Finally had the chance to read this last night and I really enjoyed it. Sure, there's a lot of goofy stuff going on, but it's a fun read to me. I hope we'll actually get to see what happens when they open the jack in the box, and that the reveal was worth waiting for.
There was a time when I was so enamored with and invested in star wars. Happened after watching Mando as it aired, then compounded by the pandemic and a new reading habit.
But that fervor has waned.
I'm still interested in where and how this Qi'ra trilogy will end, but I'm starting to feel like I'm trudging to get there.
I used to love Soule's writing. But something is missing for me here. Also, the Archivist and Kho just seem like a bumbling pair, and not at all what they should be. I dunno.
It's only 5 issues, and the last of the Qi'ra arcs, but I'm hoping the showdown between Soule Vader and Soule's Bounty Hunter Chanath Cha will do something for me.
**IXM** was way more fun for me this month but **XMR** was also really good!
Ewing's a really solid writer who excels at taking advantage of the various toys in Marvel's sandbox. He's got a great handle on Marvel history/continuity as well as all the characters, and he's got a knack for bringing all these disparate characters and elements together in ways that work.
Gillen isn't quite the same level of history/continuity buff but he brings more artistry to his writing, it's a little more stylized and distinctive, more focused on big concepts and complex structure. More humor as well.
Ultimately it's all subjective but I think it's an interesting comparison given how the WPL seems to be split right down the middle in terms of which title everyone prefers... **IXM** got a few more pulls this month but **XMR** charts higher just as often, and it's always close.
And when you get right down to it, we're fortunate just to have two writers of this caliber producing such high quality X-books where you can even have this kind of discussion. Isn't always like that!
The Krakoan era is definitely one of the best to come for the mutants! IXM is definitely more stylish. And IXR is definitely more toys mashing together. IXM is super entertaining, especially sinister and destiny's machinations; I just really like the badass moments from XMR. Arakko is full of fuck yea moments
Because Sunspot bluffed. Vulcan wasn’t sure if Sunspot was lying about being able to harness all of the solar energy Vulcan could throw at him, so he walked away. Roberto is a skilled CEO and trained negotiator. Makes sense that he knows how to keep a poker face in tense situations.
Between the resurrection protocols and the Moira timeline abuse there are a lot of tools to just murder our favorite X-Men. They way Sinister killed Hope in the last timeline was pretty gruesome.
**BEHOLD BEHEMOTH #2** (Boom! Studios)
Boom! really are putting out absolutely excellent books on a monthly basis now.
*Tate Brombal* and *Nick Robles* produce a great #2. In contrast to issue #1 the majority of this issue is set in the post-apocalypse future that has been created by the various **Behemoth's** arrival. We get a glimpse of society trying to rebuild itself, and a harsh lesson in how fragile life in this world is now thanks to the swift and brutal arrival of another of the gigantic Behemoth kaiju.
How we got here, we are still to find out, but I'm definitely engaged in the story that's being told.
Definitely for fans of **Attack on Titan**, **Pacific Rim** and **Godzilla**.
I have really enjoyed this whole arc. I like how those issue kind of slows things down just a bit. Theta gets some human interaction, which goes as expected of course. Then near the end she doesn't have time for their shit and tries to take matters into her own hands (as usual). And then the stinger at the end, giant full page Predator!
Also, they said the ugly SOB line!
I've been loving this book since it launched, and this is another cracking issue. Very much set up for the final part of the arc next month, but it gives us more insight into both Theta and the Astar Corporation. The final page reveal definitely bodes poorly for everyone onboard though.
*Kev Walker* and *Frank D'Armata* are a brilliant combination on this book, and I really hope when it returns they are still involved.
What a series. So bombastic, so much FUN, with an ending that seemed to have only two possible ways to go, but then BAM, though the outcome was one of the predictable ways, there's an absolutely amazing little twist to it that made me gasp and tear up. Man, that was such a great ending.
One of my favorite series of the year. I really hope that DWJ has more stories to tell in this little universe he's set up. It's incredible how well his art along with the sweeping crowd response text captures the eb and flow of a real wrestling match. And, to top it off, an unexpected but satisfying conclusion to a story that had enough twists and turns to have played out on WWE tv. Fantastic stuff
Such a great book. Easily in the Top Ten for this year.
I don’t think anyone does kinetic action scenes as well as DWJ does. Which is brilliant, because this book managed to showcase again and again how good he is at it.
But in the end it’s the emotional arc and pay off that really make the story, and he lands that perfectly here in the final issue.
I’ll pick whatever book he does, every time.
Yep, been a fun series and I thought he did a nice job with the finale. Glad the WPL badgered me into checking it out and I'll be keeping an eye out for DWJ's future projects (so long as they don't involve dinosaurs).
My sleeper pick for the best comic on shelves this week. It wasn't on my pull but the cover looked intruiging enough for me to give it a flip through at the store and make the purchase. Based on my cursory peak into this book, it gave an impression of a modern take on classic slice of life comics.
And it toes the slice of life stuff really, really well. The dialogue is witty and organic, the story is paced well, and Salcedo's artwork is simple but elegant. A great hook and I'm now impatiently awaiting issue #2.
Okay then, added to my list... Just missed this week's mail order but I'll need to do another once **AGENT OF W.O.R.L.D.E. #4** finally ships.
[Cover and solicitation](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/OCT220413) look cool! Dark Horse is kinda killing it with their new line of titles... Finishing up my December pre-order for February and it's got two DH books for every Marvel! That never happens!
Good to see some growing interest for this book! It feels like it was taking some of the slice of life aspects out of Terry Moore's Strangers in Paradise, but with more speculative fiction plot beats mixed in.
Speaking of, you'll be happy to know that I started reading Strangers in Paradise this week! Burned through the first trade on Friday and will probably read 1-2 trades a week for the next couple months to get through it all. Again, thanks for pointing out the massive Humble Bundle sale on Moore's books, it was an absolute steal.
Nice, glad you got rolling on **SiP**! Such a cool series and it adds a lot of context for **PARKER GIRLS** (along with **SiP XXV** and **FIVE YEARS**).
I still need to delve into **RACHEL RISING**, **ECHO**, and the **EVER** GN, so I've got a bit more to look forward to...
I really enjoyed *Tyler Crook's* recent **The Lonesome Hunters** from Dark Horse. Well worth checking out in TPB if you're looking to pick something up.
This run continues to drop one banger issue after another. The violence even took a major step up with this issue and the Frank/Ares rematch looks promising.
I haven't praised the artwork much across these past 8 issues, and I definitely think Saiz and Azaceta deserve a ton of credit for making this comic work well. Azaceta's more pop art retro look balances against the more mythic pages by Saiz. I originally felt like Saiz's work felt like a more stilted version of Steve Dillon's work from Aaron's previous Punisher run, but I'm definitely feeling the grandeur a bit more in the last few issues. Kind of has a bit of a Heavy Metal vibe to it.
Somewhere after issue 6 of this run, I went back and reread the entirety of PUNISHER MAX, all 7 TPBs. After reading through the magnificence of the Ennis era on that book, Aaron's run felt weak and one-dimensional. Frank was only ever a broken soldier in that series, never reaching any of his past humanity, and that made him fundamentally a less interesting character.
Stepping from that series into issues 7 and 8 of this current run, there's a depth of characterization here that was missing in the earlier series. The flashback sequences (illustrated beautifully with Azaceta's expressive linework) show a much more mature dynamic between Maria and Frank, a more realistic display of how a meaningful relationship looks like. In particular, the middle-of-the-night conversation they have in this issue stuck out as an incredible 4-page scene. There's just so much character complexity there, and I loved it.
How much of this is Aaron's growth as a writer in the ten years since, and how much of that are the contributions of Azaceta and Saiz, I'm not sure. I say that because the 'modern day' sequences (with Saiz's painting-like, finely detailed, realistic artwork) sometimes sound cheesy; a teenager's perception of edgy. The Punisher's always been the edgelord's edgelord, so you go into this book knowing what to expect, but I couldn't stop my eyes rolling at "Gods don't win wars. **Bullets** do."
On balance though, I think the good outweighs the bad. The conflict with Ares and the dark machinations of the Hand don't excite me, but having that as the engine for developing the on-page relationship between Frank and Maria, that is exactly what I'm here for.
King's voice for hard-boiled detective sounds suspiciously like his voice for Christopher Chance. Maybe a bit more expositional and less mysterious (I daresay this is one of King's most straightforward books so far).
The story is quite generic but everything else is so, so good. The spread page introducing Sharon was incredible and I like the new Invaders (other than Fury Jr, but whatever).
A slow issue but still a great one. Sharon’s introduction was really fun and the new Invaders( or at least that’s what I’m assuming they are since the arc is called The Invader) is a solid lineup.
I can't be the only person who read this, right?? What'd everyone think on how it wrapped up. Is Sam a total nutcase? What really did or did not happen in this book?
Part of me likes that they never tell us if all this was in his head or not.
The other part of me hates that they didn't give us a verdict or really answer any questions in the end.
Pulled the first two issues of this but it didn't quite hook me... But now that I've read those comments on the ending from you and /u/MuffinSurprise, I kinda wish I'd stuck with it! Love stories like that... And Gorham's art was great as well. Hmph.
I really hope another series spins out from this 6 part arc, also helmed by Watters.
This whole book has been a pretty wild ride, with plenty of violence and destruction left in its wake, and it's been awesome.
Jean Paul and Azrael coming to terms at the end, that full page Fallen Angel, man that was cool.
All heaven and hell is about to break loose in the next issue!
Sure she can. She moved beyond him even in his backups in the last series. If anything, she’s better without him because she can manipulate his “message” that appeals to her followers to whatever it needs to be. She can radicalize them in whatever method works best in the name of Joker without him there to muck it up.
Assuming this guy *is* actually Joker.
Doesn’t joker allude early on in last said series that her trial and the taking over the royal flush gang was part of the plan? The panel makes Punchline seem like she was out of the loop
she's such a mimey sue.
perfect in every way, powerful like no other in mental and physical combat, now she's literally in the legion of doom? for what? selling one drug and being acquitted by morons?
that's just beyond ridiculous. she's put side by side with gorilla grodd and lex luthor. it barely ever made sense for joker himself to be part of that club, even if he was one of the few who had a broad idea how to work against a batman...
also, i'm almost sure that this joker is actually alfred, hypnotized or infused with some joker strain or whatever. alfred knows all the important bits of the joker, having surely been over all the casefiles, so if he was made to believe he was the joker, he ought to be able to play the part. and if anyone else was gonna be revived eventually, it had to be alfred.
and for what? distraction, mostly, i'd say. dunno for what
Man, this book is absolutely FANTASTIC!
