Marvel Tragedy in Wake of Civil War
March 10, 2007 | 6 Comments
Many people predicted either Iron Man (Tony Stark) or Captain America (Steve Rogers) would die in the final throws of Civil War. When the concluding issue #7 came and went with Cap’ surrendering and becoming imprisoned, I believed these two Marvel icons had both dodged death. Shockingly, it came in an epilogue issue of Civil War, Captain America #25 (volume 5). Captain America was assassinated.
Ed Brubaker delivers this tragic event in an equally stunning and touching manor that remains true to the character of Captain America. As Cap’ is being led into the courthouse to be arraigned for his crimes in violation of the Super-Hero Registration Act, he is shot in the back by a sniper. Amazingly, Cap’ spots the sniper before being shot and turns himself into the shot, seemingly protecting the guards escorting him. However, one bullet would not take down this super soldier.
As the crowd scatters, his friend and recent lover Sharon Carter steps from the crowd. She is there working secretly with Nick Fury and Winter Soldier in hopes of avoiding something like this. As she gets to Cap’ we see him shot three times to the stomach from close range. We are left unsure of the shooter at this point. Later we learn Dr. Faustus has manipulated through some sort of hypnotism, Sharon to have pulled the trigger and killed Captain America. When she learns this, Brubaker makes her pain palpable.
Interesting to note in this, is a brief moment of history relating to Captain America. As far as I know, he is one of the first major super heros who was clearly killed, then revived years later. He died in World War 2, but was found by the Avengers frozen in a block of ice. The modern character of Cap’ has repeatedly used this plot point of a man out of time. Since then, it’s almost become a cliche that you can’t really kill anyone for long. The list of characters who have died and been reborn is extensive: Jean Grey, Spider-Man, Hawkeye, Vision, Winter Soldier, Colossus, Elektra, Punisher, Professor X, Angel, Wonder Man, Thor, Human Torch, Captain Marvel, Green Goblin, need I go on? Usually Marvel will wait for a writer change, a major story line, or a big crossover before they come up with some low percentage explanation that allows the revival of a beloved character.
With this death, they haven’t even bothered to wait a week before laying the ground work to bring Steve Rogers back from the dead. In the Civil War: The Initiative one-shot, Brian Michael Bendis delivers a scene where Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) and Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers) come into conflict. Spider-Woman is still unregistered and opposing the act. Ms. Marvel tries to convince Spider-Woman to take the pardon and come in. The hurt from Cap’s death is clearly still to near the surface for Jessica and she lays the blame square on the shoulders of Tony Stark. It is at the point that Ms. Marvel states that Steve Rogers is not dead. She says: “He’s tucked away safe on The Raft. No one knows. No one. They’re trying to save his life even as we speak.” When asked how this is possible she retorts: “What am I? A super-soldier serum expert? He’s not dead!” However, Marvel has issued this statement: “Comments from Ms. Marvel in this week’s Civil War: The Initiative, which seemed to indicate that Captain America is still alive, and being held prisoner by the Pro-Registration forces may not have been exactly what they seemed on the surface, and events related to those comments will play out in upcoming issues of New Avengers.” I still think this leaves a nice wide opening to resurrect Steve Rogers whenever it is necessary, my prediction, right before the 2009 Captain America movie hits theaters.
But “Captain America” is not in fact dead, Steve Rogers is. With the clear foreshadowing they did in Civil War #7 by having Frank Castle (The Punisher) take Captain America’s mask, most definitely this will be the guy to wear the red, white, and blues real soon. Throughout Civil War, it was shown repeatedly how much Frank respects and admires Steve Rogers. This is a story line with a lot of potential and is destined to stir interesting controversy in the Marvel Universe.
