Annihilators #1 of 4

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

The Thanos Imperative #6 of 6

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Miguel Sepulveda
January 2011
***

Thanos resurrects Death in a universe where Undying Gods have reigned. To stop his return to our ‘verse, Nova & Star-Lord (the leads in this era’s SF revival) halt the Mad Titan like Butch & Sundance. Tho’ this finale satisfies, it replaces the characters & twists of the lead-in mags w/ super-movie bombast.

last issue: The Thanos Imperative #5 of 6
continued in The Thanos Imperative: Devastation #1 of 1

also indexed for Jan. ’11
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #3 of 9
The Fantastic Four #585

The Thanos Imperative #1 of 6

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

Nova #36

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Andrea DiVito
June 2010
***

Nova exits on a cliffhanger, a victim of the downsizing of Marvel’s cosmic line. #36 connects Realm of Kings to a Thanos mini, as the Human Rocket faces an evil extra-dimensional Quasar who serves Lovecraftian Old Gods. Plenty of little plot threads dangle; hopefully, DnA will get to pick them up.

last issue: Nova #35
continued in The Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1 of 1

also indexed for Jun. ’10
The Fantastic Four #578
Guardians of the Galaxy #25

Nova #31

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Andrea DiVito
January 2010
***

Rider dives into the tear in spacetime left by War of Kings, where a planet’s about to explode. He faces two foes: the Lovecraftian beasties from across the rift & an ancient galactic conspiracy that’s roped in his onetime teammate, Darkhawk. The issue, impulsively non-linear, is juicy fun, no more.

last issue: Nova #30
next issue: Nova #32

also indexed for Jan. ’10
The Fantastic Four #573
Guardians of the Galaxy #20
Realm of Kings #1 of 1
Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1 of 5
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1 of 5

Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #3 of 5

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Kev Walker
March 2010
***

A fun issue of space gothic horror—Alien, ’70s Doctor Who, or (in Marvel terms) Claremont’s Brood Saga. The heroes flee the corpse of a large interstellar organism before it’s eaten by space-maggots. Yeesh! Appealing character beats help propel the team mechanics along & add to derring-do.

last issue: Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #2 of 5
next issue: Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #4 of 5

also indexed for Mar. ’10
The Fantastic Four #575
Guardians of the Galaxy #22
Nova #33
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #3 of 5

Nova #30

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Kevin Sharpe
December 2009
***

Despite the art (Sharpe has a 180° problem & lackluster action sequences), yet another issue of solid SF fun. While fighting off a horde of numbskull bruisers, the Nova Corps abandons Ego the Living Planet for a new base. Note also how easily DnA revamp Monark Starstalker into a viable character.

last issue: Nova #29
next issue: Nova #31

also indexed for Dec. ’09
The Fantastic Four #572
Guardians of the Galaxy #19

Nova #29

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Kevin Sharpe
November 2009
**

Well sub-par of Nova‘s usual quality, mainly cuz Sharpe has a few off panels atop his generally dull style. A rift in space has shunted a derelict station in from another ‘verse. It holds, among other beings, bruisers from a Ditko Dimension & a rare ’70s Chaykin antihero named Monark Starstalker!

last issue: Nova #28
next issue: Nova #30

also indexed for Nov. ’09
Dark Reign: The List—The Avengers #1 of 1
The Fantastic Four #571
Guardians of the Galaxy #18

Nova #28

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Andrea DiVito
October 2009
***

All the Ts get crossed & Is dotted in this ish, which ends both the larger Corps Rebooted arc & the War of Kings subplot. Rider arrests a team of alien supersoldiers w/ smart tactics & the help of two recruits, then establishes diplomatic relations w/ an old Kirby heavy from the antimatter ‘verse.

last issue: Nova #27
next issue: Nova #29

also indexed for Oct. ’09
Fantastic Four #570
Guardians of the Galaxy #17
War of Kings #6 of 6
War of Kings: Warriors #2 of 2

Nova #27

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Andrea DiVito
September 2009
***

Nova #26 goes heavy on adrenaline, thrills, and suspense (and splash pages) but light on character and twists. In the middle of the Kree-Shi’ar War (which, incidentally, has a third front along the Negative Zone), Richard Rider attempts to rescue his brother from an evil Supergirl stand-in.

last issue: Nova #26
next issue: Nova #28

also indexed for Sept. ’09
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #5 of 5
Guardians of the Galaxy #16
War of Kings #5 of 6
War of Kings: Ascension #4 of 4
War of Kings: Warriors #1 of 2

Nova #26

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Andrea DiVito
August 2009
***

