The Recipe for 2/7/18

Pick of the Week:
Runaways #6 more or less confirmed for me that Rainbow & Kris are the ideal successors/new parents for Brian & Adrian’s babies.  I am extremely glad that Rufus (the black cat with the crescent moon “birthmark” survived.  The disembodied voice in the basement was also revealed and it was not who I expected.  It also makes me wonder what will Molly ultimately choose when her grandma completes her plans.  I also wonder where her grandma falls when compared to Nathaniel Essex and Herbert Wyndham.  The interaction between Gert and Victor (his revival in previous issues) makes me wonder if the Victorious future is still in play.

Avengers #679 revealed who the Grandmaster’s opponent is and why he has an ax to grind with him.  The game was also explained and it seemed like it could be the inspiration for one of Marvel’s mobile app games.  I must say that the Lightning’s outfit is extremely dated… Yikes!  Avengers Fever sounds like an interesting epidemic, too interesting to be a throwaway concept.  The surprise reveal’s impact was muted by the comic covers.

Black Bolt #10 had me delighted that Titania continues to be fleshed out and given some depth.  Like her husband before her, Titania is a perfect addition to the cast.  She grounds the story and keeps the readers from being overwhelmed with all of the InHuman drama.  Still don’t see a purpose to Lash much like Raze but he serves a decent foil for Black Bolt.  I was not expecting the ending at all and wonder if the resolution of this arc will be tragic.  Something extremely chilling about Penance! Penance in death for your crimes and violations!

Worthy Mentions

Mother Panic Batman #1 has to be the creepiest and most insidious issue of the Milk War event.  Corrupting/brainwashing Bruce and the children by removing their deep drama and linking it to organized religion was a brilliant idea.  It almost reminds me of those prosperity preachers that promise the sky in exchange for the congregants’ $$$ & faith.

Vs #1 felt like that classic video game, Smash TV, with elements of the Gamer & the Running Man films, and more depth.

Scales & Scoundrels #6 reminded me of the manga, Delicious in Dungeon and makes me want to check out issues 1 – 5 to fill in the gaps.

X-Men Red #1 surprised me that a certain Morrison villain still exists and makes me wonder what happened to the vessel that was containing it.  I am glad that Honey Badger is a part of the team.

Extremity #11 still feels like Avatar being filtered through Metal & classic 90’s animes (which is a good thing).  Daniel Warren Johnson continues to kill it.  I love his range from the funky creatures to the intricate mechanical designs.  He is an American Yoji Shinkawa (and I hope Marvel courts him to draw Iron Man/Cable).  The Oblivion Song preview also caught my eye.

Spirits of Vengeance #6 makes me wonder if Blade could truly hang with the assembled supernatural “heroes” since his gear is so specific.  It also seems like the Aaron’s angel remix to the Rider was overlooked/forgotten (I am not complaining).

The Meh Pile:

Nothing that horrid & foul has polluted the pull list.

This review was written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found on their website: www.popculturenetwork.com

A married pleasantly plump collection of flesh, blood, bones, tears, & hope