Guardians of the Galaxy #147

FORTRESS

Written by Gerry Duggan
Penciled by Marcus To
Cover by Aaron Kuder
Published Nov 15 2017

  As Novas, Ant Man and Gamora are trapped with some other scientists the helped free from some weird Ultron zombies when Scott Lang has an idea. He giant sizes himself in front of the door but unfortunately then passes out. Suddenly the other corpsman they arrived with show up outside the window, and a plan to get out off the dead ship finally materializes.

Just in time for us to not think y'all were traitors.

   Meanwhile back at the Rock, one Guardian enjoying his time undercover is Rocket, who gives some other fellow troops a hard time for looting a deserted vessel. They're saved by the bell as Gamora and Ant Man return with the survivors. Rocket gives Lang a tip. If he's looking to continue his journey across the universe, there's a Nova sled leaving for Knowhere, but if it's alright, Ant Man would love to stick around a little longer. Later Adsit shows Rocket the big guns, with news that he sent Star Lord to track down some rogue Novas.

Hey Rich!

   Speaking of Quill, he's shocked to find Rich Rider still alive, and shows him with a punch to the face. He didn't know Rider survived the cancerverse, news that apparently not even Gamora shared with him. Hard feelings aside, the two meet up to study the rogue Novas. They brazenly walk up to the exterior and are quickly reminded of the areas defenses. Once inside, they make their way down corridors until Rider is nailed from behind from another Nova. Discovering she's pregnant, Quill explains who they are but it still takes a few more swings before a truce is finally made.

So Peter Quill fights pregnant women? I'll make a note of it, sicko.

   Eve Bakian introduces herself, and although there's some reasons to be skeptical, the two sides decide they can trust each other. She tells the two to follow her. They found this planet by accident. After discovery, one of the corpsman tried to get an encoded out to the Shi'ar - more proof that there's traitors in their ranks and even yet, they have something to hide.
   The issue wraps with them entering a fake cooling tower used as camouflage. She tells them that they didn't know who to truest so it remained a secret. Inside, one of the massive Infinity stones glows before them. What happens next though will have to wait as this issue is left to be continued.

Yeah right. How the hell is THIS supposed to fit in Thanos' glove thing?

   So obviously with this issue, we learned a few things. For one, Ant Man makes a perfect Guardian of the Galaxy. Hopefully he sticks around awhile because he certainly seems like he belongs. Second off, Rocket seems a little too enthusiastic with his new gig. If they don't watch it, he just might become a permanent enlistee. Finally, how much longer will this book focus on infinity stones. When I was a kid, I remember buying the Infinity Gauntlet mini series at the 7/11, and while it was a little over my head, it really drubbed up Thanos and exactly what somebody could do with all the gems. With the cinematic focus on them, it's natural why they'd be such a major part of the books. But how long do they plan on being what the galaxy focuses on? I guess there's only one way to find out. For this issue, I give it an 8/10.

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Batman #35

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT pt III

Written by Tom King

Penciled by Joelle Jones

Cover by Joelle Jones
Published Nov 15, 2017

   Holly Robinson watches, as Talia al Ghul and Selina Kyle fight. She tells the Catwoman that she was taught to fight with a sword the day she learned to walk. It was a brutal childhood, one for which Selina replies that her father never gave her anything. And to add insult to injury, she doesn't really even know what she's doing. But still the fight continues.

BOOM!

  Meanwhile, Damain Wayne and Dick Grayson talk outside the cave while inside, Batman struggles to his feet. For the first time, Damian refers to himself as Robin, and the former holder of the title doesn't let him walk it back easily.
   While they talk, the battle continues. Talia asks if Selina truly believes she's the Detective's equal. Indeed she does. As Talia mocks her, she explains that Batman's war on crime will always be his first true love, and she'll always be second to that. She tries to explain that justice is his only forever partner. 

Basically, we ladies will always be Batman's booty call. Crime fighting is Numero Uno.

   Outside, Dick explains to Damian that Bruce is looking for his shot to be happy, as Holly slowly walks over to the fight. Batman fights for everything. He bleeds, he gives. But asking for things is something he's not very good at. Inside, Talia gets the upperhand, and with the sword at Catwoman's neck, she grabs the blade, pivots and kicks her, taking it away. Finally Holly spots her and calls out, while Selina drives the blade into Talia's back.

Here. Hold this a sec.

