The Bill March 30, 2011

It's weeks like these that make me wonder why I bother with books mired in continuity. That's not to say that those types of books aren't any good - because believe you me I totally love'em, and without'em I wouldn't be able to use all my intricate comic knowledge to impress my friends - it's more a testament to how great those lighter books are. What am I talking about? Let's stop gabbing and find out.




The Book Made Just For Me:

Deadpool Team Up #883
Writer: Skottie Young
Artist: Ramon Perez


I was really torn when I saw this book on the stands. On the one hand, I'm an unabashed Galactus fan and have a soft spot for Deadpool due to left over good will from his Joe Kelly days. On the other, Deadpool Team Up is routinely one of the worst books on the stand. Of all the issues I've picked up from this series (I'm a slow learner), I think maybe two have been good enough that I didn't immediately regret paying full price for it. Thankfully, this issue brought that total up to three.

As mentioned in the preamble, this was one of those fun done-in-one goofy stories that I just can't help but to love. It felt like I was back in the 80s reading one of the Assistant Editor Month books (NOTE: I wasn't reading comics back in the 80s, I'm totally a poser). As a matter of fact, I'll say right now that I consider this a spiritual successor to Marvel Team Up # 137, the infamous Aunt May/Galactus team up (I'll try to do a review of it shortly, don't worry).

Anyway, this issue was very simply what it promised: Deadpool becoming Galactus' Herald. It is, to quote another well-regarded blogger, quite a "hoot". Between Young's setups and Perez's pacing, I was laughing the entire way through. This was probably one of the best silly Deadpool books I've read in.... well, a while.

What better way to send of this horrible series with what will surely anger all kinds of strict continuity nerds (yeah, I said it. What?) for years to come. Now, let's never speak of this series again.



How'd This Get In Here?:

Jimmy Olsen # 1
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: RB Silva


I know, right? I don't think I've picked up a new DC book since the end of Final Crisis, and haven't enjoyed a new DC book since the middle of Infinite Crisis, but man, this issue almost makes me want to jump into the realm of the Distinguished Competition.

Okay, so I know I'm the last blogger on the planet to rave about these Jimmy Olsen stories, but I don't care: These Jimmy Olsen stories are so super fantastic, I wish DC would make a series out of it. The day to day crazy, yet mundane, existence of Superman's Pal is incredible and I want more, RIGHT NOW.

From the party aliens to the evil space genie, I can honestly say I was surprised every time I turned the page. Not to rest on the laurels of spectacle, Nick Spencer one ups himself with some of the greatest dialogue I've read in a long time. Between this and Morning Glories, I think someone just got himself a new fan.

While the writing on this book is down right sizzling, what really makes it cook is the art. RB Silva, along with Dym and Dave McCaig, bring a crazy youthful energy to the whole book and create character's that just pop off the page. The art's so good, I could just stare at it for days on end and never get tired of it.

Seriously, make it a point to go grab this book. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.




And on that note, I think it's time I see myself out. Of course, if you'd like to hear me rattle on about the continuity-heavy, splash-page-a-palooza that was Avengers #11, or want me to continue to gush on any of the books above, drop me a line either via the comments, the emails, or the twitters.

I'm out!