Insane Speculation about Marvel Legacy

So, did you hear about this new Marvel thing: Marvel Legacy?  

You can read about it here, but it's basically a return to form for Marvel. Classic characters back in their status quo (yay?), a return to legacy numbering (thank fucking God), corner boxes on covers, fan reach out stuff (like FOOM and hopefully bullpen bits); basically it's Marvel's version of DC Rebirth.  Which, hey, I'm all about.

Don't get me wrong, I hate to see the House of Ideas become a recycling center, but I love the basic intent: energize the base, tell good stories, and expand from there.  No joke, DC Rebirth was one of the best comics I read in 2016 and had one of my favorite moments ever in all of comics (I'm a sucker for big, heartfelt returns).  And that's coming from a life-long Marvel zombie!  To think that Marvel might actually pull something off half as good fills me with all kinds of optimism I haven't felt since…  Well, at least a decade.

And just to head you off at the pass, while I'm excited for things like legacy numbering and fan reach out stuff, I'm less excited for the return of the classic status quo.  While I don't read a lot of books right now, I like the idea of JaneThor, Miles, and SamNova and most definitely don't want to see those rolled back.  However, if we could see Sam and Miles develop a strong rogues gallery all their own so they could become their own heroes not living in the shadows of their predecessors, well that'd be just peachy.

Anyway, I'm not here to give you unsolicited opinions about Marvel Legacy.  I'm here to mindlessly speculate about Marvel Legacy.  And everything begins with these quotes:

"Let's just say there's a last-page reveal that's probably gonna break the Internet." - Axel 

Alonzo

"[It's] the return of a central piece of Marvel mythos that readers have been mourning in recent months" - Tom Brevoort

So yeah, at the end of the big relaunch book will be a huge reveal of a Marvel Mythos that will break the internet.  People are already speculating that it's the return of the Fantastic Four (which is the easy money right now) or the first 616 appearance of Miracleman (or Marvelman, if you're a traditionalist), but they're both wrong.

The reveal is totally going to be about Mephisto and the Spider-marriage.

I know, I know, it's totally insane, but hear me out and you'll realize just how sane it sounds.

1- "Readers mourning" = Readers loving Renew your vows

Undoing the Spider-Marriage by way of demonic intervention was always a bitter pill to swallow and it made me (a staunch supporter of the marriage) vow to never buy another Spider-book until it was undone.  And then they launched Renew Your Vows which was the exact book I (and presumably many others) was looking for.  Reading it has reminded me just how great that Peter MJ relationship is and why it was such a shitty idea to get rid of it in the first place.  Which is probably why…

2- Mary Jane is returning to the Spider-books

After being sidelined for years and most recently getting shipped off to Iron Man, MJ makes her triumphant return to the world of webs in Chip Zdarsky's new 'back to basics' Spectacular Spider-Man book.  However, it also said that he's modeling Peter and MJ's relationship after his with his ex-wife, so they could just end up being weirdo pals.  However… 

3- Mephisto has been a plot point in Spider-Man/Deadpool

This, well, let me show you two excerpts from Spider-Man/Deadpool #5 from Joe Kelly and Ed Mcguiness:

Click to embiggen so you can read it!

Sounds like a man (er…  demon) with a plan.  Maybe someone who has the power, ability, and motive to bend reality around a person (or people because it's both him and Mary Jane) to make them experience a vast emptiness and therefore unhappiness with their life.  Which almost sounds like what DC is doing with Dr. Manhattan in Rebirth.  I mean, after all, if you're going to copy something, why not go all out:

4- Mephisto will be the Dr. Manhattan of Marvel Legacy

In Rebirth, the big reveal was that some God-like creature stole time from the universe, rejected happiness, and generally put the heroes onto the path of despair.  In a meta sense, it was a great way to explain away some terrible story decisions and gently reset the world as if they never happened.  Who's to say Mephisto couldn't be the same kind of force for Marvel?  Maybe his deal with Peter and MJ was less "I'll take your marriage for your Aunt's life" and more "I'll take everyone's happiness for your Aunt's life".  Which would explain why fs all of the big company wide crossovers have been increasingly about heroes fighting other heroes as opposed to, you know, bad guys.

I guess we'll find out this Fall what the reveal is.  Oh, which reminds me, there is one big anniversary coming up this November:

5- November is the 10th Anniversary of One More Day

Huh.  Can you believe that.  Ten years since they shoved the Spider-Marriage 'genie' back into the bottle.  It was such a big deal that then-EiC Joe Quesada took time out of his busy schedule to pencil the whole thing and give us that one iconic cover:

Crazy.  And who's doing the big, four-page foldout cover for Marvel Legacy?

Right.  I'm sure that doesn't mean anything.

So…  do you still think I'm totally insane?

Spider-Man and His Henchmen

Marvel has decreed this week to be 'Superior Spider-Man' week and as such has been releasing all kinds of information on some up and coming Spider-plots. Today's announcement (which you can read here) says that OttoPeter debuts a new look while going after the remnants of Shadowland utilizing new methods that Spider-Man has never ever used before. It comes with this image:

It doesn't take a brain surgeon to gather from this picture that Otto is going to get entrepreneurial and hire some assistants. On the surface, I really dig this idea. I mean, of course a supervillain turned hero would fall back on his old tricks, including and not limited to, hiring lackeys to do his bidding; He'll be like his own street-level SHEILD. Honestly, I'm surprised more heroes don't try doing this. Seems like something Iron Man would have done a few years ago around Civil War when he was trying to save everyone.

Anyway. While I like the possibilities inherent in this idea, it makes me even more concerned about what's going to happen with Peter. Especially considering that at the beginning of the week, the big tease was a more near-future story in which Peter and Otto fight it out to see who will control the body that is Peter Parker.

So... If this happens first and then Spider-Man is hiring help with matching uniforms, I think we can surmise that this is a battle that Peter doesn't win (Also this headline doesn't help). So what happens to him?

My cynical, paranoia addled brain came up with this insane scenario: It all leads to a new clone saga.

Crazy, I know, but hold on. The way I see it, the way to expel Peter would be to give it a psyche for it to exist: cue clonage. What with the Jackal running around again in the books and an emphasis on 90s storylines (I'm looking at you Scarlet Spider!), it's not that big of a leap to consider that happening. Then, Original Recipe Peter exists in a new cloned body while Otto runs around in the old meatsuit which allows for all the neat storytelling of OttoPeter to continue while not totally ruining Peter.

So then, after the story has run it's course, you can have Peter wake up in his cloned body and go fight Otto. I see it ending something like this:

Admittedly, most of this crazed idea comes exclusively from Otto's new suit looking like Ben Reilly's, but who's to say that makes it any less valid?

I could go further with my crackpot theories involving the age of this supposed cloned Peter, but it makes so much sense that it scares me. Also, we seem to be at our limit for crazyness today. Maybe later... if you're lucky.

Don't Go To Sleep

Checking the Marvel Solicits for April, I saw this:

I can't tell you how excited I am for this. Between Darkhawk's big supporting role in Avengers Arena, rumors of the return of Spider-Man 2099, and this, 2013 looks to be the year the 90s returns in force.

I only hope this means a return of The Slingers by January. I mean, I know it doesn't, but a man can hope, right?

The Bill September 16, 2011

If you've been following the comic news sites like I do, you'd think that DC was the only company out there with a major shakeup of their publishing line. Somewhat obscured by the fanboy anger at the DC reboot, Marvel released it's attempt at a major shakeup. One guess what I'm talking about. Come check me after the logo to find out just how right you are.




The Big Change:

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Sara Pichelli


True story, this comic was the first polybagged issue I've had to open in a good ten years. Suffice to say, I'm not as good preserving the bag as I once was. I swear they used to be easier to open.

Anyway...

So hey lookit that, after months of hype and leadup, the new 'blatino' Spidey has finally hit the scene. Huzzah! Is it a clinic on how to reinvigorate a franchise without totally alienating the core fanbase? Or does DC have the upper hand in this round of universal shakeup? The answer, honestly, is a little of both.

