Marvel Noise

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After a week off we return with a voicemail and Steve gives us a recap of the Albany Comic Con.  We also get to (finally) hear Steve’s Halloween segment.  Plus some talk about War Machine Volume 1: Iron Heart.

Discuss this episode on the forum.

Any Day in June, Castles (http://anydayinjune.com/)

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episodes, podcast, reviews, solicits old man logan, war machine

I had no interest in Dark Reign’s beginning, yet the tail end of the status quo’s existence is dragging me back to the Marvel Universe full force. Dark Reign – The List: Avengers kicks off a series of eight one-shot/special issues that entail what seems to be Norman Osborn’s full-force (if not final) siege upon the world of Marvel Heroes. As Osborn sees it, it is time to bring some real change to the world and take full control of the way things function – mainly the freedoms of the world’s largest super-powered individuals who constantly threaten his presence at the top.

This book did what all event-focused books should: take existing characters that we all know at the core and study them from another angle while exploring their reactions, attitudes and character under unusual and even extreme circumstances. Bendis does this by simply focusing on two different sides of the Norman Osborn argument: kill him or bring him to justice? The idea creates an interesting divide within the Avengers team, and it also allows reflects upon what makes the characters of Captain America, Spider-man and Clint Barton who they are. Ultimately, this question is what moves the plot of the issue and places a specific character in an interesting position which will surely see farther exploration in the core Avengers book (New Avengers).

The artwork within this issue is also very well produced – the tag team of Djurdjevic, Morales and Gracia work well in their collaboration implanting a tone of desperation and almost futility. Djurdjevic also captures the sequential feel quite nicely, which is shocking for the amount of cover work he produces.

All and all, this was well worth the read and adds to my growing curiosity of the current Marvel Comics landscape. Yet, to place a warning to potential consumers, this book is not oversized for the 3.99 price tag. It may feel heavy when picked off the spinner rack, but don’t let the dual eight-page previews of Dark Reign – The List: Daredevil & Dark Reign – The List: X-Men fool you. But, I will not linger on that complaint – I still bought it holding that knowledge after all. But yes, Dark Reign: The List – Avengers is a nice example of a good event-centric comic book; it packs interesting looks at favorite characters, gorgeous artwork and a cliff-hanger that leaves the reader curious for more.

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Marko Djurdjevic
Inks: Mark Morales
Colors: Marte Gracia

reviews brian michael bendis, dark reign - the list: avengers, mark morales, marko djurdjevic

With his first arc under his belt, Dan Slott puts the team through their paces this issue by having them face and solve many problems all over the world.  Parts of the issue felt like they could also happen in any issue of the Fantastic Four, but I think that’s because Hank Pym, like Reed Richards, is one of the smartest people in the Marvel Universe and knows how to handle trouble.  Hank, now using his dead wife’s superhero name Wasp, is quick on his feet, even when faced with the situation of Quicksilver, one of the fastest people in the Marvel Universe, and how insistent Magneto’s son is about being a member of the team.  Unfortunately, while globetrotting and saving millions of people, H.A.M.M.E.R. is literally knocking on Hank’s door, but a solution presents itself that will help the Avengers in their mission.

One item of note from this issue is that the cracks are starting to show in the Cabal’s armor.  And everyone is piling on poor, ol’ Norman.  And one member of the Illuminaughty is taking full advantage of that.  And for those keeping score, there is an appearance by the Young Avengers and a dig at Wolverine.

As mentioned, this issue is written by Slott who has no problem working this group to the bone.  The action is non-stop so if you find the quiet moments Brian Michael Bendis writes in New Avengers leaves you wanting, this is right up your alley.  Rafa Sandoval and Roger Bonet Martinez – as penciler and inker, respectively – offer a smooth line, and the action and characters are clear and defined.

