The Pull List 02/02/2011

Welcome to another edition of The Pull List for 02/02/2011. After a bumper week last week that saw almost every Avengers book and every X-men book storm the shelves at once this week is going to be much kinder on my wallet. Highlights for me include Amazing Spider-Man #653, Hulk #29  and Brightest Day #19.

Let's take a look at we we're picking up this week.

DC Comics

Azrael #17

Let's be honest things can only get better after last month, hopefully, because if it get's worse then I think my love affair with Azrael will be over. It's not uncommon for comic books to have maybe a couple pagers of filler in there at some point, Azrael #16 was all filler, it was like someone remembered they need to get an issue out 2 days before print. I'm definitely looking for a vast improvement this week.

 
Brightest Day #19

Brightest Day continues on to what is sure to be a dramatic conclusion, the issues have been getting stronger these last few months and hopefully that trend will continue on through to the end. It's time for Aquaman to settle the score this week as he Aqualad and Mera face off against Black Manta and his forces in 'Aquawar'




Marvel Comics

Amazing Spider-Man #653

Anyone who has read the previous editions of The Pull List or my reviews for the previous issues will know I can not get enough of this freaking book. One of my favorite characters in the hands of a talent as adept as Dan Slott is something that no one should be missing. Revenge of the spider slayer continues this week, can Spidey get through the new and improved Scorpion in time to save John Jameson?

Daken: Dark Wolverine #5

Daken has been a solid title so far, in it's previous incarnation we saw Daken deal with his past. This time around he is looking to the future, he's out to prove he is the best there is at what he does, starting in Madripoor. I'm sure there is a tiny, angry, Canadian who will be back soon to object to Daken claiming that title. Unless he is too busy dancing and styling hair over in the complete toilet paper book of the same name.

Hulk #29

I'm still not sure how I feel about the Hulk book being handed over to Red Hulk, it's not been that many issues so I have to give it more of a chance. One thing that I am really not a fan of in this book right now though is the art. If anyone in the Marvel U needs the over the top, stylized, colorful visual of say a Humberto Ramos or series original artist Ed Mcguinnes it's the Hulk. One plus of this issue is we get a Red Hulk and Green Hulk team up, sure to be explosive on every level.

Invincible Iron Man #500.1

After the bumper anniversary issue #500 Marvel decided to create a new jumping on point for casual readers, as they are doing in a few other books. Not to be mistaken for a throw away recap, these issues are full issues and this issue will be setting the stage for the next big arc.




 
Ultimate New Ultimates #5

Thor's back and his extremely pissed that his old lady got offed so he could return, problem is he's not just pissed at Loki. Thor's lost it, who can stop a god? I dunno but I am sure Cap and the rest of The Ulitimates will figure out a way. This is the last issue of this book as it will become Ultimate Avengers Vs New Ultimates as we get into the Death of Spider-Man arc over in Ultimate Spider-Man.



Ultimate Thor #4

This is the final chapter of Jonathan Hickman's outstanding ultimate Thor origin story. How does a man become a god? Find out here as Thor discovers the ultimate mystery of his past.






Diamond distribution list 02/02/2011 

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena 'Mission' Review

"there is only one way to become champion, never fucking lose" 

After last weeks stellar debut some questions about this prequel mini-series were answered. The big question was can it work without, not only Spartacus the character, but without star Andy Whitfield? Luckily for us it absolutely worked on every level, which is good news for fans now that we know Andy Whitfield is unfortunately not returning to the series due to illness and the role has been recast. Another question was just exactly how will this series fit in with season one, a question the writers answered in inspired fashion by not only looking to flesh out the stories of familiar characters but adding interesting new characters to the mix. At the end of last week we saw Batiatus bloody, beaten and covered in piss staring out at the new arena construction. Not surprisingly revenge is the main agenda this week.



