#434 - Avengers Arena: The Complete Collection

As another week comes to an end, I am finding myself mindful of exactly how many weeks into 2022 we are. During the course of any given year, I find myself riding the bus to get to work (with the other nine having me getting some exercise on the bike), allowing me the opportunity to read more than any other period I commute to work does.

However, as of the day I post this, I only have two weeks left on my bus card, which means that the transition back to two wheels begins and a (hopefully slight) reduction in reading volume takes place.

As such, I'm eager to cram in as much as I can before my time runs out.

Maybe, however, as a follow-up to last week's Superman Red and Blue, I shouldn't have considered the eighteen issue Avengers Arena due to its length alone. That said, after a year of this complete collection sitting on my shelf, I was eager to get it read and wasn't willing to wait until the next bus card.

Avengers Arena: The Complete Collection by Dennis Hopeless, Christos Gage, Kev Walker, Alessandro Vitti, Richard Burchielli, Karl Moline and a whole host of others (seriously, it's a blog post just naming everyone included up to the letterer) is the entire eighteen issue run of the Marvel series which tells the story of sixteen young superheroes from the X-Men, Avengers Academy, Runaways and the Braddock (a.k.a. Captain Britain) Academy who find themselves kidnapped and abandoned on a remote island by the villainous Arcade. However, This is not the end of Arcade's plans as these formerly Z-list villain has seemingly acquired a major power upgrade and has brought these teen heroes for one simple reason: to survive his traps and kill off their opposing heroes in the next thirty days in order to survive and escape his newest game: Murder World.

Now, back when this initially came out, I remember picking up the first issue along with a number of other 'All-New' comics. However, starring a cast I had very little knowledge and connection to and with a premise that seemed to be based on the (at the time) recently released Hunger Games movie, I decided that this wasn't a series for me and decided to move on.

However, when I picked up and became engrossed in Avengers: Undercover a couple of years ago, I found myself intrigued in the story which led to what I had just read.

Fast forward to now and, with this copy finally opened up (only took a year of putting off), I have to confess that I don't remember or understand why I cut this series. First up was the fact that I couldn't remember any of what happened in the opening issue as I was reading through (with the exception of a vague thought of a flashback scene. I initially missed it on this read through and went back as I looked for it) which wound up engrossing me deeply in this story than I ever remember it had before.

In short, as I read through this collection I really felt that Dennis Hopeless had created an unbelievably brutal story as he pulled no punches in pretty much decimating the Marvel Universe's next generation of super heroes. I said a moment ago about how I had no connection to the characters when I first read it, but I now realise that this lack of connection was what would have made this such an excellent read had I have given it a little bit more of a chance.

The series made me think of the tv series Lost in its layout as the story seemed to just hit the ground running. With the the action coming thick and fast and the cast's attempts at survival practically dominating each and every issue (as it should), I liked how Hopeless focused on one character primarily in every issue, flashbacking to their pre-Murder World life to give some context to their personality and actions. In this respect, that was why I could only think of Lost as I read it (not the fact that its a group of people surviving on an island).

As a result of this 'focus' method, I really found myself compelled by every character (even if I didn't necessarily like them) and I was very intrigued by their actions and rationale. One character in particular though had to be Arcade. Getting roughly as much focus as each of his multiple 'hostages' (because there isn't really a better word), I've seen Arcade a handful of times in my comic reading life and to call him z-list may be a little cruel but is very much accurate. In Arena, however, I really loved how not only did Hopeless make him to near akin an A-list villain on a level bordering the Joker (ok, maybe not that good) but how he also show that levelling up and how with the Marvel world thinking him as much a joke as the real one.

So, overall it was a good story, weakened only by (surprisingly) Christos Gage's issue. That's not to say that it was a bad issue because his focus on the various teachers of these kids slowly realising that they are missing was yet another great read. However, for me, this issue felt like it really hindered the pacing of events on the island. Had this been an annual and left in the collection until the end of the book then I think I'd have been more happy about it. That said, it isn't something that'll make me burn my copy in spite.

