Five-by-Five

All I want for Christmas is for my weekly comic read pile to make me go Wow. Is that too much to ask for? Anyway, unfortunately this week I did not feel it as much as in weeks past and that is disappointing when looking at the “A” list titles shipping. That being said, I still found five books for you to take a look at, including two I highly recommend.

For the second-straight month, X-Men: Spider-Man was able to get it done for me as issue two takes place about 10 years or so after issue number one. Last we saw our favorite web-head and the uncanny ones, they teamed up to take on the Blob and Kraven as Sinister was working the puppet strings in the background.

This week, the plot thickens as we see the impact of Sinister’s plans and how they play out in the time period the issue takes place. I am really looking forward to see when the next time jump will land and what the story will surround. This series is a ret-con special, filling in the possible blanks of old stories now that we know Sinister has been behind the scenes all this time. For some, that is just wrong, but this series is fun and the writing (Christopher Gage) and artwork (Mario Alberti) are both superb and will almost definitely end up on my bookshelf when it is collected.

Part seven of the New Krypton storyline drops this week in Action Comics #872. This is a Geoff Johns issue and expectations were high that it would be a good one and I was not disappointed. I don’t know if it is because we are seven issues in (more if you count the Braniac storyline and Jimmy Olsen one-shot), but the series feels like it is dragging a bit for me. This issue was good, and some fun stuff happened as we saw a little more of the Lex-Braniac story unfold. But for the first time I have to admit, I am not that excited for the next installment.

And now for a blast from the past, DC Comics in a stroke of genius has decided to re-release The Watchmen as it originally appeared, in a monthly comic. I have been waiting to re-read this classic and this was the opportunity I was looking for, to do it the same way I did back in the day. It still holds up. If you have not read The Watchmen yet (and why not) or were waiting for a reason to do so, this is your excuse. Alan Moore shoves so much into each issue, that this is the best way in my opinion to experience The Watchmen, allowing you to fully soak in each chapter.

One of my second look selections a few weeks ago, Captain Britain and MI13 delivers its usual steadiness as issue eight his shelves this week. This issue has it all, a little betrayal, a nice touching moment between the undead and oh yeah, a little more background on this new and improved Brian Braddock. Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk continue to give us a book that is interesting with characters who have been out of sight, out of mind for too long.

Wrapping up my week is Batman Confidential #24. Part three of the current Joker story, Andrew Kreisberg has done a strong job so far with both the story and his portrayal of the Joker. There are a lot of different writers out there right now outing their own twists on the dude with green hair and a permanent smile, and Kresiberg’s version is a twisted-insane one who obviously knows what he is doing. If you have yet to read this story arc and are bog fans of the Bat and the Joke-Man, pick this one up at issue #22 and read through to this week, you will thank yourself in the morning.

Until next week …

How About a Six Pack This Week?

Instead of my normal five comic book reviews, this week I give you a six-pack. And sorry about missing last week’s books, there was some good stuff there, but I got tied up with all that delicious turkey and pumpkin pie.

My actual pick this week is the long-awaited return of Illyana Rasputin in X-Infernus #1. Last we saw Colossus’ little snowflake, she was taking a piece of Pixie’s soul to help the New X-Men. That was 18 long months ago and it turns out Pixie is all sorts of messed up from the experience as Nightcrawler finds out in issue one.

My friend and I were a little nervous about this mini-series because we are such big fans of Magik/Darkchilde, but C.B. Cebulski put our fears to rest with a spectacular introduction. The stage is set as Illyana is looking for her lost soul sword (do you remember where, or in whom, she left it?), but another player has come out to challenge her for the rule of Limbo. Giuseppi Camuncoli provides solid pictures.

As one mini-series, another (sort of) ends in Secret Invasion #8. This has been a tough ride because for me it always seemed like not much was happening each month. There was always one big wow moment in each issue. Well, the conclusion put any ill feelings out the door for me as Brian Michael Bendis delivered an epic story.

When last we saw our heroes and the Skrulls, they were getting ready to battle it out in NYC. However, the battle is done when we get issue eight in our needy hands (this was the first book I read this week). I thought it was a brilliant stroke of story telling to narrate what had happened and what we missed. The entire story was well done, but the last panel was the pay-off moment that no one can say they were expecting.

