Age of X-Man: X-Tremists #5: I've not been a fan of this event or this series, but Williams lays it all on the line here, and it might be the only thing to save this series (though too little to save the event). In each issue of this event, the authors have studiously avoided placing any blame on Nate for his decision to create his Utopia. Sure, this title and "Age of X-Man: Prisoner X" have focused on the repressive infrastructure Nate put in place. But, this issue finally shows how truly horrible it is, as Jubilee remembers Shogo. Williams effectively uses Jubilee writing a letter to Shogo as her framing device. It allows Williams to convey Jubilee's horror at not just forgetting Shogo, but, like a true parent, her horror at not knowing if he's OK. There's no redeeming that, particularly not when you consider how many people experienced exactly that horror. Speaking of horrors, Williams also addresses the homosexuality of Iceman, Northstar, and Rictor more directly than I've ever seen in a comic, even "Iceman." They're all comfortable in their skin here, as they engage in the drunken "gay apocalypse" with Jubilee. It makes their "awakening" all the more awful, as their loss of memories was functionally like returning them to the closet. Williams even addresses -- for the first time that I can recall -- the fact that Northstar's crush on Iceman was the first hint that we all had that Bobby was gay. "Otter-pop" indeed. I still can't say that I recommend this event or series, but Williams, at the end, gives it the emotional grounding that it's been missing all this time.
Age of X-Man: Prisoner X #5: It's hard to believe this event is still happening. The team, such as it is, rushes Legion, whose omnipotence is stretched to the limit in his attempt to keep the prison under control. Legion eventually surrenders, using a Shard persona to warn the team that someone is pulling the strings. For reasons that aren't clear, he can't say the name. Bishop guesses that it's Nate Gray, but his description of why he thought that Nate was the only person who could create this Universe is ridiculous. First, I'm not sure how Bishop even knows Nate other than a few X-Men Christmas parties. Second, even if he did, any number of powerful telepaths seem like possible candidates. It has to be Nate and not, say, a deranged alternate-future Cable possessing his full powers? Jean Grey losing it again? A personality Legion himself wasn't aware was doing it? This event has had way too many of these overly convenient epiphanies for me to take it seriously, and I find myself looking forward to Hickman's turn at the wheel here. Given how I feel about Hickman, that's saying a lot.
War of the Realms #6: If last issue was a chaotic mess, this issue was nothing short of perfect. It's like the creator of the "Gilmore Girls" knowing how the last episode was going to end from the start. Aaron's entire run led to the moment where Thor picked up a reborn Mjolnir and declared himself the God of the Unworthy. The Thor makes the hammer; the hammer doesn't make the Thor. But, Aaron let us think that we had lost Mjolnir forever, as Thor sacrificed that (and his eye) to Yggdrasil for knowledge. But, as the Mother Storm returns and everyone -- Daredevil, Freyja, Odin -- mumbles about how Thor has to use it to defeat Malekith, Thor responds, "What do they think I've been doing since the tree exploded?" Thor makes it rain fire to destroy the symbiote and then reveals Mjolnir, in all her fury. The single tear welling in his eye when she returns? Perfect. The Storm of Thors -- for Jane Thor, Old Thor, and Young Thor have all joined him -- makes short work of Malekith. Ultimately it's the Wild Hunt that kills him, smelling the fear on him: the fear that he lost his father, brothers, and uncles to war for no good reason. We then end where we needed to end, as Odin relinquishes his throne in favor of Thor. In some runs, this moment would seem logical but rushed, a quick way to change a status quo and show that the author had left his impact on a character. But after so many issues, after so many years, it feels like what it is: a Thor-blessed coronation. Thor has been in the wilderness for a long time, and he found his way home. I can't wait to see where we go from here. Although last issue might have been shaky, Aaron closes out this event so strongly that I think it's the best of the best. I can't recommend it enough.
Also Read: Avengers #20; Thor #14; War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #3
Showing posts with label Age of X-Man: X-Tremists (2019). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Age of X-Man: X-Tremists (2019). Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2020
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Not-Even-Remotely-New Comics: The May 29 Marvel Edition (HERE BE SPOILERS!)
Age of X-Men: X-Tremists #4: This issue ends in a riot, as Jubilee remembers that she has a son and Jean-Paul remembers that he has a husband. Along the way, we're treated to Jean-Paul insulting Bobby's sweater and Bobby stripping off said sweater, asking Jean-Paul if he liked what he saw. Twunk indeed, as Rictor says. For his part, Rictor is running a theater where mutants can get busy, an homage to old-school X-rated theaters. For the first time, Williams finally addresses the fact that the X-Tremists have two gay team members. By adding Rictor and the theater, she makes the obvious parallel to a world where the LGBT community often has to hide their lives to this "Utopia" that X-Man made where no one can show affection. Sucks, don't it, straight people?
Amazing Spider-Man #22: To be honest, I felt like Spencer swerved here from the more interesting outcome. Although I was pretty sure Peter wasn't going to fully buy into Kraven's exhortation that he becomes a killer, I thought that he would at least emerge shaken from understanding Kraven's point of view.
