#416 - Four Fantastic Comics

With the promise that came with the amount I read at the beginning of the week, I really thought the rest of it would be a pretty straightforward affair.

But life is anything but straightforward, especially when I'm trying to read comics.

This week, with nine floppy comics left from my pull list by the side of my bed (including one brand new this week), I thought I'd take a shot at getting through four of them. This seemed especially fitting when those four were all related to Marvel' First Family (which was a nice coincidence).

I started this second half of the week by reading Fantastic Four: Life Story #3, which took Marvel's family into the 80's as Reed continued to obsess and work towards defending the world from the coming of Galactus, Johnny finds himself being forced to grow up as he plays a middleman between Reed and Sue as well as taking care of Franklin after his parents' separation. However, as Reed contests the current government to invest in his plans to protect the Earth from extra-terrestrial forces, another classic villain comes out of the woodwork to utilise this plan for a more nefarious ending, leading to a major sacrifice by one member of the FF.

Now, I don't know what happened during my month off but, while I recall the series thus far being a pretty good read, I really felt that issue 3 was a lot better than its preceding two issues. I enjoyed how Mark Russell fit the story around some of the real life aspects of History and used it to his advantage (such as it makes perfect sense that Reed would have dreamed up the Star Wars project) as well as it again looking like it fit in nicely around the Spider-Man life story plot. I also enjoyed that Ben and Reed, finally feel like the pair I've come to know in the main run of the comics as they seemed like very much best friends here.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the reveal of Jose Santini's alter ego and his subsequent appearance, not expecting the character's appearance, as well as the shocking final twist of the issue which has me intrigue how the rest of the story will go. I want to say that I loved the art as well but, at this point, my total affection for Sean Isaakze's work is well documented and I thought here it was just as 'Fantastic' (pardon the pun) as it has ever been on this team's books. All in all, this issue had me looking forward to the next instalment as well as the final two beyond it.

Fortunately, that wait wasn't long because Fantastic Four: Life Story #4 was the next comic I read, as the remnants of the FF continue their preparations for the arrival of Galactus into the 90's. For Ben, however, this new decade brings with it new opportunities as he encounters the love of his life. Unfortunately, his plans for this new future might all be for naught when a mysterious entity glides its way toward Earth.

Issue 4 was, again, another good issue although didn't feel quite as good as it, instead, came across to me like a very 'calm before the storm' type issue or that moment at the top of a rollercoaster before it heads downhill. I really thought that this entire issue was very sombre and introspective instalment as it seemed to live in the wake of its predecessor with the characters continue to suffer from the loss they went through.

What really stuck out for me was the art because, while I have continued to sing the praises of Sean Isaakze's artwork on every Fantastic Four comic he's drawn, it was this issue of the series which really stood out and topped all others in my mind. I loved the pencils here, I loved Francesco Manna's colours and I loved how the two together just wowed me with every page. I loved the very Heroes Reborn look of the FF costumes, which I thought was a nice touch given that this is the decade for that infamous event. I also thought the depiction of Alicia was just dazzling, and really helped sell the idea that Ben had found his soulmate. I also thought how phenomenally the Herald of Galactus was depicted in this issue, looking both beautiful and deadly in equal parts.

Lastly, I also loved the way how Reed is shown to literally pull back the years from his face, as though he needs to maintain some degree of youth or strength. This, along with the final few pages, has me curious if there is something more occurring with Reed and if it will play into the finale. As such, this issue, much like the last certainly has me invested (like that was ever really going to change) and I'm eager for issue six to get here and answer my questions.

However, while Issue six of Life Story wasn't possible as the next read, I did find myself fortunate as it was instead Fantastic Four #35, the bumper size issue celebrating the 60th anniversary of the World's Greatest Comic Book Magazine. This issue, picking up from where #34 left off, saw the FF return to the newly rebuilt Baxter Building with a super-powered Human Torch in tow. However, before an explanation and cure to Johnny's new predicament can be found, part of a mysterious device is unearthed inside their home, leading to four differing incarnations of Kang the Conqueror to attack four different iterations of Marvel's first family at four different times to claim it.

