What did you get this week? 8/21

[Mattashell]

Hi, I know there have been some arguements about who gets to post this thread, but one should have been up by now.

I got:

Birds of Prey #46 (sketched by Delaney this week)
Captain America #4
Daredevil #36
Green Arrow #3 (back issue)
The Incredible Hulk #44
Peter Parker #47
Robin #105 (also sketched by Delaney this week)
Spider-Man and the Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do #2
Spider-Man: Blue #4
Superman: Our Worlds at War Book Two (TPB)
Uncanny X-Men #411

The comic book guy also threw in something called The Sect as a freebe. I think it's #1, the cover was torn off, which means he got his money back from the publisher.

[Sugar Daddy]

I plan on getting Batman: Gotham Knights, and possibly this month's Detective(I need to go to the comic book store that actually carries back issues :D).

[peterparker05]

I got JLA #68, Batman: Gotham Adventures #52, The Flash #188, and Batman #605. I'll comment on the books later, but overall I enjoyed each one.

[Jor-El]

JSA #39 — I'm sorry, but there is absolutely no redeeming factor about this issue, other than the brief cameo by Star Spangled Kid. This was easily my least favorite issue, (story, art, and character-wise,) EVER TOLD by Johns and Goyer. Absolutely forgettable, and the sooner I forget it, the better. If it did not have the title "JSA" on the front cover, I'd give this book a solid F and I've given Winick's writing higher marks. D-

Spider-Man Blue #4 — I'm not a fan of Spider-Man. Not by any means. I enjoyed the movie IMMENSELY but that does not make me a fan of the character, any of the supporting characters, or much of anything about the Spider-mythos. (Yes, I am that one guy.) But Spider-Man Blue #4 almost made me like everything about the Spider-mythos. I loved this book. It's gotten a lot better since the previous 3 issues, when I was buying the book strictly based on the principle that Loeb and Sale were working on it. Now I'm enjoying the story and everything. Awesome, awesome work. I can't wait until Loeb and Sale put out "Hulk Gray." A

I also read Thundercats #1. I'll be back later to review it.

[kid_flash]

Yeah, s'cool. The thread's official post time is 4:30 PM PST. After that, anyone can post it (this isn't an enforced rule, but have some courtesy).

My spoiler-free thoughts...

DAREDEVIL #36 - Okay, so I knew the ending because of PREVIEWS and all those Bendis interviews. It was still as effective. The whole freakin' issue kicked major butt. I LOVE THIS SERIES!

CAPTAIN AMERICA #4 - Still excellent work. The makings of a classic here.

INCREDIBLE HULK #44 - For some reason, I just never liked Immonen's work. Can't explain why, there was just always something....off about it. Heckuva good story though.

GOTHAM KNIGHTS #32 - Grayson and Robinson will be missed dearly. Devin delivered an excellent follow-up to FUGITIVE. I really like the direction the Bat-books took.

JSA #39 - Power Girl does nothing for me. Loved the ending, but the rest of the book wasn't worth it.

ELEKTRA: GLIMPSE & ECHO #2 - BEAUTIFUL art. The story's a little shaky, but even if it was complete crap I'd buy it for the art alone.

PETER PARKER #47 - Brilliance. Pure and utter brilliance. This entire story was, really. But this issue especially. Wow.

THE THING: FREAKSHOW #3 - Yay! More fun!

ULTIMATE X-MEN #21 - I love this freakin' book. I just love it.

[Marc]

Here are a few brief reviews of what I’ve read out of this week’s batch. I'll try to keep things spoiler free. :)

- Superman: Man of Steel #129
Chuck Austen is guest writer this issue entitled “You Can’t Be Everywhere At Once”, and we’ve got another guest artist in Pascal Alixe. Alixe’s art is interesting, very reminicient of Olivier Coipel’s work in Legion, but I don’t like his Superman. He looks old one page and young the next, but the story is what’s important here. I had to read this issue twice for it to click. It’s powerful stuff, and a very moving story, much like the past few issues of Action Comics. Superman wrestles with the dilemma that he has continually dealt with over the years, that he can’t save everyone.
I keep telling myself that I’m going to cut back on the Super-titles, but every once in a while a story like this comes along and reminds me why I read comics.

- JSA #39
I partially agree with Barry Allen, this is not one of the better JSA issues. I thought the art was great though, very reminiscent of ChrisCross’ work in Marvel's Captain Marvel. It’s good to see a background hero like Power Girl get some screen time, and one poor issue does not hurt this book’s track record for me. It’s still one of the best reads out there. ‘Nuff said.

