Welcome once again to a peek at my weekly pull list. Let me start off this edition with Thor: Annual #1. I’ll first let everyone know that I don’t regularly read the ongoing series, but I did pick up #600 and the recent one-shot as well (The Trial of Thor).
Writer
Peter Milligan
Art
Mico Suayan, Tom Grindberg, Stefano Gaudiano (cover by Marko Djurdjevic)
In my humble opinion this story was fantastic. I really tend to like stories that have a little bit of everything, and believe me this did. It contained intrigue, depth, action and gave you something to look forward to in the following issues of the series. There seems to be a debate on annuals that sounds like this; Some writers incorporate the story in the annual into continuity, and some do a stand alone story that never seems to bear any fruit. I prefer when the story fits into regular continuity myself. This story shows us how some gods are still holding a grudge against Thor and his father. Right now in the regular series it seems that Thor isn’t the Thor of old, but rather a pale version of himself that cannot find any direction. Back in issue #600 Thor killed his grandfather, and it seems as though he can’t get over it. Seth, Grog and a host of others set out to kill Thor because they believe him to be in a weakened state. I don’t like to do spoilers, so you should definitely pick up this book if you haven’t yet because the issue doesn’t disappoint. Solid story and art. 4 out of 5.
Secondly I present X-Men Legacy Annual #1.
Writer
Mike Carey
Art
Daniel Acuna
This issue, to me, did a good job setting up the next story line in this title, and a blast from the past visits the X-Men. If you read the old Generation X series you know Emplate very well! I own a few issues of that series and know a little bit about the character. He’s sort of a vampire that feeds off of other mutants, and can become like a wraith to avoid being physically assaulted. The story is good because it also shows Cyclops and Rogue having a conversation about her role in the new life for mutants on Asteroid M, which is now floating in the Pacific ocean. Mike Carey does a good job with that confrontational piece between those two characters. There is also a backup story with everybody’s favorite Cajun, Gambit! Personally, I like Gambit, and wish Marvel would do more back story on him. The story shows him on a mission for Cyclops, and without giving anything away, he must infiltrate one of Norman Osborn’s complexes to destroy something. These two stories were both a little above average and the artwork reflects that as well. 3.5 out of 5
Next we have Spider-Woman #1. This is a new series featuring Jessica Drew in her own breakout book.
Writer
Brian Michael Bendis
Art
Alex Maleev
Let me just start out by saying, I love this character! Yes you read it right, I love Spider-Woman; not just because she’s hot, but because her character is deeper than most people think. The average person thinks she’s a Spider-Man ripoff, but nothing could be further from the truth. If you read her limited series a few years back, you’d know what I’m talking about. If you didn’t, do yourself a favor and pick up the trade. Her latest action sees her basically not knowing how to proceed with her life since Secret Invasion. She is approached about becoming an agent for S.W.O.R.D. (Sentient World Observation and Response Department). In short, what they do is try and stop alien threats from outer space and domestically here on Earth. Abigail Brand, who you know from SI, also is recruiting her because she knows Jess isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. All in all I thought the story was fantastic, but the interior art left much to be desired; the cover is really good though. 4 out of 5
Finally we have Vengeance of The Moon Knight #1. Or as I’d like to call it – the biggest waste of $4 in recent history.
Writer
Gregg Hurwitz
Art
Jerome Opena
Well this one is going to be short and sweet. I didn’t like anything about this book except the cover. I thought it looked like a Batman ripoff comic with bad artwork. Really, I don’t have anything positive to say about this book. I feel like I got roped in thinking number one issues are usually good stuff, but boy was I wrong. Just an FYI, there was a reprint of the original series number one issue in the back, but that was terrible too. 1.5 out of 5
See ya with more reviews very soon.
Billy
billy@comicattack.net
I wasn’t sure why Legacy Annual #1 was an annual. Why didn’t they just make it the next issue of Legacy?
What made the Moon Knight book so bad other than the art?
Well Kris, imo the story was very inept as well. I was expecting much more from a number one issue. The issue didn’t do the one thing every comic has to do to survive. Make me want to come back next time. @ Jeff, I agree with your statement. I would assume that marvel has plenty of X-material so they said “hey let’s throw another $4 book out there.
I think you’re spot on with the ‘Legacy Annual.’ The story was great and I’m interested to see how Rogue’s role will expand as the series progresses. However, at times the art looked a little weird; I can’t really put my finger on it, but the Gambit scene felt odd.
I also agree with you about Spider-Woman; it was awesome! However, I think the art was very well done and fit the tone of the book. As for Abigail Brand, you may also know her from Joss Whedon’s ‘Astonishing X-Men’ run!
I don’t agree with you about ‘Moon Night.’ I thought it was a pretty solid first issue. Again, I liked the art and thought the pacing was perfect. Of course Moon Knight would remind you of Batman; he’s rich, has an old butler, and uses grappling hooks!
Your right about the art in Spider Woman Andy it did fit the tone just not my personal preference.
Just finished the Legacy Annual and i’m liking what i read!! Emplate is back…so maybe M will show up! One can only hope!