August 18 releases

Atlas #4 (Parker/Hardman/Rosanas)

Another good issue in Parker's 3D Man story, with some brilliant art by Hardman, particularly his depiction of the dragon Lao entering, and with his fire breath ending, the fight against the Echo people. Silver

Avengers Academy #3 (Gage/McKone)

This series continues at the very high quality of story and art it has started with. Valkyrie makes a brilliant guest appearance before Hazmat, whose origin is shown here, leads some of the team in a bid for revenge against Norman Osborn during the youngsters' visit to the Raft. Gold

New Mutants #16 (Wells/Kirk)

While this issue doesn't actually feature the team of the title it features an interesting look at the background of their current adversaries. Leonard Kirk's art is the best thing about this issue as he provides brilliant depictions of Limbo and its denizens. Silver

Secret Avengers #4 (Brubaker/Deodato)

The opening arc of Brubaker's Avengers comes to a close with this issue, which unfortunately is quite confusing and doesn't quite satisfactorily wrap up the mystery (though perhaps more of that will be in the next issue). While some of the team members, such as Ant-Man and Steve Rogers, get a lot of focus and that is done well, other characters are largely ignored or get short shrift. As a big fan of Nova it seems like Brubaker hasn't really taken into account all of the development of the character by Abnett and Lanning. The ease with which Steve Rogers takes over the Nova force, even disregarding Worldmind's offer of assistance, jars with me and doesn't seem to give the character the proper respect he should have after saving the universe a few times. Bronze

Thunderbolts #147 (Parker/Walker)

Though only loosely crossing-over with Avengers Academy, this is a really great issue continuing the new direction of the title. After wrapping up the team's previous mission most of the action takes place back on the Raft, coinciding with the "scared straight" visit by the Avengers students and the ensuing breakout. Walker's art in the extended triple fight sequence showing the Warden, Songbird and Luke Cage dealing with the outbreak of prisoners, ending with Cage's charged confrontation with Purple Man, is simply sublime. Gold

Wolverine Weapon X #16 (Aaron/Gianfelice)

This is the last issue of this current Wolverine ongoing, though Aaron is launching a new series next month, so it's a bit of a pointless marketing exercise. However, this issue is more of a send-off for the late Nightcrawler, who died in the Second Coming event, and while there was time for a funeral in the midst of the crossover, this is a fitting and very well done tribute to the character and his unlikely friendship with Wolverine. At least that's true of the writing, as the quality of the art really and unfortunately doesn't match that of the story, otherwise this would be an even higher rated issue. Silver

August 11 releases

The Thanos Imperative #3 (Abnett/Lanning/Sepulveda)

Yet another great cosmic issue from DnA, very ably assisted by Sepulveda. Events in the war on both sides of the Fault move up in intensity, with Nova forming a very interesting strike team while the tension between Drax and Thanos boils over. Gold

July releases

X-Force #28 (Kyle/Yost/Choi/Oback)

Second Coming Chapter 13: The fight against Bastion reaches its end with Hope finally manifesting her powers, seemingly confirming her status as mutant messiah just as she loses her father figure Cable. A good issue with good art, though the threat does end rather abruptly. Silver

Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine (Aaron/Kubert)

Aaron continues to show that he can write Spider-Man as well as he can Wolverine, with an interesting story coupled with great art from Kubert. Plus, Doom the Living Planet! Gold

Avengers Academy #2 (Gage/McKone)

This great second issue of the new series focuses mainly on Finesse, as well as providing character development for Pym and Quicksilver. McKone's art is a brilliant complement to the story. Gold

The Thanos Imperative #2 (Abnett/Lanning/Sepulveda)

The newest cosmic story gets even bigger in scale as Galactus and other abstracts join in the fight against the Cancerverse incursion while Thanos illustrates his key role in the fight. Sepulveda's art is suitably epic. Gold

Second Coming #2 (Various)

While quite a good epilogue to Second Coming, the threat of mutant extinction posed by Bastion has ended very quickly and rather cleanly, with only three deaths (though Ariel is not mentioned at all once again). It remains to be seen just how interesting the new status quo following the event actually is. Esad Ribic contributes the best art, while the worst comes predictably from Greg Land. Bronze

