Category: Books

The Marvel Now Pageant

courtesy Marvel
courtesy Marvel

As we say goodbye to 2012 and mark 3 months into the Marvel Now relaunch – I thought it was a good time to celebrate the new creative teams, characters and titles. Some creative gambles have paid off. Cue the music. Time for the Marvel Now pageant!

Indestructible Hulk Best Personality! Bruce Banner laughs, smiles, makes Tony Stark jealous? Mark Waid gives Bruce a new attitude and new job with SHIELD. Maria Hill gets the Hulk as a weapon.

X-Men Legacy Most WTF? I don’t know what freaky level of reality Simon Spurrier goes to when he’s writing this book. Imagine X-Man with acid hits of Jim Morrison, Paul Muad’Dib and even a little Joker. Making Legion the lead character was an ambitious move. Spurrier has taken an unlikable character and given him personality and humor. David still has the worst hairstyle in comics. As I’ve said before you’d think one of Legion’s multiple personalities could be a stylish gay man taking over long enough to give David a makeover!

Uncanny Avengers Most Potential! The book the made me scream. Rick Remender is redefining the super team concept and transforming Red Skull into an even bigger badass.

Captain America Biggest Change! How do you follow-up a beloved era of espionage? Rick Remender goes in a radically different sci-fi direction taking Steve Rogers into Dimension Z – a strange new world Jack Kirby would have enjoyed.

All New X-Men #1 courtesy Marvel
All New X-Men #1 courtesy Marvel

All-New X-Men Best Twist! Brian Michael Bendis evolves the Children of the Atom with a blast from the past. Professor Xavier’s five original students are thrust into their future. Seeing Jean again – is it any wonder every guy falls for her?

Thor: God of Thunder Most Badass! Thor tracks a serial killer of Gods! That could be ’nuff said but I have to say how much I love seeing Viking Thor and King Thor in Jason Aaron’s epic.

Avengers Arena Most ambitious! 16 young heroes fighting to the death? This is not just a Marvel version of Battle Royale or The Hunger Games. I was hooked with the first issue. Dennis Hopeless and Kev Walker made me care me care for these newer characters I barely knew and they’re transforming a classic X-Men villain from joke to a serious and seriously sadistic threat.

Fantastic Four/FF Most Fun I’m having a blast with Matt Fraction relaunch of Marvel’s First Family and their “replacements.” Reed is taking Sue, Johnny, Ben and the kids on new adventures through space. The sudden family vacation is just a cover for something dire. While She-Hulk, Medusa, Ant-Man and Johnny’s girlfriend have been recruited to hold the fort. Action, humor, heart,

Avengers Most Inspiring! Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena’s relaunch of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is awe-inspiring! A trio of new villains, a frantic fight on Mars for the fate of Earth and Captain America assembling a diverse and huge roster of heroes. Hickman is going BIG with the Avengers – big cast, big concept, big stakes.

By Editor

Superior Spider-Man Revealed

Superior Spider-Man #1 courtesy Marvel

SPOILER ALERT!

 

 

THIS POST REVEALS THE ENDING OF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700 AND THE IDENTITY OF SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN!

 

 

YOU MAY NOT WANT TO CONTINUE READING!

 

HERE IT IS:

 

   Amazing Spider-Man #700 marked a radical change in the dynmaic of one of the greatest comic book rivalries in history. The final (?)battle of Peter Parker and Doctor Octopus in this week’s milestone issue spins a whole new web of story potential in 2013 and beyond. 

 Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will be feeling Superior in the new year. The mad genius Otto Octavius will be the new webslinger in a brand new series. Marvel will unleash Superior Spider-Man #1 in January with writer Dan Slott and artist Ryan Stegman spinning the tales of a new Spidey.

  In recent issues of Amazing Spider-Man we learned Doc Ock has switched bodies with Peter Parker. In issue #700 the enemies shared a mindlink as Otto (in Peter’s body) was killing Peter (trapped in Ock’s body). Octavius experienced and felt the pivotal moments (Uncle Ben’s death, Gwen Stacy’s death) that made Peter Parker the hero we all knew and loved. Did this brain blast of Parker’s past have a positive impact on the classic villain? Doc Ock (in Peter’s body) is vowing to live as Peter did and to be a “Superior” Spider-Man.

  This was the big reveal Spidey writer Dan Slott has been building towards. The big question for readers is how Peter’s extended cast of friends and enemies will react to the new Spider-Man.

  “This is still very much the world of Spider-Man. There may be a new Spider-Man here, doing things in a new and different way, but you’re going to see the Spider-cast reacting to this,” Slott told Marvel.com, “You’re going to see how this Spider-Man will deal with our Spider-Man’s villains. How will hereact to this Spider-Man’s supporting cast? Whoever makes it out of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700 will find a different Spider-Man waiting for them when Superior Spider-Man starts.”

 “For many characters, and for many things in Spider-Man’s world, there are dark days ahead,” Slott revealed about Parker’s friends at Horizon Labs.

  It’s become dark for Slott on the internet. Fuming fans have expressed their outrage over the twist. Slott has even received death threats. If hardcore Spidey fans are furious now wait until they see the new Spider-Man kissing Mary Jane? 

  Love it or loathe it – this “Superior” status quo shakeup is ambitious and could mean a wide “web” of dramatic story possibilities. As a devout X-Men fan it was difficult to see Cyclops’s fall from grace in Avengers vs. X-Men (Scott killed Professor X?!) but as a reader I’m loving the new storylines.

   There’s no way Peter Parker is completely dead. Peter’s journey back from oblivion and Doc Ock’s eventual payback will make this new spin in Spidey worth it. Peter Parker Fans don’t fret. You can bet Peter will be swinging again in the comics in time for Amazing Spider-Man 2 on the big screen.

By Editor

DC Comics Most Anticipated 2013

Superman by Jim Lee courtesy DC Comics

My Most Anticipated DC Comics of 2013:

Death of the Family Conclusion! Who will live? Who will die? Will the Joker succeed at his plan to sever Batman from his friends and allies? Gotham City and the Batman family may look and feel frighteningly different after February! I have this feeling that Batman or one of his allies will be pushed too far by the Joker’s games and kill.

Trinity War Superman and Wonder Woman are the new power couple of DC Comics. Only Batman knows about their secret romance…that we know of! How will DC’s biggest three icons factor in the 2013 event. How will the Steve Trevor-led Justice League of America play into the conflict?

 Multiversity Grant Morrison teams up with an all-star art team to bring back the Multiverse in a new 8-part maxi-series set in 6 different universes. Prepare to have your mind blown and senses shattered!

Batman Incorporated #12 Morrison is leaving monthly superhero books for now. I can only imagine how Morrison and Chris Burnham will chronicle the final battle in the war between the forces of Batman Inc and Leviathan! How will Morrison execute the final showdown of Bruce Wayne versus Talia Al Ghul? Could the Batman Inc and Death of the Family finales mean the end of Damian?

Superman To celebrate the Man of Steel film and 75th Anniversary DC recruited two of their biggest creative guns for a brand new series. Scott Snyder (Batman) and Jim Lee (Justice League) will create a new series for DC’s biggest icon. Snyder redefinied Batman and Gotham City with a brand new enemy (Court of Owls) and the comeback of a classic rogue (Joker.) How will Snyder take the Man of Steel of new heights?

 By Editor

Legendary Writer In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Finale

 

Amazing Spider-Man #700 courtesy Marvel

Dan Slott is been taking Peter Parker to new heights as the latest in the long line of creators keeping Spider-Man swinging. Marvel revealed a legendary creator is back for the milestone final issue. J.M. DeMatteis wrote a story for Amazing Spider-Man #700 out today.

“I think it’s because Peter Parker is the most psychologically real character in any super-hero universe—and I almost hesitate to use the word character,” he explains of his affinity for Spidey. “I believe in Peter. I identify with him. His trials and tribulations reflect my own and that’s allowed me to pour so much of myself into Peter when I’ve written him. A kind of mind-meld happens and we become one person,” reveals DeMatteis.

  “I think the readers react similarly; there’s something about Peter that resonates with them, that feels true. He is, first and foremost, the everyman of super heroes. He’s one of us. That’s why I’m always happy to revisit the character: it’s like getting a chance to hang out with one of my oldest and dearest friends.”

 

Amazing Spider-Man #700 courtesy Marvel

The legendary creator gives a hint of what his story will be.

“What I will say is that I wanted to do a story that was special and unlike any Spider-Man story I’d done before. One that was a suitable for this big anniversary celebration. I think my story, “Spider Dreams,” fits the bill. It’s a stand-alone story that—well, if I say anything more about it, I’ll spoil the surprise, so I’ll shut my big mouth now.”

I wonder if Spider Dreams is inspired by one of my favorite Spidey stories you could call nightmarish! Kraven’s Last Hunt by DeMatteis and Mike Zeck is just one of the classic storylines by this incredible writer.

By Editor

 

 

Top Picks for 12/26/12

Amazing Spider-Man #700 courtesy Marvel

Amazing Spider-Man #700 The final issue of the series. How will Dan Slott end his run and relaunch Superior Spider-Man in 2013?

Aquaman #15 Atlantis attacks the surface world! The crossover with Justice League continues in part two of Throne of Atlantis. Aquaman is torn between his past and present as Ocean Master rises from the depths with an army behind him!

Mara #1 Brian Wood (Ultimate Comics: X-Men, The Massive, Northlanders) blends superpowers, celebrity worship and feminism in a new science fiction limited series from Image. Mara Prince is a superstar in a reality show obsessed world. She uses her supernatural powers on live television but is she just a pawn?

