C2C YEAR IN REVIEW: MARVEL COMICS IN 2008!
Marvel in 2008 was defined, as with the Distinguished Competition, by their line-wide crossover event, Secret Invasion.

As has already been well documented on the site, the central story of the Marvel Universe failed to really live up to it's potential. While that might marr the Marvel perspective of the year, that's not to say the House of Ideas wasn't without it's triumphs in 2008!

Emerging from World War Hulk; Hercules usurped control of the Incredible title to become the break-out hit of the year!
With the right combination of carefree superhero smackdown, and connective tissue to the Marvel universe, the Hercules book not only turned around the grind of event-driven comics, but also reshaped the chatacter from mort to must-read!

From the pages of Thunderbolts (and Secret Invasion), Norman Osborn will head into 2009 with the steam of a new MVP. Absent from the farcical Spider-man reboot, the former-Green Goblin now possesses clout and power enough to rule the Marvel Universe. Now also a ruling member of the Dark Illuminati cabal, Norman Osborn ascends to a role previously held by Iron Man, post-Civil War.

Not that Iron Man has by any means been eclipsed in 2008.
Feature films prompted much of the action on the Infinite Wars, and with Robert Downey Jr front-and-centre for the long awaited Iron Man feature film, the shellhead reach new hights!
Also hitting screens was Incredible Hulk, which sadly repelled from Ang Lee's previous version, but brought with it the promise of the superhero crossover on film. Both marked an important entry into cinema for Marvel Studios, who now embark on a journey to produce and control their own intellectual properties in an era of dominance for the superhero summer blockbuster.

Economic crisis kept the Infinite Wars from maintaining tabs on either of the major universes in 2008, but here for your pleasure we have five of the best Marvel spotlights featured during the year. 2008 will no doubt continue to feature with the benefit of hindsight as we move on to brave new chapters in the Marvel Universe. Let's hope it's a better year on the whole!

Immortal Iron Fist #11 (January 2008)
"The Seven Capital Cities of Heaven" Fraction/Brubaker/Aja
In the ancient hidden city of K'un-Lun, it's denizens prepare themselves for the undying tradition of the Tournament of the seven Heavenly Cities, held every eighty-eight years when their planes align; thus sucking Daniel Rand into a plot of intrigue and mystery centuries in the making!

At the source of Iron Fist's plight is Davos, the villain once known as the Steel Serpent. An exile of K'un-Lun, Davos is resurrected by one of the enemy cities, K'un-Zi, in an effort to destroy the long thought dead sixty-fifth inheritent to the Iron Fist mantle; a drug-addled vagabond and survivor of the First World War, Orson Randall.

Randall teams with his successor, Danny Rand, in an effort to prepare him properly for the ancient tournament. In battle, Orson Randall falls, but not before passing on the power of his chi to Danny Rand, who uses it to successfully oppose Davos who himself has consumed the spiritual energies of his benefactor's daughters, the girls of Crane Mother. Davos has also forged an alliance with Hydra, and with plans to destroy the legacy of the Iron Fist and K'un-Lun, the Steel Serpent redeclares himself the Steel Phoenix; champion of K'un-Zi!

World War Hulk #5 (January 2008)
"The End of World War Hulk" Pak/Romita Jr
After an emotionally unstable Scarlet Witch unleashes her powers in an event that threatens reality, and tears Earth's mightiest heroes apart; a secret sect of superhero powers dubbed, The Illuminati, are forced to reconsider the potential threats they harbor within their own number.

Recognising the erratic rampages of the Hulk as a longstanding and overlooked threat on their back porch, the group, though morally divided, conspire to lure the jade giant into a craft that will rocket him into deep space. Their message is one of peace, but for the Hulk, it is the beginning of a dark period in his existence.

After crash landing on the planet Sakaar, the Hulk becomes a gladiatorial warrior amidst an ethnically diverse alien community. He rises through the combative ranks and recovers from his initial wounds to become the new ruler of Sakaar, leading a rebellion by might. As King, Hulk would find love and sire an heir to his throne, but his happiness would sour when the ship that brought him to Sakaar detonates in an explosion that kills thousands, and sets off an environmental chain of events that would destroy the planet.

Rallying the survivors, the Hulk leads his Warbound to Earth where he seeks revenge from Reed Richards, Tony Stark, Dr. Stephen Strange, and the other heroes he believes responsible for the carnage. Hulk gives the innocent time to clear, and swiftly takes Manhattan, and defeats the heroes, leaving America only one man to turn to. Their saviour -- the Sentry.

Mighty Avengers #10 (May 2008)
"Time is on No One's Side" Bendis/Bagley
When a Latverian satellite detonates a symbiote-bomb over New York City, the distant menace of Dr. Doom reemerges on the global radar for an Iron Man whose power includes the resources of an international police forced -- SHIELD!

The rivalry between the two armored geniuses is renewed when the Avengers storm Latveria and Castle Doomstadt, resulting in an accidental shift in time reminiscent of another famous encounter between Doom and Stark. One that this time strands the pair, as well as the Sentry, several years in the past.

With the sanctity of time a grave concern, and no way to repair the technology, the trio devise a plan to return to their rightful time with the use of technology possessed by Reed Richards. Thus, the mentally fragile Sentry steps up to clear the path, but first he will need to clash with the rocky powerhouse that is Benjamin J Grimm, the ever lovin' blue-eyed Thing!

Hulk vs Hercules: When Titans Collide #1 (June 2008)
"Smash of the Titans" Pak/Van Lente/Brown/Cuevas/Pallot/Sotomayor
Once long ago, during one of the Hulk's many rampages in New York City, the green goliath found himself locked in mortal battle with the mighty Odinson - Thor!

In an effort to curtail the destruction wrought by the Hulk's mindless rampages; the sorcerer supreme, Dr. Strange, intervenes in the epic battle with a conjuring that whisks his former teammate into a realm between dimensions.
By sending Hulk to this crossroads Strange offers him the opportunity to explore an infinite sprawl of worlds, a hex assuring that should the Hulk find anything but happiness, he would be returned to the nexus.