Batiatus has recovered somewhat from the beating he took last week and he needs to strike back at Tullius and Vettius. After he hears about the arrival of Quntilius Varis, a man of wealth an influence, coming from Rome to choose Gladiators for the games he wishes to put on he hatches a plan to gain favor from Varis and have his own men included in the games. Gaia is an old friend of Varis and together they come up with a way to not only get the House of Batiatus noticed by Varis but to also strike out against Tullius and Vettius. The ripple effect suffered from Batiatus' attack are felt everywhere, from the way he treats the slaves in the ludus to the way he treats Solonius after he comes to him with word from Tullius. The way he treats the men in particular causes a huge rift between him and Doctore. On the day of Varis' arrival Batiatus takes Ashur and the other Cyrians with him to the market, their purpose is to head off Vettius and give him a taste of his own medicine. Meanwhile Gaia and Lecrutia are sent to meet Varis and talk him into visiting the ludus so he can see the men perform. All goes according to plan, including Batiatus betraying the only Cyrian who showed his face to Vettius, until Gaia chooses Crixus to fight Gannicus in a demonstration for Varis. This obviously doesn't sit well with Batiatus but he defers to her knowledge of Varis and allows the match up. We get our first glimpse of Crixus' rise to prominence as he manages to strike a blow to Gannicus before he is bested. It's the final straw for Doctore when Batiatus commands him to not only brand the Cyrians with the mark of the brotherhood for their hand in the plan but to also inform Oenomaus he is to become Doctore. While Gannicus is presented for viewing to Varis and commanded to fuck Melitta in front of him, Oenamaus is forced to battle and kill Doctore. After the dust has settled and Varis has gotten his fill of the indulgences offered, we have a new Doctore and Gannicus is to be in the primus of Varis' games.

Another fine week for Gods of the Arena. My worries about them not having enough time to fill out all the plot paths started last week were put to rest a little bit when I saw the speed at which they began to flesh them out and in some cases tie them up. Oenomaus as Doctore for example. The cracks in the relationship between Batiatus and Solonius are already starting to show and the bonds between man, wife and brothers at arms are being tested with Gannicus being forced to bed Melitta. The action was slowed a little in this episode with Batiatus' scheming mind taking center stage and we get to see just how far he will go to try and live up to the legends of his father and grand father. The seeds are being planted for what the show will eventually become. The worst thing about this is that the majority of these characters they are building on so well will not be able to play a part in season 2.  

Network: Starz
Air Date: 01/28/11
Created by: Steven S. Deknight
Starring: John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah, Dustin Clare, Nick Taraby and Manu Bennett

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena 'Past Transgressions' Review

This Spartacus prequel series came about after the unfortunate illness contracted by series star Andy Whitfield. When he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma they had to put a hold on the production of the second season. Series creator Steven S. DeKnight decided to turn what had initially been intended as a single flashback episode in season 2 into a 6 episode mini-series. That Series is Gods of the Arena. Starring some familiar faces from the original series along with some new faces the story is set some five years before Spartacus' arrival at the House of Batiatus.


At the opening of the episode we see our first familiar faces, Batiatus (John Hannah), Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) and Solonius (Craig Walsh Wrightson), watching the games. The arena they are in isn't the grand arena we are used to from the season 1, that one is currently being built, and the relationship between the three isn't what we are used to either as they seem to be the best of friends. Batiatus has recently been put in charge of the family ludus and you can already see the beginnings of the scheming bastard he becomes. The current champion of the house is new character Gannicus (Dustin Clare), but there are some old friends at the ludus. Oenomaus (Peter Mensah) is back but he isn't doctore yet, Ashur (Nick Taraby) is a recruit yet to receive the mark of the brotherhood. Naevia (Lesley-Ann Brandt) and Barca (Antonio Te Maioha), returned from the dead, are also back, along with a new face in the form of Oenomaus' wife Melitta (Marisa Ramirez). The other new character that seems like she will be making a big impact on the series is Gaia (Jaime Murray) an old friend of Lecrutia's who has been recently widowed and returned to Capua. The villains of the piece are rival lanista Vettius and Capua noble man Tullius. Batiatus see's a way of gaining favor with Tullius, who has substantial influence over the games, by purchasing an unruly slave from him at an inflated price. That slave is Crixus (Manu Bennett). His attempt to capitalize on this gambit leads to a great battle between a blindfolded Gannicus and one of Vettius' men. After Gannicus is victorious Batiatus attempts to make his case to Tullius for his man to be included in the opening games of the new arena, Tullius has other ideas and offers to buy Gannicus for 200 Denari. When Batiatus refuses he is beaten and suffers the ultimate humiliation at the hands of Tullius.

