2006 in Review: Year of the Comic
December 31, 2006 | Leave a Comment
I read more comic books this year than anyone should. Honestly. I read hundreds. My collection expanded at least five times, I became the largest comic customer at the local shop, my monthly expense reaching into the hundreds of dollars. My intention was to review each major title or series I read, so I could look back on how I felt about them. In many cases I could, but my pace of consumption far exceeded my capability to write. So… here are a few of the comics I read that were most significant.
Titles I Already Followed
Amazing Spider-Man this was a big year for Spider-Man. He died and was reborn with new powers in The Other, he got the new iron spidey costume from Tony Stark, he revealed his identity in response to the registration act in Civil War, and as most recently switched sides and gone on the run. A banner year for Mr. Parker and J. Michael Straczynski has done a good job towing us along through all of this.
Sensational Spider-Man - a renaming of Marvel Knights: Spider-Man, this Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa written title has been fairly solid with nice tie-ins to the larger events occurring around it. Issue #28 particularly stands out as a story that follows one of Peter Parker’s students and how Parker’s identity being revealed effects this kid. A great single issue and the start of this run. Clayton Crain has been remarkable with his art on the few issues he did. This is an understatement, Crain is possibly the best artist currently working at Marvel. In particular, his covers will take your breathe away.
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man - I’ve had mostly a hate relationship with the Peter David written book. I even called for him to be fired at one point… Recent issues have been much better.
Ultimate Spider-Man - Bendis and Bagley have taken this title into dangerous territory as they explore the infamous Clone Saga. They seem to be handling it well and I still read this book immediately upon its arrival. I am sad that Bagley will be leaving the title in 2007 and also regret the foreshadowed and destined breakup of Peter and Kitty Pryde in the title. I liked the pairing and the stories they created.
Spider-Girl turned Amazing Spider-Girl - a bit of a roller coaster here with the cancellation following issue #100 and the subsequent creation of Amazing Spider-Girl. Tom Defalco has continued to make this title fun and engaging. I hope for at least 100 more…
Ongoing Titles I’m Now Following
Astonishing X-Men - All I can say about this title is holy crap Joss Whedon is awesome. If you like X-Men or Joss, you must read this book. His character portrayal, group dynamics, plot lines and action sequences can not be beat. It is no mistake that this is the only X-book I follow. Whedon made me love Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost who I previously had no notion of. I can’t wait to see what 2007 brings as it is sad to see him leaving this title. Can’t Marvel get him to write three or four for them?!?
Irredeemable Ant Man - this brand new Robert Kirkman title is funny and interesting. We’re only 2 issues in, but I’m liking it so far.
Marvel Spotlight - A great way to get to know artists and writers in greater detail. A lot of what I’ve picked up for back issues or checked out in new titles has been directly related to what I’ve read highlighted here.
Ms Marvel - Love it. See previous commentary.
New Avengers - This series has made my life exceptionally expensive… Almost any new character Bendis introduces here is portrayed in such an interesting way I need to read more about them (Spider-Woman, Ms Marvel, Sentry, etc). For more, see my previous comments.
Nextwave - I’ve already said it, Nextwave Rocks. This Warren Ellis written and Stuart Immonen drawn book is by far the funniest monthly Marvel puts out. It’s a strange humor, but one that appeals to me greatly. Unfortunately, it has to come to an end. Marvel has canceled this title, issue #12 will be the last. Fortunately both are off to places where I will still follow them. Ellis is taking over Thunderbolts with issue #110, a new exciting team spinning out of Civil War. Immonen will take over for Bagley on Ultimate Spider-Man.
Runaways - I started reading this purely for background on the Civil War tie-in. What I found was a deep love for Brian K. Vaughn. He is now in the same place in my regards as Bendis and Whedon. This series is just plain amazing and I recommend it to everyone. I’ve hooked Sara and Jenny, I intend on having my mother read this! Unfortunately, Vaughn is leaving Runaways and Marvel. The good news is this book will be taken over by none other than Joss Whedon! I hate to see Vaughn go, but I couldn’t ask for a better replacement.