After all, Kraven makes a compelling point. When Spidey appears to discover that the Lizard killed a series of guards on the way to save Billy, Kraven argues that the lives of mercenaries -- killers all -- pale in comparison to the lives of an innocent boy like Billy and the woman trying to protect him, the Black Cat. Peter initially seems to be struggling with this argument. But, Spencer takes an easier road, showing this confusion, if you will, to be the result of Kraven's "herbs and potions" and, in even more of a cop-out, revealing that Kraven himself killed the guards to set up the crisis of conscience that Peter would undergo.
Peter shakes off the drugs and beats Kraven, arguing that he doesn't kill so that his family doesn't have to kill? I'm not really sure I follow that, to be honest. I think that Peter is arguing that humanity is inherently kind, that we were meant to help each other not hunt each other. But, he seems to be gliding over all those one-percenters gathered in that ballroom to do exactly that, isn't he?
In other words, Spencer is letting Peter have his Pollyanna-ism, something that we also saw in the "War of the Realms: Strikeforce - Land of the Giants" one-shot and again in this week's "Spider-Man and the League of the Realms," where Peter doesn't want to kill Frost Giants like Logan does. I'm not saying that I want a homicidal Spider-Man, but I feel like Spencer was at least pushing Peter's ethical boundaries here. Dan Slott trod similar ground in his Massacre story arc, using Massacre to show how different Otto was from Peter, since he was willing to kill Massacre to stop his rampage. Peter finding a way to stop Kraven without killing would've been a powerful statement. Instead, the tension all fades with the herbs and potions and Peter just magically beats Kraven, something that he'd previously struggled to do. To make matters worse, Kraven embraces Peter's point of view, seeing the humanity in him. He sacrifices himself -- dressed in a black costume -- to give Peter time to escape, and Kraven's son kills him thinking that he's Peter.
I'm not saying the ending invalidates the strong story that Spencer told over the course of this event. But, it is disappointing, because I feel like he could've pushed somewhat a little darker, but instead stayed in a safer place. Oh, well. As I said, all in all, I still enjoyed the event so I'll call that a win.
Star Wars: Vader - Dark Visions #4: First, like Diplo, Hopeless be everywhere. But, given the caliber of this story, it's easy to see why. Hopeless shows us an unnamed protagonist looking to avenge his smuggler father's death on Coruscant, a death he could've prevented as a young boy if he had taken the shot that his father had trained him to take. The boy grows into a cocky young pilot whose audacity the Rebel command continually rewards. Sounds familiar? However, unlike Han, Leia, or Luke, this guy chokes at his big moment, unable to take the shot (again) to take out Darth Vader. He flees to base, bringing Vader and a squadron of Tie Fighters with him. After vomiting from fear, he's (again) forced to watch the consequences of what his inaction has caused. Hopeless shows us a corner of the galaxy where pluck doesn't really get you anywhere, a corner that I'm sure would feel more familiar to the average Empire resident than Han, Leia, or Luke's.
War of the Realms: War Scrolls #2: This issue contains a lovely coda to Gillen's "Young Avenger" series, as Loki seeks forgiveness for siding with the bad guys from Billy Kaplan. Beyond the beauty of getting to see an always-hot Teddy Altman, we also get to see him in context of an adult relationship with Billy. They're apparently now living together, and they're over 21 years old as Billy believes that he's meeting "Kate" for brunch and mimosas. But, since Loki can't just ask for forgiveness, "Kate" is Loki in disguise, trying to get Billy to forgive him without having to ask for it. (His plans are foiled when Teddy sees Kate in Los Angeles on Instagram and texts Billy. Get with the times, Loki.) But, Billy gives Loki his forgiveness anyway, and he and Teddy mourn when they watch Laufey eat Loki later. If I've ever been disappointed with Jason Aaron, it's because he seemed to ignore a lot of the work GIllen and then Ewing did with Loki. It was a thrill to see this Loki again (and a sexy Teddy, obviously).
Also Read: Marvel's Spider-Man: City at War #3; Spider-Man and the League of the Realms #2; Thor #13
Amazing Spider-Man #22: To be honest, I felt like Spencer swerved here from the more interesting outcome. Although I was pretty sure Peter wasn't going to fully buy into Kraven's exhortation that he becomes a killer, I thought that he would at least emerge shaken from understanding Kraven's point of view.
After all, Kraven makes a compelling point. When Spidey appears to discover that the Lizard killed a series of guards on the way to save Billy, Kraven argues that the lives of mercenaries -- killers all -- pale in comparison to the lives of an innocent boy like Billy and the woman trying to protect him, the Black Cat. Peter initially seems to be struggling with this argument. But, Spencer takes an easier road, showing this confusion, if you will, to be the result of Kraven's "herbs and potions" and, in even more of a cop-out, revealing that Kraven himself killed the guards to set up the crisis of conscience that Peter would undergo.
Peter shakes off the drugs and beats Kraven, arguing that he doesn't kill so that his family doesn't have to kill? I'm not really sure I follow that, to be honest. I think that Peter is arguing that humanity is inherently kind, that we were meant to help each other not hunt each other. But, he seems to be gliding over all those one-percenters gathered in that ballroom to do exactly that, isn't he?
