Category: Marvel Comics

Written by Stuart Moore

Art by Ariel Olivietti; Brian Ching; Rick Ketcham; Don Ho; Craig Yeung; Rachelle Rosenberg; & VC’s Joe Caramagna

Cover Art by Mike Mayhew

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for February 2011, this issue is entitled “Faces.”  Off the shore of the X-Men’s Utopia Island base, teenage mutant Loa deduces her aquatic powers are linked to a mystical gold amulet.  A flashback to Times Square in 1940 depicts Namor’s girlfriend, Betty Dean, and her roommate, Alice Terrel, as they witness the Sub-Mariner in action.  In 1944, Alice consoles a neglected Betty at a nightclub over Namor’s extended absences.  Namor then bestows the amulet as a gift to Betty. 

In 1947, Betty bids farewell to a now-married (and new mother) Alice before her family is transferred to Hawaii.  After an infuriated Betty storms out from Namor, he then smugly womanizes Alice.  The Sub-Mariner privately reflects he will regret this tawdry fling. 

Another flashback occurs four years before Loa’s present-day scene.  Off the coast of Maui, a young Loa (aka Alani) tries protecting her father from the bullying Great White and his bloodthirsty sharks, only to discover her mutant powers.  Namor’s subsequent encounter with an elderly Alice confirms a long-held secret, as the amulet has been in Alice’s possession for decades.  In the present-day, Loa realizes her heritage is linked to New Atlantis.   

REVIEW:

The cover image of a wartime romance at sea is exquisite, but it’s also blatantly deceptive.  Betty Dean’s presence is only a glorified cameo, if not a red herring, re: Namor’s philandering.  Though the story fulfills its intriguing premise, this poignant coming-of age prelude from writer Stuart Moore isn’t what the starry-eyed cover image is selling.  A cover featuring Namor and Loa would have been a far more sincere effort of marketing this visually-impressive tale.         

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page summarizes Namor’s recent alliance with the X-Men battling aquatic vampires, as well as the introduction of Loa.  There’s also a full-page cover reveal for the next issue.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          6½ Stars

Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick & Jen Van Meter

Art by Barry Kitson; ‘Magyar;’ ‘Leisten;’ Geraci;’  ‘Kitson;’ Nolan Woodard; & VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover Art by Jorge Molina

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for November 2013, this untitled issue reveals the aftermath of Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers), Hawkeye, and other Avengers evidently perishing in a deep-space battle vs. the Builders.  Surviving Avengers Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew); Black Widow; Shang-Chi; Falcon; Manifold; and Captain America are among those present when the Builders attack their Behemoth Ringworld refuge.  Adamantly refusing to believe that her best friend, Carol, is gone, Spider-Woman volunteers for a potential rescue mission when Captain America splits the Avengers into two separate missions. 

Black Widow, Manifold, Shang-Chi, and Spider-Woman infiltrate a Builder vessel searching for a rumored human captive.    Later regrouping their decimated space fleet, the Avengers face an uncertain next move. 

REVIEW:

Co-writers Kelly Sue DeConnick and Jen Van Meter contribute a solidly entertaining tale, including their well-played opening scene with Spider-Woman.  Jessica Drew’s insightful narrative is a fun bonus.  Impressively, the art team contributes top-notch visuals throughout this issue (including a terrific cover image). 

Yet, there is a trio of color glitches across the bottom third of Page 12.  Specifically, a red ink bleed from Spider-Woman’s face mask covers her entire lower face in one panel.  The next panel has a partial red splotch bleed on Captain America’s facial close-up.  For the third consecutive panel, a final red splotch bleed is partially seen on Spider-Woman’s lower face, as the page finishes.  The ink bleeds don’t necessarily ruin this page, but they are still eye-catching.

Yet, what really gels this issue together is Spider-Woman’s chemistry in various scenes with Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and a young alien child that she tries to comfort with plush stuffed animals.  These entertaining sequences highlight Jessica Drew, as someone that readers can easily anchor to amidst the Star Wars-like chaos.  As such, Avengers Assemble # 19 proves itself an enjoyably satisfying read.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page offers a cast roster and a storyline summary-to-date.  The single-page “Assembly” news-and-correspondence column includes a thumbnail cover reveal for the next issue.  It also provides a checklist of upcoming Avengers-related issues.  Another full page is dedicated to promoting five Infinity saga tie-in issues.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          8 Stars

Written by Howard Chaykin

Art by Howard Chaykin; Jesus Aburtov; Jared K. Fletcher; & Manny Mederos

Cover Art by Howard Chaykin & Jesus Aburtov

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for January 2012, the untitled third issue starts in the Pacific Ocean where Sabretooth; Dominic Fortune; Namora; and Kraven the Hunter confer with British sorcerer Powell McTeague.  The defeated Baron Blood & Brain Drain are ominously rescued.  Nick Fury and Louise “Blonde Phantom” Mason steal a military jet to escape Latveria.  A peripheral player reveals himself as a protégé of the demonic Dormammu.  After leaving Wakanda by boat for Madripoor, the outmatched Blonde Phantom and Fury are attacked by four female airborne Nazi mercenaries.       

