Pick of the Week (PotW):
Immortal Hulk #11 presents a particularly frightening Hell while devoid of devils is extremely chilling. Imagine being stuck in a desolate wasteland being tormented by the withered husks of your guilt/regret/failures. Creel continues to grow and evolve as character. He has reached the level of awareness where he can look into himself a firmly identify the cause of his issues, his pride. Most villains cling the pride like a flawed shield to protect themselves from a world that has wronged them. Crusher moved past this crutch, hopefully he will continue to grow (not saying that he should become a cape but inhabit that gray middle ground once inhabited by Sandman). The moment where Hulk seemingly loses it and reverts to what only can be described as a berserk rage was a goose bump inducing moment!
Coulda Been A Contender (For PotW):
Heroes in Crisis #4 had an unexpected tender moment between Barbara and Harley. I am surprised that Barbara would be willing to extend a helping hand to a person who willingly aligns herself with the same pale monster that destroyed her life. Barbara’s words about being broken yet still having purpose/agency and not allowing others to define them was …. This crisis is tangibly more-so than the previous Crises, the cape community is hit hard by the deaths and continues to tear itself.
Runaways #17 cements Alex as the Littlefingers of the group, a silver tongued & conniving trickster motivated by the acquisition of power, self-interest and ultimately survival. We get a full sense of the chibi Gibborims’ power by the team’s “success” against especially Nico (post-upgrade). I am surprised that Victor Von Doombot didn’t fare better but this also illustrates the difference in power duting this battle.
Killmonger #3 seriously makes me wonder how Fisk or Bullseye eventually escaped Killmonger’s wrath. SHIELD also felt like the CIA, etc in films like Body of Lies, due to the willingness to do any and everything to accomplish its goals without any concern for the players.
Worthy Mentions:
The Terrifics #11 continues to provide the science hero goodness that the current FF series is giving me. Java proves to be a quite satisfying villain and I am surprised that Doom in his jealousy and frustration never attempted to purge Reed from the multiverse.
Shatterstar #4 was a satisfying “western” revenge story but it lacked the bite and teeth of Orlando’s & ACO (& various artists)’s Midnighter series.
Winter Soldier #2 makes me wonder if this kid will survive because outside of Damien Wayne, can’t think of many fictional child soldiers that get a decent life or even live long enough to attempt to have a peaceful life.
Conan the Barbarian #1 reminds me of Aaron’s Thor run with depicting the hero during different phases in his life. It is a great start to the series and wonder what the creative team has in store for the audience.
Mr. & Mrs. X #7 had a very unexpected ending and since it occurred in the Mojoverse the certainty of the ending is in the air.
Feeling Some Type of Way:
Nada for this week
The Meh Pile:
Uncanny X-Men #8 bored me to tears.
This review was written in partnership withPop Culture Network. They can be found on their website: www.popculturenetwork.com
