Category: MARVEL’s Hardcovers & Paperbacks

Written by Tony Bedard

Art by Shannon Gallant; John Stanisci; Cory Hamscher; Norman Lee; Dave Sharpe; Sean Chen; Sandu Florea; etc.

SUMMARY:

As a Target exclusive, this 96-page paperback reprints the all-ages Marvel Adventures: Avengers # 5-8, which were originally published in 2006-2007.  The Avengers team consists of Storm (in a black-and-yellow, Ms. Marvel-inspired costume); Giant Girl (aka the Wasp); Iron Man; Spider-Man; Hulk; Captain America; and Wolverine.  In this storyline, the Avengers’ new nemesis, Loki, conjures up new super-villains to challenge these Avengers. 

The first story is entitled “The Trickster & the Wrecker.”  After facing the Avengers, Loki magically transforms a burglar by enchanting his crowbar and transforming him into the powerful Wrecker.  In an origin reflecting evil’s answer to the ‘Fantastic Four,’ the second story introduces the Hulk’s four U-Foes (X-Ray, Ironclad, Vapor, & Vector).  A third tale pitches an alternate origin for the Juggernaut.  The collection concludes with a rematch vs. Loki, as it comes down to the last Avenger standing. 

REVIEW:

In this alternate ‘reality,’ it’s more or less implied that these Avengers are the world’s sole heroes (at least, on-screen).  Using that context, these stories mostly make sense delving into the villains’ origins.  Still, it’s odd seeing the Wrecker without his formidable Wrecking Crew pals (Piledriver, Thunderball, & Bulldozer). 

Even more so, the odd absence of Thor and other  Asgardians, given Loki’s presence, is frankly a letdown.  Loki’s battle scenes are okay, but the Avengers’ brawls vs. the U-Foes & then the Juggernaut are neat.  As for the Avengers themselves, this squad sports relatively good chemistry, considering half of the team consists of two X-Men and loners like Hulk and Spider-Man.

Requiring minimal Marvel knowledge, “Mischief” is enjoyable, especially the first story.  The plots re: the U-Foes and Juggernaut follow similar formulas, but their stories live up to modest expectations.  The surprisingly sharp artwork makes an engaging asset for writer Tony Bedard’s storytelling.  This collection should make a satisfying, if not memorable, read for your elementary-age Avengers.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page replicas of the covers are included.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                       5 Stars

Written by Christopher Yost

Art by Patrick Scherberger; Scott Wegener; Sandu Florea; Jean-Francois Beaulieu; Dave Sharpe; & VC’s Joe Sabino

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics in 2011, this 112-page, 6” x 9” trade paperback reprints Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes # 1-4 (first published in 2010-2011).  As a comic book companion to the animated TV series, the stories are:

• “Adaptation.”  As the Wasp ponders how to welcome Captain America into the 21^st Century, the newly-thawed Captain spends his day off trouncing Batroc’s Legion in Times Square.  The team encounters the robotic Super-Adaptoid, which is capable of mimicking the Avengers’ powers.
• “Trust” (short story): Black Panther & Hawkeye bicker while pursuing the female Whiplash in a darkened warehouse.
• “Obsession.”  In Switzerland, Iron Man’s grudge in reclaiming his stolen armor technology forces the Avengers into battle against Russia’s Winter Guard (Darkstar; Ursa Major; Vanguard; and Titanium Man) over which team gets to take the fugitive Crimson Dynamo into custody.
• “Mutual Respect” (short story): A bickering Hulk & Ant-Man team up to thwart the Mad Thinker; Quasimodo; and ‘Awesome Andy’ the android.
• “Savage.”  Setting up a mind-controlled Thor vs. the Hulk, the Grandmaster bets the Collector over who wins the battle of the Mightiest Avengers.  It’s up to the Hulk’s ingenuity to free Thor from the Collector’s ‘mind game.’ 
• “Courage” (short story): Protecting a semi-conscious and critically-wounded Captain America, an outmatched Wasp must fend off the monstrous Wendigo amidst a blizzard. 
• “Team.”  Zemo’s Masters of Evil deploys the gigantic Ultimo robot for their latest assault.  Wasp takes some candid photos of the battle.  A familiar Daily Bugle photographer who snaps the team’s portrait is a Marvel in-joke.          

REVIEW:

Despite Christopher Yost’s fun scripting, the artwork is generally pedestrian.  A sole exception is the candid ‘photos’ from “Team,” as they are the sole jewel of this book’s visuals.  Curiously, the short story artwork proves far better than the longer stories — go figure.  In terms of the complete package, Yost’s creativity makes this collection at best a decent read for the elementary school crowd.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The 16-page Character Profile gallery reviews:

• Iron Man; Captain America; Thor; Hulk; Wasp; Ant-Man; Hawkeye; Black Panther; Nick Fury; Black Widow; Baron Zemo; Kang; Baron Strucker; Zemo; Ultron; Enchantress; Crimson Dynamo; and the Abomination.
• Hawkeye’s arrows and sky-cycle; & Thor’s Mjolnir hammer;
• A quick quiz to identify four different villainous weapons;
• A simplified diagram of Iron Man’s interface.

