Book Review for the Comic Book Club for June: Thor: Season One

Book: Thor: Season One by Matthew Sturges with illustrations by Pepe Larraz, color by Wil Ǫuintana and letters by VC's Cory Petit

Cover Art by Julian Totino Tedesco

Edition: Hardcover

Description:

Among the lofty spires of Asgard, Young Thor is the strongest, brashest and most arrogant god of all. But his giant-slashing, troll-smashing days come to an abrupt end when he's tricked by his jealous brother Loki into a foolish attack. Cast down to Earth into the crippled mortal form of Dr. Donald Blake, follow the Thunder God's journey of self-discovery and a mortal man's awakening to the power within. Revisit the fantastical origin of the Son of Odin in this new graphic novel, which thrusts the tale of Thor into the modern age with thunderous results! In this epic saga of towering frost giants, belching maidens and massive battles, one hero must decide which identity is truly his - before both of the worlds he loves are destroyed!

Book Review: Deadpool v Gambit

Book: Deadpool v Gambit: The "V" is for Vs." (issues #1-5) by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker with illustration by Danilo Beyruth, color by Cris Peter and letters by VC's Joe Sabino

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

Gambit-one of the smoothest, best-looking operators in the world of the X-Men. Deadpool-one of the most annoying, ugliest dirtbags in the world of everything. Naturally, these guys got beef. But do you know what they have in common? A secret history of working together to pull con-jobs. That's right-the grift is on as the Regeneratin' Degenerate and the Ragin' Cajun begrudgingly take on one last job together. Writers Ben Acker and Ben Blacker and artist Danilo Beyruth lead us into the dirty underbelly of Deadpool and the squeaky-clean abs of Gambit!

Book Review for the Book Girl's Book Club for March: Captain Marvel vol #1

Book: Captain Marvel volume #1: Higher, Further, Faster, More (issues #1-6) by Kelly Sue DeConnick with illustrations by David Lopez, color by Lee Loughridge and letters by VC's Joe Caramagna

Cover by David Lopez

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

One of Marvel's most beloved Avengers launches into her own ongoing series! Carol Danvers has played many roles in her life; hero, pilot, Avenger, and now, deep-space adventurer! Join Captain Marvel as she attempts to return an alien girl to her home world, and defend the rights of aliens revolting against the Galactic Alliance. Guest-starring Guardians of the Galaxy!

Book Review: Black Widow vol #3 (Marvel Now)

Book: Black Widow volume #3: Last Days (issues #13-20) by Nathan Edmondson with illustration and color by Phil Noto and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

The world has turned against Black Widow. Her web is broken. How will she deal with this? The final path to Chaos is at her feet, but will her own demons keep her from finally taking it? What happened to Isaiah? Can Black Widow still turn to the Avengers, or even to S.H.I.E.L.D.? Natasha wants answers about Chaos and now she has a list of people who have them.

Book Review for the Book Girl's Book Club for July: 1872 (Marvel)

Book: 1872: Warzones! (issues #1-4) by Gerry Duggan with illustrations by Nik Virella, color by Lee Loughridge and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Includes stories: - The Avengers #80 by Roy Thomas with illustration by John Buscema, ink by Tom Palmer and letters by Sam Rosen

- Marvel Comics Presents #170 by Alan Cowsill with illustration by Jimmy Chung, inks by Martin Griffiths, color by Frank Lopez and letters by Pat Prentice

Edition: Trade Paperback

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Westerns are not my usual genre but I figured you couldn't go wrong with an Avengers story. And I was so right, 1872 was amazing.

Book Review: X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever

Book: X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever (issues #1-5) by Max Bemis, illustrations by Michael Walsh, color by Ruth Redmond and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Edition: Single Print Issues

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this miniseries. Bailey Hoskins lived a typical ordinary bland life, there was nothing about him that stands out. He pretty much lives a mediocre existence which is disappointing when you're in high school and trying to find a date for prom.

Book Review: Marvel's The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week

Book: Marvel's The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week (digital issues 1-8) plot by Christopher Yost and Eric Pearson, written by Eric Pearson

Illustrations by Luke Ross (#1 and #3), Daniel HDR (#2 and #4), Agustin Padilla (#5 and #7) and Wellinton Alves (#6 and #8)

Ink by Luke Ross (#1 and #3), Mark Pennington (#2 and #4), Don Ho (#5 and #7) and Rick Ketcham with Don Ho (#6 and #8)

Color by Chris Sotomayor and letters by Chris Eliopolous with Joe Caramagna


Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

The Newest Installment Of The Official Marvel Cinematic Universe Tie-In Comics Is Here Just In Time For Marvel's The Avengers Movie!

How will S.H.I.E.L.D. maintain the status quo in a world full of gamma-powered rage monsters, hammer-wielding gods and men in iron suits? What exactly is the Avengers Initiative? If you thought you knew everything there was to know about Director Nick Fury and the elusive agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. -- think again!



