Planet Hulk DVD artwork by Alex Ross

Looks pretty sweet dont ya think?

Here's the trailer below too if any one hasn't seen it. I didnt read Planet Hulk but this cartoon looks quite cool. I'll definately check it out.

Incredible Hulk #601 - Mini Review

Incredible Hulk #601

WRITER: Greg Pak Fred Van Lente
PENCILS: Ariel OlivettiMichael Ryan

He’s back! Well not really actually.

This was pretty much what I expected, it’s a fun ride with great art by Olivetti, but his style is very much love it or hate it. After a long time of just the Hulk it’s really good just to have Banner back. There are some great scenes between the smartest men in the Marvel U as they discover that the Hulks Gamma is missing from Banners blood stream. Other highlights include Banner coming to the rescue of a young boy who is about to get a beating from an abusive father and another where Bruce come face to face with his own son Skaar and decides to help train and prepare him for the inevitable return of Hulk. Cool idea. Next issue will feature Skaar vs. the Juggernaut! Awesome.

The back up feature starring the Savage She Hulk feels like you have landed right in the middle of the story, which is off putting. I have no idea what is going on and who any one is but it was quite fun nonetheless.

3.5 out of 5

Marvel Previews Day!

The usual weekly preview from CBR for next weeks Marvel titles can be found below. There’s a huge amount here which is great. I’m really looking forward to reading the work of the new creative team on Incredible Hulk #601, as well as the next chapter to one of my favourite new series; X-Men Forever.

What are you guys looking forward to from Marvel next week?

Click the links below to be taken to the preview of your choice.

"Anita Blake, The Laughing Corpse: Necromancer" #4
"Avengers: The Initiative" #27
"Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter" #3
"Dark Avengers" #8
"Dark Reign: Elektra" #5
"Dark Reign: The Sinister Spider-Man" #3
"Dark Wolverine" #77
"Dark X-Men: The Beginning" #3
"Deadpool" #14
"Fantastic Four" #570
"HALO: Helljumper" #2
"Hulk" #14
"Incredible Hercules" #133
"Incredible Hulk" #601
"Marvel Adventures Spider-Man" #54
"Ms. Marvel" #44
"New Avengers" #56
"New Mutants" #4
"Nova" #28
"Runaways" #13
"Secret Warriors" #7
"Skrull Kill Krew" #4
"Son of Hulk" #14
"Timestorm 2009/2099" #4
"X-Force" #18
"X-Men Forever" #6

Incredible Hulk #600 - WARNING!

Great review over at iFanboy.com of Incredible Hulk #600 by Akamuu. I have copied the review below:

If you've been enjoying Loeb's plotless story where he dangles the fact that you don't know who the Red Hulk over your head like a plastic carrot, then you may enjoy this issue. But if you're picking it up hoping for the big reveal? IT AIN'T HERE. Yeup, you got suckered into paying $5 for 28 pages of new Rulk story that has amazing art, some interesting action, but no promised reveal. SUCKER. Jeph Loeb is laughing at you.

The art in the front story is Ed McGuinesssly beautiful. And the issue has Spidey, but Loeb is writing him, so it doesn't really deserve to be noted. There's also a silly Stan Lee story, a post-logue to the current Savage She Hulk story, and a Hulk Gray reprint.

You could have totally had a cheeseburger for that $5, or a milkshake. Sure, you'd feel bloated, but isn't that better than feeling ripped off?

Story: 1 - Poor Art: 4 - Very Good

I was gonna waste my money on this book but I’ve changed my mind after reading this. My wallet thanks you Akamuu. I’m def gonna give this a miss now and jump on board next issue when Pak and Olivetti start their new run with original green Hulk and Skaar and a She-Hulk back up. I’m looking forward to that.

Anyway, you have been warned! Save your money folks.

MARVEL NEWS! NEWS! NEWS! From Comic Cons

Well this weekend there has been a tone of Marvel news released at Comic Cons so I’m just gonna do a quick round up with some links to what interested me and what might hopefully interest you guys:

-Dark Reign: The List

A series of one-shots starting in September, and featuring Osborn taking on the heroes from the “Iron Patriot Acts” teaser image. The eight specials announced at Heroes Con and simultaneously at Wizard World: Philly are:

Avengers - by Brian Bendis and Marko Djurdjevic

Uncanny X-Men - by Matt Fraction and Alan Davis

Secret Warriors - by Jonathan Hickman and Ed McGuniness

Punisher - by Rick Remender and John Romita Jr.

Daredevil - by Andy Diggle and Billy Tan

Wolverine - by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic

Hulk - by Greg Pak and Ben Oliver

Amazing Spider-Man - by Dan Slott and Adam Kubert

These one-shots seem to be the next chapter in Dark Reign story. There are some good creative teams at work here. I’m looking forward to Adam Kuberts work. It would seem the story starts in The Avengers one-shot and will continue the story in some way through the one-shots. If these are pretty much linked up in some way, shape or form I can see me buying all of these!! Damn you Marvel!

There also might have been a little teaser from Bendis about a certain God of Thunder joining the New Avengers when at one of the panels at the Con a fan asked;

Are there chances for a Thor vs. Sentry fight? “If Thor was on one team,” Fraction said “And the Sentry was on another...” “I feel like my computer’s been hacked,” Bendis joked.

Now that would be a cool throw down! Please let that happen.

Newsarama has full notes from the panel here: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090620-heroes-dark-reign.html

& Bendis discusses Dark Reign: The List in more detail here:
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/060921-Bendis-TheList.html

Tom Brevoort discusses it here: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/060922-Brevoort-List.html

IGN expand on the story here with summaries of each upcoming issue: http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/996/996600p1.html

-Nomad: Girl without a World – Mini-Series

Looks like the ‘Girl without a world’ teaser’s we have been seeing (& shown above) is for a new Nomad mini-series featuring the female Bucky who appeared in Cap # 600. This will be written by Teen Titan’s Sean McKeever. I don’t think he is a very good writer and don’t really have any interest in this. I can see myself suffering from Captain America over exposure soon like I do with Wolverine every month.

-Spider-Man: The Clone Saga & ‘Who is Ben Reilly?’

Newsarama spoke with Howard Mackie and Tom Defalco for some inside information about The Clone Saga, the new mini series that re-visits the very controversial story line, and hopefully improves on the original. This is a good in-depth interview with the creators who discuss where they think the original story in the 90’s went wrong and how they are going to approach it this time round. This also contains some nice preview pencil pages.

Spider-Man fans should def check this interview out here:
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/060918-Clone-Saga.html

Newsarama then also spoke to Marc Guggenheim about his up-coming story arc in Amazing Spider-Man. Starting in the Amazing Spider-Man Annual #36 in July, "Who Is Ben Reilly?" continues in issues #608 and #609 in October, but Marc would not give away too many Spoilers.
Again though if you are a Spider-Man fan this is def worth a read.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090620-ben-reilly.html

I don’t know why but the whole Ben Reilly controversy appeals to me and I really like Guggenheim as a writer so I’ll probably pick this arc up to see where the story goes. Could this be the reversal of ‘One More Day’?!?!

-X-Men Legacy Annual # 1

There was not that much exciting X-Men news for me personally except the X-Men Legacy Annual coming in September, and written by Mike Carey with art by Daniel Acuna. The only reason I’m looking forward to this is because of Daniel Acuna, he is one of my favorite artists right now. After this issue the series will supposedly follow a new ‘direction’ following the adventures of Rogue, which correct me if I’m wrong, is what this book has been doing for months, and before that, followed Rogue and her team of X-Men (Carey obviously has a big hard on for that character). If Acuna continues as artist for the book it appeals to me, otherwise the story line and direction does not.

CBR interview with M Carey: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21683

-A new Moon Knight on-going series

‘Vengeance of the Moon Knight’ will be the new on going series with the new creative team of writer Gregg Hurwitz and artist Jerome Opena. This is basically a relaunch, and the existing title will end. I’m sure this is just so Marvel can put a new $3.99 price tag on the book. Anyway, I bought a few issues of the Moon Knight series but never thought it was that great (I do think the character has big potential though) and I don’t think I have ever read anything by Gregg Hurwitz. I am always willing to give new series a go though, especially from Marvel, and this one promises to bring Moon Knight back into the centre of the Marvel U to mix thinks up with Norman, so I will check out the previews when they appear and if they look good to me I’ll prob check out issue 1.

-Heroes for Hire join the Thunderbolts?

Newsarama have a short interview with Rick Remender where it appears that he will be taking over writing chores on Thunderbolts # 136 for a one off 48 page special issue. From this interview we gather that Iron Fist & Luke Cage will in some way be black mailed into working for Norman Osborn. We know from previous New Avengers issues that Luke Cage in no way wants to work for Norman, and if I remember rightly smacked Norman the fuck out in the Avengers Tower. I can imagine Danny Rand would feel the same as Luke, so what does Norman have on these guys? From the cool cover for that issue shown above, Danny and Luke’s eyes look rather demonic. Possessed perhaps? Hypnotized? I dunno, either way I will check this out as I’m a sucker for both Iron Fist & Luke Cage and Remender talks a good game in this interview.
The other question raised here of course is what has happened to Andy Diggle as writer of the Thunderbolts series, is this just a one off and he’ll be back or not? He has only been on the book a short while. We’ll see.

Check the link here: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090621-tbolts-136.html

Another interview at CBR here: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21680

-Planet Hulk DVD

Lastly CBR reported: There will be a direct to DVD movie based on “Planet Hulk.“

“I was pulled on as a consultant,” said Pak. “I can’t say anything more except I think it’s going to be awesome!”