Taking pity on the magnificent gamma irradiated behemoth; Gaea extends her hand and directs the Hulk to realm of the Greek gods! Finding himself at the foot of Mt. Olympus, Hulk makes acquaintance with two lame giants, and in doing so, begins a path that will lead him into battle with the prince of power - Hercules!

X-Force #5 (September 2008)
"Angels & Demons" Kyle/Yost/Crain
The resurrection of William Stryker renews the anti-mutant sentiments of The Purifiers, but unbeknownst to them they are the puppets of the genocidal Sentinel intelligence, Bastion!

Warren Worthington - the mutant known as Angel - becomes a prime target of the Purifiers as they are manipulated into seeking out the techno-organic technologies of Apocalypse, who once used them to transform Worthington into his angel of death, the Archangel!

Revealing that the seemingly cured mutant still retained Apocalypse's taint within him, the Purifiers unleash the destructive force of the Archangel once more, whilst plundering his DNA for their own divine transformation. For the covert group, X-Force, the Purifiers are but a part of the big picture as they themselves are faced with the wrath of Archangel!

SMASH HITS: MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE


My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the Black Parade (2006)


Angsty lyrics and an ingulgent pubescent fanbase has earned "MCR" their share of critics, but behind the black make-up and drama lies a concept album to be appreciated.

The Black Parade deals with various concepts surrounding death and the afterlife, and more importantly to us, forecasts some of the creativity that was to fund frontman, Gerard Way's, entry into comics.

Many have made attempts to expand their brand with a leap into comics, but few could be regarded, particularly from music, to be as creatively successful as Way. If he needed any advice, being buddy-buddy with comics superstar, Grant Morrison, gave him a great mind to chew. Not that he needed it!

The Umbrella Academy shares visual cues with the titular Black Parade, but dives into a fantastical world more reminiscent of the adventures of Hellboy and the BPRD. This, of course, is a simplification, as Way has quite vividly teamed with artist Gabriel Ba to create something unmistakable.

If The Black Parade tickles your fancy, why not march over to the Pandora Message Board!? The "music genome project" gives users (in the US) the chance to tour the music landscape without the risk of ill-placed investment - more vital than ever in today's failing global economy!
The Pandora Message Board (and Infinite Wars: Smash Hits) are sponsored by Energizer Advanced Lithium!
Lighter, longer lasting, and perfect for portable devices! Booyah!

GREEN LANTERN CORPS/JUSTICE LEAGUE versus SINESTRO CORPS
Birth of the Black Lantern (DC)
Where: Green Lantern #25 When: January 2008
Why: Geoff Johns How: Ivan Reis

The Story So Far...
The Anti-Monitor - a creature of immense power that once sought to destroy the multiverse - joins Sinestro in creating a new Corps of agents, with the intent to use them as heralds of his conquest over the positive realm. Harnessing the yellow power rings of Qward, the Sinestro Corps operate on a design of fear, using it to control their yellow energy the same way the Lanterns us willpower.

Tricked into believing the Sinestro Corps were to attack Oa, the designates of Sector 2814 soon find themselves four against an army, as the Anti-Monitor and his heralds emerge in the Milky Way. They launch their attack on Earth, but the rest of the Green Lanterns, along with heroes native to the planet, soon join the war. The Justice League, Justice Society, Titans, and more, rally to join the Green Lantern Corps in a stand against a force determined to seek the destruction of all.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Wonder Man 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Iron Man 5 (Professor)
Speed: The Sentry 6 (Mach-Speeds)
Stamina: Iron Man 6 (Generator)
Agility: Spider-man 5 (Cat-like)
Fighting Ability: Ares 7 (Warrior)
Energy Power: The Sentry 7 (Cosmic)


- The Green Lantern Corps is: John Stewart, Guy Gardner, Kilowog, Arisia, Breeon, Adam, Soranik Naru, Princess Iolande, Bzzd, Green Man, Torquemada, Voz, Apros, Brik, Tahr, Kraken, Chaselon, Sir Deeter, Leezle Pon, Lok Neboora, Raker Qarrigat, Salaak, Stel, Isamot Kol, Larvox, & Vath Sarn.
With: Superman, Powergirl, Hawkman, Alan Scott, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Metamorpho, Firestorm, Wonder Girl, Raven, Red Tornado, Captain Marvel, Batman, Starman, Supergirl, Hawkgirl, Plastic Man, Starfire, Bulleteer, STRIPE, Black Lightning, Red Arrow, Firehawk, Miss Martian, Jay Garrick, Nightwing, Creeper, Cyborg, Black Canary, Green Arrow, Robin, & Steel.

Having succumbed to the effects of the Parallax entity; Earth's most famous Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, would lead a grief stricken rampage against his fellows in a bid to gain power enough to resurrect his obliterated city.
At the cost of the few survivors, the Guardians of the Universe would pool their energies to create one final, immensly powerful ring, which would be sent out into the universe with the last surviving Guardian from Oa; Ganthet.

The ring would come to be the inhereted by Kyle Rayner.
The young graphic artist's imagination would make him an ideal recipient, his creative mind opening up a realm of possibilities to the ring's powers of solid manifestation. These iconic Green Lantern powers would come to Rayner with the added responsibility of being the last of the Corpsman - a footnote that would continue to be a part of his education right until the return of the Corps.

- The Sinestro Corps is: Anti-Monitor, Cyborg Superman, Superboy-Prime, Karu-Sil, Haasp the Hunter, Snap Trap, Despotellis, & Yellow Lantern.

While imprisoned in the Central Battery of Oa; former Green Lantern, Sinestro, came in contact with a creature as old as time itself. Parallax, an entity born of fear, had been imprisoned by the Guardians of the Galaxy and consequently instilled in the rings of the Lanterns an impurity that left them vulnerable to objects of yellow -- the colour of fear in the cosmic emotional spectrum.

When Hal Jordan was able to excise the corruption of Parallax from his soul, a freed Sinestro opts to form a new army in the anti-matter universe of Qward. Armed with yellow rings inspired by fear, he summons the most frightening villains from across the universe, joining together to form the Sinestro Corps.

Among Sinestro's most famous early recruits: Superboy-Prime, Cyborg Superman, Amon Sur, Mongul, Fatality, Parallax, and the Anti-Monitor.

