The Pull List 03/02/11

After a couple of weeks off due to real life getting in the way The Pull List is back for 03/02. The format will stay the same with my picks for the week up front, then a few notable other releases if any and finally a link to the full distribution list from Diamond Comics. The big two both have a couple of books on my list this week and there is also the next issue of the awesome Chew from Image. 

Astonishing Thor #3
Marvel Comics

Asgard is in ruins, and now-the infamous Grey Gargoyle strikes! In search of the fabled Apples of Idunn which gives immortality to the gods themselves, the rock-like horror will stop at nothing to achieve the endless life he has so long sought. He invades the fabled, though fallen city, turning all before him to unmoving stone in his awful quest. And it seems as if not even the Thunder God himself can give the Grey Gargoyle pause.

Azreal #18

DC Comics

Azrael has reached the end of his pilgrimage only to face the native threat of the zealous Fireball! What really separates these two men of faith? And what purpose does Ra's al Ghul intend to serve 

Brightest Day #21

DC Comics

As the end of BRIGHTEST DAY approaches, our returned heroes and villains begin converging in one area as the ultimate protector reveals itself against the ultimate menace!

Chew #17 
Image Comics


Bullied nerd Peter Pilaf goes all 'food-columbine' on the students of Francis Bacon High. Plus: fun with astronauts.

Daken: Dark Wolverine #6

Marvel Comics

Daken's plans to undermine the criminal underworld of Madipoor are falling into place! But will the most dangerous men and women in the world simply topple where they stand - or will Daken find the tables turned...and his neck in a noose?

Deadpool #33.1

Marvel Comics

Special Point One issue. START READING with this Point One issue. Deadpool has risen to prominence, thanks to the immense talent of Daniel Way. And if you haven't been reading Deadpool, now is the time to delve into the Merc With A Mouth's twisted world! The Wrecker, an immensely powerful psychopath, is on the loose and wreaking havoc. There's only one person to call...Deadpool!

Incognito: Bad Influences #4

Marvel Icon

Zack Overkill has plunged into the super-criminal underworld on a deadly mission that's made him question everything. Now he's come face-to-face with his target, and things just got a hell of a lot worse. And so with every issue, our Professor of Pulp Culture, Jess Nevines is back with another great essay on forgotten pulp history, available only in the single issues of INCOGNITO.

5 Ronin #1
Marvel Comics


It is 17th century Japan, a time and place of violent upheaval, wandering Ronin, and mysterious Geisha. Into this strange and dangerous world come Wolverine, Pyslocke, Punisher, Hulk and Deadpool. Five of Marvel's greatest heroes…as you've never seen them before. Each has been wronged by a powerful tyrant. Each has taken a solemn vow…of vengeance!

Ultimate Captain America #3
Marvel Comics

Captain America has seen things no soldier should ever see, been to places that no man should be able to return, and beaten foes that no other hero could put down. Now, in the jungles of Cambodia, one man will push Captain America to, and past his limits. And Cap may not come back! The superstar team of Jason Aaron and Ron Garney bring you a brutal story you will NOT want to miss! 

The Best of the Rest...

Powers #7

Marvel Comics

God is dead! And Walker and Sunrise are investigating his murder. Yeah. God. Don't believe me? Then buy the book and find out what's going on in this cops and capes drama that has NO RULES!! Oh, and Deena Pilgrim returns and the how and why is going to surprise you!! All that and Retro Girl finds herself infected with a deadly alien virus. 

Avengers Academy #10

Marvel Comics

The return of the Wasp? The return of Korvac? It's two book-shaking issues in one month - and issue #12 guest-stars the Avengers! First it's a 'day in the life' of the students, with special guest instructors Protector and Dr. Strange! Then Thor, Steve Rogers, Iron Man and more assemble as one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes' most powerful villains storms the school as Korvac comes back! 

Heroes for Hire #4

Marvel Comics

Featuring Falcon, Paladin, Misty Knight and Iron Fist! Who is really pulling the strings at Heroes For Hire? Misty thinks she knows, but does even the bionic detective realize how much trouble she's in? It's more awesome street-level action and intrigue featuring some of Marvel's coolest heroes in the most unconventional team book ever!

That's it for another week, check out the link below for the full Diamond Distribution list.

 

Diamond Distribution list 03/02/11

Morning Glories #7 Review

In just seven issues Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma have crafted a fairly unique, vastly intriguing and mysterious title with Morning Glories. It's one of the best creator owned books to launch last year and it has had a consistently strong story. That continues this week as Spencer shifts his focus from the group to just one, Zoe. This is her issue, we learn a little bit about her past but all the while Spencer wraps it up in more mystery and you leave with more questions than you entered with. Which is not a bad thing at all. As well as focusing on Zoe they also show a little more of the academy. The evil, murdering establishment has a cheer leading squad for example, no surprise there then some high schoolers would say they are the epitome of evil douche-bags. So they fit in well at MGA. 