All I can say about this debut episode is bra-fucking-vo. To face the kind of unforseen problems that this show has and for everyone to come together to build something this good from the ghost of an idea is amazing. Not only that, but to make it in a way that is as intriguing as it is interesting. On more than one occasion I got that...but wait...feeling. How did Batiatus and Solonius go from virtual brothers to bitter rivals? How does Oenomaus become doctore, especially whent the current one is Boba Fett's fucking dad, and what happened to his wife Melitta? How does Crixus go from tattered slave to champion of Capua? What happened to Gannicus? The change in Lucretia is intriguing as well, she seems much more innocent here, and you can clearly see the influence that Gaia will have on the Lucretia we know from season 1. All of this delivered with the liberal use of blood, sex and profanity we have come to know and love from the series. The cast was as amazing as ever and even the new additions seem like they really belong in this show. I look forward to all the questions being answered but have to wonder if they can do it properly in just 5 more episodes.


Network: Starz
Air Date: 01/21/11
Created by: Steven S. Deknight
Starring: John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah, Dustin Clare, Nick Taraby and Manu Bennett

Being Human UK 'Lia' Review

"we were blessed as much as we ware cursed. In this little enclave of the lost I witness the very best of being human. We were safe here, while outside the monsters prowled."

It's back! The original Being Human started it's third season on Sunday night and got itself off to a quality start. The last time we saw Mitchell (Aidan Turner), George (Russell Tovey), Annie (Lenora Crichlow) and Nina (Sinead Keenan) they had been through hell. Annie was literally almost there when she was banished to Purgatory by the religious whackjob Kemp, then he went after the others and took Nina hostage. She was saved by Annie when she opened a door from the beyond and dragged him through it. We got a last look at Annie when she appeared on the TV and told them where she was and that she was trapped. Mitchell promised to save her. The shock at the end was the return of Herrick, resurrected thanks to Cara and Daisy. Let's find out where the gang is now.

At the beginning of the episode Mitchell, Nina and George are looking at a new place in Wales for them all to move into. Mitchell seems distracted and we find out why when he sees Annie again on the TV, seems they haven't been able to rescue her yet and Mitchell is pretty torn up about it. We are introduced to our first new characters for the season, a father (Robson Green) and son (Michael Socha). They are a bit weird and you get the feeling that there is something not quite right with them, we don't really get to learn too much right now though as the father is abducted by vampires while trying to scavenge some scrap metal from a closed carnival. 

Sexy time! Well not quite, George and Nina attempt a little loving only to be interrupted, first by George's black cloud, seriously when is the guy going to catch a break, and then by an increasingly frantic Mitchell who bursts in to take their radio in an attempt to make contact with Annie  again. Frustrated, Nina decides it is time to put the only plan they have to rescue Annie into motion. She has found a patient at the hospital who is close to death, the plan is to wait until he croaks and then Mitchell will follow him through his door to find Annie. Once he get's to the other side he find's out it's not as simple as just turning up and grabbing Annie. There is a guide waiting for him, the titular Lia, she explains that to find what he is looking for her first has to choose a door on the corridor. She also gives a cryptic clue to who she is and why she is the one was chosen as Mitchell's guide, H12. 

The first door they go through takes them to France, July 17th 1917, the place were Mitchell killed his first victim as a vampire. Turns out the doors they are choosing from are Mitchell's memories. Lia questions him about why this particular victim seems to have been treated so delicately, he explains that he didn't want him to suffer, the hunger was upon him and he had to feed but he didn't want to be an animal. It was this murder that forced him to go in search of Herrick. Back in the land of the living, it's almost time for the full moon and George is heading out into the woods with his chicken on a string ready for his transformation, when he see's the young guy from earlier, the son, carrying a chicken on a string. George put's two and two together and realizes that he must also be a werewolf. Could they both be? Is that why his father was kidnapped by the vampires? I guess we will find out soon but for now the curse of George strikes again and as he is chasing him through the woods he runs right into a group of doggers just before they get arrested, along with George. Seriously, if i was George I just wouldn't leave the house anymore. 