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Fury's Big Week did a terrific job of tying in Marvel's Phase One movies: Iron Man 2, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger while setting everything up for The Avengers movie.

Director Nick Fury had a very busy week trying to keep everything from going sideways. There were several rather immediate problems that were at the forefront for S.H.I.E.L.D.. First was keeping tabs on Tony Stark who was quickly self-destructing. But with Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) undercover at Stark Industries, she provided plenty of information to Fury about Stark's increasing erratic behavior. A S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist determined Tony was being poisoned by the palladium seeping through his arc reactor.

Next was Agent Phil Coulson stumbling upon an atmospheric discovery out in New Mexico. He was tasked with taking a team out there to investigate the situation and to keep an eye on Dr. Jane Foster who was already there studying the phenomenon. Fury also sent Hawkeye (Clint Barton) out there for further assistance. The last problem had Black Widow being tasked with monitoring General Ross' continued pursuit of Bruce Banner.

Every incident showed that S.H.I.E.L.D. was going to need help down the line because dealing with monsters, gods and high powered tech suits was going to require a bit more power. And after putting out all of those fires, Fury was attempting to find Captain America who was believed to have crashed somewhere in the arctic. All of that aside he still had to deal with the bureaucracy of the World Security Council who want him to divert attention towards activating the Tesseract.

I like this because it felt like I was reading all the scenes that could have been included in the movies. The other heroes (Iron Man, Hulk and Thor) are shown but Fury, Coulson, Black Widow and Hawkeye get the focus in this as they try to deal with all of the problems that keep popping up.

I may have waited a while to read this but I'm glad I finally did. It's a solid story with a good amount of action scenes, it's very behind the scenes of how S.H.I.E.L.D. operates.

Book Review: Starbrand and Nightmask: Eternity's Children (Attend University)

Book: Starbrand and Nightmask: Eternity's Children (Attend University) (issues #1-6) by Greg Weisman

Illustrations by Domo Stanton (#1-6) and Daniele Di Nicuolo (#4)

Color by Jordan Boyd (#1-4) and Rachelle Rosenberg (#4-6)

Letters by VC's Clayton Cowles


Edition: Single Print Issues

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Superheroes Kevin Connor (Starbrand) and Adam Blackveil (Nightmask) got more than they bargained for when they enrolled in Empire State University. Adam came up with the plan for them to attend college as a way for Kevin to reconnect with humanity. Because after the tragic way Kevin acquired his Starbrand powers he became detached and uncaring.

Going to college is tough enough without having to fight a cosmic battle. Kevin and Adam barely have time to enjoy campus life before they have to constantly go up against supervillains Graviton, Nitro and Blizzard who were being cosmically controlled. Someone wants to destroy Starbrand and the Earth as a way to bring balance to the universe but these two superheroes need to figure out how to stop it.

Adam and Kevin although somewhat new to being superheroes are quick to figure things out but what they are going up against is truly out of this world. There is an interesting connection between Kevin and their dorm Resident Advisor Imani Greene and their interest in each other and how it pertains to Starbrand.

There is a lot of comedic banter in this that goes along perfectly with the action scenes. I enjoyed reading this, the college scenes were exceptionally fun, however the scenes with the Kree Starbrand were boring. They didn't really add much to the story and the discovery that resulted when the two Starbrands met was the only good part of this side story.

I like Kevin and Adam, these cosmic defenders have no real clue about life but they do have a good handle on being superheroes. I love that they are trying to have a normal life by going to college and making new friends but the cosmic/superhero stuff keeps interrupting it. Their friendship and opposite personalities really brings out the fun in this and I really wish it had not been cancelled because these six issues were a good read and it left me wanting more.

Book Review: Hawkeye vol #4 (Marvel Now)

Book: Hawkeye volume #4: Rio Bravo (issues #12-13, 15, 17, 19 and 21-22) by Matt Fraction

Illustration by David Aja (#13, 15, 19, 21-22), Francesco Francavilla (#12) and Chris Eliopoulos with David Aja (#17)

Color by Francesco Francavilla (#12), Matt Hollingsworth (#13, 15, 19, 21-22) and Jordie Bellaire (#17) and Letters by Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by David Aja

Edition: Trade Paperback


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This final chapter of Matt Fraction and David Aja's Hawkeye series with Clint Barton and Kate Bishop feels like punch to the stomach. It started out lighthearted with Clint and his neighbor's kids watching a holiday cartoon but then turned into something much more serious.

Clint's older brother Barney stopped by to visit just as the tracksuit guys and their hired hitman Kazi were preparing to ramp up their attacks. They really wanted the apartment building that Clint acquired from the tracksuit guys in vol #1. It's a good thing his brother showed up because he was going to need the back-up especially since Kate and lucky the dog were gone (see vol #3). Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Mockingbird (Clint's ex-wife Bobbi Morse) and Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) make a few appearances but it was going to be up to Clint, Barney and a few of the tenants of his apartment building to stop the onslaught.

