Category: MARVEL’s Hardcovers & Paperbacks

Written by Chelsea Cain.

Issues # 1-5 Art by Kate Niemczyk (Issues # 1-4); Ibraham Moustafa (Issue # 5 only); Sean Parsons; Rachelle Rosenberg; Joe Caramagna; & cover artist Joëlle Jones (with Rosenberg).

S.H.I.E.L.D. 50^th Anniversary # 1 Art by Joëlle Jones; Sean Parsons, Rachelle Rosenberg; Sean Parsons; Joe Caramagna; & cover artist Paul Renaud.

Collection Cover Art by Joëlle Jones & Rachelle Rosenberg.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2016, this episodic 136-page trade paperback collects that same year’s Mockingbird # 1-5 and the one-shot Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50^th Anniversary # 1. 

Recently resurrected via an experimental combination of the Super Soldier serum and the Infinity immortality formula, Dr. Barbara “Bobbi” Morse, aka Mockingbird, is now required to attend weekly check-ups and on-demand appointments by the S.H.I.E.L.D. Medical Clinic.  Hidden a full ten stories beneath New York City’s Chelsea Market, Bobbi is less-than-thrilled with this mandated healthcare plan. 

Issue # 1 reveals that S.H.I.E.L.D. scientific personnel is monitoring Bobbi for potential side effects.  More so, Bobbi realizes that she is experiencing symptoms of a strange virus.  Mockinbird’s ongoing suspicions also expose S.H.I.E.L.D.’s ulterior motive behind why she is now exhibiting psychic powers.  This two-parter is later completed in Issue # 5, as Bobbi is trapped in the medical facility with Miles Morales’ Spider-Man and Howard the Duck.  It’s up to them to retrieve an experimental cure for this virus that has resurrected S.H.I.E.L.D.’s medical cadavers into psychic zombies.

Set a month earlier, Issue # 2 has an undercover Mockingbird in London to rescue her part-time lover, S.H.I.E.L.D. operative Lancelot “Lance” Hunter.  Held captive in an underground S&M faction of the Hellfire Club, Lance is Bobbi’s only potential back-up against the Black Queen’s small army.  Worse yet, the inappropriately-dressed duo must quickly thwart an assassination plot targeting the British monarchy.  Queen Elizabeth makes a brief cameo.

In Issue # 3, in New York City, Mockingbird is reminded of how her incessant childhood desire to be a super-hero was replaced by scientific ambitions.  Her subsequent doctorate in biology (and/or biochemistry) will be necessary to help Bobbi resolve a televised hostage crisis.  Holding four middle school classmates captive inside a force field several stories up, Mockingbird’s adversary is unusual.  Specifically, Rachel is a bewildered and lonely 12-year-old girl, who just discovered she has super-powers.  Worse yet, Rachel doesn’t understand how her light-based powers work or their limitations.  It’s up to Bobbi to improvise an intervention as both a hostage negotiator and single-woman SWAT team.

Set a week before Issue # 1, Bobbi is in the Middle East investigating a mass die-off of Saiga antelopes infected with the same bacterial infection she has.  Then, the day before Issue # 1, Bobbi infiltrates an underwater T.I.M. (Total Idea Mechanics) lab to rescue her captive ex-husband, Clint “Hawkeye” Barton.  A vial he has stolen from this terrorist group may help Bobbi thwart her mutating virus.  To Clint’s horror, Bobbi risks drowning herself to test to what degree the virus is mind-altering her judgment.  Issue # 5 completes Bobbi’s virus storyline, as she battles with Miles Morales against S.H.I.E.L.D.’s horde of medical facility zombies.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. 50^th Anniversary one-shot revisits Bobbi’s initial first appearance dating back to 1971’s Astonishing Tales # 6.  Bobbi leaves Lance Hunter at home to probe the home invasion murder of her former mentor, S.H.I.E.L.D. biochemist Dr. Wilma Calvin.  In a high-tech Georgia morgue, Bobbi and Wilma’s scientist son, Percy, conduct an unauthorized second autopsy on his mother’s corpse.  Bobbi immediately realizes something isn’t right, but she is willing to risk her life on this instinctive hunch.  Before she can return to Lance, Mockingbird quietly comes to terms with her past life: as a biochemist and what might have been, if not for Wilma Calvin.  

Notes: This title is also available digitally. Issue # 1 gag cameos include: Hercules, Luke Cage & Jessica Jones; Tony Stark; Howard the Duck; & Black Widow.

REVIEW:

As routine or deliberately hodge-podge as Mockingbird, Volume 1: I Can Explain will seem, it’s still a mighty fun read for adults.  With Chelsea Cain’s snarky writing and the art team’s excellent visuals, Mockingbird’s hard-nosed spy adventures deliver solid entertainment.  The occasionally naughty inferences are amusing, as Cain’s playful flippancy hits the right plot twists on cue.  It’s a welcome sign that Mockingbird has evolved past merely playing Marvel’s answer to Black Canary. 

More so, Mockingbird, Volume 1: I Can Explain confirms that Bobbi Morse is a solo Avenger capable of carrying her own title.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Preceding is a full-page portrait of each cover by Joëlle Jones & Rachelle Rosenberg.  Also included is a page featuring two ¼-sizes variants for Issue # 1 (‘Women of Power’ by artist Kirbi Fagan and a kid-friendly Mockingbird by Skottie Young).  After Issue # 4, a single page depicts both artist Jeff Dekal’s ‘hip-hop’ Issue # 1 variant and artist Afu Chan’s variant.

Later, again in ¼-size, there are additional variants.  For Issue # 2, the variant artists are: 1. Nen Chang; 2. Kirbi Fagan; and 3. a Civil War-themed variant by Pasqual Ferry & Frank D’Armata.  For Issue # 3, the variant artist is Elizabeth Torque.