REVIEW:

As a dual talent, writer-artist Howard Chaykin impressively delivers another entertaining excursion with this early Cold War band of Avengers.  Unlike the prior two issues, to his credit, Chaykin’s storyline appreciably takes on a more kid-friendly tone (i.e. no tawdry glimpses of an undercover Blonde Phantom in lingerie; and less violence) without losing its unpredictable edge.  As an ensemble piece, Avengers 1959 # 3 is a welcome read, as it deftly blends neat elements of super-heroics with Cold War espionage.             

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A three-paragraph summary explains the story to date.  There is a full-page cover reveal for Avengers 1959 # 4.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:           7½ Stars

Written by Howard Chaykin

Art by Howard Chaykin; Jesus Aburtov; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Howard Chaykin & Jesus Aburtov

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for December 2011, this untitled second issue of the five-part mini-series leads off by continuing Issue # 1’s last sequence.  Later meeting up with ex-Howling Commando Erik Koenig and sultry undercover operative Louise “Blonde Phantom” Mason, Fury suspects a shadowy foe for systematically attacking individual Avengers.  Questioning the local Wakandan ambassador K’Shanei, Fury & Koenig find out that its nation’s king has been abducted.  In Washington, D.C.,  General Hill and “Dum Dum” Dugan realize a mole has set them up.

In Latveria, Blonde Phantom & Fury’s nocturnal raid leads to a skirmish vs. the zombie Hollow Men.  On the South Pacific’s high seas, Baron Blood and Brain Drain’s Nazi vessel try repelling the Avengers (Dominic Fortune; Namora; Sabretooth; and Kraven the Hunter).  As Blood’s tech-modified bats attack, an unidentified figure enters the fray.        

REVIEW:

Though it’s really Chaykin’s one-man show, he devises an intriguing Cold War fantasy-horror tale that just as easily could have occurred during World War II.  His distinctively stylish artwork is stellar, especially his take on Golden Age heroine Blonde Phantom.  Chaykin & Jesus Aburtov’s spot-on cover art is an excellent selling point for this issue’s contents.  Still, this storyline is clearly geared towards adult readers.  As such, it’s a pretty good read for Silver Age Nick Fury fans.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page reveal of the next issue’s cover.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          7 Stars

Written by Howard Chaykin

Art by Howard Chaykin; Jesus Aburtov; Manny Mederos; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Howard Chaykin & Jesus Aburtov

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for December 2011, this untitled issue kicks off a five-part mini-series.  In late 1959, at a posh New York restaurant, Nick Fury and his Avengers squad (Namora; Kraven the Hunter; Dominic Fortune; Sabretooth; Ulysses Bloodstone; and Ernest “Silver Sable” Sablinova) toast the success of their recent mission before going their separate ways.  Subsequently, these stateside Avengers face HYDRA assassination threats.

In Latveria, the undercover Louise “Blonde Phantom” Mason playfully seduces Nazi war criminal Dieter Skul in a castle bedroom. Elsewhere, a HYDRA operative posing as middle-aged Mr. Sydenham of the U.S. State Department sets up to defraud the Wakandan royal family of vital technological secrets in a covert transaction.        

REVIEW:

Though the issue likely merits a parental advisory for some grisly violence, writer-artist Howard Chaykin solidly establishes his primary cast.  Yet, one will notice the issue’s limited plotting.  With eight Avengers to account for, the issue is more a series of short sequences.  Chaykin’s best effort at character depth is Kraven & Namora’s pre-attack scene as a romantic couple at the docks. 

Despite its tawdriness, the sultry Blonde Phantom’s brief scene as a counter-intelligence specialist suggests that she might play a far more vital role later in this series.  Imbued by Chaykin’s trademark artistic style, the dark visuals convincingly generate a Cold War espionage noir-like ambiance.  Accordingly, Avengers 1959 # 1 proves an intriguing thrill ride for adult fans.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a full-page cover reveal for Avengers 1959 # 2.  There is also a two-spread hyping tie-ins to the Spider-Island storyline.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              7 Stars

Written by Zeb Wells

Art by Joe Madueira; Ferran Daniel; & VC’s Joe Caramagna

Cover Art by “MAD!” & “Lusen”

SUMMARY:

Published for January 2012 by Marvel Comics, this untitled debut issue has the Avengers (Steve Rogers; Thor; Spider-Woman; Hawkeye; Red Hulk; Wolverine; Iron Man; & Spider-Man) vs. a giant A.I.M. robot.  Red Hulk begrudgingly obliges after Spider-Man tries bumming a ride back to New York City after the mission.  At the NYC Marathon, Major J. Jonah Jameson and thousands of participants are overrun by the Mole Man’s underground minions (the Moloids). 

Spider-Man and Red Hulk intervene, but a gigantic underground monster bearing razor-sharp fangs and a paralyzing neuro-toxin from its mouth proves formidable opposition.  An abducted Jameson finds out that Mole Man isn’t the culprit behind this assault.    

Note: Though the images aren’t provided in this issue, the variant artist teams are: ‘Ramos & Delgado;’ ‘Campbell & Delgado;’ and Joe Quesada, Danny Miki, & Richard Isanove.

REVIEW:

Well-played fun!  Between the tongue-in-cheek gags (i.e. Spider-Man and a foul-mouthed Jameson are both in vintage form) and the solid action sequences, writer Zeb Wells does a stellar job with this new title launch.  Wells is further supported by the art team’s top-caliber visuals.  If anything, the brief “Not it” sequence of the Avengers each declining to give Spider-Man yet free ride is worth the price of admission by itself. 

The same could be said of Jameson’s hilariously irate reaction to the city’s property damage, as he is oblivious of any fear of the Moloids.  For Spider-Man and/or Avengers fans, Avenging Spider-Man # 1 proves a good-natured gem to read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Marvel allots a two-page spread for the issue’s credits alone.  Senior Editor Stephen Wacker offers a single-page letter to fans as to why Avenging Spider-Man will be an Avengers-themed variation of Spidey’s old Marvel Team-Up series.  A six-page preview of writer Jeph Loeb & artist Ed McGuinness’ Avengers: X-Sanction # 1 has the team (Captain America; Falcon; Iron Man; Wolverine; Spider-Man; and Red Hulk) vs. the Lethal Legion on a rainy night in downtown New York.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:           8 Stars

Written by Roger McKenzie

Art by Rick Buckler & Klaus Janson; Jim Novak; and Carl Gifford

Cover Art by Rich Buckler & Klaus Janson

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for August 1979, this issue is entitled “The Memory Machine,” as it is set a few hours after the tragic ending of the 1978 TV episode: “Planet of the Gods – Part 2.”  At the funeral of Captain Apollo’s beloved Serina, her family (Apollo, Boxey, Athena, & Adama) mourns while a disgusted Starbuck blames himself.  Meanwhile, the Cylons find a dying Baltar on Kobol. 

While a seductive Madea tries baiting Starbuck into joining a secret ‘movement,’  Adama must somehow abate Sire Uri’s demands that the slowest straggling ships be left behind. One possibility is the interrogation device known as ‘The Memory Machine, ’ if proof of Earth’s coordinates still exists. 

REVIEW:

Admirably, this intriguing storyline could have made a great episode for the TV series.  The comic’s weakness, however, is its inconsistent and generally average artwork.  Marvel’s take on Apollo, Boxey, and Athena, for instance, offer adequate depictions of actors Richard Hatch, Noah Hathaway, and Maren Jensen.  The Cylons and the space scenes are even surprisingly well-played.  Conversely, the ultra-generic images of Starbuck and Uri, for instance, ensure that it’s virtually impossible to identify them as actors Dirk Benedict and Ray Milland.  As the lackluster cover art implies, Battlestar Galactica # 6 is standard Marvel content for the era.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins.’  Among the ads is a hilarious, black-and-white full-page hawking real, glow-in-the-dark ‘Kryptonite rocks’ for $2.50 a rock, plus shipping & handling.  Superman appears, as if giving this dubious product his smiling endorsement.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5 Stars

Written by Kurt Busiek & George Pérez

Art by George Pérez; Al Vey; Tom Smith; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft

Cover Art by (Uncredited – probably George Pérez)

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for December 1999, this issue is entitled “Showdown.”  While there is growing public unrest re: the Avengers’ lack of racial diversity, members of the team (Captain America; Thor; Iron Man; Firestar; Justice; and guest star Black Panther) work a combat exercise at Avengers Mansion.  Giant Man and the Wasp update Captain America and Iron Man re: the protesters outside.  Confronting a sulking Vision, the Scarlet Witch observes her ex-husband vent on Simon “Wonder Man” Williams.  The former ‘brothers’ reveal their mutual animosity.  Meanwhile, in the Himalayas, the villainous Exemplars resurface.

Note: Amidst Marvel’s innumerable Avengers series reboots, this series qualifies as the second re-launch. 

