Spent the month catching up on floppies I've been neglecting (sometimes, i think there may actually be too much to read)
Kid Venom by T Taigami
In an alternate universe's Japan of 977AD, the black symbiote Clinter bonds with a young boy named Kintaro. Together the pair hunt down and consume other symbiotes, seen as demons by the people of the time. When a horde of evil symbiotes appear, led by a mysterious figure from Clinter's past, the two will face their toughest trial yet.
Collecting "Kid Venom: Origins" and "Kid Venom" issues #1 - 4, the story focues on the character Kid Venom, a new character recently introduced in 2023. The two stories introduce a new symbiote bonded character, Kintaro/Clinter, in an alternate medieval Japan setting. This new character is able to shapeshift its form into a completely new one depending on the symbiotes Clinter has consumed, providing the pair with new ways to fight. It's interesting and definitely makes the character stand out from the standard Eddie Brock/Venom character. Not having the same access to technology as the modern day heroes, the Minamoto Samurai Corps (a group responsible for hunting down demons) utilize magical weapons to defend themselves and other citizens. the story also provides a couple of "tie-ins" such as references to a sealed Knull (the god of symbiotes), an unusual Spider-Man mask, and, in the end, the introduction to May "Mayday" "Spider-Girl" Parker (not the 616 variant, though).
It was an okay, if a little disappointing, set-up to a new character. I liked the setting in the past without modern tools as it makes the symbiotes (still weak to fire and sonic/loud noises) even more terrifying to the people of this time. I also liked the Minamoto Samurai Corps' use of magic weapons to level the playing field against the symbiotes, and acting as a task force against symbiotes to assist Kintaro and Clinter in their battles. All of this, however, is negated by the literal last page which brings Kintaro to the modern era.
Trinity: Generation S by Tom King
A collection of stories focusing on Wonder Woman's daughter, Trinity, from her misadventures tormenting her babysitters Damien Wayne and Jon Kent to adulthood finally becoming worthy to be her mother's successor and standing side-by-side-by-side amongst a new generation of heroes. It's a great collection of one-shot stories written by Tom King featuring stories growing up as the child of a legendary hero.
This was such a fun read! I know I've said before, that I'm usually hesitant to buy books featuring established superheroes as that's a lot of history to catch-up with. It is one of the reasons I try to focus on newer hero stories or re-imagined heroes. I'm also buying a lot more trade paperback books not only because I get a bit of a deal online but also (more importantly) they're easier to offload if I feel like I'll never read it again. This is not one of those books. A collection of one-shot stories featuring heir-apparent trio of Trinity, Superman (Jon Kent), and Robin/Batman (Damien Wayne) in (mostly) hilarious tales as they grow into heroes. We're given entertaining misadventures in babysitting as Jon and Damien attempt to rein in a young Lizzie Prince. In a bit of magic-gone-wrong, Wonder Girl attempts to return Jon and Damien to their human forms after being transformed into corgis. In a more inspiring and heartfelt tale, we see Lizzie's journey to attain the mantle of Wonder Woman, and how it mirrors her own mother's trial. This was a great collection of one-shot stories featuring the growing relationship between three fairly new characters. Though I don't follow a lot of established characters in DC comics (just because of the vast history needed). I'm hoping DC Comics focuses on giving Trinity more stories with or without Damien Wayne and Jon Kent.
Batman and Robin #16 - 20 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson
"Nightwing. Red Hood. Oracle. Signal. Protectors of Gotham. All of you. You are needed. Dr. Malik Bashar is dead ... and Momento has taken Robin. Whatever favors you are owed. Whatever pressure you can apply. Whatever it takes. Turn this city upside down. Find your brother."
A killer from Bruce Wayne's past is on the loose in Gotham! An old friend of Bruce's arrives in Gotham to assist in hunting down Memento - a killer staging his crime scenes to mirror horrific deaths from the past. With Batman infected with a believed-extinct fear drug causing him to see terrifying visions, Robin takes the lead in the investigation. Meanwhile, Bruce and Damien Wayne experience a falling-out as Damien questions not only Robin's necessity, but Batman's as well. With the two separated, Memento strikes and captures Damien, causing Batman to call for aid from the rest of the Bat Family to find their lost brother.
Batman and Robin continue their hunt together for Memento, a killer from Bruce Wayne's time in London whose killings mimicked horrific incidents from the past. As Bruce and Damien Wayne, however, the two experience a falling-out as Damien contemplates giving up his crime-fighting lifestyle to pursue other goals, questioning Gotham's need for The Batman. I definitely like and enjoy that DC gave Johnson more time on writing this series instead of just a few issues as the last one did, simply because it gives more time to flesh out a story. Although there's change in artist, I actually didn't notice anything drastic as when the artists changed from issues #10 to issues #11, I also really love that they brought in Juni Ba to do the artwork for the brief "Robin and Batman" in-story comic as I loved his work on "The Boy Wonder."