Clint and Barney had no problem stopping the little attacks but they were caught off guard by a brutal assault by Kazi who left them both severely injured. Clint was down, nearly to point of giving up but that really wasn't an option not with the tracksuit guys and Kazi gearing up for their final attack. Kate and Lucky the dog returned with their help truly going to be needed, if it wasn't too late.

There are some comic books where you can pick up any volume in a series and start reading but the Hawkeye series is not one of them. I recommend reading this in order because each volume provides information and clues that completes the story. In this fourth volume, the excitement and stress builds as Clint tries to fend off nearly non-stop attacks. The good writing and wonderful illustrations for this series continues as readers get to know more about Clint's childhood through a heartbreaking backstory that also mirrors his current situation. As with each volume, the humor and the drama are perfectly balanced as the story unfolds.

Without a doubt both Hawkeyes are total trouble magnets. However, it's how they deal with the trouble that makes them the heroes that they are. Despite all the destruction and devastation there is still inspiration and hope in the way they help others. This was an amazing ending to a fan favorite series.

Book Review: Avengers: No More Bullying #1 (one-shot)

Book: Avengers: No More Bullying #1 (one-shot) cover art by Paul Renaud

Edition: Single Print Issue

Description:

EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES MAKE BULLYING A THING OF THE PAST!

The Avengers have always stood up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, but this time they're in for a bombastic adventure of the highest order! Featuring surprise guest stars from across the Marvel Universe including Spider-Man and The Guardians of the Galaxy!



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Bullying is a serious issue and I like that Marvel created this special one-shot to address it using some of their characters. There are four stories along with four activity sheets featured in this issue:


Story #1: Avengers: "Straight Shooter" by Sean Ryan with illustrations by Carlo Barberi, color by Israel Silva and letters by VC's Travis Lanham

As the Avengers (Captain America (Sam Wilson), Thor (Odinson), Iron Man, Black Widow and Hawkeye) were getting together a plan to stop a giant robot attacking New York City, Hawkeye noticed he was left out of the plan. Fed up with being disregarded and with jokes at his expense, he decided to let the team know how he felt.

I think this story shows readers that even as a hero it took a lot of courage for Hawkeye to speak up and let his friends and teammates know that they were mistreating him. And what I saw from the story I don't believe they even realized what they were doing was considered bullying. However, to constantly do what they were doing only made Hawkeye feel as if he didn't really matter. I like how they dealt with the situation and not to be overlooked the Avenger do take down the robot and with Hawkeye coming up with a great plan.



Story #2: Guardians of the Galaxy: "Quotient" by Jody Houser with illustrations by Tana Ford, color by Ruth Redmond and letters by VC's Travis Lanham

While the Guardians and Angela (of Asgard) were getting their ship repaired, they went to get something to eat at the restaurant in the rest station. As they're waiting for their food, Rocket notices a kid all by itself crying in the next booth. That got the rest of the gangs attention and it had them wanting to help the girl whose name is 72596. Quill asked why she wasn't sitting with the other kids. Well, it turns out she's upset because she chose to listen to those other kids to stop being friends with her friend 04138.

72596 told 04138 they could still be friends just as long as the others didn't find out. Of course 04138 was upset and he certainly didn't want to be friends anymore especially not on those conditions.

With 72596's class field trip preparing to leave, one of the chaperones noticed that 04138 was missing. Scared and upset 72596 ran off to find her friend, she got some assistance from the Guardians and Angela.

So what's the moral of this story, don't let bullies make decisions for you nor determine who your friends should be. Fear also factored into 72596 decision because she was so afraid that she would be picked on that she was willing to end her friendship because of it. I like that the Guardians and Angela gave the two kids some good advice about friendship, it made it easier for the kids to figure out what's really important.



Story #3: The Amazing Spider-Man: "Friends On the Web" by Gerry Duggan with illustrations by Marcio Takara, color by Lee Loughridge and letters by VC's Travis Lanham

Spider-Man goes from webbing up a criminal upside down to a light post to later having to unwrap a teenage boy who was taped to a flag pole. And as usual he handled both situations with his signature wit and one-liners which aggravated the crook while making the teen feel even more embarrassed. And this was the last straw for the teen who was fed up with being picked on, he was now ready to fight the ones who had taped him up. And add to that he was going to be late for the science fair.

There's no way Spidey is going to let the kid be late nor turn into a bully trying to get back at the bullies. So while Spider-Man was webbing the kid across town he told him a story of how he got back at his bully. The story showed Peter constantly being picked on by Flash Thompson and as a way to get revenge he gave Flash an "energy drink" to help him in the school's football game. However, the drink wasn't something he bought from the store instead it was something Peter created in the lab. The end result was not what Peter had intended because instead of Flash being laughed at he wound up getting in trouble for something he didn't do as well as not being able to play in the game.