Especially not when it comes down the artwork. I truly loved the work provided by the selection of artists, inkers and colourists brought on to this series as their various works were so colourful and yet contained such deep shadows that it really built upon the whole horror/unnerving sense that any character was about to be killed off (which given the low-level of all these players was totally possible ... unless you read Undercover first, like me). Then there were the flashback scenes which had this very cold, through a video lens look to them that made me wonder if these were flashbacks of events or flashbacks of Arcade studying his 'contestants' through cameras. Not all of the art resonated with me as Richard Burchielli's style didn't inspire me like the rest. However, much like the story in Gage's contribution, it's not enough to make me hate this series.

Quite the contrary in fact, as by the end, I found my really loving this series. Avengers Arena is a really excellent read, especially when it is accompanied by follow-up series Avengers Undercover. I must confess, after reading this series, especially the final few pages, I find myself wondering if Hopeless and Avengers Arena was a concept which was about seven years too early as I don't recall any major follow-up to it that might've been deserved (like the Outlawed event from last year). It is strange that (in-story) there was never any follow up in regards to youth superheroes or even reinforcement of the Superhuman Registration Act, but then again this is only a story.

Regardless, I'm certainly glad I finally made time to read it. Hopefully (one day soon ... ish), I can read both Arena and Undercover as a full story (and being a sucker for trilogies, see another, final follow up to it).

Oh, and before I forget ...

While I've been reading 16 Superkids battle it out this week, I've also managed to read a few comics for Pipedream Comics, the reviews of which have gone up.

My first review for Pipedream was (yet another) new Vault Comics title We Ride Titans #1 by Tres Dean, Sebastian Piriz, Dee Cunniffe and Jim Campbell. Now, as always, a lot of my thoughts can be found in the review proper but I will confess here that I really did enjoy this. What I loved about it was the whole family dynamic and the interpersonal relationships that were depicted in it. Both the art and the story really reminded me of Alex + Ada as well as Future both in terms of its look, its temperament and its pacing (and the fact both of those comics are amongst my favourites is a good sign for this one). By the end, I'm already looking forward to the next issue and I'm quietly confident that this might be joining Resonant and I Walk with Monsters on my shelf.

After this I had a review go up for Space Precinct Zero #1, a sci-fi comic by Chris Chandler and Jayson Santos. With this review, I actually ended up reading the first two issues (even if the review refers to only one) and while for the bulk of my thoughts you should read the review (go me plugging the bosses), I'll have to say that SPZ was a really fun comic. I felt that this comic was a really mellow read, which was exactly what I needed to wind down after the hectic day I had (on the day I read it, that is). I also really enjoyed the art (because I always love black and white) and it perfectly matches the action-packed tone of the story. Honestly, while I had never heard of this title prior to my review of it, I now look forward to checking out any future issues and hoping they are as enjoyable as the first two.

And that's my week done. A whole lot of comics (if you count it in single issues) and a whole lot of thoughts aired about them. Beyond the reading, very little else has been happening, although I shared my completed scripts with skilled writer Andrew Clemson who needed something to do (in my everlasting generosity) and I got some good feedback on them, which leads me to plans to amend them.

However, that's time I can carve out to do this coming week, just as long as I keep reading on the bus, then (for now) that's all which matters.

#433 - Superman: Red and Blue

Normality appears to have returned to life now that 2022 has gotten through its first week.

For me, after the almost blitzkrieg-like comic reading that I did last week, this one felt a lot more relaxed in comparison as I went about getting into my more long term groove of one 'me' comic and one review comic.

However, when it came to the 'me' comic, it was simply a case of finishing what I had started just as last week was coming to an end.

What I finished, of course, was Superman: Red and Blue which I had started before last week had even finished (just about). What I read was the Hardcover edition which was released (and I subsequently purchased) just after Christmas and contained six bumper size, 46 page issues by a immense host of creators as they told small, anthology-esque stories about the Man of Steel and his many adventures and interactions with those he saves, as depicted (well, most of them anyway) in his primary colours of red and blue.

Now, I think that it is fair to confess that, when it comes to DC characters, Superman is my guy!! While most people will argue that the dark, brooding Batman is the best character around (I'd argue that. In fact, I think I have), for me Superman is the character I prefer and will always place as my number 1 because the world is a dark, foreboding places far too often for my liking (especially these days). As such, while Superman may seem to many as too plain or too hokey, for me he is simply too optimistic, too unyielding, too ... good that while he has many relatable struggles, he puts them aside to be the best and inspire us to be better, be brighter in this drab little world.

Here's the thing: Superman: Red and Blue really seemed to encapsulate that idea perfectly. When I first learned that this series was announced (I think it was a tweet by Rich Douek), I was immediately intrigued because A. I do enjoy anthologies and B. the image the title entered into my head was that it would be a series of stories told entirely in those two colours.

Well, intrigued is a word which doesn't do this series justice because every single one of these stories is so incredible!! I absolutely loved this trade, it felt that it picked up the vibe of the character perfectly and told compelling tales of the Man of Steel's abilities and enjoyable stories about Big Blue's various relationships. However, what I loved most about Superman Red and Blue was just how superbly inspiring it was. From the first story to the last, every one of them seemed to show the character's innate goodness, certainly giving me the renewed belief that maybe the world isn't as bad as it always seemed.

Meanwhile, the artwork ... what can I say about the art other than it is 'chef's kiss' beautiful. Every artistic team on every story in every issue of this series brought an A-game and then some to deliver page after of Super beauty.

In fact, I can say that the book wasn't perfect and that there were art styles and stories which I didn't particularly like or weren't my thing but, at the end of the day, they were still so tremendous that I can easily admit that those 'bad' stories were simply a case of subjective preference. Beyond that, I can still see what I didn't enjoy for the great quality it was.

For me, Superman Red and Blue was phenomenal is every sense of the word! While it makes me a little sad that I didn't pick up the individual issues as they were released and find my love for this comic as it came out, I'm nevertheless so glad that I didn't wait to pick up the hardcover when it came out. The thought that I might have waited even longer, depriving myself of time where I didn't read these stories, is something I dare not even consider.

Fortunately, that's not a thought I have to dwell on because now it can go pride of place on my shelf to read again (and again) in future.

And that has been my read for the week. It may not seem like much but every page of it was more than worthy of the time I committed.

Meanwhile, one of my reviews I wrote last week went up on the Pipedream comics site earlier this week as my thoughts on Damsel from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S. #2-3 & Bete Noir #2-3 were aired. As I said (both in the review and on my post from last week), both of these series really improved on the first issues which I read, although Damsel pulled it off better than Bete Noir if I'm totally honest. regardless of which is better, both ended issue 3 in a position where I truly cannot wait for more issues to be available.

Sadly, I've not had much chance to work on my own 'other' writing projects. I won't lie, I did manage to put my lunch towards an older script I had, where I spent For that hour re-designing the basic plot as well as working on the layout. Next will be making a start on the new script but that may have to wait until next week (if I can make the time).

Now, before I finish up I've got to mention something I had forgotten to do a couple of weeks back. The Best of List for 2021 was released by Pipedream Comics (of which I assist in putting together). Posted in five parts; 50-41, 40-31, 30-21, 20-11 and 10-1, I had to bring it up because this was by far the best list we've put together in the over seven (maybe eight) years that I've been reviewing for the site. In fact, I'm not going to delve too much into it because it's one of those lists you have to see for yourselves. However, it contains such a varied assortment of tremendous comics (and, to be honest, we could have easily added 2, 3 times as many. That's how difficult it was to whittle down to) that I can't help but be proud of what Alex, Mike, Lydia and myself put together. Therefore, I thought I'd just mention it.

So, now onto next week. I've got some review comics already planned and I'm already an issue into Avengers Arena as my personal book as I read this. I just have to hope that next week will be a little more free than this one.

#432 - Domino: Killer Instinct

My first week into 2022 has been ... 'busy' to say the least.

For the first time in what feels like a long time, I've managed to read an absolute abundance of comic books thanks to all of the time off (although I have worked a couple of days too) that Christmas and then the New Year has afforded me here in the UK (God bless Bank Holidays), allowing me to cram in enough issues of various series. Some New, Some Old and some follow ups of things I've reviewed before.

