February 7, 2023

Continuing some series and starting a couple of new ones. When I say ‘new ones’ I mean from a few years ago.

Here we go…

Friday #1. Written by Ed Brubaker and art by Marcos Martin. This was a special collector’s issue from Image Comics. I have to say that I found it somewhat fine, but unremarkable. Even know, I am struggling to remember what it was about. So, while I did not actively think that I was bored while reading it, there was little about Friday that made me want to read more.

Superior Four #1. Zac Thompson wrote this limited series and the artist was Davide Tinto. The inclusion of Doc Ock and three multidimensional variant of Otto Octavius was interesting. Of course, the variants were basically Wolverine, Hulk and Ghost Rider, with Doc Ock twists to them. I did like the Ock/Spider-Man design.

Hawkeye: Kate Bishop #1. This is one of the better starts for a short series. I really find Kate Bishop to be a fun character and writer Marieke Nijkamp has found the voice of the young archer. Artist Enid Balám does a great job in the book. We get some family issues for Kate and, of course, Lucky the Pizza Dog.

Stillwater #7. The town of Stillwater started a new arc as we see some major violence from the Protectors and the attempts of Daniel and Laura in escaping the upcoming dangers. Chip Zdarsky is at his best again in developing this magical town and Ramon K. Perez has some fantastic art that creates the perfect tone for the book.

Avengers #54. “Even Thunder Can Burn, Even Deathlok’s Can Die” Jason Aaron and Juan Frigeri bring us the conclusion of the three part arc, The Death Hunters while setting up the storyline for the next several issue of the Avengers. The tension between Echo and Thor is fascinating and gives us a new way to look at the Thunder God. Namor’s joining of the team is another tension creating moment, not only for T’Challa, but also for Cap. I also really liked the cover of this issue. It felt like a throwback to the old days with the book’s title being used in text dialogue. Good work from Javier Garrón & David Curiel.

Winter Guard #2. Written by Ryan Cady and drawn by Jan Bazaldua, The second issue of the Winter Guard continued to focus in on Red Guardian and Yelena Belova, as they are being pursued by the other members of the Winter Guard. Darkstar and Chernobog have some uncomfortable scenes that are fun to read. The Winter Guard series has a nice flow to it so far and I have liked what I have read so far.