Tintin's Top Ten
Comic Previews of The Week
It's sad that it actually has been exactly two months between the first and second Comic Previews feature, I wan't to send out a heart-felt apology to those who missed their fix of the latest comic review from yours truly. Anyways since the huge gap, Marvel regathering intiative Marvel NOW! has kicked into high gear. On the DC side Geoff Johns get's ready to leave his 9 year stint on Green Lantern and the Aquaman/Justice League Throne of Atlantis crossover began and is about to end. So enjoy my top ten picks of this week:
10. Nova 1 Marvel NOW! writer: Jeph Loeb, art: Ed McGuiness and Dexter Vines
Sure it's not fan favorite Richard Rider, but you can't deny that the idea of a space faring Peter Parker like teen is cool. Nova is written and drawn by the duo of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness. They gave us the commercially successful but critically panned Red Hulk. Loeb has been getting hate for the past few years (why, I have no idea) but I think this will bring back those distant fans of his Batman and Marvel Color series works into the fold.
9. X-Factor 252 writer: Peter David, art: Leonard Kirk and Jay Leisten
The 2000's and ahead for the X-Books have not provided constant/stable writers apart from Peter David, he has stuck with the Noir investigative bunch since the decimation hit mutant-kind. David who is currently suffering blurry vision and has lost the use of his right arm and leg due to a stroke, has been the stalwart writer for this underrated and under appreciated X-Book. In fact I could without hesitance nominate him as the best writer in X-Men comic book history and that's saying something, considering he has never written the main title. Hell on Earth War, seems like his final arc and an interesting way to go out. This issue former X-Factor member Strong Guy has a bone to pick with his friends while the X-Factor team tries to prevent The Lords of Hell from taking over. We love you and hope to see you well again Mr. David!!!
8. Avengers 6 Marvel NOW! writer: Jonathan Hickman, art: Adam Kubert
The book is currently just flowing along, Hickman is know to build longer narratives that include huge pay-offs at the end. This seems as similar as New Avengers, but his New Avengers has been exciting due to the conflicting personalities and the darker reveals. As Hickman said New Avengers is about Death while Avengers is about life, seems death is a better choice. Anyways this issue tackles the origins of Captain Universe, a relatively obscure and complicated character. For most this may just be the make or break issue in deciding to continue with Avengers but I expect it to be good and also guarantee to continue the comic onwards. Hickman is a genius and unlike other writers he is guaranteed to stay on for 50 issues in the Marvel NOW! initiative making it easier to back him.
7. Daredevil 23 writer: Mark Waid, art: Chris Samnee
While the Marvel NOW! initiative has not diluted it's quality, it definitely has diluted it's visibility. Daredevil has been bogged by a slower shipping schedule-in comparison to other books-and new Marvel books each week. This however seems like the perfect jumping point for new readers. The Eisner award winning series has been a fun read so far but it seems Waid is now getting ready to push good old DD back towards the darkness. Hopefully we get something new out of Matt Murdocks misery as Waid begins to deliver another mysterious arc.
6. Captain America 4 Marvel NOW! writer: Rick Remender, art: John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson
This might not be Remender's best work but I am eagerly awaiting the book after last month's shocking cliff-hanger. These days it's hard to be shocked by last page reveals in monthly comics due to the spoiler filled internet and the overdose of cliffhangers placed to make books exciting. It's been fun viewing the Dimension Z visuals and Remender goes deep into Steve Rogers childhood. I do not have and inkling on this month's plot especially since the cover is a little weird but I just can't wait. Bonus Point! between the last issue and this one, Toby Jones (Frost/Nixon) has confirmed his involvement as the returning Arnim Zola to the Captain America Sequel; The Winter Soldier.
5. Justice League 17 writer: Geoff Johns, art: Ivan Reis, Paul Pelletier, Joe Prado, Oclair Albert and Sean Parsons
The Throne Of Atlantis concludes. It has been a fast paced and relatively small but impact-full event. I like the idea of an event revolving around Atlantis invading Earth since it's never been properly executed (according to me) by the big 2 companies. Maybe it's just that neither Namor or Aquaman have provided confidence to readers. Johns has been producing a stellar and reviving run on Aquaman and I cannot wait to see this big finale. It will also be responsible for kicking the next event: Trinity War into high gear. Plus more SHAZAM!
4. Justice League of America 1 writer: Geoff Johns, art: David Finch
While Justice League ends the TOA crossover, JLA begins the Trinity War. I cannot wait to see what Johns has in store, bringing back fan favorite Martian Man-hunter to the forefront, Green Arrow as leader after Lemiere and the show Arrows coolness and giving us lovely Stargirl back. The new issue however has been put through the ringer after it's 52 variant covers for a flag for each state making it hectic and pointless promotion. Let's see how this one fares.
3. Thor: God of Thunder 5 Marvel NOW! writer: Jason Aaron, art: Esad Ribic
The God Butcher concludes as the three generation of Thor's race to defeat a vaunted foe. This series has been currently providing the best excitement of any Avengers related books. It has been a spectacle seeing the different incarnations of Thor, providing both nods to Norse Mythology and comic book history. Aaron who has turned into a pillar of the Marvel writing department is exciting in each issue, he is one reason I always want to Make Mine Marvel!
2. Green Lantern 17 writer: Geoff Johns, art: Doug Mahnke, Dan Jurgens, Phil Jiminez, Tom Nguyen and Mark Irwin
I will be honest, I have yet to read the previous Green Lantern event; Rise of The Third Army. Green Lantern has been going from event to event and it has tired me out, but now with the news that Johns is set to leave his 9 year run on the title makes me realize how much I will miss these epic sagas of Geoff Johns Green Lantern Corps (not to mention the other colors). It's a testament to his talented writing, how far Johns has taken the Green Lantern franchise and it's lead Hal Jordan. In his time we have reached a point where there was a Green Lantern movie (albeit a bad one) before a Wonder Woman movie!!! Wrath of The First Lantern begins here and it promises to be a shattering event for the corps. With promises to the First Lanterns origin, new Lantern Simon Baz struggle against the Black Hand and revelations on the fates of Hal Jordan and Sinestro.
1. Hellblazer 300 writer: Peter Milligan, art: Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini
It is the end of an era, Vertigo's longest running title (one that has been there since the start of the company) is coming to a close. It is amazing how far a bunch of British creators has taken the journey of the cigarette smoking, foul mouthed magician John Constantine. This is not your Keanu Reeves Constantine, but a fella who has been entertaining for as long as I can remember. I cannot say more but just watch out for my Hellblazer finale review and most likely a eulogy for Vertigo's greatest character to date. An Indie stylized book going out in an Indie stylized manner (read: low-key).
So these are my top ten. All of these apart from Green Lantern (I have yet to read the previous cross-over) will be reviewed and then a Wonder Woman Weekly feature will wrap up a whole collection of comics I read this week.
'Nuff Said
Aneesh Raikundalia
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