Zoe is still pissed at not being clued into on Casey's plan from a couple issues ago and stomps off to find more 'popular' friends. She finds the head cheerleader and we learn that she used to be one in her old school. This issue is all about learning how Zoe ticks, she is shown as a child in India where she witnessed her father murder her mother and already has some scary abilities, she accidentally killed a teacher at her old school and covered it up. All this information she gives voluntarily when prompted but when asked the question 'Who is David?' she bolts. All this was a facade perpetrated by the higher up's in the school, seemingly to find out who David is. The last thing we learn about poor little orphan Zoe is that her first murder may have been an accident but the next one? Not so much. Whoever David is she definitely doesn't want to talk about him. 

The thing I love about this book is just how much Nick Spencer manages to suck me in, then he delivers a great story that often leaves me scratching my head and yet I still go back for more every month. That's a staple of great writing, I don't need to know everything, I don't even have to have my question's answered, I just want to be entertained. In this respect Morning Glories  is certainly living up to the comparisons with the stellar Lost that have been thrown around since the book launched. Eisma's art is servieable again, not perfect but there is a massive amount of potential there and it's never what I would call bad, just inconsistent in parts. His characters look great though and they definitely fit the setting well. I like the direction the series is taking and I hope we will get some more issues focused on the single characters so Spencer can flesh them out for us before revealing more of the over arching plot.

Writer - Nick Spencer
Artist - Joe Eisma
Colors - Alex Sollazzo
Letters - Johnny Lowe
Cover - Rodin Esquejo
Publisher - Image Comics   

Iron Man #501 Review

In the past month we have been treated to two great issues of Invincible Iron Man issue #500 saw the conclusion of the 'Resilient' story line and the expertly written #500.1 gave us a recap of the entire Iron Man story in the unique form of an AA meeting. With issue #501 Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca start a new arc entitled 'Fix Me'. The story opens with the first meeting of two gifted scientists, one a cocky, brash young man, Tony Stark and the other an insecure, yes man, Dr. Otto Octavius. Their first meeting isn't exactly a success with Octavius' dismissal of Stark's 'God Number' theory, the minimum amount of moves that any problem can be solved in. Their next meeting goes even less smoothly, while Tony watches an interview he did talking up the future of the 'Resilient' brand he is attacked by Doc. Ock who threatens to detonate a nuclear bomb in the middle of the city if Stark doesn't meet him face to face. He issues a challange, let's find out who is smarter, seems the old Doc is still smarting from that meeting all those years ago at the technology symposium and now, in true psycho fashion, he thinks he has found a way to get his own back. He tells Stark that he's dying and unless he fixes him, like he managed to fix himself and regain his mind after what Osborn did to him, he will detonate the nuclear bombs and let the whole world know that it's Tony Stark's fault, that he could have prevented it all if he had just admitted he wasn't smart enough to fix Doc Ock. 

That's what it all boils down to, he sees the way to beat the man is to attack his ego, drag him down by forcing him to attempt the impossible. As insurance he had Electro and Sandman kidnap one of Stark's employees, Tim, and he will die if Doc Ock stops checking in. In his madness he thinks his ultimate victory over Tony Stark will be for him to say 'I can't fix you'. In a nice little exchange Stark lays out his opinion on the Doc, he's nothing but a sad rip off artist whose 'octobots' are sad copies of old Stark tech and the reason why he has never appeared on Starks radar since the symposium is simply because he isnt worth his time. Then in true Tony Stark fashion he gets to work proclaiming 'I'm going to fix you, you sad weird bastard'. Just when you thought things couldn't get more interesting, Pepper show's up an Tim's apartment separated from Electro and Sandman by nothing but a door. Could we see Rescue in a little smack down with 1/3 of the Sinister Six. I hope so.

Overall it's a nice start to the next arc, I'm a fan of Fractions writing the more and more I read him and the quality continues here. I like his take on Tony Stark a lot, he really makes you believe that Tony is changing but there is still that old arrogance bubbling away and the possibility that he could implode at any time is always there. When I first started reading this series I have to admit I wasn't a massive fan of Larroca's art style but as the series continued it grew on me and now I couldn't imagine the book without his unique brand of visuals. Invincible Iron Man is still one of the most quality titles to hit the stands month to month and with Marvel seemingly pushing a return of the Sinister Six pretty hard over multiple titles I am interested in seeing where the story will go from here.  

