OH comic books how I love you so, and every week you love me back with your words and your art.
Hello again kids, I am your humble servant Anthony Silva and host of your favorite podcast Comic Issues, back again with my Top Picks for the week of 3/30. When you love comics like I do you’re never disappointed in what you take home, and as always it’s been another awesome week in comics. This week Spider-man touched out hearts, Thor saved the world, and I picked up my first American Vampire.
Top Pick: Amazing Spider-man # 657 Creative team Slott (writer) Martin, Templeton, Plati, & Caselli (pencils) Vicente, Rodriguez, Plati, Garcia (colors)
Since Dan Slott has taken over the Amazing Spider-man story we’ve received nothing but the best in comics. This week Slott shows us why Spider-man is the heart of the Marvel Universe. Peter is feeling overwhelmed by first the death of Marla Jameson and then the death of one of his closest friends Johnny Storm, so he goes to Sue, Reed, and Ben to find peace. Together the four of them reminisce about their favorite times with Johnny.
Although this book may bring back to mind ASM # 655 where Peter mourned the loss of Marla Jameson, this issues was handled much differently as it focused more on the family that Peter has made with the Fantastic Four and not on his guilt over losing someone else close to him. Each artist takes a different story told by each FF member while Dan Slott drives home the pain of losing someone with the joy of celebrating someone’s life.
Runner up: American Vampire # 13 Creative team Snyder (writer) Albuquerque (pencils) McCaig (colors)
This is actually my first American Vampire book, so I was surprised how quickly I enjoyed it. If anyone is looking into picking up this series this book is a good point to jump on. While giving enough backstory as to not confuse the reader with the current story line; Snyder drew me in with a compelling tale of a human and vampire couple who want nothing more than to love one another and be happy. Each character is easily believable and intriguing. This is a book that I’ll be putting on my pull list right away.
Also this week:
Teen Titans # 93 It looks like Tim Drake is back on the team but no one seems to be too excited about it. Maybe a little adventure in Pakistan will brighten things up. I’m a little disappointed that Damien has left the book already since he was my jumping on point but I’d been a passive fan of the Teen Titans for a little while.
Avengers #11 The Hood has 3 out of 6 Infinity Gems and he’s going to town on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, but the Avengers have 2 of their own leaving the last one in the hands of… Thanos?! Although this book still has way too many characters in it, it’s focusing on only a handful at a time while the others stand in the background. The Avenger’s Manson needs some spring cleaning.
Thor #621 The end of the all worlds is nigh, but not if the Odinson has anything to do about it. I honestly hoped my introduction with Thor would draw me in more, but I haven’t been as into the Thunder God as I had wanted to be. The art of Ferry and Larroca is solid but only at times exciting but they wouldn’t be enough for me to stick with this book.
Age of X #1 This isn’t the same 616 that we all know and love and that goes for more than just the X-Men. This book takes a look at the twisted Avengers of this X dimension along with a second story of Spider-man fighting for his family. If you’re following the Age of X make sure not to miss this book. It’s an awesome addition to this alternate world.
Missing from last week:
Batman Inc # 4 Bruce Wayne and Gaucho are trapped and only a world class beat down on each other will set one free, the other one gets a dirt nap. In this issues Morrison also gives us a crash course in the backstory of the original Batwoman, Kathy Kane.
That’s going to wrap it up for this week; my only regret is that I don’t have more books to review for you. Instead I’d love to have you guys tell me about all the great books that I missed. Drop a comment below and tell what you thought these books and all the others, and always come back every week for more Top Picks.