Comic Book Review: Age of Apocalypse #3

When I looked at AoA #1, it sunk in I hadn't read a good X-Men series since Schism. Luckily then, that David Laphram and Roberto De La Torre have done a brilliant job with this alternate universe. However, now 3-issues in, how is AoA holding up?



Age of Apocalypse is a dark series. Like, brutal. You'd think after all the violence from #1 and #2, that there would be some form of silver lining. Alas, things are actually looking worse for the heroes. The future looks bleak, Sugar Man successfully revives Alex Summers and others to do Omegas’ bidding and Prophet finds the where-abouts of the secret lab where they are making these resurrections *SPOILER ALERT* where it's revealed that Harper Simmons, our narrator, just so happens to be Dr. Bruce Banner.

At times, it seems like Lapham is writing himself into a corner. How can the heroes really hope to overcome the odds? It just doesn't seem like there is a way for them to win. But that's the beauty of the AoA; this thing doesn't have to have a happy ending.

Roberto De La Torre shows he's a true pro with his ink, allowing the brutality of the world infect every panel. Plus, for a book that is rated 12+, things sure do get bloody. Throat slitting, bullets through brains, Del La Torre draws all it in a glorious, bloody fashion.

If you're not caught up with the Age of Apocalypse, I suggest you grab yourself the first three issues:

#1

#2

#3

Series: Age of Apocalypse

Company: Marvel

Genre: Superhero Comic

Available: Now

The New Ultimate Spider-Man Unmasked

It's pretty obvious, but this article CONTAINS SPOILERS.

Not very long ago, Ultimate Peter Parker was killed in spectacular fashion. The Ultimate Spider-Man we've loved and followed for the past ten years sacrificed himself to protect those he loved in a fight with the Green Goblin.



We've known for some time that someone would be taking up the mantle, and now -- that moment is here:

Enter Miles Morales, a half-black, half-hispanic teenager that will be replacing Peter Parker as the Ultimate Universe's Spider-Man.




Writer Brian Michael Bendis told USA Today, "The theme is the same: With great power comes great responsibility. He's going to learn that. Then he has to figure out what that means."

He continued, "It's certainly long overdue. Even though there's some amazing African-American and minority characters bouncing around in all the superhero universes, it's still crazy lopsided."

Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso added, "What you have is a Spider-Man for the 21st century who's reflective of our culture and diversity. We think that readers will fall in love with Miles Morales the same way they fell in love with Peter Parker."

And finally Ultimate Comics Spider-Man artist Sara Pichelli said, "Maybe sooner or later a black or gay — or both — hero will be considered something absolutely normal."



The connection Miles has to Peter will be revealed when the new Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 launches in September.

Source: Marvel

Comic Book Review: Detective Comics #880

First and foremost, the cover is amazing. Jock has done a fantastic job, of creating possibly the best cover of the year.  Detective Comics #880 is another brilliant effort from writer Scott Snyder and artist Jock, bringing home one of the finest story Arc's I've read in a long time.

Company: DC

Genre: Superhero Comic

Release: July 2011

Starting with a narration from Gordon, proselytizing about Gotham City's true architect being everyone's favourite, Joker.


With the Joker escaped from Arkham, he makes his move for the Gordons while the Bat-team re-evaluate the threat and learn about their own relationship to Gotham City. Now, before you moan, yes, the Joker has escaped from Arkham countless times, but Snyder does a tremendous job of bringing us a different side to the Joker. Sure, he's still insane, but it's a new breed, style; whatever you want to call it, he's different. More tragically insane as opposed to psychotic. It's a neat take on a much loved character, and it shows how much though has gone into it. Like how he's given a lowercase font that separates him from the rest of the characters, almost placing him on the shelf of 'childlike'.


As you can see from the cover, artist Jock has phenomenal talent when he places his pencil to paper, and I think that's one of the reasons this has been such a tremendous run -- it looks so good. Sure, it's impressively written, and an excellent story,  but the looks draw you in, make you want to read it. 


Snyder's Joker is so disturbingly beautiful in his portrayal, but no matter how deranged, he is still shown to be incredibly clever, and in his demented way; borderline genius. There are parts where Snyder uses the Joker to  play up the mind of not only the Dark Knight himself, but even the reader, sending each spiralling down a confused and chaotic path.


There's not much left on the run, and I can honestly say, that this has been one hell of a ride, and when it is over, it will go down with the likes of 'Year One' as one of the greatest of all time, and I hope that Snyder and Jock will be on hand to return.

4.5 - (Outstanding)
How Do We Score?

Comic Book Review: The Amazing Spider-Man #666

With issue #666, the arrival on Spider-Island is finally here (well, sort of). The citizens of New York – including Peter's girlfriend Carlie – suddenly begin to spawn superhuman powers.


While writer Dan Slott brings a fair amount of intrigue regarding Jackal's plan and how Peter Parker himself plays into it all, ultimately, although the 'how and why' is still up in the air.
And even still, these parts don't actually come to light till towards the end of the issue, with Slott allowing Parker to be, well, Parker.

Company: Marvel

Genre: Superhero Comic

Release: July 2011

It's all very classic Spider-Man, with all the quirks and banter you've known over the years, and Slott even goes as far as making Peter late for a date due to his Spidey duties.
It's a story very wrapped up in classic Spider-Man, whilst putting a marker on Peter trying to be the best he can be.


He's everywhere, making sure he doesn't miss a single crime, he's been spreading himself out over the city that needs him. And it almost appears as though he doesn't realise what's unraveling before his eyes.


One of my favourite moments of the issue though, is when Spidey joins the Avengers for a game of poker. Red Hulk, Thing, Hawkeye, Iron Fist, Wolverine, Ms. Marvel and Spider-Woman sit around in a fantastical surreal, yet at the same time, strangely human moment, before  explaining to Spider-Man why he's never been invited to a game before.
Slott does a great job with Spideys' interaction with other characters, especially the scenes he shares with the Thing.


Stefano Caselli has surpassed himself with brilliant art skills, yet some panels fall short of the high details Caselli is able to do, but still, even with text heavy pages, or action sequences, it's hard to knock his work.
It may only (FINALLY) be starting, but Spider Island is shaping up to be something truly special, and I for one am ready.

3.5
How Do We Score?

Comic Book Review: Wolverine/Deadpool: The Decoy #1

Stuart Moore takes two of the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe and throws them together in an abstract, somewhat meaningless situation -- and you know what? It's a brilliant and humorous affair that works.

Company: Marvel

Genre: Superhero Comic

Release: July 2011

Let's not beat around the bush here; The Decoy is a funny comic, very well written by Moore and brilliantly drawn by Shawn Crystal, who manages to capture the flair and wit of Deadpool, whilst also doing a stella job of bringing Wolverine's scepticism of working with the Merc with a Mouth alive.

Now, this isn't the first time someone's tried to pair the two, but it's Moore's writing skills that pulls it off so well, it works. No matter what issues the pair have had in the past, in this story; they gel. 

However, no matter how much of a Wolverine fan you may be, let's get this clear -- Deadpool is the star of this one, with Wolverine taking the rational role, mealy tolerating Deadpool's idiosyncrasies, like a deadly dysfunctional double act, Deadpool steals every scene.

It's not a comic that will go down in history with the likes of 'House of M', or 'Year One', but it's a quirky little romp that will satisfy, even if for just some light reading.

3.5
How Do We Score?

------------SEMI SPOILER ALERT!!!!------------

The Following has spoilers of the comic, don't read any further if you feel it will ruin your read through of the comic for yourself!

I'd also like to share these sneak peaks from the comic, as they made my fiancée laugh:

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