Past Due Reviews [3]

Marvels X #1 by Alex Ross, Jim Kreuger, Well-Bee

Synopsis (via Goodreads): David has a problem. He lives in a world of monsters that would love to devour him. He’s the last boy on Earth. The last human being on Earth. And these creatures that see him only as prey, they’re his former neighbors. He has one hope: to get to New York. To get to where Captain America and the rest of the heroes are. Alex Ross and Jim Krueger combine their abilities with artist Well-Bee to tell a very uncanny prequel to the legendary EARTH X trilogy.

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I started keeping track of my thoughts with a thread on Twitter, but decided to turn them into a post! Then I spent an hour making a graphic for A Handful of Reviews, since I stopped using Mini Reviews (they were never short, so it felt weird to call them Mini Reviews). What do you think?

The synopsis tells us that David is the last boy on Earth, but you wouldn't know that simply by reading the issue. He does say something about short people not lasting very long, and I thought he was referring to children, but it wasn't clear. I'm also not sure why the blurb says he's the last human being on Earth either... after the ending, that part is a little confusing. 

I do like David as a character, and feel like he's going to have a lot to offer the story, but he will likely travel down a dangerous path to get there. He doesn't think very highly of himself, but hopefully that will change once he realizes he's not as weak as he seems to believe. He's survived this long, right? I'm also very curious about his sister.

The story is about a virus that's taking over the world... wait... that sounds familiar... The main character already has an interesting backstory, and the author managed to be very thorough (but not overly so) in a single issue. Mrs. Tree is a fave, obvs. Overall, I thought this was an excellent start to the story, and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here. I have the second issue lined up for tonight, so fingers crossed it keeps holding my attention! (★★★★☆)

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Stranger Things: Into the Fire #1 by Jody Houser, Viktor Kalvachev, Ryan Kelly, Le Beau L. Underwood, Triona Farrell

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Years after escaping Hawkins Lab, two of Dr. Brenner's former subjects seek to live normal lives. When news reaches them that the lab was shut down, they go on a harrowing search for Nine, a powerful pyrokinetic whose shattered psyche threatens to burn them all to ashes if they can't find her and free her from her own malevolent imagination. ''I can say with certainty this book is well worth reading — it adds to the TV show in surprising and satisfying ways.'' -AiPT! A pyrokinetic Hawkins Lab subject! See the true effects of Dr. Brenner's meddling experiments.

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I haven't seen Stranger Things (although it's a show that I've been meaning to watch) but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to read something written by Houser. She wrote Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows, and it's one of my all-time favorites!

I really liked the setup for this story, but more background information would've been helpful in this first issue. Maybe more flashbacks to give me a better understanding of the characters? Honestly, I can't recall their names and I read it a few hours ago. I know one of the main characters is a twin, and she escaped a really bad experimental facility with someone else. I'm definitely interested, but it didn't grab me from the start. If you've watched the show, this issue might make more sense! (★★★☆☆)

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Star #1 by Kelly Thompson, Carmen Carnero, Javier Pina

Synopsis (via Goodreads): BORN OF THE REALITY STONE, THE BREAKOUT CHARACTER FROM CAPTAIN MARVEL FLIES SOLO! Ambitious reporter Ripley Ryan rocked New York City when she became the hero STAR, adored by everyone. But in truth she was Dr. Minerva’s attempt at a Kree-human Super-Soldier. Desperate for the strength to control her own destiny, she tried to kill Captain Marvel — and failed. Ripley was left, defeated and powerless, in the Raft...or so she thought. The Reality Stone has found her, and now no prison can hold her. You thought you knew what the Infinity Stones were capable of. Think again.

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I knew nothing about Star going into this one, but I can already tell she'll be a character that I like! Ripley isn't your standard superhero, and I was getting some pretty strong villain vibes. She's quick to anger, and then tries to inflict as much damage as possible (without considering the innocent people she'd hurt). I'm not sure how she ties into Captain Marvel, but we get a brief history of their interactions and how they've impacted what's happening now. I definitely want to know more about Ripley's past and where she came from, but I'm content with what was shared.

Thompson is an incredible writer, and one of my all-time favorites, so of course I'm reading Star. I thought the first issue was fantastic, and we see two of my favorites: Jessica Jones and Loki. I'm not sure what Loki was trying to do, or how he knew what he did, but I hope he sticks around. Stories are always more interesting when he's involved! (★★★★☆)

At the start of this issue, Ripley hadn't left her apartment for weeks, so it's already relatable! ;)

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Miles Morales: The End #1 by Saladin Ahmed, Rahzzah, Damion Scott

Synopsis (via Goodreads): THE FINAL MILES MORALES STORY! Humanity makes its last stand in the only place strong enough to survive: BROOKLYN. Former Spider-Man, Miles Morales, leads the last bastion of civilization into the future! Penned by MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN author SALADIN AHMED!