These issues contained more of what I really wanted to see in a book called "Batman and Robin" - the dynamic and relationship between the two characters, not just as crimefighters but also as father and son. Of course, we're still getting the story of the two investigating a murderous villain, but we're also seeing more of their personal lives, too. I love seeing Damien question The Batman's role in Gotham, debating whether or not to leave his father's side and perhaps follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Thomas Wayne, instead. It's interesting to see Damien, at a pretty young age, already having his moment when he is questioning his life alongside The Batman as previous Robins have before him. To see Bruce Wayne/The Batman as well, making questionable choices when it comes to the rearing of his son, also reveals just how much it hurts him to see his son and partner start to turn away from his teachings. I love this dynamic between the two characters, and is the reason I keep buying these issues.
Another small part that I really liked came in the middle of issue #20 - the "Robin and Batman" comic written and drawn by Juni Ba. I liked this call back to Damien's artistic abilities (I really wanted more of this earlier) as a way for him to process his emotions and conduct his investigations. Plus, I loved seeing Ba's artwork again after reading "The Boy Wonder."
Ultimate Black Panther #12 - 17 by Bryan Hill
Finally T'Challa and Moon Knight come face-to-face in a duel for the future of the African continent. Upon his victory, as well as the arrival of the Sorcerer Supreme to Wakanda, more secrets of the true nature of vibranium are revealed. The rare and precious metal, the prize of the Kingdom of Wakanda, built into every part of their city and culture, is alive. More conspiracies unfold as unexpected forces seek to take the throne, while others mean to make The Black Panther a mere puppet in their bid for power.
Despite The Black Panther being a character known to punch, kick, and slash his enemies, the story doesn't focus on action scenes. The duel against his adversary for nearly a dozen issues, The Moon Knight, doesn't even last a full issues, and is instead over within a couple pages. Instead, it is T'Challa's role as King of Wakanda, and what it takes to hold the throne. The story is filled with conspiracies as T'Challa seeks out advisors and allies he can trust. It is a slower "political thriller" maybe is a way to describe it as forces are gathered and allies are positioned. It's definitely a new take and not usually seen in the comic medium which relies on at least one "big moment" per issues to ensure the reader comes back next month for the next issue. I think this "newness" nay have hindered the pacing and story-telling (at least I've never read another comic so focused on politics), but I'm still hopeful that with new threats discovered, the story might pick up and become as exciting as the others.
Honestly, this is currently my least favorite of the current 5 "Ultimate" books. Umm, it's just a slower burn than the other stories currently in the works, and just doesn't feel as interesting, issue by issue. The change in the "Big Bad" from The Maker's council members to this Living Dark Vibranium and a secret sect within Wakanda's advisors is a good twist, but may have come too late as we're just over halfway through the series. There doesn't also seem to be any connection to the other books, yet, which makes it feel a bit disconnected. I'm hopeful this change in direction will pay-off in the second half of the supposed 24 issue series and peak more of my interest instead of just being a series I'm reading to ensure I don't miss any part of this new Ultimate Universe.
Ultimate X-Men #11 - 16 by Peach Momoko
In Hi No Kuni, an unrest has taken hold as the people are still reeling from the body found in an abandoned suitcase. Connected to the cult known as The Children of the Atom, anti-mutant sentiment grows, as does attacks by and against mutants. Gathering those who have gone into hiding, Mei (Maystorm) gathers her "X-Men" to fight against those mutants attacking the general public. Looking for answers, Nico, Mori, and Kanon investigate the remnants of The Children of the Atom cult hoping to find their missing friends. Shinobu once again confronts Hisako, and this time manages to capture her for the cult's nefarious purposes.
Continuing Peach Momoko's unanticipated version of this universe's mutants, "Ultimate X-Men" sees mutants pitted against each other as members of The Children of the Atom either break away or embed themselves deeper into the group's teachings. At the same time, the group's ultimate goal is starting to come together now that they have both Shinobu (Shadow King) and Hisako (Armor) within their grasp. And, of course, in traditional "X-Men" fashion, the entirety of of mutant-kind is being ostracized by those without abilities. Assuming we're about two-thirds of the way through, the story is starting to build to a possible climax pitting Mei's (Maystorm) X-Men against the Children of the Atom, while Hisako and Shinobu potentially battle for the fate of their kind.
