The Siege #1 (of 4)

I really, really want this mini-series to be good.

That's mostly because I'm really, really tired of the never-ending series of mega-events in the Marvel Universe (nor are you without sin, DC), and I'm even more tired of the interminable Dark Reign storyline.

The Siege has a lot going for it. It's supposedly the big wrap-up to seven years of big events. We will presumably see Norman Osborn and the Dark Avengers get what they have coming to them.

And the comic has a terrific creative team. Writing it is Brian Bendis, who has shown a lot of skill when it comes to these big events. Drawing it is Olivier Coipel (with Mark Morales inking and Laura Martin on colors), and his work has carried Thor to new heights. His work here is also excellent.

So how is the story so far? Well, it's... OK.

Of course, the first issue is all set-up. Urged on by Loki, Norman decides it's time to attack Asgard, and Loki provides the reason, as Volstagg is attacked by the U-Foes.

The story immediately goes way over the top, as the attack ends with a massive explosion in Soldier Field (the home field of my beloved Chicago Bears) - apparently during a game, which means we may have witnessed the death (or mutilation at least) of about 60,000 people - 20 times the number killed (in the real world) on Sept. 11, 2001!

The comic almost jumps the tracks there for me - it's just a heinous act and too horrible to be a throw-away scene. For me, I guess, it's still too soon for that sort of thing.

The rest of the story details the attack by Osborn and his evil cohorts on Asgard, which seems virtually defenseless against them. The Asgard of Lee and Kirby wouldn't put up with this out of any number of super-villains. I'm just sayin' is all.

Anyway, the story succeeds in amping up the scale of the good guy / bad guy conflict at the heart of the Dark Reign, and I'm certainly anxious to see the next issue - especially after the (somewhat odd) cliffhanger here.

And Bendis - don't screw this up. Please.

Grade: B+

The New Avengers #60

Last issue ended with a heck of a cliffhanger, as the readers learned that the just-rescued Luke Cage had some kind of tiny technological device planted on his heart - but the Avengers gathered around him were oblivious.

This issue tells the story of what happens next, and it's a tense tale that keeps the reader on edge throughout. To say more would give away too much, but it's a strong tale (even though there's not a lot of action on display) and it sets up the next big series event, Siege, which looks very promising indeed.

The dialogue is the usual sharp Brian Bendis wordplay (although I could have done without one joke that was in poor taste), and the story includes more than its share of surprises.

The art by Stuart Immonen is quite good - in fact, I'd say his style seems to be more raw, stark and powerful for this series, and it works very well on this title.

From here it's on the the next big event, which we can only hope will end in some kind of actual resolution, instead of merely bridging into the next big series.

It's not easy to be optimistic, since House of M, Civil War and Secret Invasion all led into the next event - but here's hoping.

Grade: B+

The New Avengers Annual #3

Hey, the Lady Liberators are back! Well, sorta.

That team made up of only female heroes appeared in an issue of The Avengers back in the day, and aside from a quick appearance here or there, hasn't been seen since. (Which is a shame, because it always seemed like a good idea.)

Well, they're not really back here, either - at least not by name. This story in the New Avengers Annual immediately follows New Avengers: The List, wherein Ronin (Clint Barton, the original Hawkeye) decides to kill Norman Osborn, and sadly doesn't succeed.

This story picks up with the rescue attempt immediately following, but only the female Avengers happen to be around, so they go solo with the help of Jessica Jones, who makes a rare appearance in her super-hero costume (and fits in it quite well, considering she had a baby not long ago).

The story's pretty much down and dirty, with little wasted time or the patented Brian Bendis pages of talking heads delivering clever conversation. It's a fun, fast-paced story, with a surprise ending that should provide a jolt or two.

I really like the art by Mike Mayhew, with color art by Andy Troy. It's a lush, painterly look that works very well - although one page where Spider-Woman is clinging to the wall looks odd - maybe she's supposed to be floating in the air instead?

But that's a minor quibble - most of the art (especially during Ronin's escape attempt) is outstanding.

The comic also reinforces the coming end of the Dark Reign story (thank goodness).

Hey, maybe they'll have room for that Lady Liberators comic now!

Grade: B+

Siege: The Cabal #1 (One-Shot)

Finally we're at the inevitable story about the collapse of The Cabal - Norman Osborn's "secret" organization of super-villains - and the beginning of the next mega-event, The Siege.

About which I can only say: it's about time! The whole Dark Reign storyline has been going on far too long (over a year), and it's time to give Osborn a vacation.