- Incredible Hulk #44
Another great issue by Bruce Jones and his revolving art team. This time the great Stuart Immonen handles the pencils, and does an awesome job as always. Although the inks are quite heavy and dark on some pages, it’s just because of the mood and the subject matter.
I love the way this book is heading. Each issue we get closer to solving the mysteries, but new questions keep popping up. We learn a little more here about the shadowy organization that’s pursuing the Hulk, but still no more details as to the identity of Banner’s email-ally, the mysterious Mr. Blue.
The monster is back and so is the suspense, this book is just a great read. Although I don’t like the new logo. And will we ever see the Devil Hulk that Paul Jenkins hinted at?

- Spider-Man/Black Cat #2
Why did I pick up this book? Two words: Terry Dodson. His art is outstanding and his women are out of this world. Sure they’re unrealistic, but I haven’t had this special feeling since Jim Lee drew Psylocke ten years ago in the pages of X-Men.
Kevin Smith’s writing is……well…if you can’t say anything nice...
Again he goes on with the secret identities, just like in Green Arrow. Spider-Man and Black Cat on the rooftops referring to each other as “Peter Parker” and “Felicia” where anybody could overhear?! It drives me crazy! These characters would never talk that way.
With each successive comic book I read by Smith, I’m more and more convinced that his Daredevil was a fluke. DD felt like Smith was having fun writing it, but Green Arrow didn’t and neither does this. I’m certain Smith has some talent somewhere within him to tell a great story, because I know deep down that he genuinely cares about these characters. I’m just not seeing it here. Dodson’s art will bring me back until this story concludes.
Keep an eye out for a cameo by a couple Daily Planet employees in this issue.
- Daredevil #36
This issue isn’t as sharp as the last several months, but it’s still great stuff. I can’t explain why I enjoy this book so much, considering that I’ve dreaded every comic book that I’ve read by Brian Michael Bendis before he took over DD: (Ultimate Spider-Man and Powers are a waste of good paper in my opinion.)
#36 seemed very wordy as opposed to previous issues, but I’m pleased that Matt Murdock didn’t react to his current situation in the way I thought he would. Bendis is keeping me guessing, so maybe that’s the attraction.

- Peter Parker: Spider-Man #47
I hope Jenkins never stops writing Spider-Man. Every month since he took over Peter Parker he’s left me impressed.
I’m a huge fan of Humberto Ramos’ work, but when I first heard he was going to be the artist I wasn’t excited. I just didn’t think his style would work well with Spidey, but I’m happy to have been proven wrong. I also wasn’t excited about Norman Osborn’s return, but Jenkins and Ramos have crafted an incredibly menacing villain here. I think Osborn is more frightening without the mask!
Jenkins and Mark Buckingham created some truly touching stories over the last year or so, some of the best ones focusing on Peter and the loss of his Uncle Ben. Dig through the back issues for issues #20 (their 1st) #33 & #35. If those stories don’t move you, you’re not human.
I’ll say it again, Marvel has a good thing going with Paul Jenkins writing Spider-Man, and I hope that doesn’t change anytime soon.

Other books I got but haven’t read yet:
- Spider-Man: Blue #4
- Thundercats #1
- G.I. JOE #9
- Captain Marvel #35

[JTurner954]

Is it ok to post about getting older comics, or is this thread just for new comics??

[Cogliostro]

You can call back the FBI searching for me Im not missing I just had my computer fixed :p This week was GREAT! I was low on cash for back to school stuff :( but I managed to save $16 to get my comics :D I got the following:

P.P. Spiderman #47 - Now I know why Jenkins is getting his own title! This issue was something I have been waiting for since the arc began. This WHOLE arc was amazing. The fighting was great but I really thought it was dumb when Goblin and Parker sat down and was laughing together. They could have talked and fought at the same time :p The ending was great just great. Three words: BRING ON VENOM!!!

Spider-man: Blue #4 - This issue was wonderful could have had more Gwen but other then that it was great. I would love to have this as a monthly comic at a lower price, like that would happen :p Highly Recommended.

Ultimate X-men #21 - This issue was good not as good as #20 but good. A new character was introduced Kitty Pryde, I didn't really like the freckles on her but her character was great just like a young teenager should be. I dont see why they advertised the issue as "Whats up with Wolverine" when it had very little to do with Wolverine. And the Phoinex (I know I spelled that wrong :p) is coming as you can tell at the end of the issue but the Phoinex looked more like a Dragon then a Fire Bird.

Thing: Freakshow #3 - This just keeps getting better this is the second Marvel Icons mini-series I picked up and am loving it. I really enjoyed the interaction between the "Freak" that Ben picked on in the first issue as a kid and the Thing. I hope we get to see them fight together.

Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do #2 - This issue saved this mini-series for me. The first issue wasn't all that great and Spidey looked really dull. Spidey looked ALOT better in this issue hopefully it just wasn't becasue it was at night. I loved the interaction between Cat and Spidey it was great. Give me more :D

Next Week: Agent X #2 - Cant wait to see X take on Punisher hopefully this issue is better then the first. Amazing Spiderman #44 - More Spidey goodness Nuff Said! Wolverine #180 with that great cover who wouldn't be excited. Till then...

