Comics

FF #9

FF #9The Future Foundation is invited to a pool party by an alien who once impersonated Julius Caesar. So.. it must be a Wednesday? It’s been awhile since I picked up Matt Fraction and Mike Allred’s take on the those the Fantastic Four left behind. Still wacky, the latest issue offers the team of She-HulkMedusaMs. Thing, and Scott Lang their chance to save the original Fantastic Four as well as the opportunity for tiny super-villain Bentley 23 to put together his first documentary masterpiece.

Light and fun, I enjoyed FF #9 in the same way I occasionally like cotton candy, but much like the first couple issues of the series I came away wanting something a little more substantial (or even more zany). I really want to like the comic more than I do, but I’m not sure this will ever be more for me than a world I give a peak into every six months or so (especially if the tone of comic is going to shift more from the wackiness of the various children to the adventures of the grown-ups – although this would also finally give She-Hulk something substantial to do). For fans.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Transformers: Regeneration One #93

Transformers: Regeneration One #93As Hot Rod and the Dinobots continue their descent into the bowels of Cybertron, Soundwave has successfully neutralized the Autobots’ early warning defenses allowing the Ark to make its way into Cybertron’s orbit undetected. Of course in a ship containing Galvatron, Starscream, and Shockwave the chance for last-second mutiny is a pretty good bet.

Although Shockwave and Starscream’s teased partnership to get rid of Galvatron has been slow boiling for months, here it comes to fruition as Galvatron finds himself attacked and then forcibly ejected out a hatch in Cyberton’s atmosphere. Meanwhile Hot and and the Dinobots find more than they were expecting including Grimlock‘s body which has been possessed by the spirit of Primus.

There’s a lot going on in this issue including several characters reverting to form as, despite the last-minute betrayal, Galvatron has finally made it back home. We also get cameoes from Optimus Prime, Prowl, Kup, the Aerialbots, and Ultra Magnus. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

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Red Sonja #1

Red Sonja #1Red Sonja is a hard character to get right. Much like with Thor or Wonder Woman, writers can often get bogged down in the mythology and miss the sheer kick-assery and fun inherent to the character. Although I don’t think this first issue of the new series is great, Gail Simone gets the character better than most and there’s certainly enough here for me come back to see where things go from here.

The comic begins with the armies of King Dimath’s victory over Zamora and the freeing of two female gladiators kept in the dungeons, one of whom is quite distinguishable for her bright red hair. Months later Red Sonja is summoned back to Dimath whose lands are being hit by both plague and a bloodthirsty enemy ready to overwhelm his empire.

Although you don’t expect the comic to start off with Sonja as the victim, the set-up provides ample insensitive for the She-Devil with a Sword to fight to the death for an impossible cause. Walter Geovani has drawn the character before and his art fits the tone of Simone’s new tale.

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Nova #6

Nova #6Nova #6 marks Sam‘s return home from his battle with Titus and fighting the Phoenix Force with the Avengers (which the comic alludes to but doesn’t explain for those of us not reading whatever Avengers title this took place in). With an offer to join the Avengers and a new personal relationship with Thor, Nova returns home to a very concerned mother, school bullies, and the consequences of leaving his life behind for weeks at a time.

Zeb Wells does a pretty job stepping in for Jeph Loeb and keeping the tone and humor of the title consistent with the previous issues. Although I like Paco Medina’s art (even if Sam appears to be a tad bit older for some reason) I’m definitely going to miss Ed McGuinness whose work on the first arc of the series did quite a bit to sell me on the character.

There’s some nice moments here between Sam and his mother as well as the foreshadowing of just how screwed up the young man’s life will become the longer he plays super-hero. It’s a nice issue, but it’s certainly not a must-read. For fans.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Supergirl #22

Supergirl #22With Krypton gone and her place on Earth uncertain, Kara searches for a new safe harbor while still feeling the effects of the Kryptonite poisoning that is slowly killing her. This leads her to I’noxia, a planet of near infinite possibilities which can recreate anything based on a person’s memories – even Krypton.

Although Kara has mixed feelings at bringing her home, mother, and friends back to life with a simple thought she has to admit to feeling at peace for the first time since leaving Krypton. However, she soon discovers what the Cyborg-Superman wants in return for her shiny new life and must admit she’s got pretty bad taste is men (especially those offering her a return to her homeworld).

Whereas most of New 52 Superman titles still feel a bit off as the character on display still hasn’t grown into the iconic Man of Steel, I’ve enjoyed the Supergirl issues I’ve read. They haven’t quite grabbed my attention to add it to my pull-list every month, but in the gritty New 52 Kara’s humor, self-deprecation, and willingness to not take herself too seriously is a welcome salve. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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