A copy of each issue’s cover by Patrick Scherberger and Scott Wegener (for Issue # 4) is also included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5 Stars

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Art by Valentine DeLandro; Mizuki Sakakibara; Clay Mann; Batt; Jon Sibal; Avalon’s Dave Kemp & Dan Kemp; Virtual Calligraphy’s Dave Sharpe & Joe Caramagna; Tony Harris; Gary Frank; Andy Brase; David Aja; & Clayton Crain

Book Cover Art by Gary Frank; Clayton Crain; & Chris Sotomayor

SUMMARY:

Released in 2006 by Marvel Comics, this 144-page paperback reprints Marvel Knights 4 # 25-27 and the subsequently renamed Four # 28-30 (all from 2005-2006), which effectively ends this particular series.  The three-part “Resurrection of Nicholas Scratch” teams the Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange, and reluctant ally Diablo vs. the devilish Scratch, his mutant offspring: The Salem Seven, and possibly his late mother, Agatha Harkness. 

Once a monstrous demon returns, more than one unholy alliance comes into play.  In “Private Lives, Public Faces” (Issue # 28), Sue & Reed each contend with a friend’s personal crisis where inner heroism takes precedence over their super-powers. 

In “Fallout” (Issue # 29), the team returns to The Savage Land to confirm Godseye’s recent destruction.  Yet, Sue becomes suspicious of Reed’s possibly hidden motives.  Finishing this series, “Open House” (set prior to Civil War # 1), the team experiences mixed emotions surrounding a public meet-and-greet at the Baxter Building.  Guest stars include The Inhumans and Namor the Sub-Mariner.

Note: Though not officially billed as such, this book is Volume 5 (and last) for the Marvel Knights 4 imprint.

REVIEW:

Despite shifts due to varying artistic styles, the book’s visuals remain classy from start to finish.  Case in point: the cover images are high-caliber.  As to writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s scripting, this collection is a fairly complex read rather than a thrill ride.  Of the Fantastic Four itself, Sue “Invisible Woman” Richards and Ben “The Thing” Grimm come off as the most likable and down-to-earth. 

The appeal of Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards varies – mostly due to his condescending super-genius persona.  Yet, the last two stories imbue Reed with a more enigmatic flair.  Johnny “Human Torch” Storm is predictably one-dimensional, as his immature antics demonstrate zero growth for his character.    

Aguirre-Sacasa first devises an intriguing supernatural tale that challenges this veteran (and somewhat snooty) super-team with multiple old foes.  To his credit, “Scratch” engages some well-played plot twists.  As for the one-shot “Private Lives, Public Faces,” Aguirre-Sacasa smartly depicts Sue & Reed discreetly helping others, as a hint of a marital wedge is slowly brewing between them. 

While this tale balances bleak realism (without resorting to graphic details) and possible hope, what Issue # 28 does best is convey Mr. and Mrs. Richards as relatable human beings rather than merely cardboard super-heroes.  The last two stories are good, but the underlying melancholy don’t necessarily make them entertaining reads.

This Marvel Knights 4 finale should satisfy Fantastic Four fans, but, for casual (teens-and-up) readers, it’s more akin to a wholesome family drama than crowd-pleasing action-adventure.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers are reprinted as full-page images.  There’s also an interesting, two-page, black-and-white cover image development for Issue # 28 by artist David Aja.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7 Stars

Written by Dennis Hopeless

Art by Javier Rodriguez; Alvaro Lopez; Muntsa Vicente; Natacha Bustos; Vero Gandini; & VC’s Travis Lanham

Cover Art by Javier Rodriguez

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2016, this 136-page trade paperback assembles Spider-Woman # 5-10 of the same year.  Having quit the Avengers several weeks before, a down-on-her-luck Jessica Drew’s Spider-Woman has garnered at best middling results returning to solo action.  From her perspective, the independence of a fresh start means sporting a new costume and a hot motorcycle. 

Reluctantly taking a missing-persons case from veteran “Daily Bugle” reporter Ben Urich, Jessica traces a bizarre extortion case targeting D-list super-villain husbands and dads.  With Ben and the dim-witted villain Porcupine’s help, an undercover Jessica’s investigation leads to a quaint little town with some dark secrets. 

Taking her private detective gig on a cross-country road trip, Jessica brings Ben and dopey Roger (aka the Porcupine) along for the ride.  After a brief montage of a few prior stops, Spider-Woman encounters a mass zombie-style mind control scheme brewing in Dodge City, Kansas.  Jessica’s obstacles involve a meat-packing plant skirmish and even gamma-irradiated, Hulk-like cows. 

