AvaxHome RSS: WEATHERMAX

Super Zombies #1-5 (Of 5) Complete

WEATHERMAX — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:14:55 GMT

If you think Super Zombies is just another zombie story that is just a little too reminiscent of Marvel's tongue-in-cheek Marvel Zombies, then perhaps you might find the Comic Book Resources interview with Vince Gonzales--together with Marc Guggenheim, co-writers of this five-issue mini-series from Dynamite Entertainment--interesting. You know which keywords to Google. As for the series itself, suffice it to say that it revolves around a world of over 40 superpowered heroes and villains who succumb to a flesh-eating plague of the undead. Great artwork by Mel Rubi.

The Walking Dead #69-70 (Ongoing) Update

WEATHERMAX — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:12:34 GMT

Somebody took issue with my use of the term "intellectual delight" in counterpoint with that base sense of dread and foreboding you feel when you read the actual comic book itself. Yes, for a zombie comic it is an oxymoron. You see, the zombies here are not the focus of the story; humanity is. And for those who have yet to read it, I believe the best way--as always--is to start from the very first issue. The Walking Dead grows more absorbing as it goes, revealing more exciting and complicated reasons to want to follow a story where, in a zombie-infested apocalyptic hell, the few surviving humans somehow prove with increasingly horrific means that they are, truly, more monstrous than the undead. As an IGN reviewer avers, "If there is better, more consistently thoughtful character work going on anywhere in mainstream comics, I'd like to see it. Kirkman is a master at peeling away layers of a character's psyche, and Charlie Adlard has the expressive chops to convey those complex emotions." Issue #69 reminds us that zomibes are still out there, and #70 leads up to an ending that sends chills up your spine and makes your hair stand on end. Hands down consistently the best ongoing comic series today. 2 high-quality Minutemen scans.

House of Mystery #22 (Ongoing)

WEATHERMAX — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:16:43 GMT

House of Mystery is an occult and horror-themed ongoing comic book anthology series based on the classic House of Mystery series that ran from 1951 to 1983. It is written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges (writers of the Eisner-nominated Jack of Fables). It debuted in July 2008, published by the Vertigo imprint of DC Comics. It features a different story each issue, told by people trapped in a "purgatory-like" House of Mystery. They are gathered in the house bar where everyone must pay for their drinks with stories, and no one can leave without being picked up by the house's mysterious coachman. None of the house's occupants are sure why some people might get to leave and others not, so each person's stay is at least ostensibly eternal until the coachman inexplicably turns up to take them away. This doesn't stop some of the inhabitants from trying to get out. One of the characters in the series, Cain continually attempts to return to the House of Mystery, his home in the Dreaming (a fictional place; a comic book location in the DC Comics Universe; the domain of Dream of the Endless in Neil Gaiman's The Sandman). Issue #22 sees the introduction of Strawberry--part two of the new four-part story arc.

Superman #697

WEATHERMAX — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:15:54 GMT

Part 29 of the ongoing World Against Superman crossover story arc. Also contains a sneak preview of the upcoming six-issue limited series First Wave, featuring Batman, Doc Savage and the Spirit together, from the Eisner Award-winning writer of Joker and 100 Bullets, Brian Azarello.

Supergirl Vol. 5 #50 (Ongoing)

WEATHERMAX — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:15:42 GMT

Supergirl aka Kara Zor-El is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and related media, created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino. As Supergirl, Kara Zor-El serves as the biological cousin and female counterpart to DC Comic's iconic superhero Superman. Although there have been many precursors, the most prototypical being the Super-Girl character that appeared in Superman #123 (August 1958), the character actually first appeared in a story published in Action Comics #252 (May 1959) entitled "The Supergirl from Krypton." Since the character's comic book debut, Kara Zor-El's Supergirl has been adapted into various media relating to the Superman franchise including merchandise, television, and feature film, making her a cultural icon. A Minutemen scan.

