Reaching the midpoint of the first arc, writer Jason Aaron and artist John Cassaday take twenty pages to pause and take stock of Marvel’s new in-canon Star Wars Universe before moving forward. It’s not so much wheel-spinning as it is an opportunity to better align all that’s happened so far in the recently re-minted franchise. It’s really not all that far removed from having a moment to dig into the album sleeve before flipping over the vinyl. [Read more…] about STAR WARS #4 Review: “The Force Takes Five”
Marvel Reviews
ALL-NEW X-MEN #40 Review: “The Hype and Speculation Show”
Although always high profile, few issues in writer Brian Michael Bendis’s turn on the X-franchise have gotten this much attention. From the months of mysterious whisperings regarding the “Utopians” to the pre-release controversy earlier this week, this is indeed one that has everyone talking. How much of it is wholly warranted? That may be another matter entirely. [Read more…] about ALL-NEW X-MEN #40 Review: “The Hype and Speculation Show”
CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE MIGHTY AVENGERS #7 Review: “Auntie Monica’s ☠☠☠☠ Revenge!”
Writer Al Ewing’s ongoing rivalry between the Mighty Avengers and Cortex Incorporated’s CEO, Jason Quantrell, reaches its conclusion this week. As much as the story provides a tangible throughline from the decade-old work of Warren Ellis to the now-unfolding master plan of Jonathan Hickman, it does very little else of its own merit. [Read more…] about CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE MIGHTY AVENGERS #7 Review: “Auntie Monica’s ☠☠☠☠ Revenge!”
UNCANNY X-MEN #33 Review: “Magic Kitty Presents Strange Tales to Suspensefully Astonish!”
As writer Brian Michael Bendis wraps his X-franchise run in concert with the universe-ending Secret Wars, the flavor of “character spotlight” issues hangs heavy. There’s only so many installments left for everybody to tell their respective stories – every panel and page needs to count like never before. Yet, creators and fans alike have favorites and almost by public decree, former BFF’s Kitty Pryde and Illyana Rasputin embark on a delightful side-story that is as much winking retro salute as it is affirmingly forward-facing. [Read more…] about UNCANNY X-MEN #33 Review: “Magic Kitty Presents Strange Tales to Suspensefully Astonish!”
AVENGERS WORLD #19 Review: “Bobby In Charge”
The third part in writer Frank Barbiere’s fill-in-the-holes arc for Avengers World (aptly entitled “Before Time Runs Out”) centers on former New Mutant solar powerhouse, Sunspot. Technically the remaining portion of a two issue spotlight, this week’s edition works almost as well as a stand-alone. For hardcore Bobby daCosta fans, there’s a lot to enjoy. For casual readers keeping score on how Jonathan Hickman’s related Avengers epic goes from A to B, there’s a few “Aha!” moments, too. Lead qualities aside, technicalities also keep this installment from being truly exceptional. [Read more…] about AVENGERS WORLD #19 Review: “Bobby In Charge”