Taken from Mockingbird # 1, there is an insightful, page-length letter to fans from writer Chelsea Cain.  From Issues # 2-5, there are four individual paper doll accessory cut-out pages for some tongue-in-cheek fun-and-games.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7 Stars

Written by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly.

“Captain America and The Winter Soldier Special” Art by Kev Walker; JP Mayer; & KJ Díaz, with cover artists Salvador Larroca & Frank D’Armata.

“Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty” (Issues # 7-11) Art by Carmen Carnero; Nolan Woodard; with cover artists Carmen Carnero & Alejandro Sánchez (Issues # 7-8, & # 10-11); & Carnero and Woodard (Issue # 9).

Collection Cover Art by Carmen Carnero & Alejandro Sánchez.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2023, this 144-page paperback compiles Captain America & The Winter Soldier Special followed by Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty Issues # 7-11 – all from 2022.  Notably, this storyline incorporates a retroactive origin for Captain America’s iconic shield, as well as the Captain’s decades-old link to his new enemy.   

A prologue set in desolate, post-World War I Latveria of 1922 has enigmatic Wulf Fortunov recruit four others to comprise ‘The Outer Circle.’  This quintet intends to secretly manipulate the world’s future through power, finance, technology, and art, for ends the group sees fit.  Utilizing subterfuge and violence, its wildcard player (calling himself ‘The Revolution’) relies most upon pawns dubbed the group’s ‘starpoints.’ 

In present-day 2022, having recently assassinated ‘The Revolution,’ Bucky has assumed his predecessor’s place within The Outer Circle.  To circumvent the group’s internal rivalries, Bucky intends to install his own murky game of power-play ethics. Among his first actions is recruiting Peggy Carter as his double-agent to spy upon Steve Rogers – Captain America and, by extension, his current inner circle: Nick Fury; an elderly Roger Aubrey’s Destroyer; the Outer Circle’s rogue pawn, Redacted; and her own niece, Sharon Carter. 

Recuperating from a shoulder wound Bucky caused, Steve commands a team he has loosely assembled as a new makeshift generation of ‘Invaders,’ to face The Outer Circle.  Waking up days later with inexplicable memory loss in a Kansas field, Steve realizes that The Outer Circle can evidently play horrific mind games upon them at will.  Reuniting his team, Captain America leads them in freeing a captive New York City from A.I.M.’s force-field scheme. 

Discovering that a warped M.O.D.O.C. is one of the Outer Circle’s demented ‘starpoints,’ Cap’s team risks suffering a descent into insanity, if not death, defying such relentless mental torture.  With one teammate making a valiant last stand, it’s up to Steve to confront the ruthless Fortunov on the battlefield of New York City.

If anything, victory will draw Cap closer towards a showdown with his treacherous protégé, Bucky Barnes, who has no intention of surrendering his newfound omnipotence.  Making brief appearances are: Namor the Sub-Mariner; Hawkeye; Black Widow; Luke Cage; Lourdes Chantel; and Emma Frost. 

Note: This title is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Squandering a so-so premise, Captain America – Sentinel of Liberty, Volume 2: The Invader falls regrettably short.  Aside from the Destroyer’s well-played support, the co-writers, Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, rely far too much upon recycled contrivance rather than exploring fresh material.  With Steve Rogers at odds with a renegade Bucky Barnes yet again, this storyline’s muddled plotting makes Volume 2: The Invader a forgettable read. 

Pitting Captain America vs. the original Bucky (when first repackaged as The Winter Soldier) was an inspired Marvel feud nearly twenty years ago – even if it mirrored DC’s Batman vs. Jason Todd.  In the late 2010’s, writer Ed Brubaker subsequently topped himself with a superb post-Civil War assassination angle where Bucky reluctantly assumes the mantle of Captain America.  The potency of Black Widow, Sharon Carter, and Sam Wilson’s Falcon aiding the new Captain against Red Skull; Dr. Faustus; M.O.D.O.K., etc. added to the franchise’s reinvigoration.  Apart from Steve’s preposterous ‘frozen in time’ resurrection, Brubaker’s creative run was an impressive feat.

Bucky’s New Revolution incarnation (reminiscent of Star Wars’ conflicted Kylo Ren), by comparison, comes off as both unnecessary and disappointingly tiresome. In theory, fans will accept that a secret global conspiracy is practically a given for a multi-issue Captain America adventure. Yet, Lanzing and Kelly fail to add sufficient ingredients to make this clichéd creative pot worth stirring.

Setting up Steve’s imminent betrayal by his closest wartime friends is epitomized by having Steve openly wail multiple times for Bucky to just ‘come home.’  Having Steve emotionally compromised (and blaming himself) makes sense, but the eye-rolling way it’s conveyed in The Invader makes it awfully tempting to switch channels, so to speak. 

Lanzing and Kelly weakly opt to depict Steve near-apologetic for his protégé’s history of misdeeds.  Hence, it becomes too implausible the Star-Spangled Avenger won’t accept that a misguided Bucky now deems his mentor as likely expendable.  Even a last-page twist doesn’t boost hopes that this Outer Circle dreck will be improving anytime soon.     

Visually, this volume’s artwork is consistently solid.  The book’s visuals, however, aren’t nearly remarkable enough to overcome this blah variation of a Captain America conspiracy cliché-fest; let alone justify purchase for the artwork alone.  A reader’s best bet on Volume 2: The Invader is finding it as a library rental, if at all.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The original covers are included.  Multiple cover variants are presented in either full-page form or in a 1/3 size, with three to a page.  The variant cover artists are the following: Captain America and The Winter Soldier Special (1. Alex Maleev; 2. Carmen Carnero & Alejandro Sánchez); Issue # 7 (1 and 2. J. Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich; & 3. Kevin Wada); Issue # 8 (1. Maleev; & 2. Phil Noto); Issue #9 (1. Ron Lim & Israel Silva; and 2. Jonah Lobe); and Issue # 10 (David Mack).  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       4 Stars

Written by Jonathan Hickman.