[Clayface]

I got:

Batman: Gotham Knights #32 - A somewhat disappointing issue for me. Most everything that happens in this issue we've seen done a hundered times before in various incarnations of Batman. And the back-up story was not at all interesting to me.

Captain America #2-4 - I read issues 1-3 online at Marvel's site, and really enjoyed them. I managed to find #2 and 3, and this week's new issue #4. Very interesting read.

G. I. Joe #9 - Man, its great to see StormShadow and Snake Eyes battle it out in the comics again! And what a great fight! I'm loving this title!

G.I. Joe TPB Volume #3 - Haven't read this yet - I haven't even read the second volume, so tis going to be a while before I get to this one.

Incredible Hulk #44 - Another very interesting issue. I'm really enjoying Jones' run on this title, and he may be making a Hulk fan out of me! I also enjoyed the pencils in this one, though the inking did seem a little heavy-handed.

Lucifer #29 - I say this everytime a new issue of this title comes out, but I'll say it again: this is a great series! If you were a fan of Sandman, you've got absolutely no excuse for not reading this title - its woven with just as much complexity, and just as many interesting characters and situations. And the final page was a great twist in Mazikeen's story!

Peter Parker: Spider-Man #47 - Hmmm, I still cna't make up my mind about what I think when it comes to this title. THe writing is...ok. But the art drives me nuts - can't stand Ramos' style. Not sure if I'm going to bother picking up the next issue or not.

Spider-Man and the Black Cat #2 - I'm generally a big fan of Smith's writing, but this series just isn't doing it for me. Especially after reading such great issues of ASM by JMS. Something about the way he writes Spider-Man just doesn't sit well with me. I hope his run on Amazing is going to be better than this.

Spider-Man: Blue #4 - I guess I've had the same reaction to this as I did the previous issues in this series: it's pretty good writing, but just doesn't draw me in like the previous Sale/Loeb collaborations. It just seems to be retelling a story I already knew (not even being a fan of Spicey in the past), and so far hasn't had the emotional punch of Daredevil: Yellow or the intrigue of Dark Victory or Long Halloween.

Thundercats #1 - Wow. I am sooooo loving this 80's revival! The art was fantastic in this issue, and the story was great - I love seeing all my old childhood heros back in action!

Uncanny X-Man #410 & 411 - It's been quite a while since I've given any of the X-books a try. Since #410 was the first issue of a 3 part story, I figured this would be a good place to try it out again. Overall, not too bad. I'll probably pick up the 3rd part of the story to see if I like it and want to continue buying the title.

[Mattashell]

Originally posted by Mattashell
Hi, I know there have been some arguements about who gets to post this thread, but one should have been up by now.

I got:

Birds of Prey #46 (sketched by Delaney this week)
Captain America #4
Daredevil #36
Green Arrow #3 (back issue)
The Incredible Hulk #44
Peter Parker #47
Robin #105 (also sketched by Delaney this week)
Spider-Man and the Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do #2
Spider-Man: Blue #4
Superman: Our Worlds at War Book Two (TPB)
Uncanny X-Men #411

The comic book guy also threw in something called The Sect as a freebe. I think it's #1, the cover was torn off, which means he got his money back from the publisher.

Birds of Prey #46 A mission to a secret island, lost in time, with prehistoric fauna. You know, this is not a new concept to comics, but in this day in age the idea seems a bit campy. Anyway Wonder Woman is doing the same thing right now, and I don't see why this should be going on in two different books in the same continuity at the same time, it could at least have been the same island. Two islands is a bit, well, redundant. (Okay I know the Wonder Woman arc is not exactly on an "island", more of another dimension, but you get the point.) I'm not interested in this, and I wasn't interested in the Power Girl story prior to this arc. When I got back into comics early this year, I followed Bruce Wayne Murderer/Fugitive and that gave me a good sampling of all the Bat-related titles. I can't afford to keep buying them all and this was one of the three I opted to keep. I really enjoyed this book at the time, more then the others. If it continues its rapid decline, it's going to my "drop" file.

Captain America #4 The first issue was quite moving, but since then this comic has been too vague in the writing department for my tastes. This issue was a bit better, but I really wanted to like this book, and it is just not cutting it. I probably won't drop it untill I see where this story is going. (They are really taking their time with it.) I don't care to see Cap fighting fictional terrorists in fictional situations with fictional weaponry. I want him doing what he did for us in World War II, fighting America's real enemies, Al Qaeda. It's what I felt like this series was promising us. I want to see him break Bin Ladden's jaw, just like he did to Hittler. Things the way they are, I'm not in the mood for sci-fi nonsense.

Daredevil #36 A rather uneventful issue. I suppose you could call it filler, but even the filler is top notch on this series.

Green Arrow #3 This was an okay back issue in the Quiver storyline.

The Incredible Hulk #44 YES! YES! YES! Hulk was a gem this week! The current Hulk series as I said in my top ten thread, shows influence from television shows such as X-Files, The Twilight Zone, Twin Peaks and The Prisoner, and the Prisoner influence was shining brightly in this month's issue. There's a great little surprise ending, and the survailence method used by the baddies gives new meaning to "keeping an eye on someone." I love the '70s/'80s Hulk, but I love the new version just as much.

Peter Parker #47 I'm with Clayface on this one. I actually like the psychedelic style of this artist, I just find it terribly inapropriate for the comic book format, especially one of serious tone. I think the Green Goblin's return sold a lot of comics, drove up the value of #44 and provided a character that newbes would recognize from the movie. Well, I don't think any thought went into it. Lazy writing, and unsuitable artwork kill this. (BTW, I thought the lead in to this story in Tangled Web was great.) Another title in danger of being dropped.

Robin #105 I find this series to be absolutely charming. This month's issue was on par with the series. Not an outstanding issue, still verry good. The cover was a lie though. Robin doesn't turn wicked or travel to a "Looking Glass" world. Oh, I see, it's showing how the schitzo sees him. Well, never mind.

Spider-Man and the Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do #2 This issue outshines the first, which didn't do much for me. Some of the dialogue is "questionable" but it doesn't bother me too much. I'm more interested in finding out where the story is going. Scorpion is a woman now. When did this happen? Spider-Man obviously isn't waiting around for MJ anymore. You know she's gonna see that kiss on TV.

Spider-Man: Blue #4 Well, I still don't understand the point of telling this story again, but with this issue, I'm beginning to see the picture. It is a bit soapy though, don't you think?

[kid_flash]

Originally posted by Cogliostro
The fighting was great but I really thought it was dumb when Goblin and Parker sat down and was laughing together. They could have talked and fought at the same time :p The ending was great just great.



I actually thought that was the best part. I love moments like that in comics. LOVE THEM. Check out KILLING JOKE if you dug it as much as me.

[Joe Wagner]

I agree

the part where PP and GG begin to laugh after they fought was perfect - esp when the titles have focused on how much Norman considers Peter as a "son" - constantly pushing him to take on the role of the Green Goblin. For some reason I could see them having that conversation. And remember folks - Pete could have been facing Mr. Coffee.

Here's what I picked up:

Peter Parker #47 - I've been a fan of Jenkins writing for a while now and I think his Spider-Man is the best to be seen in many, many years. Ramos art work is slowing growing on me but his no Buckingham.

Superman: Man of Steel #129 - A story that once again shows even the Man of Tommorrow can't be everywhere. The story was very well done altho the artwork seemed to leave a little to be desired.

Ultimate X-Men #21 - Haven't gotten a chance to read it yet but it's consistently been one of the best titles on the market and I don't expect that to change.

ThunderCats #0 and #1 - the return of the 80's has almost come full circle as another of my childhood faves make a comeback - plus Ed McG is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists in the market today and his pencils in TC #1 are just simply awesome.

G.I. Joe #9 - Storm Shadow vs Snake-Eyes - it's the battle I've been waiting for since the series launched and I wasn't disappointed - altho hopefully next time will be a little bit of payback for Snake-Eyes.

I also picked up a couple of the Power Company One-Shots - mainly Striker Z and Manhunter.

-Joe!

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

The only book I bought this week was The Pro by Garth Ennis, Amanda Conner, and Jimmy Palmiotti. For those who don't know the plotline, a woman engaged in, um, the world's oldest profession is given super powers and joins a thinly disguised version of the Justice League. The superhero comic gets brutalized many, many times along the way. It's rude, crass, and often completely and utterly offensive. I kind of liked it :). It read sort of like The Authority except I find the Pro less morally repugnant and a lot funnier than the characters in The Authority.

I was actually wondering if it would even be kosher to post a talkback about it on the board, since I don't think you can really discuss it without digging into topics (and, specifically, activities) that are normally taboo on the board.

-- Ed/Ace

[kid_flash]

I've seen mature topics on the boards here before. I think you just put "Adult Content" in parenthesis next to it and it's fine.

[JTurner954]

Last week I got:

Robin #1 (The fancy cover): I originally bought it from Home Shopping Network signed by Chuck Dixon and a couple of others and lost it in 2000 with the housefire so getting this issue back (even though it's unsigned) brought back some pleasant memories : wipes a tear :

Batman #490: Since I read Knightfall, I figured I would read the stuff leading up to Knightfall.