Now to find out what happens, we must read Dark Reign, but really, who is complaining about that?

Let’s stay in the Marvel U and NYC and take a look at how our friendly neighborhood wall crawler is doing in Amazing Spider-Man #579. When we last saw him he was trying to save a bunch of jurors in a mob trial from the Shocker and a subway cave-in. Mark Waid’s two-part story concludes and continues the fun from the previous book. Marcos Martin adds his unique pencils which really work for me on this book.

As maligned as Brand New Day is (and my aforementioned friend made a good point, could this story been told with Spidey married) the best stories that have come out of the relaunch have been the ones that just concentrate on Spidey being Spidey and not Peter Parker’s messed up life. They are good stories, but eventually we will lose out what makes this character so special and that is Pete’s messed up life.

I am going to cap off a heavy Marvel-favorite week with Cable #9. My boy Duane Swierczynski continues to give me those I can’t believe Bishop just did that moment as this week our favorite time-travelling betrayer plays the X-Men and gives them a nice little treat in his effort to find Cable. Bishop has attempted a scorched Earth technique destroying the future so Cable has no where to hide.

Turns out Bishop did not need to do a lot of work as Cable’s recent hiding place has been infiltrated and he needs to teach the little red-head girl (Rachel Summers anyone?) how to be a soldier. Boy does she make a Daddy proud. As always, Duane gives us another great chapter in this story and I SO can not wait for the next issue.

For the second time in three weeks, I have to give the nod to Image Comics I Hate Gallant Girl. Issue two continues to deliver as Renee begins her crime-fighting career with a new moniker. And it really is making Gallant Girl mad. Jim Valention plotted this baby out and Kat Cahill filled in the rest of the words and by issue’s end you will not have any thing figured out.

I really like this mini-series so far and I can not believe it is only three issues. I am going to be disappointed when it ends. A good old-fashioned comic book story, Gallant Girl also has a great message to young girls about body image.

And to wrap it up I go with a DC kid’s comics, Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade #1. Granted, I am a super-whore when it comes to Superman and Supergirl (although I am having a real hard time getting through Superman/Supergirl Maelstrom – ugh!). Anyway, the eight grade version of Kara is fun. Remember, it’s a kids comics, try not to take it too seriously and enjoy it for what it is, you will not be disappointed.

That’s it for now …

A Second Look ...

This week I would like to take a look at Vertigo's Madame Xanadu written by Matt Wagner and drawn by Amy Reeder Hadley. With five issues in the bank this series has moved along quite nicely. Each month's issue features a solo story which has quietly become part of a much larger arc.

I credit both creators for keeping my interest in this book. Wagner has developed a unique idea and get you to care about its central character - Madame Xanadu, an immortal fairy with waning powers.

Each issue is completely different than the last and Wagner is using the passage of time very well to tell a story that spans the centuries.

Also, Wagner has added in a twist in the tale with The Phantom Stranger. Is he friend or foe for a smitten-Madame Xanadu? I for one am very interested to see where this part of the story goes.

Hadley's pencils, accompanied by Richard Friend's inks, are masterful. The detail is clean and this book has a much more vibrant look to it than other muddy Vertigo titles. For me, art is such an important part to the storytelling process that it sometimes distracts from a great story.

The next issue of Madame Xanadu, #6, will feature a Vertigo fan-favorite in Death from The Sandman in what promises to be another exciting chapter in this new-born title.

The Five – November 19

In another light week there were not many books that got me thinking, but these next five did achieve the trick. One surprising note is that they are all mainstream titles, three Marvel and two DC. As always, spoiler free, enjoy and

Fantastic Four #561 My actual selection of the week, Mark Millar’s run on Fantastic Four began with not much excitement as it seemed he was laying the groundwork for his 16-month journey with artist Bryan Hitch. However, if you ignore his first arc all together you will miss an important ingredient in this latest storyline which I believe featured its penultimate issue with the death of the Invisible Woman. Don’t worry, it’s not a spoiler and it is actually in the title of issue #561.

This latest arc has been good and interesting with the Defenders and their leader who was revealed last issue to be future and older Sue Storm, taking out her ex-teammates and Dr. Doom. The question is why did she do that? Also, the question on everyone lips, well at least mine going into the comic, was which Sue dies (and of course how does she perish)? Wait until you get a load of what happens.

