The Back Stack: July 4, 2012

Happy Fourth of July to all American viewers and welcome all to The Back Stack!

I’ll keep the fluff to a minimum this week.  I’ve made the decision to drop Deadpool, Journey Into Mystery, and Supergirl.  They were okay, but I’m on a budget and have to manage my comic purchases accordingly.  Deadpool and Supergirl were just average to under par.  Journey Into Mystery was too much of a bore with the only redeeming quality being its gorgeous artwork.  So, no, you won’t be seeing those three around.  More drops to potentially follow if the holding pattern holds true, particularly from DC.

Anyway, as always, SPOILER  ALERT!

Amazing Spider-Man #688 starts the new story arc, and rather abruptly if you missed the last issue of Avenging Spider-Man which unofficially closed out Ends of the Earth.  It’s a bit of a downer that the conclusion didn’t happen in the main Spider-Man book.  But, I digress.  This issue starts Spider-Man’s decision to finally stop The Lizard and he enlists the help of Michael Morbius, the Living Vampire.  I find it amusing when we get these supernatural characters and they’re so scientifically grounded.  It’s just very funny to me, even if there is a scientific means to them resembling something like a vampire or a mummy.  Anyway, the issue ends on a decent cliffhanger and the scene between Peter and Mary Jane does two things for me.  One, it’s good to see that for all the trouble they allegedly had post-One More Day, that they’re still there for one another.  Two, it makes me REALLY hate Joe Quesada and that stupid-ass retcon.  But, you can’t let that mar the now too much.  This issue is what it is.

Verdict – Recommended

Aquaman #10.  If I have to keep telling you to go buy Aquaman, then I’ve clearly not done my job.  This issue continues to fill in the blanks about the new Black Manta and Aquaman status quo.  The artwork is beautiful, the characterization is spot-on, and the action doesn’t overstay its welcome when it’s trying to convey the story.  Aquaman, month-in, month-out, is a delight and I really hope you’re all reading this anyway without my help.

Verdict – Highly Recommended

Green Lantern:  New Guardians #10.  I’m mixed about this, but actually, this one was pretty good all things considered.  It shows heroes being heroic, Blue Lanterns being badass, and something big to set up the next issue.  If this series has had one major glaring weakness is that it’s, again, doing a crossover with another book and entire issues of story are lost to that other title, in this case, Blue Beetle.  I absolutely DESPISE crossover stories like that.  I hate being lost next issue because I didn’t pick up an issue from a series I’m NOT interested in, and I have ZERO interest in today’s Blue Beetle.  Still, for its own merits, this one’s fine.

Verdict – Recommended

The Incredible Hulk #10.  Lather, rinse, and repeat.  Hulk wakes up in a new location, all hell breaks loose, he saves the day, falls unconscious, and wakes up in a new location.  This has been a terribly redundant story arc and the fans of the Incredible Hulk deserve better.  Thankfully, we only have one more issue of this crap to endure, this time, focusing on Kraven the Hunter, AWOL since Grim Hunt.  I’m giving this series A LOT of rope, but I won’t ask you to do the same.  If it gets good in Hulk United, I’ll let you know.  Otherwise, I’ll be in the same boat as you guys.  Passing on this series and not looking back.

Verdict – Pass

The Mighty Thor #16 sees the fallout of that absolutely stupid satanic version of Thor from last issue (I misspoke and referred to him as an entirely different character).  The different arcs that have been going on are starting to come together and it’s all leading up to one big showdown next issue.  Things continue to be done decently in Mighty Thor, but I’m still hoping for better.

Verdict – Recommended

Sonic Universe #41.  We begin a big arc for Sonic the Hedgehog’s universe with the Secret Freedom Fighters, led by Harvey Who and headed by Silver the Hedgehog.  So far so good, right?  Wrong!  Enter Larry Lynx.  Larry Lynx is one of the dumbest new character concepts from the golden days of Sonic.  He has an interesting ability to “jinx” others to his own ability (think Longshot from X-Men), but his personality is baron and he’s just genera.ly uninteresting.  We also get a new heroic Metal Sonic that I don’t immediately recognize.  Anyway, the story is about taking down the Ixis Naugus reign and Silver begins to suspect that his mentor, Mammoth Mogul, isn’t as good as he suspected.  While membership of the Secret Freedom Fighters remains dubious, the seeds are planted for what this arc is going to be about.  Anthromorphic creature espionage and magic powers galore!  It should be fun, but this IS Ian Flynn we’re talking about.  A good idea with him can turn to crap in an issue’s notice.

Verdict – Cautiously Recommended

Superman #10.  It wasn’t bad, actually.  We see the sentimental side of Superman and his compassion for all, friend and foe alike.  While I agree with Linkara that Superman has been acting more like Spider-Man in this relaunch, this demonstrates Superman pretty well.  A bit old school, a big heart, and willing to fight for anyone no matter the issue at hand.  It’s not perfect, it’s not great, but it’s enjoyable.  The end scenes with Anguish and the man who was suspected of being Superman are pretty well done too in my opinion.

Verdict – Recommended

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 is more of a catch-up issue than anything else.  We’re introduced to the Purple Dragons, who are basically a crew of gang bangers, the leader, Angel, apparently aquaintences with Casey Jones.  That’s going to be fun when she meets April, isn’t it?  Splinter continues to be a badass.  Also, when evidence of the Foot Clan comes out, it’s refreshing to see Leo and Donnie make up for the fight they had the previous issue rather than hold any prideful grudge.  Something I’d expect from those two.  Next issue, after months of waiting, we’ll FINALLY see what The Shredder can do.

Verdict – Recommended

Wolverine and the X-Men #12 was just okay.  I was looking forward to seeing Kid Gladiator agitate and be a pest to the Avengers, but he was just background for most of it and gets taken down somewhat easily by Wolverine.  It doesn’t really grab me, but I can’t call it bad.  It’s just one of those issues that are just… there.  The next issue promises the arrival of Gladiator, though, so we’ll see where this goes.

Verdict – Pass

X-Men Legacy #269 features another rematch between Ms. Marvel and Rogue.  I actually really dig this issue because it IS focused on Rogue and it plays up the relationship that has formed between her and Ms. Marvel since.  The action is pretty good and we see just how much the Phoenix Five have influenced the rest of the X-Men.  Rogue, I felt, was a character who could really tip the scales in this event, but it’s looking like that’s going to be Scarlet Witch’s territory.  The build-up in the end with Rogue watching Phoenix Five member Magik cast Ms. Marvel into an apparent circle of hell is also surely going to lead to some fun times next issue.

Verdict – Highly Recommended

So, there you have it.  A bit of a mundane week, but some real strength here and there.  I hope you all enjoy your picks and, hopefully, I’ve given you some ideas.

Also, for those of you also celebrating the Fourth of July, have fun, stay safe, God bless America, take care of your pets, and I’ll see you next week on The Back Stack!

Cheers;

Graves