By Editor

An X-Men Christmas

X-Men #109 courtesy Marvel.com

Tis the season so I wanted to share a special Christmas issue of the X-Men.

   X-Men #109 was dubbed a 100 page monster issue featuring a new story by Chris Claremont plus 3 classic tales set around the holidays. While the previous stories are all action packed with Sentinels, a demon stalking Kitty and Gladiator versus Cannonball, the main story is very moving and reminds us how Chris Claremont poured a lot of heart into the team he wrote so many years.

   “Ceremonies” shows the X-Men family in a snowball fight, ice skating, enjoying a date, breaking up, giving each other comfort. Comics always deliver action, thrills and battles but once in a while, a change of pace issue like this one makes you remember why you’re cheering for the X-Men to win.

I may not be posting as much as you’re used to this week because I’m spending time with family but I will be back up to full speed after the holiday. Thanks for visiting and supporting Comics Blend. As you unite with friends and family I wish you safe travels and a happy holiday.

By Editor

Comic Book Movies 2013

As we celebrate the finale of The Dark Knight Trilogy, the success of The Avengers and the return of James Bond in in Skyfall in 2012, it’s time to look at some of the genre films that will thrill us in 2013.

Here are my most anticipated comic book films of 2013.

Hugh Jackman as The Wolverine courtesy Marvel and 20th Century Fox

The Wolverine Hugh Jackman plays the X-Man in his second solo movie based on the classic story by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. It’s Logan in Japan fighting Yakuka, Ronin, the Hand and The Silver Samurai! This film introduces three iconic women of Wolverine’s list of romantic conquests: Lady Mariko – daughter of crime lord, Yukio – the wild assassin who inspired Storm to get a mohawk, and Viper – ruthless terrorist leader.  With James Mangold (Walk the Line, 3:10 to Yuma) directing from the classic source material, I think this film will be a showcase of action and great acting Jackman. Jackman and Wolverine are one of the greatest combining of actor and role ever.

Thor: The Dark World Chris Hemsworth as the Thunder God goes home again when a new threat targets Asgard! Malekith (played by former Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston) leads the Dark Elves on a quest for vegeance that threatens the Nine Realms. Adwele Akinnuoye-Agbaje plays another classic comic book enemy: Kurse. I hope to see a bigger role for Lady Sif (Jaime Alexander) and look forward to that bloody Shakespearean drama from Anthony Hopkins, Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston as Odin, Thor and Loki.

Iron Man 3 Marvel is injecting new creative blood (director Shane Black) and a classic enemy – Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin – in Tony’s third solo movie. The story is based on the classic Extremis story and introduces new armor including the Iron Patriot.

Man of Steel With a team like director Zach Snyder, producer Christopher Nolan and writer David Goyer will this darker, realistic Superman work the way Dark Knight did? Henry Cavill will face Michael Shannon as Zod and possibly more evil Kryptonians.

Star Trek: Into Darkness To boldly go where no franchise has gone before! J.J. Abrams rebooted the sci-fi classic by honoring the original series while moving forward at warp speed. Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise crew track a mystery villain (Benedict Cumberbatch) villain out to destroy the Federation.

What’s on your list to watch for in 2013?

By Editor

 

 

Best of 2012 Marvel

X-Men #39 by David Lopez courtesy Marvel
X-Men #39 by David Lopez courtesy Marvel

Best New Series: Captain Marvel This fan review sums up why!

Best Continuing Series: Wolverine and the X-Men Humor, action, heart and the unexpected. Jason Aaron pack big moments, hilarious exchanges and moments that went for the heart and the gut!

Best Artist: David Lopez (X-Men) This was a tough call with the always mighty Jim Cheung (AvX covers) in the lead. Nick Bradshaw made an outstanding debut. This cover and Lopez’s portrayal of Storm just stayed with me.

Best Writer: Jason Aaron (Wolverine and the X-Men, Thor: God of Thunder)  Everything I’ve said about Wolverine and the X-Men plus a serial killer of Gods in Thor – nuff said!

Best Mini-Series: Avengers vs. X-Men

Best Single Issue: Wolverine and the X-Men #18 I picked this issue because of how it made me feel with the most shocking ending of the year. The last panel just hurt in my gut and heart! Jason Aaron made me love a strange little student at Logan’s school and then blasted him.

Wolverine and the X-Men #17 courtesy Marvel

Funniest Issue of the Year: Wolverine and the X-Men #17 (the All Doop epic with Mike and Laura Allred art!)

Comeback of the Year: Scott, Jean, Bobby, Hank and Warren in All-New X-Men

Best New Talent: Seth Peck & Paul Azaceta (X-Men #38 & #39 aka Domino & Daredevil)

Best Art Influenced By Life: The wedding of Northstar and Kyle Jinadu in Astonishing X-Men.

By Editor