For the first time in the nearly two-year history of the Poughkeepsie Journal's Gaming page (page 5C on Saturday!!!), this week a used a "Strip" layout. In Newspaper talk, that just means I put a story across the top of the page above the centerpiece.
I know 99.9% of you could give a damn about the phrases used when laying out a page, but I just felt the need to point out this historic event.
And what was that strip story, you ask? Why, news that a week from Saturday, Marist will be holding their annual "Gaming for Hope" event. If you have attended a "Gaming for Hope" before, you know the layout of the event: 12 hours of console, PC, and tabletop gaming, including tournaments for prizes, all 100% free.
But I strongly encourage any of you attending to make a donation to the Charity "Gaming for Hope" benefits: "Child's Play," a charity that donates games and toys to terminally ill children stuck in hospitals. Last year Marist raised over $1,400 bucks.
Also in Gaming on Saturday, we have a fantasy baseball column and a Gaming news update.
It's a full page, so I hope you pick up the Journal, flip to the Sports section and read page 5C.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Buy Pile Report
It was a very average week, sadly. And I had such high hopes.
First off, DC. I know you're hurting in the sales category. I know you needed another big seller, especially in the month that "Secret Invasion" officially began. BUT that's no reason to give us all a fairly average Titans reunion book, after we've been anticipating it for so long.
Yes, Titans #1 is nothing to write home about. It was alright, but definitely by the book -- each main hero is shown enjoying everyday life, and each main hero is shown having that everyday life interrupted by a vicious and calculated attack on their lives. And, if you were holding out hope that there would at least be some suspense to figuring out who is behind the attacks, you're lost there too. Raven has already told us all that Trigon is the reason for their troubles (VERY Original, guys!).
I'm hoping Judd Winick's characterizations can somehow navigate this book into the reunion title we've been waiting for, but after the lack luster first issue, I'm not holding my breath.
While we're on the topic of fairly average, though, I'm sorry to say that Justice Society #14 and Booster Gold #8 were both just that (two of my favorite books, no less!).
JSA features the showdown we've been waiting for -- Gog vs. the WHOLE JSA -- but Gog's beefed up power level completely kills all the momentum the story had right up until the fight. Gog takes down nearly the entire JSA, including the Earth 22 Superman that was shown to be far stronger than New Earth's in the last issue, with only a couple of combatants left ready for next issue's comeback. (Alan Scott's costume does bring a smile to my face at the end of this issue, though).
And, as I said, it's too bad the fight was so poorly orchestrated, because the book really cooked for the first 12 pages or so, featuring the team all together for really the first time, and showing just how difficult this large ensemble is for them to manage. Oh well, I have faith Geoff Johns will turn it around next issue.
In Booster Gold, however, I don't even think it would be fair to call this one average. It was a fine issue and all, with Blue, Gold, and the "Freedom Fighters" attacking Maxwell Lord's Castle... but the story runs in one big circle. At the end of issue #7, Booster and Beetle were down and out and met up with Hawkman & Green Arrow's team. At the end of this one, Booster and Beetle are down and out and plan to meet up with.... some other team... and frankly, it's that other team that has me counting the days until issue #9. But for now, this issue was utterly pointless.
Before we get off DC, though... Countdown to Final Crisis #3 was just one great big pile of pig crap. That's all I have to say about that. Oh, and the fact that next issue Darkseid will be squaring off against Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen. Geh.
I warned you all Marvel had a light week, and Mark Millar's horrible script in Fantastic Four #556 made the week even tougher to get through. Let me get this straight, there, Marky... Not only was a Robot created that perceives all of humanity as a threat for violence (a blatant DC Manhunters ripoff), but this singular robot is also powerful enough to take down roughly ALL of the Marvel Universe's heroes? Spider-man, Storm, Wolverine, Ms. Marvel, Johnny, Sue, and Thing, just to name a few of the dozens shown getting their asses kicked?
