Thunderbolts #137 - Review

Thunderbolts #137 - Review

WRITER: Rick Remender
PENCILS: Mahmud Asrar

Sometimes it’s nice to get a one and done superhero tale and this is exactly what this book is. I have not been reading Thunderbolts since Warren Elis left but this was any easy issue to jump onto as Rick Remender steps into the role of writer as Andy Diggle moves over to Daredevil . The reason I decided to pick this up was as a fan of the Iron Fist and Luke Cage characters I was intrigued to see them team up against Norman Osborn and his Thunderbolts, I have enjoyed some of Remender’s work in the past so decided to give this a shot.

The story goes that Iron Fist has been captured by the Thunderbolts by orders from Osborn which we see in a nice action packed flash back. Norman’s idea is to capture as many hero’s as he can and use his new toy in order to mind control them and eventually replace his bickering Thunderbolts team. Now the nice little twist that Remender writes into is that some of the Thunderbolts have figured out Osborn’s scheme and are obviously not to happy about it, their mission then becomes to mess with Osborn’s plan and help Iron Fist and his would be rescuer Luke Cage escape.

I feel Remender writes the Thunderbolt characters very well, I had no prior knowledge of any of these characters except for Robert Kirkman’s Ant-Man and they were all enjoyable to read, especially Ant-Man who provided the main comic relief for this issue in the way Spider-Man would in a New Avengers book.

The art is good looking nothing if nothing spectacular, but suits the feel of the book nicely.

If you want a bit of Iron Fist & Power Man team-up action with a few laughs along the way and a nice one and done superhero tale, check this issue.

3 out of 5

Ray Park as Iron Fist?

(Image from comicbycomic.com)


Ray Park has said at Chicago Comic on that he is very interested in bringing the Immortal Iron Fist to the big screen.

The martial artist and actor, whose roles have included Darth Maul in “Star Wars; The Phantom Menace”, Toad in “X-Men”, and more recently Snake Eyes in "G.I. Joe: the Rise of Cobra," expressed his excitement at possibly playing Danny Rand in an Iron Fist movie. He’s quoted saying "I actually want to be Danny Rand -- I want to be Iron Fist, I want to do it,"I want to have an excuse to take my top off and show off my abs," he joked. "

There were rumors of an Iron Fist film back in 2001, by Artisan Entertainment, and apparently Park was in talks as far back as then. Obviously no film was made but now the rights have returned back to Marvel could the kung fu corner of the Marvel U be heading to the big screen?
There are also rumors of a Heroes for Hire film instead, teaming Iron Fist with long term friend and fellow crime fighter Luke Cage, which could be a cool idea.

Now while I would love to see an Iron Fist big screen adaption from Marvel and have no doubt s that Ray Park could handle the physicality and the martial arts and kung fu skills that would be required for this role, my problem would be with Parks actual acting ability and whether its good enough to carry the films lead role. Looking at the past projects we’ve all seen him in, he carries the action well, but doesn’t exactly get a lot of lines does he? Is there a reason for that?

So what do you guys say? Do you want to see an Iron Fist movie with Park starring as the main man himself? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Immortal Weapons #1 – Review

Immortal Weapons #1 –Review

Story by
Jason Aaron, Duane Swierczynski

Art by
Mico Suayan, Travel Foreman, Stefano Gaudiano, Roberto de la Torre, Khari Evans, Victor Olazaba, Michael Lark, Arturo Lozzi

Hex’s Score: 4 out of 5

This was a really funny and entertaining comic from Jason Aaron and all the artists involved. Fat Cobra whose age is now in triple figures is an old fat drunk who loves some female company. This we know. What this story does is fill in the missing gaps of Fat Cobra’s past for both the reader and the forgetful drunken lead character. There are some great scenes of his globe trotting adventures, each drawn by a different artist, all drawn excellently. The only problem I did find was the inconsistency of Fat Cobra’s tattoos. On the awesome cover by David Aja (shown above) and in one of the flash backs Fat Cobra has his upper body covered with Oriental tattoos but in the present day story and other flash back sequences featured he has none. His tattoos are a major part of the character design and I can’t believe the other artists left them off.

Highlights of the big man’s history include the story of his birth to pig farmers (much to Cobras annoyance), Fat Cobra facing off against a deadly but beautiful woman, the scene where Cobra is confronted by his many children and has to make some harsh decisions and last but not least; his tutorage of the one and only King of Rock...Elvis! It’s a hilarious scene.

