Five books you should read this week
I finally found some free time to make it out to the comic book store. Picked up five books which I found fun and interesting. So without further ado, I present five books you should read this week:
Ultimate Spider-Man #100 (Marvel)
Though issue #101 is out, I finally picked up a copy of this anniversary issue and so should you. Mark Bagley's run as penciler on USM is coming to an end with issue #110, but before he departs we have 10 more issues to sample his highly emotive and distinctive style. The Clone saga continues in this issue as surprises come at all turns and we are given a plausible explanation for the reappearance of both Richard Parker and Gwen Stacy. Oh yea, and Carnage returns.
I love the fact that Bendis does not shy away from reinventing one of the most hated and controversial arcs in Spiderman continuity to tell a compelling story in the ultimate universe. As a bonus, readers are treated to sketches of unused covers and a 12 page recap of the USM saga which should catch up any reader interested in sampling the next 100 issues. Still, there's a twinge of sadness to Bagley's departure as the team of Bendis & Bagley on this title were something unique. Nothing gold can stay.
Marvel Adventures: Spiderman #21 (Marvel)
This "all ages" title of the webcrawler's adventures feels more entertaining and true to the spirit of the books I used to love reading when I was a kid/teen than "Amazing" or any of the other core books. Michael O'Hare's artwork is pretty solid and Fred Van Lente uses some of Spidey's most ridiculous D-List adversaries such as Rocker Racer, Stilt-Man and Leap-Frog to weave a tale of chuckle inducing moments.
The tinkerer's involvement, as well as the reason the tech trio get together in the first place are well thought out. There's a rumor floating through cyberspace that following Civil War, Spiderman will once again don his black costume. If this indeed the case, then it makes sense for this title to follow suit (no pun intended) but no symbiotes are needed to tell the story of how the webcrawler slips into his alternate black garb. Highly entertaining and fun to read.
Ms. Marvel #8 (Marvel)
This one is a civil war tie-in, but you don't have to follow that series to enjoy it, although it is helpful to understand the events of this comic's latest arc. I always liked Carol Danvers in all her incarnations (including her Binary persona on X-Men) and Reed and De La Torre are doing a great job on this title. Ms. Marvel is a heroine which kicks ass and stands up for what she believes in. A certain X-Man from her past makes an appearance next issue.
Justice League of America #3 (DC)
We've hardly had time to catch our breaths following the events of issues 1-2 and the realignment of the J.L.A. with its roster of new members when Meltzer, Benes and Sandra Hope bring us the conclusion to the opening arc focusing on the Red Tornado. I love the way Meltzer and co. are incorporating both the mainstains in the JLA like Superman and Batman while at the same time using lesser known characters such as Deadman and the Tornado. Also in this issue, the Phantom Stranger! I really don't have the time to read a weekly series like 52, so this series allows me to get my fix of classic superhero fare from D.C.
Also recommended:
The Last Christmas #1 (Image)
About what happens to a suicidal Santa Claus in a post-apocalyptic world following a nuclear holocaust. Written by Gerry Duggan & Brian Posehn
and penciled by one of my all time favorites, Rick Remender, this book is absurd but seasonal fun.
Santa and his elves in the North Pole do what they can to continue the traditions of Christmas. This is the kind of unique premise which makes reading comic books a blast and which make you slap your forehead and say to your youself, "Duh, of course! why couldn't I think of that?" Yet, if you want to pick up a copy, you'd better start scouring the back issue racks, fortunatelly I picked up my copy because I think that #2 is already out this week.
