No longer an Avenger, no longer employed(!), homeless(!) and at a crossroads in her life Jennifer She-Hulk Walters needs to find herself a new place iNo longer an Avenger, no longer employed(!), homeless(!) and at a crossroads in her life Jennifer She-Hulk Walters needs to find herself a new place in the universe. Whilst doing that she has helping and not-so helping hands from both other heroes and villains, and also has an ex-Avenger come to her for help. What's a woman to do? [image] Rowell, Luca Maresca and Rogê Antônio well and truly kick this out of the park with such a realistic and well thought out portrayal of aa lawyer-superhero... that was the previous problem with many writers of She-Hulk, they didn't really take on board that Walters is a full-trained lawyer! Sadly this series won't last, with little fighting, risqué costumes or even superhero costumes, this one won't work in the Marvel market. Maybe it's time for Marvel to create a new secondary line dedicate to readers who want more than the staple superhero fare? All in all, a superb rendition of a hard-to-do-right hero, by always-hits-it-out-of-the-park Rowell - 8 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
Al Ewing's Immortal Hulk even handles the event 'crossovers' better than the average series by putting them all in a standalone volume and not making Al Ewing's Immortal Hulk even handles the event 'crossovers' better than the average series by putting them all in a standalone volume and not making them critical for readers, yet making them worthwhile reads... mostly! You can skim the 'Best Defense' return of the Defender stories as there have limited Immortal Hulk relevance but the four other stories collected are very good. Incredible Hulk #0 incorporates (whilst fully reprinting!) two of Bruce Banner's integral origin stories Incredible Hulk (1962-1999) #312 and Incredible Hulk #-1 and pairing them up with new content that seamlessly and entertainingly makes them part of the mythos; and it works superbly well. [image] The Absolute Carnage and King in Black are world class crossovers with that truly grounded the Immortal Hulk in the wider Marvel universe, for a few a bit. The crème de la crème for me was the Immortal She-Hulk #1 that details Jen's immortal status and more intriguingly her bid to understand it by talking t the likes of Wolverine and Thor. An Al Ewing masterpiece which for me, is likely the best She-Hulk volume ever published. Another 8 out of 12, Immortal Four Star read, even for this filler volume! [image] 2024 read...more
The final two volumes of this immense super heroic/horror mash-up goes full superhero, full cosmic and full horror, and still works! Akin to JMS's AmThe final two volumes of this immense super heroic/horror mash-up goes full superhero, full cosmic and full horror, and still works! Akin to JMS's Amazing Spider-Man Al Ewing and Joe Bennet have given Hulk more depth, a darkest protagonist and tied-it all up with everything else that has happened to him before. Unbelievably astute and well drawn appearances by the Avengers and the Fantastic Four are just teasers for the main event where Hulk has to find answers to all behind the Green Door. [image] The beauty and the foresight of this series (and all the Marvel greats) is that it was so obviously built as a standalone take, that can be devoured and loved by future readers without having to cross-reference every ten pages. I don't mention artwork that often, but let's be clear, this is deemed a horror read because of the spectacular twisted horror themed artwork of Joe Bennett who very much may have changed the transformation from Banner to Hulk forever. Marvel at it's best. 9 out of 12, Four Stars. [image] 2024 read...more
Two more volumes read of this standout Marvel series, first in The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 7: Hulk is Hulk Hulk and his allies go all-out against ROXXON aTwo more volumes read of this standout Marvel series, first in The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 7: Hulk is Hulk Hulk and his allies go all-out against ROXXON and their deathly charismatic CEO, bring the series to almost conventional storytelling and hence the weakest volume so far for me worth Three Stars. I then read Immortal Hulk #0 and then Immortal Hulk: The Threshing Place #1 before returning to this book and the sense shattering Four Star volume The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 8: The Keeper of the Door which brings all the main ongoing plot points to a place where Bruce Banner and most of his allies are truly in jeopardy! This was a return to Immortal creativity and allowed me to give the overall book another 8 out of 12, Four Stars. [image] 2024 read...more