Action Comics #886 (Ongoing)

WEATHERMAX — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:15:31 GMT

Action Comics is an American comic book series which introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined. The publisher was originally known as Detective Comics, Inc., and later as National Comics and as National Periodical Publications, before taking on its current name of DC Comics, a subsidiary of Time Warner. With 886 issues to date, it is the second-highest-number American comic book series, after Dell Comics' Four Color, although Detective Comics, also of DC and also still in publication, is the older title. Detective Comics however is the longest continuously published comic book in the United States. Action comics is second. More recently the title has been part of several interweaving and consecutive multi-title crossover story arcs, the current one being "World Against Superman." After Superman left Earth at the conclusion of the earlier "New Krypton" story arc, he is replaced by the new Nightwing and Flamebird as the starring characters of the series. Also since July 2009, Action Comics includes back-up stories featuring Captain Atom, now on its part 8.

The Torch #5 (Of 8)

WEATHERMAX — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:06:22 GMT

The Torch is an eight-issue limited series commissioned as a pseudo-sequel of sorts to Avengers/Invaders for Marvel Comics for its 70th anniversary. It is a thoughtful and intimate look at a classic Marvel character, the original World War II Torch. Writer Mike Carey fleshes his characters with definition and care, with detailed artwork by Patrick Berkenkotter, drawing the title character in the Golden Age style. The fifth issue features the Mad Thinker Prince Namor versus--this happens only once--three Human Torches! Many may not like Mike Carey's Golden Age style and manner of writing, or Patrick Berkenkotter's coloring-over-the-pencil-art technique, but to me this is what happens when you pair a good writer with a good artist and give them the freedom to handle their material. Sparks fly and flames burn bright. Guest starring the Fantastic Four. A Minutemen scan.

Criminal: The Sinners #4 (Of 5)

WEATHERMAX — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:28:21 GMT

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips return to their most critically acclaimed series in Criminal: The Sinners, bringing the brutal antihero Tracy Lawless along with them for another romp through the blood-soaked streets of their world, this time shifting to another subsection of the noir genre, the procedural, along with the usual plot twists at just the perfect moment to move the story along in perfect harmony with the artwork and stylized coloring. Another three thumber. Plus, it's a Minutemen scan.

The Crazies #1-4 (Of 4) Complete

WEATHERMAX — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:13:28 GMT

The mental well-being of a rural Iowa town is about to be obliterated by a tainted water supply, and no amount of therapy can save survivors from their infected friends and neighbors. Overture Films' new take on George Romero's 1973 film "The Crazies" was just released February 26, 2010 and with it, a companion comic book narrative set to flesh out the tale's horrific causes and effects. Produced by Jeff Katz of American Original and printed by Top Cow, the four-issue miniseries follows four distinct chapters featuring individual creative teams. Ivan Brandon and Jon Buran handle "Hopman Bog," followed by Brian Reed and Hugo Petrus on "Dwyer Creek," Marc Andreyko and Vincent Spencer on "Black Pond" and Joshua Hale Fialkov and Rashan Ekedal handling "Ogden Marsh." Each chapter expands upon the film's viral outbreak origins, breaking down the epidemic's component characteristics as it infects the physical and mental capacities of the town's human — and in some cases, animal — populace. Issues #1 and 2 arrived in shops last February 15, 2010 with the second half of the series, issues #3 and 4, released last February 24.

Siege: Embedded #2 (Of 4)

WEATHERMAX — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:25:13 GMT

Siege: Embedded #2 (Of 4)
Eng } RS & Hotfile | CBR | Marvel Comics | Feb 3 2010 | 26 Pages | 20.4 MB
+ Siege: Embedded Issue #1 of 4

A four-issue Siege tie-in limited series. This one's a MInutemen scan.

