The Amazing Spider-Man: Ends of the Earth
The spring/summer "event" in the pages of Spider-Man was a big difference from last year's event, Spider Island. Not only was EotE more confined (it only had two tie in books, a one-shot and the epilogue in Avenging Spider-Man), but it pitted Spidey up against a more global and dangerous threat, this time the devious Doc Ock. I kept on reading that people didn't enjoy this as much as they did Spider Island, but I really couldn't see that. Yes, it is true that out of the two, I enjoyed Spider Island a little more, but I didn't think it was as big a gap between the two as others did. I enjoyed the high stakes in this arc, especially when it was Spidey himself who knew that Ock was lying. Also, I really liked the new suit developed for the story, designed by Stefano Caselli. Sadly, this was Stefano's last arc on Amazing, as he has since been called up to work on Avengers Assemble, which is fully deserved, as he is an amazing talent. Thankfully, Amazing still has Humberto Ramos and Giuseppe Camuncoli, with a third artist more than likely being brought on after #700 (PLEASE, let it be Ryan Stegman). Story-wise, I believe that it was a good story. I had a few nitpickings about it, but besides those I really enjoyed the story.
Grade: A-
The Amazing Spider-Man: No Turning Back
The story immediately following Ends of the Earth and also the tie in to the new Spider-Man movie, this arc was a very dark one. I definitely enjoyed the first issue, as it gave us present time along with giving us flashbacks to hours before, eventually causing the two stories to meet up. I loved the idea to put the Lizard in control of Conners' body, as it was a fresh take on the old story of Conners in the Lizard's body. I do wish that Morbius had a little bit of a larger role besides secondary villain in the arc, but that isn't too much of a big deal. I also enjoyed the scenes with the Lizard and Uatu. It was interesting seeing the Lizard finally starting remorse for his killings as he saw Billy and eventually others that he has killed, including Conners himself. The twist at the end, having Conners mind back but in the Lizard's body, was also an interesting move, especially seeing as it has been hinted that we will see the Lizard again soon. Oh, and then there was the Hobgoblin reveal at the end of the issue, something that took me by surprise yet at the same time I kinda expected something like that occuring. The art by Giuseppe Camuncoli was breath taking, as I am really warming up to his artwork. I cannot wait for the Danger Zone arc, his next work on the title.
Grade: B+
The Amazing Spider-Man: 50th Anniversary Special
The on going arc right now, dealing with Spidey's new sidekick Alpha, got kicked off with the special 50th anniversary issue. My, oh my, was it a good issue, as Humberto Ramos returned to the book for the first time since the Ends of the Earth chapters he did. The main story dealt with a kid, Andy Maguire, getting powers in an accident not unlike Mr. Parker's. After coming to terms with the fact that he caused them, Spidey, after consulting with some of Marvel's resident geniuses, decides to be a mentor to the snot noised brat. This arc has yet to be concluded, so I can't give my full opinion on it yet, but I am loving it so far. There were three separate stories in issue #692, and all of them were astounding. However, my favorite one might just be the Fialkov and Plati "Just Right" story, as it shows just how relatable Peter Parker really is. I can't wait to see how this whole Alpha situation sorts out. Knowing the Parker luck, no matter what happens, it's going to lead to something worse for Peter.
Grade: A (so far)
Ultimate Spider-Man
The adventures of Miles Morales continue and they are getting really good. The young hero has been through a lot in his short time as Spider-Man, as his Uncle Aaron, the Prowler, died during one of their fights, making Miles feel guilty about it. Then, right after that, the world goes crazy. Miles finally gets his web shooters and has some pretty funny experiences with them so far. Not only that, but Miles asks to join the Ultimates. Also, somewhere in there, Spider-Men occurs (though no one really knows where) and that was incredible, especially the interaction between Peter and Miles (duh) and Peter and Gwen. David Marquez is one hell of an artist. He draws an amazing Spider-Man, but my favorite character that he draws is MJ. I love the way that she looks now and I definitely want to see more of her. The book that got me into comics years ago continues to impress and I'm really excited to see where the series goes from here, especially seeing that the return of Sara Pichelli and Venom are on the horizon.
Grade: A
Venom: The Savage Six
Rick Remender's last story on the title wraps up almost all the loose ends set in motion during his run. Not only does he wrap them up nicely, but he also passes the torch to new writer Cullen Bunn. Personally, I really enjoyed Flash's version of the Sinister Six, even though some of the villains used had more of a connection to Remender than to Flash himself. Though I wished they would have done more with the new Toxin, I do see him coming back down the line. I was introduced to the villain Megatak and I really liked him, as he was probably my favorite villain in the arc. Also, I liked in the lead up to the arc that it was hinted at a possible relationship between Flash and Valkyrie. I really enjoyed the art by Kev Walker and Lan Medina, especially with the detail for the new Toxin. There were only two things that I didn't like. One of them would be Flash's behavior towards the Human Fly. Yes, he had to get info out of him, but did it really mean ripping off his wings, right in front of his (Flash's) mom? I just felt that that scene was a little unnecessary. The other scene I didn't really like was the reveal of who Crime Master was. I understand why it had to be him, but I just felt like it was too expected. However, even with those two little problems, I thoroughly enjoyed this arc and it was a great send of for Rick Remender.