My main read of the week was Domino: Killer Instinct, one of the many trades I acquired from Jolly old St Nick, which sees artists David Baldeón and Michael Shelfer, colourist Jesus Aburtov and writer Gail Simone tell a new story about Marvel's premiere Mutant Soldier of Fortune (or so the back blurb implies). This trade follows the ever lucky Domino as she and her posse, the Mutant Outlaw (who I've never heard until now) and the sometimes villain Diamondback (who I've heard of but never actually read a story involving. Was she in Sam Wilson: Captain America?), find themselves the target of an attack from a vengeful new enemy in the middle of a job, with Domino being their specific target. As she finds herself more and more under siege and her luck starting to run out, Domino finds herself reconnecting with her painful origins and attempting to discover more about herself as she attempts to win the game after being dealt an unusually bad hand.

Probably not my best recap, I'll admit.

Now, despite the fact that Gail Simone is a terrific and well respected writer who must be bordering on 'Legendary' status, it shames me that I've read very few of her works. In fact, the only one before this was the Brightest Day Tie-in series of Birds of Prey (which contained the core team plus Hawk and Dove). However, I'd heard/read/been told that this was a good series and, with its appearance on a Zaavi deal a few months back, it seemed like a good choice to pick up (and then subsequently pass to my wife so she could give it to me for Christmas. Convoluted I know).

Sadly, as I read through the series, I found myself struggling to get invested in it properly, with the read feeling very up and down as I progressed.

Of course, I'm not trying to say that it was a bad read, simply that it was ... interesting. Domino's story had a lot of good ideas and concepts wrapped into that really had me invested. What I liked most about this story was the connection that Domino had to her villain/s. I enjoyed that they had this deep connection to them and I did wonder to myself if Simone was trying to implement a sort of Quasi-toxic/abusive relationship between Desmond (the main bad guy) and Domino in that her suffering was as a result of all the pain he had experienced which he placed the blame solely on our heroine's shoulders. There also seemed like this sense of violation towards Domino thanks to Topaz's (the other bad guy) powers, which were an interesting idea. The two combined really made me feel that Domino was on a journey of recovery and almost empowerment as she attempt to overcome both her physical and emotional assault from these villains.

Also, I had to wonder if Topaz's anger stemmed from the notion that her connection to Desmond was never going to be like Domino's. Like a lover who was always feeling in second place.

Anyway, beyond the ideas beneath the skin, there were aspects of the story I also enjoyed. The Domino/Shang-Chi dynamic was a fun little setup, and the relationship between the book's core three of Domino, Outlaw and Diamondback was a really great and enjoyable relationship, something that reminded me of Black Canary, Lady Blackhawk and Huntress' dynamic (in that comparative order) from Birds of Prey.

That said, there were just as many things that I didn't gone with, the main thing being Domino's power set. I've always understood that her Mutant power relates around good luck but I really struggled to grasp the idea of how she could possibly treat as a skill rather than a reflex (or similar word). Otherwise, my main issue was the idea of a rat that ran through the trade which, upon being revealed, the culprit was just as quickly pushed aside and swept under the carpet.

As for the art, I really enjoyed it overall, especially Jesus Aburtov's colours which reminded me of the current Fantastic Four runs issues which were drawn by Izaakse, Medina and Silva (which makes sense because he was the colourist on the Medina work). The pencils were equally as beautiful by David Baldeón and Michael Shelfer, in particular the scenes of Domino out on the town or falling out of a window (in a true display of bad luck). However, the one downside here was that I felt all of Domino's exes looked a little caveman-esque.

As I said at the beginning of this .... rant, I guess, this story was an interesting one. As I went through it I really felt there was so much about it that was good. On the other hand, I also found it a little laborious at times to get through, which indeed solidified that 'peaks and troughs' thinking towards. That said, I won't lie and say that this wasn't my thing and was indeed glad to have read it. However, I'm not sure that I would actively seek out the second volume due to the complete story it told and I'm unsure if I would read a second time (although maybe I would to just confirm where my head's at with it).