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane - This Sean McKeever written book is great. It lead me to read Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man and I am not sorry. I hope Marvel soon realizes McKeever for the talent he is and gives him a higher profile more serious book. See my previous thoughts.
X-Men First Class - Only a couple issues old, Jeff Parker has created an X-Men title set in the past, that I find highly entertaining. This is the original cast of the X-Men with Angel, Beast, Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Professor X. These are stories during simpler times wit less back story and continuity. Often comics like this are done poorly, but in this case I find myself being drawn into another X-book.
Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man - Again, McKeever is a wonderfully underrated author. If Bendis ever leaves Ultimate Spider-Man I’d love to see McKeever as his replacement. He understands and writes high school age Peter Parker better than anyone. Unfortunately this is a title geared toward younger readers (like all his stuff) so we can never really know if McKeever possesses the capability of exploring deeper plots.
Marvel Adventures: The Avengers - This title is still relatively new, but I like the team line-up: Iron Man, Captain America, Storm, Spider-Man, Hulk, Giant Girl, and Wolverine. Jeff Parker is doing a fine job with this title.
Limited Series, Incomplete
These are limited series that stretch into 2007 and in turn I have yet to complete.
Annihilation - This was not an event I ever intended on paying attention to. The cosmic side of the Marvel Universe never really interested me. However, I read Annihilation: Nova and was hooked. Not by Nova, but by Drax the Destroyer. This misunderstood villain and his “sidekick” Cammi interested me a great deal. I now intend on seeking out the older Drax mini series about him and Cammi. These two were enough to sell me on following the entire event. The Silver Surfer title was also good, but I was unimpressed with the Ronin and Super Skrull titles. The main event is still going on and I’m yet to pass judgment on it as a whole.
Beyond! - This is terrible. I’m halfway through issue #5 out of 6 and I can hardly go on. I originally purchased this because Spider-Man was on the cover and soon found out what a mistake that was. This is Marvel’s version of the Surreal Life with only C-list characters showing up. The story is miserable and the art matches. McDuffie and Kolins have done nothing for their readers here. Barring a startling conclusion issue, I would not recommend this to anyone.
Civil War - The many tie-ins and side stories have made this an expensive event for me, but worth every penny. The core title is fantastic. Millar and McNiven make a great team and I don’t even mind the delay they caused. This book stands to effect all of the Marvel Universe with rippling effects. Iron Man vs Captain America is just one small part of this crossover masterpiece. My only complaint is the occasional continuity stumble. (how did Sue leave Reed exactly?!?) As a whole the tie-ins have been exceptional, with Paul Jenkins’ Front Line standing out as arguably the best comic cross over tie-in ever. There are no words. Stay tuned for more write-ups on Civil War.
Eternals - Neil Gaiman is putting together an interesting story here that brings these underutilized characters back into play in the Marvel U. Unfortunately I am one of the few who hates John Romita Jr’s art. I’m having a hard time getting over it to enjoy Gaiman’s story.
White Tiger - Tamora Pierce, famed for writing stories involving young heroines, raises the prestige of a new female heroine to the Marvel Universe: White Tiger. This is the fourth Marvel hero to take on the role of White Tiger. Pierce has not disappointed, but we’re only two issues in. I love the female comic character, this seems like a good match for me.
Limited Series - Completed
These are limited series that I read completely.
1602 - My first introduction to Neil Gaiman and I was most impressed. I was also impressed by Andy Kubert’s art. I now understand why he was a big loss when he left for DC. If you enjoy the breadth of characters in the Marvel Universe and also like alternate re-imaginings, this is a book for you. I intend to try out some of the 1602 spin-offs and maybe venture outside Marvel to experience the critically acclaimed Gaiman masterpiece Sandman.
House of M - This is the only Bendis written series I’ve ever disliked. There are major failures with tie-ins. See my previous write-up.
Kitty Pryde - Shadow and Flame - Whedon made me fall in love with Kitty and this was the first mini-series devoted to her that I could find. It is enjoyable, but not stellar.
Last Planet Standing - Set in the Spider-Girl alternate Marvel Universe, this DeFalco Galactus story is wretched. I enjoy the Avengers Next crew, but the story here is flimsy and contrived. Not worth reading by a long shot.
