Everybody Time Travel...

You know it's funny, or is it sad? Or both? But since the Marvel Now relaunch of the X-Men series, the main theme has been time travel. And they make it seems so matter of fact and convenient. Like hey, you know what would be great if I brought young Cyclops here and introduced him to old Cyclops, just because old Cyclops is a dick...and a poopy head. I don't know why Beast thought that was such a grand brilliant idea. But everyone knows if you mess time up, there are going to be some massive repercussion on existence. What kind of world would we be in, if we went back in time and took out evil dictators or the guy who invented the hamburger, would someone else rise to power and would we have something better than the classic cheeseburger? I am not sure. But I am not quite sure why Brian Michael Bendis feels like a time wizard, writing up these crazy stories. Bendis is a funny writer, and his reception is quite polarizing. Those who like him, swear to the great book of comics about this guy. Those who hate him , probably want to paper cut him to death with copies of Avengers: Disassembled. I take him with caution, he doesn't always write the best stuff out there, but I did enjoy the build up he had to Secret Invasion and how it all played out, but I do wonder how a story reveal can simply be, cause she was crazy. And with that being said, today we are going to be taking a look at Uncanny X-Men Annual, part 1 of 2, the second part will be in All New X-Men Annual. Both parts written by Bendis and tell the story of the new mutant, Eva Bell, the time manipulator from the cool mutant team, Cyclops and his rebels. Being an entirely new character, I liked her mutant power. She was able to capture the Avengers in a time bubble, that's pretty freaking powerful! Although her costume is a bit of a head scratcher, she wears a really short skirt, like anime otaku kind of short. But other then that, she's pretty darn cool. So in recent issues, we see now that Eva AKA Tempus is a lot older, after training to control her powers, she comes back older and wiser. But what happened, where did she go? That is this story, and its two parts, so it's got to be good...right?

So one thing to keep in mind off the bat, this book has a different artist then the ones we have seen so far on Uncanny X-Men, so it does have a fresh feel to it, which is welcome. And I will say, it's nice to see an Annual issue actually mean something, the Amazing Spider-man Annual was pretty lame aside from the great back stories, especially the mini Aunt May comic, pretty great stuff. But I've been so used to seeing Annuals just be small short stories, that you don't need to read to progress the series. So it's very cool, to have a hanging question in the story get answered. A lot of this book is saved by the art from Andrea Sorrentino, it's a very unique style and it plays extremely well with Eva going through different time periods and slowing down time, not to mention her take on a future X-Men member is absolutely stunning. I wanted to see more of that. To be honest, the book gets a bit crazy for me with the writing and the pacing of the story, but that's what happens with time travel, you get some really messy stories and a lot of unanswered questions. I understand what is going on, but there is a time jump moment here and you don't get any details on what went down, you just know that Tempus has been there, but you don't know what she learned and who she met and all this other stuff that would happen in time. And it's important especially considering how this part of the story ends. Basically I feel like I wasn't given enough information to care enough about her new life, but hey, maybe this will be revealed in the second part? I doubt that, because a bigger reveal took place and I am pretty sure that is going to be the main meat of the story in part 2, and that stuff is pretty interesting, I am curious to see what's going to happen there.

But reading this, I will say, given more issues I feel like we could've had a greater story being told. But I guess that's what happens with time travel. Sometimes I really wish they didn't touch it too much, I mean other worlds and universes makes sense to me, you can do anything there and have no repercussions on the main time line. When you go back and forth though, you know something has got to change and it has got to be a big change. I don't know, I guess it doesn't matter seeing as Marvel is ready to blow everything up and restart all the different books and series. Damn it.

So that's my Marvel Monday review, this might be a thing now. I was thinking about looking at AXIS #7, but it's crap. I don't want to give it any attention and in my books, Magneto will always be the father of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. I don't want to beat a dead horse, seriously disappointed in Marvel with this move and I won't be picking up Uncanny Avengers when it comes out, it's all a silly ploy for movie rights. Not worth my time or yours, seriously don't get that book. I will be back tomorrow with a DC Comic for Tuesday, but if you guys have any comments or questions or anything, feel free to drop a line below. Much love and remember guys, keep chasing the storm! 

Public Mutant Enemy...

It's good to be Scott Summers. That's something you aren't going to hear very often now in days, not only did he kill his mentor Charles Xavier, he is a wanted criminal, a dubbed terrorist, with his powers working on and off. And he now has some new robotic stalkers. And if you think it can't get any worse, lets put that thought on hold until we get through more issues. Going through all the comics that I have, I decided to take a look at Uncanny X-Men #10 today, I needed to catch up with the series and not to mention that I am feeling like I am on a big X-Men trip. That I need to avoid reviews all the one shot and annual comics that I have, on going series comics are important as well, to see how it holds up as a single issues and how it helps the entire series as a whole grow in general. The Marvel Now series of Uncanny X-Men follows the rag tag group of mutants who follow Cyclops, this includes classic team mates like Emma Frost and Magneto, but also includes a lot of the new younger mutants who have shown up thanks to the aftermath of AvX. It's a great team to follow, a team that really does want to do go in the world but who are all also wanted criminals as well. The anti-hero of superhero teams if you will. I highly recommend you check out the earlier books, but for now let's take a look at this issue.

So first off this series is being written currently by Brian Michael Bendis, who is also currently writing the All-New X-Men series as well, so needless to say he is doing his best to keep and respect the current continuity. I have always been a big fan of his work in the New Avengers and in the Ultimate Spider-man series, and I hear Powers is a really good series as well. Come to think of it, I have only met one person who really didn't like his work, and that guy seemed bitter and sour about something. Could have been weak coffee or something. Needless to say, Bendis is one the top writers in comics today, and he has done a great job so far with the X-Men titles. Another thing to keep in mind with this issue, is that it's drawing by Frazer Irving, who has an incredible style to his art, it reminds me of the kind of work from Jae Lee. And while it is completely different from Chris Bachalo, who is the other main artist on this title, his art really works well here in these stories. Amazing splash pages as well, and tells a story through colour and mood. And while it may not be for everyone, I personally see Irving doing some incredible work on some big titles!

I want to do my best to review this book without giving away too much. I will say though, as a starting point comic for new readers, it will be extremely confusing and not give you a lot of background on what is going on and who is who. But for long time readers this book is great, showing the evolution of mutant abilities and some of the relationships going on behind the scenes. It also shows a rally of human supporters for Cyclops and the mutant cause. A sight that has started ever since Cyclops was deemed a criminal of the state. An interesting idea to play with for sure, Cyclops getting a rally of support like this over a guy like Xavier, who for years peacefully pleaded for mutant rights. Makes you wonder, is action the loudest way to get your message out there. Even after the event of AvX, I don't feel that Scott Summers is a villain or a bad guy, also considering Professor X was part of the illuminati group of heroes. The things they have done, the damage and the secrets they hold, doesn't exactly make them saints. And you know it's a bit of irony, that now Cyclops finds himself in a Scarlet Witch like situation. Maybe this is a Marvel thing, heroes get turns at being cast out and labelled as criminals. And apparently with AXIS, the next big Marvel event, a lot of good guys will be making some bad choices.

All things said, this book does a great job of making this series move along. And for anyone collecting the series it's a no question, this book is a must in the collection. An absolute delight to read and plenty to see within each page. 

That's all the time I have for today guys, plenty more comic book reviews on the way! I just picked up my weekly books and a few more from the discount bin, got to love those one dollar comics! I also got a lot to get done for Fan Expo, so plenty to take care of. Comment, share and subscribe as well guys. Until then, keep chasing the storm!

Original X-Class...

The Season One line is an interesting idea for sure, an interesting idea that could fail, crash and burn in a blaze of fail glory. I would say this idea has got some wings and some life in it though. And while the need to go out and get these books could be there, for a single fan who lives on his own, maybe not. But the fan who has a family and wants to continue the legacy of these books, or the new fan who wants to read the classic stories and well even if you want to refresh your memories. The Season One books can do that, and so far I've got to say, these books really hold up and do justice to the classic heroes and their stories. The latest collection that I just finished is Season One of X-Men. I decided to pick this one up for a few reasons, first of all I am a huge fan of the current All-New X-Men comics, in my opinion it's one of the best series out today and I loved the Battle of the Atom arc that went down. So naturally I was excited to see an update version of the classic X-Men stories. The first time this team has to go into battle and work together, the difficulties they faced growing up in a world that fears and hates mutants. Not to mention that the art is done by Jamie McKelvie, who did some fantastic work on Young Avengers and currently on The Wicked + The Divine. Shut up and take my money! And was it worth the price of admission...?

With the amount of years that have passed since Stan Lee originally brought the X-Men to life, it can be hard to remember that the classic team had a lot of history behind them, and this is before time travel and clones and Apocalypse. This was a simpler time. Although dealing with Magneto and the Brotherhood is hardly a walk in the park, it was a lot easier to understand as a reader. So here we are now with X-Men Season One, a modernized take on the same events that happened back in the 1960's, which gives the young mutants cellphones, laptops and a better fashion sense. Though I got to say I love the retro look on Jean Grey. I don't what it is but she can rock that retro look like no ones business. Back to the comic though, I had mentioned earlier that it was illustrated by Jamie McKelvie, while the writing is handled by Dennis Hopeless. And they both do a great job here, the book feels modern but it stays true to heritage of the X-Men, no big changes or anything as such that would take away from the experience. The five heroes; Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Ice Man, Angel and Beast are all written as we have come to know them by now. We see Cyclops learning to become a leader on the field, we see Jean evolving with her powers, Angel the rich kid who doesn't have a clue, Bobby as the class clown and Hank as the brains. We get to see a love triangle between Scott, Jean and Warren, that feels authentically awkward as any young romance. As well as the friendship between Beast and Ice Man. Not to mention how each mutant deals with the headmaster of the school, Charles Xavier. He prepares his students with various crazy missions that include field trips to the Savage Land and the occasional fight with Magneto. All the X-Men things that we love are alive and well in this book, the team interactions to the concept of fighting for a world that fears and hates you, it is the perfect treat for any and all X-fans!

That being said the books isn't without a few complaints. Minor complaints though, nothing that makes the book unreadable. This is a little silly but I have to say, while I do enjoy McKelvie's work, I don't understand why he made Bobby Drake look like Justin Bieber. Call me crazy if you don't see it, but the face and hair is practically the same, even the purple flannel shirt is similar. Maybe it was something for the young readers, and if that is the case then I guess that makes sense. But it is still kind of awful seeing that little pop-star puke in my comic panels. I swear that's my only beef with this book, otherwise you are looking at really solid piece of any X-Men collection. A book that gives you an even greater appreciation for the original five, to read their past and enjoy their future. 

Well that's another comic book review in the bag. I actually need to mention this, I got a really good deal on this graphic novel over at my local comic book shop, Excalibur Comics. If you live in the Etobicoke area this is the comic book store to go to, just off Royal York station and above the Kingsway theatre. An incredible store with an awesome atmosphere for the comic book fan, an incredible collection of classics and new books alike! Check it out! And an apology to all the readers outside of Toronto and Canada, just got to plug my store. So have you read any of the Season One books from Marvel? What did you think? Leave a comment below and subscribe to the page for plenty more comic book reviews and blogs. My road to Fan Expo continues still, but I will be back with more, until then keep chasing the storm.

The White X-House...

So as skeptical as I was about getting the Marvel 100th Anniversary issue of Spider-man, I find myself here again, a new week and the latest part of this possible future line from Marvel and this week I picked up the X-Men take on this leap into the future. This week I went a little X-Men crazy, picking up quite a few issues to catch up on all the stories going on and for a good reason too, the current X-Men books are some of the best stories going on at the moment, so it is a good time to get behind the mutant revolution. In this possible future of the Marvel 100th Anniversary world, we see the worlds first mutant president of the United States of America in Scott Summers, better known as the mutant Cyclops. I would have voted for Toad, but hey, here we are. After years of fighting for mutant rights and the dream of equality, Cyclops has gone from America's most wanted to the man calling the shots. But even in power, the division is strong between those who accept one and other and those who are still filled with hatred for mutant kind and the X-Men. And things go from bad to worse when the first lady, Emma Frost, suddenly disappears from existence. An angry hill-billy mob and a disappearance all in the first day of the X-Men presidential reign, they best have an awesome PR team.

I want to try and keep this a spoiler if as possible, but if I slip up I apologize. But to start I did enjoy this story pace a lot more then the Spider-man issue, it didn't feel as rushed and there was a lot covered in the one issue. That being said, the story did feel a little too similar especially to stories like Endsong or anything having to do with the psychic love triangle in the X-Men. So I didn't get the sense or feeling that this was an X-Men story per say, more like a Cyclops/Emma story with the X-Men in the background. It was interesting to see some of the new characters though, a lot of the students from the current Uncanny X-Men, so if you are a bigger fan of that current title then it does help to give this one a read. So while I would have liked to seen more, I need to remember this one issue compared to the epic scale and size of the Battle of the Atom storyline that went down. And while the story held up, I did feel slightly disappointed with the artwork in this book from Jason Masters. I am not sure what it is exactly, and I hate being mean or disapointed about comic book art, but I don't think this was the right artist for the job. You take a look at the work from all the new X-Men books and the art is top notch, each one compliments the writing and the characters perfectly. And with the theme and idea being that of a future world, I feel like the design team stayed really safe in those terms. Maybe I was expecting hi-tech sentinels or a cool new uniforms for the entire team, I don't know, but I do know that I was expecting much more from this current title. 

Should have been about Logan and Shogo...

So at the end of the day, where does this leave me on the feelings for this book? I have to say, I am a bit more disappointed overall with this one then I was with Spider-man. In the Spider-man book, you had a better presentation of a future world compared to this X-Men world, which seems really tame, and that is weird considering even in the our age, the X-Men seemed to be ahead of most stories and themes. I was also expecting maybe a large scoop as far as the story goes, so it left me really expecting a lot more from this mutant story of the future. If you are collecting all the 100th Anniversary books like me, then you will be getting this book. But if you were curious and you want my honest opinion, you can skip this one for sure. A lot of great potential, but not close in the execution. 

So there you have it guys, you know for sure I will be taking a look at the rest of this collection from Marvel, but so far I think I see an ongoing theme here. Regardless, I still having reading and collecting these books, the life of the comic book geek. I also have other reviews coming up from new releases to old classics as well, so keep it tuned and subscribe here to Storm Watch. Until then guys, keep chasing the storm.