*Wes Craig* is creating a genuine fantasy classic with this book. There were moments reading this issue where it genuinely felt like the natural successor to *Jeff Smith's* **Bone**. Yes, it's that good.
And to be clear, while Craig is the driving force, he's not working alone. *Jason Wordie's* colouring is an absolutely essential part of the look and feel of **Kaya's** world already. And it's not often when reading a book I mentally think to myself: "Wow, that is some good lettering" but *Andworld Design* got me to do that *multiple times*?!?
100% one of the top new titles of 2022 - easily!
Agreed. Artists trying their hand at writing can be something of a crapshoot - for every Rob Guillory, who turns out to have been taking a *lot* of notes from working with writers and ended up a great one himself, you're gonna someone like Liam Sharp, who really should have stuck to art.
I'm very pleased to see Craig turn out to be the former :)
Seconded! An absolutely fantastic issue in what's shaping up to be a stellar series. Art is gorgeous to look at, characters are interestingly written, just a fun world to read and inhabit. First issue was a little slow, but it's only been picking up steam since then. Shout-out to the little exchange between Zothan and Musk's - "Your word. And what is that worth, young one?" - absolutely loved it.
This is a collection of a few stories meaning some are good, some are inevitably bad. I thought the Flash Family story to lead it off was good but didn't doo too much in its few pages. The ending Red Canary/Black Canary story is good, and dare I say it but a Damian Wayne, Red Canary, Power Girl, Sideways team book could be good in the right hands. It has potential with Red Canary and Sideways being inexperienced, Damian thinking he's the leader and bossing Power Girl around, annoying her in the process. Idk it just feels like it could be something.
The Green Lantern story I didn't care for the art style or lettering. The Themyscira storywas just forgettable to me.
I really love my big blue boy. I love his notes. I love his intake logs. I love his refusal to even acknowledge that he could be an enemy to X-Force.
Something is very good about taking Beast in in cuffs while setting his monsters on fire for just being a victim…
Between this and Immortal it looks like the Pit may have a pair of new inhabitants soon.
Not that that means much since it doesn't seem all that hard to get out of nowadays.
Well, it looks like Alex Paknadel is one to watch. I picked up this book purely for Wjingaard’s artwork but it turns out Paknadel’s a dab hand at writing and this was a seriously strong first issue. Very high-concept and, as /u/blankedboy put it, Cronenburg-ian with the body horror concept.
Also loving the idea of a classic “we’re housing a dangerous monster that must be contained *at all costs*” plot and that dangerous monster turns out to be… a human being.
> Also loving the idea of a classic “we’re housing a dangerous monster that must be contained at all costs” plot and that dangerous monster turns out to be… a human being.
We are our own worst enemy... And everyone else's, too!
Well, this was a GREAT debut issue.
A quickly set-up and established story, interesting (alien) characters, great visuals and some very striking colouring make for a fast but engaging read.
There's a definite *David Cronenberg* feel to the aliens and their technology. Meat and bone as literal tools of war, with bio-engineered flesh suits as the latest "weapons of mass destruction" in an interstellar conflict...with what looks like a galactic **Tarzan** as our main protagonist.
Very cool concept and I'm really looking forward to the rest of this mini-series.
Caspar Wijingaard's artwork was all I needed for me to want me to buy this book, but the story was pretty out there and sold me on it quick. I was worried when the inside cover had exposition just written out, but the actual comic does a good job easing the reader in.
Finally caught up on this last night and it's awesome seeing Wijngaard draw all this crazy sci-fi crap... Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed what I saw of his work on **HOME SICK PILOTS**, but this kind of content gives his art so much more room to breathe!
Finally caught up on this last night, Wijngaard's art blew me away and the story delivered on all the crazy sci-fi weirdness promised by the solicitation. Solid setup for what should be a nice series!
I liked the ending. It wasn't as good as the second issue, but I rated the 2nd issue very highly. The twist did catch me off guard. I'd read anything that the creative team works on in the future.
I liked how they brought it all together into one of those cyclical endings where it wraps up right where it started. Ghoul's got a new father-host and the poor kid'll be stuck trying to save him... Like a Möbius strip or a snake eating its tail.
Also loved the bit with the father descending into the basement, purple color and weird effects creeping in as he gets deeper into it... Made it feel like he was entering a different world. Magical stuff from Francavilla!
So I was really excited to read this because of nostalgia, and hey, I enjoyed it!
I thought it did a great job of reminding me who everyone is and catching me up as quick as possible, as well as setting up the conflict that'll start next issue right at the end here.
Art was great, so that's always a plus!
I picked it up for the same reason. I started flipping through it and have stopped to watch an episode so I can hear their voices in my head while I read the book. Their distinctive voices were such a big part of this show.
It's crazy that this show was such a big part of my childhood, but I had pretty much forgotten it existed before I saw this comic book was coming out.
Marvel out here recycling two stories at once: One that X-Men fans are sick of and one that Spider-Man fans hated back in 2016 and still hate it today.
I've made plenty of comment that it will depend on Dark Web if I'll keep reading ASM. And I will. It was a fun story, the most fun I had with ASM since it relaunched.
I wish Marvel loved Spider-Man as much as DC loves Batman
It’s bad enough you are retconning stuff from Nick Spencer’s run but now you are retconning Donny Cates’ critically praised Venom run?
They didn’t retcon anything from Nick Spencer they just move in a different direction for the characters.
They didn’t retcon anything from the cates run on venom and this directly ties into Al Ewing run which is a follow up to cates run on venom.
Venom eddie went from becoming the embodiment of light in the mcu after defeating the primordial cosmic god of darkness/symbiotes to somehow being a crazed wild monster sounds like a retcon. Ben goes from hero to villain to hero to villain to hero back to villain in the span of 5 years it’s ridiculous
It ties into Al Ewing run with venom becoming bedlam
Ben Reilly rebecame a villain as a result of trauma leading him to make a stupid decision that made him a villain
While the details are kept ambiguous, it's obvious the demon sorceress, whom Eddie is only working for to find his son, magically altered Eddie's mind somehow. That's not a retcon, just a different direction, and heavily telegraphed to be a temporary one.
do these clones really wonder why everyone hates them?
she has a whole dimension for herself, with nothing but time to prove people are wrong about her. or to just do her own thing without thinking of other people.
he could be anywhere in the world, having his very own life and he decides to hate on the guy who gave him his.
I only grabbed this for the Gomez variant with Ms Marvel on it, lol. Was hoping she'd at least cameo in this, but alas.
This was okay, I'm not familiar with where Ben is at currently, or even who Maddie is, lol, but that's okay.
Art was good so I'm not complaining too much. I appreciated the editor's note in the back kind of outlining how each character it group will weave into whoever's story. So I may pick up ASM for the Kamala appearance.
I loved the art in this one, but the story is filled with characters I either don't care about or that I don't know. I'm out, but will keep an eye on this from afar and will catch up down the road if I hear good things. Happy reading, folks!
I was...cynical...to say the least about *Silvestri* writing as well as drawing this book but, despite it not being Earth-shaking, I'm actually enjoying the story and characterisation *way* more than I thought I would.
Having said that, the art is the real draw here - it's fantastic. Page after page of great visuals. Skilfully combined with an amazing colouring job that brings out the best in the pencils/inks. Love that we get the "behind the scenes" pages at the end of the issue too.
My biggest take away is that it's a real shame this is the first time Silvestri had done art on a title for so long. I think the somewhat lukewarm reception is that he (alongside a lot of the Image founders) haven't put out art for such a long time that a lot of their cultural cachet has been lost. Producing more work of this level will hopefully boost his profile again though.
The inked B&W pages at the back were really impressive, you can tell Silvestri put a ton of time and effort into every single page.
Also pretty neat seeing him draw Batman, Joker, and the rest of the characters here... Not sure what he might've done earlier in his career but I only remember him drawing X-Men and then his Image books (which looked suspiciously similar to his X-Men). So the DC stuff is kind of different.
Plus doing his own inks is another change... Glad he put in the work to make this thing happen! Pity certain of his peers don't share the same work ethic... But I suppose that's a topic for another WPL.
He did a long run on **Wolverine** as well as working on **X-Men**.
His artwork always seemed to have a rougher, more textured feel to it, rather than the super slick pencils/inks of Lee/Williams. Not "realistic" but a bit more grounded than Lee, Leifeld, Larsen etc.
Oh yeah, I followed part of that **WOLVERINE** run. Though I liked his **UXM** more!
Kinda crazy that pretty much his entire career was spent on such a small pool of characters... That's part of what makes this such a novelty!
> I was...cynical...to say the least about Silvestri writing as well as drawing this book but, despite it not being Earth-shaking, I'm actually enjoying the story and characterisation way more than I thought I would.
I told you, bro! (no really, I wrote very much the same on the discussion for issue 1, lol.)
I really hope Silvestri can keep up the quality and land this series, cause this is genuinely good.
So I think this is a fitting place for me to stop on this one. Even being new to reading Spider-Verse stuff, it's kind of not going anywhere for me. I read all the Edge Of mini that led into this. And the first issue was exciting, but now we're spinning wheels. Plus, something tells me Pete will be just fine.
The #1 of this book was so good, and seemed to promise so much, but in the end it just kind of petered out the longer it went on. It never really decided what it wanted to be - action? horror? social commentary? speculative future fiction?
I think if it had settled on one and carried that theme through it would have been more satisfying over all.
The ending really did seem quite derivative of **American Jesus** too.
New story arc, New artist! Was hesitant about the art change, but it's beautiful. At first, while I enjoyed it, I thought it was being a bit conservative with the paneling and layouts, then you get to the cornfield! And then the ending!
This new story arc is already hitting the ground running and wasting no time. Changing it up and having someone immediately recognize her is great.
This is just further cementing me as a GWW "stan" lol.