A Robot? Really? That's you're big bad grand idea for this book that got you all excited? A Robot that's just stronger than any other Robot known to man? Why is there even a need for Superheroes if Robots can be made that strong? Why don't we just have a Robot stationed in each of the 50 states instead of Superhero teams?
Oh, but don't worry, Reed Richards was shown flying in on his motorcyle at the end of this book, so of course he's going to save the day.
Just like so many of Millar's other works, he pulled me in with a great first issue, his second issue was alright, and by the third issue you're mad at yourself for ever getting pulled in by one of his grand ideas.
First off, DC. I know you're hurting in the sales category. I know you needed another big seller, especially in the month that "Secret Invasion" officially began. BUT that's no reason to give us all a fairly average Titans reunion book, after we've been anticipating it for so long.
Yes, Titans #1 is nothing to write home about. It was alright, but definitely by the book -- each main hero is shown enjoying everyday life, and each main hero is shown having that everyday life interrupted by a vicious and calculated attack on their lives. And, if you were holding out hope that there would at least be some suspense to figuring out who is behind the attacks, you're lost there too. Raven has already told us all that Trigon is the reason for their troubles (VERY Original, guys!).
I'm hoping Judd Winick's characterizations can somehow navigate this book into the reunion title we've been waiting for, but after the lack luster first issue, I'm not holding my breath.
While we're on the topic of fairly average, though, I'm sorry to say that Justice Society #14 and Booster Gold #8 were both just that (two of my favorite books, no less!).
JSA features the showdown we've been waiting for -- Gog vs. the WHOLE JSA -- but Gog's beefed up power level completely kills all the momentum the story had right up until the fight. Gog takes down nearly the entire JSA, including the Earth 22 Superman that was shown to be far stronger than New Earth's in the last issue, with only a couple of combatants left ready for next issue's comeback. (Alan Scott's costume does bring a smile to my face at the end of this issue, though).
And, as I said, it's too bad the fight was so poorly orchestrated, because the book really cooked for the first 12 pages or so, featuring the team all together for really the first time, and showing just how difficult this large ensemble is for them to manage. Oh well, I have faith Geoff Johns will turn it around next issue.
In Booster Gold, however, I don't even think it would be fair to call this one average. It was a fine issue and all, with Blue, Gold, and the "Freedom Fighters" attacking Maxwell Lord's Castle... but the story runs in one big circle. At the end of issue #7, Booster and Beetle were down and out and met up with Hawkman & Green Arrow's team. At the end of this one, Booster and Beetle are down and out and plan to meet up with.... some other team... and frankly, it's that other team that has me counting the days until issue #9. But for now, this issue was utterly pointless.
Before we get off DC, though... Countdown to Final Crisis #3 was just one great big pile of pig crap. That's all I have to say about that. Oh, and the fact that next issue Darkseid will be squaring off against Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen. Geh.
I warned you all Marvel had a light week, and Mark Millar's horrible script in Fantastic Four #556 made the week even tougher to get through. Let me get this straight, there, Marky... Not only was a Robot created that perceives all of humanity as a threat for violence (a blatant DC Manhunters ripoff), but this singular robot is also powerful enough to take down roughly ALL of the Marvel Universe's heroes? Spider-man, Storm, Wolverine, Ms. Marvel, Johnny, Sue, and Thing, just to name a few of the dozens shown getting their asses kicked?
A Robot? Really? That's you're big bad grand idea for this book that got you all excited? A Robot that's just stronger than any other Robot known to man? Why is there even a need for Superheroes if Robots can be made that strong? Why don't we just have a Robot stationed in each of the 50 states instead of Superhero teams?
Oh, but don't worry, Reed Richards was shown flying in on his motorcyle at the end of this book, so of course he's going to save the day.
Just like so many of Millar's other works, he pulled me in with a great first issue, his second issue was alright, and by the third issue you're mad at yourself for ever getting pulled in by one of his grand ideas.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
This week's comic expectations
There's a couple of exciting titles coming out this week, and I'm sure it will be enjoyable in the long run... but I can't help but feel that this week needs to be judged as much by what's not coming out as what is coming out.
