The Spider (Part One)
I have not seen Spider-Man 3.
On the whole, I am very favorable towards Marvel movies. There's a lot of slack cut that I don't give to your average comic. As long as we stick with the core of the character, the reason why he or she has hit with the pop culture consciousness, then we're cool. Someone came into the store and complained about Ghost Rider, but couldn't actually say why they didn't like the movie that didn't reflect back on personal preference.
I mean, I'm not all that into Rob Liefeld's artwork, so I simply don't read the books he's on. Do I say the Teen Titans suck because he drew a couple issues? That'd be silly. So saying 'Oh, I don't like Nick Cage, I think he's dumb' doesn't mean the Ghost Rider movie was bad, it just means you're not into the actor. Want an Oscar winning performance, go see Leaving Las Vegas; but if you're looking for someone's head to catch on fire and a bunch of awesome motorcycle stunts, Ghost Rider's your flick.
Not every movie has to be perfect and spectacular and genre-changing (HEAR ME MARVEL?? That goes for comics, too!). Then again, we don't have to watch Batman & Robin either. Just hitting the core should be good enough to sate the comic fan palate and catch new audience members with what made the hero on the screen a viable movie idea in the first place. There's no B'wanna Beast movie, and there's a reason for that.
There's a reason I "keep it real", so to speak, when it comes to these kinds of things. I haven't liked every Marvel movie to hit the screen and was kicked squarely in the solar plexus by the Hulk movie. Good Lord, I was excited to see that movie. I went to the first showing on opening day, sat right up in front and sat through the most confusing and over acted plot I had ever seen on film. I was in shock for several days after, swearing that it was good and if you just read the movie adaptation by Peter David, it all make so much more sense. Only recently, when a good friend and I both admittd to fast forwarding through anything that didn't have the Hulk in it (and that's a lot of the movie, sad to say) that maybe, just maybe, it stunk on toast. I mean, you saw the big giant jellyfish in the end in slackjawed awe of what just happened, right? Even the novelization kind of glosses over the big ending and goes off to find some real characters.
I wanted so much from that Hulk movie and, in parts, it did deliver, but weighed against so much else... it's time to face facts.
As long as you hit the center of the target in representing our favorite heroes on screen, it doesn't matter how you dress them up, organic web shooters or no. We'll be there with popcorn.
Medals for the War Effort
Civil War.
Like it, love it, hate it, want to send dirty socks to the Marvel editorial, we've called our troops home to... kind of hash out the same battle, just in a less mini-series-ish way and hopefully get thier hineys handed to them by the Hulk. While Quesada might feel their mission is accomplished, the lasting ramifications are here to stay and while World War Hulk may just have Iron Man crunched like a tin can for his part in sending a friend and compatriot out into space, I'm getting that itchy feeling that it's... probably not going to go the way I'd like to see it. With culpability and resolution and honesty. I mean, with a track record like Avengers: Disassembled (Wanda? Oh, she's crazy and killed three members.), House of M (wherein the world was ONCE again changed by Wanda and she still gets to live scott free in eastern Europe with no resolution to her story or why some remember and some don't or if Spider-Man and MJ remembers that Peter really wanted to be married to Gwen Stacy *deep breath*), the Other (no, really, what WAS all that??), how can I possibly believe at this point that no, I'm gonna kick that football into the stratosphere and Lucy is going to hold it still for me, this time for sure?
But, through it all, there were some brave and wonderful bloggers than came to the fore and provided review and humor in the face of adversity. Now that there's some time to breathe, some time to heal and even more time to look ahead and worry, it's nice to see that there are some who remember these are just the funny books. Marvel takes itself pretty seriously these days (they kill children, after all), but we don't have to.
This post has been a long time in coming, but I would still like ot thank these brave soldiers who contributed to the War Effort:
MightyGodKing on livejournal has provided some wonderful re-writes of the entire Civil War, where in characters speak plainly, situations seem less you've-got-to-be-kidding ridiculous and more ha-ha ridiculous and the entire run of re-photoshopped work gave readers a little less seriousness and some pretty dead on commentary in public sentiment.
Of Course, Yeah and not because I took an awesome THIRD PLACE in his Draw Your Own contest. Every humble little red strip was full of the snappy behind the scenes sarcasm this series really deserved. For every time you rolled your eyes and wondered if Bishop got a call the moment Tony found out Cable was on Cap's side, or if it was just you that thought that Peter and Tony's new father-son relationship was just a little too 'special', no you weren't the only one.
Chris Sims started with a poem and ended on an epic in the classy style of one Rich Berlew. These mega events can be a lot to digest and someone who can get to the heart of the WTF?-ery and do it in a wittty fashion, at least for me, was a great relief.
