In the late 90’s, a group of friends were avid comic book readers. Every Wednesday, we would pick up our comics, read them, and share quick reviews with each other. It was fun and we did it pretty much every week from 1996 to 2005. Eventually, we tapered off, some stopped reading, some of us lost touch with one another. As this blog has grown over the last 4 years, I feel a need to write more things for all of you to read. So, Comix this week is reborn. As with my movie reviews, this is not comprehensive. I cannot afford to read every comic, nor will I illegally download them, I respect the artists and writers too much for that. Every week there will be a “pick of the week”. At the end of the year, we will have a retrospective and choose the best comics of 2014.
I use cover images in my reviews. These images are from various comic companies, such as Marvel, DC, and Image in today’s case. They own this stuff. I do this for fun, not money. Enjoy.
April, 16, 2014
(I know, I missed a week. Best issue of 04/09/14 was Secret Avengers #2)
Thor: God of Thunder 21
Thor continues his fight against an evil corporation that wishes to destroy the earth by depleting its resources and pollution….blah. This story is a non starter.
Wolverine and the X-Men 3
Wolverine adjusts to losing his healing factor as “The Phoenix corporation” tries to recruit Quentin to their cause, he being a future Phoenix host. Okay, can’t see where it is heading yet.
Mercenary Sea 3
The crew finds themselves facing off against the Japanese Navy in a mission to rescue a British Spy, who meets an unfortunate end. Not too sure if this one will last. Allure of 1930’s sea pirates is wearing off.
Uncanny X-Force 3
Cable leads his new team into a jungle base to rescue mutants who are being experimented on. They face some resistance and Psylocke goes apeshit and breaks her “no killing” vow. Bad ass.
Batman 30
Thank the maker! This Zero year story heads to it’s end as Batman returns from battle injuries to find a Gotham held prisoner by The Riddler! He has cut off the city, rigged the bridges with bombs, and won’t let anyone out until…wait a fraggin’ minute. Is this the plot of Dark Knight Rises? It IS the plot to Dark Knight Rises! THIS is what we’ve been waiting for?! ugh.
Wolverine 4
I picked up the first few issues along with this. Pretty good. Logan has lost his powers and fakes a falling out with the Avengers and X-Men to justify infiltrating a criminal group which has run ins with Sabretooth. Not a bad series, well done so far.
Hulk 1
A new Hulk series! indestructible Hulk ended with Bruce Banner taking two bullets to the back of the head. This follows right behind as The Hulk undergoes brain surgery. He escapes the surgery/bad guys and we follow up with Dr Banner- now severely brain damaged, almost mentally retarded it seems. A new take, to be sure, but somehow intriguing. Marvel shows no fear in trying new things.
Stray Bullets: Killers 2
We reconnect with Virginia Applejack, a short time after the end of the last series. She is back in school, making friends. I binge read the original series in that new “Uber Alles” edition, and I am quite pleased to see this revived series being a direct continuation of the first. So many threads were left hanging.
Superior Spider-Man 31
This is it! the grand finale! Peter faces off against Norman Osborn and his Goblin army for the soul of NYC! This was a damn GREAT issue, and a great run! Peter begins to pick up the pieces of his life while stopping Gobby. It turns out Osborn is behind Alchemax, the corporation that is the big bad in Spider-Man 2099. Mary Jane leaves, having had enough of Peter and his life, while Mayor JJ Jameson steps down in shame for his actions in the crisis. A powerful finish to the story, and a magnificent set up for Amazing Spider-Man #1!
The Skinny from the Fatty 