This issue reads fast and it is mostly because the pacing is superb by Millar, who has been juggling some books of late. All four members have their moments in this issue which is sure to please core fans and new ones alike.

Amazing Spider-Man #578 Let me go on the record as one of many stating that I was never a big fan of One New Day. Loved the actual story by JMS, hated the concept and resolution. Plus the first few issues of Brand New Day just reminded me of what we lost from the last 10 years. That being said Spidey is good again. The stories have been solid and we have had a bountiful run these past few months. Plus, we get three issues a month instead of one, the comic Gods must be smiling on us.

This latest arc by Mark Waid and Marcos Martin features Peter Parker having some good luck for a change, which we all know is about to end. I think when the new run focuses on day-to-day happenings in NYC (and there should be a lot), instead of Pete’s actual life, the book has been able to stay good. Issue #578 is another example of this, beginning with Pete taking the subway and once again getting hit on by an attractive and forward female (this seems to be part of the new mantra for Pete, glad he is single again because I would hate to miss these moments). But with all good things, the Spidey sense starts tingling and we are reintroduced to another long-time member of his Rogue’s gallery. Welcome back Mr … hope you enjoy the ride.

Terra #2 (of 5) Despite not wanting to like this book, I find myself enjoying it a lot. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti are supplying fun words while Amanda Conner adds her unique talents to the story telling with her distinctive pencils. The first three pages of Issue #2 has the new Terra quite revealed and my question is – is it exploitive when the artist is a woman, and do we really care, because it is just good fun.

The mystery surrounding the new Terra deepens as does the connection with the old Terra in this issue. Along for the ride are Dr. Midnite, who has been doing yeoman’s duty of late appearing in what seems to be every DC book in the line. I wonder how much he actually gets for making house calls?

This issue we are also introduced to who we think is the big bad for the mini-series, plus once again, their half-naked friend of the female persuasion (sorry I could not resist). The pace is fast and fun and overall I continue to like this book. It actually reminds me of the Incredible Hercules, before I read it, I want to find a reason not to. But after I have finished, I can’t believe I was going to pass.

Flash #246 I have featured this book before, however this time it is under its new creative team of Alan Burnett and Carlo Barbieri? Paco Diaz handled the penciling chores the first few issues and I am not sure if this is a permanent change in the artist chair, but whatever, it’s a solid issue.

After last issue’s bee attack, Wally’s wife Linda is in serious condition and once again, its Dr. Midnite to the rescue, or sort of. This issue is all about heart and not about being a superhero as we get to take a walk through Wally’s memory lane remembering how he and the misses first met, etc., etc. Like I said, it’s got a lot of heart and is a very poignant issue. It also seems to set up a scarier read next month.

Now that I have that out of my system, I do have a question, since Wally is actually not really “flashing” in this issue, why does he need to walk around Linda’s bedside in his costume? I just think he would be more comfortable in regular clothes (c’mon, you know you were thinking it also). Also, Dr. Midnite only seems be a doctor in his costume as well, actually operating in costume in another book over the past few weeks. Do they really think we as readers would not be that smart as to figure out who they are? I need some reality in my fantasy – but I digress.

Uncanny X-Men #504 I looked at this cover, which is nicely done by the way, from Terry Dodson and thought oh please, another reason to draw the X-babes in a sexy way. Really? Is this what we have come to now for the X-books? But the answer was not what I was suspecting. First, this is the Matt Fraction has solo writing credits and it sort of feels that way as well. He did a nice job with the story which balances two main plot points, what is going on in Scott’s head (once again, although the reveal is worth the wait) and once again humanizing Peter in light of the demise of Kitty.

Pete’s having a real hard time, and just when it seems he finally turns the corner, he does something very un-hero like which reminded me just how human he is, especially when he spent most of the issue not being human.

So there are my five for the week. I enjoyed all of these immensely and look forward to the stories continuing. Until next time.

A Second Look …

Greetings and welcome to a brand new feature on Brave New Worlds.com, our “Second Look,” which is basically me blogging about what comics are tickling my fancy and why. Generally these books are running under the radar but are deserving of attention. So, you know the drill, if you want to know more, click here.

For our first installment I have decided to take a closer peek on two books – Incredible Hercules and Captain Britain and MI:13.

Incredible Herc began its life actually as the Incredible Hulk. However with the birth of a new Hulk title (simply-titled Hulk), the powers that be at Marvel decided to hand over the existing titles reign to a longtime supporting character in the Marvel U, Hercules. Now with Amadeus Cho in tow, Hercules is back on the map.

I have to admit, I am surprised at how well each issue is produced. Fred Van Lente and Greg Pak have done a marvelous job scripting this title and have made us care about what is happening. I think the most important ingredient injected by the duo is heart.

At the end of each issue, I can not help but notice how touching and thoughtful the story was. There is always something that leaves me thinking about it. I also believe the relationship between Herc and Cho is also a strong one that is grounded in true friendship, and that translates in the pages as well.

And now for something completely different, let’s take a look at another supporting character getting another shot in the Marvel U. Captain Britain has been around, most recently in Excalibur. And I was that X-guy back in the day that when Excalibur started I was right on board. There were some good stories, but nothing in it ever made me a huge fan of the Union Jack wearer.

What started as a read because it tied into Secret Invasion has turned into something more as issue #7 just hit stands this past week. Paul Cornell makes me want more and more. I am completely satisfied after reading every issue, and am beginning to care about the characters as a whole. And any book that can bring back the Black Knight and also find a role for Blade can’t be all that bad.

Each month these titles come out, I always find a hand full of books I want to read before turning through these two. And every month after reading through almost everything I sit and think how good Incredible Hercules and Captain Britain end up being, especially over the A-list comics.
Keep up the good work guys, and if you have not checked out either of these titles yet, do yourself a favor and start.

This week’s entries include two mainstream titles and three smaller company books, hooray for the little guy. In a week with a lot of milestone and big titles, it was the “other” ones that got it done for me. So without further fuss, her are my five picks for the week, spoiler free of course.



Action Comics #871 The fourth part of the New Krypton is my “official” selection of the week, as have three of the previous titles in the saga thus far. The story progresses as last we saw Kal-El led a delegation of New Kryptonians to meet his peeps in Metropolis when all sorts of funny stuff broke out (of course). Without giving anything away, lets just say in this issue, the plot thickens. Enjoy.

Star Trek Mirror Images #4 IDW has done some masterful work with its Star Trek titles and this one continues in the same vein as the rise of Kirk to power in the Mirror Universe culminates and concludes. While these books are not canon, they certainly make a lot of sense in connecting the dots to some classic original episodes. And Italian-artist David Messina’s likeliness’ are uncanny.



Fables #78 Four months ago in the conclusion of the war, Bill Willingham promised repercussions that would affect the Fables far into the future. The war might have been won, but this month we learn at what true cost (and this is only the beginning). That said, I have not had as much fun reading a character since the Joker when in this issue I was introduced to Mister Dark!



I Hate Gallant Girl #1 Meet Renee. Since she was a little girl she has dreamt of being a super-hero, which means a Gallant Girl. Selected once every 10 years, Renee believes herself to be a shoo-in as she has all the attributes. Turns out all of them save one – the look. So, what is a rejected Gallant Girl to do? If you guessed become a hero anyway, you would not be wrong. An Image-Shadowline production, I Hate Gallant Girl is by Jim Valentino and Kat Cahill with pictures from Seth Damoose.



Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson #1 Much like Anita Blake, this comic is adapted from a series of books under the same name. This time the adaptation is performed by Dabel Brothers publishing. David Lawrence works the magic with Briggs writing while the true wonder of this four-issue mini-series is the paintings by Francis Tsai – worth the price alone. The kicker is this is actually an enjoyable tale about a coyote shape-shifter raised by werewolves. And did we mention the vampires? Hooked yet?

The Brave New Worlds Blog Review Has Returned

Yes, it is back, my top picks of the week after a very lengthy hiatus (don’t ask). Anyway, without further a do my top five of the week (half of them being mini-series), spoiler free as always.

X-Men and Spider-Man #1 My actual pick of the week, X-Men and Spider-Man #1 harkens back to the early days of Marvel and both Spidey and the X-Men. It is a classic Marvel story from that era as Peter Parker is hanging out with Gwen, MJ, Harry and Flash. But Kraven is on the hunt (when is he not?) and this time with a new twist that directly involves the students of a school in Westchester. Christos Gage provides the story while Mario Alberti provides the breathtaking visuals in part one of four.

