Quick thoughts on this last week of books:


X-Men Blue #2 - Bunn sets up some interesting sub-plots in this issue, ranging from the dangers of Hank's inexperience with magic to possible relationship trouble for Bobby. However, the main focus is Jean and Scott, their reluctance and fear with working with (for?) Magneto. We see some flashbacks in how Magneto convinces Jean of his sincerity by letting her mind-scan him (but not everything). Still, the team prepares for the worst by secretly training to fight Magneto in a Danger Room. But they are not the only ones with secrets, as we see Magento at the end overseeing the near-completion of a time platform.

The drama is unfolding, the banter and dynamic of the team remains very good, and Molina's art is top-notch.

8/10



X-Men Gold #2 - Guggenheim's plot is spread out with this second issue. The X-Men face off against the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants who were attacking the UN. Kitty and her team seem to have things under control when SHIELD arrives, prompting the Brotherhood to retreat but not before managing to capture Logan. Their attack on the UN inflames mutant tension as one prominent activist group suggests deportation for all mutants within the US as a solution. This is exacerbated by the Brotherhood's kidnapping of the mayor of NYC but Kitty feels hope when Logan apparently calls with the location of the Brotherhood.

Guggenheim tries to cram a lot into one issue (xtra points for an appearance by an obscure 90s' character though) and while I don't know if the topic of mutant deportation is meant as some form of analogy to the current political/social climate, I think it's a topic that's been seldom discussed within the X-books themselves. This was artist Sayaf's second issue which Marvel saw fit to release after his abrupt firing over the controversy from last issue. This may explain the apparent delay in it's release too. Still, for a lot going on, it was still a decent story.

7/10



Weapon X #2 - Cyborg horses with adamantium hooves...yes, you read that right. This is the quality of foes sent by the new secretive Weapon X team in hopes of capturing their latest target, Warpath. Meanwhile, the hunt for Logan and Sabretooth stretches as the duo seek to use their experience and skills in ambushing (and outlasting) their cybernetic foes. But things seem to take a turn for the worst as their foes suddenly quit the hunt for they are after a newly located target: Domino whom the Weapon X team also want to add to their lists of captives, who now count Warpath among that number.

So far, the best quality of this title is Greg Pak has a great handle on the 'voices' of these characters. From Jimmy Proudstar's inner monologues to the scrappy banter between Logan and Creed, these characters read as being true to themselves. We get out first close-up look at the bad guys which is slightly confusing and inconsistent. We still don't know their ultimate objectives with these captures other than they seem have some connection to Washington/US military.

A slip in quality from the first issue, 6/10


Mighty Thor #18 - Shamed by Sif into assisting the Lady Thor, Cul leads the armies of Asgard into battle against the powerful duo of the Sh'iar gods. Through (reluctant) cooperation, the Lady Thor and Asgard's hordes are about to subdue the duo when final judgement from the challenge they issued against her is issued. Enraged by the results, the Sh'iar gods enact their own form of vengeance by summoning (creating?) the Phoenix Force. Set to wreak havoc upon the cosmos, the Lady Thor, guided by certain members of the Imperial Guard seek the help of one who can meld with the Phoenix, X-Man Quentin Qire, supposed future host of the Force. But will his help be enough?

Jason Aaron 'gets' Quentin Qire more than his creator, Grant Morrison. The attitude and boredom is present in spades until the Lady Thor shows up with a proper challenge. The outcome of the Sh'iar gods' challenge against the Lady Thor was decided by a factor that is unique to Jane Foster and representative of why she wields the hammer. Dautermann's art, as usual, is beautiful, highlighted by the dazzling use of colors and light.

8/10



Ben Reilly, Scarlet Spider #1 - This issue was all kinds of crazy bonkers. Ben Reilly, alone and adrift after his NewU scheme is destroyed, argues with himself (disturbing but funny). His first solo outing in costume could hardly be called heroic while his need (or dependency) for a surrogate Parker family is fulfilled in a disturbing manner. The appearance of Kaine, on the trail of Ben, is a welcome addition but things turn dark as Ben encounters someone who was a victim of his NewU scheme and wants vengeance...

Like I said, crazy bonkers. As others have said, PAD's portrayal of this desperate Ben comes off as being amoral and is that someone we could really root for? Maybe, maybe not, but I think the mental strain and issues surrounding Ben makes him a far more interesting case to watch.  Having Mark Bagley along to handle the art certainly helps as well.

7/10


Flash #21 - A far better second part of this crossover. I am a larger fan of Batman the detective than I am Batman the superhero. Seeing that perception of Bruce played off here alongside Barry was great to see. A very intriguing tease with the scenes of Barry in the JL's 'Hall of Lost & Found' where we can see plenty of DC objects, devices, costumes, and such that haven't been seen in the DCU proper for quite some time. Also, love this type of cover, where the image switches between two forms, in this case, Thawne reaching for the Button and Thawne being destroyed by the Button.

The mystery deepens in an interesting way, 8/10

Action Comics #978 - the flashbacks continue and while we can see the differences, it's interesting to see how all of this is fitted together in a way that appears seamless to a bewildered Superman. The danger grows with the reveal of a new Revenge Squad.

7/10