REVIEW:

Though the well-played cover implies a long-simmering love triangle, co-writers Kurt Busiek & George Pérez smartly unveil the true ulterior reason for the Vision’s jealousy.  Wonder Man’s follow-up sequence baring his own jealousies re: the ‘non-corrupted’ Vision is a well-articulated boost for his character’s growth.  To the art team’s credit, the visuals capably support this issue.  Their only ‘off’ element is that both T’Challa (Black Panther) and Tony Stark (Iron Man)’s faces are oddly depicted as being much closer to fifty-ish vs. an expected estimate of thirty-five years old.  Still, for long-time fans for the Vision and/or Wonder Man, Avengers # 23 is a great read that initiates a new definition of ‘sibling rivalry.’  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Featured separately in single-page form, there is an “Avengers Assemble!” letters-and-answers column and the “Bullpen Bulletins” news-and-notes column.  There is also an eight-page “Daily Bugle Book Watch 1999,” which includes black-and-white sample pages from two new series Doomsday # 1 (pages 4-6) and Young Allies # 1 (pages 2-4).  Both of these titles are billed under Marvel’s “Heroes Reborn” banner.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          8 Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by John Romita Jr.; Klaus Janson; Paul Mounts; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Alan Davis; Mark Farmer; & Javier Rodriguez

SUMMARY:

This untitled issue (included as part of the “Fear Itself” saga) was published by Marvel Comics for November 2011.  Narrated mostly by Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew), Hawkeye, and the Protector in a debriefing, they describe confronting the Red Skull’s daughter and her armored Nazi robots during New York’s destruction. 

With Bucky Barnes’ Captain America evidently dead and Avengers Tower destroyed, the four Avengers struggle to mount some form of offense against overwhelming forces.  With Ms. Marvel providing a possibly sacrificial diversion, the Protector remotely takes control of Tony Stark’s Iron Man suits to strike back.  Intervention by the New Avengers (Luke Cage; Spider-Man; Jessica Jones; Mockingbird; Iron Fist; Daredevil; & Wolverine) comes into play.  Steve Rogers’ Captain America makes a brief cameo.        

REVIEW:

While writer Brian Michael Bendis does an okay job with this issue’s script, the end result is hardly anything inspired, let alone original.  The same applies to the disappointingly shoddy interior visuals, which sport only a few above-average panels.  Quite frankly, this issue’s sole creative asset is an intriguing cover image, which (no surprise, considering the dire circumstances) doesn’t impact Hawkeye & Spider-Woman’s brief (and best-forgotten) romance.  Avengers # 17, as a result, accomplishes minimal entertainment value.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A full-page cover reveal for the next issue also provides thumbnail cover reveals for New Avengers # 16; Secret Avengers # 17; and Avengers Academy # 20.  Honoring 9/11’s tenth anniversary are six pages of reprints from Marvel’s “A Moment of Silence” and “Heroes,” both first published in late 2001.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            4 Stars

Written by Jason Aaron & Ed McGuinness

Art by Mark Morales; David Curiel; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Ed McGuinness, Mark Morales, & Justin Ponsor

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for July 2018, this 32-page series opener is entitled “The Final Host.”  In a prologue one million years before, the prehistoric Avengers (Odin; a Ghost Rider; a Black Panther; a female Iron Fist; a Phoenix resembling Jean Grey; and a Hulk-like Starbrand; and sorcerer Agamotto) face certain death against the Dark Celestials. 

In the present-day, over drinks, Steve Rogers (Captain America) suggests to Tony Stark (Iron Man); and Thor that it’s time that they restart the Avengers … yet again.  Hearing word of an imminent potential threat approaching Earth, the three heroes take Tony’s jet to intercept it. 

In deep space, Col. Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) discovers that dead Celestials are falling from the cosmos to Earth.  Deep beneath Wakanda, Black Panther and Dr. Strange investigate another ominous element of the Celestial mystery.  They are attacked by ominous mystical creatures.  In New York, She-Hulk witnesses one of the Celestials falling from the sky.  In Los Angeles, the new Ghost Rider leaps in action.  While Captain Marvel tries to contain the still-falling Celestials, Thor, Captain America, and Iron Man go into battle against their assailants: ‘The Final Host’ of Dark Celestials.       

Note: Three variant covers (the images aren’t available here) are credited to Aaron Kuder & Jason Keith; Greg Land, Jay Leisten, & Frank D’Amato; and Esaid Ribić.     

REVIEW:

Though writers Jason Aaron & Ed McGuinness have chosen an intriguing eight-person Avengers line-up, their new cosmic (Earth-in-peril) storyline doesn’t seem compelling.  At this point, it’s merely Marvel Comics’ umpteenth Avengers re-launch inside of twenty years.  Still, this inaugural issue’s top-caliber artwork merits the price of admission.  For loyal fans of the Avengers’ classic trio (Captain America; Iron Man; and Thor), this latest Avengers # 1 brings back some good memories.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page cover reveal for the second issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          6½ Stars