Archive for the ‘Groot’ Category
March 2, 2016
Kelly Sue DeConnick // David López
July 2014
****
Capt. M intervenes in a refugee crisis, and gets an enlightening lecture on power from a queen. This soft reboot starts to find its footing as KSDC plays to her artist’s strength, which is ‘acting’. Displays of strong leadership & female heroism, but a sense of light heart keeps the issue fun.
last issue: Captain Marvel #2
next issue: Captain Marvel #4
also indexed for Jul. ’14
Moon Knight #3
Tags:David López, Kelly Sue DeConnick
Posted in Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon | Leave a Comment »
June 14, 2014
A-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tan Eng Huat
B-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Timothy Green II
February 2012
A-story: ** // B-story: **
Avengers & Annihilators (terrible name) foil an invasion of Earth by linking alien tech somehow. The vague plot & fumbling art brings to a sad end this v.g. six-year run. At least the ‘coon & the tree, holdovers from the run’s brighter era, get to blast off into the sunset.
last issue: Annihilation: Earthfall #3 of 4
also indexed for Feb. ’12
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #8 of 9
The Fantastic Four #601
FF #13
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II
Posted in Beta Ray Bill, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Cosmo, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Ikon, Iron Man, Kree Sentries, Magus, Major Domo, Quasar, Red Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Spider-Man, SWORD, Thing, Universal Church of Truth, Valkyrie, Wolverine | Leave a Comment »
June 13, 2014
A-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tan Eng Huat
B-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Timothy Green II
January 2012
A-story: *** // B-story: ***
A cosmic boy-antichrist has installed himself, Midwich Cuckoo-like, in millions of minds; among the heroes, only the Kirby tyrant has the balls to zap the innocent & save the galaxy! Meanwhile, DnA burlesque the editorial interference of the SF line via a monstrous, meddling TV exec from ’80s X-comics.
last issue: Annihilators: Earthfall #2 of 4
next issue: Annihilators: Earthfall #4 of 4
also indexed for Jan. ’12
The Fantastic Four #600
FF #12
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II
Posted in Beta Ray Bill, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Ikon, Iron Man, Kree Sentries, Magus, Major Domo, Mojo, Quasar, Red Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Spider-Man, Universal Church of Truth, Valkyrie, Wolverine | Leave a Comment »
June 12, 2014
A-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tan Eng Huat
B-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Timothy Green II
December 2011
A-story: * // B-story: **
The dutiful Marvel misunderstanding, wherein our team of galactic heroes mix it w/ the Avengers. Huat detracts from that formula by staging combat as H’wood-style demolitions, w/o context or finesse. In the back-up, however, Green imaginatively & attractively offers Flash Gordon-type fun.
last issue: Annihilators: Earthfall #1 of 4
next issue: Annihilators: Earthfall #3 of 4
also indexed for Dec. ’11
FF #10
FF #11
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II
Posted in Beta Ray Bill, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Ikon, Iron Man, Magus, Major Domo, Minor Domo, Mojo, Quasar, Red Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Spider-Man, Thing, Universal Church of Truth, Valkyrie, Wolverine | Leave a Comment »
June 11, 2014
A-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tan Eng Huat
B-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Timothy Green II
September 2011
A-story: ** // B-story: ***
DnA phone in their swansong on Marvel’s SF renaissance. The galactic super-squad discovers a fundamentalist space-sect’s outpost on Earth. Huat draws an awkward, rubber-faced variation on Marvel house style. Worse, RR & Groot, demoted to true back-up status, get only a few pages for a bar brawl.
continued from Annihilators #4 of 4
next issue: Annihilators: Earthfall #2 of 4
also indexed for Sept. ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #7 of 9
FF #9
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II
Posted in Badoon, Beta Ray Bill, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Cosmo, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Ikon, Iron Man, Major Domo, Mojo, Quasar, Red Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Spider-Man, SWORD, Thing, Universal Church of Truth, Valkyrie, Wolverine | Leave a Comment »
June 10, 2014
A-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tan Eng Huat
B-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Timothy Green II
August 2011
A-story: *** // B-story: ***
A team of forest animals stop a disembodied telepath from escaping from their biotech lunatic asylum! The idea’s treated just tongue-in-cheek enough, while the art nails the absurdity w/ a smart, contempo style. The title team, meanwhile, brokers a peace btw longtime Marvel antags the Spaceknights & the Dire Wraiths, in a quality demo of cosmic compassion triumphing over violent solutions.
last issue: Annihilators #3 of 4
continued in Annilators: Earthfall #1 of 4
also indexed for Aug. ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #6 of 9
FF #5
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II
Posted in Animals of Halfworld, Beta Ray Bill, Cosmo, Dire Wraiths, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Ikon, Immortus, Quasar, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Silver Surfer, Skrulls, Spaceknights, Star-Thief, Tempus | Leave a Comment »
June 9, 2014
A-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tan Eng Huat
B-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Timothy Green II
July 2011
A-story: ***
B-story: ***
The back-up’s stronger than the title tale, due partly to the superb self-inking of Green as against Huat’s generic super-action. Still, the space opera has its quality moment when its heroes learn that a once-fearful race of Marvel aliens desire only oblivion, broken by exile in a dark dimension. Meanwhile, the creators revise the insane origin of 1980s cult char, a Flash Gordon-like raccoon.
last issue: Annihilators #2 of 4
next issue: Annihilators #4 of 4
also indexed for Jul. ’11
FF #3
FF #4
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II
Posted in Animals of Halfworld, Beta Ray Bill, Brandy Clark, Dire Wraiths, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Ikon, Immortus, Quasar, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Silver Surfer, Skrulls, Spaceknights, Star-Thief, Tempus | Leave a Comment »
June 8, 2014
A-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tan Eng Huat
B-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Timothy Green II
June 2011
A-story: ** // B-story: ***
This mag’s main story has a squad of galactic superheroes smash a dark invasion in defense of an alien world. Compared with their previous SF mags, this reads like the writers are following an editorial edict rather than their own super-SF muses. They show more excitement over the B-tale, which has a hyperintelligent raccoon & a Kirby-monster tree-man fight a cadre of killer clown puppets!
last issue: Annihilators #1 of 4
next issue: Annihilators #3 of 4
also indexed for Jun. ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #5 of 9
FF #2
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II
Posted in Beta Ray Bill, Brandy Clark, Dire Wraiths, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Ikon, Quasar, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Silver Surfer, Skrulls, Spaceknights | Leave a Comment »
June 7, 2014
A-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tan Eng Huat
B-story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Timothy Green II
May 2011
A-story: ** // B-story: ***
Sadly, a coda to Marvel’s SF ’00s renaissance rather than a renewal. The A-tale has a fembot lampshade the flaw in this mag’s mission: a galactic supersquad is too uniform in style & strength to be truly compelling. The back-up balances the read by focusing on oddballs cut from the main team. Offering two full-length comics, this mag should really be printed back-to-back, like the old Ace Doubles!
continued from The Thanos Imperative: Devastation #1 of 1
next issue: Annihilators #2 of 4
also indexed for May ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade: Young Avengers #1 of 1
FF #1
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II
Posted in Beta Ray Bill, Cosmo, Dire Wraiths, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Ikon, Quasar, Rigellian Recorder, Rigellians, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Silver Surfer, Skrulls, Spaceknights | Leave a Comment »
June 4, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Miguel Sepulveda
December 2010
***
A busy issue, as Nova preps for a noble sacrifice. Meanwhile, surprise conversations juice the plot. First, the evil Scarlet Witch is really a mole, motivated by love for the Vision (nice to see someone gets her character this decade!). Then Thanos pulls a heel turn, literally begging for a final death.