Despite some of the negative comments I've seen online about this version of the X-Men, I really love this series - and that's probably because I'm an anime fan. The story is initially set-up as a sort-of body horror story as these children experience changes to their bodies without anyone to guide them through it. Despite sounding pretty cool to find yourself with new powers overnight, it can also be a terrifying experience, especially if someone else is using their gifts to haunt you. The story also sets the classic "teenagers sent on path to save the world" storyline as it appears Hisako, Mai, and the other X-Men are the only ones capable of putting a stop to the cult's goals. When you set high-schoolers - filled with emotions - as your main characters, of course you should have them feel as if the world is centered around them and their actions. And, of course, there's the classic "shouting my attack name" because, hey, why not? It's always a cool thing to see as it provides character insight and emotion to their battles. The story just checks so many boxes for me, and I think it's a cool thing to see depicted in a western comic (though I am glad they didn't go all the way and print the story from back to front, we didn't need to go that far).
Ultimate Wolverine #1 - 6 by Christopher Condon
In The Maker's skewed Eurasian Republic, recent mutant activity has led the region's rulers to tighten their control of the populace - through imprisonment, re-education, even execution. Now they've captured their most terrifying weapon yet - a man able to heal himself completely from injuries which would kill any other ordinary man. Through experimentation, sedation, and reconditioning, they'll erase his past and create their perfect soldier, their Winter Soldier. As the adamantium-clawed killing machine completes mission after mission against the rebel forces, The Opposition, he will face old comrades and rediscover who he once was. Will this new version of The Wolverine be able to shake off his shackles and return to the team from which he was stolen?
The newest book added to Marvel's new Ultimate series, "Ultimate Wolverine" focuses on a re-programmed Logan, turned into Eurasian Republic's leaders' Winter Soldier. I'm actually really surprised this was introduced a year into the new Ultimate Universe's creation rather than right from the start alongside the original three books as the story is set in a completely different region of the globe from "Ultimate Spider-man", "Ultimate Black Panther", and "Ultimate X-Men". It just makes sense to dedicate a book to various regions and what is happening due to The Maker's containment, so, you know, why not introduce it earlier? I'll get to my own thoughts on that later.
The story so far has been great: introducing a brain-washed Logan as the new Winter Soldier to carryout the orders of the Eurasion Republic's rulers - Colossus, Magik, and Omega Red - against The Opposition, the rebel force made up of some familiar X-Men such as Nightcrawler, Gambit, and Shadowcat. The story also introduces a few instances of psychological story-telling (I can't think of a better phrase) as we see Logan's sub-conscious attempt to fight his way back to who he once was. For a book about a man slashing and stabbing his foes with large knives, the art treads that nice line between PG-13 and an R-rating because, hey, comic books are for kids, after all. The story is a welcome addition to the Ultimates series, and should've arrived much sooner (assuming, from rumors, that the Universe itself will wrap itself up in less than a year).
And why didn't it arrive sooner? Well, these are only my conspiracies on the matter - mostly because I don't want to do research as to perhaps an actual, official reason. Well, just for fun, here's a couple reasons I can think up. First off, maybe they were just waiting for Condon to become available to write the series. Yeah, sometimes people are busy and aren't available when you need them. The other reason I could think of is perhaps to give Peach Momoko time to flesh out her version of this world's X-Men to avoid certain readers' needless comparisons to the classic characters (especially those who immediately hated Momoko's version after just the first issue). "Ultimate X-Men" is pretty different from what a reader would expect from a standard American comic book series, so to immediately introduce a competing book with the classic characters wouldn't give "Ultimate X-Men" a proper chance to thrive. Plus, why would Marvel want competing sales within their own brand?
Ultimate Spider-Man #13 - 18 by Johnathan Hickman
"You know what I understand now? I know what the line is ... because you crossed it. No one goes after my family! No one!"
There's a new black-suited Spider-Man swinging through New York City! Richard Parker dons Peter's Picotech suit in order to locate his missing father - and fight crime while the real Spider-Man and Green Goblin have gone missing. Deep in the Savage Lands where all manner of great, forgotten beasts roam, Kraven releases his captured prey - Harry Osborn and Peter Parker - and begins his deadly game. The two will need every ounce of strength and cunning they possess (as well as the help of a mysterious foe) to escape the hunt. The danger only escalates once they return to there families as both their lives will be turned upside-down: Peter, Mary-Jane, and their kids go to hiding while Harry learns a new truth from a loved one who has always been searching for it. Eventually, both will need to return back to the city to finish the war they started.
