Guardians of the Galaxy #146

THE EVIL HAS LANDED

Written by Gerry Duggan
Penciled by Marcus To
Cover by Aaron Kuder
Published Nov 1 2017

   From atop a throne made of Nova helmets, Talonar briefs the 13 talons. The NEW Nova Corps are mining an asteroid, also being used as their home base. Known as the "Spirit of Xandar" in honor of their former planet, most others refer to it as the Rock. They're dependent on member planets for everything. They're weak and suffering from low morale. As the Raptors prepare to make a move on them, former SHIELD accountant and Deadpool handler Scott Adsit, addresses his new recruits amidst a chorus of boos. With that, he introduces the newest corpsmen, the Guardians of the Galaxy.

We're saved. Just look at these cool cats.

   Later, they're all split up. Groot is with Drax, Ant-Man is with Gamora, Rocket (who appears to have taken quite a shine to his new Nova role) interviews a fellow Corpsman and Star Lord reads his notes - amazed to see Rich Rider, the original Nova, is actually still alive.
   Rocket later finds some drunken Corpsmen enjoying impounded wine, proving his new power has gone to his head, while Gamora and Antman respond to a distress call. By the looks of it, Ultron has assimilated most of the dead, and the survivors are locked in the engineering bulkhead. After they board, an Ultron cyborg approaches and the 2 guardians send the others to defend the ship. It obviously recognizes Antman, and as it reboots, Gamora gives it a merciful death.

Sometimes you just need a woman to do the tough stuff.

   The issue wraps as they finally make it to the compartment where the trapped passengers are. They free them and as they all run from the horde of Ultron clones, they discover their ship has left without them. What will they do to survive? We'll have to wait as this issue is left to be continued.
   While admittedly, my Novo knowledge might be a little lacking, there's one thing I'm fairly versed on and it's the history of Ultron/Hank Pym/and Ant Man. Gerry Duggan does the characters justice, after briefly introducing them in Uncanny Avengers. Hopefully it's not just a cameo, because the Scott Lang tenure of Ant-Man and the legend of Hank Pym deserve a showdown. Could that happen in Guardians of the Galaxy? One can only hope. I give this issue a 9/10.

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Astonishing X-Men #5

LIFE OF X pt V

Written by Charles Soule
Penciled by Ramon Rosanas
Cover by Ramon Rosanas
Published Nov 1 2017

   On the Astral Plane, Professor Charles Xavier explains to Rogue why Gambit couldn't be saved. At the moment, he's playing an illusion filled chess game against the Shadow King. Gambit is with Logan, with mind locked inside the plane and body loose in the real world.
   In London, he charges the floor and as the police fire at him, he leaps away and it explodes. He swings aboard a nearby helicopter as Psylocke transports the SWAT team and incapacitated X-Men safely to another rooftop. Gambit however gets away on the hijacked chopper.

Yeeee! Gotcha!

   Meanwhile, Charles continues telling them what happened to him. After Cyclops killed him, Farouk collected his spirit. For some unexplained reasons there's a side conversation going on between Fantomex and Xavier as well, which was a little confusing. Either way... Charles played against the Shadow King, learning more and more about him. With his X-Men, he can eventually defeat him, but he's running out of time. As he degrades, he's going to need his former students to become like knights and fight on his behalf.

Look. I know this looks bad...

   Back in London, Angel and Bishop trail Logan while Gambit approaches from behind and turns him into a Shadow King controlled zombie. Logan emerges from a nearby building with more subjects in tow and Warren reports back to Betsy on what he's seeing.. This possession spreads from person to person by touch.

Somewhere Robert Kirkman is saying "HEY! ZOMBIES ARE MY IDEA!"

   In a nearby command center, British officers observe the crisis, discussing and eventually approving what appears to be destroying everything. Back above London, Psylocke explains to Warren that he needs to let out his inner Archangel. He's hesitant but with her help, she convinces him they can keep everything at bay. He agrees, rips his skin off and the metal wings of death and blue appearance emerge. With that, we're left to be continued.

Time to make myself look cool again!

