Comic Book of the Week (11.21.2012)

It has been a bit since I have posted a comic book of the week, and some of you might even notice that my 'Comic Book of the Week' tab has been completely removed.  Unfortunately time has become scarce for me, and it has been only recently that I have caught up on my stack and been able to reasonable post a comic book the week.  Hopefully, I will be able to stay up on my readings, but if I'm not then the lack of a post will be its indicator.

This week marks another introductory week for Marvel's NOW! promotion and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the week's pickings.  The Indestructible Hulk was a fantastic start, especially considering that it was coming off the heels of Aaron's spectacular Hulk run.  Iron Man #1 was simply  atrocious in my opinion, and my only hope for the character is that justice will be served in the newest incarnation of Guardians of the Galaxy.  Rocket Raccoon equals awesomeness...always.

However, for this week, I was pleasantly surprised by Captain America #1 as well as Matt Fraction's Hawkeye #4.  I thought that Captain America added more depth to the already famous character by showing is about of Rogers' childhood and by paying homage to some of the most classic Captain America villains.  As for Hawkeye, it was not only hilarious, but it holds true to the character and firmly cements the increased popularity of one of Marvel's most underdog characters.  Hopefully, Fraction's first official story arc with the character holds strong and it finishes out just as famously as it started.

Check out their respective cover artwork below, and as always feel free to comment and critique.

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Who is The Winter Soldier?

Recently the title for the upcoming sequel to the 2011 film, "Captain America," was revealed alongside its release date...but, what exactly does the title suggest to fans and movie-goers?  A hardcore comic book fan might have some notion as to what the film title suggests, but to those who are avid movie-goers but lack the knowledge of the source might have difficulties piecing together the reference.  

No matter which camp you belong to (or even if you reside in the center of the geek Venn Diagram) here is some basic knowledge to help you plunder your way through the rich and diverse Captain America, Bucky, and Winter Solider fictional history:

Before the character Winter Soldier existed, there was James 'Bucky' Barnes, a soldier in the U.S Army and close friend of Steve Rogers.  Eventually Bucky ascertained that Captain Rogers was in fact Captain America.  At this juncture they began their joint battle along side one other throughout the bulk of World War II.  However, during the close of the second Great War, Bucky was supposedly killed in action and Captain America frozen for many decades.

Much later it is discovered that Bucky is alive--by a stroke of luck he had been found by a crew of Russian patrolmen.  He had suffered massive brain damage (which resulted in his amnesia) and lost an arm due to the explosion.  Russian scientists built him a mechanical arm and brainwashed him to be a become a Soviet, Cold War Agent.  He was then bequeathed the codename: Winter Soldier.

As a Soviet Agent he was sent on missions usually involving political assassinations and espionage, which resulted in crossovers with such characters as Wolverine and Black Widow.  when not on the aforementioned assassinations he was kept in a cryogenic stasis missions resulting in a sort of longevity.

Eventually he was found by Captain America and his memories were restored using the reality-altering Cosmic Cube, and having gained back his memories, he was forced to carry the burden of his past as...The Winter Soldier.

Recommended Readings:

"Captain America: Winter Soldier Ultimate Collection"

Trade paperback includes: "Captain America #1-9" and "#11-14." 

"Winter Soldier, Vol. 1: The Longest Winter"

Trade paperback includes:  "Fear Itself: Captain America: #7.1" and the first issues to the current ongoing series, "Winter Soldier #1-5."

You can also check out a review of "Winter Soldier #1" here.

Related Articles:

Review: Winter Soldier #1

Review: Winter Soldier #2

Review: Winter Soldier #3

Review: Winter Soldier #4

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Review - Avengers vs. X-Men: Versus #2 of 6 (2012)

 *This review DOES contain spoilers in so far as revealing the winners of each match-up in Marvel’s Avengers vs. X-Men: Versus limited series.

Issue #2 of Marvel’s Avengers vs. X-Men brawl series pits Gambit against Captain America, and Colossus against Spider-Man.  It’s not as awe-inspiring as the first issue, but it still packs a punch, and gives readers a couple of curve balls and twists for good measure. 

Round 3

Gambit vs. Captain America

I would have been surprised if Cap didn’t win this one, andMarvel appeased fans through-and-through having Gambitbattle America’s super soldier.  Gambit begins by tossing several of his trademark kinetically charged playing cards leaving Captain America to dodge the sudden explosions.  He quickly bounces back and follows up with his trademark move: the shield toss.  However, mid-flight Gambit snags the shield, charges it, and hurls it back at Cap in an even more devastating explosion. 

