The Marvel Space Race Pt 2: Guardians of the Galaxy #1

Following on from our review of Nova, we continue our intergalactic Marvel space race with Guardians of the Galaxy. With the upcoming movie and the need for Marvel NOW to take to the stars, where else is there to start (apart from with Nova of course...).

How any reboot's have been seen that rehash the same story of origin over and over again - Peter and that spider, Batman and that mugger. But when the hero isn't at the forefront of the public domain, this type of introductions is so gratifying.

Issue #1 recounts the history of Peter Quill aka Star Lord in 3 different time periods in the event's leading up to his birth and later his mantle as Star Lord. And true to Bendis form, the story is comprised of the usual character archetypes and enough dialogue to make the head spin. In other word this bad boy read like a good episode of One Tree Hill. There was mummy issues, daddy issues and a few kills here and there.

There are some great moments in this story - in particular the first meeting and later romance between Meredith Quill and J'son. It all happens so fast but you really don't question it. So rarely so we see this kind of true fleeting romance in the Marvel world, so any excuse to fall for it is welcomed. And penciller - McNiven, is definitely instrumental to this. His work is stunning. It's full of detail and expression, and McNiven is able to capture so many emotions throughout the panels. He really makes this story so easy on the eye despite all the dialogue. I really feel that the sum of his work is displayed in that beautiful spread of young Peter running away as his home is destroyed. And let's not forget colourist Justin Ponsor who really captures the varying moods and dynamics in this issue.

All in all, this issue doesn't come off a pre-requisite to the story, but it's definitely worth it for a reintroduction to Quill as well as some amazing artwork. There are so many shifting tones that really gave this issue pace and adventure, and it almost read's like the movie itself. We place the future of this title in Bendis' more than capable hands and this more than fitting song.

What Would Doom Do? Simple. Kick back and wait for the Nova crossovers to start kicking in, and then beggg that the GG swoop down into Avengers Arena issue and save the hell out of Cammi. True story.

The Marvel Space Race Pt 1: Nova #1

Fresh off the back of LSCC, overspending, and casual banter with Kieron (Karen) Gillen, we've found ourselves climbing on board for the Marvel NOW intergalactic space-race with the reboot of Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy.

First off I should say that I liked to keep my feet firmly on earth's 616 ground (and various alt universes) - Much of my galaxy corps learnings have come from my blogging partner in crime. So I must say that these #1's were the perfect introduction to the Marvel Galaxy.

In Loeb and McGuinness' Nova reboot, the mantle is about to be passed on from Richard Ryder to one of Marvel's newest recruits, 15 year old Sam Alexander (Avengers vs X-Men, Ultimate Spiderman - the cartoon!). For a Nova newbie (kinda), it's great to start a fresh. Loeb is able to fill you in on the NovaCorp history through a clever sequence of 'tales' from Sam's 'no-good' dad Jessie - a former wearer of the helmet. A rather amusing twist is that within a world of mutants, Sentential's, Civil Wars and all sorts - Sam doesn't believe his dad's stories!

What I really love about this issue is that Loeb is able to make such a far-fetched story seem so far-fetched but within a realistic setting. For once, we get to see a glimpse of 'real life' outside of the world of aliens and super-powered people - where the character's aren't focused on the next bad guy or their newest costume, but real life issues. Sam's a teenager facing typical teenage problems, as well as he added stresses of family life. But of course, that's already about to change.

If the story has one downfall then it's that we've seen it so many times before. But Loeb and McGuinness really make this work. McGuinness' work is perfect for this series. It's clean, action filled and just stunning to look at, and inker and colorist Dexter Vines and Marte Gracia really help to bring this all together.

Nova is already shaping up to be a great tale. It's so slick and already fun. It'll be great to see where they take this once Sam has established his powers. Even if it is just a story about growth, it's definitely one to make the SamAlex haterz give it read!

What Would Doom Do?
FIND OUT IN PART II!! (tomorrow)

Captain A-MEH-rica: The Underwhelming story.

For today, I have chosen to discuss Marvel NOW!'s (and I'm sick of using NOW!, so will just be using now, from now on (though I guess that could get confusing in situations like now, so maybe not.)) new Captain America book.

Having recently read issue #1 of the new Captain America book from Rick Remender, John Romita, Klaus Janson and Dean White. I was disappointed, I found the artwork jarring and difficult to relate to, it seemed to prevented me from really engaging with the story.

And then there is the story. Oh look, its Armin Zola, again, one of the most ridiculous looking villains possible, even M.O.D.O.K looks more intimidating. And oh, Captain America has been transported away and locked up...how many times does that make it?







Anyway, I wasn't a fan, but then came issue #2.

Wow was I wrong, this is actually an incredibly good book, maybe still not the best, but much better than I first thought. I'm still not the biggest fan of the artwork but I finding that the story more than makes up for it. What we are being given here is a Captain America that hasn't really been explored, or at least not recently. A Captain that is on the verge of losing hope, with no country, no home and on the edge of exhaustion.

Plus, Captain America is a baby stealer!!! Though probably for the best of course, but this adds another dimension to the book. It could be said that Steve Rogers is a father figure in the Marvel universe, but now he really has to take on the role, he has to look after a child and keep him safe, and in another dimension as well. So although I had a bit of a rocky start I will now definitely keep reading to the end of this arc at least and see how it goes from there.

A New 'Do & A New Costume: The Not So Marvellous New Captain Marvel?

2 months later and I've finally read one of the most anticipated releases of the year – Captain Marvel #1. Although I've never been a big fan of Danvers, I was very keen to see how she takes to the mantle of the late (may I also add, Great) Mar-Vell.

With a new costume and hair style to boot, Danvers really looks the part, and thanks to some smart writing, strong artwork, and cameos from everyone’s favourite patriot and friendly neighbourhood arachnid; Captain Marvel #1 really does stand up to be a strong comic-book and not just a 'Hey! I'm a new superhero! Hear me roar!' gimmick.

Kelly Sue DeConnick really works hard to take you to the heart of the issue. We see different sides to Danver that stretch further than the hardhitter, 'take no bullshit', leader of the Avengers. DeConnick presents a much more likeable- and what I consider to be- a more 'womanly' Danvers. Not in the sense of all curves and boobs, but rather Danvers as a Friend/Mother type (to her ailing friend), a sister, a companion (to Captain America) and a daughter-figure (to the late Helen Cobb). The script is also juxtaposed with elements of humour and a good supervillian arse-kicking. This all comes together to produce a vision of a modern day woman living all aspects of her life made wise and strong through life experience.

The artwork belongs to Dexter Soy, and although it takes a little while to get used to, it is actually quite beautiful. This is the first time i've seen Dexter Soys work and it was definitely not what I expected. It is a stark contrast to the cover art of Ed McGuiness, as it presents itself as rather dark - evoking memories of Marvel Zombies. However, as the issue continues it really begins to grow on you. The dark 'muddy' tones really compliment the lighter and bolder elements of Danvers' costume, and the Cpt Marvel insignia is always at front of mind. It is strong and consistent throughout the issue, and adds a brilliance and beauty to Danvers' misgivings and later acceptance as the new Cpt. The centre pages which see her “touch the edge of space” are absolutely stunning, and provide a perfect accompaniment to DeConnick's inner monologue.

By the end of the issue Danvers looks strong, more than just your average female heroine, and pretty dame posterific!

DeConnick and Soy work together to create a seriously strong basis for the new Captain Marvel

Although it ticks a lot of boxes, I still can't help but think that there is something is missing. However it is only issue #1, and there's still a lot of ground to cover...but I can safely say that that DeConnick and Soy may make a Carol convert out of me yet.