Now, for me, while the Slott run has had some ups and downs, but (certainly of late) has remained reasonably consistently good, I thought that this anniversary issue was a truly amazing addition to the series. I absolutely loved this issue from beginning to end as its story, while not feeling all that important towards the overall arc of the series, was fun and engrossing regardless. It also felt rather inspiring to me (as all good FF stories should be for some reason). As for the art, I have to confess that JRJr's style was a little bit  struggle for me to get into to begin with. However, as the book progressed, it really grew on my and I ended up really loving the look.

Meanwhile, i thought the two backup stories matched the main event nicely. As, expected (given my love of his run on the bool) I thought Mark Waid's story was really beautiful one. I will admit that it felt like it was almost a repeat of a prior speech which appeared in his run over an updated origin story. Nonetheless, this still felt like a incredibly poignant, matched only by the sublime art from Paul Renaud who I hope makes it to their Book full time in the very near future. As for Jason Loo's two page story, that was a fun little tale which, while quirky in both story and art, really seemed to sum the character dynamic rather nicely (much like the other stories).

I could probably go on and on about this issue, gushing over plot point after plot point, panel after panel. While I love the Fanraatic Four, I don't remember loving a specific issue as much as I do this one. Hopefully, all the issues going forward can start matching this quality.

Fortunately, it didn't seem to be long to put that theory to the test as my final comic of the week was Fantastic Four #36. This issue picked up from the events of #34 (mostly) with Reed and the family attempting to find a cure to Johnny's recent overcharge at the hands of Doctor Doom. However, while it turns out to be an upsetting predicament, this turns out to be the least of Johnny's woes as he has to face his past in the form of an ex with her claws out.

Now this issue, while not as excellent as the anniversary issue, I found to a really enjoyable read in its own right. While the focus continues to stay on a single character, it is nice that it's now someone other than Ben (although he still has plenty of presence). I loved this issue for Johnny as I thought that not only is it Heartbreaking but it also digs deep to one of his core weaknesses; his hotheaded impulsiveness. While I have no doubt that his current physical predicament won't be fixed in short order (say, within 20 issues), It does make me wonder of the big change marketed prior to issue 35 will be Johnny's emotional growth and recognising that there are consequences to his actions.

That said, I do continue to have concerns about the use of the female characters in this series as, while I felt the underutilised Sky got a fairly better exit than the presumed one three issues back, I do think that Sue has gotten short shrift in this run and this issue is no exception. I'd say it is almost like she is a bit part in this book, a character who wouldn't even make it into the main credits if it was a TV show. 

Meanwhile, while I've been gifted to some great art on this run recently, I once again loved the art in this issue as provided by Nico Leon. While it isn't Izaakse, Medina or Silva, this art reminded me of the great work done in issue 35 by Paul Renaud as well as Olivier Coipel's work in Action Comics #1000 a few years back in its understated, cinematic and almost Adam Hughes-like as well as the awesome redesign of Sky.

After this issue, I'm interested to see how this unfolds. I can think of some ideas in where things could go: Consult with Galactus and the Surfer? Transfer to Franklin? Force Doom's hand (something Sue would certainly do)? But whether one of these is what happens or not, I have to confess im deeply invested in Johnny's upcoming journey (as well as intrigued by whatever was hinted at happening on Yancy Street).

So now I'm all caught up on Fantastic Four and my pull list outstanding pile consists five comics, all issues of Heavy Metal's limited series, The Modern Frankenstein.

However, I probably won't read that for a week or two because next week I really need to get back to proper reviewing of comics ...

... because my inbox has gotten quite full of worthy comics deserving my attention in the last few weeks.

#415 - Secret Invasion

I remember saying in my last post how I'd intended to ease back into my comic reading on the heels of my (almost) month long hiatus just so I didn't burn myself out again.

Well, straight off the bat I seemed to ignore my own advice. 