   I'm not sure, but I think this might be the best X title in publication right now. While it's weird to have a different artist every single issue, Charles Soule is definitely giving us a story that's at the moment better than the over-published Gold and Blue books combined. It also makes me realize how much I miss old Professor X. At this point, he's been dead for over 5 years. Maybe it's time for his return? Anyway, for this issue, I give it a 10/10.

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The Walking Dead #173

FINAL FIGHT

Written by Robert Kirkman
Penciled by Charlie Adlard
Cover by Charlie Adlard
Published Nov 1 2017

   Beta approaches Jesus and Aaron with blades drawn, but Jesus ducks just in time. He gets his gun up but Beta knocks it away, discharging it and waking Aaron in the process. Beta swipes the knife and cuts his arm. While they fight, Aaron takes out the walkers that have been drawn by the sound. Finally Beta gets Jesus down and is just about to stab him when Aaron fires. He takes out Beta while Jesus returns fire to save him from walkers. They recognize the mask wearing attacker as a former basketball player. He leaps up and tells them he has no name, and just as quick, falls dead.

...And.. Scene.

   Meanwhile Maggie stares at the Negan map, not even hearing Dante behind her. And at Hilltop, Carl enjoys his lunchbreak with Lydia, stirring her jealousy when he helps Sophia. Elsewhere Michonne's group continues their trek towards Ohio, but growing more weary in the process. 

She may actually just be tired of Robert Kirkman changing subject groups every page.

   Jesus and Aaron spot a campfire and draw closer to the group of Whisperers. A father seems to be having trouble getting his children to wear the signature flesh masks when they're infiltrated. Jesus takes them all out and introduces himself and Aaron to the family. They give them an invitation into their group.

Just wear the skin mask, Josh. It's cool.

   Back home, Rick again tearfully tells Andrea's grave goodnight. From afar, Dwight and Laura watch, eventually getting into an argument over how Dwight seems to still be hung up on his dead wife. The issue wraps with Michonne's group arriving at the Rendez-Vous point that Eugene set up with Stephanie. The only problem is that nobody is there. That is, until the unnamed group demans they put their weapons down and their hands in the air. What will happen next? We'll have to wait as this issue is left to be continued.

Not good.

   Without as much adspace as many other comic publishers, Image books need a few other pages of content. That's cool until Robert Kirkman realizes he needs to address his 500 individual timelines that are occurring simultaneously throughout this title. But unlike say, Justice League, he doesn't get as wordy as he could. As a guy who reads lots of titles each month, I appreciate that. My only complaint was that the Whisperers, which had such an impact in this title previously, seemed to go down with a whimper... pardon the pun. Either way, it was a good read. I give it a 7/10.

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Captain America #695

HOME OF THE BRAVE pt I

Written by Mark Waid
Penciled by Chris Samnee
Cover by Chris Samnee
Published Nov 1 2017

  Ten years ago, Captain America finds himself in Bouton, Nebraska fighting a startup group of thugs calling themselves Rampart. He works to gain the trust of some kids and defeats the group with ease. Deflecting a final bullet, he wraps a little girl in a flag and when asked his name, he tells them to ask their grandparents. With that he leaves on his trusty bike, driving into a future that will change his life forever.

I dunno. Something just seems off...

   Today he’s returned. And the city that he once protected now bears his name. He walks through the annual Captain America Celebration and is confused with being an amazing cosplayer. He talks to the locals, notably hearing a conspiracy theory about how some don’t believe his “frozen” origin story.
   Later, various citizens of the town get onstage and talk about what Captain America means to them. Story after story, they laud the hero until finally a member of Rampart walks up behind the speaker and knocks him down. They line up to execute the townsfolk but as they fire, their guns are all broken into bits by Cap’s shield. He catches it and opens his jacket, revealing his uniform and donning his signature helmet.  

Dare. Double Dare. Physical Challenge!!!

