Week's End

That sun did rise, the sun has set, and now it’s time, for a new Week’s End.
Rhyming is fun.
Now I've already edited this, taking out the notice that there is not Moment for this week. Usually, if I can't find a moment, I simply won't have that part there. I also changed the cover of the week, having found a better cover I had forgotten about.

Comic of the Week: Marvel Zombies vol. 3 #2

This was pretty tough, 3 great comics this week that I all really enjoyed. But in the end, Marvel Zombies 3 gets the win for overall best impression and leaving me psyched for more. The art was spectacular and I think this is the best anyone has ever written Machine Man. Yes, that’s right, even better than in Nextwave.

Cover of the Week: Ultimatum #1 white variant

I know it's just the final page with Magneto in a white back-drop, but damn if David Finch didn't knock this out of the park. A real wicked image and a great set up for more of the Ultimatum. Though since the series is delayed, already, I guess we should enjoy what we can of it while we can.

Most Anticipated Comic of the Week: Wolverine #69

This would have been, hands down, Detective Comics #850 but since DC decided to spoil it in the solicits last month I’m holding off on buying that comic. So rather the one comic I am excited for is Wolverine. I know in my previous post I mentioned how I’m considering dropping the title, but I have high hopes that this issue can convince me otherwise to keep with it.

So that’s it for our rhyming week’s End, check in sometime either tomorrow or Tuesday for our sing along Megaman 9 review. Until then, enjoy your weekend.

Andrenn's Pull List

Welcome to an all new, all exciting post here. Andrenn’s Pull List! Here I talk about my pull list, but more precisely, additions and subtractions from it. These are recent adds and minuses from the list, so whenever I change the list is when you’ll see a post like this. It’s very simple, I talk about a comic, why I’m either going to get it or why I’m done with it.

Spider-man Noir
Added!

I’m picking this up for a few reasons, my biggest reason being the simple fact that it’s David Hine on writing. I’m a fan of Hine’s, though not as big as some people I know, I still really like his work and I am excited to see where he takes our friendly wall-crawler. Taking a character like Spider-man into the world of Noir is somewhat crazy, but then again, some of the best ideas are the craziest ones. This is also the start of the Noir series from Marvel, something that could be an exciting new branch of Marvel’s many universes and alternate stories. I also have seen the artist in his Marvel Knights work, it’s stunning and I can’t wait to see how Hine uses the amazing art to tell this story.

Skaar: Son of Hulk
Off!

As much as I wanted to keep up with Skaar…some things just aren’t worth it and Skaar is just a pure waste of my time and money. Seeing as my list is getting bigger and bigger with little room for series I don’t care about, Skaar had to go and was chopped off the list. Though I may return to it if I hear good things, for now, I’m done with the Son of Hulk.

Ultimate Fantastic Four
Added!

I’m mainly buying this in my curiosity of the Invisible Woman’s fate. With the possibility of wedding bells in the future for her and everything looking so grim, I had to come back to the FF for one last hurrah, seeing as the series is to be cancelled soon.

Batman: Cacophony
Added!

The art doesn’t look too good really…it looks fine, but it’s more of the same old same old for DC artists. Still, it’s Kevin Smith and Batman. A combination that makes me jumps for joy. I’m a big fan of Smith’s movie work and really hope he can blend a more dark humor with Batman, rather then making it blatantly humorous which would be annoying when it comes to Batman. Still, with a character like Joker, Smith should be able to hit a nice blend here.

Wolverine
Pending possible removal

I haven’t done anything to this title yet, but with the delays that continue to plague it, I’m really considering dropping Wolverine. While I’ve been loving Old Man Logan and McNiven’s art has been worth the wait…I gotta cut somewhere in the list and if Wolverine keeps getting delayed and the story starts to bore me, it’ll be gone.

Uncanny X-men
Added! –For now!-

Uncanny is on my pull list for the sake of checking out Dodson’s incredible artwork but that’s it. Though I’ll admit, I am also interested in seeing what becomes of Emma as she enters Scott’s mind, from what the previews have shown, it just looks like Fraction’s excuse to get to see our favorite X-girls in skimpy outfits…*eye rolls* point in one close up shot of Rogue, her shirt torn and bra easily viewed…seriously…ugh. But I digress, either way; I’m checking it out for Dodson’s art mainly.