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I should have mentally prepared for this one. I mean, the title says The End, and the synopsis claims it's the final Miles Morales story, so I shouldn't have been so surprised, but I couldn't help hoping for the best. Miles always finds a way to survive, to make a bad situation flip in his favor, but gah. Ahmed really got me with this issue.

Miles was everything I know him to be, only older and wiser. He still cracks jokes, cares deeply about the people in his life, and is willing to give his all to make the world a better place. It was fun seeing him as an old man, and how his life had drastically changed due to MUTATED GERMS. All of my reading today has been pretty spot on with what's currently happening in the world.

I adore Miles as a character, and I love what the author has done with him (in the ongoing series and this single issue). His family is fantastically complicated, but the love is there. He has amazing friendships, and is just a really freaking awesome person. He's been through some terrible ordeals that had me sobbing, but he still fights for what's right. He's the hero everyone needs. (★★★★★)

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Jessica Jones: Blind Spot #1-4 by Kelly Thompson, Valerio Giangiordano, Mattia de Iulis

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Jessica Jones was once the costumed super hero known as Jewel. She sucked at it. Now she’s a private investigator at her own firm, Alias Investigations. She sucks less at that. With the Purple Man gone, her relationship with her husband, Luke Cage, and their daughter, Danielle, is better than ever. But her past always comes knocking, and when a woman whose case she fumbled winds up dead on her office floor, Jessica goes from private investigator to prime suspect. Can she find the real killer and clear her name? The critically acclaimed Marvel Digital Original series by Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis, released for the first time as a print miniseries!

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I am loving this! I'm bummed there are only 6 issues, because this should definitely be an ongoing series. Kelly Thompson mentioned being worried about following in the footsteps of the previous writer, but this is my favorite Jessica Jones ever. I enjoyed the television series, but Thompson has really made JJ stand out in a sea of endless comics. If they decide to restart the show, they should seriously consider bringing Thompson in for some all of the writing/storytelling, because this is by far the best portrayal of Jessica Jones I've seen.

Jessica is a PI, and her job isn't all that glamourous, but I think it suits her. However, this series hasn't really focused on the work JJ does, but something that's happening to her and other powerful women in the city. It's dark, gritty, and refreshing. The story is fan-fucking-tastic, and I love Jessica's dark sense of humor. I think the author nailed her personality and amplified all of her already awesome qualities.

I also love that Thompson is fond of crossovers in her comics! Kate Bishop made an appearance (All-New Hawkeye, West Coast Avengers) along with Elsa Bloodstone who showed up in Deadpool. In Star, JJ pops up unexpectedly, and it makes me so happy to see them outside of their individual comics.

This series has seriously gotten better and better! Jessica has an entire conversation with Elsa while battling sea monsters. It was gross, but also weirdly satisfying to observe. I definitely think those two deserve their own series! If you're looking for something new to read, make sure you pick this one up! (★★★★★)

Mini Reviews [27]

Daredevil (#1-4) by Chip Zdarsky, 

Marco Checchetto (Illustrator), 

Julian Tedesco (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): KNOW FEAR.

My husband loves Daredevil. I've lost track of how many times he's re-watched the series on Netflix, but I do know it's a ridiculous number. We watched the first two seasons together, and while I enjoyed it, it wasn't something I was itching to see again. However, when I discovered Chip Zdarsky was writing the new series, I was curious. I've really liked some of his other work, and wanted to see his version of the Devil of Hell's Kitchen. 

Zdarsky didn't disappoint! I'm already weirdly addicted to this darker version of Matt Murdock and what that means for future issues. Matt has been struggling with his identity and his place in the world for a while now, and I like that the author not-so-gently pushed him over an invisible line. Matt's going to face some hard truths, and who is more honest than Frank Castle? Honestly, I'm more partial to Frank's sense of justice, and I'm not sure what that says about me. It's hard to disagree with him when Matt fights the same enemies over and over again, and Frank only fights them once.

I'm curious what role Detective North will continue to play, since he seems to have issues with both Daredevil and Fisk. Also, Daredevil's attire at the end of the fourth issue was badass, and hopefully foreshadows an ever darker version of the Devil and what he's capable of. However, I disagree with his treatment of Frank after what Castle did for him. Jerk.