Siege #2 (Of 4)

WEATHERMAX — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:00:52 GMT

Marvel begins Siege, an event that they've branded as "Seven Years In The Making." It's hard to refute the claim as, Secret Invasion aside, Marvel has done a very fine job at knitting its entire line together into a cohesive and propelling forward narrative. This is no doubt helped by outstanding creative work done in titles like Thor, Iron Man and Captain America--where independent storylines are maintained yet somehow conforming to a coherent whole--from its new breed of talented and imaginative creative teams. For this title that officially starts the event, writer Brian Michael Bendis' tendency to become overbearing is more than counterbalanced by Olivier Coipel, Mark Morales and Laura Martin's tremendous work. While this four-issue limited series may not be the biggest "Event" book around, it certainly is one of the best-looking. It also signals the start of a major shift in the Marvel Universe's status quo. A Minutemen scan.

Siege: Storming Asgard - Heroes & Villains #1 (One-Shot)

WEATHERMAX — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:54:34 GMT

Siege: Storming Of Asgard Heroes And Villains #1 is a one-shot that goes over in more detail about all of the players in Marvel Comics' The Siege event. The bios are purportedly framed and written by H.A.M.M.E.R. agents. This comic actually has all the info one needs to be fully briefed about all the details of the recent happenings of the Marvel Universe, such as the White Queen and Namor teaming up and rebelling against Normal Osborn, or how Steve Rogers' return is not publicly known yet, or that there are 5 Avengers teams (sorry if I've spoiled things). My gripe is that this one-shot should have been released before all other issues on the Siege event. Other than that, it may actually help in sorting out all the Siege-related titles, miniseries and crossovers that have been or will be, published.

Batman #694-696 (Ongoing) Update

WEATHERMAX — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:18:57 GMT

DC Comics is at it again, aggressively protecting its copyrights. You can barely upload a Minutemen scan of the title without it being deleted soon after. That's what happened to my Batman #694 post. I did take pains, so I hope you'll be satisfied with this update.

Amazing Spider-Man #621-622 (Ongoing) Update

WEATHERMAX — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:50:11 GMT

I must say issues #621 and #622 could not have been more different as day and night (noticed the covers?). As I mentioned previously, Dan Slott is the weakest of those who have handled the Gauntlet storyline, and issue #621 certainly confirms it. He's not bad; he's just so...so middle-of-the-road neutral, as if he is scared of treading on sensitive issues, like the sexual chemistry between Spidey and the Black Cat, for one. Only Michael Lark's great artwork rescues #621 from the bland box--he has this ability to capture Spider-Man in motion at odd moments--unfortunately, Slott does not give that much action to work with. Issue #622, on the other hand, with Fred Van Lente and artist Joe Quinnones soars. Marvel editors must have heard all the complaints about poor Slott. Where he (Slott) was dull and boring, Van Lente is funny and inspired. And the bonus story by Greg Wiseman and artist Luke Ross more than hold its own with the main feature. What else can I say? Yes, the Amazing Spider-man is back on track. Oh, and these are high quality Minutemen scans.

2000 AD Prog 1670-1673 (Ongoing) Update

WEATHERMAX — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:48:06 GMT

2000 AD is a multi-awarded, long-running and still-ongoing weekly British science fiction-oriented comics anthology that serializes a number of separate stories each issue (called a "prog") that has been at the cutting edge of contemporary pop culture since it’s first publication by IPC Magazines in February 26, 1997. IPC, later Fleetway, continued to produce the title until 2000, when it was bought by Rebellion Developments. Due in part to its weekly publication schedule, it is one of only a few comics to surpass 1,600 issues. It is most noted for its Judge Dredd stories, and has been contributed to by a number of artists and writers who became renowned in the field internationally, such as Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Bryan Talbot, Brian Bolland, Garth Ennis and Mike McMahon.

