Comics Bundle: 02.18.09 Pt. 1

I haven't picked up my comics for some time...like a month. So I ended up reading a bundle of comics that were released in the last four weeks. I enjoyed reading it, of course. But writing decent reviews about these books is too much for me. So I decided to split these into two parts (click here for part two), and I'll go fast too so I can get back to playing my new game, Dawn of War II.

Thor #600
10 of 10
Thor finally jumps to its 600th issue, and it's a heck of an issue. Loki, after scheming and planning in the past 12 issues, finally set his motion into plan by resurrecting Bor, Odin's father, and bound him with a reality distorting spell that sent him rampaging. Eventually, Thor defeated Bor, who unbeknownst to him was his grandfather and the king of Asgard. Bor's death carried great repurcussions and it all fell on Thor's shoulders, changing the course of this title. From here on, I think it's going to get darker with Loki having more room to move about.

The Dark Avengers #2
8.0 of 10
I didn't like this issue as much as the first. But the sarcasm and perversity still continues in this issue (which reminds me of Warren Ellis' run on the Thunderbolts) and that's what makes this title different from other books. The fun dialogue between bad guys who are trying to be good public figures is still worth my $3.00.

Wolverine: Manifest Destiny #4
8.5 of 10
This, perhaps, is the only Manifest Destiny tie-in that I really liked. It's a lot of fun and brings me back to my childhood watching Kung Fu films. In this series' conclusion, the reason why Logan ticked off the Chinatown Tongs was finally revealed. We also see Wolverine at his best, fighting the Black Dragon Tong and defeated most of them without "snikting" he claws out. But the most fun of all, we finally know what makes him happy, which were few: Jean Grey, Mariko Yashida, Beer and killing people.

X-Men: Magneto Testament #5
9.4 of 10
This title has finally reached its conclusion. I've been waiting for this issue to see what happens in the end. In truth, I was disappointed at first. I thought I'd see Magneto hurling train cars at the Nazi. But that didn't happen. Then I remembered that this isn't really a Magneto origins book. It's about his testament, his solemn vow that he won't stand idly, fearing any kind of reprisals, and let any genocide happen again. So far, as we know it, he's not standing around anymore, and have been fighting to prevent mutant genocide.

Secret Warriors #1
8.9 of 10
I thought it was very cool when I saw the Secret Warriors being assembled, in the pages of Secret Invasion tie-in of The Mighty Avengers, by Nick Fury. The idea of a hardened veteran mentoring a group of unknown and unproven super powered teenagers just got me going. It's like The Runaways in boot camp. Now they have their own series and the first issue was a lot of fun and full of character. But the best thing about this issue is the revelation in the end. I won't talk about it because it's so big...probably bigger than Dark Reign.

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I haven't picked up my comics for the last three weeks. Not that I didn't had the time. It's just that I was snowed in. But, man, this is the best bundle I've picked up so far since every comics I read was just good. I guess Secret Invasion is, indeed, over.

X-Men: Magneto Testament #4
10 of 10
Writer: Greg Pak
Artists: Carmine Di Giandomenico, Matt Hollingsworth





Honestly, I can't review this book without repeating myself. But, seriously this is probably the best origins story that Marvel has put out since...ever. It's dramatic, it's not campy -there's no costumes and super powers in here- and it's historically accurate as well. If you haven't read this book, I urge you to pick up all four issues now.

Thor #12
10 of 10
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artists: Oliver Copiel, Mark Morales, Laura Martin





So far, Thor hasn't failed me. Each issue is just a joy to read. But this #12 went beyond my expectations with its art and writing. This is, perhaps, Straczynski's and Copiel's best issue. Thor isn't here, however, as the story focused on Loki and his origins, which shows how mentally damaged and emotionally scarred he is. Although the big hammer drop in this issue was the revelation as to why Loki's new appearance is a woman.

New Avengers #48
9.0 of 10
Writer: Michael Bendis
Artists: Billy Tan, Matt Banning, Justin Ponsor





This should be entitled Renewed Avengers. Seriously, though, this issue really feels fresh and renewed. Part because of the new team members (yup, thats Bucky on the cover), and part because the team are finally getting back together without fighting the shape-shifting green man. I can't wait for this issue to start rolling.

Wolverine #70
9.0 of 10
Writer: Mark Miller
Artists: Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, Morry Hollowell





I find the Old Man Logan arc to be very interesting. Wolverine becoming a pacifist farmer, and especially the post-apocalyptic setting where the Villains of the Marvel Universe rule. But for the last four issues the question "Why did Wolverine become a pacifist?" loomed over my head. This issue finally answers that, and it was awesome, but sad too. It's actually so sad it even made Wolverine cry.

Wolverine: Manifest Destiny #3
8.5 of 10
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artists: Stephen Segovia, John Rauch





Out of all Manifest Destiny tie-ins this is the only book that I like. It's action-packed, which pays homage to old Kung Fu movies, and it's funny as well. Wolverine had a beat down with the Black Dragon Tong, a group of Chinatown bad-asses with a member that can damage your soul (no healing factor can heal this kind of attack). So he decides to take lessons from a master of 82 marital arts, an elderly person who is very Pai Mei. I actually liked the old guy, and the scene where he ridicules Wolverine, on how he relies on his healing factor instead of his skills, was fun.

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This week's bundle of comics was an expensive bundle. That's because there are lots of good Marvel Limited Series with a nice thin card cover. Maybe it's time for me to trim down my pull sheet.

Deadpool #3
8.5 of 10
Writer: Daniel Way
Artist: Paco Medina





Nothing's really new here, as my boy Deadpool consistently harassed the Skrulls with his insanity until they go SPLORCH! Although, there's a tad of seriousness in this issue when Deadpool explained how his healing factor works to the resident Skrull egghead. There's even a hint of sadness in his voice. Maybe because he remembers his life before his cancer and Weapon X? Anyways, like all other Deadpool issue, this too is tons of fun.

Ender's Game: Battle School #1
7.6 of 10
Writer: Christopher Yost
Artists: Pasqual Ferry, Frank D'Armata





Marvel has adapted some popular books into comics as of late, and they're pretty successful. So when they announced that they'll also adapt Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game, I was ecstatic. I haven't read the book but, for the longest time now, I really wanted to. That's why I included the comics adapatation on my pull sheet. However, it seems to me that the writer assumed that readers of this issue is familiar with the source material. The background setting, for example, is vague. I didn't know if they were on Earth or another planet. Terms such as "Formics" were also used but didn't had any in-depth explanation. On the other hand, characterization here is great. Ender, especially, is not the kind of kid that I expected. In the end, however, I'm not so sure if I want to continue following the comics or the book.

Mighty Avengers #19
1.0 not 10
Writer: Who Cares?
Artists: Who Cares?





The reason why I follow Mighty Avengers is because Ares cracks me up and I find Carol Danvers sexy (Jessica Drew too). But Mighty Avengers #19, a Secret Invasion tie-in, featured Captain Marvel and none of the Mighty Avengers. Not one. Plus, the story was really horrendous. I haven't got many comics but this is probably the worst issue I have right now. Because I'm not sure what it was about. I think it was about a confused Captain Marvel trying to figure out if he was a Kree or Skrull. If you haven't bought this issue yet, skip it.

X-Men: Magneto Testament #2
10 of 10
Writer: Grek Pak
Artists: Carmine Giandomenico, Matt Hollingsworth





The first issue of X-Men: Magneto Testament made an impression on me. But, as with first issues, I wasn't so sure if the series is going to be really good or just a fluke. That's why I didn't include it when I updated my pull list. A huge mistake on my part, that was. I have to visit three comic book store to get a copy because this issue were flying off the shelves. With good reason too. Since, in this book, we see how a young Magneto suffered and persevered in the face of Jewish persecution, the root of his hatred for humanity and mutant extremism, during the reign of the Third Reich.

The Walking Dead #53
8.8 of 10
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artists: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn





Two things I like about The Walking Dead: (1) The story of human perseverance and (2) Hacking zombies into pieces. The series has a balanced mixture of both drama and action. Those are the reasons why I think it's successful. Lately, however, there's more drama than action. We know that too much of something is bad, and the drama has made the progress of the series slower than a "walking dead". But, in this issue, people showed up at Hershel's Farm, an army man (who looks like Dum Dum Dugan) and a scientist, who seems to know what's going on and are headed to Washington to sort things out. If the series is indeed going to Washington, then the series going to pick up some serious winds on its sail and head towards a bloody story arc.

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