The Addict-ion List

When I'm not reading comics (or writing about them), I can usually be found watching YouTube videos. One of my favourite channels has got to be Patrick H Willems, a film analyst who dissects films, genres and filmographies in a tremendously entertaining fashion (at least from my point of view). 

Now, one of the things which has been brought up a few times in these videos is 'the Criterion Collection'. The Criterion Collection, as far as I understand, is an American home video distribution company which focuses on licensing "important classic and contemporary films" and restoring, formatting and selling them to film fans through the world. Now, this is a little more removed from what I thought it was (a literal 'collection' of the greatest film in cinema history) but it still bares some similarity to that train of thought (because of the whole "important classic and contemporary films" part) and so it got me to thinking 'is there actually a list of the greatest/must read comics out there?'

Now, I'm going to admit straight that there must be. This is because a medium that has nearly a century of history must have had somebody or many some somebodies compile such a list. Unfortunately, if this list does exist then I have yet to be able to find it (although i will confess my Google skills are not exactly 'expert') and I believe that is a bit of a crime. There are so many absolutely tremendous comics out there and many of them often fall by the wayside because no one knows about them.

Therefore, because I'm 'that' egotistical (ok, I'm not. Really), I've decided to create the addict-ion list. Unfortunately, it is not the best name (but it works because I'm an addict and they are, hopefully, addictive titles) but it is, put simply, a list of comic series/titles which 'I' (just me, not some committee or group of experts, little old, boring me) believe are some of the most amazing, incredible and spectacular comics that I have ever read, and that people most definitely should have a look at.

Of course, I've decided on a rule which gets a comic into 'my' list and that is, quite simply that the comic has to be 'promoted' to a physical copy in my actual collection.

Allow me to explain. I buy a lot of comics (well,not as many as some but I digress) and, due to the waning space in my home (as I've mentioned previously), a large proportion of my collection is digital, either through Comixology or as pdf files. However, on a very rare occasion, there is a digital comic I read which is so good and I enjoy so much that I will happily double dip and purchase a physical copy. This is the promotion I speak of and this is what, in my opinion, allows a comic the right to be on my list of among the best I've read.

Of course, this isn't a foolproof system as what about comics I already owned physically? Well, for those I would probably need to re-read to confirm but, really, anything that has survived my many callings so far certainly deserves consideration.

So, after all of that, what is the opening entry to my new project? Well, to be honest, that is quite an easy decision because first up on this list is Benjamin Read and Chris Wildgoose's Porcelain Trilogy from Improper Books. This is because I reviewed Porcelain when it hit the Pipedream desk, along with its sequels Bone China and Ivory Tower, and I absolutely adored each one of them, to the point that i still gush over them today.

As a result, I knew that if ever encountered either creator at a convention then I would need to pick up a print copy of each one. Fortunately, this was something which happened at True Believers 2017 and now I have a signed copy of each volume on my shelves (or maybe in my longbox. It's been quite a shift around in my house).

So, there you have it, my little ongoing project. The idea of 'the Addict-ion List' is pretty simple; to have a list (because I enjoy lists) of the absolute best comics I have read that I think everyone should read. Of course, I could always keep such a list in my head but A. I needed something to talk about while I'm only halfway through Black Panther: Man without Fear and B. Keeping such a list in my head isn't so easy as I move into my late thirties (and the amount of info in my head had already exceed storage limits I think).

Hopefully, it'll be a nice long list, but not over filled with every little thing.

 

Oh, and before I forget ...

I recently read Quarantine, which I reviewed for Pipedream Comics and saw Jordan Thomas bring together an army of artists to create a double sized story about a family in Quarantine (aptly enough). Now, with this comic, I thought this was a fantastic read. as the review specifies (and goes into more detail) I found this incredibly engrossing from start to finish and just a little bit unsettling as much of the early story felt like it had a ring of truth to it from my own life (and probably everyone else's I should imagine). Nonetheless, Quarantine's story kept me very well engaged, always having me needing to turn over to the next page.

As for the art, I have used the banned word 'consistency' (but it's only in passing) but, despite no pages looking alike, every page looks knock out gorgeous and I thought actually gives the issue as a whole a similar (or dare I say 'consistent') vibe.

All in all, this was an amazing read and it's one that I think everyone should have a chance to look at.

