Monday, August 20, 2018
Our annual cottage rental at Round Lake Resort was last week and I drove up after work on Wednesday to join Penny in the Briar cottage until check out Saturday morning. We had ideal weather and I got to sit around a fire every night watching the dragonflies flit about. I spoiled the resident chipmunks, Lefty, Righty and Stubby, along with one very happy blue jay by feeding them peanuts non-stop. We went on a hike to a scenic lookout and found a little boat launch on the way to the trail. I’m taking my boat up next year to try fishing in the Bonnechere River. Round Lake is nice but I haven’t been able to find where the fish are. I felt like a kid again reading my comic books in the cottage during a rainy Friday morning. We drove in to Pembroke Friday evening for dinner and tried a recommendation to Sumo Sushi. You will be disappointed if you’re a purist but we stuffed ourselves and the owners are very welcoming.
Tony Stark: Iron Man #3/LGY #603 – Dan Slott (writer) Valerio Schiti (art) Edgar Delgado with Rachelle Rosenberg (colours) VC’s Travis Lanham (letters). Self-Made Man part 3. It’s man versus Machine Man in a virtual reality world. This battle reminds me of Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot”.
Doctor Strange #4/LGY #394 – Mark Waid (writer) Jesus Saiz (art & colours) VC’s Joe Sabino (letters). Sorcerer Supreme of the Galaxy part 4. I love learning. I believe you should never stop learning. Stephen learns a bunch of new things this issue and his return to Earth is in the cards.
Extermination #1 – Ed Brisson (writer) Pepe Larraz (art) Marte Gracia (colours) VC’s Joe Sabino (letters). I have been looking forward to Pepe Larraz’s latest artistic endeavour and it has finally hit the racks. I have always been more of a fan of the art of comic books and pride myself in spotting art styles and naming the artists that drew the pages. I particularly love the fine details that some artists put into their work and Pepe’s efforts are noticeable. I noticed the ant-mutant protester with the headband and Bloodstorm’s right leg when Ahab attacks. Bloodstorm? Who the heck is she? I guess she was introduced in one of the X-books. This 5-issue mini revolves around the five younger X-Men that the Beast brought forward in time. I hear this story will erase young Scott, Jean, Bobby, Hank, and Warren from present continuity and ease the minds of us time travel challenged fans. The paradoxes in this issue would normally make me decide not to continue reading but I love the art so much that I will power through and just enjoy everything my eyes absorb. A prime paradox is someone is killed by a mysterious hooded character and on the last page, the killer’s identity is revealed, and it’s the same person. I hate that.
Pearl #1 – Brian Michael Bendis (writer) Michael Gaydos (art) Josh Reed (letters). Well now, this was a surprise find on the racks. I didn’t know Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos had a new creator owned comic book coming out. Pearl is a unique character, a tattoo artist and killer for the Yakuza. I think she’s really cool because she isn’t your stereotypical portrayal of either talents. This will satisfy my jonesing for Gaydos art now that Jessica is gone.
The Magic Order #3 – Mark Millar (writer) Olivier Coipel (art) Dave Stewart (colours) Peter Doherty (letters). This issue sets up the return of the prodigal son as his brother and sister continue to investigate the murders of their fellow magicians. When the bad guys challenge their father an epic battle ensues. This seems to be a simple power struggle between good and evil magical forces but the characters are so cool and the art is so pretty that I can’t resist reading it.
Edge of Spider-Geddon #1 – Jed MacKay (writer) Gerardo Sandoval (art) Brian Reber (colours) VC’s Cory Petit (letters). Marvel is exploiting the Multiverse again with this 4-issue mini which leads into Spider-Geddon #0 and on to Superior Octopus #1. This issue features Spider-Punk, a punk rock version of Spider-Man. If you’re into alternate versions of Marvel’s iconic characters then this is a fun read.
Batman #53 – Tom King (writer) Lee Weeks (art) Elizabeth Breitweiser (colours) Clayton Cowles (letters). Wowzers, what a powerful argument for one man’s weaknesses. I love how this jury trial was connected to Batman and Catwoman’s aborted nuptials. Batman made a mistake because of the failed wedding ceremony and he made sure that Bruce Wayne made things right. I love these kinds of stories that give us a deeper insight into these characters.
Thor #4/LGY #710 – Jason Aaron (writer) Mike del Mundo (art & colours) Marco D’Alfonso (colour assists) VC’s Joe Sabino (letters). War is Hel, and it’s a Hel of a battle as Thor successfully recruits the Valkyries to fight against Sindr and her hordes from Muspelheim. Hey, a wedding takes place on this comic book too, but if you think that Balder and Karnilla tie the knot you’re in for a shock.