Marvel Zombies - My first experience with Robert Kirkman. This story spins out of Ultimate Fantastic Four and is a lot of fun. A bit disturbing and entirely like Chinese food, it does not leave you at all full an hour after reading.
New Mangaverse - An interesting Manga-style take on the Marvel Universe. If no one has noticed yet, I love alternate universe re-imaginings. I would not discount writer CB Cebulski’s ability to tell an engaging comic story. Hopefully he’ll find his way onto a more mainstream title.
Secret Wars - See previous discussion.
Secret War (2005) - The Bendis written event that left Nick Fury on the run and absent from the Marvel U. I found this enjoyable and engaging. An event that has had lasting impact which is even effecting the current Civil War event. Highly recommended to fans of Spidey, Cap, Fury, the Avengers, Luke Cage, etc.
Spider-Woman: Origin - Single handedly Bendis made Spider-Woman cool again when she appeared as a key member of the New Avengers. This limited series adds to the depth and intrigue of Jessica Drew, simultaneously establishing a reasonable and hopefully definitive origin for her character.
The Sentry - Intrigued by his membership in the New Avengers, I explored the original Sentry mini-series. Not a good choice… Read my detailed thoughts on this. I’m glad to have not judged Paul Jenkins by this alone.
Ultimate Daredevil and Elektra Wonderful. Read full writeup.
Ultimate Elektra Terrific. Read full thoughts.
Ultimate Iron Man - Orson Scott Card puts together the most interesting Iron Man portrayal ever. Read my full thoughts.
Ultimate Galactus Trilogy - Long, drawn out, full of potential, tragically executed. There is really no more to say about this major Ultimate-verse event. Don’t get me wrong there are some great moments in this, but in the end it is enirely cobbled together. I may need to read this through once again and fully analyze why it sucked and where it failed.
Canceled Titles
These are old titles which have come to be canceled
Alias - I will soon be purchasing the Omnibus edition of this and writing a detailed analysis of why this is the greatest thing Bendis ever wrote and why I love it so very much. At the moment this is the absolute best comic series I read this year. In it’s time it was quite popular and Bendis voluntarily canceled the title to avoid “jumping the shark”. The story of Jessica Jones is continued in The Pulse.
The Pulse - After reading Alias, this is an unfortunate let down. The depth and grit from Alias is all washed away. I found myself reading these few issues and wishing there was more Alias… There are still good aspects to this book, it is written by Bendis. Ben Urich is further developed into a character positioning him nicely for his role in Civil War. I wanted more of Jessica and less of the Daily Bugle, but alas it was not to be. Fans apparently agreed as this book was canceled. I hope Jessica Jones has her only series revived after the dusts settles on Civil War.
Back Issues
These are chunks of an existing title I decided to read.
Amazing Spider-Man #1-111 - here is where it all started. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko establish over 75% of the most significant members of Spider-Man’s rogue gallery way back then. Very few villains since have stuck. This is the golden age of Spider-Man and worth reading for any fan. Just remember, there is a lot more reading in comics back then…
Cable & Deadpool #1-32 - After reading the Cable & Deadpool Civil War tie-ins, I had to know more about Deadpool. This is the second funniest book Marvel publishes. (Just a hair behind Nextwave). Fabian Nicieza writes Deadpool with witty, quick dialog that truly stands out. Deadpool has quickly skyrocketed up my list of favorite Marvel characters. Sometimes the plots in these books are thin, but again, the dialog from Deadpool makes up for it completely.
The Ultimates #1-13 - Mark Millar’s skewed take on the Avengers. Read my detailed take on this.
Ultimate Fantastic Four #1-23 - Loved it. Read more. On a sidenote, Greg Land’s art in this book may be my favorite in all of Marvel, in close competition with Crain and McNiven.
Ultimate X-Men #1-65 - not as good as the other Ultimate books, but entertaining nonetheless. I intend to catch back up on this series in 2007.