Art by Dustin Weaver; Mike Deodato; Justin Ponsor; Frank Martin; & VC’s Cory Petit.

Cover Art by Dustin Weaver & Justin Ponsor.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2013 by Marvel Comics, this 161-page hardcover compiles Avengers (2012) # 7-11.  Each issue’s participating Avengers are identified prior to its beginning.  The roster for this five-issue stint includes: Captain America (Steve Rogers); Iron Man (Tony Stark); Thor; Hawkeye; Black Widow; Hulk; Wolverine; Spider-Man; Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers); Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew); Falcon; Shang-Chi; Sunspot; Captain Universe (Tamara Devoux); Cannonball; Manifold Smasher; and Hyperion.

Team (Issues # 7-9): Captain America; Thor, Iron Man; Captain Universe; Hulk; Captain Marvel; Hawkeye; Black Widow; Spider-Man; Shang-Chi; & Hyperion.

The initial three-issue arc consists of: “The Last White Event;” “Starbranded;” and “Starbound.” After a single-page prologue (from the prior issue), events re-imagined from Marvel’s 1986-89 ‘New Universe’ imprint set up the multiverse’s ongoing catastrophic ‘White Event.’  With help from the enigmatic Nightmask, the Avengers must prevent the rapid cosmic destruction of one universe after another from spreading to their Earth.    

A horrific mass tragedy soon puts the team into contact with a bewildered college student, Kevin Conner, who discovers that he has been designated the Marvel Universe’s ‘Starbrand.’  Reluctantly accompanying Nightmask, the new Starbrand helps locate the culprit behind the chaotic transformations now plaguing Earth.  Considering Kevin’s lack of control of his vast firepower (as well as Nightmask’s own capabilities), the Avengers have no choice but try to contain them. 

Team (Issue # 10): Captain America; Wolverine; Hulk; Falcon; & Manifold Smasher.

In fallout from ‘The Last White Event,’ the team is summoned by SHIELD to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  Entitled “Validator,” Canada’s Department H and SHIELD send in an Avengers strike team to breach an impregnable dome caused by an ominous organic threat infesting the city.  It’s revealed that four Omega Flight super-agents previously deployed to investigate have now been missing for a month. 

Once inside the dome, the team and Department H’s Robert Michaud are overwhelmed by a horrific and mind-bending secret.  Note: The issue’s title refers to the missing Omega Flight member known as ‘Validator,’ who is secretly linked to a member of the rescue party. 

Team (Issue # 11): Black Widow; Spider-Woman; Captain Marvel; Shang-Chi; Cannonball; & Sunspot.

Entitled “Waking the Dragon,” Captain Marvel commands an undercover six-person surveillance operation infiltrating a glamorous Macau casino to thwart A.I.M.’s underworld auction of a devastating new bio-weapon. 

Little, if anything, goes according to their SHIELD-mandated strategy, as Shang-Chi faces a formidable army alone.  Captain Marvel confronts the weapon’s suspected inventor at the gaming tables.  Meanwhile, the team is startled by Black Widow’s cold-blooded attitude towards their adversaries. 

Note: This title is also available as a trade paperback.  It hasn’t been released separately in a digital format (yet). 

REVIEW:

This art squad has definitely brought its A-game, as their visuals are top-caliber.  Unfortunately, the same doesn’t apply to writer Jonathan Hickman’s incomplete plotting, which adds virtually no character depth to the Avengers themselves.  The sole exception is discussing Black Widow’s chilling preference for torture and even homicide to expedite covert interrogations versus bothering with time-consuming spy games in their A.I.M. sting operation. 

Some great concepts are lurking within these pages, but their stories come off as little more than glorified teasers.  For instance, given the supposedly epic magnitude of “The Last White Event” (as it echoes DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths), three issues don’t accomplish much beyond re-establishing Marvel’s ‘Starbrand.’  Still, fans of Marvel’s long-scuttled ‘New Universe’ may be intrigued by how Hickman re-packages concepts from nearly thirty years before.

“Validator” grimly suffers a similar scripting weakness, as Hickman sets up another earthbound cosmic threat that is abandoned at the issue’s end. As for “Waking The Dragon,” this undercover Avengers caper suggests a good read is coming, but readers are left yet again with a ‘stayed tuned’ finish. It’s odd that Marvel doesn’t bother to indicate what issues (or subsequent collections) readers can find follow-ups tothese storylines, assuming there are any. 

Ultimately, The Avengers: The Last White Event delivers a superb visual package.  The glaring disappointment is that Hickman’s storytelling is strictly a half-baked library read. This compilation’s underwhelming page count is the best clue of a letdown for Marvel fans.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The cover gallery presents the five covers in a slick, full-page format.  Their artists are Dustin Weaver and Justin Ponsor.  Immediately following are artist Daniel Acuña’s full-page variants.  For Issue # 9, he presents a Silver Age to the original Avengers.  For Issues # 8 & # 10, it is his Avengers 50^th Anniversary two-page spread.  Concluding the book is a single page of Weaver’s character designs followed by four inked pages of Weaver and inker Jay Leisten’s black-and-white scene layouts.

Though the promotion has long since expired, the book once offered free access to the book’s digital copy.  Additional directions are given on how to access on-line content via the Avengers’ ‘AR Index.’

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          5½ Stars

Written by Jason Aaron.

Art by Russell Dauterman; Matthew Wilson; Rafa Garres; Frazer Irving; Frank Martin; Valerio Schiti; Mat Lopes; & VC’s Joe Sabino.

Collection Cover Art by Russell Dauterman & Matthew Wilson.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2021, this 448-page paperback compendium collects Mighty Thor # 1-19 (from 2015-2017).  With a disgraced Odinson (the original Thor) presently missing, a terminally ill Jane Foster wields Mjolnir as a masked Goddess of Thunder.  Few are privy to Jane’s guarded dual existence as Thor, even among her fellow Avengers. 

Worse for Jane, she is fully aware that the ancient magic transforming her into Thor subsequently dissipates any progress her chemotherapy has made.  In effect, her heroics as the new Thor is prolonging her cancer death sentence and now killing her a little bit at a time.  Case in point: Jane calmly chooses to leave a chemo session to save a crashing Roxxon satellite plummeting from Earth’s orbit to save innocent lives.  Her fellow Avengers (in a cameo) can only observe her in awe.

Baited by the sight of hundreds of murdered Light Elf corpses falling out of space towards Earth, Jane’s Thor senses the Dark Elf, Malekith, has now started a War of Elves.  With chaos igniting among Asgard’s realms, Malekith’s shadowy alliance (including a link to Earth) intends to install him as the ruler of all Elves, by any unscrupulous means necessary. 

Destroying Jane’s Thor means one less obstacle to his growing reign of terror.  Unable to convince Asgard’s Council to intervene, Jane knows it’s up to Thor and her trusted friends to thwart the War of Elves and free a captive Queen Aelsa as Malekith’s unwilling new bride.     

Having already imprisoned his own wife, Freyja, a mentally imbalanced Odin’s wrath is challenged by opportunistic in-fighting in a fractured Asgard.  Hunted as a fugitive impersonator, Jane’s Thor faces off vs. Loki and even Odin himself to protect Asgard’s downtrodden.  Along with her allies (Sif and The Warriors Three, among them), Jane’s Thor attempts to quell insurrection, though Loki is an unpredictable wildcard.    

Trying to still maintain her mortal existence on Earth, Jane poignantly puts Asgard’s needs before her own.  Not only is a suspicious SHIELD probing Jane’s connection to Thor, but the Shi’ar Empire’s Imperial Guard intends to capture her as a prize amidst Asgardian civil war. 

Again challenged by a skeptical foe, Jane defennds herself against one of the galaxy’s mightiest aliens: the Imperial Guard’s Gladiator.  Yet, even he pales in comparison to the two ethereal Shi’ar adversaries demanding the Goddess of Thunder answer to them. 

Assuming she even survives battling the Shi’ar’s own gods, what still awaits Jane’s Thor and guest star Quentin Quire is a defiant stand against the cosmic firepower of the Phoenix Force.  Jane’s fate may well hinge upon the return of Odinson to Asgard.  Unlike old times, her odds of a climatic rescue have shifted – Jane’s Thor, with her mystical hammer, Mjolnir, refuses to be a damsel-in-distress.            

Note: This title is also available in a digital format.

REVIEW:

Fans of Jane Foster’s Thor ought to find Volume 3 a superb read.  Along with writer Jason Aaron consistently at the top of his creative game, the book’s visuals are mostly high-caliber.  Still, nineteen issues (with virtually zero humor and minimal downtime) is a lot to absorb for anybody. 

Casual readers may find themselves overwhelmed, as Aaron doesn’t simplify his sophisticated plotting for newcomers.  That’s really where this volume’s entertainment value becomes subjective – if one stays patient, Aaron’s epic storytelling gradually becomes immersing.       

Thor by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection, Volume 3, suffice to say, is for mature fantasy saga buffs, who appreciate a creative long game.         

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

After each issue, its full-page variant cover(s) follows.  Following the table of contents, the original full-paged cover by artists Russell Dauterman & Matthew Wilson precedes each story.  The 24-page extras gallery consists of:

• Dauterman’s two-page, black-and-white (inked) spread of Issue # 1’s cover;
• quarter-page cover sketches by Dauterman from Thor # 6-8 and # 10-12;
• in a half-page format, Dauterman’s character designs of Jane Foster, Odinson (Thor), Roz Solomon, Exterminatrix, Ancient Loki, Titania, Bloodroot, Kurse, armored Asgardian warrior, Quentin Quire, Shi’ar Gods, Blue Witches,. Mangog, and characters from the ‘Congress of Worlds;’
• a full-page variant of Mighty Thor # 1 variant of Dauterman’s Jane Foster character design;
• the same for Mighty Thor # 2 features Dauterman’s takes on Odin and Freyja;
• the same for Mighty Thor # 3 featuring Dauterman’s renditions of Hela, Queen of Cinders, & Karnilla;
• the full-page Mighty Thor # 5 cover variant by artist Laura Braga; 
• a full-page Mighty Thor # 6 cover variant by artists Joyce Chin; & Laura Martin; and
• full-page cover variants: Greg Hildebrandt’s Mighty Thor # 8; Natacha Bustos’ Mighty Thor # 10; Pasqual Ferry & Frank D’Armata’s Mighty Thor # 11; Mike Deodato Jr. & Frank Martin’s Mighty Thor # 15; Andrea Sorrentino’s Mighty Thor # 15; Ryan Sook’s Mighty Thor # 15; and Joe Jusko’s Mighty Thor # 16.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

Written by Chip Zdarsky.

Art by Marco Checchetto; Rafael De Latorre; Alex Maleev; Paul Azaceta; Phil Noto; Chris Samnee; Klaus Janson; Mike Hawthorne; John Romita Jr.; Scott Hanna; Matthew Wilson; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.

“The Hand” Written by Ann Nocenti, with Art by Chip Zdarsky & VC’s Clayton Cowles.

“Mini-Marvels” Writer/Artist/Letterer: Chris Giarrusso.

Cover Art by Marco Checchetto & Matthew Wilson.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in early 2023, this 144-page trade paperback reprints 2022’s Daredevil # 1-5.  Previously, the world’s knowledge of now ex-convict Matt Murdock’s secret identity has been magically erased. 

Maintaining her intimate partnership with Matt, Elektra Natchios continues to operate as a masked Daredevil.  After the murder of Matt’s ‘twin brother,’ Mike, and Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk’s murky departure, an undercover Matt and Spider-Man retaliate by leaving Fisk’s latest heir a grim warning to behave himself. 

Before joining Elektra overseas to set up The Fist’s secret base, Matt has an ominous encounter with his former law school classmate and now assistant New York district attorney: Robert “Goldy” Goldman.  Deluding himself as an archangel of God, Goldman demonstrates explosive powers of mass destruction, which he claims has ‘helped’ spurn Matt into becoming the best possible hero for several years now.  Among the possible casualties of Goldman’s latest terrorist act is Matt’s beloved ex-girlfriend, Kirsten McDuffie. 

Matt also discovers that Mayor Luke Cage is considering city business with the nefarious Stromwyn family.  Luke subsequently confirms Matt’s dire warning about the billionaire Stromwyns’ true nature.  Matt himself is ambushed by Aka, most likely The Hand’s deadliest operative.  Collecting his best friend first, Matt abandons his prior life in New York City to commit himself as the co-leader of the underground Fist group.

On a remote island between Russia and Japan, Elektra, Stick, & Matt train their Fist ninja recruits, including Foggy Nelson and NYPD police detective Cole North.  A mutated Dr. Leonard “Doc” Samson, whose nickname is now ‘Doc Sasquatch,’ also accompanies them.  Committed through an ancient ceremony as the Fist’s ‘King’ and ‘Queen,’ Matt & Elektra are married. 

In therapy sessions with “Doc” Samson, a zealot-like Matt increasingly expresses the intent of his Fist to conquer The Hand cult making the world a better place.  Before their group can decisively confront The Hand, Elektra & Matt command a shocking raid on The Myrmidon – a prison for super-villains in an undisclosed ocean.  Its troubleshooter, John Walker’s U.S. Agent, and his armored troops prove no match for an intense Matt.

Reviewing security camera footage, this brazen jailbreak for fifteen notorious super-villains leaves The Avengers no choice. The two fugitive Daredevils are now on the team’s ‘Most Wanted’ list.        

Note: This title is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Relaunching its Daredevil title yet again, Marvel Comics has opted for a huge tonal shift in Matt Murdock’s long-time wars against criminals like The Kingpin, Bullseye, and others familiar foes he shares with Spider-Man.

Deviating far from Daredevil’s street-level defense of the innocents residing in Hell’s Kitchen, Chip Zdarsky’s “Red Fist” storyline is an acquired taste where one must suspend disbelief at the outset. Envisioning Matt & Elektra’s modern take on an ancient ninja cult challenging its evil counterpart – seemingly with the fate of the world at stake, Zdarsky is taking his time setting up Marvel’s equivalent of Batman’s perennial feud with Ra’s al Ghul’s sinister forces for a new phase.

With some caveats, the result is somehow a relatively good read.  Among this plot’s most implausible elements, the quasi-religious “Goldy” Goldman sequences likely do the most harm to a convoluted storyline.  Since Zdarsky’s scripting already pitches cult leader Matt Murdock/Daredevil out of character as is, adding an enigmatic supernatural adversary indulges the creative envelope too far. 

Even so, the art squad’s terrific visuals are this compilation’s best asset, as far as making Zdarsky’s plot seem more engaging that it really is.  Curiously, Elektra’s eyes are consistently depicted to resemble Matt’s, as if implying that she, too, is now blind (though it is clearly stated that she isn’t).  If anything, perhaps it is a subtle artistic nod by the creative team indicating how devoted Elektra and Matt’s union has become. 

As appealing as the artwork is, “The Red Fist Saga” is likely best perused as a library option first.  This high-concept story arc is not the gritty Daredevil most casual fans would expect, so a ‘test drive’ prior to purchase makes good sense.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, each Marco Checchetto/Matthew Wilson cover precedes its story.  Entitled “The Hand,” a four-page back-up story depicts Daredevil’s interaction with a young Irish family reluctantly mixed up with Hell’s Kitchen mob.  As fair warning, this tale’s poor taste is peculiar.  Specficially, a gruesome revelation hidden in a cooler prompts an inappropriately lighthearted finish with a smiling Daredevil’s approval. 

A single-page “Mini Marvels” comic strip subsequently parodies the two Daredevils by depicting Bullseye ineptly ‘horning’ in on Daredevil & Elektra’s partnership. As compared to the prior bonus feature, this spoofy “Mini Marvels” is at least mildly amusing.

Consisting of quarter-sized displays and full-page images, a six-page variant cover gallery consists of: Issue # 1 (seven variants alone): 1. (artist: Jorge Fornes – full-page); 2. (artist: Peach Momoko – quarter-sized); 3. (artist: David Nakayama -quarter-sized); 4. (artist: Dan Panosian – quarter-sized); 5. (artists: John Romita Jr., John Romita Sr., & Richard Isanove – quarter-sized); 6. (artists: Ryan Stegman & Marte Gracia – full-page); and 7. (artist Joe Quesada – quarter-sized).  For Issue # 2, there are two quarter-sized entries: one from artists Gary Frank & Brad Anderson, and the other from artist Pete Woods.

For Issue # 3, artists Alev Maleev and Paolo Siqueira & Rachelle Rosenberg each provide quarter-sized variants.  Both Siquiera & Rosenberg and Checchetto & Menyz provide their own quarter-sized variants for Issue # 4.  For Issue # 5, artists Scott Williams & Sebastian Chang provide a quarter-sized variant before Checchetto concludes with a full-page sketch and color design variant.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars

Written by Chip Zdarsky.

Art by Mattia Iacono; Marcio Menyz; Francesco Mobili; Victor Olazaba; Manuel Garcia; Le Beau Underwood; Chris Mooneyham; Rachelle Rosenberg; JP Mayer; Mike Hawthorne; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.

