Brave New Worlds

Tomb of Dracula Presents: Throne of Blood One-Shot

Victor Gischler (w) Goran Parlov (a)

Tomb of Dracula Presents: Throne of Blood is the story I was hoping Gischler’s X-Men/Vampire crossover was going to tell when he launched his new X-Men title last year. After being teased with all the political machinations, intrigue and betrayal in “The Death of Dracula,” I had a desire for more of the same in the crossover with Marvel’s favorite mutants.

The story was entertaining and I really liked some of the ideas Gischler introduced including the turning of Jubilee and ongoing concern of Storm’s past seduction with Dracula. However it never seemed to go back to the world established in the death one-shot, a world of vampire sects held together by Dracula, but brought together by his one son in a mad quest for ultimate power.

Don’t get me wrong, this week’s Tomb of Dracula one-shot does not as much dig deeper into the sects as merely revisits. Gischler uses the time-old trick of flashback to tell the story, but what an entertaining story it is. One of the sects comes to Dracula in order to hunt down a rogue vampire. In order to find the vamp, Dracula posits one must know the vamp and thus our story of two brothers begins.

In the end, we all know where this story is going to wind up. This issue is all about the journey rather than the destination. And it is a journey of heartbreak, betrayal (as only a human possessed by a demon can accomplish) and ultimately giving in to a new world order. It’s the journey of the main character that ties you to this story as that character starts off trying to do what’s right.

Gischler needs to stay away from the capes and superheroes of the Marvel Universe and focus rather on its undead dwellers as his voice seems a perfect fit. Vampires are the new in things, although they really are so yesterday already. But that being said, Vertigo and Marvel have both been able to jump on the bandwagon and give audiences some really juicy vampire stories this past year.

For his part, I would like to see Gischler further develop this world of vampire sects. And if he needed a little help along the way, I could think of no one better to assist than Brave New Worlds buddy Duane Swiercyznski.

And another note about this issue, I was not really impressed with Goran Parlov’s art in his Marvel debut in Marvel Universe vs Punisher. I am not sure if it was the different tone of the book or what, but his style was just not doing it for me. That said his artwork in this issue is stunning, simplified and compliments Gischler’s words very well.

Avengers #12.1

Brian Michael Bendis (w) Bryan Hitch (a)

Each issue of Avengers since Brian Michael Bendis launched this latest iteration last year is like reading a mini-summer blockbuster movie. They are that good. So, it should come as no surprise that the latest Marvel point one issue is a huge success in introducing the Avengers to new and casual readers while also pushing the ongoing arc forward for current subscribers to the title.

I have enjoyed many of the Marvel point one offerings thus far, especially Amazing Spider-Man and Invincible Iron Man, but often times I felt as if Marvel’s three-headed goal often failed. Maybe it was the way the writer approached the issue, or maybe it was the fact that many came off like an annual story. But for whatever reason the one issue that really seemed to hit a homerun in terms of capturing all three demographics was this week’s Avengers point one.

I am a big drinker of the Bendis kool-aid. Let me get that out right away. His writing style just connects for me. I love the humor he interjects and he paces the story well.

As for accomplishing the goals of the point one endeavor, let’s take a look at how Bendis goes about it with this issue. First he takes care of current readers to his title but presenting an awesome reveal at the end with a classic Avengers character as well as referencing some things that have occurred in the issues prior to this one. Bendis has already brought us Kang and the Infinity gems in less than a year, but that was nothing entering his 13-month at the helm.

Now, new and casual readers, which can be a difficult task as there are what seems to be a bajillion Avengers with the regular team, new team and of course the secret team. Readers can become confused almost immediately. So Bendis begins the issue presenting the audience with not one, but two mysteries that move everything along. He hooks readers into the story with one of the two, and keeps you as events unfold in a classic search and rescue story that turns out was nothing more than the maguffin to gets us to the final three pages.

I have not been a big fan of John Romita Jr’s artwork on the regular title as it seems like he just rushing everything. This special point one issue is drawn by veteran Bryan Hitch whose work also seems to have taken a downward turn of late. That said, the time off seems to has benefited Hitch whose work appears to be its cleanest in years this time out.

All in all, there were a lot of books out this week, for my money (literally) I really enjoyed these two. How about you?

It would seem that this little title known as Uncanny X-Force has introduced a whole new batch of people to a guy I’ve been talking about for about five or so years now…A guy named Rick Remender.

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Thor by Walter Simonson Omnibus

Considered by many to be the quintessential Thor run, Walt Simonson’s epic tales of the Mighy Thor, his alter ego Dr. Donald Blake, The Warriors Three, Loki, Balder the Brave, Sif, Odin, Beta Ray Bill and of course Thor as a frog are ALL here – that is the complete run – remastered from the original art in all its glory.

Growing up in the 1980s I was fortunate to be able to experience the real golden age of the Marvel Universe. I know these words may be apocryphal and blasphemous to some, but the early days introduced readers to these classic characters by the legends of the industry – Lee, Kirby, Ditko, etc. The 1980s saw a new wave of creative talent that produced stories that became instant classics.

Think about it, not counting the Lee-Kirby years for many of these books, the 1980s saw the defining run for the X-Men (Claremont), Fantastic Four (Byrne), Daredevil (Miller) and of course Thor. While the narrative has become a little dated, the stories themselves have not.

As with Byrne during his FF run, Simonson pulled double duty and was an iron man playing both ways as he produced a monthly book that he was both writing and drawing. Think about that for a moment, especially during the too numerous to count delays from all the top talent today. Like clockwork FF and Thor always hit shelves, only forcing readers to wait a month instead of months and in some cases years that recent stories have fallen trap to throughout the industry.

Back to the merits of Simonson’s run he penned the battle of Surtur and Odin which resulted in the All Father’s demise, the Casket of Ancient Winters, told the origins of Asgard and the sacrifice of the Executioner, and was along for the ride on the Mutant Massacre.

But don’t take my word for it, experience it for yourself. I was never a big fan of the character, not very relatable for me. That said, Simonson’s run was just plain fun. Stop in at Brave New Worlds today to order yours!

It’s Lincoln’s Assassination week once again and also there are new comics hitting the shelves Wednesday. Let’s look at 2 comics I wanna read tomorrow…

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If you have been coming into the store and asking me what I have enjoyed at anytime over the past several months my answer has always been Amazing Spider-Man and Fantastic Four. So it is only fitting that I decided to take Another Look at two books that have been out for a few weeks – FF #1 and Amazing Spider-Man #657. While these books were released in the order listed, I recommend reading Spider-Man first; it actually leads into FF #1 and could make your enjoyment that much stronger.

SPOILER ALERT! I want to get this out of the way now. Please read no further if you are a Fantastic Four fan and have yet to read the issue where one of its members bites it. And if you do fall into this category, why haven’t you read this issue yet? You deserve to have it spoiled for you. But I digress.

Amazing Spider-Man #657

Dan Slott (w) Marcos Martin (a)

About a month ago the next issue of Amazing Spider-Man to hit the shelves after the death of Johnny Storm was #655 and it dealt with the aftermath of the death of Marla Jamieson. No mention of Johnny’s Storm’s passing could be found. Granted, the issue was perfect in the continuity of the ongoing Spidey title. However it had the bad luck of coming out the same week as the final issue of Fantastic Four, in which it’s surviving members plus a certain web head all dealt with the emotional aftermath of the matchstick being extinguished for good.

It was unfortunate too because the issue was referred to by Dan Slott as the best thing he had ever written. And while I did enjoy it, it was also overshadowed a bit for me by Jonathan Hickman’s final issue of Fantastic Four.

Fast forward to last week and Amazing Spider-Man #657 finally got around to dealing with the Human Torch’s demise. However, if you read FF #1 which came out a few weeks earlier you already knew that Spider-Man was the newest member (he is going to compete with Wolverine for team memberships soon).

While the official invitation is revealed in #657, the issue is much more than that as we learn what role each member of the FF played in the Fantastic Five’s lives. Some make sense, others will be a surprise. I was definitely caught off guard as to the group’s designation of Reed. It was a typical walk down memory lane, remembering someone they fault alongside for so many years.

One of the best moments comes when Ben Grimm recalls how he liked it when Spidey was around because it gave Ben a break from all of Johnny’s pranks. And it was true, he did get a break, for a bit.

While #655 was really well done and very poetic, for my money give me #657. It is another opportunity to say goodbye to a cherished member of the Fantastic Four and Marvel community, but also a perfect jumping on point and a new future for not only Spidey, but the remaining members of the FF.

FF #1

Jonathan Hickman (w) Steve Epting (a)

It’s odd to think that after all these years there is not a new issue of the Fantastic Four coming out. The book has morphed into FF, which makes sense since one of the original members is gone.

Even if you have not read anything that has come before, this introduction issue is a terrific jumping on point and hopefully a catalyst for people to take a look back at Hickman’s entire run not just on the book but with the team (beginning in the Dark Reign Fantastic Four mini-series).

Just like the issue prior, we find the team in the grips of the death of their brother and friend. We welcome a new member onto the squad, which now has a new look (several actually). But there is more as we find how everyone is dealing with Johnny’s demise.

Two of the most telling are Reed and Valerie. Reed seems to be going out of his way to be more understanding and more of a presence for the entire family instead of sequestering himself in his lab and he is want to do most of the time. No, that role now goes to Valerie who seems to have adopted some of her father’s more obsessive traits when it comes to solving a problem.

And that is what this new team is all about, solving problems any way they can, including inviting a very surprising individual to join them in this quest.

I also love how Hickman begins the story narrative, telling the tale through Spider-Man’s eyes as we play witness to how he sees the team in their mourning period and how they are looking into the future.

One thing is for sure, this is not your father’s Fantastic Four anymore.

I am eager to see how long the emotional effects last for all of the team members, especially Ben and Reed who at least on the outside seem to have the most visible issues dealing with what has occurred. It will be interesting to see if Hickman is tempted to tell those stories, and then move on. As anyone who has experienced lost knows, that while things do return to normal, more often than not those initial changes creep into your personality and will always affect those characters motivations moving forward – and that is one story I am looking very forward to reading.

Fear Itself #1

Matt Fraction (w) Stuart Immonen (a)

Cynics will tell you the next big Marvel event is here and who cares. I am not one of them however. I am all about the event, especially if it is done correctly. If issue number one of Fear Itself is any indication, this one is going to be a doozy. And the repercussions have already begun by the end of the first issue.

Sin’s story and quest for her father’s hidden power continues and answers are revealed in the very first issue. Unlike Lost, one mystery is revealed only to lead to another new mystery. But wait, there is more …

The sneak previews of the issue focus on Tony Stark and the Avengers publicly discussing the rebuilding of Asgard. With the return of a major player in the pages of Thor over the past few months (a Fraction written book), things are going to change for our favorite God of Thunder. And I so did not see that coming.

Besides Sin and Asgard, there are other seeds planted in the issue that give Steve Rogers an opportunity to take center stage. The new Marvel Universe is here, and for the most part, all is good in the world. Until now that is.

When I finished reading the issue, I did not want it to end. The greatest compliment I can really pay any weekly floppy. Don’t take my word for it however, jump in and see what all the fun is about.

Avengers Children’s Crusade #5

Allan Heinberg (w) Jim Cheung, Mark Morales (a)

This is issue is all about four characters who for the most part have not appeared in this mini-series until now. Each’s return has a major impact on events in the issue and most likely moving forward.

Heinberg continues to peel away the layers of the onion with each issue, all along presenting new questions with each discovery.

With at least another six months before this nine-issue series ends, it is never too late to jump on board.

And even though, including in this issue, the fireworks have flown especially with Doom and Magneto, you know this is really just the start of things to come. And if the children’s crusade is realized, what then?

Showcase Presents #98

Paul Levitz (w) Joe Staton, Dick Giordano (a)

Way, way back in a decade known as the 1970s, DC Comics decided to bring back the original Justice Society of America. To accomplish this, they introduced Earth 2 in which these Golden Age heroes habited. In addition, they introduced some new younger heroes to the squad as to attract newer readers. One of these new heroes was Power Girl.

A few years later after Gerry Conway (Power Girl’s creator) left DC to head over to Marvel Comics, Paul Levitz inherited the All Star Comics mantle in which the Earth 2 JSA resided. Levitz also took over Showcase comics and decided to use a three-story arc to explain just who was Power Girl.

I decided to spotlight the middle issue of the trilogy, as this one is the meat of the three. As much as things have changed in the DC Universe since Crisis on Infinite Earths took out the Multiverse, they have remained the same, especially when it comes to PG’s origin story.

In fact, the PG we know and love from the current DC continuity is actually this PG from the Earth 2 story, pulled into the current timeline during the Crisis. Pretty neat eh?

So anyway, I often enjoy these old 70s stories. Something awesome about the narrative, which is not as heavy handed as some of the 1960s stuff. Levitz had a real way with the words back in his heyday, and Staton and Giordano’s work on the pictures is smooth and sweet. I am not sure what it is about Giordano, but his style on this era more than anyone else’s has always made me look back on this era’s comics with great fondness.

Anyway, issue #98 focuses on Power Girl’s ship that brought her to Earth after the destruction of Krypton 2. Turns out her pop made the ship a symbiote and enabled it to give her virtual memories of life moving forward just in case she did not land somewhere for a very long time. Nice guy that pop of hers.

But, the ship was not ready to give up that relationship and sucked her back into its own twisted version of Pleasantville again, giving Power Girl everything a growing Kryptonian girl dreams about.

Anyway, this is a real fun story, especially for those who are fans of the Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Judd Winick and Sami Basri versions.

The other nice thing for all Power Girl fans, the trilogy is actually collected and available at Brave New Worlds in the Power Girl tradepaperback, which collects these three issues plus Geoff Johns and Conner’s JSA #32, 39 and JSA Classified #1-4 from the Infinite Crisis days that put PG back on the DC radar.

Check out previous Random Retro Comic Reviews below.

Avengers #191

Quasar #27

Flash #205

Tales of the Teen Titans #45

Green Arrow Volume 3 #32

Daredevil #188

Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #40

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #22

Elektra #22

Sandman #50

Blue Beetle Volume 1 #1

New Mutants Volume 2 #6

Uncanny X-Men #132

The Spectre Volume 4 #16

Invincible Iron Man Volume 3 #37

Alpha Flight #30

Catwoman Volume 3 #21

Superman Volume 1 #233

Marvel Team-Up #4

Fantastic Four #258

ROM #33

Justice League Volume 2 #26

Ultimate X-Men #34

Green Arrow Volume 3 #60

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Oz #1-3

Uncanny X-Men #151

Steel #1

All-Star Comics #68

Wonder Man #13

It’s friday. Hope you are enjoying the weather outside. Maybe swing by either or both BNW’s and grab some comics and go read em outside! But for right now let’s see what’s going on around the innernette while you are at work and bored, shall we…

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Uncanny X-Men Annual #1 (2010)

James Ausmus (w) Nick Bradshaw (a)

“Escape from the Negative Zone” Part One harkens back to a time in the late 80s and early 90s when Marvel attempted to make their annuals more relevant by tying them into one another and telling one big tale. The most successful attempt at this was Uncanny X-Men Annual #9 and New Mutants Special Edition in which our hapless mutants are transported to Asgard and fun with the Warriors Three is had by all. While comparing those books with this week’s annual is like comparing apples to watermelon, the effort and intention is still there.

Continuing and ending in Steve Rogers Super Solider Annual and Namor First Mutant Annual, respectively, Uncanny X-Men Annual has all the prerequisite elements for Marvel’s summer time distraction – fun, fun and a trip to the Negative Zone.

Oftentimes annuals are not produced by the monthly book’s creative team which can lead to uneven storytelling and unfamiliar character traits. However, this book does not suffer from either one of those as James Ausmus writes the X-Men as if he has been all along. And Nick Bradshaw’s art is almost an identical copy of Arthur Adams (and that is not meant in any way to diminish what Bradshaw brings to the story – I like the style, it’s “fun”) which gives the book even more of a summer-time X-Men feel like the classic tales referred to in my first paragraph.

The story basically spotlights Cyclops, Hope, Namor and Dr. Nemesis. Four great characters, two of which have major issues with Cyke, and another who cannot be bothered (can you guess who fits into each role). Hope’s feelings about everything have been percolating (she is a teenage girl after all) and she begins to let those feelings out, while Namor is also suffering from not enough attention.

I always like to see how writers take on Emma’s sardonic and dry with, and Ausmus does not miss a chance to give her some of the issue’s most memorable lines – my favorite having to do with scotch.

In the end, this is a setup issue for a much larger story, but the fun is the journey arriving to the setup, the reveal and figuring out what is going to happen next.

I have not said this in a long time, but I am very much looking forward to the next two parts of this tale.

Ready for a dose of innernette nonsense? If you’re not don’t click on this post cause that’s all I’ve got to offer today.

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