Starting a new regular feature here on Toon Talk. Thought I’d do a weekly quick view review of the latest titles. These are the books that just came out on Wednesday. In case you’re heading to the comic shop this weekend, this may give you an idea where to spread your bread.
ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST 2
Looks like this is going to be a fun comic book with whimsy and epic drama going hand in hand. If you didn’t think the idea of a rocket raccoon character was a great idea, you’re absolutely wrong. Think about it. … $2.99
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE ANNUAL 1 (SI:I)
Pretty standard origins issue with an interesting twist. But I don’t think it’ll really convince anyone that this is a must read comic. Think about it. … $3.99
HOUSE OF M: AVENGERS 2
If you thought that the House of M universe was more fun than the actual Marvel Universe, and at the time who would have blamed you, this is a fun comic to check out. Don’t think it’ll blow anyone’s skirt up, But it’s still pretty intriguing. Still, I’m getting tired of watching Tigra so horribly misused throughout the Marvel U. Didn’t need it to happen in an parallel U too. Think about it. … $2.99
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN 34
Really dig the Marvel Adventure line and this one proves a fun Spider-Man story. Peter Parker plays baseball in this issue and makes Flash Thompson jealous. Get it. … $2.99
MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE 6
This title is a revival of another Marvel Two-in-One title, it sticks to the format of rerunning two stories within one cover. This one collects Marvel Adventures Avengers #6 and X-Men First Class #6. I like the traditional U-Foes origin as opposed to the Adventures line telling but it’s still pretty fun to watch as is the run-in between the X-Men and a group of Skrull. Think about it. … $4.99
MS. MARVEL 22
Still digging on this title and this issue doesn’t disappoint. Enough fighting and sci-fi adventure for most comic fans. The story is a bit mired in a convoluted storyline but if you’re a fan of the character you’ll dig it. If not, it’s a terrible starting point. Get it. … $2.99
NORTHLANDERS 1
Takes a lot of guts to start a series with a hero you really have to work to like. But the writing is sharp (it’s Brian Wood, could you expect less) and it holds lots of promise. Definitely feels like the beginning pages of a great adventure. Get it. … $2.99
OMEGA: THE UNKNOWN 3
This is the kind of storyline that you’d usually have to go to indy comics to read but it’s lots of fun. Still pretty early in the storyline so it’s a good time to jump on and there’s only two back issues to track down if you want to get caught up. Think about it. … $2.99
SILVER SURFER: IN THY NAME 2
This title seems to be taking a great tac and is well worth a look. While many in Marvel have taken to looking at Surfer as a Zen master with the power cosmic, the character was deeply rooted in an immense feeling of solitude and even depression. This character is an idealist with a strong sense of right and wrong who travels the cosmos and constantly sees civilizations topple into barbarism while claiming themselves civilized. Much like Mr. Spock provided an outsider’s view of the human race, the intergalactic kahuna has provided a critique of humanity through his view on alien races. This title could show him in his original glory by reducing him to his core instead of the Budda many writers have penned him as recently. And the best part, this is being achieved while showing an alien race worshipping him as the second coming. Get it. … $2.99
THE ORDER 5
The fifth issue of this series doesn’t pull any punches while showcasing the pettyness of celebrity and the personal cost of such. And it manages to do this while logging a stunning entry into their storyline that is likely to up the stakes for this comic. Think about it. … $2.99
ULTIMATE X-MEN 88
Worth a read of you’re a fan of the title, and the numbers say you likely are, but not much action. This is a good title for cleaning up the storyline and getting ready for one that looks like it’ll be a lot of fun, but if you haven’t been following the story the biggest draw is a shot of the white queen in the skimpy duds she used to wear in the 1980s. Not a look worth the cover price. Think about it. … $2.99
WHAT IF? X-MEN - RISE AND FALL OF THE SHI’AR EMPIRE
Didn’t particularly dig the original story, dig the what if not at all. Skip it. … $2.99
WORLD WAR HULK: AFTERSMASH ONE-SHOT
Really dug it. This comic sets a lot of other comics in motion while tying up loose ends left in the wake of World War Hulk. Definitely a good comic. Don’t believe me, read the review. Get it. … $2.99
WYRMS 6
Interesting story but not really worth the cost unless you‘re heavily into sci-fi. Even then I don‘t really recommend it as there are several other titles that I think do a better job and are far less derivative. Skip it. … $2.99
X-MEN: DIE BY THE SWORD 4
Quite possibly one of the most convoluted premises - this storyline in particular - in comic book history. But still a load of fun. Think about it. … $2.99