The good stuff about this issue is very good. The issue starts a nice little setup scene set in the past with Norman and an underling as they try to recreate the original OZ spider in a neat bit of symmetry with the first first issue a decade ago. The story jumps forwards a few months and we meet Miles, a runt of a kid with two devoted and loving parents who desperately want him to have a better life than they've had. The familial interactions (with the parents and later an uncle) are fantastic. The characters are warm, the dialogue snappy, and best of all, nothing seems forced. And then, right when things were picking up speed, it ended.

Bendis!

I have a weird relationship with Bendis. I find that he has some truly fantastic ideas and can write some great characters, but I rarely feel satisfied after I read one of his books. Worse, I often feel cheated when I buy one of his monthly books because it feels like I'm only getting half a story. And that's the main problem with this issue: I felt like I only got half a story.

I get it; he's not writing for the issue, he's writing for the trade. Hey, that's great when you're hammering through an arc of Daredevil, but when you're working on the first issue of major new character that's going to be getting a ton of press, you really ought to write for the issue. As a long term reader, I get that Bendis probably won't put Miles in the costume until the fourth issue and while it bothers me, I'll still give it a chance. A new reader on the other hand, I don't know if they'll be as forgiving. They came for Spider-Man, promised to them on the cover and in the press, but all they got was some kid who gets bit by a spider.

This is in no way a bad issue, it's just a little disappointing in a way opposite of Justice League #1. Justice League was high on action and spectacle, but low on information and deep characterization, whereas Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is the reverse. Neither is totally right, both have their merits, but ultimately I'm worried about their ability to hook a new reader.

That said, the store this week was packed and I snagged the very last copy of this comic from the shelves, so something must be working. Here's hoping it keeps up, and that this run of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man lasts as long as the old.

The old Ultimate Spider-Man that ran for 130+ issues, not Ultimate Comics Spider-Man that only ran for 13 or so. Just to clarify.

Spider-Man's Newest Invention...

Is delicious, but ineffective.

My love for Adventure Time just increased by infinity thanks to this awesomeness (and this awesomeness) from it's creator Pendleton Ward, via his twitter via Comics Alliance.

My Own Secret Origin.

At the end of this week I turn 30 and I think that's crazy.

It seems like just yesterday I was a rambunctious college kid drinking too much, eating at all hours, and chasing after pretty girls. You know, living the life. Suddenly I find myself drinking only a sensible amount as to not feel terrible the next day, watching what I eat so my body won't revolt, and getting ready to marry the prettiest girl I know. It's a weird sensation, to say the least.

Turning 30 also marks another very significant personal anniversary: It's been 20 years since I was bitten by the comics bug. Personally, I think that's the craziest thing ever. Who would have thought this little habit that I picked up during the baseball strike of the 1990s would lead to a life long obsession? But here I am, 4000 books later, soaked in the minutia of various comic universes, with no sign of slowing down (much to the chagrin of the afore-implied FutureWife, I'm sure).

So, to mark these various occasions, I've decided to spend this week reminiscing about the seminal books in my collecting history. Today, we start with the book that put comics on the radar for me: Amazing Spider-Man #347.



I was in an airport when I discovered comics.

I remember it was February-ish 1990 and I was in Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport, either waiting to board the plane to head back to Reno or just arriving, when that cover beckoned to me from the newsstand. "There's no way they killed Spider-Man," my nine year-old self thought, "...right?"

Entranced and enticed, I snatched the book from the stands and flipped through it, desperate to find the answer. As I cracked the cover, I was blown away by the images that were presented to me. Page after page of full on, knock-down, drag-out fighting on the beach between Spidey and some crazy Spider-Man monster welcomed and entertained me. It was amazing!



It didn't matter that I didn't know who any of the characters were or what they were fighting about, there was something about the energy of that book that infected my soul. I may not have known it at the time, but I was hooked.

Of course, this is the part of the story where I beg my mom for cash to buy this magical tome, but alas, it wasn't the case. As exciting as the book was, I already pretty much read it at the newsstand, so I opted for some other filler magazine instead. Dumb kid, I know. But even though I left the physical book behind, the images from it became burned on the inside of my brain. I knew I was missing out on something great.

As the years went by and I started collecting more seriously, I never quite could remember the issue number I saw that day. I'd do my due diligence through the long boxes, but for some reason never seemed to find this mythical issue. It was almost as if that issue only existed in my mind (this was before the internet, of course).

Flash forward to a few months ago, I finally tracked down a copy and decided it was worth the four dollar price tag. I won't lie, I was more than a little hesitant before I cracked those pages again. What I remembered about this issue was just shy of magical, how could reality possibly hold up to that?

Truth be told: Pretty fucking well!



In the twenty years between readings, the only thing that changed for me was that I knew all the backstories and if anything, got more enjoyment out of it. Coming out in that sweet spot between the creative highs of the 1980s and just before the mass artist exodus of the 1990s, David Michelinie and Erik Larsen were clearly firing on all cylinders with this done-in-one classic superhuman dustup. It's so good, that I quite honestly don't want to ruin anything here. Just take my word for it and track down a copy for yourself.



From the moment we departed the airport, my nine year-old knew he had made a mistake. I remember searching at the connecting airport, desperately searching for that same issue to no avail. Without it to guide me, there wasn't a very big reason to go actively searching for other books, so for the time being my comic buying habits remained nil. That is, until after the move, the installation of some new friends, and an unexpected Christmas bounty.

But that's a story that'll have to wait until tomorrow...

The Bill May 25, 2011

In my head, disappointing books are almost worse than straight up bad books. A bad book you don't have any expectations for, and will totally surprise you every once in a while. But those disappointing books, they've done something to earn that title. More often than not, they've squandered some kind of inherent good will in the premise and that just makes me sad.

What could I possibly be talking about? Come check me out after the banner to find out.




Just Disappointing...:

Power Man and Iron Fist # 5
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Wellington Alves


This book should be off the charts with awesomeness. It's a great creator with fabulous characters and a fantastic set up, but in the end it just sits there... being a shadow of what it could be.

It's strange, the series as a whole feels both rushed and padded at the same time. And that's never a good sign. I found myself, as I was reading this, wondering what the deal was with the Commedia del'muerte and worse, not really caring what the answer was. Don't even get me started on the whole "Who is Noir" reveal at the end, the less said about that the better.

I dunno, this series was just... not good. For all the promise (and the Don of the Dead appearance), this series was very lackluster. That said, I like everything involved so I'd totally be on board for a second series, but that one I'd only stick with if it kicks things up a notch.

Probably two...




Not As Good As It Should Be:

Amazing Spider-Man #662
Writer: Christos Gage
Artist: Reilly Brown


There's nothing to not like about this book (well, aside from the post-OMD Spider-man, but that's a discussion for a different day), but for some reason it's just not working for me.

As a quick done-in-two, Marvel Team Up style adventure between Spidey and Avengers Academy, it should be firing on all cylinders and be nothing but great. Instead, I found it kind of lacking. It's tough because I can't really pinpoint what my problem is.

I keep thinking that it's because the kids were not totally in synch with their character, but that can't be because Gage is writing. You know, it might just be the throwaway nature of the adventure that's holding me up. The fact that these kids aren't having major turning points in their side adventure with Spidey is a good thing, but I think that's what I expect from those characters because that's what happens in their book every month.

See, there you go: expectations not met = disappointment. You can't fight that kind of math...




And there you go, a bit of disappointment to balance out the lovefest that was last week. Hopefully next week I can achieve some kind of balance in the article... yeah, that'd be kinda nice...

Galactus' Mightiest Herald

When it comes to the heralds of Galactus, only one stands out as the absolute greatest. Sure, Norrin Radd has done a bang up job, but he tends to whine... A LOT. Terrax, Morg, Air Walker, Johnny Storm, Nova (the girl with flaming hair, not the dude with a bucket on his head), Fire Walker, Deadpool, I'm sure had their bright spots, but in the end they were all found lacking. Only one stands atop the mighty legacy of cosmic personal assistants as the greatest: Aunt May, The Golden Oldie.



I know, I know. You think I'm totally pulling your leg. What if I told you I wasn't? And more, what if I told you that Aunt May actually solves the whole Galactus problem for the entire universe (assuming, of course, you don't subscribe to the 'Celestial fetus eater' theory of my favorite cosmic force as pushed forth by Earth X)? Intrigued? Good.

Let's start by checking on the then current herald, Nova, and her reason for abandoning her post.



That's right: Dead. If only poor Galan could find someone who was as loyal as they were strong and smart enough to get out of the way of an explosion. Good help, am I right?

As The Mighty One deals with his galactic grief, the action shifts to more familiar turf: The circus. Here Peter Parker tries to deal with the awkwardness of hanging out with his ex, Mary Jane, while his Aunt May tries to remain oblivious and begins talking to anyone else in her general vicinity.



As it turns out, this random child is Franklin Richards and wouldn't you know it, his entire family is in tow for some hot clown action. Unfortunately for them (especially The Thing, who was WAY too excited to see clowns in their underpants), they receive a distress call urging them to break Franklin's heart and save the world.

However, after some urging from the newly arrived Spider-Man, Marvel's first family decides to leave their first, and only, son with some strange old lady they met at the circus.

It's not like anything bad could happen. Right?



Uh... Moving on.

Wouldn't you know it, just as soon as everyone gets settled for some sweet acrobatic action who shows up but Galactus going on and on about needing a new herald. Poor Franklin, that kid just can't catch a break at this damn circus.



Of course, the Big G wants to make the kid that just wanted to see some lion tamers into his newest herald. But, Galactus didn't count on the nimbleness of the creepy octogenarian woman leaping in front of his herald-creating beam, resulting in the greatest mistake since those clumsy scientists spilled chocolate all over the other's peanut butter.



initially, Galacus ain't so pleased, but really who would? But Galactus' hunger outweighs his displeasure, at this point he doesn't care who his herald is as long as they get him something to eat. While Aunt May ignores the request to process this huge life change, Franklin whips out some twinkies - sorry, TWINKLES - and chucks'em at the man with a planet-sized hunger. The result?



The mission is clear: Get Galactus Twinkles. So while Franklin raids the pantry, Aunt May tackles the rest of the world, over turning every last stone to get her hands on that delicious yellow pastry. Alas, it's not enough for the big man, and he sends May into the great unknown to find sustenance.

And then she finds it:



A Giant Space Twinkie Twinkle.

As it turns out, there has been a master of the cosmic confectionaries out there waiting for someone with the right appetite for his concoctions. Faster than you can say "well, duh", Galactus arrives ready to pig out. After seeing this vast deliciousness, along with the capable and eager-to-please chef, Galactus realizes that he has no use for a herald any more. Thanks to Aunt May, he's found what he's always wanted: a personal chef.

A kind parting word to Aunt May later, The Purple Pointed One does what we all wish we could do and becomes one with that beautiful spongy cake.



And that, my friends, is why Aunt May is the GREATEST herald Galactus ever had.

I Hate April Fools Day...

And here's why:



I found this on Reddit today and my gut tells me this can't be real. But, in a week that had The Black Panther decked out in Team America gear I don't know what to think.

Is the big surprise in Marvel's Fear Itself #3 (something that's been hinted at by Matt Fraction to no end) a world changing thingamajig similar to what will probably happen in DC's Flashpoint? I'm half thinking that might be the case, because the alternative (assuming it's real and not a fan drawing) is just... They wouldn't, right? I mean, I know he's has been hanging with those flithy mutants for a while now, but that wouldn't make him strap on an X. Would it?

Ugh. Stupid April Fools. Anyone have any thoughts?

Am I the only one hoping it's the return of Spidercide?

That Campbell/Loeb Spidey Project is Still Happening? Seriously?

Today at his Talk to the Hat feature over at CBR, Tom Brevroot confirmed that indeed the mythical J. Scott Campbell/Jeph Loeb Spider-Man series is still happening. He even showed some art, inferring that Campbell is still working on the second issue of the series.



