Avengers: X-Sanction #1 (of 4)
Cable is one of the best comic book characters in history. He perfectly blends mysterious and badass that makes for a great super hero. They choose a great way to kill him off, but, I’m guess due to popular demand, the powers-that-be at Marvel have decided to bring him back. I was happy with the news, although jaded by cliché. After reading this first comic however, maybe they should have just left him dead. It was good to see Cable back, but didn’t seem to have that same level of awesomeness that I use to. The story here is Cable is back, by way that is not really explained, to save his daughter Hope Summers from the Avengers, which is also something not thoroughly explained. The comic has some nice ideas, but has nothing that is really thought through. They could have thought of better stories to bring him back, something involving Deadpool would have been nice, but at least I’ve seen much worse. Everything about this comic is just ok, but hardly the treatment such a great character deserves. Maybe they could use Cable time travel device and try again.
Read more about comics, including Uncanny X-force and Previews!
Uncanny X-force #18
Look up awesomeness on Wikipedia, and you’ll see the cover of Uncanny X-force #18 as the example picture. It’s that good. Writer Rick Remender has been devolving this plot thread for years now, and proudly has the gonads to do things other writers wouldn’t. He is not as violent or profane as other writers like Mark Millar, but those aren’t the things that require great gonads. The risk he takes as a writer involves strong character development and not having an insane lust for having a happy ending. Remender’s work is deeply imaginative and doesn’t rely on generic comic plot points to come up with a story. He is a writer you should keep your eye on for his future work.
Issue 18 of Uncanny X-force might just be his best work to date, and that is saying something. He concludes his “Dark Angel Saga” storyline with a beyond awesome bang. As Archangel (the X-man flying around with big metal wings) tries to become the next Apocalypse, what is left of the X-force fights in a desperate struggle to end his rein before it begins. Everything comes down to the wire in a very tense issue, and while the anti-heroes win, it comes at a great cost. There are several pages that are truly touching as the battle comes to a close. I’m not ashamed it got me a little teary-eyed, but it wasn’t something I was expecting for such an action driven comic. Not that it was bad, in fact it was genius, but now I’m paranoid to have a box of tissues handy every time I read X-force from now on. The only flaw I’m willing to grip about, is that certain plot points skip around a bit. There is so much to cover that some of it comes out of nowhere with little setup. The biggest one being a pregnancy with someone you would never have sex with. Still, X-force has always been a favorite of mine, but Remender has only made me love it more. In the comic’s own words, “I am more than you will ever know.”
Previews
Here is a brief look at upcoming comics to keep an eye out for.
The Twelve
Years ago J. Michael Straczynski wrote a unique comic on WWII era heroes that were frozen in time and were revived in modern time. Each character had a large variance between them and reacted different to being in the modern age. It disappeared around half way through, but Joe has returned to Marvel to finish what he started. There should be a trade paperback out for those who missed the earlier issues and need to catch up. The 12 won’t wow you like Kick-Ass or Walking Dead, but it remains a smart worthy read.
Avenging Spider-man #4 & Uncanny X-men #5
Greg Land returns to Uncanny X-men and picks up artist duties on Avenging Spider-man. While the change to Spider-man is unwarranted, I’ve missed Land on X-men. It’s going to be awesome.
Secret Avengers #22
After Warren Ellis’s quick run on Secret Avengers, Rick Remender (read Uncanny X-force section above) picks up writing duties on the Avenger team no one is suppose to know about. This should be a great opportunity for a writer who specializes in secretive comic teams.
Deadpool #50
The much hyped Deadpool storyline “Dead” begins with this issue. Not much is known, but it is probably building off the past couple years of Deadpool comics to lead into this event. Not good starting points for new readers, but loyal fans have something to look forward to.
Kick-Ass 2 #7 (of 7)
After spending over half the series building up to the return of Hit Girl, Mark Millar finishes off his latest chapter in the Kick-Ass saga with this seventh issue. It is definitely a comic that should not be missed.
Also, in a shameless plug to myself, check out Bruce Osborne on Facebook. I post/link all my stuff there, including chapters on a book I’m working on. Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button as if you’re an addict.
 Avengers Dog Tag Ne… $13.00
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 Set of 8 Avengers M… $5.75
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 New Years Weekend S… $0.75
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 Keep Calm Deadpool … $30.00
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 Deadpool from Comic… $7.99
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 Kick Ass Unique han… $40.00
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