Phew, that’s a lot of news! I’d love to hear your thoughts guys.

Monday Mini Reviews

I was a bit disappointed after getting through my stack this week, there was nothing that great to shout about. But here’s what I thought anyway:

Skaar: Son of Hulk 11 – 3.5 out of 5

This was probably the best issue I read this week and definitely had the best cover by TRAVIS CHAREST. (Spoilers) I like the human side to Skaar as a twist. This side is explored in this issue as the young human Skaar deals with the loss of a wolf he befriended and his struggle to keep the monster at bay due the destruction it causes. We also see a protective side as he sort of makes friends with some other kids around his own age and one of them gets injured. When the Hulk/Skaar emerges toward the end of the issue the ruthless bad ass is back, and next issue looks like the showdown between pa & son. The art by Ron Lim suits the feel of the book well. Pretty good all round.

Amazing Spider-Man 596 – 2.5 out of 5

Not as good as the previous issue unfortunately. Harry gets a tour of the Avengers tower and Peter infiltrates the Dark Avengers as Venom/ Dark Spider-Man. That’s pretty much all that happens. Hopefully it will pick up with some action next issue.

Batman & Robin 1 – 3 out of 5

This read a bit quick for me and quick for a Grant Morrison book. It’s basically a set up issue, which is fine as it’s a number 1. I like the little brat Damian as Robin; he is going to be the most entertaining character in this book. The new character Pyg was a cool edition, he is really quite evil. As for the art, it’s not really my cup of tea. Nothing wrong with it I just find Quitely’s art a bit spongy and bubbly which is not my bag. And the book was very colourful. I normally like Batman drawn a bit darker to suit the mood of the character but as this is a new Batman & Robin I will leave judgment on that to later, plus a new artist will be on board for issue 4 anyway. Enjoyable read but nothing spectacular.

Mighty Avengers 25 - 2 out of 5

I think the problem with this team so far is that none of them are likeable, that’s the way Dan Slott seems to be writing them. The premise for this issue is that the Mighty Avengers HQ (in the Pym Pocket) is in danger of being able to link with Earth. Pym has also been building some machine in the HQ that can only be contained in the Pym Pocket Universe he has created. What the machine does I don’t know. (Maybe I missed that or it was in previous issues.) So to save the HQ and the machine Pym needs another device held by the FF. Reed will not give up the device to Pym so Pym devises a plan to steal it from the FF. The problem is who cares!?!? Who cares if they have to get anew HQ and I didn’t get what the secret machine does so I do really care about the fate of that either. The big fight between the two teams will be next issue but I don’t think I’ll bother. Art was okay.

Mini reviews –Last weeks comics - Part 1

Last weeks comics finally arrived yesterday. Here are some mini reviews of the ones I have read so far.

Wolverine 72 – 5 out of 5

There is nothing I haven’t like about the Old Man Logan arc by Mark Millar & Steve McNiven. It has been non stop fantastic fan boy fun from the word go with the most gorgeous detailed pencils. This issue is just as good. Highlights include Red Skull’s head meeting Cap’s shield, Red Skulls trophy room (which included Silver Surfer’s board, the Things hand!), Logan playing as Tony Stark and of course the amazing emotional end between ‘Fuck no!’ & ‘FUCK YEAH! (If you’ve read it you’ll know what I mean.) I feel sad that there is only one issue left, but so excited too. I haven’t read all my comics from last week yet, but probably book of the week.

Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk 6 – 3 out of 5

It was good, but an unsatisfying end really as (Spoilers) Wolverine and the Hulk become best buddies and walk off into the sunset together. What makes this book good is that Damon Lindoff writes excellent dialogue between the characters and it has amazing art, really amazing (Yu is one of the best in my opinion). I’ve enjoyed the series over all; this issue was just a bit of an anti-climax.

Immortal Iron Fist 26 – 4 out of 5

The end of another very good arc, wrapping up the Eighth City story. This book has clever writing and the pencils by Travel Foreman means it looks like no other book on the stands. Love it or hate it. I love it. Good ending too leading into the next issue. Marvel, please don’t cancel this book

Amazing Spider-Man 595 – 3.5 out of 5

Good issue. I haven’t read Amazing Spider-Man since Brand new day, but I didn’t feel lost at all. Joe Kelly writes an excellent and likeable Peter Parker. Art was very nice too. Spoilers – From what I can tell, now Harry has a baby to look after, he will go work for his dad as a mini Iron Man for the Avengers. Cool.

Superman 688 – 2.5 out of 5

This read a bit too quick for me, maybe because the panels are big and cinematic. James Robinson hasn’t made Mon-El quite likeable enough yet, and the whole lead poisoning scene with Dr Light was very confusing. On the plus side, I like the Guardian as a co-star and his story has potential. I also like General Lane as the villain, great character. Average/Good

More mini reviews tomorrow