Pick of the Week:
The Mighty Thor #706 ended Jane Foster’s reign as Thor and opened the door for the Odinson to reclaim his lost identity. Part of me wished that this tenure was longer so we could get a Jane’s adventure in Valhalla or Hel story arc. Asgard and its inhabitants have been through the ringer before but wow the creative team worked them hard. I am glad that this experience humbled Odin and matured/healed the Odinson from the trauma of being unworthy. I am surprised that one armed & bearded Thor remained and he wasn’t physically reverted to his default look. I wonder if there will be any repercussions following the ending and what role the god tempest could potentially play in them. Kudos to Dauterman and Wilson because Valhalla looked amazing!
Exiles #2 established an interesting line-up; the bitter & battle hardened Khan, the bullied science nerd in Iron Lad, the jovial Valkyrie and the saccharin chibi Wolvie with Blink being the healthy medium between those extremes. I must say that it’s touching to see an open, loving, and well adjusted Wolverine and the moment when Clarice scolded chibi Magneto was hilarious. I am curious about the Time Eater and the mastermind behind it.
All New Wolverine #34 presented us with a more human and likable version of Maria Hill. They did the same thing with Daken a few issues earlier. I appreciate the fact they went against the grain to make the character more than a trope or cliche. Found it interesting that Doom is literally Latveria now in the sense that he is connected to its people. I am also curious to see why Doom returned to his old ways and became the last remaining super villain. Hope that this isn’t the last time we see this future or version of Laura.
Justice League of America #29 loved how this issue tied into Young Animal’s Doom Patrol with the god of superheroes and Danny the Brick. The creative team definitely created one of the most memorable and enjoyable Justice League runs IMO. It gave each of the characters time to shine and no one was in Batman’s shadow. Chronos’ outcome reminds me of Kang’s consistent defeat by the Avengers.
Worthy Mentions:
Doom Patrol #11 felt like a high concept overdose on raw Grant Morrison peyote laced with DMT. I am curious what occurred with the Reynolds Family and would love to see what occurred with them since they ventured to the underworld.
Sacred Creatures #6/Regression #8 remind me of those cult 90’s horror films like Lord of Illusions, elements of Prophecy, and Clive Barker lore.
Cyber Force #2 reminds me of the recent Prophet/Glory revivals in the sense that an exclusively 90’s concept is harvested, refined and polished for today’s audience.
The Terrifics #3 continue to radiate a pure Fantastic Four vibe and I am curious to see what role Tom Strong will play in the series overall
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