Back with Mitchell and he has to choose another door this one takes them to Christmas Eve 1960 and another of Mitchell's victims. Lia remarks how this one is bloody and destructive and points out the differences from the previous victim. She is charting his path from reluctant murderer to blood thirsty monster. You can't help but think she is building up to a big finish and it has something to do with H12. George, George, George, how does he keep getting himself into so much shit? He's stuck in a cell with Bob the dogger minutes away from changing, Nina is desperately trying to convince the inept constable that he has a medical condition and needs to be released, all the while she is fighting the change herself. When she finally gets him out they find a place to change with a secure gate, unfortunately they have to change together and George is worried they will kill each other. While they are changing we get confirmation that the man the vampires kidnapped is indeed a werewolf as they cut back and forth from him changing to George and Nina, and the vampires are using him as a cage fighting contestant against humans. 

Lia takes Mitchell through the final door, into the aftermath of the box car 20 massacre from the end of last season and sit's him in front of seat H12, where her body is. She introduces him to his victims and Mitchell finally cracks, he breaks down and apologizes for what he did, he offers to stay there in purgatory so she can take him to all his victims, in return for Annie's release. Lia surprises him by saying they can both leave but not before she drops some truth on him, the reason he is allowed to go free is that he has to play apart in another persons journey and his death will be the end of that journey, he will be killed by a werewolf. George wake's up naked as a jay bird like usual but where's Nina? There she is, already dressed, come on BBC haven't we seen enough of Stovey's ass by now? Just once it should be the other way around. Is there a bare ass contract in his contract? Mitchell is finally reunited with Annie and they are both released from purgatory, there is a spark of romance hinted at between the two of them and as Lia points out he is dead as well, technically. The foursome are reunited and having a nice little party at their new pad. Meanwhile the werewolf, we find out his name is Mcnair, is rescued by his son the episode closes with him informing Mcnair that he found another of their kind, that'd be George then, looks like more trouble could be headed his way.

Overall a fabulous episode. The only worries i had going in where addressed and done very well at that. They had a nice quick resolution to the whole purgatory story which was great and they handled it perfectly. I had worried that they would try and drag it out for too long and they proved themselves by tackling it in one episode that it really would have been a disservice to the show for it to go on too long. My other worry was Nina, I wasn't sure making her a permanent fixture would work, it would be changing the whole dynamic of the show moving them from a threesome to a foursome. I was wrong, she's gold. Sinead Keenan is definitely the yin to Tovey's yang, the chemistry between them really is amazing. Speaking of chemistry I think there really could be something made of that little spark of romance forming between Mitchell and Annie, can't wait to see where they take it.  Aidan Turner is the standout in this episode though he really get's to work his acting chops and you can genuinely feel sorrow for the monster during the box car scene. Something that looks set to haunt him throughout the season in one way or another. So far season 3 is shaping up to be a great watch and they didn't even play the Herrick card yet. Obviously anyone who has watched the previous season's would be a fool to not tune in but anyone who has seen the US version and finds it even the slightest bit interesting should definitely check out the original. While the remake is turning out nicely the original is still a step ahead. Season 3 begins airing on BBC American next month.  

Network: BBC
Air Date: 01/23/11
Created by: Toby Whithouse
Starring: Aidan Turner, Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Sinead keenan
Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/beinghuman/

Being Human US 'There Goes The Neighbourhood - Part 2' Review

"Some of these monsters simply choose to accept what they've become, some don't"

After last weeks debut I had high hopes for this SyFy channel remake of the great British show. They didn't let me down. For any fan of the original the story here will be familiar again, but they do seem to be creating the groundwork for some new paths for the story to take. Saying that, it is by no means detrimental to the show for it to be following the original story. It's a sad but true fact that, despite being shown on BBC America, the majority of casual American TV viewers have never even heard of Being Human.

