Recipe for 1/10/18
Pick of the Week:
X-Men Blue #19 finally revealed the cause of the recent timey wimey hijinks. It made perfect sense and also salvaged that horrid Battle of the Atom crossover event. Hopefully, Bunn can flesh out more of the culprits outside of the sons of Raven Darkholme. I want to find out if they are willing working with Xavier II or are they in his thrall again. I am also curious to see how Molly Hayes got mixed up in this mess and how powerful she truly is an adult. Raven’s sons, especially Raze, need authentic personalities as well.
Avengers #675 found it interesting that Living Lightning found a career after super heroics. Was surprised that he was an easily recognizable Avenger, guess the West Coast Avengers were more popular than I thought. Kudos to Larraz and Curiel on their work on this issue; the scenes are so detailed, kinetic, and packed with vibrant colors. I am also glad that Captain America & T’Challa have been taken off the table, I hope that Rogue and Bobby get time to shine even more. It’s a good start and hope it doesn’t follow the same course as most Marvel crossover events.
Mister Miracle #6 is another solid King Gerard collaboration. I am still not sure if this is real or some elaborate illusion. I find the blend of Bendis speech (mundane, average conversations) and action to be quite refreshing. It’s weird that a conversation about redoing a condo while fighting actually works. It’s absurd yet serious but it doesn’t disturb the reader enough to disconnect from the story. I am also surprised by how brutal Scott is because I always considered a pacifist. Barda’s reveal to Scott was a shocker but it also makes me wonder if it is a setup for upcoming tragedy.
Runaways #5 still makes me wonder if Doctor Hayes actually gave birth to Alice or were she and Gene grown in her secret lab. I am glad that Molly continues to be more aware and perceptive then she gets credit for. Happy that the crew is back together but I wonder if it will end without tragedy. Kudos to Anka, I am not a huge cat person but I would adopt his cats because they are so kawaii!
Worthy Mentions:
Ms. Marvel #26 puts Nico Leon on my list of artists to watch. It has an Adrian Alphona vibe but with its own unique touches.
Old Man Hawkeye #1 is overall an enjoyable book but I am confused to see a middle aged Maddrox gang while Clint is elderly. When did Peter have his daughter for her to have a teenage daughter.
X-Men Gold Annual #1 was a nice return to the Excalibur team. I still think that property can work with the right creative team.
Slots #4 makes me wonder why this isn’t a TV series already.
Supergirl #19 makes me wonder why Kara doesn’t lean on her cousin for advice for dealing with teen angst and a secret identity. This is definitely one of the most interesting iteration of Kara; she feels organic.
Cowboy Ninja Viking Deluxe Edition TPB is an interesting concept and a very kinetic book overall. My only gripe was I wanted to see more Viking elements. I am also curious to see how it is translated to the small or big screen.
The Meh 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