Atlas #3 (Parker/Hardman/Rosanas)

A shame that this latest series of Atlas is going to be cancelled, but not much of a surprise. While this arc hasn't turned out to be the most interesting so far, Gabriel Hardman's art has been absolutely fantastic and he keeps up the good work here, plus Ramon Rosanas contributes more good art in the M-11 focused second story. Silver

Marvel Zombies 5 #5 (Van Lente/Blanco)

This fun series ends with a trip to the real world. While the main characters, Machine Man, Howard the Duck and Jacali Kane don't appear much in this issue, which is disappointing, it is still a fun little tongue-in-cheek exploration of an extreme Marvel fanboy facing up to zombiehood. Silver

New Mutants #15 (Wells/Kirk)

Following their difficult time during Second Coming, the New Mutants team goes to the middle of nowhere to regroup, while Leonard Kirk takes over on art and does not disappoint. The character work and team interplay have been the best things about this series and Wells continues to develop his cast. The story is intriguing though nothing has really been revealed yet. Gold

Heroic Age: Prince of Power #3 (Pak/Van Lente/Brown/Howard)

The antagonistic relationship between Thor and Amadeus more than makes up for the lack of Hercules, while the ancient Egyptian setting of this particular issue naturally appeals to me as an ancient historian. Meanwhile back in the Olympus Group headquarters Delphyne starts to fight back against the Pantheon (EXPRESSION! WORTHY! OF DEATH SCRUNCHIE!). And of course great art from Reilly Brown. Gold

Thunderbolts #146 (Parker/Walker)

Though Parker seems to be moving the team very quickly from one mission to the other, he continues his good work with the characters, very ably assisted by Kev Walker's great new art style, though his Valkyrie design is perhaps a bit weird looking. Gold

X-Factor #207 (David/Fiumara)

X-Factor moves on from the Second Coming tie-in with a great issue with some of the best art the series has had. The team takes on a new job from Hela which involves Pip the troll, while Rictor and Shatterstar get some together time which is rather abruptly interrupted. Gold

Secret Avengers #3 (Brubaker/Deodato)

Though there is a lot of talking and exposition in this third issue, there are also a couple of good bits of action involving the possessed Nova and Deodato gets a chance to show off his art. Silver

Wolverine: Weapon X #15 (Aaron/Garney)

Unfortunately the plot of this latest arc has become a bit confusing and muddled, not really up to the standard Aaron had previously set. However, the good bits of this issue are still very good and Garney's art for the most part is top-notch once more. Silver

X-Men Legacy #238 (Carey/Mann)

Another book coming out of the Second Coming crossover, Legacy heads out on its own path separate to the other X-Men titles, still focusing on Rogue and some of the younger mutants. The character-focused writing is great and the trip to Mumbai allows for a needed change of scenery from Utopia. Clay Mann's is back on art and does quite well, showing that he would have been a much better pick for the Second Coming issues than Greg Land. Silver

June 30 releases

Marvel Zombies 5 #4 (Van Lente/Blanco/Ruiz)

Though the two art styles used in this issue jar, this is a very good issue from van Lente. Silver

Secret Avengers #2 (Brubaker/Deodato)

The second issue of Brubaker's espionage themed new Avengers series continues well. Though not all of the characters receive much attention, those that do are dealt with well. Gold

June 23 releases

Thunderbolts #145 (Parker/Walker)

Luke Cage imposes his authority on the new and interesting Thunderbolts team in a great second issue with brilliant art. Gold

Wolverine Weapon X #14 (Aaron/Garney)

Certainly the weakest issue of "Tomorrow Dies Today" so far, but still enjoyable enough with more great art. Silver

X-Factor #206 (David/De Landro)

Second Coming Revelations: The X-Factor team's enjoyable tie-in to the crossover ends well, with Shatterstar stealing the scene. Silver

X-Men Legacy #237 (Carey/Land)

Second Coming Chapter 12: Well, Greg Land spoils this issue again, but otherwise the story is good, though the Nimrod threat comes to a very abrupt end. Bronze

June 16 releases

Atlas #2 (Parker/Hardman/Rosanas)

Doesn't quite move the momentum forward from the brilliant first issue with more exposition an action scene that is a bit of a detour from the main plot, but still a well above average issue, with very good art. Gold

