After seeing Millar and McNiven’s debut issue of Nemesis trashed by some big name comic reviewers (IGN and CBR), I had to come to its defense. Nemesis is the world’s greatest villain who targets the world’s best law enforcement officers. He is sadistic, smart, and has seemingly limitless resources. While he may appear one dimensional, I felt that added to his “bad-ass”-ness. He is methodical and cold which is terrifying. Mark Millar’s plot was predictable, but it wasn’t bad. These are elements that have been over-used, yet it worked.
How Steve McNiven’s art was criticized in this issue is beyond me? I don’t know what crack is being smoked at CBR, but I want some. The wordless panels of mass destruction were sharp and spot on. Much of this issue fell upon McNiven’s talented pencils and he delivered. From inks to colors, this book jumped off the pages and held my attention.
The conclusion was a bit cheesy and very predictable. I’m looking forward to the next issue. How someone could read this and not want to get the next issue is beyond me. This isn’t Millar and McNiven’s runaway hit Old Man Logan, but it is a fun comic.
3.5 out of 5
Old Man Logan goes to work!
This book is the much anticipated wrap-up of the Old Man Logan story from the regular Wolverine title. So that I can give a fair review, I’m going to split my findings into two parts. The first-part will be my take on the story itself.
I found the story to be very solid. Logan is out for revenge and I was rooting for him all the way. This story shows that even after 50+ years of inactivity, Wolverine is still the best at what he does! I love how he wipes the Hulk gang out. What happens between him and Banner at the end is classic! I have to say that I chuckled when it is revealed that the Hulk Gang is inbred because the Hulk wound-up hooking up with his own cousin the Savage She-Hulk. That’s funny stuff! The story ends with the promise of Logan trying to bring the USA back from the brink and I for one wish him luck!
Now on to the second part. I want to congratulate Marvel for shucking me and my fellow readers like a bunch of oysters! This 5 dollar comic book was not nearly worth the price you charged us. I (and I’m sure a lot of others) bought this book looking for the extra-sized conclusion to a great storyline. What we received was a very good story that was only 30 pages long and then twenty pages of pin-ups that, to be frank, I certainly didn’t need or want. That’s not to knock the very talented artists, but I bought this book for the story. If I wanted the bonus art, I would buy the art when it’s put into a different format and advertised that way. It was put in this issue as nothing more than pure filler to cover-up the lack of story! To put it in perspective, the Thor Annual had 40 pages of story (Thor Annual #1 review here) and I only had to pay $4 dollars for it!
Marvel Comics: you should be ashamed of yourselves for stealing from your readers!
Rating:
Story: 4 out of 5;
Marvel packaging of this issue: 0 out of 5!
With the “Kick-Ass” movie buzz, one may have overlooked this week’s release of issue #7. Unfortunately, the release schedule has been sporadic, but nevertheless Kick-Ass is here.
Mark Millar’s expose into every comic nerd’s daydream to squeeze into tights and start kicking ass gets a bloody dose of reality. The author left our gang of comic book hero wannabes in the hands of angry mobsters, who are all too real. Red Mist betrays Big Daddy, Hit-Girl, and Kick-Ass; torture and death ensue. No need to reveal who dies and how – it’s brutal, messy, sadistic, cringe-worthy, and blood soaked.
John Romita Jr.’s art takes center stage this issue, simply because a plot is non-existent. By allowing these pages to be dominated by uber-violence, the talented writing skills of Millar are not evident. I found the level of violence disturbing in this issue for one reason – these characters are kids! This issue could have used a little more plot. Romita does a fine job of capturing the details of the tortures and executions (if that’s a good thing). The art is bloody, but very well done.
Mark Millar sets the stage to conclude this inaugural story arc (or series?) with the next issue. How much more can the characters take and keep going? We are pushing the limit here, but Kick-Ass is a fun comic fan fantasy, as long as you can stomach the violence. As Kick-Ass plans his revenge for next issue, I’m looking forward to it. I just hope it comes out on time.
4 out of 5
“The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine?”
I reviewed last issue and I had nothing but praise for what I thought was a great issue. It was but I also thought that it would carry over to the next one. I couldn’t be more wrong! All I can say is WHAT HAPPEN?
To say that I was disappointed with this issue is the biggest understatement of the year!
This title had such a good set-up with last issue but it totally fell flat this issue. I was wondering how they could wrap-up all the good things coming from the last issue and I found out how: Deflate your bad-ass villain, have Reed come-up with a solution to everything at the last minute and return Dr. Doom to the mix like nothing happen to him last issue. It became one of the most ridicules tales I’ve ever read. Mark Millar is a great writer but, I’m sorry to say, it didn’t show here. Maybe thats why Bryan Hitch skipped this issue!
Hopefully the new creative team will get this book back where it should be at Marvel: #1
1.5 out of 5
Fans at Comic-Con were treated to ten minutes of the Kick-Ass movie adaption and luckily for those of us who could not attend, someone cammed it. If the studio is smart, they will let the clips stay up, but you never know, so watch them now. Not familiar with Kick-Ass? It’s easy to catch up on because since debuting in April 2008, only six issues have been released. I guess if I got a movie deal, I’d focus more on that too.
I found the clips over at Bleeding Cool. Check it out.
“The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine”
So after last issue’s shocking events, the Fantastic Four is introduced to the being that Dr. Doom called Master: The Marquis of Death and his Apprentice. Appearing before the four at the Baxter Building, The Marquis is initially mistaken for Doom by the Thing because he has taken to wearing Victor’s face mask. But after he quickly overwhelms them, he reveals what he has done to Doom and what he has in plan for the Four. Needless to say, its nothing pleasant!
This issue and the last two have all been a long time in coming. When I initially heard that Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch were taking over the Fantastic Four, I’ll admit to having set a very high bar for them. This is, after all, one of the best creative teams in comic books today. And though the other issues they have done on this title have been good, I’ve been waiting for a real show-stopping arc from them to put their mark on the first family. I think that this could be it if the next issue can deliver on the promise. My fingers are crossed.
4.5 out of 5
Is there a recent Wolverine story that is fresh, exciting, well written, and compelling? The answer is yes thanks to Mark Millar and his mighty pen! Oh, and can we have stellar art as well? Artist Steve McNiven showcases some incredible talent as he brings Millar’s tale to life.
The 7th issue in the “Old Man Logan” arc is a more than satisfying read. While this is a classic “What If…” genre, it’s a story that has never been told – not even close. 50 years after the super villains teamed up to kill most of the super heroes, Logan (no longer using his claws or the name Wolverine) has settled down to a simple life with his wife and kids. That is until the trailer park Hulk family demands some cash in order to keep his homestead safe. Logan teams up with Hawkeye with the promise of paycheck and undertakes a cross-country journey… and so begins this poplar Wolverine tale. There is a giant sized special that will officially conclude this arc.
Why won’t Logan pop those claws? What happened that has forever changed Wolverine into a pacifist? Did any other supes survive? What was their fate and how did they die? How have the super villains carved up the USA into mini-kingdoms of evil? You won’t get an answer from me because you must read this. It’s fun and tightly written.
McNiven’s art is “wall hanging” worthy. These are pages I would pay money for! The action panels between the Red Skull and Logan in their final showdown are extraordinary. His creative last pages bring this story to a finale that is fitting for this solid run.
For as crappy as “Wolverine Origins” the movie was, this more than makes up for it. One of the best Marvel stories I have read in a long time.
4.5 out of 5
After a long wait, issue six of Kick-Ass comes out swinging! Author Mark Millar provides the sadistic and darkly humorous origin of Big Daddy and his adolescent daughter Hit Girl.
I must admit I was disappointed with the addition of would-be heroes to the Kick-Ass universe. I felt it detracted from Kick-Ass’ uniqueness and was in danger of turning a great character concept into a cliché within its own title. The last two issues weren’t bad, they just took a direction I felt weakened a great idea.
This issue I resolved to buckle in for the ride and trust Millar’s demented mind. I am glad I did. The origin tale of Big Daddy and his deadly offspring Hit Girl is a blast. How does a former cop who lives to avenge his wife turn his innocent daughter into a ruthless killing machine? Read the first few pages of this book; you’ll cringe and laugh you ass off. It’s a stylish blend of the macabre and the comical. After the origin story, Millar brings us back to the present as Big Daddy enlists Kick-Ass and his two-bit partner Red Mist to team up. The last pages drop two big cliffhangers, making it tough to wait for number seven.
John Romita Jr. is drawing a striking book. His forte is laying out the panels and progressing the action. His simple style serves to make the uber-violence and action pop off the pages. Dean White colors are becoming a noticeable plus for an already strong book.
Kick-Ass is wickedly sick and devilishly funny. If lots of blood and a brutal pummeling here and there won’t offend you, pick it up.
4.5 out of 5