This is another title from Marvel where I’m going to get a kick out of following this team and see them overcome the obstacles put in their way.  If you weren’t sure about The Mighty Avengers when the new direction started, give this issue a shot.  Not only is it a lot of fun, but I feel you’re gonna get your money’s worth.

The Mighty Avengers “Chasing Ghosts”
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Rafa Sandoval
Inker: Roger Bonet Martinez
Colors: John Rauch
Letters: Dave Lanphear
Cover: Pham and Miki
Editor: Tom Brevoort
$2.99, 32 pgs

on sale, reviews dan slott, dark reign, mighty avengers, rafa sandoval, roger bonet martinez

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After a short break our host is back to talk Avengers.  Thrown in is also a phone call or five, new releases, and review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Titles mentioned include FCBD The Avengers, The Mighty Avengers, The New Avengers, and X-Factor.

Discuss this episode on the forum.
Discuss past episodes here.

Michael Heaton, Lucky (http://www.michaelheaton.com/)

Comic Book Noise (http://www.comicbooknoise.com/)

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Shipping May 6, 2009:

Agents Of Atlas Vol 2 #4 Incentive Ed McGuinness Variant Cover (Dark Reign Tie-In) – [PI]
Agents Of Atlas Vol 2 #4 Regular Stuart Immonen Cover (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Alias Ultimate Collection Book 1 TP $34.99
Amazing Spider-Man Vol 2 #593 $2.99
Astonishing Tales Vol 2 #4 $3.99
Cable Vol 2 #13 2nd Ptg Ariel Olivetti Variant Cover (Messiah War Part 2) $2.99
Cable Vol 2 #14 Ariel Olivetti Cover (Messiah War Part 4) $2.99
Cable Vol 2 #14 Kaare Andrews Cover (Messiah War Part 4) $2.99
Daredevil Noir #2 Regular Tom Coker Cover $3.99
Daredevil Noir #2 Variant Dennis Calero Cover $3.99
Deadpool Vol 3 #10 (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Deadpool Vol 3 #9 2nd Ptg Paco Medina Variant Cover (Magnum Opus Part 3)(Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Destroyer (Marvel MAX) #2 $3.99
Essential Spider-Man Vol 9 TP $19.99
Exiles Vol 4 #2 $2.99
Fantastic Four True Story TP $10.99
Fin Fang Four Return #1 $3.99
Hulk Broken Worlds #2 $3.99
Human Torch Comics #1 70th Anniversary Special Incentive Marcos Martin Variant Cover – [PI]
Human Torch Comics #1 70th Anniversary Special Regular Adi Granov Cover $3.99
Invincible Iron Man #13 (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Marvel 70th Anniversary Poster Book $5.99
Marvel Masterworks Incredible Hulk Vol 5 HC Regular Dust Jacket $54.99
Marvel Masterworks Incredible Hulk Vol 5 HC Variant Dust Jacket $54.99
Marvel Spotlight New Mutants $2.99
Marvel Zombies 4 #2 $3.99
New Avengers Reunion #3 (Dark Reign Tie-In) $3.99
New Mutants Vol 3 #1 Incentive Bob McLeod Variant Cover – [PI]
New Mutants Vol 3 #1 Incentive Ryan Benjamin Variant Cover – [PI]
New Mutants Vol 3 #1 Regular Adam Kubert Cover $3.99
New Mutants Vol 3 #1 Regular Alex Ross Cover $3.99
Official Index To The Marvel Universe #5 $3.99
Spider-Man Death And Dating HC $24.99
Terror Inc Apocalypse Soon #1 $3.99
Thor Ages Of Thunder HC $24.99
Trojan War #1 $3.99
Ultimatum X-Men Fantastic Four HC $24.99
Universal War One Revelations #2 $5.99
War Of Kings #2 2nd Ptg Paul Pelletier Variant Cover $3.99
War Of Kings #3 Incentive Paul Pelletier Variant Cover – [PI]
War Of Kings #3 Regular Brandon Peterson Cover $3.99
X-Men First Class Finals #4 $3.99