The naming of an Immortal Weapons signature moves is one of my favourite parts of the Iron Fist title and thankfully Aaron uses the same idea to great effect on Fat Cobra’s arsenal of deadly kung-fu moves.

The second feature Iron Fist story by Duane Swiercynski & Travel Foreman is a welcome addition and takes Danny Rand away from the adventures of K’un Lun and back into the grim reality of the real world. It’s a hard hitting, action packed street level story and I look forward to the next chapter.

This is a definite pick up for Immortal Iron Fist fans as it gives a great background to a likeable character and the writing and story continues vey much in the same vein as the Immortal Iron Fist title. New readers should not be put off however as you could easily jump on board to this mini series without any Iron Fist back ground knowledge and still have as much fun as a pig in shit!

Round up of news & previews 02/07/09

Quite a lot of news and previews today so I’ve just done one round up post. Read on!

Looks like there may be more than one Flash on-going title from DC after the Flash Rebirth mini series. Nothing much else that exciting or news worthy from Dan DiDio this week.

Dan DiDio: 20 Answers & 1 Question over at Newsarama.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/070901-Didio20.html

Newsarama have a first look at the Immortal Weapons; Iron Fist back up story. They have been provided with 3 pages of art that looks great (Not sure who the artist is but it still looks like Travel Foreman’s work to me). The preview shows some great street level action as promised by writer Duane Swierczynski. If you’re an Iron Fist fan this is definitely worth a look.
http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?gid=1155

5 Page Preview plus covers of new mini-series The Marvels Project # 1 from... you guessed it, Marvel! Due out 12/08/09 written by Ed Brubaker, art by Steve Epting.
http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?gid=1156

Some good stuff over at DC’s blog the source today:

First, a 7 page preview of Red Robin # 2, showing Tim continuing his quest due out 08/07/09, then another extra early preview of what his buddy Superboy is up to over in Adventure Comics # 1. Check out the previews here:
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/

Another breaking story on the site was the following:

Superman,Batman, Wonder Woman and the heroes of the Justice League will join forces with Teshkeel Comics’ THE 99, the award-winning original superhero group based on Islamic culture and history.

THE 99 team, which debuted in June 2006, was recently identified by Forbes Magazine as one of the “Top 20 Trends Sweeping the Globe.” Not too shabby, huh? In THE 99 — created by Naif Al-Mutawa — are a team of superheroes, including Jabbar the Powerful and Noora the Light who must collect 99 gems encrypted with the wisdom and power of the ancient Dar Al-Hikma library of Baghdad, which are spread across the globe.

The mini-series will be penned by incoming AZRAEL scribe Fabian Nicieza, who’s no stranger to THE 99, having written the series previously. We’re saving the artistic announcement and official release date for another day, once we’re ready to show off some of the art. But can you blame us for spilling the news? We didn’t think so.

I’ve never heard of The 99 before. What is it with DC and all these other character they are using lately? First Milestone, the Red Circle, now The 99!??!? I’m all for it as long as the stories are good and Fabian Nicieza is a good writer.

Have any of you guys come across these Islamic characters before? Let me know.

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.

Read Immortal Weapons Sketchbook for FREE @ Marvel Digital

Awesome free look at Immortal Weapons Sketchbook, with preview pages of Immortal Weapons 1, over Marvel Digital. This is definitely worth a look. Man I can’t wait for this mini-series now!
Check it here:

http://marvel.com/digitalcomics/titles/IMMORTAL_WEAPONS_SKETCHBOOK.2009.1

There is also links to a couple of podcasts at Comics Bulletin where the creators discuss Immortal Weaons in more detail. Here http://www.comicsbulletin.com/news/124446713439313.htm

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

The end of Iron Fist? – Read Robot 6 @ Newsarama

Another quality (if some what worrying) article from Robot 6 @ Newsarama.

I am fear at the moment for the safety of my favorite comic every month, The Immortal Iron Fist. This has been the best book on the stands since it’s re-launch by Brubaker/Fraction & Aja and has continued to be excellent since Dwayne Swiercynski & Travel Foreman took over.

I have read that after issue 27 Marvel will issue a number of One-shots based on the Immortal Weapons introduced in the main series. While I excited about the exploration of these characters I’m worried that the series won’t continue after the One-shots conclude, though I have also read from Marvel that they have big plans for Iron Fist after these. I hope so, but Marvel also promised previously that Captain Britain & MI 13 was NOT being cancelled, but as some of you will know we’ve seen how that has turned out now!

Read the full story here - http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2009/06/iron-fist-and-runaways-wont-be-joining-captain-britain-quite-yet/