If you've been counting down the days to April 9, hoping to finally get a conclusion to Joss Whedon's landmark run on Astonishing X-Men, then you, my friend, are out of luck. Giant Sized Astonishing X-Men #1 was pushed back yet again — this time to MAY 21!
I guess it's only fitting that this book be late, after all, EVERY BOOK has been late since issue #8. When this 25th and final issue comes out in May, it will have been exactly FOUR YEARS since the book debuted! I bought Astonishing X-Men #1 during my last week of college, for God's sakes!
And compounding the problems here is, the last issue of Uncanny X-Men spoiled the ending to Whedon's story. I know many of you have been dodging that info, as I have, and now we have to wait another month and a half before we can stop hiding from it! UGH!
Anyway, there are some top titles coming out this week. Not the least of which is Justice Society #14, which is obviously still working its way through the Kingdom Come/Heartbreak Killer storyline. Expect it to escalate in a hurry in this issue.
DC's biggest release of the week, though, is the debut of Judd Winick's Titans #1. And, again, do I even need to tell you why to be excited about this one? This is the reunion book 'The New Teen Titans' fans have been going to bed every night praying for. And, it's likely to be a strong enough book to warrant all though roster changes DC has made lately.
Think about it, "The Outsiders" book was completely changed, giving us Nightwing and 'Red Arrow,' Wally West stayed out of the official Justice League to come to this book, and Cyborg and Beast Boy both moseyed their way out of the current Teen Titans into limbo. There are likely big plans for this book.
Personally, I am excited for Booster Gold #8, as you all probably know by now what a huge fan of the book I am. After last issue's revelation that Hawkman and Green Arrow are leading a Maxwell Lord resistance, we should be in for more surprises in this post-OMAC world. Plus, this is all leading to Booster and Beetle re-uniting with a bunch of old JLI friends soon.
Marvel is not nearly as exciting this week as they were last week, with ZERO "Secret Invasion" books on the shelves (which I think is a HORRIBLE plan on their part).
But, Fantastic Four #556 should be strong again, as Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch hit issue #3 of their run. When last we saw Marvel's 'First Family,' Reed's ex-girlfriend's utopia in space was about to get into deep dog do-do, with their giant police robot about to go nuts.
Apparently, this robot's is programmed to neutralize any possible crime, and the robot has decided the best way to do that is by killing all humans. Cough Cough - DC Manhunters - Cough Cough. Anyway, it should be good.
If you've been counting down the days to April 9, hoping to finally get a conclusion to Joss Whedon's landmark run on Astonishing X-Men, then you, my friend, are out of luck. Giant Sized Astonishing X-Men #1 was pushed back yet again — this time to MAY 21!
I guess it's only fitting that this book be late, after all, EVERY BOOK has been late since issue #8. When this 25th and final issue comes out in May, it will have been exactly FOUR YEARS since the book debuted! I bought Astonishing X-Men #1 during my last week of college, for God's sakes!
And compounding the problems here is, the last issue of Uncanny X-Men spoiled the ending to Whedon's story. I know many of you have been dodging that info, as I have, and now we have to wait another month and a half before we can stop hiding from it! UGH!
Anyway, there are some top titles coming out this week. Not the least of which is Justice Society #14, which is obviously still working its way through the Kingdom Come/Heartbreak Killer storyline. Expect it to escalate in a hurry in this issue.
DC's biggest release of the week, though, is the debut of Judd Winick's Titans #1. And, again, do I even need to tell you why to be excited about this one? This is the reunion book 'The New Teen Titans' fans have been going to bed every night praying for. And, it's likely to be a strong enough book to warrant all though roster changes DC has made lately.
Think about it, "The Outsiders" book was completely changed, giving us Nightwing and 'Red Arrow,' Wally West stayed out of the official Justice League to come to this book, and Cyborg and Beast Boy both moseyed their way out of the current Teen Titans into limbo. There are likely big plans for this book.