In other words, Spencer is letting Peter have his Pollyanna-ism, something that we also saw in the "War of the Realms: Strikeforce - Land of the Giants" one-shot and again in this week's "Spider-Man and the League of the Realms," where Peter doesn't want to kill Frost Giants like Logan does. I'm not saying that I want a homicidal Spider-Man, but I feel like Spencer was at least pushing Peter's ethical boundaries here. Dan Slott trod similar ground in his Massacre story arc, using Massacre to show how different Otto was from Peter, since he was willing to kill Massacre to stop his rampage. Peter finding a way to stop Kraven without killing would've been a powerful statement. Instead, the tension all fades with the herbs and potions and Peter just magically beats Kraven, something that he'd previously struggled to do. To make matters worse, Kraven embraces Peter's point of view, seeing the humanity in him. He sacrifices himself -- dressed in a black costume -- to give Peter time to escape, and Kraven's son kills him thinking that he's Peter.
I'm not saying the ending invalidates the strong story that Spencer told over the course of this event. But, it is disappointing, because I feel like he could've pushed somewhat a little darker, but instead stayed in a safer place. Oh, well. As I said, all in all, I still enjoyed the event so I'll call that a win.
Star Wars: Vader - Dark Visions #4: First, like Diplo, Hopeless be everywhere. But, given the caliber of this story, it's easy to see why. Hopeless shows us an unnamed protagonist looking to avenge his smuggler father's death on Coruscant, a death he could've prevented as a young boy if he had taken the shot that his father had trained him to take. The boy grows into a cocky young pilot whose audacity the Rebel command continually rewards. Sounds familiar? However, unlike Han, Leia, or Luke, this guy chokes at his big moment, unable to take the shot (again) to take out Darth Vader. He flees to base, bringing Vader and a squadron of Tie Fighters with him. After vomiting from fear, he's (again) forced to watch the consequences of what his inaction has caused. Hopeless shows us a corner of the galaxy where pluck doesn't really get you anywhere, a corner that I'm sure would feel more familiar to the average Empire resident than Han, Leia, or Luke's.
War of the Realms: War Scrolls #2: This issue contains a lovely coda to Gillen's "Young Avenger" series, as Loki seeks forgiveness for siding with the bad guys from Billy Kaplan. Beyond the beauty of getting to see an always-hot Teddy Altman, we also get to see him in context of an adult relationship with Billy. They're apparently now living together, and they're over 21 years old as Billy believes that he's meeting "Kate" for brunch and mimosas. But, since Loki can't just ask for forgiveness, "Kate" is Loki in disguise, trying to get Billy to forgive him without having to ask for it. (His plans are foiled when Teddy sees Kate in Los Angeles on Instagram and texts Billy. Get with the times, Loki.) But, Billy gives Loki his forgiveness anyway, and he and Teddy mourn when they watch Laufey eat Loki later. If I've ever been disappointed with Jason Aaron, it's because he seemed to ignore a lot of the work GIllen and then Ewing did with Loki. It was a thrill to see this Loki again (and a sexy Teddy, obviously).
Also Read: Marvel's Spider-Man: City at War #3; Spider-Man and the League of the Realms #2; Thor #13
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Not-Even-Remotely-New Comics: The April 24 Edition (HERE BE SPOILERS!)
Age of X-Man: X-Tremists #3: I officially have no idea what's happening in this series. First, everyone speaks in some sort of literary tense; it's like reading 18th century French literature written in the passé simple. Moreover, everyone seems to have their own delusions. For example, we have Moneta believing in an Emmanuel Goldstein-esque Resistance and Blob somehow not realizing people hated Department X. (Yes, Blob, they all loved you for erasing their memories of the people they loved.) Betsy tells Blob about how happy she is that they put the "old ways" behind them, because she used to have an eating disorder and hated her body. (I guess she doesn't hate it now that she doesn't love anyone?) Also, everyone apparently no longer believes in the mission except Moneta, but no one actually says that. Again, like Fred, they seem not entirely clear on what their mission is? Honestly, I have no idea.
War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #1: This issue is truly excellent, definitely the best issue of "War of the Realms" to date. Rosenberg does a number of clever things here. First, he follows the formula of all good tie-in issues by not completely ignoring the team's existing storyline. When Dani gets Odin's call to assist the Valkyries (as seen in "War of the Realms" #2), she and the X-Men are fighting Nanny and the Orphan-Maker. Moreover, the team's banter and challenges are even more on display here than they usually are in the main title. Alex is the annoying little brother challenging his older brother, the New Mutants are a separate unit more dedicated to each other than the larger team, and Madrox is...Madrox. Finally, Rosenberg wisely puts the X-Men on the sidelines of the action. When they arrive in New York, it has already fallen: Dr. Strange has evacuated the city's population, and Frost Giants and dark elves are just wandering the streets. Rather than trying to insert the X-Men between panels of the main series, Rosenberg uses the team to show us the aftermath of the Battle of New York. He really leans into the banter and challenges here as he has everything descend further into chaos: Wolfsbane and one of Jamie's dupes fall down a hole, and Magik answers Cyclops' call to get reinforcements but can only find a full-snark Hope and a still-dead Banshee. The remaining members of the party unwisely split -- Hope takes Chamber to find Wolfsbane and the dupe while Scott and company find a devastated Dani looking at the bodies of her fellow Valkyries. Something about the nature of a tie-in issue really let Rosenberg spread his wings, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes.