Product Updates:

• Fin Fang Four Return #1 (MAR092556D, $3.99; FOC 04/16/09) will be 40 pages, not 48 pages. It will have 35 pages of story and five ad pages, as solicited.
• New Mutants #1 (MAR092602D, $3.99; FOC 04/16/09) has 50/50 covers by Adam Kubert and Alex Ross. While not previously solicited as such, the Adam Kubert Cover is a wraparound cover. The Alex Ross cover is not a wraparound cover.
• War of Kings #3 Variant (MAR092591D, $3.99; FOC 04/16/09) will have cover art by Paul Pelletier.

episodes, podcast, reviews brian michael bendis, fcbd avengers, the mighty avengers, the new avengers, x-factor, x-men origins: wolverine

This is the first issue of Exiles I have ever read.  Which is great because it’s the first issue of the new Exiles series, so it all works out.  I’ll tell you this right up front: I recommend this book heartily.

It’s no secret that I’m a big Jeff Parker fan.  With this issue he not only gets you up to speed on what this is all about, but you get introduced to the team in a way where no one gets shortchanged.  Salva Espin first popped up on my radar with the Wolverine: First Class series and I think Salva’s linework complements Jeff’s words perfectly.  Anthony Washington’s colors enhance the art and Simon Bowland’s letters are perfect in the sense that they aren’t distracting with balloons and caption boxes placed in unfortunate spots and of course are easy to read.

As stated, this issue is a great jumping on point.  Having no knowledge of the previous volumes, but aware of their existence, at no time did I feel cheated or out of the loop with the title’s history.  The team consists of Polaris (from Earth-8149), Beast (Earth-763), Earth-1119’s Panther (not once referenced as Black Panther), Forge (Earth-2814), Earth-8823’s Witch (sans the Scarlet label), and Blink.  We’re introduced to each member (save for Blink) right as they are about to face certain death, plucked from their reality and facing Morph, who gives them a rundown of what the Exiles are designed to do.  Have I mentioned how accessible this issue is?

What I found interesting is that we haven’t been old Panther’s real name yet.  The character doesn’t ‘read’ like the T’Challa we’re used to in the 616 and Beast mentions that he doesn’t sound like the Black Panther from his earth.  Everything else appears to be the same.  Polaris and Witch are half-sisters, Forge is Forge (and married), Beast, while Hank McCoy, looks a little more beastly and seems to have a bit of a violent streak if his introduction is any indication.  Blink, who I know from Age of Apocalypse and the other Exiles series, is the only one without an introduction, but we get brought up to speed fairly quickly.

And the last page?  If I wasn’t coming back for the second issue based on the first twenty-one pages, the last page would have sealed the deal.

Seriously, this is a must have.  I’m delighted to be along for this ride.

Exiles #1 “Deja Vu”
Writer: Jeff Parker
Art: Salva Espin
Colors: Anthony Washington
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover: Bullock, Irwin, and Washington
Editor: Mark Paniccia
$3.99, 40 pgs

on sale, reviews dave bullock, exiles, jeff parker, salva espin

Frank Castle is waging war on Norman Osborn.  However, the head of H.A.M.M.E.R. is not going to be easy to take down, at least not while he’s got bodyguards such as the Sentry and Ares to cover his back.  So Frank is having to change tactics from what he’s used to and fight a different type of war.  One that involves exposing Osborn for what he truly is: a cold blooded, maniacal killer.  With the help of a computer genius named Henry, the Punisher has taken his propaganda war directly to Osborne and has scored several good victories.  But that’s all about to change as Osbourne calls in a favor from a certain hooded villain to help bring Frank down.

