The $40 Pull List – July 2008
If this is your first time reading the $40 Pull List, I invite you to see how it works by checking out some of the previous month’s editions (listed below). Those will give you a good idea of how the column works, and what you can expect month after month. If you are interested in the “rules” for the Pull-List, check out the very first column, the 01/07 edition. It isn’t too complicated, though, so just dive right in if you don’t feel like reading back issues! In addition, this column contains Spoilers, so if you are waiting for the trade, read at your own risk!
01/07 – 02/07 – 03/07 – 04/07 – 05/07 – 06/07 – 07/07 – 08/07 – 09/07 – 10/07 – 11/07 – 12/07
01/08 – 02/08 – 03/08 – 04/08 – 05/08 – 06/08
In a word – incredible. I can’t remember a month this good since the Pull List began. Every title was on time. Every issue was outstanding. Have we just reached perfection here, or was it a lucky month? Unfortunately, all good things must end – since every book was quality this month, and we have to cut one to make room for our new title this month: well, we have a tough decision on our hands. You all see the poll – more on that later!
Manhunter #31, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/04/08 ON TIME
Well, it is officially on time, but this issue is about a year late if you ask me. Better late than never I suppose.
The issue started off well – we had a nice 2-page recap of the entire series (for those of you who haven’t been reading from the beginning), and then it was right into the action. Andreyko started this off perfectly – a nice, single-issue threat to bring you in, then some seeds of an ongoing story to hold you over until the next issue. The Blue Beetle team-up seems natural, considering the subject matter … should be a decent arc.
The only thing that was really bothersome was the injection of politics. OK – it is natural that “immigration” is going to come up when thinking of the setting, but is it possible for a writer out there to discuss it without the clichéd “Racist white people harassing the hard working Mexican people” scene? Because really – the issue is way more complicated than that, and using that scene does little more than show a vast ignorance of the issue (meaning he has no real business talking about it). Wanting a secure border does not make one an ignorant racist – there are better ways to address a sensitive issue in a comic than resorting to baseless name-calling.
That problem aside, the issue picked right up where the series last left off. A great read, and definitely safe for a while.
Status: SAFE
Jonah Hex #32, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/04/08 ON TIME
Great issue, but terrible art! I have no idea what to say about it, other than Jordi Bernet has done way, way better. It seemed like he was going for a specific look, but whenever the action on the panel got too complicated, the whole layout fell apart. I don’t know if Bernet is to blame, or Rob Schwager, who was doing the colors – I know that sometimes bad ink work can ruin otherwise passable art. I really think it was a mix here – because everything seemed really muddied and scribbled, and perhaps a little restraint in the ink and color could have saved this art. It is worth mentioning, only because bad art has plagued this title for some time. The story is unbelievably good, so that usually will carry an issue, but this title could grow by leaps and bounds with a solid ongoing artist.
Like always – story makes up for quite a bit, and another great story makes another above average issue on its own merits.
Status: SAFE
Invincible Iron Man #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/04/08 ON TIME
Much like last month, this issue was surprisingly good. It shouldn’t be such a shock – issue #1 was far better than I could have possibly hoped it to be, but there was still part of me that expected it to have been a fluke. Not so.
Being the cynic I am, the first thing I always do when reading a comic book is to try and find something wrong with it. Really – here, nothing comes out. Fraction covers all the bases in the story – using characters familiar to new readers coming in from the movie, yet not talking down to the long time comic readers – tells a story that isn’t dependent upon the rest of the Marvel Universe for context, while at the same time embracing “history” and the Marvel Universe as a whole with his Iron Man/Thor interaction. Add to that some great art and a nice dose of serial storytelling (resolve last issue’s cliffhanger, develop characters, finish with a cliffhanger) makes this an all around great issue. I have a feeling this book will be on the list as long as Matt Fraction is at the helm.
Status: SAFE
House of Mystery #2, $2.99, DC/Vertigo. Due Out 06/04/08 ON TIME
You almost get the feeling reading this issue that part of the genesis of this title’s resurrection was Bill Willingham’s desire to write some new Fables all his own. Not that he doesn’t do a fantastic job – in fact, I can’t think of anyone more qualified to write those interludes, but there is a definite sense that he is trying to flex his muscles within the genre. It is well done thus far in any case – both have been extremely enjoyable with the right amount of fantasy to make it special.
