Avengers #676 MARVEL COMICS
With part 1 being something of a surprise, I was actually looking forward to part 2. However, the storyline seems to be bouncing around quite a bit. While the backstory of Voyager is interesting, I can’t help but compare it to a Justice League storyline featuring a forgotten original member of the team. Especially, when you look at the costume design of her final opponent. The Avengers are at their worst trying to figure out how to handle the natural disasters caused by the Earth’s theft, But it all honesty, the Avengers have had a hard time in the overall planning department on more that one occasion in the past. Throw in two separate Super-Villain teams battling each other and anyone else who gets in the way and a flashback including Kang and the Grandmaster and it seems like someone left the blender on too long. A definite crazy quilt of activity that leaves me scratching my head, not in a good way. I give it a 6 out of 10.
BELLE, BEAST HUNTER #1 ZENESCOPE PUBLISHING
Zenescope introduces us to the next generation of monster hunter super beings in their universe. And while its not anything we haven’t seen before, it is an interesting take on the character of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The backstory is entertaining enough and I love that her Man In Havana is named Candlestick. But what we have is yet another attractive beauty dressed in leather/latex, armed with medieval weapons kick the beegeebus out of legendary monsters. While not earth shattering, it is worth the read. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
DAMAGE #1 DC COMICS
Even with a guest appearance by the Suicide Squad, this new age of heroes seems to be at a slow start. This is a lackluster version of the Creature Commandoes. An unwilling man into monster character that is forced into working for the Armed Forces. And I definitely see some similarities between Damage and Major Liggett and a certain Marvelous green skinned behemoth and an army Major. Issue 1 gives us very little back story, no idea what powers Damage has during his Hour of Power (old Hourman reference!). And while the artwork is extra-ordinary, the book seems to serve no real link to the DCU even though it’s the heir apparent to the Damage title. I give it a 5 out of 10 Grahams.
FURTHER ADVENTURES OF NICK WILSON IMAGE COMICS
Eddie Gorodetsky and Marc Andreyko has really given us a treat here. The tale of a super-hero who loses his powers while still at a young age is treated in a very realistic style. The best part is that this loss hasn’t turned Nick Wilson into a total jerk. He’s sweet and kind and generally wants to do the right thing. And the idea of the former super-hero posing as his own impersonator is truly clever. While not for everyone, this is a fascinating look at a nice guy, who got powers, lost those powers, and has to hide not from former villains wanting revenge but from people who just want to make fun of him. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
SPIRITS OF VENGEANCE #4 MARVEL COMICS
While a little scattered in certain concepts, the War at the Gates of Hell storyline continues to be interesting as the Spirits gather more info from various sources. And the truth of the Covenant becomes a horrible reality. An impressive title continues to enthrall the readers. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.