Still my favorite book of all the Ultimate series books, "Ultimate Spider-Man" just keeps getting better and better. After the shocking twist at the Christmas Party, we're immediately given another shock - seeing Richard, Peter's son, wearing the Picotech suit and fighting crime. Then, the "death" of Harry Osborn (which sticks for a couple issues), and the shocking reveal of Mysterio's secret identity. Finally, the sweet, budding teenage romance between Richard Parker and Felicia Hardy/Black Cat twists, leaving Richard in the hands of the Kingpin. All these events are "sort-of" like the original storyline, but all slightly off thanks to The Maker's influence. These issues conclude the second arc of the story with Parker's return to New York City to end the war he started.
What I think allows this to be a great book is its focus on a cast of known characters and shifting them ever so slightly to fit this new universe. Thanks to Spider-Man's overall popularity, most audiences are able to recognize the characters presented, and it's fun seeing the twisted-just-a-bit characters thanks to The Maker's influence. Obviously, we're given an older Peter Parker, still as charismatic as ever, but also wary of the dangers his new life brings to his loved ones. Uncle Ben, the still-loving father-figure to Peter, has taken a hardened edge due to the death of his wife, and even delivers one of the coldest lines in the story - "When all this is done. When wrongs have been righted and the shadow is lifted ... I'm the guy who's gonna write the obituary."And, out of left field, is Gwen Stacey! Known as Spider-Man's first love and her death a major event in his life, in this new timeline she is revealed to be a member of the villain Mysterio, an occult group searching for the truth of their universe. She is supposed to be a genius, on par with Peter, so naturally she could have stumbled upon a thread and just kept on pulling, leading her to this life and the search. I'm definitely interested to see if her search leads her to her death. This book has been a fun study to see just what's possible in a new world.
I also really enjoy seeing this older, mature Peter Parker dealing with issues he never had to face in the main universe. Knowing how dangerous his enemies may be, he sets the Picotech suit with procedures to follow if he is ever captured to keep his family safe. His fight with Kraven revealed just how far Peter would need to be pushed to even consider taking another person's life when his family is threatened. In other Spider-Man stories, Peter doesn't even consider killing as an option, but, when his wife and children are threatened, he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep them safe. I also enjoyed seeing him take on the mentor role to his son who dons the other Spider-Man suit. It's a Father/Son bonding moment as Peter teaches Richard just what it takes to be a hero. Despite Peter receiving his powers just over a year ago, he still brings with him a sense of maturity and insight a younger Peter didn't start with.
The Ultimates #8 - 13 by Deniz Camp
"So ... how'd it feel? I mean ... killing Hitler ..."
"My brain isn't the world's oldest computer, but it's close. In the old days, I had to manually erase memories so it wouldn't slow down and seize up under the weight of all that history. ... I gave up good friends, good years ... But that memory ... that memory I keep in full color and high definition. I go back to it again and again. It keeps me warm."
"We need more active outreach. We need to expand the network. Rapidly. We need to give them something to fight for. Something to die for, if need be."
The revolution against The Maker's new world continues! Heroes from the far-future arrive to not only retrieve their lost comrade, but also attempt to return the entire universe back to their past. New heroes are introduced as The Ultimates strike at foes old and new in an attempt to return to the world what was lost. They soon discover that they can't keep looking toward the past for answers, and must instead focus their efforts on the present world which they find themselves. With just six months left until The Maker's return, however, will they have enough time to build their resistance?
The second arc of the revolution concludes as "The Ultimates" determine their current strategy of rebuilding their stolen past failed, and instead look to their present to build a new, and better, future. Of all the Ultimate universe books, "The Ultimates" is the story of revolution, of trying to set right the universe skewed by The Maker's machinations. Thanks to its ensemble cast, the series is able to feature a great and diverse collection of stories from the revolution - the introduction of a team from the future; uprisings from across the different realms within this reality; and smaller, localized rebellions on Earth. The larger, recognizable cast also ensures that one member doesn't stand above the rest, that they all must work together to achieve their goals.
The second arc of "The Ultimates" wrapped-up, I'm interested to see where The Ultimates new phase of revolution will lead them. Now that the team is no longer focused on returning to a past stolen from them, and instead on fixing their present day situation, will their new plan be enough to achieve their goals? In the same way the 2002 Ultimates focused on global security in a post-9/11 world, this new version is focused on a stolen reality where one powerful group controls the truth. Originally attempting to rewrite their present by looking toward their past, The Ultimates realize it won't work due to just how powerful their enemy actually is. Instead, they've realized, they need to start smaller, locally, with the everyday people they can reach, to bring about the change they want to see. Just as the previous iteration did, this version of "The Ultimates" brings our modern day issues into the comic and superhero medium.
