Category: Marvel Comics

Written by James Robinson

Art by Marcio Takara; Esther Sanz; & VC’s Travis Lanham

Cover Art by Paul Rivoche & Esther Sanz

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Spyder-Man No More,” this August 2015 issue from Marvel Comics depicts a Stark technology-dominated alternate reality located on the Secret Wars’ Battleworld.  In a New York City refashioned as ‘Technopolis,’ an armored  Spyder-Man is ominously pursued by Wilson Fisk’s flying goon squad.  Feared as a whistleblower, Spyder-Man is targeted for elimination.  Later that night, a troubled Tony “Iron Man” Stark confides at home to Pepper Potts his shaky inability to remember when Technopolis didn’t exist, or when all people didn’t need armor to survive.  He also speaks of an idyllic dream of his childhood with brother Arno.

While Grand High Marshal James “Thor” Rhodes receives some grim news, Tony is unable to convince friendly rival and surrogate ‘niece’ Kiri Oshira to join forces.  Kiri and Tony trade worries about his brother Arno’s nefarious intentions, unaware that Arno is secretly eavesdropping.  When James summons Kiri for info about her boyfriend, Peter Urich, he is staring at a mutilated corpse.                 

Note: Images of the multiple variant covers aren’t included, but here are the credited artists: Vanesa Del Rey & Rico Renzi; Pasqual Ferry & Chris Sotomayor; Marcos Martin; Steve Pugh & Guru-eFX; and David LaFuente & John Rauch.

REVIEW:

Peddling another alternate reality where Stark technology has gone amok, this series opener’s only surprises pertain to the variations made to a few characters.  For instance, the idea of James Rhodes assuming the code-name of “Thor” only in Doom’s presence is a bit intriguing, though his physical appearance here too closely resembles that of John Henry Irons’ Steel in DC’s Superman gallery of characters.  An armored (or cyborg) ‘Spyder-Man’ is also mildly interesting, but his potential contribution is abruptly halted. 

Otherwise, there aren’t any other elements that readers haven’t seen before in this practically clichéd scenario.  Though the artwork is solid enough, Armor Wars # 1 is at best a decent read.  Writer James Robinson’s work here just doesn’t seem inspired, let alone exciting enough to justify multiple variant covers.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Curiously, the credits are given a two-page spread midway through the comic.  The last page includes a cover reveal for Armor Wars # 2.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               5 Stars

Written by John Byrne

Art by Paul Ryan; Tom Palmer; Nelson Yomtov; & Bill Oakley

Cover Art by Paul Ryan & Tom Palmer

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for December 1989, this Acts of Vengeance-affiliated issue is entitled “The Weakest Point.” While Loki enjoys egging on his fellow super-conspirators, Quasar returns to find himself as the only Avenger at their Hydro-Base facility on Avengers Island.  A legion of large robots soon lay siege to Avengers Island, forcing Quasar and top communications tech Peggy Carter to lead the civilian staff in resistance.  Despite their best efforts, the team’s HQ faces explosive doom.  Meanwhile, guest star (and reserve Avenger) Starfox goes undercover in his deep space quest to track down Nebula and find out what her newest scheme is.

Note: Despite implying six Avengers in this story, only Quasar actually appears.

REVIEW:

It isn’t a bad story from writer John Byrne, but Quasar doesn’t amount to much star power (pardon the expression).  Still, giving the Avengers’ civilian staff (particularly Peggy Carter) a realistic showcase serves its purpose.  The art squad delivers some relatively good artwork, even though the visuals have predictably faded over time.  Avengers # 311 makes an okay read, but it clearly belongs to the one-and-done pile.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “Avengers Assemble!” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              5 Stars

Written by Sean McKeever

Art by Emma Rios; Matthew Wilson; & Kristyn Ferretti 

Cover Art by Stephanie Hans

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for June 2010, this one-shot is entitled “My New Life.” The story is poignantly conveyed through Angelica Jones’ first person point-of-view.  Per the first-page synopsis, she has resumed her collegiate studies after her engagement to Vance Astrovik has ended.  Worse yet, a recovering Angelica is coping with chemotherapy for breast cancer caused by her mutant powers. 

Despite the same ex-classmate dubbing her ‘Freak Girl,’ Angelica thwarts Cassie Sandusky’s reckless under-the-influence driving.  Angelica later confides to a sympathetic Cassie that she wears a wig.  The two girls realize that they are both struggling as young adults.   Angelica has a heart-to-heart discussion with her father, feeling as though she is squandering her second chance at life.  A familiar friend calls upon Firestar to join Marvel’s new Young Allies monthly series.              

REVIEW:

Definitely well-played!  Angelica’s realistic plight and her inspirational outlook is superbly conveyed by writer Sean McKeever and supported by Emma Rios’ finely tuned artwork.  The cover image is excellent. 

Note: Though the diminutive Angelica should by now be in her mid-twenties, the artwork oddly depicts her as a teenager.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page interview with novelist and Marvel writer, Marjorie Liu, who had started a monthly Black Widow series.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          9 Stars

Another McKeever one-shot worth finding is X-Men Origins: Jean Grey # 1.

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Written by Larry Hama

Art by Rod Whigham; Andy Mushynsky; George Roussos; & Joe Rosen

Cover Art by Mike Zeck & Kim DeMulder

SUMMARY:

Published for February 1987 by Marvel Comics, the issue is entitled “Jungle Moves.”  COBRA (including the Baroness; Tomax & Xamot; and Dr. Mindbender) have captured an unconscious Snake-Eyes in fictional Sierra Gordo.  Facing the threat of the country’s revolutionaries and G.I. Joe, COBRA prepares to defend their base.  Meanwhile, aboard the USS Flagg off the coast of Sierra Gordo, Scarlett and Hawk tend to the injured Stalker, who regrets that he couldn’t save Snake-Eyes.  A quick interlude depicts a retired Grunt at Georgia Tech, as he meets a new female acquaintance. 

In Sierra Gordo, COBRA’s chief villains scramble to escape during G.I. Joe’s onslaught.  From Cobra Island, Serpentor sends instructions for COBRA’s latest scheme.  Once G.I. Joe dismantles COBRA’s Terror-Drome base, COBRA tries sabotaging the Joes’ efforts to transport the Drome parts for analysis.  Elsewhere, Destro inexplicably takes a commercial flight to handle some personal business.

Note: Destro’s sub-plot continues in G.I. Joe # 57 while the captive Snake-Eyes storyline concludes in 1987’s G.I. Joe Yearbook. 

REVIEW:

Offering some decent artwork, it’s a undemanding and otherwise bland issue.  Young fans of the same-named TV cartoon series should be able to quickly jump into this storyline.  The inclusion of depicting Grunt at Georgia Tech does little, but it’s a bit intriguing to see a Joe attempt to adjust to civilian life, let alone trying to go to college.  G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero # 56 proves an okay read, but it’s really meant for die-hard fans. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Marvel Comics offers Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter’s Bullpen Bulletins column, as well as an obligatory checklist of the February 1987 comics that Marvel has published.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          5 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for February 2010, this 56-page one-shot consists of three stories, including a reprint of Incredible Hulk # 393 (the 30^th Anniversary issue).

• Prologue (8 pages): Written by David Gallaher, with art by Steve Ellis & Scott O. Brown.  The second Darkstar’s possible self-sacrifice is critical for the Winter Guard’s efforts (including Ursa Major, Crimson Dynamo, & Red Guardian) to thwart her late predecessor’s villainous father: the Presence.  A replacement member is unveiled, as the Winter Guard’s public policy of immediately inserting lookalikes comes into play.
• Incredible Hulk # 393: “Interlude, Parts I-IV” (22 pages): Written by Peter David, with art by Dale Keown, Mark Farmer, Glynis Oliver, & Joe Rosen.  Ex-Soviet spy Igor Drenkov’s insanity years after his role in causing Bruce Banner’s origin as the Hulk is explored.  Complicating the Hulk’s effort of finally getting vengeance upon Drenkov, the Winter Guard, the Pantheon, and even Rick Jones have alternate ideas re: Drenkov’s fate.
• The Winter Guard (22 pages): Written by David Gallaher, with art by Steve Ellis & Scott O. Brown.  The disturbed second Darkstar sits out, as the Winter Guard tries thwarting the renegade Remont Six squad (including Titanium Man).  Tragedy ensues, as this Darkstar valiantly comes to the aid of her short-handed teammates.         

REVIEW:

Of the three stories, the lingering plot thread re: the second Darkstar is its most compelling.  Ursa Major also makes a few worthwhile dialogue contributions.  Otherwise, the issue is a mildly intriguing read, at least as to the Winter Guard’s roster turnover. 

The Hulk’s forgettable contribution is padding, but his 2-on-1 rumble vs. Crimson Dynamo, as well as the Winter Guard’s answer to Thor, is well-played.  If this issue was a try-out for a potential ongoing series, then Marvel Comics should be pleased with the two stories writer David Gallaher concocted.  He certainly grasps this Russian team’s inter-dynamics, particularly re: the deadly risks of patriotic heroism.  The above-average visuals by artists Steve Ellis & Scott O. Brown are another welcome asset.  Hulk: Winter Guard # 1 should satisfy many Marvel fans, as future crossovers with the Avengers and/or The X-Men would make good storytelling sense.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page is a table-of-contents.  The cover image for Incredible Hulk # 393 gets a full-page reprint.  Cover reveals consist of Fall of the Hulks: Alpha # 1; Incredible Hulk # 605; Hulk # 18; and Fall of the Hulks: Gamma.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:           7 Stars