Now, the two can battle one-on-one.  Cap with his superior training gains the upper hand, snapping Gambit’s staff in half with his palm, but even pinned to the tree Gambit has one last trick up his sleeve.  In a move that would have felled most men Gambit charges Cap’s suit creating a fiery explosion, which rockets Captain America backwards in tatters.  At the end of the day, however, Cap wins in a shield rush and a knockout punch to the jaw that leaves Gambitunconscious. 

At the end of the day…

Captain America Wins

Round 4

Colossus vs. Spider-Man

Spider-Man and Avenger compatriots hit the streets of Latveria looking for Hope when a portion of the X-Menambush them leading to the Colossus and Spider-Man in a battle for keeps.  Spider-Man begins by keeping out ofColossus’ reach and web slinging his way into tripping up the unstoppable mutant, as well blinding him.  However, theColossus thinks quick and claps; this successfully shatters all of the glass in the surrounding area and sends Spider-Mancareening.

Spider-Man then falls into the clutches of the Colossus and is forcibly tossed into one of the many stone corridors ofLatveria.  As Spider-Man tumbles against the walls, Colossusnabs up a Doombot, splits it in half, and throws at Spider-Man to finish him off.  Spidey dodges, grabs the destroyedDoombot with a web and redirects towards Colossus.  Being the Colossus/Juggernaut hybrid that he is though, he merely punches it creating an explosion that leaves the Colossusunscathed, but unfortunately sends Spider-Man backwards (yet, again!).

At the end of the day…

Colossus Wins

This issue of Avengers vs. X-Men: Versus was on par with its series counterpart, but it does fall short of its predecessor.  It doesn’t further the plot like the first, but it has some great action sequences that supplement the core series nicely.  If you get a chance to check it out I would highly recommend it, especially if you’re a fan of the Avengers vs. X-Men series. I give Avengers vs. X-Men: Versus #2 three-and-half-stars out of five.

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Review: Avengers vs. X-Men #3 of 12 (2012)

In the closing panels of the second issue Hope channeled the power of the Phoenix quickly eviscerating Wolverine into a seared heap.  Avengers vs. X-Men #3 begins with a scorched Wolverine rebuilding his muscle tissue and charred skin under the supervision of Spider-Man.  A couple quips are exchanged, with Spider-Man as the catalyst, before the two rush out to regroup with the rest of the Avengers.  Unbeknownst to Captain America and the rest of the team the Avengers are being duped by a Doctor Strangedoppelganger, but with the arrival of Wolverine and Spider-Man Wolverine sniffs out the imposter spoiling Cyclops’ruse. 

At this note, the X-Men disappear in a flash and the two groups are once again separated, except this time with the common of goal of finding the Mutant Messiah, Hope.  With the narration now split three ways (between the X-Men, The Avengers, and Hope) the story is beginning to unfold as the three jockey amongst each other waiting for the return of thePhoenix.  The X-Men are now on the run (but hold an ace within the heart of Wolverine’s school), the Avengers take a tip from the very same defector and scatter about the globe to search for Hope in five possible locations, and using specialty tech Hope has masked her trail and is hiding out till the Phoenix Force returns.

Due to Wolverine’s subordination of Captain America’s orders during the battle of Utopia (in the first two Avengers vs. X-Men issues) Captain America questions Wolverine’s motives and trust as the Avengers’ jet flies over Antarctica en route toHope’s possible location.  Their argument escalates untilCaptain America and Wolverine windup battling till Wolverinegets thrown out of the jet into the snow below.

The script is slowly getting better as the issues wane on, but thus far Avengers vs. X-Men is still pretty shallow.  TheAvengers vs. X-Men: Versus crossover miniseries often reveals more pertinent plot details than the actual AvXcomics.  Nevertheless, the run has been consistent, and the quality (rather than needlessly fluxing) has gradually improved.  John Romita’s artwork shines even with the lack of action, and yet as the tension builds and finally erupts between Captain America and Wolverine the art takes off and climaxes with a literally steaming Wolverine shaking the snow from his battered body.

I give Avengers vs. X-Men #3 four-out-of-five stars; check back here for my future reviews on Avengers vs. X-Men, as well as its counterpart series, Avengers vs. X-Men: Versus.

(SOURCE: Review: Avengers vs. X-Men #3 of 12 (2012))

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Comic Book of the Week (4.2.2012)

Avengers vs. X-Men #3 and Dial #1

Prior Comics of the Week

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Comic Book of the Week (4.25.2012)

Battle Scars #6

Prior Comics of the Week

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Review: Avengers vs. X-Men #2 of 12 (2012)

Avengers vs. X-Men #2 is the issue that should have started the event.  It’s action-packed and dives into the inherent beat ‘em up nature of the plot that should have presented itself in the opening comic. 

Issue #2 begins right were the first one left off as theS.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier descends upon the island of Utopia.  Already some of the dialogue hints at the X-Men’sdissatisfaction with Cyclop’s decision to antagonize theAvengers, but as Namor points out “The time for talk has ended.”  On that note, Magneto assists Colossus in an attack upon the Helicarrier and all hell breaks lose. 

From here forward many of the Avengers and the X-Men pair off (akin to the Marvel promotional posters).  The Red-Hulkclashes with the Colossus so that the Helicarrier doesn’t collapse into the sea, The Thing and Luke Cage square off against Namor, Captain America meets Cyclops on the shores of Utopia, and Iron Man and Quicksilver tag teamEmma Frost and Magneto.

The plotline is a bit light this time around, but in all honesty it is what I wanted.  The Avengers vs. X-Men is designed to be an all out brawl amongst Marvel’s mightiest, and this issue delivers on those promises.  There are some panels that are a little rough in the art still, especially in the facial expressions, but overall John Romita’s artwork is amazing.  Several panels, such as when the Red-Hulk grabs Colossus,Luke Cage cracks Namor in the jaw, and when Hope tangles with Wolverine, are stunning.  In an issue the centers around iconic characters in a battle royal Romita does an amazing job showcasing the characters powers in believable match-ups. 

I still think that Marvel is using an uncredited fill-in artist (perhaps several) for certain panels, but like I mentioned it was fewer and farer between then last issue.  In a panel towards the end of the issue, Wolverine’s facial expression is ridiculous at best.  The look appears to be trying to convey a feeling of enamoredness, but it instead looks like a 1950’s male cartoon character seeing an attractive female character.  It’s very unlike Romita’s style and testifies to the fact that a fill-in artist has been used to meet deadlines.

I enjoyed this issue better than the first and due to its improvement I am giving Avengers vs. X-Men #2 four-out-of-five stars.

(SOURCE: Review: Avengers vs. X-Men #2 of 12 (2012))

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Comic Book of the Week (4.18.2012)

Batman #8 and Avengers vs. X-Men #2

Prior Comics of the Week

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Review: Winter Soldier #1

Bucky Barnes has had quite an enigmatic career—fromCaptain America’s sidekick during the most tumultuous periods of the second Word War to a brainwashed Cold War super spy to the second man to take up the shield as Captain America.

During Marvel’s 2011 summer event, Fear Itself, Bucky Barnes wore the mantle of Cap proudly; however, during the course of the invasion he was killed publicly and bloodily bySin, the daughter of the Red Skull, in her Skadi form.  Steve Rogers once again took up the name of Captain America and fought back the God of Fear and the Worthy alongside theAvengers, but in the end it was his sidekick, best friend, and supporter, Bucky Barnes who was dead—or, so he thought.

In the aftermath of Fear Itself several loose ends were tied up in three point issues dubbed Fear Itself 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3.  These issues specifically centered around Captain America,Thor, and Iron Man.  Within the pages of Captain America 7.1 it is revealed that Bucky Barnes did not die, and was in fact cured of his grievous injuries by Nick Fury who gave him his last dosage of the Infinity Formula.  In the last panels of the issue Steve Rogers finally becomes privy to this knowledge and agrees to hide the fact that Bucky is alive and well, so that James ‘Bucky’ Barnes can resume his old alias of Winter Soldier and right the wrongs of his past.

Winter Solider #1, which just released this past Wednesday (2.1.2012), is an extension of Fear Itself 7.2 and focuses onNatasha Romanova, aka Black Widow, and Winter Soldierdoing what they do best—playing spy games.  The two are excellently paired and their on again off again romance and long history come alive on the pages almost as well as the 60’s noir art that just seems to beckon ‘cool.’  The art is gritty and reminds me of a Sean Connery 007 film poster, and in the context of the book it fits wonderfully.  Bucky is using his old Cold War alias, of Winter Soldier, in an effort to clean up the mistakes of his past under the guise of his death.  Ex-KGB agents, Russian casino mob ties, Cold War sleeper cells, and relics abound making the noir artwork not only relevant, but absolutely imperative.  It would be a mockery not to include these elements.  Several panels remind me ofJ.H. William III’s Batwoman.  Winter Soldier’s penciler, Butch Guice, doesn’t quite have the finesse or the same full page spreads as J.H. Williams, but there are specific panels, especially those of Black Widow that give you that hauntingly beautiful look that is so difficult to capture.  Also, as an aside I am particularly fond of Lee Bermejo’s cover art.  I think they’re absolutely phenomenal and have included two of them in the slideshow attached to this article.