The Wild Storm #22: My concern at this point is that Ellis has done such an amazing job throughout this series of keeping all the plates spinning in the air that we're approaching the moment when they're all just fall to the floor. He focuses simply on two stories in this issue, which seems unbelievable given how many threats we have out there.
First, Marc Slayton attempts to kill Jackie, but the "Battalion Device" that she swiped from IO protects her, disintegrating Slayton. Jackie exposits that Angie was right: the device is both scary and completely invisible to scanners, a point Elis and Davis-Hunt emphasized by opening the issue with Jackie getting scanned without incident while exiting the building.
But, we quickly move to the empty village in the middle of Utah, where Apollo and Midnight are awaiting the Skywatch ships after their shenanigans last issue. Jenny and company arrive after the Doctor felt the ships "drop" toward the planet; Angie was able to see into Jenny's mind and triangulate the ships' destination. Midnighter is understandably suspicious that they're Skywatch, given their use of teleportation. Jack introduces himself as a scrambled Skywatch experiment, but Midnight isn't convinced. Jenny then pledges to help them to prove their worth. When Apollo asks why, she rather convincingly responds that they've all lost or escaped people who know what Earth is really like and that they're the last people left to save the Earth. The combined team makes pretty quick work of the impressive-looking Skywatch ships, mostly due to Apollo and Jenny, who turn into a gigantic energy-being of some sort.
It's all totally fine. But, with only two issues left, I find myself wondering about Voodoo, who we saw in the background of the first few issues but haven't seen since. We also haven't seen Zealot or Marlowe and the Wild C.A.T.s in a long time. It's starting to feel like Ellis' careful planning wasn't so careful. Then again, I also know the 24-issues framework is a lie, as two mini-series follow this one. In other words, I can be patient, but I also hope that patience is rewarded and this series maintains the high level of excellence we've enjoyed so far.
Also Read: Amazing Spider-Man #20; Detective Comics #1,002; Mr. and Mrs. X #10; Star Wars: Vader - Dark Visions #3
War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #1: This issue is truly excellent, definitely the best issue of "War of the Realms" to date. Rosenberg does a number of clever things here. First, he follows the formula of all good tie-in issues by not completely ignoring the team's existing storyline. When Dani gets Odin's call to assist the Valkyries (as seen in "War of the Realms" #2), she and the X-Men are fighting Nanny and the Orphan-Maker. Moreover, the team's banter and challenges are even more on display here than they usually are in the main title. Alex is the annoying little brother challenging his older brother, the New Mutants are a separate unit more dedicated to each other than the larger team, and Madrox is...Madrox. Finally, Rosenberg wisely puts the X-Men on the sidelines of the action. When they arrive in New York, it has already fallen: Dr. Strange has evacuated the city's population, and Frost Giants and dark elves are just wandering the streets. Rather than trying to insert the X-Men between panels of the main series, Rosenberg uses the team to show us the aftermath of the Battle of New York. He really leans into the banter and challenges here as he has everything descend further into chaos: Wolfsbane and one of Jamie's dupes fall down a hole, and Magik answers Cyclops' call to get reinforcements but can only find a full-snark Hope and a still-dead Banshee. The remaining members of the party unwisely split -- Hope takes Chamber to find Wolfsbane and the dupe while Scott and company find a devastated Dani looking at the bodies of her fellow Valkyries. Something about the nature of a tie-in issue really let Rosenberg spread his wings, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes.
The Wild Storm #22: My concern at this point is that Ellis has done such an amazing job throughout this series of keeping all the plates spinning in the air that we're approaching the moment when they're all just fall to the floor. He focuses simply on two stories in this issue, which seems unbelievable given how many threats we have out there.
First, Marc Slayton attempts to kill Jackie, but the "Battalion Device" that she swiped from IO protects her, disintegrating Slayton. Jackie exposits that Angie was right: the device is both scary and completely invisible to scanners, a point Elis and Davis-Hunt emphasized by opening the issue with Jackie getting scanned without incident while exiting the building.
But, we quickly move to the empty village in the middle of Utah, where Apollo and Midnight are awaiting the Skywatch ships after their shenanigans last issue. Jenny and company arrive after the Doctor felt the ships "drop" toward the planet; Angie was able to see into Jenny's mind and triangulate the ships' destination. Midnighter is understandably suspicious that they're Skywatch, given their use of teleportation. Jack introduces himself as a scrambled Skywatch experiment, but Midnight isn't convinced. Jenny then pledges to help them to prove their worth. When Apollo asks why, she rather convincingly responds that they've all lost or escaped people who know what Earth is really like and that they're the last people left to save the Earth. The combined team makes pretty quick work of the impressive-looking Skywatch ships, mostly due to Apollo and Jenny, who turn into a gigantic energy-being of some sort.
It's all totally fine. But, with only two issues left, I find myself wondering about Voodoo, who we saw in the background of the first few issues but haven't seen since. We also haven't seen Zealot or Marlowe and the Wild C.A.T.s in a long time. It's starting to feel like Ellis' careful planning wasn't so careful. Then again, I also know the 24-issues framework is a lie, as two mini-series follow this one. In other words, I can be patient, but I also hope that patience is rewarded and this series maintains the high level of excellence we've enjoyed so far.
