Why I Love Comics

A Bit of Pop Culture and A File Cabinet Full of Comics!

Why I Love Comics rundown for books coming out August 13th, 2008

Hey there readers! I'm having a very interesting week as I've gained a new filing cabinet and used it to start sorting through the two big companies and all their recent comics. It fits a whole lot of stuff and the only thing's I have left to sort out are Dark Horse, Image and a few of the independents. I'll also admit that I combating an unhealthy gambling addiction on Fable 2's "pug games" which were just recently released on X-Box Live. I believe my poor game character will be in quite a bit of debt before I gain the game itself. These games are addictive and very easy to pick up. Nice!

This week, I also sat down and watched the season finale of Fat Guy Stuck in the Internet. For those who don't watch Adult Swim, this show is similar to the near legendary shows that Sid and Marty Croft used to produce in the 70's. It's fun to watch and the cast, though small, is able to pull off an amazing little show. John Gemberling is a comedic genius.

Also on the viewing list this week was the first part of the Venture Brothers season finale. This series has shaped up to be one of the best television series of all time. Everything just builds into such a giant mythos for the series adding guest stars from other cartoons and pop culture. In the finale, we are introduced to two of Brock's old OSI buddies. Those of you that love GI Joe will probably recognize the characters. We are also introduced to three powerful assassins who are sent to kill Brock. One assassin is into something called... "silver age comic books" and gave the best moment of the episode. There's even an extra two minutes for the online crowd that had to be cut for time. This proved to be one of the most action packed sequences I've watched from the show in quite a while. Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer are writing something for all the fanboys and it's a joy to watch. I really do not want the season to end next week.

And finally related to comics this week is the Middleman. It was a blast! Yes, a vampire episode with a very interesting twist (which should come as no surprise to Angel fans). It's executed differently and was fun to watch. I really hope the show gets picked up as the writing is top notch week after week.

But that's enough about the world of pop culture for now, lets move on to this week's books!

Daredevil Saga was a freebie given out to people who need a recap of what's been taking place in Ed Brubaker's run. I'm guessing it's targeted for those only reading Uncanny or Cap (both of which are great books). I actually enjoy Daredevil the most out of the three, especially with Greg Rucka co-writing the current arc. Its free and it does help get you up to speed on what's going on and even gives a sneak peek at the coming story arc.

Verdict: Ask your comic shops if they have a copy. It's certainly worth the absent cover price.

Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe might just go down as one of the most disturbing things I've ever read in my life. I can't quite put my finger on the specific moment that bothered me but when I was finished reading, I just didn't feel right about the issue. It looks back on Garth Ennis first work on the character and he definitely does solid job with Frank Castle. That said, while reading it I definitely didn't side with the character through most of the story. I don't really think that's the point to the tale... It's an interesting read for a reprint and I enjoyed it, but it just bothered me in a way things haven't before in comics.

Verdict: A buy, especially for the scenes involving Matt Murdock. You can't help but laugh when Cyclops is shot and, yes, I know how that sounds.

Now to head off to Secret Invasion because there were 5 tie in's in addition to the main book this week. To save a bit of hunting around, we'll talk about them all grouped together in one shot. Here we go...

First up is Secret Invasion: X-men #1 (of 4) written by Mike Carey. I love anything Carey writes that involves the X-Men. He knows how to handle the characters perfectly! In the story, I loved that the moment the skrulls realize who they are dealing with, they get immediately scared. The most interesting plot point for me was Nightcrawler's lament with the "god" of the skrulls. This really sets up an interesting approach that makes the reader question if the "god" really wants his followers to go about things the way they are. I also like how coordinated the X-teams feel. It was a nice touch and highlighted a feeling we've been missing given everything that's going on in the X-verse.

Verdict: A definite buy if your a fan of Carey's run on X-Men or just a fan of the mutants in general.

Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1 continues from the last mini (which I admittedly did not read). It's okay if you haven't read the previous series as you can jump right into this one. The Inhuman's pay Tony Stark a visit only to be told about the skrull impersonating their leader. Mind you, it doesn't go over well and a threat is put out on the table. Well, not really a threat so much as the single best line in the book. By the end of the issue the moon is being attacked full on and the Inhumans are caught off guard. I can see this mini leading to a direct connection with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Ronin will be in the series and the team behind Conquest is overseeing the War of Kings. We'll see where things head from here. This is the first real tie in not taking place on Earth which is nice.

Verdict: A buy if you like cosmic marvel as that's clearly where things are headed.

Secret Invasion: Thor #1 had me utterly excited for one very simple reason: BETA RAY BILL IS BACK!!! Okay, with that out of the way, Matt Fraction should be on the main thor book. He writes the hell out the supporting cast, Thor and the doc. With this story he weaves in so many plot points in just 22 pages that it's a wonder the man doesn't have an Eisner yet. Braithwaite's artwork is beyond solid here. It's half of what pulls you into the story. Loki is her usual trickster self and eventually Balder is given a very big responsibility. We'll see where things head from here... Definitely excited!

Verdict: If you like JMS's run or any of Fractions one-shots, you'll be right at home reading this book.

Secret Invasion: Runaways #2 continues right where we left off. I'm guessing this takes place right before Secret Invasion #4 because of what occurs on the last page. There are plenty of perfect "in character" moments as Yost shows, yet again, how he loves these characters every bit as much as the original creators. In the story he gives Princess Powerful yet another great power moment. That said, I wouldn't call it much of a crossover when compared to the previous Civil War series. Here, only four of the Young Avengers are paired up with one of the Runaways. All in all, a solid read. It makes me even more anxious for the return of the Runaways under the direction of Terry Moore.

Verdict: Buy it if your a fan of both teams as it will leave you satisfied.

Captain Britain and the MI: 13 #4 is the end of the Secret Invasion Arc and what an ending it proves to be. The team is brought fully together, loses its first member and a hero finally learns how to use her powers fully. The loss is going to upset fans of the book but it was a great sacrifice to make for the story. It's a solid issue that ends it's problems by stealing a move from Wanda Maximoff's playbook. Here, Excalibur apparently finds its new owner.

Verdict: Buy when they release the trade as it's a fun read. If you like jump on points, give the next issue a try as Blade joins the team. If only he were bringing Hannibal with him.

Secret Invasion #5 brings everything closer to its eventual climax. Agent Brand and Maria Hill really shine in their separate moments within this issue. I demand a team book! I would happily read that story.

This time we check in with Nick Fury and his team as they unveil some new recruits. That storyline breaks up all the tension in the other sections of the book. What makes this issue is the same character who's journey made House of M... Clint Barton. Bendis continues torturing everyone's favorite bowman but just like House of M, Clint becomes the emotional lynch pin of the story. Here, you can't help but feel for the man. I can't wait to see where all this is heading as I can't predict anything anymore.

Verdict: A buy if you love the Marvel Universe.

Last Defenders #6 finishes the story that's been building steadily since the series start. Kyle decided to hang up the cape and become the Maxwell Lord of the Defenders (without the whole "shooting anyone in the head" and being a bad guy). I like the team and love what Joe Casey's done here. We have analogies to each of the original Defenders in each member (except for the Surfer). Everything is really pay off as we close out this story. I hope we eventually see the idea return in a full series.

Verdict: Buy the series when its collected. It's really a great read.

Fantastic Four #559 is weird. Very very weird. I'm guessing these are the Defenders are from an alternate universe. That's my only guess as any other answer would bother me. Something tells me they are from some dark demented future which was already done well before Millar and Hitch jumped on the book. The art is fun and Ben's progressing relationship with the teacher is kind of adorable (though I do miss Alicia). Just for the record, that last page is even more confusing for me. I'm starting to think this book exists in its own pocket universe.

Verdict: Might be best to just wait until the book is collected in a nice hardcover like the Ultimates. I think it will read better that way. Its just too strange right now.

