Thunderbolts #166

Composed By:

Writer: Jeff Parker, Art: Declan Shalvey, Colours: Frank Martin, Letterer: Joe Caramagna, Cover Art: Michael Del Mundo.

Story:

The Thunderbolts travel to London, England in the 1800s. Mr Hyde and Satana run away. Mr. Hyde starts to target and kill victims of ‘Jack the Ripper’.

Review:

It is a nice story in Thunderbolts #166 that like the last few issues takes you into an almost real historical moment and plays around with the mystery behind it. Its enjoyable to see an infamous figure, Jack the Ripper, played in this manner. Always been fascinated by it and him (her?), so I was pleasantly enjoying the read.

Jeff Parker really seems to know how to capture the mood and the attitudes of the time, the way that these murders had sent chills down the spines of police and bewildered many a folk whom attributed it all to magic and voodoo. His finger sits nicely on this. For the dialogue it speaks honestly for people in this time, it’s a hard thing to get right, but Parker does it well. It is never unbelievable what Parker writes into this issue, I can feel myself give in to it and that urgency that he places into the action plays out nicely with the dialogue that keeps it moving and makes us want to read further.

It is all more exciting and fluid for the artwork by Shalvey that is less confronting and exact this issue, unlike some that have come before. It is more concerned, as it should, with the way that the characters move and react with the moving action, and shows an attention to this, rather than being sacrificed for the tireless effort to get exact and precise facial looks and body renderings.

Instead, what we get out of this issue is a comic that looks not just to keep us reading for the witty dialogue and the exciting discoveries that are found along the way, but for the artwork that carries it all and delivers it before our eyes in a presentable fashion. Nothing is lost in this issue for not having the sharp and visually rich artwork it has had, quite contrary. It is quite befitting, and is a welcome break from all that we see on other titles, where it is often done poorly.

Verdict:

It is a issue that has a lot of merit. Parker has been solid with his writing, and this exhibits it well. Would not be a good place to start reading Thunderbolts but is interesting enough if you wanted to read it on its own.

Rating: ★★★

Avengers Academy #22

Composed By:

Writer: Christos Gage, Penciller: Sean Chen, Ink: Scott Hanna & Rebecca Buchman, Colours: Jeromy Cox, Letterer: Joe Caramagna, Cover Artist: Rodin Esquejo

Story:

Hank Pym tries to resurrect Jocasta following her brutal murder, calling on Magento, Emma Frost and Cyclops to help solve the mystery. Avengers Academy staff and students butt heads with these X-Men with some residual feelings clouding the judgment of some

Review:

It is hard to make a story feel as worthy as the one just past, in Avengers Academy #22, we see a story that takes the momentum that these stories have had and build a new dimension to it, one that sees this ball rolling fast and hard.

Issue #22 starts at a hairy moment in the Avengers Academy world when the safety of all is in jeopardy and all are in a frantic state. Gage builds his story around these feelings, showing us just how frayed around edges the characters are, and just how on alert they are too. Magneto coming into the story has a powerful feel, for these students had the tendency to turn bad, as Magneto did, so his presence can be seen as both a reminder of evil, or one of redemption, “Regenesis,” so to speak.

Gage proves his might with his handling of the guests in this issue, making it a touchy issue not only in the relationship of Magneto and Quicksilver, who do not see eye to eye and do not have any working relationship to speak of, but likewise, in Cyclops who quashes any affiliation the X-Men will have with Avengers Academy. Feeling are strained as Cyclops waves Pym off on his suggestion of a baseball game, isolating the Academy even more, after their run in with The Avengers last issue. Gage looks to make things more suffocating for this team, they have no one to turn to except in peril.

Chen has some nice artwork in this issue, it has a flavour that I particularly enjoy to see, it is vibrant and alive, filled with a kinetic energy. Often I have found though with Chen is that his art is not representational of the action and movement in the frame, he services the immediate action/reaction in the writing that isn’t always the right move, this is how he misses the mark. Frames need to feel like they work in tune with the writing, for a lot it is there however some do not convey the meaning accordingly.

It is not a hit and miss issue by any means, it just has its problems like most do to have the synthesis of writing to art, it is not new or uncommon, but in this issue I felt it could have been less obvious and frequent.

Verdict:

Although it has its flaws it is a good issue and has a really powerful team that works hard to produce quality. Its mistakes can be easily overlooked in favour of a suspenseful and enticing story and beautifully crafted frames that beckon us to read.

Rating: 7/10

X-Men Legacy #254

Composed By:

Writer: Mike Carey, Penciller: Steve Kurth, Ink: Jay Leisten, Colours: Brian Reber, Letterer: Cory Petit, Cover Art: Mico Suayan and Martia Gracia.

Story:

The X-Men are teleported through space to an unknown place as they follow the trail of Rogue who left in the hopes of finding Marvel Girl, Havok and Polaris that had been lost until now.

Review:

Landing the X-Men in treacherous waters, X-Men Legacy #254 spares no time before it drops us into some action and back into some solid story. Feeding from the anticipation from last issue, Rogue is found in a dire situation that for her does not look promising, and neither do things look great for the rest of the team.

Many questions are unanswered as of yet in the Age of X story and Mike Carey is not about to let these cards all fall onto the table. He tells us just enough that we have a glimpse into what is happening in the world and some sort of idea about the fate of Marvel Girl, Havok and the rest of the Starjammers team. Intelligently though he gives not too much away yet that we could surmise what might happen next, the crafty skill of Carey navigating as always, tediously close to revelation and insight.

Carey and his handling of characterisations is impeccable, though the team is at times at odds, without a seemingly relative core, there are moments that prove just how suited they are, with an unlikely combination like Gambit and Frenzy that Carey places in this issue, played out in the most extraordinary way, finding new strengths that he can put to the test, and make known what is indeed capable of happening.

Artist Steve Kurth takes the reins in this issue, taking the more traditional look to the art that we have not seen for a few issues at least. It does have some really inspiring alien landscapes, but for me, it seemed to fall far below the expectations that have been set. Kurth sadly falls short mostly on Rogue, and only her, as her representation is the only one that stands distorted and a bit comic in my opinion. It does not sit well with me, and it is a shame as the rest of the work is enjoyable, that is all that let me down.

Verdict:

It has the potential to be a title to beat for this year, only time can tell. It is off to a firm form, holding a stick of dynamite in its hand that will hopefully have the bang that will shake us all and cement its name.

Rating: 7/10

X-Men Legacy #253

 

Composed By:

Writer: Mike Carey, Penciller: Khoi Pham, Ink: Tom Palmer and Craig Yeung, Colour: Marte Gracia, Letterer: Cory Petit, Cover Art: Mico Suayan and Marte Gracia.

Story:

The X-Men track Styx and Endgame through the alleys of Paris. Legion faces off with Styx as the team battles the towering monster Endgame, and the X-Men Legacy “Lost Legions” story comes to a close.

Review:

“Lost Legions” comes to an admirable close in X-Men Legacy #253, and it has been an exciting story arc that has been told well by Mike Carey. Exactly as one could expect, Carey leaves us no time to wait as a new adventure and path is paved before our eyes, one that looks to resolve all queries left from the Age of X story.

Carey makes it a stand out issue in how he tackles two concurrent scenarios that have the team take on Styx and Endgame, leaving the fate of both hanging in the balance. Endless pages that scream out with action and excitement, Carey finds new ways to manipulate the characters that give us a truly exciting and tantalizing story for us to sink our teeth into. Fascinations with Rogue and Legion have lead to a reimagining of just what is capable and how these two extraordinary characters can be seen.

How Carey makes X-Men Legacy #253 most memorable is by his seamless transition into a new story and the vision he has to take the team back into territory that they left resolved in Age of X. Not only do we see ourselves launched into a new story and end on an indefinite cliffhanger, we see Carey invigorate the title in new and creative ways.

Khoi Pham and ink artists Tom Palmer and Craig Yeung do an astonishing job in bringing the story to life this issue, making waves in portrait battle scenes with Styx and particularly Endgame. For the most part it all looks incredibly detailed and picturesque, but as is always the case, some sequence panels leave something desired, not entirely clear in conveying the meaning. Marte Gracia guides the work well in his bleak vision to the story and his palette of colours evokes a sense of urgency and an unpredictable nature to the action.

X-Men Legacy #253 is one of the most harrowing tales that I have come across and it isn’t about to let up. Just as the story comes to a halt in one way, another seems to flourish. Mike Carey is an artist in his element, and it is an exciting thing to be apart of.

Verdict:

X-Men Legacy #253 stands to prove to us why it is has been named a must-read title and shows just how ingenious Mike Carey really is.

Rating: 8/10

Thunderbolts #165

Composed By:

Writer: Jeff Parker, Penciller: Kev Walker, Ink: Terry Pallot, Colours: Chris Sotomayor, Letterer: Joe Caramanga, Cover Art: Quinones & Renzi, Editor: Tom Brennan, Editor in Chief: Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer: Joe Quesada, Publisher: Dan Buckley, Executive Producer: Alan Fine.

Story:

The Thunderbolts with The Invaders bring down the Inhuman Torches, save the Human Torch and destroy Baron Zemo’s laboratory. Captain America starts to suspect the team isn’t as wholesome as they look, as the team looks to secure the power source they need to return home.

Review:

Thunderbolts #165 is part three of the unusual twist that finds them in the past, and it delivers a story that is filled to the brim with action and a lot of excitement.

Colourist Chris Sotomayor lights up this issue with a broad palette of colours and shades that he has put to use well. I particularly liked in this issue the way that he has handled the action and the movement with beautiful and well planned colour choices, especially red and orange tones that offer a vibrancy and energy that gathers force and energy from within the page. Soto plays around with varying shades and tones that pay off in the issue, and gives it a much more full and layered appearance than we have seen exhibited by other artists that have worked on this title. He work shows he is an exceptional artist, and the first two panels decisively show this to us.

Walker brings his standards up in this issue, he works in some really nice intricate details into the artwork that provide some amazing imagery like Captain America’s face almost melting from the intense heat made by the Inhuman Torches, and the severing of the hand and blood spatter that is made as a result as she viciously attacks one. Pallot works in sync with Walker to bring these elements to the foreground but he also works in his own character and contribution in the detailed lines and contours that can be seen in each of the characters on the page. Because of this the artwork is solid and feels like they really tried to draw this to perfection. I found it too hard to find fault.

Thunderbolts title writer Jeff Parker brings his time in the past to an end, but it is a fantastic story that has your heart beating constantly. He works in some moments that are just timeless like his occupation with characters Mr. Hyde and Troll that are all brute and no brains, integrating some much needed humour as the others try to educate these characters of needs for strategy. Parker starts to meddle with suspicions about the group, the veil starting to fall. It looks to all come crashing down for the team when Parker gives us a shocking but satisfying twist that comes to save them and allows them a hasty escape. Parker ends this story with a surprising end that keeps us in suspense, and offers an interesting way to see the Thunderbolts take off once more.

Verdict:

Thunderbolts #165 is the most enjoyable read I’ve had in a long time, with a team that exhibited extraordinary artwork that gave us a memorable display of the fine artistic skill at work. The Thunderbolts series is at a new height in my opinion, and earning a rightful place in my heart.

Rating: 9/10

Avengers Academy #21

Composed By:

Writer: Christos Gage, Penciller: Sean Chen, Inker: Scott Hanna, Colorists: Jeromy Cox & Veronica Gandini, Letterer: Joe Caramanga, Cover Artist: Rodin Esquejo, Assistant Editors: John Denning & Jake Thomas, Editor: Bill Rosemann, Editor in Chief: Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer: Joe Quesada, Publisher: Dan Buckley, Executive Producer: Alan Fine.

Story:

The Avengers team settles into their new home at the abandoned base of the West Coast Avengers. The Avengers Academy group find themselves intimidated by new comers who are stealing their spotlight. A shocking incident puts everyone on edge and some speculate that it might signal the end to the Academy initiative.

Review:

Avengers Academy #21 is a tantalising issue that sees the team taken beyond their limits and left thinking they will be dismissed, as two new members, Lightspeed and White Tiger, are added to the roster. The Academy team explodes out at The Avengers and fists are thrown, but no one anticipates what happens next.

Sean Chens’ work on this issue is quite remarkable; I haven’t seen an issue look this way before with its obvious grainy appearance and attention to solid line forms. It is a little less organic than the artwork that has appeared in the series, it is more neatly formed and noticeably framed within certain panels, and this causes it to be a little more static than flowing at times. I liked it as it framed the work well and has a lot more structure to it, but conclusively, I felt it was not matched to the subject matter as it lacked the ability to handle the issue’s movement.

Ink work by Hanna, on the other hand, allows there to be a more fluid feel within the panels and gives it a more round feel to it than can be seen in Chen’s work. In the issue the ink work appears to have a keener ability to show the internal struggle of the team, it provides the illusion of movement in the panels and layers of feelings, unlike what can be seen in Chen’s pencil work, and has been particularly more expressive in the highlighting of stress and tension lines that can be seen in this issue. Hanna seems simply more able to convey the information to the reader in a more precise manner as the ink is eye grabbing and distinctive on the page, whereas with Chen and his penciling its appearance is subtle and can sometimes be lost on us, as I felt it was this issue.

Gage, in the writing for this issue, places the Avengers Academy team at boiling point and tips it over, letting it all come out. He brings in two new team players even as the team struggles to work cohesively as they are, and adds a new challenge for them as they bring some of their worries to a closure and find the support to deal with these.  Betrayal plagues the mind of all as one of their own is killed, and all are on high alert as things began to look optimistic. Gage is really in his element this issue; his portrayal of Luke Cage as brutal and honest is refreshing from how everyone usually deals with the Academy team, he gives us a sad but touching and very honest look at Hazmat and Mettle’s personal life, and he formulates a twist at the end that is purely sensational.

Verdict:

Avengers Academy #21 starts a new era with a terrific punch. Gloves are off now and anything can ensue. The Academy team has a new roster and a new attitude to boot, it’s the perfect time to jump on board, it can only get better.

Rating: 9.5/10

Uncanny X-Force #9

Composed By:

Writer: Rick Remender, Artist: Billy Tan, Color Art: Dean White, Cover: Esad Ribic, Letters: Cory Petit, Design: Jared K. Fletcher, Editor: Jody Leheup, Group Editor: Nick Lowe, Editor in Chief: Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer: Joe Quesada, Publisher: Dan Buckley, Executive Producer: Alan Fine.

Story:

The X-Force team head back to base for rest after their battle with the Shadow King only to be met there by Magneto who hires Wolverine to eliminate someone from his past. Wolverine is hesitant to comply.

Review:

Uncanny X-Force #9 is a surprisingly good issue that takes a really small amount of action and works into it a weave of mystery and suspense. It takes it’s time to reveal it’s form to us but then we sit anxiously anticipating what will ensue, and what the implications of this action will be.

Artist Billy Tan  does a bloody brilliant job in #9, its so hard not to give him some sort of accolade, cause he really deserves it. Finely drawn and well executed in a frame by frame views of the action, Tan plays around with the mystery of the package Magneto is given through long grainy lines and facial contours which is also seen in Wolverine’s journey to the man Magneto sends him to find. Billy Tan executes a moving series of heartfelt and heartbreaking action, felt entirely through the art.

Dean White, the colour artist, makes really beautiful and precise decisions with the art in this issue too, using a lot of bright tones to make it all stand out and  look a lot more stark and demanding. Vividly he shrouds the world in a dark veil, but it is these deep tones and bright colours that stand out against this world, brought out in the cohesive blending with Tan’s detailed work. White’s attentive feel for the work and ability to bring out fine lines in facial expressions highlights key elements that can go unbeknownst, and it assists in painting the portrait of this issue in a succinct manner.

For this issue Rick Remender takes a more delicate hand to the writing, articulating not just a moving and really evocative story, but one that is played out in really precise action and movement from within the frames. It indulges in going through a lot of carefully executed motions that have all these exact and distinct reactions and movements that follow. Even at the end it is played out meticulously and with scrupulous care, and this is what makes it so commanding.

Uncanny X-Force #9 is a haunting tale that is hand-crafted in an enchanting and moving way, well orchestrated and executed in all manner and arresting till that shocking end which finally comes to relieve us.

Verdict:

If you haven’t picked up an Uncanny X-Force comic book yet, now is the time. This issue exhibits all that is so extraordinary about this team, to be able to articulate such a moving story in such a beautiful and well-crafted manner. Thumbs up guys.

Rating: 9/10

X-Men Legacy #251

Composed By:

Writer: Mike Carey, Penciller: Khoi Pham, Ink: Tom Palmer & Craig Yeung with Nelson DeCastro, Color: Marte Gracia, Letterer: Cory Petit, Cover Art: Mico Suayan and Marte Gracia, Assistant Editor: Sebastian Girner, Editor: Daniel Ketchum, X-Men Group Editor: Nick Lowe, Editor in Chief: Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer: Joe Quesada, Publisher: Dan Buckley, Executive Producer: Alan Fine.

Story:

The X-Men Legacy team travel to France to chase  and capture Chain and Susan Sunshine that have evaded Legion in his search for them, in order to restore them to his mind. Styx succeeds in setting his trap for the X-Men and the team finds out they have been double crossed and lead straight into the hands of Styx himself.

Review:

X-Men Legacy #251 is an action-packed issue that serves its purpose; it wows and astonishes us, taking us along for a fun ride.

Notable for this issue is the ink work that Palmer, Yeung and Decastro perform, that I must say has suddenly shot up in standard, and conveys a lot better than it did in last issue.

Marte Gracia’s work is definitely worth commenting on, the colouring just seems so suited for the page, it seemingly appears both grainy and clear, and the execution of the dark and moody tones particularly play out well with the ominous and dark undertones that surface from within the story.

Penciller Khoi Pham mustn’t be forgotten too, his foundational work serves in cementing some of those important and often subtle transitions and moods, but as well, he articulates and set out outlines and guides that Palmer and the gang work from.

Writing-wise, Mike Carey masterfully takes the X-Men team into battle and yet again faces them off against a worthy adversary that almost stymies the team from getting closer to capturing Styx, Legion’s most dangerous and powerful personality to escape.

Carey lets emotion run a little rampant, Magneto acts in vicious malice towards Legion, Gambit plays games with Rogue and Frenzy lets loose the frustration and anger at being an outcast in the team. With Susan Sunshine on the loose Carey revs them all to breaking point then settles them back down, clearing some air but evidently heightening insecurities and rekindling others in them.

X-Men Legacy #251 takes the team into murky waters and in the end they come out more anxious and suspicious than ever. Legion comes that much closer to locating Styx but now the team finds themselves incapacitated and without direction.

Verdict:

X-Men Legacy is one of the most solid works I’ve seen produced at the moment, and this issue shows just how awesome it can be with its incredible fight sequences, its vivid but bleak portraits of the city, and ominous shadow forms.