The episode begins immediately where the last one left off, so we see Aidan (Sam Witwer) in the vampire den partaking of some fresh human blood from a willing donor. That kicking the habit thing doesn't seem to be going to well for him yet. Josh (Sam Huntington) is trapped inside a locked room with his sister on the verge of changing and Sally (Meaghan Rath) is stuck back at the apartment as she hasn't learned any of the cool ghosty tricks yet. Luckily Aidan manages to pull himself away from feeding long enough to notice his cell phone ringing and get's over to the hospital in time to save Emily and stop her from seeing Josh change. Well there goes my theory from last week about Emily playing the part of the 'Nina' character and being accidentally turned by Josh. Never mind, we do get to learn a little more back story about Josh before he decides once and for all that he can't be with his family anymore and tells Emily she needs to go back home without him. Turns out he was engaged and he left his fiancee at the same time as he left his family. We also find out that he left just after Emily told him she was gay, which she believes is one of the reasons he ran out out them, we know better obviously but hopefully that will mean Emily will be back around again down the road.

Rebecca wakes up in a morgue after her 'killer' date with Aidan, but he isn't there, she is alone with Bishop (Mark Pelligrino). After he cleaned up Aidan's mess he had her turned, partly to use as a weapon against Aidan and partly because he want's to know what it is about her that made him slip up. She isn't very happy with Aidan, understandably, when she find's out what she is now and that he isn't even there for her. Obviously he didn't know what Bishop had done but that doesn't stop her from setting out to torment him. First step is to kill Josh, until she figures out he is a werewolf, but she still scores some points against Aidan when josh realizes that she's a vampire and mistakenly assumes Aidan turned her. Josh Runs to Aidan with the accusation and the news that Rebecca is back and he in turn run's to bishop to see what the hell happened. Rebecca isn't done with Aidan and when she sees him in a bar with another nurse from the hospital she interjects and forces the girl to leave the bar, she then follows her outside and kills her. 

Meanwhile Sally get's her first taste of what she is capable of as a ghost when she get's angry about not being able to see her fiance and blows the pipes out in the kitchen. It works to her advantage when he shows up to try and fix the pipes for them but only serves to make her angrier and cause another outburst when he can't see or hear her. Aidan, knowing that Sally needs some sort of closure presses him on what happened to her and we hear the story of her death. There was a black out at the apartment and after they had gone to bed she needed to use the bathroom but in the dark she took a wrong turn and ended up falling down the stairs. Sally still can't remember anything from that night but she obviously believes him. The episode closes out with Aidan and Josh at the hospital, Josh has to tell his sister to leave him alone, for what he believes is her own good. Aidan is confronted by Bishop who tells him he could have saved the girl by turning her and asks Aidan if he chooses us or them, Aidan chooses them. The final scene shows Aidan back at the apartment sitting alone on the stoop while Josh watches him and contemplates just how hard it is for Aidan to fight against his nature before joining him outside.


Another strong showing for the fledgling show. Meaghan Rath is utilized some more this week which is nice. Rath does portray a more serious, emotionally damaged side of the character but it's growing on me and there is also room for her bubbly care free side to come through as the season progresses. I'm liking Witwer more and more as the vampire, I think he is going to be incredible when the story get's darker. So far it seems that they are following the story for Sally and Aidan pretty closely, which is why I find Josh the most intriguing right now. Not to take anything away from the other characters but he is the one they seem to be playing around with the most at this point and I enjoy that. As someone who has seen all the original episodes it's nice to still be surprised here and there when they throw something new at us, it keeps it interesting. Hopefully SyFy has plenty more surprises in store for us.

Network: SyFy
Air Date: 01/24/11
Created by: Toby Whithouse (UK Version)
Starring: Sam Witwer, Sam Huntington, Meaghan Rath and Mark Pelligrino
Website: http://www.syfy.com/beinghuman/

Kevin Smith leaves Sundance in a 'Red' State of shock and awe

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The Pull List 01/26/2011

Welcome to another edition of The Pull List. Wow big week this week, lots of good books coming from all the major publishers. Highlights for me include the beginning of The Age of X, the conclusion of the first arc in the great Uncanny X-Force and  a double dose of goodness from the awesome Scott Snyder with American Vampire and Detective Comics.

So let's jump right in there and get our geek on.

DC Comics

American Vampire #11

American Vampire has gone from strength to strength each month. In the last few months we've seen just how far  reaching Snyder intends his Vampire world to be with the inclusion of a few new vampire species. Last month the focus shifted more firmly onto Pearl and Henry as we got a look at their life together and all the fear and uncertainty that entails. This issue is the conclusion to the 2-part Booze, Bullets and Blood story, I'm sure Pearl's old friend Hattie will be coming for blood.

Detective Comics #673

Even after only 2 issues in charge Scott Snyder has done an amazing job with Detective Comics. This week is the conclusion to the Black Mirror arc. Dick is in the fight for his life against one of Gothams oldest and most powerful enemies. 

Green Arrow #8

So far Green Arrow has been the weakest Brightest Day tie-in title on the shelves right now, yet i still seem to find myself picking it up each month no matter how shoddy the previous issue seemed to be. Not sure if it is just that I like Green Arrow as a character or I'm a glutton for punishment, either way it's still on my list for now. I'm hoping that the start of the new 'Rise of the Black Arrow' arc will signal an upswing but that is probably the masochist in me getting ready to bend over and take it again.



IDW Publishing

Angel #41

Angel doesn't have long left to run at IDW and  they aren't really doing themselves any favors with the latest storyline. The series started off in incredible fashion with the 17 issue run of 'After the Fall' but since then it has been a little up and down. This latest arc seems like it's heading almost into the same territory as After the Fall with LA being a city under siege again and despite how good the series started it's not always the best thing to end up back where you started. 



Marvel Comics

Age of X: Alpha

It's finally here, the start of the next big thing to hit the mutant world, well not really as it's an alternate time-line, but who cares! I have been literally salivating at the mouth waiting for this one, thanks in large part to the apparent similarities to the outstanding Age of Apocalypse. AoA was the first major cross over event I ever read and I still own original TPB volumes. 'Mutantkind's final war starts here. If you don't know which side you're on, check your DNA.'  Please don't let me down Marvel!

 
Avengers #9

Red Hulk is joining the Avengers in this issue, can't say I am all that excited about the prospect. Red hulk worked far better as a villain in my honest opinion. However with the way he has been writing lately, in Bendis I trust. The inclusion of the infinity gauntlet and The Hood's nutball scheme to bring the infinity gems back together is definitely something worth sticking around for and I want to see big Red get smashed  a little more too.

Captain America #614

Bucky's trial trundles along this month. While the world is distracted by the highest profile criminal trial in the Marvel Universe the new Red Skull is plotting a strike at the heart of the US. It wouldn't surprise me if when the dust settles on the trial of Captain America, Steve Rogers is back in the winged cap. With the new movie dropping soon I can't see Marvel keeping Bucky Barnes as Cap in the flagship title. What that will mean to the myriad of other titles Rogers is in now I have no clue but i guess we'll find out.


Deadpool #32

OK let's put the vampire debacle from the last couple of issues out of our mind, the less said about it the better in my opinion. New arc starts right here, Deadpool has been out of the merc game since the heroic age began. So why is the new kid in the block pointing his space guns squarely at the biggest mouth in the biz? Well who wouldn't want to shut Wade up, at least for a little bit.

Incredible Hulks #621

Chaos War is over, the world is safe and everyone is happy. Right? Well everyone except for the Hulk's. They haven't exactly come out of the battle smelling of roses and someone has to pay. Someone big, someone very powerful, someone who can handle himself because the Hulk is pissed and he's going right to the top, Zues. God Smash begins here. 

Ultimate Doom #2


The conclusion to Bendis' Ultimate trilogy of stories is almost here. The ultimate enemy has been reveled to be Reed Richards and Sue wasn't very happy. Unfortunately for her she wasn't exactly breathing at the end of last issue, will she make it? I dunno but I am sure when Ben get's his hands on Reed it'll be time for a *&#$ ton of clobbering.