DnA seem more confident using interstellar war (Marvel’s third in recent years) as a backdrop than they do in the main mini. In their strongest title, their hero jumps from planet to planet along the front lines, investigating victims of Shi’ar warcrimes, including Nova Corpsmen like his bro.

last issue: Nova #25
next issue: Nova #27

also indexed for Aug. ’09
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #4 of 5
Guardians of the Galaxy #15
War of Kings #4 of 6
War of Kings: Ascension #3 of 4
War of Kings: Savage Son of Skaar #1 of 1

Nova #25

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Kevin Sharpe
July 2009
***

Back to a more conventional artist (temporarily) & a more conventional tale. Rider lobotomizes that planetary being (also temporary) to save his AI mentor & resume leadership of the Nova Corps. Still, Nova #25 is solid comics, w/ a bubbling subplot, a cliffhanger, & a sense of epic space adventure.

last issue: Nova #24
next issue: Nova #26

also indexed for Jul. ’09
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #3 of 5
Guardians of the Galaxy #14
War of Kings #3 of 6
War of Kings: Ascension #2 of 4

Nova #24

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Andrea DiVito
June 2009
****

Always good when an artist inks his own work. Two strands here: Rich Rider, empowered by cosmic energy, storms the Living Planet, co-opter of the Nova Force. But the real storytelling follows a Nova peacekeeper into a brutal battle in War of Kings, from battle’s chaos to the slaughter of POWs.

last issue: Nova #23
next issue: Nova #25

also indexed for Jun. ’09
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #2 of 5
Guardians of the Galaxy #13
War of Kings #2 of 6
War of Kings: Ascension #1 of 4

Nova #23

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Andrea DiVito
May 2009
****

Prob’ly one of the top ten works in the main Marvel U! DiVito returns to the SF line; his style’s still stiff but better inking retains his use of negative space. Plotwise, DnA twist & turn: the Nova Corps mobilizes for the War of Kings, while protag Rider gets Cptn. Marvel’s old 1970s power bracers!

last issue: Nova #22
next issue: Nova #24

also indexed for May ’09
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #1 of 5
Guardians of the Galaxy #11
Guardians of the Galaxy #12
War of Kings #1 of 6
War of Kings: Darkhawk #2 of 2

Nova #22

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Andrea DiVito
April 2009
****

Not only do DnA follow thru cleverly on their basic scenario, they twist the plot in surprising ways! Storing a super-AI in his head didn’t drive Rich Rider mad, it drove the AI mad! It did affect RR’s body tho’, and now, powerless, he’s got two days to live! Plus, dig the Constructivist cover!

last issue: Nova #21
next issue: Nova #23

also indexed for Apr. ’09
Guardians of the Galaxy #10
War of Kings: Darkhawk #1 of 2

Nova #21

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Wellinton Alves
March 2009
****

Worldmind, the cosmic AI that Rider has shared a skull with, downloads itself into Ego the Living Planet, one of King Kirby’s kraziest koncepts! But the maneuver smells fishy, esp. when Rider gets booted from the Corps! This is a brilliant turn of events, grand super-SF, a twist on A. Moore’s GL Mogo.

last issue: Nova #20
next issue: Nova #22

also indexed for Mar. ’09
Guardians of the Galaxy #9
Secret Invasion: War of Kings #1 of 1

Nova #20

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Wellinton Alves & Geraldo Burges
February 2009
***

Another reflective issue of Nova. Richard Rider touches base w/ old friends from the New Warriors, his anxiety stimulated by the Nova Corps’ restoration. Or is he just worried about his younger brother, now a fellow Centurian? If only editorial would get more unique, imaginative artists on this mag!

last issue: Nova #19
next issue: Nova #21

also indexed for Feb. ’09
Guardians of the Galaxy #8

Nova #19

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Wellinton Alves & Geraldo Burges
January 2009
****

The re-established Nova Corps helps keep the peace on Earth, post-Skrull Invasion. The slower pace lets DnA develop character w/ smart dialogue. Esp good: a friendly convo btw Rider’s bro & bush-league ’90s hero Darkhawk. The artist duo are unobtrusive, aside from bewildering angles in fights.

last issue: Nova #18
next issue: Nova #20

also indexed for Jan. ’09
Guardians of the Galaxy #7

Nova #18

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning // Wellinton Alves & Geraldo Burges
December 2008
***

Nova, w/ a growing support staff, defends an upstate super-facility from Skrull invaders. Human scientists have rebooted the Nova AI, w/ the side-effect of conjuring the late Quasar out of “solid energy”. Cavalry comes in the form of a root army &, in a surprise twist, a reconstituted Nova Corps!

last issue: Nova #17
next issue: Nova #19

also indexed for Dec. ’08
Guardians of the Galaxy #6

Annihilation: Conquest #6 of 6

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

Annihilation #1 of 6

Keith Giffen // Andrea DiVito
October 2006
***

Taxied into place by a one-shot & 5 minis, the flagship of this metaseries sets sail. A swarm of space locusts from beyond the universe has consumed the Skrull Empire. Nova, leading a loose alliance of galactic heroes (esoteric ’70s Starlin creations, mostly), reports on the grim calculus of war. It’s journeyman space opera in a realistic prosy style, heavily influenced by Starship Troopers.

continued from Annihilation: Nova #4 of 4
continued from Annihilation: Ronan #4 of 4
continued from Annihilation: Silver Surfer #4 of 4
continued from Annihilation: Super-Skrull #4 of 4
next issue: Annihilation #2 of 6

also indexed for Oct. ’06
Astonishing X-Men #16
Civil War #4 of 7

Annihilation: Ronan #4 of 4

Simon Furman // Jorge Lucas
September 2006
***

An aspirant to godhead burns himself out by using his world-shaping energy to destroy the swarm of space bugs. So Ronan fails to clear his rep but vows to warn the Kree Empire anyway. The strongest mini in the metaseries, Ronan feeds its drive & suspense into next month’s Annihilation series.

last issue: Annihilation: Ronan #3 of 4
continued in Annihilation #1 of 6

also indexed for Sept. ’06
Annihilation: Nova #4 of 4
Annihilation: Silver Surfer #4 of 4
Annihilation: Super-Skrull #4 of 4
Civil War #3 of 7
Nextwave, Agents of HATE #7

Annihilation: Ronan #2 of 4

Simon Furman // Jorge Lucas
July 2006
***

Tho’ far off, the interstellar war draws closer. The titular antihero, meanwhile, clashes w/ space amazons (mostly ’90s Marvelettes). Ronan is hardcore scifi: honor-driven outlaws on a backwater planet & a cosmic puppet-master w/ his ulterior agenda. Tho’ confusing, it’s rich in atmosphere.

last issue: Annihilation: Ronan #1 of 4
next issue: Annihilation: Ronan #3 of 4

also indexed for Jul. ’06
Annihilation: Nova #2 of 4
Annihilation: Silver Surfer #2 of 4
Annihilation: Super-Skrull #2 of 4
Civil War #1 of 7
Nextwave, Agents of HATE #5

Annihilation: Ronan #1 of 4

Simon Furman // Jorge Lucas
June 2006
***

The Kree strand of an intergalactic crossover. The protag—a blue-skinned Kirby heavy w/ a Thor-like gavel—has been exiled by his empire. It’s grand space opera, engaging & a bit confusing (races, empires, factions, all with weird names), but the Metal Hurlant-style art is gloriously detailed.

continued from Annihilation: Prologue #1 of 1
next issue: Annihilation: Ronan #2 of 4

also indexed for Jun. 06
Annihilation: Nova #1 of 4
Annihilation: Silver Surfer #1 of 4
Annihilation: Super-Skrull #1 of 4
Astonishing X-Men #14
Nextwave, Agents of HATE #4

Annihilation: Prologue #1 of 1

Keith Giffen // Scott Kolins
May 2006
***

Using plenty of technobabble, Giffen designs a space-opera spectacle. A wave of insectoids from beyond the universe wipes out the Nova Corps (intergalactic cops). The grandiosity makes the cosmic scope plausible (you could easily miss a genocide in the ol’ Kree-Skrull War) while the art is clear yet full of detail & activity. This prologue intros a SF revival for Marvel.

continued in Annihilation: Nova #1 of 4
continued in Annihilation: Ronan #1 of 4
continued in Annihilation: Silver Surfer #1 of 4
continued in Annihilation: Super-Skrull #1 of 4

also indexed for May ’06
Iron Man #6
Nextwave: Agents of HATE #3
The Pulse #14
Young Avengers #11

Maximum Security: Dangerous Planet #1 of 1

Kurt Busiek // Jerry Ordway
October 2000
*

W/ this one-shot, Marvel inaugurates its first major crossover since Heroes Reborn. The action has the Surfer & Prof X (w/ his cadre of mutant Skrulls) attack a living planet. The rest of MS: DP is a windy debate in an intergalactic UN on the issue of Earth’s interference in their affairs; a new species manipulates the affair for unknown reasons. Even fans of space opera will find it labored.

continued in Maximum Security #1 of 3

also indexed for Oct. 2000
Thunderbolts #43
Avengers #33