Marvel Noise

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

Hercules & The God Squad Join Secret Invasion!

With Secret Invasion in full swing, Hercules’ sister Athena has banded together a sacred group of deities to face the imminent Skrull threat! Incredible Hercules #117, a tie-in to the red-hot Secret Invasion event, gives you a front row seat to a battle of divine proportions. In this issue, the critically acclaimed writing team of Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente unveil the premiere appearance of the all new GOD SQUAD, including fan-favorite Snowbird! With pencils from the rising star Rafa Sandoval and a stunning cover by John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson and Dean White, this issue is sure to make your eyes pop.

Brian Joel of IGN states that “Herc is one of the most consistently enjoyable and well-done books on the stands today.”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Incredible Hercules and all other Secret Invasion tie-ins as they continue to sell out at Diamond and as fans continue to ask “Who do you trust?”

Can the GOD SQUAD protect the Marvel Universe from the “Sacred Invasion”? How will the master tactician, Amadeus Cho, fit into this epic equation? And is one of them a Skrull?! Find out the answers to these questions and more in the action-packed Incredible Hercules #117!

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #117 (MAR082211) (SI)
Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by RAFA SANDOVAL
Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR., KLAUS JANSON & DEAN WHITE
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/1/08, On-Sale—5/21/08