He throws them all about and after finally defeating them, demands more info from their ringleader. He ominously says “you’ll learn more soon” and blows himself up.
   The issue wraps with Cap telling the crowd that while flattered, he didn’t come for the festival. He had a job to do. He highlights several examples of how the town is filled with heroes in it’s own right. The strong protect the weak...  With that he gets a raucous “Welcome back” and he salutes them. With that, this issue has come to an end.

Well... Goodbye.

   Aside from Mark Waid’s legendary work at DC with the Flash, he’s almost synonymous with the modern Captain America. He’s had long runs on books centered around our favorite starts and striped superhero, as well as countless others. It only makes sense to return him to the pages which he made such an impact in the past. This book is typical of his work, painting pictures of characters without having to go on scores of origin points and dialogue and banter. It was a simple story and it made an impact with less. That’s tough to do and even more complimentary of writers like him. I dig it and can’t wait to see where he takes it. I give this one a 9/10.

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Batman #34

THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT pt II

Written by Tom King
Penciled by Joelle Jones
Cover by Joelle Jones
Published Nov 1 2017

   The bat and the cat are surrounded, and as they argue semantics, Batman reminds her that she looks lovely. Nearby, Talia Al Ghul inquires as to the woman’s identity and they explain it’s Selina Kyle - the soon to be married fiancé. She draws blood from her palm for some reason and tells her advisors that the men can do with her as they please.

That's cold blooded.

   Meanwhile, Batman realizes the men they’re fighting not only aren’t armed with guns, they don’t have tongues. The Silent Soldiers of the Pit, proof they’ve drawn near the worlds most dangerous woman.
   Outside the gate, Superman hovers while an upset Damian goes through the ways he’d fight his father’s Justice League partner. He explains to Bruce’s son that while he knows he’s upset, he can’t let him pass through. He later gets an indication that Central City is under alien attack, presumably from the Darkness if you’ve been reading Justice League, and takes off. Dick Grayson decides to stay with the newest boy wonder to keep him company while he waits for his father to exit and explain himself.

Look, Damian. Let me give you some advice... Nevermind. BYE!

   On the other side of the gate, Batman figures out the soldiers’ motives. Not to take them alive - more to just tire them. Suddenly she walks up and asks the detective if he has a sword. He tries to speak with her but she’ll have none of it. Finally he explains to her they’re hear for Holly Robinson, a criminal who killed 237 people - crimes of which Selina Kyle was blamed.  She flips him over and drives a sword through his back. Catwoman runs to his side and is immediately asked if she has a sword. Talia tells her to get one. “Okay” she says, pulling the sword from Batman. The fight is about to be on - but we’ll have to wait as this issue is left to be continued.

I've noticed anytime Catwoman says this, somebody's about to catch an ass whuppin'

   So Talia Al Ghul looks like she’s the real deal. There’s not a lot of people who can beat the Bat, but judging how many times Catwoman has gotten the upperhand, Selina is definitely one who can pull her weight. It was cool seeing Superman, albeit it brief. It would be even cooler going forward if Nightwing and Robin can help join the fight. Tom King continues taking this book to new heights and Joelle Jones’ art doesn’t disappoint. I give this one a 9/10.

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Spider-Man #234

SINISTER SIX REBORN pt I

Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Penciled by Oscar Bazuldua
Cover by Patrick Brown
Published Nov 1 2017

   Ceres the tech wizard extraordinaire shows off her newest inventory to a mystery customer. When he offers to buy it all, she thinks he's joking. He's not. And he really likes one costume in particular. Formerly the Iron Spider suit, she's put a new paint job on it... and it's appearance is sure to pique the interest in Iron Men and Spider Men alike.

Hi, I'm a mysterious criminal...

   Meanwhile, Miles keeps his flirting game up with Barbera Rodriguez until Ganke points the return of a certain someone. After mysteriously disappearing, Goldballs is back but he doesn't seem very happy. He asks if he can talk to Miles alone, all the while accidentally hitting him with his signature mutant powers. They step outside and Fabio asks why he's rubbing up on Barbara when he's with Lana. She's in love with him, a fact Miles didn't actually know. He clears it up and Fabio explains that he's probably gonna make a run at her, and everyone is bros once more.

Bros again.