This best selling, superbly weighted piece of speculative-fiction/horror drama continues apace starting with The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 5: Breaker of WorThis best selling, superbly weighted piece of speculative-fiction/horror drama continues apace starting with The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 5: Breaker of Worlds in which the Hulk and allies go toe-to-toe with the anti-Hulk Fortean only too late to realise that Fortean is going all-in. This is then followed by ROXXON realising how Hulk's goals differ to theirs in The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 6: We Believe in Bruce Banner, with Bruce Banner's agenda publicised and being taken up by the young an disempowered. [image] A multiple points if pleasure read from the impact capitalism and environmental issues through to a' 'cosmic' overarching storyline and the story of the everyday reporter Jackie McGee and her struggle relating and not relating to Hulk who soured her childhood in one of his rampages. If you read one Marvel series from the 2010s... it has to be this one? Another 8 out of 12, firm Four Star read. There also the small matter of the Alex Cross painted covers: [image] 2024 read...more
This book collects The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 3: Hulk in Hell, which sees Hulk, due to the machinations of his primary adversaries (Shadow Base), end up This book collects The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 3: Hulk in Hell, which sees Hulk, due to the machinations of his primary adversaries (Shadow Base), end up in a Hulk Hell; this then followed by The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 4: Abomination in which Shadow Base send an Abomination after the Hulk, but not the Abomination you would expect! [image] The introduction of some of the Hulk's long standing supporting cast does nothing to water down this wonderful homage to EC comics / 70s' Hulk TV show horror series. This is top Marvel game! Al Ewing giving free reign has most definitely turned it up, and asides for some of the 'gore scenes' Bennett's art is also killing it. A mist-read for fans of horror and worldie Marvel reads! [image] 2024 read...more
He is white, a 'Nought' and as a result part of the underclass giving very little opportunity, resources or even time to have any kind of decent life;He is white, a 'Nought' and as a result part of the underclass giving very little opportunity, resources or even time to have any kind of decent life; but he has simple mission, it is to kill her! She is Black, a 'Cross' and not only part of the dominant peoples because of her skin colour, but also an elite because if her father's political position and ambition; she has a simple mission. To remember the man she loved and try and stand by his people, and their child! This sequel deals with the results of the end of Nouhts and Crosses, with two people in pain looking for a way to relieve it. A short story, but in a way a superior read to the previous book as we get inside the heads of people damaged essentially by societal injustice. [image] 2024 read...more
Every few years the Marvel Bullpen produces something special, their last example was the sublime Vision limited series which spawned the acclaimed TEvery few years the Marvel Bullpen produces something special, their last example was the sublime Vision limited series which spawned the acclaimed TV adaptation. Then out o f nowhere, and deservedly massively hyped from the publication of issue one onwards comes this, easily the best ever Hulk series? With nods to EC comics, the 1970s-80s TV show and most importantly of all the original Stan Lee - Jack Kirby (and Steve Dikto) run, Ewing and Bennet create a living masterpiece horror read. [image] Artfully and wonderfully recreated the story begins with Bruce Banner roaming the highways of non-urban Middle America putting things right where he can, whilst being trailed by a sole reporter who still believes the Hulk's out there. I read the Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1, The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 1: Or is He Both? and The Immortal Hulk, Vol. 2: The Green Door and I know for sure that I will have to read every single issue of this run, and that I am mightily looking forward to it. Recommend read for both Marvel and horror genre fans. An 8 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