Collection Cover Art by Marco Checchetto & Erick Arciniega.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2020, this 144-page trade paperback collects Daredevil # 21-25 and Annual # 1 from the same year. 

In the aftermath of their alliance defending the city, Mayor Wilson Fisk orders Daredevil’s arrest for killing thug Leo Carraro.  With help from NYPD Detective Cole North, Daredevil later surrenders to the District Attorney, who is stunned by the vigilante’s secret identity.  Led by Foggy Nelson, Daredevil’s defense enlists Matt Murdock’s ex-girlfriend: Kirsten McDuffie, who doesn’t realize Matt and Daredevil are one and the same.

Due to a magical spell, a wildcard is a convenient figment from Matt’s imagination now materialized into his adult identical twin brother (and perpetual scam artist), Mike.  With Daredevil’s origin now retroactively correlating their turbulent lives growing up together, even Matt doesn’t know who Mike’s current allegiances are truly with. 

Accepting that prison is inevitable, Matt seeks out Spider Man and Tony Stark/Iron Man’s help in protecting Hell’s Kitchen from Fisk and his handpicked successor’s ongoing schemes.  Immediately worse is the mega-rich Stromwyn siblings, who have their own nefarious plans for the same neighborhood.  Also lurking is yet another shadowy presence, who may well outmaneuver rival billionaires Stark and the Stromwyns’ vast resources.

With Matt’s conscientious ideology opting for incarceration (while still retaining his masked identity), Elektra Natchios makes a stunning decision to regain Daredevil’s trust.  Guest appearances/cameos include Black Cat, Luke Cage, and Steve Rogers/Captain America.  This storyline’s additional villains include Typhoid Mary, The Hood, Hammerhead, and The Owl.

Note: This title is also available in paperback and digital formats.

REVIEW:

When on his game, writer Chip Zdarsky’s storytelling ought to be an ideal fit for this terrific art squad, as far as pitching a great read.  The reality is slightly more than half-right.  This volume’s visuals are consistently likable, but the same doesn’t apply to Zdarsky’s uneven plotting. 

Aside from playing too much off Matt’s sanctimonious attitude, the premise of Daredevil going on trial and then willingly off to prison exudes intriguing potential.  Yet, Zdarsky opts to peddle unnecessary contrivances that risk sabotaging the next arc: Elektra Natchios as a new Daredevil.

Case in point: where are Matt Murdock/Daredevil’s trusted super-friends (i.e. Black Widow) to show support during his legal predicament?  Seeing only two Avengers in civilian attire in the courtroom gallery can only infer that Daredevil has burned far too many past friendships.  Yet, among this volume’s M.I.A., shouldn’t Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk at least have made a fitting cameo offering Matt (or, by extension, Foggy) pivotal defense strategy advice, given the circumstances? 

For that matter, wouldn’t/shouldn’t  Daredevil logically be incarcerated in one of Marvel’s super-max prisons (i.e. The Raft, The Vault, etc.)?  It also doesn’t bolster Zdarsky’s plot credibility when Elektra easily accesses Matt’s cellblock (presumably, on Riker’s Island), without any semblance of an instant security lockdown.

Such knocks are trivial by comparison to the ridiculous cliché Zdarsky most relies upon: the eye-rolling existence of Mike Murdock.  Beyond the preposterous ‘twin brother’ angle (echoing Spider-Man’s Ben Reilly clone), there is this illogical plot hiccup: why wouldn’t a supposedly savvy Mike recognize Matt as Daredevil? 

Others, like Kirsten McDuffie, might be excusable utilizing this superhero genre plot cheat.  In the dubious instance of Mike Murdock, however, it comes off as an insult to any reader’s intelligence.  All it does is make one wonder how much better Truth/Dare would have been running Matt Murdock/Daredevil ragged (switching in and out of costume), without resorting to the identical twin ploy.     

Otherwise, had Zdarsky simply tapped a plausible alternative for a Matt Murdock impersonator (i.e., the Chameleon, an evil android, etc.), then the game-changing Truth/Dare would score as a definite keeper for fans.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, the covers by Marco Checchetto & Erick Arciniega (Issues # 21-25) and Chip Zdarsky (Annual # 1) precede their stories. 

Also, in a full-page format, the variant cover gallery consists of: Annual # 1 (artist: Declan Shalvey); Issue # 23’s ‘Timeless’ (artist: Alex Ross);  Issue # 24’s demonic ‘Knullified’ (artist: Ken Lashley); Issue # 25 (artists: Salvador Larroca & Frank D’Armata); and finally Issue # 25’s 2^nd printing design variant showcasing Elektra’s Daredevil (artist: Marco Checchetto).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis.

Art by Stuart Immonen; Wade Von Grawbadger; Laura Martin; Matt Milla; Rain Beredo; & Chris Elipoulos.

Collection Cover Art by Stuart Immonen.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2011, this 160-page hardcover compiles The New Avengers (Heroic Age) # 1-6 from 2010-2011.  At Commander Steve Rogers and Tony Stark’s behest, Marvel’s ex-Hero for Hire, Luke Cage, takes custodianship of a rebuilt Avengers Mansion and recruits his own team. 

With Cage as their leader, signing up are his wife, Jessica Jones; his best friend, Daniel “Iron Fist” Rand; Mockingbird; Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers); the Fantastic Four’s Thing; and, though already committed to other Avengers rosters, both Wolverine and Spider-Man.  Their new liaison is Norman Osborn’s ex-associate, Victoria Hand, now in search of professional redemption.  Briefly seen is Hawkeye, along with various other Avengers in cameo appearances.

