Friday, March 27, 2009

SPIDER-MAN versus THE SPOT
Marked (Marvel)
Where:
Amazing Spider-man #589 When: May 2009
Why: Fred Van Lente How: Paulo Siqueira

The Story So Far...
Recruited into a crack team assembled to penetrate the domain of the Infinicide; the Spot ultimately betrayed his employer, MODOK, to serve the interests of The Mandarin! In an ironic twist of fate, Spot's capacity for treachery led Mandarin to use his mystic rings to entrap Spot in one of his own black portals, preventing another betrayal.

Thrust into the subspacial realm of the dark dimension without his intending, the Spot was trapped, unable to locate any viable point of exit. Lost in a maze of black portals, Dr. Jonathan Ohnn was driven to the brink of madness by his predicament. Unsuccessful in his attepts to make contact with others in the criminal fraternity, his only saving grace became the hope of being reunited with his son.

The father's goal was enough to finally lead him to freedom, but his return to the world led to the grim discovery that his son was now in a coma. After learning of the Russian mob's responsibility in his son's accident, the still unstable villain now turned his determination to exacting vengeance upon the guilty.

While the Spot hunts the hitmen who accidentally struck down his son; Peter Parker struggles to protect his Aunt May, whose charitable organization for the homeless has become the victim of the Russian mobster's protection racket.
With their paths on a collision course, Spot and Spider-man clash once again!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Spider-man 5 (Superhuman)
Intelligence: Draw 5 (Professor)
Speed: Spider-man 4 (Olympian)
Stamina: Spider-man 5 (Cat-like)
Agility: Spider-man 5 (Average)
Fighting Ability: Spider-man 3 (Street Wise)
Energy Power: Draw 2 (Projectiles)


- A bite from a radioactive spider should have killed highschool nerd, Peter Parker, but instead it would irradiate his own blood, granting him extraordinary powers.

After turning to a life of profit, Peter is inspired to use his gifts for the greater good when his decision to allow a burglar to escape leads to the murder of his adopted parent and uncle, Ben Parker. Ben's sage-like advice, "with great power comes great responsibility", becomes a mantra for Parker as he becomes Spider-man!

Over the years his exploits as Spidey earn him a multitude of powerful enemies. Among his most lethal foes are: Green Goblin, Dr. Octopus, Vulture, Chameleon, Kingpin, Jackal, Kraven the Hunter, Venom, Carnage, Sandman, Rhino, Lizard, Electro, and many more. Fortunately for Spidey, he finds himself in good stead with as many heroes as he does villains, eventuating in official membership with Captain America's Avengers, later known as the Secret Avengers.

Spider-man possesses the proportional strength, speed, and agility of a spider. Adding to his arsenal is a precognitive spider-sense that warns him of pending danger. Self-made mechanical webshooters round out Spidey's abilities, allowing him to ensnare opponents in a variety of modes; travel through the city by web-line; and form basic constructs based on the available quantities of his own formula of web-fluid.

- Working as a scientist for Wilson Fisk, Dr. Jonathan Ohnn fell upon a fate that would transform him forever. Whilst researching the radiations that facilitate the powers of Cloak, Ohnn accidentally replicated them, only to become bonded with the energies of an alternate form of interdimensional perception when a blackout threatened to negate his results. Covered in white and black, the scientist would become The Spot, launching himself into villainous infamy with the ability to use his black spots as portals to transport himself, or others, through space.

Math: Spider-man Ranking: Spider-man (#2)

What Went Down...
On a barge in Red Hook, the Spot slices and chokes his way through the members of rival mobs, killing toward the man responsible for his son's coma. When a black portal opens before Dmitri Ivankov, the Russian mobster stands alone.

Too slow to save the other crooks, Spidey swings in to save Ivankov with a kick that knocks the Spot from his hovering portal. Spidey follows with a strong right hook, but before he can tangle further with his foe, he vanishes through a portal!

Ivankov begs for Spider-man's protection, but when the hero offers an ultimatum that depends on his testifying against fellow underworld figures, the mobster scoffs the web-slinger. Trusting Spidey's better nature, the mobster successfully banks on being saved despite his resistance, but his assumptions depend on the wall crawler's ability to anticipate an opponent capable of evading his spider-sense through interdimensional travel!

Spot returns, emerging suddenly from a portal on the very wall Spider-man is climbing! With a simple hook, he sends the mobster hurtling helplessly into a fatal descent, but leaps after him to ensure a grim finish.

When Spidey plucks the criminal out of the Spot's reaches, the villain unleashes a multi-pronged assault, throwing a barrage of punches and kicks directly at Spidey through a series of "spot" portals. After securing Ivankov, Spider-man is able to catch one of the Spot's punches, only to be dragged into the dimensional pocket realm by his white and black assailant!

Concerned by the new lethal approach of the Legion of Loser alumnist, Spidey looks for a knock-out blow, but instead finds himself on the receiving end!

Staggered by his own punch, Spidey stumbles backward into a portal that sends him falling back into the real world. Landing on his back, Spider-man watches Spot emerge from a portal to capture Ivankov, but is quick enough to spring back to life to intervene - plucking the web-shackled mobster out of the air!

With the proportionate strength of a spider, Spider-man punches through a hull door to see daylight, but is caught in one of the Spot's materializing portals just as he attempts to leap to freedom! Disoriented, he loses Ivankov whilst slinging a web to stabalize himself. It's enough for Spot to capitalize!

