Archive for the ‘Atlanteans’ Category
November 10, 2015
Ed Brubaker with Marc Andreyko // Chris Samnee
November 2011
****
The monthly flashback to WW2 continues with an Invaders mission. But what’s clever is how it doubles as Brubaker’s Bucky: Year One. The parallel is esp acute due to Samnee’s aesthetic: a post-Mazzucchelli one, like M. Lark’s but with more elan, perfect for what’s effectively an all-ages comic (shh!).
last issue: Captain America & Bucky #621
next issue: Captain America & Bucky #623
also indexed for Nov. ’11
Annihilators: Earthfall #1 of 4
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #7 of 9
Captain America #3
FF #9
Tags:Chris Samnee, Ed Brubaker, Marc Andreyko
Posted in Arnim Zola, Atlanteans, Bucky Barnes, Captain America, Human Torch (J. Hammond), Namor the Sub-Mariner, Toro | Leave a Comment »
October 4, 2015
Ed Brubaker // Steve Epting
July 2010
***
Like much of Brubaker’s Cap run, his WW2-era mini is haunted by the ’01 attacks. His cinematic finale has the H. Torch & sidekick dogfight at Pearl Harbor while the other Invaders prevent an Atlantean assassination of Churchill. A subsequent montage of super-GI mobilization is anti-climactic.
last issue: The Marvels Project #7 of 8
also indexed for Jul. ’10
Captain America #606
The Fantastic Four #579
Secret Avengers #1
The Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1 of 1
Tags:Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting
Posted in Angel (T. Halloway), Atlanteans, Bucky Barnes, Captain America, Dum Dum Dugan, Gabe Jones, Gen. Phillips, Golden Age Heroes, Happy Sam Sawyer, Howling Commandos, Human Torch (J. Hammond), John Steele, Master Man (WW2), Namor the Sub-Mariner, Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD, Pinky Pinkerton, President F. Roosevelt, Reb Ralston, Toro, Two-Gun Kid, U-Man, Winston Churchill | Leave a Comment »
October 1, 2015
Ed Brubaker // Steve Epting
May 2010
****
The Marvel U’s supersoldiers contribute intel for American readiness, helping Cap stop an Atlantean attack on DC—part of the Axis plans for Dec. 7, 1941! Tho’ it arcs over a year of action, TMP might work better collected. It’s paced like a Le Carré novel, all its threads knotted in conspiracy.
last issue: The Marvels Project #6 of 8
next issue: The Marvels Project #8 of 8
also indexed for May ’10
Captain America #604
Fantastic Four #577
Guardians of the Galaxy #24
Nova #35
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #5 of 5
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #5 of 5
Tags:Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting
Posted in Angel (T. Halloway), Atlanteans, Bucky Barnes, Captain America, Gen. Phillips, Golden Age Heroes, Happy Sam Sawyer, Human Torch (J. Hammond), John Steele, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Red Skull, Toro, U-Man, Union Jack (WW2) | Leave a Comment »
September 29, 2015
Ed Brubaker // Steve Epting
April 2010
***
Namor deluges NYC, in a catastrophe meant to echo 9/11 & organize the heroes. Epting’s in his element on a ready-for-CGI moment: a disaster-porn setpiece. But Brubaker’s heart & eye are on his new character, the WW1 supersoldier, who finds a diabolic Red Skull in league w/ a blue-skinned Atlantean!
last issue: The Marvels Project #5 of 8
next issue: The Marvels Project #7 of 8
also indexed for Apr. ’10
Captain America #603
Fantastic Four #576
Guardians of the Galaxy #23
Nova #34
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #4 of 5
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #4 of 5
Tags:Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting
Posted in Angel (T. Halloway), Captain America, Golden Age Heroes, Human Torch (J. Hammond), John Steele, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Red Skull, Toro, U-Man | Leave a Comment »
January 4, 2014
Jonathan Hickman // Nick Dragotta
December 2012
****
In a sense, Hickman’s Four was Mr. F, his dad, & the time-tossed kids. #611 bade goodbye to Reed, Nat, & Val; #23 focuses on Franklin. In this coda, he tutors his child-self in imagination, their superpower. It’s a bit sentimental, but it values creativity over intellect—in comics & in life.
last issue: FF #22
continued in The Fantastic Four #1
continued in FF #1
also indexed for Dec. ’12
The Fantastic Four #611
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta
Posted in Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Onome, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
January 2, 2014
Jonathan Hickman // André Araújo
November 2012
****
#22 varies Hickman’s wonky non-linear plotting by recounting the events of #610 from Bentley 23’s standpoint. Bentley, the Wizard’s clone-kid, confronts his “father” (tapping into the run’s father/son themes). Araújo’s superfine line is a different look for this mag, a prettier Dalrymple type of pencil.
see also The Fantastic Four #610
last issue: FF #21
next issue: FF #23
also indexed for Nov. ’12
The Fantastic Four #610
Tags:André Araújo, Jonathan Hickman
Posted in AIM, Alex Power, Bentley 23, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Onome, Spider-Man, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wizard | Leave a Comment »
December 31, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Nick Dragotta
October 2012
*****
The epitome of a Hickman FF issue, w/ smart nonlinear storytelling & epic SF political melodrama. The Kree & Inhumans broker a peace, built upon undoing a space-opera Romeo/Juliet romance! Check how Dragotta not only nails the Kirby costumes, he makes the title team’s b/w costumes look cool!
last issue: FF #20
next issue: FF #22
also indexed for Oct. ’12
The Fantastic Four #609
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta
Posted in Accuser Corps, Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Black Bolt, Centaurians, Crystal, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Gorgon, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Karnak, Kree, Kymellians, Leech, Light Brigade, Medusa, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Onome, Ronan the Accuser, Spider-Man, Supreme Intelligence, Triton, Universal Inhumans, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 29, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Nick Dragotta
September 2012
****
Dragotta shines in the SF opener, where a cityship blasts at a starcruiser. His parallel talent for aliens helps set high expectations for the next phase of Hickman’s FF run: the Inhuman invasion of Earth. In a cute touch, Val & Bentley the Wizard Clone draw a plan up to subjugate the Kree Empire.
last issue: FF #19
next issue: FF #21
also indexed for Sept. ’12
The Fantastic Four #608
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta
Posted in Accuser Corps, Alex Power, Annihilus, Badoon, Bentley 23, Black Bolt, Crystal, Dire Wraiths, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Human Torch (J. Storm), Karnak, Kree, Kymellians, Leech, Light Brigade, Lockjaw, Medusa, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Ronan the Accuser, Supreme Intelligence, Triton, Universal Inhumans, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 27, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Gabriel Hernandez Walta
August 2012
***
FF accompanies the mothership to Wakanda for a safari field trip. The kids make a friend (a Wakandan wünderkind) as they outflank an African tribe of water-thieves w/o resorting to violence. A charming, kid-friendly adventure that’s way too rare in modern Marvel, a bit like classic Power Pack.
last issue: FF #18
next issue: FF #20
also indexed for Aug. ’12
The Fantastic Four #607
Tags:Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Jonathan Hickman
Posted in Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Black Panther (Shuri), Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Onome, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wakandans | Leave a Comment »
December 26, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Guiseppe Camuncoli & Karl Kesel
August 2012
**
Last ish was post-Vernean SF; #607 (& #608) revisits the mag’s Lost Civ. Wakanda, the home of Black Panther, has been weathering raids from Harryhausen skeletons—footsoldiers in a war w/ the Egyptian God Anubis! Camuncoli’s art (cartoonlike, workmanlike) adds nothing to an ish that’s all set-up.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #606
next issue: The Fantastic Four #608
also indexed for Aug. ’12
FF #19
Tags:Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jonathan Hickman, Karl Kesel
Posted in Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Black Panther, Black Panther (Shuri), Dora Milaje, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Gods of Heliopolis, Invisible Woman, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Storm, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wakandans | Leave a Comment »
December 25, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Nick Dragotta
July 2012
*****
Less manic than last ish but equally superb, #18 sees Johnny & the kids learn a lesson in foreign politics. The malevolent bug civ from the Neg Zone requests a free election, then writes votes in for the local Kirby tyrant! You don’t expect Marvel to deliver a sly commentary on American naïvity!
last issue: FF #17
next issue: FF #19
also indexed for Jul. 12
The Fantastic Four #605.1
The Fantastic Four #606
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta
Posted in Accuser Corps, Alex Power, Annihilation Wave, Bentley 23, Black Bolt, Centaurians, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Kree, Kymellians, Lockjaw, Medusa, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Supreme Intelligence, Universal Inhumans, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 20, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Nick Dragotta & Steve Epting
May 2012
*****
If all of John H’s FF run had Nick D on art, it’d be second only to Kirby/Lee! See a heavenly moment of adult Franklin & Galactus viewing sunrise from orbit. This ish, post-grand finale, centers on Hick’s best char: supersmart toddler Val. Even her adult self mistrusts her! And in a coda, Doom.
continued from The Fantastic Four #604
last issue: FF #15
next issue: FF #17
also indexed for May ’12
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #9 of 9
The Fantastic Four #604
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta, Steve Epting
Posted in Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Captain America, Centaurians, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Galactus, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Kymellians, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Nathaniel Richards, Red Hulk, Spider-Man, Thing, Universal Inhumans, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 19, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
May 2012
*****
Hickman closes out his theme of fathers & sons, as Nat & Frank Richards save Reed from mad space-gods. Franklin, in the future, will turn cosmic & take Galactus as his sidekick! Sadly, he’s only given ’90s-style hand-zaps. Maybe #604 itself is only ****, but it’s a perfect climax to an ambitious run.