On a final note, I love when comic book events are large enough to gain attention of traditional media reporting, but it is annoying to find out about events like this before you read them. Sadly I had this story spoiled for me less than a day after it happened and my copy of the book had not yet arrived…
Tags: america, angel, captain america, Captain Marvel, carol danvers, civil war, civil war the initiative, colossus, comics, death of captain america, elektra, frank castle, Green Goblin, hawkeye, human torch, initiative, iron man, Jean Grey, jessica drew, Magneto, marvel, ms marvel, Professor X, punisher, spider-man, spider-woman, steve rogers, thor, tony stark, Vision, Winter Soldier, wonder man
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
X-Men 3: The Last Stand Full Trailer
March 7, 2006 | 35 Comments
Tonight the new full length X-Men 3: The Last Stand trailer was released. As with all full length trailers, a lot more of the overall plot was revealed. In the previous trailer, it was clear that a major battle was brewing. Magneto had developed an army and was shown destroying the Golden Gate Bridge. In the new trailer the catalyst for this was revealed.
Much like the premise of Joss Whedon’s run on Astonishing X-Men, a “cure” is found for the gene causing mutations. In reaction to this Magneto is fighting back. We see a lot of conflict even among the good guys. There is so much turmoil and chaos going on, I just can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
More of Angel, Beast, and Juggernaut are shown. For the first time Juggernaut actually looks strong as he goes plowing through walls after Kitty who passes through them cleanly. Additionally various shots of Jean/Phoenix are shown. Her loyalties are obviously in question as she stands against Professor X and in the climactic conclusion of the trailer, begs Wolverine to kill her.
Anyway, go watch the full trailer and hopefully you’ll be as jazzed as I am for May 26th! Come back and comment, I’d love to hear your reactions.
Tags: "astonishing x-men", "The Last Stand", angel, Beast, comic, comic books, Jean Grey, joss whedon, Juggernaut, Kitty Pryde, Magneto, marvel, marvel comics, movie, movies, Phoenix, Professor X, Storm, trailer, whedon, Wolverine, x-men, x-men 3 the last stand, XMen
X-Men 3: The Last Stand - Teaser Posters
February 18, 2006 | 5 Comments
X-Men 3 apparently has an official title now, X-Men 3: The Last Stand. I think these teaser posters speak for themselves. I especially like the tag line “Take A Stand”.
Tags: "Anna Paquin", "Ben Foster", "Famke Janssen", "Halle Berry", "Kelsey Grammer", "The Last Stand", angel, Beast, comic, comics, hugh jackman, Magneto, marvel, movie, Phoenix, poster, Rogue, Storm, Wolverine, x-men, X-Men 3
The Ultimates
January 12, 2006 | 6 Comments
I just completed reading the full first Ultimates run (1-13) and am now up to date on the current run (1-9). There is only one word that describes The Ultimates series.
Dark.
There isn’t a single character in this series so far without some massive flaw. But I’ll get to that in a moment…
The Ultimates is a recreation of The Avengers in the Ultimate Marvel Universe. This is a primarily non-mutant super hero team that is commissioned by the government as a division of S.H.I.E.L.D. In this reality, mutations have become somewhat common as they are cropping up all over the world. These mutants are hated and this story all plays out in the Ultimate X-Men series. However, science has also progressed to the point where manipulations are being made to “normal” humans’ genetics, giving super powers. These artificially enhanced humans are then made members of the Ultimates, or are villains.
Even Ultimate Spider-Man falls under this “requirement,” Fury informed Peter Parker that when he turns 18 he will be required to join the Ultimates.
Another interesting note about this series is the way the Ultimates don’t actually have much reason to exist. There aren’t any significant super villains in the series, no global fights to justify their existence. In fact, they wait until the 11th issue before revealing the first non-member global threat. This is only a 13 issue original series.
The second, currently ongoing series has a similar start. There is a lot of back story and character development, which I appreciate, but again no massive threat until the current issue (#9) which justifies government creation of the “super team”.
Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of action in this series. My point is that the other “bad guys” existence can be directly attributed to the work S.H.I.E.L.D and the government in general is funding. Or, in some cases members of the Ultimates themselves. Clearly the authors want the readers to wonder about the politics and justification of this super army. Maybe they want us to wonder about our own militaries on a smaller scale. Do aggressive militaristic groups spawn additional?