X-men/Spider-man
Added!

I decided to wait until after the first issue to add this series, as the first issue didn’t interest me at all. No offense to fans of this classic time for Spider-man, but I honestly didn’t really care about it. Now issue 2 and up are what interests me personally.

Sonic X
Added

Yes, I’m actually going to be buying the last 2 issues of the Sonic X comic. Now…I saw the cartoon a while back when it premiered, didn’t really like it despite being a fan of the series of video games. Though a friend of mine showed me the Japanese original version…much, much, much better. Now I’m buying the comic since it supposedly leads in to the upcoming new Sonic title from Archie Comics, Sonic Universe, and a project I am very much interested in. So while Universe won’t be a continuation of X, X will lead into Universe…uh-huh…

I doubt I’ll review it. Unless someone really wants me to review it and is curious as to my thoughts on it, I probably won’t talk about it really. But again, if someone really wants to hear my thoughts on it, I will review it. Otherwise, the next Sonic Comic I review will be Universe.

Ultimate X-men
Added!

I’m simply buying this for the Ultimatum tie-in. Kirkman turned me away with some of the worst Ultimate work I’ve ever seen. Though I’m coming back to see how Xavier’s children weather the Ultimatum. Also, one reason is I love Mark Brook’s art and can’t wait to see what he does here with something as big and chaotic as Ultimatum.

So that is all we have for today. I should have a Week’s End in tomorrow evening probably so expect that tomorrow. Now I’m off to go read more of the Joker.

Andrenn Update -No Spawn vol. 5 review-

It has been a while since we last had an Andrenn Update. But one must be made since I have a bit of a cancellation announcement. I’m canceling reviewing Spawn vol. 5…for now. I can’t seem to feel motivated about reviewing it, and if I don’t care about what I’m reviewing, then there is no point in reviewing something if you don’t care at the moment. Though some day down the road it will be reviewed, for now Spawn is off the review block for a while. I have other things I’d like to review…after this weekend.
My first quarter of school has ended and I’m pretty worn from it, this is my first 3 day weekend in a while and I plan to enjoy it. So there will be no Collection Spotlight this evening. Though I do have some books I plan to review over the next few weeks, I won’t say, just because after Halloween I realize that I don’t work well with a strict schedule. I seem to enjoy writing these reviews much more when it comes to me that day I’d like to write up about that. Now just because I’m taking a bit of a vacation, there will still be a Week’s End on Sunday and a comic review next week as well as a Collection Spotlight. But I spent some of my comic money on the Joker Graphic Novel. So while I’ll review a comic or two, Joker will hopefully be reviewed sometime through the week.

Seeing as it’s been compared to The Killing Joke by comic legend Alan Moore, curiosity got the better of me. Not to good too in depth as to spoil my review, but for the most part, I enjoyed it. Apparently not as much as everyone else who raves it as the second coming of the Graphic Novel Messiah. But still, I found it worth the money spent.

Week’s End will probably be on Sundays more often now since that’s usually when I find out what is ahead in the weeks of comics.

The Megaman 9 review is...in the works. I haven’t written anything, but I do know what I’ll write for sure.

I have a new thing coming up called “Andrenn’s Pull List” where I talk a bout recent adds to the pull list. I’ve added a few comics as of yesterday, so I’ll be talking about why their on the list.

Nothing new upcoming for the Andrenn Channel series of posts. I’m not really sure what show is next to add…but I’m thinking that it’s time to add a cartoon. At least one animated show.

Sonic Unleashed comes out on Friday next week, which I’m excited for. I may review it one day.

So I guess that’s pretty much it, I don’t have anything else really to bring up. Expect some more posts over the week hopefully and I’ll see you all around.

Comic Reviews for November 5th 2008

A bit of a jam-packed week of comics. I figured it would be smaller then this, but I was wrong…so we’re going to blend the 2 styles of reviews. With Ultimatum, Marvel Zombies 3 and Scarlet Veronica get the full treatment, and Hulk and Venom getting the Open Fire! Review style.