   The two speak. Catwoman came all the way here, battle this woman's protector and won, all to ask Holly for help. Selina took the wrap for 237 lives. Now all she asks is Holly to pay her back. They emerge from the cave and as Batman sees the boys waiting, he knew Alfred would give him up. Damian asks if he's happy. And as pained as it makes Bruce to say, he's getting there. With that, the group takes their leave of Khadym, and this story arc is concluded.

   You know, as much as I favor Marvel's hold on their beloved characters, there's a reason why Batman is constantly at the top of the monthly sales list. DC protects him like nothing any competing publisher can say the same for, and Tom King is simply a master. There's a lot of things people will say about the New 52, or Marvel Now, or Marvel Legacy, but I don't think there's any book that gained more than Batman in this Rebirth era. He's the best for a reason and this issue was no exception. I give it a 10/10.

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Amazing Spider-Man #791

FALL OF PARKER pt III

Written by Dan Slott
Penciled by Stuart Immonen
Cover by Alex Ross
Published Nov 8, 2017

   Spidey and Mockingbird spend a late night doing some crime fighting. The next morning, he's up bright and early, and as Spider-Man, he swings out the apartment with work clothes on hand... er, web.

Sorry hun, gotta roll...

   At the office, various members of his new department assume he's late but he pops in, unchecked by security and ahead of schedule. Joe Robertson welcomes his new Science Editor to the team, telling him his first assignment is due Saturday and hands him an Alchemax phone. Suddenly his new intern snaps a pic of the man behind Webware holding an A-phone. Just a little embarrassing.
   Meanwhile across town, Bobbi Morse has a new gig of her own. She walks the floor of Humanitech with founder Xander Zynn. Her phone rings and boyfriend Pete has been so caught up in himself, he forgot she had gotten a job there. Missing him, she invites he and his entire team to tour the facility.

Sure you can come over, Pete. It's my first day.

Once there, they walk the floor and Pete notices the brainwaves of the robots look remarkably human. One of them fights back, taking all of his spider-power to subdue it. Something's fishy...

I don't know... this doesn't seem right.

   Later that night, the two sneak back in. They work on some recon while Aunt May calls, inviting them to dinner, but first, distracting Spider-Man. He hangs up to see her surrounded. Bad news is.. they're not alone. Xander demands they leave while the robots beg to be opened up. Inside each robot, a matrix bulb screams and jumps to the floor. The sand collects and forms Quicksand, one of Thor's old enemies. She seeks revenge and Sidey asks her to spare Zynn which she grants.

Oh look. Here's this.

   The next day, the story on Humanitech breaks while Xander Zynn goes on the run. Later, Harry and Liz scout their old building for an Alchemax asset. Later on they make it home to dismiss the sitter and notice some new scrapes. She chalks it up to simply roughhousing, while she conceals some blood vials behind her back. What's this Emma chick up to?
   The issue wraps with Pete back at the bugle while Joe gives him a pat on the back. He tells his new boss it was all a team effort, also being reminded his next assignment is due right on it's heals. But nothing gets Peter Parker down these days. Being under pressure at the Daily Bugle feels like being home. And with that, this story arc is concluded.
   If you poke around the twitterverse, you'll see that Dan Slott gets a lot of heat. While a lot of his personal opinions love to skirt the political realm, it's really a no brainer that he's going to alienate some folks. Luckily for him, he still manages to write some pretty good comic book stories.This was a solid story and while you could pick it apart, I think it still deserves the higher accolades being doled out in the Marvel universe. Plus Stuart's artwork is still as sharp as ever. I give this one a 10/10.

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Venom #157

LETHAL PROTECTOR pt III

Written by Mike Costa

Penciled by Mark Bagley
Cover by Mark Bagley
Published Nov 8 2017

   Mayor Fisk addresses the cameras and admits there’s some dangerous creatures beneath New York’s streets. As he speaks, Eddie Brock chides Doctor Steven for his shoddy medical repairs. Suddenly on TV the police commisioner introduces Kraven and Eddie recognizes him. He holds the severed head of one of the dino-people, and further, the news reports also that Venom is on the loose. Eddie and Venom know that there’s only one thing to do - find Kraven and take him out. And since his visit to Alchemax must be kept a secret, he’ll have to do it without the serum needed to keep his psychotic episodes at bay..

Well here goes nothing.

   A short cameo reveals Lee Price’s lawyer giving him news about a Venom sighting, while in the sewers, the symbiote blends in with the troops persuing him. He takes them out summarily while triggering Kraven’s traps along the way. Finally he spots him, and he attacks. The bad news though is that Kraven anticipated this and just so brought some added protection...

Gross!