But don't expect it to happen soon - judging by the checklist in the back of the book, this is a story that won't be wrapped up until next Summer. But it promises to be an eventful Spring.

In this issue we see the beginning of the break-up, as Osborn and Dr. Doom have (shall we say) a disagreement. We get another glimpse of Osborn's mysterious "enforcer," a new look for Loki (he's a male again), and a new member joins the Cabal.

As set-ups go, this isn't bad. It's the usual solid story from Brian Bendis, setting up some major conflicts ahead. There's also some powerful storytelling from penciler Michael Lark, with several impressive battle pages.

It may just be relief at seeing the story move forward, and it's too soon to render any judgments, but The Siege is off to a promising start.

Grade: B+

Dark Avengers #11

This book has really taken a turn for the strange, although it's still a darned interesting read.

Following up on last issue's events, the Dark Avengers find themselves facing one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe.

The Molecule Man has only been seen sporadically since the long-ago Secret Wars, but his name has been offered by many as the possible identity of the mysterious character Norman Osborn used to keep Dr. Doom, Loki, Namor and Emma Frost in line.

Just for fun, other candidates for that mysterious role also appear in this issue (although presumably they're not the genuine article), including The Beyonder and Mephisto.

The issue offers some background on Osborn's assistant, Victoria Hand, but most of the book is turned over to a surreal trip through the Molecule Man's thoughts, as he confronts each member of the Dark Avengers.

With the Dark Reign apparently winding down, it'll be interesting to see where this goes after the odd ending.

As always, Mike Deodato is doing amazing work here, and the weird storyline gives him lots of room to flex his artistic muscles. The issue also features several pages of outstanding additional art by painter Greg Horn.

I'm not sure where writer Brian Bendis is going from here, but he has lots of storylines to resolve. Whatever happened to Captain Marvel? And the Sentry's wife? And what was going on with Osborn a few issues back?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Grade: B+

The New Avengers #58

Marvel seems to have a problem with its covers.

See that one on the right? That scene doesn't happen in this issue of the New Avengers. It might happen next issue, and it might not.

Some would call this false advertising, and it seems to be happening a lot to Marvel's books lately. I have no idea if it's a scheduling problem or just miscommunication with the artists. Or maybe they just don't care.

And it's not that there aren't dramatic scenes inside the comic to draw on - there just isn't a dramatic scene that includes The Hood. He does take part in a peppy one-page conversation, though.

So what does happen in this comic? Well, we have a story about Luke Cage, who's near death after being hit by a power drainer last issue. To get the medical treatment he needs, he surrenders to the Dark Avengers, which indicates just how dire his situation is.

At the same time there's a short but sweet battle between the New and the Dark teams, and a fun confrontation between the evil Ms. Marvel and the Night Nurse. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

A tight script by Brian Bendis, and excellent art by Stuart Immonen, although I'm not sure Dave McCaig's colors are the right match - some of the dark color designs don't seem to be matching up well.

I'm still holding out hope that we're getting near the end of the Dark Reign story - it's been a good run, but it's overstayed its welcome.

Oh, and Marvel - try to get that cover problem worked out, willya?

Grade: B+

The Invincible Iron Man #19

Here we reach the finish of a darn good series called "World's Most Wanted," as Tony finally reaches the end of the line.

He's been on the run since the beginning of the Dark Reign, trying to stay out of the reach of Norman Osborn and H.A.M.M.E.R. (hilariously, they still haven't told us what those letters stand for).

With this issue, the Invincible Iron Man faces his final confrontation with Osborn (the Iron Patriot), and it's a fight he may not walk away from.

The series has worked on many different levels. At its most basic, it's been fun to watch Iron Man face off against an assortment of opponents, using most of his former armored incarnations in the process.

It's been tragic to watch as Tony Stark's mind has slipped away, since it's his genius that's his only real superpower. It's also taken away his personality, and it's been tough to watch him break apart piece by piece.

So the question that remains is, how can the pieces be brought back together? We'll have to wait 'til next month for the answer to that (though we have some delicious hints this time around).

As always, fantastic writing by Matt Fraction, and equally amazing art from Salvador Larroca. We can only hope this team stays on this book for a good long time - Iron Man has rarely been better.

Grade: A-

Dark Avengers #10

In reading this comic I'm not sure if I've just missed some story points along the way (I don't read all the Dark Reign-based comics, so it's possible) or perhaps writer Brian Bendis is just working extra hard at making the life of the Dark Avengers a strange one.

For example, in this issue we see the team speed off to tackle a new, mysterious menace. Leading the way is the Sentry, who I'd swear got "killed" last issue (of course, it's happened to him more than once so far in this series, and he's still around).