last issue: The Thanos Imperative #4 of 6
next issue: The Thanos Imperative #6 of 6
also indexed for Dec. ’10
The Fantastic Four #584
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Miguel Sepulveda
Posted in Araki, Beta Ray Bill, Blastaar, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell), Celestials, Cosmo, Crystal, Dr. Hank Pym, Galactus, Gamora, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Groot, Hawkeye (C. Barton), Inhumans, Iron Man, Karnak, Kree, Major Victory, Mantis, Medusa, Namorita, Nova (R. Rider), Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Proemial Gods, Quasar, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Scarlet Witch, Shi'ar, Silver Surfer, Spartoi, Thanos, Thor, Vision, War Machine, Wasp, Xandarian Worldmind | Leave a Comment »
May 31, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Miguel Sepulveda
August 2010
***
Actually #2 of 8, if you incl. pro- & epilogues. DnA stage another extra-universal invasion—this time, the cancerverse (where Life “won”) metastasizes into the mainstream ‘verse. This means more tentacle monsters as well as evil reflections of the Avengers & Defenders. Solid, guilt-free space opera.
continued from The Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1 of 1
next issue: The Thanos Imperative #2 of 6
also indexed for Aug. ’10
The Fantastic Four #580
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Miguel Sepulveda
Posted in Bug, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell), Cosmo, Crystal, Dr. Hank Pym, Dr. Strange, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Gorgon, Groot, Hulk, Hussar, Imperial Guard, Inhumans, Iron Man, Jack Flag, Karnak, Kree, Major Victory, Mantis, Maximus the Mad, Medusa, Moondragon, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Namorita, Nighthawk, Nova (R. Rider), Nova Corps, Patsy Walker, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Quasar, Rigellians, Robert Rider, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Scarlet Witch, Shi'ar, Silver Surfer, Smasher, Thanos, Thor, Valkyrie, Warstar, Xandarian Worldmind | Leave a Comment »
May 29, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
June 2010
***
Wish I could say that the final issue of GotG doesn’t disappoint, but it feels rushed and misshapen. The Guardians from the 31C worry that the timeline is frayed cuz Thanos has returned. But his resurrection—indeed, his malevolent genius—is lacking; he’s just a berserker who Star-Lord zaps down.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #24
continued in The Thanos Initiative: Ignition #1 of 1
also indexed for Jun. ’10
The Fantastic Four #578
Nova #36
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Bug, Charlie-27, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Jack Flag, Killraven, Major Victory, Mantis, Martinex, Moondragon, Nikki, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Starhawk, Thanos, Yondu | Leave a Comment »
May 28, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Wes Craig
May 2010
***
An electrifying issue of space opera! While the captured Guardians fight thru an army of zealots, across the galaxy their allies restore a galactic senate. But the focus of #24 is Phyla-Vell, who failed to kill Adam Magus; now she either balances or compounds that error by resurrecting Thanos!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #23
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #25
also indexed for May ’10
The Fantastic Four #577
Nova #35
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #5 of 5
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #5 of 5
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Wes Craig
Posted in Blastaar, Bug, Cosmo, Crystal, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Jack Flag, Major Victory, Mantis, Matriarch, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Thanos, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
May 27, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Wes Craig
April 2010
****
Adam Magus has tossed half the team in a dungeon & hopes to side w/ the Old Ones from the spacetime rift at the crux of Realm of Kings. Craig returns w/ his angular, colorful style—a bit like Immonen on Nextwave, tho’ he lays out a page w/ more complexity. A happy contrast to most Marvel art!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #22
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #24
also indexed for Apr. ’10
The Fantastic Four #576
Nova #34
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #4 of 5
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #4 of 5
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Wes Craig
Posted in Blastaar, Bug, Cosmo, Crystal, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Jack Flag, Magus, Major Victory, Mantis, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
May 26, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
March 2010
***
The heroes team up w/ super-rivals to rescue Moondragon from intergalactic zealots. You’ll recall she’s “pregnant” w/ a malignant thing from the “Cancer-verse”, where “life has won.” As always, GotG offers fun space adventure w/ solid craftsmanship: characters, recaps, & a cliffhanger!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #21
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #23
also indexed for Mar. ’10
The Fantastic Four #575
Nova #33
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #3 of 5
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #3 of 5