Go here for a preview http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.5785.Preview~colon~_X-Men~slash~Spider-Man_%231

Cable #8 Cable has been a slow burn since issue one, building towards something big. You can just tell. And each issue leaves me wanting more and more, which is impressive when you consider how much of a fan I am not of Cable (he just does not do it for me). That being said Duane Swierczynski has a way of writing the book that makes me care (the same can by said for his other title Iron Fist as well). The first couple of issues basically consisted of just Cable and Bishop, but now the X-Men are involved and things have started to heat up.

Gemini #3 It took a little bit of time, but Gemini #3 finally hit the shelves and was so worth the wait. Jay Faerber’s epic tale of a superhero who does not know he is a superhero continues as Gemini learns a little more about whom he actually is and what is going on all around him. By the time you get to the end you will be like, where is the rest, it’s that good.




Superman Supergirl Maelstrom #1 First thing to realize when you pick this up, don’t get stuck trying to figure out where in the DC continuity this takes place, it is obviously before Final Crisis and the Death of the New Gods. Now that we have that out of the way, Maelstrom is some low-level Apokolips lackey with delusions of Darkseid matrimony (never a good thing). So, she goes to prove her worth the only way you can with the Big D by going after the Big S. Unfortunately she has to settle for the S in the skirt. But this issue is so much more as Jimmy Palmiotti and Justine gray provide the first glimpse of what we can really expect from this five issue mini-series.



Invincible Iron Man #7 Where Director of Shield fails, Matt Fraction allows Invincible Iron Man to deliver. This issue features a guest spot by your friendly neighborhood web-head and the aftermath of the first six-issue arc, very poignant and well done.



Final Crisis Resist First let me remind everyone that in the beginning I was so a Final Crisis hater. However upon further review this is a pretty good series and for my money as fun as the main Secret Invasion title is, FC delivers more issue for issue, especially in its tie-ins. Resist is just that, how the resistance is doing against the Anti-Life equation (not well) and just what drastic measures they are prepared to do to win. This issue leads directly back into the main series, so you don’t want to miss it.

Sandman: Dream Hunters #1 This is a bonus review that some could say was 10 years in the re-making. An original Sandman story from Neil Gaiman from 1999, P. Craig Russell has decided to adapt the original text and provide all new artwork. The story delivers as always and the art work is phenomenal. If you read the original with illustrations by Yoshitake Amano, pick up this four-issue series for a new twist on a classic.

Good times with our guests @ BNW Old City

The girls from the Zenescope booth show some love for BNW customers.
Spider-man and Gwen Stacy were in Willow Grove on FCBD.
Iron Man stopped by to get Steve Morrrison from WMMR's Preston & Steve show to register in accordance with the Superhuman Registration Act. He didn't leave until he was convinced by Rich that Steve didn't have any superpowers. Customers that were there said they smelled Jack Daniels. Further suspicion was aroused when iron man locked the keys in his car requiring the assistance of a local S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, who looked remarkably like an officer from Upper Moreland township.
Darth and some of his usual cronies stopped by Old City for a pint or two.
Then squared off against a young Jedi stopping in to get some comics on FCBD 2008.
Gary Panter and Steve Dillon were in over the summer to give away copies of the Lost Ones graphic novel.
Joe Brusha and Ralph Tadesco from Zenesope Comics were in Willow Grove back when we used to have Cap's shield.
Mike Oeming and Bryan Glass show off Mice Templar to folks on a First Friday in Old City
Spider-Man stopped by and checked out some comics while Brian Wood was hanging out.
Steve Dillon did some beautiful head sketches, then inked them himself for customers of Brave New Worlds to benefit the Hero Initiative. We raised over $600 for the fund that evening.

The Incredible Hulk - Spoiler Free

Hulk smash box office records. Well not exactly and maybe after the huge success that was Iron Man the Incredible Hulk came out to fast or the public maybe a little saturated with the men in tights. Don’t forget the Dark Knight and Hellboy II are also on the horizon. And Iron Man was a colossal success. But I digress …

The Incredible Hulk was a fun summer movie that stayed true to the characters and did not make the audience sit through another origin story. Twenty minutes into the film and you realized right away that this will definitely be a different experience than Ang Lee’s 2003 attempt and the jolly green man.