Meanwhile, a malevolent supernatural entity has corrupted Daimon Hellstorm, Doctor Strange, and even the current Sorcerer Supreme, Jericho Drumm – Doctor Voodoo.  Trying to defend Jericho, Voodoo’s ghostly brother, Daniel, is ominously abducted.  In a subsequent clash with the New Avengers, Iron Fist is also briefly taken captive.  As the team slowly deciphers who their adversary really is, the ultimate prize become clear: the all-powerful Eye of Agamotto.

On Earth and in another dimension, the New Avengers, Strange, Hellstrom, and Doctor Voodoo desperately make a stand against dark magical forces to save humanity.  It may necessitate a heroic sacrifice leaving the Marvel Universe’s magical world vulnerable.  Plot threads are also set in place for a sequel storyline here the New Avengers are targeted for vengeance by a ghostly nemesis.

Notes: This volume is available in both paperback and digital formats.  As to this short-lived incarnation of New Avengers, it lasted 2½ years before burning out in 2012.  Coincidentally, Bendis had shifted to X-Men, so writer Jonathan Hickman took over to begin a third incarnation of New Avengers in 2013.

REVIEW:

Beginning with its best asset, this book’s art squad devises appealing visuals making this volume almost a sufficient read.  Insurmountably, though, the detriment is writer Brian Michael Bendis overextending himself.  At the time, he was cranking out multiple Avengers titles simultaneously and seemingly rebooting these spin-offs every few years. 

Pitching an excessive slew of Issue # 1’s, it is no surprise that Bendis’ eight-year run programming the Avengers franchise eventually imploded.  Partial blame belongs to Marvel’s soft 2010 relaunch (dubbed their “Heroic Age”).  While easily surpassing Bendis’ weak revamp of his primary Avengers title, this “Heroic Age” incarnation of New Avengers is evidence of fixing something that wasn’t really broken. 

Despite his kid-friendly approach, conjuring up a supernatural plot for these New Avengers better suited for either Justice League Dark or Shadowpact clearly isn’t Bendis’ forte.  The combined star power of this rehashed team roster, therefore, seems ill-fitted to the plot.  Mortals like Luke Cage, Mockingbird, Spider-Man, the Thing, and Wolverine are subsequently left contributing too little to a generic magical crisis that Bendis doesn’t even bother to title. 

It is as if standing around, cracking weak jokes about only knowing something bad is happening, and punching random things will help these Avengers resolve a mystical cataclysm.  That’s why Bendis’ middling plot twists signal merely another day at the office for this unremarkable team.  Case in point: an uninformed Ms. Marvel rashly blasts into battle, with little to no consequence, other than Doctor Strange having to then save her. 

Note: One particularly weird sequence depicts a lethargic (almost zombie-like) Hawkeye easily pushing off a wrecked taxi (with one arm, no less) that he was trapped underneath.  Despite the world-in-peril chaos, he then inexplicably tells his wife, Mockingbird, that he is leaving on an Avengers emergency priority call that no else knows about and then skips out.  Describing this nonsensical scene (unless Hawkeye is a leftover Skrull) as out-of-character is an understatement.

By resorting to tired clichés (i.e. Bendis and his battlefield repartee) and expecting competent artwork to bail the story out, this version of New Avengers simply craves a fresh target audience – yes, the whole purpose of “Heroic Age.”  If anything, even avid Marvel readers will surely forget this creative bore in a matter of days. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Starting with Issue # 2, in a full-page format, the uncredited original cover precedes each story.  The variant cover galley is also presented as full pages.  For Issues # 1-5,  artists Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Grawbadger, & Laura Martin showcased one character per issue.  Specifically, the order is # 1: Luke Cage; # 2: Spider-Man; # 3: Wolverine; # 4: Jessica Jones; & then # 5: The Thing. 

From artist Marko Djurdjevic, in a two-page montage spread, are his six Issue # 1 variants for Hawkeye & Mockingbird; Avengers Academy; Avengers; New Avengers; Secret Avengers; & Avengers Prime.  The upper half of this spread displays Djurdjevic’s finished artwork while the lower half depicts his pencil sketch version. 

Afterwards, there is Issue # 3’s “Women of Marvel Frame Variant” of Ms. Marvel from artist Joe Quinones.  Following it is Issue # 4’s “Super Hero Squad Variant” from artists Leonel Castenllani & Chris Sotomayor.  Lastly, in tone-deaf poor taste, is Issue # 5’s ghoulish “Vampire Variant” of the Cage Family by artist Stephane Perger.   

Note: New Avengers # 1 ‘s primary cover is this collection’s cover artwork.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             5 Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis.

Art by Frank Cho; Jason Keith; Artmonkeys’ Dave Lamphear & Natalie Lamphear.

Collection Cover Art by Frank Cho.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2007, this 168-page trade paperback complies Mighty Avengers # 1-6 of the same year.  After Marvel’s first Civil War, Tony Stark/Iron Man (now commanding SHIELD) recruits Carol Danvers’ Ms. Marvel to lead a government-recognized Avengers roster.  Effectively overriding Carol’s authority, Stark helps her choose veterans Wonder Man, Black Widow, and the Wasp, as well as the more unstable Sentry and Ares, for extra firepower and muscle.

As Earth faces an onslaught of inexplicable natural disasters, Iron Man’s physical form is shockingly usurped by Ultron’s latest A.I. incarnation: a virtually nude and idealized version of Janet Van Dyne – the Wasp.  With Stark evidently dead, Black Widow now assumes temporary control of SHIELD while Ms. Marvel must quell rebellion within her team’s own ranks. 

Aided by Hank Pym, the team must devise a way of thwarting Ultron’s devastating missile strike.  Desperately devising a counter-assault against this feminized Ultron (whose primitive mindset is somewhat reminiscent of Star Trek: The Motion Picture’s V’Ger), Ms. Marvel realizes that an ultimate sacrifice by at least one teammate may be necessary.  

The epilogue ends with an enigmatic tease of Marvel’s next epic crossover: Secret Invasion.