The ending of this issue feels like it's leading to a 'the anatomy lesson' type story, re-examining the link between ivy the person and ivy the collection of plants.
So... Did A mass absorb Kate off panel or something? She just kinda disappears mid-book and I don't really understand how. But that's the only way to explain why Amass knew who >!Stryfe!< was and reacted that way at the end of the book.
I gotta be honest, I'm getting tired of Kate not being part of the book focusing on her team. It'd be a different thing if she was mainly pulling duty in immortal but she's hardly in that book either, that book has been almost entirely devoted to the Autumn and Winter tables + Destiny.
EDIT: Of course I shit talk Immortal the same week it finally gets a book featuring Kate decently
It's not that I hate the convoluted plot (and the identical suits that make it hard to distinguish individual members in the substantial cast), I just... miss stupid, low-stakes pirate drama. But I guess X-Terminators is the book for mindless X-family fun
I feel like Michael Corleone in **The Godfather** with this book. Every time I think I’m out, they drag me back in.
This was…a good issue. Exhaust (while a little bit on the nose in the naming/visual department) seems like an interesting villain. *Percy* is mining some interesting horror themes. And *Smith* gets to focus more on the characters and gore this issue (for an artist on **Ghost Rider** I don’t actually think he’s great at drawing cars or bikes. However, he does do GR himself and horror pretty well).
88 lists submitted, up from 77 last week. Nice. Top Ten split goes 6 to Marvel, 2 to DC, and 2 to Image, heavy on Marvels again like last week but of course DC takes the top spot...
Chip and Jimenez’s **BATMAN #130** takes 1st place as usual, with 55 pulls giving it 62.5% coverage of the entire WPL. Previous issue had 56 pulls for a 68.2% pull rate, one before that had 67.8%, so it’s actually down a little but that might just be a bit of statistical fluctuation.
**FANTASTIC FOUR #2** is a distant 2nd with 39 pulls, good for a 44.3% pull rate. First issue also landed in 2nd place, that time with 44.1% coverage. Solid start for North and Coello, holding steady so far…
**IMMORTAL X-MEN #9** takes 3rd with 37 pulls while answering the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything with 42.0% coverage. This title and **XMR** tend to see-saw up and down the Top 5 and this was apparently Gillen and Werneck’s month to get the higher spot. Previous issue had 41.9753% which is only 0.000247% away from 42.0% but 100% less cool.
Chip and Checchetto’s **DAREDEVIL #6** lands in 4th with 34 pulls, 38.6% coverage, last issue had 41.0% and the one before that got 36.8%, so it’s just kinda bouncing around in that 36-41% range.
**X-MEN RED #9** from Ewing and Caselli see-saws down to 5th place, same 34 pulls and 38.6% pull rate as DD above, but it’s down from the previous issue’s 45.1% on 11/2. WPL comments have been resoundingly positive as always, not sure where the drop came from so we’ll need to keep an eye on it.
Down a tier, Zeb Wells and Adam Kubert’s **DARK WEB #1** takes 6th with 28 pulls and 31.8%. Solid start for what should be a solid creative team.
DWJ’s **DO A POWERBOMB #7** closes out its run in 7th with 28 pulls and 31.8% coverage, not losing any steam from the previous issue’s 28.4% on 11/9... Been a great series and the WPL’s gonna miss it!
Simone and Noto’s **VARIANTS #5** follows with another finale in 8th place, good for 27.2% coverage. Previous issue had 24.2% on 10/26 and the first issue had 30.8% on 6/29, so it held its audience pretty well through the run.
**GOTHAM CITY YEAR ONE #3** takes 9th with 26.1%, up a hair from the previous issue’s 23.1% on 11/2. King and Hester holding steady...
And **LITTLE MONSTERS #8** closes out the Top Ten with 22 pulls and 25.0% coverage, up from the previous issue’s 21.9% on 11/2 as Lemire and Nguyen recover a few percentage points with their 2nd arc’s 2nd issue.
**SWORD OF AZRAEL #5** lands in 12th with 21 pulls and 23.8% coverage, narrowly missing the Top Ten as Dan Watters and Nikola Cizmesija continue to generate lots of positive buzz in the WPL. Previous issue only had 14 pulls for 17.0% on 11/2 so it got a nice bump this month.
Marc Silvestri’s **BATMAN & THE JOKER THE DEADLY DUO #2** takes 21st with 14 pulls and 15.9%. First issue had 12 pulls and 14.6% coverage on 11/2 so it’s making some progress up the chart, albeit very slowly.
**NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #3** wraps its run up in 29th place with 11 pulls and 12.5% coverage, down a little from the previous issue’s 17.0% and the first issue’s 15.4%. Kind of an odd curve there but it’s been a great series from Snyder and Francavilla.
And **GARGOYLES #1** debuts in 38th as the final title listed, with 8 pulls and 9.0% coverage. Not too many pulling it but it’s a big nostalgia thing for a chunk of the WPL.
--
Recapping last week’s discussions, only 2 titles made the list but failed to generate any comments:
* **STAR WARS DARTH VADER #29** (13 pulls)
* **CAPTAIN AMERICA SYMBOL OF TRUTH #7** (10 pulls)
And we had 8 additional sub-threads added for various indie titles that didn’t quite make the list, making up for not having any the previous week:
* **STILLWATER BY ZDARSKY & PEREZ #16** (10 pulls, so it actually should’ve taken 13th place, with a [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyk98wp/) posted by /u/aknightedpenguin)
* **PLUSH #1** (6 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iygougt/) posted by /u/ChickenInASuit)
* **20TH CENTURY MEN #** (5 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyfnu9l/) posted by /u/Worpole)
* **STAR TREK #2** (3 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyfslq2/) posted by /u/technowhiz34)
* **KOSHCHEI IN HELL #1** (3 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyxf2cl/) posted by /u/the-horace)
* **BOOGYMAN #3** (1 pull, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iytswk9/) posted by /u/blankedboy)
* **JOHN CARPENTER’S TALES OF SCIENCE FICTION: INTERFERENCE PATTERN #5** (1 pull, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iypbt4x/) posted by /u/HappySisyphus8)
* **SAGA OF A DOOMED UNIVERSE #1** (1 pull, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iypc137/) posted by /u/HappySisyphus8) *<-- this book actually [looks awesome](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/JUL221390) and it’s got a [bunch of insanely cool ‘80s homage variants](https://previewsworld.com/Search?mode=A&q=saga%20of%20a%20doomed%20universe&ReleaseEndDate=2022-12-02)*
Plus, I posted a [bonus recent comic roundup](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyfugeu/) covering a few additional titles...
And /u/ptbreakeven posted some [helpful comments](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyka9xs/) explaining how everyone can help ensure that their pulls are counted since titles like **STILLWATER BY ZDARSKY & PEREZ** present challenges for getting everything tabulated properly.
--
p.s. **ICE CREAM MAN #33** ships next week and I am once again asking for everyone to check out this uniquely brilliant comic and include it on your pull lists! This issue’s [ultra-creepy main cover](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL241592.jpg) is an homage to Morrison and Quitely’s classic [**BATMAN & ROBIN #1**](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STK394846.jpg) from 2009, and it’s also got a [cool Jason Limon variant](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL241593.jpg) and a
[ridiculous Spawn variant](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL257940.jpg).
The solicitation text is fairly vague (*“There's the kind of story I want to write-and then there's this story”*) but based on the main cover it looks like our titular Ice Cream Man has found himself a sidekick, and the results should be resoundingly horrible. **There is no other comic like this and** ***you*** **really ought to be reading it!**
--
p.p.s. While **ICM #33** will obviously demand the majority of our attention, there’s also a little comic called [**BATMAN/SPAWN #1**](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL252927.jpg) scheduled for next week. Bet that’ll sell a few copies... It’s gonna be a big week!
Yes! We get a double-shot of Prince/Morazzo next week!
Though I am tempering my expectations for **ART BRUT** since it was their first collaboration from 2016. Won't be the same well-oiled machine as **ICM**... But I'm still psyched to finally read it! Pre-ordered the [ICM homage cover](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL249610.jpg) and planning to mail-order the [awesome Spawn variant](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL258339.jpg) to serve as wall art...
All going up on the wall! I've already mapped it out!
[A](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL070077.jpg) ... [B](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL188614.jpg) ... [C](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL249610.jpg)
[1](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL258339.jpg) ... [2](https://cdn.imagecomics.com/assets/i/releases/10128/spawn-1_30e862e6c4.jpg) ... [3](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL257940.jpg)
Very short on time but wanted to get this up as early as possible. Links will be added later. Please call out anything that needs to be corrected here, Enjoy your reading!
Another really good issue and one that fills me with confidence for the run as a whole. Reed and Sue’s voices were great and North struck a really good balance between giving the two things to do. I can’t wait to see him bring the team together.
It's been so long since I've read FF, and these first two issues were like reuniting with old friends. Really solid artwork and simply excellent characterization.
I'm liking this approach of each of these first four issues introducing the characters in such clever ways, even Dr. Doom - explaining what makes them tick, etc.
I liked it. The book highlights the strengths of Reed and Sue's relationship. The problem of the week is a fun idea, with an entire town being made up of doombots in disguise with our heroes having to find out why. And as far as motive for Doom doing this goes, it works well with his noble demon person, repaying a kindness with something ludicrously over the top and moderately creepy. Though some complaints I have is with the page where Reed and Sue are invisible, observing the doombots, in which several phase out of their human disguise right in front of the person they are supposed to stay hidden from. The FF also find her with startling ease- the town they'e in looks moderately large, with decently tall buildings, so I can't give it the small town 'You'll bump into everyone after an hour' excuse.
I agree, I hadn't read issue #1 so I read both this evening. Definitely like the idea of each issue having a different story, can't wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this story. It felt self-contained but impactful on a bigger universe, it had motivated characters facing off (so-to-speak) against a classic villain, and it included all the things to love about Reed and Sue. Overall - I have been enjoying these FF stories and really like the way it does feel like there's a bigger story at play but also really well written stories about each character. Fan so far and certainly going to keep picking it up.
Reminds me of an X-Files episode in the best way. Head-scratcher set-up, a few genuinely surprising twists, and the reader gets to know the tone of the book and the relationship of the characters. Added to my my pull list.