The movie actually felt like The Bourne Identity with Bruce Banner in the role of Jason Bourne, and it works. Your adrenaline pumps from the very beginning and really does not let up until the end.

It is a classic Hulk story with the military on his heels and a few homages to the television show with an old-school TV clip of Bill Bixby and a cameo by Lou Ferrigno.

Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Tim Roth and Tim Blake Nelson all deliver excellent performances. Norton does a very understated job and was an excellent casting choice for this film. And the CGI team that worked on the Hulk were amazing. The range of emotions you could see in the Hulk’s eyes, which were generally tortured were amazing. You feel real sympathy for his character – no easy task.

In the end, I recommend this film that is suitable for all ages. Make sure you have a smashing good time, because that is what this movie is about.

And one last thing, this time you do not have to remain in your seats until the end of the credits, the Robert Downey, Jr. cameo is at the end of the film, before the credits roll – thank you very much.

A Welcome Return by an Old Friend

SPOILER FREE

First let me start out by saying just how geeked out I was by the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. While Star Wars definitely holds a special place for me, like so many others the Indiana Jones movies are of a different status – these could really happen (sort of).

So it was with great anticipation that I went to see the latest installment at midnight last Wednesday. I read nothing about the movie and allowed myself only to view the official trailers as to not learn anything about the movie.

To be honest, I was anticipating another chapter of the 1930’s-style serialization. Instead I got something completely different, not to say that was a bad thing. Steven Spielberg realizing the intelligence of movie goers would not allow him to play Harrison Ford off as a 30-something, he set the movie 19 years after The Last Crusade (Incidentally, that is the amount of actual real time that has passed as well).

So George Lucas and Spielberg made an Indiana Jones adventures that reflects 1950s happenings and such – i.e. The Cold War and other things that I will not get into as not to spoil it.

All that being said I was not disappointed with the latest and perhaps final chapter of the saga. As soon as the movie starts, Ford is wearing the trademark fedora and jacket and basically getting himself in over-his-head. He returns to the character with the ease of well, slipping on that jacket.

Karen Allen’s return as Marion Ravenwood also worked really well, and the on-screen chemistry she shares with Ford has not waned after all these years.

Shia LeBeouf wasgood but at times seemed a little out of place like he was trying to still figure out how he was cast in this movie. Cate Blanchett was magnificent in what I believe to be her first action role.

My only problem, and I guess the way this was written you could tell this has all been a set up, was with the script. It was a fun, summer adventure movie, which had none of the passion of the original films. Something was missing from Indiana Jones and it was not the last 19 years. He did not have the same charisma, charm and dialogue that he had the previous three flicks.

I am all for the passage of time and how it changes people, but I think to take those traits away from both Ford and Indy left me feeling like I missed something.

Again, that being said it was a fun ride that I highly recommend. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a nice valentine to the series and seems to wrap up the life of Indiana Jones. There is a scene at the end where you could possibly see the passing of the torch to LeBeouf’s Mutt Williams, but instead I think you actually will see that in the end, the only person who is Indiana Jones is Indiana Jones (and Ford).

Iron Man - Spoiler Free

Twenty-four hours ago I finished watching the latest Marvel movie-offering, Iron Man. It was good, real good. The best way to sum up the experience is this, I can not wait until the next one comes out. So let's take a spoiler-free look at what is definitely one of the better superhero movies to come out, as well as a strong-origin flick.

First, Robert Downey Jr. has Tony Stark down pat. As confident as I was that he would make an excellent Stark, that confidence was only strengthened as I watched Downey behave as I believe Stark would. As I have been fond of saying since news of his casting was first released, Downey was born to play this role.

Second, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts was excellent casting. She was the one person who seemed a little out of place. Not that Paltrow could not handle the role, its just I never really could envisioned the star of Shakespeare in Love in a comic-book movie. Well, any reservations I had about her were silenced almost immediately when Pepper skillfully "takes out the trash" so to speak when Tony is called away from a late-night conquest early in the film.

The chemistry between Downey and Paltrow in the unrequited love that Stark and Potts have for each other was masterful. Its all I can really say to describe the emotion the two were able to convey. Its as if they were both Stark and Potts, and going back and forth with one another for years.

Jon Favreau did a masterful job directing this film. His choices in interpretation of Jarvis was and excellent one that worked and should make fans happy how he was able to keep the character and also update him.

As for the story, it was strong. Favreau actually starts the movie at one point, than rewinds about 36 hours to show you how events lead to Stark's current situation as the film opens. There are a lot of scenes of Downey designing and building the Iron Man armor, and clocking in just over two hours this movie could have dragged, but it never did.

Finally, if you have not seen it yet, make sure you stay in your seats when the credits begin to roll, as Marvel has been apt to do lately, they stash a final scene at the end of the credits, and it is worth sticking around for.

Color Me Surprised

Midway through this week's stack of books, the only one that really jumped out at me was surprise, surprise - Buffy the Vampire Slayer #14. It has been consistently one of my favorite books since it debuted a little over a year ago. Each issues as strong as the last. That being said, my pick of the week was actually sitting at the bottom of the pile - Image's Gemini #1.

Going in I had no idea what Gemini was about (and there is the reason is what sitting at the bottom of the pile). The cover and art looked intriguing enough for me to open it up and give it a try. Well, color me surprised by I really enjoyed this book. Its about a hero, who seems to be programmed. He has a group of handlers that monitor him and activate and deactivate him.
Issue one opens with Gemini in battle against a force of evil as we get introduced to the crew that "watches" his every moment. We also get a glimpse into Gemini's normal everyday life, but its not the secret identity thing you would think it is. And just as you get towards the end and really interested in the character and what is going on, something happens that is not normal for Gemini, and nothing it seems, will ever be the same. I can not wait for issue two.

Last but certainly not least is the conclusion to Richard Donner's Last Son storyline in Action Comics Annual #11. The book was entertaining as Superman has to pair with his arch-nemesis to take on yet another arch-enemy. But the real interesting part of this story is the resolution to the Christopher Kent storyline. Do not want to give anything away, but Donner (with an assist from Geoff Johns) does it really well. And reading the issue I could not help but think of Christopher Reeves, even Adam Kubert's art makes Clark look like Reeves.

This Week's Five

Another week, another five picks by yours truly. This week I am recommending Mighty Avengers #12, Northlanders #5, Superman/Batman #47, Ultimate Spider-Man #121 and Wolverine First Class #2. The later two were more fun than anything else, but Mighty Avengers was the issue we were all waiting for as Nick Fury returns, sort of.

Brian Michael Bendis continues to masterfully weave his tale of the Skrull Invasion in this week's edition of the Mighty Avengers. This one is a must read for anyone interested in the Secret Invasion. Ever since we last saw Nick Fury in Secret War and later talking to Spider Woman in New Avengers the question on everyone's lips has been, where is Nick Fury? This week, that answer is revealed - a little bit.

Brian Wood dips into the past to reveal some of the origins of Sven the Viking in Northlanders #5. It is a poignant issue as we watch Sven as a child and the events that unfolded that put him in the position he is today. This has been an excellent series and with only five issues out should be easy for anyone to pick up on if they have not taken the jump yet.

The quest for kryptonite continues in Superman/Batman #47. However in this issue all is not as it seems and the end has a huge reveal worth the price of admission alone. Turns out, Bats and Supes were wrong in thinking they had pretty much gotten all the green rocks there was had to on Earth. Now it appears someone has been stockpiling it - right under Superman's nose in a diner in Kansas, and boy do they have a surprise.

And now for some fun, because comics should be fun, right? Bendis' second nod this week is from Ultimate Spider-Man #121. After just finishing the Firestarter arc, this one-shot shows us a day in the life of Peter Parker, ordinary high school student and employee at the Daily Bugle. But if we have learned one thing about Parker, life is nothing but ordinary when your alter ego is Spider-Man. If you have yet to take a chance on the Ultimate Universe, or are just looking for a fun issue to read, this is the one.

Finally, Wolverine First Class #2 rounds out the week. I have said this before, the world was a lot simpler in the early days of the new X-Men. This series revolves around Logan's relationship with Kitty Pryde. The First Class stories (X-Men being the other) are nice one-shots that make me yearn for the old Chris Claremont-John Byrne days, before everyone and their uncle became a mutant, and then lost their powers, and then found out they still had their powers, and then found out they might be a skrull, and then ...