continued in FF #16
last issue: The Fantastic Four #603
next issue: The Fantastic Four #605
also indexed for May ’12
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #9 of 9
FF #16
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting
Posted in Alex Power, Badoon, Bentley 23, Captain America, Celestials, Centaurians, Council of Reeds, Crystal, Dire Wraiths, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Galactus, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Iron Man, Kristoff Vernard, Kymellians, Leech, Light Brigade, Luke Cage, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Nathaniel Richards, Ronan the Accuser, She-Hulk, Spider-Man, Thing, Universal Inhumans, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 18, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Nick Dragotta
April 2013
*****
#15 dovetails w/ #603, even ending on the same panel. The focus is Franklin, whose “imaginary” friend (a white silhouette) guides him thru a cataclysmic attack by science-gods, then reveals his ID as adult Franklin! Welcome back to Dragotta, whose talent for “acting” warms Hickman’s cerebral tone.
see also The Fantastic Four #603
continued in The Fantastic Four #604
last issue: FF #14
next issue: FF #16
also indexed for Apr ’12
The Fantastic Four #603
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta
Posted in Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Celestials, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Jack Power, Julie Power, Katie Power, Kristoff Vernard, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Moloids, Mr. Fantastic, Spider-Man, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 16, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Juan Bobillo
March 2012
*****
Thru chrono-hero Nat Richards, Hickman explains his mag’s cosmology of time. The Kree v. the Annihilation Wave, Galactus v. Celestials: all are inevitable but they can be hastened or delayed. So Dr. Doom, full of Miltonic grandeur, will hold the bridge btw dimensions alone against Kirby Titans!
see also The Fantastic Four #602
last issue: FF #13
next issue: FF #15
also indexed for Mar. ’12
The Fantastic Four #602
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Juan Bobillo
Posted in Alex Power, Bentley 23, Celestials, Council of Reeds, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Kristoff Vernard, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Nathaniel Richards, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 14, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Juan Bobillo
February 2012
*****
A pack of kids, incl. reality-shaper Franklin, face Kirby Gods on an interdimensional space-bridge! But the prime mover is Nat Richards, planning contingencies for potential futures in a Kirbytech harness. Bobillo’s art = elaborate cartooning, yet it has the cosmic grandeur that the tale demands.
see also The Fantastic Four #601
last issue: FF #12
next issue: FF #14
also indexed for Feb. ’12
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #8 of 9
The Fantastic Four #601
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Juan Bobillo
Posted in Alex Power, Bentley 23, Celestials, Council of Reeds, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Kristoff Vernard, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Nathaniel Richards, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 12, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Juan Bobillo
January 2012
****
Hickman’s run goes biweekly; F4 follows the original Four while FF features the Richards children & pals. Val, a delightful schemer, teleports the team’s HQ to Latveria, where she & Grandpa Nat ally w/ Doom & the evil alt-Reed. Bobillo’s art is rough & scratchy but big eyes add a cute feel.
continued from The Fantastic Four #600
last issue: FF #11
next issue: FF #13
also indexed for Jan. ’12
The Fantastic Four #600
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Juan Bobillo
Posted in Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Council of Reeds, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Kristoff Vernard, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Nathaniel Richards, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
December 11, 2013
A-story: Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
B-story: Jonathan Hickman // Carmine Di Giandomenico
C-story: Jonathan Hickman // Ming Doyle
D-story: Jonathan Hickman // Leinil Yu
E-story: Jonathan Hickman // Farel Dalrymple
January 2012
A-story: **** // B-story: ***** // C-story: *****
D-story: **** // E-story: *****
A king-size #600. The A-story picks up the threads of FF, pitting every NYC superhero against a pair of alien invasions; a surprise twist has the late Johnny Storm break the Annihilation Wave! Then Hickman shows that Torch did die in #587, only to be resurrected in a gladiator scenario. That piece has a Euro look that meshes w/ the bug-‘verse setting; like all the back-up pencilers, it puts Epting to shame. Much of the art is “ugly” yet lovely, accentuating how creative JH’s whole run is.
continued from FF #11
continued in FF #12
next issue: The Fantastic Four #601
also indexed for Jan’ 12
FF #12
Tags:Carmine Di Giandomenico, Farel Dalrymple, Jonathan Hickman, Leinel Yu, Ming Doyle, Steve Epting
Posted in Accuser Corps, Alex Power, Alicia Masters, Annihilation Wave, Annihilus, Araña, Artie Maddicks, Badoon, Bentley 23, Black Bolt, Black Panther, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Centaurians, Council of Reeds, Crystal, Daredevil, Dire Wraiths, Dr. Doom, Dr. Hank Pym, Dr. Strange, Dragon Man, Emma Frost, Firestar, Franklin Richards, Galactus, Gorgon, Hawkeye (C. Barton), Human Torch (J. Storm), Inhumans, Invisible Woman, Iron Fist, Iron Man, Karnak, Kitty Pryde, Kree, Kree Sentries, Kristoff Vernard, Kymellians, Leech, Light Brigade, Lockjaw, Luke Cage, Marvel Boy (Noh-Varr), Medusa, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Nathaniel Richards, Red Hulk, Ronan the Accuser, She-Hulk, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman (J. Drew), Storm, Supreme Intelligence, Thing, Tigra, Triton, Universal Inhumans, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wolverine | Leave a Comment »
December 10, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Barry Kitson
late December 2011
****
Two alt-Reeds serve as biomass for a rebooted Kree Intelligence, who mounts an invasion of Earth—concurrent w/ an incursion from the Negative Zone! Luckily, the real Mr F calls his pals, incl. the Avengers, to prep for battle. Kitson only pencils breakdowns; the loose art keeps #11 from *****.
continued in The Fantastic Four #600
last issue: FF #10
next issue: FF #12
also indexed for Dec. ’11
FF #10
Tags:Barry Kitson, Jonathan Hickman
Posted in Alex Power, Annihilation Wave, Annihilus, Araña, Artie Maddicks, Beast, Bentley 23, Black Panther, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Council of Reeds, Crystal, Daredevil, Diablo, Dr. Hank Pym, Dr. Strange, Dragon Man, Firestar, Franklin Richards, Gravity, Hawkeye (C. Barton), Iceman, Invisible Woman, Iron Fist, Iron Man, Kitty Pryde, Kree, Leech, Luke Cage, Mad Thinker, Marvel Boy (Noh-Varr), Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mockingbird, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Red Hulk, Ronan the Accuser, She-Hulk, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman (J. Drew), Supreme Intelligence, Thing, Tigra, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wolverine | Leave a Comment »
December 4, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Barry Kitson
August 2011
****
The prophesied war ignites! First the doppel-Reeds & Mole Man destroy Old Atlantis, then they face the Inhuman space-city at the strange Forever City. And kudos to Kitson: tho’ his Reed is bland, his Thing is expressive &, even rarer, his Sue is a strong presence, matching Hick’s portrayal.
last issue: FF #4
next issue: FF #6
also indexed for Aug. ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #6 of 9
Tags:Barry Kitson, Jonathan Hickman
Posted in AIM, Alex Power, Alicia Masters, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Black Bolt, Council of Reeds, Diablo, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, High Evolutionary, Inhumans, Invisible Woman, Karnak, Leech, Lockjaw, Mad Thinker, Maximus the Mad, Medusa, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mole Man, Moloids, Mr. Fantastic, Nathaniel Richards, Old Atlanteans, Spider-Man, Thing, Triton, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wizard | Leave a Comment »
December 3, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Barry Kitson
late July 2011
****
Can Sue stop alt-Reed from building a planet-wrecker?! Kitson relieves Epting, an incremental step up in quality since his bright, flat style (akin to C. Swan) mirrors this mag’s optimism. He’s also better at monsters, which means (a) a better Thing, & (b) a great face-off btw Atlanteans & Moloids.
last issue: FF #3
next issue: FF #5
also indexed for Jul. ’11
FF #3
Tags:Barry Kitson, Jonathan Hickman
Posted in AIM, Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Council of Reeds, Diablo, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, High Evolutionary, Invisible Woman, Leech, Mad Thinker, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mole Man, Moloids, Mr. Fantastic, Nathaniel Richards, Old Atlanteans, Spider-Man, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Watcher, Wizard | Leave a Comment »
December 2, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
July 2011
****
The first symposium of the Future Foundation, hosted by Dr. Doom, asks “How to defeat Mr. Fantastic?” The enemy: the Council of Reeds, trapped on Earth. Various foes pick one side or the other, as the Reeds devise an Earth-shattering gateway home using the fantastical cities of last year’s issues.
last issue: FF #2
next issue: FF #4
also indexed for Jul. ’11
FF #4
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting
Posted in AIM, Alex Power, Annihilation Wave, Annihilus, Artie Maddicks, Badoon, Bentley 23, Celestials, Centaurians, Council of Reeds, Diablo, Dire Wraiths, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, High Evolutionary, Invisible Woman, Kymellians, Leech, Mad Thinker, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mole Man, Moloids, Mr. Fantastic, Nathaniel Richards, Old Atlanteans, Spider-Man, Thing, Universal Inhumans, Valeria Richards, Watcher, Wizard | Leave a Comment »
December 1, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
June 2011
****
The gang helps Doom, suffering from brain damage, with a cerebral software patch. In return, he joins the Foundation! JH continues to surprise w/ twists. Epting may be his strongest regular partner so far, but that grungy photorealism fits poorly w/ the title’s weirder elements—esp. his Ben Grimm.
last issue: FF #1
next issue: FF #3
also indexed for Jun. ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #5 of 9
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting
Posted in Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Invisible Woman, Kristoff Vernard, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Nathaniel Richards, Spider-Man, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
November 30, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
May 2011
****
Effectively #589, but the new title marks a shift to the team post-Johnny. His slot is given to Spider-Man, who fits in better here than on the Avengers—after all, he attempted to join back in ASM #1! The bigger surprise is Doc Doom, who’s been invited to the Future Foundation by goddaughter Val.