Rick Remender and Jerome Opena are turning up the heat with this new series! The first two issues have been packed with action and this issue is no exception. The story is fast-paced and exciting and I really feel like I got a lot of bang for my buck. Remender has done an incredible job taking over the Punisher reins from Matt Fraction. His kinetic style of writing matches really well with this character. He get’s the story rolling quickly and then seems to let the action take over. I love the way he keeps the Punisher human and quickly shows that he is not invincible and can be taken down. He starts the first issue out with Frank getting his butt handed to him by the Sentry and having to rely on an outside source for help, which I thought was a great way to open up the series.

The art from Jerome Opena is just simply unbelievable! Opena’s gritty and raw pencilwork is a perfect match with the Punisher and Remender’s writing. The amount of detail that he puts into each of his pages is incredible. I was absolutely blown away by his first issue and he hasn’t let up the pace yet! This issue features some wonderfully rendered fight and chase scenes that really showcase Opena’s style.

In conclusion, I give this issue, as well as this series so far, a very solid A. The story is well written, the art is wonderfully rendered and hopefully it will be sticking around for a while. Remender and Opena are both well suited for this type of book and as long as they are on it, I have a feeling I will keep picking it up.

COVER BY: MIKE MCKONE
WRITER: RICK REMENDER
PENCILS: JEROME OPENA
COLORED BY: DAN BROWN
LETTERER: VC’S JOE CARAMAGNA
EDITOR: AXEL ALONSO
Parental Advisory …$2.99

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on sale, previews, reviews dark reign, jerome opena, mike mckone, punisher, rick remender

The war for Heaven is over and the archangel Zadkiel and his army are now in control.  Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch have parted ways and the Caretaker is dead.  Now a new Caretaker is taking up the mantle and it is up to her to reunite the Spirits of Vengeance and help reclaim the kingdom of Heaven.  But there’s more than an army of angels ready to stand in their way!  Get ready for all hell to break loose with Ghost Rider #33, featuring the new story arc from writer Jason Aaron and artist extraordinaire Tony Moore !

Ghost Rider #33 features a look back at the history of the Spirit of Vengeance throughout time.  The story is told from the point of view of Sara, the new Caretaker and granddaughter of the previous one.  Jason Aaron has done a wonderful job of creating some very different Ghost Riders from days past, along with a couple from the future.  Though some of the riders feel like they were added for laughs, there were a few that I thought would make for some really interesting stories on their own, such as the Ghost Flyer and a Ghost tank crew from World War II.  Having not read very much Ghost Rider in recent months, I was a little worried picking this issue up that I may be lost on what was going on.  However, I found the story to be very accessible and thought it to be a good jumping on point for the series.  Aaron’s writing is very solid and he seems to do a great job of mixing humor with serious, with some slightly off the wall moments that approach over the top without crossing the line (two words: nun chucks).

The real draw for me to this issue was Tony Moore.  I’ve been a huge fan of Moore’s work since the Walking Dead and Fear Agent.  The moment I heard he was going to be drawing this arc, I knew I would be picking this book up.  And folks, he doesn’t disappoint!  Moore’s style seems to be the perfect fit for this title.  Each panel is wonderfully illustrated and the detail he puts into his pages is amazing.  I love the look he gave to each of the Ghost Riders, with each one being completely unique from the last.  Plus, the way he draws demons and the undead reminds me alot about what I loved with his work in the Walking Dead.  The man is truly a top notch talent and I pray we will get to see more of his work at Marvel in the future!

In conclusion, if you are looking for an excuse to start picking up Ghost Rider than here it is!  Marvel has got an A+ team with the combination of Jason Aaron and Tony Moore.  Miss out on this book, and I can quarantee you will be sorry you did!

COVER BY: ARTHUR SUYDAM
WRITER: JASON AARON
PENCILS: TONY MOORE
INKS: TONY MOORE
COLORS: DAVE MCCAIG
LETTERED BY: VC – JOE CARAMAGNA
EDITOR: AXEL ALONSO
PRICE: 2.99

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on sale, previews, reviews ghost rider, jason aaron, review, tony moore

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We’re talkin’ Thunder God this week with thoughts on Thor #12 and #600.  Pat has the new releases and Steve impresses us with the first part in his series on the DeFalco and Ryan Fantastic Four.  Plus, not one, but two messages from Chris Chavez, aka Equinox!