Ed Brubaker’s plot immediately kicks into high gear with action, romance, and Cold War mysterious that strike out in reckless abandon.  They work in synch and it feels as if you are visiting an old friend.  Natasha and Bucky work famously together as they try to uncover the buyer to a Soviet sleeper agent that has not been unthawed since the heart of the Cold War.   The two are a step behind on their first mission, but after a little relaxation and subsequent mission briefing the villains are quickly revealed during the midst of their second mission; the issue climaxes at the perfect moment with an assassination attempt of none other than—Dr. Victor Von Doom.

Overall, this was a bang up first issue and I was instantly thrown into the fray and I fully enjoyed it.  I love the noir aura of the series and tromping through Bucky’s past and digging through the dark closet of the fallen Soviet Union sounds highly intriguing, because it is!

Give this issue a go and pick it up at your local comic book shop, Merlyn’s Sci-fi and Fantasy Store on 19 W. Main Street in downtown Spokane.  They are open 10am to 9m everyday, so don’t miss out on a sterling first issue.

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Comic Book of the Week (2.1.2012)

Winter Soldier #1

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Tumblr Reblogs

I found some awesome comic book art from freelancers on Tumblr, and I thought I'd reblog them to share the wealth!

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The Avengers Snipet Trailer

The last fifty seconds or so of Captain America yields this clip, which spills right over into an Avengers teaser, teaser trailer.  Hopefully this will harken to a full-fledged teaser trailer within the next couple of weeks.

Also, swirling about the rumor mill is that the central plot of the Avengers will involve Loki summoning the Skrulls via the Cosmic Cube (featured at the end of Thor).  Sounds very interesting and Secret Invasion-esque to me.  Regardless of the film’s true plot it looks to be shaping up to be a fantastic film and I cannot wait till 5.4.2012 rolls around.

Update:  I just returned from watching the new Captain America film, and I was definitely quite impressed.  Probably the best superhero film of the year.  Nevertheless, the Avengers trailer at the end of the film is a lot more impressive than the clip that I attached to this post; so, I apologize for the lack of finesse, but as soon the official teaser trailer is released online I will create a new post showcasing the new trailer.  

I would definitely check out Captain America if you have the funds and the time.  It is well worth the money and even if you have just a passing knowledge of Captain America lore the film did nicely by explaining  his origins while not bogging the viewers down with unnecessary details.

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The Avengers

I grabbed this Avenger poster featuring the entire lead cast (Black Widow, Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, Nick Fury) of 2012′s the Avengers from the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con while I was wrapping up my “Top Ten @ the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con” article for the Examiner.  I’ve been starin’ at it for days and it reminds of the original Star Warsposters…I love it!  Check it out!  (Click to enlarge…it’s a lot more impressive that way. 

Also, even though the first poster released is fairly simple I still dig it.  It’s elegant in its simplicity.

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Kalman Andrasofszky

Last week or so Celeste and I nabbed an older copy of X-23.  Number seven to be exact, and one of the main reasons we grabbed it was because of the stellar cover.  Here is the cover for X-23 #7:

X-23 #7 Cover by Kalman Andrasofszky

So after becoming intrigued by the cover art I started digging a little deeper into the bio of the artist and it turns out that Kalman Andrasofszky has caught my eye with his art quite a few times without me even knowing it!  He’s worked on the DC 12-part series, Ion, starring Kyle Rayner, X-23 (of course), R.E.B.E.L.S., Soldier Zero, Action Comics, Captain America, and a myriad of others that I enjoy reading but regretfully haven’t been regularly purchasing so hadn’t realized that I was looking at Kalman’s art until now!

Here are some other pieces of art that Kalman has done over the years that has caught my eye:

Definitely check out Kalman Andrasofszky’s blog and/or webpage at ComicVine.  He showcases a lot of his art there, and you could jot him in email or see some of the art that he is working at the moment.

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