continued from The Fantastic Four #588
next issue: FF #2
also indexed for May ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade: Young Avengers #1 of 1
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting
Posted in AIM, Alex Power, Artie Maddicks, Bentley 23, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Invisible Woman, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Nathaniel Richards, Spider-Man, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wizard | Leave a Comment »
November 29, 2013
A-story: Jonathan Hickman // Nick Dragotta
B-story: Jonathan Hickman // Mark Brooks
April 2011
A-story: ***** // B-story: ****
Hick finally gets a partner who matches his calibre: Dragotta, who apes Kirby’s dynamic grunts but draws a Sturm-like indie line. Silence signifies mourning as Johnny Storm’s family & friends grieve. It sells the moment w/o sentiment—unlike the B-plot, where Spidey helps Franklin mourn his uncle.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #587
continued in FF #1
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Mark Brooks, Nick Dragotta
Posted in Alex Power, Annihilus, Artie Maddicks, Beast, Bentley 23, Black Panther, Bucky Barnes, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Cyclops, Danielle Cage, Dr. Donald Blake, Dr. Doom, Dragon Man, Emma Frost, Franklin Richards, Hawkeye (C. Barton), Hulk, Invisible Woman, Iron Fist, Iron Man, Jessica Jones, Kristoff Vernard, Leech, Luke Cage, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Nathaniel Richards, Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD, Psylocke, She-Hulk, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman (J. Drew), Storm, Thing, Thor, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Vision, Wolverine | Leave a Comment »
November 28, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
March 2011
****
A fantastic climax caps Hickman’s first “season”! Sue stares Namor down as she’s crowned regent of Atlantis. Even better, Val leads a junior team into the Neg Zone to commit science heroics. And Johnny sacrifices himself to stop an insectoid invasion. Would be ***** but for Ept’s photorealism.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #586
next issue: The Fantastic Four #588
also indexed for Mar. ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #4 of 9
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting
Posted in Alex Power, Alyssa Moy, Annihilation Wave, Annihilus, Artie Maddicks, Atlanteans, Banner Jr., Bentley 23, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Galactus, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Leech, Lightwave, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Natalie X, Old Atlanteans, Silver Surfer, Ted Castle, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
November 27, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
February 2011
****
Hickman seems most compelled by Reed’s plot: rescue the Nu-Earth from a vengeful Galactus. Epting seems most into Sue’s arc: stop an Atlantean peace conference from becoming a civil war. But the real actions’ w/ Johnny, who must protect home & family (incl. de-powered Ben) from an alien invasion!
last issue: The Fantastic Four #585
next issue: The Fantastic Four #587
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting
Posted in Alex Power, Alyssa Moy, Andromeda, Annihilation Wave, Artie Maddicks, Atlanteans, Bentley 23, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Galactus, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Old Atlanteans, Silver Surfer, Ted Castle, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
November 26, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
January 2011
****
Hickman has divided the Four while accelerating his story’s pace. He’s got plenty of plots in play, from the Negative Zone death-cult to an Atlantean war of succession to a deep-space excursion w/ Galactus. That last plot brushes w/ Kirby-like grandeur, tho Epting’s prosaic style doesn’t match.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #584
next issue: The Fantastic Four #586
also indexed for Jan. ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #3 of 9
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting
Posted in Alex Power, Andromeda, Annihilation Wave, Annihilus, Artie Maddicks, Atlanteans, Bentley 23, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Galactus, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Leech, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Old Atlanteans, Silver Surfer, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
November 25, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Steve Epting
December 2010
****
For over a year, Hickman has been writing one- & two-issue arcs, which makes this multi-plot storyline all the more portentous. Reed parleys w/ Galactus while Sue escorts Namor to Old Atlantis. But the soul is Ben, who swigs his cure & clobbers the gentrified Yancy Gang, now hedge-fund financiers!