Rating: 8.5/10

Thunderbolts #164

Composed By:

Writer: Jeff Parker, Penciller: Kev Walker, Inker: Terry Pallot, Colors: D’Auria & Martin, Letterer: Joe Caramagna, Cover Art: Joe Quinones, Editor: Tom Brennan, Editor in Chief: Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer: Joe Quesada, Publisher: Dan Buckley, Executive Producer: Alan Fine.

Story:

The Thunderbolts B-Squad find themselves struck in the 1940s, teaming with The Invaders to take down an old rival, Baron Zemo, in the likelihood they will help them get home. Baron Zemo in ally with Red Skull takes Human Torch hostage, and use him to give Nazi’s Torch-like abilities. The Thunderbolts must face this team of Nazi’s that threaten to extinguish The Invaders team.

Review:

Haven’t visited a Thunderbolts issue in a while but Thunderbolts #164 makes the wait worthwhile, almost seamless front to back.

Firstly off the bat D’Auria & Martin deserve a solid mention for their vibrant and meticulous work in coloring for this issue. It flows so majestically all the way through and it was so amazing to read and get involved with because it was so fresh and alive.

Walker and Pallot do not have lesser value, but their contributions have a more underlying effect on the work, bringing out the grittiness and somewhat reminiscent feel in the work of the 1940s with the soft contrast and tones rather than stark and bold strokes that have been noticeable.

Artwork in Thunderbolts #164 does a fine job to maintain a vintage and dated mood to it, it works well setting this in the mind of the reader and coordinates well within the timeline to the story, but as well, what has characterized this series so far.

Parker works some more magic into the Thunderbolts, producing a evocative issue the when pieced together questions the actions of all that must be taken to protect that one frame of existence they live in and whether to eradicate another.

Thunderbolts #164 joins in at a pivotal moment in that universe, and it tests what the team will do and must do to continue their journey and to start anew. Motivation to action seems based on necessity to get home but it might be fed too from a force of good that could take hold.

Verdict:

Thunderbolts issues are those that I would easily go back and read again and again, as they have a really fluid story that can be enjoyed many times. Thunderbolts #164 has only just broken into what this new team is capable of, and it is certainly a good time for new readers to join in and experience this, having not missed too much to be left behind yet. Definitely worth a read.

Rating: 8.5/10

Avengers Academy #20

Story:

The Avengers Academy students have to come to terms with the abrupt departure by Veil from the team, which has show cracks in the team’s foundation. The Avengers Academy team is dealt a second blow, as two more set their sights elsewhere. Giant Man makes a startling revelation that will alter the course of the team.

Review:

Avengers Academy #20 gives us a bright new outlook and opens a new adventure to the reader, all amidst the sad departure of those that have bid farewell to the Avengers Academy team.

Raney, Hanna and Cox do an especially great job this issue, there is some fine lead work being done with the characters facial and body language and there is solid handling of the décor and scenery that is noticeably seen.

Hanna has a real feel for the emotional and sentimental value that is worth a great deal in Avengers Academy #20, the movement of the contours and lines reflect a considerable investment into detail, and that is certainly felt when reading and viewing it.

Cox paints it as always with a working knowledge and insight into what feed into the story best, taking us deeper into what the issue tries to put across to us.

Christos Gage got a well tearjerker into this issue guys, playing around with the sadness surrounding Infinite Mansion, but more directly, Veil’s quit from the Avengers Academy team, which has echoed down the line and taken hold on some who have followed her cue. Speedball and Justice have woken to find their paths have changed there is a new lease on life. Hank Pym/Giant-Man has now taken to rebuild his world after it was crushed by Titania and Absorbing Man, but this may be a start to new and better beginnings.

Avengers Academy #20 starts off from the startling end it had in #19, and takes a new juicy twist, just to play with us a bit more. Things are on the move now, so don’t miss the next issue, a new era is about to begin.

Rating: 9.5/10