Vatican City #1 - 3 by Mark Millar
The sun sets on the East Coast of the United States and by the time it rises again, the entire country has fallen to the vampiric horde. In Vatican City, the vampires take control of the entire city, slaughtering those they capture and forcing the rest to shelter in St. Peter's Cathedral, consecrated ground the undead are unable to tread. The vampires are after more than just blood though, as buried deep beneath the Earth lies dormant the Vampire Queen. Can the trapped humans utilize this newfound leverage (and several blocks of C4 explosives) to secure an escape?
A short, three-issue horror story about vampires, "Vatican City" depicts a brutal and organized vampire attack capable of destabilizing an entire country, and a classic "the Vatican is hiding something dark and deadly conspiracy." Of course, I was initially interested after seeing the story was written by Mark Millar, and I had hopes it might connect itself with his other vampire story, "Night Club," or perhaps the rest of the shared Miller-verse as a whole. The art is graphic and gorey as the vampires rip and devour whatever humans they happen across. The whole thing ultimately ends on an initially shocking note as the remaining governments bomb those countries already under vampire control. All in all, it's kinda "meh" and I'm still not sure why I should care.
As mentioned about the ending, it was shocking to see the countries still standing bombing those areas overtaken by the vampires. But, then what? The remaining survivors end up wandering a wasteland toward what they hope is civilization hoping not to encounter any other vampires. I just don't understand the point of telling/publishing this story and ending it this way in three issues. Because of the vampire aspect, I'd hoped this connected to Millar's "Night Club" series, but I doubt that if half the planet was just nuked. Perhaps he read Marvel's "Blood Hunt" event and thought, "Yeah, I'd like to write a modern day vampire story" and then ended it in the most pragmatic way possible. Is this just an allegory for war or plagues? I really don't know the meaning of giving us a three-issue series about vampires taking over huge swaths of land, and then simply wiping everything out with nukes.
Absolute Batman #7 - 9 by Scott Snyder
"Is that all Batman is? You, back at the zoo, standing outside the door this time? Because your dad, he didn't want to die and it wasn't his death that made him a hero. You hear me? It was his life. That's the hard part, man. Getting through. Not letting it crush you. But that's what we do here, in Crime Alley. We're survivors. So Batman needs to be one, too. Understand?"
Bruce Wayne/The Batman continues his crusade to protect Gotham City, but he is no longer alone. After revealing his secret identity to his childhood friends, the group now works together to support The Batman's mission. One investigation sparked by the death of a friend, brings Bruce face-to-face with Victor Fries, Jr. and the ice-man's connection to the Ark M project. Inside the Ark M project, the truth of the project is revealed and Batman comes across his toughest challenge yet - the behemoth known simply as Bane!
Continuing in this new Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne/The Batman continues to strive to keep Gotham City safe from the changes to come. In issues 7 and 8, we're introduced to a brand new Mr. Freeze in Victor Fries, Jr. No longer the well-intentioned husband struggling to keep his wife alive, this one knows all about the pain the ice brings - and takes pleasure in giving that pain to others. And, in issue 9, Batman finally makes his way into the Ark M black site project only to encounter the goliath Bane serving as The Joker's enforcer. Through it all, we see this new universe's version of Bruce consulting with his closest childhood friends, those who grew up with him in Crime Alley. I'm definitely excited for this series's continuation and seeing how this new Batman takes on this universe's challenge. Note: Yes, I know this seems early for a review as it has only been three issues rather than the usual five or six issues I've been doing. Now that I'm trying to write monthly reviews, let's see if I can also keep up with all the reading I've fallen behind with, especially with these possibly long-running series.
Honestly, I"m only fifty-percent sure I've got this next part right, but whatever. I'm pretty sure it was in an interview with writer Scott Snyder that he said that, using the comic medium, you need to write each issue with at least one stand-out moment to keep the reader buying the next issue, or something like that. That rule has been what I now use to judge ALL comic books. I mean, if they're not going to deliver on a month to month basis and simply tell a story with pictures, you could write a graphic novel instead. These three issues live-up to that promise. Issue #7 presents a nightmarish new Mr. Freeze. In issue #8, we learn more about Bruce's father's death, the guilt Bruce still carries, and witness Waylan taken by unknown assailants to Ark M. And, in issue #9, we're introduced to the new monstrous Bane as he bests Bruce not only physically but analytically, too, seeing through all of Bruce's attacks. It's these moments that keep me coming back for another issue.
