Avengers vs. X-men #8 (of 12)
The X-men character Wolverine was created as the token Canadian member for the international mutant team “The New X-men.” Over the years he became one of the most famous comic book characters ever. Even though he started as just that Canadian guy, his brilliant character design and a host of stories with good writing have propelled him to the top ranks. The reason I bring this up is because I want to emphasize the importance of writing to a character’s likableness. Namor is one of those characters who are driven almost entirely by writing. He is really just a Marvel version of Aquaman, but doesn’t come off as lame because of the generally good writing. His arrogance and almost player like behavior around women make him something of a joy to read.
However the latest issue of AvX doesn’t seem to have any characters that are joyous to read. This particular issue is just an all out fight that feels completely unnecessary. Everyone is just fighting because they’re mad at each other, and don’t stop to realize the fighting can stop if they just kept cooler heads. The usually stand up characters just feel like jerks and the whole event is padding. There is some plot development towards the end, but this issue just makes you want this story to hurry up and do whatever it is the writers are planning. Thankfully we only have four issues left.
Justice League #11
Speaking of characters, Geoff Johns has created a new villain for the Justice League to fight. A bone covered specter looking dude that is normally called Graves. While most comic book villains, especially in the DC universe, have some sort of gimmick or have a heavy reliance on brains and/or strength, Graves just comes off as a dick. His big power seems to be able to conjure the worst memories of whoever he target. Like Batman’s memories of his parents getting shot and so forth. While the effect can freak someone out, it doesn’t do them any permanent harm. I think Johns is going for a certain level of terror here, but I’m just not feeling it. Graves just feels like a meaner version of Scarecrow.
I really want to like this comic. Johns’ work on “Green Lantern” is unparallel and I really feel let down that his work on “Justice League” isn’t as good. The art work by Jim Lee helps out the comic a great deal, but it’s all for nothing if the writer can’t give the artist something good to draw. This issue does have a fight between Hal and Wonder Woman. That does sound good on paper, but it ends up as Hal just getting bitched slapped. After this storyline I think DC needs to look at the comic and figure out a way to make it work. They already have a great team on it. They just need to have that stellar idea to lift this comic into greatness.
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.
I also write publish works of fiction on my Bruce Osborne Blog. Feel free to read, follow, or even hate my stuff. I don’t care if people like it, only that they read it.
There are too many movies for me to review in full, so I created a twitter account to give brief opinions on the many movies I view. If you wish to read my smart ass remarks, follow M.O.V.I.E. Reviewer @MutantOpossum.
 LOKI HELMET Avenger… $4.50
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 The Avengers / Thor… $27.00
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 Loki (Avengers) Ami… $7.00
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 X Men high heels (n… $85.00
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 X-men Wolverine Nai… $20.00
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 Comic Book Wallet//… $3.50
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 Justice League 2012… $12.00
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 Movie poster movie … $70.00
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