Grade: B+
Captain Marvel
The moment that this title was announced, I knew that I was going to love it. Boy, did I call that one correctly. I've always been a fan of Miss Marvel, though I never got any issues of her solo run. I was first introduced to her in the pages of New Avengers and really discovered my love for her during the Spider-Man: Siege one-shot. So, once I heard about this new title, I knew I had to get it. Written by Kelly Sue Deconnick, Captain Marvel is a great book about a great female lead. I will admit, I tend to stay away from female-led books because they tend to only last a couple of arcs before being cancelled. However, Captain Marvel is going to be one of those exceptions. Not only is the book written superbly, but the art by new artist Dexter Soy is astounding. I cannot be happier for trying out this book and I plan on following it for the long run.
Grade: A
Daredevil
Arguably the best book on the stands right now, Daredevil is the book that every seems to be loving, for good reasons. Written by Mark Waid, this title has risen from the ashes that was Shadowland, which dismantled Daredevil and caused him to leave New York. Not only has the title been written on an A+ level, but the book has been drawn by the best in the business. Initially, the book had personal favorite's Paolo Rivera and Marcos Martin. Soon after, both artists would leave the book but in return, the new main artist on the book is Chris Samnee. When Chris was announced as the new ongoing artist, I was a little weary because I wasn't a huge fan of his based off his work on Ultimate Spider-Man. But he has quickly sky-rocketed towards the top of my favorite artist list. Story-wise, I'm loving what Mark is doing with the book. He is making Matt seem like he's losing his mind, yet the reader knows that someone is behind it. Though I'm not the biggest fan of the schism between Matt and Foggy, I'm loving this title so much.
Grade: A+
Batman: The Night of Owls
The finale of the year long Owl's arc in Batman, this arc was great. Team Batman has been knocking this book out of the park. This was the first DC book I've bought and it was like a gateway drug for me. I now buy Batman, Justice League, and will start buying Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Superman. However, this post is about Batman. Dealing with a secret society of killers, Bats takes on the Court of Owls head on, taking them on not only in the Bat Cave, but also hunting them down in their own homes. Bats then faces off against Owlman, who turns out to be Lincoln March, claiming to be Bruce's younger brother who was given up to adoption when he was born. Though Bruce denies it in the end, the initial shock of that claim was strong enough to make the reader think, realizing that this was the reason March and Bruce were drawn very similarly. Team Batman killed this arc and I believe they are the reason why I have rediscovered my love for Batman. I literally cannot wait for the Joker's return in "Death of the Family". I have not felt this excited for an arc of any comic more than I have this one. And I know that Team Batman will not disappoint.
Grade: A
Justice League: The Villain's Journey
Jim Lee returns to Justice League for possibly the last time in the arc "The Villain's Journey". In an odd twist of fate, the author who wrote the book about them, Graves, is terminally ill and decides to take means into his own hands, going and getting some kind of twisted powers. In the beginning, the League are split up, with Green Lantern, Flash, and Wonder Woman taking on Weapons Master in Keystone City while Batman, Superman, and Cyborg take on the Key and a riot in Arkham Asylum. Both villains admit to be helping Graves, surprising the League. After regrouping and realizing that other villains are being involved, Graves arrives and attacks the League. Graves reveals that he kidnapped Steve, which sets Wonder Woman off. Graves uses his powers to hurt them, using their loved ones for the pain. Eventually, Wonder Woman goes to blows with Green Lantern and, by extent, Superman. The League eventually discover where Graves got his powers and go there to stop him. Eventually, with the help of a still alive Steve, the League defeat Graves, who is sent to Belle Reeve. Back in Watchtower, Green Lantern quits the League with Flash possibly following, Aquaman challenges Batman for the role of leader of the League, and, elsewhere, Superman and Wonder Woman make out. Overall, I really enjoyed this arc, as it introduced a new villain to the Justice League's rogue gallery. I really enjoyed Jim Lee's art on this arc and I'm really going to miss him on this title, though I am hoping that the rumors of him and Scott Snyder on a Superman title are true. The only thing that I wasn't so hot for was the hookup between Supes and Wonder Woman. Though I have no problem with them dating, I will always be a Batman/Wonder Woman shipper, but that's just me being me. Overall, this was a really fun arc and I cannot wait for the next year in Justice League stories.
Grade: A-
The obvious missing entry on this review post is Avengers Vs. X-Men. The reason behind this is because I'm going to review the entire series when the finale comes out next month (plus it gives me a chance to reread them again). Now, I am happy to talk about my next project that I'm going to do. I am going to be tackling the 30 Days Comic Book Challenge, right here on the Random Blog as well as on the Random Blog twitter feed. For most of the days, I will be writing a blog post on the subject, though some days, it will just be a Twitter update, as I cannot write much about the topic or it is just a picture. This is going to be an interesting little project for me, as it will get me blogging more. During the challenge, I will be doing reviews, with more TV shows being brought into the mix. Also, there is a chance that I will be writing Avenger here. What is Avenger, you might ask? Well, it is a potential comic book that I am plotting. Though it is in a very early stage (just the plots), I will possibly be posting the stories here, having the breaks where the issues would end. Avenger is something that I would love to get published one day, but I'm not sure if I ever will get the chance to have that happen, which is why I want to maybe post it here.
Alright, thanks for reading this massive blog post. I'm going to have a review post on Wednesday and then, a day or two later, the Challenge begins. Comment or leave a Tweet if you like. I don't care either way.
Have a nice day!