   Shriek unleashes a massive sound blast that immediately explodes Venom from Eddie’s body. Kraven tells her to hit him again, and this time the burst damages the city streets above them, crumbling a brownstone and sending innocent people scrambling. Venom does everything he can to stop it, webbing it up before running out of gas. Kraven screams at Shriek for starting the cave in, and later spies the Dino-folk, telling his men to not engage. Just then scores of rats pour out of a sewer pipe... the bait has been set.
   The issue wraps with Eddie trapped in the rubble. Normally Venom would shore up his broken bones but for the first time since their reunion, he feels alone. Worse yet, he’s late for his treatment from Alchemax. Without it, the alien slowly builds rage... and Eddie has no way to control it. Will he be able to get control of the monster in time? We’ll have to wait as this issue is left to be continued.

Eddie Brock is in some trouble.

   You know, I’m super psyched with where they’ve brought this character. Formerly being a maniacal villain, they’ve changed him into a hero where Eddie Brock is essentially a man trying to control his demons. While it’s been done before, I sense a more permenant change with Mike Costa at the helm. With Lee Price being around, I enjoy the toying back and forth on whether they’ll pivot the alien to being unhinged. Its an interesting story and keeps building. I give this one a 9/10.

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Uncanny Avengers #29

STARS AND GARTERS pt II: Broken Bones

Written by Jim Zub
Penciled by Sean Izaakse
Cover by RB Silva
Published Nov 8 2017

   High above Avengers mansion, a detail flies the detained Cain Marko, aka Juggernaut, to some prison location while he threatens the guards along the way. Suddenly he hears Dr Voodoo’s spell, dissipates from his restraints and falls at breakneck speed towards earth, sending the former Unity Squad sky high. While they engage in a rather unprepared battle, they can’t figure out how he showed up until me mentions one word: Cyttorak. Rogue punches him into some nearby cars and begins organizing her team. One teammate she can’t rangle in though is the rather headstrong Quicksilver, who takes things into his own hands along with Synapse.

When keeping it real goes wrong.

   Meanwhile Voodoo realizes that the spell he used to summon the Cytorra to rebuild the mansion also summoned Juggernaut. Quicksilver runs towards him to pull off his helmet, directing Synapse to quickly get into his head afterwards. He does so, but while he arrogantly poses with the helmet in hand, Rogue reveals that he has a second helmet on. Synapse can only watch while Juggernaut knocks the crap out of her.
   Enraged, Pietro runs towards him but is quickly dealt with, while Wasp does as much as she can. While they fight, Jericho utters a spell to repurpose the Cytorra. They tell Rogue to bring him back to where they are and she does, by just letting his weight do all the work. When in range, the tiny mystic builders attack - sealing him into his own armor. Voodoo recites another spell, teleporting the gigantic villain somewhere else. Only problem now: Synapse lays before them, and she’s not doing well.

I'LL BE GOOD! REALLY!!!

   Four hours later, they all sit in a hospital waiting room when the Doctor emerges, informing them she’s stable. Quicksilver demands to see her, an order the doctor denies. When confronted by the other members, he gets mad. He tells Wanda that they’re leaving but she stands up to him, opting to stay while he is clearly hurt - and he bolts.
   The issue wraps with Scarlet Witch offering her service to the team, and it’s accepted. But one member of the squad isn’t in good shape. She lays unconscious in a hospital bed with a note in her hand. Will the Avengers be able to save Synapse? We’ll have to wait as this issue is left to be continued.

That hospital looks kinda dirty...

   I always appreciate it when a team book is able to keep things on the low-if end, and the Unity Squad has always been moderately short on irritating and pointless plot building. You know where everyone is.. You know what everyone’s doing, and the creative forces behind it keep it all relatively simple. I like where they’ve been heading and I like what they’re building still. I give this one a 9/10.

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Star Wars #38

THE ASHES OF JEDHA pt I

Written by Kieron Gillen
Penciled by Salvador Larroca
Cover by David Marquez
Published Nov 8, 2017

   After the Empire has mostly destroyed Jedha, they continue shelling it and raiding for the remainder of the Kyber crystals. Luckily for 2 surrounded separatists, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia show up and rescue them. Unfortunately Luke's weird, um.. horse thing is blown up during the escape but Leia and company pull him back on and they hastily make their way onto the Millennium Falcon.

Whoopsie! Time to go!!!

   One of them asks if Luke is a Jedi and he explains he's still training. They make it to the ship just in time and take off. Later on when they've made to shelter, they're all able to have more of an introduction as they gaze up at the dying moon. 