Math: Green Lantern Corps Ranking: Batman (#1)

What Went Down...
The Earth plays host to three cosmic armies as the Justice League and other heroes combine with the Green Lantern Corps to resist their fear-wielding counterparts, the Sinestro Corps. At the centre of the melee, the armored giant of destruction - the Anti-Monitor!

From a distance the war is abstracted, appearing as a mass of wills colliding, but on the frontlines the personal struggles make-up the bigger picture. Among the heralds of the Anti-Monitor is Hank Henshaw, the Cyborg Superman that welcomes the lethal force initiated by the Guardians that oversee the Lantern Corps. He provokes their action, crushing the will of Lanterns beneath his cybernetic hand, while burning the wings of the courageous Hawkman.

John Stewart uses his ring to douse the flames as he and Guy Gardner arrive to join their comrades. They are immediately greeted by the venom of Karu-Sil, one of Sinestro's fear mongers. Gardner retaliates against her parallax constructs, generating a swarm of glowing green wolverines.

In the skies above, the Anti-Monitor looms over a city in chaos, plunging his fist into the street with the aim of sucking the planet dry. A wave of energy expands, positive matter turning to anti-matter, threatening to incinerate anything unable to flee it's path. The destruction forces Lanterns to redirect their attention to the innocents of New York City, to whom the wave is the most immediate threat.
Heroes such as Wonder Woman and Plastic Man join Lanterns, such as Arisia and Kilowog, in the desperate rescue.

Two brands of Manhunter collide as Hank Henshaw's cyborg meets the fist of the last lawman of Mars - J'onn J'onnz! His intervention aids John Stewart, who carries the ailing body of Guy Gardner. Yellow blood spits from the sickened Lantern -- a sign of Despotellis, the viral Sinestro, attacking him from within.

Meanwhile, heroes such as the Red Tornado, Starfire, Red Arrow, Black Lightning, and Firehawk do their bit to battle the swarming Sinestro Corps. They buzz and battle around the Anti-Monitor like insects, but each of their blows decides the fate of not only this Earth, but every parallel world that stems from it!

The Anti-Monitor's destructive conversion of energies goes unchallenged, until voices from the void recall the crisis incurred by his last attack on reality. A crisis of infinite Earths that went unchallenged by Oan Guardians in bondage.
Oan Guardians who will not stand idly by as he threatens existence anew!

The Guardians funnel their green energies at the impossible beast, confident in the knowledge that this Anti-Monitor is not yet fully developed beneath the armor that connects him to the old. Their will slams against the Anti-Monitor's shell and tears and shreds at the metal of his robotic heralds, the newest Manhunters. Their captain, Hank Henshaw, remains unphased by the Guardians' power.

Baring a grudge for their role in imprisoning him during Alexander Luthor's attempts to affect reality; Superboy-Prime blasts at the Guardians with his Kryptonian heat vision, while fighting off the advances of Alan Scott, Wonder Girl, and the Lanterns. Anti-Monitor lashes at the immortal Guardians also, trapping one in a giant fist that singes blue flesh with raw anti-power.

On the ground, John Stewart fends off the bizarre advances of the Yellow Lantern, while the increasingly weak Guy Gardner turns his attentions skyward. There, looming above the Earth, is the construct called "Warworld" affixed to the yellow central battery of the Sinestro Fear Corps. A power source big enough to destroy the Earth, or, if contained, one giant Anti-Monitor.

Even as his insides are plundered by the microscopic Despotellis; Guy Gardner pledges himself to the cause, flying into the sky with his ring blazing, forming chains with his fellow to drag the Warworld battery into position.

Other Lanterns rush to aid their brothers, fending off the opposition of Sinestro's agents. With the Guardians doing their part to rupture the Anti-Monitor's armor, the Lanterns toss Warworld toward the New York City streets below, and prepare themselves for the mammoth task of containing the explosion.

Kilowog, Apros, Brik, Salaak, Bzzd, Isamot Kol, Arisia, Torquemada, Sir Deeter, and many other Green Lanterns, all focus their energy into a giant dome over Warworld and the Anti-Monitor. Hank Henshaw is also encased within. With a cold metallic hand pressed to the edge of the translucent green dome, he whisper thanks to the Lanterns, poetically anticipating his long overdue death.

While the heroes of Earth fend off the advances of the Sinestro Corps; the City trembles as Warworld explodes, obliterating Hank Henshaw, and massive portions of New York, with it. The Anti-Monitor emerges, however, with his armor in tatters, but his resolve in tact. He lashes out at the unsuspecting Lanterns, but finally his undoing comes from an unlikely source, one of his allies, Superboy-Prime!

The impetuous youth pierces Anti-Monitor's armor and body with a torpedo-like dive. No longer interested in the Anti-Monitor's attempts at conquest, he puts an end to the creature's rampage, dragging the tattered armor into space, before tossing the smouldering corpse of the Anti-Monitor toward a dark destiny beyond the stars.

Spattered with blood, Superboy-Prime prepares a renewed assault against the heroes of the universe. His tantrum is but a precursor to the true end of the Sinestro Corps War...

The Hammer...
In the interest of clarity, this is technically part one of a two-part scenario. The battle strings out to include the suggested fight against Superboy-Prime, but to save time and my sanity, I've broken it up.

For defeating Anti-Monitor (and Hank Henshaw) we declare Superboy-Prime, Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Green Lanterns mentioned who affected and contained Warworld's destruction. For their involvement in repelling the other Sinestro Corps forces, and contributing to varying degrees in the specifics of this fight, we also award a victory statistic to the Earth heroes identified in "the tape". Their involvement, while non-specific, is clearly vital to the victory of the Green Lantern Corps.

For a final piece of house keeping, we also acknowledge confirmed kill stats to Superboy-Prime and Anti-Monitor, who both claimed two lives. Other instances prove too uncertain to confirm a death. Whew.

As you might have noticed, we might be a few weeks behind, but we've assembled some epic battles for the last month of 2008! Following on from last week's symbiote bomb [New Avengers #36], we give you yet another early 2008 major battle you might have been unaware of! True to the name of the site, these epic secret wars involved the heavy hitters of both universes, but neither expanded line-wide like the lynchpin events - Secret Invasion and Final Crisis.

Despite occupying only GL-related titles, it's fair to say Sinestro Corps War went quite a bit larger than the brief symbiote plague in our other example. In fact, reflecting on the year that was 2008 is almost impossible to do without mentioning spillover from the Sinestro event. Even now, looking forward, we anticipate the event forecasted at the end of this issue - Blackest Night!

The upcoming Green Lantern event is but one of several key pieces making up the connective tissue that is the DC Universe. The heavy editorial direction cast across the company has earned criticism from fans and commentators alike, but has also ushered in an undisputed era of cohesion for the DCU. While the heady excitement of the 52-era seems to have passed, DC still manage a tight ship of concept and causality. Reading DC comics has become describable as an experience, distancing them from the hit-and-miss disconnection of Marvel's high selling, headlining events.

What this overly verbose assessment leads to is, Geoff Johns.
At first glance the writer appears to possess few special powers, but anyone reading DC comics knows how deceptive his approach can be. The Sinestro Corps War encapsulates the growth that the Green Lantern comics have experienced under the writer, benefitting not only from brand new contributions, but also the expert inclusion of ideas pulled from all the eras. It's a balance of ideals that has made DC the creative powerhouse -- competent in the face of adversity, creative while traditional.

The simplicity of the spectrum of emotion and colour to represent other Lanterns turns what could easily be a dismal concept, into something beautiful. The Rage of the Red Lanterns serves as one of the prologues to The Blackest Night, and is one of the beats we will hopefully talk more about in 2009.

I'd love to find the words to go deeper into this issue, but we're fast losing days in the year. Instead, let the this and the previous entry reveal where the Infinite Wars has come to rest at the end of the year. DC has been superb. In the new year I hope to talk more about Final Crisis, which has also been a series I've been quite impressed with, in stark contrast to Marvel's Skrull-event.

In case you missed it; be sure to check out our last review of this issue, detailing the personal battle between Sinestro, Hal Jordan, and Kyle Rayner. We will no doubt return to this epic issue at a later date for more of the Sinestro Corps War and the Superboy-Prime fight.

Next up, we tackle two of the major events that drove action on the Infinite Wars in 2008! First, I have to tag all these bloody Green Lanterns!

The Fight: 6 The Issue: 6

The complete Sinestro Corps War is available split across two Green Lantern trade paperbacks. You can pick them up at an affordable price via Amazon, and by using purchase links provided, also help sponsor the efforts of the Infinite Wars! Those, plus collected editions of most issues reviewed in the Secret Archive, are also available via the Infinite Wars Amazonian Gift Shoppe. Perfect for ringing in the new year!

SHIPPING LIST: DECEMBER 10, 2008
NOTE DATE: US delays for Thanksgiving!
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.

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC
The Independents...
OCT080033 BPRD WAR ON FROGS #2 $2.99
OCT082292 I KILL GIANTS #6 (OF 7) $2.99
JUL082203 INVINCIBLE #56 $2.99
OCT082249 PHONOGRAM 2 #1 (OF 7) SINGLES CLUB $3.50
SEP082256 SAVAGE DRAGON #142 $3.50
MAY082190 SPAWN NEO NOIR TP $14.95

The Corporates...
OCT080132 ACTION COMICS #872 NEW KRYPTON $2.99
SEP080102 AMBUSH BUG YEAR NONE #5 (OF 6) $2.99
OCT080143 BOOSTER GOLD #15 $2.99
OCT082413 CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #8 $2.99
SEP080100 FINAL CRISIS REVELATIONS #4 (OF 5) $3.99
OCT080149 GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #15 $2.99
OCT080148 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #31 $2.99
OCT080200 MIRRORS EDGE #2 (OF 6) $3.99
OCT080117 SECRET SIX #4 $2.99
OCT080091 TRINITY #28 $2.99
OCT080160 WATCHMEN #1 NEW PTG $1.50
OCT082455 WHAT IF CAPTAIN AMERICA FALLEN SON $2.99

The Spotlight...
- OCT082392 ADAM LEGEND OF BLUE MARVEL #2 (OF 5) $3.99
Given how malignant the Sentry's retro entry into the Marvel Universe has been, I just can't help but struggle to understand the motivation for this. While I appreciate Marvel's recent investment in their Golden Age properties, I don't know if this is really the way to do it. This one feels like the half of the company that continues to struggle to appear to be sincere.

- OCT080125 BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #24 $2.99
With the DVD release of The Dark Knight no doubt reminding you of your spontaneous fandom, there's still a bunch of Joker comics trickling down that you might like to check out. I'm just saying! It'll really improve your credibility with cynical fanboys, and impress your equally fad-tastic pals! Wow, was that a "humbug"? Well, chill! Confidential continues to explore the early years of the Joker putting Batman into an adjacent cell to allow him the opportunity to get to know this new kind of criminal a little better. TDK fans know how interesting it can get when these two are put together in a cell!

- OCT080108 DETECTIVE COMICS #851 $2.99
The Batmania rolls on as legendary comics scribe, Denny O'Neil, returns to Gotham City to tell a tale of it's "Last Days." As disgruntled as I am by DC's recent return to multi-title crossovers, this post-RIP two-parter might be too good to miss. Nightwing stands solemnly on the cover infront of a case awfully reminiscent of the Jason Todd memorial tank that once contained the dead Robin's costume. Is the Batman dead, or just absent? Don't expect the answers to come from here, but as a companion piece to Final Crisis, it's well worth a read!

- AUG080114 FINAL CRISIS #5 (OF 7) $3.99
It looks like Gotham's sister city, Blüdhaven, is about to be the scene of yet another epic battle, as the forces of good clash with Darkseid's evil!

- OCT080131 NIGHTWING #151 $2.99
The post-RIP funtimes continue for Nightwing as he puts Two-Face's reign of terror in New York City to bed in Arkham Asylum.