The villain tosses the mobster into another portal that opens in the clouds high above the space needle in Seattle! Another last minute sling of a web saves Ivankov from certain doom, the web-line snagging him blind, by the foot!

Steadfast in his dedication to saving a life, Spider-man webs himself to the Russian with a declaration of his dedication. Finally the mute Spot pauses, reaching into one of his spots to extract a package addressed to his son!
With that, the villain retreats as suddenly as he had attacked, leaving Spider-man to seek justice by his terms instead. Spidey delivers the package, a treasured copy of Treasure Island gifted from father, to son, long ago.

The Hammer...
It was a hard fought battle, but in the end, the conclusion leads me to believe this can only be described as a draw. Not a bad result, given Spot's spotted past. Haw!

Despite the team only appearing in a single issue of Spectacular Spider-man [#246]; the Spot has come to be best known as a member of the Legion of Losers.
Yes, he's one of those villains. Ripe for mockery because he has a silly name and persona; I wonder if this might not be down to unfair press. I mean, come on, look at some of the greatest villains in comic history!... Okay, maybe not. It was, however, a bit of a thrill to come across a stand-alone issue that focused on the character's exploits.

A sense of imbalance was among the most disappointing qualities of the recent Brand New Day revamp of the Spidey-universe. While this fresh start was supposed to open new doors for the classic hero, it ultimately became an uncomfortable weekly wrestle between ham-fisted new villains, and heavy references to famous periods of the past.

Fortunately, a year later, Amazing Spider-man seems to have fully adjusted to the new status quo. Granted, we don't really ever seem to be seeing anything that couldn't have been done with Mary-Jane still in the picture, but the spider-marriage is as much a non-issue to the quality of stories, as it is an affront to the forty years of Spider-man history. Ahem.

Shift based tenure for creative teams means there's notable difference in approach to each story, even if the overall direction of the series is guarded by a brainstrust of influences. After jumping back in with Marc Guggenheim (and John Romita Jr) with relative success [#585], I couldn't help but notice the differences in approach to Spider-man/Peter Parker. I don't know if "subtle" is a word I'd use to describe Guggenheim's version, but the Van Lente script features dialogue that doesn't quite feel right for the famed quipster.
A lengthy running gag referring to Christian Bale's performance as Batman stood out as particularly puzzling. As much as popculture references have come to be part of the Spider-man lexicon, it was a series of sequences that didn't feel at all motivated by the scenes, or quite in line the humor of the character.

The cat and mouse of the fight was a great chance to explore the Spot's powers, and definitely points to some solid plotting. I hope these appearances can begin a larger role for the Spot, reminding us how deadly a villain he could be if ever motivated to rise above his own petty character flaws. As a fan of the old idea of an urban criminal eco-system, I even like the idea of just knowing the Spot might be hanging around, ready to clash or team-up with other forces in NYC.

Paulo Siqueira brings a different kind of energy to Spider-man than Romita, not quite as refined, but pleasantly reminiscent of Todd McFarlane in both the design of his Spider-man, and the sequences of action. It's the kind of throwback that I wouldn't want to see on a regular basis, but can really enjoy in short bursts.

In the bigger picture, most will now know all about J. Jonah Jameson's victory in the New York City mayoral battle. In a concept that very well should've happened long ago, Spidey's biggest detractor enters a position of power which promises to set up a variety of obstacles, some apparently including Mac Gargan!
I'll be looking very forward to that, as well as the appearance of more of those classic Spidey villains, which is something we've been promised in 2009.

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 4
Winner: Draw

Amazing Spider-man is published three times weekly, but alas, there is not yet any trade collection of this very recent issue. You'll find plenty of other trades, however, in the Infinite Wars Amazonian Gift Shoppe, where collections featuring most issues reviewed in the Secret Archives are waiting to be purchased. By using Amazon links provided on the site, you help sponsor future reviews!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

SHIPPING LIST: MARCH 25, 2009
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. [Men are also welcome!] By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars.

Advertise here! Contact for more!

The Independents...
JAN092389 AMBER ATOMS #2 $3.50
NOV082224 AMERICAN JESUS TP VOL 01 CHOSEN (MR) $9.99
JAN094060 CAPED #1 (OF 4) $3.99
JAN094123 DEATH DEFYING DEVIL #4 $3.50
DEC084168 PHANTOM GHOST WHO WALKS #1 SY BARRY CVR $3.99
JAN092404 SPAWN #190 $2.95
JAN094473 STREET FIGHTER II TURBO #5 CRUZ CVR A $3.95
FEB094404 TICK THE COMPLETE EDLUND TP (O/A) $35.00
JAN090109 UMBRELLA ACADEMY DALLAS #5 (OF 6) $2.99
JAN090103 USAGI YOJIMBO #119 $3.50

The Corporates...
JAN092492 AVENGERS INITIATIVE FEATURING REPTIL #1 $3.99
JAN090182 BATMAN BATTLE FOR THE COWL COMMISSIONER GORDON #1 $2.99
JAN092500 CAPTAIN AMERICA #48 $2.99
JAN092471 DARK REIGN ELEKTRA #1 (OF 5) DKR $3.99
JAN092512 IMMORTAL IRON FIST #24 $2.99
JAN092483 INCREDIBLE HERCULES #127 DKR $2.99
JAN090284 MADAME XANADU #9 (MR) $2.99
JAN098011 PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION $1.00
JAN090190 SUPERMAN #686 $2.99
JAN092490 WAR MACHINE #4 DKR $2.99
JAN090219 WONDER WOMAN #30 $2.99
JAN092540 X-FORCE CABLE MESSIAH WAR PROLOGUE XMW $3.99

The Spotlight...
- JAN092462 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #589 $2.99
2009 has given us an opportunity to put the atrocity of One More Day behind us, and begin the healing process. Fortunately for us, this hasn't been a one-way street. Over the past six months, or more, Marvel's Spider-Offices have clearly been revising the formula to reincorporate many familiar faces into the pages of Amazing, without necessarily retreading previous ground. Our last taste was #585, and with the return of Spot, #589 will very probably be our next! Legendary loser? Don't be ridiculous! The Spot might look a little ridiculous, but he's a lethal foe in the traditional sense!

- JAN090240 BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #3 $2.50
For the first time in years I have a reason to be up with the sun on Saturday mornings! Batman: The Brave and the Bold has all the hallmarks of something utterly offensive to the modern Batman fan, and yet, with it's quirky references, no holds barred guest stars, and genuine enthusiasm for the source material, it's impossible to resist it's charms! a Golden Age garbed Green Arrow has proven to be an enjoyable regular on the show, and I have no reason to doubt that at $2.50, their adventures couldn't be just as enjoyable in print!

- JAN092503 DAREDEVIL #117 $2.99
After last issue's framing of the Kingpin's state of mind, you'd be some kind of madman not to want to see what happens when he finds his way back to New York City! Lady Bullseye and the Hand have intended to stoke the fire of Wilson Fisk's rage, they have instead created an unholy union that will seek to destroy them! The Kingpin and Daredevil are fighting on the same side as Ed Brubaker brings his tenure on the series to an end with the promise of a shock ending before the hand over to Andy Diggle!

- JAN090205 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #31 $2.99
Several months after it's exciting conclusion, the aftermath of Final Crisis finally promises to be acknowledged in the pages of another book! Following on from Mary Marvel's appearances in recent issues of JSA; JLA tackles issues regarding the team's losses, most notably the apparent death of Batman. The unrelated expected departure of Superman for New Krypton also creeps in, along plans for an upcoming proactive League led by Hal Jordan and steered by the writing hand of James Robinson. It's unfortunate to see the team book in disarray again, so soon, but I find myself appreciating some of the metatextual references creeping in!

- JAN092464 NEW AVENGERS #51 DKR $3.99
With another pesky crossover out of the way, Bendis resumes his conceited effort to elevate The Hood to a higher status as a villain. This time the fall guy is Dr. Strange, who has been stripped of his title as Sorcerer Supreme due to various indiscretions over recent years. Dabbling in the dark arts (ie; during World War Hulk) have led him to relinquish the role, and now he's searching out a fitting heir to the throne. The Hood, Wiccan, Dr. Doom, Brother Voodoo, Scarlet Witch, Ghost Rider? Who will it be? I'm sure we'll find out after a few issues of dullard distraction...
At $3.99, you might wait for the actual conclusion.

- JAN090185 ORACLE #1 (OF 3) $2.99
Part of me really wants to assume this is going to be a great little mini-series, but with so many titles spawning out of the Battle for the Cowl era of Batman, I'm not sure I can do it. $2.99 is the right price for anyone braver than me. Oracle has been one of the most interesting characters in DC comics over the past few years, and I miss reading her supporting role in the various Bat-books (or JLA). Honestly, though, I'd probably rather have Birds of Prey back in action, than invest in a solo book. Fingers crossed she doesn't miraculously regain the use of her legs, and/or an inclination to be Batgirl.

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC

Know Your Trade...
NOV082224 AMERICAN JESUS TP VOL 01 CHOSEN (MR) $9.99
JAN092582 AVENGERS PREM HC HAWKEYE $24.99
DEC080158 CHECKMATE CHIMERA TP $17.99
JAN092604 DAREDEVIL TP LADY BULLSEYE $16.99
NOV080175 FLASH ARCHIVES HC VOL 05 $49.99
JAN092573 IMMORTAL IRON FIST PREM HC VOL 04 MORTAL IRON FIST $19.99
JAN092568 MMW X-MEN TP VOL 01 $24.99
JAN092584 OFF HB MARVEL UNIV A TO Z PREM HC VOL 07 $24.99
DEC080186 SECRET HISTORY OF THE AUTHORITY HAWKSMOOR TP $19.99
DEC080165 SHOWCASE PRESENTS AMBUSH BUG TP VOL 01 $16.99
DEC082276 TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY HC VOL 03 METROPOL $39.99
FEB094404 TICK THE COMPLETE EDLUND TP (O/A) $35.00



Friday, March 20, 2009

MONGUL versus ARKILLO
Emerald Eclipse: Part Two (DC)
Where:
Green Lantern Corps #34 When: May 2009
Why: Peter J Tomasi How: Patrick Gleason

The Story So Far...
With the resurrection of the fallen Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, a new era began for the intergalactic Corps. Absolved of his crimes by the reveal of a fear mongering entity called Parallax, Jordan resumed his role as champion of willpower, once again wielding the green ring.

Alongside the Corps' return came the arrival of Sinestro from obscurity. As vengeful as ever, the fallen Lantern once again sought to bedevil his nemesis with the yellow ring he obtained during his exile in the anti-matter universe of Qward. However, his latest defeat would lead Sinestro to recruit others to his cause, resulting in the creation of a yellow fear-wielding Corps that was the Green's opposite -- the Sinestro Corps!

