Hello reader, Welcome to COMIC BOOK SUNDAY.
A Sense of Doubt blog post #1947 - On Comic Books: My Best Stuff
MARVEL TOP TWENTY NON-FLAGSHIP SUPERHEROES - MEN
Yes, here it is, the list you have been waiting for. It was difficult to make this list. I had to confine myself to male Marvel heroes who either did not have their own books or who had/have solo books but are not considered the pillars of the Franchise (like Spider-Man and Captain America). Doctor Strange heads the list.
- Doctor Strange
- The Silver Surfer
- The Black Panther
- The Vision
- Adam Warlock
- The Black Knight
- Son of Satan
- Iron Fist
- Nova
- Killraven
- Falcon
- Ka-Zar
- Deathlok
- Black Bolt
- Ghost Rider
- 3D Man
- Machine Man
- Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu
- Quasar
- Captain Marvel
Artist: Sergio Dávila
Inks: Sean Parsons
Colours: Arif Prianto
Letters: VC’s Cory Petit
After the recent King in Black tie-in issue the Black Knight is back for a brand new mini-series, under Simon Spurriers masterful storytelling. Spurrier took pains to redefine the character in the previous one shot, while not essential reading to understand this mini-series it was a really good issue and is well worth picking up. Rather than the Ebony Blade being the source of the terrible curse, only able to be lifted by those pure of heart, rather the opposite is true. It holds no magic when it is held by those pure of heart, rather the wielders darker impulses are what powers it. Such a small change, yet it flips everything on its head for its wielder, Dane Whitman. As Thor himself describes it “the more unworthy his mood, the mightier the blade. ‘Tis the very opposite of Mjolnir.” It’s an exciting premise for a series, which leaves Whitman with plenty of inner conflict.
This first issue is filled with an all-star cast, with the Black Knight being called in to help the Avengers against some particularly virulent monsters. It really highlights how much of an outsider that Dane is and gives readers an excuse to learn a little more about him, making him a sympathetic character in the process. The recent one-shot hinted that the history of the Ebony Blade and its wielders isn’t quite what readers, or Dane, have been led to believe. While only early days in the mini-series it’s clear readers are going to get an opportunity to really dive deep into the mythology of Camelot, along with the history of the Ebony Blade. All the while exploring the character of Whitman.
He’s still trying to find his place in the world, to understand a little more about his sword and history, whilst feeling like an outsider and being defined by his more unsavoury character traits. Whitman talks about downward spirals, feeling sad and angry, and it feels real. Subjects like depression are rarely confronted head on, and it’s refreshing not to shy away from it. The subject of mental health problems can still be a little bit of a taboo subject, but Spurrier deftly handles this in a way which reads as both honest and respectful.
Spurrier uses Dane’s relationship with the avengers to great comedic effect, both eliciting a laugh from the reader and making Whitman even more of a sympathetic character. Anyone who’s familiar with Spurriers writing will know that rarely will the stories unfold the way that you expect them to, and there’s a huge twist about two thirds of the way through which is guaranteed to take readers by surprise. And this is just the first issue. We’re also introduced to an interesting new character who promises to be a key part of the supporting cast and have a much expanded role going forward.
Sergio Dávila does an excellent job with the art, from the initial intro with a full-on action scene with the Avengers, to a grandiose vision of Camelot, to quieter, more reflective scenes filled with emotion. If this first issue is anything to go by then readers can expect epic fantasy battles that look as fantastic as the slower storytelling moments. The art looks incredible on every page, with Sean Parsons inks and Arif Prianto’s colours being an excellent fit with Dávila. Prianto uses the blue light from a computer screen to excellent effect, it really captures the tone of the story and looks great.
An intriguing premise filled with plenty of inner conflict which is not afraid to shy away from taboo subjects, fans of Spurrier’s writing will lap this series up. This comic, while firmly set within Marvel continuity, has a personality and feel to it which separates it from typical Marvel fare. Excellent art gives us a series of intriguing battles and locations, which also conveying the emotions of our protagonist. An exciting first issue, this is one you won’t want to sleep on.
The Immortal Hulk #44
Marvel Comics
Written by Al Ewing
Art by Joe Bennett
Inks by Ruy Jose and Belardino Brabo
Colors by Paul Mounts
Letters by Cory Petit
The Rundown: Hulk faces the U-Foes as another threat grows where it all started.
A weakened Hulk is confronted by the U-Foes. As people watch the carnage, each member of the team takes turns beating on him with Gyrich watching from on high. Meanwhile, the remaining members of Alpha Flight take on a creature in the desert that is the combination of both Rick Jones and another unfortunate victim of the Leader. As Sasquatch goes in for the attack, Puck and Shaman realize the creature isn’t fighting back. When Charlene and McGee arrive on the scene, McGee sees something even more interesting with a new gift she doesn’t understand.
Meanwhile, Hulk is at the mercy of the U-Foes and they are not giving a quarter when it comes to taking down their weakened foe. With things for the Hulk getting more dire, Joe will discover that he has been taken to a dark place where the power of the Leader continues to grow.
The Story: Ewing crafts an emotional and tragic story for the Hulk in this issue. Not only does the character have to contend with both external and internal conflicts, but the darkness of the plot and its themes create a true sense of dread for all the characters involved. The action was great and the dialogue is engaging. I continue to be invested in this story, its characters and its outcome.
The Art: Joe Bennett delivers some truly horrific visuals in this issue. The art is amazingly detailed and delivers a visceral sense of darkness and dread throughout.
‘Infinite Frontier #0’ Review: Wonder Woman Goes ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’
Writers: Brian Michael Bendis, James Tynion IV, Michael Conrad, Becky Cloonan, Joelle Jones, Tim Sheridan, Phillip K. Johnson, Joshua Williamson, Geoff Johns, and Geoffrey Thorne / Artists: David Marquez, Jorge Jimenez, Alitha Martinez, Mark Morales, Joelle Jones, Stephen Byrne, Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, Jamal Igle, Alex Maleev, Todd Nauck, Dexter Soy, Howard Porter, John Romita Jr., and Klaus Janson / DC Comics
Infinite Frontier places us into the newly minted DC multiverse, where everything is fresh and connected like ever before.
Spilling over from Dark Nights: Death Metal and Future State, Infinite Frontier gives us a glimpse of the new normal through Wonder Woman’s eyes.
This #0 issue is essentially a sneak peek anthology featuring some of the new creative teams of the flagship DC books, but it’s packaged in a really unique way. Instead of just being a collection of short stories one after the other, Wonder Woman is guided by the Spectre in seeing how her friends are faring in the aftermath of the last big event.
The Spectre is part of a group called the Quintessence, and after her valiant effort in Death Metal, Wonder Woman is being recruited by the group. This book serves as her last peak into her friends’ lives before she ascends. From a stylistic standpoint, it mimics It’s a Wonderful Life as the two godly beings pop into different situations as ghosts and see what life is like presently.
I like that the book is structured this way. It gives it so much more depth, and it makes this new initiative at DC feel that much more grand.
Out of the glimpses that we see in this book, the ones I am most looking forward to are Green Lanterns, Titans Academy, The Flash, and Wonder Girl.
Green Lanterns follows John Stewart and Simon Baz as they take Teen Lantern to meet the Guardians.
Titans Academy previews a bunch of young kids taking a ferry to Titans Tower. And one of them is Red X. Yes, that Red X.
The Flash is going to follow Barry Allen joining Justice Incarnate, a multi-dimensional Justice League team monitoring the wellbeing of the multiverse. Meanwhile Wally will be taking up the mantle of The Flash of Central and Keystone City.
Wonder Girl will follow the new character Yara Flor as she ventures through Brazil to learn about her past.
There were some really promising glimpses in this zero issue. Even some connections to things we saw in Future State. Everything seems to have a level of connectivity that hasn’t been felt in a while. Some of the swings are big, and I hope they stick to some of the changes that are being made. All in all, Infinite Frontier really looks to fulfill its promise in being infinite, at least when it comes to what the possibilities may be.
10 Aged Up Jonathan Kents out of 10
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Writer: Donny Cates
Artist: Nic Klein, Matt Wilson, and VC’s Joe Sabino
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 17, 2021
I have been loving this Donald Blake story, and while Donny Cates made me feel bad for Donny boy at the beginning, I want him to get his and get it good! The last issue ended with Jane going to get Odin to stop this madness he created, and I was pumped then, and seeing this issue came out this week had me so excited. So, was this issue worth the wait. Yes, it was! Now, let’s find out why.
The issue opens with old, broken down Odin and then shows you what led him to spend his days and nights drinking alone in his solemn misery. Yea, it’s mostly his doing, but you can’t help but feel sorry for the guy. I mean, we can, but Jane? That’s a different story! She comes in flinging haymakers at him but pauses when she notices how much weaker he is. She may say that, but Odin is stacked!!! He explains he gave some of his power to Thor, and she explains what the hell has been going on with Donald Blake, and off they go to make things right.
We then head off to the Dimension Blood, which is a nice place to visit, but… actually, you never want to find yourself there at all! Beta Ray Bill is making the best of it, though, checking out some new weapons and armor. That’s when Doctor Strange, Throg, Lockjaw, and Bats show up, and we got ourselves a party! Loki joins in, and they even mention the Space Bears for some good-old fan-service action!
So, what’s the plan? Pretty much an all-out assault on Donald Blake, with Odin showing up for good measure. The problem is, Donald has been yelling for Odin since the beginning, but just as you think there is going to be some big trouble, Odin points out something about the World Tree that makes Blake realize he messed up big time! It was an awesome moment, and I couldn’t wait to see what it all would mean, but like Donny Cates often does, the actuality of it was even better than I hoped. I’m not sure it makes up for it, but those who were upset when Thor got his arm back without much of an explanation might like seeing a bit more of the Destroyer this time.
Cates is killing it with this Prey arc, and I love every minute of it. I wasn’t as big on the Herald of Galactus start, but I am all-in now, and while King in Black is dominating the Marvel landscape, Thor is my favorite Donny Cates book right now.
It doesn’t hurt that I am a Nic Klein fanboy either! His art has a grit to it that fits this dark story so well, and there are three pages in this issue that I wouldn’t mind having signed and hanging in my room. Matt Wilson’s colors are also great, by the way, and compliment the art so well.
Final Thoughts:
Donny Cates gives us the penultimate issue of his Prey arc, and it’s damn good! We are in for a huge finale next month, and while most of what we get here sets that up, it’s big, nasty fun with a ton of fantastic characters. I can’t wait to see Donald Blake get his!
8.7/10
Thor #13
Writer: Donny Cates
Artist: Nic Klein
Colorist: Matt Wilson
Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino
We’re not yet at the end, but we’re very close!
Donald Blake is carving up the World Tree, so all of our heroes come together. Valkyrie recruits Odin and Dr. Strange gets Bill, Sif and the other Asgardians from the dimension they’re stuck in. They all teleport to Donald Blake and mostly just stand-off against him…until Odin reveals that the blood of the World Tree is dripping down to the realm Thor is stuck in. Thor calls his ravens and they use their magic to transfer Thor’s soul into the Destroyer armor.
Comic Rating: 7/10 – Good.
My first takeaway from this issue is that, instead of being exciting, it underlines the problem with this storyline: there’s no story. Donald Blake showed up and immediately sent Thor out of the story, then simply defeated everybody who came up against him on a quest to do…who knows what. Destroy everything? I guess. And now the big finale is gang rushing him? OK, fine. I’m sure there will be a lot of punching next issue, and that should be fun. And this issue was fun in general. The story has some good momentum. And the artwork is great. But the story really reached a point in this issue where the lack of substance was heavier than the coolness of the action.
TL;DR: The weight and weaknesses of this story are a bit stronger in this issue as it stretches on more and more.
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- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 2104.25 - 10:10
- Days ago = 2123 days ago
- New note - On 1807.06, I ceased daily transmission of my Hey Mom feature after three years of daily conversations. I plan to continue Hey Mom posts at least twice per week but will continue to post the days since ("Days Ago") count on my blog each day. The blog entry numbering in the title has changed to reflect total Sense of Doubt posts since I began the blog on 0705.04, which include Hey Mom posts, Daily Bowie posts, and Sense of Doubt posts. Hey Mom posts will still be numbered sequentially. New Hey Mom posts will use the same format as all the other Hey Mom posts; all other posts will feature this format seen here.
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