Biff Bam Pow Comics

By now, no doubt you will have heard the news that Michael Turner, creator of Fathom and founder of Aspen MLT, lost his battle with cancer at the age of 37, passing away three days ago on June 27th.

There truly aren’t words to express how much Michael will be missed by those who knew him, and his many fans across the globe. It’s truly saddening to know that he won’t be popping up in future DC books, or sneaking onto a new Marvel front cover.

He will be greatly missed.

Ok, ok, ok - this isn’t exactly comic book related news, but I’ll crowbar it in on the flimsy pretense that whatever happens to David Tennant next Saturday might impact on the excellent Doctor Who comic.

Now - that being said, let me throw my ten pence into the hat as to what I think is going to happen next week…

***POTENTIALLY MAJOR SPOILER ON THE OFFCHANCE ITS RIGHT***

David Tennant is going to regenerate into Neil Morrissey, only for him to come right back when his hand grows itself a new body. That’s right - I think that David’s going to be sticking around for a little while, but I also think that we’ll be getting a new Doctor too.

And what do I base all of this on? Well, the past rumour mill flying about around David Tennant’s departure, the fact that Neil Morrissey is alongside our current 10th doctor in the Christmas special, and a general ‘gut feeling’ about the hand…

Oh - and one more thing. If you watched the ‘Doctor Who Confidential’ episode that followed Saturday’s cliffhanger, you might have noticed one Mickey loitering in the background of a readthrough. Oh - and a promo picture of him, along with Rose’s mother, and the rest of the cast (above).

Thoughts anyone?

Well crikey. I didn’t see that one coming.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Isn’t it interesting, how easily some heroes can give in to temptation, despite numerous encounters that should have educated them otherwise. Although, to be fair - sometimes… Sometimes I completely understand why heroes give in. Just like I completely understood why Nightwing (or ‘Dick’) did what he did with Starfire on page 13.

Lucky bugger. Bet Animal Man is a little jealous right about now.

Now - that aside, this issue is a nice return to form for Judd Winick and Joe Benitez after the slightly limp-wristed affair that was Titans issue two. The nice reveal of Trigon’s three children (which I’ll nickname Rage, Envy and Lust) at the end of the book gives a nice lead in to another episode of what might be one of those ‘classic Titans’ storylines.

Happily - this issue is very much worth picking up.

Pete’s Score: 4 out of 5
(thoroughly enjoyable - recommended all the way)

Wow. What a stark difference to Final Crisis issue two.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Finally, Brian Michael Bendis has given us what we’ve all been crying out for - what happened to Spider-Woman, and what she’s been upto since she became all Skrull-tastic.

To say that this issue has some surprising moments (the Skrulls’ three main priorities for example) is an understatement. Jim Cheung effortlessly portrays some amazing moments, and some truly man-tastic scenes (naked Jessica Drew on a table).

Unsurprisingly - this is the best book in the Secret Invasion saga thusfar.

Pete’s Score: 5 out of 5
(if you’re looking for a good jumping on point to the Marvel Universe, and / or Secret Invasion - this is it)

So, here it is - another review that probably won’t win me any fans.

***MAJOR SPOILER ALERT***

This book is a bit of a mixed bag. Actually, it’s not just a mixed bag. It’s a bag of s&@t. I’m sorry - major things happened in this issue - Batman got caputred by Granny Goodness’ new incarnation, the Martian Manhunter had a send off, the Daily Planet got bombed (and Lois was very much in the middle of it), oh and Barry Allen came back - and it was a complete letdown.

Barry frickin’ Allen came back. And you know what - it was probably the most underwhelming comback ever. For something that should have gripped me from the word go, trapping me in its steely little teeth - issue two was just a waste. I’m stunned to say that I actually preferred issue one more.

In a word - “avoid”.

Pete’s Score: 2 out of 5
(pick it up only if you want to see Barry Allen’s return - otherwise, wait for the graphic novel)

So this month’s UK issue of Edge (191) has an interesting cover story… DC Universe Online - a new MMO!

Edge’s preview gives details of the new PS3 / PC game, detailing how users will be able to create their own superhero or supervillain (much akin to City Of Heroes / City of Villains), and have them interact with the DCU around them. Sadly, players are unable to pick any of the existing heroes out there (which is a damn shame - can you imagine being a Greent Lantern?!?), but the heavy hitters will be appearing throughout your ‘missions’.

Most interestingly however, it appears that there might be plans for future DC crossovers (and individual storylines) to tie-in to the game.

Now if only someone would de-shelve the Marvel Universe Online project - everything would be right in the world…

What a great book. Since the start of Secret Invasion, there’s been a big old ‘how did Henry Pym get swapped for a Skrull’ question looming - and now, finally, its being answered.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Cast your minds back right to the dawn of the New Avengers, somewhere around the ‘Breakout’ storyline. Dr Pym is a lecturer on advanced genetic analysis, and his eyes fall on a girl… Janet and Henry break up, and naturally, our good Dr Pym runs to said woman’s arms, only to learn (much later down the line), that he ran to a Skrull…

As you might expect, Bendis does a truly fantastic job on the script. He interweaves plot moments from past issues of The New / Mighty Avengers effortlessly, and showcasing the more sinister intent of Henry, as he has been drifting through storylines almost unnoticed.

John Romita Jr (in partnership with Klaus Janson and Tom Palmer) does nothing less than you would expect in delivering a truly brilliant book, including a particularly grim moment in a student bedroom (you’ll know it when you see it).

Event in its spinoffs - Secret Invasion isn’t stopping to take a breath. It’s just ploughing on - creating quality all the way.

Pete’s Score: 4 out of 5
(very very very close to being a full score - thoroughly recommended in every sense) 

You’ve got to love Wednesdays. It’s the middle of the week, there are only two more days of work left, meaning that there’s 48 hours until the weekend and you get yourself a brand new web comic to browse through.

This week - Subnormality by ‘Winston Roundtree‘ (not his real name) is under the spotlight, which has been a regular feature on Drunk Duck since late 2007, and more importantly, part of ‘Winston’s’ very own website - Virus Comix.

Subnormality, is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin - lots of nonsense, far away from the norm, jam packed full of surreal commentary, all of which - is thoroughly enjoying through and through. ‘Winston’ shows some clear influences from underground comics (and Robert Crumb’s work in particular), which manages to give the strip a brilliant ‘polished but rough round the edges’ feel.

Strips especially worth of comment are: Irony Detector, Opposite World, Alternate Reality, About the Author and Perspective Man - check out ‘Winston’s’ Subnormality, by clicking here!

Firstly, if you’ve read my last Incredible Hercules review, you’ll already know that I’m pretty impressed with how the series has been going so far. But how does issue 118 shape up?

***SPOILER ALERT***

Pretty damn bloody well, that’s how!

Happily, Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente don’t show any signs of letting their excellent storytelling up, ensuring that issue 118 delivers some of their best scriptwork to date. Rafa Sandoval once again pencils the issue beautifully showcasing some truly amazing twists and turns as Herc’s rag tag team travel through the dreamland, encountering a pretty crafty Nightmare…

Now, you might have noticed that this review is a little bit short. And, to be honest, there’s a reason for that. This book has a truly fantastic Secret Invasion moment in it - a true surprise that is genuinely brilliant. And if I made this review any bigger… Well, I’d be tempted to let you know what it is.

Take my word for it - pick this book up.

Pete’s Score: 4 out of 5
(a brilliant continuation of the Sacred Invasion, with a truly killer twist) 

Okay! A nice quick post, because a friend I haven’t seen in a couple of years is unexpectedly dropping over!

(I meant to post this when I got it at the weekend)

(I’ll be there - will you?)