last issue: The Fantastic Four #583
next issue: The Fantastic Four #585
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting
Posted in Alex Power, Alicia Masters, Andromeda, Artie Maddicks, Atlanteans, Bentley 23, Bucky Barnes, Cyclops, Dragon Man, Emma Frost, Franklin Richards, Galactus, Hawkeye (C. Barton), Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Iron Fist, Leech, Luke Cage, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD, Old Atlanteans, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wolverine, Yancy Street Gang | Leave a Comment »
November 21, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Neil Edwards
August 2010
***
While his father teaches the super-kids, Franklin foils a toy store team-up of that Silver Age imp & Arcade, the villain whose deathtraps always fail. Meanwhile, the nerds brew a serum that’ll turn Grimm human for a week. Hickman writes FF like it’s contempo TV, curving char & plot arcs every ish.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #579
next issue: The Fantastic Four #581
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Neil Edwards
Posted in Alex Power, Alex Ultron, Alyssa Moy, Arcade, Artie Maddicks, Banner Jr., Bentley 23, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Human Torch (J. Storm), Impossible Man, Leech, Lightwave, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Natalie X, She-Hulk, Ted Castle, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
November 20, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Neil Edwards
July 2010
****
Speaking at a conference, Reed trumpets a techno-futuristic optimism that’s worth serious consideration. Pinning the blame for neo-luddism on age & fear, he founds a school for super-geniuses, mole-kids, & Atlantean water-babies. The high-minded theme trumps all considerations of Edwards’ choppy art.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #578
next issue: The Fantastic Four #580
Tags:Jonathan Hickman, Neil Edwards
Posted in Alex Power, Alex Ultron, Alyssa Moy, Artie Maddicks, Banner Jr., Bentley 23, Dragon Man, Franklin Richards, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Leech, Lightwave, Mik Korr Tong & Turg, Mr. Fantastic, Natalie X, Old Atlanteans, She-Hulk, Spider-Man, Ted Castle, Thing, Valeria Richards, Vil & Wu, Wizard | Leave a Comment »
November 19, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Dale Eaglesham
June 2010
****
The hot girl Johnny met at a nihilistic club bursts open w/ bugs & scurries into the Negative Zone! Then the New Inhumans send warriors into that dimension’s new city, igniting the war prophesied by future Franklin! Meaty plot, but the gravy is the slump in Storm’s shoulders as Reed chews him out.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #577
next issue: The Fantastic Four #579
also indexed for Jun. ’10
Tags:Dale Eaglesham, Jonathan Hickman
Posted in Andromeda, Annihilation Wave, Badoon, Centaurians, Dire Wraiths, Eldrac the Doorway, Human Torch (J. Storm), Inhumans, Invisible Woman, Kymellians, Light Brigade, Mr. Fantastic, Old Atlanteans, Universal Inhumans, Valeria Richards | Leave a Comment »
November 17, 2013
Jonathan Hickman // Dale Eaglesham
April 2010
****
As head of the FF’s foundation, Sue leads the team into a pocket sea btw magma boil & polar freeze. So she’s appointed diplomat to a new Atlantean court, ending its 500K-year isolation! A perfect role for her. Half of #576 is silent, giving Eaglesham a solo: an undersea battle w/ science-terrorists.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #575
next issue: The Fantastic Four #577
also indexed for Apr. ’10
Tags:Dale Eaglesham, Jonathan Hickman
Posted in AIM, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Mr. Fantastic, Old Atlanteans, Thing, Vil & Wu | Leave a Comment »
October 7, 2013
Kurt Busiek // George Pérez
December 2003
***
The crossover ends as it must: in an enormous brawl of punching & zapping. Still, the mag’s creative duo amazingly avoid even a whiff of the corporate avarice that must underpin this mini. The grand scope & casual confidence prove a good capstone to the super-teamwork dynamic that defines the Avengers run of Busiek & Pérez et al. Think of it as a victory lap AWA an impressive work of fan-service.
last issue: JLA/Avengers #3 of 4
also indexed for Dec. ’03
Alias #27
New X-Men #148
Tags:George Pérez, Kurt Busiek
Posted in Abomination, Absorbing Man, AIM, Aleta, Ant-Man (S. Lang), Ares, Atlanteans, Attuma, Awesome Android, Baron Zemo (WW2 era), Batroc the Leaper, Beast, Black Knight (D. Whitman), Black Panther, Black Widow, Blastaar, Blizzard, Blood Brothers, Boomerang, Bulldozer, Captain America, Captain Britain, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Captain Marvel (M. Rambeau), Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell), Champion, Charlie-27, Constrictor, Controller, Count Nefaria, Crimson Dynamo, Crossbones, Crucible, Crystal, Daredevil, DC characters, Deathcry, Demolition Man, Destroyer, Dr. Druid, Dr. Hank Pym, Dragon Man, Eternity, Executioner, Exemplars, Falcon, Firebird, Firebrand, Firestar, Forgotten One, Galactus, Gargantua, Gargoyle, Gorilla Man (villain), Grandmaster, Great Lakes Avengers, Grim Reaper, Hawkeye (C. Barton), Henry Peter Gyrich, Hercules, Hobgoblin, Hulk, Human Torch (J. Storm), HYDRA, Hyperion, Iron Man, Jack O'Lantern, Jack of Hearts, Jocasta, Juggernaut, Justice, Klaw, Lava Men, Living Lightning, Machete, Machine Man, Madame Masque, Magdalene, Major Victory, Man-Ape, Marrina, Martinex, Master of the World, Megan McLaren, Melter, MODOK, Mole Man, Molecule Man, Moloids, Moon Knight, Moonstone, N'Astirh, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Nebula, Night Thrasher, Nighthawk, Nikki, Nova (R. Rider), Orka, Piledriver, Porcupine, Poundcakes, Psycho-Man, Quasar, Quicksilver, Radioactive Man, Rage, Razor-Fist, Red Guardian, Red Skull, Rhino, Ringer, Ronan the Accuser, Sabra, Sandman, Scarlet Witch, Scorpion, Sersi, Seth, She-Hulk, Shocker, Shockwave, Silverclaw, Solarr, Songbird, Speedball, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman (J. Carpenter), Starfox, Starhawk, Stilt-Man, Stingray, Storm Giants, Surtur, Taskmaster, Thor, Thunderball, Thunderstrike, Tigra, Titania, Triathlon, Tumbler, Two-Gun Kid, Tyrak, US Agent, Valkyrie, Vibro, Vision, War Machine, Wasp, Whiplash, Whirlwind, Whizzer (R. Frank), Wizard, Wonder Man, Wrecker, X-Ray, Xemnu the Titan, Yellowjacket (R. DeMara), Yondu, Zaran, Zodiac LMDs | Leave a Comment »
September 29, 2013
Kurt Busiek // Ivan Reis
May 2002
***
The Avengers rally against the chrono-despot Kang, forcing his armies off the planet. An expected, disappointing return to superhero formula after last issue’s pointillist intimacy & (relative) realism. Reis joins the mag for an issue, his stolid work neither adding nor detracting from the action.