This is the fourth issue this month on the list, and the fourth outstanding read. Hopefully this trend keeps up!
Status: SAFE
Nova #14, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/04/08 ON TIME
In some ways, this issue was almost a letdown. Oh, not that it wasn’t good – it really was. Nova at his best. The thing was – we saw his absolute best as he tangled with the Silver Surfer. Perhaps silly, but a lot of Nova fans kind of expected his power level to be a little above “desperately giving it your all just to hang with the Silver Surfer.” Still, not too shabby for a former New Warrior.
There isn’t really much more I can say about this issue outside what has been said already. Abnett & Lanning are doing an outstanding job with Nova – this issue was thrilling, wall-to-wall action. They are really establishing Richard Rider as the kind of hero who doesn’t say no to anything, no matter how impossible the task might seem. Nova hasn’t ever gotten this much respect. It is a welcome change!
Status: SAFE
The Twelve #6, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/11/08 ON TIME
Well, we finally find out a bit about Rockman. A little bit of a let-down to be honest… but JMS seems to be going more realistic with these characters, so I can’t say it was totally unexpected. He does still seem to be focusing more on the character development than the actual plot, which is usual for him. Also, like usual, it is to the detriment of the story. I am not sure we will come out of this series with a complete classic, but it could serve as a launchpad to bring these characters into the Marvel fold, for other writers to take them up without being hampered by their old-fashioned nature.
A decent issue – at least average, on the whole.
Status: SAFE
A Red Mass For Mars #1 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 06/11/08 ON TIME
In this issue, mankind was devastated by a global pandemic, a nuclear terrorist strike, technology running amok, turning against mankind, an ethnocentric superhuman bent on establishing English as a global language, and an alien invasion of a strength impossible to repel. I think I got it all… talk about your post-apocalyptic superhero story! I don’t know if I like it yet – but I will say I am curious to see what happens next. Going to have to keep this one around at least another month…
Status: SAFE
Green Lantern Corps #25, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/11/08 ON TIME
Action packed – as expected – and leading to an even more explosive battle as the wounded Green Lanterns have to fight Mongul and his mutated Black Mercies in the next issue. While the Hal Jordan Green Lantern book has taken a step back and seems to be slowly introducing a few concepts that will add some depth to Darkest Night, this book has kept the action level high, and is simply chronicling the emergence of the other Power Colors. Not a bad way to handle things. Still – it keeps this title an exciting read, which is certainly what it is on the list for. Next issue’s arc climax should be a good one.
Status: SAFE
Wonder Woman #21, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/11/08 ON TIME
Last issue seemed to be a bit of a hiccup – and while Wonder Woman still isn’t totally back on stride, it has definitely taken a big step back in the right direction. I just get the sense that Simone rushed into this story a bit too quickly- there is a lot going on around this story, and the modern-era stuff mixed with the Beowolf realm do clash a bit. But that is just the critic in me. The characterizations is where Simone has always excelled, and even last issue, which I thought was a bit underwhelming, she is really molding the clay of Diana’s character, something many people thought long dried. It is easy to forgive a little confusion when you realize that in this story, Simone is taking everything “safe” away from Wonder Woman – her goddess and family, her diplomacy, her truth (the lasso not working), and if her “mutation” continues, her beauty. There is no better way to make a character grow than to take them completely out of their element, and a monstrous, killer Wonder Woman without the light of truth behind her is definitely that.
So the story is average, but the build I have come to love from Simone is there. I have a feeling the epic story is yet to come – once Diana is in the place as a character that Simone wants her to be. Looking forward to the journey.
Status: SAFE
Fear Agent #21, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 04/30/08 RELEASED 06/11/08
Fear Agent #22, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 06/25/08 ON TIME
Impossible! OK, so #21 was another week late, but it came out – and #22 on time? An issue of Fear Agent actually on time? This is starting to get a little scary – never has a month gone this well since the beginning of the Pull List. Now I am truly scared… what is to come is going to have to be really, really bad to balance what a good month this has been so far…
Both issues were solid reads. #21 was the end of the Hatchet Job arc, and #22 the beginning of I Against I. If there is one thing I have come to realize about Fear Agent, its that Heath never, ever, ever catches a break. Well, beyond managing to somehow stay alive through all the crap that is tossed his way. Remender is almost cruel – he takes the hope of something good finally catching up with Heath and uses it to bludgeon him even more. Be it Mara, or Charlotte, or Eden, or simply somehow finding peace… it just never comes. That is part of what makes the title so enjoyable, but it is almost a relief to read some of these Tales of the Fear Agent back-up stories, because then at the very least Heath isn’t clinging on to his life by a thread. It is stressful to read sometimes!
Congratulations are in order for finally catching up- let’s hope that the rest of I Against I is equally prompt!
Status: SAFE
Avengers: The Initiative #14, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/25/08 ON TIME
What have I been saying since before Secret Invasion even started? 3D Man! Seriously, and Tony Stark is supposed to be some kind of prep god, and this didn’t even occur to him? Though, I very much like the situation they put him in… this has been the best installment of Secret Invasion I have read thus far, continuing Marvel’s tradition of saving the real quality for the event tie-ins, rather than the event itself. Shame Prodigy was only a one-time deal, but the issue was nonetheless good.
Status: SAFE
Ultimate Spider-Man #123, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/25/08 ON TIME
I kind of dug the twist on Forrest Gump there – it didn’t take too long to figure out that Venom was eating the people sitting on the bench next to him, but hey – the gag was a good one. Not much Spider-Man in this issue until close to the very end – but it merited giving most of the issue to Venom to re-establish him and give a little back story to those who missed earlier symbiote stories. I have a feeling this is going to be a very solid addition to the Pull List.
Status: SAFE
Teen Titans #60, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/25/08 ON TIME
A nice conclusion, though it is kind of a shame that Ravager has left. I wasn’t totally a fan of the Kid Devil/Ravager dynamic – well, as long as his crush remained unrequited it was ok, but that kind of thing never persists for long. Still – a solid arc for McKeever, and hopefully Ravager will be back once the Terror Titans mini runs its course. McKeever is helming that one as well, so the temptation is there to add that book to the list too. Sadly, considering what an amazing month this was, I doubt we are going to have the space.
Status: SAFE
LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES
Rex Libris #12, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 08/08
TITLES CARRYING OVER
Jonah Hex #33, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/02/08
The Twelve #7, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/06/08
Nova #15, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/09/08
Teen Titans #61, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/30/08
Green Lantern Corps #26, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/16/08
Wonder Woman #22, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/09/08
House of Mystery #3, $2.99, DC/Vertigo. Due Out 07/02/08
Invincible Iron Man #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/09/08
Fear Agent #23, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 07/30/08
Manhunter #32, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/02/08
Avengers: The Initiative #15, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/23/08
Ultimate Spider-Man #124, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/30/08
A Red Mass For Mars #2 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 07/09/08
NEW TITLES
Batgirl #1, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/16/08
This ongoing never should have ended in the first place – and restoring Batgirl to almost her pre One Year Later status quo is one of the best moves DC has made of late. Hopefully this series will, on its own merits, restore Batgirl to her former greatness.
JULY TOTAL: $39.38
Budget = $40.00 + $0.93 (Bank) = $40.93
$40.93 (Budget) – $39.38 (July issues) – $3.05 (tax) = [solor-red]$1.50 short for August[/color]
Well, as you can see, we are over our limit for the month, which means one title must go. And I can’t decide – so I need your help. You all see the poll at the top of this column – I ask you, which title should be cut? The Twelve, as you can see, is safe, since there isn’t an issue coming out this month. All the other titles are fail game.
The poll will close on midnight on Tuesday, and whichever title receives the most votes will get the axe. Choose wisely, please! And do feel free to let us know which title you selected, and why. The more votes I get, the easier the final cut will be.
Here is this month’s Pull-List to print out and bring with you to the store: Here you go! Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the file, as always. If you don’t have it, you can download the latest version for free at Adobe.com.
Post your comments in the Forum!
June 26, 2008
Off the Cuff: Tell me already Blizzard!
I can’t take it.
I just can’t take it anymore. I need to know what Blizzard is up to. Of course I only have to wait a few more days and it will all be over. But those few days seem like an eternity right now!
Blizzard has a tradition of building up suspense and speculation prior to a major announcement. Last year they did it with Star Craft 2.
But this year seems particularly rough. I have been looking forward to a new Diablo for a very long time. I thought I might get my fix with the much anticipated Hellgate: London. But since that game seems to be a flop, I am stuck playing Diablo 2 several times a week.
In the end if the game announced isn’t Diablo 3 I’ll be disappointed. But I also know that Blizzard only seems to make good games, so I trust that this trend will continue. As much as I want to see Diablo 3, I want to see it done the right way. Better for it to take another decade and be done well, then come out this weekend and be a disappointment.
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June 25, 2008
On The Shelf This Week – 06.25.08
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Order any of the below titles by clicking here!
AVENGERS FAIRY TALES #3 (OF 4), $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics
Written by C. B. Cebulski, Art by Takeshi Miyazawa and Craig Yeung, Cover by Claire Wedling
It really bears mentioning again – Claire Wendling does some awesome covers. Not quite a pin-up, very germane to the story, and simply gorgeous. I’d love to see her handle a Marvel Illustrated adaptation of some fantasy-genred story. It could be quite beautiful.
This issue puts Cassie Lang in the role of Alice as she journeys into Wonderland. That really says all you need to know. This is a fun series, and this has the makings of another good issue.
GREEN LANTERN #32, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Geoff Johns ; Art by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert
When it was first announced that Green Lantern would be taking a step back to reexamine the origin of Hal Jordan, one couldn’t help but be skeptical. The Green Lantern titles have been the absolute best DC had to offer, thanks to an exciting, original story, and an origin retelling was far from original. Added to that, they never seem to turn out that well. Thus far, this one has bucked that trend.
Of course, back when Hal Jordan was first introduced as the Green Lantern, “origins” were short – extremely short – a character would suddenly find himself a full-blown superhero within a couple pages. These days the stories are a little more mature, and this retelling reflects that. Johns deserves some praise here – while fleshing out Hal’s origin, he has managed to remain true to several decades of Green Lantern history, and has planted some seeds about Blackest Night that are sure to factor into the upcoming event. This retelling no longer seems like a dodgy idea.
While slower-paced than what we have become used to from the Green Lantern books, it is still a great read, planting a lot of seeds about what is to come.
JSA CLASSIFIED #39, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Mike W. Barr; Art by Shawn Martinbrough; Cover by Doug Mahnke
OK, for real this time – final issue.
It would be redundant to lament this title’s passing once again – I mean, it was a great book that pretty well launched Infinite Crisis, and helped to add some depth to the Justice Society for a new generation of readers, but it seems like the market just doesn’t exist for titles like this one any longer. Sad really – it wasn’t the best title month in and month out, but it was consistently good, and far better than the terrible “blockbuster” books that survive on hype and marketability alone. Not sure if it is at all possible to reverse this trend – no reason not to keep trying though. So for the final time, goodbye to JSA Classified. You will be missed.
RUNAWAYS #30, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics
Written by Joss Whedon, Art by Michael Ryan, Rick Ketcham, and Christina Strain
Another end of an era for the Runaways – and just about the start of a new one. Runaways seems to have bucked the trend of new Marvel “teams” that are popular for a short time, then fade away into memory. The departure of series creators Vaughan could have been the beginning of the end for this concept, but Marvel did the one thing that was sure to guarantee the survival of Runaways – putting someone with the name recognition of Joss Whedon on this book guaranteed it wouldn’t leave anytime soon. Now with Whedon’s short run at an end (really, the biggest problem this title has faced is the delays in recent months), and someone with the skill of Terry Moore taking over, you can bet this title’s strong run will continue.
Hopefully Moore will put an end to the slow shipping schedule this title has had – removing really the only drawback this title has these days.