So, that's this week sorted. In truth, I didn't really explain what's been going on. Well, I've read the first six issues of the Liss/Francavilla Black Panther run and, so far, it's as good as I remember it. All being well, next week I'll talk about that but in the meantime I have the rest of that run to read as well as a couple of review comics and maybe some work on my own projects (if in lucky).

Because it always pays to be busy (or so they tell me).

Fantastic Four: the Empyre connection (Empyre #0, #'s 21-23 and Empyre Fallout #1)

Now, if I were a smart man and could figure out how to do graphical changes to posters and the like, I would take a copy of the French Connection poster, paster over Hackman and Schneider's faces with images of Reed and Sue's and replace their car with a Fantasticar. Alas, I am not. But, hopefully, I've put that nice image in your head.

So, anyway, as the title (and maybe the opening ramble) alludes to, the past week's eading has been dominated by the Fantastic Four, with five issues (three regular and two specials) that connect Marvel's first family to the recent Empyre event.

Now, this hadn't been my original intention. With the exception of Flashpoint, I have never bought the singles for an event and the last Marvel event I bought a trade for was maybe Secret Wars in digital and Civil War (one) in print. Suffice to say, I, like almost everyone else, is tired of events and have rarely given them much notice since the early times mid 2000's. Therefore, the plan in its original form was to simply talk about the three FF issues from the main series (whether together or separately I dont know seeing as their release schedule got a little messed up).

However, that plan went out of the window a little over a month ago when, after picking issues 21 and 22 and opening the first of them up to read, I realised from the very first page that I would require the Empyre #0 special which related to the Fantastic Four. As a result of this, I decided to wait a little longer and read these two issues along with the third installment and the #0 and Fallout specials as bookends to the event.

In truth, this actually worked for me because I did find myself wondering (something I had wondered for years to be honest), 'Can you have a coherent story in a series which is tied into an event?'

Now, from my experience, you can. I remember Jeff Parker did a great little story in Thunderbolts during the Fear Itself event and the same goes for Mark Waid and Chris Samnee for Daredevil during Original Sin. However, I was aware that for every success there was, at least, an equal failure. With this 'tie-in' (which I use loosely because this isn't a series created solely to run alongside the event), I expected a strong outing given the writer, Dan Slott, was penning Empyre but given how his FF run this far had been ... inconsistent it did give me pause for concern.

Anyway, I've broken my thoughts down into three pieces: the opening special, the main series issues and then the Fallout epilogue. This will then (probably) be followed by my remaining overall thoughts.

Fantastic Four: Empyre #0

To begin this journey came one of two prelude issues to the Empyre event. However, not really caring about the event itself or the Avengers, I chose to stick only with the FF (and that's only due to the reasons previously stated). This specific prelude saw the Four, accompanied by Franklin and Valeria, run out of gas on the way home from some (not really explained) adventure. Fortunately, help passes by to give them a tow. Unfortunately, the galactic credits they have are no longer accepted due to the crash of the galactic economy.

 

As a result, the Four attend a casino controlled by the Profiteer for a fight event with plans for Ben to enter (while Val and Franklin go gambling). However, things do not go to plan when they discover that two children, one Kree and one Skrull, are forced to fight to the death time and again as the last vestige of the now ended Kree/Skrull war. This leads to the Four attempt to save the kids, repair their ship, get fuel and get out alive, while also trying to find out what caused the recent economic upheaval.

 

Now, I really liked this issue, as it had (in my opinion) all of the hallmarks of a great one-shot or annual like many I have read since I've been collecting Fantastic Four comics. I've often complained that Dan Slott seems to skew his run so far more in Ben's favour in terms of focus but here I was really glad to see (or certainly how it looked to me) that there was more of an even split amongst the team in terms of who was deemed most important to the story. Of course, that's not entirely true because, while almost all of the team seemed to share the screen time, Sue was probably the only 'lead' character who I felt was left out in the cold. As has often (seemingly) been the case, I got the impression that Sue was relegated to back up and the 'Ace in the Hole' with little else to do and little real influence and/or personality. I thought this was definitely a shame here because with Sue always being thought of as this motherly character throughout most of her depictions (which is also probably a major flaw but that's a conversation for another time), I'd have thought that this story was pretty much made for her and that she should've taken a more central role in the saving of these children.

 

Still, my enjoyment of this zero issue wasn't impeded by this glaring plot hole as there were other things about it which helped me make up for it. These included Ben and Johnny's banter back and forth (which I certainly feel is one of Slott's biggest strengths in his run) as they become fighter and manager respectively in an effort to win the fuel they needed. Also, what I really loved was, as brief as it seemed, the lingering question of what had caused the galactic economy to crumble which eventually led to the revelation that would be setting up Empyre proper. In truth that was the most intriguing element to me as it makes perfect sense that a war which has waged for so long would have become so entwined in life that its end would cause such financial problems for almost the entire universe (because they nearly all would have supported it in some way). It makes me wonder if this will become an ongoing focus of the Slott run now, just like I also wonder why that casino didn't have DNA scanners installed so they could check Valeria and Framklin's species rather than take their word that they are lying. I guess tech like that either doesn't exist or is expensive.

 

Before I forget, I'm also going to mention the art because Sean Isaakse's art rules in this issue, much like it has done in all of his FF issues to date. I absolutely adore his (and co-artist Paco Medina's) art style, as it's loud, colourful, vibrant and just totally pops to me. I honestly can't get enough of it and am sorry that they'll both be going. Speaking of which, incoming replacement R.B.Silva appears to have one page (to my knowledge,  it could have been more) and it was nice, although it felt a little subdued compared with the other 30 something.

 

In all, this was a great issue and one I didn't regret picking up. Hopefully, that would be the same for the other installments.

Fantastic Four #21 - 23

Picking up where the Empyre prelude left of, the Fantastic Four race home to drop off Franklin and Valeria, along with the Kree/Skrull children, Jo-Venn and N'Kalla, respectively, before speeding off to the action (which takes place in Empyre ... presumably). However, rather than place them away from the action, the four kids find themselves in quite the opposite situation when a cult of ninja priests (and followers of the plant-like Cotati) descend on Yancy Street for these new alien arrivals with an attack that not even a 'New' Fantastic Four might be able to stop.

 

Now, as I've said previously, I've never found event tie-in's in regular series to be all that impressive. Waid and Samnee's Daredevil currently holds top spot for me with a quality story built out of a nothing connection to Original Sin. However, beyond that and Thunderbolts actions during Fear Itself, very little compares by way of the tie in.

With Fantastic Four #'s 21 through to 23, however, I felt like we have a contender because, oh boy, did I love this story. With the main cast away, Slott had to rely on the rather small supporting cast to carry the book. Fortunately, as with a few other issues during this run, I feel that Slott can write the kids and Alicia really well as all three come across likeable and sympathetic and characters I want to route for in the face of overwhelming odds. Those odds, of course, weren't exactly complex, interesting villains in their own right as the Priests of Pama a.k.a. the Cotati's Earth-bound cult felt (and looked) like nothing more than the Hand-esque Cannon fodder with weird tree based powers. That said, they served their purpose as an antagonist in a relatively simple but action packed story which revolved around the Kree and Skrull kids helping to restart the Kree/Skrull war.

That said, the arc isn't perfect as the third issue of it felt like the weakest as I read them, with it feeling rushed to get to the finishing line. Also, the plot, while entertaining, left me with a couple of questions that I dwelled on. These were, firstly, what was this Omni-Wave Generator and was it actually a canon device or a macguffin that Slott just dreamed up here and now? Secondly, and maybe most importantly in the scale of questions I actually care for answers about, why did Franklin become all so suddenly casual in the use of his powers? Thus far, it has been 20 plus issues (and a 4 part mini) about him dwelling on using up his powers. However, here it felt like that problem was gone (or most likely ignored), which did gripe me a little. Oh well, at least Sky didn't come across as abrasive and annoying this time around, so maybe that makes up for these things.

 

As for the art, both Isaakse and Medina's work is gorgeous. Both of their styles compliment each other perfectly. The stand outs examples are Isaakse's rendition of the new 'new' Fantastic Four and Medina's depiction of Alicia Masters which is gloriously beautiful. I've already said it once but will say it again, i will really miss their presence on this book. In fact, if I had one critique of their work it's that I wish Wolverine and Spider-man's FF outfits had fours instead of their badges (maybe on top of sewn in symbols as part of the uniform proper, although maybe that's why I'm not a fashion designer). 

By the end though, I'm confident to say that this arc is probably one of the best two multi issue stories which Slott has created on the run so far (the other being the Hulk/Thing fight). I'm now incredibly intrigued by the relationship betweenWhat is the secret? How does Alicia know that kid?

 

Fantastic Four: Empyre Fallout #1

With Empyre at an end and Earth's heroes victorious, it is now time to pick up the pieces. With all connected parties coming together at the blue area of the moon, Questions are asked about the Cotati's weaponry, the Profiteer returns with unexpected demands and the futures of the Skrull and Kree children, N'Kalla and Jo-Venn is decided as a mysterious figure watched from on the horizon.

FF Empyre Fallout was something of a mixed bag for me. While it nicely wrapped up the Jo-Venn and N'Kalla's origin story and subsequent journey from bitter enemies to siblings (of a sort), the rest of the issue felt very unconnected to the Fantastic Four issues and the story held within it. In fact, the focus on who was backing the Cotati gave me the impression that this was more of an Avengers storyline rather than and Fantastic Four one (especially given the number of Avengers who make an appearance in this issue). This was something the end of the issue seemed to confirm to me with the reference of the upcoming reckoning of which I am not in any doubt will be the next big Marvel event and not a FF-only thing.

 

Still, it was enjoyable enough, with a nice bit of conversation between Franklin and Thor on Godhood and Johnny and Spidey on soulmate. Also, the return of Uatu was a glorious thing to see, especially in Sean Isaakse's art style. It's excellent to get yet another seemingly 'last' look at his work on ths four, which seems all the more 'fantastic' when coupled with Marcio Menyz's colours. 

In truth, my thoughts on this issue as a whole are a little more favourable than they were before I started jotted down my notes. In the grand scheme of things, I'm not sure I actually needed to pick this issue up. However, I am glad that I did as it gave me some stellar art a cool moments, although i doubt I'll ever return to it for a re-read.

 

So, that's all five issues read and some were great, some were good and some were ... 'ok'. However, did they achieve what I was looking for? Overall, yes. When combined with the opening prelude, I honestly felt that the series arc told a coherent story with little to no gap in the narrative to make me go 'wait, did I miss something?' However, while it also added a sense of closure to the arc, I do feel that the epilogue issue was surplus to requirements here, as it contained a wealth of information relating to the Empyre event which probably makes sense if you read both but felt like a waste of time if you skipped on the event (like me). However, (as I said) the art certainly made up for this and it did offer some juicy tidbits that intrigue me.

 

But what's done is done and all five issue were certainly an enjoyable read combined. makes me look forward to the next Fantastic Four issues where we will be seeing Iceman's tenure on the team, (most likely) the new Grimm family dynamic, (hopefully) a Johnny/Sky/Peter/MJ double date, (possibly) more look into the Galactic recession and (doubtfully) Sue being centre of attention.

 

Hey, a fan can dream.

 

 

Star Trek: Hell's Mirror

So, I'm a Star Trek guy (in case that has ever been unclear). For as far back as I can remember I've always watched Star Trek, from a time that I was in school and my grandfather would come visit and ask to watch it. As with anyone else, it's probably a show I love due to what it says the human race can aspire to be.

That said, while I love Star Trek and its 'Utopian' concept, I've also be fascinated by the mirror universe. Since it first became a thing I was aware of (thanks DS9), I've relished every episode and arc that has appeared in canon. The Enterprise arc, the second half of Discovery, even going back to the TOS episode that started it all, I've watched them all, if for no other reason than to understand how the two universes are so different and the timeline of the Terran Empire.

As such, it went without saying that I was going to pick up Star Trek: Hell's Mirror #1 by the legend that is J.M. DeMatteis and Matthew Dow Smith, especially as I already have read Broken Mirror, Through the Mirror and the Mirrors and Smoke one shot in the last couple of years (which are all Mirror u stories). With Hell's Mirror, DeMatteis and Dow Smith reimagine the iconic discovery of Khan Noonian Singh in a galaxy rules by the Terran Empire. Once again, Khan finds himself at odds with the Humans in power as he takes the role of leader of the rebellion with former Enterprise first officer Spock at his side. However, can Khan really be the one to save the galaxy, especially when he comes face to face with the Mirror James T. Kirk? While not exactly necessary (in my mind) towards the universes history, it was something which intrigued me nonetheless.

And, suffice to say, I enjoyed it. Hell's Mirror was a fun and, in some way, insightful one shot as it showed just how devastatingly charming and idealistic Khan of the Original Series could be. It was also quite intriguing to find that, like our world, the Mirror Universe is made up of both good and bad people. Now, obviously this goes without saying but through all other stories so far I don't think I've seen a single character to be anything other that cruel, brutal and manipulative. However, to discover that Ma and Pa Kirk may possibly have been kind, caring people makes me wonder, were they really arrested for crimes against the empire or simply not being of the right emotional makeup for the Empire's liking.

As for the art, I absolutely loved what Dow Smith did in this issue. I'm a big fan of J.K.Woodward and loved what he did on Mirror Broken way back when, so I was concerned with Dow Smith's announcement on the book in that regard (see Through the Mirror for justification of my concerns). Fortunately, while I've never read (yet) a comic he's worked on, I remember his interview with Creator Talks well enough to give him a chance and I'm glad I did. This is because Dow Smith's looks has such a classic vibe to me and looks so much like the Original Series that it works really well to translate the story and characters to the page. As such, it really disappoints me at the end that it is only a one shot and that there'll be no more art (although at least it means the story wont be stretched too far).

However, while I did enjoy the issue, it did leave me with lots of questions like How does Kirk still have a copy of once and future King if enterprise is destroyed?

soeaking of which, if Spock needs Kirk's secret device (that I cannot remember the name of) which is on the Enterprise, how does he become Emporer? Is Khan the Ward of Star Trek? An opponent of the regime regardless of their philosophy (though I'm now suspecting he's somewhere between the two, which could conceivably make him an enemy to both).

Why did spock betray Khan, was it simply that he saw the writing on the wall and he is a product of the universe he exists in? And finally, Is literature really illegal (Because Phlox compared shakespeare amongst others in the Mirror episodes of Enterprise)?

Of course, my concerns about the continuity didn't change the fact that I enjoyed reading this issue. In fact, it does make me hopeful that we'll see a follow up series to show the rise of Spock at some point (while confirming Mirror Kirk's ultimate allegiance).

In the meantime, though, another worthy addition to my Mirror Universe collection.

Oh, and before I forget …

This past week's review by me over at Pipedream comics was for Shadow Service #1 from Vault Comics by Cavan Scott and Colin Howell.

Shadow Service #1 from Vault comics.

Now, as usual, the meat of my thoughts are to be found over there. However, I've got to admit that this was a tough review to write. The best I can say is that it was an ok comic, with not much to write home about, although that feels very disingenuous to say.

The thing is that I felt this issue was very exposition heavy and while that wasn't entirely bad, it just felt like it dragged the story along rather than allowing to it race ahead (or even trundle along). I also realised that while it was a fun quirk to say 'Jessica Jones in a 'insert magic based comic here' world', the more I thought about it, the more I felt the character was very similar to Jones.

The art, on the other hand, I liked but I couldn't think why. In the end, I realised as I wrote the review and scanned the pages that it was because it was  very Black Science in comparison, especially that one gruesome scene. This makes it a win for me because I absolutely adore Matteo Scalara's artwork and so anything that can homage it so well deserves a like from me. Also, I really loved the making magic words a different colour as it implied their spiritual or mystical difference (although it now occurs to me, why didn't the guy at the start have magical words assuming he was possessed).

Anyway, it's not a perfect issue (of course, what comic is), but for all it's faults, it has left some questions unanswered which makes me curious to return. As such, I sure couldn't write it off and had to suggest people at least check it out (because I sure might come back ... maybe when there is a trade).

So, that's been my week. I got to read, review and even work on my ongoing personal project. All being well, I can keep that up for the following week (mainly because I'm planning a Fantastic Four reading week).

Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of our Fathers

So, the week after my last post had been a bit of a somber one in my opinion.

This is because both the cinema world and the MCU (not to mention his family and friends) suffered a huge lose in the King of Wakanda Chadwick Boseman, whose very unknown battle with Colon Cancer came to an end just as I finished writing my last post.

Now, I don't need to state the obvious that Boseman's loss was tragic to all (though especially those close to him) because not only was he a terrific actor (I enjoyed his work in Message from the King) but especially when the revelation came out that he had work on at least seven different movies (four of them as the Black Panther) between his original diagnosis and his eventual passing. Now, to me, that's the kind of commitment to your craft and work ethic everyone should aspire to reach because, in hindsight, I sure do.

After these events, I feel that if a man with a terminal illness can star in multiple physically demanding films, raise a family, be a positive role model and beyond then I can do all that I want to do with my life, which is but a fraction (and lacks the downside of a debilitating illness). Sadly, the loss of phone literally a day later didn't help as it chewed into my personal project's time (as well as lumbered me with using a barely functioning 10 year old iPad 2 as a replacement) but that's a temporary (and comparatively pitiful) setback.

Anyway, due to Boseman's passing I had previously stated that my reading material this week would be something Black Panther orientated and I'm glad to say that I stuck to my guns, even if the choice wasn't originally my first. This is because, while Black Panther: the Man without Fear is my favourite Black Panther series at present, I feared I would not get the time to read the entire thing within a week (and that has indeed been proven to be true). Fortunately, my backup choice was able to fill the void perfectly.

Captain America/Black Panther: Flags
of our Fathers

And that choice was Reginald Hudlin and Denys Cowan's 2010 mini series Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of our Fathers. Set during the Second World War, Flags of our Fathers depicted the first meeting of Captain America (and Nick Fury's Howling Commandos) and the Black Panther (although not T'Challa but Azzuri, father of T'Chaka, so T'Challa's Grandfather) and sees a contingent of Nazi soldiers sent to Wakanda under the command of Baron Von Strucker and the Red Skull to acquire the country's most precious resource; Vibranium. However, eager to prevent this (and maybe gain a sample of their own), Allied forces dispatch Cap, Fury and the Howlers to face their enemy head on, unaware that Wakanda might be more than a match for the Axis with their own secret weapon; the Black Panther.

Flags of our Fathers has been a series I've been interested in reading for a year or two now, after a reference to it was made in the first issue of Rise of the Black Panther. However, beyond that, I was somewhat unsure of what to expect from this series as I have never read (as far as I'm aware) a Reginald Hudlin story and (again, as far as I'm aware) I've never seen Denys Cowan's artwork.

Legends together (and making an awful mess)

However, upon reading this I found the series to be a very enjoyable story which gave a nice entry to the characters and their respective viewpoints of Captain America, Black Panther and the Howling Commandos that I could use to take to other series. I think the thing that makes this so accessible is the simplicity of the story. Hudlin doesn't make this overly complex or convoluted as most superhero stories seem to be these days, but gives it a pretty simple premise; Cap, Panther and the Howlers race to stop the Axis powers from getting Vibranium to make them more dangerous. It isn't a story which ties into some greater narrative (beyond the war of course), it is essentially and elongated one and done. Also, the fact that it is, in essence, the first official meeting of Cap and (a) Black Panther keeps it even more streamlined in my opinion as it reduces the need for prior (non-essential) exposition.

The entire story is told from Gabriel Jones' perspective, a member of the Howling Commandos and the only (major) African-American character in the story and this I liked about the story Hudlin tells. This is because, from how I read the series, Hudlin uses Gabe as the central character/narrator in order to accurately compare the two differing ideologies of America and Wakanda. Gabe throughout never feels entirely comfortable amongst the Howlers, which is understandable given the time period. However, upon arriving in Wakanda, Gabe's feeling of comradeship to them seems greater than with the Howlers sometimes as he seems to struggle with where his allegiance falls, with his country or his kin. Of course this comes full circle as Gabe's story ends where it begins; with him having no place to call home as he seemingly goes against both countries.

That said, I thought Hudlin peppered the series with some fantastic additional story elements which really helped cement a sort of origin for many characters. This include the respective interactions of Cap and Fury with Black Panther whoch both seemed to show each of their essences, with Cap being a believer in people while Fury being a paranoid cynic (or perfect future S.H.I.E.L.D. director). Then there were great little quips between Fury and Strucker which, while obviously throw away, felt like a perfect beginning to their lifelong antagonism of each other.

Someone's been bulking up!

As for the art, I really Denys Cowan's work which had this truly 40's vibe and propaganda-like style to it, especially in respect of Strucker, Skull and their Nazi Supervillains who all look particularly monstrous. Meanwhile, ...'s colours help sell the art for me with its very Magneto: Testament look and feel, which is a favourite of mine and does the book no harm. In fact, if anything does Flags of our Fathers harm know my eyes then it is the depiction of Captain America, which looks a little rough compared to the rest of the series. However, this is such a minor quibble as it doesn't reduce my enjoyment in any way.

Unfortunately, there were some aspects to the story which I felt were lacking. These includes things like the abrupt ending, where the book felt like it just stopped and was missing pages, or the loose plot threads which made me think a sequel was expected at the time. Even the Black Panther's children, including future King T'Chaka were an issue for me as they felt shoe-horned in (although, without them the story would have been without a 'macguffin' for Gabe to get the offer of a lifetime.

However, all of these pale in comparison to the Black Panther himself who felt very generic. To me, the Black Panther has always been T'Challa (except those 12 issues when it was Shuri)while his father, T'Chaka has always felt like this Thomas Wayne type of character in my eyes. But beyond these, practically nothing is known about the line of Black Panthers and so I would have been interested to learn more about the Panther who cam before all three. Unfortunately, this Panther comes across as a rather generic template, as though all Black Panthers are the same in terms of their personality. In fact, I don't recall hearing that this version of Black Panther was named Azzuri until some point in the third issue, such is the tacked on nature I got from it and lending credence to my theory that Hudlin just wanted Black Panther, which wasn't possible given the time period the story went in.

But hey, while I put a lot of thought into that downside, I'm not gonna say that it broke this story because, in fact, it didn't. Despite any flaws I may have spotted, the good points far outweighed the bad. I really enjoyed Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of our Fathers and I felt it was a fun, action packed story which was easy to just sit down and enjoy for what it was.

It also has me feeling that I'm fully prepared for when I read Rise of the Black Panther and maybe the Howling Commandos Masterworks, but that's just an added bonus.

So, that's another week done. I now have absolutely no idea what next week is going to bring (except for review material because I have a schedule), but I do know that regardless of what the material is, next week is going to include greater focus on my own 'personal' projects (as well as maybe getting my post out on time).

X-Men/Fantastic Four (the Zdarsky/Dodson edition).

It's been a tough challenge this week, making time to read some comics. Fortunately, I have finally managed to fit in those comics which I had been wanting to read for a good few weeks.

X-Men/Fantastic Four #1-4.
Gorgeous covers, but why
was the fourth issue black?

X-Men/Fantastic Four, also known as 'X4' (well, by me), a four issue mini series by the increasingly awesome Chip Zdarsky and the husband/wife artistic power couple of Terry and Rachel Dodson focused on Franklin Richards and the tug-of-war conflict between his family (FF) and his people (the X-Men). This begins after Franklin uses his waning powers to stop an invading spaceship (FF issue 11), bringing him to the attention of the X-Men. As a result, Professor X and the council of Krakoa offer him his rightful place and the chance to cure his power problem, something Franklin is eager to take after his father's apparent failure. However, with the Richards' unwillingness to let their son join with the now suspicious mutant society, the lines between the two teams are drawn and that's before Dr Doom walks out onto the battlefield with his own offer for the eldest Richards child.

From the moment this series was announced, I've been eagerly awaiting its release. I'm a big fan of the Dodson's work after first seeing it during the Wonder Woman arc, Who is Wonder Woman?. However, the real draw here was the news of Chip Zdarsky as writer, who has written (in my opinion) the best Fantastic Four book of recent times in Marvel 2 in 1.

Suffice to say, I was expecting great things from this mini!!

Within the story, Zdarsky delivers me exactly what I wanted; a story which in some way depicts the father/son relationship between Reed and Franklin Richards. Reed is, of the four, my favourite character as I relate to a lot of h

is habits and personality traits (I'm confident he is Aspey) and this is very much his story. I also believe he is a loving father who struggles to explain his feelings to his son (or anyone for that matter) as they lack a scientific, quantifiable explanation. Therefore, to watch as Reed is constantly belittled by all around him as uncaring and/or manipulative while the opposite is apparent throughout really had me engrossed.

Ok, when did Doom get an
Island?

Meanwhile, on the other side of the fence, the X-Men come off as incredibly sinister and creepy, which helps me commit to getting behind Reed's point of view. Of course, I thought there were merits to their arguments and Reed was jn no way perfect, but every action performed by Xavier and his group seemed way out of place for them and almost villainous compared to what I know of the X-Men (which, admittedly, isn't much). Of course, that thinking excludes Kitty/Kate Pryde, who I feel is very much the outsider of that cast, both physically and emotionally/opinion wise. From the outset, the former Shadowcat comes across as completely against the grain in regards to the Krakaoians views and plans for Franklin, often going with her 'gut' and making decisions on instinct which focus purely on him. It makes me wonder if her status as a Mutant unable to use the Krakoa gates prevents her from being manipulated in a similar fashion to all other Mutants and so her physical outcast status I.e. having to travel by boat prevents her from being considered as an 'X-Man' in line with their new thinking.

Of course, while I did wonder some deep stuff about this story, there were some quibbles which I felt bugged me a little about it.

Probably the thing which vexed me most was how the story wasnt also from Sue's perspective. Dont get me wrong, I enjoyed where it went but I do feel that it was very much a Reed/Franklin story and not a Reed/Sue/Franklin story, despite Sue's strong presence. I guess I've recently had my eyes open to Sue's marginalisation during stories and kind of hoped for more here.

Of course, this isn't the only quibble as I also thought the story overall had a rather easy resolution. This is because, given how aggressive everyone seemed to be at the beginning and onwards, I really felt that by the end everyone had done a hard 180 to all be on something resembling the same page. Of course, it now occurs to me that maybe the 'obligatory' team up allowed both sides to see the others perspective but it still bothered me slightly (if not enough to ruin everything).

Finally, there are the 'so minor they arent worth thinking about' points which are mainly the return of Machiavellian, insidious, nasty piece of work Valeria. I wasnt a fan of this character prior to the series cancellation, but I had hoped that it had been left behind upon their return. However, its reveal and return through this series didnt do any favours in helping me like that character (who is still my least favourite of the team). Also, all the years fighting Doom (and even running Latvaria for a spell) and the FF can't speak Latvarian?

Terry and Rachel Dodson plus Laura Martin really does
equal some truly 'fantastic' art!!!

Now, I haven't mentioned the artwork thus far and that's not for any reason other than the fact that the Dodson's gave me exactly what I wanted; truly gorgeous artwork! Like every cover for the series which teased it, every panel was spectacular with its deep inks and Laura Martin's vibrant colours. Of course, my lack of artistic knowledge/capability limits how I can best explain it further, but this is definitely a case of I know what I like and this is as much it as anything else I've seen.

So, by the end, it wasn't perfect (but then, as I was recently reminded, what is) but I enjoyed it, even if it didn't quite meet my initial expectations. However, its final scenes which made a sort or epilogue left the me with questions about where this series could, which I up until then thought might be a simple tale with no ramifications, might lead to. Maybe a sequel run or some revelation in a future event for one or both of these teams? I honestly dont know, but that last moment has me excited and was a fantastic (no pun intended) cherry to top a fun, solid story.

Oh, and before I forget ...

Hush Ronin #1 by J. Paul Schiek.

Also this week, after reading Rebecca: Tales of Resonant a few weeks back, I decided to read Hush Ronin #1 by Rebecca's artist J. Paul Schiek (@schiekapedia) for a review on the Pipedream comics site.

Now, pretty much all of my thoughts are in that review once it is posted. However, in short, I really enjoyed this issue. The art in particular had this very traditional (in respect to what it was showing) and action orientated look which looked fantastic (a word fitting for this post) and I really loved.

Of course, the story was good too, although I found the Ronin's character to be contrary to what I thought it should be. I guess my opinion of a Samurai's character is too much defined by those I've seen in other media.

There are a couple of pages which look a little confusing towards the end, as the dark art is difficult to fully get what's happening, but it's a small blemish on an otherwise stellar read.

I for one can't wait for another issue (although I may be in for a bit of a wait it seems). But if you haven't checked it out then I recommend that you do.
 

So that's another week done and while it felt a little bit compressed, I only read X4 the weekend before I wrote/posted this, at least I've made the time to read more than a single issue at a time. Which, along with a comic for review and carving out an hour of my time to work on my 'other' project, it feels like I'm starting to find my groove.

Next week a comic is already chosen for Pipedream review and I'm gonna make time for my 'projects'. However, personal reading hasn't yet been chosen but I'm thinking, in honour of the late Chadwick Boseman's passing, it'll be something Black Panther related.