Personally, I am excited for Booster Gold #8, as you all probably know by now what a huge fan of the book I am. After last issue's revelation that Hawkman and Green Arrow are leading a Maxwell Lord resistance, we should be in for more surprises in this post-OMAC world. Plus, this is all leading to Booster and Beetle re-uniting with a bunch of old JLI friends soon.
Marvel is not nearly as exciting this week as they were last week, with ZERO "Secret Invasion" books on the shelves (which I think is a HORRIBLE plan on their part).
But, Fantastic Four #556 should be strong again, as Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch hit issue #3 of their run. When last we saw Marvel's 'First Family,' Reed's ex-girlfriend's utopia in space was about to get into deep dog do-do, with their giant police robot about to go nuts.
Apparently, this robot's is programmed to neutralize any possible crime, and the robot has decided the best way to do that is by killing all humans. Cough Cough - DC Manhunters - Cough Cough. Anyway, it should be good.
Wednesday's comic releases
Some interesting options on the shelves this week, like the debut of the new "Titans" series.
Check out the release list at THIS LINK.
Check out the release list at THIS LINK.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Xbox remote-style controller coming soon???
Get a load of THIS LINK from MTV, claiming that Microsoft is trying like mad to port their own Xbox 360 controllers into Wiimote-style form, in order to emulate the Nintendo console's runaway success.
If you read the link (which, if true, is quite illuminating), you'll see that Microsoft has been developing the technology since last summer, has been talking with Rare Entertainment in an effort to develop an animal-style 'Mii-esque' system of avatars, and has even been explaining to third-party Wii developers just how easy it would be to port their creations to the Xbox. You know, since so many third-party Wii games aren't crappy.
Basically, Microsoft is looking to COMPLETELY change everything they've been doing for the past 8 years. If this is all true.
Frankly, as a converted Xbox fan in this gaming generation, this worries me like crazy. I wouldn't put it past Bill Gates to try and piggyback on an idea just because he hears it's popular, but would Microsoft really be thinking about this if they thought they had a shot in hell of keeping up with the PlayStation 3 for the next four-five years?
Should be interesting finding out what those nuts over at Microsoft are really up to.
If you read the link (which, if true, is quite illuminating), you'll see that Microsoft has been developing the technology since last summer, has been talking with Rare Entertainment in an effort to develop an animal-style 'Mii-esque' system of avatars, and has even been explaining to third-party Wii developers just how easy it would be to port their creations to the Xbox. You know, since so many third-party Wii games aren't crappy.
Basically, Microsoft is looking to COMPLETELY change everything they've been doing for the past 8 years. If this is all true.
Frankly, as a converted Xbox fan in this gaming generation, this worries me like crazy. I wouldn't put it past Bill Gates to try and piggyback on an idea just because he hears it's popular, but would Microsoft really be thinking about this if they thought they had a shot in hell of keeping up with the PlayStation 3 for the next four-five years?
Should be interesting finding out what those nuts over at Microsoft are really up to.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
This week's video game releases
Not too much again this week, although "Summer Sports: Paradise Island" sounds intriguing. I mean, who wouldn't want to play badminton or lawn darts with Wonder Woman?
What? Not THAT Paradise Island? OK... well, at least there's that new dungeon-crawling "Baroque" game, featuring Antonio Vivaldi!
What? It has nothing to do with Baroque composers? What the hell, man?
Oh well, click THIS LINK for the list. I'm going back to drinking my slurpee out of Tony Stark's head.
What? Not THAT Paradise Island? OK... well, at least there's that new dungeon-crawling "Baroque" game, featuring Antonio Vivaldi!
What? It has nothing to do with Baroque composers? What the hell, man?
Oh well, click THIS LINK for the list. I'm going back to drinking my slurpee out of Tony Stark's head.
Secret Invasion #1, from a 'non-reader' point of view
Check out THIS LINK for a fantastic fake dialog between two fictitious long-ago comic book readers, one of which picked up Secret Invasion #1 because he read a little of the hype around it.
If ever there was the perfect skewering of Marvel in general and Brian Bendis in particular, this is it.
If ever there was the perfect skewering of Marvel in general and Brian Bendis in particular, this is it.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
No ending for 'Assassin's Creed'
Last night, I finished "Assassin's Creed" (yes, I know I am late to the party, I've apologized before).
And while the game was just a bit too easy for my tastes, there was more than enough fun 'boss' assassinations and 'informer' assassinations to make this game a should-play for most of you out there. Even the repetition did not feel so bad later in the game, thanks to those mission assassinations.
However, when I got to the ending... there's wasn't one. If you've played it, I'm sure you know what I mean. If you haven't played it, I won't spoil it for you. But I was awfully confused when I finished the game at 5 a.m. last night. It's the only time I've ever beaten a game and then had to say to myself 'Time to go online and find an explanation for that.'
Well, I found the explanation, a good one. And for those of you in need, I decided I would post it at THIS LINK.
And actually, as it turned out, I discerned most of the 'ending' on my own, anyway. It is all just a bunch of clues as to what the next two installments of this trilogy might bring.
Oh well, time to move on to the next game I didn't have time to play all winter. Heeeelllloooo Mario Galaxy!
And while the game was just a bit too easy for my tastes, there was more than enough fun 'boss' assassinations and 'informer' assassinations to make this game a should-play for most of you out there. Even the repetition did not feel so bad later in the game, thanks to those mission assassinations.
However, when I got to the ending... there's wasn't one. If you've played it, I'm sure you know what I mean. If you haven't played it, I won't spoil it for you. But I was awfully confused when I finished the game at 5 a.m. last night. It's the only time I've ever beaten a game and then had to say to myself 'Time to go online and find an explanation for that.'
Well, I found the explanation, a good one. And for those of you in need, I decided I would post it at THIS LINK.
And actually, as it turned out, I discerned most of the 'ending' on my own, anyway. It is all just a bunch of clues as to what the next two installments of this trilogy might bring.
Oh well, time to move on to the next game I didn't have time to play all winter. Heeeelllloooo Mario Galaxy!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Drink with Roberty Downey, Jr.
I just read this on Marvel's site at THIS LINK, a feature on Iron Man slurpees at 7-11.
As you can see, not only can you get Iron Man cups, but you can also get a cup shaped like Tony Stark's helmet!
I never really had the urge to drink from Iron Man's head before, but now that I am presented with the opportunity, you bet I am running to 7-11!
The only thing is, nowhere does it say what flavor is pictured. And frankly, that neon orangish-yellow color is not really appealing. But, if Robert Downey, Jr. is involved, you can bet it tastes good!
Gaming in the Journal on Saturday
Pickup page 5C in the Journal on Saturday for this week's Gaming page (yes, we didn't have to pre-empt it this page... and I think I spelled Pre-empt wrong...).
This week, we have an Associated Press-provided look at your baseball video game options, as well as the weekly fantasy baseball column.
This week, we have an Associated Press-provided look at your baseball video game options, as well as the weekly fantasy baseball column.
Secret costs in the Invasion
Newsarama has a nice little feature up at THIS LINK, simply adding up the cost of the many tie-ins to "Secret Invasion."
And while they were only able to add up the first half of the story (through July) as the rest hasn't been solicited yet, the cost is still just over a hundred bucks. For half a story.
Keep in mind, it is just $16 for the four main series issues of Secret Invasion included in this price.
My opinion? Keep a close eye on each issue's description and thumb through the issue before buying. Marvel has a habit of making half the tie-ins to an event make absolutely no difference in the long run (see "Civil War" and "World War Hulk").
And while they were only able to add up the first half of the story (through July) as the rest hasn't been solicited yet, the cost is still just over a hundred bucks. For half a story.
Keep in mind, it is just $16 for the four main series issues of Secret Invasion included in this price.
My opinion? Keep a close eye on each issue's description and thumb through the issue before buying. Marvel has a habit of making half the tie-ins to an event make absolutely no difference in the long run (see "Civil War" and "World War Hulk").
