Prescriptions for 5/31/17
Pick of the Week:
Doctor Strange No. 21 reminded me why Kingpin is such an enduring character. He remains calm when things go pear-shaped and devises a plan to survive. In this case driving his car into a magical abomination to save Strange’s tail. I also love how Fisk almost has this Howard the Duck quality where he can interact with seemingly odd/abnormal things and the scene works overall on some trippy level.
Man-Thing No. 4 continues to make me interested in Man-Thing, a mindless Swamp Thing wannabe. I am curious about the Oldfather and Queen Irena, in addition, to be relieved that someone is fleshing out the Nexus of All Reality and the main players. The werewolf tale at the end could have easily been a Tales from the Crypt episode.
Moon Knight No. 14 continues to be a trippy peyote adventure in comic form if Marvel ever options this franchise as a film or Netflix series, this iteration should be the template. It would be a cross between Legion and Daredevil.
Worthy Mentions:
Occupy Avenger No. 7 surprised me because I suffered from Skrull fatigue but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a transforming van mecha kicking Super Skrull in the nads. Guess super villains don’t believe in wearing a cup but then again would a cup block a mechanized nad kick.
Spider-Gwen No. 20 made me realize that Murderhands and Shadowcat are missing from my geeky world.
Cable No. 1 reminded me of my constant compliant about Kang’s defeat at the hands of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Was Nate too overconfident against the goons? Why didn’t he just use his telepathy? He shouldn’t have any restrictions with the TO virus gone.
Doctor Aphra No. 7 makes me desire a solo series featuring her murderous robotic minions or a buddy comic featuring Dr. Aphra, Sana, and Leia even more.
Paklis No. 1 reminded me of MTV’s Liquid Animation block, especially the Kafla-esque tale.
Hulk No. 6 confirmed for me personally that this story would be more enjoyable in trade format because single issue turned out to be a mildly torturous slow burn.
Generation X No. 2 made curious about Jubilee’s day walker status? Does that jewel have something to do with it? As a fan of the original series glad to see Jono and Jubilee transitioning into the mentor/teacher role. Partially sad that so many of their peers are in limbo or dead.
Teen Titans Annual No. 1 perfectly sets up Slade’s next arc. I only regret not seeing what Slade saw in the Speed Force that changed his view.
The Burn Pile:
Many books were extra meh but nothing worth burning or mentioning.
This review was written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found on their website: www.popculturenetwork.com