Ultimatum #1

Written: Jeph Loeb

Art: David Finch

Opening comments: As time has gone on, Ultimatum has jumped around a bit in my head. First feared, then I didn’t care, now I care and look forward to seeing where these events play out. So much so that I’ve added the 3 tie-in books to my pull list to get the full scope of the Ultimatum. If the first issue is an indication of anything, this could be the Ultimate Universe’s strongest story ever.

Story comments: We have a fairly standard event comic opener; we see a lot of characters doing their thing. One thing to note is Reed Richards looking to propose marriage to Sue Storm, which is pretty epic. I’m sure the anti-Loeb fanboys will preach against this and call it a lack of creativity on Loeb’s part. But I for one am interested to see that, should Reed and Sue survive the Ultimatum, where this gets picked up.

We see a weak moment with Valkyre, just as Loeb fixed her come end of Ultimates 3, she’s back to being a fool. Making yet another joke to point out how she’s a slut by now. Call me crazy, but we don’t need to keep getting the message beaten into our heads that she is crazy about Thor and likes sex. We get it.

We get some funny and interesting moments, such as Iron Man and Cap’s discussion, and Hank Pym now dressing up in the Yellowjacket uniform Ultron made. We also get a semi-funny moment with Spider-man and friends. But really, it all kicks off with the flood that fills New York.

From here, it’s pure chaos. Now we’ve seen things like this in 616, but it’s as if this flood was the first bullet shot in a gun at the Ultimate Universe’s head. Showing that Loeb means business, and I got the message loud and clear as it’s already killed off a few X-men, and from the looks of it, the Human Torch.

We get a great moment with Sue Storm as she pushes away the flood but nearly kills herself doing it. A good lead in for the UFF tie in later this month.

The moment that shines brightest is a quick moment with Spider-man and Kitty Pryde. Loeb really hit a nice moment with their short discussion that echoed Ultimate Spider-man. I hope Spider-man plays stronger into Ultimatum than it seems he will.

The final moments of Charles Xavier calling the world’s heroes to stand up and take on Magneto was okay, it felt somewhat boring and typical, but lead into nicely where next issue will pick up and where the real action starts.

Overall, while I’m sure some people will dislike it as it still feels like a Loeb written story; I very much enjoyed the storyline to Ultimatum issue #1 and thought it was a very strong first chapter.

Art comments: I am a very big fan of David Finch; his work can range from capturing strong emotion to epic moments, such as New York flooding. If he where better at keeping a timely schedule I wouldn’t mind as much the delays. I think it’s asking for trouble to put out the first 2 issues in one month, as it seems there is already a delay in the book.

But that aside, his artwork here is great. He continues to do strong work, but really, if you’ve seen his work before then there isn’t much to say. He retains his amazing detail and continues to be a great artist that fits the story well.

Final Comments: While not a perfect read, it’s still great and worth the 4 dollars. Let the nay-sayers say nay, but Ultimatum #1 is still a great read and a strong start to what will hopefully be a great storyline. I highly recommend it.

4 out of 5

Must Read

Scarlet Veronica #1

Written: Robert Barry, Joe Shaw, Jason Moody

Art: Jason Moody

Opening comments: Looking back a few months ago I saw a book called Scarlet Veronica on the Newsarama forums, being promoted by one of the creators. I posted about it and got my copy today. It looked great, and you know what? It is! But I will have to break it down to more than a couple of sentences, I suppose.

Story comments: There isn’t too much for an overall story, it is the fairly simple opening issue where we see the characters, establish the main point to it and see the origin as it unfolds. Nothing too unusual or new here, but still nicely done to the point where it is neither boring nor uninteresting.

We get a nice opening that is kind of interesting but leaves more for a desire to be explained really.

The story of Veronica is something I’m sure we’ve all seen, new girl at school, doesn’t feel accepted, all of that. Her character isn’t overly fleshed out but what we do get is fairly nice and she is developed well enough for the rest of the series to continue with this character and me liking her.

The end is what really sinks in my enjoyment of the comic. A real wicked true horror comic ending with the dead rising, and Veronica going Scarlet to kick some ass. So overall, I liked the story to the opening issue despite the fact that it definitely caters to that “reads as a solid story easier when collected” but despite that, it is still a good read.

Art Comments: The art is…a tad odd, but nice. I’m a little confused over how to say this but…the art seems to switch back and forth from strong and nicely detailed in a really strong cartoony style that is both stylish and wicked to look at…and plainly simple and boring. As if the artist borrows from manga for quick panels and pages that are mostly dialog.