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Bug, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Jack Flag, Luminals, Magus, Major Victory, Mantis, Matriarch, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
May 25, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
February 2010
****
Where the other Realm of Kings stories are riffing on Alien, this ish throws Rosemary’s Baby in too. Moondragon puts a transdimensional beast into her womb to keep it from killing everyone. A rival superteam wants to put it on trial (ridiculous enough), but the Universal Church esteems it as a god!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #20
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #22
also indexed for Feb. ’10
The Fantastic Four #574
Nova #32
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #2 of 5
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #2 of 5
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Bug, Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Jack Flag, Luminals, Matriarch, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
May 24, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
January 2010
***
A gambit: the previous arc killed off half the team! Now the mournful gang explores that hole into a nightmare dimension (the common element to the linewide Realm of Kings series). Walker does good models—his clothing is esp good—which makes the character beats stronger than the action sequences.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #19
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #21
also indexed for Jan. ’10
The Fantastic Four #573
Nova #31
Realm of Kings #1 of 1
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1 of 5
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1 of 5
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Bug, Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Jack Flag, Luminals, Mantis, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
May 7, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Mahmud Asrar & Leonardo Manco
January 2010
****
MU’s last cosmic metaseries was old-school space opera; this one kicks off a Lovecraftian weird tale. It’s also a Quasar adventure: the ’90s quantum hero slips into a mirror ‘verse where the Avengers bow to the Old Gods in life undying. Manco’s raw grit mimics Maleev’s, a realism that works here too.
continued from War of Kings: Who Will Rule #1 of 1
continued in Guardians of the Galaxy #20
continued in Nova #31
continued in Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1 of 5
continued in Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1 of 5
also indexed for Jan. ’10
The Fantastic Four #573
Guardians of the Galaxy #20
Nova #31
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1 of 5
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1 of 5
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Leonardo Manco, Mahmud Asrar
Posted in Bug, Captain America, Captain Marvel (C. Danvers), Dr. Hank Pym, Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Hulk, Iron Man, Jack Flag, Nova (R. Rider), Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Project PEGASUS, Quasar, Rocket Raccoon, Scarlet Witch, Thor, Vision | Leave a Comment »
May 6, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Wes Craig
December 2009
****
Kang himself returns the time-tossed Guardians w/a Cosmic Cube to confront the Magus! A spectacular climax, much more satisfying than the finale to War of Kings. Partly that’s Craig’s highly cartooned style rather than the usual superhero hyper-realism. Full of suspense, drama, & mad invention!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #18
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #20
also indexed for Dec. ’09
The Fantastic Four #572
Nova #30
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Wes Craig
Posted in Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Jack Flag, Kang the Conqueror, Magus, Major Victory, Mantis, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Time-Keepers, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
May 4, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
October 2009
****
A wonderful, imaginative climax to the WoK maxiseries. The Inhumans tore a hole in spacetime that the Guardians must patch. While the giant tree builds a pseudo-tech weapon to annihilate a Lovecraft beastie (!), Warlock stitches the ‘verse to an alternate future—the one where he’s the evil Magus!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #16
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #18
also indexed for Oct. ’09
The Fantastic Four #570
Nova #28
War of Kings #6 of 6
War of Kings: Warriors #2 of 2
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Adam Warlock, Crystal, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Gorgon, Groot, Inhumans, Karnak, Magus, Maximus the Mad, Medusa, Moondragon, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
May 2, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
August 2009
***
You know who deserves plenty of credit for this mag & the entire Cosmic Marvel line? Editor Bill Roseman. He’s running a tight crossover! This issue, in which two alien superteams storm the Guardians’ space station while a prisoner escapes, could be confusing, but it’s completely clear & lotsa fun!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #14
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #16
also indexed for Aug. ’09
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #4 of 5
Nova #26
War of Kings #4 of 6
War of Kings: Ascension #3 of 4
War of Kings: Savage World of Skaar #1 of 1
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Adam Warlock, Black Bolt, Bug, Cosmo, Crystal, Drax the Destroyer, Fang, Gamora, Gorgon, Groot, Hussar, Imperial Guard, Inhumans, Jack Flag, Karnak, Kree, Lockjaw, Luminals, Magique, Major Victory, Mantis, Mentor, Moondragon, Oracle, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Shi'ar, Starhawk, Voyager | Leave a Comment »
April 30, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
June 2009
****
The huge cast reunites to play diplomat in the War of Kings maxiseries, sending a delegation to each side (an echo of Galactic Storm). To the writers’ credit, they pack a lot of action into one issue—starting w/ a bar brawl—and they give nearly every character a particular voice and perspective.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #12
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #14
also indexed for Jun. ’09
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #2 of 5
Nova #24
War of Kings #2 of 6
War of Kings: Ascension #1 of 4
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Adam Warlock, Black Bolt, Bug, Ch'od, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Gorgon, Groot, Havok, Inhumans, Jack Flag, Karnak, Korvus, Kree, Major Victory, Mantis, Medusa, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Polaris, Rachel Summers, Rocket Raccoon, Shi'ar, Starjammers, Vulcan | Leave a Comment »
April 8, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Paul Pelletier
July 2009
***
Good storytellers like Abnett & Lanning know to plot for the endgame, not the opening. In #3, they start to twist this mini in interesting ways. Romance buds in an arranged marriage; the Inhuman aristocracy hatches sinister plans for their subjects; & that mohawked Shi’ar superman turns renegade.
last issue: War of Kings #2 of 6
next issue: War of Kings #4 of 6
also indexed for Jul. ’09
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #3 of 5
Guardians of the Galaxy #14
Nova #25
War of Kings: Ascension #2 of 4
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Paul Pelletier
Posted in Black Bolt, Crystal, Drax the Destroyer, Electron, Gladiator (Imperial Guard), Gorgon, Groot, Havok, Imperial Guard, Inhumans, Karnak, Korvus, Kree, Lilandra, Lockjaw, Major Victory, Maximus the Mad, Medusa, Mentor, Plutonia, Polaris, Rachel Summers, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Shi'ar, Smasher, Starjammers, Triton, Voyager, Vulcan | Leave a Comment »
April 1, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
April 2009
***
The mag concludes its 3-part excursion into the Negative Zone by adding yet another discarded Marvel hero (Jack Flag, a minor char from Gruenwald’s Cap run). The pace has picked back up, & so has the charm. Warlock fans can look forward to the resumption of his role as an intergalactic messiah.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #9
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #11
also indexed for Apr. ’09
Nova #22
War of Kings: Darkhawk #1 of 2
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Adam Warlock, Baron Wernher von Blitzschlag, Bison, Blastaar, Bug, Condor, Cosmo, Gamora, Gauntlet, Gorilla Man (villain), Groot, Jack Flag, Major Victory, Mantis, Matriarch, Mr. Fantastic, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Project PEGASUS, Rocket Raccoon, Skeleton Ki, Starhawk, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
March 31, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker & Carlos Magno
March 2009
***
That Negative Zone prison from Civil War, abandoned by writers & in-story heroes both, offers easy entry into our ‘verse. Into that breach steps the Guardians! Tho’ Walker’s realism fits the SF adventure better than Pelletier did, a muddy palate atop busy pencils leaves the action a little confused.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #8
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #10
also indexed for Mar. ’09
Nova #21
Secret Invasion: War of Kings #1 of 1
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Carlos Magno, Dan Abnett
Posted in Bison, Blastaar, Bug, Carrion, Condor, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gorilla Man (villain), Groot, ISAAC, Jack Flag, Major Victory, Mantis, Mentor, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Skeleton Ki, Starhawk | Leave a Comment »
March 30, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Brad Walker
February 2009
**
Peter Quill, Star-Lord, gets booted into the Negative Zone, where he must stop a Kirby Konqueror from invading Earth. The writers aim to add depth to the central character on their team title, but they’re better off when they focus on the SF adventure & let the characters take care of themselves.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #7
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #9
also indexed for Feb. ’09
Nova #20
Tags:Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Dan Abnett
Posted in Adam Warlock, Badoon, Blastaar, Bug, Gamora, Groot, Kree, Major Victory, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Skrulls, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
March 29, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Paul Pelletier
January 2009
**
With its team split after only half a year, this mag has four plotlines in #7 alone! In the main thread, a flaw in spacetime threatens the 31st century Guardians (IE Steve Gerber’s ’70s SF team). Mostly it stages a fight w/ Frankenstein aliens, which doesn’t leave room for character or suspense.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #6
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #8
also indexed for Jan. ’09
Nova #19
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Paul Pelletier
Posted in Adam Warlock, Badoon, Blastaar, Bug, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Major Victory, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Starhawk, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
March 24, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Paul Pelletier
December 2008
***
Cosmo the hyperintelligent dog teaches the Guardians & their super-rivals not to jump to conclusions about the Skrull invasion. DnA smartly invert the poorly-conceived idea of Skrull jihad, showing readers that not all “aliens” are terrorists. And set-up: oracular Mantis can’t see the team’s future!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #5
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #7
also indexed for Dec. ’08
Nova #18
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Paul Pelletier
Posted in Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Luminals, Major Victory, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Skrulls, Starhawk | Leave a Comment »
March 23, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Paul Pelletier
November 2008
****
The further a mag is from Secret Invasion, the smarter it handles the conceit. At the universe’s edge, the cosmonaut canine protects a litter of Skrulls. The team, meanwhile, is torquing apart over distrust (look! it shows/not tells). Plus Guardians from the future are attacking the current roster!
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #4
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #6
also indexed for Nov. ’08
Nova #17
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Paul Pelletier
Posted in Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Luminals, Major Victory, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Skrulls, Starhawk | Leave a Comment »
March 22, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Paul Pelletier
October 2008
***
Guardians gets into the Marvel-wide Skrull Invasion act. Despite the mag’s partition from the MU, it makes sense w/ the intergalactic operatics. The paranoia fits nicely w/in the team’s newness, & spreads to the civilians nearby (who don’t appreciate having a paramilitary org onsite!).
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #3
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #5
also indexed for Oct. ’08
Nova #16
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Paul Pelletier
Posted in Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Luminals, Major Victory, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Skrulls, Starhawk | Leave a Comment »
March 18, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Paul Pelletier
September 2008
***
SF fun as the team faces a biomass of fused humans & an interstellar cult fueled by prayer-power—aboard a Dyson sphere! Meanwhile on their base at the edge of the universe, two members of the original ’70s Guardians tussle. Colorful literally as well as figuratively, this is comics at its sturdiest.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #2
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #4
also indexed for Sept. ’08
Nova #15
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Paul Pelletier
Posted in Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Major Victory, Mantis, Matriarch, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Starhawk, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
March 17, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Paul Pelletier
August 2008
***
High marks for the mag: engaging space adventure supported by clear, Maduriera-like art. GotG are a sort of cosmic Avengers, protecting the galaxy from crazy scifi threats. The parallel’s made explicit w/ the discover of Vance Astro, adrift in frozen spacetime like Cptn. America back in ’64.
last issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #1
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #3
also indexed for Aug. ’08
The Immortal Iron Fist #16
Nova #14
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Paul Pelletier
Posted in Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Major Victory, Mantis, Matriarch, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
March 16, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Paul Pelletier
July 2008
***
One pleasure of DnA’s SF series has been their integration of Marvel’s patchwork cosmos into a seamless universe. GotG is now the spine to that work. #1 states the thesis: a team of cosmic heroes & alien misfits aim to protect all creation from, for instance, Starlin’s ’70s space zealots.
continued from Annihilation: Conquest #6 of 6
next issue: Guardians of the Galaxy #2
also indexed for Jul. ’08
Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1 of 1
The Immortal Iron Fist #15
Nova #13
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Paul Pelletier
Posted in Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Mantis, Matriarch, Nova (R. Rider), Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Universal Church of Truth | Leave a Comment »
March 12, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tom Raney
June 2008
****
A suitably epic finale. DnA weave their several plot strands into a taut rope, w/ everyone (except the ignominious Ronan) contributing to the defeat of Ultron. No deus ex machina, no forcing of twists or compromises of personality: read A:C to see how solid craft works. I’m sold on both spinoffs.