Firebreather #2 adds to the growing mystery the book is exploring. Duncan is blamed for something by the principle that he did not cause and his mother continues, in general, to embarrass him. We also get a fun little side story looking back on when he was a young child that really was a fun read. It's tragic but kind of cute as you see just what he was like growing up. Phil Hester is writing the hell out of this creator owned book and Andy's pencils are just beautiful. Everyone should be looking forward to the Cartoon Network series.

Verdict: Buy this. Go back and get the first issue. Jump on for the ride! This series is definitely becoming one of Image's strongest books.

Broken Trinity: The Darkness has Jackie returning to town to fix his broken business. Its another Phil Hester read and it proves enjoyable as the Butcher and Jackie are reunited. If I haven't mentioned before, the reason I'm reading The Darkness comes from finding myself hooked after playing the video game written by Paul Jenkins. Surprisingly, the characters still read spot on here and in the main series. It's a fun character moment to see Jackie pick up a mess that got out of control. He's such a great character and will make a great father when he gets to visit his daughter.

Verdict: A buy if your reading either The Darkness or Broken Trinity.

Book of the week is none other than Green Lantern Corps #27. This issue serves up a moment of reflection and a tiny bit of a break before the next big arc. Several plot points are visited as Peter Tomasi wraps up the previous story arc giving a respectable burial to yet another Green Lantern. He also introduces us to a new GL who can speak to the dead. This time out we catch up with Guy and Kyle on opening night of the new bar and grill. There is a fun reference to a countdown and we have a new plot started. It's a great book and equal to the quality of it's parent book.

Verdict: A definite buy, Tomasi is really on fire as a writer. I would love to see if there's any creator owned work by him out there I can sample.

Booster Gold #11 continues with the same quality that the old team brought to the book. Chuck Dixon's writing is spot on and in character. We continue the story as if Jeff and Geoff never left the book. In this issue, the plot follows Booster as he fixes a ripple in time tied to the bat family. The end of the book has one of the coolest cliffhangers of the last year or two.

Verdict: A buy if you loved the series under Geoff and Jeff. The book hasn't lost its touch.

Batman #679 continues the RIP storyline and just throws everything at the wall. There are so many different plot points in motion but page after page it seems that Bruce Wayne is slowly recollecting himself from the Batman persona and we are served up an interesting discovery along the way. The villains also get some time to shine and the supporting cast gets tortured even more. The book is excellent and I'm really enjoying the direction where things are heading.

Verdict: A buy if you love Grant Morrison's work.

Final Crisis: Revelations #1 (of 5) starts off very strong with Doctor Light facing a fate that he's deserved since Identity Crisis. We get to see more of what Renee has been up to land Libra sets a plan in motion. Greg Rucka knows how to write a dramatic, supernatural book and that's exactly what this title presents. It's god's right hand being attacked by the New Gods right hand man. It's Renee Montoya attempting to piece together a bigger mystery as she's about to go face to face with an old friend. Everything is built up perfectly and I honestly can't wait for Greg's next issue (though he did hint something to me in his livejournal about issue #2).

Verdict: A buy especially if you like Greg Rucka's writing and if you're enjoying Final Crisis.

Finally we reach Angel: After the Fall #11 which is the best issue to date. Angel finally gets to meet up with Gunn. As a vampire, he still seems like the same old Gunn. It's a little unsettling as he still sees himself as playing on the side of the angels. Very bad things seem to be in store for the team as it appears there is a traitor in their midst.

Verdict: The series is really strong and finally getting as good as it should be. Definitely worth the purchase as it winds down to its finale.

What a great week for comics to be sure and next week has the release of more Secret Invasion tie-in's and a few Final Crisis items. Not sure exactly what I'm looking forward to the most though. We'll have to wait and see what's up. For those readers that are interested, I've been thinking of doing a little thing similar to a letters page. If you have any questions regarding anything that's been mentioned or anything that's being read, send them over to goldenrat99@hotmail.com and I'll post them in next week's column.

Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching dvd's, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice.