Brave New Worlds

Avengers #1 Brian Michael Bendis (w), John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson (a)

Everything Old is New Again Kudos to Bendis who brought me back to the days of my youth. Avengers #1 felt like a throwback narrative-wise to Marvel’s last heroic age of the 1980s, without feeling hokey.

Best Moment Kang is back, and before he can do anything, Thor takes him out.  Hawkeye’s response is classic and is my quote of the book.

Another Kang Story Yes it is, but it is a different type of story that should make the character’s return fun and (the word of the day) fresh. It’s great when a classic villain returns, and without the same old shtick. What a great way to welcome the latest incarnation of the Avengers back.

Easter Egg For me, the entire issue is an easter egg storywise.  Titled “Next Avengers,” if you caught the Lionsgate DVD release from a few years back, you will appreciate this issue even more.

The Reveal I so did not see that last page coming. Another reason why Bendis is the master, may all lesser beings bow down before him. I did not want this issue to end after page one.

Pick of the Week Avengers #1 gets the nod for me. Bendis is at the top of his game (isn’t he always with these characters?).

American Vampire #3 Scott Snyder, Stephen King (w), Rafael Albuquerque (a)

True Blood Got Nothing On This Book Vampire stories seemed to have run their course and no one is truly interested in tales of the Wild West since the 1950s, but for whatever reason the freshness of combining both really works for American Vampire.

Time Travel Great story-telling device continued in issue three which splits the story into two time periods with Snyder telling the story in its present setting (of 1925), while King takes the origin set about 15 years earlier. It works really well.

Double Revenge Pearl makes her first assault against those who left her for dead, however she tells Hattie to leave before she strikes.  Of course, Hattie does not listen and hilarity will surely ensue for these two whacky girls just trying to make it in the bright lights of Hollywood.

That’s a New Look Albuquerque’s interpretation of the creatures of the night gives a new twist to an old legend. And it works really well. Besides, his pencil and inks are all that and a bag of chips. Some Vertigo books go for that gritty look, Albuquerque’s pencils are just right for this tale.

The Spirit #2 Mark Schultz (w), Moritat (a)

More Fun in Central City Issue two of The Spirit picks up with Denny Colt bleeding on Ellen Dolan’s doorsteps. He then relives the tale of how he got there. Last issue ended with Angel Smerti arriving with a price on The Spirit’s head. Put two and two together and the story tells itself.

Just the Right Tone I said it after issue number one, and Schultz continues to supply the correct amount of fun and levity to the Spirit to make him work. Eisner’s creation is at his best when he is having fun, torching the captain and flirting with his true love of Ellen while continuing to check out every other pair of legs that come his way.  No wonder all his assassins are women.

X-Men Legacy #236 Second Coming Chapter Eight Mike Carey (w), Greg Land (P)

Rook to Knight Seven It has taken eight chapters, but Bastion has made his final moves on the board as he traps the X-Men for his assault.

Decisions, Decisions Cable gives Hope the choice of bolting now that Bastion has shown his cards. Will she take it and let Nightcrawler’s sacrifice be in vein?

Cavalry There are two kinds of crazy in the world, the kind that gets naked and howls at the moon, and then the kind that does it in your living room. The first one you can ignore, the second one you have to deal with. Now that Bastion’s move has been revealed, other heroes in the ‘verse have noticed, and you will never guess who they are.