Anyway, one thing that kept me intrigued by this series was the lack of true hero in any of the members of this super team. Here’s a quick rundown of the flaws in each of these character which stops me from being able to idolize any of them, as I might someone like Spider-Man.
Captain America [Steve Rogers]: Uber-aggressive “old” codger, 40’s mind set. Sees things in black and white.
Iron Man [Tony Stark]: Playboy alcoholic, flaunts his place as one of the world’s richest men.
Wasp [Janet Pym]: Secretly a mutant, loaned genetic material to Hank so he could make great scientific breakthroughs. Publicly dates Steve Rogers while still married, but continues to screw Hank. She has other subtle flaws, but in many ways I like her the least.
Giant Man=>Ant Man [Hank Pym]: Secretly cheated to get where he is professionally. Wife beater. ‘Nuff said.
Hulk [Bruce Banner]: arrogance leads him to self experimentation. Hulk rampage leads to over 800 civilians killed. Cannibal.
Nick Fury: Pawn of a larger scheme he may be a part of. Plays like Samuel L. Jackson in a Pulp Fiction/XXX kind of way. An ends justify the means sort of guy.
Thor: Possibly insane. Conspiracy theorist. Ultra left wing. Violent opposition to American dominance. In many ways I find many of these traits endearing, but the writing clearly does not intend them as positives.
Scarlet Witch [Wanda Maximoff]: Daughter of Magneto. Known Terrorist, only in this for the money. Belive in mutant supremacy. Implied incestuous relationship with Pietro.
Quicksilver [Pietro Maximoff]: Son of Magneto. Known Terrorist, only in this for the money. Belive in mutant supremacy. Implied incestuous relationship with Wanda.
Black Widow [Natasha Romanova]: Her evil is a massive spoiler… Trust me though, it’s bad.
Hawkeye [Clint Barton]: The one we know the least about, and in turn, I think he’s clean…
There are also a pile of “reserves” who are all portrayed as mindless puppets to whatever S.H.I.E.L.D wants of them.
As I devour each issue in this series I find myself torn between loving and hating the series. I guess either emotion conveys conviction, and I’m still reading it. Mark Millar was successful at least in hooking me.
Tags: ant man, avengers, black widow, bruce banner, captain america, comic book, comic books, comics, giant man, hawkeye, hulk, iron man, Magneto, mark millar, marvel, nick fury, quick silver, scarlet witch, shield, steve rogers, super hero, thor, ultimate, ultimates, wasp, x-men
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
X-Men 3: Trailer and New Pics
December 5, 2005 | 13 Comments
The trailer is out! I just watched it. Twice. Then frame by frame. I think this is going to rule. Wolverine, Magneto, Professor X, Rogue, Iceman, Mystique, Storm, Cyclops, and Pyro are all back. Notably absent are Nightcrawler, Sabretooth, and Toad. New to the scene are Angel, Beast, Kitty Pryde, Juggernaut, Callisto, and the reborn Jean Grey as Pheonix!
The director has changed from Bryan Singer to Brett Ratner (Rush Hour 1 and 2, The Family Man, Red Dragon) which is of slight concern, but I still have great faith. I refuse to be a pessimist about this film.
Anyway, there were more pictures released at USA Today today as well.
In sadder news, Jackman has announced that he is unlikely to return for a fourth film, but the positive side of that is his intention to do a Wolverine spin-off movie due in 2007.
Tags: angel, Beast, brett ratner, bryan singer, Callisto, comic, comic books, comics, Cyclops, Fun Whatnot, Iceman, Jean Grey, Juggernaut, Kitty Pryde, Magneto, movie, movies, Mystique, Nightcrawler, Pheonix, Professor X, Pyro, Rogue, Sabretooth, Storm, Toad, Wolverine, x-men, X-Men 3, X3, XMen, XMen 3