Also Read: Amazing Spider-Man #20; Detective Comics #1,002; Mr. and Mrs. X #10; Star Wars: Vader - Dark Visions #3
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Not-Very-New Comics: The March 27 Marvel Edition (HERE BE SPOILERS!)
Age of X-Man: X-Tremists #2: Williams does a great job of showing how tentative Nate's grasp on this reality is. First, we learn that the X-Tremists are setting the wildfires so that it gives the X-Men something to do. I'm assuming Nate is aware of that (though I'm also pretty sure that the X-Men aren't), but if he isn't then it raises questions about how actively Nate is calling the shots. After all, someone gave the X-Tremists the order to set these wildfires. But, Williams also shows how Nate's ability to prevent people from forming connections is doomed to fail, as Blob admits his feelings for Betsy. If even his enforcers can't live by his rules, Nate is in trouble. So far, the most interesting character in this series is Moneta. She's violent in her treatment of the pregnant woman the X-Tremists (or "Department X" as they're known in-world) rounded up last issue, though we haven't yet been shown why she's such an extremist (heh). She was created for this event, so she doesn't have a "real-world" analogue to give us a hint about her motivations. We'll see where we go from here.
Amazing Spider-Man #18: Spencer is on creative fire here. I mean, I already thought that it was ingenious to reveal that Kraven's fellow hunters were controlling the Kravenbots through "advanced VR control unit[s]" imbedded directly into their cerebral cortexes. But, he then turns it into Fortnite, as you can use your credit card to upgrade your hunter. Brilliant. But, I'll admit my enjoyment of this issue was constrained by Spencer going all "Women in Refrigerators" with Mary Jane. He reveals that the Goblin-looking figure we've seen a few times is in the apartment with her, and I found myself rolling my eyes. I mean, Spencer does some great work with MJ here, as she contemplates how much better she is about handling the stress of Peter's time as Spider-Man than she used to be. But, it's overshadowed by turning her into a helpless victim yet again. I get that Spencer seems to be setting up the next arc here: Peter isn't able to save MJ because he's trapped in Arcade's Thunderdome. But, I wonder if it was really necessary, because I would've preferred Spencer to spend more time on the fights in the dome.
Mr. and Mrs. X #9: This issue reads like Kelly Thompson just read a Brené Brown book, and I'm totally on board with that. Rogue realizes that it's her fear of connection that led her to keep her powers unchecked, putting a physical and psychological wall between her and the world. Rogue tears down those walls here as she leans into her fear. "Everything we've ever wanted. It's up to us and nobody else. Exactly as it should be." I kind of need to hear that today, to be honest. I can't wait for us to kick Mojo's ass next issue. #issueoftheyearcandidate
X-Force #5: This issue is a coda to "Extermination," which is why I'm tagging it here. We finally see the future events that cause Nathan to force the original X-Men to return to the past.
In the future, Nate is fighting his war against the New Canaanites when suddenly two of his Clan Chosen soldiers, Bava and Flintshard, dissolve into the timestream and another solider, Spheeris, becomes a different soldier entirely, named Dorna, who claims that they all know him. Eventually, Blaquesmith arrives and brings Nathan to one of the underground safehouses that older Nathan built. The computer recognizes him and informs him that 893 temporal breaches have occurred since he was last there, but only one was critical: Hank bringing the original X-Men to (our) present. Blaquesmith explains the results of this decision are now hitting the present as timelines gets confused. Blaquesmith and the computer introduce Nathan to Graymalkin, giving him his mission to maintain the timestream. Blaquesmith expresses his disappointment in Nathan's older self for allowing his emotions to blind him. (I'm still not entirely sure that we've ever gotten an adequate explanation for why Cable didn't send back the kids, but I think we'll get there eventually.) It's a cool moment, as Hopeless is essentially showing us the moment that Marvel rebooted Cable to his younger self. Cable then watches as his remaining allies, including his lover, Aliya, dissolve into the timestream. Hopeless makes it clear that it's this loss that hardens Nate against Cable, showing him appearing at the burnt-out Xavier Institute as he did in "Extermination." Meanwhile, we also see Stryfe and his Mutant Liberation Force learn about Nathan's activities from a pair of grotesque, Sugar Man-esque (but larger) figures. Stryfe and the MLF follow Nate into the timestream to prevent Nate, who they deem a terrorist, from destroying their timestream.
In other words, Hopeless does an amazing job of covering a lot of ground while also telling a coherent story. Is it functionally a reboot of the original Cable/Stryfe story? Yes. But, I love the return of Stryfe and his war with Cable, so I'm not complaining. I can't wait to see where we go from here.
Also Read: Avengers: No Road Home #7; Star Wars: Vader - Dark Visions #2
Amazing Spider-Man #18: Spencer is on creative fire here. I mean, I already thought that it was ingenious to reveal that Kraven's fellow hunters were controlling the Kravenbots through "advanced VR control unit[s]" imbedded directly into their cerebral cortexes. But, he then turns it into Fortnite, as you can use your credit card to upgrade your hunter. Brilliant. But, I'll admit my enjoyment of this issue was constrained by Spencer going all "Women in Refrigerators" with Mary Jane. He reveals that the Goblin-looking figure we've seen a few times is in the apartment with her, and I found myself rolling my eyes. I mean, Spencer does some great work with MJ here, as she contemplates how much better she is about handling the stress of Peter's time as Spider-Man than she used to be. But, it's overshadowed by turning her into a helpless victim yet again. I get that Spencer seems to be setting up the next arc here: Peter isn't able to save MJ because he's trapped in Arcade's Thunderdome. But, I wonder if it was really necessary, because I would've preferred Spencer to spend more time on the fights in the dome.
Mr. and Mrs. X #9: This issue reads like Kelly Thompson just read a Brené Brown book, and I'm totally on board with that. Rogue realizes that it's her fear of connection that led her to keep her powers unchecked, putting a physical and psychological wall between her and the world. Rogue tears down those walls here as she leans into her fear. "Everything we've ever wanted. It's up to us and nobody else. Exactly as it should be." I kind of need to hear that today, to be honest. I can't wait for us to kick Mojo's ass next issue. #issueoftheyearcandidate
X-Force #5: This issue is a coda to "Extermination," which is why I'm tagging it here. We finally see the future events that cause Nathan to force the original X-Men to return to the past.
In the future, Nate is fighting his war against the New Canaanites when suddenly two of his Clan Chosen soldiers, Bava and Flintshard, dissolve into the timestream and another solider, Spheeris, becomes a different soldier entirely, named Dorna, who claims that they all know him. Eventually, Blaquesmith arrives and brings Nathan to one of the underground safehouses that older Nathan built. The computer recognizes him and informs him that 893 temporal breaches have occurred since he was last there, but only one was critical: Hank bringing the original X-Men to (our) present. Blaquesmith explains the results of this decision are now hitting the present as timelines gets confused. Blaquesmith and the computer introduce Nathan to Graymalkin, giving him his mission to maintain the timestream. Blaquesmith expresses his disappointment in Nathan's older self for allowing his emotions to blind him. (I'm still not entirely sure that we've ever gotten an adequate explanation for why Cable didn't send back the kids, but I think we'll get there eventually.) It's a cool moment, as Hopeless is essentially showing us the moment that Marvel rebooted Cable to his younger self. Cable then watches as his remaining allies, including his lover, Aliya, dissolve into the timestream. Hopeless makes it clear that it's this loss that hardens Nate against Cable, showing him appearing at the burnt-out Xavier Institute as he did in "Extermination." Meanwhile, we also see Stryfe and his Mutant Liberation Force learn about Nathan's activities from a pair of grotesque, Sugar Man-esque (but larger) figures. Stryfe and the MLF follow Nate into the timestream to prevent Nate, who they deem a terrorist, from destroying their timestream.
In other words, Hopeless does an amazing job of covering a lot of ground while also telling a coherent story. Is it functionally a reboot of the original Cable/Stryfe story? Yes. But, I love the return of Stryfe and his war with Cable, so I'm not complaining. I can't wait to see where we go from here.
Also Read: Avengers: No Road Home #7; Star Wars: Vader - Dark Visions #2
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Not-Very-New Comics: The February 27 Edition (HERE BE SPOILERS!)
Age of X-Man: X-Tremists #1: This issue is bizarre mostly because I just don't understand what we're supposed to believe about Bobby. He seems either seriously mentally ill or intellectually limited here. He has a running gag with Jubilee about whether wax paper is the same as a baking sheet, and I can't for the life of me figure out why Williams included it. Is it because he himself has been reprogrammed so many times it's broken him? Plus, he's pretty chummy with Jubilee, which seems like a no-no. Also, why are they baking "thank-you cookies" for the X-Men? Isn't saying thanks a form of intimacy? I can't tell if this issue is supposed to be this bizarre or if Williams is just throwing random stuff at us to see if it sticks. The main tension of this mini-series appears to be the fact one of the "'grades" the X-Tremists capture is pregnant, presenting them with a moral conundrum they've never previously faced. But, if the next four issues are like this one, I'm not sure I can enough to see how they resolved it.
Captain America #8: This issue couldn't be better. First, Coates uses Steve's narration to let us know we're in the dark before the dawn. I didn't realize we needed that, but we did. Coates is telling us to have faith in Steve, at a time when no one has faith in Steve. It feels conspiratorial, a reminder we, the fans, will be rewarded for our faith. America may have turned its back on Steve, but damn if we will. Sharon also hasn't turned her back on Steve, and she's as masterful here as she always is. She shakes down the Kingpin for information, wisely intuiting that Kingpin might've allowed Alexa to knock off Ross in his New York but he wouldn't be happy about sharing the stage with a new upstart villain. He provides her the information she wants, that the Foreigner killed Ross. Meanwhile, Steve sits in von Strucker's prison, with the Wrecking Crew telling him to take his moralizing and shove it. Sure, they killed people but Steve did, too, with all his inspirational speeches. Steve insists inspiring people isn't murder, but Piledriver tells him to ask Rick Jones about that. (Ouch.) While Steve realizes he needs a new name, Alexa secures a presidential pardon for Other Steve. It's a particularly clever moment, because it's the third leg of the stool of corruption Coates is building her: Kingpin as mayor of New York, a pardoned von Strucker running a prison, a pardoned Other Steve in the wild. Coates is pretty openly commenting on our era of the grift, and he does so perfectly. But, he also reminds us the villains might've overplayed their hand, and it feels like we see that when Alexa and Selene do something to turn Other Steve into a monster. At first, I thought they would just use his face to make things worse for Steve. Deciding to turn him into a monster seems a bad call. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds. I don't know if "Captain America" has ever been better, and that's a high bar considering how amazing it's been since Remender's days.