Programmed to seek fitting candidates who inspire fear in each sector, the yellow rings spread across the galaxy just as the green had. The character of those who would deserve position amongst the Sinestro Corps is very different, however. The vile and sinister congregate to Sinestro's cause, but the one called Mongul seeks only personal gain from the ring and it's limitless power. With a Qwardian ring obtained from a dying Sinestro Corpsman, he marches against the Sinestro Corps, demanding all follow him, or surrender their lives and rings. One patron refuses his rule, however, and so it is that on the planet Daxam, Arkillo fights!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Mongul 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Mongul 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Draw 6 (Generator)
Agility: Draw 2 (Average)
Fighting Ability: Mongul 6 (Martial Artist)
Energy Power: Draw 7 (Cosmic)


- The son of a being from the planet Arkymandryte, Mongul is the inheritor of his father's name and legacy upon his death. Despite his father's death coming about as a result of his Earthbound machinations; Mongul's first appearance on the planet comes about during the incursion of a powerful entropic being called Imperiex. In an effort to strike back at the creature that destroyed his artificial kingdom of Warworld, Mongul trains and teams with his father's arch-nemesis, Superman.

After appearing to perish in the Our Worlds at War saga, Mongul returned to Sector 2814 to menace the Justice League in the debris of their satellite watchtower, this time as an enemy.
After killing his sister to eradicate all weakness in himself, Mongul came in to possession of a yellow Qwardian power ring after finishing an agent of the Sinestro Corps.
Wielding a ring of Sector 2811, Mongul begins a quest to collect multiple rings as his own, forcing any Corpsman he encounters to serve him, or die. The limitless powers of the fear rings compliment his own impressive invulnerability, strength, ability to channel concussive force, and mobility via teleportation.

- From the jungles of the planet Coristeel, Arkillo is the Sinestro Corpsman of Sector 674. The carnivorous powerhouse that once ruled the jungle was among Sinestro's first recruits into his Yellow Lantern Corps of fear.
Serving as a drill instructor to potential members of the Corps, Arkillo is among the most senior members under the group's founder. He wields his yellow ring and innate super strength to crush the spirits of those who refuse to know fear.

Math: Draw Ranking: Mongul (#547)

What Went Down...
On the planet Daxam; Mongul powers through the streets sending much smaller citizens scattering to their deaths as he pursues his foe, Arkillo, reeling from the force of his blow. Structures collapse beneath the powerhouse as he toppls, but even as Mongul delivers a devestating right hand to his falling opponent, Arkillo is plotting his next move!

Having reached out to a nearby flagpole during his fall, Arkillo clutches the broken off metal shaft. In his hands, it becomes a deadly weapon as he drives the pointed edge through Mongul's gut!

Though the wound might have finished any mere mortal, Mongul persist to shunt his attacker with an elbow to the head. The protruding impalement repeats it's purpose, allowing Mongul to stake himself to Arkillo like a giant Sinestro Corps shaslick! Joined at the hip, the pair tumble from their pedistal above Daxam!

Arkillo gnashes his jaws over his foe's head during the fall, while Mongul does his best to battle back and mount a defensive. The pole slips from their bodies as they careen amongst debris, before reaching a stop at the base of a mountain.

With a small army of Sinestro Corps onlookers gathering at the base, Arkillo rises above his nemesis. With the Sinestro Corps symbol of fear glowing from his ring, it seems the trainer from Sector 674 is victorious. Mongul rises, however, to disprove this assessment, taking a toppled Arkillo by the maw to rip the tongue from his large fanged mouth!

Bleeding profusely, Arkillo inadvertently kneels before Mongul, who clutches his bloodied tongue in one hand and asks for any other challengers to step forward.
By Arkillo's own terms he kneels before the monster he must recognise as the new leader of the Sinestro Corps, but somewhere across the gulf of space, the Corps' titular leader approaches to confront Mongul.

The Hammer...
With bloody results, we too must recognise Mongul, registering an impressive victory over an intriguing new induction into the Infinite Wars, in Arkillo.

Y'know, you might as well acknowledge Green Lantern Corps as an exciting new prospect introduced to the site, as well. The series, running alongside Geoff Johns' headlining work on Green Lantern, has proven itself to be far more than a simple tie-in to plot threads developing in the main book.

That's not to discount the relationship between GLC and events in the flagship book, of course.
In fact, in coming weeks, we're about to witness Geoff Johns tagging his popular antagonist, Sinestro, over to Peter Tomasi, in the interest of tackling the rising plot of leadership in the Sinestro Corps.

It's been storylines like these that have not only proven the value of a second Lantern title, but also gone lengths to greatly enhance the aspect ratio of an epic tale with a July deadline.

Geoff Johns' expansive model for a 'War of Light' arguably began with the first appearance of the Sinestro Corps, and subsequent event of the Sinestro Corps War. Since then, unveiling a procession of colourful Lanterns has been the writer's chief objective, lacing the prophecy created by Alan Moore, into retroactive, and
current, continuities that surround the sci-fi space-heroics of the Green Lantern.

With only a year-and-a-half to establish a universe of content before the forecast deadline of Blackest Night, most Johns pages have been focused primarily on checking off details, characters, and skinny moments of characterization. If there's a criticism of his exciting work, it's that so much of it has come abruptly.
GL Corps lightens the load, taking time to develop necessary plot threads, while also just lending a much larger context to the existence of creations and ideas that will be relevant to both the War of Light, and Blackest Night.

As an alternative, I'm almost inclined to say Green Lantern Corps is actually the better book. Without the preoccupation of a large goal, the series has been able to play with these concepts benefitting from work done elsewhere. This particular issue doesn't just feature Mongul, Arkillo, and the Sinestro Corps predicament, but also touches beautifully on Sodam Yat, Kyle Rayner, Soranik Natu, Kilowog, Guy Gardner, the new GL laws, and the GL prison. It's a beautifully balanced piece of writing that makes great economic use of writer/reader shorthand, and the expansive mythology we're all coming to understand. It has so much more personality for this, too, in ways that Geoff Johns' important work just hasn't seemed to allow for.

If we're going to pit the two books against one and other, I have to say the visuals of Green Lantern Corps are far more delicious than anything we've seen in the title book in quite some time. Ivan Reis is wonderfully efficient, but Patrick Gleason delivers a confident line with enough style to make it distinct, even though this is very much a mainstream superhero book. Rebecca Buchman (and Christian Alamy) deserve heaps of praise for their solid blacks on inks, while Randy Mayor provides colours incredibly complimentary to the work. In it's deviations to quieter moments (like a bathroom scene between Rayner and Natu), you could almost mistake this for an independent romance comic.

Reading both GL books in the lead up to Blackest Night is probably ideal.
Free Comic Book Day draws ever nearer and I don't doubt that every reader is going to want to get their hands on thirty-two pages of free, original comic book that sews the seeds for the mega event that's coming! While the event probably won't require you to have read everything before it, the image will be that much more vivid, and really, what are you reading right now that's better?

As a companion, I'm sure GL Corps is a deliciously minty refreshment.
Not only will it cleanse your palate after gorging on the construction materials of the Johns book, but it also promises it's own significant details. Just as it seems increasingly likely that Hal Jordan will find a way to channel the powers of all the spectrum as a super-duper White Lantern, so too does there seem to be a dark variant growing in Mongul. Though he currently possesses only multiple yellow rings, there is the promise of green and red, yet to come!

Will he be part of the ultimate solution to the War of Light/Blackest Night, or is he the evil Yin to Hal Jordan's triumphant Yang? It furthers the same metaphorical literal devices that are making each Corps instantly intriguing regardless of depth of characterization that accompanies their membership.

The Fight: 5 The Issue: 5.5
Winner: Mongul

This chapter of the Prelude to Blackest Night, Emerald Eclipse, is still underway, but if you're keen to get in on the War of Light, then you can preorder the hardcore edition through Amazon. You'll also find other great stories on offer in the Infinite Wars Amazonian Gift Shoppe, featuring collected editions of many issues reviewed in the Secret Archives, including those detailing the Sinestro Corps War! By using purchase links provided, you sponsor future entries, and Green light!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

SHIPPING LIST: MARCH 18, 2009
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. [Men are also welcome!] By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars.

Advertise here! Contact for more!

The Independents...
DEC084213 2000 AD #1622 $4.50
DEC084214 2000 AD #1623 $4.50
DEC084215 2000 AD #1624 $4.50
JAN092388 AGE OF BRONZE #28 $3.50
NOV083804 ALAN MOORE LIGHT OF THY COUNTENANCE GN (MR) $7.99
JAN092371 AMERICAN FLAGG DEFINITIVE COLL TP VOL 02 (RES) $19.99
JAN092391 BAD DOG #2 (MR) (NOTE PRICE) $3.50
AUG082273 BOMB QUEEN V #6 (OF 6) (MR) $3.50
AUG080030 END LEAGUE #7 $2.99
JAN092362 INVINCIBLE #60 $3.99
JAN092413 JOHNNY MONSTER #2 (OF 3) $3.50
DEC084217 JUDGE DREDD COMPLETE CASE FILES TP VOL 12 $33.50
JAN092361 LILLIM #1 (OF 5) $2.99
DEC084307 PLUTO URASAWA X TEZUKA GN VOL 02 $12.99
JAN094475 STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS CHUN LI #2 (OF 4) DOGAN CVR A $3.95
JAN094364 TALES OF TMNT #56 $3.25
JAN094081 WATCHMENSCH $3.99
NOV083949 ZORRO #11 $3.50

The Corporates...
JAN092460 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #588 $3.99
JAN090184 AZRAEL DEATHS DARK KNIGHT #1 (OF 3) $2.99
JAN092517 MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #34 $2.99
JAN090188 OUTSIDERS #16 $2.99
JAN098010 TRANSMETROPOLITAN # 1 SPECIAL EDITION $1.00
DEC082346 ULTIMATE X-MEN #100 $3.99
JAN090221 VIGILANTE #4 $2.99
JAN092546 WOLVERINE #71 $2.99
JAN092554 X-FACTOR #41 $2.99
JAN092542 X-FORCE #13 $2.99

The Spotlight...
- JAN092467 DARK AVENGERS #3 DKR $3.99
It's starting to look like this is just going to be one of those comics. After a surprisingly efficient first issue, I took a reluctant chance on the second, only to be far more disappointed than the starring role of Morgan le Fay had me expecting. Deodato isn't the prettiest artist around right now, regardless of the "dark" nature of the book. Not quite as hideous is Bendis' hodge-podge writing, but it's nothing to get tickled pink over. As is often the case with El Bóveda del Cromo, the high concept is pretty sound, but it looks like the execution is going to be spotty, at best. The explosive "death" of Sentry, perpetrated by a time travelling le Fay seeking vengeance for her previous self's decapitation, is a possible highlight for net nerds and macabre haters.