The new Captain Marvel disappeared several issues ago and hasn't been seen since (though we have seen his alien pistol in action - see the "death" of the Sentry).

Norman Osborn was having some kind of problem while trapped in his lab last issue - but this issue, he "seems" to be back to normal (whatever that is).

Meanwhile, Ms. Marvel is making sultry eyes at one of her teammates, and Ares gets to dismember a well-known Marvel character from the '70s.

The art, as always is fantastic. Mike Deodato is in his element here, whether drawing the interior of a country diner or a close-up of those previously-mentioned sultry looks.

This issue feels like the moment in a video game where you face off against a big boss, and that seems to be what the team is up against. The group seems to be breaking apart from the inside out - and by the time this story is over, they may be broken on the outside, too.

And strangely, that's what I'm looking forward to - seeing this team crash and burn. Or at least make a bit more sense.

Grade: B+

Dark Reign: The List: X-Men #1 (One Shot)

One of the artists on the short list of "someone whose work I'll buy no matter what comic it's in" is Alan Davis.

I've always liked his artwork - it's powerful but clean, dynamic and fresh. He tells the story clearly, but always with an original take and a style that's very much his own. There are some influences in there - some Neal Adams, some John Byrne, a little Dave Cockrum, some Brian Bolland - but he's really blazing his own trail by now, and his work is a strong as ever.

And one of the things I really like about his work is that each character is unique. Too many artists can only draw one body type, and they just change the costume or the hair. Davis' characters are all different - Iceman is slim, Wolverine short and stocky, Namor is regal, and Osborn radiates evil.

He's also a heck of a good writer (as evidenced by the sadly unappreciated comic Clandestine, among others). Here he's teamed up with Matt Fraction, who's no slouch himself.

But this story is a mighty thin one, as Norman Osborn decides to get his revenge on Namor and Emma Frost by sending a monster against the Atlanteans and the X-Men.

This issue could just as easily have been titled Sub-Mariner, since he's really the star this time around. Not that I'm complaining - one of the things I like about the Dark Reign books is the return of Namor to the spotlight. That's long overdue.

So the issue's not much more than a big battle between the heroes and the monster, with some posing and threats passed around between Osborn and Namor. I'm not really sure why this merited a special issue (other than the chance to score another $3.99 from the fans).

But my, the art sure is nice.

Grade: B-

Dark Avengers / Uncanny X-Men: Exodus #1 (One Shot)

This was an issue picked up on impulse, since I haven't picked up any of the other comics in this mini-series except for the regular issues of Uncanny X-Men.

Frankly, this looked like one of those crossover stories that were simply an attempt to make you buy a bunch of comics in order to get the whole story. Being naturally hard-headed, I decided to ditch the whole thing, except for the X-Men issues.

But when I saw that this Exodus wrap-up issue was drawn by Mike Deodato and Terry and Rachel Dodson, I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did!

As expected, the art is terrific, as each artist handles his or her own team (for the most part), and though their styles are very different, they actually work together well here.

While I'm tired of the whole Dark Reign / Dark Avengers thing, I did enjoy the knock-down, drag-out fight between the Dark and the mutant forces and the cat-and-mouse game between Cyclops and Norman Osborn.

You know, it occurs to me that Marvel made its name by providing lots of action in their comics, but they seem to have moved away from that to some degree in recent years. Maybe it's just me. But I think I enjoyed this issue because it was action-packed, and thus a throwback to Marvel's days of yesteryear.

Even more surprising is the fact that the issue actually makes significant changes in the lives of the X-Men, although it may also have them boxed into a corner. It'll be interesting to see where they go from here.

So I enjoyed this issue and I recommend it, despite my dislike for this kind of crossover. I know, I'm fickle.

Grade: A-

Dark Reign: The List: Avengers #1 (One Shot)

You know, I really wasn't planning to buy any of The List comics.

This mini-series of stories within the Dark Reign circle just seemed like another way to milk more sales out of a storyline that's really fading fast (at least in terms of my interest in it).

For cryin' out loud, Norman Osborn is the bad guy in every single issue Marvel has on the stands. If that's not overkill, what is?

The Dark Avengers have become the equivalent of bop bags - knock 'em down, and don't worry, they'll pop right back into place by the next issue. We've seen Hawkeye/Bullseye shot and stabbed repeatedly, the same for Dark Wolverine, Venom is shot, dropped into a bottomless cave, and he pops right back. Ares, Sentry and Ms. Marvel/Moonstone are more or less invulnerable. The point being, it's hard to care much when nothing that happens to them is going to stick.