- OCT082339 SECRET INVASION DARK REIGN $3.99
Secret Invasion felt so far under par, any transition into Dark Reign was going to be difficult not to resent. The opportunity to do the Skrull invasion to an extent we've never seen was what initially had me sold on the project, but what we got was probably exactly what not to do. Failing any Skrull-related startling invasions, this is just a very ugly transition into yet another company event. This one's starting with yet another promising high-concept, but pilotted by Brian Bendis, we're anticipating another dismal showing. That said -- potential for greatness is definitely there and we'll be watching with interest.
Our disappointment with Secret Invasion might mischaracterize the purpose of these entries and perspectives, because it's not baseless, or just for sport. I find these are the assumptions, often of not very intelligent people, who seem oblivious to the irony of their own witchunt, and I rarely acknowledge it to disapprove.

- SEP080144 SUPERMAN BATMAN #54 $2.99
In the tradition of the Silver Age, the two heroes have experienced an ol' switcheroo of powers, and it looks like it's going to Batman's head -- and Bane's back!


Know Your Trade...
OCT082515 AVENGERS PREM HC FIRST TO LAST $34.99
SEP080172 BATMAN JOKERS ASYLUM TP $14.99
JUL080156 CAMELOT 3000 HC DELUXE EDITION $34.99
OCT082532 CAPTAIN AMERICA TP CHOSEN $19.99
OCT082517 DAREDEVIL MAN WITHOUT FEAR PREM HC $24.99
AUG080183 GREEN LANTERN SECRET ORIGIN HC $19.99
OCT082507 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY PREM HC VOL 01 LEGACY $19.99
JUL080166 JSA HC VOL 03 THY KINGDOM COME PART 2 $24.99
OCT082501 NOVA ANNIHILATION HC $34.99
OCT082309 PX GN VOL 02 IN SERVICE O/T QUEEN $16.99
MAY082190 SPAWN NEO NOIR TP $14.95

COVER TO COVER: TWENTY-FIVE UP 1989-1993!
1989-1993 Top 25
#1 Shang Tsung (1992)
#2 Steel (1993)
#3 Shao Kahn (1993)
#4 Goro (1992)
#5 Sonya Blade (1992)
#6 Deadpool (1991)
#7 Dhalsim (1991)
#8 Johnny Cage (1992)
#9 Noob Saibot (1992)
#10 Raiden (1992)
#11 Robin (1989)
#12 Guile (1991)
#13 Cable (1990)
#14 Kano (1992)
#15 Fei Long (1993)
#16 Kintaro (1993)
#17 Ganthet (1992)
#18 Doppelganger (1992)
#19 Crimson Dynamo (1990)
#20 Maul (1992)
#21 T. Hawk (1993)
#22 Hellboy (1993)
#23 Spoiler (1992)
#24 Mirror Master (1989)
#25 Chun-Li (1991)
The Infinite Wars is really a bit of a big game.
We review superhero fights and they contribute to an on-going tally of win/loss records. There are many ways to enjoy, read, and perceive the site, but as you'll note from the list assembled right (of debuting characters in our spotlight five years), that tally of fighting success is only as good as the versatility we inject.

With three hundred and twenty-four characters currently recorded for our fights in 2008, we've had a pretty big year! It seems unlikely we'll knock-off the three fifty-four stack of heroes and villains we flicked through in 2007, but what we have done, I believe, is canvas a far wider perspective of superhero comics from Marvel and DC.

The nineties is a prominent piece of the Infinite Wars puzzle, dancing a line between contemporary relevance, and flashback nostalgia. It's a chance for us to connect with modern comics, while also informing some of you about the recent past. There are, after all, many readers, new and old, with dramatically distinct experiences and references from comics.

In 2008 a major part of our expansion included the popular nineties video game, Mortal Kombat. As members of 1up.com will hopefully come to know, I do have other interests, and a passion for certain video games is very much a byproduct of the similarities between two mediums. In 2007 you already got a mouthful of Street Fighter (sure to be repeated next year), but with the release of Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe, the MK Universe was an inevitable inclusion.

Take careful note of the comics characters in our top twenty-five, but do not discount the video game characters. With any luck, those of you who enjoyed meeting the MK Universe learnt to appreciate the similarities, and vice versa for the many MK fans who joined us this year.
Pollonation between the two mediums was rife in the early nineties. Many of you will know one of the feature storylines here, Maximum Carnage, from the popular scrolling beat 'em up of the same name. Certain aspects of Image Comics' movement during this period were self-confessed reactions to the changing attitudes influenced by an interactive medium that threatened to crush the booming comics industry.

Enjoy our flashback, and be sure to check out 1984-1988!

Batman #442 (1989)
"Rebirth" Wolfman/Perez/Aparo
Somewhere in space Superboy-Prime is pounding on reality, eventuating in some dramatic changes, but for the time being, Jason Todd is recently deceased.

The Batman has retreated into himself, and a young man named Tim Drake, who has deduced the identities of Batman, Robin and Nightwing - Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd and Dick Grayson, respectively - believes the Batman needs a Robin to remain in tact.

Thus, sponsored by Alfred, Tim Drake dons the tights and cape and goes to save Batman and Nightwing from certain doom at the hands of Two-Face.
With Batman and Nightwing trapped in a collapsed building that Two-Face has blown up for double-good measure -- can Tim Drake - Robin - save the day?

Amazing Spider-man #329 (February 1990)
"Power Prey!" Michelinie/Larsen
Displeased with the failure of his plan to shuffle villains in the Acts of Vengeance storyline, the Norse god of mischief, Loki, leaves the Earth a little something to remember him by.

For believing him dead; Loki magically alters a trio of newly designed Sentinels to merge them into one masterpiece of magic and machine - the Tri-Sentinel!

Lucky for Manhattan, Spider-man has been imbued with the mysterious uni-power thanks to the aptly named Enigma Force. Gaining the cosmic awareness that had been denied to him, Spider-man instantly learns of his foe, and leaps into action to avert nuclear disaster!


Phantom #972 (February 1991)
"Masked Marvel" Falk/McCoy
As far as forgotten heroes in the American mainstream, few are more prominent in the world than The Phantom! Though Lee Falk's work is dwarfed by the accomplishments of his contemporaries; men like Will Eisner and Stan Lee; his character's exploits endure in countries like Australia, Sweden, Norway, and India!