I don't know... Looks kinda depressing, don't you think?

   Luke and Chulco Gi discuss. He's a disciple of the whills - kind of a jedi historian and follower. As they talk,  Leia speaks with Ubin Des, another partisan and member of the former rebellion that Saw Gerrerra once lead. They toast together - although they have different rebel ideas, it's important they remain unified in the shadow of the empire.
   Meanwhile aboard an Imperial Cruiser orbiting nearby, Commander Kanchar boards for an immediate inspection. He introduces Queen Trios, a civilian mineral extractor to Commander Befa. He demands to know why has the extraction of Kyber crystals ceased. Befa makes excuses and shows him the last of their haul - a minimal cache of crystals. Infuriated, he kills Befa, when the Queen and himself make some idle threats. Afterwords, it seems their on the same page. Find the crystals, and finish what Grand Moff Tarkin started.

What a beta. Has to use his HANDS to strangle someone to death.

   Back on Jedha, Chulco and Ubin fly the Falcon into the partisans camp while Han chides them for being too rough with his baby. Luke, Leia, and Han are disguised as prisoners. They reveal to the guards that they're rebels, but the former followers of Saw don't seem convinced. Luke senses trouble... but we'll have to wait to see what happens next, as this issue is left to be continued.
   So after the powers that be decided it was time for Jason Aaron to move on, this book gets a new creative team. Luckily they still have Salvador Larocca's amazing artwork, but they didn't have to look far for another galactic guru, as Dr Aphra writer Kieron Gilllen takes over. I've been a longtime fan of his work in later issues of Uncanny X-Men, and he's workd on scores of books for the House of Ideas ever since. It's good to know that this awesome series won't skip a beat. I give this one an 8/10.

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Cable #150

THE NEWER MUTANTS pt I

Written by Ed Brisson
Penciled by Jon Malin
Cover by Jon Malin
Published Oct 18, 2017

   13 years in the past, Cable and Longshot walk into a New Orleans Forensic Unit during an autopsy. After a TV-Coroners-Always-Eating joke from of course, the television obsessed future superstar, they tell the technician that they need the room a few minutes and order him outside. Cable opens up the drawer and explains to Longshot that the Jane Doe is actually Candra, a supposed immortal member of the Externals who by the looks of it, is missing her heart. Longshot touches her skin and with his power, is able to see her last moments.

Jon Malin looks like he was drawing this with orders from Marvel to make sure EVERYONE KNOWS LONGSHOT ONLY HAS 4 FINGERS ON EACH HAND!

   Woken by her sleep, the killer was someone she knew. The fight lasted awhile but eventually got the better of her. Unfortunately, the assassin remained cloaked in shadows in the vision. With Candra down, the last External is Seline. Longshot asks why didn’t Cable go ask her, and Cable explains that Selene had killed all the others - and Candra and her had brokered some peace. They need to speak with her, but to do that, they’re gonna need help.

I think I remember seeing this 13 years ago in New Orleans.

   The two head for a drag strip in the Bronx. Looking for the “Street Scorpion”, Cable only has to break one guy’s hand before he shows up. Doop rolls down the window and after a brief conversation about how somebody’s messing with the timeline, he’s in. Next up, the trio meet their next teammate - Shatterstar. After introductions, they begin their assault on the Hellfire Club.

Everybody else gets introduced in a few pages. Shatterstar gets 4 panels.

   After clearing some halls, suddenly the walls come alive and reaches out to them. A booming voice lowers as Selene stands before the wall-captured men, and she touches Longshot as Shatterstar distracts her. He tells Cable that during the encounter, he could see that she wasn't the murderer. He asks her to listen as she knocks Doop out and he blasts her in the back. She's the last external, he tells her and he offers his help as she laughs uncontrollably. "The Externals are immortal" she tells him. "We can't die" she says... "But you can..." and with that, the groups remainders Absolum, Crule and Nicodemus surround them, as we're left to be continued.

Oh look, now there's enough for Pictionary!

   I never really read much of Cable's series before but I was a pretty big fan of New Mutants in the 90's as well as when the great X-Force spinoff came into existence, but eventually lost touch. With Cable's recent presence in the Deadpool book, it definitely piqued my interest to get back into such a classic character. This version would again make Rob Liefield proud, as he himself provided artwork for one of the book's variant covers - in homage to Cable's introduction in New Mutants #87. As this is the Marvel Legacy jump off, it's a great place to get back into the character. Decent but limited artwork but simple one take writing - it's my kind of book. I give this one a 9/10.

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