So why did I buy this comic? Simple - Brian Bendis wrote it, and he's pretty darn reliable about these things. This issue provides a good mix of his usual sharp dialogue and lots of action sequences.

The concept of the series is simple enough: Osborn is making a list of the things he needs to do while he's running the country. He talks about the need for a plan - but nothing else that happens in the comic comes about because of his planning.

The art is by Marko Djurdjevic and Mark Morales, and it's quite good - dark, moody and intense.

The art is the best reason to pick up this issue. The story's not bad, but like so many of the stories in this series, it just seems to be marking time and holding everything in place.

Looking ahead, it may be difficult to pass up the other seven issues in this series, because they feature some outstanding talent, including Alan Davis, John Romita, Jr. and Adam Kubert.

But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel - the last issue shows up in November, so maybe the Dark Reign will wrap up by the end of the year.

Here's hoping.

Grade: B

The Invincible Iron Man #17

Back when I was in Junior High School we read a "controversial" book for English class.

It was Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, and what really amazed me about it was the fact that they were letting us read a science fiction story (though it took place in a real world setting). Of course, those of us in the class also liked the "naughty" pages and would eagerly report on which pages to check out.

It told the story of a man whose limited intelligence is boosted by a revolutionary experiment - but (mild spoiler warning here) the tragedy is, the effect isn't permanent, and we see his mind start to slip away from him.

That's the tragic story unfolding right now in Invincible Iron Man, as Tony Stark continues the drastic step of purging his brain to keep Norman Osborn from getting his hands on key information about the heroes of the world.

As a result, Tony is losing his intelligence - and since that is his true superpower, it leaves him in a bad way while he continues to run across the globe, trying to elude Osborn's agents.

It's a interesting story by Matt Fraction, if difficult to watch - especially with this issue, as the effects become more pronounced. It has been fun to watch Tony moving backwards through his Iron Man armor, working from today's most advanced version through earlier, more simple models. (He keeps having to change suits because they keep getting smashed up by assorted enemies.)

The art, I should add, continues to be outstanding, as Salvador Larroca does some great work here with the big events and the small personal moments.

While I wasn't looking this comic earned an Eisner Award for Best New Series, and I can't argue with that - this run has captured the essence of what made the movie so good and puts it on the printed page. Recommended!

Grade: A-

Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #5 (of 5)

This mini-series is, for all intents and purposes, something of an introduction to the Fantastic Four as written by Jonathan Hickman, and as such it's reasonably promising.

He seems to have a good grip on the characters, and a proper sense of what the team is all about. The mini-series features some big ideas, with just enough Norman Osborn content added to justify the Dark Reign title.

This issue wraps up Reed's investigation into events in parallel worlds, to see what he could have done differently to avert the Civil War / Secret Invasion.

While he's playing with his trans-dimensional tinker toys, the rest of the FF are dealing with journeys through other dimensions, and the children - Franklin and Valeria - are left to face down Osborn, Venom and a HAMMER army.

(By the way, it's hilarious that they still haven't said what HAMMER stands for - so it's time for another guess: Heavily Armored Military Metahuman Emergency Resource.)

The art is by Sean Chen and Lorenzo Ruggiero, and it's solid, professional work - nothing too flashy, but some good clean storytelling here.

As a stand-alone mini-series this was an OK effort, but it works much better as a set-up for what Reed and family are going to do next. Now that's a story I'm looking forward to.

Grade: B-

Dark Avengers #6

This is a comic that leaves me wondering, what the heck is going on?

The cover to Dark Avengers depicts a scene that doesn't happen in the comic - but presumably it happens in the next issue.

That's incredibly sloppy and hardly fair to the readers.

Instead, we have a Sentry-centric issue which begs the question, why does Norman Osborn need the rest of the team?

As always, great artwork, but terribly thin on the story side.

Grade: C+

Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #3 (of 5)

New Comic Day falls on Thursday this week, so here's one more review from last week's comics, and it's sort of a preview of what we can expect in the near future for the Fantastic Four.

That's because this issue is written by Jonathan Hickman, who's taking over the scripting chores on the regular title when Mark Millar moves on in a few months.

This comic, drawn ably by Sean Chen, has three stories running at the same time.

First we have Reed Richards exploring alternate realities to see how the creation of the Illuminati, the Civil War and the Secret Invasion might have played out if events had been different.

The second story follows Sue, Ben and Johnny as they also tumble through alternate realities, meeting their doubles on those worlds.

The third story focuses on the children, Franklin and Valeria, who find themselves alone in the Baxter Building and facing an invasion that relates directly to the Dark Reign.

So far, the first storyline is quite good, the second one is mostly silly, and the third one pretty entertaining.

So it's a fair mix so far, and reasonably encouraging for the future FF. But we'll reserve judgment until we see how it all plays out.

Grade: B

Dark Reign: The Cabal #1

It's difficult to write a good villain.

A good villain is one who's interesting, intelligent and driven. You can scarcely take your eye off them, because you can't wait to see what they do next. They can be somewhat sympathetic because of the events that made them into a villain, but you should never actually sympathize with them. But it's ok to understand what makes them the way they are.

So that's what this issue is all about - five interesting, driven villains (though at least two of them should be categorized as "hero / villains") and what makes them tick. And in Dark Reign: The Cabal, you get a look inside the mind of each member of that group.

So we see what dark plans Dr. Doom dreams about. You get a glimpse at the survival instincts of Emma Frost. A dark secret hidden under The Hood. The Sub-Mariner makes a fateful decision. And Loki sits down to a poisonous dinner.

The stories (each by a different writer) are all well-written and the art (each by a different artist) is quite good - dark and moody.

But even though all the pieces are well done, this isn't a comic for everyone. If you haven't been following the Dark Reign storyline, you probably won't care about the machinations of the five members of the Cabal.

However, if you're a fan of that series, then you'll probably want to pick this up for an interesting glimpse between the lines.

Or, as Stan Lee would say: "Bring on the Bad Guys!"

Grade: B-

Dark Reign: New Nation #1 (One Shot)

Everyone has their own opinion about the just-completed Secret Invasion mini-series. I liked most of it, though there were some problems along the way.

But one thing's for sure - in the aftermath, we're getting some interesting new titles. And this comic, Dark Reign: New Nation, is promoting those new titles.

Included herein are previews of:

- Secret Warriors, which stars Nick Fury and a bunch of characters you've barely heard of. But the advance word on the series is good, and this 8-page story is not bad. Of course, I'd buy almost any comic that featured Fury.

- Agents of Atlas, which is the follow-up to the outstanding mini-series. This story shows the team making new enemies in an unexpected way.

- War Machine, with Rhodey again donning the ridiculously-weighed-down-with-armament knock-off of Iron Man's armor. Is grim 'n gritty back in style again?

- Skull Kill Krew, a comic I've never read, but it's not hard to figure out their mission in life.

- New Avengers: The Reunion, which gives us a glimpse of the attempts by Bobbi Morse (Mockingbird) and Clint Barton (Hawkeye) to put the pieces of their lives back together.

All in all, not a bad issue - but I'm not sure it's worth the hefty $3.99 price tag. Still, nice art, some fun and interesting (if terribly brief) stories - you could do worse.

Grade: B

Secret Invasion: Dark Reign #1 (One Shot)

You have to give Brian Bendis credit - his books almost always arrive at the shops on time and in great numbers. I admire that.

The quality of this particular book is somewhat more in question. It's a one-shot afterword to Secret Invasion, and a prelude to the Dark Reign story that will affect the Avengers and, presumably, other comics, too. (Though to Marvel's credit, if I understand correctly, there will not be a "Dark Reign" mini-series - it's just the title to a storyline. Bravo!)

So this "One Shot" brings us up to speed as we see the first meeting between the Evil Illuminati, who are gathering up the reins of power in the aftermath of the Secret Invasion.

The group is led by - of all people - Norman (Green Goblin) Osborn, who's been given control of SHIELD (which is being rebooted), Homeland Security, the Avengers, the Initiative and some other hero hangouts I've probably forgotten.

The other members of the group are Dr. Doom (who seems to be humoring the rest of them), Loki (who's now a beautiful and scheming female), The Hood (whose star is on the rise), Namor (who's back to his anti-hero roots, apparently), and Emma Frost (on loan from the X-Men).

It's a trademark Bendis issue, as the group meets, has an intense and meaningful discussion, and then goes its separate ways. It may not sound like much, but it lays the foundation of some serious conflict to come.

The art is by Alex Maleev with colors by Dean White, and their dark and moody style is a perfect match for this murky tale of evil on the rise. My only complaint is the depiction of Namor, who doesn't really look anything like the noble son of Atlantis.

But that's a minor complaint in an issue that features some of Marvel's heaviest hitters, a complete change in the status quo, and more than a few mysteries.

I'm not completely sold on this story yet, but I'm ready to believe it just might work.

Grade: B+