- AUG080030 END LEAGUE #7 $2.99
For many, it was unwittingly that they embraced the cultural movement of analogous superheroes, thanks to the bigscreen adaptation of Watchmen. End League doesn't appear nearly as adventurous as the individualist approach that makes Watchmen a wholely fleshed out entity unto itself, but the principle of imitation is far from disappointing. The first couple of issues of the series were part of a Christmas to remember, for me. Borrowing heavily from Marvel and DC to reinterpret the superhero genre in catastrophic terms implausible to corporate giants, End League is a book any superhero fan can enjoy, and at $2.99, should! Back issues should still be available, and affordable, but failing that, there's always the first trade to catch you up! Included in the post-apocalyptic romp is the exciting second-issue battle between heroes reminiscent of a certain archetype and his godly counterpart.

- JAN094475 STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS CHUN LI #2 (OF 4) $3.95
With Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li turning out to be a spectacular failure both financially, and creatively, some fans might be looking for a little retribution. Fret not, thigh lovers! Chun-Li continues her early adventures in the completely unrelated, second volume of UDON's Street Fighter Legends line! This month, another key moment in Street Fighter history rolls out, as we witness the fated confrontation between Go Hibiki and Sagat -- the fight that drives Dan to be all he isn't -- and the battle that cost Sagat his depth perception (aka; eye)! All this, and an Asian Chun-Li, as well! Yay!

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC

Know Your Trade...
NOV083804 ALAN MOORE LIGHT OF THY COUNTENANCE GN (MR) $7.99
JAN092371 AMERICAN FLAGG DEFINITIVE COLL TP VOL 02 (RES) $19.99
DEC080154 BATMAN CHRONICLES TP VOL 07 $14.99
DEC080155 BATMAN HAUNTED GOTHAM TP $19.99
DEC084217 JUDGE DREDD COMPLETE CASE FILES TP VOL 12 $33.50
DEC084307 PLUTO URASAWA X TEZUKA GN VOL 02 $12.99


Friday, March 13, 2009

THE HAND versus KINGPIN
Return of the King: Prologue:
On The Costa Da Morte (Marvel)
Where:
Daredevil #116 When: May 2009
Why: Ed Brubaker How: David Aja

The Story So Far...
In New York City, Wilson Fisk was once the all-powerful Kingpin of crime, but when a plot to take down his arch-nemesis resulted in his own incarceration alongside his enemy, everything changed. Amidst the crumbling of his empire, the Kingpin grasped at his fading connections, whilst watching Daredevil leave prison, only to unwittingly battle his beloved wife.

An embittered Vanessa Fisk had orchestrated events to pit her husband and his nemesis against one another in mortal combat, but when the pair failed to kill each other, Daredevil was able unravel her schemes, following clues to Spain. Face to face with his Vanessa on her deathbed, Daredevil was forced out of moral obligation to use his skills as a lawyer to free her husband from prison.

Murdock arranged freedom for his nemesis on the condition that he relinquish his criminal empire and leave the country for good. Though this final act of peace was to honor Vanessa Fisk's memory, it was inevitably short lived. Wilson Fisk found for himself a new life in Spain, where he and Vanessa had shared fond memories, but the sins of the past are not so easily forgotten for a Kingpin.

Discovered in Spain by Lady Bullseye and the Hand, Fisk returns to the humble abode of a new surrogate family, only to find them dead. Unsurprised by their grim fate, he meets his enemies with an accepting fury, and powerful fist.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Kingpin 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Kingpin 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Kingpin 2 (Average)
Stamina: Kingpin 4 (Athlete)
Agility: Kingpin 2 (Average)
Fighting Ability: Kingpin 5 (Martial Artist)
Energy Power: Kingpin 1 (None)


- In sixteenth century Japan, a swordsman named Kagenobu Yoshioka, growing frustrated with increasing foreign influence and corruption within his government, transformed his fighting school into a nationalistic training ground for samurai dedicated to restoring Japanese pride. This group became known as The Hand.
The samurai forces were quickly betrayed by one of their own, allowing a reclusive ninja cult to infiltrate their number and assume control.

This new incarnation of The Hand was dedicated to their own empowerment, offering their services as mercenaries for their own gain.
Utilizing dark powers granted by a demonic beast worshipped by the cult, the endless hordes of highly skilled ninja become a powerful army unto themselves. Their dark magics allow not only endless hordes of ninja who turn dust upon death, but also the resurrection of recently deceased as pawns under their influence. During the Second World War, the Hand spawned a terrorist branch called HYDRA, dedicated to political readjustments in Japan.

Prominent figures recruited as assassins for the Hand include: Elektra, Wolverine, Psylocke, Revanche, The Gorgon, Echo, and Lady Bullseye.
Most recently the ninja have been led in America by Lady Bullseye, who killed and recruited Black Tarantula and White Tiger, while pursuing Daredevil and Kingpin.

- A childhood of ridicule for being overweight galvanized a young Wilson Fisk's resolve to possess power over his fellow men. As a young man he began a gang and trained himself to utilize his size and strength as an advantage. These skills made the transition from street bully to mobster an easy one. Fisk was recruited as a bodyguard by New York crime boss, Don Rigoletto, and eventually killed him.

Fisk quickly ushered in a new era of organized crime in New York City, amassing a great fortune, as he enforced his rule as the new Kingpin of crime.
Along the way he earned for himself powerful criminal rivals, as well as more expansive threats, such as the international terrorist organization, HYDRA, and their mysterious ninja army, the Hand. The Kingpin also found bitter personal enemies in costumed vigilantes such as; Daredevil, Spider-man, and Punisher.