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Spider-Man: Life Story (#1-2) by Chip

Zdarsky, Mark Bagley (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In 1962, in AMAZING FANTASY #15, 15-year-old Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider and became the Amazing Spider-Man! Fifty-seven years have passed in the real world since that event — so what would have happened if the same amount of time passed for Peter as well? A special high-end limited series that’s a part of the celebration of Marvel’s 80th anniversary, SPIDER-MAN: LIFE STORY combines the talents of Chip Zdarsky (SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, MARVEL 2-IN-ONE) and Mark Bagley (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN) to tell the entire history of Spider-Man from beginning to end, set against the key events of the decades through which he lived! In this first oversized issue, when Flash Thompson is drafted to serve during the Vietnam War, Spidey must weigh the question of where his responsibility truly lies!

Clearly I'm on a Chip Zdarsky kick, and I'm totally okay with that! I've read the first two issues of Spider-Man: Life Story and really enjoyed them both. We get to see how Peter Parker would have reacted to problems over the span of a few decades. Does he join the war because he has powers and could really help, or does his involvement only perpetuate the problem? It was interesting to see Peter's moral dilemma as Spider-Man, and seeing him question himself made him even more relatable.

I've always liked Spider-Man, and I hate that his life has always been so hard and full of heartache. He's trying to live his life as Peter Parker, but also save people as Spider-Man, and sometimes one negatively impacts the other. I hate that happiness doesn't seem to last long for Peter, and Zdarsky makes that very apparent at the end of the second issue (this author likes to write dirty). Give Peter some love, Chip! You know he deserves it.

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Miles Morales: Spider-Man (#1-5) by

Saladin Ahmed, Javier Garron Illustrator),

Brian Stelfreeze (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Balancing his normal life, school, parents, etc…and super-heroing has never been easy, but when the Rhino and a cadre of mysterious criminals start plaguing Brooklyn, things take a dark turn. And Miles doesn’t even know the half of it yet. Eisner Award-winner Saladin Ahmed (BLACK BOLT) and Young Gun Javier Garrón (ANT-MAN & THE WASP) bring you the latest incarnation of the coolest character in the Marvel Universe!

Saladin Ahmed is a new favorite! His writing is phenomenal, and he's made Miles Morales completely relatable. He even manages to address real world problems within the comic, and it makes you really think about the world we live in. I know some people like to read to escape, but Ahmed makes it clear that you cannot avoid the hard realities happening all around us.

Miles is an amazing character that's dealing with school, friends, and even a love interest. He also has two parents that love and accept him and his secrets. They just want him to be happy and responsible. I like that they're being supportive, even though their child is constantly putting himself in danger. He's Spider-Man, and that isn't an easy life to live. Also, Miles may be a different version of Spider-Man, but they're both sarcastic and like to be witty when fighting bad guys.

Miles is your typical teenager, but with superpowers, so it's interesting to see how he chooses to handle problems. I really love everything they're doing with this comic and cannot wait to see what happens next!

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West Coast Avengers #10 by Kelly Thompson,

Gang Hyuk Lim (Illustrator), 

Moy R (Illustrator) *FT

Synopsis (via Goodreads): THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE BEAUTIFUL CONCLUDES! HAWKEYE and HAWKEYE lead the fight to save AMERICA CHAVEZ from a cult that believes she’s their prophesized chosen one who will lead them into the light — and also into victory — as they attempt a takeover of Los Angeles. But just as things look darkest, the team is joined by a mysterious and powerful new ally. Amid flying arrows and punching fists, relationships are both blossoming and being torn apart — what does it all mean for the future of the West Coast Avengers?!

Kelly Thompson is a goddess with brilliant ideas, and she knows how to tell a story. She weaves little threads that connect throughout a series, and now we'll never know what was going to happen with this one! I have so many questions about Kate's parents and Ramona's heritage. I wanted to see the relationships flourish or run their course. Despite the comic's untimely end, Thompson managed to leave this one on a high note with all the sarcasm and charm that I've come to love from these characters.

West Coast Avengers has been one of my all-time favorites, so I'm super bummed it was cancelled just like Thompson's All-New Hawkeye. Even though All-New Hawkeye ended in a positive place, there were still a lot of unanswered questions. However, the author managed to tie those loose ends into this new series, and things were going fantastically well! The team was growing, they had a place to call their own, and the characters were diverse and perfect. Gwenpool was back and as crazy as ever, both Hawkeyes were in this one (hell yes), and America was a fierce force to be reckoned with. I loved her relationship with Ramona. There were even siblings on the team! Seriously, this one had everything I wanted and I hate that it ended so soon after it started. Also, Jeff fighting vampires was the best! He was absolutely perfect for Gwen (and so was someone else...)!

The current arc was wrapped up, but it's clear Kate and crew had more adventures to go on. I look forward to seeing what Thompson does next, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that West Coast Avengers is brought back in the future (preferably the near future).