Though where the art shines is in the supernatural. Zombies look wicked awesome, Veronica is great and the main…villain? I’m not sure what he is just yet, is also great looking. This is where the artist really shines and makes me love the art here.

Final Comments: In the end, it’s a solid and enjoyable first issue. It leaves me excited to see where they go with this series and happy I decided to pick it up. If you can find it, I highly suggest you pick it up. But, for the sake that it is an issue #1 and plays into the simple developments, it gets a Check It.

3 out of 5

Check It.

Marvel Zombies 3 #2

Written: Fred Van Lente

Art: Kev Walker

Opening comments: While last month’s issue was somewhat weak thanks to being a simple opening issue with nothing too interesting going for it, #2 really kicks things off and is an incredible read. Seriously incredible.

Story Comments: The opening moments with Jocasta and Machine Man are great. Machine Man is back to his wise-cracking badass self in no time and by the end of their first battle with the zombies it is quite obvious that Van Lente not only has a plan for this story but has a love for what he’s writing and is having a damn fun time writing it.

I enjoy the 2 characters reactions to each other, how they interact and how the both reminisce/criticize each other is all great.

We soon get a catch up on how the zombies have been in all of this. Turns out Kingpin survived Punisher shooting him up in Marvel Zombies vs. Evil Dead, and is now a Zombie himself. For all those wondering how, while I won’t spoil it, the reason that Van Lente gives is great and really well thought out.

We see that Kingpin retains his brilliant mind despite zombification and has forged alliances with those such as the Inhumans. So much that he had come up with a brilliant plan…human cloning! Yes, that’s right. Since all the humans are dead, they create clones to feed on.

It’s sick, twisted and disgusting to its core. And I love every minute of it! This is the kind of stuff you can only do with Marvel Zombies. This is the kind of stuff that sets this series so far apart from the norm, when it comes to Zombies.

The final moment of Machine Man seeing as the clones are mercilessly devoured alive is great. Seeing how he recalls how horribly treated robots have been, how these beings are disposed of on the slightest of whims and how deeply it effects him. It’s really great and Van Lente hits the heart strings hard with it.

The cliff-hanger was all right, but I’m more confused as to the cliff-hanger last issue. What happened here? Is Morbius not up to no good? I’m confused…why leave off one issue with one thing and not even touch upon it the next issue. Though it doesn’t ruin the issue or anything, I was just confused.

Art Comments: Kev Walker continues to stun with this issue. His art carries a very similar vibe to Scott Kollins in how rough and gritty it gets, yet it retains a strong comic look and doesn’t sacrifice character work for gore alone.

Speaking of gore, the scenes of gore here get just about as over the top as it can get. This is, quite simply put, insanity at its best. We see Jocasta swinging from intestines, a human getting ripped into several pieces. It’s pure bloody madness and Walker does an incredible job on it.

While at first I wasn’t sure about his art, it’s really shining and, dare I say, is much better then anything Sean Phillips did? Though Phillips also did an amazing job, Walker steals the show as far as Zombie artists are concerned.

Final Comments: Marvel Zombies 3 is looking to be the best of the series. I know that may be saying a lot on the fact that it’s only issue 2, but seeing as this is a 4 issue mini-series I feel it’s safe to say that Van Lente has a strong story in hand and Walker is just the artist to help tell that story.

5 out of 5

Must Have

Now onto our Open Fire! Reviews for this weekly batch of comic reviews.

Hulk #7

Written: Jeph Loeb

Art: Arthur Adams and Frank Cho

Another enjoyable issue of Hulk, this time with 2 artists sharing the spotlight. I hate to say it, but the comic suffers from being divided between the two Hulks. A solid story can’t be told this way, and it just makes the storytelling feel chopped up. Though I have to admit the first story with our original Hulk becoming Joe Fixit was great. I’m a fan of Joe Fixit so I’m more then happy to see the big grey jackass back in all his smart-mouthing glory.

The second story with the Lady Liberators taking on the Red Hulk was fairly boring. The fight is fairly one-sided despite 3 power house women taking the Red Hulk on. Though the dialog was kind of nice and overall this was okay.

The art is great, Adams and Cho both do incredible here and it really shines in boosting the book from what would have been a Pass It.

So in the end, Hulk #7 is an okay read with some incredible art.

3 out of 5

Check It

Venom: Dark Origin #4

Written: Zeb Wells

Art: Angel Medina

I’ll be honest…I had pretty high hopes that this would turn the comic around and be a great read. It looked to be heading somewhere interesting from the previews and the art was starting out strong enough. But shortly after those 6 or so pages, it deteriorates back to the mindless drivel this series continues to be.

We come close to exploring the origin of the symbiote race, but rather then go too far into that, we get Eddie talking to the symbiote about how unfair life is, then Venom beating up on Mary Jane.

Now the scene with MJ is…quite possibly, one of the worst scenes in Spider-man history. This is up there with the OMD decision moment as MJ just becomes totally out of character. It’s as if she is a rag doll here and just whimpered in a corner for 5 minutes. Now MJ has been captured time and time again, and she’s never quite acted like this. She just acts like a big baby and, while I could understand if this where some other character, with MJ, it makes no sense.

Angel Medina’s art has some okay moments, but by now it’s all ugly slop. MJ looks nothing like MJ, Venom keeps changing size and shape and, after a while, it just becomes one big eye-sore.

Despite how awful this issue was, I’ll pick up the final issue since I’m a completist. But really, don’t buy this comic. It’s not worth your time, let alone your money. Go out and buy the other comics I suggested because this is just pure mess awful.

1 out of 5

Burn It.

That’s it for reviews. Sorry to leave that on a negative note with how awful Dark Origin was, but hey, all the other comics where, for the most part, pretty good and I suggest you check them all out if you are interested and have yet to buy them.

Open Fire! Reviews. The Comics of October 2008.

Welcome one and all to a brand new thing here at New Age Comics with Andrenn

Open Fire! Reviews.

Where we raise aim and open fire on these comics. Some may survive the blast barely scathed; others may be blown to a billion bits. Either way it’s not going to be pretty.

Now the point to Open Fire Reviews is mainly that sometimes I build up quite a lot of comics in my pull box, but can’t review them all at once, or fully really so they slip away, forgotten.

Open Fire is all about more quick reviews, a paragraph or two at most usually describing my overall thoughts on the issue in general and then leading to the typical grade as seen in our regular reviews. Now don’t worry, I’m not slapping on a beer gut and going bald yet, regular reviews will still be extensive when I can make them such.

The Amazing Spider-man #573

Written: Dan Slott

Art: John Romita Jr.

What a waste of time NWTD has been. Outside of the brilliant character anti-Venom, I can’t think of one worth while thing that has happened here. In the end, NWTD was all just more blatant set up for future storylines, such as Harry being tied to strange experiments in Oscorp, Norman having big plans and Spider-man possibly knowing of the events of OMD. It’s as if Dan Slott held a big fuzzy mouse in our faces and us, the stupid cats that we where, tried to grab it and only caught a tear of fluff.

While this issue has some good moments, most notably Spider-man losing it and trying to kill Green Goblin and Venom, the symbiote, not Gargan, still loving Eddie, this all felt like a whole burst of hot air. You feel the heat from the air, but in the end, you weren’t really hit with anything.

Romita Jr. turned in the work of his life here, honestly, this is some award worthy stuff. Green Goblin has never looked better and the Venom/Scorpion suit, stupid as it looks, looked kind of cool for a bit.

We got a few interesting points, most notably that Lilly has a thing for Peter now and kissed him. It’s kind of interesting, but not enough to keep me reading. While I may read ASM on occasion, for now, I’ll still to Ultimate Spider-man where everything isn’t turned on it’s ass.

2 out of 5

Pass It

Venom: Dark Origin #3

Written: Zeb Wells

Art: Angel Medina

I know #4 comes out in 3 days, but I wanted to quickly chime in on #3. Dark Origin #3 is pretty much a giant waste of paper and money. The first half is absolutely nothing, and I’ll repeat that, NOTHING worth looking at. Though near the end, the final few pages or so, are actually enjoyable and give me hope for the final 2 issues of this comic. We get a funny moment of Venom asking a priest for forgiveness about lying all his life, then about the cop he just killed, and we get a Joker-esque laughing sequence when Venom looks in the mirror at the end. Overall, it leaves me with strong hope for #4 and #5, but they might as well have just pasted issues 1 2 and 3 together for issue #1.