Writer - Matt Fraction
Artist - Salvador Larroca
Colors - Frank D'Armata
Letters - Joe Caramagna
Cover - Salvador Larroca
Publisher - Marvel Comics

Detective Comics #874 Review

Remember the back up story from the first 2 issues of Scott Snyder's smash hit 'Black Mirror' story that focused on the return of Commissioner Gordon's son James Gordon Jnr? Good, because that means you have been doing the sane thing and reading Scott Snyder's great run on Detective Comics. Anyway, when DC announced their 'Drawing the line at $2.99' initiative, as a caveat they decided to remove the back up stories from their books so we never got to see the conclusion of that story. Until now. Scott Snyder took what would have been the final chapter of the back up story and wove it into a larger story featuring Batman and Red Robin, that story is Detective Comics #874. The first half of the issue continues the meeting of Gordon and his son, it's a creepy, overtly dark encounter that finally gives us some first hand insight into the character of James Gordon Jnr. He doesn't seem to be a very nice person and freely admits to being a psychopath. Blithely making jokes about cutting off a waitresses head and stuffing it into the toilet, a nice touch here is how they show the slow trickle of water coming from the bathroom giving the impression that he could have indeed done just that. The undertone created in the first two parts of this story were that Jimmy Jr returning was not a good thing and that he couldn't be trusted, that perception is solidified here as he comes off as a little bit sinister with an air of the crazies. References to Dick not trusting him, the Peter Pan killer and the death of his sister Barbara's friend Bess further add to the overall picture that Snyder is trying to reveal to us bit by bit. Slowly filling in his back story and giving us the impression that his return is no going to be easy on the commish. Gordon opening the bathroom door to find that the water coming under the door is because the sinks have been filled with rolls of toilet paper and left running. Stupid practical joke or the seeds of a manipulative mind game by an admitted psychopath?

As we follow the water down the drain it takes us to the second part of the story and to a Batman still recovering from the effects of the toxin used on him last issue, teamed with Tim Drake AKA Red Robin. This segue into a seemingly unrelated story is not only done well from an art point of view with the water draining and flowing to the outlet pipe at the docks where Dick and Tim are but handled expertly by the first line of dialogue on the page "You're fooling yourself again". A reference not only to the current scene and Batman's refusal to admit the toxin is still in his system but to the previous scene and Gordon's willingness to sit and listen to his son. It's a damned effective little piece of storytelling. The second part of the story is a little more standard Batman fare but call's back to the original story in the form of one of the missing birds from the aviary. Tendrils of this story are already tying back to the return of James Gordon Jnr. The dynamic duo bust up the animal smuggling ring hampered a little by the effects of the toxin still in Batman's system. In the end though they are still no closer to finding out who or what is behind the whole thing.

Overall this issue was really good, Snyder's writing was on point and the way he wove both stories together to give a complete issue that didn't feel disjointed in anyway was awesome. I love his approach to the Jim Jnr angle, by not just hitting us with a deluge of information and instead dropping breadcrumbs for us to follow it really adds to the whole mystery and overall atmosphere of the story. Speaking of atmosphere Francavilla's art is about as atmospheric as it gets. The muted, limited color palette only adds a great brooding aspect to the whole show and his bold textures really work well. He deserves just as much credit for the beutiful transistion between stories, with his depiction of something as simple as water running it's course and findings it way out to sea, as Snyder does for his bridging dialogue. They really play well off each other and one just wouldn't work without the other. It's looks like the darker, seedier view of Gotham is going to continue in future issues and I for one can't wait. Even after just four issues I would recommend that any fan of, not only Batman, but mystery books in general should start to pick up Snyder's run on Detective Comics.

Writer - Scott Snyder

Artist - Francesco Francavilla

Colors - Francesco Francavilla

Letters - Jared K Fletcher

Cover - Francesco Francavilla

Publisher - DC Comics   

American Vampire #12 Review

For the past 12 months American Vampire has been one of the best books out there. Consistently scoring high with reviewers and gaining plaudits for creator/writer Scott Snyder and artist Rafael Albuquerque. All well deserved. Albuquerque has taken time off from the internal art for the past few issues, providing only the cover art, while they gear up for the next arc. The art this issue is provided by Danijel Zezelj and his style fits the overall feel of the book well, as have all of the artists chosen to fill in for Albuquerque. This issue is a nice little stand alone story featuring Skinner Sweet, the original American Vampire. He is attending the performance of a traveling show that happens to be about him and how he was captured by Jim Book. Sweet knows the guy in charge and takes exception with how his story is being portrayed. He provides his own version of the narrative alongside Colonel Seldom French as he introduces famous faces from the time of the frontier, Sweet's version is much more entertaining. Sweet has had his fill of the show when Frenchie announces one last relic from the past, famed prostitute and lover of Skinner Sweet, Kitty Banks. Until he hears she is the one responsible for turning him over to Jim Book.