The point of the story is that in trying to get back at the bullies you don't turn into one as well. By the time they got to the expo, he had cheered the kid up, gave him some good advice and not to mention took a selfie with him, I quess all in the line of duty for a superhero. Spidey was so inspired by helping the teen that he even went back to apologize to the crook, but that was the extent of his heroics.



Story #4: "Weird" by Jeff Loveness with illustrations by Gustavo Duarte, color by Lee Loughridge and letters by VC's Travis Lanham

This last story shows a little boy during lunch time who doesn't seem to have any friends. After eating his lunch alone at one of the back tables, he spends the rest of his time drawing some of his favorite characters. What I found interesting is that the characters are telling him not to feel sad about being alone and to not to bully himself. And that is so true because sometimes we can be our own worst enemy saying things to ourselves that we would never say to a friend. The narrative continues by stating that the main thing is to be yourself and enjoy your life because sooner or later you will find friends. Which is indeed what happens for the little boy in this story he met another kindred sprit who loves to draw characters.


Overall, this was a good read. You get a thoughtful group of stories that's accompanied by great artwork which should appeal to young readers and especially those who maybe dealing with some levels of bullying. Avengers: No More Bullying may not necessarily stop bullying (one can hope) but I can see the stories making someone who is or has been bullied at least feel a little better. The writers took the difficult subject of bullying and put the characters in stories that are relatable and interesting to read. There's a good message in each story which also includes a bit of humor to lighten the mood in some aspects of the story.

I'm not sure if this can still be found at the comic book store since it was published last year but it is available in digital. However if you would like to have it in print or would like to give it as a gift this one-shot can be found in the trade edition that also has the same title. The trade also includes several republished stories that also center around bullying.

Book Review: Hawkeye vol #3 (Marvel Now)

Book: Hawkeye volume #3: L.A. Woman (issues Annual #1 and #14, 16, 18 and 20) by Matt Fraction

Illustrations (Annual #1) by Javier Pulido, color by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Illustrations (#14, 16, 18 and 20) by Annie Wu, color by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by David Aja

Edition: Trade Paperback


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

In these five issues, Kate Bishop fed up with Clint Barton took Lucky the dog and left New York to head out to Los Angeles. Kate had plans to rejuvenate at a luxury hotel but what should have been the start of a fun trip immediately turned into trouble the minute they arrived.

Her first day was off to a horrible start, first her credit card was declined at the hotel, then her stuff was stolen from her car by a group of bellmen followed by her car being repoed. She had no idea that someone as in Madame Masque was out to ruin her stay in L.A. but that was only the beginning. Madame Masque was seeking her revenge after what occurred in the first volume (issues #4 and #5).

Pretending to be a good Samaritan, Madame Masque going by the name Whitney Frost offered to help Kate who at the moment only had about $80 in her possession. Whitney invited Kate to stay at her home until she can get on her feet which was a nice gesture that is until Kate realized who Whitney really was. As a superhero Kate accepted the offer which she of course knew it was a trap but how else was she going to find out what Madame Masque was really up to.

Perhaps that wasn't the best decision but she did find her car and all her stuff too bad she wasn't quite ready to take on Madame Masque and her minions. But thanks to one of Clint's clever devices, Kate and Lucky were able to escape but not without sacrificing her car and all her stuff.

It would be an understatement to say that Kate was having a horrible time but that's not going keep this hero down even if Madame Masque was still out to get her. Instead of calling her father for money she decided to do it on her own. First she got a job house sitting and taking care of a picky cat for a couple of nice old ladies then she set up shop as a private investigator.

Being a superhero almost seems easier than being a private investigator because she quickly found herself up against a string of trouble as she took on cases. From missing flowers to something downright sci-fi, Kate's main goal was to help her clients. However, it wasn't long before she was crossing paths with Madame Masque again leading to Kate discovering that Clint was in trouble. But that's not the only thing she found out and it really threw her for a loop.

I loved reading this third volume, it's a fun and action packed adventure as Kate tries to build a new life in Los Angeles. However, things didn't seem to be working out for her but she did unexpectedly make some new friends, her neighbors Marcus and Finch who pretty much became family. She learned a lot about herself because taking on cases and solving mysteries is so much different than fighting the standard villain. She made a few mistakes which unfortunately kept her in contact with a very cranky police detective who would have preferred if Ms. Bishop left L.A. all together.

After reading this it's easy to see why Marvel decided to give Kate her own series as well as continue her PI adventures in L.A. It was an entertaining and surprising take that gave her more character development because now she's more than just a superhero.

With the way this ends with Kate and Lucky heading back to New York, I can't wait to read the fourth volume.

Book Review: Ant-Man: Larger Than Life

Book: Ant-Man: Larger Than Life one-shot by Will Corona Pilgrim with illustration by Andrea Di Vito, color by Veronica Gandini and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Tales to Astonish #27: "The Man in the Ant Hill" (published 1962) by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber, illustrations by Jack Kirby, ink by Dick Ayers and letters by Artie Simek

Tales to Astonish #35: "The Return of Ant-Man!" (published 1962) by Stan Lee with illustrations by Jack Kirby, ink by Dick Ayers and letters by John Duffy

Cover Art by Jung-Sik Ahn


Edition: Single Print Issue

Description:

Join Hank Pym, a.k.a. ANT-MAN, as he learns that a little experiment can land him in BIG trouble! Can Ant-Man tame something as painfully formidable as the Bullet Ant before it's too late?! Find out!