last issue: Avengers #51
next issue: Avengers #53
also indexed for May ’02
Alias #7
New X-Men #124
Tags:Ivan Reis, Kurt Busiek
Posted in 3-D Man, Atlanteans, Black Knight (D. Whitman), Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Captain Marvel (M. Rambeau), Deviants, Dr. Hank Pym, Firebird, Firestar, Iron Man, Jack of Hearts, Justice, Kang the Conqueror, Living Lightning, Marcus Kang, Namorita, Presence, President George W. Bush, Quasar, Quicksilver, Silverclaw, Stingray, Thor, Triathlon, Vision, Wasp, Wonder Man | Leave a Comment »
September 20, 2013
Kurt Busiek // Manuel Garcia
September 2001
***
Thor, enraged by Cap’s near-death, broods on immortality’s costs—a smart suggestion of the stakes in the Kang arc. Another strong KB character, Ms. Marvel (see his run in IM), wins an army via trial-by-combat, tho Vision questions her rashness. Sadly Alan Davis has been replaced by a shoddy no-name.
continued from Avengers Annual 2001
last issue: Avengers #43
next issue Avengers #45
also indexed for Sept. ’01
Avengers Annual 2001
New X-Men #116
New X-Men Annual 2001
Tags:Kurt Busiek, Manuel Garcia
Posted in Atlanteans, Black Knight (D. Whitman), Black Widow, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Darkstar, Deviants, Dr. Hank Pym, Duane Freeman, Firebird, Hercules, Jack of Hearts, Kang the Conqueror, Marcus Kang, Presence, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Sentinels, She-Hulk, Silverclaw, Starlight, Steel Guardian, Stingray, Thor, Triathlon, Val Cooper, Vanguard, Vision, Wasp, Whirlwind, Wonder Man | Leave a Comment »
September 18, 2013
Kurt Busiek // Alan Davis
August 2001
****
Around the globe, Avengers ally w/ local military to stop super-insurgencies sponsored by the Conqueror. Marvel soap opera fills out the spaces of this epic story, making for esp. strong superteam comics. In one poten. risky plot devo, Ms. Marvel recognizes Kang’s son as her infamous star-rapist!
continued in Avengers Annual 2001
last issue: Avengers #42
next issue: Avengers #44
also indexed for Aug. ’01
New X-Men #115
Tags:Alan Davis, Kurt Busiek
Posted in AIM, Atlanteans, Attuma, Black Knight (D. Whitman), Black Panther, Black Widow, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Darkstar, Deviants, Dr. Hank Pym, Duane Freeman, Firebird, Jack of Hearts, Kang the Conqueror, Marcus Kang, Presence, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, She-Hulk, Silverclaw, Starlight, Steel Guardian, Stingray, Thing, Thor, Triathlon, Vanguard, Vision, Wasp, Wizard | Leave a Comment »
September 17, 2013
Kurt Busiek // Alan Davis
July 2001
*****
Kang, Julius C. of the 41C, invades Earth to save it from doomsday What If…? scenarios. One of the strongest issues in Busiek’s run! He writes a great Kang (see his Forever maxiseries), & foreshadows grand plans for this arc. Davis also nails the Conqueror, giving his future tech a weird softness.
last issue: Avengers #41
next issue: Avengers#43
also indexed for Jul. ’01
New X-Men #114
Tags:Alan Davis, Kurt Busiek
Posted in Atlanteans, Attuma, Black Knight (D. Whitman), Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Darkstar, Deviants, Dr. Hank Pym, Firebird, Iron Man, Kang the Conqueror, Kofi Annon, Marcus Kang, Presence, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Starlight, Steel Guardian, Thor, Triathlon, Vanguard, Vertigo, Wasp | Leave a Comment »
June 28, 2012
Stan Lee // Don Heck
April 1966
***
The mag’s on an upswing. As Lee supplies dialogue w/ his usual brio, Heck finally delivers a plot to match. It’s an undersea adventure, complete w/ giant octopus, crashing subs, & plenty of swashbuckling. #27 isn’t revolutionary, but its scope & stakes feel worthy of Avengers, even this b-grade cast.