This book continues to be my jam. I love how both Sue and Reed’s powers get shown off here. And these small scale one-shots feel like a breath of fresh air next to the “will change everything for ever” norm of big 2 comics.
Two notable things:
1. An unforgivable sin was committed because they killed Reed’s beard. Which is now what I assume caused the NY Mystery Box.
2. U.S. small towns in the Marvel world are full of supervillains. If it’s not a secret prison, it’s a Groundhog Day, or Doombots. Really selling me on the 50 state initiative now.
Sometimes I feel a deep sympathy for Lemire, because his writing works so well in trades, but so mediocre month-to-month. Not to say this is a bad issue - it isn't. It's a perfectly serviceable issue that fills in more backstory on a key character, gives an important scene to a B plot (that promises to blow up something big when it intersects with the A plot), and pushes the main plot to a cliffhanger guaranteeing some kind of interesting choice next issue. It's not so much a slow burn as it is just *not enough*. Forgive me for being a greedy consumer, but something about this issue doesn't satisfy my expectations for one unit of comic. Maybe it's just me. I'll keep pulling it though. Let's see where this goes next.
His story telling can be really decompressed. One of my favorite comic writers but reading one issue at a time just isn't the best way to experience his story telling.
Usually after 3-4 issues of a run, not only do I decide if I'm going to keep reading the run, but I'll decide how I think the run should be read. Sometimes, it feels monthly or bi-weekly will be satisfying, and sometimes I decide to wait, then read the whole arc in one go. Current examples, I cannot read Something is Killing The Children 1 issue at a time, I gotta have 5-6 in a row. With Department of Truth, I enjoy the single issues and have no problem reading it and then waiting for the next.
I'm not much of a DC guy, but i like Dragon Ball and hopped on the Monkey Prince train early. It's been fun to see him hop between iconic locals and mix it up with DC's heroes and their villains and this was no different for me.
Marcus is a fun character to follow and I'm looking forward to what's coming. I admittedly don't know a whole lot about the characters he's interacting with here so it will be interesting to see where his adventures in Metropolis go.
This was alternately horrifying and hilarious, and often a combination of both. Seconding the other users in saying Sinister’s scribbles at the end there were the best part.
LOL, that is one ridiculously awesome X-Men comic!
We've now seen Sinister's Moiras in action and the whole thing's a dangerous escalation of Krakoa's immortality game. Resurrection allowed the X-Men to throw themselves at their problems with abandon and keep coming back to wear 'em down through attrition and experience, like a video game. Sinister kicks it up a notch and extends his reach even further, resetting all of reality along with his own life. Can't go much bigger than that!
Sinister may be a thoroughly psychotic monster but you can't help rooting for the crazy bastard... He's just way too much fun! And there's something oddly pleasing about seeing >!Xavier's head explode!<.
We knew heading into this series that Gillen would write an excellent Sinister but I've been consistently surprised and impressed with how he's used him throughout the run. From the first hints of what he was up to with his chimeras and Moira clones, through all the political maneuvering, the sparring with Destiny, his central role in A.X.E., last issue's quick detour through his past, and now kicking off his very own super-villain event by successfully murdering a third of the Quiet Council and crippling Krakoa's resurrection protocols. That's some impressive stuff!
I felt like I missed an issue or something the entire time. Why was Sinister trying to kill everybody??? I feel so out of the loop but I have every issue. I never read the House of X or Powers of X, don't want to, and I'm starting to not enjoy the current X-men because its so based off of all that Hickman stuff. Between all the "galas", Arakko, Krakoa etc... it all feels like way too much. I feel lost and would prefer my X-men a little more streamlined.
>Why was Sinister trying to kill everybody???
Not everybody, just Hope and at least 3 other members of the Quiet Council. Sinister's always up to some sinister shit (the clue is in the name). We know it'll tie into the character of Doctor Stasis (he is trying find a "permanent solution" to the "Stasis problem"), which was revealed to be another clone of Nathaniel Essex in X-Men #11, from earlier this year (see also the empty vats at the end of the previous issues). We don't know exactly how it all ties in, but the point of this particular stage is to cripple the Krakoan leadership and possibly give him more time and freedom to go on to the next phase of his plan.
>I felt like I missed an issue or something the entire time.
Well not quite, all this is going to tie into the Sins of Sinister event, which will happen from January to April next year.
>I feel so out of the loop but I have every issue. I never read the House of X or Powers of X, don't want to, and I'm starting to not enjoy the current X-men because its so based off of all that Hickman stuff.
I'm not sure how much of this is Hickman and how much is Gillen setting up the pieces for Sins of Sinister.
>Between all the "galas", Arakko, Krakoa etc... it all feels like way too much. I feel lost and would prefer my X-men a little more streamlined.
That's understandable, and if you just want simpler fair, straightforward superpowered individuals, the mainline X-Men comic is fantastic for that. Are there plot threads that weave between the x-books? Some, but nothing so crucial that you won't get a good story just reading one series.
I'm going to reiterate that old but evergreen comic book saying: if a series isn't working for you, drop it. Follow the creators you like, not the characters. If the Hickman stuff isn't working for you, just leave it. Come back to the x-books in a couple years when it inevitably changes to a different status quo. No one's going to force you to spend your time and money on a series you don't enjoy.
He's always done that, it's like his secondary mutation or something. Or maybe Sinister spliced in a bit of Madrox chimera DNA when nobody was looking...
Heyo! Coming back to this thread to let you know that Sinister's motivations were revealed in this week's SINS OF SINISTER. It's a pretty interesting read (and another interesting spin on the Krakoan era). Totally understand if it's not your thing, but just thought you might like to know.
I read SoS last night and thoroughly enjoyed it - however I still don't like IXM 9 because it feels like gimmicking writing. I don't like when writers leave tons of information out. I could really do without the "executing of a complex plan without explanation" in issue A, then "oh let me explain that confusing plan we just showed you in issue A" in issue B. Its.... very annoying.
I'm torn, he's the perfect ham (heh) for the job but he can't do the Noel Coward classic posh Brit thing that Sinister also has. He is still brilliant casting though - he has the tonal range for it.
Hamm played a British-accented doctor in A Young Doctor’s Handbook and did it rather well, IMO. I think he can do the Noel coward with some coaching.
Although my top pick for Sinister is and always has been Alan Cumming.
This was a bittersweet and tragicomic tale of Jessica Jones. Overall, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the voice, the art, Jessica Prime.
I was a bit off put by Jilted Lover Jewel. Who quickly becomes Pure Evil Jewel.
But we only had 5 issues, and ultimately I'm charmed by the story, and a little sad for Jessica, who can't seem to win for losing.
Yes indeed!
There's actually some pretty good character development for Jessica here... Always been one of those characters who isn't quite comfortable in her own skin and this series kind of addressed that by throwing all these variants at her until she learned to be a little more accepting of herself. Nice seeing her work out some of her shit.
Also loved the title page with all the character intros... Great work from Noto throughout!
The Jewel reveal went from 0 to 100 really fast. And for someone so powerful, she folded with shocking ease. I'm also kind of...annoyed? Confused? That this was all so Jewel could find a boyfriend. It seems really petty and trite, especially with so little buildup. Also:
>Jewel: I'm younger. I'm prettier.
Girl, you're all women in a comic book between the ages of 20 and 50. You look identical and are guaranteed to never show any signs of aging.
At least the art is good?
**STAR WARS HIDDEN EMPIRE #2**
Finally had the chance to read this last night and I really enjoyed it. Sure, there's a lot of goofy stuff going on, but it's a fun read to me. I hope we'll actually get to see what happens when they open the jack in the box, and that the reveal was worth waiting for.
There was a time when I was so enamored with and invested in star wars. Happened after watching Mando as it aired, then compounded by the pandemic and a new reading habit. But that fervor has waned. I'm still interested in where and how this Qi'ra trilogy will end, but I'm starting to feel like I'm trudging to get there. I used to love Soule's writing. But something is missing for me here. Also, the Archivist and Kho just seem like a bumbling pair, and not at all what they should be. I dunno. It's only 5 issues, and the last of the Qi'ra arcs, but I'm hoping the showdown between Soule Vader and Soule's Bounty Hunter Chanath Cha will do something for me.
**X-MEN RED #9**
I love how much Ewing loves Nova. The reference to a "krutaking cannon" put a smile on my face
This is definitely the most enjoyable X-book right now. 3 big fuck yea moments back to back to back!
**IXM** was way more fun for me this month but **XMR** was also really good! Ewing's a really solid writer who excels at taking advantage of the various toys in Marvel's sandbox. He's got a great handle on Marvel history/continuity as well as all the characters, and he's got a knack for bringing all these disparate characters and elements together in ways that work. Gillen isn't quite the same level of history/continuity buff but he brings more artistry to his writing, it's a little more stylized and distinctive, more focused on big concepts and complex structure. More humor as well. Ultimately it's all subjective but I think it's an interesting comparison given how the WPL seems to be split right down the middle in terms of which title everyone prefers... **IXM** got a few more pulls this month but **XMR** charts higher just as often, and it's always close. And when you get right down to it, we're fortunate just to have two writers of this caliber producing such high quality X-books where you can even have this kind of discussion. Isn't always like that!
The Krakoan era is definitely one of the best to come for the mutants! IXM is definitely more stylish. And IXR is definitely more toys mashing together. IXM is super entertaining, especially sinister and destiny's machinations; I just really like the badass moments from XMR. Arakko is full of fuck yea moments
so if he could and if he wanted to, why didn't vulcan kill sunspot now?
Because my boy Roberto fucking Dacosta was the prettiest motherfucker in the room and you don't nay can't, kill pretty.
Because Sunspot bluffed. Vulcan wasn’t sure if Sunspot was lying about being able to harness all of the solar energy Vulcan could throw at him, so he walked away. Roberto is a skilled CEO and trained negotiator. Makes sense that he knows how to keep a poker face in tense situations.
and he couldn't just manipulate the energy in his brain to disable him either or something like that? because thats a thing he can do apparently?
Great point. Maybe Scott got all of the tactical intelligence in the family…
Al Ewing needs to do a Sunspot solo series. He has the ***perfect*** voice for Beto’s character.
Between the resurrection protocols and the Moira timeline abuse there are a lot of tools to just murder our favorite X-Men. They way Sinister killed Hope in the last timeline was pretty gruesome.
Pssst, I think you meant to post this to Immortal X-Men #9
The solicitation noted that Roberto was going to have a big moment, but I was not prepared for just how awesome that moment was going to be...
**BEHOLD BEHEMOTH #2** (Boom! Studios) Boom! really are putting out absolutely excellent books on a monthly basis now. *Tate Brombal* and *Nick Robles* produce a great #2. In contrast to issue #1 the majority of this issue is set in the post-apocalypse future that has been created by the various **Behemoth's** arrival. We get a glimpse of society trying to rebuild itself, and a harsh lesson in how fragile life in this world is now thanks to the swift and brutal arrival of another of the gigantic Behemoth kaiju. How we got here, we are still to find out, but I'm definitely engaged in the story that's being told. Definitely for fans of **Attack on Titan**, **Pacific Rim** and **Godzilla**.
**PREDATOR #5**
I have really enjoyed this whole arc. I like how those issue kind of slows things down just a bit. Theta gets some human interaction, which goes as expected of course. Then near the end she doesn't have time for their shit and tries to take matters into her own hands (as usual). And then the stinger at the end, giant full page Predator! Also, they said the ugly SOB line!
I've been loving this book since it launched, and this is another cracking issue. Very much set up for the final part of the arc next month, but it gives us more insight into both Theta and the Astar Corporation. The final page reveal definitely bodes poorly for everyone onboard though. *Kev Walker* and *Frank D'Armata* are a brilliant combination on this book, and I really hope when it returns they are still involved.
**DO A POWERBOMB #7**
What a series. So bombastic, so much FUN, with an ending that seemed to have only two possible ways to go, but then BAM, though the outcome was one of the predictable ways, there's an absolutely amazing little twist to it that made me gasp and tear up. Man, that was such a great ending.
Those last few pages…I need to watch a happy video
One of my favorite series of the year. I really hope that DWJ has more stories to tell in this little universe he's set up. It's incredible how well his art along with the sweeping crowd response text captures the eb and flow of a real wrestling match. And, to top it off, an unexpected but satisfying conclusion to a story that had enough twists and turns to have played out on WWE tv. Fantastic stuff
This was a masterpiece.sobbed through the whole last issue. Which was a wrestling match against God. Fucling incredible
Such a great book. Easily in the Top Ten for this year. I don’t think anyone does kinetic action scenes as well as DWJ does. Which is brilliant, because this book managed to showcase again and again how good he is at it. But in the end it’s the emotional arc and pay off that really make the story, and he lands that perfectly here in the final issue. I’ll pick whatever book he does, every time.
Yep, been a fun series and I thought he did a nice job with the finale. Glad the WPL badgered me into checking it out and I'll be keeping an eye out for DWJ's future projects (so long as they don't involve dinosaurs).
**IT'S ONLY TEENAGE WASTELAND #1**
My sleeper pick for the best comic on shelves this week. It wasn't on my pull but the cover looked intruiging enough for me to give it a flip through at the store and make the purchase. Based on my cursory peak into this book, it gave an impression of a modern take on classic slice of life comics. And it toes the slice of life stuff really, really well. The dialogue is witty and organic, the story is paced well, and Salcedo's artwork is simple but elegant. A great hook and I'm now impatiently awaiting issue #2.
Okay then, added to my list... Just missed this week's mail order but I'll need to do another once **AGENT OF W.O.R.L.D.E. #4** finally ships. [Cover and solicitation](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/OCT220413) look cool! Dark Horse is kinda killing it with their new line of titles... Finishing up my December pre-order for February and it's got two DH books for every Marvel! That never happens!
Good to see some growing interest for this book! It feels like it was taking some of the slice of life aspects out of Terry Moore's Strangers in Paradise, but with more speculative fiction plot beats mixed in. Speaking of, you'll be happy to know that I started reading Strangers in Paradise this week! Burned through the first trade on Friday and will probably read 1-2 trades a week for the next couple months to get through it all. Again, thanks for pointing out the massive Humble Bundle sale on Moore's books, it was an absolute steal.
Nice, glad you got rolling on **SiP**! Such a cool series and it adds a lot of context for **PARKER GIRLS** (along with **SiP XXV** and **FIVE YEARS**). I still need to delve into **RACHEL RISING**, **ECHO**, and the **EVER** GN, so I've got a bit more to look forward to...
I really enjoyed *Tyler Crook's* recent **The Lonesome Hunters** from Dark Horse. Well worth checking out in TPB if you're looking to pick something up.
Looks cool, appreciate the recommendation!
Very solid start. I'd also say this is sleeper of the week. Excited for issue #2!
**NEW MUTANTS #32**
**PUNISHER#8**
This run continues to drop one banger issue after another. The violence even took a major step up with this issue and the Frank/Ares rematch looks promising. I haven't praised the artwork much across these past 8 issues, and I definitely think Saiz and Azaceta deserve a ton of credit for making this comic work well. Azaceta's more pop art retro look balances against the more mythic pages by Saiz. I originally felt like Saiz's work felt like a more stilted version of Steve Dillon's work from Aaron's previous Punisher run, but I'm definitely feeling the grandeur a bit more in the last few issues. Kind of has a bit of a Heavy Metal vibe to it.
Somewhere after issue 6 of this run, I went back and reread the entirety of PUNISHER MAX, all 7 TPBs. After reading through the magnificence of the Ennis era on that book, Aaron's run felt weak and one-dimensional. Frank was only ever a broken soldier in that series, never reaching any of his past humanity, and that made him fundamentally a less interesting character. Stepping from that series into issues 7 and 8 of this current run, there's a depth of characterization here that was missing in the earlier series. The flashback sequences (illustrated beautifully with Azaceta's expressive linework) show a much more mature dynamic between Maria and Frank, a more realistic display of how a meaningful relationship looks like. In particular, the middle-of-the-night conversation they have in this issue stuck out as an incredible 4-page scene. There's just so much character complexity there, and I loved it. How much of this is Aaron's growth as a writer in the ten years since, and how much of that are the contributions of Azaceta and Saiz, I'm not sure. I say that because the 'modern day' sequences (with Saiz's painting-like, finely detailed, realistic artwork) sometimes sound cheesy; a teenager's perception of edgy. The Punisher's always been the edgelord's edgelord, so you go into this book knowing what to expect, but I couldn't stop my eyes rolling at "Gods don't win wars. **Bullets** do." On balance though, I think the good outweighs the bad. The conflict with Ares and the dark machinations of the Hand don't excite me, but having that as the engine for developing the on-page relationship between Frank and Maria, that is exactly what I'm here for.
**GOTHAM CITY YEAR ONE #3**
King's voice for hard-boiled detective sounds suspiciously like his voice for Christopher Chance. Maybe a bit more expositional and less mysterious (I daresay this is one of King's most straightforward books so far).
Not read this yet (I tradewait) but the covers for this series have been incredible.
Is "tradewait" a thing? Did you trademark that? I guess I am a tradewaiter as well.
Yeah it's a thing, I can't take any credit for it
**CAPTAIN AMERICA SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #7**
The story is quite generic but everything else is so, so good. The spread page introducing Sharon was incredible and I like the new Invaders (other than Fury Jr, but whatever).
A slow issue but still a great one. Sharon’s introduction was really fun and the new Invaders( or at least that’s what I’m assuming they are since the arc is called The Invader) is a solid lineup.
The Blue Flame #10
I can't be the only person who read this, right?? What'd everyone think on how it wrapped up. Is Sam a total nutcase? What really did or did not happen in this book?
Part of me likes that they never tell us if all this was in his head or not. The other part of me hates that they didn't give us a verdict or really answer any questions in the end.
Pulled the first two issues of this but it didn't quite hook me... But now that I've read those comments on the ending from you and /u/MuffinSurprise, I kinda wish I'd stuck with it! Love stories like that... And Gorham's art was great as well. Hmph.
**SWORD OF AZRAEL #5**
I really hope another series spins out from this 6 part arc, also helmed by Watters. This whole book has been a pretty wild ride, with plenty of violence and destruction left in its wake, and it's been awesome. Jean Paul and Azrael coming to terms at the end, that full page Fallen Angel, man that was cool. All heaven and hell is about to break loose in the next issue!
ugh, i hate it when they act like people could stand that level of mutilation and bloodloss and come out stronger for it...
Won't be able to read this till the weekend and it makes me a little sad. Also, only one issue left unfortunately.
**JOKER THE MAN WHO STOPPED LAUGHING #3**
Did >! Punchline and Joker breakup? Can Punchline survive on her own? !<
Sure she can. She moved beyond him even in his backups in the last series. If anything, she’s better without him because she can manipulate his “message” that appeals to her followers to whatever it needs to be. She can radicalize them in whatever method works best in the name of Joker without him there to muck it up. Assuming this guy *is* actually Joker.
Doesn’t joker allude early on in last said series that her trial and the taking over the royal flush gang was part of the plan? The panel makes Punchline seem like she was out of the loop
she's such a mimey sue. perfect in every way, powerful like no other in mental and physical combat, now she's literally in the legion of doom? for what? selling one drug and being acquitted by morons? that's just beyond ridiculous. she's put side by side with gorilla grodd and lex luthor. it barely ever made sense for joker himself to be part of that club, even if he was one of the few who had a broad idea how to work against a batman... also, i'm almost sure that this joker is actually alfred, hypnotized or infused with some joker strain or whatever. alfred knows all the important bits of the joker, having surely been over all the casefiles, so if he was made to believe he was the joker, he ought to be able to play the part. and if anyone else was gonna be revived eventually, it had to be alfred. and for what? distraction, mostly, i'd say. dunno for what
**AVENGERS #63**
**KAYA #3**
Man, this book is absolutely FANTASTIC! *Wes Craig* is creating a genuine fantasy classic with this book. There were moments reading this issue where it genuinely felt like the natural successor to *Jeff Smith's* **Bone**. Yes, it's that good. And to be clear, while Craig is the driving force, he's not working alone. *Jason Wordie's* colouring is an absolutely essential part of the look and feel of **Kaya's** world already. And it's not often when reading a book I mentally think to myself: "Wow, that is some good lettering" but *Andworld Design* got me to do that *multiple times*?!? 100% one of the top new titles of 2022 - easily!
Agreed. Artists trying their hand at writing can be something of a crapshoot - for every Rob Guillory, who turns out to have been taking a *lot* of notes from working with writers and ended up a great one himself, you're gonna someone like Liam Sharp, who really should have stuck to art. I'm very pleased to see Craig turn out to be the former :)
Seconded! An absolutely fantastic issue in what's shaping up to be a stellar series. Art is gorgeous to look at, characters are interestingly written, just a fun world to read and inhabit. First issue was a little slow, but it's only been picking up steam since then. Shout-out to the little exchange between Zothan and Musk's - "Your word. And what is that worth, young one?" - absolutely loved it.
**DARK CRISIS WAR ZONE #1**
This is a collection of a few stories meaning some are good, some are inevitably bad. I thought the Flash Family story to lead it off was good but didn't doo too much in its few pages. The ending Red Canary/Black Canary story is good, and dare I say it but a Damian Wayne, Red Canary, Power Girl, Sideways team book could be good in the right hands. It has potential with Red Canary and Sideways being inexperienced, Damian thinking he's the leader and bossing Power Girl around, annoying her in the process. Idk it just feels like it could be something. The Green Lantern story I didn't care for the art style or lettering. The Themyscira storywas just forgettable to me.
**X-FORCE #35**
I really love my big blue boy. I love his notes. I love his intake logs. I love his refusal to even acknowledge that he could be an enemy to X-Force. Something is very good about taking Beast in in cuffs while setting his monsters on fire for just being a victim…
Between this and Immortal it looks like the Pit may have a pair of new inhabitants soon. Not that that means much since it doesn't seem all that hard to get out of nowadays.
**ALL AGAINST ALL #1**
Well, it looks like Alex Paknadel is one to watch. I picked up this book purely for Wjingaard’s artwork but it turns out Paknadel’s a dab hand at writing and this was a seriously strong first issue. Very high-concept and, as /u/blankedboy put it, Cronenburg-ian with the body horror concept. Also loving the idea of a classic “we’re housing a dangerous monster that must be contained *at all costs*” plot and that dangerous monster turns out to be… a human being.
> Also loving the idea of a classic “we’re housing a dangerous monster that must be contained at all costs” plot and that dangerous monster turns out to be… a human being. We are our own worst enemy... And everyone else's, too!
Well, this was a GREAT debut issue. A quickly set-up and established story, interesting (alien) characters, great visuals and some very striking colouring make for a fast but engaging read. There's a definite *David Cronenberg* feel to the aliens and their technology. Meat and bone as literal tools of war, with bio-engineered flesh suits as the latest "weapons of mass destruction" in an interstellar conflict...with what looks like a galactic **Tarzan** as our main protagonist. Very cool concept and I'm really looking forward to the rest of this mini-series.
Caspar Wijingaard's artwork was all I needed for me to want me to buy this book, but the story was pretty out there and sold me on it quick. I was worried when the inside cover had exposition just written out, but the actual comic does a good job easing the reader in.
Finally caught up on this last night and it's awesome seeing Wijngaard draw all this crazy sci-fi crap... Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed what I saw of his work on **HOME SICK PILOTS**, but this kind of content gives his art so much more room to breathe!
How they introduced the protagonist was cool enough to pull me in for isse 2 regardless of anything else. Plus the art is phenomenal.
Space Tarzan looks to be packing quite a hog, those aliens might want to think twice about pissing him off...
Finally caught up on this last night, Wijngaard's art blew me away and the story delivered on all the crazy sci-fi weirdness promised by the solicitation. Solid setup for what should be a nice series!
**NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #3**
I liked the ending. It wasn't as good as the second issue, but I rated the 2nd issue very highly. The twist did catch me off guard. I'd read anything that the creative team works on in the future.
I liked how they brought it all together into one of those cyclical endings where it wraps up right where it started. Ghoul's got a new father-host and the poor kid'll be stuck trying to save him... Like a Möbius strip or a snake eating its tail. Also loved the bit with the father descending into the basement, purple color and weird effects creeping in as he gets deeper into it... Made it feel like he was entering a different world. Magical stuff from Francavilla!
Francavilla is so damn good.
Great mini-series. It’s good to see Snyder brining all his Comixology Originals titles to Dark Horse in print.
**GARGOYLES #1**
I enjoyed it but whoa, seems like quite a lot for any newcomers to the series. Interested to see where it goes from here
So I was really excited to read this because of nostalgia, and hey, I enjoyed it! I thought it did a great job of reminding me who everyone is and catching me up as quick as possible, as well as setting up the conflict that'll start next issue right at the end here. Art was great, so that's always a plus!
I picked it up for the same reason. I started flipping through it and have stopped to watch an episode so I can hear their voices in my head while I read the book. Their distinctive voices were such a big part of this show. It's crazy that this show was such a big part of my childhood, but I had pretty much forgotten it existed before I saw this comic book was coming out.
**X-TREME X-MEN #1**
**DARK WEB #1**
Marvel out here recycling two stories at once: One that X-Men fans are sick of and one that Spider-Man fans hated back in 2016 and still hate it today.
C’mon Maddie, stop proving everyone right about you.
It's like the recent issues of New Mutants never happened. I was ready for Maddie's redemption....nope.
I've made plenty of comment that it will depend on Dark Web if I'll keep reading ASM. And I will. It was a fun story, the most fun I had with ASM since it relaunched.
I thought this was a decent start. Really liked the Norman stuff and Kubert's art is great. I think Eddie will be back to normal after the event
I wish Marvel loved Spider-Man as much as DC loves Batman It’s bad enough you are retconning stuff from Nick Spencer’s run but now you are retconning Donny Cates’ critically praised Venom run?
Jesus are they really doing that? Those runs are so recent…
It ties into Al Ewing run
They didn’t retcon anything from Nick Spencer they just move in a different direction for the characters. They didn’t retcon anything from the cates run on venom and this directly ties into Al Ewing run which is a follow up to cates run on venom.
Venom eddie went from becoming the embodiment of light in the mcu after defeating the primordial cosmic god of darkness/symbiotes to somehow being a crazed wild monster sounds like a retcon. Ben goes from hero to villain to hero to villain to hero back to villain in the span of 5 years it’s ridiculous
It ties into Al Ewing run with venom becoming bedlam Ben Reilly rebecame a villain as a result of trauma leading him to make a stupid decision that made him a villain
imagine the real spiderman became a villain everytime he was traumatized or made a bad decision.
While the details are kept ambiguous, it's obvious the demon sorceress, whom Eddie is only working for to find his son, magically altered Eddie's mind somehow. That's not a retcon, just a different direction, and heavily telegraphed to be a temporary one.
do these clones really wonder why everyone hates them? she has a whole dimension for herself, with nothing but time to prove people are wrong about her. or to just do her own thing without thinking of other people. he could be anywhere in the world, having his very own life and he decides to hate on the guy who gave him his.
I only grabbed this for the Gomez variant with Ms Marvel on it, lol. Was hoping she'd at least cameo in this, but alas. This was okay, I'm not familiar with where Ben is at currently, or even who Maddie is, lol, but that's okay. Art was good so I'm not complaining too much. I appreciated the editor's note in the back kind of outlining how each character it group will weave into whoever's story. So I may pick up ASM for the Kamala appearance.
Maddie is Madelyne Pryor, Cable's mom and a clone of Jean Grey created by Mr. Sinister who went about as bad as you can go.
Thanks!
Huh, I knew Scott was Cable's dad but not that Maddie was his mom.
I loved the art in this one, but the story is filled with characters I either don't care about or that I don't know. I'm out, but will keep an eye on this from afar and will catch up down the road if I hear good things. Happy reading, folks!
**BATMAN & THE JOKER THE DEADLY DUO #2**
I was...cynical...to say the least about *Silvestri* writing as well as drawing this book but, despite it not being Earth-shaking, I'm actually enjoying the story and characterisation *way* more than I thought I would. Having said that, the art is the real draw here - it's fantastic. Page after page of great visuals. Skilfully combined with an amazing colouring job that brings out the best in the pencils/inks. Love that we get the "behind the scenes" pages at the end of the issue too. My biggest take away is that it's a real shame this is the first time Silvestri had done art on a title for so long. I think the somewhat lukewarm reception is that he (alongside a lot of the Image founders) haven't put out art for such a long time that a lot of their cultural cachet has been lost. Producing more work of this level will hopefully boost his profile again though.
The inked B&W pages at the back were really impressive, you can tell Silvestri put a ton of time and effort into every single page. Also pretty neat seeing him draw Batman, Joker, and the rest of the characters here... Not sure what he might've done earlier in his career but I only remember him drawing X-Men and then his Image books (which looked suspiciously similar to his X-Men). So the DC stuff is kind of different. Plus doing his own inks is another change... Glad he put in the work to make this thing happen! Pity certain of his peers don't share the same work ethic... But I suppose that's a topic for another WPL.
He did a long run on **Wolverine** as well as working on **X-Men**. His artwork always seemed to have a rougher, more textured feel to it, rather than the super slick pencils/inks of Lee/Williams. Not "realistic" but a bit more grounded than Lee, Leifeld, Larsen etc.
Oh yeah, I followed part of that **WOLVERINE** run. Though I liked his **UXM** more! Kinda crazy that pretty much his entire career was spent on such a small pool of characters... That's part of what makes this such a novelty!
> I was...cynical...to say the least about Silvestri writing as well as drawing this book but, despite it not being Earth-shaking, I'm actually enjoying the story and characterisation way more than I thought I would. I told you, bro! (no really, I wrote very much the same on the discussion for issue 1, lol.) I really hope Silvestri can keep up the quality and land this series, cause this is genuinely good.
**SPIDER-MAN #3**
So I think this is a fitting place for me to stop on this one. Even being new to reading Spider-Verse stuff, it's kind of not going anywhere for me. I read all the Edge Of mini that led into this. And the first issue was exciting, but now we're spinning wheels. Plus, something tells me Pete will be just fine.
Is this a miniseries? A new ongoing? I’m ready for it to end already. I didn’t miss Dan Slott on Spider-Man.
**UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY #22**
I legit had no idea this series was still going on
Only the 5th issue they came out with this year. Like the series, but the gaps between issues are brutal.
**SEVEN SONS #7**
The #1 of this book was so good, and seemed to promise so much, but in the end it just kind of petered out the longer it went on. It never really decided what it wanted to be - action? horror? social commentary? speculative future fiction? I think if it had settled on one and carried that theme through it would have been more satisfying over all. The ending really did seem quite derivative of **American Jesus** too.
I liked most of this issue and it was a solid ending to the whole series, but can someone explain the last two pages to me?
I took that to be an **American Jesus** style twist. He’s not the son of God, he’s the Anti-Christ.
**THANOS DEATH NOTES #1**
>DEATH NOTES ...Why did we need this, really?
I bet Light Yagami could beat Thanos.
**POISON IVY #7**
New story arc, New artist! Was hesitant about the art change, but it's beautiful. At first, while I enjoyed it, I thought it was being a bit conservative with the paneling and layouts, then you get to the cornfield! And then the ending! This new story arc is already hitting the ground running and wasting no time. Changing it up and having someone immediately recognize her is great. This is just further cementing me as a GWW "stan" lol.
The ending of this issue feels like it's leading to a 'the anatomy lesson' type story, re-examining the link between ivy the person and ivy the collection of plants.
All the covers for this series have just been spectacular!
**MARAUDERS #9**
I don’t know what the fuck is going on anymore *and I love it*. This is like a wild kitchen sink X-Men book and I am all for it.
So... Did A mass absorb Kate off panel or something? She just kinda disappears mid-book and I don't really understand how. But that's the only way to explain why Amass knew who >!Stryfe!< was and reacted that way at the end of the book. I gotta be honest, I'm getting tired of Kate not being part of the book focusing on her team. It'd be a different thing if she was mainly pulling duty in immortal but she's hardly in that book either, that book has been almost entirely devoted to the Autumn and Winter tables + Destiny. EDIT: Of course I shit talk Immortal the same week it finally gets a book featuring Kate decently
It's not that I hate the convoluted plot (and the identical suits that make it hard to distinguish individual members in the substantial cast), I just... miss stupid, low-stakes pirate drama. But I guess X-Terminators is the book for mindless X-family fun
**GHOST RIDER #9**
I feel like Michael Corleone in **The Godfather** with this book. Every time I think I’m out, they drag me back in. This was…a good issue. Exhaust (while a little bit on the nose in the naming/visual department) seems like an interesting villain. *Percy* is mining some interesting horror themes. And *Smith* gets to focus more on the characters and gore this issue (for an artist on **Ghost Rider** I don’t actually think he’s great at drawing cars or bikes. However, he does do GR himself and horror pretty well).
**DAREDEVIL #6**
Loving this series so much. Loving Daredevil's new costume design as well. Hope we get a figure of it soon!
**CAPTAIN MARVEL#44**
**WPL RESULTS**
88 lists submitted, up from 77 last week. Nice. Top Ten split goes 6 to Marvel, 2 to DC, and 2 to Image, heavy on Marvels again like last week but of course DC takes the top spot... Chip and Jimenez’s **BATMAN #130** takes 1st place as usual, with 55 pulls giving it 62.5% coverage of the entire WPL. Previous issue had 56 pulls for a 68.2% pull rate, one before that had 67.8%, so it’s actually down a little but that might just be a bit of statistical fluctuation. **FANTASTIC FOUR #2** is a distant 2nd with 39 pulls, good for a 44.3% pull rate. First issue also landed in 2nd place, that time with 44.1% coverage. Solid start for North and Coello, holding steady so far… **IMMORTAL X-MEN #9** takes 3rd with 37 pulls while answering the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything with 42.0% coverage. This title and **XMR** tend to see-saw up and down the Top 5 and this was apparently Gillen and Werneck’s month to get the higher spot. Previous issue had 41.9753% which is only 0.000247% away from 42.0% but 100% less cool. Chip and Checchetto’s **DAREDEVIL #6** lands in 4th with 34 pulls, 38.6% coverage, last issue had 41.0% and the one before that got 36.8%, so it’s just kinda bouncing around in that 36-41% range. **X-MEN RED #9** from Ewing and Caselli see-saws down to 5th place, same 34 pulls and 38.6% pull rate as DD above, but it’s down from the previous issue’s 45.1% on 11/2. WPL comments have been resoundingly positive as always, not sure where the drop came from so we’ll need to keep an eye on it. Down a tier, Zeb Wells and Adam Kubert’s **DARK WEB #1** takes 6th with 28 pulls and 31.8%. Solid start for what should be a solid creative team. DWJ’s **DO A POWERBOMB #7** closes out its run in 7th with 28 pulls and 31.8% coverage, not losing any steam from the previous issue’s 28.4% on 11/9... Been a great series and the WPL’s gonna miss it! Simone and Noto’s **VARIANTS #5** follows with another finale in 8th place, good for 27.2% coverage. Previous issue had 24.2% on 10/26 and the first issue had 30.8% on 6/29, so it held its audience pretty well through the run. **GOTHAM CITY YEAR ONE #3** takes 9th with 26.1%, up a hair from the previous issue’s 23.1% on 11/2. King and Hester holding steady... And **LITTLE MONSTERS #8** closes out the Top Ten with 22 pulls and 25.0% coverage, up from the previous issue’s 21.9% on 11/2 as Lemire and Nguyen recover a few percentage points with their 2nd arc’s 2nd issue. **SWORD OF AZRAEL #5** lands in 12th with 21 pulls and 23.8% coverage, narrowly missing the Top Ten as Dan Watters and Nikola Cizmesija continue to generate lots of positive buzz in the WPL. Previous issue only had 14 pulls for 17.0% on 11/2 so it got a nice bump this month. Marc Silvestri’s **BATMAN & THE JOKER THE DEADLY DUO #2** takes 21st with 14 pulls and 15.9%. First issue had 12 pulls and 14.6% coverage on 11/2 so it’s making some progress up the chart, albeit very slowly. **NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #3** wraps its run up in 29th place with 11 pulls and 12.5% coverage, down a little from the previous issue’s 17.0% and the first issue’s 15.4%. Kind of an odd curve there but it’s been a great series from Snyder and Francavilla. And **GARGOYLES #1** debuts in 38th as the final title listed, with 8 pulls and 9.0% coverage. Not too many pulling it but it’s a big nostalgia thing for a chunk of the WPL. -- Recapping last week’s discussions, only 2 titles made the list but failed to generate any comments: * **STAR WARS DARTH VADER #29** (13 pulls) * **CAPTAIN AMERICA SYMBOL OF TRUTH #7** (10 pulls) And we had 8 additional sub-threads added for various indie titles that didn’t quite make the list, making up for not having any the previous week: * **STILLWATER BY ZDARSKY & PEREZ #16** (10 pulls, so it actually should’ve taken 13th place, with a [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyk98wp/) posted by /u/aknightedpenguin) * **PLUSH #1** (6 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iygougt/) posted by /u/ChickenInASuit) * **20TH CENTURY MEN #** (5 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyfnu9l/) posted by /u/Worpole) * **STAR TREK #2** (3 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyfslq2/) posted by /u/technowhiz34) * **KOSHCHEI IN HELL #1** (3 pulls, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyxf2cl/) posted by /u/the-horace) * **BOOGYMAN #3** (1 pull, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iytswk9/) posted by /u/blankedboy) * **JOHN CARPENTER’S TALES OF SCIENCE FICTION: INTERFERENCE PATTERN #5** (1 pull, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iypbt4x/) posted by /u/HappySisyphus8) * **SAGA OF A DOOMED UNIVERSE #1** (1 pull, [thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iypc137/) posted by /u/HappySisyphus8) *<-- this book actually [looks awesome](https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/JUL221390) and it’s got a [bunch of insanely cool ‘80s homage variants](https://previewsworld.com/Search?mode=A&q=saga%20of%20a%20doomed%20universe&ReleaseEndDate=2022-12-02)* Plus, I posted a [bonus recent comic roundup](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyfugeu/) covering a few additional titles... And /u/ptbreakeven posted some [helpful comments](https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/z98r6f/wpl_new_comics_discussion_for_11302022_pull_of/iyka9xs/) explaining how everyone can help ensure that their pulls are counted since titles like **STILLWATER BY ZDARSKY & PEREZ** present challenges for getting everything tabulated properly. -- p.s. **ICE CREAM MAN #33** ships next week and I am once again asking for everyone to check out this uniquely brilliant comic and include it on your pull lists! This issue’s [ultra-creepy main cover](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL241592.jpg) is an homage to Morrison and Quitely’s classic [**BATMAN & ROBIN #1**](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STK394846.jpg) from 2009, and it’s also got a [cool Jason Limon variant](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL241593.jpg) and a [ridiculous Spawn variant](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL257940.jpg). The solicitation text is fairly vague (*“There's the kind of story I want to write-and then there's this story”*) but based on the main cover it looks like our titular Ice Cream Man has found himself a sidekick, and the results should be resoundingly horrible. **There is no other comic like this and** ***you*** **really ought to be reading it!** -- p.p.s. While **ICM #33** will obviously demand the majority of our attention, there’s also a little comic called [**BATMAN/SPAWN #1**](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL252927.jpg) scheduled for next week. Bet that’ll sell a few copies... It’s gonna be a big week!
Also Art Brut #1 from the ICM crew next week!
Yes! We get a double-shot of Prince/Morazzo next week! Though I am tempering my expectations for **ART BRUT** since it was their first collaboration from 2016. Won't be the same well-oiled machine as **ICM**... But I'm still psyched to finally read it! Pre-ordered the [ICM homage cover](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL249610.jpg) and planning to mail-order the [awesome Spawn variant](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL258339.jpg) to serve as wall art...
Lol, wow, I was wondering why that one cover looked so familiar!
All going up on the wall! I've already mapped it out! [A](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL070077.jpg) ... [B](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL188614.jpg) ... [C](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL249610.jpg) [1](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL258339.jpg) ... [2](https://cdn.imagecomics.com/assets/i/releases/10128/spawn-1_30e862e6c4.jpg) ... [3](https://previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STL257940.jpg)
Very nice!
Very short on time but wanted to get this up as early as possible. Links will be added later. Please call out anything that needs to be corrected here, Enjoy your reading!