SECRET INVASION RUNAWAYS YOUNG AVENGERS #1 (OF 3), $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics
Written by Christopher Yost, Art by Takeshi Miyazawa, Craig Yeung, and Christina Strain
Often times, when major summer crossover events happen, almost every title becomes involved in some way, even if it seems that the main character’s involvement is only distantly related to whatever the ongoing story is. In this case, though, there is a much more direct reason for this mini – both teams just happen to have a Skrull on their rosters, so this mini makes a lot of sense.
The Civil War crossover between the two teams was decent, though it was a little bit of a let-down overall. The topical nature of this event should help overcome the weaknesses that the last crossover had. A definite must have if you are closely following Secret Invasion.
SUPERMAN #677, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by James Robinson; Art by Renato Guedes and José Wilson Magalháes; Cover by Alex Ross; Variant Cover by Renato Guedes
After a one issue fill-in story, the new ongoing writer James Robinson comes aboard for his first story arc. Robinson doesn’t have a lot of credits to his name, but what few he has are outstanding (Starman being the most notable). Robinson will also be writing the upcoming Justice League title, which looks to focus on the backlash of the Martian Manhunter’s murder. Robinson has been on hiatus for a couple months, but it looks like he is being thrust right back into the heart of the DCU.
He has some giant shoes to fill – but based on his resume, Superman shouldn’t suffer much of a quality dip under the new regime.
TEEN TITANS #60, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Sean McKeever; Art by Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose; Cover by Barrows and Julio Ferreira
This issue is the final part of the Terror Titans arc. In many ways, it seems almost logical to say that this is the final part of McKeever’s first arc on the title, since it was only with this story that he really came into his own. A couple editorially-mandated stories did drag down McKeever’s initial start, but this arc has been running on all cylinders – from the team interactions, their individual personalities and struggles, the hint of humor and the antagonist himself – for too long, Teen Titans felt like the “mini Justice League” – McKeever has really restored a Titans tone to this title.
It is the last issue of an arc, one with will likely feature a lot of action, so it isn’t a bad choice for someone looking to jump aboard this book. Teen Titans has quite suddenly come into its own, and is looking like it is going to have a nice long, strong run.
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #123, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Growbadger, and Justin Ponsor
A new Ultimate Spider-Man arc is always worth mentioning. Of note is the fact that this arc incorporates elements from the Ultimate Spider-Man video game (which makes some sense, as Bendis co-wrote the script for that game and it has been mostly considered cannon since it was released) – which might help resolve some of the continuity problems the game itself had. Knowing the story from the game, it is safe to assume that this will be an action-packed arc, and a safe one to try out for the first time. If you aren’t reading this book yet (I can’t understand why you wouldn’t be), you should give it a shot – especially if the 3 times a month shipping schedule is putting you off Amazing Spider-man. This really is the best Spider-Man book on the market today, and a good buy if you want a consistent monthly dose of the Wall Crawler.
SPOTLIGHT PICK OF THE WEEK
MADAME XANADU #1, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics/Vertigo
Written by Matt Wagner; Art and cover by Amy Reeder Hadley; Variant cover by Wagner
Last month, Vertigo gave us the start of House of Mystery – this month it is giving us another title with a lot of promise, Madame Xanadu. Vertigo has always been a good place for DC Magicians to spread their wings a little bit, without the confines of continuity. It worked well for John Constantine- perhaps Madame Xanadu will experience similar success.
Of course, helming this new title is Matt Wagner – of Grendel fame, most recently working on Trinity. He has the chops for an arcane tale like this one – it is a far-cry from the tone we are seeing on Trinity, but it is closer to his usual genre. Well worth a look – this could be another long-running Vertigo hit. Also an excellent buy for fans of the late Shadowpact series – while she wasn’t a member of the team, she did cross paths with that team in Day of Vengeance and Countdown.