Harry Bosch #1, Bosch Universe #1: ...and thus I begin on my mission to read a shed load of Harry Bosch universe books in 2024, starting with the firsHarry Bosch #1, Bosch Universe #1: ...and thus I begin on my mission to read a shed load of Harry Bosch universe books in 2024, starting with the first in the series. Harry Bosch one-time big-shot Hollywood movies bound super detective is a bit of do-it-my-way wildcard loner, and because of such we find him working for LAPD Homicide on the overnight shift, when he's sent to investigate an overdose case in an underground tunnel. His real po-lice skills sees him determine that the OD could be a murder, but what really throws him, is that he knew the victim personally!! An interesting opening book, with a pretty interesting character in Harry Bosh and a not so interesting case with too many coincidences, but there is good plotting. A 6 out of 12, Three Star read for me :) [image] 2024 read...more
In a volume that Marvel and the creators obviously want to be a bog story for the sub0franchise the 'Marvels' (Carol, Kamala, Noh-Varr, Spider-Woman, In a volume that Marvel and the creators obviously want to be a bog story for the sub0franchise the 'Marvels' (Carol, Kamala, Noh-Varr, Spider-Woman, Spectrum etc...) have to come together when they are all targeted by a common dangerous protagonist! There's also the long awaited return of Binary, but not in anyway like you could imagine! Some good ideas, but it feels rushed to cover the requisite 6 comic book issues. A 7 out of 12 strong Three Star read. I'm not sure if the core idea of 'The Marvels' came from this volume or from the MCU first? [image] 2024 read...more
An acidly darkly comedic tale of Mumbai, where 'progress' and 'modernisation' steamrolls over the 'present and past' without batting an eyelid. ProperAn acidly darkly comedic tale of Mumbai, where 'progress' and 'modernisation' steamrolls over the 'present and past' without batting an eyelid. Property developer and tycoon Dharmen Shah wants to expand his Mumbai land and property portfolio, and do that he needs to buy out all the mostly owner-resident Vishram apartments. A job much easier said than done! [image] As more and more occupants succumb to the promised riches from Shah, he reminds them that he will only pay them off, if all the occupiers sign-up. To what lengths will the developers, authorities and other residents themselves go to to get the straggles to sign-up? A darkly comedic tale that obviously is social commentary on the impact of unbridled capitalism in the modernisation of places such as Mumbai, and its impact on society as whole. 6 out of 21, Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
From the pages of Aaron's season seven Avengers run, the now Phoenix enable Mya Lopez in her new incarnation draws bad intent from one of the X-Men's From the pages of Aaron's season seven Avengers run, the now Phoenix enable Mya Lopez in her new incarnation draws bad intent from one of the X-Men's classic foes from the past! The whole Phoenix as part of the 2020's Avengers mythos really doesn't work for me, and this book goes on to concrete my belief. Despite a cool adversary and a guest mutant, this just further diminishes the great Phoenix lore in my opinion. A 5 out of 12 Two Star read for me. [image] 2023 read...more
'Killer App' is yet another Marvel volume trying to build a though provoking story around the use of apps and social media, and although I went in wit'Killer App' is yet another Marvel volume trying to build a though provoking story around the use of apps and social media, and although I went in with a negative expectations, I was pleasantly surprised and feel that this could really work with it's younger teenage readership; and that's the rub it's all a bit formulaic and predictable for young adults and above. Overall though I feel this series never reached anywhere close to its potential; in addition it kind of overexposed Kamala Kahn and Miles Morales. But I should mention the writing and the writer, Danny Lore, with this, at the time his longest book for Marvel, he showed a great deal of talent, a name to watch out for. Still just a 5.5 out of 12, strong Two Star read for me. The series remains cancelled since this volume. [image] 2023 read...more
Having a title previously used for a Hulk-event was an overt pointer to the lack of creativity to expect in this volume. Brief history at heart DC ComHaving a title previously used for a Hulk-event was an overt pointer to the lack of creativity to expect in this volume. Brief history at heart DC Comics books focus on costumed heroes and only lightly, if at all, on their civilian identity; Marvel historically features the person behind the costume; and this reads like Aaron didn't get the memo. Far too much going on, far too quickly culminating the 750th comic book issue which is 80 page long and tells over 25 closely linked but distinct stories. Was there any goo in this? NO. Far too much happening in very short times. World War Hulk was decades, World War She-Hulk feels like it emerged out of nowhere and went full throttle! 4 out of 12, as this continues to be the worse Avengers run.. in decades! Two Star read... and that's being generous. [image] 2023 read...more
It's 2021 and Marvel still has almost an entire comic book issue based on Carol's friend's trying to cheer her up out of her malaise after splitting uIt's 2021 and Marvel still has almost an entire comic book issue based on Carol's friend's trying to cheer her up out of her malaise after splitting up with her boyfriend!!! The next three comic book issues that make up the rest of this volume are not much better as Carol seeks to thwart Ove now he has arrived in the current timeline by seeking a solution to her weaknesses against magic. It's quite telling that the best story by a long way is a 10-pager featuring Kamala Kahn! 5 out of 12 Three Stars that genuinely has me asking why I bother with this series? [image] The only really bright star of this volume is the work of Italian artist Jacopo Camagni, which is very good especially as he tones down sexualisation of the female heroes despite them mostly being clad in body-tight costumes. [image] 2023 read...more
What began with the pretty interesting Civil War: Front Line and seemingly peaked in Secret Invasion: Front Line feels just a page-filler by this SiegWhat began with the pretty interesting Civil War: Front Line and seemingly peaked in Secret Invasion: Front Line feels just a page-filler by this Siege version as we follow Front Line reporter Bill Ulrich's journey as he slips in amongst the embedded press following the Siege of Asgard. [image] It's well written and interesting from the reporter's perspective, but that's it. it's mostly a personal journey, which I only 'get' because I'd read the previous Front Line books. In regards to Siege, it does tell more of the mostly ignored story of Volstagg, An OK 6 out 12, Three Star read. One neat thing is that this also takes blatant digs at FOX News style reporting! [image] 2023 read...more
So as the battle between Dark Reign's forces and the returned Captain America and Thor's forces battle over the siege of Asgard, this book looks at peSo as the battle between Dark Reign's forces and the returned Captain America and Thor's forces battle over the siege of Asgard, this book looks at personal stories undertaken during this climatic event. What can I say, to be honest if you're looking to follow Siege you might as well just read the the Siege: Loki #1 one-shot and if you're following the New Avengers (like I was, on reading this in 2023), you can swerve this entire volume! [image] The only really worthwhile read is Siege: Secret Warriors #1 in which the repercussions of Ares' fate on the battlefield impact on Phobos; and in a seminal Marvel moment Nick Fury and Cap America touch base during the great battle. A 6 out of 12, so-so Three Star read overall. [image] 2023 read...more
Marvel's Dark Reign, the ongoing post Secret Invasion reality didn't really have any event-specific books as it impacted multiple core series; the cloMarvel's Dark Reign, the ongoing post Secret Invasion reality didn't really have any event-specific books as it impacted multiple core series; the closest it came was probably these one-shot books centred around Norman Osborn fix-it/must-do list. The List is based along the lines of what to do with core 'problems' like the New Avengers, the Amazing Spider-Man, X-men etc.! [image] As ever the best book is by Brian Michael Bendis' Dark Reign: The List - Avengers #1, in which one of the team has had enough with the topsy turvy world and decides it's time to take-out Osborn! Most other books centre around Osborn vs the listee in a battle of wills and calculated actions. Sadly the weakest books is the Dark Reign: The List - Wolverine #1, I've always struggle with Jason Aaron's Marvel work :(. Still a recommended read for snippets of the Dark Reign. Three Stars , 7 out of 12. [image] 2023 read...more
In the first half of this volume in The New Avengers, Vol. 12: Powerloss which could be subtitled New Avengers: Dark Reign sees Osborn's sanctioned ThIn the first half of this volume in The New Avengers, Vol. 12: Powerloss which could be subtitled New Avengers: Dark Reign sees Osborn's sanctioned The Hood and his amassed group of villains find a way to make the embattled New Avengers powerless bar Mockingbird, and thus follows another masterclass in Bendis storytelling! Cool Bendis, just read it! 8.5 out of 12, very firm Four Stars. [image] In the second half of this volume I followed the team into Siege, in Siege: New Avengers in which the series focuses mainly on the New Avengers interactions with The Hood and his team of Osborn enabled villains. With Bendis writing Siege, I get it, but it does disservice to the New Avengers run, still an above average volume compared to he rest of Marvel, an 8 out of 12 Four Stars. [image] 2023 read...more
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