Thursday, April 3, 2008
2D Sonic in 3D... unleashed
Get a load of THIS LINK to TeamXbox.com's look at the just announced game "Sonic Unleashed." You can probably find plenty of info on it on other sites too, it's not like I am breaking news here, but still, am I the only one excited about this?
How many years have we all been waiting for Sonic to transfer properly to the three-dimensional world? It seems all his offerings since the Sega Genesis days have been pretty horrible, and the idea of translating his 2D adventures to the 3D landscape, if only in appearance and not changing the gameplay, should work real well.
If anything, this may be a great pick-up-and-play title for that casual gaming market everyone seems to be grasping for lately.
How many years have we all been waiting for Sonic to transfer properly to the three-dimensional world? It seems all his offerings since the Sega Genesis days have been pretty horrible, and the idea of translating his 2D adventures to the 3D landscape, if only in appearance and not changing the gameplay, should work real well.
If anything, this may be a great pick-up-and-play title for that casual gaming market everyone seems to be grasping for lately.
Buy Pile Report
You have to love a week in which the Big Two both come out swinging for the fences.
In this corner, we have Marvel, dropping Secret Invasion #1. After reading this issue, I am even more conflicted on this event then I had been before. On the one hand, the concept of this Skrull Invasion intrigues me. On the other hand, I am no fan of Brian Bendis, and it feels like he's been given the keys to the castle to not only change anything he wants in this story, but also break any conventions he wants.
And, after reading his first issue, my fears have not been alleviated by much. His characterizations of certain characters, like Agent Brand and Reed Richards, were poor. I've never been a big fan of either of his Avengers teams, either. What Bendis does succeed in, though, is establishing that tone of "anything can happen" that he's been hyping for the last year. I didn't feel it whatsoever up until now -- but the way the Skrulls make their first move in this issue is really well done.
I'm struggling not to spoil anything here, but there is one scene at the end of this issue that will really drop your jaw -- even as we all realize the status quo can't be changed THAT MUCH... can it?
Anyway, this debut issue is strong enough to warrant picking up. I just hope this story can be read without paying out the rear for crossovers and tie-ins.
In the other corner, we have DC, concluding Superman's Legion of Superheroes arc in Action Comics #863, only to start promoting the Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds story.
Action itself was a satisfying ending to a great story arc, and yes, I'll spoil it for you, Superman prevails in the end. The ending is actually pretty predictable, but that is not a bad thing considering how well it all fits together with the first five issues. Again, I strongly recommend reading this whole arc.
The last two pages of this comic, however, are full-page promos for Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds, which will be a five over-sized issue story written by Geoff Johns and drawn by George Perez, and will tie-in directly with Grant Morrison's Final Crisis.
It seems the main story will be an all-out war waged between Superman and the three different incarnations of the Legion, vs. Superman-Prime, Lex Luthor and the Legion of Supervillains. Oh, and did I mention the lightning rod from "The Lightning Saga" is featured prominently in the promo? Meaning, we're either getting Bart Allen, Barry Allen or Connor Kent back in this story.
In essence, this is making Final Crisis into a 12-part story rather than the seven we've heard before, but with Johns and Morrison teaming up, the quality will be guaranteed.
The rest of this week's offerings were not nearly as exciting. Young X-Men #1 is nothing but a 'gathering the team' story, so if you pick up #2 next month, you're not missing much. Cable #2 is nothing but a recap of where Bishop has been. The problem there is that it is exactly what you would have guessed it to be. Again, if you skip this, you aren't missing much.
Oh, and insanely horrible again was Countdown to Final Crisis #4, with Mary Marvel making the most out-of-character choice I have seen in comics since Cyclops cheated on Jean. Evil again, for no good reason.
Oh well, that's it for the books I picked up this week.
In this corner, we have Marvel, dropping Secret Invasion #1. After reading this issue, I am even more conflicted on this event then I had been before. On the one hand, the concept of this Skrull Invasion intrigues me. On the other hand, I am no fan of Brian Bendis, and it feels like he's been given the keys to the castle to not only change anything he wants in this story, but also break any conventions he wants.
And, after reading his first issue, my fears have not been alleviated by much. His characterizations of certain characters, like Agent Brand and Reed Richards, were poor. I've never been a big fan of either of his Avengers teams, either. What Bendis does succeed in, though, is establishing that tone of "anything can happen" that he's been hyping for the last year. I didn't feel it whatsoever up until now -- but the way the Skrulls make their first move in this issue is really well done.
I'm struggling not to spoil anything here, but there is one scene at the end of this issue that will really drop your jaw -- even as we all realize the status quo can't be changed THAT MUCH... can it?
Anyway, this debut issue is strong enough to warrant picking up. I just hope this story can be read without paying out the rear for crossovers and tie-ins.
In the other corner, we have DC, concluding Superman's Legion of Superheroes arc in Action Comics #863, only to start promoting the Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds story.
Action itself was a satisfying ending to a great story arc, and yes, I'll spoil it for you, Superman prevails in the end. The ending is actually pretty predictable, but that is not a bad thing considering how well it all fits together with the first five issues. Again, I strongly recommend reading this whole arc.
The last two pages of this comic, however, are full-page promos for Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds, which will be a five over-sized issue story written by Geoff Johns and drawn by George Perez, and will tie-in directly with Grant Morrison's Final Crisis.
It seems the main story will be an all-out war waged between Superman and the three different incarnations of the Legion, vs. Superman-Prime, Lex Luthor and the Legion of Supervillains. Oh, and did I mention the lightning rod from "The Lightning Saga" is featured prominently in the promo? Meaning, we're either getting Bart Allen, Barry Allen or Connor Kent back in this story.
In essence, this is making Final Crisis into a 12-part story rather than the seven we've heard before, but with Johns and Morrison teaming up, the quality will be guaranteed.
The rest of this week's offerings were not nearly as exciting. Young X-Men #1 is nothing but a 'gathering the team' story, so if you pick up #2 next month, you're not missing much. Cable #2 is nothing but a recap of where Bishop has been. The problem there is that it is exactly what you would have guessed it to be. Again, if you skip this, you aren't missing much.
Oh, and insanely horrible again was Countdown to Final Crisis #4, with Mary Marvel making the most out-of-character choice I have seen in comics since Cyclops cheated on Jean. Evil again, for no good reason.
Oh well, that's it for the books I picked up this week.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
This week's comic book expectations
So, finally after months upon months of Brian Bendis and Joe Quesada driving the hype machine into overload, on Wednesday we'll finally get a chance to read Secret Invasion #1.
And, I've said it before, I'll say it again, I'm really pissed at Marvel for having this event when they did. I don't care what the sales numbers say, I'm a victim of event fatigue -- especially after a horrendous "Civil War," the marginal "World War Hulk" and the not nearly as good as advertised "Messiah CompleX."
Now comes along "Secret Invasion" -- skrull sleeper cells within the Marvel Universe posing as our heroes, and now they're ready to make their move. As far as I'm concerned, this is the most exciting sounding event yet. But, I could really care less about it after all the crap Marvel has hyped only to disappoint me. All the tie-ins, all the must-reads, all the "things will never be the same" issues. And you just know that this event isn't going to resolve anything, it's just going to funnel into the next event.
So, unfortunately I will still be buying this "Secret Invasion" series, because it does sound interesting, but I'll be passing on all the tie-ins and extras that Marvel loves to publish just for a quick buck. I strongly encourage you all to do the same, so Marvel will treat their next event (coming in 2 weeks or so after "Secret Invasion") with a little more standalone feel, like DC will be doing with "Final Crisis."
But, the Invasion is not the only big thing out this week. Action Comics #863 wraps up Geoff Johns' stellar "Legion of Superheroes" arc, and I highly recommend the arc to any of you TPB buyers out there. Johns has redefined the old-school Legion and their place in the future, while at the same time writing just a good Superman team-up story. And, the best part of every Superman story is, after all, Big Blue coming through in the end.
It will also be interesting to see where the ending of this story leads for the Legion, as Johns obviously has plans for them in the future following Supes' return to his own time. I'd love to read an ongoing in this universe, telling the post-Justice League of Earth rebuilding tale.
Nightwing #143 should also be a strong issue this week. Since Peter Tomasi took over the title, in fact, Dick Grayson's tales have jumped up a notch, and this week we'll get to see Robin get more involved with Nightwing's investigation into Dr. Kendall. Personally, I really enjoy watching team-ups between these two, so this may be a good issue for you all to give this series a go.
From Marvel, Young X-Men #1 debuts this week, and I am awfully curious to see which direction this book takes. It is to be the story of Cyclops training "the last class of X-Men," with plenty of help from the original New Mutants. Still, will this book have any hints of teenaged-angst-heroes or will it go the absolute other direction, in which the heroes are constantly depressed because they know how doomed the mutant race is and they are the youngest?
Personally, I think between the non-familiar cast and the unoriginal idea of young mutants being taught, this book will flop. But, I am still looking forward to learning more about it.
Other hot titles this week include Kick Ass #2, Cable #2 and Project Superpowers #2. I guess it's a good week for No. 2s.
And, I've said it before, I'll say it again, I'm really pissed at Marvel for having this event when they did. I don't care what the sales numbers say, I'm a victim of event fatigue -- especially after a horrendous "Civil War," the marginal "World War Hulk" and the not nearly as good as advertised "Messiah CompleX."
Now comes along "Secret Invasion" -- skrull sleeper cells within the Marvel Universe posing as our heroes, and now they're ready to make their move. As far as I'm concerned, this is the most exciting sounding event yet. But, I could really care less about it after all the crap Marvel has hyped only to disappoint me. All the tie-ins, all the must-reads, all the "things will never be the same" issues. And you just know that this event isn't going to resolve anything, it's just going to funnel into the next event.
So, unfortunately I will still be buying this "Secret Invasion" series, because it does sound interesting, but I'll be passing on all the tie-ins and extras that Marvel loves to publish just for a quick buck. I strongly encourage you all to do the same, so Marvel will treat their next event (coming in 2 weeks or so after "Secret Invasion") with a little more standalone feel, like DC will be doing with "Final Crisis."
But, the Invasion is not the only big thing out this week. Action Comics #863 wraps up Geoff Johns' stellar "Legion of Superheroes" arc, and I highly recommend the arc to any of you TPB buyers out there. Johns has redefined the old-school Legion and their place in the future, while at the same time writing just a good Superman team-up story. And, the best part of every Superman story is, after all, Big Blue coming through in the end.
It will also be interesting to see where the ending of this story leads for the Legion, as Johns obviously has plans for them in the future following Supes' return to his own time. I'd love to read an ongoing in this universe, telling the post-Justice League of Earth rebuilding tale.
Nightwing #143 should also be a strong issue this week. Since Peter Tomasi took over the title, in fact, Dick Grayson's tales have jumped up a notch, and this week we'll get to see Robin get more involved with Nightwing's investigation into Dr. Kendall. Personally, I really enjoy watching team-ups between these two, so this may be a good issue for you all to give this series a go.
From Marvel, Young X-Men #1 debuts this week, and I am awfully curious to see which direction this book takes. It is to be the story of Cyclops training "the last class of X-Men," with plenty of help from the original New Mutants. Still, will this book have any hints of teenaged-angst-heroes or will it go the absolute other direction, in which the heroes are constantly depressed because they know how doomed the mutant race is and they are the youngest?
Personally, I think between the non-familiar cast and the unoriginal idea of young mutants being taught, this book will flop. But, I am still looking forward to learning more about it.
Other hot titles this week include Kick Ass #2, Cable #2 and Project Superpowers #2. I guess it's a good week for No. 2s.
Wednesday's comic release list
Follow THIS LINK to this week's comic book releases, including the debut of "Secret Invasion" and the finale of the Action Comic's Legion of Superheroes arc.
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