Titles mentioned this week include Thor and Captain Britain and MI:13.

Discuss this episode.
Discuss previous Marvel Noise episodes here.

Ric Seaberg, Smiley Emoticon (http://www.ricseaberg.com/)

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Cactus Comics (http://www.cactuscomics.net/)
What Kind of Trouble Did I Get Into Today? (http://mikeysims.blogspot.com/)

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Marvel items shipping 2/25/09:

Avengers The Initiative #22 (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Captain America Vol 5 #47 $2.99
Dark Avengers #1 2nd Ptg Mike Deodato Jr Variant Cover (Dark Reign Tie-In) $3.99
Dark Reign Files $4.99
Dark Tower Treachery #6 Regular Jae Lee Cover $3.99
Dr Doom And The Masters Of Evil #2 $2.99
Enders Shadow Battle School #3 $3.99
Fantastic Four Vol 3 #554 Top Cow Marc Silverstri Variant Cover – [PI]
Fantastic Four Vol 3 #564 $2.99
Ghost Rider Danny Ketch #5 $3.99
Hulk Vol 2 #10 Incentive Art Adams Variant Cover – [PI]
Hulk Vol 2 #10 Regular Left Side Defenders Cover $3.99
Hulk Vol 2 #10 Regular Right Side Offenders Cover $3.99
Incredible Hercules #126 $3.99
Kick-Ass #1 Umpteenth Ptg $2.99
Kick-Ass #2 Umpteenth Ptg $2.99
Kick-Ass #3 Umpteenth Ptg $2.99
Kick-Ass #4 Umpteenth Ptg $2.99
Lords Of Avalon Knight Of Darkness #4 $3.99
Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four #45 $2.99
Marvels Eye Of The Camera #4 Black & White Version $3.99
Marvels Eye Of The Camera #4 Regular Version $3.99
Marvel Illustrated Treasure Island TP $14.99
Marvel Masterworks Atlas Era Strange Tales Vol 2 HC Regular Dust Jacket $59.99
Marvel Masterworks Atlas Era Strange Tales Vol 2 HC Variant Dust Jacket $59.99
Marvel Masterworks Mighty Thor Vol 8 HC Regular Dust Jacket $54.99
Marvel Masterworks Mighty Thor Vol 8 HC Variant Dust Jacket $54.99
Mighty Avengers #22 (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Ms Marvel Vol 2 #36 (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
New Avengers #50 Regular Billy Tan Cover (Dark Reign Tie-In) $4.99
New Avengers #50 Variant Kubert Cover (Dark Reign Tie-In) $4.99
Nova Vol 4 #22 $2.99
Runaways Vol 3 #7 $2.99
Scourge Of The Gods #2 $5.99
Secret Invasion Black Panther TP $12.99
Secret Invasion Runaways Young Avengers TP $12.99
She-Hulk 2 #38 $3.99
Skaar Son Of Hulk #8 Incentive Ron Lim Variant Cover – [PI]
Skaar Son Of Hulk #8 Regular David Yardin Cover $2.99
Skrulls vs Power Pack TP Digest $9.99
Thunderbolts #129 Incentive Clint Langley Variant Cover (Dark Reign Tie-In) – [PI]
Thunderbolts #129 Regular Francesco Mattina Cover (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Ultimate Spider-Man #131 (Ultimatum Tie-In) $2.99
War Machine Vol 2 #3 (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Wolverine First Class #12 $2.99
Wolverine Origins #33 (Dark Reign Tie-In) $2.99
Wonderful Wizard Of Oz #2 2nd Ptg Skottie Young Variant Cover $3.99
X-Force Vol 3 #12 $2.99
Ythaq Forsaken World #3 $5.99

Product Updates:

• Captain America #47 (DEC082361D, $2.99; FOC 01/29/09) will have art by Butch Guice, not Steve Epting.
• The previously unannounced cover artist for The Dark Tower: Treachery #6 Variant (DEC082331D, $3.99; FOC 02/05/09) will be Dennis Calero.
• Dr. Doom and the Masters of Evil #2 (DEC082365D, $2.99; FOC 02/05/09) will have art by Jon Buran, in addition to the previously solicited Patrick Scherberger.
• Incredible Hercules #126 (DEC082374D, $3.99, FOC 02/05/09) will be rated T+, not A.
• Ms. Marvel #36 DKR (DEC082316D, $2.99; FOC 02/05/09) will have a new cover by Phil Jimenez that was previously solicited as the cover to Ms. Marvel #37 DKR (JAN092485D, $2.99; FOC 03/05/09), which will now have a new, previously unseen Phil Jimenez cover.
• Nova #22 (DEC082385D, $2.99; FOC 02/05/09) will have art by Andrea Di Vito, not Wellinton Alves.
• She-Hulk 2 #38 (DEC082390D, $3.99) will be 40 pages, not 48 pages. No content has been changed.
• Skaar, Son of Hulk #8 (DEC082391D, $2.99; FOC 02/05/09) & #9 (JAN092525D, $2.99; FOC 03/05/09) will have art by Ron Lim, not Jackson Guice.
• War Machine #3 DKR (DEC08 2318, $2.99) is now Rated T+, not A.
• Wolverine: First Class #12 (DEC082409D, $2.99; FOC 02/05/09) will have art by Scott Koblish, not Wil Quintana

episodes, reviews fantastic four, j. michael straczynski, laura martin, mark morales, new releases, olivier coipel, paul ryan, thor, tom defalco

Black Bolt is one ticked off king.  After being held prisoner and replaced by the shape shifting Skrulls, the Inhuman’s silent ruler is out for a little revenge.  And he isn’t about to let anybody stand in his way to get it. Get ready for some high octane space action in this hot new one shot that kicks off Marvel’s next big galactic event, War of Kings!

Secret Invasion: War of Kings was a very cool start to this new event.  Penned by Marvel’s go to space guys, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, this issue has me really fired up to see the rest of the story.  It seems Abnet and Lanning are unbeatable when it comes to space tales, and this issue just helps prove that.  There is no huge build up to the story, it just takes off from the first page and gets us right into the action.  The pacing of the story was really well handled, with the writers giving us just the right amount of action mixed with scenes of dialog.  I never felt as if the story hit any slow points or areas that lost my interest, as I often times tend to do with space tales.  I thought the dialog was really well written, especially with the character of Maximus.  This was the first time I’ve ever read anything with this character, but I could really get a sense of who he was just from his dialog.

The art from pencilers Paul Pelletier and Bong Dazo and inkers Rick Magyar and Joe Pimentel was truly top notch!  The two artist seem to be a great match together as I never felt a sudden jolt in art change when the other artist took over a scene.  The pages were beautifully rendered with great detail and I love Pelletier’s space ship and machine designs.

I only have one complaint about the issue and that is with the font used at the beginning to represent Skrull speech. At first I thought there was something wrong with the way the issue was printed, but quickly realized it was the font itself.  It looks as if flakes of ink came of the letters leaving the pieces broken looking.  There were several times it was hard to tell what the letters even were.  I appreciate the effort to make the Skrull speak look more dramatic, but felt the effect came up short.

In all, this was a really great issue.  From start to finish the book had me hooked, and kept my interest even through a second read through.  I have no doubt that Abnett and Lanning are going to deliver another grade A space epic with this event!  Definitely give this book a shot, and be sure to pick up the free copy of War of Kings Saga to go along with it.  Not knowing much Inhuman history, I found it to be invaluable!