Rokk's Comic Book Revolution was indeed revolutionary as it was the first review of the final issue of Civil War that was positive towards the events and laid out a clear and concise manner for what he enjoyed and had unimaginable enthusiasm when I had lost mine. Sure, I might not agree with the guy on a few points, but I would be an idiot not to recognize the truth in his words. If this was the common perception of the book, I'd lay down arms. Sadly, not so many bloggers are as well thought out, even the other side of the equasion.
And last but not ever least, it took a little stuffed bull to get to the heart of the matter.
Thank you, one and all.
Guess Who’s Back, Tell a Friend – Preview Reviews for 5/2
It feels good, folks. There's just nothing in the world like lovin' and hatin' the funny books, let me tell you. Let's just get to brass tacks, shall we?
- Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #20
- So, I know that JMS promised some resolution on his big hippy The Other storyline about choosing between The Spider and The Man and the spider-stingers and all that jazz, but did he not have the time? Or the inspiration? Or did Peter David ask to have this fiasco handed to him? Because man, it's like ou can see PAD with mop and bucket in hand as he cleans up the mysterious Other spider-shadow-chick and possibly where they were all going with that. Betty Brant comes to see Flash at his apartment and sees Peter Parker in his holographic disguise; she deduces he's Peter in a matter of panels and gives the guy a hug, some forgiveness and a mystery. She tells him of Ms. Arrow's crazy behavior and they do a little detective Googling on the words "Arrow" and "Spider" (Try it!). They of course, come up with plot results and find out that 'spider ero' is the Pirate Spider, that feeds on other spiders, so Flash is in trouble. Meanwhile, Flash is leading the Midtown High bowling team to glory with a friend of his (a lady friend no less, being one of those jocular types that had a lot of rough and tumble gal pals, or so is my impression) and Ms. Arrow is telling a dark and spooky shadow her plans of mating and man eating. A big confrontation and reveal down at the bowling alley later, Ms. Arrow steals Flash and we're left with the impression that all will be explained next issue. Or maybe that's just me hoping a lot.
- Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears #4 (of 6)
- No matter what, I will always respect Clayton Craine after an interview in CSN where he declared he wanted the covers of the books he's on to match the interiors. If you saw the first Ennis/Craine masterpiece, you know for a fact that this is something he can pull off in spades. After all, that's what the cover is there for, to judge the book! The Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears mini series continues that tradition of cover matching and gives off this fantastic old West feel, the Eastwood style of Western storytelling that Garth Ennis can provide. In this issue, some spooky stuff happens that's pretty chilling and exciting towards the main plot. Yes, I did lose my notes for this one.
- Incredible Hulk #106
- I get the sinking feeling that World War Hulk is going to suffer from the same 'What order is this all supposed to be read in?' that Civil War experienced. WARNING! This issue totally summarizes She-Hulk #18, due out at the end of this month. So, if you want some impact for the results of the story, don't read this one. Without giving anything away, uhm... Jen meets up with Amadeus Cho, they discuss recent events and Leonard Samson shows up to throw things. Through being just as much as a natural savant as Layla Miller, Jen escapes, joins Cho's side along with... wait for it... the Champions! Well, at least Hercules and Angel, the former getting just as much screen time as Cloak and Dagger and the latter who's been missing since I believe last year. And yes, the last page is a big splash of static characters posing dramatically, just like Civil War loved to end. Now, I know I'm biased because I haven't been all that thrilled by Planet Hulk but still... I'm wary.
- Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness #3 (of 5)
- There's a Nextwave cameo. They explode off screen. Also, there's always been a Ash in the Marvel Universe. Next issue has a trip to Latveria. What, were you expecting a plot?
- Runaways #26
- It's got Whedon all over it. The cover happens exactly how you expect and boy howdy, nothing gets under my skin like a major guest star in a book used only to take a cheap fall to the main characters of the book, making him look like a fool to make the main characters look cool. The Runaways are already suffering some personality adjustments, just like in Astonishing X-Men (you know, the book everyone loves that rarely sees the light of day?). Since when did Niko start openly disliking Davan? Why is Molly constantly begging for attention? And why are they always winning? They take down the Punisher AND escape the Kingpin (who takes a pause from his dramatic monologue to make a yummy sound over chocolate) and his army of ninjas (I know) in this issue. Well, next issue's time travel.
- Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #18
- And on the opposite side of the equasion we have one of the best depictions of teenagers I have the pleasure of reading. Spider-Man finds himself getting a little too serious with Firestar as she wants to move beyond the mask which honestly just creeps Peter Parker out. Things improve on the Gwen Stacy front, while Harry has been clamming up about his home life and Mary Jane wants to help. Getting into it all would break her 'not getting serious' rule she made when they started dating. Advice from friends, a bit of slugging at the recommendation of Flash Thompson, things wind up getting serious after all and the last page will drop your jaw. Two more issues left!
