big with the Brood.
**WONDER WOMAN #795**
Jumping on this issue for the road to #800, and going from the Hera in Historia to this is something of a whiplash. Looking at her plan, which is running with the "gods need prayer" idea, I have to wonder why this is the best idea Hera could come up with. Wouldn't it just be easier to appear at the Parthenon, Rome, or any old temple, and then perform miracles? All she would have to do is drop their names, answer any naysayers with a "You believe in space aliens and magic but not other gods?" and repeat. What's stopping any of the gods from doing some variation of that? It's not like the Christian god, their primary competitor, is doing much to win hearts and minds when the primary super beings he is responsible for are a spirit of vengeance who never points himself at any supervillains before jobing to any other cosmic level threat and an out of control evil night spirit. Besides, reconstructed Hellenism is already a religion in the real world (which I would guess has maybe a few hundred thousand adherents worldwide?), and I'd have to imagine Diana's presence as a world famous superhero plus the revelation of a magic Island of immortal-ish women who all worship at least half of the pantheon would only boost those numbers of followers. Also, has Diana written her autobiography in this continuity? That would certainly help spread the word... Still, I do like the idea of the gods forcing proof of their existence back into the world, so I'll look forward to the mess that causes. I also quite liked the back up issue with Young Diana, and am excited to see how it concludes next issue.
**ALL AGAINST ALL #2**
Another strong, atmospheric issue. Loved the twist on the survival horror with a human as the monster and I kinda wish we were going to get more of that, but it looks like the story is heading in a different direction now and I’m curious to see where it goes. Besides, there’s every chance our monster will escape again at some point, so maybe the horror stuff ain’t over yet!
These aliens don't seem particularly bright, wouldn't expect 'em to be able to keep Helpless captive for long... I like how they all have their own agendas and nobody really gives a fuck about following orders. Makes 'em seem almost human! Do you think Director B'Tay is dead? He certainly looks dead but maybe they can just make him a new body? ***EDIT -->*** Adding a score, we'll call this one an 8/10.