continued from Nova #12
last issue: Annihilation: Conquest #5 of 6
continued in Guardians of the Galaxy #1
continued in Nova #13
also indexed for Jun. ’08
The Immortal Iron Fist #14
Nova #12
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tom Raney
Posted in Adam Warlock, Badoon, Bug, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, High Evolutionary, Kree, Kree Sentries, Mantis, Moondragon, Nova (R. Rider), Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phalanx, Phyla-Vell, Praxagora, Ra-Venn, Rigellians, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Spaceknights, Spartoi, Super-Skrull, Technarchy, Ultron, Warlock, Wraith, Xandarian Worldmind | Leave a Comment »
March 11, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tom Raney
May 2008
***
The Big Bad’s motive is that old standby, megalomania; he aims to download himself into Adam Warlock’s superbody. The tide turns in the other plots (Ronan’s robot army; Mantis & co.). It’s essential set-up & exposition told zestily, giving breath to space operatic conventions; if only the art set it apart.
last issue: Annihilation: Conquest #4 of 6
next issue: Annihilation: Conquest #6 of 6
also indexed for May ’08
The Immortal Iron Fist #13
Nova #11
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tom Raney
Posted in Adam Warlock, Annihilation Wave, Bug, Groot, High Evolutionary, Kree, Kree Sentries, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phalanx, Phyla-Vell, Praxagora, Ravenous, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Spaceknights, Ultron, Wraith | Leave a Comment »
March 10, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tom Raney
April 2008
****
Despite the widescreen paneling, A:C has more of a televisual feel. A lot of that’s the cycling from plot to plot, which keeps the momentum boiling & juggles the dozen or so major & minor characters deftly. Ronan finds an army, while in a nicely quiet beat, Adam Warlock counsels a grieving Quasar.
last issue: Annihilation: Conquest #3 of 6
next issue: Annihilation: Conquest #5 of 6
also indexed for Apr. ’08
The Immortal Iron Fist: Orson Randall & the Green Mist of Death #1 of 1
Nova Annual #1
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tom Raney
Posted in Adam Warlock, Annihilation Wave, Blastaar, Bug, Groot, High Evolutionary, Kree, Kree Sentries, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phalanx, Phyla-Vell, Praxagora, Ra-Venn, Ravenous, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Spaceknights, Super-Skrull, Ultron, Wraith | Leave a Comment »
March 9, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tom Raney
March 2008
****
This galactic adventure is peripheral to the Marvel ‘verse, yet the stakes feel higher than, say, this month’s Avengers. For one thing, DnA can & do kill heroes—here Moondragon—as Phalanx-Ultron takes the upper hand. A nova can’t stop him! Can Kree Emperor Ronan’s secret weapon? What a thrill!
last issue: Annihilation: Conquest #2 of 6
next issue: Annihilation: Conquest #4 of 6
also indexed for Mar. ’08
Astonishing X-Men #24
Nova #10
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tom Raney
Posted in Adam Warlock, Annihilation Wave, Bug, Groot, High Evolutionary, Kree, Mantis, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phalanx, Phyla-Vell, Praxagora, Ra-Venn, Ravenous, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Super-Skrull, Ultron, Wraith | Leave a Comment »
March 8, 2014
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Tom Raney
February 2008
****
A novelistic structure, elegantly stepping btw 3 plots. Two minor ones follow the resistance against the Phalanx (thrilling espionage) & a diplomatic alliance w/ the Annihilation bugs. The major plot has a grand cosmic conceit: a science god & his savior-son v. the robot devil Ultron & his hordes!
last issue: Annihilation: Conquest #1 of 6
next issue: Annihilation: Conquest #3 of 6
also indexed for Feb. ’08
The Immortal Iron Fist #12
Nova #9
Tags:Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Tom Raney
Posted in Adam Warlock, Annihilation Wave, Blastaar, Bug, Groot, High Evolutionary, Kree, Mantis, Moondragon, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phalanx, Phyla-Vell, Praxagora, Ra-Venn, Rocket Raccoon, Ronan the Accuser, Super-Skrull, Ultron, Wraith | Leave a Comment »
February 16, 2014
Keith Giffen // Timothy Green II
December 2007
***
As if to make up for the slack pace of A:C:Star-Lord #2, Giffen cuts from scene to scene, showing the essential beats but not the combat. The plot’s a little hairy (why would a techno-organic species create an antidote to itself? Can the Uni-power function independently?) but the space opera works.
last issue: Annihilation: Conquest: Star-Lord #3 of 4
continued in Annihilation: Conquest #1 of 6
also indexed for Dec. ’07
Annihilation: Conquest: Quasar #4 of 4
Annihilation: Conquest: Wraith #4 of 4
The Immortal Iron Fist #11
Nova #7
Tags:Keith Giffen, Timothy Green II
Posted in Bug, Captain Universe, Groot, Kree, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phalanx, Rocket Raccoon | Leave a Comment »
February 15, 2014
Keith Giffen // Timothy Green II
November 2007
***
Undercover on the Kree homeworld, Star-Lord learns the techno-aliens’ secret plan: infect the galaxy w/ a nano-virus that will convert organic life into “techno-organic” life. It’s spicy space opera w/ a fashionably hard-boiled edge. Green’s vivid mise en scene adds to the sense of place & tone.
last issue: Annihilation: Conquest: Star-Lord #2 of 4
next issue: Annihilation: Conquest: Star-Lord #4 of 4
also indexed for Nov. ’07
Annihilation: Conquest: Quasar #3 of 4
Annihilation: Conquest: Wraith #3 of 4
The Immortal Iron Fist #9
The Immortal Iron Fist Annual #1
Nova #6
Tags:Keith Giffen, Timothy Green II
Posted in Bug, Captain Universe, Groot, Kree, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phalanx, Rocket Raccoon | Leave a Comment »
February 14, 2014
Keith Giffen // Timothy Green II
October 2007
**
Giffen’s script is soggy w/ American snark, but it’s two-fisted SF, w/ a war’s sense of scope & non-humanoid aliens: a Kirby monster, a hyperintelligent raccoon, Annihilation bugs, etc. The plot: our squad of antiheroes skulk thru occupied territory, drawing a death by friendly fire.
last issue: Annihilation: Conquest: Star-Lord #1 of 4
next issue: Annihilation: Conquest: Star-Lord #3 of 4
also indexed for Oct. ’07
Annihilation: Conquest: Quasar #2 of 4
Annihilation: Conquest: Wraith #2 of 4
Astonishing X-Men #22
The Immortal Iron Fist #8
Nova #5
Tags:Keith Giffen, Timothy Green II
Posted in Annihilation Wave, Bug, Captain Universe, Deathcry, Groot, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Phalanx, Rocket Raccoon | Leave a Comment »
February 13, 2014
Keith Giffen // Timothy Green II
September 2007
***
Giff, demoted to support-staff in Marvel’s space dept., does a pro’s job of introing his cast. Star-Lord, a Flash Gordon type from Marvel’s cosmic heyday, will lead a Dirty Dozen platoon on a suicide mission. Colorful aliens, surly officers, clear stakes, & cynicism make the mini engaging.
continued from Annihilation: Conquest: Prologue #1 of 1
next issue: Annihilation: Conquest: Starlord #1 of 4
also indexed for Sept. ’07
Annihilation: Conquest: Quasar #1 of 4
Annihilation: Conquest: Wraith #1 of 4
Nova #4
Tags:Keith Giffen, Timothy Green II
Posted in Bug, Captain Universe, Deathcry, Groot, Kree, Lunatic Legion, Mantis, Peter Quill, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon | Leave a Comment »