   Speaking of Lana, her mom walks out of prison on a technicality. With super-powers herself, she immediately begins making plans with her daughter for some new heists. Lana refuses, and later sends her mother sky high with a kinetic blast. She lands and Lana has run away, but as the ruckus dissipates, a mystery man approaches her with an opportunity.

Well hey there, mom.

    Back at school, Miles takes off to clear his head and from a building top, decides to pursue some siren blaring patrol cars. Later we see just what that man had approached Lori Baumgartner for. Hobgoblin, Spot, Bombshell, Electro, and Sandman look at a pile of money. It's a down-payment for what they're going to steal. A SHIELD Helicarrier. But more shocking... Iron Spider is unmasked as Aaron Davis, Miles' long thought dead Uncle. What will happen next though will have to wait, as this issue is left to be continued.

Sup, bitches...

   So Aaron Davis is the Iron Spider?! That's a shocker. And while we're running out of Brian Michael Bendis revelations, he looks to be wrapping up his Marvel career with some big ones. I'm sure we'll see Damian Wayne and Duke Thomas carry the teen-rager mantle for our favorite dialogue pounding writer, but how is he going to cope without his favorite inner city teen he's honed and sharpened through the years? I don't know who he's passing the torch to, but it better be a big one. There's a long shadow they're stepping into. As far as this issue goes, I give it an 8/10.

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Avengers #673

WORLDS COLLIDE pt III

Written by Mark Waid
Penciled by Javier Pina
Cover by Alex Ross
Published Nov 1 2017

   Falcon and Viv run from the mounted Ani-Men on counter-Earth. They both ask why they're being attacked but are quickly incapacitated and captured. On real Earth, the Avengers question their own hostage when Vision phases into it's brain in anger, behavior quickly pointed out by Spider-Man and Wasp as unlike him. The ox-like person continues, telling them that their god has more in store for them. An undetected duplicate planet that exists on different vibrational frequencies. Thor surmises that by using the World Trade Center in the previous issue, Champions #13, to bridge the gap between the 2 dimensions.

Great news, everyone. Thor has immediately figured out why this is happening.

   Every twenty minutes, the counter earth rotates the real earth, with each time items from both worlds appearing and disappearing onto each. It's the reason why Falcon and Viv disappeared, and why a pack of New Men suddenly appear among the Avengers. Meanwhile, the two now missing  teammates are dragged into a temple between captured alien beings. Their nets are removed and the High Evolutionary walks down to inspect them. He finds the Vision's daughter creation quite interesting.

Creeper Alert!

   Falcon threatens him and he orders the Avenger dragged to the lab. Meanwhile a green glass tube falls over Vivian, dampening her abilities. He tells her he plans to fix Falcon, as well as her. What that exactly entails she'll soon find out.
   On Earth, Thor leads her team into battle until Ms. Marvel is able to stop her. These beast people are just as confused as they are. They react with shock, discussing between both groups and telling each they mean no harm. That is, all but one. He tells them their god's plan involves cleansing the other earth. Spider-Man asks for a plan, one which Vision obliges. They split up. Some will work on subduing the ani-men. The others will use Thor's hammer to match the frequency from earlier.

   The issue wraps with the High Evolutionary admiring his work. He tells Viv that her operation was a success. Warning her to take time getting used to the upgrade, he orders a mirror to show her the results. She sees her reflection, and with circuitry , panels, and glowing eyes removed, she looks like a completely normal human being. She's shocked... and so are we. But we'll have to wait to see what happens as this issue is left to be continued.

Gave her some fashionable highlights too.

   You know, the difference an artist can bring to a comic is extraordinary. Mark Waid has completely brought the Avengers in a new and exciting path and guest drawer Javier Pina's pencils do not disappoint. As normal artist Jesus Saiz returns with the next issue, it just makes me that much happier that Mike Del Mundo finally seems to be gone from this book forever. With such a legendary title, it makes sense to incorporate classic villains and the High Evolutionary is just that. With appearances so far this year from Kang, Dr Doom and others, it looks like this one is still on the right track. I give this issue a 9/10.

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