What's that? You don't remember hearing about this one? You don't remember the May 2006 announcement that this duo was going to be teaming up and giving the fans a top-notch Spider-Man project? I think J. Scott Campbell forgot too, so don't feel too bad.

Honestly, what does it take to cancel the book and call it a wash? I know Campbell's slow, but DAMN SON that is SSSSLLOOOOWWWWW. At this rate, we should see this book sometime in the winter of 2016... when it's released on a quarterly schedule.

Also, I guess I should give up my dream of ever seeing Wildsiderz getting completed...

Venom is a Slut Part 4

This is exactly what I've been saying!

Another phenomenal comic parody webcomic from The Gutters. Go bookmark it right now!

Marvel Movie Roundup

Typically, I don't like to comment on the goings-on of comic current events. Especially when they pertain to things that in six months time will be totally irrelevant. Regardless, I'm very excited today about the Marvel Movie news that's been surfacing.

1- Edgar Wright on Ant Man.
After taking two years off to make, the admittedly totally worth it, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Mr. Wright is back working on this mini epic. Here's hoping he gets Simon Pegg to play the titular hero, regardless of which version of the character they go with. Secretly, though, I'm hoping they go with Eric O'Grady.

2- Chris Evans as Captain America.



I'm ridiculously excited for this movie. Let's hope 'The Rocketeer' Joe Johnston, and not 'Jurassic Park 3' Joe Johnston.

3- Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man.


Click here to embiggen

Honestly, everything I see from this movie looks perfect. Those pictures of Emma Stone as a dead-ringer for Gwen Stacey, the head shots of Andrew Garfield, and now this. Somehow they took the perfection that was the previous costume and turned it up to 11. I'm digging the colors, the profile, the non-raised webbing...

Dammit.

I don't want to be as excited for this movie as I am, but I can't help myself. If the movie is half as good as these preview pics make it out to be, I'll be a very happy man.

Dating Kraven Style

From the mind of Kate Beaton via my finally acquired Strange Tales 2 #1

The Sandman Tries Really Hard to be Romantic...

But he really needs to work on his delivery

This amorous anti-hero brought to you via Moon Knight #9 by Juan Jose Ryp and Gregg Hurwitz

Johnny Blaze: Geek protector

If there's one thing Johnny hates, it's people picking on Peter Parker.

From the classic Spirits of Vengeance # 6 by Howard "I didn't mean to fuck up Spider-Man" Mackie and Adam "I can draw more than just Wolverine" Kubert.

Where's The Love for the Scarlet Spider?

Does it strike anyone else as odd that there isn't a Scarlet Spider running around in the Marvel U? And no, I don't mean the Iron Spider, MVP clone that popped up in Avengers: Initiative. I'm talking about this guy:



I know there are many who disagree with what I'm about to say (I'm looking at you Wizard, circa 1998), but: I really dug this costume when I was a kid.

The deep reds, the slanty spider, the exposed webshooters, the belt!; It was awesome! I've always said that my younger self had no account for taste, but this is one of those times that I don't disagree. I've always really liked the design; an under-appreciated classic from Tom Lyle.

So what's with the lack of love?



It seems like most big costume changes eventually spin off into their own character. Spider-Man has a whole litany of spinoff characters just based on his laundry: Venom, Spider-Girl (May Parker, she wears Ben's suit), Ricochet, Dusk, Prodigy, Hornet (WOO SLINGERS!), and the aforementioned Scarlet Spider (Iron Spider suit).

It's a phenomenon that's not just tied to Spider-Man. Check out: Captain America (Nomad, USAgent, Super-Solider [10 bucks says Bucky takes it over this time next year]), Superman (Steel, The Eradicator, Superboy, The cyborg Superman [technically they were people pretending to be him, but whatever it still works]], or to a lesser extent Iron Man (War Machine) and Wolverine (Daken).

Crazy, right? So what's the problem with the Scarlet Spider?