Pre-dating other early costumed heroes, (like Superman), the Phantom remains a vital part of comics history. Baring heavy influence on Bob Kane's Batman; the Phantom defines many of the transitioning establishments from pulp heroes, to the superhero genre. Wearing a colourful costume, trademarked insignias, and a history that dates back to the 1500's; the ghost who walks is a true superhero legend. Check out this Falk/McCoy classic from 1948!

Uncanny X-Men #295 (December 1992)
"Familiar Refrain" Lobdell/Peterson
When mutant popstar Lina Cheney offers Professor Charles Xavier an opportunity to speak at a public concert for awareness and acceptance of mutants, she unwittingly provides the opportunity to spark a war between factions.
A daylight attempt on the Professor's life implicates the mysterious mutant soldier, Cable, as a traitor to his people, but unbeknownst to the X-Men he is merely the victim of a murder wrap through time!

Apocalypse too finds himself caught in the web of deceit when his Horsemen are deployed to attack the X-Men. In truth, they are following the order of the mysterious mutant liberator, Stryfe, whose machinations include the kidnap of X-Men mainstays, Cyclops and Jean Grey.

With the defeat of the Horsemen, the X-Men opt to pay a visit to the ancient mutant, whose recuperation from a previous battle had been prematurely interrupted by the emergence of Mr. Sinister as Stryfe's impostor. Though weak, Apocalypse remains all too happy to cull the weak from the fit, as he faces the X-Men in mortal combat in his own safehouse!

Spider-man Unlimited #2 (August 1993)
"The Hatred, The Horror, and The Hero" DeFalco/Lim
The assembled might of Spider-man, Venom, Black Cat, Captain America, Iron Fist, Deathlok, Cloak, Dagger, Morbius and Nightwatch has finally broken up the reign of terror perpetrated by the Carnage Family, but the fight has not yet been won!

Carnage has escaped death once more, but Venom remains dedicated to hunting down the symbiote spawn of his own alien costume, and destroying it, with or without Spider-man's approval.

Spidey's sense of responsibility brings him to the fight, but as Cletus Kasady becomes further detached from reality, Spidey cannot escape the pull of pity, feeling a responsibility to protect Carnage from Venom's lethal objectives.
Has Spidey done the ultimate good, or sealed his fate by stepping into the crossfire of two of his most powerful enemies? Stay tuned!

COVER TO COVER: NOT VENGEANCE -- PUNISHMENT!
Punisher: War Zone hit screens to mixed reviews on December 5.
The third attempt at bringing the character to the big screen, this time around the hook was bringing together the references of the 2004 movies, with the penchant for violence and urbana seen in the 1989 version.

If you've been a long time reader of the Infinite Wars, you know Punisher isn't exactly at the centre of our demographic. Though undoubtedly valued as a combative character, I spent most of my younger years a little baffled by the popularity of a guy shooting guns in a world of amazing powers. In my later years I've come to accept and quite enjoy the subtlties the character is capable of, particularly in an era that has been somewhat distanced from the mindless skullduggery of the nineties.

My connection to the character has typically been through other heroes, such as much loved appearances in the late eighties Amazing Spider-man under David Michelinie and Erik Larsen, and issues of What if?, a title where the character seemed to flourish. This is the theme peppered through our small handful of Punisher spotlights, which you'll find following, arranged for your convenience.

What if...? #24 (April 1991)
"What if... Wolverine had become Lord of Vampires?" Thomas/Lofficier/Morgan
When the X-Men battled the menace of Count Dracula, it was only the strength of character of Ororo Monroe, Storm, who had been possessed by the fiend, that saved the lives of the mutant team. But what if Storm had remained under Dracula's spell?

In a world where just that has happened, Dracula finds more than he bargained for when he returns to raise the defeated X-Men from the dead.

Wolverine proves too strong a will for Dracula contain, and ultimately slays him, making the X-Man the new lord of vampires. Having mastered the powers of the vampire, Wolverine and his vampires go on the rampage. They declare into their number heroes and villains alike, whilst destroying anyone who is deemed a potential threat -- including Dr. Strange, who falls at the hands of the Juggernaut.

Though dead, Strange remains in his astral, and recruits one of the last 'super' humans alive to his cause: Frank Castle -- The Punisher.

What if...? #51 (July 1993)
"What if the Punisher had become Captain America?" Furman/Cullins
In our world, blinded, Captain America was able to survive a brutal encounter with the Red Skull through luck and determination, but throughout the omniverse there are other worlds where he was not so fortunate.

Alive but mortally wounded, Steve Rogers demands there be a replacement in the Cap costume during the period of his recuperation. Thus, the search for a suitable substitute begins. Many men try and fail!

Astronaut John Jameson succumbs to a spell whilst in space, becoming a Man-Wolf; Robert Diamond dies at the hands of Count Nefaria; the gamma-irradiated Leonard Samson loses his mind in battle, and kills innocent civilians; and Kyle Richmond falls victim to the vampiric Baron Blood.

With his family caught in a gang-land crossfire, Frank Castle, having initial turned down the offer, now turns to the flag. As Captain America he will battle evil, but will this symbol for justice be enough for the unhinged ex-soldier?

Daredevil #65 (November 2004)
"The Universe" Bendis/Hester/Parks
For years Matthew Murdock has lived a dual life as a blind lawyer by day and Hell's Kitchen's guardian vigilante, Daredevil. His struggles to rid the city of violence and crime pit him against Wilson Fisk - the Kingpin of crime - and his army of minions, in a personal struggle.

With his life careening out of control, Daredevil makes a stand against the villains that threaten his loved ones, stepping up to the Kingpin's grand plan to finally undo him with equal force. After beating his way through the Kingpin's Generals, finally he topples the mastermind himself, throwing his broken body at the feet of the city. A warning. A message. A declaration of Daredevil as the new Kingpin of Hell's Kitchen.

When Daredevil consults with his many allies throughout the Marvel Universe, he is greeted with varying levels of acceptance. The most uncompromising opposition comes from a man that he has been at odds with before - Frank Castle - a man who witnessed his bold coup. A man who intends to punish him as the new Kingpin.

Punisher War Journal #3 (March 2007)
"Mutually Assured Destruction" Fraction/Olivetti
The Punisher is back in the thick of things, and he's ready to bust some face of super villain scum once more.