After Domino, my week consisted primarily of small press comics, starting with Henchman Vol. 1, a super villain-esque book from Greg Smith, Sal Donaire, Maksim 'Keeper' Strelkov and Olga Timofeeva which was my first full review of the year for Pipedream Comics. Now I won't lie, when I sat down to reading this trade, I actually wasn't expecting much from based on the first look. However, to my surprise, Henchman turned out to be a really fun, action packed and entertaining comic which had some great (if generic characters who don't take themselves too seriously.

I also thought the art was solid, if a little non-standoutish, reminding me of a particular style which I just could place (the best which sprung to mind was Jay Martin's ALV). Overall, while it might not win any awards for seriousness, I honestly thought this was a good read and a nice way to pass the time. I look forward to volume 2 when it shows up.

This was followed up with an Andrew Clemson double bill of Damsel from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S. #2 and 3 followed immediately by Bete Noir #2 and 3, both of which I wrote a round-up about of Pipedream Comics on the back of these reads. Now while I, as always, really went in depth into my thoughts on both comics in the review, I will admit that that I really enjoyed both set of issues I read.

For Damsel from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S. (by Clemson as well as Maruricio Mora and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou), these two follow up issues really improved on what was given in the first, with yet more action, charm and fun about it. I really enjoyed the almost campy James Bond-ness to the concept as well as the richness of the world and even the introduction of a new supporting character. The art was still gorgeous to look at (even if some bits were a little ... off) and, by the end, I found myself looking forward to future issues rather enthusiastically.

The same is said for Bete Noir (by Kris Wantowhy, Hde and Clemson), although maybe not as enthusiastically, as the newest two issues built up a very intriguing story after the first issue, although struggled with a few more problems overall. The problems I had with this series stemmed from the fact that it ended up so much information within but not always the right sort, which lead me to a little bit of confusion. That said, the mystery that the story centres on certainly became very compelling to me, despite any confusion, as it started to show a darker side to superheroes that reminded me of some reasonable recent comic series, with an art style to match nicely. That said, while the thriller side of it had me more engaged, the confusing notion struggled to shake me and so, while I want to see more, Damsel would certainly be my first stop of the two.

Then I returned to a new favourite of mine when I read the print copy of Cuddles: The Last Chance Crime Story which I received for Christmas after loving the digital copy (and cementing its place on my recommended reading list). Again, this is a comic (by Marco Perugini, Shan Bennion and Jed MacPherson), which I have reviewed much more in depth elsewhere but, I must confess, there was something of an enhanced beauty to it which I thought came from reading it physically. Beyond that, I thought that it was just as sublime as the first time I read through Cuddles and am still confident as on that occasion that I will be reading it for many more times to come.

Finally, I read Leap M, a one-shot from Matt Battaglia, Lettersquids and Doug Wood who recently released their Kickstarter rewards for the this issue which was originally under the Action Lab publisher (and all of that mess). Once again, I reviewed this for Pipedream Comics and the bulk of my thinking can be found there, but the long and short of it is basically that I found to Leap M to be an enjoyable and rather contemplative comic which gave a very interesting focus into characters suffering from mental health issues.

It wasn't by any means a perfect comic as the plot was missing some things (like who was the victim? Was there a reason he was chosen? and Why didn't the police find the real killer as quickly as Wilbur?) and the artwork was a unique style that in some places didn't resonate with me, while in others it worked really well. However, by the end, it was a good read and I'm certainly glad that I got the chance to read it and I'm glad the creative team were were able to free themselves from under Action Lab's boot.

And that's been my week! ...

... well, almost.

I've also tried to make some inroads regarding my plans for 2022 in regards to making my own comic. Unfortunately, straight off the bat it has all come a little undone. However, I've been reminded that I should keep trying and so, while it'll be slightly delayed in regards to when I wanted to get started, hopefully I can right the ship or get the train back on the track (whichever analogy works for you).

Now I'm done. I've already gotten next week's comic picked out in Superman Red and Blue as well as plans for the review comic, so I'm feeling prepared but, for the first week of 2022, this has been a good week!