You think it might be the history, but that doesn't make sense. A few years ago Marvel was a little shy to mention all the clone stuff, but the recent Brand New Day stuff has brought Kaine (Peter's deformed clone) back into the fold and at least name checked Ben.

You'd think Marvel is trying to distance themselves from knockoff characters. But then you realize that recently War Machine got a huge push, and currently Thunderstrike is poised to make a comeback. Not to mention Daken and X-23 riding the Wolverine wave. Or hell, all the Dark Reign nonsense when all the villains were dressed as the heroes, giving us two versions of each character.

Maybe they just don't want to acknowledge Tom Lyle?



In the decade (PLUS!) since the scarlet threads were retired, they've only showed up once... In Spider-Girl. Good for Tom DeFalco.

In all seriousness, the ties to The Scarlet Spider was what got me to pick up Spider-Girl in the first place. And then when they flirted with the idea of having someone else pick up the mantle, I was super excited. When it just ended up being a tease, I was kinda done with the whole thing.



What makes this so weird to me is that it's not as if Marvel shies away from the scarlet one when it comes to outside media. Toys, statues, appearances in video games, Ol' Scar-Spi shows up all over the place. Except in the comics.

So I'm putting this out in the universe: I want the Scarlet Spider (or at least the costume) return to the pages of Marvel Comics. It'll take some doing, and maybe some letter writing, but it can be done.

Who's with me?

Meet Your New Spider-Man

In 2012, you will believe that Spider-Man is British.

Today Sony revealed who was taking over the role as our favorite wall-crawler: 26 (or 27, depending on your source) year old British actor Andrew Garfield. Check it out:



Not a bad likeness, I must say. Honestly, he wasn't my first choice (actually, I didn't know he was in the running) but he's totally a better fit than Jamie Bell. I do think it's pretty funny though that in this younger Spidey reboot, they cast a guy who was as old as Tobey McGuire was in the first one. That's just silly.

Anyway, I did some searching for y'all and I found this great clip of the guy taking e and dancing. After watching this, I think he'll be great as Peter.



Now here's hoping that this new movie is better than the last.

The Bill June 2, 2010

I've decided it's time to add my voice to the chorus of reviewers out there with a weekly review feature. So welcome to The Bill (get it?), where i'll showcase the best and worst of the what I bought this week. Excited? You will be.



The Best

Hawkeye and Mockingbird #1
Writer: Jim McCann
Artist: David Lopez

I wish every first issue was like this one. It starts with a fun action sequence that leads into a larger mystery while establishing the setup of the book. It seems so easy, yet so many have problems figuring this out (I'm looking at you Bendis!).

I'll be real honest with you, I kinda have a hidden passion for Hawkeye. Not in everything (like that 2005 miniseries of his or his recent stint with the New Avengers), but generally when he's in a fun solo book I'm totally on board.

The book reminds me a lot of Solo Avengers, where no time was wasted getting to the action. Picking up from where the New Avengers Reunion miniseries ended, Hawk and Mock takes the marching orders of Low-angst/High-action and runs with it, setting up enough intrigue to keep me coming back.

It's really just great, old-school fun and you should totally check it out.



The Worst

Vengeance of Moon Knight # 9
Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Artist: Juan Jose Ryp

Speaking of old-school, Moon Knight # 9 is an example of an old-school fill-in (Clever segue, right?). In this issue Moony runs into Spidey (literally) and together they work to take down the Sandman, who is giant for no apparent reason. It's not a bad tale, it just comes off as very generic.

Moon Knight is a weird book for me, I buy it but I'm not sure why. The series started strong with the man swinging back into action and fighting off the crazy, but as the series has progressed I'm struck by the somewhat sloppy storytelling and just general lack of "umph" from the book. There's nothing that really pops when I read it. Which is bad, especially when I'm spending four bucks on it.

Only check this one out if your some kind of completist, be it Moony, Spidey, or Sandy. Otherwise you can let this one slip past and never miss it.



And there it is. I'm gonna try to make this a regular thing, probably on Wednesdays unless I cant make it to the store that day. If you want to know anything more about these two books, or think I totally missed out on something amazing this week, let me know in the comments.