Note: This title is also available digitally and in hardcover.  The series itself ran approximately three years: May 2007 – April 2010.

REVIEW:

The good news is that Frank Cho’s artwork is consistently high-caliber.  Still, rather predictably, the one caveat would be relying upon too many semi-risqué glimpses of this Ultron – aside from a thin sheet of liquid metal.  Case in point: the ‘sexy’ back cover image speaks for itself.  Unfortunately, the flip side is that Cho’s visual style only distracts so much from an exceedingly blah Brian Michael Bendis storyline. 

Given how this first arc is yet another reboot, too few of Bendis’ self-involved Avengers come off as likable enough to care about their success inevitably saving the day.  More so, multiple game-changing plot twists are resolved with little to no explanation – as if Bendis even cares about plausibility.  Case in point: the status quo (i.e., Stark’s miraculous return; an Avengers spouse not really murdered, etc.) is even conveniently restored just in time for the next arc. 

The uninspired Mighty Avengers, Volume 1: The Ultron Initiative, suffice to say, is a decent read for franchise die-hards.  One is likely better off finding this Avengers title at the library.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, each Frank Cho cover precedes its issue.  Also included are the double-page variant cover for Mighty Avengers # 1/New Avengers # 26, and Cho’s full-page Wizard Magazine # 180 promo cover.  Lastly, Cho’s two-page sketchbook features Ares; Captain America; Wolverine; She-Hulk; Wasp; Iron Man; Hulk; Black Widow; Ms. Marvel; and Quicksilver.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               5 Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis.

Art by Olivier Coipel; Justin Ponsor; Jim Cheung; John Dell; David Marquez; Sean Izaake; Adam Kubert; Leinil Francis Yu; Daniel Acuña; Alan Davis; Mark Farmer; Marco Rudy; Mark Bagley; Esad Ribic; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.

Collection Cover Art by Marko Djurdjević.

SUMMARY:

In 2017, Marvel Comics released this 296-page hardcover collecting 2016-2017’s Civil War II # 0-8 and its Free Comic Book Day 2016 issue.  In the prologue, despite her best efforts, Jennifer Walters/She Hulk unsuccessfully defends the ex-Jester in criminal court prior to his unexpected demise in prison.  After his latest impressive showing as War Machine, a shadowy U.S. President makes Col. James Rhodes a shocking job offer.  Carol Danvers’ Captain Marvel consults Doc Samson over her wish to intercede in crises before they happen. 

Elsewhere, an Ohio State student named Ulysses is one of two overcome by the Inhumans’ Terrigen Mists.  While his classmate transforms into a terrifying monster, he exits his cocoon possessing the power of terrifying prognostications.

Utilizing this new Inhuman’s power to foresee future events, Captain Marvel assembles a strike team to await Thanos’ attempted raid on Earth. Though the team succeeds in capturing Thanos, Rhodes’ War Machine is brutally killed while She-Hulk is critically injured.  Another forecast ends with the shocking assassination of Bruce Banner by a fellow Avenger.  Meanwhile, a grief-stricken Tony Stark is in desperation mode seeking to make sense of Ulysses and whether his powers are being misconstrued.  Iron Man’s controversial retaliation pits him against both Carol Danvers and the Inhumans.   

Riddled by doubts, Stark’s worst fears are confirmed once Banner’s killer is subsequently acquitted in court and publicly applauded.  As Ulysses’ frightening predictions continue to prove accurate, Marvel heroes are fractured into two warring factions: one led by Captain Marvel, including Alpha Flight, Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Inhumans, along with some Avengers; and the other side follows Iron Man’s lead, including Captain America.

The pivotal test comes when Captain America’s death at the hands of Miles Morales’ Spider-Man at the decimated U.S. Capitol is foreseen.  Iron Man and Captain Marvel face off, as to whether Marvel’s heroes should await to see if this apparent destiny plays out – or desperately try to avert a heartbreaking tragedy, if possible. 

Marvel’s immediate future is teased, including Iron Man’s murky fate and Jennifer Walters’ raging gray She-Hulk phase.       

Note: This title is also available in digital and trade paperback formats.

REVIEW:

Aside from Marvel exploring the same notion as the 2002 Steven Spielberg/Tom Cruise sci-film, Minority Report, this epic crossover projects two major advantages.  First, no matter its ridiculous number of variant covers, crossover issues, etc., kudos should go to Civil War II’s art squad for conjuring up consistently top-caliber visuals. 

Second (and more importantly), though writer Brian Michael Bendis won’t necessarily score many originality points, his contrived storyline still makes an intriguing read.  Unlike DC’s recent mega-event dreck (i.e. Justice League: No Justice and Dark Nights: Death Metal), Civil War II is at least comprehensible enough for non-hardcore fans. 

Even if this epic is not as compelling as the Captain America vs. Iron Man feud, Bendis ensures that his plot twists readily engage readers at the right moments.  Ultimately, this sequel succeeds in justifying its existence as a Marvel cash cow.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

In a full-page format, each primary Marko Djurdjević cover precedes its issue.  For Issue # 0, the cover artists are Olivier Coipel and Justin Ponsor. 

In mostly full-page mode but not necessarily chronological order, the 30-page variant cover gallery consists of: 3 # 0 variants (artists: Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson; Esad Ribic; and Phil Noto); 9 # 1 variants (artist: Steve McNiven; David Marquez; John Tyler Christopher; Yasmine Putri; Rafael Albuquerque; & Chris Sprouse, Karl Story; & Dave McCaig; John Cassaday & Paul Mounts; Michael Cho; and Phil Noto); # 2-8 variants (artists: Michael Cho; and Phil Noto); # 7 variants (artists: Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, & Dave McCaig); # 8 variants (artists: John Cassaday & Laura Martin); & combined # 0-7 variants double-page pencil sketch (Kim Jung Gi). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7½ Stars