[last issue: The Avengers #26]
[next issue: The Avengers #28]
Tags:Don Heck, Stan Lee
Posted in Atlanteans, Attuma, Beetle, Cannonball, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch | Leave a Comment »
June 27, 2012
Stan Lee // Don Heck
March 1966
**
The Avs lose the first bout against an undersea warlord (an enemy of Namor’s, natch) w/ a supervillainous plan to flood the world. Heck, as usual, seems more jazzed by the internal squabbling than the adventures, since it allows for more emotion. But nice to see the Wasp perform a bit of solo heroism!
[last issue: The Avengers #25]
[next issue: The Avengers #27]
Tags:Don Heck, Stan Lee
Posted in Atlanteans, Attuma, Captain America, Dr. Hank Pym, Hawkeye (C. Barton), Namor the Sub-Mariner, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Wasp | Leave a Comment »
June 17, 2012
Stan Lee // Jack Kirby & Don Heck
May 1965
****
Recognizing the need to shake up this formulaic mag, editor Lee revises its mission by changing its cast. Cap excepted, the square-jawed heroes step aside for reformed criminals from other mags, antiheroes w/o titles of their own. The combat’s perfunctory; this ish aims for drama, not action.
[last issue: The Avengers #15]
[next issue: The Avengers #17]
Tags:Don Heck, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
Posted in Atlanteans, Black Knight (N. Garrett), Captain America, Dr. Hank Pym, Enchantress, Executioner, Happy Hogan, Hawkeye (C. Barton), Iron Man, Jarvis, Melter, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Quicksilver, Rick Jones, Scarlet Witch, Thor, Wasp | Leave a Comment »
June 5, 2012
Stan Lee // Jack Kirby
March 1964
*****
Kirby & Lee resurrect Captain America, carefully retailoring him to superb effect. A disastrous WW2 mission cost Cap his sidekick Bucky & put him on ice. Reawakened, he broods mightily but fits perfectly w/ the superteam, who help an oddball (but not evil) alien while facing a resurgent Namor.
[continued in The Fantastic Four #25]
[last issue: The Avengers #3]
[next issue: The Avengers #5]
Tags:Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
Posted in Atlanteans, Captain America, Dr. Hank Pym, Iron Man, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Rick Jones, Teen Brigade, Thor, Wasp | Leave a Comment »
December 18, 2011
Stan Lee // Wally Wood
April 1965
****
Wood proves his worth to doubters like me in this rousing title-bout. Namor wants to enter his legal claim to the surface world, w/ Nelson & Murdock as advocates. Way out of his weightclass, DD (one year in, w/ a new crimson costume) can’t stop the Atlantean juggernaut, but he can lose with honor.
last issue: Daredevil #6
next issue: Daredevil #8
also indexed for Apr. ’65
The Amazing Spider-Man #23
The Avengers #15
Journey into Mystery #115 (Thor)
Strange Tales #131 (Dr. Strange)
Tales of Suspense #64 (Captain America)
Tags:Stan Lee, Wally Wood
Posted in Atlanteans, Daredevil, Dorma, Foggy Nelson, Karen Page, Krang, Namor the Sub-Mariner | Leave a Comment »
April 25, 2010
Stan Lee // Jack Kirby
June 1964
****
Reed’s ready to propose to Sue—he’s even bought a ring—when Namor kidnaps her for himself. Lee & Kirby continue to fail their heroines, casting Sue in a damsel-in-distress when she should be the protag. Despite that, #27 has plusses like a Dr. Strange cameo & a downbeat ending wherein Reed doubts Sue’s love.
last issue: The Fantastic Four #26
next issue: The Fantastic Four #28
also indexed for Jun. ’64
The Amazing Spider-Man #13
Daredevil #2
Journey into Mystery #105
Strange Tales #121: Dr. Strange
Tags:Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
Posted in Atlanteans, Dr. Strange, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Thing | Leave a Comment »
April 16, 2010
Stan Lee // Jack Kirby
October 1963
A-story: ***** // B-story: ****
A mammoth mag: the A-story alone is 37 pages! It’s an epic story-arc, one of Marvel’s best issues ever. Namor rides in imperial pomp thru Atlantis (Kirby’s 2-page spread is a beaut) & then marches on NYC! His army is routed by Mr. F’s techno-wizardry, but it’s Namor’s melodramatic passion for Sue (who, incidentally, prefers Reed) that alienates his subjects. An encore restages an earlier tussle w/ Spider-Man—note how Jack prefers webshooters to spider-powers. Plus pin-ups galore!
continued from The Fantastic Four #18
continued in The Fantastic Four #19
also indexed for Oct. ’63
The Amazing Spider-Man #5
The Fantastic Four #19
Journey into Mystery #97
Tales of Suspense #46: Iron Man
Tags:Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
Posted in Alicia Masters, Atlanteans, Dorma, Human Torch (J. Storm), Invisible Woman, Krang, Mr. Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Nikita Khrushchev, Spider-Man, Thing | Leave a Comment »