PLUS: Reprinting Tales to Astonish #27 (the first appearance of Hank Pym) and Tales to Astonish#35 (the first of appearance of Ant-Man in costume)!

Book Review: Ms. Marvel vol #1 (Marvel Now)

Book: Ms. Marvel volume #1: No Normal (issues #1-5) by G. Willow Wilson with illustrations by Adrian Alphona and color by Ian Herring and letters by VC's Joe Caramagna

Cover Art by Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

Marvel Comics presents the all-new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine that has become an international sensation!

Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City - until she is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! As Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to handle? Kamala has no idea either. But she's comin' for you, New York! It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson and beloved artist Adrian Alphona!



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Ms. Marvel volume #1 is so good that it's already one of your favorite reads. This first volume gives you the origin story of Kamala Khan as she becomes the latest superhero, Ms. Marvel.

What I love about these first five issues is you get to know Kamala before her transformation. You see that she's a typical 16 year old girl who is trying to figure out who she is. She not only wants to respect her parents but also stay true to her customs and culture. However she also wants to experience the same things that other kids her age are doing. She's conflicted and it caused her to disobey her parents and sneak off to a party.

She thought going to the party would be fun instead it was the complete opposite. As she left the party, she got caught along with anyone else outside, in a layer of mist. At that moment, everything changed for Kamala and her life would never be the same. Somehow, she got superpowers and was getting an unbelievable chance to be a hero.

Her first attempt came when she rescued one of her classmates but unfortunately the world somehow believes Captain Marvel did it. Thanks to Kamala's shape-shifting powers she accidentally transformed into Carol Danvers wearing her old Ms. Marvel costume.

That's the least of her concerns because as soon as she returned home, she was in big trouble. Her parents knew she had snuck out to attend the party. Well, they probably wouldn't have found out if her friend Bruno (who was at the party) had not called her house because he was worried about her after she left the party.

Being slightly grounded wasn't the worst thing especially since she's still trying to figure out her new powers which are causing her more problems than ever. From being grounded to getting detention after school the fun never stops for Kamala and avoiding her friend Bruno doesn't seem to be helping either.

However meeting up with her friend Bruno after school brought to light new discoveries and several issues such as how Kamala can become the hero she wants to be and Bruno's brother Vick is in some serious trouble.

She had a plan to help Vick but unfortunately she was unprepared and found herself in a situation she wasn't ready for. And after a difficult fight she needed to make a quick escape but losing wasn't going to stop her from helping Bruno's brother. However, what she needed now was a plan, a real costume and a little help in getting her ready for another attempt at saving Vick.

This was a fantastic read, it's an engaging story with great art. I love the writing, it has a good balance of action, drama and humor. The writer G. Willow Wilson did a great job with creating Kamala because despite gaining superpowers, she still comes across as a typical teenager who now has a new purpose of being a hero. 

I adore Kamala she's a dork who loves to write fanfiction and is a big Avengers fan but she quickly learned that being a hero is no simple task. There is a lot that goes into being a hero but it's something that she really wants to do. In these first five issues you see the toughness of who she is along with how scared she was with all the changes that were going on in her life. I love how focused and determined she can be yet still has this playful vibe.

This first volume of Ms. Marvel is an exciting adventure and if you're looking for something new to read this is a book I would like to recommend.

Book Review: Captain America: Winter Soldier

Book: Captain America: Winter Soldier (issues #1-9 and #11-14) by Ed Brubaker

Illustrations by Steve Epting, Michael Lark, John Paul Leon, Tom Palmer and Mike Perkins

Color by Frank D'Armata and letters by Virtual Calligraphy's Randy Gentile, Chris Eliopoulos and Joe Caramagna

Description:

For more than fifty years, the Soviets employed an undercover agent - an unstoppable, untraceable killer known as the Winter Soldier. His suspected identity? Bucky Barnes, Captain America's one-time partner, thought to have died in World War II. Now, the Winter Soldier is back, working for the ruthless General Lukin - who has obtained a functional Cosmic Cube, a weapon of limitless power that can bend reality itself. Vowing to end Lukin's reign of terror and destruction, Captain America relentlessly tracks the Cube - only to find himself face to face against the Winter Soldier. Will Cap be forced to batt le his resurrected partner so soon after finally learning the astonishing truth?



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A few weeks ago, I thought about doing a Captain America Read-a-Thon well more like a Re-Read-a-Thon of Ed Brubaker's run. At the time, I really didn't have the extra time to start a read-a-thon so I pushed that idea to the side. However, since then I decided to re-read a book whenever I can.

Today, I found a little extra time to give Captain America: Winter Soldier a read. There is a reason why this book is considered a classic among us comic book fans. It's so well written with all the espionage and intrigue mixed with twists and turns surrounding the dramatic build up of General Lukin's plan. And not to mention the mystery of the Winter Soldier. Who is he? Is it really Captain America's old friend and sidekick James "Bucky" Barnes or is it a trick designed to throw Cap off guard?

I enjoyed everything about this book from Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D. trying to uncover Lukin's plan to reading Steve's backstory as well as finding out about the Winter Soldier. There is even an interesting interlude showing the tragic downfall of one of Steve's former sidekicks (with Dr. Jane Foster having a brief cameo). I love that Director Nick Fury, Agent 13 (Sharon Carter) and Falcon (Sam Wilson) were great additions to the story with Iron Man also getting a small cameo in this.

After re-reading this I couldn't help thinking about the Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie. I was disappointed in the way Sharon Carter was shown in the movie. Instead of being shown as this amazing full-fledged S.H.I.E.L.D. agent she was shown as a lackluster "junior" agent. I couldn't help comparing her movie introduction to Sam's. Where he was introduced as not only as a friend but also as someone who could hold his own in a fight meanwhile, Sharon's role was diminished and all her importance in the book was given to Black Widow. Sharon should have been introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe just as Sam was. They are both important characters in the Captain America books yet she was brushed aside to make way for Black Widow who was wrote into the story. I guess they figured fans were already familiar with Black Widow so on some level it probably made since to use her in a key role instead of Sharon. Too bad it came at Sharon's expense.

Although, I still love watching the movie, it is one of my favorites (I could watch it a million times and never get bored), however it's all the complexities in this story that I enjoy so much more. I could spend hours talking about what I like about this book because even the beginning with the Red Skull almost feels like it's misleading but it sets up everything so perfectly.

To wrap this up, I will just say that Captain America: Winter Soldier was an excellent start to Brubaker's run. I feel like even if you have never read a Captain America book before or have only watched the movies you can pick this up and read it without feeling lost. It's a good read.

Book Review: Marvel's Captain America: Sub Rosa

Book: Marvel's Captain America: Sub Rosa by David McDonald

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Frozen in a state of suspended animation since the end of the Second World War, Captain America is a man out of time. But now freed from his frozen slumber, he’s back in the nick of time―and ready to face threats that couldn’t even have been imagined when the world had last seen him. Joe Books brings Marvel fans an all-new adventure featuring a classic superhero.



Rating: 1 star

Review:

I can't stand when this happens, the story started out so good then quickly faltered. This really should have been a Did Not Finish but I kept reading hoping it would get better but it didn't. It was both poorly written and poorly plotted.

This opens with Captain America stopping a drug operation in Columbia, he then returns home to find Maria Hill in need of his help. You would think a soldier of Captain America's caliber would be needed for something warranted of his skills and abilities. But no she needed him to protect her niece Katherine. The young woman works for S.H.I.E.L.D. and created a computer program that had the ability to put hidden information out on the internet. Things started to become dangerous for Katherine with different groups and organizations wanting to get the program.

I was disappointed with this story because although there were a few action scenes it doesn't help a poorly plotted story. And most of the time there was not a lot happening in this story and when it was, it was unbelievably boring. It really seemed like such a waste to make Captain America nothing more than a bodyguard/babysitter in this story. I found Katherine to be very annoying, she's ill-tempered but that doesn't stop her from being written as darn near perfect. Not only is she super smart (she's a computer genius) but she's also an amazing fighter.

I didn't like how Steve Rogers and Maria Hill were written in this. Yes, Steve is still trying to catch up with how the world works in modern times but that doesn't make him an idiot. Steve is a simple man but he's not simple minded, he doesn't just go along with anything without giving it some thought. Unlike in this story, the way he's written in this, most of the time he's nothing more than a big dumb soldier who follows orders. The Maria Hill in this story doesn't have any qualms what so ever about how she goes about doing things. Her job is the only thing that she really cares about and a majority of her actions justify that.

Captain America: Sub Rosa felt like it was written by someone who was unfamiliar with Captain America. Steve was very weakened in this and he was not really able to hold his own in various fights. I also wonder why none of his supporting characters were used. Although it's probably a good thing because I hate to see how they would have been written. I really don't think it would have made any difference adding those characters in because nothing short of rewriting the story could have improved this.

In the end this was a poorly written generic action story masquerading as a Captain America story. And I'm awarding it the Beast Boy Boredom Award. This is such a slow moving boring book and it truly deserved this award. This is the second book to receive this honor, the first went to Codename Baboushka vol #1.

Out of the three Marvel comic novels I've read so far: Marvel's Thor: Dueling with Giants (Tales of Asgard Trilogy book #1) by Keith R.A. DeCandido and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways by David McDonald, this Captain America book which is also written by McDonald is by far the worst.