Under the care of Stuart Clarke, Punisher recovers from the severe beating Punisher received at the hands of Captain America, after he shot two unarmed villains sympathetic to the anti-hero registration act.

Conscious after four days of recovery, Frank Castle finds himself held up in a SHIELD armory with a slew of weapons an intelligence at his disposal. Intelligence that points directly toward the hideouts and movements of criminals throughout the city. First top -- Rhino's place...


New Avengers #35 (December 2007)
"The Trust" Bendis/Yu
Parker Robbins, aka; The Hood; has begun a quest to become the kingpin of supercriminals, and with Earth's mightiest heroes divided after the civil war, and harboring suspicions of a Skrull incursion; his success rate is high.

After suffering a brutal defeat at the hands of the Avenger, Tigra; underworld stalwart and longtime Punisher adversary, Jigsaw, finds an invitation waiting for him, after an adrenaline fuelled getaway. Tired of his many defeats, the hideously scarred hitman ventures out to become part of the Hood's organization.

As a show of power to the heroes, and a gesture of good faith to the pledging Jigsaw; the Hood turns his many powers to seeking out Greer Grant, better known as registered Initiative agent; Tigra. Privvy to a great many secrets, the aspiring kingpin of supercrime has no trouble locating the feline fatale, and sets out to exact retribution.

SMASH HITS: VANILLA ICE


Vanilla Ice - Ninja Rap (1991)


Given the juggernaut of marketting that surrounded the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the eighties and early nineties, there's a very real chance many of you might still not realise they began irradiated-life in comics!

As a black and white parody of the growing trend of grim and gritty comics, the 1984 TMNT origin story shares much in common with stories (ie; Daredevil) by comics legend, Frank Miller. Ironic, given the fast-paced ascension of TMNT's creators, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, who both are significant not only for their creation, but also the methods of crossmedia licensing it quickly came to entail.

After the success of the 1990 TMNT live-action feature film, a sequel quickly followed in 1991, and contributed one of the most infamous collaborations in comics licensing -- TMNT and Vanilla Ice!

Himself a product of the emerging heavy-handed marketting of eighties/nineties music, Ice was a manufactured star, complete with fictional biography released in the same year as Ninja Rap. Notorious for sampling popular songs without issuing credit, the contrived backstory of Vanilla Ice the character could make him comparable to a modern Eminem, for any youngsters grappling with the concept. Or, musically, a more creative Kanye West. Oh, yes! I said it!

You'll be able to learn a whole lot more about Vanilla Ice (and find like minded fans) on the Pandora Message Board! The "music genome project" gives users (in the US) the chance to tour the music landscape without the risk of ill-placed investment - more vital than ever in today's failing global economy!
The Pandora Message Board (and Infinite Wars: Smash Hits) are sponsored by Energizer Advanced Lithium!
Lighter, longer lasting, and perfect for portable devices! Booyah!

MIGHTY AVENGERS versus
SECRET AVENGERS
The Trust: Part Five (Marvel)
Where: New Avengers #36 When: January 2008
Why: Brian Bendis How: Leinil Yu

The Story So Far...
Once, the gods and heroes could be trusted to protect humanity in it's time of need, but when the least of their kind entered into a battle that cost the lives of hundreds, a new control was demanded by a traumatized public.

For men like Tony Stark, the prospect of thorough screening and training became a price he was all too willing to pay to repent for the willful negligence of he and his fellows. Trusted powers whose morals had come to harbor cosmically volatile forces within their quarters. A philosophy that puts him at odds with both those who have reasons to hide, and those with a strong belief in the privacy and trust earned by the super-powered guardians.

Divided, Earth's mightiest heroes continue in two factions. Stark's Avengers hunt their secretive counterparts, distracted from the evils the underground heroes continue to pursue with clarity. It is the Secret Avengers who learn of The Hood's play for Kingpin of Villains, and the emergence of a Skrull incursion. Neither, however, could have hoped to anticipate a Latverian satellite position above the Earth. A weapon containing a symbiote bomb that escapes it's master's control and sends an infestation of madness to New York City as an unprepared Secret Avengers is possessed and thrown into battle with their counterparts.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Wonder Man 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Iron Man 5 (Professor)
Speed: The Sentry 6 (Mach-Speeds)
Stamina: Iron Man 6 (Generator)
Agility: Spider-man 5 (Cat-like)
Fighting Ability: Ares 7 (Warrior)
Energy Power: The Sentry 7 (Cosmic)


- The Mighty Avengers are: Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, Wonder Man, Sentry, Black Widow, Ares, accompanied by Luke Cage and Wolverine.

Plotting against his half-brother, the Norse god of mischief, Loki, uses illusions to manipulate the rages of the green goliath known as the Hulk!
The scheme is intended to draw Thor into a combative trap, but Loki's plans come unravelled when a distress call from Rick Jones is picked up not only by Thor, but also the Wasp, Ant-Man, and Iron Man! Despite initial misunderstandings, the unlikely team forms an alliance and easily defeats the god of mischief - thus, the Avengers are born!

Though their adventures would see the roster subject to change, the growing number of associated heroes would only lend credence to the claim that they are Earth's mightiest heroes! United, the many iterations of the Avengers would face foes of minor, or cosmic natures, always willing to put their lives on the line for the greater good, a philosophy embodied by charter members like iconic early recruit, Captain America.

After the superhero Civil War, the team was segregated between those heroes supportive of the Superhuman Registration Act, and those opposed. The Avengers continue officially as a government agency led by the registration's leading advocate, Tony Stark, who was also appointed Director of SHIELD.

- The Secret Avengers are: Dr. Strange, Iron Fist, Ronin, Echo, Spider-man, and Wasp.

Confronted with a government intending to pit him against the reluctant and unwilling in a mandatory Superhero Registration; Captain America throws his training and leadership against SHIELD and the US Government to instead lead a resistance against the movement. These Secret Avengers emerge to protect those who have pledged their lives to protecting the innocent, intent on preserving their right to anonymity.
Among the most prominent of the ready and willing to join the Captain's cause are; Hercules, Goliath, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Falcon, Cloak, Dagger, and Cable.