This past Saturday I read Secret Invasion, the nine issue Marvel Event by Brian Michael Bendis and Lienil Yu which saw the heroes of Earth come under attack from two sides as the remains of the Skrull Empire launch an attack to invade. However, the Avengers and their allies find themselves on the back foot when they realise that the Skrulls have been replacing many of them for quite some time.

Now, it's been a while (obviously, given it's a 2007 event), but I happen to recall a lot of talk back when this was released to Secret Invasion being something of a bloated mess compared to prior events. I also am under the impression that it may have been the beginning of what is now termed 'event fatigue'.

However, I must admit that, even with this being my first readthrough of it after all these years of it becoming so say redundant/obsolete (in terms of the wider Marvel Universe), I found Secret Invasion to be quite the enjoyable read. I thought it was quite a good blend of a mystery thriller and an action epic which Bendis put together and continued to keep me captivated as it progressed despite my already knowing how it was going to end (in a general sense because, you know, comics). I won't lie that I felt that it was slightly longer than maybe it should have been but I really thought that Secret Invasion had some good pacing and flow to it.

I also loved how paranoia inducing it felt, as I was constantly have to question who was who (because, again, I only knew the end in a general sense) and every revelation felt absolutely brutal to me (Hawkeye seemingly taking the brunt of them). I've read a lot of Bendis' comics and while there is certainly many in both the good and bad columns, this is certainly one I'd place amongst the former.

The art, for me, is a sticking point here. Leinil Yu has some gorgeous art, I cannot lie. However, I did find it a little off personally and not one of my favourite styles (I'll be honest and admit that, while I know his name, I don't think I've seen his work before). That said, I do wonder to myself if that was the point of this style because it seems to heighten this feeling of awkward uncomfortableness to me, as if nothing is truly right or real in this world (which of course it isn't). As such, I can only ponder if Mr Yu's work was chosen for a very specific reason? Still, Yu's work looks gorgeous in places, particularly when it comes to the big splash pages.

I must confess, however, that I am intrigued by this story's place and connection to the ongoing narrative of the Marvel Universe. I truly enjoyed reading this event but, given its dependence on what stories led up to this as well as what will undoubtedly come next, I do wonder if I'd have enjoyed Secret Invasion as much if I would have come into it cold. That said, on the flip side of the coin, watching the fall of Tony Stark would deeply interesting to me and makes me a little intrigued as to what happens next after seeing him burn so many bridges in Civil War to rise.

In the end though, as of this moment in the here and now, I still found Secret Invasion to be a good read. While I'm unsure if I'd ever feel the need to read it again, this event kept me heavily engrossed from start to finish and, having been recommended both the Mighty and New Avengers tie in books, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to look at a little more background on this (for it's time) universe changing event.

My week hasn't consisted of much else, but then it's barely half a week old as of writing this. However, I do now feel something of a renewed vigour in reading that I hope will continue for at least a good few weeks.

Although I'll settle for just a good end to this one.

#414 - Getting Back into a Groove

It's been nearly a month since I've written anything, both here and elsewhere. The truth of it is that I've been going through some stuff (along a road that only poor mental health can take you) and, as a result, my desire to read any comics (or anything really) has dropped to an all time low.

That said, during the last week or so, I've made a more concerted effort to delve into some issues in the hope of 'rebooting' my love of reading. Whether this was a good plan, to force enjoyment back into me, is up for debate but it has really been one of those months and so I'd rather try than continue on the road I was on. 

I started with the Aquaman 80th Anniversary #1 which, like the Green Arrow issue a couple of months back, saw a whole host of creative talent come together to celebrate all things Arthur Curry with eleven short stories in ninety nine pages of comic to honor the King of Atlantis and his friends (and some enemies) for his 80th birthday.

Now I enjoyed this anthology I thought it was a fun read. I didn't think it matched up to the previously mentioned Green Arrow issue but it was enjoyable nonetheless. While none of the stories cam across as stand out (maybe except the last two. The Becoming Prelude certainly made an impact, as did the art for Manta's story. Now that I think about any Manta story left its mark with me), I thought they were all solid work (although the early and later tales seemed better than those in the middle).

One thing I noticed though was how Aquaman sported an awful lot of hair through almost all of these stories. It does make me wonder if DC now have a rule in place whereby Aquaman must look more like Jason Momoa in order that people not be confused? Of course, this has little bearing on my enjoyment on the book and it was a good book, one I'm glad I bought (as I'm now using it to read a story at a time with my eldest and better convert him to the cause).

My next read was Star Trek: The Mirror War #0 which saw the Tipton Brothers continue the story that they had started back in Mirror Broken as it saw the crew of the Mirror Universe U.S.S. Enterprise-D begin their plans to fight back against the Klingon/Cardassian Alliance in an attempt to return the Empire to its former glory.

I recall being in two minds about this series when it was first announced because, while I'd loved Mirror Broken, Through the Mirror didn't impress me as much. However, with the setting for this one being predominantly Mirror Universe, I have to admit that I was intrigued. This feeling of intrigued continues to remain after reading this zero issue as I thought it sets up some very enticing notions about where it could go.

One thing this issue did really, really well was that it actually made me regret not buying Terra Incognito. This is because this zero issue contain a reference to it here which, while not imperative to the overall plot, did give that series a lot more of a connection that I had originally thought. While the story was very interesting in what it was setting up, I have to admit that I struggled with was the art. This isn't to say that it was bad, because I think it is in fact solid work (well, mostly). However, I feel that Mirror Broken spoiled me with J.K. Woodward's artwork and the lack of it here (and most likely in Through the Mirror) is really felt by me.

This zero issue did leave me with one question though and that is what is Smiley O'Brien doing doing on the Enterprise? Surely he should be way out in the Bajor system at this point being worked to death in ore processing on Terak Nor. Having read enough of their work at this point, I don't think that this is an accident by the Tipton's and it makes me wonder if this will tie into how this story. I suspect that this series is the end of the road for the crew of the Mirror TNG crew, but I sure am eager to see it now.

My final read for the week (and then some) was Lazarus: Risen #6, which saw the end of the Conclave War in sight for Forever and the Carlyle family as a clandestine meeting is set up between (some of) the family members and nemesis Jakob Hock. However, this is not the only thing on Forever's mind as she must also continue her plans to save Eight from her fate.

It has been some time since I'd last read a Lazarus issue (to which Greg Rucka points out in the letters pages) but I certainly remember thinking that we are in the home stretch. This issue continues to make me think this way as it moves into a quiet issue which not only feels like it is setting up the next to be introspective of the series as a whole but also that it reveal a lot of the Lazarus world's backstory. This issue continues to be a soft burn, much like the around 40 issues over three series which have come before it. However, this doesn't make it any less captivating to me as I still found myself as hooked now as I was looking at the lifeless, bullet riddled Forever Carlyle all those years ago.

The characters are still as complex and intriguing (but here with a few added wrinkles) and the Michael Lark's art is still as gorgeous as ever. The new digest format also continues to impress me thanks to the prose stories to flesh out the world, this time with Alex Segura giving us insight into the world of a CARINT agent, a different, more subtle enemy of Carlyle and how dealing with the devil can sometimes lead you to a greater dilemma.

By this point though, I'm really intrigued how Lazarus is going to end, even if I know full well that I will miss it when it's all done. My curiousity is piqued as to not only the plan to save Eight but also how, in the large scale chess match between Carlyle and Hock, is missing brother Jonah the key to Forever winning? Suffice to say, I really will be back for the next issue to find out (I just hope the wait between issues is less next time).

That was my week in a nutshell. Beyond that, I did very little else but I'm glad that I didn't overdo it as these three comics were great reads which felt more enjoyable with each subsequent read. There was one last book I did look at which was a copy of Previews as I consider picking up a few more comics in December. However, the decision making on that is still underway (although I'll have to try and make a decision by next week I guess).

For now though, I'm going to continue to ease back into reading, although I haven't decided whether next week that'll consist of the outstanding Fantastic Four-related issues I have, the Modern Frankenstein mini series or if I'll just start delving back into proper reviewing of some small press comics.