Spectacular Spider-Man Review

Four episodes in, I found myself caught in the web of the latest animated offering of everyone's friendly neighborhood wallcrawler - The Spectacular Spider-Man.

In the 10th animated version of Spider-Man, Peter Parker returns to the small screen after a five-year absence (the last being MTV's Spider-Man: The Animated Series in 2003). This latest rendition follows Parker and best buds Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy as they navigate the perils of high school. Also joining the fun is Aunt May, J. Jonah Jameson, Dr. Curt Connors, Eddie Brock (this time as a friend of Peter's) and a cast of others from Spider-Man lore. Noticeably absent however is one Mary Jane Watson, who was mentioned but not shown.

A catalyst for each creature of the week appears to be Connors' lab as the first few episode see accidents launch the career's of Electro and the Lizard. Brock by the way is Connors' lab assistant, so we can only assume that the creation of fan-favorite Venom is not far off.

The animation is excellent although it make take a little time to get used to the animator's choice of drawing everyone's pupils in a very BIG way. However you get used to it and it appears to works for this cartoon.
Parker is back in his element as the outcast, serving as the punching bag for Flash Thompson and his friends. His friendships with Stacy and Osborn are tested immediately as his alter-ego's lifestyle conflicts with multiple commitments, showing the formation of his isolation from his friends and loved ones. And while Uncle Ben is gone, he is referenced and his presence felt as Parker often makes choices that further alienate him in order to do the right thing - "with great power comes great responsibility" and all that jazz.

The Spectacular Spider-Man is definitely geared towards the kids, however adults will recognize the relationships and enjoy it just as much. If you like the recent wave of animated super-hero fare, this one should definitely have a spot in your Tivo lineup.

Five-by-Five

After a one-week absence, I am back with five more picks of the week. To be honest, last weeks offerings left me a little under whelmed and that is why no review, although Nova #12 was strong and my pick of the week. Now without any further ado, here are my top five for the week - Captain Marvel #5, Amazing Spider-Man #557 (second time in three weeks), Star Trek Year Four Enterprise Experiment #1, The Flash #239 and DC Wildstorm Dreamweaver.

Captain Marvel #5 - During a big event like Secret Invasion, a lot of mini-series end with more questions than they answer. This issues was the opposite, in fact it answers a lot of the questions on how and why Mah-vell came back (as long ago as the Civil War). But more importantly, it gives us an idea as to how the Skrulls are accomplishing what they are doing. If you have not been reading this mini-series, shame on you. The bad news is, its over. The good news, it was only five issues so it should be easy to catch up. I hope this is not the last we have seen of Mah-vell. Somehow I don't believe that is true.


Amazing Spider-Man #557 - Part three of Zeb Wells arc ends here and it is just as good as the previous two issues. Brand New Day has been difficult to read through, but Wells had a way of making you forget about it and focus on the reason we all read the book in the first place, Spider-Man. The only sad part is now we will have to wait another three months for Wells' next arc.


Star Trek Year Four Enterprise Experiment #1 - IDW's Star Trek re-launch has been good and this issue does not disappoint with the return of veteran Trek-scribe D.C. Fontana. This series is taken right off the screen from the Original Series episode when Kirk stole the Romulan cloaking device. If you ever wondered what happened after that episode, wonder no more.


The Flash #239 - This title has been enjoyable since Wally West's return. It is not stuck in the deep continuity of Countdown, it is pretty much self-contained. And while the focus on Wally's kids is not for everyone, I find their story very interesting. This issue also has a couple of guest stars in Jay Garrick and Red Arrow. It's been a good read and this month's edition leaves me wanting more as always. I know its not an original idea to have superhero looking for work to make money (Peter Parker anyone?), but it is new in the DC Universe.


Last but surprisingly not least, DC Wildstorm Dreamweaver - While I am not exactly sure what this book is about, the first issue had me hooked like a fun, summertime popcorn flick. On one side you have the characters of the Wildstorm Universe (Gen 13, Authority, Mr. Majestic, Welcome to Tranquilty) and on the other the DCU (JLA, Titans, Legion). I was intrigued as Titans Tower dropped down on the Wildstorm Universe, but whatever interest I had turned into pure, unadulterated fun when the Titans faced-off against Mr. Majestic - 'nuff said. I can't wait until issue number two.