Obviously this peaks Sweet's interest and pisses him off a teensy bit, enough to rip the head offa the actor playing him and fill the guns with real bullets. One little introduction and the maiming of Frenchie later and all hell breaks loose. Sweet leaves the little people to duke it out and goes to confront Kitty, in her drug induced haze she thinks he is a dream and freely admits to turning him in. Just as his is about to get his payback she tells him why, she did it for him, so he could go out in the blaze of glory he always wanted. Kitty just wasn't expecting Book to show up and take him out, she could see the end of the wild west that Sweet knew was coming and she wanted to save him from it. Sweet excepts her explanation and allows her to live, he even offers to turn her but thinking she is still dreaming she declines. He leaves as she walks back into her wagon which is about to be engulfed in flames. Sweet hops a plane to California where the American Vampire story started 12 issues ago. 

It's a nice move by Scott Snyder bringing the whole thing full circle for the 12th issue, I was afraid this issue would be more of a filler leading into the epic World War II arc that starts next month but it was much more than that. The story stands up well on it's own and it's cool to have that little piece of how Skinner Sweet ended up in LA meeting Pearl filled in. The dueling narratives of Seldom French and Sweet works really well, their differing accounts of how the players and the events played out are very entertaining. The art is great again this issue, whoever chose the artists to fill in while Albuquerque was away did a fantastic job and even with the break in artists the feel of the book is never fragmented at all. As good as the issue was I can't help but look past it to the next arc, whatever Snyder has planned for his American Vampires during WWII, I'm in. 

Writer - Scott Snyder
Artist - Danijel Zezelj
Colors - Dave McCaig
Letters - Steve Wands
Cover - Rafael Albuquerque
Publisher - Vertigo Comics

The Amazing Spider-Man #655 Review

I'll say this right up front ASM #655 is one of the best comic books I have ever read. Over the course of the years there have been plenty of remembrance issues, this isn't even the only one being released this week. So while the concept may not be original, writer Dan Slott and artist Marcos Martin have created what could possibly be the perfect eulogy issue. Following on from the death of Marla Jameson last issue the first 10 pages of the issue cover her funeral. Ten pages that smack the reader with emotional resonance, absent a single word of dialogue. Martin puts on a masterclass, the symbolism as Peter dresses for the funeral over his Spidey costume, the pain in his face as he realizes Spider-Man is to blame for Marla's death and image of him leaving the apartment while his discarded suit lays strewn across the bed is powerful stuff. What's also great is the stoic J Jonah Jameson, his expression never changes the only emotion he shows is when he holds his fathers hand for a beat. The reader is left to wonder what JJ's reaction will be once it all sinks in.

There is no lack of emotion from Pete, he can't even look at JJ and after the funeral is over and he falls asleep Dan Slott adds his tremendous writing to Martin's visuals. Pete's dreams are filled with images of the people he has been unable to save, including his Uncle Ben, Marla and Gwen Stacy. To see Ben's killer sitting down and enjoying breakfast like one of the family is jarring to say the least. In a great splash page visual from Martin, Pete runs into the people who have died over the years while he is chasing Gwen Stacy. The whole layout reminds me of the endless staircase scene from Labyrinth. After being confronted by perhaps his largest demon, his refusal to kill, Pete snaps. He relives the memory of Ben's killer passing him in the hallway only this time he handles it differently, he beats him to a bloody pulp. When he's done he looks down at the bloody, broken body of Uncle Ben expressing his disappointment with him for what he has resorted to. Then he is posed the ultimate question by Marla "what will you do now?". His answer? That he's done accepting things the way they are, no matter where he is from now on no one is going to die while he is around. Unfortunately for him you just can't save everybody, as the final page proves. 

It's a pretty special book that makes me think about changing how my rating system works, giving this book the highest rating I can is a gimme but it stands head and shoulders above some of the books that have also earned that ranking. It's just that good. Martin's art work is inspired, from the entire funeral scene, to the great dream sequences it's all exquisite. Slott is firing on all cylinders again, the vulnerable damaged side of Peter Parker is shown in all it's glory during the dream sequence. The struggle that he goes through to not let himself slip and become the murderer he could so easily be is shown with a quiet elegance. It's definitely a treat for me to have such a fantastic creative force as Dan Slott writing one of my favorite Marvel characters, I can't wait to see what he and the house of ideas come up with next. 

Writer - Dan Slott
Artist - Marcos Martin
Colors - Muntsa Vincente
Letters - Joe Caramagna
Publisher - Marvel Comics

Jennifer Blood #1 Review

Are you ready for a new book by legendary writer Garth Ennis? Thought so, the man who brought us the ultra violent epic that is Preacher is back with more blood soaked awesomeness. Jennifer Blood is the story of Jennifer, bored housewife by day and leather clad female 'Frank Castle' by night. The story is delivered in an interesting way, through the voice of Jennifer's diary. Who knew that Ennis was so in touch with his feminine side? It does actually work pretty well though, talking about the day to day boredom of housewife life as nonchalantly as she compares ammo types and the process of drugging her family with Valium so they won't wake up during her nightly activities. 