DARK HORSE
STAR WARS DARK TIMES #12 VECTOR PART 6 $2.99 Now: $2.59
DC COMICS
FINAL CRISIS #2 (OF 7) $3.99 Now: $3.49
GREEN LANTERN #32 $2.99 Now: $2.79
JSA CLASSIFIED #39 $2.99 Now: $2.79
MADAME XANADU #1 $2.99 Now: $2.69
PROGRAMME #12 (OF 12) $2.99 Now: $2.59
SECRET HISTORY THE AUTHORITY HAWKSMOOR #4 (OF 6) $2.99 Now: $2.59
SUPERMAN #677 $2.99 Now: $2.69
TEEN TITANS #60 $2.99 Now: $2.59
TRINITY #4 $2.99 Now: $2.79
DEVIL’S DUE
WORLDS OF DUNGEONS & DRAGONS #2 $5.50 Now: $4.99
IMAGE COMICS
PILOT SEASON ALIBI #1 $3.99 Now: $3.49
MARVEL COMICS
ANGEL REVELATIONS #2 (OF 5) $3.99 Now: $3.49
AVENGERS FAIRY TALES #3 (OF 4) $2.99 Now: $2.59
BLACK PANTHER #37 $2.99 Now: $2.69
DAREDEVIL #108 $2.99 Now: $2.69
HOUSE OF M TP AVENGERS $13.99 Now: $10.99
HULK #4 $2.99 Now: $2.69
MARVEL ATLAS TP $14.99 Now: $11.99
NEW WARRIORS #13 $2.99 Now: $2.59
RUNAWAYS #30 $2.99 Now: $2.69
SECRET INVASION RUNAWAYS YOUNG AVENGERS #1 (OF 3) $2.99 Now: $2.69
SHE-HULK #30 $2.99 Now: $2.59
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #123 $2.99 Now: $2.69
ULTIMATES 3 #4 (OF 5) $2.99 Now: $2.69
UNCANNY X-MEN #499 $2.99 Now: $2.69
WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #4 $2.99 Now: $2.69
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #26 $2.99 Now: $2.59
X-MEN FIRST CLASS VOL 2 #13 $2.99 Now: $2.69
X-MEN LEGACY #213 $2.99 Now: $2.69
YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS #6 (OF 6) $2.99 Now: $2.79
NOTE: Opinions here may not reflect those of X-World Comics LLC or its staff and are solely the opinions of the writer.
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June 12, 2008
Off the Cuff: Iron Man
I did it. Something I was convinced I would never do. I finally went and saw Iron Man.
After several years worth of columns saying how horrible I thought this movie would be, it turned out to be one of the best comic book films I’ve ever seen.
Apparently admitting you’re wrong isn’t quite as hard as I thought it would be.
Before I get to the stuff I liked, let me talk about the one thing I didn’t – the pacing. There was something about the movie that made me keep looking at my watch. What’s strange is I can’t pinpoint what. It’s not like the movie wasted a lot scenes like the Transformers movie. And it’s not like there wasn’t a lot of action to keep my attention. The only thing I can figure is that since I knew the origins of Iron Man, I just wanted to get to the giant suit of armor!
Outside of this one object though, I really enjoyed Iron Man.
I thought Robert Downey Jr carried the movie. Now lets be honest – that’s not a sentence I ever expected to type. He was truly the perfect cast as Tony Stark: impulsive, playboy, technological genius, and a bit obsessive compulsive. He really did a great job.
As most fans of Iron Man will tell you, one of the secret joys of the character is “the montage” of technology. There’s something that appeals to fans in that sequence. It’s the same thing that makes us want to go and upgrade our own computers. And the movie perfectly captures this.
Think about it, the A-team had an entire TV series built around the montage. As did MacGyver and The Pretender. The montage is such an important part of this “culture” that Team America and South Park even wrote a song about it.
So what’s not to like about a movie where you get at least three extended montage sequences?!
I probably won’t watch Iron Man in theaters again for a second time (who can afford that with $10 tickets?) But I will watch it again in the future. Iron Man is one of the classics, and I look forward to a sequel.
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June 11, 2008
On The Shelf This Week – 06.11.08
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Order any of the below titles by clicking here!
ACTION COMICS #866, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Geoff Johns; Art and cover by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal
Gary Frank’s hiatus wasn’t exactly a long one, but for those who couldn’t bear an issue and a half without him, he is back! This issue starts a brand new five-part arc involving Brainiac. Johns has been doing a pretty solid job on this title (which should surprise no one), and the timing seems right for a good Brainiac story. This one doesn’t look as if it will be crossing over into Final Crisis anytime soon, which is fabulous news – though it is supposed to be leading up to a Superman Event this year. Based on recent events, this is cause for some concern – though as long as they handle this one the same way they did the Sinestro Corps War, it should be good.
ETERNALS #1, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics
Written by Charles Knauf and Daniel Knauf, Art and Cover by Daniel Acuna
Marvel has been touting this series for some time, it seems like almost the moment the Gaiman Eternals mini came to an end a little over a year ago. Maybe not that long, but the Eternals have certainly had something of a presence. Marvel is definitely making a move to cement the Eternals back into the Marvel Universe – this series is an ongoing, and will pick up right where the Gaiman series left off, and should continue on in a similar fashion to that which we have thus far seen in various guest appearances – the Eternals attempting to awaken other Eternals (much like we saw in Incredible Hercules), and worrying about the Horde. The Knauf’s have developed a really good reputation at Marvel – this should be a good series to try out.
FEAR AGENT #21 HATCHET JOB (PT 5 OF 5), $2.99, 32 Pages, Dark Horse
Written by Rick Remender, Art by Jerome Opena and Michelle Madsen
Oiy – this title is still late! In this case, the culprit is clear – the art is the reason for the delays. Sometimes you hear the excuse “good art is worth waiting for,” but when you hear tales of artists who spend their time playing WoW or doing something else not “work-related” instead of finishing an issue, you have to wonder.
Fear Agent is great. It is still great, despite the delays. And to Rick Remender and Dark Horse’s credit, despite the art hiccups they have managed to keep this title somewhat regular. Sure, it doesn’t come out on time, but a couple weeks after the original solicit, this title usually comes out (this issue is a little later than usual), and therefore it comes out almost monthly. Remender has also been totally willing to change-up the art team in order to put the book out on time – especially risky considering many readers get upset when the artist changes, and when someone like Tony Moore is involved, the fan attachment goes double.
Overall, Fear Agent is fighting the chronic tardiness, visibly and openly, and that makes up for a lot. Telling the readers the truth about the cause of chronic delays is a great step in the right direction, and actually being upfront about the solutions you are trying goes even further. Now if they actually come through… that is the test. Even despite the delays, Fear Agent is very much a title worth reading. Still the best Sci-fi book on the stands today.
GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #9 (OF 9), $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Frank Tieri; Art by J. Calafiore and Jack Purcell; Cover by Calafiore
This series was the very definition of a sleeper – a fantastic read, but it got very little attention. A shame too – there are so few great stories any longer that don’t directly tie into some major event, this one deserved to have a much bigger profile than it did. Gotham City has such a rich tapestry of characters, it is great when you read a story that can really bring all of those threads together. If you were one of the many who missed out on this one, it is going to make a fantastic trade purchase.
HULK RAGING THUNDER, $3.99, 48 Pages, Marvel Comics
Written by Jeff Parker, Art by Mitch Breitweiser and William Baumann
This one seems less a Hulk issue than a Thundra one-shot, though with The Incredible Hulk so close to being released in theaters, it makes sense that even if he appears only briefly in this issue that it would bear his name in the title, if only for merchandising. This issue looks like it is going to follow the usual “Giant-Size” format, with an original story (Hulk vs. Thundra, it would seem), along with a reprint of an old Thundra story (not sure which one, but one would presume it will be one of the early Thing stories). This will be a fun, action-packed issue, and while it might not be the best warm-up for the Hulk movie, it should still be a solid read.
MAGDALENA DAREDEVIL (ONE SHOT), $3.99, Image Comics
By Phil Hester and Andy Parks
A little late (wasn’t this one due in February?), but that is kind of par for the course with Image Comics. You really have to say that when it comes to these Top Cow/Marvel Crossovers, they have been doing a fantastic job of late. Everyone knows to expect the usual bland, status quo crossover when two characters from different publishers get together, but when Marvel and Top Cow cross-promote, at least lately, anything can happen (remember the Wolverine/Witchblade crossover?). And they usually do a good job pairing the characters as well – The Magdalena and Daredevil are a good fit, matching power-level and faith, it is easy to see how they could find common cause. As crossovers go, this is probably a good bet.