Uncanny X-Force #4

Rick Remender has done an amazing job so far on this book, putting together an unorthodox but amazing group of characters and pitting them against one of the X-men's greatest enemies in his very first arc. Ballsy to say the least. This is the conclusion to 'The Apocalypse Solution' and it's time to put up or shut up, if that's even possible when Deadpool's around, Apocalypse needs to die. 

X-Men #7

This is the real starting point for the new X-Men series in my eyes, the whole vampire story just wasn't for me. The thing is, it wasn't really down to the quality of the book, I'm just so tired of being bombarded my vampires everywhere I look for the past few years, I'm over it. The new arc see's the X-Men being the heroes they have always wanted to be, but something strange is going on in NYC and the X-Men are teaming up with everyone's favorite wall crawler to get to the bottom of it.

X-23 #5

X-23 has been pretty good so far, embroiling Laura in a mysterious quest for her soul. Caught between Mr Sinister in her past and Miss Sinister manipulating her future. This month she has some help in her quest, everybody's favorite ragin' cajun Gambit!
   








The best of the rest...

Ultimate Spider-Man #152
Marvel Comics

As we get closer to the mega even The Death of Spider-Man, that seems to be all the hype machine is focused on right now. So much so that the build up to Peter's superhero training seems to be  falling by the wayside. Hopefully the issue itself will be better than the build up which seems to be focusing more on the Black Cat and Mysterio than on Spidey's first instructor...Iron Man!

Fantastic Four #587
Marvel Comics

I haven't been into the Fantastic Four book for a long time, nothing to do with them as characters or with Hickman's writing, in fact I'm a big fan of Hickman. Just sometimes the interest isn't there. I have to admit though I am intrigued to see what he has in store for the end of the series. One will fall. Who will it be?

Infestation #1
IDW Publishing

As corny as this sounds it intrigues the shit out of me, a cross over between four of IDW's biggest franchise books. GI Joe, Star Trek, Transformers and Ghostbusters, all attacked by Zombies! Depending on how this one is received I just might have to check it out down the line.   

That's it for another week folks, they really know how to end the month with a bang, and a hefty smack to our wallets. See ya next week.

Diamond istribution list 01/26/11 

Scarlet #4 Review

Written by:

Brian Michael Bendis

Art/cover by:

Alex Maleev 
Letters/Production:

Chris Eliopoulos

Published by: 

Marvel Icon 

Scarlet  is truly the work of 2 master craftsmen, Bendis and Maleev throw so much information at you in this issue that I find it hard to think of anyone else who could pull it off as smoothly as they do. A lot happens in Scarlet #4  that points to the bigger plans they have for the series, but even with so much going on and so much dialogue it's delivered in such a way that it never overwhelms the reader.

The issue opens with a brief recap of the end of Scarlet #3, a few months have passed since then and we learn some of what the police have been doing to hunt down Scarlet. Not much, because the brass doesn't want her caught they want her dead, as is pointed out by the lead detective before she is promptly fired. Now the FBI are involved as well and things start to heat up. We also see a little of what Scarlet has been up, with the help of her friend Brandon she has been handing out aid packages to the homeless. Next step in her plan is to organize a flash mob protest outside city hall, the FBI advises the mayor to let the protest just happen and do not let the police get involved. The mayor decides otherwise and orders a peaceful police presence which only adds fuel to the fire. A fire that is sure to become an inferno when they realize that Scarlet is there. The revolution begins!

Bendis' dialogue is as great as ever and is fired at us with lightning speed here, normally I'm not a fan of pages and pages of dialogue but Bendis writes it so damn well that it doesn't bother me. Add to that Maleev's uncanny ability to almost make his artwork work around the dialogue bubbles and you just have the perfect storm of dialogue and art. That's not to say that there are a 100 words per page or anything ridiculous like that, one of the things that make's Bendis' writing so good here is that he exhibits control and restraint when it's needed. Allowing Maleev to steer the ship with some of the most passionate detailed visuals I have seen from him. The combination really gives the whole book and a great cinematic feel. 

Scarlet as a series is still in it's infancy but only four issues in everything is starting to take shape and things can only get better from here on out. I can't wait to see what happens when it hit's the 'terrible twos'.