- Sensational Spider Man Annual #1
- Mr. Fraction? You had me at page 2, wherein Spider-Man smiles for the first time in recent comic memory for me. I could go on and on about this issue, how it hit every comic fan button I have, how I got a little choked up as I got to the end, how I want to marry this issue if it were a person, and I did over at today's installment of The Fifth Color, but again, let me restate: if you at all have been let down by recent Spider-Man stories and long for something as simple and as solid as Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, go out and get this issue. Get two.
- Thunderbolts Presents: Baron Zemo - Born Better #4 (of 4)
- Okay, I'm sure this mini-series went under the radar, even by people who used to read Nicieza's Thunderbolts, but just you wait. Someone's going to turn around and realize that this is one of the best directions they've taken a old school villain in a long time. The past issues have taken us on a tour of what it means to be a Zemo through German history, and this issue wraps up everything we've learned in a mega lesson in redemption, the willingness to change and what it really means to be a 'better' man. The guy hunting down Zemo through the past issue turns out to be a relative, forcing Zemo back to the present from his magical history tor by killing all the descendants of Zemo and using the blood to bring him to him... all so he can kill him. Just as he's about to do the deed, the boo opens up your brain an imparts wisdom. Read the whole thing and you will find yourself smarter than you were before.
- World War Hulk Prologue #1
- This issue, despite being a prologue, should be read AFTER this week's Incredible Hulk (thankfully, there's a lovely little editor's box to let you know the same thing). Here, we have Jen and Leonard Samson parallel a story with Hulk in space (HUUUUUUUULK IIIIIIN SPAAAAAAAACE! God, I just got that.) wherein one of his gladiator buddies is able to help the Hulk contain his boundless rage for the ones who gave him this new life then destroyed it. Doc Samson goes through the internet argument of 'No, really, the Hulk is totally dangerous and the Illuminati totally did the right thing! while Hulks' fellow soldier does something that no one in the history of Hulk comics has done in in my memory: focused the Hulk's anger so he's not just living rage, but a very angry guy with a very angry purpose.
As a side note, the World War Hulk: Gamma Corps series is creating a whole new character to name him the Hulk.
Anyhoo, Jen's uses the legal term for an event that justifies a war (Casus Belli), the Hulk's crew decides they're going after Black Bolt first, and there's a backup story that dovetails into the issue of Hulk this week. On the whole, this is for new readers and isn't exactly necessary for people who've been keeping up with things and are just waiting for Hulk to punch Iron Man's head off. What this issue is worth, however, is the Chris Giarrusso's Mini Marvels's recap of the whole thing.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
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Regaining that Smile
Okay.
I haven't been here awhile, mostly because I have been suffering from what I abhor to describe as 'comic hate apathy'. I mean, DC announced Gail Simone would write Wonder Woman the same week that Marvel revealed the supremely retarded idea of 'Civil War Chronicles'. As I sat there, with my mouth open at such an audacious idea as to reprint books that JUST CAME OUT in floppy form when perfectly good trade paperbacks are just hitting the shelves now just so they could show you what the real order of the books should have been and explain continuity errors that they were responsible for, I was in so much shock and awe that I simply walked away from the computer and played Guitar Hero. I felt like 'Sexual Chocolate' in Coming to America, just dropping the mike after the worst set on stage and just... walking away.
Now, for those of you not into the wrasslin', there's this guy named Shawn Michaels. A champ, the 'Showstopper', he was a pretty popular dude who gave this speech in about '97, basically saying that wrestling for a living had taken a toll on his life and body and he had "lost his smile", meaning that the thrill was gone and busting his butt just didn't do it for him.
I am fully prepared to admit that I honestly lost my smile for comics for a bit. I mean, I stil read them, I still got angry (What the hell is She-Hulk doing sleeping with Tony Stark?), but... just not enough to spew the right amount of vitriol on the screen.
And then I got a preview copy of the Sensational Spider-Man Annual. And it was like the clouds parted and angels sang and the smile was back. I will tell you now (and tomorrow at B@N's the Fifth Color) that this issue pressed every single joy button I had for reading comics. It was amazing. Spectacular, even (ha ha). It was the issue that I'd been waiting for, proof that I wasn't out of my head for wanting Spider-Man to have a cookie, some reward for putting up with all this overblown plotting. That no, kids shouldn't be killed wholesale to prove a book is 'really serious'. That heroes are heroes even out of the mask and, at heart, that is good enough for them.
And it's good enough for me. I'm done with all this 'hero vs. hero' crap. I'm done with death after death after death. I'm done falling through plot holes and negotiating with the stories to ignore inconsistency for just that one cool shot or line. I'm done because at least Matt Fraction wrote one story that proves I'm not the only one who's done with those things too.
Smile back in place, reviews are coming tonight. And Hell's coming with me! You hear?! HELL'S COMING WITH ME!