SALVATION RUN #7 (OF 7), $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Matthew Sturges; Variant Cover by Neal Adams; Art and Cover by Sean Chen and Walden Wong
Missed potential pretty well sums up the general feeling about this series. It wasn’t terrible, though there always seemed to be a little something missing here. Though – with one issue left, maybe something will change with #7. There did seem to be an overall story hiccup with the transition to Final Crisis for a lot of books, perhaps this is just an example of that. In this final issue, you can bet that the events will have been reoriented towards Final Crisis a bit better, and those strange, dull plot threads may have a little more meaning.
SPOTLIGHT PICK OF THE WEEK
SKY-DOLL #2, $5.99, 64 Pages, Marvel Comics
By Alessandro Barbucci and Barbara Canepa
Sky-Doll is, of course, the first of Marvel’s imports of the French Soliel Comics line. The first issue came out last month, and from that it is easy to see why the series achieved international acclaim. The series is racy – it is adult-oriented, and involves sentient “dolls” who serve as personal slaves. Despite the risqué themes, in many ways the comic seems like it would be at home under a Disney imprint. The art is fantastic and alive, and the characters seem like something right out of any classic Disney feature. Granted, the content is too adult-oriented, but in every way it is an excellent example of the blend between art and story.
The price might seem steep – but to keep in mind that this is a 64 Page full color book – so while it is twice the price of a regular comic, it is also twice the size. Just like 2 issues in one. I highly recommend this series.
DARK HORSE
FEAR AGENT #21 HATCHET JOB (PT 5 OF 5) $2.99 Now: $2.59
DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #866 $2.99 Now: $2.69
CHUCK #1 (OF 6) $2.99 Now: $2.79
GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #9 (OF 9) $2.99 Now: $2.59
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #15 $2.25 Now: $1.99
SALVATION RUN #7 (OF 7) $2.99 Now: $2.69
SIMON DARK #9 $2.99 Now: $2.69
WONDER WOMAN #21 $2.99 Now: $2.69
IMAGE COMICS
CHARLATAN BALL #1 $2.99 Now: $2.69
MAGDALENA DAREDEVIL (ONE SHOT) $3.99 Now: $3.59
PILOT SEASON LADY PENDRAGON #1 $3.99 Now: $2.59
MARVEL COMICS
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #562 $2.99 Now: $2.69
CIVIL WAR CHRONICLES #12 $4.99 Now: $4.49
DARK TOWER LONG ROAD HOME #2 (OF 5) 2ND PTG VAR $3.99 Now: $3.49
ETERNALS #1 $2.99 Now: $2.69
HULK RAGING THUNDER $3.99 Now: $3.49
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 2ND PTG LARROCA VAR $2.99 Now: $2.79
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 2ND PTG MEINERDING VAR $2.99 Now: $2.79
MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #12 $2.99 Now: $2.59
SECRET INVASION #1 3RD PTG YU VAR $3.99 Now: $3.49
SKY-DOLL #2 $5.99 Now: $4.99
SPIDER-MAN MAGAZINE #1 $6.99 Now: $5.99
SPIDER-MAN WITH GREAT POWER #4 (OF 5) $3.99 Now: $3.49
MARVEL MOVIE CROSSOVERS
Much hay was made of the post-credit Iron Man appearance of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, as well as a brief Shield sighting. Well, it seems that they aren’t done teasing an Avengers movie. In the Incredible Hulk, Robert Downey Jr. appears as Tony Stark for a decent-sized cameo (this clip is even being used to promote the film – no doubt as a result of Iron Man’s box office success), and there is even a rumor that Captain America will make an appearance of some sort, as well as the movie itself setting up the super-soldier serum plot for a Captain America movie.
Are we reading too much into all this? Maybe, but why ruin the fun?
NOTE: Opinions here may not reflect those of X-World Comics LLC or its staff and are solely the opinions of the writer.
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