October 22, 2023

Sadly, looks as if I am missing Avengers Inc #2. Not sure where that one was. It was due out last week according to Marvel.com

Lots of good books this week. Let’s just jump in to it:

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1. Written by Brian Buccellato and art by Christian Duce. Drew Johnson and Romulo Fajardo Jr. did the cover art. I liked the match up with the monsters and the JL, but this felt weird. Did this fit into continuity anywhere? The whole Clark and Lois proposal thing… didn’t that already happen? Maybe I shouldn’t worry about continuity in DC, but as a Marvel guy, I prefer when it meshes up. Is this an Elseworlds? Will we ever know?

Godzilla #3. “A Tale of Two Saviors” Written by Doug Moench and drawn by Herb Trimpe. Speaking of Marvel, in honor of the other series coming out, I picked up an issue from 1977 when Marvel had the Godzilla license. They had the Champions, Hercules, Iceman, Angel and Black Widow taking on Gidzilla outside of San Francisco. I knew where this fell into continuity.

Spine-Tingling Spider-Man #1. Written by Saladin Ahmed and penciled by Juan Ferreyra. A cool issue with Spidey winding up somewhere where no one knows who he is and he is being pursued by some horrific creatures. No powers either! Beautiful interior art.

Omega the Unknown #9-10. Steve Gerber wrote both of these issues. In fact, they list him on the cover as the “author of Howard the Duck.” I wrapped up the ten-issue Omega series. I really enjoyed the path through and I will be heading to the “conclusion” of Omega’s story in the pages of an old issue of Defenders. This series had a distinct feel to it, different than what we were used to in the Marvel Universe while still being planted firmly in continuity. I’ve used that word a few times already today.

Crypt of Shadows #1. Five short stories featuring Scarlet Witch, Hulk, Deadpool, Daredevil and Werewolf by Night. Narrated by Victor Strange, who is on his way to the pages of Dr. Strange. This was a fun Halloween special that highlights the weird corner of the Marvel universe.

Klik Klik Boom #5. Written by Doug Wagner and art by Doug Dabbs. Klik Klik Boom wrapped up after a really enjoyable five-issue run. Sprout found some secrets and kicked some massive butt. I do hope that this series receives another arc sooner rather than later.

The Sensational She-Hulk #1. Written by Rainbow Rowell and art by Andres Genolet. Jen Bartel did the cover art. This started the She-Hulk series over at a number one, but feels exactly like the previous She-Hulk series. Still had the Punch Club. Jack of Hearts. Law work with Mallory Book. Not sure why it needed to be a new number one (yeah, I know why…$$$)

Daredevil #2. “Introductory Rites” Part Two. Written by Saladin Ahmed and drawn by Aaron Kuder. John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna & Marco Menyz did the cover art. Father Matt continues his conflict with his past life as Daredevil. And someone close to Matt has sicced the police on the church where he is working. Ben Urich? What’s up with that?

Big Game #4. Written by Mark Millar and drawn by Pepe Larraz. Watching all of Millar’s characters come together only to get butchered is really a hoot. Everything seems to be coming to a huge conclusion next issue and I will be anxious to see if anyone will be left. Maybe they all just die and Millar retires.

Local Man #6. “The Dry Season.” Written and created by Tim Seeley & Tony Fleecs. Art was by Tony Fleecs. Local Man returns with his next story arc which starts off with a shoot out at Auntie Inga’s. There always feels like there is more than what you can see going on with Local Man.

Astonishing Iceman #3. “Out Cold” Part Three. Written by Steve Orlando and art by Vincenzo Carratù. Cover art was done by Jesus Saiz. Iceman faces off with the Orchis forces led by Mister Clean. Aaron Fischer, the Captain America of the Rails is right there to help. Fun with the Omega mutant. Next issue includes the Amazing friend, Spider-Man!!!

Invincible Iron Man #11. “The Honeymoon is Over” Written by Gerry Duggan and guest artist is Andrea Di Vito. Kael Ngu did the cover art. Tony Stark and Emma Frost are on their honeymoon. Unlike most couples, this entails Tony going on a covert mission to Krakoa in search of some of the special metal.

Incredible Hulk #5. “Riddle of the Man Thing.” Part Two. Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson with art by guest artist Travel Foreman. Hulk continues his adventure in the Nexus of Realities with the Man-Thing. Honestly, I was not a fan of the art in this book and it made it difficult to read.

Deadpool: Badder Blood #5. Story by Rob Liefeld and script by Chad Bowers. Pencils were by Rob Liefeld. This mini-series with Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Venompool joining Deadpool comes to a conclusion with some success. This was a fun team-up book with some excellent characters.

Other books read this week: Ghost Rider #19, Hexagon Bridge #2, Miles Morales: Spider-Man #11, Scarlet Witch #9, Grim #14, Moon Knight #28, Antarctica #4, Kill Your Darlings #2, Guardians of the Galaxy #7, Star Signs #5, Black Panther #5, and Tenement #5.