Angel Medina doesn’t seem to know if he wants to draw utter crap or pure greatness. Some moments are really great, and the final page is damn near incredible. Whereas other times it’s just downright hideous and like a bunch of blobs moving around. It’s insane.

While I suggest you check out #4 this week, don’t waste your time on 1-3.

1 out of 5

Burn It

Invincible #54

Written: Robert Kirkman

Art: Ryan Ottley

While this was a great issue of Invincible, it was also a very weird issue of Invincible. Something about time travel, Immortal as an evil king, and all in the middle of Mark and Eve’s first real date? It gets kind of choppy and feels thrown together. More like some odd form of set up for a story far down the line for Invincible. Though it isn’t bad really, I quite enjoyed Immortal ranting of his sins and Mark’s violent reaction, but it all felt so random as if this where an every day part of life. Nothing too major really.

Though what really brought this home for me was the final scene of Mark and Eve’s date. Really sweet scene for them and brought it home for me as a fan of both characters. While I fear that Kirkman may be setting up for some major heartbreak down the line, I’m still hoping this works out because Kirkman has done a great job of fleshing this relationship out.

Ottley’s are continues to shine. For getting 2 issues out in one month, I wouldn’t expect his art to retain such a strong look but he really keeps it up and does a great job on expressions and the 2 spreads of Mark and Eve, them as a couple now and them before they where a couple, was incredible.

A great issue, despite the random moment of time travel. A Must Read for any fan of the series.

4 out of 5

Must Read

Secret Invasion #7

Written: Brian Michael Bendis

Art: Lienel Francis Yu

Nothing worthwhile happens here. That’s it; it’s a bunch of fighting and nothing more. Shit goes down, shit hits the fan, but nothing worthwhile happens here. We get a lot of fighting, a lot of Skrulls being randomly killed, and the Skrull Queen dies, but in all honesty, I can’t think of any reason to really say Secret Invasion was good.

We got some okay moments, like Jessica and Luke teaming up and Stature kicking some ass. But really, nothing happens here. It’s a whole lot of nothing really. Sure, Yu’s art continues to be incredible and he captures a great epic scale with his work here, but it doesn’t save this month’s (meaning October’s) issue like it did September’s.

Though I must admit, the cliff-hanger was great, it still didn’t help justify this mindless bore of a read anymore.

2 out of 5

Pass It

So there you have it for our Open Fire! Reviews. It took me some time to get around to writing up the Invincible and Secret Invasion one, but I found some extra time this morning so I decided to post it before I go on my way with my day. I hope you all enjoyed them, and again, don’t worry, reviews will usually be more epic then this. Though I may blend regular reviews with Open Fire! Reviews sometimes. I skipped reviewing the Ultimate Spider-man Annual since if you've read Month's and Week's End, you've seen my thoughts on it. And Batman and Witchblade, while both good reads, there wasn't a lot to say on them and their both fairly far down the line. I only reviewed Dark Origin since #4 comes out this week. So with all that said, I hope you enjoyed the reviews, I'll see you soon with more stuff in the week.

Week's End

Though the month is new, the Week has still ended and that of course means that it’s time for a brand new Week’s End, with only 4 variant this time and 2 secret variants we didn’t tell you about.

Comic of the Week: Ultimate Spider-man Annual #3

I already covered this in Month’s End yesterday so I don’t have too much more to say. Mysterio was great and I look forward to seeing what he does and while I’m pretty sure that Pete/MJ didn’t have sex, it just leads into what could be an even more personal and interesting moment in the future of this great comic.

Moment of the Week: Ultimate Spider-man Annual #3

Pure comedic genius from Bendis. This was a fairly funny moment and it gets the win mostly because I can’t find any scans of the Spidey/Mysterio mash up. Either way, this was still a great moment and was hilarious.

Cover of the Week: Wolverine Origins #29 variant by Mike Deodato

Keeping with the great theme of Halloween, this cover was great. I can’t seem to find an image of the full cover, but it has Wolverine shouting “trick or treat!” which is perfect. Now I may or may not pick up Original Sin when it comes to Collection, but if I can find this variant I’ll buy it in a heart beat. Also, now that I think about it...Dark Avengers: Halloween Special, next year when October rolls around Marvel had better put Deodato on some kind of Halloween based book.

Most Anticipated Comic of the Week: Ultimatum #1

Taking a page from Month’s End where we look at the most anticipated comic of the month, now we’re looking at the most anticipated comic of the week. And the winner is Ultimatum #1 since it has the overall epic factor to it. Though I am very excited to see more Marvel Zombies 3 since from the preview, things are looking good. Dark Origin looks to be finally picking up to where we finally see Venom on his home world again. But as great a week as this is looking, Ultimatum wins overall and has me stoked to see what Loeb and Finch bring to the table as far as an epic story is concerned.

So that’s it for the Week’s End, I can’t finish the Open Fire! Reviews, tonight, so I’ll post them sometime tomorrow if I can. Until then, enjoy what’s left of the weekend.

Month's End

The darkness lifts as the dead return to their graves, the children safe despite the sacrifices to save them. The world is at peace for the moment, and it is time for a new article here at New Age Comics.

Month’s End, as the title says, reflects Week’s End our Weekendly post summing up the best things of the week in comics. Now we’re doing one better for the entire month. While we already had Comic of the Month, this is taking that up a notch. Now don’t worry, Week’s End will still be here at the end of each month. Just tomorrow, and with it, if I cannot finish writing them up tonight, the first ever Open Fire! Reviews.

Now for a look back on Halloween, my Halloween was pretty good, got to hang out with friends, pizza, and of course the candy. One of the highlights is that I downloaded Splatterhouse 1 and 2 for my Wii’s virtual console. 1 is a lot harder then I remember from when I last played it, but 2 is just plain great. I may review them sometime in the future…after I get around to writing up that Megaman 9 review of course.

So that’s it as far as a little introduction is concerned, now onto the Month’s End.

Comic of the Month: Ultimate Spider-man Annual #3

I was tempted not to pick this just for possibly sounding biased since it just came out, but really, this was an incredible read. I’m skipping USM until Ultimatum hits in December, for it at least, and have not been on since Bagley left last year. But I’m putting that aside for the sake that I love Ultimate Spider-man in all it’s Ultimate glory. This story dealt with a few different things, most notably sex I would suppose, and it was done incredibly well. Add that to David Lafuente’s great art and we have a solid book. If you can’t find it in your LCS, pick up the March on Ultimatum HC coming out in January, it will be worth having this in it.

Moment of the Month: Captain Britain and the MI13 #6

I had glossed over this moment that Week’s End, and forgot to mention Captain Britain in the solicits like I’d planned. But this is a major thing. I’ve been long debating to get this series or not, and after this, I’m pretty sure I’ll check it out soon. Always loved Captain Britain, but uncertain if this title could hold itself. That, and I’ll check out the Omnibus by Alan Moore and Alan Davis in January.

Cover of the Month: Amazing Spider-man #573 zombie variant

This gets the win for being a great zombie variant mainly. Since October is the Halloween season boosts that as well. Spider-man looks great, the classic falling apart Zombie, and Green Goblin laughed so hard he ripped his face in half! Perfect.

And now we end the awards with a new little idea I had. With this, I look forward to the next month and pick out the comic that has me most interested.

Most Anticipated Comic of the Month: Spawn #186

This was tough, Ultimatum looks awesome and Dark Origin looks like it will finally pick up but overall, I'm incredibly interested to see where Spawn goes from here. The message boards are on fire with speculation and while it was a great opening chapter with 185, 186 looks to be where we get some answer and doors unlocked.

Now that is not all for Month’s End, we also take a look at the coming month and what may interest me or not.

I am hopeful that Broken Trinity #3 finally gets out so we can be done with this storyline and move on. I’m rather frustrated with these delays.

Ultimatum debuts, and I’m pretty excited for it. While my hopes are not too high at the risk of them being dashed and shot down violently, I still look forward to seeing what the debut issue does and how it plays off the March on Ultimatum storylines.

Outside of that, I cannot think of anything prominent to bring up. So that concludes Month’s End. Check back tomorrow for the Open Fire! Reviews, as I don’t think I can finish writing them up tonight.