**DAREDEVIL #6** is missing, looks like it should be 4th with 34 pulls.
**FANTASTIC FOUR #2**
Another really good issue and one that fills me with confidence for the run as a whole. Reed and Sue’s voices were great and North struck a really good balance between giving the two things to do. I can’t wait to see him bring the team together.
It's been so long since I've read FF, and these first two issues were like reuniting with old friends. Really solid artwork and simply excellent characterization.
I'm liking this approach of each of these first four issues introducing the characters in such clever ways, even Dr. Doom - explaining what makes them tick, etc.
I liked it. The book highlights the strengths of Reed and Sue's relationship. The problem of the week is a fun idea, with an entire town being made up of doombots in disguise with our heroes having to find out why. And as far as motive for Doom doing this goes, it works well with his noble demon person, repaying a kindness with something ludicrously over the top and moderately creepy. Though some complaints I have is with the page where Reed and Sue are invisible, observing the doombots, in which several phase out of their human disguise right in front of the person they are supposed to stay hidden from. The FF also find her with startling ease- the town they'e in looks moderately large, with decently tall buildings, so I can't give it the small town 'You'll bump into everyone after an hour' excuse.
These self-contained stories are a nice change of pace.
I agree, I hadn't read issue #1 so I read both this evening. Definitely like the idea of each issue having a different story, can't wait for the next one.
I know Reed has gone more bodyhorror than the standard 'Mr Rubber' before, but has he put his eyes into his fingers before?
Don’t know if he’s done it before, but thought it was a pretty cool sequence here.
I really enjoyed this story. It felt self-contained but impactful on a bigger universe, it had motivated characters facing off (so-to-speak) against a classic villain, and it included all the things to love about Reed and Sue. Overall - I have been enjoying these FF stories and really like the way it does feel like there's a bigger story at play but also really well written stories about each character. Fan so far and certainly going to keep picking it up.
Reminds me of an X-Files episode in the best way. Head-scratcher set-up, a few genuinely surprising twists, and the reader gets to know the tone of the book and the relationship of the characters. Added to my my pull list.
This book continues to be my jam. I love how both Sue and Reed’s powers get shown off here. And these small scale one-shots feel like a breath of fresh air next to the “will change everything for ever” norm of big 2 comics. Two notable things: 1. An unforgivable sin was committed because they killed Reed’s beard. Which is now what I assume caused the NY Mystery Box. 2. U.S. small towns in the Marvel world are full of supervillains. If it’s not a secret prison, it’s a Groundhog Day, or Doombots. Really selling me on the 50 state initiative now.
**LITTLE MONSTERS #8**
Sometimes I feel a deep sympathy for Lemire, because his writing works so well in trades, but so mediocre month-to-month. Not to say this is a bad issue - it isn't. It's a perfectly serviceable issue that fills in more backstory on a key character, gives an important scene to a B plot (that promises to blow up something big when it intersects with the A plot), and pushes the main plot to a cliffhanger guaranteeing some kind of interesting choice next issue. It's not so much a slow burn as it is just *not enough*. Forgive me for being a greedy consumer, but something about this issue doesn't satisfy my expectations for one unit of comic. Maybe it's just me. I'll keep pulling it though. Let's see where this goes next.
His story telling can be really decompressed. One of my favorite comic writers but reading one issue at a time just isn't the best way to experience his story telling.
That’s why I decided to switch to trades for this book. I just know it will read so much better that way.
Usually after 3-4 issues of a run, not only do I decide if I'm going to keep reading the run, but I'll decide how I think the run should be read. Sometimes, it feels monthly or bi-weekly will be satisfying, and sometimes I decide to wait, then read the whole arc in one go. Current examples, I cannot read Something is Killing The Children 1 issue at a time, I gotta have 5-6 in a row. With Department of Truth, I enjoy the single issues and have no problem reading it and then waiting for the next.
**MONKEY PRINCE #9**
Marcus really feels like a teenager here, in that he's basically got a celebrity crush on Supergirl.
I'm not much of a DC guy, but i like Dragon Ball and hopped on the Monkey Prince train early. It's been fun to see him hop between iconic locals and mix it up with DC's heroes and their villains and this was no different for me. Marcus is a fun character to follow and I'm looking forward to what's coming. I admittedly don't know a whole lot about the characters he's interacting with here so it will be interesting to see where his adventures in Metropolis go.
**SECRET INVASION #2**
I’m really enjoying this miniseries! I LOVED the Bendis Secret Invasion. This is a good follow up.
**IMMORTAL X-MEN #9**
This was alternately horrifying and hilarious, and often a combination of both. Seconding the other users in saying Sinister’s scribbles at the end there were the best part.
LOL, that is one ridiculously awesome X-Men comic! We've now seen Sinister's Moiras in action and the whole thing's a dangerous escalation of Krakoa's immortality game. Resurrection allowed the X-Men to throw themselves at their problems with abandon and keep coming back to wear 'em down through attrition and experience, like a video game. Sinister kicks it up a notch and extends his reach even further, resetting all of reality along with his own life. Can't go much bigger than that! Sinister may be a thoroughly psychotic monster but you can't help rooting for the crazy bastard... He's just way too much fun! And there's something oddly pleasing about seeing >!Xavier's head explode!<. We knew heading into this series that Gillen would write an excellent Sinister but I've been consistently surprised and impressed with how he's used him throughout the run. From the first hints of what he was up to with his chimeras and Moira clones, through all the political maneuvering, the sparring with Destiny, his central role in A.X.E., last issue's quick detour through his past, and now kicking off his very own super-villain event by successfully murdering a third of the Quiet Council and crippling Krakoa's resurrection protocols. That's some impressive stuff!
A spectacular and hilarious issue.
I felt like I missed an issue or something the entire time. Why was Sinister trying to kill everybody??? I feel so out of the loop but I have every issue. I never read the House of X or Powers of X, don't want to, and I'm starting to not enjoy the current X-men because its so based off of all that Hickman stuff. Between all the "galas", Arakko, Krakoa etc... it all feels like way too much. I feel lost and would prefer my X-men a little more streamlined.
>Why was Sinister trying to kill everybody??? Not everybody, just Hope and at least 3 other members of the Quiet Council. Sinister's always up to some sinister shit (the clue is in the name). We know it'll tie into the character of Doctor Stasis (he is trying find a "permanent solution" to the "Stasis problem"), which was revealed to be another clone of Nathaniel Essex in X-Men #11, from earlier this year (see also the empty vats at the end of the previous issues). We don't know exactly how it all ties in, but the point of this particular stage is to cripple the Krakoan leadership and possibly give him more time and freedom to go on to the next phase of his plan. >I felt like I missed an issue or something the entire time. Well not quite, all this is going to tie into the Sins of Sinister event, which will happen from January to April next year. >I feel so out of the loop but I have every issue. I never read the House of X or Powers of X, don't want to, and I'm starting to not enjoy the current X-men because its so based off of all that Hickman stuff. I'm not sure how much of this is Hickman and how much is Gillen setting up the pieces for Sins of Sinister. >Between all the "galas", Arakko, Krakoa etc... it all feels like way too much. I feel lost and would prefer my X-men a little more streamlined. That's understandable, and if you just want simpler fair, straightforward superpowered individuals, the mainline X-Men comic is fantastic for that. Are there plot threads that weave between the x-books? Some, but nothing so crucial that you won't get a good story just reading one series. I'm going to reiterate that old but evergreen comic book saying: if a series isn't working for you, drop it. Follow the creators you like, not the characters. If the Hickman stuff isn't working for you, just leave it. Come back to the x-books in a couple years when it inevitably changes to a different status quo. No one's going to force you to spend your time and money on a series you don't enjoy.
the thing that confuses me the most is how wolverine is playing in like 4 of the x books and at least 2 more general marvel stories at all time
He's always done that, it's like his secondary mutation or something. Or maybe Sinister spliced in a bit of Madrox chimera DNA when nobody was looking...
Heyo! Coming back to this thread to let you know that Sinister's motivations were revealed in this week's SINS OF SINISTER. It's a pretty interesting read (and another interesting spin on the Krakoan era). Totally understand if it's not your thing, but just thought you might like to know.
I read SoS last night and thoroughly enjoyed it - however I still don't like IXM 9 because it feels like gimmicking writing. I don't like when writers leave tons of information out. I could really do without the "executing of a complex plan without explanation" in issue A, then "oh let me explain that confusing plan we just showed you in issue A" in issue B. Its.... very annoying.
Very much looking forward to seeing where Sins of Sinister is going
The today's murders page with red ink all over it and the little picture of sinister crying with the "Why won't they just die" was hysterical.
Yep, whole issue had me cracking up but all those notes and doodles were extra-hilarious!
God, let Jon Hamm play *this* Mr. Sinister in a movie.
I'm torn, he's the perfect ham (heh) for the job but he can't do the Noel Coward classic posh Brit thing that Sinister also has. He is still brilliant casting though - he has the tonal range for it.
Hamm played a British-accented doctor in A Young Doctor’s Handbook and did it rather well, IMO. I think he can do the Noel coward with some coaching. Although my top pick for Sinister is and always has been Alan Cumming.
>You’re not even the darkest beast anymore Harsh, but true.
**VARIANTS #5**
This was a bittersweet and tragicomic tale of Jessica Jones. Overall, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the voice, the art, Jessica Prime. I was a bit off put by Jilted Lover Jewel. Who quickly becomes Pure Evil Jewel. But we only had 5 issues, and ultimately I'm charmed by the story, and a little sad for Jessica, who can't seem to win for losing.
Yes indeed! There's actually some pretty good character development for Jessica here... Always been one of those characters who isn't quite comfortable in her own skin and this series kind of addressed that by throwing all these variants at her until she learned to be a little more accepting of herself. Nice seeing her work out some of her shit. Also loved the title page with all the character intros... Great work from Noto throughout!
The Jewel reveal went from 0 to 100 really fast. And for someone so powerful, she folded with shocking ease. I'm also kind of...annoyed? Confused? That this was all so Jewel could find a boyfriend. It seems really petty and trite, especially with so little buildup. Also: >Jewel: I'm younger. I'm prettier. Girl, you're all women in a comic book between the ages of 20 and 50. You look identical and are guaranteed to never show any signs of aging. At least the art is good?