Jennifer has the perfect family, hardworking husband and two kids. She cooks dinner, does homework with the kids and does the housework. Once family time is over she absconds to her home made armory in the basement dons the black leather and the black wig an becomes Jennifer Blood. Our anti-heroine heads to the docks and scopes out a car theft ring shipping overseas, things get as ridiculously messy as you would expect from Ennis and she takes out the whole gang. All of this is still being told through the mechanism of the diary, it's kinda different but it works.. Ms. Blood takes everyone out in a haze of bullets and popping heads, before she leaves we get a small clue as to her motivations for the vigilante gig. When she gets home we get a look at just how emotionally disconnected and broken she is.

I really enjoyed this book, it's not Ennis' best work but it's a whole heap of fun and the unusual delivery turns his usual hyper violent story into something just that little bit different. Adriano Batista is perhaps the perfect visual compliment to Ennis that is to say he draws violence extremely well.  It's a decent start to what could become, with some fleshing out of the characters and the action kept at this high level, a must-have series.


Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Adriano Batista
Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letters: Rob Steen
Cover: Tim Bradstreet
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment

Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #5 Review

 

Warren Ellis' latest Astonishing X-Men mini series came to an end this week. It's been a fun ride that took the X-Men to Africa to investigate a potential new spate of mutant births. Turns out the babies were mutated by exposure to radiation, a particular radiation that the X-Men are familiar with, they first encountered it when aliens from a parallel universe invaded Earth. The source of the radiation is renegade mutant Jim Jaspers, he has the ability to jump between universes but it comes with a super sized dose of radiation to the surrounding area. The cherry on top? Jaspers is being hunted by The Fury - dimension traveling cyborgs - designed to kill superhumans...all of them.

The X-men are teamed up with Joseph N'Dingi to try and take the furies down while Emma attempts to calm Jasper and find a way to end the attack. Cyc and the gang are barely holding their own against The Fury but they manage to whittle them down to just one. One that Emma manages to perform some rather nice pyschic surgery on and sends him back through the Ghost Box to report that all is well and Jasper is injured and gone. She also put Jasper into a psychic coma. The X-Men plan on dealing with him later but N'Dingi has other ideas.

The story here is fun, Ellis' writing is excellent but you can't help but be struck by an intense feeling of deja vu if you are a fan of his earlier work. It's very similar in feel to the great Captain Britain story Jaspers Warpies. It's something that is easily overlooked though once you get into the story. The one thing that wasn't as easy for me to overlook is Kaare Andrews take on the X-Men. Yeah Storm looks badass back in her mohawk and Wolvie looks like he always does for the most part but the rest? Emma looks like an Asian munchkin whose psychic power resides in her mammary glands, Beast looks like one of those cats that have been dropped on their face from 12 story's and Cyclops is a cartoon version of James Marsden. As with all things in life there will be people who disagree with me and that's fine, this is just my opinion and my distaste for the artwork didn't hinder me from enjoying the book as a whole.

Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Kaare Andrews
Colors: Frank D'Armata
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics

The Amazing Spider-Man #654.1 Review

I have to admit I am torn here, if I am going to be all anal about it and insist on reviewing this as a Spider-Man book it scores pretty low. Why? Well Spider-Man isn't even in it for one thing and Pete only appears in one panel (not counting the final two pages of here's what's coming stuff). If I decide to look at it as just a comic book for entertainment purposes then it scores pretty high. Which is what I decided to do, why? 'cause I fucking love Venom! That's basically what this is, it's Venom #0.1 written by Dan Slott, firmly set in the time-line established in ASM #654.

It's Venom all the way this issue, we get to see Flash on his first official mission for Project Rebirth 2.0. It's a suave 007-esque affair that see's him go from infiltration to full on tux wearing ballroom dancing with his sultry target. The transition from symbiote uniform to tux by Humberto Ramos looks awesome, as do all the panels he get's to bust out old school Venom in. The rules of this new military ruled Venom are laid out for us, Flash can only wear the suit for 48 hours at a time and for a maximum of 20 missions. The integrity of the symbiote is tested on removal to make sure no bonding has occured. 

Leading on from that mission is Flash's second foray in the suit this time it's less 007 more Schwarzenegger as he is air dropped into a compound alone to retrieve and protect an asset. Unfortunately he is cut off from his handler and the terrorists manage to find a psychological trigger point for Flash, the loss of his legs. This gives the symbiote a chance to grasp control and we get a glimpse of the Venom of old as he tears through everyone. Flash manages to regain control in time to make the rendezvous and it's mission accomplished. When the symbiote is removed there is only 99% of it returned to containment...uh oh. 

Overall this is a good introduction to the Venom series, it's not without it's issues and for me it kind of pissed in the face of Marvel's .1 initiative. This is not a jumping on point for Amazing Spider-Man, yes the last 2 pages show a little of what is to come in ASM but it doesn't make up for a whole issue about another character. Despite how fucking cool some of what is coming looks. While Slott is a great writer and he has done amazing things with the book since taking over, I have to question the wisdom of having a new book introduced by a writer and artist team who are so stylistically different from the actual team starting the Venom series. That is something that can't be leveled at Slott though his writing is on point again and you really get a feel for what drives Flash now and his vulnerabilities. 

It will be very interesting to see how the series itself handles the 48 hour, 20 mission paradox. Especially seeing as it hasn't even started yet and they are already 2 missions down. It's already clear how easily the symbiote will be able to take control if Flash experiences any kind of psychological trauma and the glimpse we get of how the whole situation effects his private life certainly has some interesting possibilities. The fact that he instinctively attempts to stand up and go to comfort Betty could show just how much the two aspects of his life are clashing already. Good book with a decent by the numbers story and some great art but it will motivate more people to buy Venom #1 than ASM #655 and that really shouldn't have been the point should it?


Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Humberto Ramos, Carlos Cuevas
Colors: Edgar Delgado
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover: Paulo Siquiera
Publisher: Marvel

Azrael #17 Review

The less said about last months debacle the better in my eyes. The difference between this issue and the last is night and day, or in Azrael's case life and death. Azrael is back from the dead thanks to Ra's Al Ghul and the Lazarus pit, why we don't know yet and how Ra's fits in with the Order of Purity, well we really don't know that either. Again no real questions are answered but where this issue stands above last months is that the story here is actually pretty good so I can live with being in the dark some more.

Michael Lane has come back from the dead, he's different, more focused and now very suspicious of Father Day after learning the secret of the Order. He has been given a new mission, to find the Brother's of the Sword, a radical religious sect hiding somewhere in Afghanistan. The Brotherhood has acquired a new weapon, one they call 'Fireball'. Fireball is a young man who seems to have some pyrokinetic powers. The Brotherhood call him Malak al-malut, the angel of death who we all know is commonly named Azrael.

Much, much better this month. Writer David Hine touches on some intriguing possibilities for what the Lazarus pit has actually done to Lane. He fights with the knowledge of every wearer of the suit of sorrows. Has a dip in the pit finally broken the curse that has taken the sanity of every wearer the suit has had before? Hine is very smart in the way he scripted this issue, on the surface it seems Lane is back and ready to take up the mantle of Azrael once more but you can't help but think that there is something more sinister hiding beneath the surface. Cliff Richards art is better this time around, his use of detail, color and angles work particular well. I'm glad things are starting to look up again for one of the most unique books on my pull list. 

Writer: David Hine
Art: Cliff Richards
Colors: Tomeu Morey
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Cover: Guillem March
Publisher: DC Comics

Amazing Spider-Man #653 Review

Anyone who read my review of the last issue knows I was suitably impressed with it. Slott keeps the action rocketing, literally, along this week as 'Revenge of the Spider slayer' continues. Smythe is back and he is going after JJ using his army of insect themed soldiers, many of whom feel they have been wronged by JJ along the road. The first person on his hit list was Captain John Jameson, he sabotaged the new space shuttle John was flying and rigged it to blow. Last issued we ended with Spidey stuck on the side of the rocket facing down The Scorpion.

Things aren't looking good for our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, he has about five minutes to figure out a way into the shuttle, get past Scorpion and save the pilots. Problem is his web shooters aren't working and even he is having trouble sticking to the side of a freaking rocket. His attempt to call in the Avengers for help leads to a funny scene with Squirrel Girl but not much in the help department. Enter Doc Oc for the surprise assist, he's pissed that Smythe is interfering in his plans and has one of his wee bots free up some wiring to save the shuttle. Smythe is understandably po'd himself and sends his troops to attack both JJ's wife, who is with Aunt May and the bugle offices. The Avengers finally join the fight but hit a road block when they realize that the insect soldiers have a variant of Pete's spider sense. When he swings over to Horizon labs to whip up a quick spider sense jammer he is confronted by Max Modell who seems to have put pi and co-sin together (he's wicked smart 2+2 seemed beneath him) and figured something out about Pete and Spider-Man.

Damn, this book just keeps delivering the quality issue after issue. The intense action is cut exquisetly with Slott's amazing dialogue and his pacing is just perfect. Caselli's visuals are great again, extremely detailed and dynamic. He manages to capture he action so well you can almost feel the blows landing. If I had one problem with this issue it was the inclusion of Doc Oc, he kinda came out of nowhere and it didn't really fit in for me, not a huge deal really and I trust in Slott to flesh it out some more down the line. I would just rather have seen Spidey be the one saving the shuttle and not Doc Oc in what amounts to a little pissy fit at Smythe. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment and seeing Smythe finally get a little punishment. Just as a quick side note, the Fred Van Lente back up story concluded and it was a pretty solid outing used to set up the new Power Man and Iron Fist book launching next month.