Spider-Man: With Great Power... #1-5 (Of 5) Complete

WEATHERMAX — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:37:49 GMT

Spider-Man: With Great Power... is a five-issue comic book limited series from Marvel Comics written by David Lapham and illustrated by Tony Harris, which premiered on January 9, 2008. Starring Marvel's flagship character, it takes place in between two single panels found in Amazing Fantasy #15, Spider-Man's historic first appearance. By focusing on a time period usually brushed aside in many retellings of the classic origin, writer David Lapham and artist Tony Harris are able to take what is basically a page's worth of story and turn it into a funny and insightful examination of Spider-Man's formative days, focusing on the period between the accident that gave Peter Parker superhuman powers and the murder of his Uncle Ben. It was published under Marvel's Marvel Knights imprint in order to avoid any links to current continuity. One of those rare occasions when an idea that would seem to be quite long shot somehow comes together and works beautifully, no doubt because of Lapham and Harris.

Ultimate Power #1-9 (Of 9) Complete

WEATHERMAX — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:38:06 GMT

Ultimate Power is a nine-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics that ties the Supreme Power universe into the Ultimate Marvel universe and is written by Brian Michael Bendis, J. Michael Straczynski and Jeph Loeb with art by Greg Land. Ultimate Power which takes place between Volumes 2 & 3 of the Ultimates, signifies the first complete Ultimate Universe crossover that effectively integrates all current ongoing series. Ultimate Power is also the first crossover that spans another already extant Marvel Universe. Its creators have hinted that events chronicled in the miniseries would have lasting effects on status quo in both universes. One notable effect is the absence of the Ultimate incarnation of Nick Fury from his home reality, as he is given over to the custody of the Squadron Supreme in the series finale. This absence is already present in the Ultimate Spider-Man story arc "Death of a Goblin", where Carol Danvers has taken Fury's place as the commanding officer of S.H.I.E.L.D. This compilation includes a so-called "Director's Cut" for Ultimate Power #1 which was released much later and which in the scan is nothing more than a sketchbook. I reserve any other comments, save to say that you'll either love it or hate it.

Wolverine: Weapon X #10 (Ongoing)

WEATHERMAX — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:40:17 GMT

Writer Jason Aaron tries a trite plot device--Wolverine has a girlfriend--and surprisingly pulls it off; it is funny, inspired and hits the nail bang on the head. But that's not all; artist C.P. Smith (Wolverine Noir) hits a homer in this one. I have this to say about him: he is a master of texture and mood. A nice, welcome respite from all the mindless action and gore.

Ultimate Comics X #1 (New Series, Ongoing)

WEATHERMAX — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:56:45 GMT

Ever since Jeph Loeb presided over the near destruction of Marvel's Ultimate Comics brand with Ultimatum, Marvel has been slowly relaunching Ultimate titles in a bid to restore it to its former lofty, independent, continuity-free status. Thus we have Ultimate Comics Spider-Man and Ultimate Comics Avengers. Now we have this new bi-monthly ongoing title, written by--and I'm scratching my head--none other than Jeph Loeb. Well, perhaps it's for the better. Maybe he can make amends. Even though there's a kind of somehow-read-it-before patina to issue #1, it is, after all, just the first issue. What does grab you is the detailed, granular artwork by Art Adams. Hope he stays on. And hope Loeb stays clear of that big crossover event mindset prevalent among Marvel writers (I won't mention Bendis--oops!) and focus instead on Jimmy Hudson, or whoever may be the protagonists here. Minutemen scan.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #7 (Ongoing)

WEATHERMAX — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:25:12 GMT

After the inter-title, Ultimatum crossover event, Marvel Comics' entire Ultimate imprint has been relaunched under the "Ultimate Comics" brand; in my Ultimatum Requiem Compilation (posted in Avaxhome by yours truly), Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is this brand's very first title to be released. With Eisner Award-winner Brian Michael Bendis on board to set the tone and guide the title to newer and bolder directions, apparently all the recent efforts have come to fruition. There's more balance in the presentation and portrayal of Peter Parker's dichotomous life, the characters are more believable and cast interaction is livelier than ever. As with other current Spider-Man titles, notably Web of Spider-Man, there's genuine added depth to the villains, unlike before where they are at most two-dimensional gloating punching bags for Spidey. An interesting and strong series.