Captain America's surrender to Tony Stark during the superhero Civil War, and subsequent assassination, galvanizes the efforts of an underground team allowed leniency by the powers-that-be. Thus, the Secret Avengers continue on in the memory of their leader, dedicated to the same justice they always sought.

Additional: The Secret Avengers are possessed by alien symbiote creatures similar to those warn by Mac Gargan and Cletus Kasady. The creatures have dramatically reduced their reasoning, while enhancing their strength.

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

What Went Down...
Watching their government sponsored counterparts descend to the streets below, the Secret Avengers witness panic in the streets as the results of a symbiote bomb wreak havoc with innocent bystanders. Before they can intervene, the Secret Avengers themselves become possessed by alien creatures, save Luke Cage, whose impenetrable skin may be the reason for his safety.

Set upon by his fellows; Cage struggles as symbiote-possessed Ronin, Spider-man, and Echo launch and acrobatic assault against him. Even his best friend, Iron Fist, throws a taloned swipe that would kill an ordinary man! Overwhelmed by the pummelling of all but Wolverine, Cage briefly loses consciousness.

When Power Man comes to, he is greeted by Wonder Man and Ms. Marvel of the "Mighty" Avengers. With the streets of Manhattan filled with the symbiote possessed, all grudges are dropped as Cage joins the fight that has also claimed Wasp, in giant-form, from the Mighty team.

Contending with Giant-Woman and a cluster of anonymous symbiotes tossed by the towering creature; Iron Man attempts to make an escape, seeking to resolve the threat from it's source. He leaves behind two teams, at odds, but on the common grounds of doing all they can to protect the innocent.

The Sentry waves a street lamp at clambering creatures, while Luke Cage relies on his own unbreakable fists to fight back against the hordes. He's joined by Wolverine who remains unclaimed by the symbiote clinging to his body, racked with pain as his mutant healing factor keeps the creature at bay, allowing him to turn those skills against the other aliens.

The sixty-foot Giant-Wasp symbiote crashes to the ground, walloped with the super-strength of the Sentry. Ares, Wonder Man and Ms. Marvel do the same, using their impressive powers to tackle multiple creatures at once! Wolverine's efforts prove equally as effective as he topples the creatures with mortal fists.

Fighting despite the endless numerical advantage of the swarm, the heroes are rewarded. Just as sudden as the infestation had begun, the symbiotes disappear in an instant, the handy work of Iron Man, Director of SHIELD!

The Hammer...
As far as conclusions go it's a scrappy one, but I give you your year-end winners: Iron Man, Luke Cage, Wolverine, and the Mighty Avengers!

This is ordinarily where we reflect upon the issue with a conversation topic, but for a simple example of superhero smackdown, there are an awful lot of implications from this one issue. The convergence of ideas come from before and after, this issue being part of the transitional period from Civil War, to Secret Invasion.

In a year defined by the "Invasion" with little compromise, this issue of New Avengers reminds us of many things sorely absent from Marvel's 2008.
In fact, they're all fairly simple principles that reflect quite negatively on Brian Bendis' second attempt at a Marvel-wide crossover. Working against him was a promotion that suggested something far more involving, something resembling the Skrull invasion never quite seen to it's logical conclusion. Instead, Secret Invasion amounted to something resembling Infinity War, built out of specials dealing with super-powered Skrulls in the various subsets of Marvel characters.

Like the many writers who picked up themes and concepts from the central plot, Bendis himself expanded the event through threads in the two Avengers titles.
Here, we were again reminded that within Brian Bendis is the capacity to deliver a satisfying superhero story. It would be unfair to drudge up the old theory that Bendis can't handle groups of characters, but it seems entirely convincing that directing the larger picture is not his particular forté. [See also; House of M] It is merely an unfortunate coincidence that these bungles both include large casts.

A tendency to humanize characters - sometimes to the point of losing their character (and differentiation) all together - invariably makes the New Avengers the stronger of the two titles. Alas; each positive seems to come equipped with it's own undermining 'Void' alter-ego, such as New's thematic consistency of often failing to actually deliver the titular grouping.

These problems, of course, do not exist in today's feature issue.
In stark contrast to the dragging inanity of Secret Invasion, the much-hyped symbiote bomb delivers almost too little. Resolved over the course of a couple of issues with fist-pounding simplicity, it is everything the major crossovers of recent years have not been, (from either company). In some ways, I almost wish the Skrulls and Symbiotes could've switched places. A couple of simple battles to resolve the invading super-Skrulls would have been far more palatable, particularly if the dramatic potential of symbiote-infested heroes could've been fulfilled in the traditional crossover model. The model that exacerbated the very worst about Secret Invasion.

Looking back on year through the first issues print-dated 2008, we recognise an event that was much more fun to anticipate than deal with. So, what of 2009?

Marvel appears to be going back to the well again, this time repackaging Acts of Vengeance with a smoother, more organic transition than some recent concepts. Dark Reign is described as a new 'status quo', rather than an event.
While the terminology immediately makes it difficult to feel anything but cynical, it does have the benefit of drawing directly from events outside of the best forgotten Skrull invasion. Norman Osborn's path as a character has made the disappointment of his late nineties resurrection all the easier to swallow, drawing heavily on the 'wolf in sheeps clothing' motiff of the Thunderbolts.

Bendis' "Dark Illuminati" might finally give breathing space to The Hood, whose play for Kingpin of Villains fell disappointingly to the constant interruptions of the Skrull crossover, and other indulgent distractions. With DC's investment across the street with Grant Morrison and a similarly themed direction for Libra, it's been all the harder to take The Hood seriously in his bid to rise from urban thuggery, to mastermind status.

2009 will be a real acid test for Marvel's simmering concepts and ability to bounce back from such an awful lynchpin. As far as the Infinite Wars is concerned, despite noteworthy triumphs, Marvel conceded 2008 to a DC that started slow. Is that about to change? We'll be keen to see!

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 5

Want to start the new year with the best of 2008? Looking for after-Christmas bargains? Check out "The Trust" in collected format! By using Amazon purchase links on the Infinite Wars you help support our tireless efforts! The Gift Shoppe also contains collected versions featuring most reviewed titles from the three years of Secret Archiving! Stay tuned for more belated review on the year that was, continuing with yet another exciting secret war, deviating from the events that drove 2008!