Fisk combats his nemesis with his own expansive army of thugs, henchmen, and superhuman assassins. Among those who have served as his deadly minions; Bullseye, Elektra, Nuke, Typhoid Mary, Jack O'Lantern, Shocker, and Puma.
Though rarely required to enter battle himself, the Kingpin is a highly skilled hand-to-hand combatant, capable of utilizing his fantastic size and strength to tremendous advantage. He is also deceptively quick, for a man of his bulk.

Math: Kingpin (Avg) Ranking: Kingpin (#462)

What Went Down...
Arriving home from the night time rain, the Kingpin's dreaded expectations are confirmed. The lives of a kind woman and an innocent child, the price of the Kingpin's love. Still present, the Hand ninja stand lit by lightning, swords drawn ready to engage the fading Wilson Fisk, who is again becoming a Kingpin.

The ninja scatter like skittles as the Kingpin throws himself at their number.
The bulky man moves with incredible speed and strength, swatting great numbers of the ninja with a single swing of his fist. Their weapons give them an advantage, but the Kingpin has a passionate resolve to end their lives, and the pent-up bloodlust of a crime boss who was swept away by overwhelming peace.

Steel tips run red with blood, as shuriken fly, and swords slash.
Though the ninja suffer the physical dominance of a raging bull, Wilson Fisk is fighting on borrowed time. Powerful and skilled, though he may be, the sheer number of ninja weighs down upon him until the fateful blow is struck.

Fated, a single ninja escapes the mighty Kingpin's grasp, and with unforgiving precision, the blade is driven deep into his flesh. The wound causes pause in the Kingpin's rage as he begins to fall and accept the cure to his plague of death.

Another ninja leaps through the air to drive a second sword into his back.
A wobble becomes a stagger and the Kingpin does as he never has before, and drops to his knees. Before him lies the body of the woman he had allowed himself to love. Marta, was her name. Paralyzed, he whispers her name, while the red clad assassins bare down around him like a ring of fire.

With as many ninja scattered around the room as there are standing, Lady Bullseye emerges from the shadows. If her goal had been to kill the Kingpin, then she no doubt would have already done so, herself. Instead, she merely confronts the defeated man, provoking his captive audience to escape boyish naivity, and accept that he must return to New York City to face Daredevil.

The Hammer...
Despite clobbering his fair share of ninja, I'm afraid the Kingpin must concede defeat to The Hand. I feel compelled to grant Lady Bullseye an assist stat, if only for her directorial role and final interjection. It's a highly debatable interpretation, but we'll live.

A harsh assessment of a title like Daredevil might accuse it of having an inglorious sense of expectation. You could almost read a sense of it all taking for granted an assumed sense of instant credibility in a title that's offered superhero readers a trendy deadpan alternative to more colourful books.

Giving an entire issue to the Kingpin's narrated journey into peaceful, brooding self-fulfilment is the kind of poseur-pandering given we've come to expect from a title like this, but there's just one thing keeping the cynical wolves at bay -- it's actually quite logical, quite enjoyable, and quite good.

Over the course of his run on the title, Ed Brubaker has taken DD from the dazzling heights of the lead character's incarceration, to the much less inspiring grind of grey-toned superheroics and emotional squabbles. With an end in sight, it seems the parabola is back on the upswing, finally giving us a reason to talk about the book again for the first time in two years. It started with an unlikely boost, the introduction of Lady Bullseye -- female counterpart to Daredevil's most famous nemesis with a Kill Bill origin, and sexier wasteline than the original.

Since then, we've learnt that Andy Diggle is next in line to take over the revered title, making Return of the Kingpin a nice little full circle footnote to Brubaker's run. Just as Brian Bendis left Brubaker holding the gun with his departing story, The Murdock Papers, so to does Brubaker promise an intriguing hook for Diggle to rationalize as he comes aboard for a newly reverted issue #500.

What that hook might be is just one of the intrigues driving Brubaker's swansong which sees the unlikely team-up of Kingpin and Daredevil in the first official issue of the arc-proper [#117]. If their agreement is telegraphing anything, it's that Kingpin doesn't plan to live through the affair. A promise that could regrettably be only as good as the writers that follow, but an interesting end, none the less.

To the issue at hand, marked as "Part 1" on the cover, but as "Prologue" in the interiors, there can mostly be good things said. As a prologue, revealing Kingpin's time away from the United States is not only a great piece of the puzzle to have, but also does well to frame his state of mind in the current story. Sentimentality and romance have long been underlying traits of the Wilson Fisk character, making his acceptance of a new life in Spain a natural twist for the character.

Michael Lark's absence from the book goes unnoticed.
As with his pencils on Iron Fist, David Aja makes for a convincingly seamless stand-in. Whether or not this proves critical acclaim is a colourist away, depends on whether or not you attribute the value of layouts to the penciller. Jose Villarrubia deserves considerable credit for the evocative nature of his colours, borrowing from the Matt Hollingsworth palette for standard scenes, while a warm sepia array takes over for lighter moments in the Kingpin's domestic new life.

At times, the narration gets a little obvious, and a little silly with how carried away with itself it gets. Wilson Fisk has always been a man of imposing stature and intelligence, and his insights veer a little too far from a raw and exposed glimpse at his personality, hitting the edge of adolescent writing.

As a stand-alone issue, it's a pretty darn good story, if a little bit obvious.
On a site like this, the action is a given. As the black and white panel might suggest, fight scenes play with the format. Panels not featured utilize isolated imagery relevant to the action, showing much less than is actually occurring. This communicates the Kingpin's perspective well, but might be a little bit too vague for it's own good, at times. You'd be hard pressed to resist the next issue, however.

