THANOS / HARBINGER – RENEGADES / SPIDER-MAN / WORLD of WAKANDA [Reviews]: Mother Panic!

Since the dawn of man, humans have struggled to know the minds of gods. They have searched for ways to become gods themselves — and how to kill them. Maybe the best course of action is to let them do it themselves. This seems to be the case for Thanos, at least.

After a major absence, the Mad Titan returns to the black quadrant and reclaims his throne. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the galaxy, Starfox (aka Eros aka Thanos’ brother), is recruited to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all. Yet, unbeknownst to most, nature may be doing the job already. And that’s the plot. While there is room to expand the narrative in compelling ways, this first issue fell somewhat flat in substance, though compensated nicely with action. Likewise, the stippling of the backdrops paired with visceral close ups drove the plot much more effectively than the dialogue. It was some damn fine art if I do say so my damn self. In any case, this is definitely a “wait-and-see” type of book with a huge upside potential. Buy the first copy, wait for the second and demand the third. 3.75/5 Space Bibles.

I wouldn’t be doing my job proper if I didn’t alert you, the reader, to the fact that I haven’t read a single Valiant comic book since, like ever. The book was assigned to me and to be honest I didn’t expect much. With that being said…

Sweet Christmas! It was AWE-some!

After a couple of pages of recap to reacquaint the reader with who the Renegades are and some of the major players in Valiant, we’re thrust into a story chock full of discovery, fear and the true purpose of what it means to stand for something. The issue revolves around a high school kid named Jay that–unbeknownst to him–happens to be a powerful psiot; think of it as a mutant, and everyone wants him. Scared and on the run from the government and a cult he’s rescued by Faith, who is in dire straits to pull the Renegades back together again for help and to combat a bigger threat.

Written by Rafer Roberts (The Adventures of Archer and Armstrong), veteran of the Valiant universe, you get the rich backstory as well as voice of the characters. Drawn by Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan, The Boys), you get the gritty, gory detailed art that he’s known for; you haven’t seen a head explode until you’ve seen Robertson’s interpretation of it. This first time Valiant reader cannot wait to see what else is going to happen in the story and to think this is only a prelude to an even bigger event to come in 2018. Valiant is bringing it hard. 5/5 Bibles.

What’s up, people? It’s your boy the Belser here back on the comic review tip. I know it’s been a minute since I did one of these but I feel it was time to get back on the saddle. Plus, this is mandated by the Monsignor himself. So I kind of had to do it. My selection this month is the latest in the many Spider-Man related series: Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows. I’m going to be honest here. I haven’t kept up with the Spider-Man books in quite some time. After the One More Day story, I kind of lost interest with stuff like Peter having his own software company, or the fact that both Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson are somehow both Spider-people now. But more on that later.

Here’s the story: We begin with our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, having an inner monologue about the grocery list while simultaneously fighting the latest version of the Scorpion. He gets what is initially a distress call from Mary Jane Watson but it turns out to be code for booty. Clever writing. Mainly, the story is Mary Jane and Peter dealing with their adolescent daughter Annie May Parker. Annie Mae who also has superpowers is constantly being schooled by her mother and father on protecting herself from using her powers. However, circumstances in the ever dangerous landscape of Marvel’s version of New York City may not give her much of any choice.

I liked the story for what it was. Good wholesome nostalgia of what Spider-Man used to be before so many revamps and reboots. I like the family dynamic of Peter, MJ, and Annie Mae. The writing on this book seems to be geared towards younger readers yet still early enough for the hardcore fan to enjoy. The artwork was okay nothing amazing (aha!) or spectacular (I understand that reference). Overall, it was a decent read but I’m pretty sure I’m not going to keep up with it. 2.5/5 Bibles.

MOTHER PANIC

“This isn’t a haiku. This is an extended faiku.” ̶ Violet Paige (Violent Rage)

Gold-plated leer
Flotsam and jetsam
Sinked the candy-clown cumulus

Black Mercedes
Ninety-eighty-four
190-E(ase) her off to home

Bambi hunter
Horns in the headlight
George Clooney’s mug like daddio’s

Celebutant
Goes gothamatrix
Striding dark her nightly glider

Where’s papa’s ghost
Slay the skin flayer
Criminals pay with their pound flesh

Bat signal burns
Dark knight the doorway
Empire building for belfry

̶ Mother Panic, Vigilante Verse, Nov 9, 2016

Mother Panic #1, DC Comics, Young Animal Imprint, November 2016.
Jody Houser (The X Files: Origins, Orphan Black) Prose.
Tommy Lee Edwards (Suicide Risk, Batman Eternal) Visions.
John Workman (Doom Patrol, Thor) Font Pusher.
Molly Mahan (Vampirella, Red Sonja) Fine Tuner. 4/5 Spiked Gotham Gauntlets

Despite having not read he first Black Panther comic, the first World of Wakanda is an excellent glimpse into what it might be for a growing comic book fan–especially the female-driven narrative. The art and design of the comic is beautiful and very cultural. The narrative caught me off guard with the–beautiful and natural–love interest between Captain Aneka and Ayo. Other than that, the women were really only militarily active for a scene or two, then there is a flood. The second half of the comic struck me as exciting. The young lady wants to avenge the oppression that Wakanda has inflicted upon Niganda and it’s people which introduces a potential heavy narrative full of magic. 3.5/5 Bibles

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