Brave New Worlds

Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour Bryan O’Malley (w & a)

When Last We Saw Him Volume 6 picks up from where Volume 5 left off, with Scott Ramona-less and avoiding his destiny of facing off against Gideon.

What a Strange Trip It Has Been The first five volumes were a lot of fun, but for some reason volume six seem to have the most heart of the story, probably because it brings everything together.

It’s Written Like a Movie The hero does some soul-searching. Old friends pop back up. It’s an epic film waiting to happen. Oh wait, it is happening. Next month.

Save the Best for Last It’s like the Star Wars films, each lightsaber battle tops the previous. Scott Pilgrim’s fight with Gideon tops all of the ones that came before, even the twins and Todd (who I think was the most fun – probably because he was a vegan).

Spoiler Free It’s really difficult writing a review without giving anything away, and I hate to give anything away. Suffice to say, you will laugh, you will cry and you will try to get extra man credits before the end. It’s a lot of fun.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #3 Jeph Loeb (w), Frank Cho (a)

Finally Some Answers Remember when the Defenders popped in Ultimates 2 and then the next time we saw Valkyrie in Ultimates 3 she was all powered up. Well Loeb tells us why.

How Are They Going to Get Out of This When last we saw our heroes, the chicks went all-Amazon on them and captured those men. Well, obviously they get out of it, and Loeb does a swell job writing himself out of that potential hole. It was definitely well thought out.

Thor’s Back This is not a spoiler since it was part of the solicits for the issue. What is a surprise is who takes his place in Hell. Wait until you see who it is.

Best Line When Tony Stark recovers from his injuries, he asks the following of Hawkeye and Danvers – “… why don’t one of you get me a dry martini with two olives and three vicodin … we’ve got a city to save.” Yeah Tony!

Last week Neil Adams released Batman: Odyssey. Last week I tried to read it. Last week I had no idea what the heck happened in that book or how it even got past the pitch stages. That being said later that very week I learned of another Neil Adams bomb…hit the jump to see what I’m talkin’ about…

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Amazing Spider-Man #637 Joe Kelly (w), Michael lark, Marco Checchetto, Stefano Gaudiano, Matt Southworth (a)

The End Grim Hunt concludes with this issue and it has probably been the best story arc of the Brand New Day era from start to finish. There have been other decent ones, but bringing back a long-dead foe seems to have done the trick.

Triple J J. Jonah Jameson is on tops of things in the issue, which should put everyone’s minds at ease. Of course due to the wackiness created by Kraven’s resurrection the animal and insect world has gone crazy, including of course, spiders. Who do you think is going to get blamed for all of this?

Daddy Not Happy Kraven was not all that impressed that his wife brought him back from the dead, but now that he’s here and the initial shock of returning is gone, he seems to want to make the best of it. That can’t be good for Peter.

Changes Although they always promise things are going to change, there are some actual changes in this issue, maybe they turn out more cosmetic than anything.

Glimpse Into the Looking Glass Parker is pushed to edge in this issue (Kraven always brings the best out of him) and it takes a vision of the future to show what would happen not just to him, but to the world if he stays in his present course. Pretty cool stuff.

Next Up How do you top this story, well by telling the tale of One Moment In Time where Marvel promises answers to the controversial One More Day.

Daytripper #8 Fabio Moon (w), Gabriel Ba (a)

Same Song and Dance Despite the fact the lead character is dead at the conclusion of every issue, Moon and Ba find a different way to tell the tale that draws you in. This week’s edition is no different.

Breaks My Heart This issue more than the others really hit me hard. Not sure why, most likely due to the point of view of the issue, told from others perspective instead of Bras.

Expectations I am not really sure what I am looking for at the end of this series, which concludes with issue 10 in two months, but I have a funny feeling nothing is going to change. I would love to know what the brothers were thinking when doing this.

Superman #701 J. Michael Straczynski (w), Eddy Barrows, J.P. Mayer (a)

The Walkabout to End All Walkabouts That’s right, Superman is going to walk the country for the next year. And he starts right here in Philly. So this has to be good.

Subtle Touches As always, Straczynski has a deliberate story-telling approach with his pacing and dialogue. This issue reminded me a lot of his Thor stuff in that way.

Can He Keep It Going The first issue of this arc was good, and I know its naive to think all the issues will run the same way, but it just makes me wonder if even Straczynski can keep the interest up for an entire year on this walkabout talking about social issues.

And Another Thing Does the book lose some of its luster when dealing with truly real world issues that comic characters can not impact? Just something to think about it.

Quote of the Issue Some typical Philly dude complains to Superman (of course) that maybe he should be using his time to actually be a hero, which Supes replies with a Thoreau quote about being in a box. Awesome stuff.

Avengers Academy #2 Christos Gage (w), Mike McKone (a)

Get To Know the Newest Avengers I liked this issue’s approach, from the point-of-view of one of the new characters. We get to know what they are thinking and where do they go from the revelation that the Avengers are actually worried these are the future super villains.

Finesse Interesting choice for the first solo subject, and a little scary to see how this character thinks. A lot of fun watching her try to manipulate her fellow students as well as Pym and Quicksilver. Who do you think she got to?

Missing the Dark Avengers? Well don’t, because if its possible, I think Avengers Academy might be better. It’s more subtle in its story telling and reminds me a lot of season 5 of Angel, especially the scenes where Angel and Spike would discuss the good ol’ days.

Indy of the Week “I named the dog Indiana.” There were actually a couple of really good independent titles out this week, but the one I really enjoyed was Image Comics Sweets #1. Kody Chamberlain writes and draws this “New Orleans Crime Story” with gritty realism. If you like a good mystery or noir thriller, this one should be on your pick up list this week.

Guilty Pleasures The other two indie titles that I really enjoyed this week were Mystery Society #2 and Frenemy of the State #2. Both issues did an excellent job expanding on their first issues, and left me wanting more. Getting to Know You The first issue of Mystery Society jumped right into the action, issue two puts the pieces together while getting to know the team. Meanwhile Quincy Jones’ daughter Rashida Jones shows us just how easy it is to become a CIA operative in Frenemy of the State.

Oh Maxwell, My Maxwell Turns out Max Lord had a plan (doesn’t he always?) which consisted of reuniting the old JLI. Scratch that one off the list. Judd Winick does a really nice job of updating Booster Gold’s back story and tying it into what has probably been the best book to come out of Brightest Day – Justice League Generation Lost.

This is the End Of Second Coming that is. Second Coming #2 is the final chapter in what has been a fun ride from start to finish. The battle is over, and has been won. Now we get to see the aftermath. The issue was broken into four parts, with a different creative on each. Usually that means disjointed story telling. Not this time. And wait until the last two pages, talk about revelations.

Astonishing X-Men: Gifted TP

Collects Astonishing X-Men #1-6

Writer Joss Whedon

Artist John Cassaday

What’s It About Cyclops and Emma Frost decide to get the gang back together. But someone else decided to create a “mutant cure” – WTF! So things obviously get a little interesting right off the bat.

Inspiration Some of the plot for X-Men 3: The Last Stand was ripped right out of the pages of this book.

Bargain Book That’s right, Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men volume 1 is a $10.00 bargain book for a limited time at Brave New Worlds. If you do not have this in your collection yet, what are you waiting for?

Flashbacks Love the way Whedon and Cassaday use flashbacks for Kitty’s return to the mansion. Also love how they pull images from previous issues, like vintage Paul Smith from the 1980s. Not sure, but I think this was the moment I fell in love with this series.

Mind Games Just because Emma Frost is an X-Man now, doesn’t mean she will be playing nice. During the first issue introductions of the new team to the Xavier’s School for Gifted you-know-whats, Emma decides to simulate a Sentinel attack to show everyone what they are up against, fun!

Score to Settle Logan is still smarting over Jean Grey’s second death in New X-Men. Scott not so much since he started shacking up with Emma Frost. Guess who has issues over this? Even better, guess who gets to read about those issues?

It’s All About the Tights Grant Morrison and the movies introduced the leather-clad X-Men. Whedon brought back the tights, or as Beast said “Am I the only one dying to see the outfits.”

Classic Whedon Characters Whedon has a way with writing characters and he brings those qualities with his interpretation of the X-Men. Funny thing is, it feels natural for the characters to make these comments, making them even more – human – than before. Spock would be proud.

Sublime Pictures Cassaday’s pictures are awesome. Never bombastic, but perfect for each panel, expression, scene. Don’t believe me, look at it yourself and decide.

Guest Stars How about some Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.

Loved It, Loved It, LOVED IT! This is the book that made me believe in the X-Men again. It was a tough go for awhile, especially for one raised on the glory days of the book under Claremont and Byrne to start. Whedon and Cassady recaptured that magic. My only disappointments were how long it took to get issues out (at least it ended before Planetary) and that it lasted only 25 issues.

Scarlet #1 Brian Michael Bendis (w), Alex Maleev (a)

Not Your Father’s Funny Book Wow is all I can say. Bendis has gone and done it again. Hands down, my pick of the week in a week where there was a lot of good stuff Yo. Bendis knocks down the fourth wall with this one, shaking up the narrative and making readers take notice.

Just Another Hot Girl With Guns And what is your point? Actually, this is a hot girl with guns with a mission and attitude, a deadly combination even in the funny books.

Gritty Story Telling Maleev’s art is a perfect compliment for this book. It’s down and dirty, and real. Some great points-of-view as we get to know its lead character.

Quote of the Book This was another episode of f@$%ing pothead bicycle thief theatre. Welcome to Portland, Oregon, by the way. The actual passage was not censored mind you.

X-Force #28 Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost (w), Mike Choi (a)

Chapter 13 Oh, man. I so did not see that coming. I probably should have, but I did not. The solicits promise another sacrifice and this issue did not disappoint.

Revelations A lot of people are going to say they saw this coming. I have been fighting it since the beginning and still am going to fight it until final confirmation, which looked to happen in this issue. Interesting …

Threat Neutralized? Well there is just one chapter left to tell. Can this truly be the end of the story this week? Maybe I should just stop asking questions and strap in for the final ride. Second Coming has been a non-stop adrenaline ride since the beginning and shows no signs of slowing down in this penultimate issue.

Namesake It does appear that Hope is the Second Coming. Can not wait until next issue, and in the end, isn’t that how you want to tell a story, leave them wanting more?

Amazing Spider-Man #236 Joe Kelly, Zeb Wells (w), Marco Checchetto, Michael Lark, Stefano Gaudiano (a)

He’s Back Yes, Kraven the Hunter makes his glorious return this issue, and was so worth the delay. The Spider’s dead (WTF?!?) and all is well in the world of Kravinoff, or is it?

Cats and Dogs Living Together Well not yet, but maybe soon as Sasha Kravinoff has committed an a front to nature by bring Sergei back. See, just because the bad guys win, it does not mean they win.

Reveal of the Issue Well you know, the Spider is dead, or is he?

Great Line Ana explains she did what she was taught when she stabbed Sergei. He told her to never apologize … good girl. Awesome stuff. Just wait until you see why this transpired.

Keep Reading Don’t forget to check out the back up story by DeMatteis, Rios and Fiumara, which takes on even more weight after the main issue.

Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four #1 Christos Gage (w), Mario Alberti (a)

Jockularity Every week there needs to be at least one comic that brings the fun out, this week it was this issue. If you read Gage and Alberti’s previous Spidey mini-series (with the X-Men, collected and on sale now at Brave New Worlds) then you have a slight idea of what is in store.

Thunderbolts and Doom That’s right, this issue has General Thunderbolt Ross and Victor Von Doom, on American soil soliciting the FF’s help. Of course you can only guess how this goes.

But Wait, There’s More If Ross, Doom the FF and Spidey were not enough, how about throwing some Sub-Mariner action in as well.

Still Need Convincing How about time travel that probably links the four issues together like the Sinister plot weaved through Spider and the X-Men.

A Different Look Alberti, who has pencilled a couple of Amazing issues as well, has a real interesting, detailed style that I just love seeing in this book. He really knows how to draw Spidey at all his glorious angles and his full splash battle pages are breathtaking.

X-Men #1 Victor Gischler (w), Paco Medina, Juan Vlasco (a)

So It Begins After last week’s tease with the Death of Dracula (first prints still available at Brave New Worlds), the Curse of the Mutants begins here. It’s another slow build, which is actually refreshing after the speed at which X-Men stories have been told over the past few years.

New Voice Gischler’s narrative makes me think he has been writing the X-Men for years, even though this is his first issue with Marvel’s first team of mutants.

A Mystery If you read the solicits, seen the ads or read the Death of Dracula, you saw this issue coming, but not really and that is one of the great things about this issue.

The Death of Dracula Victor Gischler (w); Giuseppe Camuncoli, Onofrio Catacchio (a)

Political Intrigue Gischler pens a sublime tale from one of Drac’s offspring’s, Janus, point-of-view. The result is true mastery that could have easily played out in a court room or the Senate. Instead it has to do with Vampires. Story is complete with power plays, betrayals (‘natch) and more.

Who Knew? That there could be so many different Vampire sects (as Gischler writes them). And they each play a specific role in the issue, and the coming assault on the Marvel Universe which will hit the X-Men first, and apparently hardest.

I am Sucker Pun intended. Camuncoli’s pencils are once again superb. Not sure if you remember his earlier work on Dark Wolverine during the Dark Reign, but he has move onto to 40-pages of bliss. Not sure what it is, but I just love what he does on the page.

Zombie Story All Over Again While it does seem like the Vampire stories are being played to death in movies and TV, the phenomenon is just now taking a hold of mainstream comics. Leave it to Marvel to take advantage of the way. And this story promises to be just as interesting as any of the other bloodsucker tales, if not more.

Didn’t Spike Own That? So why now you might be asking of the “supposed” death of Dracula. Well, Drac’s other son Xarus, has gone and embraced science and technology – that never ends well.

More to Come Thankfully, this one-shot is just the tip of the iceberg for this story, which will be unfolding in the pages of X-Men (and possibly other titles) in the month’s to come.

Pick of the Week This was one of the last books I read this week, but left me dehydrated like a thirsty man walking across the dessert in the middle of a heat wave, that never ends. It’s that good.

Action Comics #890 Paul Cornell (w), Pete Woods (a)

Norman Osborn Has Returned Sort of, as Lex Luthor now stars in Action Comics. I am surprised it took DC this long to give old chrome dome his own book, but it appears worth the wait.

All Is Not As It Seems If you have been reading any DC Comics over the last few weeks, then you have seen the previews of this issue and the one thing that really stuck with me was Lex’s dinner companion. Could it really be her?

Waiting for the Right Time It’s interesting that this is the time they decide to focus on Lex. He’s always been a polarizing character, but now he is bordering on obsessive, which should make for an even more fun read – even if it makes him appear a little too much like Norman Osborn.

While the Mouse is Away Cornell does a nice job of updating a certain “overgrown boyscout’s” whereabouts during his current quest. It is also fun to see how he keeps tabs on other powers in and about Metropolis, while he attempts his latest foray into Lexness.

Reminiscing On page 10, Lex harkens back to the glory days of his being an Orange Lantern, with all his new buddies. It’s interesting to see how he remembers the time, with his arm conveniently around a certain someone. Check it out.

Batman Beyond #1 Adam Beechen (w), Ryan Benjamin, John Stanisci (a)

The Future’s So Bright … Terry McGinnis is back. And so is Bruce Wayne, Ace and the Wall. So buckle in kiddies and enjoy the ride.

… I Gotta Wear Shades The book opens with some familiar foes from the animated days – Spellbinder, Inque, the Jokerz, which is a nice reminder of the new Gotham we now live in.

New History Beechen does a terrific job of making the book accessible to those who do not know of the animated series by having the first story all about some of Bat’s old foes. Mad Hatter and Two Face are referenced as it appears someone is taking out his old rogue’s. And why is this a bad thing?

Some Perspective Benjamin does a nice job with the storytelling, giving the readers a nice view of just how cavernous Neo-Gotham is with some excellent points-of-view of battle and Batman in flying action. Not always an easy thing to do on such small panels.

Larger World Early in the issue, the current JLA makes a pitch for McGinnis membership, which I thought was a nice touch to show how the world outside this new Gotham is moving on. It’s something the Superman/Batman annual from a few weeks back also did nicely.

Wonder Woman #600 Gail Simone, Geoff Johns, Amanda Connor, J. Michael Straczynski (w), George Perez, Amanda Connor, Don Kramer (a)

Another Day Another milestone issue at DC Comics as this time it was Wonder Woman’s turn to shine, and shine I think she does. Each one of the anniversary edition’s had its own voice. I think this one came in second for me overall, behind Batman #700 and ahead of Superman #700.

Wrap It Up Simone does a nice job closing the chapter on Perez’s awesome run from the 1980s, bringing us up-to-date on the current whereabouts of the important characters in that run. It also starts off rather nicely with a girl-power super moment of some characters you might be surprised at.

Aw Yeah! Linda Carter writes a very nice introduction for the issue, and echoes some very important aspects of the character that we may forget from time to time. Straczynski closes out the issue with his own letter to fans explaining his thoughts on the character up until now, and where he is looking to go with her.

Speaking of Which Wait until you read his addition to the Wonder Woman lore. I am definitely interested to see where this is going. And while I may be a bit confused as to exactly what is what, I am looking forward to the ride from the writer that made me care about Thor.

Some Fun Connor actually writes and draws a section with Power Girl (of course). Like many I was disappointed to see Power Girl end because it was one of the “fun” books out there. Connor brings that sense of whimsy to her part of the book, and grounds the character in a way that has escaped many.

New Era And then there is the Straczynski-Kramer joint. I am definitely intrigued. I am sure it’s going to shock a lot of people, but I think it’s a daring direction to go and if you take the time to read his afterword, you will understand a little better what he is trying accomplish. One thing’s for certain, this ain’t your grandmother’s Wonder Woman anymore.

GUILTY PLEASURES OF THE WEEK Three issues in and I continue to enjoy Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul’s The Flash. I’ve never been a big fan of the Flash (oh he can run fast), but I have always liked Barry Allen and love the interplay Johns and Manapul portray with he and Iris. Plus, the current story is a mystery to itself tying directly into Brightest Day.

Space, the Final Frontier If I have said this once, I have said this a thousand times, IDW’s Star Trek mini’s are awesome. The new series which starts today, Star Trek: Burden of Knowledge, features the TOS crew during the original mission and Scott and David Tipton just have all the character voices down pat. And Francesca Manfredi’s pencils should make David Messina jealous, as they are very authentic and on the mark for likeness.

Immortal Iron Fist: The Last Iron Fist Story TP

Collects Immortal Iron Fist #1-6

Writers Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction

Artists David Aja, Travel Foreman, Derek Fridolfs, Russ Heath, John Severin, Sal Buscema, Tom Palmer

What’s It About Lots actually as someone is plotting to take out Danny Rand and steal his power. Meanwhile, we get to see the Iron Fist’s through the ages, including one who returns and becomes a player. And if that is not enough, Rand is summoned back to K’un-Lun.

Creative Team Skinny Brubaker and Fraction is collaborative dream come true while Aja’s pencils give the story a gritty style that makes the pages lived in.

Cameos How about some Luke Cage, Misty Knight, Colleen Wing, Daredevil and the Night Nurse.

History Lesson We get to learn about how the Rand family has always been tied to the Iron Fist, and not simply due to fate.

Go To Villains It’s not like they are Ninjas or Russians, but Hydra generally serves the same purpose in the Marvel Universe. Have to love us some Hydra. Hail Hydra.

Christopher Nolan a Fan? Early in issue one there is a scene in the Rand boardroom that reminds me of one in the Dark Knight film. Hmmmm?

Another Movie Inspiration Hydra has a giant mechanical spider to attack Iron Fist. Reminded me of the giant mechanical monstrosity from the monstrosity of a film Wild Wild West.

Have to Keep Up and Pay Attention As the action moves back and forth through time and locations. I love stories like this, the ones that pull you in before you realize that you hooked.

Chicks with Swords Because there is nothing cooler as the climatic battle has just these participants waging war. You will have to read however to find out who and why.

Best Cover It’s a toss-up between the two used for the collection – Aja’s number 1 or 6 , both excellent choices.

Final Word Danny Rand makes his return to the Marvel Universe. Terrific story-telling and not a typical “capes” book that regular and casual readers alike should enjoy.

Brave New Worlds Stock Both stores have the trade paperback in stock for just $10.00 (while supplies last).

The Saga Continues Unfortunately the Powers That Be over at Marvel cancelled Iron Fist about a year ago, but not due to the excellent storytelling that was Brubaker, Fraction and Duane Swierczynski. We have all five trades plus the Immortal Weapons finale in stock. As an added bonus, the first three volumes have been collected in a giant-size omnibus – which is also in stock.

You never heard of the Millennium Falcon?

Thunderbolts #145 Jeff Parker (w), Kev Walker (a)

When Last We Saw Our Heroes Baron Zemo returned at the end of issue one, knocked Luke Cage on his ass and told his former Thunderbolts that he was back in charge.

What Did You Expect To Happen? I like how this issue begins with some of the Thunderbolts deciding to bolt (pun intended) when Cage is incapacitated, makes sense that if they have a shot at true freedom they are going to take it.

Welcome Back U.S. Agent John Walker makes his triumphant return to comics in this issue, joining team Thunderbolts, but in an unexpected new role.

Just Standing Around … What did you think Man-Thing was going to do, fight? Of course the squad’s first real true test has him doing exactly that.

And About That Fight If the Juggernaut and family can’t take down a bunch of Asgardian trolls, this team is going to be in real trouble. Still, it’s fun watching them get their butts kicked ala Captain Archer in Enterprise.

Leaves Me Wanting More The fight with the trolls was interesting, and there is this moment at the end when Ghost gets cut, and he is all intangible so I’m like “how did that happen.” Wait until you see who cut him, and end scene – argh!

These 2 comics are screaming at me to read them! I’m not really sure what language it is in but it sounds kinda like this… Hit the jump to see what books I will be reading first…

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Catwoman #21 (Volume 3, September 2003) Ed Brubaker (w), Cameron Stewart (a)

Brave and Bold Team-Up Not quite since this issue pairs Gotham’s own Catwoman with Keystone’s Captain Cold.

Things to Come The opening splash page teased how much fun the issue had in store for readers with Catwoman and Cold running down subway tracks in front of an explosion.

This is Not Your Usual Noir Story Brubaker’s character of Slam is mentioned s Selina is attempting to track someone down off a lead that he provided.

Tourist Attractions While Selina plans her heist with Cold (its a long story, so read it already), Holly visits the sites of Keystone, including the Flash museum.

Classic Caper Brubaker litters his narrative explaining the heist while it occurs. Tip to the hat of all the old classics.

Not So Fast Although the story takes place in Keystone, there are no appearances by you know who, although Jay’s helmet is a pivotal maguffin to the story.

Last Panel Reveal While the story has to do with a Gotham and Keystone City resident, someone from Metropolis makes a guest appearance at the end – Lex Luthor, and now I have to find issue #22.

Notable Issue Upon its release, Wizard Magazine tagged this as their “Book of the Month.”