Comics

Amazing X-Men #2

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Amazing X-Men #2Although he narrates much of the story seen in the second issue of the new series, Nightcrawler himself is absent from all but the final panel of Amazing X-Men #2. Instead the comic focuses on Iceman, Firestar, and Storm trying to survive Hell and Northstar‘s sheer glee at getting to fight flying pirates in Heaven (where Wolverine runs into an old friend).

The image of Iceman literally freezing Hell over is humorous but I was a bit perplexed why Bobby was able to stave off the heat for so long (as he goes from nearly melting in a puddle to pushing his powers, even in the best conditions, far beyond their limits). Northstar’s joy at the absurdity of the situation he finds himself in is also amusing (even if I’ve never been much of a fan of the character).

Despite his voice commenting on actions and events he couldn’t possibly be witnessing, the comic is missing the character who the entire first arc of the series is named after on. Because of this the second issue isn’t as strong (or as interesting) as the first, but it’s still worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Fairest #21

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Fairest #21For two years, since learning of the upcoming Fables spin-off, this is the storyline I have been waiting for. My initial foray into the Fables Universe didn’t come through the main title but a pair of mini-series featuring Cinderella. I immediately fell in love with the princess turned spy and I have been patiently (well, mostly patiently) awaiting her first appearance in Fairest. The wait is over.

Attacks on the life of Snow White and Cinderella’s shop bring the two Fables together (after Cinderella extricates herself from a group of trolls involved in sex trafficking) for the first issue of the series’ latest arc. Fairest #21 gives both female leads an opportunity to kick some ass and get their hands dirty as I’m sure the following issues will delve deeper into who is targeting them, and why.

I love the choice of returning artist Shawn McManus to draw the character (as he did for both Cinderella: Fables are Forever and Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love) and I’m looking forward to see where he and writer Marc Andreyko take Cinderella from here. Best of the week.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

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Daredevil: Dark Nights #7

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Daredevil: Dark Nights #7Daredevil and Misty Knight‘s adventures continue as their helicopter gets shot down miles from Cuba on their way to track down the kingpin whose men kidnapped Matt Murdock’s latest client. Eventually the pair make it to land only to face new threats including the rocket-launcher-totting Carmen Averez and the kingpin’s soldiers.

The quips and sexual tension between the two characters continue throughout the issue (as does Misty’s disappointment about not having her way with the hero under the moonlight). There’s plenty of action as well and an important reveal Misty’s insight on their target which sets up next month’s final issue of both the arc and the anthology.

There are some fun moments here, but the issue is really used to set-up the various conflicts in next month’s finale. Although it hasn’t been as good as Mark Waid‘s run on the regular title, I’ve enjoyed seeing other writers and artists play with the character over the past few months in these isolated tales. For fans.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Guardians of the Galaxy #9

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Guardians of the Galaxy #9With Thanos‘ soldiers about to make Peter Quill, Rocket Raccoon, and Abigail Brand very dead the cavalry arrives, first in the forn of Angela followed by Groot and Drax giving their friends aboard S.W.O.R.D.‘s orbiting installation known as The Peak time to help the Avengers return to Earth (even if it does mean Star-Lord putting Carol Danvers on hold).

The issue also returns Gamora who decides abandoning her entire team to their likely deaths after she learned Peter Quill kept Thanos‘ survival from her may have been a bit of a miscalculation. Although that entire subplot felt hollow to me, it does allow Gamora to make one hell of an entrance.

Guardians of the Galaxy #9 leads directly into the the final issue of Infinity (which despite not reading I’ve still enjoyed these tie-in issues). It also reunites the whole team (well, I’m still waiting for Cosmo‘s return) and Angela moving forward with the post-Infinity clean-up you now will be coming. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Damian: Son of Batman #2

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Damian: Son of Batman #2Damian: Son of Batman #2 begins with explaining the confusing ending of the first issue as a criminal-killing Damian is confronted by his father (a man the comic had told us was dead). Long story short, the Batman that died was Dick Grayson and not the long-retired Bruce Wayne who shows up to give his son (who he apparently abandoned for weeks after Dick’s death) a beating that leaves the old man hospitalized.

The rest of the issue deals with Damian’s guilt over almost causing his father’s death, his vow to be the kind of hero both Bruce and Dick would be proud of, and donning his own version of the Bat-suit (as seen in Batman #666) to become the new Batman.

The confusion aside, the comic does give us Damian donning the costume for the “first” time, but the moment lacks any real gravitas (although I liked the “nice coat” comment the new Batman gets while jumping into action chasing a sighting of the Joker later in the issue). Andy Kubert delivers some moments, but the entire issue feels like a train wreck. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $3.99]

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