5 Quick Reviews for today, but this is a rarity as all five are winners today! And that’s not an easy feat, but I was surprised with these issues. You might want to grab some of these for sure!
Secret Avengers #5 – Written by Ed Brubaker and Art by David Aja, Michael Lark & Stefano Guadiano. At the end of last issue we had a reveal of what appeared to be Nick Fury in Shadow Council garb. This issue we have the back story behind it. Steve Rogers confronts Nick Fury about what’s going on and Fury realizes who, or what, this really is. So we get introduced to Max Fury, an LMD who develop intelligence thanks to the Zodiac Key. The whole issue is really just a big backstory drop for what I assume are the bigger things to come. It does an excellent job of piecing this story together for us without becoming too overbearing. So it’s a pretty good little story and the artwork of the combined artists works out pretty well too. In fact, I really liked the art in this one. An issue worthy of reading, but maybe not as much if you don’t like a lot of exposition and backstory.
Hulk #25 – Written by Jeff Parker and Art by Gabriel Hardman. In this issue we deal with the Red Hulk or… Thunderhulk Ross? In it, Banner reveals that M.O.D.O.K. and Leader released an Endgame Scenario entitled “Scorched Earth” where a bunch of certain things all happen at once that are very bad. Apparently, it’s time for that endgame and Steve Rogers has to enlist Thunderhulk. So they send him off on a mission and Iron Man mistakes him for an enemy still. So he has the same lines of communication most of us have at our jobs. The creative change in this title was much needed. Parker seems to know how to handle the characters better and make the story more interesting. Gabriel Hardman also provides a nice change of pace art style that makes the whole thing seem more serious. I am a big fan of these changes, because Hulk has become a ridiculously terrible title in the past year or so. However, I think Jeff Parker has watched too much Babylon 5 where then President Clark turned all the defense systems against Earth in what was know as… Scorched Earth. But it was still ok, despite ripping that stuff off, most people wouldn’t even realize this anyway. So better artwork, better ingredients. Papa John’s? Oh, there’s also a bonus back-up story starring A-Bomb (aka Rick Jones) which is ok and takes on the lighter side of the character. Written by Jeff Parker and Art by Mark Robinson. Just a fun little continuing tale. The art is pretty fun and bright and vivid, decent stuff. Nothing amazing, but a good addition. No, Hulk is better and might be worth looking into as a good change of pace, this was certainly an entertaining issue.
The Flash #5 – Written by Geoff Johns and Art by Francis Manapul. The Rogues versus The Renegades (aka Future Rogues). Flash is trying his best to prevent the breaking off a giant mirror that could unleash the Mirror Lords. We’re pretty much told that it would be an absolutely terrible idea. The Top tries to assist in getting this fight stopped and letting his Renegades know that they should not arrest the Flash. This issue ends with a series of twists that I did not see coming at all. The last several pages are full of “oh crap” moments that were outstanding. Add that to Manapul’s amazing artwork and this is nothing short of a winner. I love the Rogues and Renegades battling it out. We also get some shout-outs to the whole Rogue Wars from a few years back as well. Just really outstanding stuff and so much stuff that I want to talk about, but I can’t because the spoilers involved would ruin it for you all. Go, run, ZOOM out and buy this issue quick before it’s gone. You’ve been warned.
Deadpool #27 – Written by Daniel Way and Penciled by Carlo Barberi. Deadpool just wants to buy a burrito with some gold, but the man at the counter refuses to take it. In walks some other people there, dressed up uniforms. All hell breaks loose and these guys regenerate. The whole world goes crazy and eventually Steve Rogers and his Secret Avengers show up to the rescue. Well, I guess it’s a rescue, but anyway, things get really messed up. Such is an issue of Deadpool. But Daniel Way knows how to write for the absurd and this issue is no different. Full of hilarious moments and great artwork. I laughed a LOT at this issue. His interaction with Steve Rogers was some of the funniest Deadpool stuff I’ve seen in a long time. Deadpool just wants to be a hero and next issue he just might get his chance. If it’s anywhere near as funny as this issue, it’ll be a winner for sure. Another great comic and worth picking up if you enjoy a good laugh out of your otherwise serious Marvel comics.
Booster Gold #36 – Written by Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis and Art by Pat Olliffe. While Booster, Barda and Miracle are taking care of the Planet Pounder, Blue Beetle is having some one-on-one time with the Queen. When he finds out he’s about to be wed due to his indiscretions he rebukes it. Barda and Miracle ditch Booster and Booster has to go back and pick-up Blue Beetle on his own. When he goes back he find that Ted (Blue Beetle) has been turned into a chipmunk. Then the Darkstars come and arrest them. Hilarity ensues! Man, what a great issue as Booster and Beetle have some classic conversations. Skeets has to try and play hero, to limited success. We meet a young Brainiac 5 and get a look at who’s on a slave ship during the Invasion storyline from years back. So Giffen and DeMatteis keep the humor high in this story and the issue moved by so quickly I was kind of sad when it was done. It leaves you waiting for next issue so you can see how they’re going to get out of this one. Giffen even makes sure we understand we’re having a Laurel & Hardy moment when Booster says, “well here’s ANOTHER fine mess you’ve gotten me into.” Oliver Hardy made that line famous and it is still a funny line to this day when applied properly. The artwork by Pat Olliffe is pretty good. He’s a bit more of a blocky penciller it seems, but he has a fine grasp of storytelling through comics. And what the heck kind of name is Estrogina? Wow, you’ve just gotta check this one out, it’s great stuff!