Young Avengers #1-12 - Like Runaways, I decided to read Young Avengers back issues in preparation for understanding the Civil War tie in. I found this to be an entertaining read, Alan Heinberg does put together an interesting new team. All the story lines are engaging, but nothing truly stands out about this book. Although, Jim Cheung’s art is amongst the best at Marvel. I am looking forward to more from the YA and have enjoyed their high level of involvement in Civil War.
That’s it. A “quick” rundown of what I read in comics this year. If you’ve made it this far, I’m shocked, and hope I’ve touched on at least some new comic that you might pick up and try out. There is a wealth of good comics being produced today, I hope more people realize that there is more to Marvel than their movies.
Tags: "astonishing x-men", 1602, alias, amazing spider girl, amazing spider-man, Annihilation, Back Issues, bendis, Beyond!, Cable & Deadpool, Cancelled Titles, civil war, comic, comics, friendly neighborhood spider-man, house of m, Irredeemable Ant Man, Kitty Pryde - Shadow and Flame, last planet standing, Limited Series, marvel, marvel spotlight, Marvel Zombies, ms marvel, new avengers, New Mangaverse, nextwave, Ongoing Titles, runaways, secret war, secret wars, Sensational Spider-Man, spider-girl, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, spider-woman, The Pulse, the sentry, The Ultimates, Ulti, ultimate daredevil and Elektra, Ultimate Elektra, ultimate fantastic four, Ultimate Galactus Trilogy, ultimate iron man, ultimate spider-man, Ultimate War, ultimate x-men, White Tiger, X-Men First Class, Young Avengers
Road to Civil War
May 7, 2006 | 8 Comments
Over the last few months Marvel has been building both marketing and storyline in preperation for this summer huge event, Civil War. Marvel has had a lot of major events in their universe over the three years, but this one is by far the largest, and all the recent events seem to point nicely at this one.
In 2004 Brian Michael Bendis wrote Secret War. This event saw a change in leadership at S.H.I.E.L.D., as Nick Fury was replaced by Maria Hill. As part of the fallout, there was some serious distrust established between the super hero community and the US government.
Later in 2004, Avengers Disassembled (also written by Bendis) truly began this whole arc. In a stunning series of events, Scarlet Witch goes crazy leading to the death of Hawkeye and destruction of the Vision.
In the aftermath of Disassembled, a New Avengers team and comic was formed. This new team is currently made up of Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Luke Cage, Wolverine, Sentry, and Ronin. In addition, a group of young super heroes formed a Young Avengers team.
While all of these new teams were forming, the summer of 2005 brought the next big event, House of M. Scarlet Witch, daughter of Magneto, was taken by him and Professor X of the X-Men in hopes of helping her get control after the events of Avengers Disassembled. At some point during this, she snaps, sending all of the Marvel Universe into an alternate reality of her creation. When she eventually puts things back, she changes something else.
Most of the mutants throughout Marvel are stripped of their abilities. This event was called Decimation. Notable on the list of depowered include: Magneto, Jubilee, Quicksilver, Stacy X, and Professor X. In the days after, there is a worldwide lash out against mutant kind. Additionally, the government recommends and helps round up many of the remaining mutants into a concentration camp-like area. Tensions are high here.
Last fall, Marvel’s banner character Spider-Man faced his own major event. In the course of Spider-Man: The Other, he is killed, resurrected, gets new powers, gets a new costume, and further establishes a deep relationship with Tony Stark (Iron Man). This newly forged bond will undoubtedly influence where he stands when full fledged civil war breaks out.
While all of these events show unrest and change in the Marvel universe, a difference of opinion on a major issue is needed to polarize the characters enough to spark a Civil War. This issue is the super-human registration act (SHRA). The plans for this act are revealed in New Avengers: Illuminati.
This secret group is made up of Namor, Tony Stark, Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Dr. Strange, and Professor Xavier. This group represents all the major groups in the super human population. It is also revealed in this one-shot how the group reacted to continuing destruction by the Hulk of cities and communities by exiling him into space. This ongoing Planet Hulk storyline will follow Hulk’s adventures in space. When Iron Man brings them an early copy of the act, its clear this will be a devisive topic. Iron Man tries to convince the group that by registering and supporting the act, they can diffuse an inevitable future conflict. They do not come to agreement on this.
Civil War #1 hit the shelves this week. The war has been set off and sides are forming.
Which side are you on?
Tags: and Professor X, avengers, captain america, civil war, comic books, comics, house of m, iron man, Jubilee, luke cage, Magneto, marvel, new avengers, Quicksilver, Ronin, sentry, spider-man, spider-woman, spiderman, Stacy X, Wolverine, x-men, XMen, Young Avengers
House of M
December 21, 2005 | 3 Comments
I just finished reading House of M.This was billed as the event in the Marvel Universe this year. Plus, it was written by Bendis, so obviously I needed to read it. The core of the title revolves around the X-Men, New Avengers, old Avengers up against Magneto and his children (The House of M). Another potential benefit was the Spider-Man: Houes of M mini series. I figured I couldn’t lose.
My expectations were a bit out of whack.
I actually think most people would benefit enough from just reading the core series or maybe just the Wikipedia article…
OK, so my first complaint is that there are a pile of titles related to this overall story. Iron Man, Mutopia, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and more. However, there is no clear reading order published anywhere. In fact, I wonder if the side titles were even coordinated with the central title.
I started with House of M, read through the first 2, then it appeared the continuity jumped to Spider-Man: House of M, but that is where things really stopped making sense. For one, the Spider-Man title was written in way that was horribly out of character for Peter Parker, I know, it was an alternate reality, but I refuse to believe Peter could even have grown up to be as big a jerk as he’s portrayed as here…
OK, so once you jump into the Spider-Man series, there is absolutely no way to get back in the main title without breaking continuity. I’m here to say that is absolute crap. The title is authored by Mark Waid and Tom Peyer need to hang their heads in shame and hope they aren’t stripped of their duties at Marvel. OK enough on that, I’m clearly bitter…
Anyway, after the main title finishes lumbering along, it’s final 2 issues are in fact well done and justify reading this part. In fact the big revelations at the end are certain to have some lasting impact on a lot of the Marvel Universe. I do find it a bit weak that they basically protected all the A-list characters, but I guess that is to be expected.
I was re-engaged enough at this point that I took a stab at reading a couple of the other spin offs (Fantastic Four and Iron Man). Yeah, they’re wretched…
Tags: avengers, bendis, brian michael bendis, comic book, comic books, comics, fantastic four, house of m, iron man, Magneto, Mark Waid, marvel, marvel universe, mutants, spider-man, spiderman, Tom Peyer, x-men, XMen
New Avengers, New Comics Legend
November 23, 2005 | 5 Comments
Over the last few months of reading Amazing Spider-Man, a continually running core plot point has been his membership in a newly reformed Avengers. Never having been a huge Avengers fan, I wasn’t initially very interested, but this interest has slowly increased.
I just completed reading New Avengers Volume 1: Breakout, which collects New Avengers #1-6. After completing this, I was hooked. The writing was just all out fantastic. I hadn’t been this excited about a comic since the Ultimate Spider-Man Collection. It was then it hit me.
Bendis wrote Ultimate Spider-Man, and he also wrote New Avengers. In fact it was him who dissolved the original Avengers. That series has been compiled in the aptly named Avengers Disassembled.
Bendis has also been involved in writing Daredevil, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four. In the meantime he created and wrote Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Secret War, Alias, Powers, and House of M. He’s also responsible for bringing Spider-Woman and Luke Cage back to life.
I’m looking forward to getting my hands on as many Bendis written stories as I can. As far as I’m concerned he’s a living legend like Stan Lee, Frank Miller, Jack Kirby, or Steve Ditko. In 5-10 years all the comics based movies will be driven by the characters and worlds Bendis is creating and expanding right now.
Tags: alias, amazing spider-man, avengers, bendis, book, breakout, brian michael bendis, comic, comic book, comic books, comics, daredevil, fan, fantastic four, frank miller, house of m, jack kirby, marvel, marvel team-up, new avengers, powers, secret war, spider-man, spider-woman, spiderman, stan lee, steve ditko, ultimate, ultimate fantastic four, ultimate spider-man, ultimate x-men, ultimates, x-men