COVER BY: BRANDON PETERSON
WRITER: DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
PENCILS: PAUL PELLETIER & BONG DAZO
INKS: RICK MAGYAR & JOE PIMENTEL
COLORED BY: WIL QUINTANA & MIKE KELLEHER
LETTERED BY: JOE CARAMAGNA
EDITOR: BILL ROSEMAN
One-Shot/Rated T+ …$3.99

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

previews, reviews andy lanning, bing dazo, dan abnett, paul pelletier, secret invasion: war of kings

Since returning to Earth after being held captive by the Skrulls, Hank Pym has found the his world completely changed.  The superhero Civil War has divided many of his old teammates and allies.  Captain America is dead.  The Skrulls failed an attempted invasion of Earth which resulted in the death of the woman he loved, Janet Van Dyne, and has left his reputation in question.  Now, facing life in a world he no longer recognizes and dealing with the anquish of having to bury his wife, who can Hank place the blame for all of these events on?

Mighty Avengers #20 draws to a close the Secret Invasion event for this seris and sets the stage for Dark Reign.  Writer Brian Michael Bendis and artists Lee Weeks, Jim Cheung and Carlo Pagulayan deliver a heartbreaking story that, in my opinion, was Bendis’ best tie-in to this event.  The story opens up in the past with Hank and the Wasp when they were on the first Avengers team discussing the discovery of the frozen Captain America and how much the world has changed since he was last seen.  We also get a glimpse at how much the two were in love with each other at that time.  Flash forward to the present and we find a distraught Hank Pym, along with Ms. Marvel and Wonderman, making Janet’s funeral arrangements.  Upon leaving the meeting, Carol fills Hank in on all the events, including Civil War, World War Hulk and Secret Invasion, that have occurred since his abduction.  At Janet’s funeral, Hank makes it very clear who he blames for these events.

I thought Bendis did an excellent job bringing out the emotion in this issue.  Jan’s death in Secret Invasion #8 didn’t sit that well with me.  For a character with her history, I thought she deserved a little bit more of an emotional response from the other heroes.  I feel this issue gave us that emotion, especially with Hank.  His response at the funeral felt very real and I thought it was well written.  I loved the way Bendis compared Hank’s return with Captain America’s in Avengers #4, being a man out of his time.  It really helped build on the emotional side of the story and helped me pick up on what Hank must be going through.  My one complaint with this issue would have to be the events flashback pages.  The art from Jim Cheung was very well done, but they just felt a little out of place with the story.

Speaking of the art, all three artist delevered solid work here.  I especially liked Carlo Pagulayan’s pages for the funeral scene.  Each panel was wonderfully detailed and, I may be sounding like a broken record here, really had great emotion coming from each of the characters involved.  Lee Weeks opened up the story beautifully with the flashback sequence featuring Hank and Janet in their original costumes.  Jim Cheung had the smallest part of the story, but as I said above, drew some really nice pages giving us a quick look back at Civil War, World War Hulk and Secret Invasion.

Bendis ends his run on this series in style and sets up for Dan Slott to take over with issue #21.  I wasn’t too crazy with the other Mighty Avenger Secret Invasion issues, but this issue really made up for those in my opinion.  As a whole though, I have really enjoyed this series so far and look forward to seeing were Slott and artist Khoi Pham take the book!

COVER BY: MARKO DJURDJEVIC
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: LEE WEEKS, JIM CHEUNG & CARLO PAGULAYAN
INKS: LEE WEEKS, JIM CHEUNG & JEFFERY HUET
COLORED BY: DEAN WHITE AND JASON KEITH
LETTERED BY: DAVE LANPHEAR
EDITOR: TOM BREVOORT
Rated A…. $2.99

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reviews brian michael bendis, carlo pagulayan, jeffery huet, jim cheung, lee weeks, mighty avengers, review, secrt invasion