Interspersed with the Dodge City mystery, a new multi-dimensional crisis threatening Earth forces Black Widow to track down an uncooperative Spider-Woman for help.

Notes: The first leg of this particular series is Spider-Woman, Volume 1: Spider-Verse.  There isn’t a Volume 3, as Marvel opted to restart the series again with another Volume 1 (it starts Jessica’s maternal ‘Shifting Gears’ phase).

REVIEW:

It’s apt to describe New Duds as underwhelming, but writer Dennis Hopeless still infuses Jessica Drew’s relatable world with a likable action-comedy mix.  Whether it is Spider-Woman’s endearing personality or the inclusion of Porcupine as a dubious tag team partner, New Duds knows best not to take itself too seriously (i.e. the Hulk-cows). 

With Spider-Woman’s civilian identity no longer secret, Hopeless takes a smart tack re: Jessica shrugging off her lack of anonymity with characteristic nonchalance. Ben Urich’s role also gifts Jessica with a reliable Commissioner Gordon/Alfred/Dr. Watson-like consultant to balance the Porcupine’s goofy comedy relief.  Even if this book’s storylines are middling, the Jessica-Urich-Roger/Porcupine chemistry still makes a refreshing asset.

The book’s visuals aren’t high-caliber, but the art team’s upbeat, tongue-in-cheek approach works just fine for New Duds.  While New Duds isn’t necessarily a keeper, it still offers a decent read (for teens and up).  What’s more intriguing is whether or not perennial Spider-Woman fans would agree that Jessica’s new creative direction is even necessary.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers and three Issue # 5 variants are included in a full-page format.  The variant artists are Kris Anka (two covers) and Siya Qum (one cover).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             6 Stars

Note: A Marvel Legends action figure has since been released with Jessica Drew’s new Spider-duds (as glimpsed below).

Written by Chris Claremont 

Art by Aaron Lopresti; Greg Adams; Andrew Pepoy; Liquid! Graphics;

& Tom Orzechowski

Cover Art by Andy Park

SUMMARY:

Rebooting its X-Men spin-off franchise, Excalibur, in name only, Marvel Comics published this short-lived series (fourteen issues total) from 2004-2005.  Released in 2004, Forging the Sword is a 96-page reprint of Issues # 1-4 published earlier that year. 

In the immediate aftermath of Genosha’s devastation by a Mega-Sentinel, Professor Charles Xavier has reached the quarantined island nation to search for survivors.  Aided by Eric/Magneto and the ‘ghost’ of Moira MacTaggart, Xavier recruits young mutants Wicked and Freakshow, along with the Morlocks’ Callisto.  Opposing them is a defiant Unus the Untouchable and his own young faction of survivors.  

Seeking to recover two mysterious coffins from Genosha, the tyrannical Magistrates are willing to terminate any mutant resistance.  Caught in the middle, Xavier & Eric reach out to find whoever is in held captive in the coffins.    

Note: The remaining ten issues are collected in two additional volumes released in 2005.  

REVIEW:

Consider it a noble yet failed X-periment.  Curiously, did Marvel assign Chris Claremont this umpteenth X-Men spin-off, or was Claremont pursuing his own tangent, with the company’s blessing?  Either way, Forging the Sword would have sufficed as a four-issue mini-series vs. a tired Xavier-and-Magneto-doing-humanitarian-relief ongoing monthly.    

In terms of the visuals, this art squad generally does excellent work – few panels fail to maintain consistency.  The same compliment applies to cover artist Andy Park.  Yet, it’s a mixed bag as to famed X-Men writer Chris Claremont’s faintly optimistic vision for this new series. 

Case in point: is the metaphorical title “Forging the Sword” deceptive?  In terms of franchise name recognition, then it’s a bait-and-switch.  Captain Britain’s X-group is nowhere near Xavier & Magneto co-mentoring an inexperienced band of raw recruits.   Even so, Claremont’s scripting sufficiently introduces some new faces, but it’s unsurprising that none of them have reached mainstream X-Men fame fifteen plus years later. 

Aside from the book’s minimal length, the peripheral nature of “Forging the Sword” struggles to keep even faithful X-readers motivated.  Sporting only a single dubious gag (pardon the expression — i.e. Freakshow vomiting up Unus after swallowing him) and lots of grim inferences about Genosha’s ruins, there isn’t enough storytelling fabric being woven here. 

For hardcore advocates of Xavier & Magneto’s friendship, then “Forging the Sword” could be construed as a minor revelation.  Otherwise, this book is a forgettable one-and-done for most readers.  Keeping this book would be more about the well-crafted artwork than its limited-appeal storyline.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The four covers appear as full-page reprints. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars