The Pulse Vol. 1 Thin Air Trade Paperback Review

The Pulse Vol. 1 - Thin Air
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
120 pages
$13.99 (2004)
ISBN 9780785113324

Contributors: Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, Scott Hanna, Brian Reber, Frank D'Armata, Cory Petit, and cover by Mike Mayhew

Reprints: The Pulse #1-5

Synopsis: The next chapter in the life of Jessica Jones unfolds!  She and Luke Cage have been together since the shocking revelation that Jessica is pregnant with his baby.  In an effort to keep herself out of harm's way during the pregnancy, Jessica has shut down Alias Investigations and is starting a new job with the Daily Bugle. 

J. Jonah Jameson has finally admitted his hard line, anti-superhero propaganda is not winning new readers.  He wants to create a superhero news section with Ben Urich (award-winning writer, but out of favor since he refused to reveal Daredevil's secret identity) and featuring Jessica Jones as a research consultant.  Jessica helped JJJ when his foster daughter went missing and has earned a microscopic soft spot in his petrified heart. 

This ain't half bad!

The first story Jones and Urich cover is one that cuts right to the heart of the Daily Bugle newspaper as one of their own is found murdered.  The suspect is believed to have super powers and the new reporting team have their work cut out finding the killer.  What happens when Jessica's new job puts her right back in harm's way?

Pros: Nice covers by Mayhew, great dialogue and story by Bendis, good art by Bagley who ain't no stranger to any of these characters (he drew flashback sequences in Alias)

Cons: I prefer Gaydos' art from Alias (the first series starring Jessica Jones) vs. Bagley's art on this one, Bendis/Bagley use an excessive amount of double-page dialogue spreads utilizing repeat/copied panels (i.e. Jessica's same head shot five times with different dialogue) in the first few issues, Alias had a MAX rating (for mature audiences) while this series doesn't = it's not the same Jessica Jones without the cussing!

Mike Tells It Straight: I loved Alias and really dug Bendis' portrayal of Jessica Jones.  When that series ended and this one started up I had to check it out.  Going into this reading with a lot of expectations I was both let down and thrilled at the same time.  Let me explain - Alias was a Marvel MAX book with a lot (I mean a lot) of cussing, smoking, and mature themes.  It was a hoot!  Then Bendis and Marvel decided to pull the plug in favor of this Daily Bugle centered book without the mature rating so they could feature all of the mainstream Marvel heroes without tarnishing their images with 'mature content' situations.  Complete BS IMHO. 



Wherefore art thou Jessica Jones?



Jessica Jones' character is lessened by her treatment in this series - she was the star of Alias, but is just another member of the cast here.  She doesn't swear, doesn't smoke (obviously with the pregnancy and all), and is not the true focus of the series.  Bagley's art didn't do her or Luke Cage justice (too cartoony).  It was a let down.  BUT...

The story was phenomenal - the Daily Bugle cast: J. Jonah Jameson, Ben Urich, Robbie Robertson et al were incredibly well-portrayed.  Bendis paced it really well and gave us a cliffhanger at the end of every issue.  Major events happened in the lives of Urich, Spider-Man, and a specific villain.  Bagley's art was perfect for these characters.  It was a book that changed the status quo and I loved it. 

In conclusion, the Alias fans will be disappointed by this book, but take solace - it's still a great read.  Yes, despite the ridiculous double-page, multiple-head-shot, and dialogue-ridden pages - Bendis delivers!

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

Beyond! Review

Beyond!
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
144 pages
$14.99 (2008)
$19.99 (2007) Hardcover
ISBN 9780785120131

Contributors: Dwayne McDuffie, Scott Kolins, and Paul Mounts

Reprints: Beyond! #1-6 (of 6)

Synopsis: A group of heroes/villains are abducted from New York on a space transport to Battleworld - the planet used by the Beyonder to test and observe superheroes.  The group includes Spider-Man, Venom, Kraven II, The Hood, The Wasp, Hank Pym, Medusa of the Inhumans, Gravity, and Firebird.  They are told "Kill your enemies and you can have your heart's desire!"

After a rough crash-landing on the planet they meet Michael Collins, the original Deathlok.  He has been witness to countless groups brought to the planet with no survivors after each battle.  Something isn't right on Battleworld and the group of heroes/villains must uncover the mystery despite their vast differences in character.  Not everyone will get home alive!

Pros: Story has lots of twists and deceptions to uncover, Kolins art is unique and somewhat interesting, ending is pretty wild

Cons: Story gets a bit convoluted, Kolins art style may not be for everyone, mostly D-list characters - watered down version of Secret Wars

Mike Tells It Straight: This book is only superficially related to the epic Secret Wars storylines from the 1980s.  Whereas the original tale had A-list characters battling it out - this story is filled with a mediocre cast and Spider-Man.  Readers need to know some history on the characters in order to get the story completely, for instance: the Venom symbiote is now attached to the Scorpion, Firebird and Hank Pym have some romantic feelings which is awkward since The Wasp is his ex-wife, et cetera.

Gravity had a major role and his story progresses from the events of this series when McDuffie writes The New Fantastic Four.  If you know and like the characters the story isn't half bad, but overall it doesn't get a high recommendation.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

Spider-Man: Breakout Review

Spider-Man: Breakout
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
120 pages
$13.99
ISBN 9780785118077

Contributors: Tony Bedard, Manuel Garcia, Raul Fernandez, Cory Petit, Chris Sotomayor, and Mike Deodato

Reprints: Spider-Man: Breakout #1-5 (of 5)

Synopsis: Two years ago at the Vault an escape plan was thwarted by Rozalyn Backus, program administrator, setting Crossfire and Vector of the U-Foes at odds.  Fast forward to the present and the massive breakout at the Raft during New Avengers #1 dumps a slew of escaped criminals into New York.  Two groups led by Crossfire and Vector are on a collision course to get revenge on Backus.

Spider-Man helped Captain America during the initial breakout and heads into the city alone to pursue more criminals.  Can he possibly stop the two groups from getting their revenge and how many innocent bystanders will be caught in the crossfire?

Pros: Bedard gives the villains more personality and sets up a complex story

Cons: Art is a little inconsistent, lots of characters and not many explanations, New Avengers #1 is essential to understanding what is fully going on here

Mike Tells It Straight: This book is barely a side story to the first New Avengers arc and doesn't expand on those events in the slightest.  Continuity relevance aside we get a deep look into the motivations of the villains in this story - a welcome trend in recent years.  Spidey barely even registers here as the criminals take center stage and the ending is a bit unsatisfying.  Interesting, but not highly recommended.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

X-Force and Spider-Man: Sabotage Review

X-Force and Spider-Man: Sabotage
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
64 pages
$6.95
ISBN 071486012054

Contributors: Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Fabian Nicieza, Chris Eliopoulos, Greg Wright, Joe Rosas, and Brian Murray

Reprints: X-Force (1991) #3-4, Spider-Man (1990) #16

Synopsis: Black Tom Cassidy kidnaps and blackmails some billionaire executives into freeing the Juggernaut from another dimension.  Then X-Force and Spider-Man show up to get their asses kicked.  Cable shoots Black Tom, Juggernaut loses his helmet, and Deadpool teleports the two baddies away. 

Pros: Um, yeah...McFarlane's art is somewhat more detailed and slightly less disproportionate

Cons: Where do I start?  Oh yeah, Rob Liefeld's art, Rob Liefeld's writing, Rob Liefeld was involved in this, two of the issues are sideways which actually kinda sucks

Mike Tells It Straight: Oh no he di-unt!  Oh yes, I did...read this terrible affront to the world of comic-dom.  Let's take a quick hot tub time-machine ride back to the early 90s for a minute (which is how long it took to read this story).  Back when art eclipsed stories and a talent-less comic artist could rise to famedom (and land a Levi's commercial) on hype alone.  Enter the bubble world of Rob Liefeld (and Todd McFarlane, although his bubble survived longer before bursting horribly along with the bloated action figure toy market in the late 90s).  The writing is terrible and the plot makes no sense - at no point is it revealed what Juggernaut and Black Tom Cassidy are doing.  They just take some hostages then get in a fight with X-Force and Spider-Man.  They then escape and everyone leaves.  Nothing of any real value happens here.  Never read this story - promise me!

All Rob Liefeld haters and enthusiasts must read this article to truly understand: http://progressiveboink.com/archive/robliefeld.html

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

Spider-Man's Tangled Web Vol. 3 Review

Spider-Man's Tangled Web Vol. 3
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
160 pages
$15.99
ISBN 9780785109518

Contributors: Zeb Wells, Duncan Fegredo, Ron Zimmerman, Sean Phillips, Steve Buccellato, Brian Azzarello, Scott Levy, Guiseppe Camuncoli, Paul Pope, Daniel Way, Jason Pearson, and Leandro Fernandez

Reprints: Spider-Man's Tangled Web #12-17

Synopsis: Five different stories featuring five different creative teams:

1. I was a Teenage Frog-Man - Leap Frog is out of prison and turning over a new leaf, but his son can't take the embarrassment of having a loser former super-villain for a father.  The kids at high school are constantly making fun of him until he takes matters into his own hands - and becomes the new Frog-Man!
2. Double Shots - A group villains get together at a super-villain bar and tell stories of their battles with Spidey.  Kraven (the son) and the Vulture tell their stories until Norman Osborn (the Green Goblin) trumps then all with his story
3. The Last Shoot - We get the story of Crusher Hogan before the fateful night he challenged all comers and wound up against a masked teenager who would become Spider-Man
4. The Collaborator - A teenage girl idolizes Spider-Man and gets yelled at by her dad.  She sneaks out and witnesses a new super-villain battle the cops until Spider-Man shows up.  Then she realizes who the new super-villain is - her dad!
5. Heartbreaker - Tombstone has a bum ticker and gets sent to prison where he's in danger of having a heart attack at any moment.  The Kangaroo takes a special dislike to him and he may never make it out of prison alive

Pros: Cover to issue #12 of the Frog-Man story was easily the best of the entire series, excellent set of writers, the Kangaroo's Aussie accent is hilarious

Cons: Art can be a bit rough, but works with the gritty crime angle to the stories

Mike Tells It Straight: This third volume of Tangled Web explores the darker side of the street by focusing on Spidey's villains.  It's a refreshing set of gritty stories with surprising appeal and much better than the second (even the first) volume.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

Spider-Man's Tangled Web Vol. 2 Review

Spider-Man's Tangled Web Vol. 2
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
128 pages
$14.95
ISBN 9780785108740

Contributors: Bruce Jones, Lee Weeks, Kaare Andrews, and Darwyn Cooke

Reprints: Spider-Man's Tangled Web #7-11

Synopsis: Three different stories featuring three different creative teams:

1. "Gentleman's Agreement" - A hack in NYC gets some bad news - cancer, the terminal kind.  He stumbles onto a secret that could save his life - Spider-Man's secret identity.  Will he betray the trust of a hero to save himself?
2. "Ray of Light" - Two boys idolize Spider-Man, but one of his battles spills into their home and threatens their lives
3. "Open All Night" - Spider-Man battles the Vulture on Valentine's Day, but this battle is nothing compared to Peter Parker's dilemma - he's double-booked with two lovely ladies!  The Parker luck strikes again!

Pros: Some decent creators

Cons: Andrews' art attempts to be photo realistic and ends up falling short (too much black background), Cooke's art/story is uber-cartoony, Jones' storyline is somewhat convoluted and hard to follow

Mike Tells It Straight: This second volume of Tangled Web didn't interest me as much as the previous one.  The first storyline was decent with a twist ending, but Andrews' one-shot fell flat.  His liberal use of pitch black background seems like a convenient way to avoid drawing backgrounds.  Cooke's story was lively and entertaining, but his style is a bit too cartoony.  Overall this volume is somewhat entertaining, but utterly forgettable.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

Spider-Man's Tangled Web Vol. 1 Review

Spider-Man's Tangled Web Vol. 1
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
144 pages
$15.95
ISBN 9780785108030

Contributors: Garth Ennis, John McCrea, James Hodgkins, Glenn Fabry, Greg Rucka, Eduardo Risso, Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo

Reprints: Spider-Man's Tangled Web #1-6

Synopsis: An anthology series featuring three different stories and creative teams:

1. "The Thousand" - Someone has discovered how Spider-Man got his powers.  They attempt to replicate the results, but suffer horrible consequences and seek out Spider-Man for revenge!
2. "Severance Package" - One of the Kingpin's lieutenants has failed and now it's time to see the boss for the last time
3. "Flowers for Rhino" - A spin on "Flowers for Algernon" starring the grey behemoth as he gets smart only to realize it's not what he expected 

Pros: The art and writing across the three stories is pretty good, McCrea shows a much different style than usual (possibly due to Hodgkins' inking)

Cons: Stories are amusing, but have no lasting effect on continuity

Mike Tells It Straight: Three solid stories by some great writers and artists.  By no means are these stories essential Spidey reading, but worth the time if you dig the character and his peripherals.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

Punisher War Journal Vol. 1 Civil War Hardcover Review

Punisher War Journal Vol. 1 - Civil War
Marvel Comics
Hardcover
144 pages
$19.99
ISBN 9780785127758

Contributors: Matt Fraction, Ariel Olivetti, Mike Deodato, Dean White, and Rain Beredo

Reprints: Punisher War Journal (2007) #1-4 and #1 black-and-white edition

Synopsis: The Punisher's war on crime crosses paths with the superhero civil war.  G.W. Bridge is out of retirement and helping SHIELD take down Frank Castle.  Meanwhile Castle puts the finishing move on Stilt-Man and hooks up with the newest "Micro" - former villain Stuart "Rampage" Clarke.  He's got a mad-on for everything Tony Stark and is only too willing to help.  Now outfitted with anti-SHIELD devices the Punisher is back in business.  He quickly gets a seat at Captain America's table after saving Spider-Man's life, but how long can the Punisher's methods be ignored by Cap?

Next the wake for Stilt-Man is held and all the villains in New York show up to pay their respects (or hit on his widow).  What better time for the Punisher to make a hit of his own?

Pros: Good art by Olivetti and Deodato, interesting story by Fraction which fits seamlessly into the Civil War crossover, stories are fun and irreverent, but completely deadly, sketchbook

Cons: Punisher existing with lame villains lessens him, black-and-white edition - who really cares?, price tag is expensive for only four unique issues (paperback is probably cheaper)

Mike Tells It Straight: Fraction writes a decent Punisher, but the stories here are much tamer than the MAX version by Ennis.  Here we have Frank running around killing losers dressed in Halloween costumes and interacting with heroes dressed much the same way.  He's still ruthless, but there's a humor and juvenile fun to it all.  If you want an entertaining, but slightly less serious Punisher then you're in the right place.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

DC/Marvel Crossover Classics IV Review

DC/Marvel: Crossover Classics Vol. 4
DC Comics/Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
224 pages
$14.95
ISBN 761941240213

Contributors: Ron Marz, Darryl Banks, Terry Austin, Chris Eliopoulos, John Byrne, Rick Taylor, J.M. DeMatteis, Graham Nolan, Karl Kesel, John Costanza, Dan Jurgens, Art Thibert, Greg Wright, Bill Oakley, Alex Ross, and Ed McGuinness

Reprints: Green Lantern/Silver Surfer: Unholy Alliances, Darkseid/Galactus: The Hunger, Batman & Spider-Man, and Superman/Fantastic Four

Synopsis: Collecting another round of DC/Marvel crossovers:

• The Silver Surfer encounters a planet destroyed by the Cyborg [Superman].  They battle and Parallax appears to help defeat the threat.  On Earth Kyle Rayner fights Terrax and is aided by Thanos.  Both heroes are convinced to lend their power to the new strangers for a seemingly beneficial end.  We know both Parallax and Thanos are the last entities in the universe who should receive more power, but our naive heroes must learn the hard way!
• Galactus the Devourer selects Apokolips for his next feast!  Darkseid defends his home from the most fearsome attacker yet.  How will he repel an undeniable force in the universe and will New Genesis allow their destruction?  The Silver Surfer heralds his master's arrival and Orion joins the fray for a showdown we never thought we'd see!
• Ra's Al Ghul continues his plan for worldwide purification in order to save the human race from itself.  His daughter Talia visits New York to enlist the cooperation of the Kingpin of Crime.  Batman follows and quickly meets up with our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.  Talia informs Wilson Fisk of The Demon's next target - NYC!  Ra's offers the one thing Fisk cannot refuse - a cure for his wife Vanessa's cancer.  The Caped Crusader and Spidey join forces for the second time to save the city.
• Galactus observes the final moments of a dying planet along with the tiny spacecraft carrying the sole survivor rocketing toward Earth.  The survivor is Superman and in the present time he discovers a link between the death of Krypton and the World Devourer.  He travels across dimensions to visit the Fantastic Four.  The Cyborg Superman tags along and assaults the Four in order to gain access to the wonderful technology of Galactus.  When the real thing appears on Earth he chooses a new herald -- Superman!  Can the FF possibly defeat a cosmic-powered Superman in thrall to Galactus

Pros: Byrne's work on Darkseid/Galactus, painted cover by Alex Ross over Jurgens' pencils on Superman/FF, inks by Thibert

Cons: Weak cover by McGuinness, art by Banks/Nolan/Jurgens

Mike Tells It Straight: Four separate tales with varying degrees of quality.  An absolute classic is the Byrne tale of Galactus attempting to devour Apokolips -- his obvious love and understanding of the characters shines through in every page.  The other three stories are not very well crafted or memorable.  Only the Superman/FF story has any redeeming qualities with Supes becoming herald to Galactus and the Ross cover.  If price is an issue or you're looking for quality stories - just buy the one-shot by Byrne and skip the rest.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

Spider-Man: The Other: Evolve or Die Hardcover Review

Spider-Man: The Other: Evolve or Die
Marvel Comics
Oversized Hardcover
288 pages
$29.99
ISBN 9780785121886

Contributors: J. Michael Straczynski, Peter David, Reginald Hudlin, Mike Wieringo, Pat Lee, Mike Deodato Jr., Karl Kesel, Paul Mounts, and Joe Quesada

Reprints: Amazing Spider-Man #525-528; Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #1-4; Marve Knights Spider-Man #19-22

Synopsis: Spider-Man has joined the New Avengers and moved his family into Stark Towers to keep them safe.  Life was supposed to be better, but somehow the old Parker luck has a way of turning up.  Now Peter is distracted by unsettling dreams and making stupid mistakes while in costume.

Re-enter Morlun, an enemy thought dead and returned to dog Spider-Man's heels with the intent to destroy him.  In his unfocused state will he be able to stand up to a seemingly unbeatable foe?  It gets ugly and Spider-Man must reach deep within himself to triumph, but at the cost of his humanity?  We've seen the man, but what is The Other? 

Pros: Intriguing idea by Straczynski to give Spider-Man more spider-powers and expand his origin, great cover by Quesada based on Vitruvian Man by DaVinci, includes all the variant covers by Wieringo

Cons: Three different artists with clashing styles (Wieringo/cartoon, Lee/anime, Deodato/realistic-ish), another lame villain in Tracer, Morlun character is totally wasted

Mike Tells It Straight: Straczynski's idea plays out better in theory than execution as this story has some flaws.  The artists working on the Spider-books at the time were too different and each chapter transition jars the reader with a conflicting visual style.  Morlun's character is completely thrown away after being established in a previous storyline as a major threat.  Overall I think The Other is a worthy entry to the Spider-Man mythos and finally gives Spider-Man a creepy twist (he's part spider after all).  Unfortunately, the story is more hype than substance, but it all gets retconned away after One More Day.   

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

The Spectacular Spider-Man: Here There Be Monsters Review

The Spectacular Spider-Man: Here There Be Monsters
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
112 pages
$9.99
ISBN 9780785113331

Contributors: Paul Jenkins, Damion Scott, Paolo Rivera, and Rob Campanella

Reprints: The Spectacular Spider-Man (2003) #11-14

Synopsis: Curt Connors is still recovering from the tragic loss of his wife to cancer.  He's trying to take care of his son, but still battling guilt over not being able to save her life.  It's difficult enough for a one-armed man to function in society, but this man has a monster just waiting to be get out.

Connors' attempt to land a research grant goes horribly awry and the grant winner is the victim of a mysterious explosion.  Spider-Man finds Connors at the scene and attempts to help him deal with his demons.  Will human nature prevail or will the monsters rule?

Pros: Jenkins' crafts a decent psychological thriller, Rivera is a great new painter

Cons: Scott's art is overly stylized and somewhat inconsistent, Rivera's art couldn't save a weak story, Jenkins' should have upped the ante in terms of danger (the Lizard is a bloodthirsty killer after all)

Mike Tells It Straight: Jenkins tackles another Spider-Man staple villain and triumphs.  He adds a psychological twist to the Lizard bringing more depth to the character.  A good story and the art mostly keeps pace.  The final story was somewhat touching, but very obvious.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

The Spectacular Spider-Man: Countdown Review

The Spectacular Spider-Man: Countdown
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
120 pages
$11.99
ISBN 9780785113133

Contributors: Paul Jenkins, Humberto Ramos, and Wayne Faucher

Reprints: The Spectacular Spider-Man (2003) #6-10

Synopsis: Otto Octavius has been busy and his newly improved arms are stronger than ever.  He's spent many long hours welding and tightening screws, all the while fuming over his greatest failure in life -- constant defeat by the unworthy wall-crawler!

Confronting Spider-Man and defeating him easily with his new arms Doctor Octopus offers a choice -- death or willingly unmasking in public.  Spider-Man refuses and manages to escape, but the Doctor kidnaps the Palestinian ambassador on his visit to New York during a critical time in the Middle East peace talks.  Now Spider-Man must weigh the peace of an entire section of the world over the safety of his loved ones. 

Pros: Jenkins takes a deeper look at Octopus' origin and motivations, Ramos' art is very unique and expressive

Cons: Ramos' art is highly stylized and not very realistic (anime-ish)

Mike Tells It Straight: Hot on the heels of the Spider-Man 2 movie came a slew of Doctor Octopus centric storylines.  We get more origin details and a new leather-clad look for the character.  While the story by Jenkins and Ramos is well done it doesn't break any new ground for either main character.

TO BUY and Recommendations: