Marvel Rapid Reviews for 8/13/2014
This will be some quick thoughts on Marvel books released the week of 8/13/2014. Enjoy!
ALL-NEW X-MEN #30
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Sara Pichelli
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
What I Liked
Even with Stuart Immonen exiting the book to illustrate the adventures of Falcon in All-New Captain America, the art duties here are in good hands with Sara Pichelli. The comic continues its mastery of being entertaining with minimal action. All-New X-Men is one of the few books where I can be enthralled by nothing but dialogue and interaction between the characters.
Getting to spend time with X-23 and Angel was appreciated. It is safe to say that neither has really had the spotlight on them recently. It is fun to watch the different relationships grow.
We finally get the showdown between Emma Frost and Jean Grey. Emma definitely does not play fair, but the payoff was fun.
Watching Kitty Pryde and Peter Quill have their quality time together million of lightyears away from one another sheds a light on how many people Brian Michael Bendis has to juggle in this book. Everyone gets a few pages or panels to display their character.
What I Didn’t Like
The issue ends abruptly, teasing a conclusion in another book. Also, how can we jump from the story shown here to what is awaiting the X-Men next issue? Especially with what appears to be no setup whatsoever?
X-23 hasn’t wasted anytime being attracted to the men of this team. First it was Cyclops, and now that he is gone, she’s moved on to Warren. Hopefully this is setup for future tension once Cyclops returns from space.
Rating: 4 out of 5
INHUMAN #3
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Joe Madureira
Color Artist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
What I Liked
I really enjoyed the pace of this issue. As this is the finale of the opening story arc, things move at a brisk pace. Lineage reveals a secret to Medusa, which the reader gets a glimpse of. I loved how it appears we have a larger threat out there that will require all Inhumans work as one or perish. Did not expect that outcome, and it makes Inhuman stand out from the typical “good guy group vs bad guy group”. Nice twist by Charles Soule. Watching enemies become comrades is always fun.
Joe Madureira will be missed. This is his last issue on Inhuman and he leaves a lasting impression. We are introduced to a few “NuHumans”. Soule is having fun creating these new players in the Inhumans’ world. Inferno is out point-of-entry character, Lash is our villain, and Lineage is the tweener that will most likely play both sides against one another.
What I Didn’t Like
As quickly as things happened, they almost happened too fast. Three issues seems like a very short opening arc. Lineage was dropped into the story as a device to move the plot along and setup another threat.
Besides a check-in in the first issue, we haven’t gone back to see where the Terrigen Mist is now in the world. I thought there would be more development with that.
Rating: 4 out of 5
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #5
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Humberto Ramos
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colors: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
What I Liked
You can tell how much fun Dan Slott has writing Amazing Spider-Man. It gives opportunities to pit Peter Parker in precarious situations. An example of this is the Spider-Man/Silk/Anna Maria dynamic. We get a humorous scene involving this new love triangle. As much as I enjoyed Doc Ock as Spider-Man, it is refreshing to see Peter’s quick wit back on display.
I’m glad that Silk seems to be playing a key role after her origin story last issue. She hasn’t slid into the background, which is appreciated. She is already becoming one of my new favorite heroes.
Humberto Ramos was able to unleash some kinetic art between the action sequences. Electro’s power display and the Spider Team’s gymnastic showcase allow Ramos to be creative and bring cartoon action to the written page.
What I Didn’t Like
With Peter Parker back in control of his body, I assumed that the opening arc of Amzing Spider-Man would deal with the ramifications of everything Otto Octavius did during Superior Spider-Man. Yet, this has been more about setting Spider-Man against Electro and Black Cat.
This is still billed as an Original Sin tie-in, but that really happened in the previous issue.
Rating: 4 out of 5
AVENGERS UNDERCOVER #8
Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Tigh Walker
Colorist: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
What I Liked
I always enjoy when stories involve a time jump. It gives an opportunity to push the cast along without having to devote 5+ issues to explanation.
Dennis Hopeless checks in with the main cast and shows what has changed within the three months. Some relationships have grown stronger, while others have deteriorated. The undercover Avengers kids are biding their time with Baron Zemo until they can take him down.
Even though Kev Walker has moved on, Tigh Walker is a suitable replacement. His art style is very similiar to Kev’s that the transition is flawless.
What I Didn’t Like
Usually a fast forward in a story reveals huge changes. For example, the Avengers/New Avengers “Time Runs Out” eight month time jump will have Falcon as Captain America, an unworthy Thor, and a “Superior” Iron Man. For the most part, the kids are all pretty much the same. Some alliances are stronger than others, but visually nothing has changed.
It also feels like everything is rushing to the conclusion. I am sure that is because of the book’s cancellation. The original story probably had to be trimmed down to meet its deadline. Which is a shame.
Rating: 3 out of 5
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