Writer: Dan Slot
Art: Stefano Caselli
Colors: Edgar Delgado
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Invincible Iron Man #500.1 Review

The first word that came to my head when I finished reading this issue was 'wow'. This is the first of the .1 issues to release from Marvel and if this is the bar they have to live up to it's going to be hard going for some of them. Matt Fraction somehow manages to deliver the entire Iron Man saga in 22 pages, I got to the end and still didn't really know how he managed it. Using a combination of Larroca visual flair and expert story telling he does something I haven't seen before. 

The concept of the issue has Tony attending an AA meeting, and through this he tells his story. The script and dialogue used tells the story of a man whilst the panels and art tell the story of the Iron Man. It really is beautifully done. Obviously being amongst civilians he has to tell his story without revealing details, all the details of Iron Mans life are brought to life in the artwork. Like I said it's something I haven't seen before and I doubt I will see done this well again. I mean come on, he tells the entire Iron Man story without ever saying the name Iron Man that's fucking genius.

When I first heard about these .1 issues I have to admit I was skeptical, it seemed like more of a way to throw extra books out there to bring in more money. After reading this issue I am completely turned around. If any of the subsequent issues are half as good as this one we will be in for a treat and with issues to come from the likes of Slott, Brubaker, Aaron, Remender and more from Fraction things are looking good. 

Writer: Matt Fraction

Art/cover: Salvadore Larroca

Colors: Frank D'Armata

Letters: Joe Caramagna

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Uncanny X-Force #4 Review

What Rick Remender has done with Uncanny X-Force  in just four issues is remarkable. Not only has he assembled a cast of misfits that include both the mostly forgotten and the over-exposed but he went right for the jugular with his first arc having them face off against one of the biggest bad asses in the X-universe. He also crafted some of the most interesting horsemen of Apocalypse we have seen in years. What's great about his team here is that on paper they shouldn't work but he manages to make each one not only integral but works them together so well you would think they have been a team for years. 

This is the final issue of the opening arc 'The Apocalypse Solution' and see's the team closing in on their target. Other than each of them fighting there way to Apocalypse their isn't much that happens of note. Until they finally confront the enemy and find him in the body of a small child. Knowing what he can become Archangel want's nothing more than to destroy him but Psylocke has other plans. The shock ending is something that you just need to experience for yourself to feel the shock-wave it could have down the road. 

As much praise as Remender's writing, quite rightly, deserves an equal amount of accolades should be heaped on the art of Jerome Opena. His pages are exquisite, dynamic, detailed and near perfection. He uses some of the most unique vantage points to deliver panels you just don't see coming. The fact that the last three pages have such an emotional impact on the reader with only 3 lines of dialogue speaks volumes. Where the series will go from here I don't know, but I can't wait to find out.  

Written by: Rick Remender

Art by: Jerome Opena

Cover: Esad Ribic

Colors: Dean White

Letters: Cory Petit

Publisher: Marvel Comics

American Vampire #11 Review

American Vampire was the best new series from any publisher last year, period. The reason i originally picked this up may have been because it had Steven Kings name on the cover and a big fat number 1 but the reason I stuck around was because of Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque. They have crafted such a rich, dark and vibrant world to tell their story in that I honestly didn't even notice which issue Steven Kings name dropped off the cover. Lately the world of American Vampire  has gotten a little larger with the inclusion of new vampire species and the shift in focus from Skinner Sweet to Pearl and Henry.

This issue begins with Pearl showing some vamps just what an 'American' vampire is capable of, with Henry fighting by her side. We get some insight into her psyche and her fear that Henry will eventually see the monster she is and leave. The action here is interspersed with scenes of their old friend Hattie, fresh from her escape last issue, trying to track down Pearl and Henry for some payback. It's nice to see some more of the human side of the 'American' vampires from Pearl, yeah it's great to revel in the complete bastard that is Sweet but a little depth is appreciated. I also love the way Snyder handles the Hattie part of the story, ratcheting up the tension as she closes in only for us to find out her story is taking place in the recent past and she is still two steps behind her quarry.

Snyder's writing is as amazing as always, from the pacing and direction to the razor sharp dialogue, the man rarely has a misstep these days. The fact that he manages to bring out the emotional depth of Pearl a the same time she is literally tearing guys heads off is pretty damn impressive. Artwork duties are still being handled by Mateus Santoluco again with co-creator Albuquerque taking a break. Santoluco does a fine job stepping into big shoes, his pages have a raw almost grimy feel to them in places and it works beautifully with the tone of this issue.

Month to month American Vampire has risen to the top of my must read list, one of the greatest things about the book right now are the endless possibilities. With such a sandbox as big as twentieth century history to play with I am sure Snyder can so some amazing things. We already know we are going to be seeing a WWII arc in the coming months and I can't wait to see what else they can come up with for us.  

Written by: Scott Snyder
Art: Mateus Santoluco
Cover: Rafael Albuquerque
Colors: Dave McCaig
Letters: Steve Wands
Publisher: Vertigo

Age of X: Alpha Review

Just to be clear, anyone expecting the start of the next big event to hit the X universe could be slightly disappointed. Age of X: Alpha  is more of a lead in than a beginning. That's not to say that it doesn't have merit. It's a decent read it's just a little disjointed at times and the the various artists do nothing to help the feeling of being bounced around. 

The story here is about setting us up with some interesting takes on what has brought some of the characters to this point. We learn that the event that set everything in motion involved The Phoenix. Their are 4 stories related campfire style. The first is Scott Summers, now going by the name 'Basilisk', he was captured and forced to be the executioner of his fellow mutants by Arcade. Arcade cut off his eyelids and forced him to use his optic blasts to kill, he eventually escapes but not without taking out Arcade first. Cannonball and Husk, Sam and Page Guthrie, are up next. We learn that in the wake of The Phoenix event in Albany the authorities were not only moving against mutants but against their families, humans who didn't even carry the X-gene. We catch up with the Guthrie's as they attempt to hijack a transport that they think carries their family. Unfortunately their family has been killed and instead of allowing Husk to murder the cops Cannonball tells her they need to help the rest of the people, she agrees but not without vowing to never return to her flesh form until he weeps for their family.

Wolverine makes an appearance in the next story, told by Dr. Rao, he infiltrates a medical research facility where Dr. Rao has succeeded in creating a cure for the X-gene. Unfortunately her superiors plan to introduce the cure into water sources and not offer mutants a choice. Disagreeing with this she has been feeding information to the mutant resistance, which is what brought Wolverine to the lab. The only way for them to destroy the cure is to administer every dose of the cure to Logan so his healing factor can metabolize the serum and burn it up. The cure has the desired effect and cures Logan of the X-gene, this story ends with Logan dieing of adamantium poisoning and Dr. Rao trying to save him. It seems she succeeded but questions whether she saved him or destroyed him. Interestingly we don't actually get to see Wolverine himself in the present. The final story is Magneto's and we find out he is the general and leader of the resistance, he was thought to be dead but showed up in NYC and declares his intent to continue fighting. He then uses his powers to 'fly' numerous buildings, all presumably containing mutants, out of the city to construct what they call 'Fortress X'.

Overall it's not a bad book, writer Mike Carey is the only constant between the four stories and his writing is solid enough to hold it all together. I am not a fan of the ensemble art style, like I said earlier for me it creates a disjointed, jumbled feeling to the book. It does offer up some interesting possibilities going forward though, I think Scott Summers as the Wolverine-esque character could be cool. Of course we still don't know what is left of Wolverine himself at this point. The Cannonball and Husk story was the weakest link I feel, it seemed like they were using it to get the information across about just how bad the situation was, which is fine but the attempt at emotional impact with Husk's declaration fell flat for me. I honestly didn't much care that she would not go back to flesh, she is probably more useful made out of stone anyway. Age of X: Alpha  is definitely an appetite wetter and it delivers some great prospects for the future of the series, I still can't wait for the official first issue.  

Written by: Mike Carey
Art: Mirco Pierfedrici, Gabriel Hernandez Walta (Basilisk), Carlo Barberi (Cannonball and Husk), Paco Diaz (Wolverine) and Paul Davidson (Magneto)
Cover: Chris Bachalo and Tim Townsend
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Ultimate Spider-Man #152 Review

With Ultimate Spider-Man heading into possibly the biggest, and rumored to be final, story arc so far, you would have no idea from this issue. It's not a bad issue by any means but with all the fan-fare leading into 'The Death of Spider-Man' arc over the past few weeks it still kind of throws me off to pick up the latest issue and see no mention of it. I guess that's just a draw back of the Marvel hype machine at work. 

The issue focuses equally on Black Cat's recent past and Spidey's impending superhero training with just a splash of teen-ansgt thrown in by the return of Gwen Stacy to the Parker household. Apparently Ms. Hardy has been holding out on us, during her feud with the Kingpin she has been searching for an artifact called The Zodiac Key and so has Mysterio. The key was the ermm...key to Kingpin's power and now Mysterio wants a piece, this part of the story takes place a couple of weeks prior to the main storyline that see's Iron Man show up to be Pete's first superhero instructor, on his front lawn much to the dismay of Aunt May. We don't get to see any of his training yet in this issue, but we do get to see him and Gwen have a nice heart to heart about their relationship before he head's out to meet shell head. 

OK so I don't have any particular problems with the issue, Bendis' dialogue is as good as ever, there just doesn't seem to be anything substantial here at all. It's somewhat of a disappointment only because this has always been the best book in Bendis' impressive stable and it just all felt like filler before they can get into the meat of the 'Death of Spider-Man' story. Hopefully once that story starts up things will begin to pick up again.

Writter: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Sara Pichelli and David Lafuente
Cover: J. Scott Campbell and Justin Ponsor
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Letters: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics

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