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 5.5
Winner: The Hand (w/ Lady Bullseye)

Return of the King still has a few months to go, but if you're keen, you can pre-order the trade paperback collection through Amazon. By using purchase links provided on the site, you help sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars. You'll find plenty more in the Amazonian Gift Shoppe, including collected editions of most stories featured previously in the Secret Archives.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

SHIPPING LIST: MARCH 11, 2009
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. [Men are also welcome!] By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars.

Advertise here! Contact for more!

The Independents...
JAN090084 THE AMAZON #1 (OF 3) $3.50
OCT084019 BLACK TERROR #3 $3.50
JAN090110 BPRD BLACK GODDESS #3 (OF 5) $2.99
DEC082252 MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS TP VOL 02 $19.99
NOV080063 MASK OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 (RES) $24.95
JAN092403 SOUL KISS #2 (OF 5) (MR) $3.50
OCT072020 SPECIAL FORCES #4 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99
DEC083752 SUPER HUMAN RESOURCES #1 (OF 4) CVR A JUSTIN BLEEP $3.50
JAN092406 WALKING DEAD #59 (MR) $2.99

The Corporates...
JAN090191 ACTION COMICS #875 $2.99
JAN092495 ASTONISHING TALES #2 $3.99
JAN090186 BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #27 $2.99
JAN092501 CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #11 $2.99
JAN092511 GHOST RIDER #33 $2.99
JAN090199 GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #18 $2.99
JAN092514 MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #9 $2.99
JAN092523 OFFICIAL INDEX TO MARVEL UNIVERSE #3 $3.99
JAN090264 RESIDENT EVIL #1 (OF 6) (MR) $3.99
JAN098009 SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION $1.00
DEC080119 SUPERMAN BATMAN #56 $2.99

The Spotlight...
- JAN090180 BATMAN BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 (OF 3) $3.99
The eagerly anticipated follow-up to Batman RIP and Final Crisis is finally here! Robin and Nightwing get some much needed help from a parade of guest stars as those remembering the Bat unite to defend a Gotham City descending deeper into madness than ever before! Black Canary, Wildcat, The Knight, Squire, Batwoman, and more, guest-star, while a "new" Batman begins exacting brutal justice on criminals capitalizing on his apparent absence. The three-part mini-series to determine who will adopt the cape and cowl and lead the new Bat-series begins here!

- JAN090201 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34 $2.99
If you aren't already wrapped up in Green Lantern and Corps, then what the hell are you waiting for?! The lead-up to Blackest Night continues as Mongul marches to wrest control of the Sinestro Corps from their moustached leader, and use them to conquer the mighty men and women of Daxam! Fast establishing itself as the must-read centre of the comics universe, the Green Lantern Corps is not only shaping up as a great deviation from the title book, but is also building the blocks that will contribute to the War of Light, and the Blackest Night that follows! You have been warned!

- JAN092508 GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #11 $2.99
Having just recently familiarized myself with the expanding chronicles of Richard B. Riddick, I find myself in the mood for a little bit of Drax. Actually, it hadn't occurred to me before that the revamped vision of the character is startlingly similar, but that's neither here nor there. An apparent return for Captain Marvel in the pages of the cosmic hero book wouldn't be entirely inappropriate, but unfortunately it inspires little faith as the recent sloppy time-travel return, which was actually a sloppy Skrull plot, finally fades into distant memory. If it's the Skrull, it'll be a lot less ugly! Ironic!

- DEC082368 IMMORTAL IRON FIST #23 $2.99
With Street Fighter IV so fresh in our minds, I ask you -- why not? Revisionist Iron Fist history [ala; #11] that defined Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction's run on the series doesn't seem likely to be going anywhere any time soon. Actually, I think the flavour of what's on offer leans a little closer to the Mortal Kombat fans, but either way, why not indulge in some good martial arts comics? I might miss the urban setting that made Iron Fist a strange meeting between NY superheroes and seventies kung fu, but I just cannot argue with the strong martial arts direction of the series. So have a look! You know you bloody well want to!

- JAN092550 X-MEN MANIFEST DESTINY NIGHTCRAWLER ONE SHOT $3.99
Nightcrawler quitting the X-Men?! I'm not sure I like the sound of that!
I couldn't call myself any kind of devout X-Men fan, but like most superhero readers, I've dabbled in the group reasonably extensively. Sure, the current books are vanilla flavoured mush, meandering along in a retro-inspired splash of inconsequentiality. It might be wholely irrelevant to me right now, but I don't rather like the prospect of a successful X-revamp that fails to include the loveable demonic elf. Despite not being terribly well suited to a website about fighting, he'll always be an Infinite Wars favourite!

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC

Know Your Trade...
DEC080157 CATWOMAN THE LONG ROAD HOME TP $17.99
JAN092612 ESSENTIAL POWER MAN AND IRON FIST TP VOL 02 $19.99
NOV080176 JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL HC VOL 04 $24.99
NOV080178 LOSERS BY JACK KIRBY HC $39.99
DEC082252 MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS TP VOL 02 $19.99
NOV080063 MASK OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 (RES) $24.95
NOV080233 SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE TP VOL 07 MIST & PHANTOM (MR) $19.99
DEC080166 SHOWCASE PRESENTS JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA TP VOL 04 $16.99
DEC080220 TRANSMETROPOLITAN TP VOL 01 BACK ON THE STREET (MR) $14.99