Book Review: Marvel's Thor: Dueling with Giants

Book: Marvel's Thor: Dueling with Giants (Tales of Asgard Trilogy book #1) by Keith R.A. DeCandido

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

One of the greatest heroes from Marvel―and myth―returns as Thor battles the mightiest of the giants in a fight to the death. The first book of an action-packed trilogy from Joe Books, Dueling with Giants is a story of epic combat from start to finish, sure to entertain fans of Marvel comics and adventure novels alike.

During just another day for the God of Thunder, Thor is defending Asgard against invading trolls when the unthinkable happens―his hammer Mjolnir loses its enchantment. Thor is still more than a match for his enemies, and after vanquishing them he learns the secret to his sudden weakness. Mjolnir was switched without him knowing, and only one being would be cunning enough to carry out such a trick: Loki.

Book Review: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways

Book: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways by David McDonald

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available Now in the digital edition    Print Edition: will be available on August 30, 2016

Description:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways is the thrilling new adventure featuring Marvel's swashbuckling heroes Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, and the ever-charming Star-Lord himself, Peter Quill.

After a series of missions -- some successful, others less so, and most nearly getting everyone killed -- the Guardians of the Galaxy are at a breaking point when they crash-land on a strange planet. With no way to repair their ship, the frustrated Guardians go their separate ways, quickly discovering that the planet's inhabitants have never progressed past a medieval stage of development. Quill finds himself a favored member of a powerful duke's court (as well as a favorite of the duke's daughter), and life seems just fine under the circumstances . . . until the duchy comes under attack. When Quill reckons that their foe may be what's keeping the planet's civilization from advancing, he realizes that defeating it-with the Guardians' help-may be their only hope for getting off of that world. . . . . . . If he can find his friends in time.

Book Review: Thor: The Dark World (Junior Novelization)

Book: Thor: The Dark World (Junior Novelization) by Michael Siglain

Source: Library

Description:

The Asgardian warrior continues his big-screen adventures in Thor: The Dark World as he battles to save Earth and all Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's Thor and Marvel's The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, the God of Thunder must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.


Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

I hate to admit it but this junior novelization of Thor: The Dark World had a better grasp of the story than the movie did. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good but I always felt like the plot had been edited too much. This book although not the complete story (it ends with the funeral scene), filled in many of the scenes and did something that I absolutely love, the author didn't kill off Queen Frigga. I still don't understand why that even happened in the movie. This story also did something completely unbelievable, it actually made Thor and Jane's forced romance feel somewhat real. Movie wise Jane and Thor lacked romantic chemistry but the author was able to invoke a sense of emotion and romance between these two that has yet to be seen on screen. 

Although this is for middle grade readers, this was rather well-written and very descriptive and it added so much depth to all the characters. It would have been nice if the story was completed, but what is here isn't bad at all. It's a fun read.

Book Review: X-Men vol #3 (Marvel Now)

Book: X-Men volume #3: Bloodline (issues #13-17) by Brian Wood 

Illustrations by Clay Mann (issues #13-14), Matteo Buffagni (issues #15-16) and Gerardo Sandoval (issue #16), Paco Diaz (issue #17) and Phil Briones (issue #17)

Color by Paul Mounts

Bromo-Superior short story by Brian Wood with illustrations by Phil Briones and color by Matt Milla


Edition: Single Print Issue

Description:

Jubilee is haunted by her adopted baby Shogo's past...or is it his future?! When the Jean Grey School comes under attack, leaving a young X-Man dead on the school's front lawn, Jubilee's worst nightmare has come to pass...and the future is being rewritten. The JGS has always been a school, but is it time to become an army? Or will their differences prove their greatest asset? As a multi -generational war unfolds, with mothers against daughters, fathers against sons, Jubilee is caught in the middle. The future has come calling, and he wants his son Shogo back! But will Jubilee and the X-Men let their bouncing baby boy go without a fight? Hell no!


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I don't know what writing process the author Brian Wood went through for these group of issues but whatever it was, it surely brought about a good story. Especially compared to volume #2 which was good but overall nothing special.

But for this volume, the writing was excellent and the story was exciting and engaging. The story centered around Jubilee and Shogo, the baby she found in volume #1 and The Future, a dangerous man who claims to be Shogo's father.

After escaping from prison, The Future set in place a deadly plan to capture baby Shogo, and he wasn't going to let anyone stand in his way. His first action was to go after the X-Men at the Jean Grey School. With two students severely injured, the X-Men were divided and Storm's leadership was called into question. Rachel Grey and Monet St. Croix took it upon themselves to go after one of The Future's minions who was the cause of one of the students injury. But taking him back to the school may have been a bad call.

Meanwhile, Storm was trying to get information about their current situation against The Future from Kymera, her daughter from the future. Kymera knows that The Future's attack on the X-Men to get Shogo brings deadly results but since the timeline has changed there is a chance things won't end the same way as in the future.

As Pyslocke secured the school, Rachel and Monet do the same with their captive. Meanwhile, Storm came to a decision to finally fix the problem of the lack of leadership among the X-Men, but before that was decided, the school was attacked. Their prisoner had escaped and he was almost too difficult for Monet and Rachel to stop. However, Kymera's surprise attack finally took him out but at what cost.

Stopping The Future's minion didn't derail his plan, he was already prepared for the second stage which left Jubilee being abducted and the X-Men having to stop him and get her back.

I thought this volume was a good read because there was a lot of action but most importantly the story was well-written. It also had a pretty interesting villain in The Future, he studied his opponent and knew their every move and if there was some kind of variable he was able to easily adjust his tactics.

I like that the teams' leadership was finally resolved because from the first volume to this one, there was this constant infighting among the team. Storm and Rachel clashed because although Storm was a natural born leader, she didn't immediately step into command leaving the team without clear leadership. 

This was so good it left me really interested in reading the next volume.

Book Review: Fantastic Four vol #1 (Marvel Now)

Book: Fantastic Four volume #1: The Fall of the Fantastic Four (issues #1-5) by James Robinson with Illustrations by Leonard Kirk and color by Jesus Aburtov (issues #1-5) and Rachelle Rosenberg (issue #2)

Edition: Single Print Issue

Description:

The world's greatest comics magazine begins anew! But as the Fantastic Four embark on a strange mission, they aren't met with new beginnings, but an untimely end! Marvel's first family heads towards their darkest hour, but who is behind their downfall? Manhattan is under attack by a killer swarm from a corrupted pocket universe, and in order to defeat it, the Human Torch must make a terrible sacrifice! And with one member down, a new menace emerges: the Wrecking Crew, their powers mysteriously elevated! As Ben and Alicia's romance rekindles, the threats of Fin Fang Foom, the Wizard and the Puppet Master loom, the Baxter Building is quarantined, and the Fantastic Four are held accountable for the destruction in Manhattan! It's the trial of the century, and a major turning point for the family!


Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

It's been a while since I've read a Fantastic Four comic and this group of issues didn't disappoint.

In this volume, the Fantastic Four (Reed Richards a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic, Sue Richards a.k.a. The Invisible Woman, Ben Grimm a.k.a The Thing and Johnny Storm a.k.a. The Human Torch) are back in New York City trying to get their lives back to normal or normal for them that is. The normal part of their lives also included watching over the children from the Future Foundation. Meanwhile, Ben and Alicia Masters were also rekindling their relationship.

This opens with a random attack in Manhattan from Fin Fang Foom. After they stopped him, Reed couldn't help noticing that something didn't seem right about FFF's attack. But just when everything seems to be slowing down, Manhattan was attacked by aliens who mysteriously escaped from a pocket dimension which was unfortunately located in the Baxter Building a.k.a. Fantastic Four headquarters.

Even with all the heroes in the city fighting them, the aliens were nearly unstoppable as they caused mass death and destruction throughout the city. A quick examination of one of the aliens gave Reed a plan to stop them but it had a devastating result, Johnny Storm lost his powers.

While things were returning back to normal again, Johnny was trying to get use to no longer having his powers. Meanwhile, Reed and Sue's daughter Valeria left to go to Latveria to stay with Dr. Doom because she needed to get away for a while.

As Ben and Grimm were having a moment talking as they walked down the street, they were interrupted by the new Frightful Four. Their attack brought out the rest of the Fantastic Four as well as the replacement FF team which consist of She-Hulk, Ant-Man (Scott Lang) and Ms. Thing. According to the Wizard, he alluded that the Frightful Four's attack was being orchestrated by some unknown person. It seems as though everything that has been happening to the Fantastic Four is caused by someone trying to ruin the heroes.

Case in point after stopping the Frightful Four, the Fantastic Four return to the Baxter Building but are barred from entering. They were also being sued and will have to appear in court. Despite having She-Hulk as their attorney, the FF were railroaded by Chief prosecutor Aiden Toliver.

There was a verdict given but it wasn't shown, mostly likely it will be shown in the next volume but you can tell it didn't turn out well for the FF. This ends with the children from the Future Foundation (which includes Sue and Reed's son Franklyn) being sent to a S.H.I.E.L.D. base. There was also this weird subplot that showed Dr. Doom trying to do good by stopping another villain in Italy, all for Valeria.

Even though Toliver pretty much railroaded the FF, he made a good point about why Reed and Sue would let their daughter stay with Dr. Doom, a notorious villain. That made no sense to me either. Could Dr. Doom really have changed?

The writing for this was good and there was a lot of suspense. I do feel like the trial part of the story may have slowed the pace but you can see how everything is starting to build up. I really like the artwork it was very clean while the color was perfectly shaded. The only thing I wasn't too keen on were the new red suits the FF wore. Their blue suits are so iconic but I guess the creative team decided the FF needed a change.

This turned out to be a good read and I would like to continue reading this series because I'm really interested in finding out who is behind everything that is happening to the FF.