Detective Comics #999: It's pretty fucking ballsy for Tomasi to reveal the last few issues have all been a simulation Batman runs every year on his birthday, a way of forcing himself to be the best he can be by sending his own self to try to kill him. But, you know what? I kind of buy it. I normally hate these sorts of issues, but Tomasi sells through the dialogue, as Bruce's doppelgänger reminds him how he sacrificed himself so other children could have the childhood he didn't. Tomasi even goes one better as Bruce takes out his surrogate parents, Leslie and Alfred, for dinner. It follows the theme of "Batman Annual #3 (the "Father's Day" issue), turning a terribly brutal arc into a somewhat uplifting one.
The Flash #65: Ugh. Williamson had a good thing going when he focused on Bruce's relationship with Gotham Girl, but he jettisons that quickly here, presumably forced by management to focus on Barry and Bruce's "Heroes in Crisis" conflict. It goes...poorly. I don't for a minute believe Bruce would raise to Barry's bait as quickly as he does here, and I definitely don't believe he'd criticize him so cruelly for forgetting Wally existed. But, "Heroes in Crisis" is apparently all about overwrought melodrama, so I'm at least glad I haven't subjected myself to it. Along the way to this moment, Batman and Flash somehow miraculously save Claire, resurrecting her after she dies from the "super Venom" overloading her system. You'd figure she'd be dead-dead, given she burns up her life energy every time she uses her power. Instead, they just administer super-powered CPR, which somehow does the trick. Also, she conveniently doesn't remember who gave her the "super Venom."
The Realm #11: This issue is one of the most interesting of the series despite nothing really happening.
In terms of the main two storylines, we the start the issue with a trio of scarred humanoids escorting Redjaw and his companion back to Johnny. (Haun only vaguely shows their faces, so I can't tell if they're actually human.) One of the humanoids keeps running his mouth about how injured Redjaw looks. While Redjaw's companion tells him to drop it, the humanoid hypothesizes Redjaw's too wounded to take back a portal, which is why Johnny sent the trio to collect them. Redjaw has enough, leaps off his horse, and beats the humanoid to death. I assume the remaining two humanoids will be quiet for the trip. Meanwhile, we see Ben is in pursuit of the party. Turning our attention to our party, Eli informs Will and Molly they're running low on supplies, and Will says he knows a guy near where they'll meet Rook who runs a farm where they can restock and trade. Molly suggests Will tells them about his arm then, suggesting they put all their cards on the table. Will responds by suggesting they tell him what David is carrying, to which Molly simply replies, "Fair enough." Later, David discovers the symbol on the amulet the master used to restrain the monster inside Will is in one of the spellbooks that they swiped; he gives Will a curious look. Elsewhere, Rook kills a pair of goblins who kidnapped a fairy, freeing it, before reuniting with the party.
But, the issue really gets interesting at this point, because Peck starts showing us other events happening in this world. Mac and his party kill a bar full of patrons, arranging them in a circle so Mac can summon Johnny in one of the dead bodies. Meanwhile, the Red Queen vomits all sorts of red fluid into a man, and he turns completely red like she is. In his wanderings, he then infects another man, and they go their separate ways. According to the Comixology intro to this issue, they're hunting for Will. Interesting, they looked very normal, like you could've easily found them in a coffee shop in Williamsburg.
This issue and issue #10 are perfect examples of pet peeve #1: their covers don't show what happens inside. But, interestingly, the elephant-like creature that appeared on the cover of last issue appears briefly here, in one panel, though it seems like the rest of the party can't see him (despite looking in his direction).
West Coast Avengers #8: I know I say it every month, but "West Coast, Best Coast!" I love that the Skrulls are really vampires. I mean, it's so old-school "West Coast Avengers." That's exactly the sort of thing I'd expect to happen to them. Also, they're not just vampires, but vampires using a Scientology-esque "religion" as a front. It's so Los Angeles! Man, I love this series.
Also Read: Amazing Spider-Man #16; Avengers: No Road Home #3; X-Force #3
Captain America #8: This issue couldn't be better. First, Coates uses Steve's narration to let us know we're in the dark before the dawn. I didn't realize we needed that, but we did. Coates is telling us to have faith in Steve, at a time when no one has faith in Steve. It feels conspiratorial, a reminder we, the fans, will be rewarded for our faith. America may have turned its back on Steve, but damn if we will. Sharon also hasn't turned her back on Steve, and she's as masterful here as she always is. She shakes down the Kingpin for information, wisely intuiting that Kingpin might've allowed Alexa to knock off Ross in his New York but he wouldn't be happy about sharing the stage with a new upstart villain. He provides her the information she wants, that the Foreigner killed Ross. Meanwhile, Steve sits in von Strucker's prison, with the Wrecking Crew telling him to take his moralizing and shove it. Sure, they killed people but Steve did, too, with all his inspirational speeches. Steve insists inspiring people isn't murder, but Piledriver tells him to ask Rick Jones about that. (Ouch.) While Steve realizes he needs a new name, Alexa secures a presidential pardon for Other Steve. It's a particularly clever moment, because it's the third leg of the stool of corruption Coates is building her: Kingpin as mayor of New York, a pardoned von Strucker running a prison, a pardoned Other Steve in the wild. Coates is pretty openly commenting on our era of the grift, and he does so perfectly. But, he also reminds us the villains might've overplayed their hand, and it feels like we see that when Alexa and Selene do something to turn Other Steve into a monster. At first, I thought they would just use his face to make things worse for Steve. Deciding to turn him into a monster seems a bad call. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds. I don't know if "Captain America" has ever been better, and that's a high bar considering how amazing it's been since Remender's days.
Detective Comics #999: It's pretty fucking ballsy for Tomasi to reveal the last few issues have all been a simulation Batman runs every year on his birthday, a way of forcing himself to be the best he can be by sending his own self to try to kill him. But, you know what? I kind of buy it. I normally hate these sorts of issues, but Tomasi sells through the dialogue, as Bruce's doppelgänger reminds him how he sacrificed himself so other children could have the childhood he didn't. Tomasi even goes one better as Bruce takes out his surrogate parents, Leslie and Alfred, for dinner. It follows the theme of "Batman Annual #3 (the "Father's Day" issue), turning a terribly brutal arc into a somewhat uplifting one.
The Flash #65: Ugh. Williamson had a good thing going when he focused on Bruce's relationship with Gotham Girl, but he jettisons that quickly here, presumably forced by management to focus on Barry and Bruce's "Heroes in Crisis" conflict. It goes...poorly. I don't for a minute believe Bruce would raise to Barry's bait as quickly as he does here, and I definitely don't believe he'd criticize him so cruelly for forgetting Wally existed. But, "Heroes in Crisis" is apparently all about overwrought melodrama, so I'm at least glad I haven't subjected myself to it. Along the way to this moment, Batman and Flash somehow miraculously save Claire, resurrecting her after she dies from the "super Venom" overloading her system. You'd figure she'd be dead-dead, given she burns up her life energy every time she uses her power. Instead, they just administer super-powered CPR, which somehow does the trick. Also, she conveniently doesn't remember who gave her the "super Venom."
The Realm #11: This issue is one of the most interesting of the series despite nothing really happening.
In terms of the main two storylines, we the start the issue with a trio of scarred humanoids escorting Redjaw and his companion back to Johnny. (Haun only vaguely shows their faces, so I can't tell if they're actually human.) One of the humanoids keeps running his mouth about how injured Redjaw looks. While Redjaw's companion tells him to drop it, the humanoid hypothesizes Redjaw's too wounded to take back a portal, which is why Johnny sent the trio to collect them. Redjaw has enough, leaps off his horse, and beats the humanoid to death. I assume the remaining two humanoids will be quiet for the trip. Meanwhile, we see Ben is in pursuit of the party. Turning our attention to our party, Eli informs Will and Molly they're running low on supplies, and Will says he knows a guy near where they'll meet Rook who runs a farm where they can restock and trade. Molly suggests Will tells them about his arm then, suggesting they put all their cards on the table. Will responds by suggesting they tell him what David is carrying, to which Molly simply replies, "Fair enough." Later, David discovers the symbol on the amulet the master used to restrain the monster inside Will is in one of the spellbooks that they swiped; he gives Will a curious look. Elsewhere, Rook kills a pair of goblins who kidnapped a fairy, freeing it, before reuniting with the party.
But, the issue really gets interesting at this point, because Peck starts showing us other events happening in this world. Mac and his party kill a bar full of patrons, arranging them in a circle so Mac can summon Johnny in one of the dead bodies. Meanwhile, the Red Queen vomits all sorts of red fluid into a man, and he turns completely red like she is. In his wanderings, he then infects another man, and they go their separate ways. According to the Comixology intro to this issue, they're hunting for Will. Interesting, they looked very normal, like you could've easily found them in a coffee shop in Williamsburg.
This issue and issue #10 are perfect examples of pet peeve #1: their covers don't show what happens inside. But, interestingly, the elephant-like creature that appeared on the cover of last issue appears briefly here, in one panel, though it seems like the rest of the party can't see him (despite looking in his direction).
West Coast Avengers #8: I know I say it every month, but "West Coast, Best Coast!" I love that the Skrulls are really vampires. I mean, it's so old-school "West Coast Avengers." That's exactly the sort of thing I'd expect to happen to them. Also, they're not just vampires, but vampires using a Scientology-esque "religion" as a front. It's so Los Angeles! Man, I love this series.
Also Read: Amazing Spider-Man #16; Avengers: No Road Home #3; X-Force #3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)