Geekshow

The Five – Comics for February 4, 2009

Captain Wednesday takes on the three different Legions, a time traveler, Nick Fury, and more in this week’s installment of The Five!

Know the old saying that big things come in small packages? Well, that is how I like to describe the comics that shipped this week. When I first saw the list of what was coming out, there was not too much to get excited about (besides Buffy, which is always enough to get excited about), but all that changed as I continued to read through this week’s pile and strained to pick just five books that I liked.

First, there were not a lot of actual comics shipping this week. It seemed after slamming us for the past 21 days, all the companies were taking a collective sigh to catch their breaths (which as a reader I am quite fond of the lull as well since it also allows me a moment to collect my thoughts and give my brain a break).

With all that in mind I was shocked (SHOCKED!) to find that I had placed 10 comics in my like pile. Generally I may go one or two books over, but 10, and on such a small week. But 10 it was. Ten is a great round number but too many to review so I muddled through to make my recommendations more manageable.

My pick of the week is Adventure Comics #0. The issue is solicited as a reprint of Adventure Comics #247 from back in the day when Superboy first met the Legion of Super-Heroes. But hidden in the back of the book is an original Geoff Johns tale with art by Francis Manapul. The new story sort of feels like it fell from the cutting room floor from the recently-concluded New Krypton storyline. And the best part might not have been the actual yarn itself (which featured Lex and Braniac) but the coming in June part where it was announced that Adventure Comics #1 (I believe with Mr. Johns at the helm writing the Legion, oh yeah!) will ship.

Continuing on the Legion theme, I also selected another Johns’ book this week as Legion of Three Worlds #3 dropped with art by George Perez and Scott Koblish. Perez’s pencils are masterful (as usual) and I don’t know about you but I feel as if this story should have been the main Final Crisis arc. Another piece of good news from DC this week was this mini-series being extended to five issues (here’s just hoping they ship on time). It was breathtaking (and a little confusing) watching all the Legion teams from the different Earths (and eras) come together to fight Superboy Prime (if only they knew back in Adventure Comics #247).

I am tapping one of Duane Swiercyznski’s three comics this week as my third pick, and it might not be the one you are thinking. Both Cable and Iron Fist were solid stories (as usual), but my selection is X-Men: The Times & Life of Lucas Bishop #1 (of 3). Oh how terrific a job you did Mr. Swierczynski as I was riveted to the page watching a young Lucas Bishop born and grow under the persecution of being a mutant. I actually felt for Bishop, and to be honest I have not really liked his obsessive quest to hunt down Cable and kill the red-haired girl. And the last panel, I wonder aloud who that “X-Man” is that meets Bishop – can’t wait until next week.

Dark Reign continues to produce new titles for Marvel as the aftermath of Secret Invasion may have a bigger impact than the Skrulls actual attempt at infiltration (never count on a Skrull to do the job right). Anyway, with a bunch of premiere issues under the Dark Reign header this week the one that stuck out the most was Secret Warriors #1. Nick Fury is back, and he is just as nasty (an even more mysterious) than ever. Brian Michael Bendis plotted this one out with Jonathan Hickman who provided the actual words. Still, Bendis’ impact is felt on every page, especially the reveal on the last panel. Let me just quote the immortal Keanu Reeves, “whoa.” And what is it with Marvel books mastering the cliffhanger so made famous in part I of Star Trek The Next Generation “Best of Both Worlds” episode? Maybe someone at DC should steal a page from this playbook.

My fifth selection was a surprise even to me. I was actually wondering aloud if there was anyone enjoying this book when after I read this week’s issue I found myself in that group. Amazing Spider-Man #585 by Marc Guggenheim and John Romita Jr. finally started to answer some questions that have been around since Brand New Day commenced. And let me tell you, the answers might astound you (they sure did me). Joe Quesada has been saying to trust him with this story that it will pay off in the end, and I think I can see that light at the end of the tunnel. Not that I expect everything to be answered immediately, but this week was a good start. And most importantly, it seemed to make sense (to me). But you will need to be the judge.

Well, that is my five for the week. But as I stated earlier, I had actually picked out a total of 10 books to gush about. So in rapid fire succession, here is my “back” five; Buffy the Vampire Slayer #22 (Harmony’s new-found fame has no limits or effect on the Scoobies), Black Panther #1 (Doom vs. T’Challa, ’nuff said), Soul Kiss #1 (an interesting story from the folks at Image which I want to read more), Bang Tango #1 (the solicitation of this new Vertigo mini-series does not do the story justice. I think it may be a new guilty pleasure), and finally, Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk. I know, I know, this one came out so many years ago, but Damon Lindelof finally got around to finishing it and the first issue was so fun, if anyone actually remembers. Plus, it’s got Leinel Yu on art.

That’s it boys and girls, until next week, don’t forget to tip your baby sitter – Peace!

Captain Wednesday – Your Friendly Neighborhood Comic Dude