New Mutants #14 (Wells/Roberson/Medina/Fox)

Second Coming Chapter 11: Wells introduces Legion and showcases Cypher's new abilities brilliantly. The use of a different artist to depict the scenes inside Legion's mind is a great idea, though the main art by Roberson is not the best. The issue ends with Magneto ready to fight the encroaching Nimrods, but unfortunately the next issue will be greatly held back by Greg Land... Gold

June 9 releases

Avengers Academy #1 (Gage/McKone)

An interesting introduction to the new young superhuman team and their instructors with a promising twist of the concept at the end. The art is clean and expressive, making the characters distinctive. Silver

The Heroic Age: Prince of Power #2 (Pak/Van Lente/Brown)

Another story and action-packed issue of what is still, despite the change of name and focus, one of Marvel's best series. More of the same high standard from Brown, and a lot of silly sound effects to round off. Gold

Uncanny X-Men #525 (Fraction/Dodson)

Second Coming Chapter 10: The crossover really starts to ramp back up to full pace with this good issue which features X-Force arriving in the Days of Future Past timeline and the MU's best and brightest attempting to help the X-Men. Silver

June 3 releases

Serenity: Float Out #1 (Oswalt/Reynolds)

As I'd recently re-watched Firefly and Serenity and cemented my recently acquired love for the 'verse, I decided to get this one-shot, which was enjoyable, though didn't feature Wash as much as might be expected. It ends with an interesting reveal that hopefully means more stories will be coming. Bronze

The Thanos Imperative #1 (Abnett/Lanning/Sepulveda)

The event really kicks off, showing signs of being as epic in scale and execution as Annihilation. DnA manage to include and do justice to a great number of characters, Rocket Raccoon, Thanos and Drax particularly getting great moments. Sepulveda's art is great, but unfortunately the colouring style doesn't seem to do it justice, when compared to the black and white previews in the back. Gold

May 26 releases

Marvel Zombies 5 #3 (Van Lente/Kaluta/Kano/Palmer/Ruiz)

Though the changes in artists does jar a little, overall this is another good issue. Silver

Secret Avengers #1 (Brubaker/Deodato)

A very good first issue that sets up an interesting team dynamic despite the idiosyncratic nature of many team members. Gold

The Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1 (Abnett/Lanning/Walker)

Not DnA's best issue recently but brings all the pieces of the Thanos Imperative event together well, with an interesting twist at the end. Walker continues to provide great art. Silver

Thunderbolts #144 (Parker/Walker)

The new direction for Thunderbolts begins very well, Kev Walker's new art style looks great. The Man-Thing scene is particularly brilliant on both counts. Gold

Wolverine Weapon X #13 (Aaron/Garney)

The time-travelling Deathlok storyline continues with appearances from future-Peter Parker and present Avengers. The interplay between Spider-Man and the Thing is fantastic. Silver

X-Force #27 (Kyle/Yost/Choi/Oback)

Second Coming Chapter 9: Though the art team does brilliant work in this issue, the long silent series of panels throws off the issue's pace, though the crossover does get back in gear. Silver

May 19 releases

Atlas #1 (Parker/Hardman/Rosanas)

This Heroic Age relaunch of the Agents of Atlas focuses mainly on 3D Man, a character I have no previous experience of but Parker very quickly gets me interested in. Hardman continues to provide great art and Rosanas does well in the second story. Gold

X-Men Legacy #236 (Carey/Land)

Second Coming Chapter 8: This issue is let down by some awful 'art' by Land, more so than the last Legacy chapter. The crossover is yet to pick up from its current low though signs are it should. Bronze

X-Factor #205 (David/De Landro)

Second Coming Revelations: Great tie-in issue that showcases the X-Factor team and where David makes great use of the crossover without losing his own voice. Gold

May 12 releases

The Heroic Age: Prince of Power #1 (Pak/van Lente/Brown)

Even without Hercules, Pak and van Lente, rejoined by probably the best artist to contribute to iHerc, Reilly Brown, make this a great issue, packed full with action, great dialogue, brilliant sound effects and awesome art, with particularly good Kirby crackle on Brown's part. I never thought that I'd develop such an interest in Amadeus Cho for him to able to hold a title on his own but Pak and van Lente have been doing a great job developing his character and making him the probably the best new character this millennium, and I'd say the best depiction of a character with super intelligence. Gold

New Mutants #13 (Wells/Roberson)

Second Coming Chapter 7: After last issue's pause for reflection, the crossover doesn't really get back up to pace with this issue, which is good although the fight between Hope and Moonstar feels rather contrived and the art is quite static. Silver

May 5 releases

Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine #1 (Aaron/Kubert)

Until I learnt that Jason Aaron was writing this I didn't give it a thought, but as soon as I found that out I knew I'd be getting this. Aaron sets up an interesting story, writes a very good Spidey and Kubert provides very good art, especially with his Robinson Crusoe look for Peter Parker. Gold

Batman and Robin #12 (Morrison/Clarke)

Having been dithering over whether to continue with this title I eventually decided this issue would be the last, unless it really blew me away. Well, I'm afraid it didn't, and with the whole Return of Bruce Wayne stuff kicking off now, I don't care about the story Morrison is telling enough to put up with the jarring inconsistency of the writing and art since the brilliant first arc. So this is the last issue I'll be getting, in fact probably the last DC comic for a fair while, until Batwoman eventually shows up. Bronze

Uncanny X-Men #524 (Fraction/Dodson)

Second Coming Chapter 6: A considerably slower paced issue focusing on Nightcrawler's funeral (though Ariel is completely ignored...) but works well. The crossover is keeping a good level of quality so far. Silver

April 21/28 releases

Avengers vs Atlas #4 (Parker/Hardman and Aaron/Caracuzzo)
Enjoyable though quite hard to follow the Pym/Kang timey-wimey explanations. Hardman's art very good, Gorilla Man backup enjoyable as well. Silver

Guardians of the Galaxy #25 (Abnett/Lanning/Walker)
As great as always, Walker has improved greatly since going Guardians, the full team is together again, Star-Lord is at his best and the Thanos Imperative is set up. Gold

Hercules: Fall of an Avenger #2 (Pak/van Lente/Olivetti and Tobin/Brown)
Though the art, particularly the backgrounds (or the fact that they're not art) lets this issue down but otherwise very enjoyable as usual from Pak and van Lente, plus great backup again. Silver

Nova #36 (Abnett/Lanning/di Vito)
Possibly the last issue, hopefully not but a great issue to go out on if it is the case. Considerable improvement over the last arc, Nova back to its best yet before Thanos Imperative. Gold

X-Men Legacy #235 (Carey/Land)
Second Coming Chapter 4: First thing - Greg Land's "art" is not as bad as usual or expected, some of it, particularly Hodge's machine body, looks quite good. Story continues well though. Silver

X-Factor #204 (David/de Landro)
Second Coming Revelations: good that this isn't being dragged into the crossover fully, this issue is mostly set up for the MRD attack on the team. Silver

X-Force #26 (Kyle/Yost/Choi)
Second Coming Chapter 5: the crossover increases pace, though Nightcrawler's death was very obvious it was web handled, Choi provides incredibly detailed art. Silver

Marvel Zombies 5 #2 (Van Lente/Kano)
A lot more Aaron Stack and Howard the Duck, plus Jacali gets more development and Killraven is very interesting, really like the reality hopping to spotlight underused characters and the art is great. Gold

April 14 Releases

New Mutants #12 (Wells/Roberson)

Second Coming Chapter 3: Keeps up the pace of the event, disappointing that the New Mutants don't get all that much character time and all Cable and Hope do is run away again, but the art was very good if perhaps quite static. Silver

Marvel Zombies 5 #1 (Van Lente/Kano)

Didn't pick this up when it actually came out but I'm certainly glad I eventually did. Kano's art is great, does a great job with the setting. Machine Man not in this issue much and I have no prior knowledge of Howard the Duck but promising new character Jacali and the Martian Protectorate setting with Killraven next issue have me sold. Gold

The Savage Axe of Ares #1

Red Mercury (Hurwitz/Smith) The Gods Answer All Prayers (Barber/Palo) Bonebomb Babylon (McKeever) Wojna (Swierczynski/Manco)

Wouldn't have given this a thought if I hadn't read Ryan K Lindsey's review at The Weekly Crisis, which I feel pretty well sums up my thoughts on the issue. Red Mercury was good but felt strung out, The Gods Answer All Prayers and Wojna were great and Bonebomb Babylon was the weakest with inconsistent art but still ok. Gold

April 7 Releases

Batman and Robin #11 (Morrison/Clarke)

I still can't get my head round this series. Every issue leaves me thinking something different. The first three issues were great. #4 was still good, even with the change to Philip Tan on art, but the next two issues in that arc were not so good. Again, #7 started the next arc well with better suited art, but again the next two issues disappointed. Last issue felt like a return to form, but then again in this issue Morrison gets bogged down with attempts at being high concept that don't really work. But then again, there's still quite a lot that does work.... So, I really don't know what I feel about Batman and Robin, and whether I'll keep following it.... I think I'll give it one more issue. Bronze

Uncanny X-Men #523 (Fraction/Dodson)

Second Coming Chapter 2: A very good continuation of the event, Fraction taking some time for character work but also keeping up the pace of action and progressing the story. The art is also very good, no problems stick out and everything is clearly depicted. Overall, this issue leaves me very excited for the rest of the event, and hopefully it can deliver. Gold

Wolverine: Weapon X #12 (Aaron/Garney)

Perhaps not quite as good as last issue? But last issue was so good so this one is still very good. Good characterisation, great action and typically brilliant art from Garney. Gold

April Preview

The main event this month is Second Coming. I've always loved the X-Men and while the recent direction hasn't been completely successful, I did like Messiah CompleX and as I was already following three of the titles involved, it's quite an easy decision to jump into this new crossover, a decision backed up by the very competent launch one-shot.

So, that means Uncanny X-Men #523 (Fraction/Dodson), New Mutants #12 (Wells/Roberson), X-Men: Legacy #235 (Carey/Land [though why, oh why, does Land have to be involved in this?!?]) and X-Force #26 (Kyle/Yost/Choi) will all be coming home [though why, oh why, does Land have to be involved in this?!?].

I'm already following the other series that ties in to Second Coming, so X-Factor #204 (David/De Landro) is also a certainty.

Wolverine: Weapon X #12 (Aaron/Garney): well, nothing more to say.

Guardians of the Galaxy #25 (Abnett/Lanning/Walker): DnA bring in Thanos just to add more awesomeness and chaos to this book.

Nova #36 (Abnett/Lanning/Di Vito): Nova returns to Earth, possibly setting up involvement in the Heroic Age and an Avengers book?

Fantastic Four #578 (Hickman/Eaglesham): I bought the last issue because of my interest in the Inhumans, and another cosmic character in Annihilus is involved this time so I'll check this out, though I don't think I'll be following Fantastic Four regularly.

Avengers vs Atlas #4 (Parker/Hardman and Aaron/Pagulayan): I've really enjoyed this story so far, plus Jason Aaron writes Gorilla-Man!

Hercules: Fall of an Avenger #2 (Pak/Van Lente/Olivetti and Tobin/Brown): Not quite the heights that iHerc was at, but I'm still very interested in what Pak and van Lente have in store for Amadeus Cho.

Now, S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (Hickman/Weaver), is intriguing and has good looking art, but I'm really unsure about it. Maybe it's partly the history nerd in me that picked up on a glaring (well, to me) historical error in the ancient Egypt segment shown in the preview, but mainly, I'm simply split between thinking it could be as good and high-concept as promised, and feeling that it's not essential for me personally and trepidation over how the history and historical figures will be treated. It will be bimonthly though, so that helps a bit with the size of my pull list.

Well, that was a lot of Marvel there, but there is some DC.... no wait, just one book actually, as Batwoman is off Detective Comics, seemingly permanently now, leaving Batman and Robin #11 (Morrison/Clarke). I'm wavering on whether to continue following this as it hasn't lived up the first arc's promise and I'm quite reluctant to get mixed up in all the Return of Bruce Wayne stuff less than a year after Dick Grayson became Batman and the new direction launched, so this arc will be the one that decides it for me.

First Quarter of 2010

So, I never got around to doing any more categories in my best of 2009. And I haven't done anything else on here for the first three months of this year, and while again I have essays to write and also exams to revise for, I think I'll try and do some more regular posting, over the summer break if not straight away. But, to start, a quick review of January, February and March (making it up as I go along of course).

January

Top Five Comics

Batman and Robin#7 (Morrison/Stewart)

An enjoyable romp through London with art that suits the tone of the series better than Tan's.

Guardians of the Galaxy #22 (Abnett/Lanning/Walker)

Rocket Raccoon crashes Knowhere, a space station inside the decapitated head of a celestial, into the middle of the Universal Church of Truth's attempt to birth a dark god from another universe from Moondragon's stomach at the cost of a nine billion lives. Yeah, not much else to say.

Mighty Avengers #33 (Slott/Pham)

Conclusion to a fun little two-part story.

Wolverine: Weapon X #9 (Aaron/Paquette)

Aaron continues his consistently good work on this title, introducing brilliantly wacky ideas and pulling them off well. Paquette is possibly the best artist working on the X-Men titles recently.

X-Factor #201 (David/Cansino)

As expected, David's character work is what makes this work, with both the X-Factor team and the Richards children.

February

Top Five Comics

Guardians of the Galaxy #23 (Abnett/Lanning/Craig)

Wes Craig contributes his best art so far as DnA keep up their high standard.

S.W.O.R.D. #4 (Gillen/Sanders)

This series really hits its stride as its cancelled, the Beast-Brand interplay is witty and Death's Head is just awesome.

Viking #5 (Brandon/Klein)

Delayed but certainly worth the wait, Klein's art really is sublime throughout the series.

Wolverine: Weapon X #10 (Aaron/Smith)

Aaron provides yet more evidence of his status as best Wolverine writer with this examination of Logan's tortured love life.

X-Men: Legacy #233 (Carey/Mann)

Good end to the Muir Island part of Necrosha, with well depicted action and good character moments for Magneto and Rogue with Destiny.

March

Top Five Comics

Avengers vs Atlas #3 (Parker/Hardman and Cornell/Kirk)

The main story is great but the Venus back-up is brilliantly funny.

Batman and Robin #10 (Morrison/Clarke)

Seems to be a return to the form of the first arc, much better writing from Morrison and very good art to match. If this arc continues at this high quality then it might sell me on the whole Return of Bruce Wayne business, but I'm still very much wavering.

Guardians of the Galaxy #24 (Abnett/Lanning/Craig)

The Guardians captured by Magus chew their way through the Universal Church of Truth before Phyla-Vell releases none other than Thanos!

S.W.O.R.D. #5 (Gillen/Sanders)

Great conclusion to the arc, and unfortunately, the series.

Wolverine: Weapon X #11 (Aaron/Garney)

Aaron succeeds in making Steve Rogers' return affecting and Garney returns with brilliant art.

Best of 2009

I haven't done anything on this blog since September when I started at Birmingham Uni, being busy with work (well, sometimes anyway), socialising and then just being lazy, so never got round to any reviews or solicitation previews. And now I still have two essays to do for the second week back (joy), so not likely to start doing anything regularly again, but I thought I'd do a little review of the best comics of 2009, because I've been thinking about it and thought I might as well.

Anywayyyyyyyy... first category, not particularly in order...

Best Series

War of Kings (Marvel)

Writers: Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning

Artist: Paul Pelletier

Detective Comics (DC)

Writer: Greg Rucka

Artist: J.H. Williams III

Second feature artist: Cully Hamner

Wolverine: Weapon X (Marvel)

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artists: Ron Garney/Yanick Paquette

Exiles (Marvel)

Writer: Jeff Parker

Artists: Salva Espin/Casey Jones

Captain Britain and MI:13 (Marvel)

Writer: Paul Cornell

Artist: Leonard Kirk

Viking (Image)

Writer: Ivan Brandon

Artist: Nic Klein

Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel)

Writers: Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning

Artists: Brad Walker/Wes Craig

Nova (Marvel)

Writers: Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning

Artists: Andrea di Vito/Kevin Sharpe

New Mutants (Marvel)

Writer: Zeb Wells

Artists: Diogenes Neves/Zachary Baldus

Batman and Robin (DC)

Writer: Grant Morrison

Artists: Frank Quitely/Philip Tan